Wrong End Of The Stick
They entered the hut, laughing and completely soaked. Their hair plastered to their faces and necks. Stranger, Daimen and Alika looking up as they came in out of the rain. Daimen and Alika glanced at each other and shared a secret smile before Alika got up to retrieve some blankets. Stranger emotionlessly watched his Bailey and nephew grin at each other as they wrung themselves out and were wrapped in mantles by Alika.
“You two will catch your death of cold out there.” She said, tucking Bailey’s blanket around the human, making sure she was thoroughly wrapped up.
“It’s summer rain Mam.” Haigar said, “It’ll do us no harm.” Regardless, they obeyed Alika when she gestured for them to stay in the covers. Alika returned to the sofa and sat once again next to her husband. Haigar went to sit on the third, unoccupied couch and was pleasantly surprised when Bailey came and curled up with him. The young Steef saw the flash of pain that crossed Stranger’s expression and felt a stab of regret. He was taking Bailey away from Stranger, one who’d loved the human like a father.
But as Bailey suddenly snuggled up next to him, he pushed all thoughts of discomfort and guilt away. He looked down at the small human and she smiled at him. Worming one hand out from the coverlet Bailey’s hand found his and slipped into his own. Haigar looked at her, such open affection in front of their family surprising him, but he closed his fingers over hers and smiled warmly.
Haigar suddenly felt daring again, why should he and Bailey try and hide their feelings for each other. There was nothing wrong with him loving a human, nor with a human loving him. They shouldn’t hide it as if they were ashamed. Haigar twitched his mantle and put his arms around Bailey, pulling her into his chest and wrapping them both in his own cover. Bailey rubbed her cheek in the fur on his chest.
Abruptly, Stranger stood, he cast one, dark look at Haigar and Bailey before stalking from his brother’s hut, going towards his own and Bailey’s. Haigar followed him with suddenly worried eyes, feeling he should go after his uncle, to try and explain how much he loved Bailey. He didn’t want his uncle angry or upset. He glanced down at the human and was shocked to the core when it appeared Bailey wasn’t in the least bit troubled.
It was as if she couldn’t care less.
Haigar’s fur prickled.
Then, all of a sudden, there was a horrible roar of pain and shock. The three Steef and the human leapt to their feet. Haigar plunged towards the door, wrenching it open and peered outside through the rain. He felt Bailey push past him and heard her scream.
Stranger lay crumpled on the sodden grass outside. Dark fluid leaked from under his body and spread out in a morbid puddle, straining the grass a bruised, painful crimson. His eyes were open and glassy, no longer their usual glowing neon green.
Haigar was frozen, he couldn’t move a muscle however hard he tried. A shadow stood over his uncle’s corpse, it’s bright eyes glittered with malice as more roars and screams rent the stormy night air. Haigar saw Steef, running hither and thither, he saw them being slaughtered by shadows with glittering eyes that flew down from the sky. He saw those that had not ventured from their homes, dragged from their huts, the shadows seeming to possess a strength that rivalled the Steef’s own. The sight was horrifying.
And then, as if it had bloomed from nowhere, tongues of flame were suddenly engulfing the huts, licking at them despite the rain. Haigar hear more screams and the gasps and gurgles and strangled cries of the dying. The young dark Steef tore his eyes from the gruesome, grisly vision as he felt Bailey leave his side.
He tried to stop her but she was already at Stranger’s side, she dropped to her knees, sobbing and crying his name, burying her face in his cooling fur. It was as if she couldn’t see the shadow that loomed above him. This terrible thought struck Haigar like a physical blow. Bailey could not see the danger, did not know of the peril she was in. He tried to roar her name, to scream a warning…
But it was too late…
The shadow lunged at Bailey, it’s eyes gleaming furiously. Haigar felt agony radiate from his chest and ripple outward as he realised with horror that he could not move to defend her, could not save her as the shadow cloaked Bailey in it’s thick, dark folds.
Bailey screamed.
Haigar heard another scream, deeper, soul wrenching, as if the screamer was having his heart ripped from his chest and ribs. He realised it was him who was screaming, his own voice that uttered the desperate cry. And he felt his heart being twisted and torn to pieces as Bailey fell. Her eyes open but glassy and lifeless. Just like Stranger’s…
Haigar jolted awake, still screaming. His breathing was erratic and shaky and his fur was drenched with sweat, he wiped his forehead and took a few deep breaths, closing his eyes as his heart slowed.
