#MyNewNeighbor

[thegodmother007]

My New Neighbor Chapter 13: Let’s Hang Out

TRIGGER WARNING: This story will eventually contain violence, angst, threat of death, swearing, dark humor, adult themes like sex & drugs, racism, classism, sexism etc. Do not say you have not been warned

Chapter 13:

It took almost a week, but I was finally feeling like my old self again. No more runny nose, headaches, chills or vertigo. I felt like I had been freed from a prison sentence within my own body. Although, if I was being honest with myself, it wasn’t all bad. My mind constantly drifted back to the time Cain played his guitar for me when I was bedridden. I could feel a warmth in my chest, accompanied by a few skipped beats of my heart every time I envisioned him sitting on my bedroom floor, giving me my own private concert. I wish I had more energy at the time because I would have loved to have stayed awake longer to continue listening to him play. I felt so important & felt so..special watching him play for me. That feeling was punctuated when I woke up the next morning to see Cain texted me “Sleep well.” Which made me think that was his nefarious plot the whole time, to put me to sleep. Luckily for him, I needed the sleep & it worked like a charm in more than one way. 

Finally being able to leave my bed, I decided that I would use my newly regained energy to reset my room. Washing my blankets & sheets, vacuuming the rug, getting the piles of dirty dishes cleaned & the garbage bag full of discarded tissues out of here, should really help me feel completely rejuvenated. I look at my phone to see I had not gotten a text from Cain this morning yet, which means he is still sleeping. Waking up each day to Cain’s morning texts while my body ached, brought me a level of comfort I quickly became accustomed to. It was the thing I looked forward to each morning opening my phone for the first time. 

I got busy with my cleaning when about 45min into it, I hear the ‘ping!’ of my text notification go off. Like a Pavlovian-Trained dog, I immediately dropped the fresh comforter I was placing on my bed to check & see if it was Cain. Seeing his name across my screen with the words “Morning. How are you feeling today?” really improved my overall mood. I was quick to respond with “I'm actually feeling great today! No more flu, I think I'm totally over it now 😄” I stuff my phone back into my pocket & start arranging my bed spread to be how I like it. 

It didn't take long for Cain to get back to me: “That's great! Glad to hear you're not sick anymore. Figured you were feeling better, I can hear you moving around.” I read the text, a little sheepish as I often forget that Cain can pick up on the littlest of movements. I don't reply right away, my brain starts turning with an idea. 

I look around my room to see it's practically spotless in here. Then I walk into my living room to see that it was clean too, seeing as I hadn't been in here much in almost a week. I smile and pick up my phone again. 

“Yea, I'm doing a bit of cleaning to refresh my unit. Wanna come over to hang out later?” I pressed send with only a tiny bit of hesitation. Last time I asked Cain to come over, he was abused & harassed. This time though, it would just be me. I felt a seed of anxiety planted in my brain as I waited on his response, going to my kitchen to start on a little breakfast. 

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“Yea, I'm doing a bit of cleaning to refresh my unit. Wanna come over to hang out later?” I read those words with a bit of unease, wondering if more than just Vi was going to be there. I didn't want to say ‘no’ right away, though. But last time I went over there when invited, it didn't end well for me. Going over there on my own accord, knowing Vi was sick & weak, put me at ease. 

I stopped myself from thinking this way, reminding myself that Vi took care of me that night. I shouldn’t be constantly referencing what Myra & her goons did to my friends and I. While I had the bravado in my thumbs, I text back “What do you have in mind? 🤔” 

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Oh shit, I hadn't thought that far ahead. I look around my apartment, as if I was looking for an answer to give him. What could I say that would entice Cain to want to come over? What can two people with extreme height differences do together that isn’t impacted by our sizes? 

I eyed my shelf which had my album of DVD’s and I thought about what I might be able to make for dinner, trying to remember what he likes. He did bring me pizza one time from a place I did not recognize, which I imagine is a place he goes to enough to deem it good pizza. I pull my phone out “What if we watched a movie and I made us some calzones or something?” I paused before pressing ‘send’ and considered my reply. Is that too intimate? Dinner and a movie seems very date-worthy. Would that be too weird? I mean he did play guitar for me when I was sick. The worst he could say is “no”, right? I rationed to myself

I press ‘send’ feeling that seed of anxiety sprout some roots. I put my phone on the kitchen counter, turning away from it and going about my day as normally as I can while I wait for a response. While I fluff pillows & make myself busy doing practically nothing, my mind flooded with the possible responses that Cain might shoot back with: 

“Actually, I already have plans”

“No thanks”

“That sounds boring”

“Why would I want to do that?”

“I can think of other things I’d rather be doing”

“I don’t think we should hang out”

“I really don’t think we should be friends”

PING! My phone practically screams at me, interrupting my intrusive thoughts. I pause, looking at my phone from across the room. Hesitant on even looking at the message, all but having convinced myself I was about to be turned down. Slowly I approach my phone and flip it over, looking at the message bannered across my screen: “That sounds delicious, I’m down. What time, like 6?” I felt so silly in that moment as the relief washed over me. I totally siked myself out for a moment there. “6 works for me, I’ll see you then 🙂” 

Now all I needed to do was run to the store to grab some ingredients!

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I was going over to casually hang out with Vi in a few hours and I felt pretty good about it. Nervous, but good. Deep down, part of me wondered if this was a date or something. Vi hadn’t said that it was and the last thing I want to do is ask her if it was, that would just come across pathetic. 

I shook the thought from my head, looking at myself in the bathroom mirror, telling myself where we stand “Nah, we’re just friends, that's it. Trivia partners, roommates, buddies, I am cool with that.” I say to myself, not so much as a statement, but a reminder. But I can't help but hear Britney's words in the back of my head “A partner is supposed to be your best friend, the person you can count on being there & showing up. A partner is that one person you know will support you & lift you up anytime you need it. Women don’t want keepers, Cain, they want partners.” I stare at my reflection, scrutinizing every little detail of my face, wondering if I had been born a giant would Vi want me like that? I fiddled with my hair, realizing that I had let it get too long without a cut & after a while of trying & failing to style it without product, I gave in & grabbed my mousse and hair paste. 

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Before I knew it, 6:00pm was upon me & I was ready for Cain. The calzones were piping hot & I even made a couple that were human sized so Cain didn’t struggle with eating from a giant sized one. I look to my phone to see it was 5:56pm and Cain would be at the door any moment. I didn’t want to sit there, waiting on him like that, so I figured some finishing touches on the place would be appreciated. I had the human-sized table from before, on my coffee table and placed a tablecloth with dishes on it so Cain had somewhere to eat comfortably while I’d use the coffee table to eat. I lit a few nice smelling candles, ones that smelled of pumpkin spice & vanilla. They added a warm amber glow to my apartment that I appreciated & hoped Cain would appreciate too. I had a human sized bean bag that I don’t remember acquiring, but nonetheless was coming in handy in case Cain wanted somewhere comfortable to sit. 

As I thought about it, I began to drift into a small daydream about sitting down to watch a movie. Where would he ask to sit if I didn’t have the bean bag for him? On the couch cushion? No, my weight would probably make him slide against my hip or he could find himself stuck between the cushions. Arm rest would be a good option, it was stable and padded. A bit of risk though, because he could easily fall if he isn’t careful. The backrest of the couch could be nice too, it was high enough for a good view of the movie and we would be more level with each other. But what if he wanted to sit with me? I felt a shade of pink creeping across my face with an involuntary smirk finding a place on my lips as I indulge in the fantasy. I imagine what it would be like, having his little body sitting on my shoulder. Would I feel him sitting there? I wondered what his voice would sound like right next to my ear. Would he sound different from what I’ve come to recognize as his voice? I imagine his delicate hands reaching up & touching my neck for leverage and I feel a wave of goosebumps dance along my shoulders, neck and face as I let the daydream develop. What if I wanted to lay down? I could lay on the couch but where would he be? I thought about the most comfortable places for him. My bent knee would be very isolating, I think he’d feel just too far away. I could always let him lay on my stomach? At the thought, the flashback of Cain explaining he felt he was going to die & the harassment he endured at my party made me second guess that idea. I don’t think I would want to be on a giant’s stomach either if I felt like I just narrowly escaped being inside one’s stomach only a few weeks ago. My mind drifted to the idea that maybe he would be comfortable on my chest. The pink on my face shifted to a bright crimson red, but the daydream continued. I imagined placing him on my breast, watching him sink into the soft flesh of it, feeling his little hands and feet crawling around and caressing me. I pictured how much that would probably tickle and  I would laugh, undoubtedly bouncing him up and down while he laughed with me. I put myself in his place, thinking what I might look like to him from that perspective, hoping that it was at least good. What if Cain were into that? My mind drifted into thinking about how he might view me overall and I heard his scream echo in my mind from the time I pulled the cloth back to check on him the morning after the party. 

Remembering that bloodcurdling scream froze me in place, the complete fear on his face & the disparity of that cry was enough to make me stop and remember how fragile he is. I had better not push it with him & make sure I am slow and careful with him. 

As if on cue, I hear the buzzer from his apartment requesting entry into my unit. I do a quick mirror check, making sure I didn’t have sauce from making calzones on me and my hair looked alright. I was excited to hang out with Cain and get to know him better, hoping we could become a little closer than just unit partners. I press my own buzzer and unlock the small door, to then see Cain open it & walk through, his blue eyes immediately landing on me. He greets me with what I can see is a smile and a wave. I feel my heart leap as I return his wave & smile back to him. “Hey!” I exclaim, gingerly walking toward him with my slippered feet, hoping not to shake the floor so much. I slowly descend to his level. I see he is wearing a dark colored hoodie & some standard dark wash blue jeans. Despite Cain’s bright blonde hair, pushing almost platinum blonde, he seems to favor darker colored clothes. 

“It smells great in here!” He comments, looking around at my place, no doubt looking for the calzones I’ve made. “Full disclosure, I’ve been smelling it for the last hour, so I’ve come hungry” He says with a nervous laugh. “Good! I made quite a few for you! Actually…now that I am looking at you, I might have overdone it. You okay with taking leftovers home with you?” I ask knowing the answer will probably be ‘yes.’ Excitedly, Cain claps his hands together “We’ll see just how much is left over. Despite my size, I can really put it away, just wait & see..” He says with a smirk. I raise an eyebrow “Oh yea? We’ll see about that..” I offer a hand to him casually, hoping not to make it a big deal, knowing how Cain feels about being held. I hoped that by treating it as something nonchalant, his fear about it would diminish overtime. 

I watched him take a breath and look up at me and I offer him a smile, reminding him it’s okay. With less hesitation than before, he walks into my hand, his sneakers catching traction on my skin as he shuffles his way into the middle of my palm. He sits, holding my thumb like a safeguard on a carnival ride. I felt the familiar warmth spreading in my cheeks watching him trust me, feeling honored that he does at all. Once situated, he turns to look up at me, giving a thumbs-up, but saying nothing else. I could tell & feel by the rigidity of his body that this is still not natural for him yet, but that is okay. Slowly I lift him to the coffee table where the human-sized dining set is; this time with proper cutlery & dishes for him to use. I carefully lift & deposit him onto the coffee table and he smiles “What’s this? You set a place for me?” He asks while departing from my palm. “Of course, I felt bad that the last time you were here, I didn’t have any dishes or silverware for you & you had to eat pancakes with your hands. A calzone is a little harder to eat without cutlery so you know, I just grabbed a set while I was out today, no big deal.”

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Except it was a big deal to me. She made the effort to make sure I was feeling comfortable & able to enjoy the food she prepared as it was meant to be. When she had me over for breakfast a few weeks ago, I felt a bit primitive having to eat off her plate with my hands. But now she had a place for me with everything I would need to feel like a person. I realized how weird of a thought that is, but being able to fit in the palm of your friend’s hand and not being able to be independent when visiting, you begin to second guess how they see you. I turned with a grateful look “Thank you, this is actually really nice of you..” I had hoped that this would mean she intended on having me over more often now that we have that hurdle crossed. “Well I can’t have you eating a piping hot calzone with your bare hands, can I?” She says, watching me take my seat at the table just for me. She stands, towering over the coffee table once again, but my smile does not leave my face as she does. “Since you’re hungry, I’ll go grab the food from the oven where I’ve been keeping it hot.” My mouth watered as she walked away & to the kitchen. I purposely skipped lunch to prepare for this meal, knowing I was going to be eating like a King. 

Vi soon comes back with her plate and on her plate, was 3 of my own smaller calzones. Each one as large as an XL Pizza from Tony’s down the road. My jaw dropped as she slid my portions onto the table, only one calzone fitting on my plate, still hanging off the edges. All of them were packed to the brim with toppings like sausage, peppers, onion, peperoni, cheese…it smelled heavenly. I looked at Vi, my jaw still slacked and she gives me a cheeky smile as she sits cross legged on the floor, using the coffee table as her dining space, making us more level. “I told you it was too much..” She says, clearly happy with my reaction. I laugh & look back at the literal pile of calzone she just set in front of me “I take back what I said earlier, I think I will definitely have leftovers…” I admit. However, I waste no time & dig in. The flavor was fresh and saucy. The ingredients all worked together wonderfully & I closed my eyes, savoring my first bite, thinking to myself that these are even better than Tony’s. After a while of enjoying the first bite, I open my eyes to see Vi’s billboard sized face was much closer to me than it had been before & I flinched with a start, looking at her inquisitively, my mouth too full to ask her “What?”. She smiles at me “That good hu?” She asks me, pulling away & giving me a smug side-eye. With a mouth too full of calzone I proclaim “These are fantastic! I was just thinking about how they’re even better than the ones I’ve gotten from Tony’s down the street.” Vi’s smile grew larger “I am so glad you like them! It’s a recipe my mom developed when I was a kid. It’s one of my favorites.” She takes a bite of her own food & I watch her eat with nothing less than shock over the amount she puts into her mouth, chewing with ease. I watch her swallow the lump of food she masticated, feeling a chill crawl up my spine. I look at her enormous calzone, noting how it was almost as large as a city bus! “Wow, you really eat a lot.” I comment more to myself than anything. I see Vi raise an eyebrow “I mean, compared to you, I am sure it looks that way.” She remarks

I go back to my own food and we enjoy the meal having light conversation in between bites. Admittedly, I tried to focus on my own food for the rest of dinner, not overly interested in watching Vi eat piles of food larger than me. ********************************************************************************************************

I brushed off the comment about the amount of food I eat, assuming Cain didn’t mean anything by it. But I couldn’t help the feeling of self consciousness that started creeping in after he said it. I look to his plate & my own, noticing the radical difference. Thankfully the conversation veered away from my eating habits & I was delighted to finally be learning more about Cain. He has an older brother, much like I have, who taught him to play guitar from a young age. He told me about his childhood living in a Humans-Only city & what brought him to Epherton. I learned about his hobbies like sports, going out, being with friends & videogames. Fortunately, we did not jump on the subject of my brother & I was more than happy to keep away from that topic completely. 

“So, why did you come to Epherton?” Cain asks me as I cut another piece off my calzone. “Oh you know, job opportunities, cheap housing, not having tons of money & wanting to get out of my hometown.” That last tidbit was different from Cain’s answer. Cain also came to Epherton for the opportunities. But if the opportunities had been in his home city, he never would have moved here. I, on the other hand, probably would have moved here anyways. “Why did you want to get away from your hometown?” He asks innocently, unknowing that the answer was not as innocent. 

I put the piece of calzone I just cut back onto my plate, thinking about how to explain it to Cain without him including me in the backwards thinking many of the townspeople share. “Well, the village I grew up in had no diversity & with that came a lot of small-minded people. Many of them hold traditional beliefs that the two species should be separated, not meant to mix. Others, a bit more extreme, believe in separate but not equal. Many believe in a hierarchy, of course placing giants at the top.” I saw Cain study me as I explained why I left & I recognized that look as one of scrutinizing, seeing if I aligned with that way of thinking. I sighed as I explained further “I never agreed with them though. It always felt weird thinking of myself as better than others just because of the bodies we were born into.” I looked to Cain to see if my explanation made sense. Cain looks at me with eyes that resembled sadness “And that is why your brother & his friends acted like that at the party.” He said as a statement rather than a question. I nodded “Yea & I didn’t think they would bring their bigotry with them, considering they all know where I stand and they were made aware I was sharing a unit with a human.”

Cain paused for a moment “Where do you stand?” He asks tentatively. I catch his eyes, and look at him almost confused. “What?” I wasn't sure exactly what he was asking me. Cain clears his throat “You know, how do you see humans? Like, do you think that those people back in your hometown have some kind of point?” For a moment, his question took me aback. For the few months that we have shared a unit, I thought I had made it pretty clear how I saw him and other humans. But I guess this question was going to be inevitable.

“I see you as a person, nothing more or less than that.” I say with a shrug of my shoulders, not really sure what else I could say to that question. “Yeah but, doesn't it change how you see people when they can fit in the palm of your hand? I mean there's got to be some kind of difference in how you feel being around humans versus when you are around giants, right?” I finally understood what Cain was trying to ask me. “Well of course I'm going to feel different around humans than I do around Giants. But I don't see them as less important or less valuable because they are smaller. You don't look at people who are shorter than you and think that they are less human, right? Same applies to me. I just look at you and see a smaller person.” 

Almost as if his hunger for asking questions wasn't satisfied with the one answer, he pressed a little further “So what do you feel when you are around humans?” I could tell that these questions had been burning in his mind for a while. I thought about his question, my memory flashing back to when I played with that group of human children as a child. How excited I was to make friends & getting to play with them. My memory cut to when they told me that they weren't allowed to play with me anymore & why. I felt the remnants of that heartbreak coming back to me from when I was a kid. 

I thought about my answer & felt honesty would be the best policy here. “Cautious & nervous, I suppose.” Which seemed to confuse Cain ”Whoa wait, hold on, YOU’RE nervous around Humans? How? How are you, an 85ft giantess, nervous around Humans? People who you can easily overpower if you wanted?” I let out a breathy laugh at the summation “Not that kind of nervous Cain. It's hard to explain but I'm afraid of fucking up, you know? Humans have every reason to be scared of giants, I see why. So knowing that any move I make, any little comment, can throw them into a panic. You guys are fragile & easily startled, so I have to be conscious & self aware the entire time I am around humans.” Cain pondered my explanation, asking “What about with me? How do you feel around me?” 

