#duckiewritesoct23!

[maxchael]

Cold Hands, Warm Coffee

October, 9/23

Some more writing. I like this one a lot more than my first one

Heather’s voice took over the cafe, cool and confident. It was a quiet fall morning and the three University students had just been let loose for a weekend. Heather lived quite far and went to a different university entirely. She still always came by when Alejandro asked.

The air was scented sweetly with pumpkin spice and apple pie. It was sort of overwhelming for Jude, who was invited, but felt unwelcomed. Heather and Alejandro spoke with purpose. They spoke with utmost enthusiasm and endearment. Jude hugged himself tight;it was colder than he’d like. His head bounced back and forth between the other two’s conversation.

Alejandro spoke with his hands, his words, his eyes. He was an incredibly articulated person. Heather, on the other hand, spoke what he meant. She was quick and to the point, sometimes using body language. Jude knew this because he has third wheeled far too many times.

“What’s up with you?” Heather asked, pointing right at him.

Jude grumbled “are you not cold?”

“I��m not anaemic, Jude” she huffed, rolling her eyes.

“Well I am”

Alejandro interjected “We’ll get our drinks in a bit”

“That would’ve been great if Judy here didn’t get a cold drink” her tone was incredibly demeaning.

Jude frowned and melted into his seat, biting down on his entire bottom lip;earning a little laugh out of Heather. His hands shook violently, as well as most of his body. Alejandro snaked his hand up Jude’s sleeve, smiling, a slight crease in his forehead as he did so.

“We can trade drinks, mi amado” he comforted.

Heather gagged, pointing at her own mouth “you two are insufferable.”

Jude mumbled and bit down on his thumb, “It’s not like it means anything.”

Alejandro clicked his tongue and stared at Heather before they went back into a quiet conversation. They usually spoke about personal matters, classes, and family lives. Jude didn’t enjoy talking about himself, he just enjoyed being around Alej. Sometimes he worried that Alejandro liked Heather more than Jude himself. He most likely did.

Their drinks came out, and immediately the three broke into giggles.

“Okay, Alexander,” Jude laughed.

“How could they possibly mess that up? That bad? Really? I can’t believe people” Alejandro groaned

“Well it’s Jude’s now anyways. A warm drink for your amor” Heather tilted her head with an

eye roll, her hair falling over shoulder. There was a comfortable silence.

“I got you that sweater, Didn’t I?” Heather grinned “it looks really good on you”

Jude felt his face flush, it wasn’t often he got compliments, especially from HEATHER of all people. “Thank you” he looked to the side, at Alejandro, who was sliding over the warm drink. Jude reached out for it, and the other enveloped his hands with his own.

“Jesucristo! You really are cold, pobrecito” he cooed. They held each other's hands, both wrapped around the warm drink. A warm feeling pooled into Jude’s chest, He looked right at Alejandro. His beautiful silky hair was tucked up into a bun, and his eyes were half lidded and fiery.

“Ugh! If you guys are going to kiss, just do it!” Heather complained loudly, getting a few looks from others. They both quickly snapped away from each other, Alejandro more so collected, but Jude looked like a scared animal. His face a blotchy crimson and his eyes wide as he took a sip of his drink; both hands around it tightly.

A warm drink for his cold hands, and also maybe his cold little heart.

[scham-wcan]

First of that October prompt list I reblogged a little while ago, hope I do it some service with some CinWin!

Crunchy Leaves

The unwieldy chill of morning had quickly set in about them even as the pair had let the swing of their apartment door shut behind them. It was early, far too early for a weekend nonetheless, and yes here Winter found herself being towed down the hall towards the elevator. The warmth of Cinder’s prosthetic’s glove the only real comfort she was deriving from the world in that moment.

There was a welcomed change of wardrobe for the pair this time of year, and of course it had come at the discretion of Cinder and Weiss. A fine light brown coat which bore down her frame and cut off around her upper thigh covered a white shirt and ample fine blue scarf.

A garment which Winter had to admit scratched at her ever so gently, reminding her constantly of its presence. Tugging at it once they entered the lift, the movement and slight ire jostled Cinder from her momentary fixation on dragging Winter about.

“Did I tie it too tightly?” A mixture of sass and concern belted from Cinder as she glanced over her partner. “I could redo it if you wish?” Her smirk only growing, knowing well the answer she were to receive.

