Drabble #90: Simple Things

[jalenstrix]

...we had a quieter response to the drabble prompt of Drabble 89, with an entry by me (your intrepid drabble proposer jalenstrix).



For this prompt, we continue with our one-word/phrase drabble roots:

Simple Things

It’s often the simple things in life that bring us the most joy. What are these simple things? Is it joy they’re bringing, or relief, or something else entirely? Tell us all about it labyfic-style!




Given our entries from recent months, let's continue with the suggested limit for this month of 500 words. Though remember that shorter pieces are most definitely welcome!

Your entry should take the following format, posted as a comment on this entry:

Word count: # of words
Drabble: $your_beautiful_drabble



I'll aim to get the next drabble challenge out on the first Friday of next month (April 3).

I'm also very happy to take suggestions if something in particular strikes your fancy -- comment on this post or PM me with your suggestions. You can see our current collected suggestions here.


Remember: Feedback is LOVE. So do reply to your fellow labyficcers' drabbles if so inclined. (Though be careful of concrit unless specifically okayed by the author beforehand.)

Comments

[jalenstrix]

Word count: 495
Drabble:

“That’s what you want.”

“Absolutely.”

“I can alter time with a flick of my wrist, Sarah.”

“And yet you haven’t. You lost. This is what I want in payment.”

“You’re sure?”

“Stop trying to weasel out of it.”

“I would never...weasel.” Jareth’s eyes glinted.

I recognized that glint. It was the glint of a Faerie bargain and I was having none of it. “You will take the 11pm feeding or I’ll let it be known throughout the land that the Labyrinth’s monarch is a welcher.”

“I love it when you’re feisty.”

“I’ll show you feisty. Just watch what happens if Feanor wakes me up screaming at 1am because he’s hungry and his welcher father didn’t feed him with this nice bottle I’ve prepared right here.” I shook the bottle at Jareth.

“You’re so beautiful when you’re angry.”

“Jareth!”

“What if I alter time so that you can have more than three hours of sleep before 11pm?”

“Should have thought of that before you made our bet. You will give our son his next feeding at his subjective three hour mark from now. However that occurs.”

“Where’s your flexibility? Look at what I’m offering you.”

I resisted the urge to offer him the finger and handed him Feanor. “I’m going to bed. Here is the child. There is the bottle. Fare thee well.” I stomped out of the nursery.

Jareth’s voice drifted through the door behind me. “Your mother gets so grouchy, little one.”

Feanor gurgled.

“So true. You have a fine understanding of things, my lad. I shall try that next time.”

I was not going back in that nursery until I got more than two hours of sleep in a row.

Jareth’s voice was the dulcet murmur of dreams. “I know. Your mother could use that, I’m sure. Such a considerate little fellow, you are.”

I leaned my forehead against the wall. Why me?

“I’ll certainly tell her. Though she’s still right outside the door, so perhaps you’d like to tell her yourself.”

I slowly tapped my head against the wall. “I’m going to bed.”

“Feanor thinks that’s a fine idea. He intends to do the same.”

I cracked an eye. “You’re getting him to fall asleep?”

“See for yourself.”

“No. I’m going to my nice, soft, warm bed. Where I’ll see you shortly.” I turned away from the nursery. “But you’re on babycall till 11pm.”

“A promise is a promise.”

I couldn’t tell if he was talking about the 11pm feeding, or seeing me in bed. “I’ll hold you to it.”

“And I you.”

Definitely the bed. “You do know just the right double entendres to sway a woman. Must be why I married you.”

“Not to mention my magical way with babies.”

Feanor cooed his agreement.

“Mmm. I’m going to bed for real now.”

“Anon, my dear.” His voice slid along my skin with velvet promise.

“For sleeping.”

“Mmhmm. I’ll be there presently.”

Bah, Faerie lords. But at least there were perks.