I stopped the redness from climbing up my neck & to my face when I thought of my genuine answer, stuffing it deep down inside. Instead I reply “You make me anxious, but overall I am always happy to see you!” Hoping that made my answer a bit softer for him. I watched him look down at his food, contemplating my answer. I worried that maybe I had offended him. I didn’t want to elaborate on my feelings for him, because I worried how he might react. “I just have to be cautious around you, being Human and all, you know? There is a lot more of me than there is of you, so I have to watch myself.”

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“Fragile” “Easily startled” “Less of me” I mean, Vi wasn't wrong, but it sucked knowing that I haven't been doing a good job at hiding my fear around her, despite how hard I've tried. I felt a shroud of shame surrounding me at the confirmation but wondered how she felt being around me if that was her impression so far. When I got “Anxious” my heart sank, only to be lifted from the depths with “but happy to see you!” I listened to her explain herself, and it seems like she's hit it right on the head. There IS a lot of her, and I DO struggle with being around Giants overall, let alone someone like Vi. I looked into her deep, sparkling brown eyes, seeing my own reflection in them. I could happily drown in those brown eyes given the chance, but who'd want to give that chance to an easily startled & fragile human? 

Halting my thoughts, I hear Vi ask me back “So how do you feel around Giants?” I look up at Vi whose expression makes me a bit uneasy. I could feel a tentative vibe in the air, as if she was expecting a certain answer. Although I knew I was physically safe around Vi & I knew how I felt about her, I also knew she was a special case amongst her kind for me. “I-I mean, they’re fine..” I hoped that would be enough but Vi raised an expectant eyebrow at me, pushing for more. “They’re uh-..um..they’re..” I watched her lean in slightly to listen to my answer and that made me want to back up a bit, crumbling under her gaze which held a bit too much weight in this moment. “They’re intimidating…and overwhelming…and scary…” I let the words tumble out of my mouth involuntarily and I watched Vi nod, as if I confirmed for her something she already knew. “But not you though, Vi! You’re not like that, I enjoy being around you, just not other ones.” I hoped that would explain myself a bit better. “You’re the exception, you’re not like other Giants. You’re a lot better than the ones I’ve met.”

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I felt my breath pause in my chest at how Cain spoke about my people. I wanted to approach the conversation lightly though, not jump to any conclusions. “I mean, not all other giants are bad, you know? There are a lot of really nice giants-” I was cut off by Cain who continues “Yea but they are few & far between. On the whole, they tend to be a lot less…tolerant and more threatening than humans are. I mean c’mon, I was literally kidnapped by a giant at the party, how much more confirmation do I really need?” 

I couldn’t argue his personal experience, so I opted to let it go. “Yea, I suppose you’re right.” I forced a smile, but felt the wind being knocked completely out of my sails, knowing Cain sees giants as a whole, negatively. My mind drifted into wondering how much of that applied to me.

Once dinner was over & Cain was sufficiently stuffed, I watched as he laid back in his chair and sighed with satisfaction. “I wish I had more stomach, because I don’t want to stop eating!” He laughed, but held his stomach in pain from just laughing; he was so full “Ow..” I couldn’t help but laugh at him a little bit, but I appreciated how much he enjoyed the food. “I hope you didn’t make yourself sick, because we still have a movie to watch. Which, by the way, what are you in the mood for? Comedy, horror, action?” I suggested a few genres to make the decision easier. I stand, taking our plates & Cain’s half eaten calzone along with the two others he didn’t even touch to wrap up for him. “I left a DVD album on the coffee table, take a look and see what you might like.” I call out as I wash up the dishes & get the kitchen in order. 

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I stood, no, wobbled to the album that Vi mentioned, using all my strength to flip it open to reveal a plethora of movie choices. “I thought you weren't a movie buff!” I call out as loud as I can, hoping she can hear me. Luckily she did “I’m not, I like movies but I couldn’t care less about the actors!” She laughs and I understand where she is coming from with that sentiment, I felt very similarly. I looked at the options & landed on a superhero movie, one from Marvel Comics. “Are you secretly a nerd, Vi?” I ask as I gently pull the DVD out from its sleeve, feeling Vi walking back over to me. She looks at the movie I’ve chosen: ‘Ant Man.’ Vi smiles “You can call me a nerd if you want, I call it having excellent taste.” Her hand takes my place in sliding the DVD from its sleeve and lifts it above my head, going to the TV and pushing the disc in. Vi sits on the couch behind where I stood on the coffee table with a remote, pushing ‘play.’ As the opening credits roll, she looks to me “Any preference on where you want to sit?” she asks me, pulling a bean bag from her pocket. “You can sit anywhere you’d like.” 

“With you” is what I wanted to say, but couldn’t work up the nerve to. I see the beanbag and notice how it looked like a softball in her hand, almost laughably small. “I can-uh-take the beanbag?” I asked, pointing to it. Vi holds it up “Anywhere in particular?” she asks and this made me think about it. I decided to take the chance “What about on the back support of the couch?” I would be immediately next to Vi that way. “You know, for a better view of the movie.” I explained away, even though she didn’t ask. I felt my palms become sweaty. Vi lowered the bean bag in her palm, offering me a ride “Hop on” she instructed & without thinking or second guessing myself, I jumped into the beanbag that sits in her palm, landing on my back into the plush chair like a pile of leaves. Vi catches me with ease and I realize how childish it was to just throw myself into the beanbag, but it was my first instinct seeing it, I didn’t think about it. I looked up & behind me to see Vi’s amused face as she lifts me closer to her, my stomach dropping from the elevation.”Sorry” I said with embarrassment lacing my words as she places me on top of the back support of the couch. I was comfortable in the beanbag, but I was more impressed with the view. Just like when Vi had lifted me in her bedroom, everything looked normal & to-scale to me. I liked being up here, it felt like I fit into her world just a little more. 

My train of thought was derailed when Vi sat next to me, her neck & head being level with me. She looks at me, our faces being closer than they ever had been before. I couldn’t help but stare with a dopey smile on my face. I can feel the wind of her breathing through her nose on my hands and feet. I can feel the backrest shift against her weight as she becomes comfortable. I notice the reddish highlights that naturally dance in her hair, now that a bit of it is spilled onto the backrest. It looked soft & well kept, I wanted to touch it, run my fingers through it, but I knew that wouldn’t be appropriate. 

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Cain’s words rang in my head throughout the movie about how Giants were scary & intimidating. I tried keeping a smile on my face for Cain’s sake & my own, hoping it would lighten my mood. When I was able to sneak a look at him, he seemed content and happy, which helped me be at ease as well. Although he may have stated I was the exception to the rule of Giants being overwhelming, I didn’t want to push that line. I didn’t even try to suggest that we sit closer to each other, fearing I would be doing exactly what frightens him. This arrangement was fine, I am going to be fine with this. I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. As the movie played, Cain made commentary the entire time. “Scott should just be big the entire time, he can just crush his enemies, he doesn’t even need to fight them!” At a particularly intense scene, where Antman is shrunken & stuck in a tub, Cain pipes up when Antman’s friend comes stomping into frame “Vi, look, that’s what you look like from my perspective!” He jokes, but I felt a pang of hurt in my chest, which forces me to remain quiet as we watch Scott being washed away by the flow of water from the faucet. 

Once the movie was over, I felt dejected and tired. I had hoped I would have walked out of tonight feeling closer to Cain, but it feels like my eyes have been opened to this impenetrable wall between us. I felt monstrous when Cain pointed out how much I eat. He thought I didn’t notice how he looked away when I would take bites. My thoughts were confirmed when Cain said Giants were overwhelming & scary. I didn’t feel like an exception to the rule when Cain mentioned how I look from his perspective when we watched the movie. All these instances were swimming around in my head, adding bricks to the wall I feel separating us. I felt too big for him & like I took up too much space. All of it is punctuated by the confirmation of how Cain views me & my people. Once the credits rolled, I looked to Cain who was relaxed in the bean bag, eyes drooping. “That was a cool movie” he remarks with a yawn & stretch. “Thanks for having me over though Vi, this was fun.” 

Although I don’t think I had as much fun as Cain did, it still warmed me to know that he enjoyed his time here nonetheless, despite his comments. Without a word I offered him my open hand “I think I want to turn in, too.” I say to him, suggesting that he go home. Cain sits up, taking his time to let the blood flow back into his legs. Once comfortably in my palm, I slowly get up, keeping Cain lower than I normally would out of pure reflex, to avoid overwhelming him. I grab his leftovers from the coffee table & I am quick to get him to his door, watching him depart from my hand. “Thanks again for dinner, it was fantastic! I am glad to be enjoying it for the next few days too.” I smile “Glad you had a good time..” I offer a small wave as he exits into his door & out of my unit. When the door closes behind him, I feel the rush of emotion I had been suppressing for the last few hours, wash over me. I felt tears pricking at my eyes as I stared at the white door. I felt the hot tears trickle down my face as the feeling of disappointment washed over me for what I can now see, is a relationship that will never be. 

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Thank you for reading & sticking with me during these inconsistent chapter uploads. A lot has been shifting & changing in my personal life and the time I would usually have for writing, is being devoted elsewhere. I will still write when I can. Thank you again & I would appreciate a ❤ & a 🔄

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[senchayan]

My new neighbours. Pt 3 #amaturephotography #mobilephotography #mobilephotographyindia #mynewneighbors #neighbourhood #flowers #vibrantcolors #beutifulday #realmecamera #realme3pro (at chayansen_audio_visual) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_nHqlRgUYd/?igshid=1cok9af3vo8u9

[brianallensmith]

#MyNewNeighbor

[mycoastalway]

My new neighbor! 🙈🐊#nature #mothernature #coastalliving #wildlife #photooftheday #charlestonsc #alligator #swapcreature #mynewneighbor #lowcountryliving #westashleysc #mycoastalway #charleston #southcarolina

[joannawearsboots]

#alfredthesquirrel #okupa #eichhörnchen #squirrel #ardilla #mynewneighbor #squat #birdsnest

[djricothenoisemaker]

#NMN1 #NMNisReal #LadiesOfTheNoiseMakerNation #MenOfTheNoiseMakerNation #MyNewNeighbor FIND HIM IN THE HOME DEPOT #Store8550

[thegodmother007]

My New Neighbor Chapter 14 P1: The Crash Out

*Goliath = A racist slang used to describe Giants. It infers that they are ugly, uneducated & destructive or violent beasts

*Putian (Short for Lilliputian) = A racist slang used to describe Humans as lower, incapable & insignificant pests. 

It's been about 2 weeks since Vi and I hung out together, but I haven't heard much from her since, besides a few memes being sent back & forth. So in the meantime, I've been focusing on beating my brother's ass in Halo. As I was scoping out the map, I see a message pop up in the corner of my TV screen: “We are still on for 2nite, rite?” I smirked because I was ahead in our match & he’s desperate. “Yup” I confirmed short & sweet. I was not about to let him get the drop on me, here. No more than a few seconds after I sent my message, I see my brother’s avatar pop up from around the corner, aiming at me, but luckily, I’ve caught onto his tricks. I was able to dispatch his character after a few bullets hit my avatar. “Wait until we’re in person 😂 I’ll get you then” I read flashing across the top banner of my screen. I laugh in response & just send an “lol” back his way, concluding our round of Halo. It was always like this with Gus: If was good at something, he always felt the need to re-establish his dominance by physically overpowering me. It’s gotten better as we have gotten older, but not by much. Even still, I liked having him over for a few drinks now & again. It's nice to catch up & hear how the family back home is doing. 

Looking at the clock, I realized that I needed to get ready & grab those drinks. 

Later in the Evening -

“What’s up little bro?! Been a minute since I've seen you, let me get a look at ya!” My brother hugs me tighter than I would have liked, holding me in place by the shoulders while he undoubtedly scrutinizes my appearance. “Still as blonde as I remember!” I felt a hint of embarrassment over my bright hair color, seeing as the majority of my family is brunette. “Yea & you’re still like a gorilla who is charging its way into my apartment…” I laugh as I take back the air that was forced from my lungs during that hug. My brother laughs and flexes his muscles “Gorilla hu? That seems about right!” He says making fun of the situation and striking unnatural & sarcastic poses. “On a good day, I could probably hold my own against a gorilla.” Gus says as he walks into my place with a case of beer in hand. I just roll my eyes, not concerned over his overinflated ego. As he places the drinks down, he turns to my living room “Swanky digs! But how does the giant get in here?” He immediately asks, looking around as if he was trying to solve a puzzle. “She doesn't.” I correct him. “She is on the other side of that wall, past that door. She doesn't come in here, only I can go in there.” I could see Gus's curiosity grip him. “Am I going to meet her today?” He asks. I was genuinely just surprised over the question. He didn't like or have interests in giants before; why now?

I turn to quizzically look at him “Why? You suddenly into tall women?” I joke. “Ha! No, but I am curious to put a face to the giant who shares a unit with my brother..and I want to know who is responsible for holding the party where he was almost eaten..” I fold my arms “Look, it's not really Vi’s fault. She got me away from Myra in the end & we made amends about it. Don't go digging up the past.” I warn him. “I just want to make sure she’s being good to my little brother is all.” Gus justifies to me. “Don’t think I can handle myself?” I asked him. 

Gus was always both my fiercest protector & biggest bully growing up & it made for a challenging relationship as adults. “No, no, I am just curious is all!” He says with a mock surrender, putting his hands up. I look at my phone & toward the door that goes into Vi’s unit. “Let me see if she’s home..” I knew she was home, I felt her walking around all evening since she got home. I text her quick & stuff the phone back into my pocket, hoping Vi decides not to answer. 

Much to my dismay, she replies to my text: “My brother is visiting & wants to meet you. Think we can swing by?” with a “Sure. I just got home from the gym so I’m a bit sweaty.” As I read the text, I could see Gus trying to look at my messages to see what Vi said. “So?” He asks tentatively “She home?” He asks and I nod “She said it was fine.” So I lead him towards the door Vi lives on the other side of. Hoping he doesn't embarrass me, I grab the doorknob and turn to Gus “Please don't embarrass me, Gus. She and I are finally in a good place and I don't need you screwing things up for me…” I say in a serious tone. Gus, as always, has a shit-eating grin plastered on his face. “I wouldn't dream of it. Don't worry, I’ll behave…” he says in a way that doesn't give me much confidence in him. Regardless, it's too late now. I punch in the code & open the door to see Vi laying on her couch with her phone above her face, not looking in the direction of my brother & I. 

I escort Gus into the unit, who looks around much like I did the first time being in here, mesmerized by the size of everything. It wasn't long until his eyes fell on Vi’s form, the bottom of her gym sneakers facing us as she lays down. I let the door shut behind us, which alerts Vi to our presence. I watch her lift her head up to look at us towards the end of her couch, putting her phone down in the process. “Oh hey” she says as she pulls herself away from the soft embrace of the cushions. I could see Gus take a small step back and take a sharp breath in. I ignore him, hoping to show them both how well I handle being in a Giant’s presence. I yell out loud “Hey Vi, this is my older brother, Gus. Gus, this is my roommate, Vi.” I accidentally yell that last part straight into Gus's ear, but I didn’t care; Makes us even for the bear-hug, earlier. 

Rather than staying seated, Vi stands to stretch and brushes the stray strands of hair from her face. Once she was configured, Vi walked over to us, footsteps sending deep reverberations through the floor. This was something I became used to for the most part, but I could tell Gus was struggling to hold his ground. 

Like always, Vi knelt down to be closer to us, extending a hand out. Gus shuffled back a few steps as her hand approached, but steeled himself to remain rigidly still. A finger was extended out for Gus, who looked at it unknowingly & then back to Vi. “Nice to meet you, Gus.” She says, ignoring his initial fear. Gus took a second to realize what she was doing and laughed, grabbing the tip of her finger with both hands, shaking it wildly. “It's nice to meet you too!” He says as the fear of Vi turned to novelty. “You're a big girl, hu?” Gus asks as Vi’s finger retracts. Vi raises her eyebrow and looks at me, saying all she needed to say. I elbow Gus in the ribs, reminding him of his place & promise to behave. 

The look on Vi’s face was not one of amusement, but of annoyance “So I've been told..” she says dryly. I don't know where Vi’s normally neutral & friendly demeanor went, but this was getting awkward. I decided to intervene to break this ice “So Gus, Vi & I won Trivia Night together a while back. You should have seen Vi answering those questions, she was a machine!” I am hoping that by appealing to her intelligence, she lightens up a bit. Unfortunately, Gus insists on being Gus & ruins what I’m trying to build. “Really? She was the partner that won you guys Trivia Night?” he says with a skeptical tone; One I knew & could see Vi caught onto. “Yes. She was.” Vi says as her expression darkens a bit, waiting for Gus's next dumb statement to come tumbling out of his mouth. I could see she was on the defensive. I assume it was a bad day at work.

“Well, you're definitely smarter than I am, I am awful at trivia!” he exclaims as if the tone in the room weren't heavy & ominous. Vi eyes him, waiting for him to continue on, but he doesn't. I see Vi’s expression soften a bit, realizing he was not trying to start something with her. 

“So, I see you work out?” He asks Vi, pointing to her work-out clothes. Vi offers a slight smile “I do, do you?” She asks back and my brother, whose confidence never knows any limits, pulls up his sleeves and flexes. Since high school, he’s put on a bit of weight. He was very athletic when he was younger. He was in football, baseball & wrestling throughout his schooling, but since adulthood, his muscle has been hidden behind his poor eating habits & his six pack replaced with a beer belly. But that doesn't seem to stop him from showing off whenever he can.

Vi nods, acknowledging his build, but straightens herself to be higher up than before. “That's cute but…” Vi takes a breath and pulls both fists up and flexes herself, showing off thick arms & shoulders. Ones I can definitely see she’s worked years on. While still looking soft & nubile, she looked strong & daunting. I felt heat spreading through my body looking at her strong arms, the shadows of her muscle tone teasing me & giving me goosebumps. I had to look away as I felt a tightness in my pants, quickly changing my stance to hide any excitement that may have become visible in that one moment. I turned my attention back to Gus whose confidence I could see was shot down a bit.

“That's…definitely impressive “ he forces himself to say. “Thank you” Vi says, lowering herself back down as much as she can, but this time, she is wearing the shit-eating grin. I know she can't tell from all the way up there, but I knew Gus’s ego couldn't take any more bruising if I wanted this night to go well between us. “Well Vi, I am sure you're tired, so we will leave you be. Thanks for taking the time to meet my brother” Vi offers a nod “I hope to talk to you again soon, Gus.” She says in a friendly way. “Oh totally, I'll see you again sometime!” And with that, Gus led himself back to my apartment with little prompting from me. I looked back towards Vi as I headed towards the door’s threshold, to wave ‘bye’ to her as I always have. But, when I turned to face her upon reaching the threshold, she was already getting up & turning away from me without saying ‘bye.’ I chalked it up to a really bad day at work. 

