#don't worry the sleeves have cuffs now

[its-ben-awhile]

do you all mind if i just… slide these on your dash?

i'm so close to being finished with this cosplay ahhh <3

[hoe4hotchner]

First time | [A.H] - Kinktober 2024

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Virgin!fem!Reader

CW: 18+, MDNI, almost sickly sweet, piv, nerves, this is very vanilla smut, barely described in more than like 1-2 paragraphs, loads of kissing, they drink wine.

WC: 2.5k

Summary: It's your first time and you're nervous. Hotch wants it to be special and won't do anything you don't approve of.

A/N: I don't know if I'm satisfied with this... so do with that info if you want.

This is a prompt from the the Lazy Ghouls’ Kinktober prompt list.

The light from the setting sun filtered through the half-drawn curtains, casting a soft glow around Hotch's apartment. The air was laced with something unspoken, something you weren't quite sure if you were ready for yet desperately yearned to do. Where every shadow whispered secrets of the atmosphere in the room. The world outside faded away, leaving just the two of you protected in your bubble.

You sat on the edge of his couch, fidgeting with the cuffs of your sleeves. You had sat here many times before, but none of them had made you feel as nervous as you were now. Your heart raced in a rhythm that matched the low, soothing jazz tunes playing softly in the background. You felt it in your veins as an anxious energy coursed through you, feeling both thrilling and overwhelming, clouding your senses in the best yet worst ways possible. Tonight was destined to be significant; it was the night you and Hotch would cross the fine line that you had danced around for a while now. Your first time.

Hotch stood in the kitchen, pouring two glasses of wine his broad shoulders relaxed compared to how tense they had been at work all day but his brow furrowed slightly in concentration as he avoided spilling even a single drop. He was always in control, yet now he felt different — softened by the atmosphere. You snapped back to reality as you heard the soft clink of the glasses as he set them down on the table.

He turned and caught your gaze, the corner of his mouth curling into that reassuring smile you had come to cherish. “You okay?” he asked, his voice was low and comforting, instantly easing some of the tension in your shoulders.

You nodded, though it felt like a lie. “Just a bit… nervous,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. The truth was that this moment, while exciting, made your stomach twist and turn. You were worried. What if you didn't meet his expectations? What if you wouldn't be enough?

Hotch stepped closer, his presence felt grounding. He took a seat beside you, his knee brushing against yours, creating a warmth that spread through your body. “Hey,” he said softly, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. “There’s no pressure, okay? We can take things as slow as you need. We can also just stay here. We don't have to do anything if you don't feel ready.”

His touch sent shivers down your spine, and you found comfort in the way he looked at you — his eyes were warm, filled with understanding, but you couldn't look past the hint of desire. It was clear he wanted you just as much as you wanted him, though he would never rush you, he was not like other men you had dated. That was the beauty of Aaron Hotchner; he made you feel safe even when you weren't even sure of your own feelings.

“What if I mess it up?” you confessed, your gaze dropping to your hands. “What if I don’t know what to do?”

Hotch’s hand found yours, his fingers intertwining with yours in a firm but gentle grip. “You won’t mess anything up,” he assured, his thumb brushing over the back of your hand. “This is about us — about exploring together. Just be yourself, okay?” He smiled softly at you, his eyes searching yours for a sign, a sign of whether you were truly ready or not.

The sincerity in his voice wrapped around you, soothing the jitters swirling within. With him, you felt like you could be vulnerable, shedding the layers of doubt and fear that had accumulated over the years. He was patient and kind, the kind of man who would never judge you for your inexperience.

As the music shifted to a more delicate melody, you leaned into him, resting your head on his shoulder. The warmth of his body radiated against you, and it filled the space with a comforting heat. You could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, it was a reminder that you were in this together.

“Whatever happens tonight,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead, “I’m here.”

You took a deep breath, letting your uncertainty seep out of your body. In this moment, surrounded by the familiar scent of him and the promise of what was to come, you felt ready. Ready to explore and embrace the intimacy that had been building between you.

With a newfound sense of confidence, you lifted your head and met his gaze, feeling the flutter in your chest settle. “I’m ready,” you whispered, a smile breaking through your nerves.

Hotch’s eyes sparkled with pride, and he leaned in closer, the air felt thick with anticipation. You were alone in your own little universe, ready to take that leap into the unknown together.

The bedroom door closed softly behind you, the sound almost echoing in the stillness of the apartment. The soft light from the bedside lamps cast gentle shadows on the walls, creating a warm glow that felt inviting. You stood near the foot of the bed, your heart racing a bit as you acclimated to your surroundings. You had been in his bedroom before, but that was not the reason behind your racing heart, the circumstances were.

Hotch, always the steady presence, moved with a calm confidence that eased some of your lingering nerves. He took a moment to survey the room, making sure that everything was perfect — it had to feel just right. He then turned his gaze back to you, his eyes filled with an understanding that made your heart flutter. It was in that look — the depth of his care, the unspoken promise of patience — that you found reassurance in what you were about to do.

“Are you comfortable?” he asked, his voice just above a whisper, breaking the silence that hung between you. He stepped closer, his eyes never leaving yours, searching for any sign of hesitation. “We can stop at any time, or change directions if you want.”

You nodded, feeling the warmth of his concern. “I know. I’m okay,” you replied, your voice steadier than you expected. “I just… I really want this. I want to give it to you.”

The air shifted, charged with anticipation. Hotch’s lips curved into a small, encouraging smile. “Good,” he said, his tone deepening. “Just remember, we’re in this together. If at any point you feel uncertain, if you want to stop, just say the word.”

You knew you were safe with him, that he would never push you beyond your limits. It was one of the many reasons why you admired him; he understood the importance of both desire and comfort, intertwining them in a way that felt natural and just right.

He stepped even closer, closing the distance between you until his presence enveloped you. “Why don’t we take it slow?” he suggested his voice a soft rumble in his chest that sent shivers down your spine. “Let’s focus on what feels good.”

You could feel the heat radiating from him, the scent of his cologne mixed with the faint aroma of the wine lingering between you. It was intoxicating. He reached out, gently caressing your cheek with the back of his hand, your breathing hitched catching in your throat.

Hotch studied your expression carefully, his thumb brushing against your lip in a tender gesture. “What do you want, sweetheart?”

The air in the room thickened, and you felt the weight of the moment settle around you. Your heart raced as you considered his question, the possibilities stretching out before you like an open road. His genuine desire to ensure your comfort made you feel cherished and ready to explore with him.

“I want to kiss you,” you breathed, your heart fluttering at the admission. It felt like a small step, but in the grand scheme of the evening, it was monumental and a step in the right direction.

Hotch’s lips curved into a warm smile, leaning in closer, closing the distance between you. “Then let’s start there,” he said softly, his breath brushing against your lips.

With that, he captured your lips with his, the kiss was soft and tentative at first, you were both savoring the moment, knowing that the feelings you felt now never could be repeated. There was a sweetness to it, a promise that he would take care of you. He pulled you closer, his hands resting on your waist. You melted into him, the warmth of his body igniting something within you.

As you pulled away slightly, breathless, Hotch rested his forehead against yours, his dark eyes searching yours for any hint of hesitation. “How are you feeling?”

“Good,” you whispered. “Really good.”

“Good,” he echoed, the tension in the air shifting from nerves to excitement. “Then let’s keep going. Just remember what I said.” He placed his lips back on yours.

Hotch's hands moved to the hem of your shirt, waiting for your approval before gently lifting it over your head, only breaking the kiss for a split second.

The kiss deepened, and time seemed to lose its meaning as you melted into each other. Your fingers moved to the buckle of his belt, carefully opening it, not sure if you were moving too fast or not.

Hotch pulled back slightly, his gaze searching yours, a silent question hanging between you. The intensity in his eyes made your heart race, a mixture of excitement and nervousness swirling within you. “Are you sure?”

You nodded, feeling the heat rise in your cheeks. “I want this,” you whispered, your voice barely more than a breath. The sincerity in your tone matched the pounding of your heart, and with that admission, you felt a sense of liberation wash over you.

Hotch’s expression softened, and a small, proud smile graced his lips. “Okay,” he replied. He leaned back in to kiss you, deepening the connection between you. The kiss felt electric, filled with unspoken promises and a hunger that ignited every nerve ending in your body.

You sank onto the bed, and he followed, hovering over you. The way he looked at you made your heart swell — his eyes darkened with desire, yet they remained soft, filled with love and adoration for you. It was a potent combination that only heightened the electricity in the air between you.

Hotch leaned down, his lips brushing against your ear, sending shivers down your spine. “If at any point you want to stop, just say the word. I promise we can take as much time as you need.” His voice was a deep murmur.

“Okay,” you breathed, your pulse racing. You felt a thrill at the thought of surrendering to this moment, to him.

As he kissed down your neck, the warmth of his lips igniting your skin with every kiss, you let out a soft sigh, arching your back into his touch. Hotch’s hands explored your sides, trailing along your curves, sparks of pleasure shooting through you with every gentle caress. He paused for a moment, his gaze locked onto yours, seeking permission to ignite the next step.

“Please,” you whined, the word escaping your lips almost breathlessly, an invitation laced with longing.

With that, he pressed his body closer, carefully sliding into you. You furrowed your brows at the foreign feeling. Hotch stilled as he was halfway in, waiting for you to adjust to him. He rested his forehead against yours, slowly pushing the rest of his cock inside. You watched the veins in his arms flex with every movement.

“Just breathe,” he murmured, his breath felt hot against your skin. He was attuned to your every reaction, a gentle guide navigating this uncharted territory with you. You felt as if you were floating, swept up in the tides of your emotions, every heartbeat echoing in your ears.

Hotch’s movements were measured, each one deliberate and filled with intent. The way he studied your expressions, responding to your every sigh and shift, made you feel seen in a way that you had never felt before. He was a master of the delicate dance you were dancing, guiding you through the peaks and valleys of pleasure with a sensitivity that left you breathless.

As the warmth of the moment began to settle around you, you lay wrapped in Hotch’s arms, the soft glow of the bedside lamps illuminating the room.

You could feel the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest beneath your head, a steady and calming presence that made you feel safe. Hotch shifted slightly, pulling you closer as he brushed a lock of hair behind your ear, his fingers lingering against your skin.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly, his voice was laced with genuine concern as he tilted your chin to meet his gaze.

You nodded, a small smile breaking across your lips. “I’m more than okay,” you replied, your voice was barely a whisper, yet it was filled with genuine sincerity. “That was… incredible.” You closed your eyes, exhaling as you relaxed into his arms.

A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he leaned down to press a soft kiss against your forehead. “I’m glad,” he murmured, his thumb brushing gently across your cheek. “I wanted it to be special for you.”

As you nestled deeper into his embrace, you couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had brought you to this moment. The playful banter, the stolen glances, the kisses in the copy room, everything that had led to this exact moment with the man you loved.

“I was nervous,” you admitted. The admission felt both freeing and slightly vulnerable, but you knew that honesty had and would always be essential between you. “I didn’t know what to expect.”

Hotch nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I was too. It’s a big step to take.” His voice was filled with reassurance. “I hope you know that you can always talk to me about how you’re feeling.”

Your heart swelled at his words. “I do know that,” you replied, a soft smile playing on your lips. “And I really appreciate it.” You nuzzled your head into the crook of his neck, wishing you could stay like this forever.

He smiled back, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

As the minutes turned into an hour, you both remained entwined, sharing quiet stories and laughter, your hearts beating in tune with each other.

Eventually, as the night deepened and the stars twinkled outside the window, you felt a sense of peace settle over you.

With a contented sigh, you closed your eyes as you nestled closer, feeling his arm tighten around your frame. “I’m really glad we did this,” you murmured your voice was thick with sleepiness.

“Me too,” he replied as your breathing evened out. Hotch pressed another kiss to the top of your head.

He smiled at your sleeping form, knowing that he wanted to stay like this forever. To stay with you forever.

[angelacostumery]

let's make some sleeves!

don't worry i'll put it below the cut, no one should be confronted with the horrors of drafting them on their dashboard without giving prior consent.

those first few photos are of the final mockup and the final sleeves. the first mockup was more to gauge length and the final width I wanted the cuff to have, so it looked like this.

I wanted this to have a specific lantern shape with limited gathers because this fabric is thicc so I sewed a 1/2" dart at each of the marked points, taking the bottom edge in by 11" in the process.

I ended up shortening it a lot just above where the darts ended, which left me with this.

I knew it would be easier to have a single seam going horizontally than sewing a dozen darts into each one, so I was prepared for this development. I probably could have drafted something much closer to this from the start but I wouldn't want to seem too competant.

I took out a lot of volume on my next mockup and settled on something very similar to what you see above.

then they were cut out from faille, the seam was covered with 1/2" horsehair braid to give them a bit more body.

now, for the velvet layer, I didn't want a visible seam. It sort of ruins the flow of the fabric's pattern AND the fabric's pattern runs in vertical stripes which don't lend themselves well to the curves of the sleeves.

so instead I fussy cut out pieces and overlapped them until they formed the correct shape without any obvious breaks.

It was only after I got these pinned and partially sewn that I realized I forgot to add the gold overlay beneath them and had to re-do it all.

I kept trying to machine-baste together the edges and the sleeves were like "no."

the faille folded over the seam point after I finished since the overlay was like 1/4" too short in some spots, because I didn't baste all the layers together before cutting them out and sewing them together (like I usually do).

I ended up doing it by hand, all but two of the "short spots" will be hidden in seams and the others were patched with additional appliques.

I sewed the appliques to the fabric below the horizontal seam, but this created issues with the drape when I attempted to carry it further up, so the layers are independent above that seam point, save for the top edge where they are basted/eventually seamed onto the bodice..

these will be finished with matching cuffs and cotton lining.

the bottom edges were gathered from 22" down to 19" prior to the underarm seam being done up, so most of the shaping comes from the piecing, not the gathers.

(the top edge is gathered a similar amount at the armscye.)

When going to baste together the top edges I decided to shorten the lining by about an inch at the center and tapering down to nothing at the underarm. This forces the fashion layer to puff out a little bit more.

Then they were sewn on and probably some other stuff happened that I forgot. Anyway, voila!

[osaemu]

KAMISATO AYATO: BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME!

.ೃ࿐ modern!au: you run into your ex-best friend's brother after a long time

contents: fem!reader. use of she/her pronouns. ayaka's a little ooc. this was supposed to be 800 words but ended at over a thousand..

author's note: comm'd by @/kruinka, thanks for the trade!!

"shit, i'm so sorry—"

you look up sheepishly at the man in front of you, wincing when you see the dark, coffee-scented stain on his crisp white shirt. your face burns in embarrassment as you trip over your words, coming to a halt when you see his face.

a name registers in your brain, but you don't actually connect it to him until he clears his throat and starts to speak. "ah, don't worry about it. i have a lot of these shirts," he says awkwardly. 

kamisato ayato.

your ex-best friend's older brother.

ayato tilts his head, soft blue eyes surveying the brown liquid dripping down his chest before looking at you. thankfully, there's no sign of recognition in his face as he offers you a comforting smile. "really, there's no need to look that horrified. you're fine."

"i'm so sorry," you mumble, setting the half-empty coffee cup on a table nearby before snatching a couple napkins and stiffly handing them to ayato. "i should go."

you tuck a strand of hair behind your ear and start turning around before he calls "wait," essentially forcing you to stay back. ayato studies your flustered expression intently, and unfortunately, luck doesn't seem to be on your side today.

