First Day of Christmas...
Trope: Childhood friends who remeet as adults
Relationship: Orc x Human
Word Count: 3,323
I wander around by the creek during a hot summer day. My mother has warned me against traveling here alone, but the chance of catching a frog to terrorize the other kids is far too tempting. With a stick in hand, pants legs rolled up, I waddle through the shallow. Little fish swim by my toes, frogs scurrying out from under the mud. The task is far more challenging than I thought. I poke the stick at every leaping creature, falling short every time.
"What are you doing," a boy asks from the other side of the creek. Startled, I snap to attention, looking at a small orc. He looks to be older than me, definitely taller, but how can I know?
"catching frogs," I answer.
"really? Why," he asks.
"I don't know," I grumble," because frogs are neat." I look to my feet, spotting a frog lazily swimming by. I ready my stick, slowing guiding it towards it's back. As fast as I can manage I push down. Crouching down I look to the stick, huffing in frustration as I'm left empty-handed.
"Why a stick," he interrupts my pity party.
I shrug," it's how Tommy Howser caught his frog."
"Well Tommy Howser is an idiot," he chuffs, bending down to roll up his pants.
"Oh yea," I snap," why is that?"
He trod through the water," because you're just stabbing the frog, so unless you want to eat them I suggest not poking them super hard with a stick."
The orc stops before me, snatching the stick from my hand with a huff. He tosses it aside before looking around. I watch him, observing his small tusks and short shaggy hair. I've never seen an orc with short hair. He catches my attention, pointing to the shore. I spot a frog resting on the bank, the water barely lapping at its body. The orc sneaks over, hands raised as he angles himself. Quickly, he strikes out, cupping his hands around the frog. He pinches the little creature by the legs, making it stretch out as he walks over all smug.
"See, Tommy Howser is an idiot," he grins. I ignore the jab, waddling over to look at the frog.
"Whoa," I reach out and pet it," you were so fast!"
"Of course I am," he puffs his chest," I am orc, orcs are meant to be quick and strong."
I don't pay him any mind, stretching out my hands," can I hold it?"
"Yea," he arranges his grip," pinch him around the legs and he can't hop away." I nod eagerly. I do as he says, pinching the legs, holding it with utter fascination. The little guy wiggles in my hand, it's legs trying to kick, but he can't get away. I admire it's dark green skin, comparing it to the orc's similar tint.
"I'm Lum, by the way," he says.
I smile up at him," I'm Thea. You think you can teach me how to catch a frog?"
"Of course I can," he thumps his chest," I can teach you anything."
We spend the afternoon waddling around the creek, catching and releasing frogs together.
The summer is spent similarly to that day. We upgrade from frogs to fish, from fish to birds. I learn a great deal about hunting from him, enjoying myself more than I ever have. I even get to teach him a few things, though nothing as useful as what he teaches me. The day I find out he doesn't know what tag is, is the day I begin my mission to play every child's game I know.
In the middle of fall, I sit down next to Lug eating lunch. He has been silent most of the day, barely saying anything even when I bait him into a conversation.
"What's wrong, Lug," I finally ask, setting my apple down. He sighs, dropping his head.
"I'm leaving next week," he pouts.
"Leaving," I ask," where?"
"I don't know, just south," he answers," my ma told me we have to follow the herd for winter."
I scoff," I don't even know what that means. Why would you follow a herd?"
He smiles, turning to me," we follow the herd so we don't starve. The land becomes barren in the winter and we need to eat a lot as orcs. So if we follow the herd, we can follow the food."
I huff, arms crossed," well I don't like it." Lug chuckles, scooching closer to give me a side hug.
"It's ok, Thea, we come back here every spring. So I'll be back, it will just be a while," he squeezes my shoulder," besides, it's not like I can teach you anything in the winter anyway. Everything is migrating or hibernating that hunting here would be difficult."
I push off his arm, pouting as I turn my back on him," I don't care, I want my friend here."
I hear him sigh, the leaves crunching as he walks around. His feet stop in front of me, crouching to catch my eye. I give in, looking at his stupid cocky face. He drops a hand onto my shoulder.
"I'll be back by the time the last snowfall melts, I swear it," he places his hand on his heart," I make an oath to always come back."
I snort back some snot," you better."
"I will. Now enough with this mushy stuff," he stands," I bet I can catch more frogs than you."
I hop up to my feet," you wish!"
The winter was sad, like many after that. As he promised he comes back every spring, meeting me by the creek with a cocky smile and slightly longer hair. He always has something new to teach me, happy to do so. My father doesn't much care for it once he found out, but I could hardly care.
My parents find out about Lug the first spring he came back. They noticed my dower mood during the winter then my grand smile in the spring. To my surprise they were alright with Lug, asking to meet him. We share a meal, my father asking way too many questions till mother shoos us off to play.
Every spring is started with a meal with my parents then a long recap on our winter. It's a lovely tradition that lasts a few years.
