A couple things I'd like to point out in this chapter, is the fact that in their relationship, there is definitely a problem. A communication probablem, attitude problem, and emotional problem. I'm not sure if toxic is the right word, but more like damaged. They grew to dislike one another, and I expressed that in their dialogue. Even though James is a not so kind man with not the best attitude, I still wanted to show that he remained respectful of her choices and preferences and comfort during sexual encounters. They're not a good couple, and they chose to enjoy each other's company during sex and only sex, and that's what I hope people notice in this chapter that the way they sexually express one another; whether it be before sex, during, or after, it really contributes to the balance of their relationship. I wanted to show a couple that is struggling, but above all still respect each other sexually, and respect one another's boundaries. But, I also included dominance and bossiness too; it's quite tricky to put respect and bossiness in the same category, but it fit perfectly for this; for the characters. I also wanted to add the importance of the art of trying new things and feeling awkward, uncomfortable, and confused during sex, even if one has been in a relationship or even married to their partner for years. I know that can all be hard to gather, process, and notice about the characters considering it's a short story so there's hardly a backstory, but if you pay attention to the dialogue and their body language, you might see what I see. That's what I like about short stories, so little is given of their backstory or expression behind their character, yet you can still kind of tell who they are with so little words and description. It's truly awesome. Obviously the main pov, the woman, doesn't have a name, and I refuse to use 'y/n' because that has always been cringe to me, and I never even read it as my name I always just see the letters y and n bc that's what's on screen so I didn't wanna make it difficult. I managed to write every chapter I've written without the use of the first person's name-but the love interest has a name- but as I've gathered, the stories aren't any less interesting without a main character name.
Enjoy.
"What the fuck is your problem?" I asked James, putting on my heels, preparing to storm out of his office.
"What?"
"I said what is your problem."
"What do you mean 'what is my problem'?"
"You, you and your .." I put my hand up, and tried to think of answer. "your anger and your ego."
He shook his head and laughed and looked 'confused'. "What are you talking about?" He laughed, again.
"Oh don't gaslight me James-"
"Im not, I'm," he acted clueless, and stupid. "I'm so confused right now."
"Really"
"Yes"
"You're confused?"
"I.." he stuttered, "I don't know what you want me to say.." he raised his hands, and sat back into his chair.
I scoffed and opened the door and speedwalked down the hallway. "Oh come on where are you going?" I heard faint speech.
I suddenly heard heavy footsteps behind me, and I looked behind me to see James following. "Fucking hell." I mumbled before continuing, heading towards the elevator. Making my way in and pressing the third floor, He was only steps away. I stared him in the eyes, hoping the doors would close on him, but to my disappointment, he made it into the elevator just in time. I sighed heavily and looked at the ceiling in annoyance. "What is my problem?" He asked. I said nothing. "It's you." I laughed for a few seconds, humored. I felt him staring at me as I continued to look ahead.
"You think this is funny?" No reply. "Hey," He said. "I'm talking to you." Still never worked up and answer from me. He sneered before reaching out in front of me to press floor seven. He got back into his spot, and crossed his arms and tried not to lash out. It amused me. "Screw you." I was unsure if he was actually angry, or trying to appear as angry. I felt him look at me once again, and it felt good to know how pissed off he most likely was. Now he knows how I feel with him every second of the day.
