#I love her snazzy trousers

[princessanneftw]

King Charles III and Princess Anne attending a church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk on 29 January 2023

[nahimjustfeelingit-writes]

I Put A Spell On You.

‘Smoke’wants you back, and he’ll do whatever it takes.

(Part one maybe?)

I put a spell on you

Because you're mine

You better stop the things you do

I tell you, I ain't lying

I ain't lying…

Word got around that Smoke was back in town. You couldn’t miss him with his snazzy suit’s silhouette characterized by broad shoulders, a high waist, and wide-leg trousers. A quintessential element in a man’s wardrobe. The whispers traveled to many ears, but it was only one pair he was concerned with.

Rosetta Scott.

A dilly he’s obsessed with. His soft-spoken jazz singer. She ended their relationship when Smoke decided to up and leave New Orleans with his ill-tempered identical twin brother, but he promised he’d be back and to write him. After two years, he’s back and ready to stake his claim on his woman.

Smoke hopped out of his Cadillac 16 cylinder wearing round, small sunglasses with wired frames. He removed his 8-panel hat and shut the door behind him. Smoke took a long drag of his blunt while staring straight ahead with a lopsided grin.

The reflection within the circular lenses of his dark frames was one he’d missed for years. A living tapestry of culture, history, and an unmistakable passion for life. This place, with its rhythmic streetcars and the spicy aromas from its kitchens, isn't just alive; it breathes stories at every corner.

Stretching his long legs with a purposeful gait, his expensive gaiters picking up dirt, Smoke pushed open the withering, wooden, hinge doors leading into a lively establishment. The smell of fish fry, sweat, cheap cologne, weed, and sex titillating his nose caused a wide grin to spread across his thick lips. He slowly removed his sunglasses, revealing piercing, brandy-eyes and a primal desire.

There she was. Doing what she loved. He was joyful. Proud.

laidback with rhythmic flexibility.

That husky breathy tone.

Her vocals always had a very raw unedited feel which made her songs feel more real and personal. She also tends to use harmonies and layering which sometimes gives the song a drowning all consuming affect.

The silk of her flowing silver slip seemed to mold into her hourglass frame. The premium fur shawl she wore hung loosely from her glistening shoulders. Her lips the color of ox blood stained the mic in front of her. The swing and blues notes with complex chords blending with her sultry voice had everyone on that floor dirty dancing.

Smoke broke his eyes away reluctantly, taking off his suit jacket, placing it on the back of a chair. He ashed out his blunt and placed it in the front pocket of his crisp, white button down. Smoke made his way towards the bar, unbuttoning his sleeves and his shirt along the way.

“Yes, daddy! Play that saxophone!”

“Sing it Rose!”

“Let’s Jive!”

“Ooooweee! If it ain’t Mr. Smoke Stack himself! Come over here!”

Smoke chuckled deeply before dabbing up his uncle and the owner of the establishment; Buck. His liquor breath and gold teeth were two things you remembered about Big Buck. Or, how he’d like to call it ‘I’m Big Buck and I like to fuck’. And boy did he get his share of pussy. He had eight kids to prove it.

“Look at my nephew! Now hold on…where is your twin?” Buck’s yellowing eyes wandered around in search of him.

“He’s handlin’ business. No time to settle. You know how he get. I had to break away tho’ I got business to ‘tend to.”

Smoke accepted a glass of whiskey and took a long sip. It burned so good down his throat.

“Yeah, uh-huh. We know why’s you here! That gal. You know she’s seeing someone else, right?”

The corner of his upper lip fluttered with disdain at the thought of another man touching his bitch. Smoke wasn’t having it. One look into his eyes, she’d fall into his lap again. Wet puss and all. She wrote him often. Sent him pictures. He’d gotten them all. So, was she doing all that while messing with some squat-ass fool?

“Gimme the low down, Buck.” Smoke insisted impatiently.

“Aight, nephew. Another?”

Smoke raised his glass, “hold the hail. I don’t need no watered down shit. I’m tryna get swacked.”

Buck’s gut laugh filled the cramped space between them.

“You remember Phonzo?”

“Shid, not pussy ass Phonzo? C’mon now gal…”

“Damn straight. He wines and dines her. Buys her shit…”

“She using.” Smoke replied.

He turned his eyes on her again. She looked so damn fine. Mmm. That body was nice. He could smell her perfume on his mustache. That amber scented flesh. Smoke knocked the rest of his drink back and stood from his seat at the bar. She ended another song and received a standing ovation. Smoke pushed his way towards the front but before he could get there, a man reached out to help her down. Her joyous laugh made Smoke’s stomach churn.

“Put me down, baby! I had too much to drink!”

“it’s Smoke Stack!”

All eyes fell towards the handsome gangster. Smoke ignored all except those pretty, doe eyes that locked on him with utter shock. Short and stacked. The finest woman in all of Louisiana. Ain’t no way she’s giving all that to Phonzo. Smoke pressed forward, his penetrating eyes racking over Rosetta’s frame. It was easy to tell the twins apart because one had a noticeable scar on his face and the other didn’t.

“Well I’ll be,” Phonzo secured his arm around Rosetta’s waist tighter, “Smoke. What’s shaking, man?”

Smoke’s lips remained tightly sealed and his eyes never left his Rosey. Tension was thick in the air like the sound of the powerful double bass.

I love my moonshine whiskey

Better than I do my man

I love my moonshine whiskey

Better than I do my man

You got have your beer in your bottle

Give me my cool kind hands…

“Rosey…”

Rosetta parted her deep-red lips to speak.

“Smoke…”

That voice. He’d missed it.

Smoke Stack was seeing red.

“Get yo’ hands off my woman, Phonzo.”

“You think you can just show up? This ain’t your woman anymore, Smoke. You proved that when you left her for the taking. Go on somewhere now…”

Phonzo attempted to walk away with Rosetta in his grasp, but Smoke swiftly grabbed her hand, swinging her over towards him with an expert twirl of her beautiful frame. She collided with his sturdy chest, her eyes staring up at him.

Rosetta was still trying to pick her jaw up from the floor. She couldn’t believe Smoke was back. The familiar warmth of his much larger and more powerful frame sent images swirling through her mind of the times they’ve shared. She hadn’t received a letter from him in almost a year. Every single day she worried herself about him. However, Rosetta had entertained the thought of being with Phonzo. Tonight would have been the night that she would have given Phonzo a taste of what Smoke Stack dicked down. It was an act of desperation.

“Rose! Whatchu doin’ gal? Don’t let this fool back into your life!” Phonzo reached his hand out for her to take, “I won’t leave you like he did. Remember? I promised that trip to Chicago. We can pack up and catch a train!”

“I’ll take her to Chicago, to Trinidad, Paris, wherever my money goes, she goes. You had your fun tryna get what’s mine. I suggest you fade, Phonzo…”

Um, make me another two bit pint

Um, make me another two bit pint

'Cause I've got my habits down

I'm gonna wreck this joint…

“Let’s go,” Smoke had a strong grip on Rosetta’s hand as he placed her in front of him to walk away.

Rosetta finally gathered her thoughts. She halted her footsteps inches away from the bar.

“Hold on, Smoke,” She pointed a red nail at him sternly, “How dare you show up here like this?! I haven’t heard from you in over a year! You can’t just walk up in here and whisk me away like some night in shining armor! Who do you think you are?!”

“Says which? I’ve written you!” Smoke shouted back.

“I ain’t get one letter in a year!”

Smoke kisses his teeth, “That’s some bullshit and you know it. Maybe the letters got mixed up…none of that matters now, baby. I’m back. For good now…”

Buck and another bartender watched the two of them go back and forth with amusement.

“We’ll see how long that lasts!” Rosetta sassed.

A gun clicking had Smoke on high alert. He pushed Rosetta behind him and turned, staring down into the barrel of a pistol. Phonzo was sweating bullets. He had two of his lackeys behind him, posted up like they were ready to do damage. Rosetta clung onto the sticky bar top, peeking around to see what the ruckus was about.

“Time to knock you off that high horse. You and that brother of yours don’t run shit ‘round here no more. Give me back my bitch, and we can get back to jivin’.”

“Excuse me?!” Rosetta argued, “I got your bitch—”

“Rosey, relax, baby. Daddy got this.” Smoke looked from the pistol pointed at his chest, to Phonzo with a sinister smile, “You off the cob or something, Phonzo?”

“You tryna make me look pussy in front of my boys?!”

Smoke tilted his head to size up his ‘boys’.

“They shakin’ in they boots just like you. C‘mon now, Phonzo. We can do this the easy way…you put that steel down, and walk away. I came for my woman and that’s it. Pick yo’ self up and use those bony-ass pegs and leave.”

Laugher erupted around them. Patrons watched on like it was a live performance. Phonzo always hated being the laughingstock. No one took him seriously. People tolerated him because Smoke and his twin skipped town to handle business.

“I ain’t going nowhere!” Phonzo yelled.

He pressed his gun into Smoke’s chest hard.

“Nigga, you ain’t got shit—”

Smoke picked up a bottle of Jack Daniels and cracked it over Phonzo’s head. When Phonzo dropped to his knees with shards of glass embedded in his face, Smoke snatched his pistol up and pointed it at the two men that were once standing proud. They both shared a look with each other before bending over to pick Phonzo up.

Smoke placed the pistol in the waistband of his slacks and snatched a handkerchief out of his pocket to clean up the blood that seeped from a gash in the palm of his hand. People were used to violence ‘round here. Too drunk, high, and horny to care about Phonzo bleeding out onto the floor. Buck didn’t blink an eye as he shined a new glass before pouring a gentleman a glass of top shelf whiskey.

“Get ‘em out. Don’t come back, nigga. I’ll use your pistol to put a bullet in yo’ head fuckin’ wit’ me!”

Phonzo—delirious and bloody—was dragged out of the juke joint by his two loyal men. Smoke knew that as soon as Phonzo regained consciousness, he’ll be on the hunt for him. Smoke was ready.

Smoke took a seat at the bar and pulled Rosetta into him. Blunt between his lips, glass of whiskey in front of him, Rosetta gave him a light, watching her daddy with lust.

You know I can't stand it

You're running around

You know better, baby

I can't stand it 'cause you put me down

Oh, no…

“Smoke, Daddy…”

Rosetta took the blunt from between his lips and hit it. He watched her with low, hazy eyes. All he did was walk through those doors. She was at his mercy like he’d never left.

“You’ll really take me to Paris?”

Smoke accepted his blunt, “I’ll take you all over the world, baby…listen, I know I got some makin’ up to do, but don’t you ever do no shit like that again, hear me? I’m a always come back to you…”

“You right about that makin’ up,” Rosetta giggled, “We got all night though. Phonzo was my ride home…”

“Here, go grab my jacket and we can go.”

Smoke tapped Rosetta on her rump and pointed to where he placed his suit jacket. He paid his tab and promised to be back to catch up with his uncle. Rosetta returned and Smoke grabbed her by the hand, ushering her out of the juke joint and into the murky night.

_______________

Smooth leather seats, a pistol on the dash, windows rolled down.

Rosetta and her fur shawl sat elegantly next to a hunk of a gangster. She admired the stain of her lipstick on his cheek when she stole a quick kiss while he opened her door for her.

She missed her Smoke Daddy so damn bad. It hurt to the bone. Smoke could feel her pretty eyes on him and he glanced over to her, giving her a dimpled smirk filled with mischief. They were halfway there to her apartment above a boutique.

“I missed you, Rosey. So much.”

I put a spell on you

Because you're mine…

“Where did you go?”

Smoke took a moment to respond.

“…My brother had business in Texas. Then we picked up some jobs throughout the south. Made enough money to last us a lifetime…Made some bad choices, but I’m richer. Stronger. Ready to sweep you off yo’ feet. I want you to travel the world and sing to audiences bigger than that hole in the wall. Serious, gal.”

Rosetta blinked away tears.

“Don’t do none of that, baby. No crying…”

“I’m just glad ya ain’t dead somewhere in a ditch!”

Rosetta accepted a clean handkerchief from Smoke. She dabbed her eyes to avoid messing up her makeup.

“I made a promise to get back to you and I meant that.”

Rosetta exhales, “I know, daddy…I just…I’ve been so touch starved. I would’ve given Phonzo all of me if you hadn’t shown up…”

Smoke’s nostrils flared and he looked at her with those dark eyes that made her clench her thighs.

“Phonzo don’t know what to do wit’ all that. And you belong to me. All of you. You make that pussy cum while Daddy was away?”

“Yes…but it wasn’t enough. I miss the fuckin’ we used to do…”

Smoke’s Cadillac slowed to a stop in front of the boutique Rosetta’s mother owned. She worked there for extra money, but now that Smoke was back, she didn’t have to work. Smoke opened her door and helped her out. Shutting it, they walked towards the shop and Rosetta opened the door with a single gold key. Smoke observed his surroundings with a sharp eye before following her inside. It was dark, but the moonlight ignited a path for them leading towards a narrow staircase leading up to Rosetta’s apartment that she shared with her mother.

She had some privacy for now since her mother went away to visit family in Baton Rouge for a week. The boutique was closed until she returned. Rosetta opened the door and flicked on a light. It was exactly how Smoke had remembered it. Small and cozy and blessed by a woman that practiced root work. Rosetta walked into their small kitchen and opened the fridge to grab a pitcher of water. She poured a glass for Smoke and herself.

“You can stay for a few days until momma comes back. It don’t matter how grown I am, she don’t like men over…”

“I get it. I’ll have a place to stay. Then you can leave here and be wit’ me.”

“Smoke…”

Smoke finished his glass, sat it on the counter, and pulled Rosetta close. His hands caressed her back and dragged down to cuff her cheeks. Eyes locked on her face, he brought his plump lips to her own, pecking them with soft kisses. Rosetta whimpered and shifted, slightly raising one foot. Smoke hooked his strong arm around her trim waistline. His other hand squeezed the flesh of her plump ass.

“You always know just how to push my buttons, don’t you, Rose? Couldn’t wait for daddy to come back?”Smoke asked with his lips barely touching hers, “That’s alright, though…Im gon’ remind you just who you belong to...”

Suddenly, Smoke delivered a series of sharp smacks to her behind without warning. Rosetta gasped as she felt the sting of each slap. 

“Smoke, I’m sorry…I didn’t fuck him…I swear.” Rose pleaded.

“But you gave ‘em hope. If I hadn’t shown up…”

His wide hand lifted her silk dress over her ass and he went to town whacking each cheek—left, right, left—the pain increasing. Rosetta buried her face into his chest, her lipstick staining his shirt. Smoke palmed her cheeks hard, savoring the heft of that juicy flesh in his rough hands.

