SHORT STORIES & ONE SHOTS

FALLEN (BL Short Story)

The meat sizzled upon touching the heated oil. Smoke came second, carrying a mouth-watering aroma that made my jaw sour.

"Smells good!" praised Kyle from the screen.

"As if you can actually smell it," I jested, breaking a laugh from him.

"So, how are the crops? Are they growing well?"

"They're fine. Though some of them got an infestation so far, they're fine. I'm a plant doctor, remember? A botanist. Plants are my patients," I boasted, erupting another chuckle from Kyle. I beamed a smile upon hearing his priceless laugh.

"Okay, Dr. Kristofer," Kyle teased.

"Now, my time to ask. How's your plan going? Have you got the approval of the council yet?"

Kyle's smile transformed into a frown. A sign that it wasn't good. "They don't give their responses yet. I'm scared that they won't affirm my request."

"Well, the request was too selfish to begin with. It wasn't that important, and it co—"

"Kristofer!" Kyle interrupted, delivering a frown to both of us. "How often do I have to tell you that you are as important as my life? You're not just an insignificant person but my boyfriend. I'm coming to get you! I will, even if I have to break the rules."

"No, Kyle. You shouldn't. You once told me that you worked hard just to get the job. And that alone is enough for me to think that your job is as important as your life. And my guilt will haunt me forever if you choose me over your profession."

"I did say that, but that doesn't change my decision. I will go to get you. I have to."

A sigh escaped from my mouth as a sign of defeat. This wasn't the first time that Kyle won an argument. He always won, no matter how hard I tried to convince him.

"Okay, fine. Just don't do anything stupid. Wait for their signal, and that's it. No more Plan B or C. Whatever their decision will be, respect it."

"Even if they decline my request and let you live alone down there?"

"Just keep hoping, Kyle. It's not bad living here on Earth. The soil is still good enough to grow crops. The water is potable, and the air is not as bad as the diagnosis had said. In short, everything is fine. So stop worrying so much."

"Easy to say," Kyle retorted. A beep from the screen prompted Kyle and me that the video conference would end very soon. "Gotta go, Kristofer. Take care of yourself. I love you."

"I love you too, Kyle. Take care of yourself as well," I retorted, and the screen went static. I sighed and pressed the power button, shutting the device down. I was about to dive into a deep self-reflection session when a disturbing stench creased my forehead.

"Shit!" I cursed upon seeing the food I was cooking being screened by thick gray smoke. And my appetite dissipated upon witnessing the pitch-black coat of the burned meat.

I wasn't able to enjoy my breakfast because of what happened. And there's no one else to blame for it except for Kyle. He made me forget about it, and it's me who paid the price.

After munching my not-so-good breakfast, I went to the worn-out garage to fetch gardening gloves, a shovel, a metal bucket, a watering can, and gardening shears. Then, I went to my newly built greenhouse to do my regular check-up on the plants.

"Good morning!" I greeted as I entered the greenhouse where my plant babies were resting. A smile curved from my lips as I watched them standing steadily with their strong stems and soil-grasping roots. The breeze softly caressed every single leaf of the plants, dancing them with no rhythm.