Birds of a Feather
Why be cursed alone when you can be cursed together?
Ying Yang Kittens
I thought my kitties sleeping in a ying/yang position would be perfect for today’s Valentine’s Day themed story. Since they’re litter mates they snuggle a lot and its cuter than I was mentally, emotionally, or physically prepared for. I regularly find them sleeping in adorable positions, or in derpy ones. I’ll queue up a derpy pic soon!
…Time for this week’s story…
Birds of a Feather
Chang was a failing medical doctor until a wish from a monkey's paw cursed him with the ability to temporarily turn people into heels, or pro wrestling villains. After getting a job at the largest professional wrestling company in the world, his luck turned around. He was also able to study his new ability.
The pro wrestlers Chang hung out with had some sort of immunity to his touch. They would channel their villainous character and be that person for a while, but they did not target him with violence like regular people. This led Chang to dating a few lady wrestlers.
The athletic bombshells were tough and fun, each one different and unique, but none of them meshed with him. Chang was sweet, so they all tried, but it never quite worked out. They always went back to a purely professional relationship, although they all became more protective of him.
Chang's wrestling buddies were all supportive. They were understanding about his trouble touching people. Even the wrestling women he connected with were always channeling their heel character when they touched. A breakup at the end of January left him reeling more than others had.
On a rainy Valentine's Day, Chang wanted to be alone. He stayed in his apartment all day watching romantic comedies, a guilty pleasure. The urge to get drunk struck him late in the day, but he had nothing to drink.
Despite Chang’s every desire to stay inside, it was time for an adventure. He put on his gloves, threw on his jacket and dashed outside. Almost immediately, he was assaulted with chocolate hearts, red and white decorations hanging everywhere, and images of lovers embracing. All the things he did not want to see or be reminded of were shoved in his face.
The liquor store down the street was his destination and safe haven. There were a few people there and the only reminders were holiday-themed candies. He grabbed a six-pack, a handle of vodka, and mixers. Some snacks got his attention, so he tossed them in his basket too. Having forgotten his wallet at home, he had to pay with his phone, which meant removing his gloves. While Chang paid, the man behind the counter pointed at his wrestling shirt with a grin.
“Bro… I didn’t even realize. Chang dynasty!” The man flexed his arms so they curved like a letter c next to him. “You and your people are a menace. Shame about Naga Saki, though.” The man referred to his most recent ex-girlfriend.
“Thanks. Yeah, Naga Saki was a rough one,” Chang replied, but their conversation was interrupted.
“Excuse me!” A woman barked nearby. They both turned to see a short blonde woman in a wet storm coat staring at the attendant wide-eyed. “Did I just hear what I think I heard?”
“What?” Chang asked.
“He can’t talk to you like that!” she said.
“Like what?”
“Saying you’re from the Chang dynasty because you’re Asian! And, your people? A menace? Are you kidding me? I think this is the most offensive thing I’ve ever heard in my life. And then you said Nagasaki was a shame? A shame? You should be ashamed of yourself.”
“I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to offend you,” the man said.
“What? You don’t need to apologize, man. This lady is crazy,” Chang said.
“She’s the manager.”
“Seriously? Lady, this guy didn’t mean anything...”
“You don’t have to apologize for him!” She cut Chang off. “That kind of language is unacceptable! I’ve really cooled it with getting involved in other people’s stuff, but that was disgusting! Sir, is there anything we can get you? It’s on the house.”
The woman grabbed Chang’s hand before he could pull back. His chest tightened and he jumped away. She took a step back and put her arms up, staring at him wide-eyed. Everything was paid for, so Chang grabbed his stuff and ran out the door before she could attack him. Standing in the wake of Chang’s panicked exit, the woman and the attendant shared a confused look.
“Ma’am, do you need help with something?”
“I’m fine. You check that racism at the door, buster, or I’ll write you up,” she retorted.
“You’re not my boss, lady. You’re welcome to put in a complaint, though.”
“What? But, I’m the manager.”
“You’re not my manager.”
A moment later, the woman shot out the door chasing after Chang. Her hood kept falling so she let the rain drench her. Recognizing his jacket ahead, she called to him. As she got closer, he finally heard her and turned around. Nobody had ever chased Chang down before, so he panicked and burst into a sprint.
The woman chased Chang down the street. The two slipped several times, contending with rainfall that found new, fun ways to inconvenience them both. The determined woman finally caught up to him as they reached his hotel.
“Wait, please!” she cried out. A hand on the hotel door, Chang stopped. He turned slowly to hear the woman out. “You broke my curse, somehow. What did you do?”
“Curse?”
“I know it sounds crazy, but I made a deal with the devil and he made me the manager wherever I go. It’s been terrible! My life has been miserable. Most days I want to die. I hate being the manager!”
Although she was soaked, it was clear her puffy eyes were dripping tears. Chang stepped away from the door and approached the attractive woman who cried more the closer he got. Chang recognized that she, like him, was lonely.
“You’re already a heel…” Chang said absently.
“A what?” Sniffles interrupted her.
“Do you have any plans tonight?” Chang asked, to which she shook her head. “What’s your name?”
“Karen.”
“Hi Karen, I’m Chang. Would you like to come up to my hotel room, drink, and watch romantic comedies with me?”
Karen cried and nodded, leaning into Chang for a hug. Moments later they retreated into the warm, dry hotel.