"you're my sister's friend, right?" he asks, looking down at you thoughtfully. you bite the inside of your cheek and force yourself to shrug. it'd be rude to leave now, especially since ayato's made that connection between you and his sister.

he dabs one of the napkins on his shirt, but it only makes the brown spread from his shirt to the cuff of his sleeve. you curse profusely in your head, but common courtesy forces you to take another napkin and help him out.

"so," ayato continues, "what did that mean?"

you pause, looking up at him with a confused look on your face. ayato smiles ruefully and clarifies, "why'd you shrug?"

shit.

"oh," you say nonchalantly, busying yourself with folding another napkin and soaking the coffee from his shirt into it. "nothing."

"really," ayato deadpans, slipping his hands into his pocket. "am i supposed to believe that?"

"really!" you insist, pressing the napkin into his chest a little harder than you meant to.

the truth was that it wasn't nothing — in fact, far from it. you and ayaka had a pretty bad falling out, and worst of all, it was over him. 

just under a year ago, you had offhandedly told another friend that you sort-of liked ayaka's brother (even though he was older than you by a couple years). it wasn't supposed to be a big deal, but of course, word got around that you found you had a crush on your best friend's brother. naturally, ayaka was pissed, but in your eyes, it wasn't a big deal and it wasn't even a real crush.

but rumors change stories, and what once was said to be a crush was now viewed as true love. people told ayaka that you wanted to marry her brother, and as word got around more and more, the stories just kept getting worse.

you never did find out if ayato heard the rumors. maybe ayaka told him, or maybe she didn't see the need to bother her big brother with matters as trivial as you.

"it doesn't look like it was nothing," ayato presses, a soft lilt of amusement coating his words. "tell me, pretty please? i'd love to get some dirt on my little sister."

ayato grins, widening his eyes playfully as he begs you to tell him. "c'mon, you just ruined my shirt. the least you can do is tell me what happened between you and my sister."

you shake your head, and ayato groans stubbornly. "you owe me," he tries, but you still don't reply. "please? it can't be that bad."

"oh, it's bad," you say dryly, flicking two soiled napkins into a nearby trash can. "i wouldn't want to ruin your opinion of me this soon."

ayato scoffs, removing his hand from his pocket and grabbing your chin. a little hm? escapes from your lips, and it makes ayato laugh. he eyes you pleadingly, and although you know enough about him to know that this is all just a means to an end, your heart still skips a beat at the way his cool fingers grasp at your skin.

"what are you—"

"tell me," he breathes, cutting you off as he leans in teasingly. ayato knows exactly what he's doing, and the way he sees it, there's no reason why he can't make his sister's friend (or not) blush just a little. it's cute, really, the way your breath catches in your throat. and maybe the way he can practically see the gears turning in your head makes him smile.

"ayato," a familiar voice calls from the coffee shop doorway. "what's taking you so lo— what is going on?!"

you stumble back from ayato, eyes widening in surprise at the all too familiar voice of your ex-best friend. ayaka pauses for a second, surveying the scene before narrowing her ice-blue eyes at you. 

"so, ayato," she says, resting both of her hands on her hips. ayaka turns to her brother and glares at him. "wanna explain why you're flirting with her?"

ayato laughs and gestures at the coffee-colored stain on his shirt before turning to you and offering an apologetic smile. "looks like i'm the one who should get going. we should do this again sometime."

he waves bye, and you nod in response. ayaka gives you a suspicious look before looping her arm in her brother's and sweeping him away. they gradually fade into the distance, and you eventually leave.

a couple hours later, you recieve a text.

hey it's ayato, got your number from ayaka

you wanna treat me to boba tmrw? then you can tell me everything ;)

[unpredictable-probabilities]

The Pleasures of Dreaming and Waking

Summary:

Hob spends time with Dream after a long week at work. As they chat over their usual table, they grow more comfortable in expressing their fantasies and endeavour to explore them.

Notes:

Inspired by this fic written by @delta-pavonis <3

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 4,716

Square/Prompt: B3 - Somnophilia |  @dreamlingbingo

Ship(s): Dream of the Endless | Morpheus/Hob Gadling

Additional Tags: Established Relationship, Kissing, Neck Kissing, Making Out, Nipple Play, Smut, Eldritch Sex, Light Bondage, Consensual Somnophilia, Blow Jobs, Anal Fingering, Anal Sex, Orgasm Edging, Multiple Orgasms, Sweet, Sweet/Hot, Cuddling & Snuggling, Naked Cuddling, Post-Coital Cuddling, Porn Without Plot, Porn With Feelings

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/59931001

———

The sounds of conversations combined with the clinking of cutlery and soft footsteps is making Hob sleepy.

He had a long week at work and only managed to catch a break now that it's Friday; he stifles a yawn behind his hand and mumbles thanks to the waiter that just brought their order to their table.

“Are you well, my love? You seem exhausted.” A frown creases Dream’s forehead, and Hob still marvels at how Dream is more comfortable with expressing his emotions now, especially since they started dating three months ago; a fact that Hob still has trouble believing if he thinks about it too hard.

Hob nods and straightens up in his seat, trying to blink the fatigue out of his eyes. “I'm alright, love, don't worry. Just pretty knackered with finals week coming up. Been up late catching up on grading papers and all that.”

“You should have informed me sooner. We could always meet in my realm while your physical body rests.”

“Yeah, but I'm quite fond of this place,” Hob admits. “This table is where I was sitting when you first came back. I like talking with you here.”

“You are stubbornly sentimental,” Dream chides, though there's an unmistakable smile on his lips.

“You love it,” Hob says pointedly, taking some chips from the basket.

Dream makes a sound that might have been a chuckle. “Very well. What woes did you experience in the world of academia today? I have heard it is part of unwinding to talk about how one’s day has gone.”

“You learned that in one of those relationship books you read in your library?” He walked in on Dream reading that sort of book once in the Dreaming during their first month of dating. Dream vanished the book in an instant when he saw Hob, but Hob had been so endeared that he had pushed Dream against the shelf and kissed him senseless.

“Perhaps.” Dream drinks from his mug of hot chocolate to hide his face, but not before Hob sees the subtle pink on his cheeks.

Hob grins and reaches for Dream’s hand resting on the table, fiddling idly with the cuff of his sleeve. “Nothing remarkable happened, at this point even the students were just waiting for the weekend so classes were rather quiet. Then afterwards I went with some of my colleagues to that pub near the university, and we just traded mindless gossip to purge our brains of essays and staff meetings.”

Dream turns his hand so his palm is facing up, and he brushes his thumb back and forth on Hob's wrist as he speaks. “I am sure the other patrons enjoyed hearing gossip from academics.”

“I'm not so sure I did, honestly. My mate Nick runs his mouth after a few pints, and I didn't need to hear that he had a wet dream about our colleague from the Arts department. Does that fall under your jurisdiction, by the way? You just know whenever someone's fantasising in their dream?” Hob has already asked a lot of questions about Dream and his function, which Dream always answers with some degree of amusement, but Hob still feels like there's so much more to learn.

“I am able to see into someone's dreams should I wish, but unless a nightmare is crossing a line in troubling them or other similar concerns, I have no obligation nor desire to do so. And any fantasies they might have are created by their own minds.” Dream pauses and tilts his head slightly to the side. “Do you wish for us to do the same? To share such intimacies in my realm?”

Hob feels his face warm and he chuckles. He still gets caught off-guard by how direct Dream can be nowadays. “I thought you said you can't read minds?”

“I can sense daydreams. And yours are often loud.” The corner of his lips tilts up in a smirk.

“Well, can you blame me? People dream about that kind of stuff all the time, but for you and me, it would be real. It would actually be you.”

Dream’s smile disappears and he seems to hesitate, his face becoming guarded.

“Hey,” Hob says gently, stroking Dream’s arm with his fingers. “We don't have to, okay? All the sex we have here in the Waking is already perfectly amazing.”

“Crude.” Dream's eyes twinkle in amusement and he seems to relax. He pauses for a moment before continuing. “You have seen my form in my realm. How… different. I look.”

Hob raises an eyebrow. “You mean being paler and taller than an average human and having galaxies for eyes? And wearing that sinful robe that would be considered indecent in the streets of London?”

Dream lowers his gaze and is obviously trying to suppress a smile. “I am trying to be serious, Hob.”

“Oh I'm perfectly serious. I'm surprised you didn't sense my daydreams whenever we walked around your realm with you wearing that thing.”

“I… did. But.” Dream trails off, his fingers tapping restlessly on the inside of Hob’s arm.

“What's wrong?” Hob rarely sees Dream be so hesitant.

“I am… afraid. To hurt you, in my realm. If we engage in physical intimacy.”

Hob’s eyebrows lift in surprise. “Hurt me? You could never hurt me, love.”

“I might.” Dream’s voice sounds strained with worry. “In my realm I am… more. In the throes of passion I might lose control of my humanoid form.” He looks right at Hob. “You inspire such greed in me, Hob Gadling. I will have you for as long as it takes until I am sated.”

Hob swallows, his mouth suddenly dry. If Dream intends to discourage him by what he just said, he's spectacularly failing. “So exactly as we always do it, then?” he manages to say lightly.

Dream huffs out a chuckle. “You are not daunted at all.” He sounds almost impressed.

“‘Course not,” Hob says easily. “Is it something that you want, though?”

Dream nods slowly. “I have thought of it. More than once. I should like to have you in my bed, at the heart of my palace. So the very essence of our ardour seeps into each fibre of my realm, that none may doubt my affections for you.”

Hob takes a shaky breath, unable to look away from Dream. They should probably be talking about this somewhere more private, but right now the most prominent thought in Hob's mind is if Dream wants it just as much as he does then why haven't they done it yet.

“Okay, okay,” Hob says mainly to calm himself. “Since we both want the same thing, is there any way I can make you more comfortable with the idea? We can use safe words, and I bet you can sense anyway if I feel like something’s too much for me.”

“I am uncertain about that. I have never been able to sense your discomfort in any of our couplings.”

“That's because I've never felt any discomfort, love. Like I said, everything we've done has been amazing, and I think you know by now that you're not the only one who can get greedy,” Hob says cheekily.

A smile curves Dream’s lips. “That is a fair point.”

“I know. So then. Um…” Hob looks around at the pub. “D’you wanna go upstairs and talk about it?”

“You are not too tired?”

“Oh believe me, I'm more awake now than I've been all week.” Hob calls over one of the waiters and tells him that they're taking their food to go.

“Eager, beloved?” Dream raises an eyebrow playfully after the waiter leaves.

“No more than you, Your Majesty.”

Dream makes a low humming noise in his chest that might have been a purr or a growl. Either way, it's definitely a sound of approval and that's all Hob needs to practically drag Dream upstairs as soon as they get their takeout bag.

Hob takes a shower first because he's not sleeping with his boyfriend while carrying the grime of public transport, nevermind that it's the quickest shower he's ever taken in his life.

When he gets out of the bathroom wearing a fresh shirt and sweatpants, he sees Dream on his bed wearing black silk pyjamas, sitting up against a pillow and reading Lord of the Rings. The whole image is so soft that it makes Hob’s chest ache.

“I like seeing you like this,” Hob says as he sits next to Dream.

“On your bed?”

“Relaxed.” Hob kisses the tip of Dream's nose. “Do you still want to talk about it?”

Dream nods. “Do you?”

“Yeah. Thanks for waiting while I showered.”

“You were not gone long. I had not even finished the chapter I was reading.” Dream closes the book and puts it on the nightstand. “I still do not know what happens after Frodo and Sam meet Merry and Pippin.”

“Oh, should I shower for longer then so you can continue reading?”

“If you step in that shower again I should be inclined to join you.”

“Talk first,” Hob says firmly, rather proud of himself for declining such a tempting offer. Granted, he declined in favour of a much more tempting one. “How'd you feel about safe words?” he turns to his side to more comfortably face Dream, folding a knee under him.

“They could prove to be useful, yes. What words do you recommend?”

“We can use the traffic light system. Green means continue, yellow means slow down, red means stop immediately.”

Dream considers for a moment. “And you promise to use them with no hesitation?”

“Yeah,” Hob nods. “And you should too.”

Dream slowly blinks at him, looking surprised.

“You can use them too,” Hob clarifies. “You're allowed to say if you're uncomfortable, yeah?”

Dream is silent for a few moments, forehead creased in thought. Then he slowly nods. “Alright. And I should like to give you control to shape the Dreaming.”

“What?” Now it's Hob's turn to be surprised.

“My realm is tied to my temperament. I may cause a storm without meaning to. Or an earthquake. While you might not be powerful enough to stop these things entirely, you will have the ability to shape the environment to conjure whatever shelter best suits your comfort.”

The first thought in Hob's mind is how utterly sweet Dream is to even think of granting him that much power over his realm; Hob is aware that that much trust given to him is not to be taken lightly.

The second thought following closely after is that Hob wants to see just how much he can make Dream lose control while sharing his bed. He wonders if he can pleasure Dream enough for him to make actual fireworks appear.

Dream chuckles and rests his forehead against Hob’s. “Your priorities continue to fascinate me, Hob Gadling.”

“Shall I show you how fascinating I can be, then?” Hob reaches up to run his fingers along the collar of Dream's silk shirt.

Dream purrs low in his chest and holds the back of Hob’s neck to slot their lips together.

Hob groans softly and clenches his fist into the fabric of Dream's shirt, pulling him down to lie on top of him.

“I thought you wished to do this in my realm,” Dream says playfully against his lips, pupils already blown.

“Still do. Take me there then, my lord.”

There’s sand and the familiar feeling of drifting off to sleep, and then all at once Hob feels a different bed under him, smooth as satin and softer than goosefeathers.

Dream is looming over him, his black robe nearly slipping off a pale shoulder. His blue eyes flicker down to Hob’s clothes, running over them with a curious gaze.

Hob looks down and realises that he’s wearing a bottle-green robe, loosely tied at the waist and with nothing else underneath. “I owned something like this back then,” he recalls. “In the 1500s, I think. It was always comfortable.”

Dream nods in approval and noses along the line of Hob’s jaw. “Good. Here you shall have every comfort.” He sinks his teeth in the skin beneath Hob’s ear with just enough pressure to make him shiver.

“I wish I could carry your marks with me to the Waking,” Hob says breathlessly.

Dream pulls back to meet his eyes, and for a second Hob wonders if had said something wrong.

“If you truly wish it, I can extend my consciousness to my physical form currently sleeping beside yours. I will make love to you in the Waking as I do here. And you will have my marks until your body heals them away.”

Hob feels his eyes widen, his heart thumping in his chest. And once again he wonders why they’d never done this before. “Will I be able to feel what you do to my physical body? Even here?”

Dream considers it. “I can put your consciousness in the liminal space between sleeping and waking, just enough for you to feel my touch in your realm. Is this what you wish?”

“Yes,” Hob whispers, absently realising that he has his hands clenched into fists on Dream’s robe.

“Very well.”

Dream closes his eyes, and suddenly Hob feels smooth hands trail slowly up his thighs, even when Dream hasn’t moved at all. Cool fingers wrap around his cock and he gasps, hips jerking up against Dream’s thigh.

“Did you vanish my clothes?”

“I did not think you would need them.” There’s an edge to Dream’s smile, and when he opens his eyes the blue has vanished too, replaced by pools of black with brilliant stars at the center.

Hob pulls him down for a kiss, and Dream opens up immediately. Hob loses himself in the feeling of their tongues against each other and Dream’s body undulating above him. They both still have their robes on, but Hob can feel a hand slowly stroking his cock, a mouth around his nipple. He hears a whimper that might have been his but never felt it leave his throat.

“Dream,” Hob gasps, hips stuttering against Dream’s thigh. The sensations in the Waking haven’t stopped, but with most of his consciousness here in the Dreaming they all feel distant, like a vivid memory that can never live up to the real thing. “Touch me. Here.”