I close the door behind us and look to Gus who stares at me with wide eyes “Holy shit dude.” He exclaims but I am confused. “What?” I asked him, popping open a few bottles for us to share. “That’s a huge bitch in there!” He says with a look of disbelief on his face. “Dude, I told you she was big, now you can see I wasn’t lying!” I smirk as I say, satisfied in the fact that I was right. I hand him his bottle and take a drink of my own. “Yea but I wasn't expecting that big..” he laughs & takes a swig of his own drink. 

*********************************************************

-2 Hours Later-

We were both pretty drunk at this point and having a great time. We have been playing video games & wrestling with each other just like when we would stay up late as kids. Except nowadays, I could pin my brother longer than 3 seconds. After a particularly intense wrestling match, I toss Gus a bottle as he leans against the wall next to Vi’s door, catching his breath. After a few moments of rest, Gus wipes the sweat from his brow and looks to me, who is getting into the bag of sour cream & onion chips I bought earlier. “You know, she isn't too ugly for a Giant” Gus says giving me a cheeky wink. I look up from my chips, questioning his statement. Gus rolls his eyes “You know what I am talking about. Normally giants are horrendously ugly, so I’m shocked she doesn't look like her face was set on fire & put out with a rake.” I froze and just listened to Gus’s rant. 

“You know what else? She may be big, but if we were the same size, I would annihilate her in a wrestling match.” He remarks while nursing his drink. Confused, all I could do was stare at him. “I am just saying, she may work out but if we were the same size, if the playing field were even, she wouldn’t be so cocky.” I knew what he was talking about, my memory flashing back to Vi flexing her arms after Gus had. “She has the unfair advantage of being a giant, so of course her gains are going to look bigger than mine.” I could hear in his voice that he was insecure about his current fitness level since dropping sports in high school. 

Gus stared at me, I could tell he was waiting for me to reply. “Haha, yea, that is true. It is an unfair advantage..” hoping that would satisfy him. “And don't think I didn't notice her attempt at intimating me...” Gus takes an aggressive gulp of his beer. I couldn't say anything, recalling my own fear seeing Vi’s face after meeting Gus. “But it’ll take more than a poor attempt at intimidation to scare ol’ Gus away!” he tossed his bottle into the garbage, immediately cracking another one open. 

Gus’s tone turns an icy cold, uncharacteristically serious “But I am not so stupid as to challenge a giant. I'd never win that fight. You know how they are: Quick to solve their problems with violence because they don't know any other way. Why do you think I said she was smarter than me? I saw that hungry look in her eye. No doubt, ready skewer me on a stick & roast me over a fire. Fuckin’ overgrown Goliath*....” Gus lets his sentence die out as he walks over to take a handful of chips from the bag I have now abandoned on the counter, not even realizing what a hypocrite he sounds like right now. I think back to how Vi handled Myra & her gang. My memory travels back to the video I still have saved on my phone of Vi choking Myra and throwing her to the ground, the same video Gus had seen, too. 

Gus notices my contemplation & nods “You've seen it Cain. You can't say I am wrong.” He says more of a statement than a question. I shrug, too drunk to fight back. A feel a heavy hand on my shoulder & turn to see Gus smiling drunkenly at me “Wanna play a round of Super Smash-” 

Gus and I were cut off by an intense knocking, no, earth shattering BANGING on the wall I shared with Vi. I get low, dragging Gus with me, grabbing the countertop for purchase as my apartment shakes violently. Initially I figured it was an earthquake until I heard it: “CAIN! WHAT THE HELL???!!!” I hear Vi’s voice ring out like a volcanic eruption. My heart races & my blood runs cold. I feel nauseous & faint at her demand for me to come out from my apartment. I am frozen in place, unable to move. I look to Gus who begins to collect his things, sobering up quicker than I ever could & racing out of the door. 

I didn't have time to call out to Gus though, because Vi's voice breaks any train of thought I had “I COULD HEAR EVERY. FUCKING. WORD!” I hear her bellow out, shaking the walls as she yells. I looked around, wondering how she could have heard us talking when it hit me: Gus was leaning against the intercom that allowed Vi & I to communicate back and forth from our apartments. My stomach sank and I felt like throwing up. She wasn't supposed to hear that & my mind was scrambling to remember what I may have drunkenly said to make her angry with me. 

I watch as pictures I had on my tables fell over, the cabinets in my kitchen shook open where my plates and cups clinked together. I watched my flat screen wobble on its table & some discarded cans fall over from the force of the deafening pounding of the wall. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what she would do. But the banging stopped after a minute & since my entire home wasn't shaking, I took this opportunity to pull out my phone to call 9-1-1. When I pulled my phone out, I see Vi’s contact pop up; she was calling me. I let it go to voicemail the first time. 

“CAIN! ANSWER THE PHONE!” I hear her command, hitting the wall once again. I almost did when she called a second time. Except this time, I sent the call to voicemail after the first ring. I could hear Vi groan in exacerbation & fury, not unlike a wild animal would. I could feel my pulse pounding against my temples, threatening to hemorrhage any moment. 

As quickly as the chaos started, everything went still. A deathly silence filled our apartments, but my ears continued to ring from the commotion. I waited in agony for what was to come next. I feared that Vi would remove the wall. She very well could have, she can reach the latches & is the only one of us with the strength to move the wall. But nothing came except heavy breathing on the other side of the wall. I sat there, petrified in place as I listened closely. 

After what felt like an eternity, I slowly stand, only to immediately fall back to the floor upon hearing Vi’s voice “Cain. I heard everything. Do you really think of me as a Goliath*? Do I scare you that much that you think I would hurt you?” I didn't know if she expected me to answer, but my throat was so dry at this point I don't think I could if I wanted to. I pull out my phone with shaking hands and text Vi.

************************************************

I felt my face growing hot & my eyes swelling with angry tears as I felt the rejection & defeat wash over me. Gus’s words sink into me with a weight like the Titanic when it sank into the dark ocean. I feel a buzzing in my hand & look to see that Cain texted me.

“Yes.” 

I place my forehead against the wall, my lips involuntarily forcing a frown of deep sadness over my face. I felt the pain in my fist from having pounded the wall out of anger, noting the obvious reason he wouldn't come out to face me. I felt betrayed, furious, offended & embarrassed, but overall I started to feel apathy towards Cain. I was stupid to think any Human could look past the size issue. Why would they? I nearly tore the wall down just to confront Cain out of anger. Who wants to be around a person like that? And who would want to be around a person like Cain? A racist, misogynistic coward who can't hold his own or take accountability like a man. 

My brother’s words echo in my mind: “Vi, humans see us as monsters…” & I clench my jaw, despising the fact he was right. I felt like a little girl again; helpless, vulnerable and…lonely. I resisted the urge to text Cain back. Instead I just say out loud, loud enough for him to hear me, “Fine. I'll never bother you again.” And with that, I picked myself up off the floor & walked to my kitchen to get a frozen bag of veggies for my aching hand. 

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well. This was a pretty intense chapter & it will be the last chapter I post for a while. My dog has been having health issues lately & was diagnosed with Thyroid Carcinoma, a thyroid cancer. It’s pretty advanced but we are going to do what we can for treatment, starting with radiation. I am going to try & write when I can and have the time, but if I am being honest, I am really struggling mentally with even just basic self-care let alone being able to pull myself out of the depression this brings to write something of substance. I will do what I can when I can. This is my soul dog and the fact that I will eventually lose her to cancer, kills me inside. If anyone else has been through this & has encouraging words, I would love to hear them.

TAG LIST: @gt-daboss @voraciousvore @closetedgtaccount @fun-littlescribbles

[senchayan]

My new neighbours. Pt 1 #amaturephotography #mobilephotography #mobilephotographyindia #mynewneighbors #neighbourhood #flowers #vibrantcolors #beutifulday #realmecamera #realme3pro (at chayansen_audio_visual) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_nH_hQAIyB/?igshid=9uwr1fq3pbqv

[thegodmother007]

My New Neighbor Chapter 12: Sick Day

TRIGGER WARNING: This story will eventually contain violence, angst, threat of death, swearing, dark humor, adult themes like sex & drugs, racism, classism, sexism etc. Do not say you have not been warned

Chapter 12:

It’s been about 2-weeks since the party where I almost drowned in beer, was tossed around like a toy & played with like one. But I was ultimately grateful to be saved by my neighbor who I watched choke Myra over & over again on the video that Foster texted me the morning after. 

Something in me burned watching that video again and again. I felt the satisfaction of Myra’s stupid face contorting into real fear of Vi & what she was going to do. Served her right, she should know how it feels to be overpowered. Then rage fills my chest when her brother, Bo, steps into frame & stops it. What I would have given to watch this play out in real life & not just hear it from my friends & a poor quality video. 

Since the party though, I have spoken to Vi more & more. It started out with her checking in on me, probably to make sure we were still cool. Then it turned into simple memes being sent back & forth, then quickly escalated into full-on text conversations, from there. I found it was much easier to talk to her in this way than in-person. I may have noticed my feelings shifting with Vi, but that did not get rid of the intimidation I felt being around any giant’s presence. However, when I texted Vi this morning, continuing a conversation we started last night, I did not get a response back from her. I knew she was home, because I felt her walking around once or twice, so I was not sure why she was avoiding me. Eventually, I texted her to ask “Are you mad at me or something..?” I waited for a while. One hour turned into 2 hours, turned into 3 hours, turning into 4 hours with no response. It was about 3:00pm at this point and when checking my phone to see she still hadn’t read my messages, I decided to give her a call, just in case. I held the phone to my ear, waiting for her to answer. To my immediate relief she did, but she certainly did not sound like Vi. 

I got a groggy voice answering me, which sounded horse and withered, say “hello..?” on the other side. “Vi?” I asked her, not 100% convinced it was her with how tired she sounded. “Yes?” she asked, thinking I needed something, which I was quick to correct “Hey are you alright? You haven't answered any of my texts & although you’re not obligated to, I got worried.” I confessed the last part with no shortage of embarrassment lacing my words. A pause between us made me wonder if I had made her uncomfortable. Vi quietly answered with a sniffle & a cough clearing her throat “I’m sick. My head’s spinning, my nose is stuffed, I have a cough, I’m cold, I feel weak and tired. I haven’t found it in me to text anyone today, sorry.” I felt bad that she felt the need to apologize to me “No, no don’t apologize. I didn’t know you were sick. Anything I can do?” I offered automatically, realizing only after I offered that I must have sounded silly to her. What could I, a small Human, do for her at this moment? I couldn’t go to the store to get her medicine or make her soup. Hell, I can’t even get her another blanket if she wanted it. Vi coughed up a lung on the other end before answering and when she caught her breath replied “No, not much anyone can do right now, really. Just gotta ride this out.” She said in a way to try & spare my feelings. “Alright. Well get plenty of rest, okay?” I say before I go to hang up, but not before an idea hits me. 

“Actually…what’s the passcode to your apartment?” I asked with a mischievous tone I could tell unsettled Vi a little. After she gave the code to me, I say into the phone ���See you in 5” before quickly hanging up on her without letting her respond. I grabbed my guitar & hurried to punch the 4-digit code into the door that separated our spaces. This code is for emergency situations & although not an emergency, I think Vi was going to like my idea. 

As fast as I could, with my guitar in hand, I walked towards Vi’s room. I did stop to admire her apartment space like I’ve never gotten the chance to. Looking high above me, I observed some of the most mundane items, like a dining table, chairs, couch, pairs of shoes by the door & books on the shelf. Except, due to their immense size, I looked at everything with a sense of wonder only giant-sized items could invoke. Anytime I entered her unit, she was always there keeping my attention or a bunch of giants were there to distract me. I marveled at the opportunity to see where Vi lives daily, feeling calmed by idea that her apartment hardly looked any different than my own, outside of stylistic choices. 

I turned to the hallway & notice that Vi’s door is open halfway, giving me more than enough room to enter. When approaching her bedroom, I knock as hard as I can on the doorframe, giving her a heads up I was here. I walk into a very dark room, sans the daylight that shot through the cracks of her window blinds, which gave me enough light to make out her darkened silhouette. I can see her long hair hanging off the side of the bed & I watch her head slowly poke out from behind the blanket, to see me standing in the doorway. Vi’s eyes look tired and her skin pale, even in this light. I could see her muster a small smile but then quickly fade out as I walked closer to her bed. 

“What are you doing here?” She asks me, voice scratchy and obstructed by phlegm. I smiled and held up my guitar “You said there wasn't anything I could do for you, but I thought of something. Do you mind if I sit?” I ask, pointing to a spot directly in front of her line of vision on the floor. Vi shakes her head, confirming she wouldn't mind, but obviously unsure of what I had planned. I find my spot, sitting cross legged while I gaze up at a very sick Vi. “I was hoping a little music might help you feel better…” I say strumming my guitar. 

For a moment I saw Vi’s eyes light up, before the energy in them was dimmed once more by her sickness. I could tell she was hiding a smile behind her blanket while only her eyes were exposed. I started out with something slow & cheerful ‘Here Comes the Sun' by the Beetles. Hoping I wasn't making a fool of myself, I started singing “Here comes the sun, do do do do. Here comes the sun & I say-”

Now, I am not the greatest singer in the world, but in that moment, I felt like it. I would occasionally peer up at Vi from my seated position to see her eyes sparkling at me, glossy & focused. I wasn't sure if it was her cold that was making them do that, but it fueled me to play a second song. I followed ‘Here Comes the Sun’ with Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’. Again I sing to Vi, whose eyes never leave my form. “There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold

And she's buying a stairway to Heaven-” 

When referring to ‘the lady' of the song, I glance at Vi and shoot her a smile, one similar to the one that she keeps hiding behind the blanket. I take my time, playing slowly & not loudly at all, hoping not to disturb her, but rather give what little comfort I could as I strummed.

************************************************

I wasn't sure what Cain was thinking after he called & asked for my apartment code, only to have him hang up once I gave it to him. “Whatever” I thought to myself, putting my phone back on my bedside table, sneezing a few times before blowing my nose and laying back down. I started shivering after having my arms outside the blanket, so I nestled back into my cocoon, covering my whole head when I heard a knocking at my door. I wasn't shocked to see Cain standing there, but what did surprise me was he had his guitar with him. I felt my pale face go red, realizing Cain might intend to play for me. For the first time today, I wasn't focused on how crummy I felt. I watched Cain sit on my floor & start playing ‘Here Comes the Sun' for me. I felt a wave of goosebumps begin crawling up my body for the first few chords. 

I couldn't help but stare in awe at Cain’s gesture. It was the kindest thing someone had done for me in a long time & I couldn't help but tear up as he began singing too. His voice was calming & slow, perfect for acoustic guitar. My heart leapt for joy as he winked at me during the part of the The Beetle’s song: “Little darlin', it's been a long, cold, lonely winter” I felt my smile involuntary sneak onto my face while I hid behind my blanket, trying to play it cool. Inside however, I was tickled by how genuinely sweet he was for doing this. I used my blanket to discreetly dab my tears away when he looked back down at his guitar, watching his hands & making sure he plucked the right strings. Had my voice not sounded like an old hag’s, I would have sang along with him. For now though, I was happy to just listen. 

Cain’s taste in music only got better with each song because after he played ‘Stairway to Heaven', he played ‘Wish You were Here’ by Pink Floyd. I closed my eyes, allowing myself to be carried away by the music, imagining laying under the blue sky with white fluffy clouds passing by & next to me in the soft green grass was Cain, the sun warm on our faces. 

*********************************************************

It wasn't too far into ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, that I watched Vi slowly close her eyes & drift off to sleep. I made sure to finish the song, not sure if she’d really fallen asleep, until I let the last chord fade out. When she didn't open her eyes again & I noticed that her breathing had deepened, I knew my work here was done. I felt a sense of accomplishment that I was able to lull a giant to sleep in under 5 songs. This was going in my portfolio for sure, I joked to myself.

Before standing to take my leave, I just watch Vi sleep for a bit, admiring how she was completely at peace. In a very weird way, she was very beautiful in this moment. I'm sure she covered her face because she didn't feel like it, but I liked seeing what she looked like underneath make-up & the stress of having me as a roommate. In an effort not to disturb her, I slowly put my guitar back in its case and carefully locked it, slow in my movements back to my own unit where I make sure to shoot her a text to wake up to, before closing our shared door behind me: “Sleep well” 

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’ve thrown a lot of angst into this story, I think we needed a change of pace 😉

Sorry the story is a bit short, but the next chapter I am working on is much longer than many of the ones I've written so far.

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[thegodmother007]

My New Neighbor Chapter 11: Apologies

TRIGGER WARNING: This story will eventually contain violence, angst, threat of death, swearing, dark humor, adult themes like sex & drugs, racism, classism, sexism etc. Do not say you have not been warned

Chapter 11:

Slowly I came into consciousness after what felt like one of the deepest sleeps I have ever had, absent of any dreams or thoughts throughout the night. The first sensation to hit me as I regained my senses, was throbbing pain in my head. Keeping in tune with the beating of my heart, sharp pain wrapped itself around my head like a beanie. Next was intense thirst, it felt like my tongue was stuck to the roof of my mouth and I hadn’t seen a drop of water in years. Cracking my eyes open, I can feel they were crusted over, painfully plucking on my eyelashes as I regained my sight. Blurry at first, but slowly my hungover brain started piecing together the visual input I was receiving and I started connecting the dots. 

My hand timidly ran through hair, pulling the rogue strands stuck to my forehead with sweat, away from my face. I rub my eyes, noting that I must have been dead to the world, as once I have the opportunity to look around, I do not recognize where I am. I feel panic seeping into my blood as I look around, my headache reacting to the increased beating of my heart, fed by the fear of being in an unknown place. I see a dresser, enormous in its build, which had bottles of perfume, lotions, boxes of what I can assume is jewelry, & a few miscellaneous items like hair ties and clips. I see the curtains are drawn so I have no idea what time it is. A few pieces of decor are scattered on the wall; a mirror, paintings, a windchime or two & other trinkets. To my right, a bed in the corner of the room larger than an olympic sized pool, already made. A brown comforter with forest green and rust orange pillows, neatly arranged. At the end of the bed, a cream colored knitted blanket, seemingly strategically placed by the owner of the bed. Looking around, I had no idea who the owner of the bed even was. 