It had been a dream.
Haigar sat for a moment in the darkness, listening to the roar of the storm outside, grateful that it’s maelstrom had drowned his scream. As he grew calmer, the dream came back to him with disturbing clarity.
Bailey… Haigar’s heart thudded in his ribs, seeing her, die right before his eyes had been one of the most terrifying things he had ever witnessed.
Haigar needed to see her. He needed to see Bailey, right now, and hold her, feel her breathing. Haigar threw off the bedclothes, grabbed a cloak to keep off the rain and stealthy crept out of his room, across the front room of his parent’s hut and out of the front door. He clattered over the muddied grass, head bowed against the lashing water towards Stranger’s hut.
Knowing that Steef huts didn’t have any kind of locks on the front door Haigar gently pushed open the hut’s door and stepped inside. He listened carefully, he didn’t quite want to face Stranger right at that moment. Hearing nothing Haigar padded as quietly as he could across the front room to Bailey room. He opened the door softly and peeked in.
Bailey lay on her side, one hand laying on top of the covers and the other resting on the pillow by her head. Haigar entered the room quickly and gently closed the door. He stood at the foot of her bed for a minute. Though he didn’t make a sound to alert her, Bailey must have sensed his presence as after a moment her eyes fluttered open. She saw him, only as a dark shadow and sat up quickly, her eyes wide, her breath caught in her throat.
“No, no Bay, it’s me.” Haigar said quickly to calm her. Bailey relaxed and smiled.
“Blue?” she whispered, “What are you doin’ here?” she cocked her head to one side momentarily and smiled slightly in confusion. Haigar approached her bedside.
“I needed to see you.” He said softly, “To feel you close.” Bailey tilted her head to one side again.
“You sound odd blue.” She said in concern, still speaking in a low voice, “You okay?” Haigar sat on the bed. Bailey saw his glowing blue eyes in the darkness. He nodded slowly,
“Yeah, yeah I’m fine Bay, I just needed…to feel you close…” he faded off and looked at her. Bailey returned his gaze, wondering what he meant. Haigar sounded…like he wanted, or needed, something, Bailey thought. She reached out in the dark to place her hand where his forelegs were attached to his body, it was a comforting gesture that she had learnt calmed her friend. She felt fur beneath her fingers and drew back like she had been burned. Haigar wasn’t wearing his customary brown leather overalls…
A sudden thought occurred to her. Haigar was in her bedroom, late at night, saying he needed to be close to her.
What was it that he wanted exactly?
Bailey felt her heart rise in her throat. Did Haigar mean that he wanted her? Now?
Bailey felt fear flow over her. She loved Haigar, but she wasn’t ready for this, not yet, she was still a child in more respects then in which she had matured.
“Haigar, I-” she couldn’t say it, could only stare at him, her heart thumping in fear.
Haigar flinched as he suddenly smelt the acrid reek of fear roll off Bailey. His mind began racing, wondering what had scared his Bailey so much. She’d sounded concerned and touched him for reassurance, but then she’d drawn back…
Haigar’s eyes went wide as it clicked in his mind what Bailey must have thought. He wasn’t in his usual overalls, he was in her room at night time, saying he needed to feel her close… Haigar felt himself flush and his skin burned with embarrassment. The Steef practically fell off the bed in his effort to scramble away. He didn’t want Bailey to think that was what he wanted, and he couldn’t bear the thought of scaring her. The last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable and not for a single moment had the thought to touch Bailey in any inappropriate way, crossed his mind. All he’d wanted was to hold her, nothing more…
“Bay, I-I-I-” he stuttered and stammered in confusion and embarrassment, backing away from the bed, trying to explain. Finally Haigar’s nerve broke and he fled, tearing out of the hut and back to his own bed, where he collapsed, shivering and feeling upset and guilty.
Bailey watched him go, confused feelings writhing around in her stomach. The fear had dissipated and in it’s place was concern. Haigar had sounded so upset, and then, when he must have smelt her fear and realised what she had been afraid of, he’d taken flight.
