ARC "Your place is not too shabby." Arc ignored the comment and turned on the lights. "Close the door." Chelsea paused and gave him a 'seriously?' look but complied. "So where do I put this?" "You're taking it back with you when you're done saying whatever you want to say to me." Chelsea blanched. "Nobody rejects a fruit basket, it's a taboo in the sanctioned order of taboos." "I don't care." He scoffed. "Of course you don't." He muttered something under his breath that sounded like a curse but Arc wanted this done and over with. He didn't like seeing him in his space, he didn't belong there. He looked so extravagant and that was the furthest thing Arc's lovely abode was. He looked as Chelsea pursed his lips and huffed. "But there are mangoes in it and strawberries too. There's even tangerines, sweet melons, coconuts and chocolate. Don't you like chocolate? I like them but I don't eat them or else I won't
Chelsea "Wait, let me get this straight. You went to his house and got into an argument with his sister, then you argued with him and called him an Orc." "Then I slammed your business card on a table." "You slammed my business card on a table." Her voice was unbelieving. "What? I did it for dramatic effect." "And how did it effect?" "My palms are sore." "Oh Chelsea." "Don't make it sound like I did it all wrong." "You did do it all wrong. You're definitely not scoring any points in winning lover boy over." "Don't call him that. He's no lover boy. He's an over the top egoistical maniac with psychotic tendencies. He threatened to murder me and hide my body." "Cannot wait to help him accomplish that plan." Sarcasm laced her voice. "Lily!" He exclaimed. "What! Lots of people want to murder you Chelsea. Your dad is at the top of that list. Has he even called you yet?" "No"
Arc Arc stared at the brown brick building and wondered how in the hell he'd been persuaded to come. "You have to go, get a chance to meet new people. Socialize for once." Penelope had urged and a few minutes later, she'd prodded him out the door and waved goodbye as he'd driven off. He could still picture the successful grin that'd stuck to her face as he'd checked the rearview mirror. The black envelope was in his hand and he was a few minutes early as determined by the old watch that wrapped loosely around his left wrist. He didn't want another tear mark since they hurt alot and was a hassle when he worked. His limp was mild and he felt alright, better than he'd been the past couple of days. He could do it. He'd get the usual stares which was something he could handle, he'd sit through the whole thing and leave later, never to come back again. He was going to have to return the envelope to Sarah, he'd deal with that later. The
ARC He leveled his gaze on the fatso, daring him to look at him again but he didn't. It was confirmed then. Fatso was uncomfortable around him. Arc didn't care. Although, he couldn't help but tap from the nervous energy that oozed from the frightened green eyes that avoided his own, and the way his lips were clutched between his teeth, Fat filled his cheeks and neck, making him look like a mature baby, and even with the fan swirling above them, sweat stained his armpits and the neckline of his blue shirt. The roundness of his tummy couldn't be hidden, and his chubby hands rested on the protruding belly, as if trying to conceal it. "We've been seating here for close to twenty bloody minutes and the organiser hasn't even shown his ugly ass yet." Grey groaned out. "Who exactly are we waiting for?" It was Eddie asking. "The hell do I know? Ask the black woman over there. I hope her brain is as sharp as her tongue." "Now you bett
Chelsea Chelsea has not left his suite for two days. He was glum and irritated, snapping at the butler who'd delivered room service and objectifying the cleaning lady when she'd come at 1:30pm. It was already night and his tongue lingered on the bittersweet taste of a Chateau Mounton Rothschild. He was lying on one of the many lounges on the sky terrace. His phone was somewhere there too but he didn't care enough to know where. Gloom waved at him everywhere he wandered. He was losing it. Contacting and venting to Lily had prompted her to block him for the time being according to the angry words she'd thrown at him on the phone. Frequently, he'd stand by the screen balustrades and look at the view below. The large swimming pool glowed blue at night, he sometimes wondered if some chemical was put in it to give it that kind of effect. He couldn't ask now for sure, he avoided talking to any of the hotel's staffs because he'd learned times without number that 'a shared thought is shar
ARC "You've been staring at the table for a while now." He gave a grunt and pushed a boiled broccoli around his plate with a fork. "You don't like the food?" They couldn't afford more groceries since his pay had been cut again by his boss, Bill and all because he was lagging behind, a reason he knew was absolutely cruddy. Although the food tasted alright enough since Penelope was a good enough cook. And it wasn't his reduced wages that bothered him. "You're in a mood." He grunted again. "Are your painkillers not working any longer? We could go the hospital." Arc wished it was his leg that was making him feel the way he was. "I'm fine Penelope, no hospitals." "Something's on your mind." He could feel her eyes burn a hole through his head. "I'm fine." "You're not." "I'm going to my room." "The basement you mean." She said, humour in her voice. "You wanna switch rooms?" He snapped. "Don't take out whatever is wrong with you on me." "Don't push me then." "I'm not willing