“Damn,” Smoke stared over her shoulder and down at her rump, “this big ass…mmm…mmm…mmm…I wanna look at that pussy, baby…I still have that picture of your pussy in my wallet…”

Rosetta set up a camera and took photos of herself nude before sending them off to whatever address Smoke told her to send it to. He’d beat his fat dick every night to all her photos. He stole a pair of her panties as a reminder of her scent. Anything to keep his sanity.

“You do?” Rosetta stared up at Smoke.

“Yeah,” Smoke retrieved his wallet from his pocket. He presented the photo to Rosetta. It had cracks in it from being folded, but her hairy mound, phat clit, and glistening folds stood out against the black and white, “She still nice and bushy?”

Smoke had a thing for hair. He hated whenever Rosetta would do a clean shave. Since he’d been gone, she’d started shaving again. Luckily, there was enough hair there to satisfy his desires.

“Not too much, daddy…”

“Mm,” Smoke flicked his tongue against her lips.

“I want you to do it to me, daddy…”

“Do it all night long, baby?”

“Do it to me, papa…”

Smoke’s dick jumped and stretched to proportions he couldn’t handle.

“I wanna suck on that pussy first…”

Rosetta’s clit twitched at the thought of Smoke slurping on her pussy cat until she was wrung dry. She had a lot for him to drank up. When she first laid eyes on him tonight, the wetness soaked through and created a slippery, sticky mess. Those big lips and that thick dick…

“Let me smell it,” Smoke picked Rosetta up and sat her down on the cramped counter space, “Spread your fuckin’ legs you sexy, bitch…”

Rosetta made quick work of her thighs spreading wide and limber. Smoke could see a big wet spot in the crotch of her cotton panties. He didn’t waste time stroking the outlines of her fat lips that strained against the fabric. Smoke chuckled before slipping her panties to the side. His fingertips graced coarse hair covered in slick and heat. Beyond that was a clit made to be suckled.

“Shit, she still get nice and wet for me,” Smoke admired the shine on his thick fingers before bringing it to his nose to take a whiff, “fuccck,” He pushed his fingers into his mouth and licked them clean, “Fresh pussy…taste so good…”

He was down on his knees with his fingers tangled in her panties to keep them out of his way. Rosetta brought one leg up and it opened her lips more for him to eat. The humidity of that kitchen had their brown skin glistening beneath the dim, yellow, lamp lights. Smoke spread her lips and stared into her pussy. Rosetta stroked his slick-back, begging him to put his face in it.

Smoke buried his nose in it first. He rubbed her clit with the tip of his nose before using his lips to encase her clit and suck. He sucked nice and slow to warm her up, but then he created a vortex so tight with his lips Rosetta almost fell from the counter. The sucking came at a rapid pace—precise and intense.

“Uhnnn,” Rosetta gasped and moaned, “Daddy!”

Rosetta stroked her pussy many times to one of her favorite raunchy tunes. Jump Steady Daddy by Lucille Bogan stayed on repeat whenever she rubbed on her clit to the thought of her Smoke Daddy. She missed when he would come to her late at night, sneak in her bed and eat her pussy. She loved it when he would be on his knees, holding her weight up and fucking into her.

Love me, daddy

Love me all the time

Love me, daddy

Love me all the time

And if you love me like I did

You'll be that jump steady man of mine…

“Yes, ooh, daddy, papa,” Rosetta’s thighs shook out of her control, “Ima cum…Ima cum…”

The thin straps of her silk slip dangled from her shoulders and perspiration trickled down her spine. She didn’t have time to prepare before she was creaming down Smoke’s chin. All he did was suck her clit. He came up for air, lips dripping wet and face glistening with cum.

Her nipples poked out through her slip, teasing Smoke’s eyes. He was as hard as stone, unable to bear the feeling anymore. Smoke stood and picked Rosetta up from the counter, carrying her towards her room. The door was ajar, so all he needed to do was nudge it and he was walking inside. He didn’t bother closing the door. Smoke placed Rosetta on her back, climbing on top of her and sticking his tongue in her mouth.

Rosetta smoothed his button down shirt over his shoulders and Smoke pulled his arms through. He had on a white beater that clung to his muscles like plaster. Smoke broke his lips away and trailed kisses down her neck until he was at the tops of her breasts. Rosetta arched up into his chest, soft moans music to his ears.

Smoke used his teeth to yank the rest of her slip down, revealing 34 C breasts with large nipples that reminded him of chocolate-covered gum drops. Rosetta dragged her nails through his hair, messing up the smoothness of it, revealing waves. Her updo had come undone, finger-waved hair falling into her eyes. The salty, sweet taste of her skin caused him to growl.

“Daddy…I wanna taste that dick…”

With a deep exhale, Smoke stood up. Rosetta sat up on her knees with her dress around her waist and went to work undoing his slacks. She pushed down his boxers and his pants in one motion, his dick bobbing out like a pendulum and hitting her on the chin. Rosetta admired how girthy and veiny her daddy’s dick is. She licked up the precum before it was wasted and with her eyes on him, she wrapped her lips around him and sucked.

“Ahhhh…There you go, baby…that’s how you welcome me home…suck this big boy…gobble it up…”

Her soft hair in his grasp, Smoke’s toned hips pumped her throat. He curled his top lip, revealing golds, grunting at the feel of her tight throat.

“Ugh, fuck, baby…the best dick suckin’ bird in N’awlins…”

Rosetta giggled in response. She prided herself in her skills. Sucking dick and riding dick was her specialty. Smoke licked his lips, eyes barely open as he watched her. He tilted his head and started drilling her mouth. Loud gagging noise started, Rosetta’s once pristine makeup now running down her face.

“You’re so beautiful wit’ my dick in your throat, baby…make daddy cum…so I can fuck that pussy…”

His girth increased, Rosetta’s jaws tightening. She grabbed hold of his balls and worked her neck like no other. Smoke chewed on his bottom lip and threw his head back.

“Hmmm….mmmmmm….”

His hips spasmed out of control. Rosetta almost choked on his thick cum. She had to spit his dick out just to swallow what she could. The rest painted her chest.

“Turn that ass over,” Smoke stepped out of his pants and with one hand on his long dick, he pumped it, “On your knees, gal.”

Rosetta brought that ass in the air and arched her back deep. Smoke stood behind her with a big dick swinging. Rosetta hadn’t felt it in two years. She was afraid. Shaking with fear. He had to open her up again.

“Use them big girl words and tell me what you want,” Smoke slapped her cheeks around, “Where you want this dick?”

“Daddy, fuck me!” Rosetta begged.

His dick aligned with her ass and with his big hands he tucked it higher. Smoke grunted and slapped her bouncy cheeks.

“Ouch! Papa…” Rosetta cried, more from surprise.

It hurt so good. With hands as large as his, he managed to cover a wide area of her ass, leaving behind a burning sting that only made her wiggle her ass against him. Smoke rubbed her down before digging his fingers into the flesh, spreading her wide, and thrusting into her.

“Oh, my! Smoke!”

Rosetta’s ass recoiled and bounced off of Smoke’s sturdy hips. He had her by the hair, keeping her back arched. That man was fucking her like he was fresh out of jail. His thick shaft gave her stretch and his length made her feel it in her stomach. The sound of her wet pussy matched the skin-slapping.

“Big dick on you! Fuck!”

Smoke let go of her hair and grabbed her hips. Rosetta looked back at him with her mouth agape and brows knitted together in disbelief. His hair had puffed up and some strands fell over his forehead. He looked wild and sexy. Muscles flexing, golds flashing, eyes unblinking.

“Keep fuckin’ me, papa! Fuck this wet pussy, daddy! Oh my goddddd—”

Rosetta fell forward and buried her face in the sheets.

“Uh-uh,” Smoke brought one leg up, leaned over her, and wrapped a hand around her throat, “You can take this dick. Get that shit you want so bad,” Smoke said.

Every cry or whimper that came out of her mouth, he responded with an evil chuckle or a groan of his own in her ear.

“Grip me up like that…good girl…that’s it baby…”

Rosetta felt hot liquid trickling down her thighs. Tears brimmed her eyes and her body seized up with her release. Smoke withdrew his hips and got down behind her to lick her up. He licked her thighs, then trailed his spit to her folds. He rolled her onto her back and scooted her towards the edge of the bed. Ass hanging off, legs thrown over his shoulders, Smoke put that dick in her pussy and pounded up into her with sharp thrusts that had her toes curling.

“Oh, shit!” Rosetta and her swinging titties couldn’t handle it, “Damnit, Smoke! I’m cumin’ !!!!!”

Scooting her onto the bed, he pile-drived her into the creaky mattress. Folded in half was an understatement. She stared down the valley of his impressive body at his dick.

“Big Daddy!” Rosetta pressed her feet into his chest, “Fuck me good! Take this pussy!”

“This my fuckin’ pussy…”

Smoke slammed into her before dropping down to kiss her soft lips again. His thrusts turned into modulated pumps that caused her to gasp. Each time his dick would enter her, she would gasp with surprise. Smoke nibbled on her pouty bottom lip and stared into her eyes longingly.

You know I love you

I love you

I love you

I love you anyhow

And I don't care

If you don't want me

I'm yours right now…

“Cum for me Smoke Daddy…”

His forehead furrowed and with one more sharp thrust, he erupted deep in her womb.

———————-

[louwhose]

Link and Tetra because I'm obsessed with them right now but also I redesigned them because I felt like it. explanations under cut about my thoughts going into this design

Tetra: I got to that part where you find out she's descended from the royal line and got frustrated with her transformation. and after stewing about it for a while realized that it's not that she couldn't do a "princess" outfit she just doesn't work at all for the classical one they try to put her in it really just doesn't work for her so I decided to make it. the top itself is actually kinda cool and not that different from her own outfit so I let it stay but she absolutely needed the trousers instead of the skirt. she's a pirate she would absolutely keep the crown cuz TREASURE and also the belt but that one's also partially because it looks snazzy. the necklace is because it looks simpler and more suitable for tetra than the one with big beads that's the canon "zelda" design but also the king guy mentioned that she had a necklace she got from her mother that was part of the triforce and it might be the full triforce after that point but I still like that for her necklace and then sandals because it seemed the right mix of nice enough for the princess look and practical enough for tetra

Link: first of all he gets sandals too but his are close-toed partially because I love those and also because it's more practical for adventuring and I didn't want to draw toes any more. he also lost his sleeves because that just works better for the place they live and when he gets it he is less than thrilled about how hot it looks and he's 12 so you bet as soon as he left his grandma he took it off as soon as he could. the hat I forgot to draw but I wish I remembered to draw his bracelets from the beginning but forgot when I was on the lineart😭he gets freckles because I think they're cute please tell me you can see them I can't tell as I'm trying to post this but they're there. and strap for the sword because it makes sense and he's holding it the way I like to hold any strap I have going over my shoulder like that because it makes me feel cool

[eulaliasims]

Uni: Mina 1/2

Mina is still in the dorms currently.

Deeply entertained watching Ashley play hackey sack in his trousers and nice oxfords.

Rosalind: Oh, hello there. Are you on a date with my baby sister?

Mina: Rosieeee, stop.

Rosalind: What? I'm just introducing myself.

Trent: Haha, wow, you have a really strong grip, dude.

Rosalind: Don't mind me, just going to play a game of pool. Right here. Next to you.

Mina: :|

Ignoring her sib's date stalking, Mina scores her first kiss before she has to skedaddle in time for class.

LOUISE DOESN'T EVEN LIVE HERE ANYMORE! Jayne, please. 😭

Mina's having a good time checking out all her options on campus, and today she decides to ask out, uhhh... *checks notes* Hubert here. What can I say? She loves a snazzy dresser.

Oh damn, Lina was busy while I wasn't playing her!

Louise approves, lmao.

Mina decides to follow suit with Hubert. This is really my fault for putting a photo booth on any uni lot.

Lina: Wow, we have great taste in guys, don't we?

Mina: Totally!

[soulsisterif]

What are the ros style of clothing?

I hadn't realized how sure I am about their styles until I got this ask.

• Abbie: very casual. Mostly black, graphic t-shits and comfy jeans when it's warm enough but still always wears a jacket or hoodie because she gets cold easily. Claw clips galore. Needs either big pockets or a backpack.

• Irene: either sweatpants and sweatshirts, maybe tank tops if it's hot, when she's exercising, or lots of colourful dresses and skirts. Easily the most feminine of the cast in her day-to-day. Chooses many rings carefully according to her outfit.

• Joanna: either tight-fitting clothes that show off her figure or baggy ones that leave her shoulder bare. Likes printed clothing. Favours trousers over dresses but can't say no to a good open back. Not one for jewellery, but always has several hair ties on her wrist that she often disregards.

• Vega: Dark clothes, vests, shirts with rolled up sleeves and suspenders. Looks snazzy but then wears embarrassingly colourful socks with cartoons on them that clash horribly with her put-together, broody vibe. It's part of her charm LOL

• Margot: elegant and preppy, won't catch her dead in sweatpants. Tailored skirt suits and not too flashy complements (watches, earrings...). Lots of high waist and high heels so that she doesn't look so tiny. Has more purses than she's willing to admit.

• Dawn: sunglasses wearer, leggings champion, solid colours. Likes shirt dresses. Will dress up for special occasions, but she prefers comfy, simple clothes. Loves cold weather so she can wear scarves and knitted sweaters. Rocks turtle necks.

[adamsvanrhijn]

i think audiences in general are not super aware of how aware people were of homosexuality in the past. this was huge with downton abbey as well, but i think the 19th century is even more confusing bc everything was changing rapidly. but TGA is late victorian, it's not early/mid victorian anymore, people are much more aware of homosexuality. like at exactly the time TGA is set Teddy Roosevelt was out there fighting a guy who called him a "mamma's boy" because he loved to wear snazzy tight trousers etc and that's exactly the TGA social milieu (unrelated but i hope there's teddy roosevelt on TGA... where is he)

it's very unexpected how many primary sources reference at the very least someone being outside of the norm in terms of gender expectations clearly situated in a broader context! even where straightforward awareness of same sex partnerships and sexual activity was not present, people still were extremely aware of cultural expectations around gender and sexuality.

this included being aware from a perspective of, those Being expectations and something that perhaps needs some degree of self control or at least choice to fulfill, and those with that knowledge behaved and spoke accordingly. especially when the conceptualization of what it means to be gay was different than we're accustomed to in the modern world, there was an awareness and consciousness of Difference and the limits to which difference was allowed, the ways that a person can get away with expressing themselves and where it is unacceptable. and so much of that is tied back to homosexuality as soon as there's an environment where homosexuality can be explicitly named (in general, not necessarily using that word, ie company where you can say aloud that eg men can have sex with each other).