“As my love commands.” Dream unties Hob’s robe with one hand before pressing their lips together again.

Hob sighs against the kiss as he feels Dream’s hand caress his torso, gliding lower and kneading the flesh of his thigh. He wraps his arms around Dream’s neck, runs his fingers through soft midnight hair that seems constantly ruffled by wind despite the lack of any breeze.

The sensations in the Waking stop abruptly, and before Hob could begin to wonder why, he feels teeth sink into the inside of his thigh.

“Ah!” Hob arches his back, breaking the kiss and pulling Dream’s hair. His cock twitches and he feels the heat of Dream’s mouth wrap around him—in the Waking. Hob moans in frustration, his cock hanging heavy and neglected in the open air. “Do you even have plans to fuck me here?”

“I am marking you in the Waking. That is what you wish, is it not?” Dream rakes his nails lightly across Hob’s chest, scraping a nipple and making Hob twitch.

“Just in the Waking? What happened to being greedy?” Hob quickly bunches up Dream’s robes, thrilled to find that there’s not a stitch of clothing underneath. He grabs Dream’s bare arse and pulls him flush against his groin.

Dream throws his head back with a shaky gasp, his eyes fluttering close.

Hob pulls him down and mouths at pale clavicles, licks at Dream’s icy throat and nips at his jawline.

Dream surges down to kiss him, and at the same time Hob feels his thighs being spread open in the Waking.

Dream's tongue reaches into him from both ends, soft and slick and far longer than any human tongue should be.

Hob squirms as he feels Dream’s tongue move inside him in the Waking, feeling full and empty all at once. He grips the back of Dream's neck, ruts against his cock.

Dream makes a wounded noise and returns the enthusiasm, grinding down hard until Hob’s sure they're carving a dent into the plush cushions.

Hob feels precome on his belly, and he needs Dream inside him now but he also needs him to never stop moving.

And then Dream does stop, even his movements in the Waking.

Hob opens his eyes, mind clouded in a haze of confusion and lust. He sees Dream looking around their surroundings and blinking.

Hob begins to realise that even though they're still on the same cushions, they're no longer in Dream’s bedroom.

The ceiling made of a starry night sky is replaced with an elaborate mosaic of figures that might be deities, and the marble walls are now stained glass windows letting in colorful sunlight that dapples on the steps leading down from where he and Dream are.

Dream shifts to his side to give Hob room to sit up and look around. He realises that they're on a raised platform overlooking a great hall with long tables and tall double doors at the far end. They're the only ones here, and the vastness of the place has a solemn quiet to it.

“Where are we?” Hob’s voice echoes softly.

“You brought us here, beloved.”

“What?” Hob frowns and looks around again, paying more attention to the details.

The wall behind them is painted with doves and bells so intricately that Hob can almost hear them, and he suddenly recognises that the deities depicted on the ceiling are who the townspeople considered the gods of marriage from about six centuries ago.

“This is a wedding hall,” Hob breathes. I brought us here to shag on the altar.

Dream blinks at him slowly. “Why did you choose this place?”

“I didn't mean to,” Hob scratches the back of his head sheepishly. “I guess, um…” he feels his face warm up. He looks down and fidgets with the sheets. “I'm not proposing or anything, I don't even know what that would mean for you but… I s’pose I liked the symbolism of it. Us getting married…” He trails off and hesitantly meets Dream’s gaze again.

Dream is looking at him in bewilderment, and Hob feels panic rise in his throat, images of a rainy night and a black figure storming off flashing in his mind.

“Look, I can't control what my brain thinks,” he hurriedly says. “You can whisk us back to your room—”

Dream moves and pins him down on the cushions, claiming his lips with teeth and tongue and the intensity of the birth of a star.

Hob’s body quickly gets back with the program, whatever he was feeling before they got interrupted by the location change has come back in full force, and then some.

He grunts when he feels Dream slip a finger inside him, the sensation so vivid that it takes him a second to realise that it's happening in the Waking. Dream adds another finger, slick with the lube that Hob keeps in his nightstand drawer, or possibly dreamstuff, Hob doesn't really care. He grinds down on empty air here in the Dreaming, a moan of pleasure and need escaping him.

“You wish to be united with me in this manner?” Dream is actually breathless, and his form is starting to blur at the edges like a freshly made oil painting hanging on a lord’s wall.

He has a subtle glow about him, and Hob can believe that it's coming from the stars in his eyes that seem to burn brighter now. His dark hair ripples softly as if underwater. It's as if one of the gods from the mosaic came to life just to loom over Hob and look at him with utter adoration, as if Hob is the one worthy of worship.

“Of course I do.” Hob threads his fingers through Dream’s hair, caresses his face, his shoulders. Marvelling at how he's allowed to touch a being such as this. “I'll have you in all the ways you would allow,” he says quietly, reverently.

Dream presses their foreheads together. “Hob.” The syllable drops from his lips like a prayer and then he's kissing Hob again, their robes vanishing in an instant.

Hob cups Dream’s face in his hands, his eyes falling close as he inhales the scent of rain and ozone and fresh ink on paper.

He feels Dream's fingers pull out of him in the Waking, and his stomach clenches in anticipation.

The familiar shape of Dream's cock teases at his rim, and Hob realises with a gasp that it's here in the Dreaming. 

Dream tenderly takes his hands and pins them beside his head on the pillow, their fingers lacing together.

Hob is already slick and soft and open, and his eyes roll back in his head when Dream slips in, filling him up inch by delicious inch as Dream’s lips move down to his neck. Their fingers remain intertwined, but Hob feels soft touches up and down his body, becoming more insistent as Dream thrusts deeper into him.

Hob’s eyes flutter open to see that shadows seem to be bleeding from Dream’s form, shaping into tendrils that act as his limbs. Hob doesn't even bother to try counting them, especially not when one tendril touches his nipple, flicking and rolling the hard nub until Hob is squirming and jerking his hips up to meet Dream’s thrusts.

The teeth that scrape and nip at his neck are definitely sharper than usual, and a shiver runs down Hob’s spine, prickling his skin with goosebumps and making his toes curl.

Dream tightens his grip on Hob's hands and slowly pulls out before slamming into him in both realms.

“AH–!” Hob arches his back, or tries to, but finds that the shadow tendrils are pinning him to the bed; wrapped around his waist, his arms, holding his thighs open as Dream continues to thrust into him.

Dream's face is pressed in the crook of Hob’s neck, making growling noises that could never come from a human throat.

Hob’s weeping cock twitches from what little friction Dream’s body is giving, unable to get any more of it no matter how much he strains against the tendrils. Dream slams into his prostate and Hob cries out a sob, tears forming in his eyes.

Dream slows down and pulls back to look at him, the tendrils loosening their hold. “Colour, my love?” His voice sounds wrecked.

“Green,” Hob whines, taking advantage of his mobility to raise his hips and take Dream deeper into him. “Green— Fuck, Please…”

Dream captures his lips in a searing kiss. The tendrils wrap around Hob once more, but this time they help him move, raising his hips to meet Dream each time, faster than what Hob would have been capable of on his own.

He can feel Dream's teeth on him in the Waking while he's being fucked into his own mattress; on his chest, his jawline, his neck, oh his neck, Dream is making good on his promise to mark him, sucking bruises onto the skin and soothing them with his tongue. When that tongue moves down to his nipples, Hob feels so keyed up that he can almost feel it in the Dreaming as well.

A tendril wraps around Hob’s cock and strokes him quickly while another one teases at the slit, and it's all too much and not nearly enough. Hob doesn't quite remember how to breathe, and he tightens his grip on Dream's hands as the tendrils manhandle him to buck and rut against his lover.

The air feels charged, like the moment before a lightning strike, and Dream is panting in Hob's ear as a sudden wind whistles through the wedding hall, the light from the stained glass windows changing colours rapidly as if the sun is moving erratically outside.

Seeing Dream so affected is what hurls Hob over the edge, and he comes with a roar that might have broken the windows but he can't hear anything else above his own voice and the pleasure lighting up his spine.

Dream speaks against his ear, soft lips almost caressing. “This dream is over.”

Hob slams back into the Waking with a strangled cry, frustration crashing over him when he realises that Dream has a hand wrapped around the base of his cock, stopping his release even as Dream repeatedly fucks into him, his other hand bracing himself on the bed for leverage.

The whiplash of going from a mind-shattering orgasm to his cock heavy with wanting has Hob going half-mad.

“Dream–!” he digs his nails into Dream’s back, squirming as he tries to get free of Dream's iron grip, only succeeding in deepening the angle of Dream inside him.

“Shall I fuck you into unconsciousness, my lover?” Dream is in his human form again but his blue eyes are no less piercing. “I can take you here, and in my realm, going back and forth until you can no longer distinguish between Dreaming and Waking. Giving you endless pleasure in my realm where you will not tire, and holding back your release here until I decide that I am done with you.”

A full-body shiver runs through Hob; Dream's voice only stokes the fire already burning Hob from the inside, his words making Hob’s cock ache and twitch in desperation.

“You are mine, Hob Gadling,” Dream's hips stutter out of rhythm before speeding up. “Not to capture nor possess. But to adore and—ah—cherish. Mine to care for. Mine to love.” His eyelids flutter and his breaths are coming in pants. “Just as I am yours. To do with as you please.”

He thrusts deep and Hob cries out, his nails raking red lines across Dream's back.

A flash of concern appears on Dream's face as he looks down at him.

“Green, green!” Hob screams before Dream could even think to slow down. “Dream, my love, please…” he whimpers.

“Yes,” Dream says breathlessly, leaning down to kiss him. “Your love. Yours,” he says against Hob’s lips. He deepens the kiss as he strokes Hob’s cock in time with his thrusts.

Hob clenches his hands into Dream's hair, moaning wantonly in his mouth as his hips buck up and down of their own accord.

“With me, my love,” Dream gasps. He slams into Hob’s prostate and twists his hand.

Hob's vision goes white and he screams, his body thrashing under Dream as he spills and spills between them. He hears Dream’s guttural cry in his ear and it only flings him higher into his peak, where nothing else exists except the two of them and Dream’s spend filling him up more than he thought possible.

Their embrace tightens as they shake and tremble, listening to the sound of each other’s breaths as they begin to calm down, their chests heaving.

Dream gently slips out of him and they both groan at the sensation. “Have I fulfilled your expectations, my love?” he asks quietly, brushing away a lock of hair that had stuck to the sweat on Hob’s forehead.

Hob’s brain takes a few moments to understand the question. “Have… What…” he tries to form a coherent sentence while still catching his breath. “I only ever expect for both of us to feel good, and I think we'd been pretty vocal about that just now.”

Dream smiles, a soft thing that brightens up his face. “Indeed. And now, you must sleep,” he brushes a thumb across Hob's cheekbone. “You have been exhausted this week, and even immortal bodies need rest.”

Hob just hums. Given how his eyelids are already feeling heavy, he doesn't have much room to argue.

“Cuddle?” he manages, sleepily running his fingers through Dream's hair.

Dream leans into his touch. “Both here and in the Dreaming.”

Hob vaguely registers Dream waving his hand to clean them up, and then Dream is lying down beside him and snuggling close, tucking his head under Hob’s chin.

Hob wraps his arms around Dream, drifting off to sleep and smiling at what a lucky bastard he is.

———

(Dreamling Bingo Masterpost)

(Masterlist)

[softshuji]

Rindou knows.

He knows you don't mean anything by it when you tell Ran "he looks handsome today" in a pinstripe purple suit, hair gelled and accented by a fresh haircut and a lick of new dye. He does look good, you'd be blind not to know it.

And he's not the type of boyfriend who believes he should control your thoughts, he doesn't want to be. Ran has made an effort and he likes that, that you're able to feel comfortable enough to not hide your thoughts, in a way that would break his heart if you did. It means nothing but a comment made as a gracious host to the love of your life's brother who you love and cherish as a friend.

But he hates that it grates him when you tell Ran this fact, and ran smiles, easy and carefree, cocking his head to the side and says "thank you doll, you look very pretty too." And it's innocent, he knows this.

But he'd be lying if he said it didn't set something off in his chest against his will, an ache, a desperation that borders on insanity. And he's not sure how to deal with it in any way that doesn't mean snapping at you, especially when you've been so attentive and have paid him praise for more than half the evening. He wishes that these bouts of avid jealousy weren't something he circled back to every now and again whenever you praised someone that wasn't him.

And it frustrates him that he can't seem to control how he stiffens when you put a hand on his arm and squeeze his bicep lovingly, a stiffness that has your kind smile faltering, a frown creasing your eyebrows.

You've laughed at a few of Ran's jokes, amicable smiles that he, in actuality enjoys. He likes that you get along, that he can spend less time pulling you apart like cats and dogs and more time experiencing the love he gets to bathe in between you. Except the drop in his stomach is palpable when you touch Ran's arm to ask if he'd like his glass of wine topped up and Ran has all but smiled and tilted his head in your direction, conversation closed with Kakucho who turns to Sanzu again as he fiddles with the speakers.

'You okay Rin baby?' you say coming up behind him, a hand on his shoulder and squeezing lovingly at his bicep and forearm, relishing in how toned it feels under the suit, and all yours to touch at as you please. He's been quiet, and he knows that you know it, that you've not missed how he's lingered near the fringe of the group, isolated as if it isn't his party to begin with, wine glass abandoned on the kitchen countertop.

He resists shrugging you off and he loathes that he considers it at all, especially when you're soft as you look at him, the glaze of your slightly wine-drunk eyes filled with the glowing reflection of him and adoring. 'Yeah, fine.' Clipped, and you narrow your eyes suspiciously, before leaning to peck at the corner of his mouth where the taste of sour grapes melts onto his lips.

He hates it, when he sees a faint flash of hurt and concern in your eyes when he refuses to kiss you back, all self-loathing and pain disguised as nonchalance that has him turning from you to Sanzu who only looks up from above his cigarette.

It continues like that for a little while as the partygoers leave and you arrange their neat housewarming gifts on the ottoman stool for the two of you to unpack later. You say goodbye to Ran who quirks an eyebrow in Rindou's direction in question and you're quick to soothe his worries and shut the door to face your boyfriend's back as he drifts to the bedroom alone.

You're not sure where to start when you see him pulling off his own tie, his back to you as he stands in front of the mirror, all sullen silences and thick tension that you pretend doesn't ache as you hover near the edge of the bed.

'Rindou?'

'Yeah?' He doesn't raise his head as he pulls the cuffs of his sleeves, pressed white shirt that slips and slides over the toned ridge of his back, honeyed skin that shines just shy of gold when the lamplight swirls along the black ink.

'You've been quiet, is everything okay?' You approach, as the mouse approaches the lion, trepidation that has your voice wavering on the edge of every word.

'Why wouldn't it be?'

'You seemed off Rin, you can tell me y'know, I know I wasn't imagining it.' You put a hesitant hand on his shoulder and the muscle stiffens under your touch, instinctual, as he turns to you with the anger and hurt flaring in his eyes.

His voice is small when he says, 'Did you mean it? When you said you thought Ran looked- when he-'

'Rindou-'

'-if you prefer him over me- I get it but- I just thought you'd be the one who-'

'Rindou.' You shake your head and your hand comes around to rest on the apex of his chest, a subtle and soft tug that has your arms resting on his shoulders from behind, slightly dwarfed by the swell of his back as you press your mouth to his skin.

'Rindou, my Rin,' you say, your lips skimming over the whirl of ink on his shoulder blades. 'Is that what this is about?' You move to stand in front of him, the glow of the lights on the vanity mirror now silhouetting you against the wall.