Cinder similarly had a small change in wardrobe, a more robust black buttoned coat folded over her front, though her wash of ashen hair reduced the need for a scarf—small white crystalline jewelry instead took the place of an accessory, highlighting her otherwise darkened aesthetic.

A small scoff parted from Winter. “Its fine, though I believe you should stick to sewing and hemming more extraordinary things.” Glancing sideward at Cinder as she did so. “Perhaps leave the sewing of these to someone more than soft in nature, Ruby perhaps?”

“Like she knows how to sew.” Cinder sniped curtly as the doors before them pinged open and like a flash they were off again. The lobby around them barely featured more than a blink in their eyes before they were at the entrance.

It was this peculiar time of year which had seemingly charged Cinder as such this time of day—and dragged Winter along with her. Atlas’ streets before them, having been long since refurbished and remade to feel less cold and sterile, now sported all sorts of flora. Such plants, flowers, trees, and all forms of greenery were ruthlessly maintained throughout the year—but this time of year the work slowed.

Winter felt her breath slightly skip a beat, she had hated to admit falling for the greenery amongst the otherwise blue and white city, but this new glow was something else entirely. Rich golds, hearth like reds, and glowing yellows painted trees up and down their avenue, bathing the white city canvas around them in the hallmarks of autumn.

Cinder chuckled softly as she released Winter’s hand and walked forth into the street. “When I was back in Vale a long while ago, I remember their campus and city looking much like this.” Parading almost up to one of the trees and taking a small handful of the warm coloured flecks from its branch. “Ruby reminded me that with all the changes here in Atlas with these things, something as pretty as those may prop up again here.”

“I presume Weiss is getting much the same treatment then?” Winter asked halfheartedly, though the light flecks of awe still hummed in her throat.

“I suppose, though I think you’re still far more fair and pretty than these can be.” Cinder smirked, placing a snide kiss against Winter’s lips before quickly retreating, watching as red burned across Winter’s cheeks in the moment. “And you could use more warm colours on you as well.”

Cinder continued to smile as Winter quickly threw her hand to her cheek, trying to tell if some of Cinder’s lipstick or otherwise had been left on her. “Cinder Fall!” She gasped, then fighting in equal measure to regain her volume.

“Would a coffee make up for me waking you up so early for a cheesy line?” Offering her arm then in a crook for Winter, the Schnee glared at her partner before taking hold of it; allowing her head to idly fall onto Cinder’s shoulder.

“You suck you know that?” Winter hummed.

Curtly, Cinder sighed, “If I have to wear white you have to wear embarrassment, not my fault you wear it so well.”

[maxchael]

Crunchy Leaves

October 2/23

Hi!!! I'm not a good writer but I need to work on myself and Alejandro's dynamic. It's not at all good yet but I'll be working to get something good by the end of the month I hope.

Art by mabelismycat on TT

Jude had been counting down the days till Fall since June, his partner always dismissing it with a snort or an eye roll. Now that it really was fall, Jude was off the walls. He had been begging Alejandro to go out with him on a walk or a date, something of the sorts. Alej wasn’t the biggest fan of chilly weather, he had various burns across his arms and cheek, they would flare up and get itchy at any unpleasant weather. He had always come up with excuses. Jude, not wanting to be annoying, would just nod and pout.

They had a sort of complicated relationship, ever since Jude’s competing on “The Ridonculous Race”, they had realised how much they really needed to be around the other. They were delighted to finally spend proper time together, especially during this season.

Jude rolled over onto Alejandro, humming and looking down at him. “It’s perfectly chilly out right now, the leaves are falling.” The other tilted his head up and scratched at his stubble, His mossy green eyes focused on the window.

“I guess…” Jude’s eyes went big “I guess it wouldn’t hurt”

He shot up and fell onto the other side of the bed, squealing in triumph, earning a delighted chuckle from Alej. He slowly sat up, stretching and feeling over all his burns, he did so every morning. Judas was already scurrying to search through the closet. Their room was very homey around this time;It had slowly been decorated to bring autumnal feelings, a few halloween decorations as well. The curtains had even been changed out to be a pumpkin orange colour.