Maybe she’d gotten the wrong end of the stick after all?
She had to find out. Bailey scrambled from her bed and pulled on boots and a jumper. Though it was warmer in the valley and she therefore slept in a strappy top and baggy pants, it was wet outside and she didn’t want to get soaked.
Silently Bailey crept from the hut she and Stranger lived in and crossed the small expanse of muddy ground to Daimen, Alika and Haigar’s hut. She too got into the small structure without any problems and was soon peeping to Haigar’s room. Haigar was lay, face down in his pillow and he was shaking. Bailey felt her heart tug, slowly she edged forward.
“Haigar?” she whispered. She sat down on the edge of his bed and touched his shoulder. Haigar jolted and looked up, he sat up quickly when he saw who it was.
“Bay…” he whispered, the surprise shining in his blue eyes. “What…?” He looked different somehow, but Bailey couldn’t put her finger on what. She looked down at the bed for a moment, when she glanced up again she realised what it was. Haigar’s thick dark hair wasn’t in it’s braid, it was loose, revealing it as a long, vaguely curly mane that came way past his shoulders. Bailey felt herself blushing slightly, Haigar looked very handsome with his hair down.
“I was worried about you.” she said quietly, “You sounded so sad…and you left so quickly, looking so scared…” she explained softly, she looked down again. A crooked finger lifted her chin and made her meet Haigar’s gaze.
“I’d never touch you unless you said I could…” he said, voice and gaze intent, “I’d never…”
“I know you wouldn’t…I’m sorry Haigar, it was just…you just surprised me, I didn’t know what to think, that’s all. I know you’d never do anything like that…I’m sorry…” she said again, “I-”
“It’s okay.” Haigar smiled, stroking her cheek with his thumb. “I had a nightmare, that’s all.” He explained. Bailey tilted her head at him,
“What about?” she asked carefully. Haigar didn’t meet her eyes, he followed his fingers with his eyes as he brushed them over Bailey’s lips and rested his palm on her cheek.
“I dreamt you died…” he whispered at last, “And I couldn’t save you… And, I just had to see you, make sure you were alright…” Bailey broke into a smile, touched by the sweet thought. She took Haigar’s hand from her cheek and held it in both her own, squeezing it gently in gratitude. Haigar brushed her shoulder with one hand, looking questioning, asking permission to hold her. Bailey chuckled quietly and moved closer to him, putting her arms around his stomach. Haigar wrapped Bailey in his arms, drawing her close to his chest and burying his muzzle into her hair, which had grown to just below her shoulders.
“I love you Bay.” He murmured into her hair. Bailey smiled.
“I know.” She drew back from him and ran her fingers through his hair, letting the soft, coarse strands flow through her fingers. Haigar felt slightly disappointed that Bailey hadn’t returned the sentiment, but he knew that the human was still getting used to the idea. Tentative affection was enough for now.
“Stay with me.” Said Haigar’s voice suddenly, Bailey looked up at him sharply. “Nothing more,” Haigar murmured, “Just sleep next to me, so I can feel you close. Just…just stay with me, please.” Haigar pleaded. Bailey watched him.
She nodded.
Haigar looked relieved. He got back into bed and lay on his back, watching Bailey as she pulled off her jumper and boots. When she slipped into bed next to him, Haigar put his arm around her as she lay next to him. Bailey put an arm across his stomach and snuggled into his chest. She let out a small, contented sigh and smiled sleepily. Her breathing had soon evened out into a deep sleep rhythm.
Haigar smiled, feeling an unparalleled happiness in his stomach and a burning in his chest. He’d never felt so much love, so strongly, towards any single person in his entire life, and now she was sleeping next to him, sharing his bed. It was more then enough.
The young Steef looked down at the human, sleeping up close against him, listening to her breathing, her heart beating, every bit of her dear to him, so dear. He watched her smile in her dreams and cuddle up closer to him, burying her face in his dark fur as she slept. Haigar wondered what she was seeing while she was far away in her dreams. He wondered if she dreamed of him, as he dreamed of her.
Haigar continued to watch her, not wanting to close his eyes, not wanting to miss a single moment. He watched her face, so beautiful to him, so perfect. She was perfect, she was beautiful, and she was his. He leaned down and kissed her eyelids softly.