CHELSEA "He's in." "What?" A heavy slam of pain hit his head. "Ow." "What's wrong with you? Did the 'd' just hit your 'p-spot'?" "What? How can I be having sex while speaking with you on the phone?" His head pounded as he got out words from his mouth. He was sure his head was about to fall off. "I don't know Chelsea. Some people can get that kinky." "I'm not those people." "But you could be one of them." "Come on Lily, what were you saying again?" "He's in the bag." "Who.. is.. in.. the..bag?!" "Your lover boy." Chelsea didn't want to believe it was true. He decided to make sure she was more specific. "I've got tons of lover boys." "Arc the Orc. The frog in your 'the princess and the frog' story." A loud screech tore from his throat. "Whoa! Don't ever do that again." He let out another one. "Okay, I'm hanging up." "Wait!" His throat suddenly felt hoarse. "They just came out o
Arc Hendersonville Street was a lovely juncture between the rift raft side of town he lived in and the fixer upper part of Thorne. It was a rural place where the nicer folks dwelled in and where the older people chose to spend the remainder of their days in quiet solitude. It was also where Sarah's ping pong club was situated. The building wasn't hard to find, since it was the only building that wasn't made of brick and was probably costlier too. Like the other houses, it had a nice lawn in front, and a driveway that led to a garage. He'd managed to persuade Bill in letting him take the afternoon off, on the condition that he'd work overtime when he signs in for the night. He pictured Penelope in his mind as he entered the building and saw a nice looking woman at the front desk. The receptionist he was sure. He walked up to her, not caring as she gasped when she looked up from her monitor. The smile she'd been wearing wore
Chelsea Bill's gaze darted around the room, ensuring they were alone."How did you...?" Bill's voice trailed off, his eyes locked on Ethel.Ethel's gaze snapped to his, her eyes glinting with triumph.Her voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "What I mean is, I have a video of you fucking yourself with a 10-inch dildo, wearing a pig costume and rubbing yourself on a desk."Chelsea's jaw dropped, shocked."I thought he'd just hit his ass with a paddle in a pig costume while oinking," Chelsea whispered.Ethel's gaze flicked to Chelsea. "He did that too. Don't mention it to the others." Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Don't want to ruin their PG-13 rated baby ears."Chelsea turned to Bill, whose face burned crimson."And what's with you and desks?" Chelsea asked.Bill's glare was venomous. "Mind your fucking business." His voice snarled. "And I don't care about what you know. You don't have proof."Ethel's smile was radiant. "Oh, dearie dear, you should know better. I'm always 5
Chelsea Getting to Bill had proven to be the first major hurdle in their plan. As they entered his hospital room, they were greeted by Mia, a bright and cheery nurse who seemed out of place amidst the sterile hospital atmosphere.To their surprise, everyone except Chelsea and Arc knew Mia, exchanging warm smiles and familiar hellos.However, Mia's expression turned somber as she addressed the group. "I'm afraid only a few of you can see Mr. Lank at a time. He's still reeling from the news...about his upcoming surgery." Her voice dropped to a sympathetic whisper. "The doctor says one of his testicles needs to be removed, and he's taking it rather hard."Mia's eyes conveyed genuine concern. "We don't want to overwhelm him further. He's already under immense stress."The group's reactions were mixed: Agnes and Pete gasped in horror, Grey snickered before Lady Legasus's stern glance silenced him, Brandon's eyes fixated longingly on the receptionist's candy, and Kaitlyn shook her
ArcArc lingered, his mind consumed by simmering anger as Chelsea and Kai walked side by side toward Ethel's car.What was their relationship? Did Chelsea have feelings for Kai? The possibility gnawed at Arc.Kai's interest in Chelsea was palpable, and Arc knew Chelsea's flirtatious nature. Kai embodied Chelsea's type – big, hunky, good-looking, and normal.Annoyance swirled, mingling with hurt. Their passionate night seemed meaningless to Chelsea. Was it all in Arc's head that Chelsea cared?"Forget asking him out," Arc thought, dismissing the idea."You don't look too happy," Angel observed, breaking the tension.Arc turned, meeting Angel's inquiring gaze. "Why aren't you with them?" Arc asked.Angel shrugged. "Nah, I'm conjuring a plan. Can't think with all that chaos around me."Arc's gaze drifted back to Chelsea and Kai, his jaw clenched as Chelsea's laughter echoed through the air. Chelsea's eyes sparkled as Kai lifted Pete out of the car, their proximity igniting a fir