Lug and I are strong friends well into the years. Things hardly change between us, being close as ever. We play and fight, arguing and making up quickly. Growing into our own as we become teenagers. My father hovers around then, setting curfews and weird rules. The attitude change with my father and Lug is one I had to confront Lug about. He waved it off as nothing, distracting me easily.
It isn't till 15 that I understand why father was so uptight with Lug's and I's friendship. Weeks of build-up brings me to startling discoveries about new wants. I've been looking at Lug in a new light, noticing him doing the same. He is my first kiss, sharing an awkward chaste one near the creek. It's weird and right at the same time. That summer we learn very different things besides hunting and gathering. Kisses become way more enjoyable after a while.
My sixteenth year is the worst year of my life.
Fall approaches too fast, I've never had a reason to hate fall until Lug came into my life. The trees changing colors now puts me in a sour mood. The walk to the creek knowing that it may be the last time this year that I get to is troublesome. Though Lug has ways of distracting me from those thoughts until he has to wave goodbye that evening.
I meet Lug by the creek like usual, plopping down beside him with a huff. He seems far worse than I do today, the worry rising more and more the longer he stays silent. I grab his hand, threading my fingers between his.
"What's wrong," I bump his shoulder. He sighs, squeezing my hand in his.
"I have something to tell you that I know you won't like," he starts, his voice low and angry. It's rare to hear him angry, only truly seeing him mad once when his father forbade him from joining the hunting pack when he was a fresh teen.
"You can tell me anything, I can take it," I try to be courageous. It's easier to act strong when he needs it.
"I'm leaving for a little longer than before," he glances at me out the corner of his eye.
"W-well, that's ok," I try to be optimistic," I've waited months for you, what's a few more?"
He winces," it's not going to be just a few months."
I stutter on my attempt of cheer," a-a year? That's ok, I'll be fine. It's just one year, right?" he looks up to me, his eyes a bit red. My heart squeezes at the sight.
"It's a lot longer than a year, Thea," he answers. My throat tightens, threatening to choke me.
"H-How long," I ask, trying to fight back the stinging in my eyes.
"I don't know, I just know it's going to be a long time," he says, reaching out to cup my face," but I promise I'll be back. I will come back for you." he tugs my head down, resting his forehead against mine.
I sniffle," you better," I mimic the words I said that first time. He chuckles, lifting my hand and twisting it palm up. His hand covers mine, something cold sitting between our palms.
"I vow to you that I'll be back, and you know an orc never breaks their vows," he thumps his chest. I clench whatever's in my hand as I laugh.
"Yea, I know," a tear rolls down my cheek. He pets the drop away, pulling me in for a kiss. It's bittersweet, but sweet nonetheless.
We sit like this, holding one another for longer than necessary. He reluctantly lets me go, getting up off the ground. We part with a final kiss, neither one of us ready to let go knowing that we won't see one another tomorrow.
"I love you, Thea," he pecks my forehead.
I shut my eyes," I love you too, Lug."
He leaves me standing near the creek. I cry to myself, nearly falling back to the ground in my pain. I finally look to my hand, uncurling my fingers to see a thread with a wooden totem attached to it. I smile despite it all, admiring the little carving with care. I'll see him again, even if I have to wait a lifetime.
Fall becomes winter, winter becomes spring. It's hard to see the snow melt knowing that Lug won't be waiting for me. I still end up waiting by the creek, looking at the frogs as I remember the many failed attempts of snatching one. Every year I come back to the creek, hoping that this year would be the year. I always leave feeling a little more empty.
Time goes on as I grow into my own, no longer a bumbling teen but a grown woman. I get my first job at a bakery, working for a family friend until their son can take up the business. It's humbling work, though suitors take the chance to flirt while I cook in the back. My father is rather angry that I shoo off the young men trying to get a nibble of something more than pastries. I can't bring myself to argue with him.
I gain my second job at a bar, working as a waitress in my 20s. The lively people bring on a new level of enjoyment that the bakery didn't have. Fellows still take the chance to flirt but it's easier to cast aside as they are mostly drunk. Travelers come in, sharing tales of the adventures that make the time go by quicker. I like my job, though going home makes the emptiness inside louder.
I wipe up the bar, picking up empty glasses and litter as I go. The night is rather dull, only having the normal regulars in. it's to be expected as the winter comes to an end. Business should pick up as spring begins and the critters come out of their holes for mating season. The bell at the front door rings, catching my attention.
I look up to see an orc walking in.He is rather large, clearly strong, and proud of it. His hair is braided down his back, beads adorning a few smaller strands. He is very handsome like most orcs are. I don't pay him any mind, use to orcs quickly finding their spots and calling out their orders.
Polishing a glass I catch sight of the orc sitting in front of me at the bar. His large hands rest clasped on the bar top, a ring resting around his thumb.
"Hello," I smile sweetly at them," what can I get ya?"
He smirks, dropping his eyes to his hands," Fire Brandy, please."
"Please? Already the most polite customer I've had this month," I tease as I grab a tumbler, pouring his brandy.
"Is please such an unused word nowadays? Damn the discipline of mothers, not teaching their children manners," he jokes back. I snort, passing him his drink.
