Flash Fiction Extra: Keep Out


AUTHOR'S NOTE: This flash fiction piece was written for Sunday Scribblings. It is not part of the novel and it contains no spoilers. Be sure to drop by Sunday Scribblings for more fun!
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The sign said "Keep Out."

"What could be so dangerous about a couple of old tanks?" Danica wondered aloud.

"Probably nothing." Danny shrugged. "You know how some of these kids are. They like messing with people's heads."

Danica nodded but didn't speak. Instead, she walked toward the fence, her entire body alert for trouble.

"We should go back there anyway," Danny said.

"Why? Doesn't look like there's anything we need."

"We should do it just because. I don't like being told where I can't go."

Wasn't that the truth? She turned and looked at him, taking in his slim, agile body, black hair, dark eyes, and features so like her own that even if they didn't make a game of telling people they were twins, a family relationship of some sort was obvious. "I know," she said slowly, recalling his many childhood transgressions. "But that's a stupid reason to go someplace we don't need to go, when there are so many other ways we could use our time."

Danny gave her a mischievous grin. "What other things do you have in mind?" He kissed her hard on the mouth and his hand groped her ass. "I'm up for a different kind of exploring, if that's what you mean."

Another transgression, another line crossed. What would her mother have said if she had known? What about his? The pandemic had been convenient in that respect, at least. With a contented sigh, Danica returned his kiss. It was dangerous to love like this, but wasn't everything dangerous since the die-off?

"We could do it back there," Danny murmured between kisses. "Two forbidden things for the price of one."

"No." Danica shook her head. "Let's go where we'll be more comfortable."

"Works for me."

They headed up the street, back to the deserted brownstone they called home. Behind them, unnoticed, a boy peeked around one of the hulking black tanks, sniper rifle at the ready. He wouldn't have to defend his turf today.













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8 comments:

K said...

Wow. Almost, right? I have always found these two to be sickly intriguiging. What a way to go. Good thing Danica opted for comfort this time. Good one Ann.

Roan said...

Good decision Danika! Enjoyable!

Old Egg said...

I loved the way you drew us in and teased us with possible outcomes only to shock us with the little sniper.

Nimue said...

love can be dangerous anyday !!!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

One of the best parts of this piece is knowing what they become -- this throbbing, almost gelatinous sexual creature -- down the road. Seeing this restraint and getting some of the backstory rocks.

Alice Audrey said...

That was close, and bitterly ironic, considering what happens in the book.

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

@Alice: You know, I wasn't even thinking about that, but you're right. I was only thinking that I had this prompt and I had this picture....

Thomma Lyn said...

*whew*, close shave! Well done, as always. I enjoy the multilayered dynamic between the twins.