& i think in tga with like, marian in 1.08... even if she doesn't have the finer details, or know that men can be interested in having sex with each other, which we don't know, we can infer that she is aware that it is Not Expected that a woman can go somewhere alone with a man that results in no advances or impropriety on behalf of the man, even a married man. that is The Way Things Are. she's already literally been in that position herself on screen. so she has that cultural background and she perceives a reference to deviation from it as funny, because the referent is inherently at odds with her conception of the world. she doesn't necessarily go further than that in her head, we don't know if she has a sense of the details, but she Does go that far.

and she is very much not alone in that compared to her real life contemporaries!

[whitestopper]

Ranking: Mina > Nayeon > Jeongyeon > Tzuyu > Momo = Chaeyoung > Jihyo >= Sana

Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Mina and Tzuyu’s outfits are simple and pretty. I like what Chaeyoung has on but I don’t like the cardigan being done up (well. as up as it can be when there’s one button on it).

Dahyun’s is inoffensive. I have a feeling people moreso like Momo’s space buns and are less so looking at the outfit which has a great colour scheme and set-up, but I don’t like the top’s little lines (not the pattern, the physical ‘straps’). Sana and Jihyo’s are a no for me.

Ranking: Jeongyeon >= Momo = Chaeyoung > Nayeon = Mina >= Sana = Tzuyu > Jihyo >= Dahyun

JEONGYEON AND MOMO ARE DRIVING ME INSANE HERE. I like Nayeon’s style, though the safety short’s visibility irks me (just a bit). Chaeyoung is snazzy.

Tzuyu, Mina and Sana’s are okay but nothing really stand out to me. I don’t like Dahyun’s outfit. I wish Jihyo’s outfit had more on it and the red boots aren’t helping.

Ranking: Chaeyoung > Jeongyeon >= Dahyun = Sana = Mina > Momo = Jihyo = Tzuyu > Nayeon

Dahyun’s doesn’t seem like something I would like but I actually think it’s really pretty. I love Chaeyoung’s outfit and the plaits work perfectly. Jeongyeon’s is great, though maybe I’d make the skirt grey/black rather than brown. Mina’s is great! Sana’s is pretty but I feel like there’s something I want to fix. I can’t tell what though.

Nayeon can have trousers, shorts or a skirt - she cannot have all three. Grow up, stylists. Momo’s and Jihyo’s are inoffensive but kind of boring. Tzuyu’s isolated sleeves are annoying me here, I would’ve liked it if the purple parts were one whole jumper/cardigan.

Ranking: Chaeyoung >= Momo >= Jeongyeon (top) > Jihyo >= Jeongyeon (bottom) > Jeongyeon (left) > Tzuyu > Nayeon = Mina >= Sana >= Dahyun

Jihyo reminds me of Rachel Berry in the Britney Spears glee episode. I’m sad we didn’t get Jeongyeon’s pretty blue styling but at least the shirt + beige corset combo is inoffensive - blue corset is a waste here. Momo and Chaeyoung look very snazzy. Mina’s looks like she got ask to be the human Scooby-Doo main characters yassified at the same time and you know what? It kind of... works.

Absolute no to Dahyun’s outfit. Nayeon’s top rises too high for my liking. I think the colour scheme has put me off Sana’s outfit. Tzuyu’s top also rises a bit high and I think I’d like it more if she had her hair down, idk.

Ranking: Dahyun >= Chaeyoung > Tzuyu = Momo >= Sana = Jihyo >= Nayeon >= Jeongyeon = Mina

Dahyun and Chaeyoung’s outfits are pretty (Dahyun’s ribbon is a nice touch.

I hate this ‘deconstructed clothing’ trend, which means I mourn Tzuyu’s sleeves. Mina and Jihyo’s outfits are godawfully boring. I hate the tops of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, and Jihyo, and the bottoms of Nayeon and Tzuyu.

Ranking: Jeongyeon = Momo = Tzuyu >= Chaeyoung > Nayeon > Sana = Dahyun >= Jihyo

Top half of Tzuyu’s outfit is great, so why did they just leave it to dangle and die? I want more white shirt from Jeongyeon but it’s still pretty neat. I like Chaeyoung’s layers. Nayeon’s is too simple - it’s nice but really would benefit from accessories. Momo’s is nice. I’d change where Mina’s straps are but I like the thinking. Sana’s is okay but nothing in particular stands out.

Dahyun has a bunch of gaps in her outfit and it annoys me. I want more on Jihyo’s outfit.

Ranking: Jeongyeon > Jihyo >= Chaeyoung > Tzuyu (left) > Tzuyu (right) = Momo = Mina (right) > Dahyun >= Sana > Mina (left) = Nayeon (left) >= Nayeon (right)

I don’t like Dahyun’s top, though I think the colours work well. I like Momo’s outfit but stylists need to figure out if idols are wearing a cardigan/overlayer or not. I love Chaeyoung’s outfit design but I don’t like the ‘one button done at the top’ thing, just leave it open or close it. Jihyo’s and Mina’s right outfit are simple, which is for the best in a set which generally provokes me. Jeongyeon’s is cute but the top and skirt should be made of the same material. Tzuyu’s long-legged one-piece is so snazzy and I wish they didn’t sacrifice the legs :(

Sana’s is annoying to me, I think it’s the pairing of the bold yellow with the custard yellow. Nayeon’s left outfit is too lacey for my taste, and I don’t care for the fuzziness on her right outfit or Mina’s left outfit.

Shoe ranking based on how it fits the outfit’s style: Jeongyeon (cannae see), Momo (left > right), Sana (left > right), Dahyun (left > right), Chaeyoung (left > right), Tzuyu (right > left)

Honourable mentions: Dahyun, Momo’s top-half (right), Chaeyoung’s hair, maaaaybe Sana (I, like.... I see what they meant)

These outfits are personal attack on me and proof that TWICE stylists hate this blog. I will never deny that Chaeyoung’s space buns are super pretty, but be honest with yourself: they are holding this outfit together. Thankfully Momo received an upgrade and got a pretty outfit that actually, y’know, fits the set, but sadly she could not escape the white belt thing. Same with Nayeon, though I don’t like her dress that much. I can’t help thinking about the circles removed from Tzuyu’s trousers.

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning! I hope you slept well and feel rested? Currently sitting at my desk, in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day. Welcome to the weekend!

Wow! Here we are again: Friday! Where did that week go? No, seriously, where did that week go?

I walked up to Tesco’s the other day in my navy blue West Ham-branded shorts and my snazzy, Brooks Ghost trainers, and some woman shouted out of her car window, “Where are your trousers?” I smiled and shouted back at her, “I don’t need any trousers!” She shook her head, “It’s freezing!” In fact, the other day, some woman on Twitter commented about white men walking around in shorts. I tweeted back, “It was probably me!”

Yesterday … well … what can I say? Yesterday, I felt alive! I just felt very healthy. Full of joie de vivre!! I know it’s bloody freezing but I felt virile! There … I said it! It made me think about that Barry White song, ‘It may be winter outside but in my heart it’s spring!” When I’m at home, I wear shorts and sliders all day every day. When I go outside, I just swap the sliders for trainers. I think to myself, if football players can run around in freezing rain and snow, so can I!

Thursday was a productive day as well. I got lots of work done! Just after 2.00, I paused for a lunch break, put my leg up and watched a little TV. Oh my God, what have I stumbled across? I’ve seen people mention it online but yesterday I sampled ‘The White Lotus’. Written by Mike White – who wrote ‘School Of Rock – this is quite the darkest comedy I’ve seen in ages! Not funny ha-ha but definitely comedy of the most acidic kind! I’m hooked and can’t wait to get back to it. I know somebody dies and, right about now, everybody looks about ready to kill someone!

There’s this clip I keep seeing of a Prince concert, in which he brings Chaka Khan on stage and they do a reggae version of Rufus’s ‘Sweet Thing’. Rufus never recorded a reggae version of this song. This is the recording that was NEVER made that SHOULD be made! You can probably find it on You Tube? Dynamite!

You’ll be pleased to know all the snow is getting washed away on Sunday and Monday even reaches the balmy temperature of 12 degrees! Thank God for that; that cold snap was getting a bit depressing!

Almost time to put together my annual list of people that have died in 2022. A grim task but a timely reminder that we must cherish those that we love and maximise the time spent on this earth.

Looking forward to next week. I’m out for dinner Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Trying to see as many beautiful people as I can before the year is out, and I already have some fab events organised for January!

Hope you can join me tomorrow at 1.00 p.m. for ‘The A-Z Of Mi-Soul Music’. The Letter K (Part Three). It will warm the cockles of your cockles, trust me!

Have a fabulous and funky Friday! I love you all. You’re probably thinking, “You don’t even know me!” but, if people can hate for no reason, why can’t I love?

[aziraphales-library]

Hello! I've always read all of the recommended fics you have been giving and I love it so much, If I may ask, can you recommend me some stories where either Aziraphale/Crowley is wearing something revealing and they are too shy to show it to their significant or their partner just somehow walked in on them wearing it? It can be fluff or smut. Thank you and love youuu <3

Hi! Here are some fics involving clothing with various levels of uncovered skin and insecurity...

Bodies of Change by die_traumerei (G)

It's a new world, and Aziraphale is a new angel. Well, not really, but he decides it's time to try something a bit more modern in the clothes department. And hopefully, in the process, impress his snazzy boyfriend on date night. A little story about the power of clothing, not always loving your corporeal body, and having a partner who *definitely* loves said corporeal body.

This is Beauty by ShesAKillerQueen98 (G)

Aziraphale wants to get a short, tight skirt, because she thinks it'll make Crowley happy, but she only succeeds in making herself uncomfortable. Luckily Crowley is there to comfort her.

strawberries & cream by lunarcrowley (M)

Crowley really wants some ice cream - but that's not all he wants.

The Shirt by DictionaryWrites (E)

This was an old shirt, of course, and he’d been a little more trim back then, but he hadn’t given it much thought, had merely…

He was all but bursting from it: the silk was drawn tight over the twin swells of his chest, over the curve of his belly, and it was riding up, revealing the outward curve of his belly over the band of his trousers, the fabric drawn taut.

“Bless, angel, are you trying to kill me?” Crowley demanded, and he rolled his hips against Aziraphale’s arse, grabbing at his belly from each side and dragging his fingers over the silk, his pointed chin digging into the meat of Aziraphale’s shoulder. “You look delicious.”

The Angel's Jumper by witchy_teacup (E)

About three months after taking their relationship to the next level, Aziraphale walks in on Crowley wearing one of his jumpers. The angel finds his demon incredibly sexy in it. Much smuttiness ensues.

In Love with the Shape of You by Supergeek21 (E)

Aziraphale learns about one of Crowley's past relationships with a human and starts to second guess his choices about his corporation. If Crowley was so attracted to the Queen of the Nile, then perhaps he'd prefer his angel take on a more feminine shape?

Crowley is not going to complain when he becomes the subject of an angelic seduction, but perhaps there are some things he can do to make it a better experience for both of them. ❤️🍆

- Mod D

[pinkacademic]

Masculine and Non-Feminine Pink Academia

While this is a very "feminine" space, as someone who isn't always a girl (she/they btw!), I understand the struggle of being a non-girl and wanting to find your place among the girlies. Hopefully I have some useul ideas for you, ranging from non-feminine women, men, and nonbinary inspiration.

Characters

Non-Feminine Women - Cady Heron, Mean Girls. I know a character from the girly movies Holy Trinity seems like a weird start, but of course, Cady's journey is one if jumping in too far and losing her tomboyish nature. But, at the end, her style reflects the positive aspects of her journey by being a better-fitting and a little bit more trendy, but the outfit is still just a casual top and jeans which doesn't necessarily have a gendered association. And, of course, she's an iconic academic character as a mathlete.

-Connie Maheswaren, Steven Universe. Connie's style evolves from a pretty billowy dress to a cute button-up and shorts. Connie loves reading, studying, and swordfighting and has a style that can go between masculine and feminine.

-Spinelli, Recess. I'd say most people who know me know that I am the way I am because of the Ashleys, but Spinelli is good inspo too. She's only an academic in secret, but her over-sized t-shirt as a sort-of dress toes the line between gender presentation. It's dress-like, but probably also a hand-me-down from her older brother, and is shapeless enough for the androynous=shapeless trend.

- Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice. Even as a fancy lady in the regency era, she's still more likely to be found on romps in the mud, even if that'd be 'most unladylike.' Personally, if I were in charge of a modern interpretation, I think she'd be a dungarees/overalls kind of girl. One of my favourite interpretations is in The Lizzie Bennet Diaries where she's a tech intern.

Men - Nick Young, Crazy Rich Asians. I love a man passionate about his culture, preserving history, and snazzy dressing. Since he's richer than God,he does dress like Daddy's Little Rich Boy, but it's a classic look for a reason.

- Todd Anderson, Dead Poets Society. SO, DPS is a stable of Dark Academia, but I'm borrowing Todd for the Pink girlies because he felt overlooked for most of his life, and then discovered his romantic, poetic side. It feels like a very Pink theme to me.

-Ryan Evans, High School Musical. Ryan and Sharpay had their style game at maximum for all three movies, and Ryan truly is a bright pink-wearing king who co-ordinated down to a hat- the only person who can get away with a fedora, except, like, Perry the Platypus.

Nonbinary Characters - Frankie Stein, Monster High. The new version of Frankie now uses they/them pronouns! Their presentation in the new movie seems to go between feminine and androgynous, and their style is like school uniform punk- related, I think Frankie would totally have the Vivienne Westwood pin.

-Aziraphale and Crowley, Good Omens. In the Good Omens 'verse, angels and demons don't actually have gender, and Aziraphale and Crowley's looks are jut personal to them. Aziraphale has a flamboyant, cream-toned masculine vibe, while Crowley's dark wardrobe changes gender presentation with him. They embody the abolish gender vs make more dynamic.

- Cal, Sex Education. I'm totally late to the Sex Education party, so I don't know much about them, but it is so exciting to see what looks like good rep in a high school setting, because I wish I'd had more of that when I was in school!

Fashion and Presensation

So, the classic PA sillhouette is, of course, the shirt under a jumper, a pink plaid skirt, tights or stockings, pink high heels, and decorate with pearls. Let's see what we can do to make this less stereotypically feminine.

- Plaid trousers/pants exist and are wonderful. An easy find is always a plaid or similar-patterned paperbag trousers- which I think can be used to alter your shape at the hips, if you want to do that. - Longer or more kilt-style skirts tend to have a more gender-neutral or masculine association compared to their shorter counterparts. - Secret trousers!! These are my favourite thing- a pair of trousers/pants that look like a skirt when standing still feels like the best of both worlds to me. -As mentionned with Spinelli, an oversized t-shirt or shirt worn like a dress can create a shapeless, androgynous sillhouette if so disired, or be cynched in with a belt to add another dimension to an outfit.

I hope this has given you some inspiration to work with, and if anyone has any other ideas, please let me know!