I think about last night, memories of being tossed into a pool of beer and being sucked on by a giantess, in between tequila shots, come flooding back. I feel a cold sweat break out, fearing I might be in Myra’s place. What was she going to do with me? She ‘claimed’ me as her ‘drinking buddy' during the party, could she have chosen to take me home as well? Was I now ‘hers’? My stomach dropped at the thought of being used by the giantess again. I look around within my immediate vicinity and see I am shirtless. I look beneath the blanket I am under & see I am only wearing my boxers. Closing the opening in my blanket, I look around to see my clothes are immediately next to my ‘bed.’ My bed seemed to be a folded comforter, or maybe even giant towel, further deepening my fear that Myra took me home with her. To my relief, a few cups of water have been placed next to my bed, the plastic cups look like the ones my friends & I brought for the party to have our drinks in. Without much hesitation, I down 3 cups of the water left for me, the cold liquid soothing my dry & irritated throat. Once I had my fill, my next task was to find my phone. I did not see it around me, so I stuck my hands in all my pants pockets, hoping to locate it. No such luck. My breathing became shallow as I realized that Myra may have taken my phone, intending to keep me here against my will. I thickly swallow and grab my pants, slowly standing on weak & wobbly knees to put them on. 

I stand on the uneven surface of my bed and look around to see where I can get out. My headache continues to pound,  reminding me of its presence behind my eyes, makes finding an escape that much harder. As I look around from a new angle, I see I am on the nightstand of a giant’s room. I walk to the edge, seeing a carpeted floor 30+ft below me. A fall from this height would undoubtedly kill me. That is, if being Myra’s property didn’t kill me first. I froze as I felt the familiar tremors of giant footsteps. Panic freezes my blood and I try to find a place I might be able to hide. Nothing is available, besides the bed I was once laying on. Without any other option, I slid myself back under the covers of my bed and hid there, like a child would hide from the ‘monster’ in their closet. Except, I was hiding from a real monster. I steadied my breathing and laid still as stone as I heard the creaking of the bedroom door slowly open. I dared not look up at Myra, keeping my head under the covers, remembering that the fear I had in my eyes last night just egged her on. I could hear her breathing over me as I balled myself up. 

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I woke up about 8:15am this morning, as seen on my phone screen that sat charging on the nightstand next to Cain. My first concern was to check on Cain, ensuring he had not vomited in his sleep & choked on it. Gently lifting the blanket, I saw he was still clean from last night’s bath. He was still out cold, however not moving, but breathing slowly. He needed to sleep this off, so I quietly creeped out of my bed, making it quickly to give Cain some time to sleep. I grab my phone and close the door behind me, leaving it open a crack in case he wakes up. Walking into my living room, I see the party ended up leaving my place a complete mess. Discarded lime carcasses, cups of stale drinks, salt sprinkled on my table, wrappers from food left scattered and plates with half eaten food on them; all left for me to clean up. With a groan, I grabbed a trash bag from underneath the kitchen sink & started discarding all the refuse in my apartment. 

The entire time, my mind wandered back to Cain & how upset & scared he was. My heart panged with guilt for not being there, for being foolish enough to think the Humans under my care would be safe around my brother’s friends. My hands got sticky as I cleaned up the empty soda cans and sweet wrappers. After about 20min of sorting through personal belongings & garbage, I was able to get everything thrown away. Before I start wiping & disinfecting everything, I check my phone’s notifications to see about 7 messages from various part go-ers, ranging from 9:21pm - 3:44am. Some read “Thanks for the party, sorry it got cut short.” “Heard what happened with Myra & your Human. Hope he’s okay” Others were not as kind “You touch Myra like that again bitch & I will beat ur ass i stg” “Idk why u brought humans to a party when they can’t hang Vi. Lame ass party...” 

I blocked the contacts who were being assholes & stuffed my phone back into my legging’s pockets, starting to clean up once again before Cain woke up. My mind raced at what he would have to say to me once he did wake up. My mind imagines the worst case scenario as I dread having to confront the Human I had hoped to befriend. I felt my hopes being dashed against the rocks, remembering how Myra treated him last night, my anger rising as I recall her arrogant attitude. 

Wiping the sweat from my brow, I see that my apartment is as good as new, smelling lemon fresh once again and not like weed & stale beer. I figured that I would check on Cain before starting on breakfast. If he was awake, I would see if he would let me make him something to eat, or if he wanted me to let him go home. Either way, I would not judge him or resent him for his choices. I crept down the hallway and slowly entered the door to see a lump on Cain’s makeshift bed, moving. Pulling my hair back, I slowly walk up to him and crouch down to be closer to him. “Cain?” I whispered as I gently peeled back the washcloth I had wrapped him in last night. To my utter surprise, I heard a scream emit from the ball of cloth I was slowly peeling away! The sudden yell shocked me so much, I fell onto my back with a loud thunk, finding that in the next moment I was laying on my carpeted bedroom floor, staring at the ceiling. My heartbeat was felt in my ears as I regained my composure. I pushed myself up by my elbows, looking up at the nightstand that stood taller than me in this moment as I recovered from the jump scare. I see Cain’s head pop up & look down on me, laying there with my face pale. “What the fuck, Cain?” I ask breathlessly. “Vi?” I hear him ask with relife in his tone and my face falls in annoyance as who the hell else would it be? 

I sit up, staying at my lower vantage point on the floor, as I look up at Cain “Yea, just me.” I confirm. But I wondered if I had startled him while waking up. “Did I scare you?” I asked genuinely and Cain’s face faltered. “I didn’t know it was you.” He admits, which confuses me. “Who else would it be?” I asked, wondering who in the world would have him scream like that. Cain clears his throat “I- I thought you were Myra. I thought she brought me home or something…” It clicked for me that Cain does not remember anything after Myra’s assault on him. I shook my head “No, you’re in my unit. I kicked Myra & all my brother’s friends out when I saw what they were doing..you know, to you...” I did not want to say it outloud, fearing that I would make Cain re-live it if I did. He nods “Yea, about that…thanks for being there by the way, Vi…” He says with venom in his words, but I deserved that. I hung my head down and nodded “I fucked up, I know I did.” I admit. I look up to Cain who has somehow pulled himself from his makeshift bed and is now standing at the edge of the nightstand without a sound, arms crossed and face red. “I called & texted for help over & over. Where the fuck were you?” He asked me. I felt shame cast its shadow over me. “I’m so sorry…I was outside smoking with a friend and we lost track of time. My phone didn’t have its ringer on and I didn’t see-” I was immediately cut off by Cain “So you left 3 Humans with a ton of drunk & high giants & you thought that was a good idea?” He asks and in hindsight, it wasn’t. 

I shook my head “I don’t know what I was thinking, I-” I got cut off by Cain “No, because you weren’t thinking, Vi! Why would you leave us with your prejudiced friends if you knew that’s how they saw Humans? As playthings?!”  I sat up straighter and my face hardened. “My brother decided to invite a ton of his prejudiced friends that I didn't know about. I never expected they would do that. I thought they’d behave, I didn’t think it would turn out this way.” Cain scoffed “That is an understatement. Do you know how scary that was Vi? To know my one lifeline at a party where I am surrounded by beings 100X my size, was nowhere to be found all night?” I could hear a shaking in his voice as it cracked on the last word. I sat up on my knees and shuffled over to Cain who sits on the edge of his ‘bed’. His head is now in his hands as he breathes deeply. “I thought I was going to die..” He admits and my heart shatters. I wanted to reach out and hug him, to apologize, to hold him in that moment, but I kept my distance. I am sure he didn’t want a Giant touching him right now. I hang my head and feel my chest tighten as I watch Cain reeling over the party “Cain, I am so genuinely sorry. I didn’t know that my brother was inviting those kinds of people. If I knew, I would never have left you alone with them.” Cain doesn’t respond, instead focusing on managing his emotions & breathing. 

As I sat there, waiting for Cain to say something, I remembered something in my pocket that I picked up while cleaning. “I have your phone. I found it on the coffee table..” Gently I place the tiny cell phone at his feet, which he grabs to inspect. He scrolls through a few things, probably checking notifications like I did earlier. I sit down on my bedroom floor and just watch him look at his phone as he scrolls, answering people. Eventually he pauses his scrolling. He watches something intensely & I can barely make out the sound coming from his phone as music and some screams. I didn’t ask him what it was, but periodically looked back over at him as he watched the video. Once finished, he looks at me, with raised eyebrows.  

“You choked Myra?” he asks with a serious look. My heart drops & my face falls as I recall last night’s events & how angry Myra made me with her flippant attitude over harassing Cain. I just stared at him blankly, not sure what to say. Without explanation, Cain flips his phone to face me, where I get as close as I feel I reasonably can, to see what was on the screen. I could make out a couple figures that looked like me & Myra arguing, shot from a POV of someone at the party. More specifically, a Human POV standing on my kitchen counter. The music was too loud to hear what we were saying, but a few moments in, I am on video grabbing her by the throat before my brother steps in, blocking & ruining the shot. When the video ends, everything falls silent between us. After a few beats, I nod “Um..yea..” I confess and wait for Cain’s response. He was quiet for a few moments, piecing together what happened. 

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It was weird seeing Vi worried, especially worried over me. I didn’t give an answer right away, but I could sense she was waiting with bated breath to see what I thought. But I didn’t know what I was thinking at this moment. Was it cathartic to see Myra being tossed around by a ragdoll like she did to us? Yea, a little bit. Was I also still royally pissed that Vi completely left us behind and at the mercy of strange & intoxicated giants? Absolutely. I just stared at Vi as she stared at me, letting the silence blanket us in awkwardness. Her eyes are sincere, almost saying aloud “I’m so sorry..” begging for my forgiveness. I sighed and realized that she was really sorry, but that didn’t immediately fix my anger towards her & the other giant party goers. A small whisper coming from the edge of the nightstand caught my attention though as Vi asked me “Can I make it up to you with some breakfast?” My interest was immediately caught as my hollow stomach begged me for something to eat. “It’s a start..” I say with a lighter tone, which seems to relieve Vi’s anxiety. I sat there, realizing how silly it was that I was unintentionally comforting a giant in this moment. 

Vi slowly stood to her full height once again, towering over me & reminding me just how unbalanced the power dynamic is with giants. Nothing in her gaze & how she looked at me changed though. Her face & eyes remained sincere & full of remorse. But something in my chest felt different. Slowly, I changed how I was feeling towards Vi. Any other giant hovering over me would have felt domineering and threatening, but not with Vi, not right now. Her desire for my forgiveness and approval really put her in a different light, a more equal light. I was not used to a giant valuing the thoughts and opinion of a Human, let alone myself. Shit, it was difficult to get other Humans to respect each other. And I never expected it coming from an 85ft woman. As I ponder this new feeling, her hand slides up towards me, offering it. My blood, once again, ran cold at the idea of crawling into a giant’s hand. In an attempt to avoid that option, I asked “I figured you could bring me breakfast?” and Vi got low to be level with me once again “You’re going to need to get off this nightstand eventually. Don’t worry, I will go slow. I cleaned you off & carried you in here last night with no problems, I will be super careful.” She promised, hoping I would trust- wait. “Wait, you what? Cleaned me off? Is that why I woke up in just my boxers?” I asked surprised, realizing I had been sitting here without a shirt on, the entire time. Quickly, I grabbed my shirt, which was a little damp and squeezed what water I could out of it, confirming to myself that Vi did in fact, take it upon herself to wash me & my shirt off. 

I watched Vi’s face grow red and she sputtered out a quick response to explain away, bathing me while unconscious “Well yea, you threw up on yourself & I didn’t want you sleeping in vomit, so I washed you off while you were blacked out.” I felt myself reeling at the image of Vi bathing my unconscious body without my knowledge. After a moment or two & some vivid imagining, I decided I didn’t mind it all that much, actually. In fact, I kinda wished I was conscious for that part, disappointed that I wasn’t. I stopped what redness threatened to cross my face as I looked back up at her. All I managed to say was “Thank you.” as I still debated getting into her waiting hand. Knowing I had no other real choice, I stood up and walked over to her where I stood next to one of the hands that bathed me & cared for me last night. My hand only covered the tip of her finger. I felt a slight twitch of her skin when it met my palm, undoubtedly she did not notice the twitch. I look at her hand, remembering how callous and dangerous the other giant’s hands were last night. I pull back a moment, looking up at Vi who's been watching me intently this entire time. “It’s okay. Take your time.” She assures me and I take a breath or two before re-trying. I thought of it like an amusement park ride & Vi was the operator. 

Slowly, I step into her hand, feeling the warmth on the bottom of my feet as her skin shifts beneath me. As I step, the skin feels warm and squishy. I use her thumb as a hand-rail and do my best to find my balance as I inch to the center of her palm. I can feel her pulse underneath me, as the weight of where I was rushed over me. I was sitting on a living platform, in the palm of someone’s hand. I looked at my own, imagining from Vi’s perspective what I must look like to her. The one word that comes to mind was “insignificant.” I put my hands down to hold myself level, realizing I’ve shot my own ego down and look up to Vi who gives me a smile. “You ready?” She asks me. I wouldn't have felt ready if Vi hadn't given me such a beautiful smile before asking me. I quietly request “Be gentle?” knowing that my hangover wouldn’t be able to take moving very fast right now. 

With all the care I can imagine Vi could take at her size, her hand slowly lifts me off the nightstand I was trapped on, and into the air, closer to her person. I couldn’t help but look over the edge a little bit, knowing that we are just going to get higher from here once she stands straight. I watched the floor push away from us as she stands, taking me with her all the way up. Once stationary, I look around from my new perspective and take in the view. From up here, everything looked almost to scale with me. I took this brief moment to imagine myself as a Giant and how normal Vi’s room looked from all the way up here. I imagined flopping down on the bed, or being tall enough to grab one of the perfume bottles from her dresser top. I imagine myself being eye-to-eye with Vi and being able to face her without the primal fear of Giants chipping away at my resolve. I turned to look up at Vi, who I see was watching me look around the room like it was the first time. I look away as I become embarrassed for being so interested in her room & my surroundings, it must have looked dumb to her to see the puny human in her hand was so easily entertained. “S-sorry..”

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I watched Cain tentatively walk into my hand, unsure at first, but pushing forward anyways. I admired his courage while holding my breath as he settled into the middle of my palm, afraid that any movement would spook him. Once he was still, he looked up at me to give me the ‘go ahead.’ This felt different, this felt much more..intimate to me than last night did. Last night, Cain was unconscious, unaware, & unmoving. He didn’t need to trust me last night, he didn’t even know where he was at the time. Now, he had to literally put his life into my hands, choosing to do so even after Myra & her friends were so cruel to him. I felt grateful that Cain was still willing to give me a chance, still interested in making our partnership in the apartment work. I bring him close to my chest, being careful not to bump him with my chest. The thought made a rosy red color creep along my face and I felt embarrassed for even thinking of that. Quickly I ignored the flashing images of Cain in his boxer shorts from last night, hair wet and face soft & peaceful…”STOP” I scream internally at myself. Looking down to see if Cain saw my embarrassment, I noticed that he was looking around my room like it was the most interesting thing to him, like he was studying it. I didn’t want to break his concentration on whatever it was he was doing, but it didn’t last long before he turned to me and acted like I had caught him doing something he wasn’t supposed to. “S-sorry..” He says quietly, but just loud enough that I can hear him. “It’s weird being so high up, it feels like I am a Giant just standing in your room, everything looks so normal up here…” He explained and I smiled, “Maybe I should get on the floor one of these days to get an idea of what you see?” Cain didn’t seem opposed to his suggestion and nodded “Wouldn’t hurt.” he says as I turn to leave my room. 

I walk out into the hallway & to my kitchen, holding Cain steadily. “Are you a fan of pancakes?” I asked him before setting him down on the countertop. “Absolutely! You do have syrup though, right?” He asks with a tone that tells me we are going to be okay. 

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I am so sorry for taking so long to post. Life has been busy & my family, health & job have to come first. I was also doing quite a bit of traveling lately so I wasn’t able to devote the time to writing. As much as I would love to say that I will start posting regularly, I know I cannot commit to that right now. I will always do my best to post semi-regularly, but I appreciate any & all support this community gives me! Thank you for reading.

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[thegodmother007]

My New Neighbor Chapter 10: Housewarming Party

TRIGGER WARNING: This story will eventually contain violence, angst, threat of death, swearing, dark humor, adult themes like sex & drugs, racism, classism, sexism etc. Do not say you have not been warned

Chapter 10:

I had been mulling over whether or not to invite Cain to my Housewarming party for a few days now. Bo was going to be there, as well as my parents and a few friends. I knew it was a part of the contract I signed to live here to give my tiny neighbor a heads up if I have gatherings of 3+ within 48hr of the event. With it being a week away, I had some time to think about it. I want him there, but remembered how he reacted seeing me the first few times, clearly Giants overwhelm him. Would I be putting him in an awkward position inviting him to an event that would realistically only have giants there? Not like I had a ton of Human friends I could invite…that is kind of the whole point of living here..I want to meet Humans & make friends. 

“It is at least worth extending the invite” I decided in my brain. For the next 2min I composed a text to Cain to see if he would be interested in going, but ensuring my text expressed there was no pressure on him to say yes. 

“Hey Cain, this is Vi..but, you know that already. Anyways, I am having a housewarming party this Saturday from 3:00pm-whenever. There will be drinks, snacks, I’ll be ordering pizzas for everyone and I will be bringing some products I got for 50% off from work. We’ll be doing games & whatever else we feel like doing. I am inviting my family and a few of my friends. If you’d like to come, you’re welcomed to swing by, seeing as this is your Unit as well, but there is no pressure to come. If you’re busy or something, don’t worry about it.” Send. 

I felt nervous, knowing damn well my brother & father weren't huge fans of Humans, especially considering how many of them view giants as dangerous & monsters. Both of them are guilty of listening to biased podcasts and radio shows, they just indoctrinate themselves & each other all day, even swapping content in our family group chat. Hell, even just moving into this complex & being a part of this program was an argument between my parents & I. Bo was kind enough to keep most of his opinions to himself, but not all of them. Part of me wanted Cain to say he was busy & not come. The other part wanted him there as a ‘Told you so’ to my family who doubted meaningful relationships can come out of co-inhabitation. I waited for Cain’s response as I peeled myself out of bed and began getting ready for the day. 

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I sat in my car having just gotten all my grocery shopping done when I felt a buzzing in my pocket. After turning the car on & getting the AC going, I looked to see who was texting me. My heart skipped a beat & my stomach dropped a little to see Vi’s contact was the one that texted me. Looking at the message, I see it was an invitation to a party. I didn't respond right away, immediately logging onto my Dave & Cruster’s app to see if I was scheduled that night. I was. Damnit. 

