Drabble #106: Break

[jalenstrix]

...we had a quieter response to the drabble prompt of Drabble 105, with an entry by me (your intrepid drabble proposer jalenstrix).




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

Break

What broke? Who broke it? Or is someone hoping to catch a break, or perhaps someone needs a break? From who or what? (Or all of the above?) Tell us all about it. Labyfic-style, of course.



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 (August 6).

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: 344
Drabble:

I turned quickly, trying to make it back around the corner to Feanor before he—

Something crashed just out of sight, ending with a shatter that could only be caused by a very delicate something smashing into a zillion jagged little pieces.

I closed my eyes, lowered my head to the wall, and exhaled slowly.

"You should take a break more often." Jareth's voice slid down my skin.

I held up a finger. It wasn't the index finger.

"Feisty. Was that a suggestion for how you'd like to spend your break? I'm more than happy to oblige."

I tapped my forehead against the wall again, though my lips twitched.

The familiar scent of nighttime forests, frost, and cardamom settled over me as Jareth rested his chin on my shoulder and nibbled my ear.

I batted at him half-heartedly. "I don't suppose we could revisit the idea of wrapping our active toddler son in bubble wrap?"

"Tsk, he doesn't need it."

"But I do. As do many highly-breakable things in this castle."

Heated breath caressed my neck. "Let them break."

"You say that now. You don't even know what just crashed around the corner."

"I don't. Nor do I care. I advise you to do the same."

"Easier said than done."

"I'm sure I can help." Dextrous fingers were working their way down my back in just the right spots, causing little flurries of sensation to zip right down my spine into places much more exciting. "Shall I help?"

"Tempting…"

"Papa?" Feanor's voice had just a tinge of uncertainty. "Mama okay?"

And just like that, dextrous fingers were back in child-appropriate places along the tops of my shoulders. "She'll be right as rain, my little lad. She just needs a hug."

"Oh." I felt the sudden pressure of tiny hands and legs wrapped around my leg. "Here, Mama."

"Oh sweetheart...I love you, too." I turned my head to brush Jareth's fingers gently with a kiss. "I love both of you." I caught Jareth's eye and mouthed, Raincheck for tonight?

He winked. Wouldn't miss it.

[3iggy]

That was very sweet, in the best way ❤️

[jalenstrix]

Hurrah -- thank you so much! :)

[redwolf]

Those times when you start to contemplate that some mammals eat their own young... and they do something that makes you forget. Sweetness! 🦊🧡

[jalenstrix]

Heh, so very true! Clearly it's a well-honed survival instinct. ;)