Jude mumbled “You should bundle up well, it’ll feel better on your skin”

“Well you should too, at least cover your arms, your scars are still sensitive”

He blew raspberries as he pulled on a pair of tight black jeans. He wore a graphic T-shirt that a good friend made him. Alejandro smiled and got up, putting his hair into a messy bun.

“You’ll wear a coat right? No coat, no walk”

There was no response, but he knew the answer anyway.

Their relationship was very domestic and sweet, they tried not to worry about much these days. They brushed their teeth together, ate breakfast together, and did one another’s hair. Alejandro even occasionally having to bandage his partner up, tenderly, as well as angrily.

As they left the house, Jude was squeaking and frantically dragging his much taller friend outside by his jacket.

“Freedom!” he shouted.

“It’s not like I stop you from going out” he yawned as his shoulders slumped.

Jude beamed, “I like going out better when I’m with you.”

“You have friends right?” he quipped

He tugged on Alejandro’s jacket again, this time gently with a pout, and they broke into a gentle jog. Flying down the sidewalk, the cool air kissing their faces. The leaves crunched beautifully under their feet. Jude made extra sure to land on every leaf as they went on, every crackle making him mellow out.

There wasn’t much of anything but grass and a few houses before they would reach town. There was also a lot of time and silence for Jude to think.

“You’re so mean to me” he whispered.

Upon hearing that, Alejandro stood still. He leaned back and they were placed under a tree. Jude grunted and looked back, furrowing his brow with a clenched jaw. “It’s beautiful isn’t it?” he said softly, grabbing Jude’s arm. A gust of wind blew hard, sending a flurry of leaves around them. Alej leaned down, leaving chaste kisses all over the other’s forehead. He let out an almost purring noise.

“I love you very much, and you know that”

“You’re still mean” he clung onto Alej regardless.

“Shhh- I love you” he said, much quieter than before.

Jude couldn’t tell if it was the words themselves or the way he said it, but tears pricked the corners of his eyes.

“I love you too”

Alejandro wrapped his arms around Jude tightly, they had no problem just standing there in embrace. That’s just what they did, leaves making gentle noises under Jude’s heels.

[maxchael]

Trick-or-Treat + Staying In

October 30/23, trying he/they Jude ^_^

That’s a wrap guys! I only got like 5 prompts done but I did it regardless! This last one isn’t very good, but It’s short and sweet and very self indulgent. I do have another writing I forgot to post but I’ll get to that next month LOL. thank you for reading<3

The night was falling like a gentle blanket over everything, it was foggy and perfectly spooky for halloween. Crisp leaves blew to the ground in gentle flurries. Pumpkins illuminated the stairs with a yellowed glow. God Bless Halloween, Jude sat against the window, bundled up in a shark onesie. He stuck his tongue through his teeth, having moulded fangs onto his canines. The house was dim with Beatles tunes playing in the background. Alejandro swooped in, setting a bowl of popcorn on the table. He creeped up behind Judas and enveloped him in a Tight hug.

“Jesus!-” he squawked, the last ‘S’ coming out as a whistle.

Alejandro snickered and put on a smug grin.

“Mi tiburoncito, it’s movie time.”

“Actually it’s almost trick or treating time” they whined, slumping over the other’s arms.

“Jude you are 20” his eyes narrowed as he raised his chin, coffee brown hair falling back.

“Not for me!” they protested, embarrassed that he even thought that, “neighbourhood kids”

his face was blotchy, eyebrows knitted tightly. Alejandro chuckled “Ah of course!” he stood up straight and tall “do kids even trick-or-treat anymore?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t they? It’s fun…” he leaned into the window frame, it lined up and touched their spine.

Alejandro rolled his neck and cracked it, thinking for a moment. He hadn’t dressed up all that much for their movie night. He had a sword holstered to his side, and a few plastic pieces of armour on his arms and head, ‘Me llamo Don Quixote de la Mancha!’ he had declared much earlier.

“I bought a bag of candy, it’s in the pantry, and also a Halloween bowl” he pumped his fist in the air “with my own work money!”

Alejandro laughed and shook his head, he wasn’t asked to, but he went to go get them. He never minded getting things for Jude, they had a few (A LOT) of problems with their legs.

He ripped the bag open with his teeth and spilled it all into the bowl, stray pieces falling all over the counter.