[the-20th-century-girl]

u know the ghosts what i would wear if i could game? what would YOU put them in if u could? :D

I'd give Thomas the double denim and aviators he desires. Though may see if I can sway him to go for a leather jacket instead. Just to really make the look 🔥

I'd give Kitty a jumper like Allison's. Maybe even custom BFF ones for them both.

Robin gets a colourful 80s zumba outfit including headband! Maybe even put his hair in a high ponytail to finish the look too. Need I say more.

I would just dress Fanny like Agnes Crumplebottom from the Sims. So like this...

Including handbag to hit the other ghosts with when they annoy her.

I dunno about Pat. He seems happy as he is. Maybe the jumper he wears in that flashback. He looked good in it and it's more comfy and casual for him.

As for Humphrey. Firstly have him attached again (for good) poor boy. Then maybe just as he is but without the coat. So in his red waistcoat (like my icon) loved that look for him. Alternatively as a complete makeover maybe a nice modern suit. A dark red shiny or velvet suit with black shirt. He's a smart snazzy boi after all. And would look so fine in that.

Julian just a pair of trousers or better yet a long skirt 🤔 I mean he's had the leg freedom for quite a while I feel he'd wanna cover up more but not lose that 'freedom'

Saw a post about the Captain in pjs and love that, so that! Or just as he is. He wouldn't appreciate any change tbh.

Last but certainly not least my girl Mary. Just a nice flowery long dress. And seashell necklace as she'd like that I think.

[jedivszombie]

This is completely fuled by the amber lounge on Friday. You have ∞€ and 1 day to get 6 drives fashion show ready. To which shops would you drag them? And which drivers would get a make over?

Anonymoose, this is an excellent question and I spent A LOT of time thinking about this. Partly because @renaultz and I have a shared agenda and would like to see teams do a proper haute couture sponsorship at some point. And also because Amber Lounge never ceases to cause 100000% damage every single year so I relish a chance to put that right.

Waffling aside I have picked my 6 drivers and not only where I would take them but what outfits I would want them to wear. My drivers: JEV, Alex Lynn, Naomi Schiff, Catie Munnings, Pascal Wehrlein and Sebastian Vettel.

I'm putting the rest of this under the cut because it's gonna have photos.

First up is JEV, so I wrote a little fic about him wearing haute couture and haven't stopped thinking about the outfit I put him in ever since. SO, I would take JEV to Dior and I would put him in the outfit I described in the fic. Which is THIS:

BUT in THIS colour:

Next up: Alex Lynn. So I think we can all agree that Alex is gorgeous and he usually wears great suits and just general great casual stuff (thank u Alex for having some taste and wearing it well). I would also take him to Dior, because I am obsessed with their spring/summer collection I can't lie. And I would put him in THIS outfit:

I would accessorise it differently but I think he could really make it work, like with this outfit and the one I would style JEV in they both have this brilliant blend of femininity and androgyny that I think would just work really well on both of them.

Naomi Schiff is up next, and she is alway so incredibly stylish and I would love to see her in a tailored suit of some kind (also thnx to Percy for giving me that brainworm). So I would take Naomi to Dolce & Gabbana and get her fitted for THIS suit:

I wouldn't put her in a white shirt though, I'd probably go for a darker neutral colour (just because I think the white shirt doesn't really pop with it) and then style her with some snazzy DMs OR heels - whichever she preferred.

On to Catie Munnings! I really can't decide which of these outfits I would put her in BUT I would take her to Zuhair Murad (I adore his work so much, especially his wedding dresses like holy shittttt) and would choose either of these outfits:

And for once I don't totally hate the whole feathers of it all, right now I think I'm more leaning towards the white one.

For Pascal I would wanna go kinda bold and funky, because he's quite a bold and funky guy and I don't think he's really afraid of wearing out there stuff if it's stylish. So I would take him to Elie Saab and put him in a variation of THIS outfit:

I don't LOVE the cape or shoulders but I do love the rest of it and I dunno I feel like Pascal would look groovy in this. PLUS we are going all out here fellas.

Lastly we have Sebastian Vettel, so as we all know Seb pretends he's not gorgeous and has questionable fashion choices at best and I literally just want to take him shopping and be like 'please don't be afraid to wear clothes that make you look good' (he seems to be doing something about his trouser situation at the moment though so thank u Seb). ANYWAY, I would want to take him to Dolce and Gabbana as well and I would go for something a little more lowkey in the out there scale (because I think he would probably run away if not). So I'm digging the idea of him in some variation of THIS:

Potentially not the same colour and probably without the waistcoat, and then I would probably go for a little bit of a colourful but classy shirt to spice it up a little bit.

ANYWAY, as you can see if I was an Amber Lounge stylist we would kill the brief every time AND I would also encourage and challenge them.

[eeveevie]

Come to bed kisses for bryn x fiona please? :)

reporting in

Fiona finds a report from Brynjolf on the Guildmaster's desk, except its contents aren't exactly what she was expecting.

(Explicit content because I cannot control myself)*

*my self-indulgent plot, what plot? aka ‘accidentally had John Mayer lyrics at one point in the letter’ fic. Despite that, recommended listening is that new T-Swift song “False God” because of that snazzy, sexy sax line that just screamed for me to write this.

Brynjolf x f!Dragonborn (Fiona)

2772 words (under a cut) | Ao3

The Guildmaster’s desk was a mess of reports and coin satchels—a good sign, but also a sign Fiona would be busy that evening reviewing the week’s intake of profits. Judging by the merriment of the Guild members in the Cistern, there hadn’t been any loses while she’d been away pilfering her own goods for the vault. She sidestepped the offering chest, focusing instead on the various piles of parchment from her team.

Delvin’s reports from footpads and how they were successfully fishing from nobles in Solitude and Whiterun, Tonila’s logbook from the shipment of diamonds she intercepted off the Winterhold coast, Vex’s list of earnings of selling off stolen goods to fences across Skyrim…the reports seemed never ending. Business was excellent.

What she didn’t expect to find was a report from Brynjolf—his scraggly handwriting the only indication it was from him. Since she had taken over as Guildmaster, he had favored telling her of his escapades in person. He called it pillow talk, Fiona called it lazy and poor book-keeping. It intrigued her so much that she pulled it from the stack, softly chuckling at the little illustrated heart he had drawn on the front next to Guildmaster.

—Windhelm

This city is miserable without you, lass. Sitting in this tavern, I’m reminded that this is the first place where we first shared a bed—or at least the first time I didn’t have to sneak into your room uninvited only for you to kick me to the floor in the night. You must’ve known I wanted you then, even if my intentions weren’t entirely pure with the games we played. We’ve found ourselves in this place several times since that evening, and we’ve changed since then—how mad for you I’ve become, and unafraid I am to show you exactly how I feel.

If you were here with me—I’d kiss every inch of that soft skin of yours, touch every expanse. Count every freckle on your shoulders with my tongue and work to leave my mark on the column of your neck. Collect your sighs as they spill from your lips and trace the outline of your body with my own. I’d praise your body like the goddess you are—Divines strike me down if that’s too sacrilegious.

I’d bring you insurmountable pleasure, have you coming with my hands, with my mouth—long before I ever take you with my body. I’d fill you completely, make love in that slow way that agonizes you—fuck you until your body trembled with ecstasy. I would not stop until I had you screaming my name for the whole city to hear.

That is, if you were here.

Until I see you again, lass, and can take you to bed.

-B

Fiona read over the letter a second and then a third time, gripping the parchment a little tighter each time. She should’ve known not to expect a formal report from him, but she didn’t think he’d ever send anything like…this. She was so engrossed in the words that when a hand landed on her waist, she nearly jumped out of her skin.

“I see you received my message,” Brynjolf laughed, pulling her back tight against his chest as his other arm snaked around her hip. “It’s not like you to be startled, lass.”

Fiona blinked hard and made to respond when he nuzzled his head against hers, brushing away the lose strands of her hair, seeking out her neck. She knew exactly what he was after and within seconds, his lips were wrapped around her pulse point—his most favored spot. A tingle ran down the length of her spine to the tip of her toes. Despite how she tried to hide it, she knew he had noticed her full body shiver with the way his lips curled into a devious grin against her skin.

“Back so soon?” she rasped, biting her lip and cursing herself at the lame question. Was that all she could say? While she would never give him the satisfaction of admitting it, it was so easy for him at times to dissolve her into a speechless, lovestruck fool with a few well-placed kisses and honeyed words. He had barely begun and Gods she wanted him--needed him—now.

“Aye,” he answered, deep voice muffled against her throat. “You read my report, Fiona.” His teeth nipped at the tender flesh behind her ear, and she bit back a moan, eyes darting across the Cistern, wondering if anybody was watching or just choosing to ignore their Guildmaster and Second’s public displays of lewdness.

Brynjolf shuffled them forward, pinning Fiona’s hips to the desk. He pressed further, making his arousal known through their leathers against her flank. Finally, Fiona found her voice.

“You’re here to take me to bed?” she asked, struggling to hide her excitement.

“No,” he answered gruffly. “The desk will do just fine.”

Fiona’s breath caught in her throat as his hand on her waist dropped low, deft fingers dipping beneath the layers of leather and cloth to touch at the flesh of her lower back. She sighed, bracing her hands against the desk as his hand dipped further, groping at the curve of her ass. His knee nudged her thigh and she took the not-so-subtle hint, spreading her stance just enough. Brynjolf shifted, leaning over her shoulder to glance at her, watch her as he carefully maneuvered his fingers further down her pants to her entrance.

She inhaled sharply when he finally touched her, involuntarily jutting her hips forward. Out of the corner of her eye she could see his smirk, darkened eyes drinking in her every reaction to his touch. The tip of one finger slowly slid across her seam, her knees wanting to buckle already. He was teasing her, never quite pressing the digit within her folds and yet she could still feel herself coiling up.

“Bryn—” she choked in a quiet hush, trying to pull away but found that his grip would not allow for it. “The others!”

She was not opposed to him taking her across the desk—not in the slightest, but for Talos’ sake, could he be any less impatient? She didn’t need an audience and hadn’t developed a penchant for voyeurism while he was gone.

“Better dismiss them,” he mused, not even remotely pausing in his movements as he curled his fingers against her heat. “Quickly now, before I make you—”

A trembling sigh escaped her before she finally found the strength to elbow him to give herself a little bit of space. He sniggered, retreating and removing his hands from her body as she shouted across the wide-open room. “Everybody!” she waved her arm in the direction of the Flaggon. “I’ve read the reports from this week. Drinks are on me!”

She had to admit it didn’t sound like the best excuse for free alcohol. When the Guild took their time filing themselves into the ratway tavern, Brynjolf shouted after them, louder than her. “You heard the boss, on with it!”

As if catching the tone in his voice, every last thief quickly evacuated the Cistern until Fiona and Brynjolf were the only ones left.  

“Well now they definitely know what we’re up to,” Fiona mumbled, a hand over her face.

Brynjolf quickly turned her body so she was facing him, capturing her lips in a rough kiss. He wedged her against the desk once more, hands roaming across her waist more eagerly than before, pulling at buckles and laces to remove her clothing.

“Oh well,” he broke away to mutter against her mouth. “They’ll be hearing you anyways.”

She moaned at his words and tilted her head to the side when his kisses trailed back towards her neck, lips fervently moving along her skin as his heated fingertips tugged at her pants. Her hands joined his, quickly removing her coat and tossing it aside—she’d leave her undershirt on for now. She then reached out for him, but only managed to undo the first few buckles of his armored coat before he swatted her hands away.

“You first,” he clarified, sultry expression telling her he was much more focused on her pleasure than his own.

Reluctantly, Fiona let him continue until he had pulled her trousers down just past her thighs, fingers catching her undergarments at the same time. Only then did he grip her hips, effortlessly lifting her to prop her on the edge of the desk. Brynjolf then sat in the Guildmaster’s chair, sliding it closer as he slowly removed her boots, never once removing his burning gaze from hers. There was something predatory in his expression, but instead of frightening her it only aroused her further. It was something she was still getting used to with Brynjolf—the different ways he showed his physical affection, now that they were together. He could surprise her in Nightingale Hall and fuck her brains out against a catacomb wall and in the morning at Honeyside have nothing but sweet and slow affection to shower her in. Fiona loved and craved it all.

When she was completely bare from the waist down, he ran his hands across her legs, tilting his head just close enough to kiss the inside of one knee. “Lie back lass, so that I can taste you.”

Fiona followed his instructions immediately, leaning back until she was flush against the desk. Brynjolf steadied her legs in his grasp, spreading them as he made room for himself, eventually propping her knees along the wide expanse of his shoulders. He kissed upwards, the prickly stubble of his beard causing her skin to tickle. One hand creeped upwards with his head, the other firmly gripping her hip to the table.

When his hand found her centerfolds again, she heard—felt—him groan, he couldn’t resist reacting to how stimulated she was for him. Brynjolf only touched her for a fleeting moment before replacing his hand with his mouth, tongue tracing a thick line across her heat a few times before focusing on her clit. His fingers—oh Divines bless those fingers—appeared once more to press inside her, one, then two fingers hooking in and out in a delightful rhythm. She writhed against him, both hands reaching down to thread and grasp at his hair in desperation.

She was suddenly reminded that at any moment, a Guild member could walk back through the Cistern entrance and catch them. Now more than ever, she wanted to chase her end, and found herself scooting—or at least trying to move—closer to his touch, anything to get him move that beautiful, devilish mouth of his faster against her cunt.

“Please, oh—” she gasped, breaking off into a moan as his tongue and lips lapped at her in tight circles. “Faster.” She was just about to—

“Bryn!” she yelped when she felt him pull back just enough to deny her ecstasy. She dug her heel into the middle of his back, crying his name out louder when he responded in earnest—it didn’t take much for her to finally find release. Fiona gripped his hair tight, squeezing her thighs against his temple as more incoherent words fell from her lips—perhaps some of them in Dovahzul.

Brynjolf didn’t pull away until her body relaxed from seizing, sporting a small satisfied grin through kisses to her thighs and hips as he brought her legs down from his shoulders. His movements slowed as he leaned up from the chair to loom over her.

“In a rush?” he asked in a playful tone. Still breathless, Fiona only glanced upwards towards the Flaggon entrance before looking towards Brynjolf. He softly chuckled, hands ghosting over her thighs, causing little tremors to echo up her body. “You don’t think I made sure somebody is on lookout for us?”

Fiona could only roll her eyes. Of course he had the entire evening rearranged. Delvin? Vex? It didn’t matter. She couldn’t be that annoyed or embarrassed about the situation—it was a fool’s errand to try and keep her private affairs private from the others. Instead, she grew impatient as she focused on Brynjolf unbuckling his coat, opening it before working to undo his trousers as well. She sat up and pulled him in for a frenzied kiss, moving her hands across his body to remove as much—or as little clothing as possible so he could take her. He shrugged off his Guild jacket, both their hands meeting to shove his pants and underwear down past his thighs. Fiona hooked her legs around his waist, urging him to come closer to her, palm already seeking the heat of his stiffened cock when he groaned into her mouth.

