Challenge #04023-K005: Couples Hobby Hour

in #fictionlast year

mel-poole-LlX6BlViuUg-unsplash.jpg

Lilicoon teaches her best friend, Jay, how to crochet and some of her other hobbies. It's surprisingly useful later on. -- Anon Guest

It was, initially, a good excuse to get cozy together. And Jay would be the last person to admit that they were a little touch-starved. Snuggling in innocent ways with someone as soft and fluffy as Miss Lilicoon was a welcome balm to the wounds Jay kept giving themself.

They shared therapy sessions like that, sometimes.

This was more of a date. Cozy in one of the portside viewing lounges with a craft bag and a set of hooks. And some knitted garments that Jay needed to repair. There was soft furniture to lounge on and relaxing music to match the serene and soundless scenery.

"You need a latch hook for this one," said Lilicoon, "As well as a needle and matching yarn." She did not ask how the damage had happened. When one is friends with a member of Pax Humanis, certain questions are best left unasked. She found matching balls. One for his damaged coat, another for hers. "Bring the thread in through the stitches on the diagonal, then we measure in the sub-structure." She demonstrated as she spoke.

Jay followed slowly. Step by step. Accepting gentle corrections from Lilicoon's gentle hands.

Two years ago, he flinched from any kind touch, having spent a lifetime expecting only cruelty. It had taken him most of a year to become accustomed to casual kindness. Even now, he trusted few people near him.

He was getting better.

With needle and latch hook and Lilicoon's soft-spoken instructions, he managed to patch up a hole so that it looked like it had never been there. "Sorcery," he whispered.

Lilicoon giggled. "I guess knowing how it's done doesn't make it any less magic."

"You're magic," said Jay. "Abracadabra, my life doesn't suck."

"I could say the same about you," she said. "Alakazam, I feel comfortable in myself."

They never did finish darning. Preferring to rest against each other and watch the ships sail into the night.

[Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash]

If you like my stories, please Check out my blog and Follow me. Or share them with your friends!

Send me a prompt [137 remaining prompts!]

Support me on Patreon / Buy me a Ko-fi

Check out the other stuff I'm selling

Sort:  

Ok, now that's just totally sweet. Went from nervous teens dating for the first time, to them being completely comfortable sitting together and relaxing. :-) Heh, Lilcoon, one of the best protected young ladies in the universe, and Jay, one of the most dangerous beings in the universe who is learning what kindness is once more.

It is very sweet :D