On their third date, Alan took Meredith to the fanciest restaurant he knew, a steakhouse best known for its long waiting list and outrageous prices. He liked good food as much as anyone and appreciated most wines, but he wasn’t any kind of expert when it came to fine dining, and so he was relieved when Meredith complimented him on his choice and rewarded him with a bright smile. Alan still didn’t believe his luck. He’d dr...

Jenny checked her phone. Fifteen minutes until Linda got off work. The sun had started to set outside, and Jenny’s eyes were getting tired from reading. It was time. She put her book on the coffee table and pulled an unassuming black travel bag out from underneath the sofa. Metal clinked as she moved it, and she looked around as though Linda could somehow be watching her. But Linda wasn’t here, and Jenny could take whatev...

The night was freezing and a lone woman picked up the pace. She was drenched, her heels clicking across the wet asphalt as she peered through the black. Still, the dark man was behind. Slowly, gradually, he was beginning to catch up. Running wasn't an option unless her sinister pursuer suffered from a similarly debilitating case of asthma. She turned a corner. The moon was nearly hidden behind the clouds and street lights...

Jemma was a little early. It was one of her rules. Dates weren't easy to come by in her position and limited experience had taught her not to bring along a carer. Reminding people of her utter dependence on outside help usually didn't leave a brilliant first impression.She smiled at a tall man, who was stood in the doorframe, wearing a vest and a bow-tie. Successfully having made eye-contact with the host, Jemma mouthed t...

Jim's room had no windows. It was a small room with naked walls, and a cold, hard floor. Jim had been awake for a while now, though he could never be certain how long it had really been. The only light emanated from the small gap under the only door, and to Jim's eyes, it was unusually bright, which made him very nearly certain that it was daytime already. He shifted his weight a little, trying to alleviate the stiffness...

Alan splashed his face with icy cold water from the tap removing the last bits of shaving cream, and examined his now smooth face in the bathroom mirror. He could see Julie's reflection as she stepped out of the shower and stretched, strategically showcasing her full, curvy figure. A cloud of steam followed in her wake, and she squeezed water from her long, auburn hair.'Oh come on. It'll only be for a little while,' Julie...

Nothing but the silvery glow of the crescent moon illuminated Matilda's sleeping quarters. The autumn night was calm but cold, and thick layers of furs and blankets kept the young woman warm and comfy. The oaken bed was large and sturdy, and made Matilda's feminine but short body appear smaller still. Only her head poked out of the covers, the skin pale in the moonlight and her locks dark.Electricity crackled. At first, j...

Bright sunlight flooded the living room, but Josh was glad to be out of the searing heat, and reunited with the air conditioning. Panting heavily he leant on the leather sofa, and dutifully stretched his legs. The muscles in his thighs continued to burn, and Josh had some trouble catching his breath.'Nicely done, sweetheart', Meredith patted him on the back. 'I think you're getting better.'She had already regained control...

Chuck dropped the last of the mattresses, and it hit the stone floor with a thud. Dust began to settle back down, as he stretched his back, sighing deeply. The room looked very empty now, but Chuck knew it would be cramped all too soon. The walls were cold and naked, and the mismatched sheets and pillows were unlikely to make the place feel any more like a home for its residents.'That it?' Chuck asked the young man next t...

Up high on the topmost apartment's balcony, Tadao has a great view of the impressive skyline. His hands drum on the railing, and he enjoys the cool night air. The glass doors slide open silently.'Thank you for walking me home,' Kimiko says, and comes closer.She has changed into a flowery, silken dressing gown, and walks up behind Tadao. A lovely sight, Tadao marvels at her slim, petite body and perfect posture. The dark h...

The river runs strong and free, carving out rock and the very earth, forever shaping the land.The surface broke, and the king of the river rose with a mighty splash to greet the humanoid figure that was approaching the river.'Welcome, boy,' Achelous said, and as he laughed the stream joined in with him. 'Another one of love's fools. Come to reclaim your sweetheart.'The river king was a sight to behold. Ten times larger th...

The clearing was bright and very green, and the gentlest of breezes made the grass and flowers dance where they grew. Three figures approached the spring and were sweating profusely from a whole day's walking under the sun's merciless rays.The lawyer was the first to reach their goal, and with a heaving sigh he slumped down before the pool of water and dropped his heavy rucksack. He let himself fall into the grass, stretc...

The brothel looked very different during the day. There was no music, and the pink mood lighting had been replaced by brighter, practical LEDs, which revealed the many little imperfections that were usually carefully hidden in the shadows. Cords, plugs and wires, smoke machines, tears in the walls, chinks in the wood, suspicious stains and missing ceiling tiles, it was all visible now that no customers were here to see it...

Even this late the party was in full swing. The smell of beer and sweat hung prominently in the air, and Dana was sweating profusely herself, and especially her face felt hot. A bit of fresh air was definitely called for. She made hasty excuses, and backed away from her group of friends, before wheeling her chair towards the wardrobe. She quickly picked through the jackets until she had located her own.Dana made her way t...