“Sounds good. I'll see you there. Would you mind if I invited a few friends?” I hoped Vi wouldn't take offense to the question. But seeing as her friends and family were going to be there, and so that I wasn't grossly outnumbered, I would at least ask. 

“Sure. How many?” She shot back relatively quickly. “I would say about 3-5 friends give or take.” I could see Vi’s typing bubble slide onto my screen & with a swoosh sound, the message popped up “The more the merrier. But bring Human cups & junk, I don't have that.” That was easy enough, I had plenty of paper plates and cups from the last party I held. “See you then 👍🏽” I shot back, keeping it neutral. 

With my blood pressure rising, I shot a mass email to all the Dave & Cruster's staff members: “@Bartending Team is anyone willing to switch their morning shift with my afternoon shift this Saturday?” Almost immediately Justin, a newer bartender who just turned 21, responded with “Dibs. I wouldn't mind sleeping in 😂” This worked out perfectly. “It’s yours. I’ll be in at 7:00am for the breakfast rush then.” I went into the calendar & switched Justin & my shifts around, reflecting the new schedule & forwarding the conversation with Justin to Management to keep them aware. I was going to a giant party this weekend & started texting my friends to see who’d be interested in coming with me.

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I stood by the kitchen counter reading Cain’s messages back to me. My heart sank a little to see Cain’s confirmation, but at the same time, I was excited that he felt comfortable enough to accept the invite. The realization hit me then, that I was going to have a gaggle of Humans in my apartment. Including Cain, I was about to have 4-6 Humans in my place & looking around, it didn’t seem very accessible to the human guests I was about to have in my home. I was going to need to do something about that.

Saturday - 2:45pm

The ladders for the Humans were in place in case they wanted to climb up to the coffee table. On the coffee table, were smaller seating areas and tables I bought from a giant doll enthusiast on Eepsy. Replicas of Human anything were always cheaper than getting the real thing, a deal I couldn’t pass up. I felt pretty proud of myself, seeing as I did everything I could to prepare for the smaller guests coming. As I put the finishing touches on the coffee table, I hear a buzzing at the door. I jumped from my crouched position and went to my speaker “Yes?” I inquired, wondering which one of my guests got here first. “Hillevia, it’s your favorite brother and I come with mead, let me in!” I smile, taking the opportunity to annoy my brother since those don’t come around all that much anymore. “What’s the password?” I asked indignantly. I tune in to hear my brother scoffing and groaning “I don’t know…uh Bo is the greatest of all time?” He suggests but I bellow “Yea, because THAT’S a password I would pick. Try again.” I insist and I can feel him rolling his eyes. “I don’t know! What about ‘unicorns are Vi’s favorite’?” I laughed and shook my head “Not even close!” I knew that Bo knew exactly what I wanted to hear. I waited and he paused, his will to hold out fading away along with the strength in his arms holding the bottles of mead he brought. “I’m waiting…” I say over the speaker only to hear Bo get quiet “Fine. Vi’s the best…” I took satisfaction in my brother’s hilarious suffering, but was not going to allow him to get away with only ½ of the password. “Aaanndd?” I asked with a raised brow. “...And she is smarter than me in every way. Vi just open the damn door, my arms are tired and I drove an hour to get here!” Finally getting what I wanted, I buzzed him in. 

“Baby sister!” Bo says as he places his mead bottles & drink cases on the kitchen counter. I am soon embraced with a spine crushing hug as I breathlessly ask mercy. I was dropped from where Bo had me in a suspended hug and catch my breath “Good to see you too, Bo.” I slap his shoulder and crack my spine back into place. I watch Bo walk around and seemingly inspect the apartment “Not bad, this is a nice unit you’ve got here. Where’s your human?” He asks looking around on the floor for him, as though I just keep Cain in my place. “Uh, he’s not here yet? You’re early.” I remind and Bo shrugs “I was hoping to say “Hi” to the little guy, maybe hold & play with him a bit.” I cringed at Bo’s choice of language, feeling the familiarity of the diminishment of humans I was often exposed to growing up. “He is not a pet, Bo. I haven’t even held him yet. And don’t you go using that kind of language around him & the other Humans he is bringing with him. I don’t want them thinking I am related to an Ethocentrist…” I warned with an icy tone. My brother, as unserious as ever, waves me off “Don’t you worry kid, I know how to behave. We have a few of them working at our construction site. Of course, they are more suited to be dispatchers, inventory managers & financial analysts..you know, the cushy jobs.” I felt my face growing a bit hot as I became more annoyed. “All jobs have their own challenges, don’t act like your job is more important, Bo.” I say as I begin to pour some chips into bowls and set out plates. 

“Whaaat? I didn't say anything that wasn’t the truth. Humans are better at being in their comfy little offices doing the light & easy work. I & my team are out there making a difference in the world, building homes and businesses, breaking ground on untamable land that was otherwise left alone by the humans because it was ‘too hard’” he says in a baby voice at the last part. 

I turn and shoot him a look “Don’t start that shit, Bjorn. I have Humans coming over as well and I don’t need you scaring them off or getting Dad all worked up. If you don’t follow my rules, I will kick both you & dad out. This is my housewarming party & my home. You will respect my human & treat him as an equal. I will even call dad right now to tell him the same thing-” Before I could do that, Bo interrupts my dialing “Dad isn’t coming. Mom caught the cold that dad is still getting over & asked me to tell you. They didn’t want to get anyone sick so they had me bring you your favorite seltzers on their behalf as a housewarming gift.” A rush of relief flowed over me, followed closely by disappointment. I look more closely to the seltzers he brough & they were in fact, my favorite. “Alright then, I’ll just text them later after the party. But don’t forget what I said Bjorn Berg, I am serious.” With palms up in the air in a surrender pose, Bo smirks “Okay okay, no need to go breaking out the full name now. I’ll behave myself….Hillevia Berg.” 

It wasn’t long until my friends showed up to the party, each one bringing something to share or to drink with the rest of us. As they poured in, I realized Bo invited more of his friends than I did. But a party was a party & I was not about to be picky over who joined us. I laid out the cannabis products I got from work, instructing those who wish to partake, to take it outside to smoke, forbidding them to smoke it inside. I kept looking at the door to Cain’s unit, waiting for him & his friends to show up, hoping that I wasn’t making a fool of myself with having a human set up & no humans to use it. 

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Just in time was I able to clean up from this morning’s shift at Dave & Cruster’s & rush home to shower. My friends started showing up to my place at 4:00pm, each one with food & drinks in hand. On such short notice, only 2 of my friends could make it: Brenden and Foster, both who I have roomed with before & who still room with each other now. I gave them both the run-down of what was happening tonight, but felt it was necessary to re-cap everything before we buzz in. 

“Remember, giants don’t like their intelligence challenged & we are guests in Vi’s unit, so try to be nice to her.” I realized how pathetic I sounded just then, looking at Foster who places a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll behave, we are just excited to go to our first giant party & to see what it is like. We don’t plan on getting too wild.” I stepped back, knowing these two goons like the back of my hand “And don’t you go telling Vi anything about what I told you before when she walked out in the towel. That is bro-code, don’t go breaking it.” Brenden laughs and grabs the small cooler of mix & match drinks he brought “Can we just go? The party started an hour ago & I am starving, I was told there would be giant pizza!” He joked as I walked to the buzzer, holding my own tray of pigs in a blanket I took from Dave & Crusters. I press the button, hearing the chatter behind the wall dull down a bit with the echo of my buzzer catching the attention of the room. My door buzzes in return and with a shaky breath, I open the door for Brenden & Foster to walk through, both of them with full hands and distracted by their excitement. A few seconds after walking in, both have stopped in front of the door, looking towards the ceiling, silently staring. I follow them both, looking past them to see a group of about a dozen giants staring at us three, none of them looking familiar. They were huge & imposing. Some stood closer to my door than I would have liked, but many of them offered smiles to our little troop as we entered. It was only a few seconds of staring until Vi squeezed past the group, angrily whispering to her friends to “Stop staring!” and offer me a smile, coming down on one knee to be closer to our level. 

Both Brenden and Foster took a tentative step back as Vi’s knee crashed into the floor, sending reverberations up our bodies. I felt that rush of adrenaline I have become familiar with when I am around Vi. Now, it was magnified 100X because of all her friends watching us now. “Glad you made it!” Vi says to me & the boys. I place my hands on the backs of both of my friends and push them forward “Thank you for inviting us!” I call up to her. Brenden and Foster are both a bit pale, Foster is quieter than I have heard him in years. “Where can we put our cooler and food?” I asked, looking on the floor of the apartment to see no Human accommodations. I watch Vi motion to the ladder she installed on the side of her coffee table “I can take your things up to the coffee table area while you climb up. I have seating & tables up here for you, away from footsteps.” It seems Vi really made an effort in planning this out for her Humans guests. “Will there be more of you joining?” Vi asked and I shook my head “Unfortunately, no. All my other friends work at Dave & Crusters tonight. But I am sure you’ll eventually meet Brittany & Huan.” I assure, feeling a sense of confidence that faking-it-till-you-make-it will give you if you believe it enough. With a slow hand, Vi reaches out for Brenden’s cooler and Foster’s bag of chips that he brought. I was able to hand Vi my tray of pigs in a blanket without much hesitation, my main concern being that she might drop them. With hardly any effort at all, Vi places our items on the top of the coffee table, turning to watch us climb the ladder. 

I feel all eyes on us as we slowly make our ways to the ladder to climb up. None of the other giants have greeted us yet, but I didn’t take offense to it right away, I figured this would take some time, all things considered. The music continued to play in the background & a few of the giants continued their conversations, resuming the party as it once was. I let Brenden and Foster go up first, Vi carefully watching them both as they hike themselves to the top of the ladder after a few moments of climbing. Now that it was my turn, Vi looks to me and asks “Would you like any help getting up there?” offering me her hand, pushing it forward slightly while hovering the floor. I was stunned at the question, not quite understanding why she was asking me, when I was as capable as Brenden & Foster of getting up there on my own. “Uh, I am okay? I got it.” I said gripping the handhelds of the ladder, scrambling up quickly to show Vi how physically capable I can be. I easily beat the climb time of both Brenden & Foster, careful to hide any heavy breathing I might have had reaching the top. 

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I felt another wave of disappointment when Cain rejected my help getting onto the coffee table. “Not a good time to ask” I reprimanded myself internally. Holding someone for the first time is not something most would do casually. I stood up to my full stature once I saw Cain was on top of the coffee table. “See how fast I climbed that thing?” He calls up to me “I didn’t even need your help!” He laughs and I laugh along with him. This was a pride thing, I could tell by the cocky way he planted his hands on his hips, victoriously. I lean down, hands on my knees “I see that!. Tell me, are you guys hungry? The pizza just got here, can I cut you a slice?” Just then, Cain’s little friend Brenden scurries forward towards Cain & I where he stands on the edge of the coffee table “Can we have pepperoni!?” He asks me much like a child would. “Yea! Whichever one you guys want, I would be happy to-” I was cut off by Brenden fist pumping the air “I have always wanted to try giant pizza!” I laugh at his misplaced enthusiasm. “It’s just like regular pizza, Brenden. No difference in taste.” I assure but he shakes his head “Yes but it’s all you can eat..for us, I mean.” He says sheepishly and I laughed again “Good point. Let me grab you guys a slice, okay?” I already liked his friend Brenden, he seemed eager to socialize with me & hopefully the other party guests. 

I carefully picked a piece that had plenty of pepperoni, so they could have the full experience of ‘giant pizza.’ Getting side tracked a few minutes here & there grabbing drinks for people and taking a hit or two off some more generous guest’s pens, I return with a slice for them to share. Much to my surprise, my brother’s friend Myra was on the couch, talking to Cain & his friends. Myra was very social, she could (and will) talk to anyone given the chance. Brenden seemed to be the focus of her attention at the moment, Foster & Cain having taken seats next to each other among the set of chairs I had laid out. Cain’s face, from where I could tell, lit up seeing the pizza as I approached. “Your pizza, gentlemen?” I say in an all-too-cheesy French accent. Brenden, having the attention span of a hamster, stopped the conversation with Myra and turned towards the enormous slice of pizza they saw I was giving them. “This is all for us?” Brenden asked with vigor. “Yes, this is for all 3 of you. Enjoy & let me know if you need anything else.” I get up to turn away when I hear Cain shout to me “Wait!” I turn to see him half out of his seat, pausing when we made eye contact. “Are you going to eat with us?” He asked me and I shook my head ‘no’. “I got invited out to the balcony to smoke, actually. I was going to do that.” I explained, just to see Cain’s face fall before he quickly righted himself and nodded. I watched him turn to the pizza and, like anyone would try, take a bite from the huge pizza. Brenden wastes no time chowing down & Foster seems to be picking pieces off the pizza in a more polite way. I laughed and turned to the balcony where I am handed a joint someone rolled prior to the party. 

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I watched Vi turn away and disappear into the group, feeling shot down. I figured there was no use dwelling & ignoring the pizza wouldn't help, it would get cold soon. I start going for it along with Brenden but find that Foster’s method of eating was way less embarrassing. “So..” a charming voice rings out from above us on the coffee table. I look to see Myra, the giantess who introduced herself to us after Vi walked away to get our pizza. “You boys like party games?” She asks the lot of us. Brenden with full cheeks asks “What kind of games?” Myra’s toothy smile gave me a dreadful feeling in the pit of my stomach. 

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I was chilling on the balcony, smoking a joint my friend Erika brought, talking about anything & everything. “So the blonde human is your Unit Partner then?” Erika asks “Yea, that's him.” I confirm, taking a drag of joint. “The same one who insisted you were stupid?” I scoffed “Yea. But he apologized. He brought me a whole pizza, actually.” I say with a smirk. Erika questions “A human sized pizza?” She asks with a giggle. “Yea, but it was the thought that counted.” I assure and she sits back against her chair “Yea, that's true. At least he was sorry. Not all humans are right away.” I interject “Neither are Giants..” and Erika raises the joint in the air “I hear that!” She laughs, taking a hit herself. “How is he otherwise?” She asks, obviously curious about having a human roommate. “He's awkward & gets shy pretty easily.” Erika nods with a shrug “I can see why..”

That response puzzled me “Why?” I asked, sitting back up & looking at Erika. Erika looks back at me & gives me an up and down. “Babe, you're 85ft when the average woman is like, 60-65ft tall and don't take this the wrong way, but you have RFB real bad. You are also not very petite, you look like you could snap someone in half & give a chance you probably would. I’m sorry but not a lot about you screams ‘approachable’ you know?” I sat there shocked because I disagree completely. “I am totally approachable!” I argue and Erika rolls her eyes “To any giant, you're a fairly normal woman, they aren't worried about approaching you as much & once they get to know you, they can see you're a huge softie. But they have to approach you first. Can you blame Humans for not approaching you?” 

I sat with that & pondered it a while. In my concentration, I felt a buzzing in my pocket. Before I had a chance to pull my phone out, another friend, Tyla, pops her heart out of the door “Tequila shots for whoever is interested!” She calls out to those on the patio. I wasn't a drinker, so I opted out & checked my phone instead. I felt my stomach drop to my feet looking at my notifications screen. ‘4 missed calls from Cain’ ‘7 missed texts from Cain’ ‘2 voicemails from contact: Cain'. Quickly opening my phone, I read the texts: 

5:58pm: “Where r u?”

6:17pm: “ur friend Myra is getting 2 close for comfort & I don't like how these people r looking at me. can u please come in here?”

Missed call

6:31pm: “dude Myra is being super pushy & a few others are asking me n the boys if we wanna do beer pong. I think you need to come here NOW.” 

Missed call

6:37pm: “VI HELP PLEASE!!!!” 

Missed call

6:56pm: “Vi I feel vry unsafe. 1 of ur friends pushed me into a beer cup he lost in beer pong & drank from it w me in it. I'm drunk AF & I'm fuckin soaked & freezing rn. They're talking about human flavor or smthin making alcohol taste better an laughing but this isn't fuckin funny. I need help PLEASE. Foster was taken somewhere idk & Brenden is being used as a salt lick. This isn't funl, plz help…” 

Missed call

7:03pm: Vi pick up the goddamn phone NOW PLEASE!!! I might need to call the police if ur not in here in the next few min. I'm on the verge of panicking. FFS I NEED YOU TO GET IN HERE!!!! THEY ARE GETTING SALT OUT FOR TEQUILA SHOTS. SOS HELP!!”

7:04pm: “they gunna ajjlopkl” 

That last text from Cain made no sense but it didn't need to. I shot out of my chair, much to Erika's surprise & opened the sliding glass door of my balcony with so much force it fell off its track, but I didn't care. I needed to find Cain. “Cain?!” I shouted over the music which got considerably louder since I've been in here. Not only that, but I see more people have shown up since I have been on the balcony, cramming my apartment over its capacity. It was like pushing your way through a can of sardines. As I push my way past people, I look to the oven clock to see I've been outside longer than an hour. I look around the room frantically searching for the three boys. Almost immediately I spot Foster on the countertop, talking to one of the giantesses here, seemingly okay & unscathed. Looking around the room, I spot Brenden who is looking like he is rejecting something being asked of him. A giant, with buzzed brunette hair grabs him in a loose fist, bringing him towards a cup of beer. I could hear Brenden asking to be put down, pushing on the fingers of the giant who held him. I make a beeline for them, getting in the face of the giant who I recognized as one of my brother’s idiot friends. “And what the fuck are you doing?! Absolutely not, give him to me, now!” I shout over the music, holding my hands out. Gregg, my brother's idiot friend snorts “Awe what? Little dude is a party animal! He’s fine Vi, we were doing karaoke earlier & we’re playing ‘Truth or Dare’. He refused the dare so it's his turn to drink!” He begins to bring the cup back up to Brenden’s face, who pushes against the rim of the glass, forcing it away from him as his face turns green from how much drinking he was doing in such a short time. 

Gregg notices this and quickly shoves Brenden into my hands “Oh man, he's about to blow, you can take em’ now!” He insists as he hastily returns to the game the others were playing. After a moment of watching Gregg walk away, Brenden does in fact, throw up in my hands; his little body trembling as he sits on all fours and catches his breath between heaves. His hands grip the skin of my palm as he throws up a second time, I feel his nails digging into the thick flesh of my palm. I didn't say anything or chastise him for it, though. “Get it all out Brenden. Are you okay?” I ask him. All I got in return was a silent head shaking ‘no’ as he remained on all fours, still looking downward. I look around to see Foster still on the countertop with a giantess I recognized as one of my old classmates, Aubrey. I walk over to them both, lowering Brenden to Foster’s level.  Foster takes one good look at Brenden & is disgusted to see what a complete mess he was. “Foster, please, I need you to take him. I gotta find Cain.” I tilt my hands downward for Brenden to slide off. Aubrey starts cooing as Foster helped Brenden off my hand “Oh you poor thing. Let me get you some water..” she gets up, tending to Brenden along with Foster. I quickly go to wash my hands of the throw up Brenden so graciously left in my palm before looking for Cain. 