“If no one comes, I'll eat it all!” Jude shouted from the living room.

“Absolutely not, you’ll get sick” he barked back.

Jude hoisted himself up and off the windowsill, shuffling over to Alejandro, hands outstretched to receive the bowl.

The taller boy nodded towards the movie, the other grinned and whispered “Hocus Pocus”.

Jude ran outside with no shoes, directly into the grass to wrangle a patio chair. He dragged it up onto the porch and set the bowl on it. Grabbing handfuls of leaves, he spread them around the base of the chair. There were already a few kids out, giggling and huddling with each other. Jude scurried back inside, locking the door and clicking on the porch light.

Alejandro was already sitting comfortably with his legs up, he wore shorts, his leg brace fully visible. Jude looked over it for a moment before they ran and threw themselves into the space right next to Alej. “oof-” he barely budged, he was a heavy set guy.

Jude Straightened out and laid across his lap, staring off into space. Alejandro glanced down and smiled. He moved a hand to Jude’s hair, curling a strand between his fingers.

“Trick or treat” Jude murmured, the corner of his lips lifting.

“I say treat” he leaned down, his hair laying over Jude’s forehead. He gave them a sweet and gentle kiss, intertwining their fingers with his free hand. Jude grumbled at Alej’s stubble that got his chin every time they kissed, but they held onto each other and went on anyway.

This was the best way they could’ve spent their Halloween together…or at least they thought so.

[maxchael]

Pumpkin Carving

October 12/23

Implied/Referenced Self-Harm

As the days grew colder and the oranges grew brighter, the little spark in Jude’s heart grew bigger. He held onto Alejandro’s burly arm as they drove down the street. The wind pelting their faces, music crackling through the old radio system. They had a 1985 Dodge ram truck, a gift from Carlos, and as of now?;the trunk of said truck was full of decorative gourds, andtwo beautifully perfect pumpkins.Jude shouted lyrics to Beatles songs, Alejandro laughing at the cracks of his voice.

“Me estás enamorando con tu canción! Tu voz!” he yelled over all the noise.

“Good! Eso es lo que trato hacer!” Jude shot back playfully,

They pulled up into the driveway of Carlos’ house, they were free to stay there whenever they wanted, and a Fall break was needed. Jude swiped up his Starbucks drink, eyeing Alejandro.

“You’re really strong you know? Like, crazy, I bet you could take the pumpkins on your own” he said, half affectionate, half trying not to laugh. Before he could object, Jude was hopping out of the truck and running inside, drink steadily in hand.

“Agh! You are the worst!” he guffawed and shook his head, “I hadn’t even turned the car off yet!”

With a loving smile, Jude waved at him from the doorstep. Alejandro rolled his eyes and got out of the car, stretching, putting his hands on his hips and popping his back. He gently shut the truck door and went to the back, hauling out the bright pumpkins, one in each arm. They were going to set up on the back porch later at night to get messy.

Jude snatched the Keys from Alej’s pocket and struggled to unlock the door.

“You have terrible hand eye coordination” teased Alejandro.

Jude huffed and pushed the door open, the other strode in and set the pumpkins onto the kitchen island-- “The carving stuff is upstairs, and I’m pretty sure Carlos said we can just use whatever knife.”

“Ohh I love Carlos, he’s so great” he sighed happily.

“More than me?” Alej pouted

Jude grinned sweetly “Never.”

7:13PM

The sun was now setting, the two had set up candles, newspapers, and all their supplies on the back porch floor. The yard was recently trimmed, beautiful orange leaves littered the ground;The summer flowers were now replaced with Fall perennials. Carlos was very serious about his lawn.

They sat down, Jude more slowly, legs shaking as he gripped onto his cane. Alejandro was already manning the knife, hacking out the bottom of the pumpkins.

“You should really bring your cane out more, chiquito”

Jude ignored him, drawling “have you ever even cut a Pumpkin before? These are some crazy techniques”

“I actually have not” he cocked his head with a half-smile.

Jude raised a brow and shifted, grabbing one of the already semi-hollowed gourds, reaching his hands in and scooping out guts.