He fiddles with the hem of his shirt, open now, to reveal the glow of his chest, jet black ink that disappears beneath his waistband, head hung to avoid the spike of concern in your eyes. 'Maybe.'

He wishes it wasn't the case, that it still bothered him this many years later, and he knows you better in his heart, than to assume you're that type, that the years of your consistent affection have somehow meant nothing when you've made every effort. He knows, he loves you, you love him, and by tomorrow this will have passed. He knows this.

'Oh Rin,' you say and soften further, palms that come up to cradle his face, a gentleness that never fails to have his cheeks breaking out in a crimson tint. 'It's not like that at all baby.'

'I know I know but-'

But it had felt like it for the thinnest second. It had felt white hot and burning, the green seed of envy that he knows has no place here, where the softness of your palms come to cup at his cheeks, as if you would break him, as if it is you who is all sharp edges and glass.

'-but you're mine, you're meant to be mine. You're my thing, the one that's only mine.'

You blink and the naked vulnerability has a tinge of crimson spilling across your neck. You press your lips to his, soft and supple, wine sour and flecked with the red of having been bitten down and hums, first in surprise, before slotting his lips along yours, all affection and urgency and need and worry and grief rolled along his tongue.

You break, a fraction of a second, the saliva breaking in the air, a thin silvery line on your chin and he thinks you look beautiful like that, your hair mussed from his wandering hands, lips softened by wine, the taste of home on your skin.

'I'm your thing Rindou, and yours only. I love you, really love you. You're my thing too,' you say, your breath curling along his cheek, the outline of you wreathed in gold, angelic halo that flashes in his eyes, tipsy and smiling sleepily, all the love that still feels new this many years later. And he knows, how much unlearning he's had to do to get here, all anxiety that he's willingly placed aside for you, all the wrongs he's fixed of himself, determination that has him stealing your breath when he cages you against the bed again, his thigh between your legs, all love that has him knowing you instinctually.

He loves you and it pains him. You love him, and it soothes him.

reblogs appreciated!

[pinkanonwrites]

So I absolutely love your writing and was wondering if I could suggest Riddle, Leona, Jamil, Azul with an s/o who had horrible scarring and doesn’t talk about it. So naturally the boys would assume it’s a sensitive topic, and treat them delicately… But turns out that those scars are from something stupid like getting into a fight with a raccoon.

Sure thing! As expected, this ended up being a bit silly. Hope you enjoy!

GN! Reader

The first time Riddle saw your scars was when you rolled up your sleeves while helping Trey bake for the next Unbirthday party, simply trying to not let your cuffs dip into the sticky batter. Both his and Trey's gazes lasered in on the horrendous scarring up and down both your arms, but neither of them said anything besides sharing a small, worried glance. He wanted to ask you about them but knew this was neither the time nor the place to do so.

Other Heartslabyul members can tell from a glance not to bring them up, lest they risk a swift and merciless collaring by their housewarden. Whenever your arms are revealed Riddle's expression tightens, surveying the room as if he's daring his fellow students to make a comment or ask a question about them.

When he finally musters up the courage to ask about them, reassuring you he finds you beautiful and just wants to know if you're hurting, boy if he doesn't feel a bit silly when he finds out you got them from trying to pick up an opossum when you were a little kid. His cheeks get all puffed out and his face turns red, promptly shutting himself up and turning away as you coo and thank him for being so worried about your well-being. He does enjoy the praise, as flustered as he looks.

Lazing around with Leona in the midday sun of the conservatory, you stretched your arms over your head and accidentally revealed to him a series of long, thin scars that ran over each of your sides, just above your hip. His brow furrowed as your shirt covered them once more, cupping a clawed hand gently over your hip and tugging you close to snuggle up to him.

He's always liked to wrap a hand around your hip to keep you close to him, to stake his "ownership" of you. But now he does it so gently, so lightly it almost tickles as he rubs his thumb back and forth over the soft skin hidden beneath your shirt. You do the same to him sometimes, running your thumb so lovingly over the scar on his face when he rests his head in your lap, the least he can do is offer the same comfort.

You finally mention where you got the scars when Leona comes to visit Ramshackle. As you liken the rickety house to an abandoned building you and your friends explored near your school, mentioning how cut up you got squeezing through one of the shattered doorways, it finally clicks for him. From there the teasing floodgates are opened, and every time he finds you with a little scuff or scrape he asks if you were reigniting your urban exploration fantasies.

After Jamil's overblot, when you rolled up your pant cuffs to splash around in the cool water of the oasis, that's when Azul first saw your scars. Dozens of jagged lines and puncture marks everywhere from your ankles all the way up to your knees. It made his stomach turn a bit, trying to imagine what or who might have inflicted you with those gashes.

He's often hovering around you, making sure you don't get bumped into or lose your balance. If he's not available you'll usually have one or both of the twins observing you from a safe distance, boss's orders. He doesn't want anyone else harming his precious pearl, after all.

When you finally mention that you got all those scars from the wild raspberry bushes around your childhood home, he assumes you're joking with him. He knows what raspberries are, he isn't stupid, but are the bushes really that dangerous? One small hike with Jade later serves to prove that yes, they are, especially if you're a reckless little kid wearing shorts in the summer. He chides you, warning you to not do anything so rash in the future.

Jamil had seen your scar the very first day you had met, along with just about everyone else in school. It wasn't exactly easy to miss; the curved line cutting across your forehead and down into your eyebrow was painfully obvious to anyone who looked at you for more than a few minutes. He didn't think about it much until the two of you actually began interacting on a daily basis.

He watches you a lot, only when he thinks you aren't looking (and often times you aren't). He's not the type to bring it up on his own, it's none of his business after all, but he does worry about you. He's on edge whenever you mention having a headache, even if it has nothing to do with your scar at all.

You mention it offhand one day, the stupid cause of your forehead scar. The man who was re-shingling your house roof when you were a kid knocked a metal bucket off the edge when you were heading out to school, and instead you had to get rushed to the E.R. for stitches. As you proudly regale the story of the ice cream cake and flowers the repairman bought as an apology Jamil breathes a sigh of relief, almost visibly melting into his seat. Now he'll just have to make sure nothing that unlucky happens to you again.

[fanficforlife]

Chapter Nine

Even though it was the middle of August, the air was cool. It probably had something to do with the fact that you were sitting on the back porch at four-thirty in the morning. 

"There you are, baby." Kayce sat down on the steps next to you. His arm slid around your back while he kissed your temple. "What are you doing out here?"

You looked ahead of you so he followed your gaze to a bald eagle sitting in a tree. Lee. His hold on you tightened. "I was talking."

"About what?"

"You," a smile pulled at your lips. A comfortable silence settled between you while you watched the bird fly off. "Lee knew I left California to get away from Nick. A few weeks before he died he found me sitting back here. The sun had just started coming up and he asked why I was up so early. I tried to hide it but he knew I was crying. He sat down and made me tell him what was wrong." You took a breath. "I get nightmares sometimes about Nick. Sometimes they're just memories of what he did, other times it's him finding me."

"Baby," the hand that wasn't around your waist reached for your hand, "why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't get them when we sleep in the same bed."

"You should move in with me then."

"Kayc."

"I know. Just me and Tate, for a while at least. Did you have a nightmare tonight?"

"No. I just woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I didn't want to wake you." Your fingers played with the button on the cuff of his sleeve. "Lee always told me I was safe here." You let out a small giggle. "And, that even though you hadn't asked me out yet, you wouldn't let anyone touch me."

Kayce chuckled. "He was right about that. I wouldn't have let your ex or anyone else near you. I still won't." 

You smiled at him before looking out at the trees. 

"Letty?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you feel safe here?"

"Yes." Your eyes met his hazel brown ones. "You make me feel safe." 

He smiled and ran his hand across your jaw, pulling you in for a kiss. "I love you, Letty."

"I know." You smiled. "I love you too."

"I gotta drive around and check some fences. What do you say we grab some coffee and you come keep me company? And, instead of sleeping in your bed again because Tate wanted to spend the weekend having a sleepover with his grandpa, we could spend the night at my place?" 

"Yes and yes." 

"Tate will be here with Dad so we have the whole day and night to ourselves." His perfect grin formed before he kissed you. "Go get changed. I'll get the coffee." 

"Meet you in the kitchen in five minutes." 

After going inside, you both walked through the living room to the hallway. As you went to walk passed the kitchen to your room, he stopped you. "Baby, are you okay?"

You looked up at him and smiled softly. "You worry about me too much."

"I worry about you just as much as I should be. Now answer the question, beautiful." 

Your hands came up and rested against the sides of his neck, your thumbs running across his stubble-covered jaw. "I'm okay. Just missing your brother."

"Me too."

"He would be so proud of you, Kayce." 

"After kicking my ass for waiting so long to ask you out." 

You giggled. "Yeah, that's probably true." 

"Thank you for being there for me through that and every day since then." 

"You're welcome. But, you don't have to thank me. I wanted to and I needed you just as much as you needed me."

His hand ran across your cheek. "I still need you." 

"Right back at you." You rose to your toes and kissed him before going to change. 

*

You leaned against the fence post watching Kayce while he finished securing a section of barbed wire that he had to replace. 

"There," he straightened up, "that- What?" 

"Nothing."

"Nothin'?" He came up behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist. "What are you thinking about?" 

A smile pulled at the corners of your mouth. "You." You leaned back against him while you both looked out over the pasture to the mountains. 

"Yeah?"

"Mhm." 

"Is that all I'm gonna get?" He chuckled and turned you to face him. 

"I just..." your hands rested on his chest, "I can't believe I'm here with you. You are the most hardworking, caring, understanding man I have ever met." Tears pricked the back of your eyes. "I would go through everything in California again if I knew that it led me here." 

In response, he grabbed your face and kissed you. "I love you more than anything on this earth, Letty. Well, you and the kid." 

"I love you too." You giggled and slid your hands over his shoulders, clasping them behind his neck as your lips met his. When the kiss started to grow heated, you stepped back. "You need to work."

"I just finished the last one." 

"Yeah?"

The smirk that drove you crazy, in the best possible way, formed. "Yeah, now get back here." His hand slid into your hair pulling you in. As the kiss intensified, he picked you up and carried you to the tailgate of his truck. It was already down with tools sitting on it so he pushed them to the side before setting you on it. His eyes met yours and you smiled. 

While you unzipped and shimmied out of your jeans, he unbuckled his belt and pushed it down. "Kayc," you moaned when he slowly thrust into you. 

"Fuck, baby." His fiery eyes met yours. "You're fucking perfect."

Your hips rolled to meet his with every thrust. "Yes," you moaned when one of his hands left your hips and went between you to your clit. "Yes. Yes. Kayce." It didn't take long for heat to start pooling. 

When your orgasm had passed, he took your hands which had been gripping his shoulders and lay you on your back. "I want one more, baby." You nodded as you looked up at him, making the smirk you love form. He put your legs over his shoulders and started pounding into you. 

You could feel a rough section of the tailgate scrape your ass cheek but you didn't care. He had you at the perfect angle and you started to clench around him. "Oh, god. Kayce." 

"Yes, baby. Give me one more." His smirk reappeared. "Come for me, Letty." That put you over the edge and you fell apart. He came seconds later, spilling into you. 

"You good, baby?" He asked as you lay there trying to catch your breath. 

"Mhm," you mumbled with a smile. 

He chuckled and zipped his jeans up before putting your underwear and jeans on you as far as he could get them with you still lying down. 

After carefully getting to your feet, you pulled them up the rest of the way. 

"Hi." Kayce smiled down at you, his hands going to your waist. 

"Hi." Your fingers brushed his hair off his forehead. "That was...wow."

His smirk formed before he kissed you. "I'm gonna have to agree with you on that. Now get your sexy ass out of the way so I can clean up." 

You giggled as he squeezed your sides. "What do you have to do now?" You asked as you leaned against the side of his truck. 

"I gotta go to town to pick up a few things." He informed, closing the tailgate. "Where do you think you're goin'?" His hand wrapped around yours, stopping you from going around to the passenger side. 

"Maybe I don't want to sit beside you." You teased. 

He backed you against the truck and pressed himself against you, keeping you in place. "You don't, huh?" The smirk that drove you crazy formed.

"Don't look at me like that we both know because we both know what comes next." 

"You. Once, sometimes more." 

"Kayce!" You gave him a shove so you could slip free. 

His laugh followed you as you climbed into the truck. "You're cute when you blush." 

"Oh my god." You groaned, burying your face in his shoulder while he buckled his seatbelt. 

"Even cuter when you come."

Your jaw dropped as the red on your cheeks darkened. 

He reached across your lap when you tried sliding across the seat. "I'll stop." 

"Says the guy with the mischievous grin on his face." 

"Get back here." 

You gave in with a smile and settled in next to him. "You're lucky I love you."

"The luckiest." His lips pressed against your temple before he started the truck. 

When you got closer to town, you looked in the rearview mirror and started taming your hair. "You should leave it." 

"It's a mess."

"You have that just had sex look."

"I did just have sex."

"Yes," he squeezed your knee, "but everyone else will see it and know you're mine." 

You giggled, "I'm pretty sure everyone will know that without advertising what we just did. You always hold my hand when we go to town, or have your arm around me, your hand on my back." After smoothing the last tangled strand, you leaned back against the seat. "I'm guessing you don't hold Ryan or Colby's hand when you go to town to pick stuff up." 

"Definitely not." His laugh echoed through the cab. 

A comfortable silence settled between you as you rested your head on his shoulder and thought about how much your life had changed in the last seven and a half months. You escaped from Nick and the nightmare he put you through and ended up meeting a man so good you didn't think could even exist. Going through hell had brought you to the most amazing version of heaven on earth. And, you would endure it all over again so you could end up with the cowboy sitting beside you and his son. 

*

"What are you thinking about?" Kayce asked as he joined you on the porch of the foreman's house. You had made his mom's stew and biscuits for dinner so he offered to put the leftovers away. "You've been kind of quiet since I got back from helping Dad in the barn before dinner. I told you it would just be us today, I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay. It's not that." 

"Then what is it?"

Your fingers picked at the cuff of your sleeve. "When you were with your dad and I was inside with Tate making the biscuits, Tate...he told me he loves me. He's said it before but it's always just been love you. When the biscuits were in the oven we were talking about what he and his grandpa did today. I was leaning back against the counter, when he was done telling me he came over and wrapped his arms around my waist. He looked up at me and he said I love you." Tears started to pool in your eyes while you stared down at the ends of your sleeves. "He told me he was happy I came here because I'm kind of like his mom. Then he rested the side of his face against my stomach and hugged me. He laughed and said I make you happy so you're not as grumpy anymore so I can never leave."

Kayce chuckled, "he's right, you do make me happy." When you continued staring at your hands, he took hold of your chin and lifted it, making you look at him. "Hey, talk to me." Concern was evident in his voice when he saw tears start to trickle from your eyes. "Was it because he thinks you're his mom? I'll tell him not to call you that."

"It wasn't that."

"Nick?"

You nodded as you drew in a shaky breath. "If he finds me he said he would kill whoever helped me."

"Baby, it's been almost eight months since you got away from him. He would have found you by now."

"But, what if he's still looking? What if he does eventually find me?"

"If he does, he's not going to get a chance to kill anyone."

"What if you're all gone and just me and Tate are here? What...Tate-" A small sob cut you off. 

Kayce wiped away your tears. "I know what you're thinking and you're not leaving. Tate loves you, I love you. Hell, everyone on this ranch loves you. You belong here." His fingers tucked your hair behind your ear before going back to try and dry your cheeks. "I'll tell you what. Tate's closet in the main house is five times bigger than it needs to be. Since we spend most of the time there anyway, especially you and him when I'm working, we'll close in part of the closet so he can hide in there. I'll make the door look like part of the wall so no one will know any different. Okay?"