Drying my hands on my shirt, I look around the party to see if I can spot him. I push my way past the others to the coffee table where I see Cain’s phone was left on the table. “Shit.” Was all I could say as the dots connected for me in that moment. I turn, shouting “Cain?!” I slowly scan the party & look to my small dining room table where, for a fraction of a second, I spot my salt shaker. Remembering what Cain’s texts said, I shoulder my way through the crowd & towards the table, shoving aside these strangers I didn’t know. My face paled at the sight of Cain being suspended in air, held by his wrists and ankles by Myra, stretched out & shirtless. He was glistening wet as he writhed in her hands. Another Giant sprinkles salt on Cain’s exposed torso as he yells for them to let him go. Myra seductively licks Cain’s body, wrapping her tongue around his ribs, even going as far as to put her whole mouth around his waist and suck. I felt my nerves light on fire as I yell “HEY!” The loudest I’d yelled in a long time. 

The people around me, Myra included, look at me who stands there with fists balled. She takes her mouth off Cain, where I can see the light indents of bite marks on his body. No blood, but I could see Cain looking at me with pleading eyes. I push the women who are separating me from Myra, aside, as I march over to her. “That is my Human. Give him to me NOW.” I instructed but Myra laughed “Lighten up Vi, it's a party, he’s fine! He's our salt lick. Speaking of which..” Myra continues holding Cain, except this time, uses the hand that she was holding his ankles with, to grab a shot of tequila and shoot it. I place my hand under Cain’s body to take the pressure off being dangled from his arms. To my relief, Myra drops him into my hand where he crumples like wet paper. She gives a quick “Woohoo!” As her posse cheers her on & hands her a lime. 

I was infuriated but had more pressing matters to attend to. I turn away from Myra and hold Cain up to my eyes, looking him over carefully. He sits on his knees, hunched over and protecting his head. He shakes uncontrollably & I can hear him crying in between hyperventilation. My soul breaks in two at the sight of Cain. In this moment he was so small, so fragile and vulnerable. He put up a good front all this time because this was a completely different Cain than the one I've come to know. He weighed practically nothing sitting in my palm, yet his presence weighed heavily on my heart looking at him, cowering. I gingerly walk towards the countertop, carful not to jostle Cain, where Aubrey is helping gently clean Brenden. He has more color to his cheeks now since I've seen him last, which was a great sign. “One more” I say as I tilt Cain into Abrey’s awaiting hand that laid on the countertop, giving Cain more solid ground. I watch him tentatively as Foster helps Cain up, his eyes casted downward as he stumbles off Aubrey’s palm. 

I turn away from the countertop and walk back towards Myra. Of who, is looking for her salt lick that I took away. “Hey, why's you take my drinking buddy away?” She asks with a haphazard tone, not quite understanding the gravity of the situation. “You all need to leave.” I said coldly and curly. Myra folds her arms and twists her face and confusion “What? Why? Because we were having fun with your human?” I get chest to chest with Myra, standing a whole head and a half taller than her “Because if you don't leave in the next 30 seconds, we're going to have a fucking problem.” A few more people gather around, listening to the confrontation, some of them upset with me for trying to end the party & others trying to intervene in the confrontation. 

Myra, with liquid courage flowing through her veins, pushes me back with everything she had, causing me to stumble a few steps. “You can get the fuck out of my face, kid. Bo invited us, so if you have a problem, take it up with him.” It was at that statement I started seeing nothing but red. Without thinking, I stand back up and grab Myra's throat, lifting her a good couple feet off the ground. Her hands and her perfectly manicured nails start scraching at my grip around her throat, choking for a breath, legs kicking for any ground at all. A few of her friends yell in shock, urging me to put her down. 

It was at that point that I felt a strong hand on my shoulder “Aye aye aye! What's all the commotion, what's the problem here?” I tossed Myra away from me, into her group of friends who were cheering her on earlier, catch her with their bodies.  My brother turns me to face him, wondering why I was assaulting his friend. “You can get out too” I say starkly to my brother before he can get a word in edgewise. He looks confused, unsure of what happened. “Did I miss something?” He asks dumbfounded. 

“Yeah, you and your dumbass friends have treated my guests like second class citizens, like TOYS! Your friend over here? She was using my buddy as a salt lick and he wanted no part of it. He was begging her to stop, but she didn't. You are lucky, if you weren't standing here right now, I would have beaten the shit out of her. So instead, I’m shutting the party down. You & all your friends can get the hell out.” Bo backs up a bit and tries to deescalate the situation. “Ladies, can't we just let water stay under the bridge? Any guy who's well…a guy…would love to be Myra’s salt lick. C’mon, that's every guys fantasy right there, isn't it? Sucked on by a giant woman? I would have traded places with him in a minute!” He tries to joke his way out of this but I was done. “GET THE HELL OUT OF MY APARTMENT BJORN & ALL YOUR FRIENDS TOO!” I shout, pushing Bo away from me. 

The party came to a halt as someone stopped the music, a deafening silence falling over the party, all eyes on the argument ensuing.  I look around to see everyone standing still & staring. “PARTY IS OVER, GET OUT!!” I scream punching a hole in my wall in pure anger, which seemed to get a reaction from the crowd. People start grabbing their jackets, shoes they left & people they picked up. 

After only a few minutes, my apartment was empty, say for Aubrey, Erika & Bjorn. Bo walks away from me, grabbing his alcohol from the countertop. “This was supposed to be a party Vi. If they can’t handle being at a Giant’s party, maybe they shouldn't come.” He says as he proudly exits out the front door. I slam it behind him, with punctuating force.

Once the wall stopped shaking, I turn to see Erika & Aubrey are tending to Cain & Brenden. Erika has covered Cain in a bandana she had on her, and he uses it as a blanket. I walk up to Cain & his friends, swiping the drywall from my knuckles. Foster & Brennen, both who are talking to Cain & rubbing his back, look up at me. I feel a deep seeded embarrassment within me sprouting at the sight of their gazes. I could do nothing to change what happened & could do nothing else but apologize. I lower myself to be closer to their eye levels. “I am so..so sorry you guys. My brother invited all of his friends without me knowing. I wouldn't have invited you if I knew he planned on inviting more than just a couple friends. Are any of you hurt?” 

Brenden looks at Foster, who gives him a tentative look, one that didn't give me much comfort. “We’re both fine. Brenden is going to be hungover as fuck tomorrow, but he’s already drank two Liquid IV’s, so we’ll see. Cain on the other hand…” Foster lifts up the bandana to expose Cain’s bruises. On his arms & torso, he is covered in bruises & hickies. Although nothing broken, he was clearly hurt. “Cain, oh my Gods..” I reach for him instinctivly, but at the sight of my hand, he flinches & recoils in on himself. I felt a tear prick at my eye, but I was still far too angry to let it fall. 

“Cain?” I ask softly. “I am so sorry about what happened. Are you going to be okay?” Cain’s hands move the bandana covering his face, away “I jusst need to go home...Iiiii- don't feel ssso good. They gave me a looot to drink & my head really hurtsss” he says in a weak & slurred voice. I worried he had a possible concussion & alcohol poisoning. Aubrey & Erika both look concerned, looking at me. “Someone needs to stay with him” Aubrey says, looking to the boys in the countertop. Both look stressed “Uh. We both have work in the morning, we were going to leave at 8pm..” they say sheepishly. I felt a compelling to volunteer. “I’ll stay with him. Or, rather, he'll stay with me. I'll have him sleep here tonight to keep an eye on him. I took off for tomorrow, I can handle it.” Foster looks to Brenden “Should we really leave him with a Giant right now?” As soon as he said it, he looks to the giantesses that surround him with a “No offense” to punctuate what he was trying to say. Brenden nodded “I have maximum attendance points at work right now & you just started your job. Let her do it. Neither of us can afford to lose a job right now.” 

Cain rolls over, attempting to stand while engaging in the conversation happening on his behalf “No I can ssssleep this off, I'll be ooooh-kay.” As he stands, he immediately falls into Foster who anticipated catching him. “This is the drunkest I've seen him in a while. Take good care of him, okay?” Foster asks me. “Of course..” I respond as Foster supports Cain’s weight upright. I gently position my cupped hand behind Cain, Foster laying him in my palm slowly. Cain's head was clearly spinning as I lifted him off the countertop. 

Cain was having a difficult time keeping his eyes open at all as I brought him closer to me. I felt his breathing had slowed down a bit & he was broken out in cold sweats. I grab the bandana & lay it over Cain, who grips it & pulls it towards him. I look to Brenden & Foster “Thank you guys for coming. I'm sorry how it ended up.” Brenden nods and Foster scoffs “I had a great time” he says winking at Aubrey who giggles a little as she stands, offering her hand to both of the boys. I didn't have the energy to ask about that right now.  As I turned towards the hallway that led to my bedroom, I see Brenden & Foster, both safely in Aubrey’s hand, leave with her & Erika. “I'll text you tomorrow” I assure my friends as they waived goodbye. 

I look to Cain who had, without me noticing, thrown up in my hand and on himself. I sigh. “This is going to be a long night..” I say to myself as I walk to the bathroom to clean him up. 

AUTHOR'S NOTE: An extra long story for ya'll this week! Thank you for the continued support of my story. I apologize that I have not been able to get these chapters out as much as I would like. I have decided that I will be putting chapters out as I am able, not going to force myself to try & get them out every single Friday, as with a full time job, hobbies, friends & family, I find I am often busy. Thank you for understanding :)

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[thegodmother007]

My New Neighbor Chapter 2: Close Call with Neighbors

TRIGGER WARNING: This story will eventually contain violence, angst, threat of death, swearing, dark humor, adult themes like sex & drugs, racism, classism, sexism etc. Do not say you have not been warned

It’s been a busy month for me but I am finally settled into my new place & getting the hang of the new job. I was lucky enough to have been bartending at Dave & Cruster’s prior to my move, so a transfer to the closest location to my new place was the easiest part of my transition, so far. Everything else has been..a challenge, putting it lightly. On my move-in day, I encountered quite a few comments about how my furniture looked like “Doll’s furniture” by some of the giant apartment residents passing by. A few times, I turned to see a few of them watching me struggle with furniture they could have held in their hands. I felt a sense of embarrassment when I noticed them staring, but I tried not to let it show. I reminded myself multiple times that Humans have their strengths & weaknesses and giants have their strengths & weaknesses. I am great at other things like my bartending, I am a fantastic guitar player (at least I would like to think so) & I can make a mean steak. I doubt any other resident of the apartment complex can claim all three of those things. 

In the days following moving in, I experienced first hand how careless the other residents can be. On a Tuesday afternoon, I was headed out of my place to start my 2pm-10pm shift at Cruster’s but was unnecessarily stopped from getting into my mustang. A giant man was on his porch, smoking what smelled like a spliff, which would have been fine IF he was not supposed to be watching his son. When I entered the parking lot, I noticed his son, a giant himself easily towering almost 40ft, playing with his toy cars, scattered around  my very real car. I quickened my pace, shoving my fear of the giant child aside, keeping my eyes on my baby, my Ford Mustang GT. “Hey!” I yelled towards the child who, as curiosity would have it, finally picked up my car to inspect it, like one of his toys. I ran towards the child who sits cross-legged in the parking lot. The boy’s attention gravitates towards me & my yelling “Put my car down, now! That is not a toy & you should not be touching it!” I stopped running towards the kid when I noticed a surprised look and a twinkle of mischief shining in his eye. He looked at my car, then back down at me, where I could see the gears in his mind turning. With the hand closest to me, he reaches over towards me, trying to grab me. I was lucky though, as his first attempt at snatching me up was missed. I backed up quickly as the child went to stand, my baby still in his hand. I kept my eyes on him as I backed away, noticing the sticky finger prints he was leaving on the black paint of my freshly waxed mustang. Once the kid stood, he towered over me, blocking out the sun that shone behind him. My nerves were on fire as my instinct to run kicked in, but I did not want to leave my car in the hands of a child who could cost me thousands in damage. However, it was clear upon the first step he took towards me, that running was my best option. I turned and ran as fast as my legs would take me, which compared to the kid, wasn’t very fast. I spotted the father again, who from a distance, was trying to make out what his son was doing. “Sir! Please help me!” I called out to the man who was now standing up, aware of the unfolding situation. I look behind me to see the smile on the child’s face as he has caught up to me and was swiftly reaching down to grab me once again. Thankfully, the deep thunder of his father’s voice rang out “DYLAN!” He shouted, which stopped both of us in our tracks. Dylan looked up to his father who was now marching over to where his son & I were in the parking lot. As the huge man approached, I was not sure how thankful I was that he was intervening, as the closer he got, the weaker my legs felt. 

I did what I could not to hurt my neck when I looked up, up, up to the father’s face, which peered down to where I was. Dylan’s father noticed that his son held a car which did not belong to him or belong to the collection he brought outside. With one word, Dylan’s father was able to force the child to follow the directions I failed at, earlier. “Gimme” his father said in a stern and cold voice, holding out his hand to his son, who promptly handed him my Ford Mustang. The father inspected it and for a moment, I wondered if he planned on keeping it for himself. It was not unheard of for a giant to collect cars, as they did not have access to them personally. Cars were strictly a human thing, while giants were tasked with walking, biking or commuting via train or trolly. My thoughts were interrupted by the father directing his child to “Get inside.” Which was met with little protest besides an annoyed sigh from Dylan. Once Dylan left, his father looked to me, who was doing everything in my power not to shake or seem intimidated. His father gently placed my car down next to me, while taking a knee “I don’t see any damage to the vehicle.” He says, not considering the damage to my pride, but I say nothing in return. His knee thudded with a noticeable tremor into the concrete of the parking lot, which I could feel up my spine. He crouches down, laying a hand on the ground next to me, examining me next. “Are you new to the apartment?” He asks me, undoubtedly getting a closer look at the Human he does not recognize. “Y-yes” I said with a humiliating crack to my voice, which I was quick to cover with a clearing of my throat & further elaboration “Yes, I moved in this last week. I’m Cain” I said with a deep bow. Shaking hands with a giant was not customary, as the danger of injury was ever present, so you bow as an alternative. The man nodded his head at me, as an informal bow back to me. “My name is Brax, been living here for about a year and a half, give or take. Not many humans live in this complex, I wasn’t sure if they were even offering the housing program anymore seeing as so few humans took advantage of it.” He is trying to strike up a conversation with me, great. Just what I needed after narrowly escaping his son’s attempt at playing with me like I was one of his toys. But what else can I do in this situation besides make nice with the man who was easily 75 feet  tall and was just holding my car in his hand. I take a breath and put on the false bravado that gets me tips at work & got me accepted into the program “Well, you can’t beat these rent prices! It was just too good to pass up!” I say trying to make light of the situation, hoping to get rid of the feeling of body numbing fear I had at this moment. The giant man nods his head in agreement “You’ve got that right! I figured it was a really good way to introduce my children to humans, now that we’re integrated. Which, by the way, sorry about Dylan.” The man brings an embarrassed hand to the back of his neck where he rubs it anxiously. “He is a handful and often gets into things he shouldn’t. I usually let him play with his cars in the parking lot because no one ever parks here, until now. I’ll have him play with his cars somewhere else, out of your way.” I couldn’t help but let my jaw go slack for a moment as he apologized for his son’s behavior. I was quick to close my mouth before I caught some flies & was noticed. “I-um, yes that would be great, thank you. And don’t worry, kids are going to be kids, right?” I wondered if there was more to what he was going to say. But he didn’t, he smiled and rolled his eyes “You’re telling me. But let me get out of your way, Cain, I need to go have a talk with Dylan.” He said, giving me a wink as he stood, which both comforted me and unsettled me. I hope he is not too much of a disciplinarian, I would hate to be on Dylan’s bad side.

All I did was wave back at Brax as he turned to leave, his sandaled feet shaking the ground with every titanic step he took back towards his home. I got in my car with bile seeping up my throat as I spotted the ghosts of grimy fingerprints on my windows. I thought back to 5 minutes ago, when Dylan’s hand was wrapped around my vehicle. I anxiously thought about how different this story would have been if I were already in my car when he grabbed it. I couldn't jump out & scream for help like I had earlier. There would be no way out unless the boy let me go. I recall the flash of mischief I saw in his eye when he decided to pick up my car. I remember the look of desire he had when looking at me, like I was a shiny new toy for him to break. My mind was racing with all the possible outcomes that could have happened today, leading me to have to stop a panic attack from coming on before my shift. 

I stroked the dashboard of my car, as if it was the one about to have a panic attack, when the reality was it was me who needed comforting. I assured myself that I was okay & my baby was okay, trusting that Brax would ensure Dylan stays away from me. A few moments of breathing later, a wave of relief washed over me when I started the car up with no issues. The revving of her engine was enough to send goosebumps up my arms as I listened to her purr. “Thank God” I thought to myself. Last thing I want to do is go back to Brax & ask him for compensation for the damages his kid made to my car. “If I had it my way, I would never have to talk to either of them again.” I thought as I pulled out of the parking lot, hoping to God my shift would be an easy one. 

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[thegodmother007]

My New Neighbor Chapter 3: A Bad Day...A VERY Bad Day

TRIGGER WARNING: This story will eventually contain violence, angst, threat of death, swearing, dark humor, adult themes like sex & drugs, racism, classism, sexism etc. Do not say you have not been warned

Chapter 3: A Bad Day…A VERY Bad Day

It was a Saturday morning, one of the rare few I wasn’t passed out drunk for, from the night prior. Fridays are always one of the best days for tips. People get paid on Fridays, have money to burn & I am happy to be what they use to flaunt their paycheck. It is not uncommon for me to have a couple shots throughout my shift to get patrons to spend a bit more & to see a few more dollars in the tip jar. Between hosting games like Bar Dice, flirting with the ladies seated at my bar, taking drink orders, cashing people out and handling the 1-2 Karens I see a night, I could easily pound 4-5 drinks back before my shift is ½ over. Last night though, I was spared the hussle of running up & down my bar to serve people. There was a concert in town which I assumed was most people’s Friday night plans, so not much foot traffic was seen in Cruster’s last night. 