“You can never know how much I love you…” he whispered. He could stay here forever and every moment Bailey was with him was a moment cherished. “I just want to be with you, right here with you, just like this. I want to hold you close, feel your heart next to mine. I could stay in this moment forever…” Haigar secured his arm more firmly around Bailey before rolling his head towards his bedroom door and slowly closing his eyes, a smile touching his face.
¤§¤
Bailey woke slowly. She’d slept peacefully and better then she had ever before. She felt warm and safe, soft fur cradled her cheek and her makeshift pillow rose and fell with the sound of slow, steady breathing and the regularly thump of a heartbeat.
Eventually she opened her eyes. Her head rested on a firm, broad chest, covered in soft, dark fur. An arm was wrapped loosely around her waist, the hand resting lightly on her stomach, holding her firmly but gently. Bailey moved one hand and laid it, palm down, over the heart beating beneath the fur and muscle. She yawned and felt her muscles stretch satisfyingly.
“You awake at last?” teased a playful voice. Bailey laughed quietly.
“How long have you been awake?” she asked, gazing at Haigar who was looking down at her.
“Just a while, you looked so peaceful, I couldn’t bring myself to wake you.” Bailey felt Haigar begin to stroke her hair, curling the rough cut locks around his fingers. “How did you sleep?” he asked softly. Bailey made a contented sound,
“Well, very well.” She picked her head up and grinned at him, knowing full well that her bed hair was all over the place. “Must look a right sight.” She grinned, “Surprised you ain’t run a mile, screamin’, yet.” Haigar chuckled.
“Why would I do that?” he brushed a stray stand of hair out of Bailey’s face, “You’re even more beautiful than I have ever seen…”Bailey blushed, looking away. Haigar grinned to himself and wrapped his other arm around her waist, nuzzling her neck gently. Bailey apparently liked the attention, lifting her chin, allowing him more access. Haigar caressed her throat with his soft muzzle for a moment before drawing back. He looked at her half-lidded eyes. She still looked tired. “You should sleep some more, it’s not even dawn yet.”
Bailey regarded him a moment longer before she nodded and laid her head once again on his chest. Haigar also leaned back into his bed, letting his eyes droop as he continued to stroke Bailey’s hair. His eyes were closed as he felt Bailey shift against him.
“Haigar?”
“Hrm?” he didn’t open his eyes.
“I love you.” Haigar’s eyes opened and he picked up his head, staring at her. Bailey returned the gaze intently, no smile of her face, no blush on her cheeks, her eyes were serious but brighter then Haigar had ever seen them. It was the first time she’d told Haigar that she loved him. The young Steef smiled hugely, wrapping his arms around the human, bringing her up until she was eye-level with him, laying her on his chest and stomach, her toes barely brushing his forelegs.
“I love you too.” He said softly. Haigar slid one hand to rest on the back of Bailey’s neck. “I’m so in love with you, I’m amazed by you.” He put a little pressure on her neck to bring her down, but he paused, giving her time to back out if she wanted too. She didn’t. Bailey leaned down the last couple of inches and brushed her lips against his. Haigar’s eyes closed as he felt her against him. But then she drew away, Haigar opened his eyes. Bailey had drawn back, looking away in embarrassment. She glanced back at him and he smiled reassuringly, gently stroking her shoulders.
Haigar watched her, his eyes tender and gentle. He propped himself up slowly and softly pressed their lips together again, Bailey buried her hands into the thick fur between Haigar’s neck and shoulder, gently moving her mouth against his. She felt Haigar’s arms move around her as he pressed back and pulled her close to his chest. She wondered how different kissing a Steef male and kissing a human male were. She had a vague idea that there wasn’t fur involved and she was pretty sure no human man could purr into a kiss quite like as Haigar was doing. It sent a shudder of pleasure down her spine. Bailey heard a stifled moan, though she wasn’t entirely sure if it was her or Haigar and it didn’t seem to matter. All that mattered to Bailey was him, this handsome young Steef.
Suddenly there was wordless cry of shock and horror. Bailey and Haigar broke apart and their eyes snapped to the doorway. Stranger stood there. He looked furious, his breathing came in short snorts, his nostrils flared like an angry horse. He pawed the ground, fuming as he glared at the young couple, fists clenched. The rage in his blazing neon green eyes scared Bailey, but it was the disappointment in her father’s eyes that made it all the more terrible. Haigar sat up quickly, holding Bailey protectively in his arms.