You sniffed. "Okay." 

"Come here." You stood up and he guided you onto his lap so you were straddling him. His hand rested against the side of your neck. "Tate's not the only one who thinks you're kind of like his mom. You are beyond amazing with him. I know we've only been together for three months but I know that God sent you to me. We belong together, Letty."

"Kayce." A smile finally formed before you pressed your lips against his. It didn't take long before you both needed more. He stood up taking you with him and carried you to his bed. 

After setting you on your feet, his hands went to work on your jeans. As he pulled them down, his hand ran across the scrape you got from the tailgate making you flinch. "Did I scratch you?" When you both looked you realized what it was from. "Shit. I should've put a blanket or something down."

"It's not that bad... if you kiss it better it will be as good as new."

"I can't have my baby hurt." He smirked, sinking to his knees and doing what you said. But, he didn't stop there. He kissed his way across your hip before taking off your underwear and jeans and gently pushed you onto the bed. 

"Kayc," you moaned as he buried his face between your legs. 

His hands slid under your thighs and gripped your hips, securing you in place. "You taste so damn good." He groaned before going to work again. 

"Oh, god." After a couple of minutes of just using his tongue, one of his hands left your hip. His fingers dipped inside you while his mouth focused on the bundle of sensitive nerves. Your hands dove into his brown wavy hair. It took only minutes for your stomach to begin to tighten and waves of intense pleasure coursed through you. 

When you came down from your high, Kayce's lips crashed against yours. He ushered you backwards, away from the edge, so he could climb between your legs. You could taste yourself on him as his tongue danced with yours. 

He slowly thrust into you. His hand went to the back of your neck and he lifted you. "You're mine." His eyes pierced yours.

Whenever Nick told you that you were his it would make you feel hopeless and scared. Hearing Kayce tell you that you're his drove home the fact that this is where you were meant to be, with him and his son. "I'm yours." You breathed out, your eyes never leaving his. 

*****

You parked one of the Dutton's work trucks in front of the grocery store as a patrol car was making its way down the street. While you got out, the police car parked behind the truck, blocking you in. 

"Ma'am," one of them greeted as they walked up to you.

"Hi."

"Can I ask why you have the Dutton's truck?"

"I'm umm, getting groceries. I work for them." You swallowed nervously as memories of Nick in his police uniform filled your head. 

"We've never seen you around town before."

"I've been here since the middle of February."

"Uh-huh." They exchanged doubtful looks. Sweat covered your palms. "Can I see your license, please?"

Panic set in. "I-I didn't steal it."

He nodded. "Let me just run your license and we'll get this cleared up."

"You can call John. He'll tell you I work there."

"We will after we check your license. Is it in 

there?" He asked as he stepped forward and dumped the contents of your purse onto the driver's seat. You were frozen in fear. After opening your wallet, he pulled out your driver's license. "Well, Violet Smith from Los Angeles, I'll be right back."

Your heart rate was out of control, you were trembling. The officers could tell you were guilty of something so the other officer stood in front of you, corralling you between the open truck door and driver's seat, while the other went to the car. 

Seconds later, the officer returned from the car. "I think it's time you tell us your real name because it isn't Violet Smith."

"I-I-"

"Cuff her."

"No."

"Put your hands behind your back."

"Please. Just call John. Please!" Tears started falling from your eyes. 

Once the handcuffs were secured, the officer took hold of your arm and put you in the back of the car. People were standing around watching as the other officers locked the truck. After they both got in, they drove to the station. 

*

"No! No!" You pulled against the two officers who had uncuffed you and were trying to take your fingerprints. "Please, don't. Please!"

"What the hell is going on here?" Sheriff Haskell came out of his office. 

"We're trying to take her fingerprints but she's resisting."

"Please, don't. Call John Dutton. He'll tell you I work for him. Please!" You begged with tears streaming down your cheeks. 

The sheriff looked at you for a few seconds. "Put her in one of the cells."

"But, we haven't even started with the paperwork or anything yet."

"I'll take care of it." He took your license off the counter. "Just put her in a cell."

"Just call him, please. I'm not lying!"

The officers took you through a door and your pleas died off. They brought you down the hall, putting you in one of the cells that lined the wall. 

The door shut behind you with a clang, making you flinch. You went to the bench lining one wall, buried your face in your hands and cried. John would have to tell the sheriff who you were. Nick would come get you because he would see it on your file after the sheriff put your information into the computer. You mourned for the life you had here, for the friends you made, for the Duttons, for Tate. And, for Kayce. Nick would do whatever he wanted to you once he brought you back. But, the thought of never seeing Kayce again made your heart hurt so much that it was hard to breathe. Death would be better than having to live without him and his son.

*

"Where is she?!" Kayce's voice echoed down the hall. 

When you heard it, a sob left your lips knowing it was only a matter of days before you would never hear it again. 

"Violet!" As soon as the sheriff unlocked your cell, he flung the door open and ran in. You stood up and his arms wrapped around you, crushing you against him. You clung to his shirt as a fresh wave of tears spilled down your face. "I'm here, Letty. It's okay. You're coming home."

"N-Nick- He-he knows- I can't g-go back." 

"He doesn't know, baby."

You pushed on his chest so you could look up at him. "He will! My name-he-"

"He won't know you're here because your name is Violet Smith." John finished from where he and the sheriff were standing outside the cell. 

"But..." your eyes went to the sheriff.

"I've known John a long time." The sheriff informed. "He filled me in on everything. You're safe here, Violet. And, as far as the two who brought you in, and everyone else working here know, you're hiding from an abusive ex who's a cop, hence the fake ID. That's all they need to know." You looked at him unsure. "Nick and everything about your old life is safe with me. I won't be telling anyone." You gave a small nod of your head and a warm smile formed on his face. "I think it's time to get you out of there and back home." 

"Come on, baby." Kayce kissed your hairline before putting his arm around your waist and guiding you out. 

"I'm sorry, Vi," John said as he squeezed your shoulder. "I should've known it would be a matter of time before one of the knuckleheads working here stopped you."

"It's not your fault."

He smiled. "Let's get outta here."

*

The second you climbed into bed Kayce pulled you into his arms. You burrowed into him as close as you could get. "I was scared." He admitted into your hair after a couple of silent minutes. 

You shifted so you could look up at him. "You were scared? Nothing scares you."

"Losing you scares me." His brown eyes were watery. "The sheriff called Dad while we were working in the barn. All Dad said was it's you and to get in the truck. I think he drove faster than I've ever seen him drive before. If they would have booked you in...I would have been sitting in that cell right next to you." He slid his hand into your hair and rested his forehead against yours. "I can't lose you."

"I can't lose you either." You sniffed, fighting back tears. "I thought I would have to go back."

"Baby, you are never going to lose me. No matter what. And, he is never, ever getting you back. I love you with everything I am, Violet."

"Kayc," tears started trickling over, "I love you too." Your lips met but this one felt different than all of the other ones. This one captured the last lingering thoughts you had of having to leave, of not getting too close. He took them all along with the last brick you had guarding your heart and you gave yourself to him, all of you. This was your home and he was the man you were supposed to be with.

…………………………………………………………………………

@saintnourah

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

Hello! I hope you're doing well ari, and I wish for your pillow to always be cool and your tea to always be your preferred temperature. Do you have anything for weird kid!Bruce, secret!reader, or sweetie!reader?

You took a pull from the bottle of wine and wiped your mouth on the sleeve of your jacket as you swallowed. The day was quiet. And cold. But- where else would you be if not here?

This is where everyone else was. And from your seat on the ground the tombstones looming over your head looked almost like buildings.

"I'm still fucking mad at you for not being there," you tell the empty air. You're not sure if you're talking to Jackie or to Bruce- maybe both of them. Wherever they are. As if they could hear you. "I did everything they wanted me to do."

And now you didn't really know what to do. Not that you had to worry about it right now. Right now, if you wanted to get drunk in a cemetery, leaning on your brother's headstone- telling him how you won a gold medal- well. That cop would have to be a pretty cold-hearted fucking asshole to cuff you and stuff you for that.

Besides. You took a taxi here. And you'd probably walk out. Then take a taxi... somewhere else. Where you didn't know.

But it didn't matter. You took another pull from the bottle of wine and exhaled slowly. The wine warmed your stomach and the warmth spread through your body. The swimming feeling in your head numbed the ache.

"Remember when you asked me what it felt like? And I told you it felt like magic? Remember when you wanted to test it?" You snort. "I don't think you can test it. It felt like everyone was holding their breath. Afraid that the littlest breeze would knock me off course- at the same time it was like no one was there at all. I couldn't hear anything but the blood in my ears."

You tilt your head back and rest it against the freezing marble. Looking at the sky. Watching thin whisps of clouds slither through the sky. "I wish you could have seen it."

Alfred paused a bit away from where you were. Assessing the situation with a pang. Bless your heart. Your brother is gone. Your best friend has evaporated into thin air to learn martial arts god knows where- and you're all alone. The best figure skater in the world, day drinking in a cemetery.

He coughed quietly to announce his presence and smiled wryly when you pulled your head upright and offered him the bottle, "Sorry, I didn't bring glasses," you tell him.

"I'm sorry I broke my leg," he said gesturing to his walking cast. "But- you did look stunning." He made his way closer to you and took the proffered bottle and took a sip with a wince, "Good god, All that money and THIS is what you bought?"

"Alfie-"

"Absolutely not. If you want to day drink and sulk by all means," he snorted, "But At the very least do it with champagne and strawberries. You WON, remember?"

"Jamie didn't like Champagne," you tell him.

"Well," Alfred said, "It's not his bloody party, is it?"

[neylo]

Becoming Marshal of France - Part one: The annoying but necessary shit

@cadmusfly is a bad influence and a terrible temptation. I want you to know that you have succeeded.

Since I was a kid, I loved the feathered hats, the colourful shiny uniforms and the overall vibe of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century. Apparently, it wasn't a phase.

I am a cosplayer and I love myself a good challenge. And now here it is. I am to make the ultimate entry for the Napoleonic fandom of Tumblr and make my own marshal uniform. I cordially invite you all to join my journey and perhaps, get inspired!

Let's start with the tunic.

Disclaimer: Reenactors, chill, I am not a millionaire - I can't, unfortunately, afford the expensive replicas of the buttons etc. I do not intend to participate in any kind of reenactment activity, and therefore I can't promise 100% historical accuracy. I would love to. But right now I can't.

Note: I use the metric system. It is nice, it is logical, and you should implement that too, Americans!

Before you start:

Step one: find the appropriate fabrics. Are you looking for dark blue? Great start. Now, it's time for some research. Napoleon's Marshals book by Osprey Publishing has done a great job describing the details. You can basically choose your own preferred material: Silk, velvet or linen. Congrats! For a whole-ass marshal tunic, you will need 2-3 metres of fabric depending on your size.

You will also need lining. I recommend linen lining and viscose lining for the sleeves.

Step two: Assess your insanity. There are multiple uniform patterns, each for a different occasion (source):

If you have three years of free time and unlimited supplies of goldwork threads, you can do the grande tenue - the first picture. I would advise you not to. But if you want, there is actually an extant one you can draw your inspiration from. It belonged to Ney. If you are going for this, you will indeed be the bravest of the brave.

Petite tenue is more subtle with less embroidery. Still, difficult as hell.

Tenue de campagne is the one I am going for. I don't like commitments. You will only need to embroider the collar and the cuffs + some stuff on the back. That is doable. That is what I am doing.

Step three: The pattern. The thing is, the patterns of the era were almost the same. I simply butchered my civilian coat pattern and changed it for a single-breasted one with a standing collar. Do you want help? I will share the pattern with you.

This is how my thing looks at the moment.

Step four: Embroidery. What is this shiny thing on the Marshals' uniforms? This is a kind of embroidery called "goldwork" and you need special metallic threads for it. They are not exactly easy to find, but Etsy is your friend. There are multiple US shops, and there is also EmbroideryMaterial shipping worldwide from India. They have a great selection and very agreeable prices.

For the Marshal tunic you shall need two kinds of threads:

The French wire (lol, it is really called like that!)

The Japanese thread (a thread wrapped in a thin gold plate)

You will also need small gold sequins.

I will show you the embroidery progress when my threads arrive. Before that happens, we need to design the embroidery. No worries, someone did it for you. That someone was actually me:

That's it for today.

Stay tuned for more posts.

[the-fiction-witch]

... I've killed an angel

Media The Artful Dodger

Character Jack Dawkins

Couple Jack X Reader + Jack X Belle (Dodgerfox)

Rating Sweet + SAD!

I stood at my small stall in the Port Victory Street doing some business with the people in town. The sweet sun beat down harshly, as usual, enjoying the pleasant day. 

"Morning  Y/n," I heard,

I glanced up and saw Doctor Jack Dawkins as he headed over to the stall, in his dusty brown shoes, faded brown trousers, washed out and tattered white shirt with strained cuffs on his sleeves poking out his jacket sleeves, his blue textured waistcoat, his straggly green tie tucked into it, his purple patterned jacket and his black velvet hat on his head. He smiled and gave me a wave as he made his way over. 

I blushed hard and adjusted myself, fixing my green cotton dress brushing off some dust and dirt from the day, and pulling my braid of  Y/H/C hair over my shoulder a little. 

"G-Good Morning, Jack," I greeted with a warm smile, 

"You alright?" he asked warmly,

"I'm alright, everything okay with you?"

"Same as usual, You coming to the cat and the bagpipes tonight? I need my back up especially with Darius still sniffing around." 

"I don't know I have a lot of work to do,"

"Aww work's more fun than cards with me is it? Come on  Y/n I need you, Angel," He said as he came close and fixed some of my  Y/H/C hair from my face, "Please," He pouted giving his pouty puppy eyes, 

"Course, how did seven sound?"

"Perfect, I'll see you later then." He said starting on his way but he turned back, "Actually."

"Yes, Jack?" I asked excitedly, 

"I think you know what I'm gonna ask," he smiled wickedly, 

"what do you need?" I jokingly rolled my eyes, 

"You think you could get your hands on some beeswax?"

"Why?" 

"Hey! That happened to the no judgment part of our deal?"

"Alright, I'll see what I can do, when do you need it by?" 

"Whenever you have time  Y/n," he cooed and headed off on his business. 

I blushed and got on with my work making a note of what he wanted. 

I smiled as I headed to the cat and the bagpipes to play cards with Jack, Darius and whoever else was there tonight, I saw Jack waiting outside so I headed over with a smile. 

"Evening Jack,"

"Evening, you seem chipper tonight?"

"I like playing cards with you," I smiled, "Ohh here I found you some," I said handing over the beeswax candles I found for him out of my pocket, 

"Ahh, you are an angel,  Y/n," He smiled happily taking them and adding them to his pockets, kissing my forehead. 

"What do you need them for anyway?"

"Hey, you know our deal. I don't ask how you find stuff you don't ask why I need it." 

"Alright fine, come on let's get going." I encouraged going to head inside but I noticed he was looking, I thought for a moment that he was staring at me and I blushed hard feeling so giddy with joy to see him look at me with such sweet loving eyes, "Ohh, Jack... You're staring?" I giggled,

"Hum? Ohh uhh yeah I uhhh I guess sorry she uhh she's just -" He explained shaking himself out but immediately returning, 

"She?" I asked turning on my heels to see the busy street with various people heading away for the day I saw a sight. 

Across the street, a woman stood in a beautiful impressive red plaid dress, with sweet blonde curls and a lady-like hat and parasol, she walked on the arm of the governor as they went about some business. 