Waking up, I could feel my liver thanking me for the break it probably needed & I laughed at the idea. I made a mental note to focus on drinking only water today as I stretched out my tired limbs. While standing out of bed, I could hear shuffling, pounding, and enormous footsteps on the other side of the wall of my apartment. I could feel the rush of adrenaline hit me as I suspected that I might have a new neighbor moving in. I rushed out of my room, wearing only my boxers, pressing my ear against the door that led into the giant apartment I was attached to. Listening in, it was clear that someone was moving into that unit. I could hear boxes of dishes being set onto tables, instructions on where to place items & wheels of dollies squeaking past my door as they carried furniture whose enormity I couldn’t even fathom. I stood there, unsure of what I needed to do, or should do. Parameters of the Integration Housing Program, dictate that Unit Partners must meet each other within 72 hours of a move in. Seeing as I have had no Unit Partner until now, I have not made efforts in meeting anyone. Hell, the only reason I spoke to Brax was because his bratty kid almost damaged my car. Besides that, I have kept to myself since moving here. Now I was expected to introduce myself? I did not anticipate this happening so soon, it has only been a couple of weeks. I ran my fingers through my morning bed head as I contemplated what I should do. I went to my kitchen’s junk drawer & fished out the contract I signed to re-read the policies surrounding the Integration Housing Program, hoping I remembered this rule, wrong. “The resident who is moved into his/her apartment first is tasked with introducing themselves, within 72-hours, to the resident who moves into the adjacent unit afterwards.” Fuck. I was required to make the first move, otherwise I risk a fee being tacked onto my monthly rent. I stuffed the paperwork away and paced my kitchen, thinking about what things I might have in common with the guy moving in. 

“I like cars, music, sports, the outdoors…what guy doesn’t like at least one of those things?” I thought to myself. I recalled my conversation with Brax & how I unintentionally made myself look meek & pathetic while talking to him. Thankfully, Brax did not mention my demeanor, but I am sure he noticed. Who wouldn’t be shaken up after almost being grabbed by a giant child? But I promised myself not to act like that again & be prepared for what possible situations I might find myself in, with the new tennent. I would not be caught off guard again if I could help it. After thinking it through a few times, my pacing finally stopped and I was able to focus on the most important thing on my mind this morning: Pancakes. I needed pancakes & bacon to start off this rare Saturday morning & I refused to allow the new Unit Partner to get in the way of being awake & having breakfast before noon. 

I took this Saturday to just relax & unwind, especially since tonight was kind of a big night for me. This Cruster’s location I was working at, finally agreed to let me play in the corner of the bar area tonight as live entertainment. I made sure I packed the lists of songs I planned on playing, I tuned my guitar & replaced a few strings just to make sure nothing goes wrong. Before I knew it, it was 7:00pm and I was in my car, on my way to my first show in Epherton. All I could hope for were generous tips and positive feedback from the location’s owner, who might let me play again in the future. As I pulled up to this Dale & Cruster’s, I eyed the integrated parking lot where Humans were at the top of these huge standing tables, much like you’d see in a cocktail lounge, where the giants placed their drinks. I was happy for them that they were comfortable enough to venture into the integrated part of the restaurant chain, but as for me, I was not. Thankfully, I worked in the Humans-only section of the restaurant, something I was not keen on changing if asked. Luckily, my manager at the last Dale & Cruster’s I worked at let this management team know that I was not cut out for integrated service, but thrived in human service where I could get closer to patrons, making the bar more money. No questions were asked after that, to my relief and no one has approached me about it. Before I entered the bar area, I noticed there were some jumbotron TV’s in the giant-area, broadcasting the spot I was supposed to play in the bar. All that was on screen though, was an empty barstool and a spotlight shining on it. I did not realize the owner of this franchise was that excited about me playing, but quickly reminded myself he was probably more excited for the money. The longer people stay to watch my performance, the more money they spend on food & drinks. Didn’t matter to me though, I was happy to play regardless of the excuse to keep having me back. 

After taking some time to set up my guitar & microphone, I introduced myself to the few customers who were watching, the rest focused on their drinks. I smiled and waved to the camera that was live broadcasting my performance to the TV’s in the giant-area. I started with my own rendition of ‘Tennessee Whiskey’, being sure to make Chris Stapleton proud with my riffing. This caught the attention of some more diners as I moved onto ‘Sweet Child O’Mine’ by Guns N’ Roses & ‘All Along the WatchTower’ by Jimi Hendrix. By the time I wrapped up my 5th or 6th song, I had almost all the diners singing along to what I was playing. A few older couples even got up to dance when I played ‘Stand by Me.’ 

Over the course of the 2 hours I played, I made about $50 in tips, which was not too shabby considering that’s about $25 an hour for doing something I loved. I finished up the evening with ‘Piano Man’ by Billy Joel, but switched the lyrics to “Guitar man” instead of “Piano man”, which got a few chuckles here and there. Unfortunately though, two diners of the place did not seem to like my change of lyrics & started booing me. I didn’t acknowledge them at first, opting to just keep going, as my years of being a bartender taught me to ignore the drunk idiots. But my performance was interrupted when an empty fries basket was tossed at the stage, hitting me in my playing hand, bringing the song to an unceremonious end. The basket was made of metal for easy dishwashing, so it hurt a bit. I stood up, grasping my hand that was now in pain, looking at the two drunkards who were causing issues. I looked to the bouncer who I have come to know as Jordan, give me a questioning look and I pointed to the two morons who interrupted my show. “Get these two out of here!” I yelled, as they cursed at me for “Changing an already perfect song.” Jordan, with the help of a few beefier servers, grabbed the two troublemakers and dragged them out. All the while, they cursed at the bouncer & the servers who were escorting them out. I could see the group they were with & the people around them were unhappy with the fact the show ended prematurely, booing the two as they were shamelessly dragged out like unruly toddlers. I sheepishly say into the microphone “Can’t win ‘em all, right?” I joke, hoping to lighten the mood “It was a pleasure playing for you tonight, I hope to be back again soon. You were an awesome crowd, thank you for the opportunity!” I got a few people applauding my performance, but the vibe was definitely killed when those two goons decided to ruin everything. As I packed my equipment up, I spoke to a few stragglers who pushed tips into my guitar case and thanked me for a great show, apologizing on behalf of the two assailants from earlier. It was nice to feel appreciated for the performance and I thanked them for listening. 

After I wrapped up my show, I got a free drink from the Manager who I chopped it up with as the closing staff did their end-of-night tasks like wiping salt & pepper shakers, cleaning tables & sweeping the floor After my drink, I left the bar about 20 min after closing time with my guitar case in-hand & satchel around my shoulder. I was standing by my car looking for the right key fob to open my car when out of nowhere, I felt a strong arm put me in a headlock, prompting me to drop my keys & guitar case. My hands immediately began to claw at the arm in an attempt to free my neck, when in the struggle, I heard a familiar voice address me. “Shouldn’t play publicly if you can’t take a little criticism, lad.” It was the skinner of the two brutes who threw the fries basket at me. I can only assume the taller, stronger one of the two was the one holding me in place. I spat through gritted teeth “It was just a song” I said with not too much breath behind it. The man who held me said back “And we were just having a bit of fun, but you decided to have us kicked out, embarrassing us in front of our crew. That was some pussy ass shit” I choked on the pressure he had on my throat, and I noticed the squeeze he added to the word “embarrassed” as it closed my throat completely for a moment. The skinner one walks around as he addresses me “Rather than having your juiced up guard dog kick us out, you ought to be man enough to do it yourself if you couldn’t take a little bit of teasing.” I had just enough slack on the guy’s arm who held me that I could breathe, but barely, making talking difficult. “Two against one isn’t handling it like a man, don’t you think?” I said as my face grew red and my struggles to breathe were overlooked. “It was 4 against 2 earlier, we’re just playing by the rules. Robbie, take him to the back” the skinny one instructs the stronger one. I start thrashing & kicking, trying to get away from these two. My throat was being pushed on, so yelling for help was not happening for me. In my fight to break free, I did not feel the earth shaking steps that approached us three, taking the skinny one by surprise. 

In the midst of struggling for freedom, I heard a scream behind us that faded away, as if the person it was emitting from was whisked away suddenly. Robbie, the man who held me in place with the head lock, looks up towards where his friend just went. “Donnie!” he yelled, letting me go, leaving me to fall to the ground. I gasped for air as I ran my hand around my neck, feeling the compressions left on my neck as blood flowed back into my veins. My vision had started going dark as they dragged me away & the rush of blood to my head, made me dizzy. I sat on the cold concrete ground trying to regain my composure when my attention was quickly caught by the commanding voice I heard overhead. I damn near shit myself hearing the voice ring out, reverberating throughout my body. “And what exactly are you two doing?” asked the 80 ft giantess whose boots stood planted firmly on both sides of us. Robbie backed up, to make eye contact with the giant woman who now held his friend’s shirt in her fist, as he dangled from the loose fabric. “None of your fucking business, giant!” Robbie boldly yelled. I slowly craned my sore neck up to see the giantess standing there, dangling Donnie from his shirt. A lump quickly formed in my throat that I tried to swallow, unsure of the giantess’ intentions. The giantess slowly crouched down, her knees hitting the pavement with a force that could have crushed any one of us had we been unlucky enough to be in the spot her knee landed. 

Without saying anything, a hand as large as my car, reaches down toward Robbie and flicks him in the chest, sending him flying about 6ft. I watched him hit the ground with a breathless thud, all the wind having been knocked out of him. I looked back up at the giantess who watches Robbie with a scowl as he struggles to catch a full breath from the impact. “I would watch your fucking mouth because next time I might not be so gentle.” The sound of Robbie trying to regain his breath was a sound that was difficult to listen to, no matter the circumstances. All I could think about was the pain of being hit in the chest by a giant & imagining myself in his shoes. Robbie finally catches a breath after a few moments & gasps for as much air as his lungs will allow. All Robbie does, as he holds himself on all fours, is look up at the giantess who is still dangling Donnie from the shirt fabric. For the entire exchange Donnie has been kicking the air, which isn’t helping him in the slightest. If I didn't know any better, the giantess was enjoying this suffering. “Put me down! We weren’t doing anything!” Donnie cries. I watched the giantess chuckle, like she was told a bad joke. I felt ice crawling up my neck while my body broke out into goosebumps. “Didn’t look like that to me. Looked like you were about to rob this guy for everything he is worth in that alley over there.” She did not need to point to where she was talking about for the two assailants to know what she was referring to. Silence filled everyone’s ears, which was all the confirmation this giantess needed. She lowers Donnie, dropping him the last 4-5ft, watching him crumple on himself once he hits the ground. “Get the fuck out of here” the woman overhead commands in a hostile tone, a tone I am glad I was not on the receiving end of. Donnie and Robbie pick themselves up from the concrete parking lot, stammering in their attempt at running the opposite direction the giantess came from. I watched the only two other Humans leave the property, which made my heart stop as I realized I was now alone with this giantess.

I sat on the ground, now facing this giantess who almost killed two guys in front of me. I started backing up to increase the space between us, not quite able to bring myself to stand as she loomed over me in a kneeling position. I wasn't sure what she wanted, why she approached us in the first place, or why she helped, but for my own safety I can't assume anything positive. I watched her watch the men leave and once they had, she could hear my shuffling to get away and her attention snapped towards me. Watching her eyes pierce through me, like a flaying knife was bad enough, but knowing this gaze comes from a giant made it all the more panic-inducing. It was clear to her right away that I was freaked out, so she offered a small smile. “No no, don't worry, you’re not next, or anything .” She said with upturned palms, trying to calm my obvious panic. “I saw those two guys come up behind you & ambush you. I recognized you from the live entertainment from tonight and figured you’d like some help. Were those the two guys who were taken out of the restaurant?” 

I could hardly hear her address me, let alone comprehend what question she just asked me. Ringing. All I could hear was ringing in my ears, like I was in shock. I just continued to stare at her, ready for when my legs decide they will work for me. She had long brownish reddish hair, easily spilling past her mid-back. Her eyes were a dark brown, almond shape, almost like a cat. Her cheekbones were pronounced and skin a light olive, her build was athletic. She was no petite giantess that was for sure. She was sturdy with thick arms and forearms. She adorned a choker necklace with a black shirt that had an unfamiliar band on it. She had multiple piercings in both ears & a wrist wrapped in a leather cuff. Her boots were combat-like, the kind you’d see at a grunge concert & jeans a light blue skinny. “Hey, you okay?” She asked as her hand descended upon me, which snapped me out of my train of thought. I scrambled to my feet, putting my hands up to stop her “Yes! Yes! I am okay!” I say trying to sound like I wasn't shaken to my core. Slowly, her hand retracts and I can feel my legs wobbling. She stares at me, unsure of the Human who she just saved or what to do next. “Um..” I say looking around for my things, picking up my satchel and guitar case that fell off my person during the fight. “S-sorry. I’ll just get out of your way, here…” I say as I pull my satchel over my head to hang off my shoulders. I grab my guitar case by the handle and turn on my heel to get as much distance between her & I as possible. I did not want anything to do with the giantess who looked too eager handling a couple human men so roughly & I was not trying to be the third. 

“Hold on for a second!” She calls out to me. I was not sure if I should stop, or keep going to my car. I did not have my keys in my hand, I spot them on the ground by my driver's side door about 30 ft away. I stop, stiff as a board and slowly turn to see her leaning in. I was immediately feeling like my personal space was being encroached on & felt the urge to run, but neglected the instinct. “What!?” I asked frustrated, feeling overwhelmed by everything in that one moment. I could feel my whole night crashing in on me at once. The shame of being booed at, the embarrassment of having a basket tossed at you, the fear of almost being mugged & then shock of being saved by some vigilante giantess who thought she was helping when really, she was fraying my nerves even more than anything else tonight. I watched her face fall into shock & offense as I snapped at her like that. I’ll be honest, I was surprised at my own behavior & audacity as well, when I let that word fall out of my mouth. I watch her angry eyes narrowing on my puny form in front of her; One I am reminded could be crushed at any moment given the slightest form of will. I swallowed the lump in my throat as she said “Nevermind. Fuck me for helping you, I guess.” 

I did not want to deal with this. Another giant who had the typical savior complex looking for a heartfelt thank you from the underling who cowers at her feet, thankful at the chance to be saved. I had enough of today already & felt my temper boiling over “Thanks for stepping but I did not ask for help. I had the situation under control.” I say dusting my clothes off, desperate for something to do with my hands. I watch her cross her arms, detailing the definition she has in them. “Yea, it really looked like you had things under control there. I could tell by the way the bigger guy kept you in a chokehold.” She raised a snarky eyebrow at her dismantling of my statement. “Someone would have stepped in, you didn't need to involve yourself.” I snapped back in my defense. She cocked her head, confused “Someone did step in. I stepped in. Do you mean a Human would have probably stepped in, instead?” I was trying to quickly think of something else to say when I was cut off “That’s what I thought. Look, no one else was around, I saw an issue & helped. Would a ‘thank you’ kill you?” That was my que to leave, but not before giving her a piece of my mind “Well thank you very much Miss Savior Complex, I am honored to have been graced by your presence & assistance.” I said with an exaggerated bow, like I was some performing monkey. I watched her face fall into one not of anger, but disappointment. Disappointed that she didn't get her ego fed, no doubt. I turned and walked away, eager to go the fuck to sleep & forget today. As I opened my car door, I could feel & hear her standing once again, looking over at me shaking her head “Fuck you, dude.” She said with balled fists, as she turned and walked away with heavy footsteps. 

I just watched her walk away until she was out of sight before I sat in my car, locked my door & drove home in silence.

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[thegodmother007]

My New Neighbor- Chapter 7: Pride & Prejudice

My New Neighbor Chapter 7: Pride & Prejudice

TRIGGER WARNING: This story will eventually contain violence, angst, threat of death, swearing, dark humor, adult themes like sex & drugs, racism, classism, sexism etc. Do not say you have not been warned

Chapter 7:

I got the notification from my bank that the $125 was dropped into my account a few days later & I was stoked. I already had a few things picked out & in my cart online that I used the $125 to pay for. It was then, as I clicked “checkout" that I wondered what Vi was going to get herself. My memory flashed in front of my eyes, remembering how Vi left Trivia Night a few days ago. I still felt a nagging in the back of my mind that I had upset her in some way. If I wanted a teammate for the next Trivia Night & to keep making money, I figured I would go and check in with her. I decided to text her, having gotten her number shortly before Trivia Night. “Hey, it’s Cain. Just wanted to see if your $125 dropped yet? I got mine this afternoon.” 

I left my phone on my coffee table, giving Vi some time to respond & picked up my gaming controller to kill some time before my shift at Dave & Crusters. After an hour or so, I took a break to grab some chips when I checked my phone to see that my message to Vi was ‘Read’ almost an hour ago, but left unresponded to. Maybe I am looking into it too deeply, but I had a pit in my stomach with the feeling that I probably did say something to her that may have upset her. I sighed and texted her again “Hey, did I upset you or something?” I asked her, and within 10-seconds, I could see she read it. I can see the bubble pop up indicating she was ‘typing’. I waited for her response, fishing through my cabinets for the bag of BBQ Chips I grabbed from the store yesterday. I hear a ‘ping’ and see Vi’s message across my screen. “Yea. That comment about giants being ‘better suited’ for hard labor was a bit fucked up considering I won us the Trivia Night...” My heart dropped reading that. I hadn’t meant it that way, I was just commenting on how they are capable of doing more physical tasks than us humans. I frantically typed back to her:

Cain: “I had not meant it in that way. It’s just you guys are better at the heavy stuff, that is all.” 

Vi: “You said you were shocked I am smart & could answer the questions during trivia night. You acted like you expected me to be an idiot.”

Cain: “I did not mean to underestimate you…”

Vi: “It’s more than just being underestimated. You treated me like the stereotype that Giants are bumbling idiots stuck in the stone age, is true. That is antiquated as hell.”

I felt a burning in my ears of embarrassment when I had to look up what ‘antiquated’ meant. Further showing me that maybe Vi is right, that I had the wrong idea about her. I felt like I should try to explain myself at least a little bit.

Cain: “I didn’t mean to stereotype you. I just wasn’t aware that there are giants who like school.”

Vi: “Yea, a lot of us like school & a lot of us are very educated.”

I could sense how matter of fact she was being in this moment and I didn’t know how else to continue the conversation. 

Cain: “I see that now. It won’t happen again.”

Vi: “Better not.”

I felt a twinge of fear crawl up my back at her last message to me. I couldn’t help but feel it was an underhanded threat. But at the risk of offending her again, I opt to say nothing to her about it. 