"well said," I knock on the bar," a please and a thank you can get you far these days."
"That right? The only thing it's gotten me is brandy and a word of praise from a cute barmaid," he smirks.
I fluster at his words, turning away to grab a dry rag," don't know about that last bit but I hope you know basic manners doesn't pay for your drink."
"Damn," he huffs," what's the point now, ain't getting anything out of it."
"Gets my respect," I offer.
He pretends to ponder," I'll take it."
I smile to myself, focusing on polishing the glasses. The orc watches me, drinking his brandy slowly. I pass him a few glances, blushing each time he offers me a smile. He really is cute, but I can't say that I'm too interested.
"Lovely necklace you have there, can't say that I've seen that totem too often," he says. My hand immediately grasps the little wood craving, my heart fluttering with the action.
"Yea, a friend made it for me," I answer casually.
"A friend? I don't think that's what that totem means," he leans forward on the bar, inspecting the carving.
"Well, friends is just an easier term. We weren't lovers, being too young for something like that," I blush at the idea.
"Yea? Don't mind telling me about this 'friend' while I waste some time," he asks. I can't help but jump at the offer, wanting to finally break the seal that's bound these memories away. Mother and Father didn't want to hear about Lug so often. Which is understandable.
"No, you don't wanna hear a story of lost love," I shuffle away, putting the freshly polished glasses away.
"Of course I do, what better story than one with young love," he rests his chin on his head," please, I'd love to hear it."
I watch him, nearly smiling at his devoted attention. With a sigh, I lounge against the bar.
"We met when we were like eight, at least I was eight. I was catching frogs by the creek when he just appeared across the way," I start.
"Why were you catching frogs? I thought little girls hated that kind of stuff," he asks.
I shrug," I wanted to show off to the boys that I could catch a frog too. One of them said he caught one using a stick to trap it against the dirt. I wanted to try it."
He scoffs," why would anyone use a stick to catch a frog?"
"I don't know," I laugh," he probably didn't want to get his hands dirty."
"Damn Tommy Howser," he shakes his head with a smile," such a wimpy boy."
"Yea, he was," I laugh with him," makes sense he moved out to the city then."
"He moved out to the city? Gods, his parents should have taken him there when he was a child," he scoffs. I can't help but smile, the words taking a bit longer to register. When it does, I startle.
"How did you know about Tommy Howser," I ask. He stiffens.
"Uh, I heard about him," he lies," from other people."
I cross my arms," what other people? Tommy hasn't lived here in three years." he flounders for another lie, falling short with a sigh of defeat.
"Hello, Thea," he nibbles on his cheek," I see you kept the necklace."
I freeze. It can't be, surely this large hulking orc couldn't possibly be him.
"Lug," I ask with a choked cry. He smiles wide, nodding. I can't speak, my eye stinging as I finally see the resemblance. He truly has grown into the man he always said he would be. As handsome as he was seven years ago.
Without much thought I jump over the bar, him helping me down before pulling me close. I hug him, my arms barely touching around his hulking frame. A sob rips from my throat as I cry tears of pure joy. He pets my back, nuzzling his head against mine.
"I'm sorry I took so long," he mumbles as he kisses my cheeks," I didn't expect to be gone so long. I apparently had a lot more to learn from the elders than I anticipated."
"You’re here now," I look up at him," that's all the matters."
Lug smiles like a fool before roughly pushes his lips against mine, his tusks way more prominent now than when we were kids. I cup his rough cheek, feeling the hairs prick at my palm. He is so different now, but still exactly the same. God, I've missed him.
We part, smiling like idiots in love. He wipes the tears off my face, I pet at his cheek. My heart feels ready to explode at the happiness coursing through my veins. Lug looks the same with his great toothy grin and wondering hands.
"I waited for you, I'm so glad I did," I look him over," you got hot."
He barks out a boisterous laugh," glad you think so, I got big and strong for you. And you…gods, you look amazing."
"oh stop," I blush.
"No," he tugs my hips to his," now that I finally have you I'm going to shower you with sweet praises and worship your body like a holy temple." I gulp, my insides turning to mush as he leans down to kiss at my neck.
"Whoa, let's slow down," I grab at his braid," I'm still at work."
He growls in frustration, pulling back," alright. How much longer?"
"Till close, which should be soon," I answer," you don't mind waiting around, right?"
"I've waited seven years, what's a few more hours to that," he says.
Lug keeps me company till the last patron leaves. The second I finish the last bit of cleaning he has me in his arms, kissing me breathless. He has half a mind to pull back, smiling down at my dazed face with glee.
I break out of his arms, grabbing his hand to tug him out the bar and into the cold night. I pull him down into a kiss, not able to hold off for another second.
"I love you, lug," I mumble against his lips.
"I love you too, Thea," he answers in kind.
"Are you going to take me home now," I ask with a wicked grin.
He growls, lifting me up and over his shoulder. I laugh, blushing as he palms my rear. I've missed him so much and we have a lot of time to make up.
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