He was looking at her, not at me. 

And I felt my heart shattering to see him looking the way I had always wished for him to look at me, but he didn't look at me. I have been standing and waiting by his side for so long but now he looks at a girl he doesn't even know the name of that he sees briefly across the street. 

"shall we go then?"

"Yeah, Yeah I uhh I'll meet you in there okay," He said as he walked away heading down the street,

"Jack-" I began but he was already gone, 

I sighed and headed in sitting at the table and starting the card game without him, I played a few games wondering and worrying where he was until finally, Jack arrived, "Hey, You finally joining us?"

"Yeah, sorry." He said sitting down beside me and we started a new game, 

"You okay?"

"Yeah, fine." He answered as he took his lucky coin from his pocket and began his usual trick of tossing the coin between his fingers as we plaid, 

"What did you have to do?"

"Nothing  Y/n," he chuckled and we got on with our game, 

"...Alright," I sighed,

I got on with my work at my stall doing my business for the morning,

" Y/n," Jack greeted as he approached,

I smiled widely as I hadn't seen him in a few days odd as I was used to seeing him daily, "Morning Jack,"

"I have a little job for my angel." He smirked leaning on my stall, 

"Oh?"

"I need you to go do a little whisper searching, a little recon, a little digging for me,"

"Digging? around what am I digging? Are you trying to find out Sneed's secrets again? cause I keep telling you he's a very boring man he doesn't have interesting dirt to dig though," I chuckled, 

"No, No not Sneed." He said, "Belle."

"Humm?"

"Lady Belle Fox. I want you to... do a little digging for me."

"For what exactly?"

"I wanna know... What she's like, what she is interested in, her little secrets and such like, Come on your good at this stuff." 

"I will have a dig but why do you-"

"You don't judge that's the deal." He said, "Come on, Please" he pouted,

"Alright, when do you need it by?"

"As soon as possible." He winked, "You're an angel, I'll see you soon." He said before he headed off, 

I didn't like doing this but I knew I wanted to do as Jack had asked me, I snuck my way to the governor's estate in my cloak. I found my way into her room and dug around for information about her but I didn't need to dig for long her room reminded me of Jack's, filled with surgical diagrams, and equipment, Belle's room showed her lack of care for art, for music the often frivolous lady things, she was focused, driven, wrote to surgeons overseas, kept medical journals of her experiments.

... all of it froze me to my core, to think of how she and Jack would be so perfect together. 

How much he would surely love her.

I got what I needed and headed to the hospital where I found Jack in his room waiting for me, 

" Y/n!" He perked up getting to his feet from his bed where he had been laid with his waistcoat and tie gone, "Did you dig?"

"I... I did."

"Well, what can you tell me?"

For a moment I considered lying to him, telling him lies about her to try and convince him to completely stay away from her but I couldn't bear to do so. I told him the truth, I told him everything he wanted to know and he couldn't be happier. He held my arms and kissed my forehead.

"You are an angel." He smiled, "Thank you,  Y/n,"

"You're welcome," I nodded,

"I need to get to work then," he smiled,

"I uhhh I'll let you get on then," I said trying to hide my feelings forcing them away and forcing myself to leave before my pain overflowed.

I got on with my work as usual on my stall, I missed Jack more than anything but I hadn't seen him in weeks now. Not even in passing, but I couldn't bring myself to go and see him especially without a reason to. I felt like... He'd abandoned me. 

When I packed my stall for the day I noticed a book in my box, I was meant to give it to Jack a while back when he asked me to find it for him and I never did give it to him. So I packed up and headed to the hospital book in hand, I went up to his room but I found it empty, so I went to his ward and again found it empty, I checked the theatre but still empty, I was confused wondering if perhaps he was out. But as I wandered the halls and corridors at last I found him, in the morgue cutting open a body, with Belle beside him. She looked beautiful in her black dress their hands connected and bloody as he guided her and aided her, his head inches from her shoulder. 

"Somewhere in there is how we think, and feel," she said, As she watched the surgery they worked on, "And Love,"

"And die,"

"It's so much more than plumbing"

he smiled to her giving her this look of utter devotion, the look I had always wanted, "Oh-  Y/n."

"Hi, Jack,"

"what are you doing here?"

"I uhh I have that book, you were looking for," I said stepping closer fixing my hair and offering him it,

"Ohh! right! course. Sorry, I forgot I even asked you too look for it for me." he laughed, "Thanks." he said, almost cold, No angel, no kiss, nothing. 

"Y-you're welcome," I nodded trying to fight back tears as I turned around and headed out, 

"Right on to the next thing Milady." He said to her, 

I began to walk out and by the time I was at the hospital entryway, I was balling tears flooding down my face and my feet were causing me to run, bursting out the door and quickly finding a wall to try and hyperventilate. 

That's it. 

I've been replaced. 

I had been doing my best to deal with everything, but it wasn't going well, I hadn't seen Jack in ages, he hadn't come to see me at all and I missed him so badly, I knew I couldn't wait anymore I had to go and tell him the truth, tell him how I felt. So I slipped on my cloak and headed through to the hospital I checked his ward, he wasn't there, I checked his room, he wasn't there, I went to check the theatre but the door was locked that's odd? so I went around into the prep room door and thought there to go in that way I stopped short. 

I looked through the prep room glass window into the theatre, and I saw Sneed on the table knocked out for his surgery. Lady Belle on one side of the table, Jack on the other. The surgery hadn't begun yet so I planned to rush in but- 

Before I could even move I saw this moment in slow motion, as they leaned in, leaning over the table and even if it broke my heart into a million pieces I saw as they're lips met and they kissed. 

My mouth fell open and I wanted to scream but no sound came out. 

Tears flooded down my face.

I turned and ran out of the hospital onto the darkening streets, through my tears and broken heart I accepted it, finally and completely. 

He loved her, and I was nothing. 

I went home and I cried for what felt like weeks, unable to even leave my bed. 

Slowly I accepted that I had to get on, make money, and pay my way, even with a shattered heart. I tried to rationalize it by feeling happy, that Jack had found someone he could love so utterly, that he and Belle were happy together, they'd be together in love, get married, have a house with surgical equipment everywhere, little blonde doctor children and live a happy life. Even if that meant I wouldn't get what I wanted, even if I wasn't a part of this life he was to build. 

I got on with work at my stall when I saw a sight that... even after this time still brought me such pain, Jack walking arm in arm with Belle down the street he barely noticed me the two walking past like I was nothing, just another market girl. But he stopped,

" Y/n?"

"Hi Doctor Dawkins," I answered part of me hoping he wouldn't have to stop, 

"Hi, Sorry I haven't seen you Everything has been so busy at the hospital."

"That's alright,"

 "You know I uhh I'm going out for cards tonight, if you wanna come?"

"No, I uhhh... I'm busy tonight."

"Oh, Really? you never miss cards come on."

"I really can't I'm sorry,"

"Shame. Alright then. But as I see you I do have a little job for you."

"Ohh I uhh I don't do that sort of thing anymore."

"wh-what?" he chuckled,

"I don't do that sort of thing anymore Doctor."

"You don't?"

"Jack we should be going we have to be back at the hospital for Mr Martin's amputation," Belle spoke up,

"Yes, just one second." he told her, "You really don't do it anymore? but it's always been your little job? You're my angel? and what's all this doctor stuff? what's going on with you?" 

"Y-You should really get going."

"...Alright, we're not done talking about this." He says the two heading off, 

I had hoped it was over, that he would simply forget. But I saw as they walked away heading to the hospital, I saw a black carriage the horses going crazy, the carriage heading through the town on a course. But I couldn't let it happen I bolted across the market and shoved Jack and Belle out of the way hearing them both complain as they hit the dirt. And I screamed as my body hit the carriage and the earth. 

" Y/n!" I rushed over as the carriage hurried off, I picked her up in my arms seeing her bloody and her body broken, her green dress stained with her blood and the muck of the carriage wheels, her  Y/H/C hair cascading around her, her pale skin even more so than usual, her Y/C/E eyes looking up to the meet the blue sky. " Y/n,  Y/n," I muttered,

"she- she pushed us out the way," Belle spoke up as she came close,

"She pushed us... she saved us..." I muttered already tears welling up, "Get a cart we have to get her to the hospital now!"

She nodded and quickly fetched one so I picked  Y/n up and carried her in setting her in the back, 

"You're gonna be okay, it's all okay, I'm gonna fix you, It's all gonna be okay angel I promise," I told her, 

She couldn't speak, she could barely look at me, we rushed her to the hospital and into the theatre where both Belle and I worked attempting to piece back together her mangled body being careful not to damage her further having given her a decent dose of morphia to dull the pain, 

"Jack..." Belle spoke up as she held  Y/n's neck and shoulder her pale skin purple, red and swelling by the moment, and I knew what the issue was,

"No. No. say it isn't so."

"... If we don't the bone will continue to pinch her jugular-"

"and it'll kill her." 

"But if we reset it-"

"We have a fifty-fifty chance we miss nicking the jugular which if we nick... she bleeds out and dies." I finished and she nodded, 

"what do we do?"

"...I... I don't know." 

"If we do nick it... can we sew it with surgery?"

"Not the jugular if we nick it she has two minutes maybe before she bleeds out or drowns in her blood. I'm fast I'm not that fast. not on sewing a jugular." I explained, 

"I-I'll give you a moment," she said heading out leaving  Y/n and me alone,

" Y/n,  Y/n.  Y/n angel please, please just open your eyes for me." I pleased her holding her head in my hands, she heard me and slowly opened her eyes staring at me with those Y/C/E orbs her breath harsh as she could barely deal with the pain. " Y/n, There is something we have to do, if I don't do it you'll die, but if I do... it's a coin toss if you'll survive. I-I can't make this decision on my own. I don't want to rush you but uhh time is an element here,"

"Jack..." her voice breathy her hand came to stroke my cheek, "I loved you."

"wh-what?"

"I loved you, from the first moment we met. I never was an odd job girl... I just did whatever you asked me no matter how foolish."

"You- You did that for me?"

"I did. Becuase I loved you, and I wanted to do whatever you asked to try... and make you look at me." she gasped, 

"If you loved me why have you been so distant?"

"Becuase I watched you fall for her."

My heart broke as she told me,

"I watched you fall for her, Love her, I watched her take up the place I dreamt of, I saw you look at her how I always wanted you to look at me."

"why didn't you tell me? if you had just told me we-"

"What?"

"We could have been together, I love you of course I love you, I've always loved you. You're  Y/n. My  Y/n. My odd job girl. My sweet sweet compainion, My Y/C/E eyes siren, My card partner. My- My angel." I explained through my tears, "If you had just told me we could... we could have been together."

"It's too late."

"It's not too late-"

"But I'm not her." she gasped, "and I can't replace her in your heart."

"But I love you..."

"And you love her, but you can't love us both." she said, "and you'd be happier with her-"

"You don't know that, you don't know that I wouldn't be a million times happier with you." 

"I can't make you choose between us, that isn't fair." she said, "...like this moment, there is nothing you can do, no choice you can make, without the risk of hurting one of us." 

"I don't want to hurt you, or her."

"I'm not making you. I'm letting you be happy."

"You can't make this decision for me."

"Please, Jack... Just let me go... you can't let me live in a world where I will never have the man I love,"

"what if I choose you? what if I pick you? We can get married, have a house, a family everything you've ever wanted, if I made you feel loved, if I told you how much I love my angel for the rest of our days,"

"Then that's not fair to her is it?"

"She's a lady she has a thousand suitors."

"But there not you. She's perfect. I knew that the moment I met her you couldn't give her up for me Jack."

"what if I want to. What if I want to give her up, to be with you?"

"I will not have her broken heart on my hands," she gasped, "I know that in this world I can't have what I want."

"I want you to have what you want. I want to love you, I want to be with you."

"Jack, please... don't make this harder." she pleaded, "let me go please, let me go and I'll be happy to know you're happy."

"You cannot ask this of me." I pleaded between tears, " Y/n, please. Angel. I love you, and I am a doctor both are reasons I can't just let you die in my arms."

"Please Jack," she begged, "Go, be with her, build a life with her, give her everything she has ever wanted, I ask only... for one kiss, and for you to hold me and look at me as I go, like I'm the only girl in the world."

"I-I will." I nodded even if it broke me apart, I held her close and kissed her sweet lips as I did I felt this horrible agony as I felt a firework a feeling I had never felt before, Belle might be perfect on paper but  Y/n gives me a spark I can't feel with anyone else. But it was too late. As I kissed her I did as she asked and I purposely reset the bone making sure I nicked her jugular immediately seeing the pain wash over her, watching her skin turn red the agnory in her eyes. I counted the seconds as I kissed her again, I stroked her cheek and I looked into her sweet eyes with the look of the purest and sweetest love I could give her, I looked at her as if we were all that mattered, all that existed. And she was all that I wanted. "I love you, I have always loved you, My sweet  Y/n, My Angel. I love you now. And I will love you until I am on the ground beside you." I whispered to her, "I will find you, in the next life, and I will show you all the love I should have given you in this one," as I watched the life leave her eyes and I held her in my arms, as I saw her into the next life. 

As soon as her heart stopped, I felt this agony, this crippling pain like my own heart was ripping apart, tears flooded down my face as I kissed her one final time her lips cold and the spark... gone. 

"Jack?" Belle spoke up as she had returned, she had seen what I had done and heard what I had said to  Y/n, her eyes teary. "What have you done," she whispered, 

"... I've killed an angel," I answered, 

[ladycrocy]

Doffytober - Day 15 - Chains

Doflamingo X afabReader

Summary: You have defied your Master and he seeks to punish you accordingly. Since your master is Doflamingo, this is never a basic spanking. Instead, he forces you to push your body to its limits to keep yourself alive while he uses a bullwhip on your body. ((Please note that I cannot draw but I really REALLY wanted to contribute to my main man's month!))

Inspired to write this due to this post!

Content Warning: Master/Slave, Verbal Abuse, Impact play, life-threatening choking, Bondage, Chains

AO3

Word Count: 1005

You awoke in darkness.

Chained to a wall in only a button-up shirt that was unbuttoned and a pair of panties. The last thing you remembered was defying Master's request. Doflamingo had always stated that his punishment was severe, but you never took him seriously. Despite him being one of the most terrifying man you had ever met. Most even dubbing him the Heavenly Demon. Still, this never seemed to scare you enough to keep you away from him. You had easily gained his attention at one of the many festivals of Dressrosa. The power and challenge of him inticed you more than it should have.

The sound of his dress shoes echoed on the hard wood floors through the 'punishment room' until you heard

a click and then blinded by a single light in the middle of the room. Once your eyes were able to adjust, you saw your Master towering over you, silhouetted by the light behind him. His pink feathery coat only seemed to make him look that much bigger to someone small and vulnerable as you were right now. You were too scared to talk back this time. Doflamingo bent down and undid your chains, and with a massive hand, grabbed both of your wrists

roughly. With ease, the Warlord was able to lift you to your feet. His voice was domineering and deep as he gave you orders.

"Place your hands behind your back." Doflamingo's eyes seemed to pierce through his red tinted glasses into yours. Quickly, you did as you were told, and he bound them firmly with pink colored cuffs that were chained together. "You filthy cunt.. You forced my hand.. Now you will be punished. Do not worry, though. You will quickly learn how to be an obedient slave... or die trying.."

That last line sent chills down your spine. He led you to two stools that were two feet apart. Doflamingo gently assisted you to stand on top of them. Due to his height, he was able to reach your neck, where he placed a hook that clipped to the slave collar he had procured for you. Your heart began to pound as you realized exactly what was happening. Your legs were forced to spread a part on unbalanced stools with you forced to stand on the balls of your feet rather uncomfortably. If you were to lose balance, you would end up hanging yourself.