Cain: “Are we still cool?”

Vi: “For now”

I sensed she needed some time to cool off a bit, so I left the conversation. I looked at the clock to see my 2pm-10pm shift was not far away, so I went to grab my uniform & get ready. 

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Cain did not respond after my last message to him. I assume to avoid further pissing me off, which is fair. I had been waiting for an opportunity to talk to him about his comment towards me on Trivia Night. Admittedly, I continued thinking about his comment about what Giants are best ‘suited for’ and felt like I was 10 years old again. 

Involuntarily I was reminded of the time that I ended up meeting a group of human kids on the outskirts of the countryside where I lived, asking if they’d want to play with me. Being 10 years old at the time with no other kids my age living even close to me, I felt so lucky to find 4 who said “Yes.” Three boys & a girl. She was the younger sister of one of the boys who was forced to drag her along, but she was closer to my age & cooler than her brother, so I was happy she was there.

I hadn’t played with humans before, but I knew they were very fragile & I had to be extra careful when we played. That was always drilled into my head as a kid, to give humans their space & always be gentle. My father had a few human colleagues who he interacted with from time to time, so he always lectured me on the proper way to act around them, when I visited his work. 

It was fun at first, we had a great time together. I was only about 30ft at the time, so the size difference, although large, was not as intrusive as one would think. Kids can make almost anything work if it means playing. 

We played Medieval Kingdom where I played the dragon & the others were the knights and princess who slayed the dragon. Then we played superheroes, where I was the villain who was trying to destroy the city & the ‘heros’ defeated me to save the city. After that, we were dinosaurs where I played the T-rex & chased after everyone. Of course, I went slowly, so the humans could ‘get away’ and hide. It was a lot like hide and seek, but you act like dinosaurs & instead of ‘finding’ someone you ‘ate’ them. I later felt weird about that last part. 

After a while, everyone grew tired and the sun was going down, so we called it a day. Before we all went our separate ways, the boys asked if I would meet them again tomorrow to play. Without hesitation I agreed and went home to tell my parents and older brother all about the friends I had finally made. 

After dinner that night, I found my older brother who was 19yr old at the time, in the doorway of my bedroom. I was on my bed, drawing, when he came in. “Can I talk to you for a second?” he asked, with a serious tone that I didn’t really hear from him before. That night, he explained to me that playing the villain, the dragon & the most dangerous dinosaur, was not a coincidence. My brother tried explaining to me that humans saw Giants as dangerous. Already knowing that we could accidentally hurt a human if we weren’t careful, I tried shutting him down. I did not like how he was talking about my new friends. “Vi, just listen…” echoed in my brain as I remembered his next words. “Vi, humans see us as monsters. You were the dragon today because they see you as a monster. You were the villain today because you’re the enemy. You were the most dangerous dinosaur because you’re the most dangerous person to them.” I fought back, telling him that I liked playing the dragon, I liked playing the villain and I liked playing the T-rex. We were just having fun, what was the big deal? “The big deal Vi, is that you’re seen as the monster & you’ll always be the monster to them. Tomorrow, when you go back, ask them to play a game that does not involve you being the bad guy. Let’s see how they react.” 

Determined to prove my brother wrong, I went back to that field the next day knowing in my heart of hearts that he was wrong. But it never got that far. I sat in the spot we met, waiting to see my friends walking out the woods that separated my land from theirs, just like they said they would. After about two hours, I went home. “They probably got into trouble or got sick.” I told myself & I went back the next day. Then the next day. Each day, I waited patiently, praying they would show up. Much to my heart’s delight, one of them did. Sampson, the older brother of the girl my age, came out of the woods on his own, hands in his pockets. His eyes stayed casted down when he saw me sitting in the field. I was so excited that I would be able to go home and tell my brother just how wrong he was, that my friends came back to play with me despite what he said. Sampson came up to me, looking over his shoulder a few times as if he was looking out for something. “Hey Vi…” He said in a weak voice. I stayed seated, asking him what was wrong. “We can’t play with you anymore. My mom and dad found out we played with you & said it was too dangerous to see you again. They said it’s my job as an older brother to protect my sister…” My heart stopped for a moment, paralyzed by his words. “Why do they think I am so dangerous?” I asked him. Sampson took a few steps back, looking away while saying something under his breath that I couldn’t hear. I leaned in closer to hear him better “What?” I asked. Looking up at me with a pale face & true fear in his eyes he squeaked out “They said Giants used to eat people and that some still do. All Giants are dangerous and you could kill one of us if you wanted to.” I sat back up with shock “But I would never do that!” I exclaimed, feeling the tingling warmth of tears threatening to pour out. Sampson nodded “I know! I told them you were nice, but they didn’t want to listen. They said if we’re caught playing with you, we'll get punished.” I looked behind Sampson where I saw Allison, Sampson’s sister hiding behind a tree & the two other boys, peeking from behind a bush. When they saw me spot them, they all resumed hiding, away from sight. My attention was caught once again as Sampson said “We can’t play with you anymore Vi. You’re too dangerous & my parents don’t want us talking to you.” I watched one of my tears hit the dirt patch where Sampson stood, muddying up the ground. He avoided my gaze, and wiped what I could assume were his own tears from his eyes.

After some moments of silence, I hear Sampson ask me “Can you leave? We want to play but we can’t if you’re here…” I felt my throat tighten and my chest felt heavy. Slowly, I got up, wiping the dirt from my pink shorts. I did not say anything to them after that, knowing that nothing I could say would come out as anything besides broken sobs. I was already embarrassed enough, feeling the sting of rejection & of my brother being right. I turned & walked back towards home without having spoken to any of those kids again, trying to hold it in until I was far enough away. 

I didn’t go back home right away, I sat by a creek a few dozen yards off from my house & just stuck my feet in, letting myself cry until I was out of tears. I wrestled with what Sampson told me “Giants used to eat people.” That cannot be true. I have never eaten anyone, I have never seen anyone else doing that & the idea of doing it made me feel ill. I didn’t want my parents to see me cry, so once I was good & ready, I went to my brother Bo’s room where he was playing with his video game system. He sees me in the doorway, sparing me a glance before refocusing on his game “What’s up squirt?” He asked me, not peeling his eyes away from the screen until the only response he got from me was my sniffling. Pausing his game and looking at me with concern, he told me to tell him what was wrong, and I did. 

He listened to the whole story and sat with me as a few extra tears fell onto my lap. “I’m sorry they said that to you, Vi.” Bo said, giving me a hug. But one burning question bothered me to my core. “Is that true, Bo? Did Giants eat people?” Bo looked away, sighing much like he did when he warned me about humans the first time. “Yes. But a very long time ago. Like, hundreds & hundreds of years ago. No Giant these days has any reason to eat humans now, not like when we were all fighting for survival in the Stone Age.” Being 10 at the time, I didn't quite understand history & what survival took back then, but I took my brother’s word for it. “But if Giants haven’t eaten humans in hundreds of years, why are they still scared of us?” Bo was quiet for a moment, contemplating how to explain it to a 10yr old. “Because like it or not, Giants don’t need to eat humans to still be scary to humans. Imagine a person 50x bigger than you. They can step on you, grab & crush you, heck even if they don’t know you’re there, you could still get hurt, right?” I nodded, understanding what he meant. “So what can I do to not be so scary to them?” Hoping he had a way I could get my friends back and at that, he frowned “Nothing much you can do, kiddo. You’re a Giant & you’ll always be a Giant. There is no changing that, just stay away from them.” That answer hurt almost as much as Sampson telling me we couldn’t be friends anymore. 

I sat back on my couch, putting my phone on the side table as I looked up at the ceiling of my apartment. I had hoped that when I joined the Human & Giant Integration Program, I would have found my Unit Partner was more open minded than the parents of those kids. I was hoping that I would have met humans who were as interested as I was, in bridging the gap between the two races. I felt a distant feeling of disappointment, similar to what I felt the first time I encountered this kind of hurt. I remind myself “You’re a Giant, there is no changing that.” I sat, thinking about the next year I had in this place & figured we were only a few weeks into the lease, I needed to give Cain more time to warm up. “Imagine a person 50x bigger than you...” I faintly hear Bo’s voice say in the back of my mind. I look at my hands, picturing them compared to Cain, trying to put myself in his shoes, but that was a lot easier said than done. I decided I would push the memories from my mind with a good workout to clear my head. One of the reasons I chose this apartment that hosted the Integration Program was because they had an excellent gym. Very few emotions can’t be helped with a hard workout & some sweat. At the very least it would give me some time to think.

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[thegodmother007]

My New Neighbor Chapters & Links

This is the list of all the chapters of My New Neighbor as the story unfolds. I will occasionally add chapters in as & when I can. Below you will find all the chapters linked, as well as trigger warnings for those who might need them:

TRIGGER WARNING: This story will eventually contain violence, angst, threat of death, swearing, dark humor, adult themes like sex & drugs, racism, classism, sexism etc. Do not say you have not been warned

Prologue: The City of Epherton

Chapter 1: Welcome to Hedge Heights

Chapter 2: Close Call with Neighbors

Chapter 3: A Bad Day...A VERY Bad Day

Chapter 4: My New Neighbor

Chapter 5: Got Plans?

Chapter 6: Trivia Night

Chapter 7: Pride & Prejudice

Chapter 8: What the Fuck Just Happened?

Chapter 9: Just Neighbors

Chapter 10: Housewarming Party

Chapter 11: Apologies

Chapter 12: Sick Day

Chapter 13: Let's Hang Out

Chapter 14 P1: The Crash Out

[thegodmother007]

My New Neighbor Chapter 4: My New Neighbor

TRIGGER WARNING: This story will eventually contain violence, angst, threat of death, swearing, dark humor, adult themes like sex & drugs, racism, classism, sexism etc. Do not say you have not been warned

Chapter 4: My New Neighbor

I woke up Sunday morning and just stared at my ceiling for the first few minutes, debating if I would rather go back to sleep or get out of bed. My stomach decided for me, as I felt a pang of hunger rumble out from my abdomen. With a groan, I turned over to unplug my phone, checking the time to see I slept 12hr, it was already 11:30am. I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes and stretched a little bit before swinging my legs over the bedside and standing with a few cracking joints. While scrolling through my notifications, I see I received a text from the Building Manager, Marcus, the guy who gave me the tour a little over a month ago. “Friendly reminder to make sure you introduce yourself to your new neighbor, they’re completely moved in as of yesterday!😁👍” Marcus was a good guy, always seems like he is looking out for me. He’s even brought me my mail from the lobby when the mail carrier couldn’t open my mailbox. Any other Building Manager would have just kept it at the front desk until I asked about it. I decided that today would be the day I introduce myself to the new guy in the building, but first I needed to look presentable.

I ate, got ready & did my hair, all the while mentally preparing to meet the neighbor I would have for at least a year. I gave myself a little pep talk, reminding myself of the common interests we might share “Sports, cars, music, outdoors…Okay I got this!” I said out loud to no one but myself. I check myself one last time in the mirror, totally not stalling for time as I repeat “Sports, cars, music, outdoors. Sports, cars, music, outdoors….” Eventually, I find myself at the human-sized doorway that leads into the giant side of the apartment. I stood at what felt like a threshold, gathering the nerve to knock. As I lifted my fist towards the door, I noticed a button on the wall next to the door I hadn’t seen before. It was just a small and round white button, over it was a little sign saying “Ring for Unit 2”. That makes sense, no giant is going to hear a Human knocking at this tiny door. With a shaking finger, I press the button to hear a doorbell ringing on the other side. I tentatively waited for any sound, praying he wasn’t home right now. I wouldn’t mind considering this practice for the real deal, I would be comfortable trying again, later. But, so my luck would have it, I hear my Unit Partner on the other side of the door get up and buzz me in, just like the apartment entrance way. I almost did not grab the knob in time to open the door, I froze momentarily as the buzzing sound filled my own apartment. Ever so gently I crack the door open and peek my head inside to see an enormous living space. I finally open the door fully and can’t help but look around like I was in a different world completely. I have been in integrated areas before, but nothing like this. The furniture was to scale for a giant, the appliances, the decor…it was exactly like my apartment’s layout, except colossal in size. After my eyes got their fill, I called out “Hellooo?” I said with hands cupped around my mouth, hoping to make myself known. Being on the floor of a strange giant’s apartment was no easy task & not for the faint of heart…so I wondered why I agreed to participate in this program at all. I felt them coming before I heard them. The footsteps reverberated throughout the unit, so I opted to stay close to my door, ready to run back in should a stray foot not notice me here. I watched the hallway area as the footsteps became closer. “I’m coming!” called a voice back to me. “Not a man” I thought to myself, that voice was definitely female. I kept my eyes on the entrance to the hallway to see a giantess, 80ft tall who I unfortunately recognized as the giantess from last night. I felt my stomach drop & heart start racing. Quickly I did what I could to cover my face, cursing whatever God set me up like this. I needed to get the hell out of here, but it was too late. Her shadow descended upon me like a hawk on a mouse and there was no backing out now. 

“You’re my Unit Partner, right?” She asks with a warm smile, the same kind she offered to me last night before I completely disrespected her. She hasn’t noticed it was me yet from all the way up there & I was hoping she would stay up there. “It is a pleasure to meet you!” She said  as she offered me a deep bow as a sign of respect.  I returned the bow, the words stuck in my throat, I couldn’t muster the strength. After a moment of keeping my head down in a bow, I looked back up at her as she remained bent over with a smile. At that moment we made eye contact and I saw her eyes change as she recognized me. I felt my body go cold and I felt nauseous as she said one simple word: “YOU!” She says, standing straight and pointing down at me. “YOU’RE my Unit Partner?” I swallowed back the vomit I felt creeping up my throat and nodded. I offered a crooked and weak smile “Yep…Nice to meet you…” I said meekly. She folds her arms and starts walking even closer to me. I grabbed the doorknob ready to make a quick exit. “Relax.” She says, watching me reach for the door. “I'm not going to kill you. I'm just coming down there to talk to you” She says as she takes a seat on the hardwood floor. Her descent to the floor made me have to brace the handle a little as the flooring shook. As she sat, I could feel myself calm down a bit. Not having her 80ft frame towering over me would make this first meeting a lot easier on my nerves. 

I slowly let go of the doorknob and turned to face her again, still struggling to find the words I desperately needed. “So, you’re the asshole who I am stuck with for a year. How great for me that I get to partner with a racist.” She said, referring to last night & I winced at the memory. I felt shameful as I was reminded of my actions & words from yesterday. I took a few steps forward & away from the door “Hey. About that? I'm sorry. That wasn't cool, I know you were trying to help. I just got overwhelmed. All the shit from yesterday piled up & got the better of me. I shouldn't have taken it out on you.” I looked up to see if I could read her thoughts through her facial expression, but she did not give me much to work with, her face remained stoic & placid. I remind myself to maintain a calm & cool demeanor like I promised myself earlier. I figured I owed her a little more than a weak apology. “It wasn't a race thing, you could have been anybody or anything & I still would have snapped. I was overwhelmed with almost being mugged & being booed at and…I don’t know… I let it all get to me. You were just the closest thing to a target to vent all my frustrations out on. Do you think we can start over?” I asked with a shrug, looking up at her dark brown eyes, which still glared at me. 

I watched her contemplate everything I said and slowly nod “Sure, we can start over I guess. I mean, who hasn’t been overwhelmed or had a bad day? I am willing to look past it if you agree never to talk to me like that again.” Her tone really shot through me there, feeling a bit like a threat. I nodded and gave a laugh ”Now that you know where I live, I don’t think it would be smart for me to do that again, would it?” I say in a desperate attempt to appease her better nature. I got a small smirk from her as I finally felt my shoulders drop a bit as the tension in the room subsided. I decided I would try & continue the role of ‘polite roommate.’ “I’ll get us started. I’m Cain, your Unit Partner, pleased to meet you.” I say with an over exaggerated bow, looking up to her with a cheesy smirk. I watch her deeply bow back to me from where she sat “The pleasure is mine Cain. My name is Vi, short for Hillevia, the name I never wish to be called!” She said with a sense of humor lacing her words. “I’ll make a mental note of that, Vi.” Suddenly a lul in the conversation made an appearance, but I was prepared for this. With overzealous confidence I asked “So, do you like music, cars, sports or the outdoors?” as though I was a kindergartener reciting lines for a bad school play. Vi held back a laugh “What, you practice that in your mirror?” she asked sarcastically with a raised brow, not expecting me to confirm that joke as fact. My face flushed a deep red color as I squeaked out “Maybe once or twice…” I could feel my face fluster in embarrassment. 

After a while, the conversation moved into Vi asking questions to get to know me better. I told her about my hobbies & interests, focusing on my passion for music for the most part. She was a good listener, I will give her that. She even let me tell my middle school talent show story from start to finish. For a moment, I had forgotten I was talking to a giant. She was so quiet and just let me go on & on for about 20 minutes, until I noticed her rubbing her back. I then realized I was dominating the conversation while she was still sitting on the floor. With an almost staggering realization, I apologized for rambling. “I just realized you are still sitting on the floor. I can always wrap it up?” I offered to at least give her the relief of finding a supportive chair. Vi nodded “Yea, sitting on the floor is not the most comfortable for me. If you wanted, I could bring you to the coffee table or something?” She turned and pointed to a coffee table that was easily 20-feet tall, much taller than I would be able to reach. She turned back to me, offering to pick me up & onto the coffee table to continue our conversation. My nerves froze me in place. I could feel the anxiety rising in my stomach & my back stiffen, as if I was about to climb onto a roller coaster. Except, I liked roller coasters, they were safer than riding in a giant’s palm. I did what I could to be polite when declining the offer, so as to not offend her. “T-that’s alright, I was going to mention I have to get going anyways, otherwise I would blabber all day.” I played it cool, trying not to give her the wrong impression of me. I already fucked up my first impression, I did not want to fuck up my do-over. Vi shrugged and moved to stand “That’s alright, I get it. I have a lot of unpacking to do and I am taking any distraction I can to stall.” The wave of relief I felt in that moment paired with her mention of stalling the unpacking actually made me give a sigh of relief and a small laugh. “I don’t envy that unpacking. I’ll see you around then?” I asked as I walked towards the door into my apartment. “I’ll be around” she said with a smile, waiving ‘goodbye’ while watching me leave her apartment. 

As I closed the door behind me, I felt a sense of pride being able to have a conversation with one of them so well. I felt hopeful about rooming with this Vi lady. She didn’t seem too bad so far. If I can keep my interactions with her to a minimum, I should be good. 

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