Well, it looks as if spring is finally here. Snow is gone (at least down lower) and I’ve been able to wear a tank running a few times. I love this time of year. The temperature is perfect. Anyway, it’s time for another flash fiction. Here is the photo… yes, it screams Steampunk. I’ve never written anything steampunk, so perhaps fantasy?
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”
Randy bit back his reply as he glanced at Matt over his shoulder, silently promising to strange his buddy if he bitched one more time. “I thought you wanted to get to know Ashley Banks? In the carnal sense?”
Matt gave Randy a light punch on his back. “You know I do, jerk.”
“Which is why we’re going to the event tonight.”
Matt huffed, jogging a few steps to catch up as Randy began walking again. “It’s a charity auction for the museum. Why would that make a good impression on Ashley?”
Randy stopped dead, spinning to face his friend. “Have you listened to anything I’ve said over the past several hours?”
“You talk way too much, buddy.”
“So, that’s a no.”
Matt crossed his arms over his chest. “Something about a charity event. Costumes and that Ashley would appreciate my effort. That about cover it?”
“And to think you’re applying to the Bureau after graduation. Dude, her mother is the head curator. The woman has like three PhD’s. She’s the one organizing this event. As you can imagine, her loyal and oh-so-supportive daughter will be there. And when a smuck like you walks in—in costume, no less—she might actually see you as more than a abnormal psychologist geek with some decent upper body strength.”
Matt stared at him, eyes wide, before punching him in the shoulder. “Decent upper body strength? That’s what you think I have to offer?”
“Seriously? That’s your takeaway from what I just said.”
His lips quirked. “I might have heard the part where you’re actually helping me out.” He tugged at the neckline of his outfit. “Though, I still can’t believe you had these hanging around.”
“What? I happen to like Halloween. Girls think it’s sexy when guys get into the spirit crap. And I happen to like sex, unlike you, who hasn’t seen a vagina in…how long?”
“Screw you.”
“You’re so not my type, even if I swung that way. I’d want soft, supple hands, not those things you have with callouses all over them.”
“I’ll never make it into the Bureau if I can’t fight, or shoot, or do another half a dozen things they screen for. And not jumping every woman that smiles at me isn’t a bad thing.”
“Which is why I’m dressed like a damn knight straight out of King Arthur’s Camelot.” Randy tugged on Matt’s sleeve. “You’re just lucky I want you to get laid enough I gave you the Assassin’s Creed costume. Because you would not like how this chainmail rubs. Trust me.”
Matt snorted, shaking his head as he fell into step beside Randy. Randy grinned, crossing the road, then jogging up the steps to the museum. It was weird seeing the place lit up this late, with banners fluttering in the wind and a fancy red carpet leading up the steps and into the gallery.
They walked through the revolving door, making their way toward the main exhibit at the end of the hall, nodding at the guy who walked out of the brightly lit room, heading for bar set up along the far side of the hall.
Matt stopped, pulling Randy to a halt with a hand around his elbow. “What the hell was that guy wearing?”
Randy groaned. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe a costume for the freaking costume party?”
“I know that, jackass. And call me crazy, but that doesn’t look like a medieval or prior costume.”
“Say what?”
Matt shoved him. “His mask, Einstein. It’s all gears and, well, gears. That’s not Arthurian or even remotely medieval. I know the whole Assassin’s Creed aspect is pushing it a bit, but…”
Randy frowned, stepping inside the room. He cursed under his breath, gazing around the room and a hundred people dressed exactly like the man they’d passed in the hallway.
Matt muttered under his breath. “Um, Randy? Have you noticed that everyone else is dressed like that guy? With the gears?”
“Don’t be an ass. Of course I see it. But…”
Randy groaned inwardly when Ashley sauntered over to them, her headpiece even more elaborate than the rest. “Randy. Matt. How…nice of you to drop by.” She pursed her lips together, obviously trying not to laugh. “Those are…interesting choices for costumes.”
Matt scrubbed his hand down his face. “My buddy, here, told me it was medieval dress.” He glanced at Randy. “Thanks for that.”
She laughed. “Medieval. Steampunk. I can see how he got confused.”
“Look, we don’t want to embarrass you. We’ll just go—”
“And ruin all the work you guys put into these ones? You look fantastic.” She winked at Matt. “Assassin’s Creed is one of my favourite games. And that hoodie…”
“Then, I guess we’ll stay. Even if we don’t fit in.”
She stepped closer, drawing her finger down his arm. “Fitting in’s overrated. Can I get you both a drink?”
“Sure.” Matt swatted Randy once Ashley had walked off. “Steampunk? Seriously?”
He gave his buddy a shove. “I thought it was some medieval thing. Sue me. Besides, you look way better in that hoodie than some funky outfit like those other guys are wearing. And the whole point is to get Ashley to take the next step, right? Which is looking pretty promising.”
“Just, don’t do anything to embarrass us further, okay?”
“When have I ever…” He coughed as Matt glared at him. “Fine. I’ll behave. Now, go impress your girl.”
And that’s it for me. Go check out the other ladies…
Bronwyn Green | Jessica Jarman | Kayleigh Jones | Deelylah Mullin
That was cute af. Hopefully, Matt scores some points tonight with his girl. 🙂 Nicley done, my friend!
This was really super cute! 🙂
LOL! Loved it! Medieval . . . Steampunk . . . same difference.