“I actually never got to celebrate Halloween, Mi padres dijeron que fue el dia de el diablo, or something like that”

Jude laughed, a hand over his mouth “that’s terrible. I mean, my parents are very catholic, but we all celebrated every year. It’s my favourite holiday”

“They wouldn’t even let me out on Halloween night” he scrunched his nose and furrowed his brows.

“Obviously, te habrías poseído”

Alejandro chuckled, hunching over his gutted pumpkin.

Jude stuck out his tongue “The guts make your skin stupidly soft, it’s kind of gross.”

“I should rub it all over my scars then, shouldn’t I” he quipped.

Jude grimaced and shook his head, he froze up for a moment as Alejandro handed him a small knife. He blinked very slowly, sitting idly for several seconds before gently grabbing onto the handle.

Alejandro smiled tenderly, he and Carlos had been working on adjusting Jude to being around sharp objects under supervision. Obviously there were slip ups, but so much had gone on with Jude not even 2 years ago. They still don’t know the extent. He has been opening up slowly.

Jude shook his head and stabbed right into the pumpkin. He did not hesitate to start carving.

“I’m going to make him evil, scary evil. Or super cute I guess. I’ll decide as I carve” he tilted his head up towards Alejandro, “does Carlos care that we celebrate Halloween?”

“No of course not, he’s sort of strayed away from the heavy religion. He still is religious, just open minded-- very accepting”

“Carlos is very nice to me” Jude whispered, fiddling with the carved out eyes of his Pumpkin.

“He likes you, of course he is,” Alejandro paused for a moment. “He appreciates the joy you’ve brought into my life.”

Jude flushed a bit and grinned behind the knife, letting out a little noise. They let silence fill the air. Still cutting away, Alejandro was a perfectionist, his was smooth and nicely carved. Jude’s was messy and artistic. They were both artists but in vastly different ways.

“We can decorate back here tomorrow--”

The back door clicked open, Carlos peeking out.

“Hola chicos” He smiled, crows feet showing around his greyish eyes.

Jude held up his pumpkin like a proud child, Carlos stepped onto the porch and nodded approvingly.

“You are doing so good, it looks great” he grinned.

Alejandro spun his around to reveal a very happy face, Jude set his hand on it

“Awh what, that’s so good, this is really your first time?”

Alejandro nodded, clearly very pleased with himself. Jude moved his hand to Alejandro’s shoulder, letting out a deflating noise as he stood up.

He volunteered, “I’ll get the candles”

“Ai, I could’ve gotten them, you could’ve asked” Carlos frowned.

Judas swatted at the air and shrugged, stepping inside, Leaving Carlos and Alejandro alone.

They stared at each other for a while, their faces speaking everything. They both felt so lucky to have Jude and his family in their lives, even if it was a messy ride to get there. Jude’s mother had been very abrasive towards Alejandro at first, she didn’t want her son getting with someone who humiliated him on national television. She had had countless arguments with both brothers, stating that they would simply hurt the boy more. It took so many sit down conversations and slow understanding for them to get here. Now Jude’s mom would check up on the burromuertos, even coming over for holidays.

Jude snaked back onto the porch and tossed a tealight candle at Alej, hitting him square in the forehead. Alejandro barely caught it and huffed with faux-anger, getting a snicker from Jude.

They headed down the steps, Jude carrying his pumpkin with both hands, lighter in his mouth, and tealight balanced on top.

“They’re going to look so good, everyone will be jealous of you, Carlos” he mumbled as he flicked the lighter open, lighting both he and his partner’s candles, and they set them down, standing back to marvel at their first pumpkins carved together. Jude slowly melted to the floor. He brought his knees close to his chest and hugged them tight. Alejandro was quick to follow, Putting his arm loosely around Judas.

“I wish we could do stuff like this all the time,” the shorter one whispered.

Alejandro kissed his forehead “me too, cariño, me too”

They sat under the stars, staring at their creations with childlike amazement. The grass was cold against their legs. The gentle breeze sends a few leaves towards them.

Carlos stood against the edge of the porch railing, his arms crossed as he watched them.

“I’ll go make some coffee, you two don’t stay out too long” he gave them a gentle nod and slowly walked in.

Jude fixed himself to hold onto Alejandro, arms wrapped around his waist, leaning up against him;with a hold that said ‘I don’t want to let you go’.

And so they didn’t.