She gasped when he pulled away, if only to pounce on her, grabbing both of her wrists in one large calloused hand, holding them above her head as he stretched her across the desk beneath his body. His other hand gripped her hip tight, breaking away for the briefest of seconds to align himself at her entrance. Fiona anticipated more teasing or prolonged torture of pleasure but instead, Brynjolf plunged forward, fully seating himself within her with that initial thrust.

Her body reacted wholly, back arching off the desk and hips crashing against his. She flexed her fingers, struggling to free her hands so she could grasp at his body—anywhere so she could find leverage. His hand on her hip dug deeper, blunt nails biting into her skin in a delightfully painful way. Brynjolf withdrew and thrust forward just as quickly, and she tossed her head back, moaning loudly as the heat of him filled her completely. He released the hold on her wrists, but before she could reach out to touch him he leaned away, hands sliding along her legs to press against his torso, ankles resting along his shoulders as he firmly held her waist. Fiona concentrated on his furrowed brow as he set a relentless pace—it wasn’t to be quick—but to be passionate. To make a statement—one she heard very loud and clear.

She bit down on her lip before deciding against stifling herself, concluding it was much better to let their noises be heard as he intended. She reached down to grip his hands at her waist, their fingers haphazardly lacing. It was a struggle to keep eye-contact as that first glorious wave started to crash over her—he wasn’t going to stop just yet. Fiona began to pant, repeated his name over and over between little prayers to Nocturnal and Mara and every God in-between. Brynjolf kept a determined focus on her eyes and body, his thrusts only faltering by the time her second orgasm made her body convulse and pulsate in ways that threatened to milk every last drop of seed from his body.

When he came, it was hard, hips crashing against her body with a strangled groan catching in his throat before his body was falling across hers on the desk, her name a hushed whisper of amazement as they slowly rolled their hips against each other. Eventually he withdrew from her but stayed close, the heat and weight of his body a pleasantly welcome feeling.

“Can I expect more reports from you?” Fiona asked, breathless as she clung to him, sweeping one of her hands down his back. “With little hearts and important details?”

Brynjolf’s deep rumbling chuckle echoed next to her ear, his warm breath still causing a tingle to spark along her spine. He kissed her temple, pulling away so he could look at her directly. His expression was bright, eyes glimmering with amusement and adoration—she could get used to the way he looked at her like this.

“That would entail sending me away,” he explained.

Fiona scrunched up her face in protest. “Never mind.”

After several moments, Brynjolf eventually leaned away, gripping her hands to help her sit up, the two of them laughing as they observed the mess they had made of the desk—parchment and reports strewn about, a shattered inkpot on the floor and at least three gold pieces had made it all the way to the middle water-pool.

“I can still leave you notes, lass,” he spoke, voice hinting at what filth they would contain. “Just know this is a possible outcome.”

Fiona nodded, pressing soft lazy kisses along his stubbled jaw. “What about debriefing me in person?”

“Isn’t that what I just—” he chuckled, catching onto her tease. “Oh, my sweet saucy minx, of course you can have both. After all, I aim to please.”

[cheeseballs-sao]

29 for Sabrina, 45 for Harvey, and 5 for Jack!

this was AGES ago and I feel so bad I forgot to answer it but I’m gonna do it now!!!!!! 

29. What is your OC’s level of education? 

She’s graduated from college (big fat reminder that I’m from the UK and you leave college at 18, it’s not the same as university) and has qualifications in Engineering. Her biggest regret is not going to university because it was a dream of hers for a long time. 

45. What are some things that annoy your OC? 

Let’s be real - Harvey hates mess and disorganisation. 

5. What does your OC usually wear? What would your OC wear on a special night? 

Jack is the one on the farm who does the majority of the physical labour, because he’s by far the strongest, so he wears old clothes - shirts and jeans and overalls - that he doesn’t mind getting dirty or sweaty. On a special night, like a birthday or a snazzy date with Alex, he’d wear nice trousers or some nice jeans and an ironed shirt. He does scrub up well, my Jack <3 

#runawayface #sorry for not answering earlier yam #love u 

[joeyvoeman]

Joey and Cassie take a trip out of town for their first official date.

@cassiegermaine

Joey was a hopeless romantic. He knew this. He wasn’t sure if it was a product of his era or simply how he’d always been. Either way, he’d planned a bit of a surprise for Cassie tonight. He’d told her he was coming and a vague idea of what to dress for, but he had a slight fear that maybe he’d overdone it as he looked down at his clothes, with his dark button up and trousers and blazer all ironed and neat, his shoes shining and his homburg hat perched perfectly on top of his head. He’d debated for nearly an hour on whether to wear a tie, and kept reaching up to nervously adjust one that wasn’t there, just feeling bare skin at his top two undone buttons. With a clearing of his throat, he knocked on Cassie’s front door.  

Cassie hadn’t gone on a date in...a long time. Especially not a formal date of any kind. It was strange to have that nervous butterfly feeling in her stomach, and the slight hurriedness that was otherwise unwarranted. It was stranger having to make sure both the infant and the toddler were well looked after. She was actually going out and doing something for herself, completely disconnected, probably the first time since Albie was born. A part of it was exciting, and Cassie gave herself one last small smile in the mirror before she headed downstairs. She’d just slipped on her heels when the knock at the door came. Cassie double checked her cherry patterned dress, ruffling the skirt a little and touching her loose wavy hair for any beginning frizziness before opening the door. Joey Voeman cleaned up well. “You’re dressed to the nines.” Cassie grinned, “What are you planning on? Just a small hint.” She bat her eyelashes, mostly in a joking matter, “Please?”

Joey jumped a bit when Cassie answered the door. Not out of any real fear, but seeing her in front of him, standing on her doorstep, it all suddenly became so real. They’d spent time together before this, obviously, but now there were expectations attached. He wasn’t complaining about that though, not in the slightest. It just made the situation...different. “You look beautiful,” he breathed. Her cherry dress practically took the wind out of him when he saw it. He flashed a charming grin at her question. “You’ll see,” he said slyly. “I just hope those heels are comfortable.” He stole a glance inside of her home. It looked very lived in. Cozy. It made him smile. “Are you ready?” he asked, gesturing to his car sitting in the driveway before letting out a chuckle. “Your chariot awaits.” 

Cassie glanced down at her feet, turning up one of heels with a slight pout. “Sure. I practically live in heels you know.” It wasn’t much of an exaggeration. Besides, the idea of standing next to Joey without any sort of extra height would just look comical. Cassie grabbed her purse then, stepping out and locking the front door behind her. “I’m ready.” She breathed, smiling at the familiarity of the blue Camero as she walked up to it. “Glad to see it hasn’t been taken for another joy ride.” She laughed. 

“If someone did, at least they returned it in pristine condition,” Joey joked. He used his long stride to get ahead of Cassie, tugging open the car door for her and closing it as she got in. It was such a force of habit for him. He rounded the car with a little jog and hopped into the car, starting it up with a purr of the engine. But before he went anywhere, he leaned his arm on the steering wheel and turned to Cassie. “I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but the place we’re going is out of town,” he said quietly. “I thought about what you said and, well, I figured it’s probably best if we test these waters away from prying eyes, you know?” He didn’t want to think of himself as Cassie’s dirty little secret, and he was sure that’s not how she thought of him either, but he wanted to respect the fears she’d voiced to him. At least when everything was just at the beginning and so up in the air. “Is that okay?” he asked.

Cassie paused slightly, chewing the inside of her cheek when Joey opened the car door for her. It’s not as if she expected it from him. She realized she might have to remind herself from time to time that his standards really were a little old fashioned. As she sat in the passenger side seat, she mused to herself how people often looked and commented that Cassie was old-fashioned. They really had no idea. When the car started, she expected to feel the wind on her face, only looking over slightly surprised when Joey turned to her. “Oh okay.” She smiled, her mind going in a different direction, “Away from the mold, I don’t blame you.” But when Joey further explained, she nodded slowly, “Yeah. You’re probably right.” She responded. Cassie would never go out of her way to hide Joey, but the idea wasn’t a bad one. “I think it’s perfect.” She nodded in finality.

When Cassie misunderstood Joey at first, he panicked a little, but as she agreed that his idea was a good one, he grinned. “Perfect,” he echoed, shifting the car into gear and heading toward the place he’d picked out. It was only in the next town over, but it was a bit of a drive, and settled in for the evening drive as the sun bathed the road in front of them in a golden light. “Do you think the hat is too much?” he asked. The side facing Cassie even had a feather stuck in the brim. “I was never the biggest on fashion to begin with, and I’m still wrapping my head around what’s ‘in’ now.” Not that what was hip and in fashion was a huge concern for him. He mostly wanted to know what Cassie thought of it, but didn’t want to ask outright.

Cassie squinted slightly as the sun was setting. It’d be behind the mountains soon, but she was a little disappointed she didn’t bring a pair of sunglasses. She sat back slightly, putting a hand to mask her eyes slightly as she looked over Joey’s outfit again. “It’s snazzy.” She complimented, really she didn’t have strong feelings for it one way or the other, but most importantly, “I still don’t know where we’re going though.” Cassie bugged him, a slight scrunch to her nose, “And that could make a difference.” She shrugged when Joey commented on fashion in general, “For men it hasn’t changed drastically. I guess. I just dress the way I like and feel comfortable. That’s all that really matters.”

Joey grinned wide as she continued to bug him about where they were going. “That’s not how surprises work,” he said, stepping a little harder on the gas to get them there quicker. Luckily, roads out of Soapberry weren’t ever too busy, and they were out of town in no time. “I agree,” he said on the subject of fashion. He stole a sideways glance at her. She looked absolutely stunning. “And the way you dress definitely suits you.” The silence between them was surprisingly not that awkward, though Joey couldn’t ignore the butterflies frantically flapping around in his stomach. In no time, however, they had reached their destination. As Joey parked, the neon sign on the building came into full view: ‘*Jazz Hands*’. Joey didn’t understand the need for the asterisks, but he thought the name was cute when he’d looked it up. “You said you liked dancing,” he said, glancing over at Cassie to gauge her reaction. “I’m pretty light on my feet myself.”

Cassie hummed, leaning her elbow on the side of the car as she looked out and watched Soapberry and other roads pass them by. Her curiosity really was starting to get the better of her, she was surprised she couldn’t wriggle one hint out of Joey at all. “Thanks.” She smiled at the compliment, or at least Cassie took it as one. She saw the neon sign a little bit in the distance and sat up, wondering if the club was where Joey was planning on taking her. When the Camaro turned into the parking lot a wide grin broke out onto her face. “No way!” She’d read about the club ages back, but she’d never gotten the chance to go. It was a popular spot, but not with loud music and flashing lights like more modern clubs nowadays. It was an old style, jazz, aptly named. “I love to dance.” Cassie repeated, a little quietly, but only because that too felt like something she hadn’t done properly in forever. “You dressed perfect.” She amended with a light chuckle. “We’ll fit right in.”

She was so excited, and Joey couldn’t keep the smile off his face. He shut off the car and stepped out, joining Cassie on the passenger side as she got out herself. He offered his arm for her to link with, and he smiled down at her before moving. “I’m glad we’re doing this,” he said in a low voice. Nobody was around them yet, but the words were still just for her. “I think we both needed it.” They started for the door, and a snazzily dressed doorman opened the door for them with a polite smile. The fast drums and blasting horns slapped them in the face when they walked in, and suddenly Joey felt like he’d never went to sleep. Nostalgia gripped him hard and fast, and he couldn’t wipe the stupid smile off his face. “Do you want a drink first?” he asked Cassie, jabbing his thumb toward the bar. 

“Me too.” Cassie grinned back, Joey’s delighted smile contagious enough to keep Cassie smiling as they entered and moved through the club as well. “I never do stuff like this.” She admitted to Joey, speaking a little bit louder so he could hear her over the band playing. She’d never do it if she didn’t have someone to go with, she had Joey to thank for that. She turned slightly, seeing the bar off to the side and the stools lined up next to each other neatly. “One couldn’t hurt.” Cassie decided, her hand still loosely rested on Joey’s arm as she steered them towards the bar and the bar tender. “What can I get you?”  The man with slicked back hair was drying out some heavy duty glasses, and smiled smoothly at the couple, “Is it your first time here?”  Cassie nodded in confirmation for them. “If you can’t make up your mind, an old fashioned or a gin and tonic is always good.”

Joey followed Cassie over to the bar, still loosely attached at the arm. He felt in his element here. Outside was a modern world he didn’t know how to navigate. A world where everything had changed. And while this place was obviously modernized as well, it tried its best to preserve that 40s feel that made Joey’s confidence swell. His chest puffed out and his chin held high, he leaned casually against the bar, listening as the bartender spoke. “I’ll have a Tom Collins,” Joey said. The bartender smiled and busied himself with making it, delivering the gin with its little lime and cherry boat he knew so well. With a tooth grin, he took the toothpick out and squeezed the lime in before popping the cherry into his mouth. “And for you, Ma’am?” The bartender asked Cassie. 

Cassie watched the bartender make the Tom Collins with a brow arched in curiosity. It had a nice flash of color to it, given the cherry and lime. She really didn’t know alcohol very well, it’d been ages since she had a proper drink, so she appreciated the suggestions. “I think a gin and tonic will be good for me.” Cassie decided, taking the iced glass delicately when the bartender slid it to her. The first sip of alcohol was rough, and burning. She hoped the grimace on her face wasn’t too horrendous. “It’s good I promise.” She laughed with a cough. “It’s been a long time.” The next few sips went down without such issue, and she rubbed the condensation of the glass between her fingers, looking out at the playing jazz band before she nudged Joey, “So what dance is your favorite?” She asked.

Joey couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle at the face Cassie made as she took her first sip of her drink. He nodded with playfully raised eyebrows as she assured him it was good, and he took a sip of his own drink through his grin. The bartender left them to tend to some other patrons further down the bar. Joey had to turn his good ear toward Cassie to hear her over the music, so he had his back leaned against the bar as he answered. “The Lindy Hop, hands down,” he said without hesitation. He put his hand out to slowly slice through the air. “You’re so light and airy it feels like you’re gliding around the dance floor. And you can really get in sync with your partner.” He grinned down at her. A fan was blowing from above them to keep the bar patrons cool, probably assuming they’d stop here after a bit of dancing to cool off, and it was causing Cassie’s loose curls to look as if they were being blown by a gentle breeze. “It’s a gas, I promise.”