“What The HELL do you think you’re doin’!?” Stranger suddenly bellowed. Bailey, very uncharacteristically, cowered. She’d never seen him so furious before. But Haigar returned his uncle’s gaze stonily. He remained defiantly silent. Daimen and Alika suddenly appeared behind Stranger, Bailey couldn’t even begin to imagine what they were thinking on finding all these people in their hut and being woken up by Stranger roaring. Loki would have been there as well, but had gone to stay with Chiron’s family until the Joining.
“Stranger, what in Odd!?” Daimen exclaimed, Stranger moved aside with frighteningly quick movements so they could see.
“I’ll tell yer what’s happenin’.” He snarled, “YOUR BOY HAS BEDDED MY BAILEY!” The sudden roar shook Bailey’s nerves.
“Stranger…” she whispered, Stranger rounded on her, his eyes became marginally softer, the disappointment and sorrow in them taking the forefront.
“I don’t want to hear it.” He said, his voice sounding achingly sad and quiet, almost breaking. He was disappointed in her, and that stung Bailey to the core.
“Stranger,” said another, stronger voice, all eyes turned to Haigar. Stranger bristled,
“Don’t yer dare speak ter me boy.” He snarled. Haigar’s expression hardened.
“We haven’t done anything Stranger, nothing happened. It’s not what it looks like.” Stranger glared at him, baring his teeth.
“Oh really?” he growled in a low voice, “I find you, in bed with my kid, and you tell me nothin’ happened and it’s not what it looks like. Then tell me, what is it?” he snarled.
“I haven’t touched her, not in the way you think. I had a nightmare and I just needed to have her close by, so I knew she was safe.” Haigar drew back the bedclothes, revealing that Bailey was indeed, still in her pyjamas. “I would never touch her, not without her consent, and not without your blessing.” Stranger still fumed.
“Alika, take Bailey back home. I need ter talk to yer son.” Bailey’s eyes widened as she clung to Haigar.
“No.” she whispered, so low it was only audible to Haigar. He looked down at her, his eyes were firm, his expression set.
“Go on Bay.” He said softly. Bailey turned her fearful eyes to him. He smiled as reassuringly as he could. “It’s alright, I promise.” He smile became teasing, “Where the strong warrior I know and love eh?” he pushed back her hair, “Where’s my Bay?” Right before his eyes the human changed. She straightened, no longer cringing, a firm expression coming to her face. Her eyes glimmered like steel, she looked no longer afraid. She was Bailey again. The Bailey that had fought beside Stranger, the Bailey who had taken a leap of faith into snow and storm, who had followed the souls of Steef that had passed on, and the Bailey Haigar had fallen in love with.
“She’s right here.” Bailey said softly and smiled confidently. As if there was no one in the room with them, she put her arms around Haigar’s neck and kissed him. She drew away after a moment and laid one hand on his chest, over his heart. Haigar glanced down at it then met her eyes, in one glance she told the Steef how much she loved him. He laid his own hand on top of hers and looked at her in understanding. He leaned forward and returned the kiss quickly, barely a touch of lips, before pulling away, Bailey looked at him with sad, but strong eyes. He squeezed her hand.
Without a word Bailey drew away from him and pulled on her boots and jumper. Haigar swinging his legs also out of his bed and standing up, watching as Bailey went, silently. Alika followed her, also in silence. Daimen put a hand on his younger brother’s shoulder for a moment, Stranger nodded sharply, never taking his eyes from Haigar. Daimen too, left.
Leaving the pair of Steef alone.
Haigar met his uncle’s gaze squarely, ready for whatever was in store. He didn’t care. Bailey loved him. That was all that mattered.
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Dun, dun, DUH! What is Stranger gonna do to Haigar? Havta wait an’ see won’t’cha?
Man I love being evil.
this part as well Lobo - post some more
Oddworld Just Got Stranger
This is in serious danger of becoming a sickeningly sweet, completely clichéd, sop story… 
for yer writing style - I jus' love the way ya write.
oor: HAIGAR!
