From Gerrards Cross to Cheltenham

[sea_thoughts]

I didn't get the translating job in Paris: took too long to get both my CV and opening letter in French. I didn't get the proof-reading job in Gerrards Cross - probably took too long over that as well. Never mind: I've applied for a linguist position with GCHQ: for more info, see this link. Let's hope that I get an interview! I've also got that interview for the Old Sarum job this Wednesday.

As a Harry Potter fan, I love this entry: Pass It On

I'm nearly finished with December's themes and I've got a couple of ideas for January's themes as well. But for now, here's my ficlet for "Curse". I think I'm safe in saying that nobody else is going to think of this interpretation. XD

For sm_monthly

Title: Density
Author: Starsea
Theme: Curse (OTP: Makoto and Nephrite)
Genre: General
Version: Manga (Crystal Tokyo)
Rating: PG

Makoto opened her eyes at the knock on the door. "Come in," she said, cursing the waver in her voice.

He pushed the door so hard that it banged against the wall. How could he be so thoughtless? But that was him all over: thoughtless, without thought. On the one hand, it was incredibly annoying. On the other, at least you could never accuse him of plotting against you, of malice. He stopped short as he saw her, already feeling bad about slamming the door open when she obviously wasn't well.

"You wanted to see me, Makoto-san?" he asked, his voice lowered.

"Yes." She jerked her head at the pile of papers on the table. "I need you to go through those and sort them into piles: which ones need to be signed, which ones need to be refused, which ones I can safely recycle..."

"What's wrong?" he asked, walking forward and kneeling by the sofa. The concern in his brown eyes was too much at this vulnerable time and she turned her head slightly.

"Just the curse," she said with a brief laugh.

Nephrite felt cold all of a sudden. "Curse? Shouldn't you talk to Rei-san about that sort of thing?"

For a moment, she stared at him. Then her eyes closed and she laughed, harsh and short. "Typical. Why do I have to get stuck with the dense one?"

Nephrite remained prudently silent. He and Makoto hadn't been partners very long, but he'd learned already that silence was much the better part of valour where she was concerned. He didn't always remember in time but he did know it.

"For your information, all women have this 'curse'," Makoto said when he made no response. "It comes every month and it involves a lot of hormones, blood and frustration. In short, I'm talking about menstruation."

"Oh."

"Yes. 'Oh'. Any more questions?"

"Do you need anything? Hot water bottle? Painkiller? Chocolate?"

Makoto shook her head, touched by his awkward concern, more that she wanted to be. "I'm not in pain. I'm just not feeling very energetic. It's always the same, the first day." She nodded at the pile of papers again. "If you could just take care of those, that would be a load off my mind."

"Okay." He gathered them carefully in his arms and looked at her. "I hope you feel better soon," he said, then leaned forward before he could think better of it and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead.

Makoto opened her mouth, stunned, but he was already gone, closing the door behind him. And she didn't even have the energy to get up and go after him. And he'd known that.

"Damn you," she said softly, lifting her hand and touching her brow, although no mark remained, of course. "It's always the dense ones..."

Comments

[lilian413.livejournal.com]

No ficlet? *pouts*

I'm sure you'll get that interview! We'll all be cheering for you. :-)

[godricgal.livejournal.com]

I had good news today.:D (see my LJ in a bit) Now it's your turn. My fingers are crossed for you getting that interview.

[sea_thoughts]

Oh Kate, how fantastic for you! (And I haven't even read the entry yet, but I'm sure it's going to be great.)

*hugs*

[sea_thoughts]

Ficlet now posted! Please enjoy! XD

And thanks for the support. :)

[papirini.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, that is definitely a curse if I ever saw one.

Lovely way of putting it in the pairing. I'm sure Nephrite has no clue about what's happening whatsoever. :p

[sea_thoughts]

Thanks! He knows she's not at her best and that's really all he needs to know. Because he's a sweet guy, really.

[rumor-of-war.livejournal.com]

Aw, how sweet. I love it when guys are sweet during that time of the month, makes everything so much easier.

And good luck with the job stuff. It can be very annoying I know, but things always work out in the end. Just keep up a positive attitude and you'll do awesome for sure! ;)

[seniumboy.livejournal.com]

Lol this is so ordinary. I mean in the way this is handled, the guy unsure of what to do for the woman who's caught at that time of the month and could snap at a single word. All guys are dense around that time, and despite who they are, they're no different from ordinary people. It really makes these characters appear very human. Great job on this.

[sea_thoughts]

Hee hee, thanks. I think Nephrite does quite well here, considering he's got no idea of how to handle this situation. Glad you enjoyed.

[sea_thoughts]

He does his best. ;) Though I'm not sure he made things 'easier' with that kiss.

Thanks for the good wishes.

[araya-rose.livejournal.com]

I love Makoto and Nephrite. And I second that curse! I think this was very well written and very real. Good job. =)

[westenralane.livejournal.com]

Very cute :3 Poor Mako-chan! No one likes dealing with THAT curse!

[sea_thoughts]

Thanks. :D Glad you liked it! And no, even if it's not painful, it messes up your day, doesn't it?

[sea_thoughts]

Thanks! ^^ Glad you enjoyed it.

[vayleen.livejournal.com]

That was so sweet! Poor Mako-chan, she's probably a bit confused now. ^^

[sea_thoughts]

Thanks. ^_^ Oh yeah, she's confused. ^^;

[rumor-of-war.livejournal.com]

Heh, can anything ever be easy between our once (and hopefully only once) ill-fated generals and senshi? Poor people...

[sea_thoughts]

Short answer? NO! Haha.