“A gas.” Cassie repeated, smile growing against the rim of her glass. She knew it was old-fashioned slang and it helped Joey meld into the surroundings even better. “It sounds wonderful.” Dancing was supposed to make you feel light and airy anyways, or at least Cassie thought so. She finished off her drink, placing the glass down. “I could probably pick it up pretty quick.” She wriggled her brows at Joey, crossing her ankles as she sat on the barstool. “I know the jitterbug.” Cassie snickered. “The ballet school I went to would have theme days every now and then.” She brushed her hair back, thankful she had brought a small hairband for the fly away pieces at some point.  “We could probably dance the next song, don’t you think?” She asked.

“I’m sure you could,” Joey said, letting out a low laugh when she wiggled her eyebrows at him. She was so cute. “The jitterbug huh? Sounds like I might be the one trying to keep up with you,” he joked, finishing off his own drink and setting the empty glass on the bar. He nodded as she suggested they join next song, and almost like clockwork, the current song ended. “May I have this dance?” he asked in the quiet reprieve between songs, offering a hand out to her. And just as quickly, the drums kicked up again like a racing heartbeat and the horns stole any room for more sound. They made their way out to the dance floor and Joey cocked his hat forward a bit, grinning playfully at Cassie before placing a hand on her hip and taking hers in his own. “Ready?” he asked, moving his feet a bit to the music in small, warm up steps to get his blood flowing. “Just mirror what I do, like this.” He made his movements a bit bigger, footwork gliding like he was 25 again and he couldn’t miss a beat. 

“We can teach each other.” Cassie suggested at Joey’s slightly surprised look over the mention of the Jitterbug. “Or we can just watch other people and steal their dance moves.” She snickered before taking Joey’s arm again and hopping off the barstool. Her heels slid easily across the floor of the bar. She tapped her foot lightly listening to the new song start, and observed Joey carefully as he started to move from small steps to longer more confident glides. After a handful of seconds Cassie felt like she got the idea, and she could steal glances at other couples as they ‘swang’. She tapped next to Joey, taking his hand and kicking up her feet slightly or twirling when it felt right with the beat of the song.

Cassie really was a natural, and she caught up with Joey in no time. They even had a few of the couples around them taking a moment to stare at how easily they moved together. Her confident steps inspired his own, even giving him the confidence to lift her a few times. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face as they danced, and as the song ended and the final trumpet note echoed through the room, he dipped her low, a strong hand supporting the small of her back as they stared at each other, both their chests heaving as they breathed with the effort of their high paced footwork. They lingered in the dip for a moment, the couples around them and he people at tables applauding for the band, but Joey almost felt like it was for them as he stared into Cassie’s twinkling eyes. Finally, he stood her back up and reached out to wipe away some hair sticking to her forehead. “You’re a quick study.”

The few lifts were a surprise, but much like everything in the dance Cassie attempted to take it in stride as much as she could. Her heart certainly got racing with adrenaline, and even as she could feel the sweat and slight breathlessness forming Cassie kept dancing and swinging as smoothly as she could. But her chest was heaving when Joey dipped her in a final move. She definitely lost a little stamina over the years. “I told you.” Cassie flashed him a confident grin, swiping back some of her hair and tying it up so she could cool down a little faster. “Though half of it I totally improvised. It’s a secret.” She murmured. “It also helps when you have a good partner.” Cassie winked, placing her hands on her hips before she let out another breath, “I might need an extra minute before the next one.”

“Jazz is all about improvisation,” Joey said. “But it’ll be our little secret.” He pressed a finger to his lips as he put a hand on Cassie’s upper back, guiding her over to a table to sit down. “Just take a breather. We got all night.” He flagged down a waiter and asked for water, the man quickly returning with two glasses. Joey took off his hat and leaned back, using it to fan himself, then fanning Cassie with it for a moment as he took a drink of his water. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. I was sorta nervous ‘bout this. Didn’t know if it was too over the top or uh...too fast.”

Cassie was grateful for the seat and the glass of water that was promptly brought over. She took a few large gulps before speaking again, eyes slightly wide as she shook her head in earnest, “No this is great. It isn’t too fast. Well the dancing is fast-” Cassie laughed, “But going swing dancing isn’t over the top. It’s fun. And I really needed that.” She pressed a hand to her chest, “I know we just got here, but seriously it’s fantastic. The music the vibe…” She motioned around them, leaning against the table a little “How’d they do anyways? You would be the expert.”

Joey was relieved when Cassie confirmed that it wasn’t too fast. He honestly didn’t know any other speed and he’d been a little wary of this whole thing. Back in the day, after Lenore, he was quick to woo a girl. Shower her with compliments and fancy things. Jump into bed quick and leave even quicker. Absorbing himself in someone else for a short time was a welcome distraction back then. A good time and that was it. He feared he’d made that mistake once since waking up, falling back into old habits, and he didn’t want to do it again. He was determined not to ruin this. “How’d they do?” he echoed, glancing around the room. “Honestly, most dance halls and clubs I went to weren’t this fancy. It was a bunch of kids meeting up to swing together in the biggest open room they could find, hopefully with a bar attached. Lots of ‘em popped up just to make a buck before the competition got too steep from the sheer density of ‘em all. Nostalgia has a way of making everything look rosier when you look back on it though.” He smiled at her, picking up his water and holding it out in cheers. “And I figured you deserved a place that pulled out all the stops.”

“Hmm okay.” Cassie nodded slowly, taking in Joey’s input as she observed the club anew. “I suppose that’s something you can’t really recapture either.” She squinted slightly, “It’s like if someone tried to make a speak easy.” Cassie smirked, thinking it’d just be somewhat silly and outrageous. She clinked water glasses with Joey cordially, quietly slipping her heels off underneath the table. She didn’t want to admit they pinched just a little bit. “Ah you’re so thoughtful.” Cassie’s grin grew again, but she looked away slightly embarrassed. It’d been a while since she’d been spoiled and showered praises on. “How are you ever going to top this though?” She joked.

Joey raises an eyebrow. “So I’ve already earned a second date? Good to know,” he mused playfully. “But don’t you worry. I’ve got tricks up my sleeve.” That wasn’t entirely true, but he knew how to spoil a woman, that was for sure. And in his eyes Cassie deserved it. He honestly didn’t know what it was about her, but it calmed his pulse and sent it racing all at once. The song they’d sat out on ended and the band started up with some sugary saxophone, laying it on thick like molasses. “How you feeling? Ready for another?” Joey asked, standing up and putting his hat back on. “It’s a slow one.”

“Damn.” Cassie breathed, snapping her fingers in show, “Did I make it too easy?” The idea of not going on a second date though was practically absurd, considering what a good time she was having. She wrinkled her nose playfully again, “I’m sure, and you won’t give me any hints on that when the time comes either, huh?” Cassie turned slightly in her chair listening to the lingering saxophone before she slipped her shoes back on and stood alongside Joey. “A slow dance I think I can manage.” She took the arm of his jacket again, finding a small opening on the dance floor now that it had become more crowded with couples happy to sway and embrace. Cassie carefully placed her hands on Joey’s broad shoulders, “See you’ll thank those heels now.” She chuckled softly.

Even with the height Cassie’s heels gave her, Joey was still nearly a foot taller and had to crane his neck down to look at her. He smiled as she reached up and put her hands so delicately in his shoulders, and he placed his heavy hands gently on her waist. A crooning singer came into the song to mix his voice with the saxophone, both drawn out and lethargic in a way that hung like smoke in the air. The words he sang were of unrequited love for a woman out of his league. Joey knew that feeling well from the past, and while he’d never heard the song before, it felt as if it transported him right back. “I think we’re making some people jealous,” he said playfully, glancing around to find a few men staring at Cassie, and a few women staring at him. He moved a hand to the small of Cassie’s back and pulled her a little closer. 

“What?” Cassie whispered, not wanting to turn and look directly at some of the other people dancing around them, no matter how tempting it was. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach again, those nerves and her cheeks dimpled as she forced a small smile, “They are not.” She decided, responding back to him with a tap on the shoulder, “And if they are, they’re only jealous of our super cool dance moves.” Cassie made a quick motion of jazz hands as they still rested around Joey’s shoulders and neck. “Luckily there’s no such thing as share your date night. It would suck to get downgraded.” She snickered.

Joey shrugged his shoulders, comforted by the weight of her hands on them. “I don’t know. I’d be jealous of me if I saw me with you,” he whispered. He reached a hand up to swipe a thumb across her cheek before replacing it on her hip. He let out a hearty laugh that turned a few more heads when she did her jazz hands, but the heads quickly turned back to their own dates. It felt like they were in a bubble. Just the two of them, but with a surface so fragile and easy to pop. “Oh now who’s the flatterer?” he teased with a raised eyebrow. The song ended and Joey was almost disappointed when a fast song started up again. He looked to Cassie, the direction of the evening up to her. 

Cassie gave a small gasp of dramatic shock, “I’ll just say what you did. It’s not flattering if it’s true.” She sing-songed slightly, tilting her chin up in something like admiration so she could gaze at Joey more. When the instruments picked up tempo again, Cassie stepped off to the side with Joey allowing a few other couples to take up more room. “I still have to teach you the jitterbug.” She grinned, “But we can just  listen to the music for a while. Does the bar have anything to eat? I’d be good with pretzels, honestly. And I think I want to try that Tom Collins. It looked good.”               

Joey stepped off to the side with her. He nodded at her decision and put a hand on her back to guide them both through the crowd and toward the bar, but they took a seat in a booth instead. One that wrapped around in a small half circle around the table. “Any good bar has food,” he said, flagging down a waiter. What they both probably wanted was out of the question, considering ordering rock shavings and raw meat outside of Soapberry might be frowned upon, so he asked for a bowl of pretzels and two Tom Collins. “You just want the cherry, don’t you?” He teased, stealing a look at her dress and trying his best not to linger on the low cut in the front. He took his hat off again and sat it on the seat next to him. “I told you I wanted to play drums, didn’t I?” He asked her, nodding in thanks to the waiter as he came back promptly with their snack and drinks. “Think I could move my hands that fast?” He pointed up to the drummer, whose hands were almost a blur trying to keep the beat of the high tempo song. 

Cassie slid into the booth, sitting in a bit more of a  relaxed and lounged position than what she would have to worry about if they were back on the barstools. She laughed out loud at Joey’s comment, glancing back down at her dress, “No, oh my god. I mean I like cherries. Obviously. But that’s not the only reason.” She paused for a moment, leaning towards him slightly, “But if you don’t want yours…” Cassie prompted. As they waited for their drinks and snacks, she looked back towards the jazz band. “Did you?” She asked, plucking the cherry out of her glass and eating it first, “If you practiced you could. Or maybe you could cheat with atronach strength or something.” Cassie whispered carefully.  “But I think you’d tower over the drum set.”

“How dare you ask a man for his cherry,” Joey said, feigning offense in a deepened voice. He grabbed the cherry from his own drink and ate it first as well. He likes Tom Collins’ because they were similar to a gun tonic, but had a sweet and tart taste to it that didn’t make the alcohol so strong. He was definitely a lover of alcohol, but he wasn’t afraid of a good cocktail making him look less manly or anything. “Okay now, I’m not that tall,” Joey chuckled. “Besides, I’m mostly legs so if anything I’d have to worry about my knees getting in the way.” He was still mesmerized by the drummer all the same, and found it hard to peel his eyes away since their booth was facing right toward the stage. The song ended and a familiar line trumpet started up that made Joey nearly jump out of his seat with excitement. A female singer in a long, flowing dress came out and began to sing Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘Dream a Little Dream of Me’. “I saw her live once, you know,” Joey said, taking a sip of his drink before pointing at the woman on stage that was doing a pretty decent impression, another band member cutting in with Louis’ part. “Not her, obviously. Ella Fitzgerald. Her voice was absolute perfection, lemme tell ya. I was just a young thing at the time but I think that’s the first time I ever fell in love.” He dramatically sighed and rested his chin on his hand for show, before giving Cassie a side eyed grin. He was mostly kidding, but that was definitely the day he’d fell in love with music. 

“You’d bang up your poor knees.” Cassie laughed, sipping her drink now that the cherry was nothing else but a stem at the side on the table. She recognized the song as the trumpet blared out of pure popularity, but the certain twinkle in one's eye was reserved for Joey. “Now that is something to brag about.” Cassie nodded to him when he reminisced over Ella Fitzgerald. “If you didn’t love her, I don’t think you could say you like jazz and hold yourself in high esteem.” She responded, arching a brow when Joey gave her a side glance. “She’s still a hit for a reason.” Cassie said, plucking out a few pretzels and munching on them. “Did you meet or see anyone else famous? You’ll impress me so much.” She widened her eyes slightly bobbing her head gently in time with the music. 

“Beautiful and good taste,” Joey complimented, mostly just as a way to slip more praise her way. He already knew she had excellent taste. He thought on her question for a moment, scratching his cleanly shaven chin as he searched his brain. “I saw the Beatles,” he said, shrugging. He liked them well enough, but when he’d saw them was in the beginning, when all their music sounded the same. He hadn’t really cared for it until it got a little weirder and experimental, and he’d only found those songs recently. “It was more fascinating to see the reactions they caused, honestly. And uh, I suppose if you think of Eisenhower as famous, I met him before he was President. Shook his hand and everything.” He remembered that day vividly. He’d been so excited to meet the General. “He talked to each one of us, one by one. Everybody in my regiment. Asked us where we were from, what and who we were fighting for, and told us we were doing him proud.” His face fell a little, screwing up into an odd grimace for a moment. Cynicism quickly rushed in to taint the memory, and he stopped speaking as he slowly spun his glass between his fingers. 

Cassie raised her glass slightly, pouting in consideration, “The Beatles is impressive too. I can’t imagine being at one of their concerts when they were super famous.” She smiled, “It would have been crazy. Now people think enjoying their music is hip and different.” Cassie finished off her second drink, pushing the glass to the edge of the table, “But fads and the like seem to have a way of coming back around. Maybe in a decade or so, you’ll be in your perfect element again.” Cassie rested her elbow on the table, not thinking much Eisenhower, but she understood how it would have been important and stand out to Joey. She also noticed how fond memories faltered for a moment, so she ask anymore questions about meeting an army general. Cassie ate a few more pretzels waiting for the music to pick back up again in tempo. When it did, she turned grinning to Joey, “One Jitterbug?” She prompted.

Cassie voice pulled Joey quickly out of his jaded stupor, and he looked up at her with a grin. “Yeah, I’m game.” He finished off his drink and the two made their way to the dance floor. Cassie was a good teacher and the dance moves weren’t too different from the ones he’d taught her. They bounced around like a couple of teenagers, but when the song was over they were both feeling it, chests heaving and Joey definitely feeling a bit of a stitch in his ribs. “How about some fresh air, huh?” he suggested, gesturing toward the front doors. 

