Out
My first published "ficlet."
Out is a special story to me. It's only 255 words, but it's about pain, and trust, and courage. It's about a moment that I believe everyone has at least once in their life--when you realize how hard it is to be yourself, and you make the choice to be that person anyway. That choice makes you strong, and the people who accept it are the ones who will keep you warm.
***
Out
His mouth brushed against mine, and I parted my lips. His tongue slipped inside and began the dance I loved so much. I groaned into him, matched his rhythm and pressed myself close.
He broke the kiss, caressing my cheek with his knuckles.
I frowned. "Why...?"
He reached out, opened the door and went outside.
"Wait!" I ran after him, stopping just inside the doorway.
Smiling, he stepped farther from me. "Come out."
"It's raining."
He closed his eyes and tilted his head back. "It feels fantastic. You have no idea."
I leaned against the doorframe, rubbed the ache in my arm. "I know better. It's cold out there."
"I can keep you warm. You can do the same for me."
"Can you keep me safe?"
He met my gaze. "As safe as I can. And I'll always keep you warm."
Warm. Out there, in the freezing rain. Out there, where anyone could just...
My hand clenched around my arm.
His gentle voice snapped me free of the darkness. "Come out."
Always there, even when he wasn't physically by my side. Even when...
He spread his arms. I could already feel them around my body—strong and gentle, hard and...warm. As safe as he could keep me.
There was only way to get the embrace I needed so much.
I straightened away from the doorframe, took a deep breath. I squared my shoulders, staring at him until he became the only person in the world.
And came out.