ChelseaA rush of adrenaline had coursed through Chelsea's veins as he stepped off the bus, his eyes locking onto Arc's familiar figure. Wrapping his arms around Arc was like coming home – a sense of comfort and security enveloped him, soothing his frazzled nerves. Arc's towering height and broad shoulders formed a sheltering cocoon, protecting Chelsea from the world.The firm beating of Arc's heart against his chest was a lullaby, calming Chelsea's deepest fears. He was alive. Unbroken. Unscathed. The relief was palpable, washing over Chelsea like a wave.As Arc's hand caressed his hair, Chelsea's entire being shivered with awareness. The gentle touch awakened memories of moments like this, their hearts beating in tandem.Chelsea tightened his hold on Arc, his arms constricting around him like a vice. Arc responded in kind, their bodies molding together as if forged from the same flesh."Are you okay?" Chelsea managed to ask, his voice barely above a whisper.Arc's reply
Arc"Are you alright, Archer? You look pale." Angel asked.Arc's response was curt, his words clipped. "I'm fine."His leg felt numb, and things had taken a dramatic turn after Bill's drastic fall. The ambulance had come and carted Bill away. Now, two police officers stood before them, wanting their statements.Officer Garner's friendly smile seemed perfected to put people at ease, but his eyes were searching and analytic. His partner, Officer Rogers, a bright-eyed and eager apprentice, fumbled with his pen and pad, his scribbles bordering on illegible.They gathered around him as he stood authoritatively, scrutinizing each of their faces with that same reassuring smile."Can anyone tell me what happened leading up to Mr. Lank's fall?" Garner asked.Brandon dissolved into a blubbering, sweaty mess. "I swear, Officer, I didn't kill him! I only witnessed him die!"Kaitlyn slapped her forehead. "Oh mother of all.""The victim is not dead, boy." Garner corrected."I'm Brandon," the y
Chelsea"I can't do this anymore." Lily's voice was instantaneously warm and concerned on the other end of the line. "Chelsea, what's wrong?" But before Chelsea could respond, a crash echoed through the phone, followed by Lily's laughter. "What's going on?" Chelsea asked, frustration etched in his voice. "I'm trying to shave," Lily replied, "but apparently, multitasking is overrated." "Eew, Lily, TMI. I didn't need to know that," Chelsea said, his disgust evident. It wasn't a detail he wanted to be aware of. Lily chuckled. "Well, you already do. And besides, you asked." Chelsea hesitated. "You're really shaving...down there?" Lily's tone turned dry. "No, Chelsea. I was just testing your tolerance for awkward conversations. Chelsea paused, his mind still reeling. "Are you really shaving your—" "No, Chelsea, I am not," Lily interrupted, her tone teasing. "Why would I tell you if I was shaving my pubic hair?" Chelsea's frustration boiled over. "I don't know, everythi
ArcArc basked in the unprecedented bliss, his heart soaring. He had revealed hidden facets of himself to Chelsea, vulnerable in ways he never thought possible. And Chelsea accepted him without hesitation, without revulsion. Their boundary had been breached, leaving Arc questioning their relationship. Were they still pretend friends? Pretend friends didn't share passionate a passionate. Arc's inexperience with intimacy left him uncertain. Was Chelsea now his lover? The thought ignited a warm glow in his belly, but his mind recoiled at the implications. Could someone like Chelsea, beautiful and kind, truly want him? Arc's scars, emotional and physical, seemed insurmountable. Yet, Chelsea's acceptance and gentle touch whispered possibilities. Arc's heart wrestled with fear and hope. But his mind reeled at the impossibility. Arc's doubts resurfaced, tarnishing his bliss. What could he offer Chelsea? He wasn't wealthy, handsome, or successful. He hadn't even gone to college. But the
ChelseaLast night had been a maelstrom of emotions, a whirlpool that had pulled Chelsea under and left him gasping for air. Arc had laid bare his soul, exposing the deepest, darkest secret he'd kept hidden from the world – even from Penelope. Chelsea's heart still raced at the memory of Arc's vulnerability, the anguish etched on his face like a scar.As he stood in Arc's room, Chelsea felt a flush rise to his cheeks. He'd fled to the bathroom, or so he'd claimed, but the truth was he'd needed to escape the overwhelming emotions that had threatened to consume him. The annoyance in Arc's eyes when Penelope interrupted their moment had sparked something primal within Chelsea, a fierce protectiveness he couldn't contain.And then, the memories of their passion flooded back, searing his mind like a branding iron. Arc's claim on him had been fierce, unrelenting, his touch igniting a fire that had burned them both. Chelsea's skin still tingled from the rough caress of Arc's lips
ArcChelsea was far away, plucking strawberries with a carefree smile etched on his face. The warm sunlight danced across his features, illuminating the gentle curve of his cheeks and the soft crinkle around his eyes. His white linen shirt billowed in the breeze, its relaxed fit accentuating the subtle strength of his shoulders. Arc's gaze lingered, drinking in the tranquil scene. As Arc smiled, his heart swelled with affection. He took a step forward, his feet carrying him toward Chelsea with an eagerness that belied the unease growing within. But it was as if his feet had rooted to the earth. Invisible hands grasped him, their dark energy suffocating, drawing the air from his lungs. Panic flared in Arc's chest as he struggled against the unseen force. His eyes locked onto Chelsea, desperate to hold onto the connection between them. Chelsea, still oblivious, continued picking strawberries, his laughter echoing through the field like a cruel taunt. Arc's vision began to blur, the vi