“That should help.” Cassie nodded at the mention of outdoors. It was still a little warm because of summer, but the open wind would probably be better than the air conditioning being sucked up by handfuls of people. She walked with Joey through the club till they exited, brushing down her dress and looking at a few of the other lit up places across the city street. “It got busier in there.” She commented, also noticing more cars filled the parking lot. “It’s a great place, so that makes sense. It really was a wonderful idea. Thank you.” Cassie gulped, “I haven’t gotten to do anything like this in forever.”

Joey preened under Cassie’s praise, grinning wide as they leaned against the outside brick wall of the building, about half the distance from the door to his car. He reached in his pocket and grabbed a cigarette and his army zippo lighter, counterproductively filling his lungs with smoke as he tried to enjoy the fresh air. “That’s a shame,” he lamented when she admitted she hadn’t been out like this in a while. “I’m glad I could help.” He took a long drag from his cigarette and sighed, making sure he was downwind from Cassie as to not get smoke in her face, especially with her heightened sense of smell. “I, uh, hope you don’t mind,” he muttered, holding up the cigarette between his fingers. “I don’t smoke in the house or in my car. I can’t stand the smell, honesty.” He grinned sheepishly. “Product of the time, I suppose. Got hooked back when doctors claimed these things were good for you.” He ashed it onto the ground with a wry laugh. “The world really has changed since my hay day, huh? That back there felt like a little time capsule. But then I walk out here and see all these modern plastic cars and modern shops across the street and it just,” he gently hit himself in the cheek with a satisfying clap, “slaps me in the face, you know?” He glanced over at her, so beautiful and grounded, and he smiled, almost a bit sadly. “You’re like a safe port in a storm, Cassie.”

Cassie crossed her arms over her chest, still taking in breaths of the night air. It was different than in Soapberry, which she thought was a little funny. She’d gotten so used to the town, the city had a completely different feel to it. The air hung a little heavier, a little more stale. She smelled the smoke before she actually looked over and saw Joey blowing it down and away from her. It was a fair try. She shrugged her shoulders. “It’s fine. I don’t own the streets. Suppose everyone needs a vice.” Cassie couldn’t help but scoff at the idea of cigarettes being good for you. She knew all about the ads and glorification back in the day, but doctor recommended? That was almost too much. Her content expression turned a little sad in time with Joey. It was something she’d never fully be able to grasp, that loss of time. But then he shifted the attention to her and the compliment for all that it was also tugged at something melancholy. “I don’t know how.” She admitted, stepping a bit closer, “I feel just as lost sometimes. But…” Cassie squinted slightly looking up at him, “It’s definitely better with some company.”

Joey frowned slightly as Cassie’s mood seemed to get dragged down with his own. He hadn’t meant for that to happen. But her getting closer to him was beyond comforting. It was honestly all he needed in that moment and she’d delivered without even knowing. He rubbed the end of his cigarette out on the brick wall and flicked it away, turning toward her. “I pushed away company for so long. They say misery loves it, but I didn’t want to pull anybody else down with me.” He smiled sadly, realizing he was echoing her words from the deli. “But I guess you can’t dig yourself out of a hole by yourself, huh? I’m learning that now.” He turned more to be squarely facing her. He gazed into her eyes for a moment, swallowing hard. “Cassie...can I kiss you?”

Cassie could have scrounged up some more reassuring and comforting words, after all pushing people away and keeping to yourself was something Cassie had previous experience in. But she decided instead to just let Joey talk, it seemed like something he needed, and the better option. She’d been watching him so intently, that when Joey turned and asked to kiss her, she wasn’t even taken off guard by the question. Cassie had rather been thinking, Joey Voeman could probably use a kiss, or an embrace. Some sort of closeness. It’s what Cassie had been missing for a time. “Yeah.” She finally answered him with a natural curl of her lips, “I’d like to kiss you a lot.”

Joey smiled. An easy smile. His heart was racing and his hands had an uncharacteristic shake to them suddenly. This was a threshold that, once they crossed, there was really no going back. It was territory he was nervous to tread with her, but excited to explore at the same time. He tried to push out all his apprehension though, putting his focus only on her. One hand reached out to rest on her hip, while he reached up with the other to cup her face, his fingers touching the hot skin on the back of her neck and his thumb caressed her cheek gently, then her lips, before he leaned down to press his against hers. She tasted like gin and sweetness, and her lips were soft. Inviting. Her kiss sent shivers down his spine, and he greedily pulled her closer for a moment, before loosening his grip just as quick, doing his best not to get ahead of himself here. 

Cassie would have melted into the light, sweet touches right then if she could have. Her heart felt like it was going to hammer out of her chest and she forced away any thoughts that didn’t have to do with the moment happening right there and then. Standing outside with Joey, just the two of them with nothing else but the faint noise of the club and sounds of cars driving by. Cassie kissed him back gingerly, loosely grabbing his forearms when he pulled her closer. Even the smell of smoke didn’t bother her all too much. It was part of his scent to begin with. Her lips lingered on his for a few extra moments before she dropped her head down and rested it against his chest for a moment. “So…” Cassie mumbled, her mouth curling into a smile again, “Maybe it isn’t that slow.”

Even if they hadn’t kissed hard and fast and hungry like he was used to, Joey still felt light headed as he pulled back. And somehow, that felt all the more special to him in that moment.  He was liable to float away if he wasn’t careful. He was thankful for Cassie staying connected to him, head heavy on his chest to keep him grounded. He wrapped his arms around her and a hand reached up to caress her soft, pulled back curls. “No it ain’t,” he muttered back. He craned his neck to look down at her, not wanting to give up this position just yet, but still wanting to look at her and gauge her expression. He was relieved to see she was smiling, and it made him grin as well. “Is that...okay?” he asked. 

“Yes.” Cassie couldn’t help but laugh a little. The smile on her face pulled and pinched at her cheeks in a way that he hadn’t felt in a long time. Something free and genuine. She clung to Joey as well, letting the next few quiet moments pass without any other worries. Cassie eventually glanced over her shoulder, watching a few other people exit the club with soft chatters and happy giggles. She bit her lower lip, gazing at his chest and smoothing out the fabric her head had wrinkled slightly, “Do you know if there’s a scenic route home?” She asked.

This time Cassie didn’t hesitate with her answer, and Joey closed his eyes for a moment, resting his chin on the top of her head. He savored her weight against him, and let out a contented sigh as he pushed away any protests his conscience was screaming at him in that moment. When she pulled back, he almost felt a pang of loss with her arms no longer around him, but he smiled down at her as she bit her lip. “I’m sure I could find one. You’re ready to go so soon?” he teased, but grabbed her hand and headed toward the car anyway. 

“Uh…” Cassie’s expression turned a little sheepish when Joey called her out for wanting to leave already. Although it wasn’t as if they hadn’t spent some amount of time at the club. “It’s a little loud to actually talk in there.” She offered, it was a poor excuse and the remaining look on her face proved that she knew it too. “I don’t want to go home.” Cassie clarified, “I do enjoy breathing normally.” She joked, opening the car door before Joey got the chance when they reached the vehicle. “And being with you.” Cassie added, flashing a smile with her white teeth. 

Joey didn’t need the excuse to spend more one-on-one time with Cassie, but her offering them up was still cute nonetheless. He didn’t even try to open her car door since she beat him there, so he just rounded it and got in on the drivers side, arm leaning casually on the steering wheel as he gazed over at her. His eyes probably lingered a bit too long, but not in a lewd way. More of a giddy, smitten stare, complete with a toothy grin, one he eventually broke away as he took off his hat and threw it in the back seat before starting up the car. “I don’t know how scenic it’s gonna look in the dead of night,” he teased as he backed out and pulled onto the road. They were on the edge of the city, and it wasn’t long before they were winding around curvy country roads. Joey has went driving for the hell of it out here before, so he actually knew how to prolong their trip without getting lost. “So, if you’ve got mold, it means you had a ghost tagging along during that whole fiasco, yeah? Who was it?” He asked. “And here’s me hoping that ain’t a touchy subject for you.” Because it sure was for him now. He was suddenly realizing he didn’t know much about her past at all. And to be honest, she didn’t even know the half of his. But this was the beginning of something, he could feel it, and they had time. 

“It’ll be fine.” Cassie assured him, tapping the side of her head gently with her finger, “I can see pretty well in the dark anyways.” It was nice to be back in the car, off her feet and in a private area with Joey. It’s not like saying the club was loud had been a complete lie. She rested her head on her shoulder, watching as the paved roads turned a bit more curvy and wild, only glancing back when Joey asked her about her mold back at home. “An ancestor.” It was the simplest way to answer before Cassie provided any sort of explanation. “Technically my paternal great-grandmother. She was a witch.” Cassie absent mindedly played with her hair, “My family has been around since Soapberry started. Helped build it up and all that. Well, one of them decided to get friendly with a witch.” And here Cassie looked guilty, “They weren’t the best. Took the resulted baby away to raise cause they didn’t want any scandals. He was a witch too though, and my great-grandmother? She thought we were even worse. It led to a curse and that’s a whole thing.” She cleared her throat, not wanting to come right out and say the witch thought they were murderers. “Well, it’s why Addie’s a witch anyways and now she’s a little fixated on her.” Cassie raised her brows glancing back out the window. It was strange how normal that bit of her history had gotten over time. Now it was just fact. Before it was something completely shameful. “It’s dramatic.”

“Sounds like it,” Joey agreed quietly, gripping the steering wheel. It was times like this when Joey realized how selfish he could be without even meaning to. It was easy for him to obsess over his own tragic past all too often. To be broody and grim because of it, even in the presence of his support group. To feel alone and as if he was the only one suffering in the world. He certainly wasn’t insensitive to other people’s pain, but it was easy to forget other people were dealing with things too in their own quiet ways. “Is that why you grew up in Chicago? Your family wanted away from...all that?” He still wasn’t exactly clear what ‘all that’ entailed, but he felt right now wasn’t the best time to ask her to elaborate. Later. There would be a later. And that made him smile a bit to himself. 

“I think so.” Cassie answered with a small nod, and then an amused scoff at the very idea, “Like they thought they could run away from the bad shit previous Germaine’s did. I ended up back there didn’t I?” She ended up back in Soapberry with all the responsibility to boot, but Cassie didn’t want to brood over that. “It’s fine.” She clarified. “I don’t miss Chicago anyways. I never really felt at home there like I do in Soapberry.”

“I know a bit about running away,” Joey said. Not in any sort of accusatory way of course. “It always sounds like a good idea at the time.” He squeezed the steering wheel a bit harder, the leather audibly squeaking under his grip. But he loosened up just as quickly. “I’m glad you feel at home here though.” He let out a wry chuckle. “It’s funny. So do I. Granted, I’ll always be homesick for the Smoky Mountains, but even with all the crazy shit happening in Soapberry, I’ve got no real desire to leave.” Her glances over at her and reached a hand to gently grip her bare shoulder. “I’d be crazy to now,” he said, a bit of a blush on his tanned cheeks. He moved both hands to the wheel again, smile still plastered on him. “How old were you when you moved to Soapberry?”

“That’s good.” Cassie smiled faintly, she didn’t want Joey to leave. There was a faint growing fear now that anyone she’d come to care about, romantic or not, would eventually leave. She laughed at Joey’s own sort of reassurance, her hand reaching up to brush over his in a quick instance. “I only moved there three years ago.” She answered him next. “I’m not as much of an expert as I might seem. And only moved because… hmm-” Cassie paused here, cause this was embarrassing. “I fought shifting for a really long time. One full moon it caught up to me and let’s just say a black wolf was running lose in the city streets.” She grimaced slightly, “My parents promptly saw me relocated.”

Joey didn’t quite know how to respond to what Cassie had just told him. He didn’t quite know what it was like to be forced to shift, but he couldn’t imagine it felt goo, losing control of yourself like that. And then to resist it? All that build up.Then to finally lose it? That had to be torture. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly. More for the obvious embarrassment she felt in telling him than anything else. “Thanks for trusting me with that,” he whispered, glancing at her. He knew it was always hard to admit things about your past. Gauge who you could trust with such delicate information. It was a blessing to have a secret shared with you, even if it wasn’t strictly a secret in the true definition of the word. “Why’d you resist? How long?”

Cassie’s brows furrowed at ‘why’. That was a more loaded and difficult question than sharing some secrets. “I don’t find being a wolf all that much of a gift.” She responded with a slight shrug of her shoulders. “I’m not so resentful in Soapberry but in Chicago? All the stories tell you wolves are evil. People are scared of wolves.” We’re monsters. Cassie wanted to say, but refrained. Hadn’t she worked past that? She thought she had. “Why would I be proud of that? I didn’t fit in. Even with the few secret wolf packs.” Hell, she still struggled in Soapberry, but at least it was easier to try. “So I got a charm and didn’t shift for...I don’t know six months? And that’s when it happened.” She’d gone longer since then, given her pregnancies, but those hadn’t been forced. 

It pained Joey to hear her talk that way. Not being proud of your supernatural species felt so foreign to him. He couldn’t relate. But he knew being a wolf, being forced to shift once a month, that was much different than being an atronach. At least in his culture, it was tied to a spiritual awakening. A culture and an identity. For Cassie, he could see how she’d find her wolf more a burden than a gift when trying to live a normal life. “I can’t say I know how that feels,” he began, before pausing as he found the small dirt drive off the main road he’d been looking for, turning onto it before continuing. “But that had to be hard for you. I’m glad you’re working through it.” He hated how clinical he sounded, but the only other thing he could say would be worthless platitude. “You don’t have to go into it now, but if you ever wanna talk about it more. About anything. I’m here.” He put his hand on his chest and glanced at her as he brought the car to a stop. They were parked on a small cliff overlooking Soapberry. They could barely see it, hazy with the spellwork that kept it hidden, but still slightly visible to them. Just dark outlines and blurry orbs of light in a valley that stretched out to the sea. “Beautiful, isn’t it? Found this little hideaway hiking ‘bout a month back.”

The truth was Cassie didn’t want to talk about it, it was always a delicate subject it seemed no matter how much work she thought she’d done. Most people she found were happy in Soapberry, happy with what they were and the way the supernatural world ran. Cassie had found a comfortable place there, but something would always bug her deep down it seemed. “Thanks.” She muttered, the corner of her mouth curling into a kind smile. In no way was it Joey’s fault, after all. She sat up a little in her seat, looking out the windshield over the dash board. “It looks so mystical.” Cassie mused, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen it like this before. From this view.” She let out a short sigh, eyes following the blurry orbs of spellwork. Cassie turned towards Joey, unbuckling her seatbelt so she wasn’t held back at all. “Can you just kiss me again instead for now?” She asked, voice faint and a little shy.