The chain was pulled tight at your neck. Doflamingo trailed his hand softly at your skin under the shirt before opening the shirt and revealing your perky breasts. His hands ran up your body, grazing the underside of your mounds and

crossing your hard nipples with his thumbs.

Your cheeks flushed, and you closed your eyes tight as you bit your lip. A smirk came to Doflamingo's lips as he stepped back from you, releasing his gentle caress. This caused you to open your eyes and watch the beast of a man you call Master.

The Warlord had stepped away with his back to you. He was grabbing something from the table. When he turned to you, you saw he was holding a pitch black leather bull whip. Your eyes instantly started to water as you began to plead. "M-Master no I... Please don't I promise.."

He held a finger to his lips and replied, "Shhhh... The more you plead, the harder I will swing. Now be a good girl and accept your punishment." Biting the whip in his teeth, with his predatory gaze, he removed his signature coat and rolled up his sleeves slowly. He snapped his wrist to the side, and the whip made a loud, terrifying crack. Your legs started to shake, causing the stools to wobble. The tug of the chain around your collar pulled at your neck, firm and uncomfortable.

Doflamingo swung back and let the whip fly. The first contact was at the side of your panties, which caused the material to give way to the impact and rip. His aim was perfect as the next three cracks caused the tattered fabric of your panties to fall from your body onto the floor. The next two hits crossed your nipples and you let out a loud scream. No matter the pain, your juices began to drip from your exposed womanhood. The juices pooled onto the floor next to the fallen fabric of the panties. Your screams pleased the Warlord, as his smile widened into a sadistic grin. His obscene tongue fell from his lips. "What a delicious looking mess you are creating, slave. I do love to see a needy cunt dripping for me and me alone~"

With every hit of the whip your legs shook and caused the stools to shake more. Then, the unthinkable happened. He reeled back and swung much harder. The whip made contact with your exposed womanhood. Your scream echoed throughout the palace. Your knees tried to buckle to instinctively close your legs to protect your most sensitive area. However, if you were to do that, the stools would fall, and you would hang yourself. So it took every ounce of control you could muster to force your legs to stay open and keep your pussy exposed.

Doflamingo smirked with a chuckle, watching your body squirm and shake. He swung again, directly hitting your overly sensitive clit. Your legs trembled, and the stools threatened to give way again. Your punishment went on like this for what seemed like hours. Even though it was more like minutes.

He paused to come over and placed his hand over your red and swollen area, roughly massaging the moist folds of your pussy. "You always were a masochistic little slut weren't you?~ I bet you are enjoying this... Beg me for more.~"

Your voice was shaky and you were gasping for air. Your body glistened with sweat, but you replied weakly, "P-Please Master... M-more... Punish my naughty pussy more...~"

Doflamingo chuckled and stood back. "Very well, Slut... I will stop going easy on you.~"

Banner creator

[jjkamochoso]

I just want to say thank you for always writing my silly little request! I was wondering if maybe you could write about Noritoshi comforting non-binary- reader about being trans/non-binary? Again thank you sm for putting up with all of my noritoshi ask ^_^

OF COURSE OMG ITS AN HONOR TO TAKE YOUR REQUESTS :'))))))) I love writing for Noritoshi (as you can all tell lmao) and you always have such cute ideas!!! I hope I was able to do the scenario justice here-- I kinda ended up going down a self conscious/uncomfortable in body route which I hope is okay but lmk if you'd like a different scenario!

Also, I wrote for a non-binary reader but if you'd like a transgender reader version I can definitely whip that up so just lmk <3 I'd love to take more of your requests when my inbox opens back up in a few days!! Much love to you <3 <3

I Love You for You

Fluff

Noritoshi Kamo x non-binary!reader

Warnings: negative self image

You know those days where everything just feels... off?

Your hair isn't going right, your outfit looks wrong, you have a weird, uncomfortable sensation flowing through your body at all times?

Yeah?

That's how you felt today.

There was no rhyme or reason for you to be experiencing such dread like this, but you were, and you absolutely hated it. You pulled down at the hem of your oversized sweatshirt, an outfit choice much too warm for the hot sun beaming down on you, but you couldn't bear to wear anything more revealing while you were in a state of self loathing. You finally slowed your jog to a walking pace, happy to be finished with today's brutal training. You made your way to a tree, relishing in the shade of the leaves, but it did little to cool you down. As you tried to catch your breath from your previous exercise, you spied Noritoshi on his way to you, a bottle of water in his hand.

"You're getting better at training every day, y/n. I'm proud of your hard work," he said, handing you the bottle with a hint of a smile on his lips. You eagerly downed the drink, grateful for the chance to cool your insides. Unfortunately, it didn't work all too well, and you were back to sweating up a storm.

"You can take your sweatshirt off, you know. It's not public indecency," your boyfriend joked, tugging at the cuff of your sleeve. You quickly yanked your arm away, avoiding eye contact with the man who was now frowning.

"I'm fine," you mumbled, looking off into the distance. "It's not that hot."

Noritoshi could tell immediately that something wasn't right with you, but he wasn't the pushy type. He understood that sometimes, people had things going on that they didn't want to talk about, and he respected that. However, he wasn't going to let you suffer in the blazing heat.

"C'mon." He nodded toward the dorm kitchen. "Let's grab something to eat."

"I'm not hungry. You go ahead."

Okay, he knew something was really wrong.

"Obviously I know something's bothering you and you don't have to tell me what, but could you please at least go inside? I don't want you to get heatstroke," he said, his gray eyes filled with worry.

"I'm gonna go take a shower," you said, not meeting his gaze, "and then I'm gonna take a nap. See you."

You hurried away from Noritoshi, not wanting him to look at you anymore. When you didn't feel comfortable in your own skin, you didn't want others to see you and any time you were with Noritoshi, it was like he knew you better than you knew yourself, and you weren't in the mood to explain all of your self doubts that he probably already guessed you were experiencing. When you got in the shower, you tried to scrub away all the feelings of self consciousness, but when you were drying off and spotted yourself in the mirror, they all came back. You ran back to your dorm as quick as you could, thankfully without running into anyone else you knew. With a sigh, you threw yourself on your bed and laid in silence, too upset to attempt to sleep like your original plan was. You stared at the ceiling, wishing you could just ignore these thoughts. For you, being nonbinary was the perfect way to express your identity, and most days, everything was fine and you were positively content with yourself. On the days you were plagued with self image issues, though, you found yourself wondering how you could look better, fit in more. Would people respect you if you dressed differently or if you aligned with a certain gender instead of rejecting that notion as a whole? You groaned.

If I changed all of that about me, then I wouldn't be me.

You were kicked out of your thoughts by a knock at the door. You ignored it, hoping the person would go away.

"I know you're in there and I know you're not napping. You can't sleep when you're upset."

Yep, Noritoshi knows you too well.

"Come in," you huffed, though you were secretly relieved he came to find you. If there was anyone who could lift your spirits, it was him. Your boyfriend walked over to your bed after setting a bag of food on the table. Your stomach growled in anticipation of the delicious meal he brought, making him laugh a bit.

"I also knew you were lying when you said you weren't hungry."

Noritoshi laid on the bed next to you, resting his chin in his hand and staring at you with a mix of fondness and concern. "You wanna talk about it?"

"I... no, it's dumb. I'll get over it."

"Do you want to get over it or work through it?"

You sat up, your eyebrows furrowing. "Are you always this profound?"

"Only around you, my love."

You playfully scoffed as he patiently continued to wait for you to speak your mind, because of course he knew you would when you were ready.

You took a deep breath. "It's about me. My body and my... identity."

That got his attention as he, too, sat up to show you he was taking you seriously.

"Today has been really, really, crappy for me in terms of accepting myself. I don't know why, but it was just impossible. Every time I looked at myself, I... didn't like what I saw. I didn't feel like I deserved to stand by your side as your partner and that's why I ran away earlier. Being nonbinary is great and it's how I want to express myself but today, it just... it didn't feel right."

He nodded solemnly. "Do you think you would feel better if you didn't use a label at all? Would that help ease some of these feelings? Maybe you wouldn't be so hard on yourself if you didn't feel pressured to fit in a certain group."

"I see where you're coming from, but nonbinary is still what feels right," you said. "It's just hard sometimes, you know?"

"Admittedly, I don't, but I do know what it's like to feel out of place or like you don't belong somewhere. But, y/n," he said, earnestly grabbing your hands in his own, "I don't ever want you to feel like that around me. I want to be that safe space where you feel totally, completely comfortable just being yourself. You're so kind, funny, and you have a heart of gold. I could list a million more different attributes that I find so wonderful about you. I'm honored to have you as a partner. I love you for you, and you should, too. Don't be afraid to show the world just how special you are."

Noritoshi gave your hands a squeeze before leaning in to give you a gentle kiss, his soft lips leaving you breathless. When you both pulled away, he kept his forehead against yours, noses brushing one another.

"There's nobody more attractive than you, no matter how you dress, do your hair, or otherwise present or label yourself. You're perfect the way you are." He pressed a chaste kiss to your forehead. "And I will tell you that as many times as it takes for you to believe it." Another kiss, this time on both of your cheeks. "Got it?"

"Mmm, maybe another kiss like that first one will make me remember," you teased, causing Noritoshi to blush. It felt great to know that no matter what you were going through, you had a wonderful person there by your side to support you the best he could.

[witchersmistress]

A guarded walk home

hello darlings, here is a secon part for New Orleans. took me a few days, wanted to make sure i had some historical facts as close to accurate as possible!

Summary: A POV from both Aurora and Syverson, one set in the first year that they met in 1864 and then in the now in present time of their reunion.

Word count: 2.7 K

Trigger warnings: swearing, pda and swoon worth heroics

New Orleans 1864

Slipping on my lace gloves as the cool evening mist curled around my ankles as I made my way down the front steps of my friend Caroline’s home. “Are you sure you can’t wait a few more moments, John will happily walk you home? '' she said as she held her hand on her back and the other one cradling her pregnant stomach. “ I don't want to see you go missing like so many women before you” her face taught with worry “Tsk tsk” i said turn to meet her gaze “ You need John more than I do, it's only a short walk down the road, I’ll be fine, I'll stick to the french quarter, they have those fancy cast iron lights now” I teased her “now remember what I said about the tea and stay off your feet'' she nodded and watched me walk to the end of the walk way, waving one final time as she closed the door.

Father certainly would disapprove of my lack of escorts but after seeing my patients I'd like to go over what we discussed and preparations I may need for next time. As one of the few midwives here in the French quarter, I was always summoned at every hour of the day and night. The sun was well past the horizon but the moon was full, the gas men won't be out tonight to light the street lamps, officials ordered, there was still plenty of light from the moon to guide my way home. Passing shop owners as they closed down for the night, Bourbon Street was rather quiet this evening. The local drunkards started to filter out into the moonlit night with their fallen women of choosing, ducking passed to avoid being insnared in that mess, I made my way across the cobble stone street as a woman let out a horrific shriek, looking back to see her, pinned to the wall as the man rutted into her.

I kept walking but collided with a wall of some sort. Losing my balance, I began to fall back when strong arms encircled my waist to keep me steady. I looked up into the face of my hero and it was the heroic Captain Syverson. In his confederate uniform. The long grey sleeves are lined with red, with a red cuff at the bottom. His three gold stripes on his shoulder blade indicate his status. He looked down at me with those cerulean blue eyes. The corner of his mouth was turned up in a crooked grin. “Well Ms. Hathaway, you need to be more careful where you are walking” he steady me on my feet, reaching down he grabbed my basket and handed it back to me. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks “Thank.. Thank you Captain "I stutter trying to conceal my blushing face.

He cocked an eyebrow, “Where is your escort home? It's not safe to be walking the streets late at night "I brush away the imaginary dirt off my skirts “ I was just leaving The Davenports, Caroline is a dear friend and she is nearing the end of her pregnancy and is a nervous wreck.” i said with a slight smile “ I was admit that i would make it home just fine on my own, that she needed John more than I so hear i am” i let out a soft laugh, i seriously sounded so ridiculous, that even Logan was laughing “ My you are a stubborn thing, aren't you?” Straightening to his full height, he adjusted the sword on his side. “ Would you allow me the privilege to escort you the rest of the way home?” I nodded at him as he offered me his elbow, looping my right arm through his as we continued our walk towards my fathers home. We chatted softly amongst ourselves. I've never felt more relaxed in another person’s company, we laugh over the little things. We come upon the gate to my home, far too quickly. He opens the gate and allows me to pass by before closing the gate behind him. He walked me up to my front door.

We stood there for a few silent moments, stepping closer,while he cleared his throat “ Should you ever find that you are in need of an escort, especially at night, please feel free to send for me, no matter how late or how early.” he stepped back as my front door opened, it was Charlotte, our maid, she was a dear friend of mine and so curious about the work I did. The captain smiled up at her “Good evening, just making sure that Ms. Hathway made it home safely, with all these disappearances you can't ever be to safe” she smiled softly and in a soft voice “That is very kind of you Captain, her father would be quiet pleased by this'' she looked over at me “ Your father instructed me to wait for you before heading for home, he was called away on an emergency and will be back as soon as he can.” i nod “Thank you Charlotte, give me just a moment with the Captain, I’ll be right in” she nodded, curtsied and closed the door with a soft click

New Orleans 2023

“ I wanted to thank you again for escorting me home” he gave me a smile, his white canines flashing at me, as i went to turn and open the door, his hand gripping my jaw stopped me. I looked up into those blue eyes, swirling with so many feelings. He leaned in so close that his lips were centimeters from mine “I mean it Aurora, send for me, don't travel alone in the dark '' I nodded as I stared at his plump lips. He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss against my lips before pulling away and walking down the stairs “Have a good night Ms. Hathaway” I’m too stunned to speak as i watched him disappear into the foggy evening, hastily open the door, i let myself in and shut the door with a slam, as my cheeks turn pink, placing my basket and gloves on the table Charlotte rounded the corner, she just raised an eyebrow, she didn't have to say anything but i knew what she was thinking I waved her off “I’m off to bed, incase Caroline needs me” she nodded “Yes ma’am, have a good night” i thank her and make my way up to my room. Still thinking about the feeling of his lips on mine.

I was loading up my truck in the early morning sun, with the help of Gus, when a familiar smell washed over me. The smell of juniper, citrus and rose, I knew that perfume anywhere. It was her. But that was impossible, I lost her so long ago. Sliding the pocket watch out of my pocket, the one she had given so long ago, I opened it to reveal the only photo I possessed of her after that faithful night. I still remember everything about her. The way her porcelain skin flushed a beautiful shade of pink when I said something that caused her to blush. The way she lite up when she talked about something she loved. Her funny and silly demeanor that she fought so hard to hide. Her dedication to her patients, the way she slept on my chest on the night she managed to escape from her duties. With a sad smile I closed the pocket watch and put her back in my pocket. The scent grew stronger with a faint hint of green tea and honey. I tracked the scent across the street to the cafe, but it wasn't there, it was higher up, moving my eyes across the balconies when a flash of red caught my attention, i focused in on the girl, she lifted her gaze from her mug and met mine, those eyes, id recognize anywhere, where looking back at me with a slightly blush to her cheeks.

Syverson’s pov

She was just as beautiful as the last time I saw her, the same night, she died in my arms. That was over 150 years ago and it felt like yesterday I watched her breathe her last breath. She had the same striking green eyes, the freckles that peppered her skin, like a million little kisses from the sun. That same shade of red-hair, down to the middle of her back, where I'm sure she has those two dimples at the bottom of her spine just above the sweet swell of that curvy ass. I chewed on my lip as I took her in like I was seeing her again for the first time.