Joey was delighted she was so mesmerized by the view. But just as quickly, he felt her eyes on him, and he turned his head to look back at her as she unbuckled her seatbelt. “If that’s what you want,” he whispered, unbuckling his own seatbelt and lifting the middle console to be able to scoot closer to her. His arms slipped easily around her, spread strong and wide across her back. He grinned at her before their lips met, kissing deeper than they had outside the bar. But still gentle. Tentative. Slow and steady. Joey let out a low, quiet moan into her mouth that made his cheeks go red, and he pulled back. “You’re a wonderful woman, Cassie,” he breathed, pushing a stray curl behind her ear. “I’m lucky to have met you.”

Cassie relaxed and leaned into Joey’s arms as they wrapped around her again, opening her mouth for a hotter, deeper kiss that answered Joey in action rather than words. It’s definitely what she wanted. She could feel her skin prickle in sweet sensation, enjoying the feeling of Joey’s hands holding and caressing her. It was nice to feel safe, and wanted again. Her lips curled in a smile against his when Cassie heard the small moan escape from his throat, and she lifted her hand to brush at comb at the hair on the nape of Joey’s neck. Now it was her turn to be slightly disappointed and wanting when he pulled away, but her cheeks were flushed with sensation. “We’re lucky to have met each other.” She amended breathlessly.

Joey didn’t say another word. He just smiled and pressed their lips together once more. She was so warm, and it felt like he was holding the sun in his arms with how bright her joy shone on her face when she looked at him. A hand came up to caress her face, holding her soft cheek in his hand like it was a precious gem to be honored and revered. His mouth trailed down, planting kisses on the side of her neck opposite his hand. His kisses were sweet and gentle, but also ravenous. It was like someone put a cake in front of him and he was only allowed to taste the smallest bit of frosting. He wanted to have his cake and eat it too...this time in every lewd sense of the word. 

Cassie would have been happy to sit there for the rest of the night wrapped in Joey’s arms and kissing him back with matched wanting and fervor. His lips were so warm and welcoming, and his touch was even sweeter. She pressed back a little rougher into his kiss, squirming slightly and giggling when his mouth trailed down her neck. Cassie rested her cheek against Joey’s while she still could, peppering kisses along the back of his ear and down his jaw as their lips wandered across each other both eagerly and carefully. She sighed more audible this time closing more of the space between their bodies. 

The giggles Joey brought out of Cassie made him smile against her skin. And then that sigh, it sent a shiver staring down his spine. The hair on his arms stood up as goose pimples spread over his skin, her peppered kisses on his ear and jaw only causing his body more pleasurable distress. When she moved to close the gap between them, he wrapped his arms around her middle and scooted her to were his middle console had been, turning more toward her so their upper bodies were flush with each other. It felt like his skin was on fire every place they were touching, and he held her close as their mouths finally found each other’s again, their kisses hungrier and more feverish now. His hand laced into the hair on the back of her head, feeling like silk between his fingers. He let out another soft moan, unashamed this time. 

Cassie’s fingers dug into Joey’s jacket, and she carefully slipped her hands inside feeling the thinner dress dress shirt. She wanted to run and brush her hands against his arms and skin, but she wasn’t going to make him undress either. She gripped him tighter, whining slightly before she lifted herself and sat on the very edge of his lap. It was easier to kiss him that way, and she didn’t have to twist her body as awkwardly. After Cassie was satisfied with the new position she pulled away slightly, biting her lower lip again as she took in Joey’s face. She ran her thumb under chin before kissing him lightly again. “Is this okay?” Cassie smirked.

Joey was a taken by surprise when Cassie lifted herself up from her seat, but once he realized what she was doing, he quickly reached down and moved the seat back a bit to make ample room for her, doing his best not to break the kiss as he did so. When she pulled back, his head moved forward a bit in longing, but he leaned back against the headrest, a bit breathless. “Of course,” he said, reaching up to caress her cheek. “More than okay.” His hand dropped slowly, running down to her shoulder, down her side, to her hip, then feeling her bare thigh where her dress had hiked up, he let his hand rest there, digging his fingertips in a bit as he went in for another kiss, biting her lip gently as his other hand explored her back again. He so desperately wanted to pull at that zipper, but restrained himself, flattening out his hand and savoring what he did have. A beautiful woman on his lap that wanted to kiss him. That wanted to understand him and be alone with him and help him carry his baggage. He wouldn’t rush this. He’d relish in it. 

“Oh good.” Cassie murmured, eyes glazed over with desire as she lazily watched Joey trail his hand around her skin again. Cassie was aware her dress had ruffled up slightly, but when his slightly worn fingers pressed into the smooth skin of her thigh she felt her breath hitched slightly. Cassie’s hand closed over his, “Don’t do that yet.” She whispered airily, lingering a moment with her fingers wrapped in his before Joey’s hand moved to her back. Cassie cupped his face gingerly as they kept kissing, grunting at the brief sharpness of teeth. “Just this. Just a little while longer.” She directed huskily.

Joey held the hand she’d plucked from her thigh in his own. He’d worried he’d overstepped, but his fears were soothed when she continued to kiss him. Continued to make tiny noises of satisfaction and talked to him in that husky, low voice you only spoke to a lover with. He brought the hand still holding hers up to his mouth, kissing each of her knuckles in turn. It was her left hand, and there was a split second of hesitation before he kissed the ring finger. Barely noticeable, but there. “Good. I like just this. For as long as you want,” he whispered back. He leaned back to take in her face, her curls hanging slightly forward from her angle to frame her face in a reddish brown halo from the moonlight behind her. “God, you’re so beautiful,” he breathed, before leaning forward to kiss her again. 

Cassie didn’t notice the hesitation, there was something endearing and tender about the light kisses on her knuckles. Cassie would scoff and tell people she was a lady, because that’s how she was raised, but Joey actually made her feel like one. Like something special and worth waiting for. A year or so ago, she would have completely cringed under the idea, but now? She was properly flattered by it. She smiled at his breathless statement, merely thanking him with more passionate kissing. After a while she glanced back to the clock in the dashboard, curious how much time had passed. Cassie pursed her lips  when it read past midnight, and she made a quick ‘tsk’ sound, “I don’t suppose we can stay here forever huh?”

Joey leaned over to look past Cassie and check the clock as well. “Suppose not,” he agreed begrudgingly. He let Cassie slip off of his lap and into the passenger seat, but not before stealing one more quick kiss on her cheek. He started the car back up and pulled out of the little clearing, back out on the main road in no time. Without Cassie in his lap and on his lips, he was able to think a bit clearer, and all the fears and doubts he’d pushed away for the night were flooding back in like someone had broken a dam. “Cassie, I’ve got something I gotta get off my chest,” he admitted, knowing that was an awful way to start a conversation, but it was too late now. “When I was drafted, I had a girlfriend. Lenore. We were gonna get married and have oodles of kids when I got back but…” He ran a hand over his face as he drove, the memory technically over half a century old but still raw. “She found someone new while I was overseas. And when I got back, the two were married and she was pregnant and moved on.” He shrugged. “It’s okay, in a way. I didn’t come back the same man she’d loved. But she’d still wrote me letters like everything was fine and dandy right up ‘til V-E Day. Had to find out from my sister delivering Lenore’s final letter. Didn’t even have the decency to tell me to my face.” He took a deep breath. He was realizing as he spoke how much different the two situations were, but it still didn’t ease his mind completely. “My point is, while it ain’t all exactly the same, I know what it’s like to be on the other side of this whole thing. And I’m having a bit of a crisis of conscience, I guess you could call it.” He pulled the car over then, the Soapberry border just a mile or so ahead. He turned to look at her, lips pressed in a thin line. “You ain’t being devious, I know that. You ain’t lying to anybody’s face. It ain’t the same at all. I just...I need to know this is all okay, you know? If we’re okay. Because I like you a whole damn lot, Cassie, and I don’t wanna ruin this with a heap of doubt weighing on my mind.”

Cassie felt her chest tighten at the beginning. It was just shy of ‘I have to tell you something’ and nothing good ever followed. Her body was already going into panic mode, and she tried so hard not to let the fear show on her face. As he explained though, her nausea subsided, it was only natural he had past girlfriends but then Cassie understood better. He was worried he was repeating a slight a past lover had done to him. “I’m really sorry that happened.” She whispered, because Cassie’s mind couldn’t help but flip the situation to Lilo coming back and finding them as well. But Cassie would never lie. She wouldn’t lead him on. Something about that was cruel. “It’s not the same.” She agreed, her voice a little stronger. Cassie was a little surprised Joey had to pull the car over, but if it was something so heavy on his conscious she wanted to try and discuss it properly. “Joey…” She cringed only slightly, gulping down a lump in her throat before looking back to him. “To me we’re more than okay. If by some miracle he comes back...there’ll be a conversation. If there wasn’t Addie or Albert it’d be different. But he was their dad, and that’ll never change. He was a good dad.” Cassie cleared her throat, biting the inside of her cheek when she felt that threatening sting of tears. There was no way. “I know how to make decisions for myself. I couldn’t imagine lying to anyone. I wouldn’t. But I don’t hate him either. As long as you’re okay with that, we can make plenty work.” 

Joey could only smile sadly as Cassie spoke. Her voice was so reassuring. She was so strong, at least outwardly in that moment. If there was a falter in her thinking, in her steadfast decision, he couldn’t see it. And that was what he needed right now. “Of course you can. And of course you don’t hate him. That would never be what I’d want.” He reached out and took her hand in his, not sure who was providing the real support to the other with the gesture. Perhaps it was mutual. “I’m sorry I compared you and Lenore. You don’t deserve that. And I want you to know I don’t feel like the ‘other man’ here. That’s not it.” It was a complicated issue, honestly. One they weren’t going to be able to talk through at 12:30am in a car on the side of the road. But it was a start, and a step in the right direction for Joey’s guilt addled mind. “We’re more than okay,” he repeated, kissing the back of her hand before releasing it, shifting back into gear and heading back into town. 

Cassie was quiet for most of the drive back into town. She would steal quick glances at Joey, wondering what was going through his mind and how much this past relationship had really hurt him. She’d only been surprised by the confession, feeling the slight need to defend herself because it didn’t take much doubt from others to scare her. But this wasn’t about her, Cassie had to remind herself. This was Joey’s own hang up. “You’re not the other man to me either.” Was all Cassie offered on the subject, hesitating in the car even when it pulled up next to her townhome. Her hands rested gently in her lap kept to herself. Even with the jarring confession, Cassie still wanted Joey’s company, she was tired of returning home alone. But it simply wasn’t the time. They both needed it apparently. “I had a really nice time tonight. You outdid yourself.” She smiled again, “I’ll owe you.” 

Every word Cassie said served to push Joey’s doubt out of his mind. It was really no use worrying about what might happen in the future. It only took him away from the present, and his present was pretty great in his opinion. At least as far as his current company. But as he pulled up in front of her townhouse, even that was going to be cut short. He shrugged at her compliment. “I try,” he teased, raising his eyebrow at her next comment. “Oh, are you taking me out next time?” he asked, smirking playfully. “Is it my turn to be spoiled?”

“Well, wait, wait.” Cassie laughed holding up a hand, “I don’t know about next time. I need time to plan. And something tells me you’ve planned in advance.” The corners of her eyes crinkled as she looked at him admiringly, “But I’ll think of some sort of treat. You deserve it.” Her teeth ran over her lower lip a moment before she decided to lean forward and kiss Joey briefly. “Just to add to our tally.” Cassie joked, before she finally opened the door and stepped back out into the night air. She gave him a tiny wave, “Don’t stay away too long.”

[jumpthensfall]

i was tagged by @thefuckingstory (THANK YOU VI I LOVE YOU)

rules: answer 21 questions and tag 21 people you want to get to know better

nickname: HM this is difficult because i don't have one consistent nickname so it just depends on the person that's talking to me so hm well different variations include banana bread (CHIMPANZEE MY BEAN @champagneseaa 💘💝💘💖💖💘💘), ragbag, different variations of 'lesbian', OH and hanner is probably the main one AJDJDJSJ AND NOW I'M GOING ON A BIG RAMBLE SHUT UP HANNAH

zodiac: gemini don't unfollow me pls

height: 5'6"

last movie i saw: hmmmmmmmmmmmm i think i was watching the great gatsby as 'revision'

favourite musicians: i'm gonna forget some people dagnabbit but,,,, tatlor drift obviously, hail 🙏🙏🙌🙌🙌🙏🙏 the kiyoko, arioona my bb, lordy lorde, dodie, hlasey uuuuuhhghmmmmmmm i feel like i'm forgetting people uhhh oh!! i started listening to billie eilish a lot more over the last couple of months!!! so !!! bill the eyelash curler is part of this list too!!!!

song stuck in my head: THANKS SAM IM CRYIBG I HATE MY LIFE @sam-tries-their-best

other blogs: i don't really use my sideblogs like aT all but @catg1fs and @haayleykiyoko exist (although i don't use them at all ajdjdjsj)

do i get asks?: i do get asks sometimes!!!! they make me very happy!!!!! i love everyone on here!!!!! i'm so thankful for people that actually send me asks and i nEED to send them more often but i!!!!!!! am Nervous!!!!!

following: i also Do Not Know whether this means the amount of people i follow or my number of followers but !!!! i follow 879 people (although my dash is still dead?!???) and i have 4723 followers 💕💘💗💘💞💝💕💘

amount of sleep: on college days probably somewhere between 5.5 and 6.5 hours but on weekends ..... it ranges..... from like...... 11 to like 5 idk

lucky numbers: i don't really have one ahdhsjsjc i used to say it was 13 before i stanned taylor but nOW EVERY TIME I SAY IT PEOPLE THINK THAT IT'S BECAUSE OF TAYLOR so idk hm

what i'm wearing: really super comfy black and white trousers with a snazzy pattern on them (they're so comfy they make my legs feel like when you're in bed with no trousers on but the duvet on so they make me sleepy), a white tshirt, a denim jacket and also blue christmas socks

dream job: taylor swift's friend (or even like her bathroom cleaner i'm not fussed)

dream trip: taylor swift's house (even if it's just her bathroom)

favourite food: VANILLA NEW YORK CHEESECAKE

favourite song: HE!!! IS!!! SENSIBLE AND !! SO!!! IN!!CREDIBLE!! AND ALL!! MY!! SINGLE FRIENDS!! ARE JEALOUSSSS!!!!

random fact: my face is very red and hot right now but i am Freezing

describe yourself as aesthetic things: u know when u see an abandoned building and you're like 'that's Definitely Unstable and Quite Ugly but i'm gonna take pictures of it because it might work in an edgy edit' ???? that Me :)

i have some people that i could tag but i don't wanna miss anyone out because i'm Nervous ™ so i'M GONAN BE USELESS AND SAY THAT I TAG YOU IF YOU WANT TO DO IT AHXJEJSJD I'M SORRY