This first time we had met was at a founders day party. She was absolutely breathe taking in the emerald green gown, with black lace and beading on her bodice. Her black satin gloves up to her elbows. Her hair pinned back in elegant curls and around her neck was a simple silver and gold heart shaped locket, that she had inherited from her grandmother on her 13th birthday, that's what she told me. I starred at her for a few moments before I smiled and waved at her. Her cheeks flushing even more. Throwing my rag in the back of my pick up, I jog to just under her balcony, my body vibrating with the possibility that it was indeed my girl.

We bantered for a minute but I couldn't stand to not be this close to her and not have her in my arms. I jumped up and grabbed the railing of the balcony and hauled myself up with ease. She stood there with her mouth agape like a cod fish out of water.

I placed two fingers under her chin gently pushing it up with an audible click as her teeth met. I'm Logan and you are?" She took a few moments "Aurora, but most people call me Rory" I took a step closer and curled a strand of her hair around my finger " I think I prefer Aurora" I drank in her features I never wanted to forget them trailing my eyes down her neck and chest settling on the silver and gold heart shaped necklace that she had worn so many years ago, I gave it to her sister after passed, its what she would have wanted. I looked back up at her inquisitive face, her green orbs sparkled with amusement, and delight but also recognition. Some part of her soul remembered me. "I finally found you" I breathed. She looked at me with a quizzical expression,and one of my men whistled at me "Come on Syverson, we need to get going." I let out a low growl of annoyance at him before looking back up at her. " Till next time sugah" placing a soft kiss on the corner of her plump lips, I dropped down over the balcony and strutted over to my truck.

I looked at the few strands of hair I got off her shirt and looked at Gus " Come on old boy, we have a witch to find" he ground and rolled his head back " No way man you can drop me off, I ain't ever stepping foot in Ms. Freya's house again" I rolled my eyes at him " She isn't that terrifying" he looked at me like I was a edjit. " I swear that woman put some voodoo magic in my house and she always watching me" I belted out a laugh "Fine then you big baby" as I parked the truck I'm her driveway " you can stay here and wait for old Louise, I'm sure he misses you" his eyes widen looking around the property " on second thought going inside doesn't seem like such a bad idea after all" he quickly hopped out of the truck and on to her porch, I laugh at him as I climbed out, and up the stairs to visit an old friend.

Looking up one last time at my shining star, she stood there bewildered, a soft wind blowing her hair behind her. Looking over at my passenger seat, looking at my right hand man, Gus. "Kill joy" he just smirked at me as I drove down the bustling french quarter, looking back at mon cher as she leaned over the edge of her balcony till all I could see was her silhouette.

[justafairytailofinnocence]

Hello!! I don't know if your still writing or taking requests or anything but I was wandering if you could, do a headcanon on how the potc characters would react if reader was like really cold please? But if you are not taking any requests all good!! I love your work!💗

Xx

Hello dear💖, thanks for your request.

How they react to you being cold🥶

Jack sparrow

It was winter, the pearl had travelled into the arctic sea. Snow droplets melted as they touched the sea's water.

You were swabbing the deck, it was so cold, and you had but only a single layer of coating on you.

Freezing, all you felt was the cold. You wanted to burn the cargo using the wood and clothes off the other sailors.

Jack was at the helm; his beard and hair were frozen into icesickles of hair.

Master gibbs had trailed the stairs to ask Jack. "Captain, we've prepared to set course".

Jack confirmed with Master Gibbs "Aye, master Gibbs".

Suddenly master Gibbs set his eyes on you, you held your coat around you.

"Jack, tha' swab o'er there, don'tcha thin tha lass/lad/y/n be freezin" Gibbs questioned.

Jack looks down to you, in the distance Gibbs said "poor lass/lad/y/n".

Jack walked off the helm while smiling at master Gibbs "keep an eye on er for me master Gibbs".

Jack strutted down the stairs and walked by you.

"Y'know, standin' round ere ain't really a good idea love" Jack pointed out.

"Not that I judge, but, I don't think being an icicle was apart of our little plan, now, was it, savvy" Jack held a playful smirk.

You weren't in the mood to argue as you focused on getting warmer "what do you want captain".

Jack without warning took off his coat and held it out to you.

"Now, you can take it or--I'm sure your well on your way from being an icicle mate" Jack smiled, perking his cattish like eyes.

You grabbed Jack's coat with no thought and held it around you. It was bigger, and the cuffs of the sleeves couldn't even fit around your arm.

It was warmer though, no wonder the captains coat was much better then anything.

"Keep it til it's warmer, we should be heading out of this soon" Jack strutted off to find some rum. He hid the cargo somewhere, where no one can find it due to the suspension the crew may want to burn it for a fire.

You smile to yourself while thanking jack "thank you jack".

Will Turner

You were on the black pearl, sailing to try and rescue Elizabeth from the clutches of Captain Barbossa.

You sitting at the side freezing, Will stood over Jack as he worriedly kept an eye on you.

"Jack, I don't think y/n's well, she looks cold" will pointed out.

"Well, I would say, if it were me" Jack gave a little advice "say something, incredibly flattering, charm the lass/lad/person and drink under the covers".

Will looked at Jack confused and awkwardly Said "I think I'll just offer her a coat actually".

Will walked down the stairs to find you cold. "Your freezing y/n" will immediately take's off his coat and places it around you.

"Come on, let's go inside, we'll need your help later" will smiled.

"Oh I'm sure they certainly will, dear William" Jack interrupted just to be annoying.

Will gave a quick look up to Jack before helping you in the cabin.

Once you were inside, Will placed a few of the hammocks blankets around you.

"Don't worry y/n, you'll warm up soon" will smiled.

You leaned into Will's shoulder as he tensed up, not many women had done this before.

Will hugged you back as on the outside jack whispered to master gibbs as he walked past.

"So, I have one curious question on my mind, do you think the lass/lad/person will fancy our dear William or perhaps he'll fancy Elizabeth".

"Are ye asking fer a bet jack" Gibbs questioned.

Elizabeth swann

You were sailing into the end of the world, a place with uncharted waters.

Everyone was freezing, turning into icicles but they weren't as bad as you.

You shook so much, you were worried you might fall into pieces.

"I'm quite worried about y/n, I don't think they have anything warm on" Elizabeth whispered to will.

Will turned to face y/n "I feel sorry for her".

Elizabeth walked toward you, she offered her own coat to you.

"Here, I don't want you to catch a cold" she smiled with a sympathetic expression.

You shivered as you took her coat.

"Once we find Jack, he'll know how to get us out of this" she looked down--she felt guilty knowing she killed off jack sparrow.

You nodded; jack sparrow was gone and now you set a course toward the end of the world. Sailing with Captain Barbossa, wasn't the same as sailing with jack but at least he was a smart captain.

Elizabeth looked out over the horizon, at least she had you, will and the captain.

You felt like punching jack for just leaving you in this state, you were like a family--only he chose to go down with his ship.

"I miss jack" you admitted.

Elizabeth played along, she expressed a lie to try and hide the guilt "I, I know Jack's out there, he's a captain, he'll know his way out".

You smiled, her reassurance was comforting. You hug her thinking she felt the same.

She hugged back however she looked disappointed in herself for lying to the whole crew including Will.

Henry turner

You stood at the front of the forecastle; the bowsprit stood out in the front of you.

Henry stood at the front of the main deck, you held a single piece of fabric around your shoulders.

It was the witching hour of the night, the stars shined above you. The foremast stood over you as the topgallant, top and forecourse sail blew with a strong gust yet the briny deep was calm.

Henry climbed the steps to look out for you; Carina and Jack were navigating the helm.

He noticed at first sight, as he reached the top of the final step. You were shivering.

The gust of wind blew at a normal speed to carry the ship to safe waters.

"Y/n, your cold" Henry called out.

Henry wanted to tell Jack, it might've been best to bring you below deck like the orlop.

At least then you would've been warm.

"Nay, I'm fine, don't fret over me, Henry" you reassured him.

However, Henry brought you an extra blanket from the quarters of the crew. It might not have been much--perhaps not the fanciest of silken sheets but, it helped in a way.

You curled with the blanket over you, perhaps this was stolen before Jack had the ship.

Henry and you stood at the forecastle as Carina back at the quarter deck watched with an envious eye.

"So, think Henry boy catch er/im/em' fancy" Jack teased.

Carina snapped "I don't know, even if I did know should it really be my business".

Carina Smyth

Carina and Barbossa were at the helm, she knew the map toward the trident.

The map showed inside the diary of Galileo, the Ruby inside had enlighten a path within the pages.

Barbossa hadn't told anyone who he truly was to Carina and...probably for the best.

You were tied up along with Henry and Jack at the Main mast.

Your teeth was chattering, Chittering; your whole body was shaking.

Carina was busy steering the ship; she glances up to see if your alright.

Carina requests the captain "Captain, I wish to speak with y/n, at least untie her/him/them".

"An' why do ye need tha' em" Barbossa asked.

"You can keep Jack and Henry tied, it's just y/n I need, she/he/they has the other coordinates to the map" Carina pleaded.

Barbossa rolled his eyes and asked merlot and Murry to untie you.

Jack pleaded "oi, what about me, I'm practically the captain of the pear--mmmf" Jack had a piece of rag shoved in his mouth by Jack the monkey.

Barbossa demanded "yer' ta navigate".

You ran to Carina's arms, you were freezing like a snowflake.

Carina grabbed your hands to try and calm you.

"I need you to be brave for me y/n, once we find the trident, we'll soon seek land and you'll be safe" Carina promised.

Merlot and Mullroy were both guarding their post when Carina ordered.

"She's/he's/their freezing can't I have a coat" she asked.

"Orders of the captain" merlot spoke.

"I just need a coat, I'll return it afterwards" Carina reasoned.

Merlock gave Carina his coat, seeing as he thought it would be best not to argue.

Carina came toward you and wrapped the coat around your body. She tucked it around your shoulders.

"Try and keep warm, God knows how long we have until we reach the trident" she whispers.

Hector Barbossa

Hector was standing at the helm, holding up a gold Spanish coin, twirling it in between his fingers.

You were up at the forecastle, overlooking the bowsprit. Hector caught the gold coin in between his fingers, it was aligned with your body as he noticed you shivering.

Barbossa knew it was a gusty wind out at sea. It was part of being a pirate, putting up with extreme weather conditions.

He debated for a moment; dare he show a soft side or, dare he remain heavy hearted and let you put up with it.

Barbossa growled to himself "argh".

He placed the Spanish doubloon in his pocket before heading toward the forecastle.

He stomped up the steps, looking rather annoyed. "Ain't-che cold missy/laddie/y/n, why in tha blazes arrr' ye not below deck".

"Whaddya' tryna ta do, freeze ta death" his frustrated tone overtook his gruff voice.

You were shivering, you didn't have time to argue with the captain. You didn't think it was a bother, after all barbossa was busy.

"Ye addle girly/sailor/person, here, take it n' don't-che start takin' it off til' I say, ye understand?" Barbossa took off his black, blue-ish coat and forcefully wrapped it around you. (Addle: a pirate term for foolish/stupid).

"Why, t-thank you, captain" you grabbed the coat gently. It was much more oversized than your arm length.

He climbed down below to mend the helm at the quarter-deck, his blouse was blowing in the wind.

"Stow yerself below tha berth n' get warm" he didn't say more than that. (Birth: the sleeping quarters of the crew).

You wrapped the captain's coat around yourself and smiled.

James norrington

James had been standing outside the main yard near Beckett's office.

The naval guards and soldiers were all in line awaiting their next venture to track down Sparrow.

In the distance, he spotted a woman wearing a gown with full length-skirtings and frills at the end./ a man wearing a coat with his hair tied back and buckled shoes/ a person wearing breeches and an oversized coating with flat buckled shoes.

You held but a single blanket of hand-crafted wool drape over your shoulder.

James quickly rushed toward you to get you away from Beckett's men. He feared Mr Mercer may have you killed for accompanying Elizabeth who was associated with Sparrow.

"Y/n, I cannot protect you all the time if you keep following me" James protested.

You shake your head "belay that James, why in heavens are you venturing out to have youself killed".

"You know Lord Beckett holds no mercy for mere men like yourself" you argued.

"Do you honestly think he'll feel show the same for you" James snapped in a whisper.

"Don't ever speak of Sparrow out loud less you wish to have a short drop and sudden stop" he firmly spoke.

"Listen to me, leave Port Royal, don't stay here and buy yourself a home in London" James grabbed your arm and tried to get you out of the fort.

"I don't deny, my actions were not redeemable, but, I wish for the safety of you and Elizabeth" he spoke.

You were shaking, it seemed the wind had picked up that day.

"Oh blazes your freezing up" he took off his formal coat and wrapped it around you.

"Listen, there's merchants ship near the port, dock it as soon as your there and sail far away from here" he spoke with a final farewell.

"Don't bid me those words as your final farewell and come, come with me" you pleaded.

"I'm afraid I can't, you'll be safe, now, go" he ordered as you started to pick up the pace.

James watched as you left, the further you went the more he started to feel guilty. He betrayed the two most former people he cared for.

Cutler Beckett

You were outside of Beckett's manor, you stood at the front balcony shivering. Your full-length gown coated in a pattern with full skirtings was lightly breezing in the wind. Your hair was up in a pouffe with a coiled curl just touching your shoulder./ your noble robe with a full-length coating lightly breezed in the wind. Your hair was in a wig or draped down in coils touching the back of your shoulder blade./ you wore a lengthy coat with frills coming out the end, your hair was in a style you wanted at the time.

Beckett had his black bicorne hat placed on the nightstand and his Caine leaned against the fine smooth wall. Cutler's noble, full black coat was draped over the fine, crafted mahogany chair.

He laid down in the fit-sheeted silk, blankets.

"If you're still planning to freeze to death, I suggest you come to bed with your betrothed" Beckett calmly spoke.

"No, it's all well, I am merely admiring the view" you replied.

"Admiring the cold air my dear is fairly foolish" Beckett sarcastically spoke.

"Admiring your obsession to bestow Sparrow at the gallows is fairly foolish my husband" you replied to his insult.

Lord Beckett drank his tea in silence, his wig was placed delicately at the side of the bed side table.

"Touche, yet, your reasonings are still meaningless if you're still standing out in the cold" Beckett calmly placed the teacup to his lips. "Therefore proving my point".

You turn around to your calm, cold husband; sitting on the edge of the bed drinking tea.

"Have you ever shown mercy Cutler" you asked.

"Once upon a time ago" he calmly smiled.

You could feel his beady, cold eyes staring directly at you. He was teasing you, mocking you to prove his point.

Davy Jones

You were human, you weren't able to travel on the flying Dutchman due to his curse.

Davy would surface every couple of years and until then you waited.

One day when he did resurface, you got the chance to be on the Dutchman.

You were cold, on that day, it was windy.

You stood at the railing of the main deck, you were shivering with a wrapped, mouldy, barnacle blanket around you.

Bootstrap Bill would've offered more but the captain would've done worse if he interfered.

Davy was playing his organ when he heard a knock at the door.

"Haw dae ya ditsarb Mae-uh" he shouts.

Davy opened the door to see you, shivering cold as an icicle.

He growls "wha' be yar pleas-ah".

"Captain, would ye be kind and allow me ta seek quarter in your cabin" you asked, desperate for warmth.

Davy allowed you on this ship, after all, you were freed after he made a deal with Calypso.

Davy snorted through his one tentacle which popped and allowed you inside.

You went near the warmest spot you could find and sat there. You felt like an old lady/man/person, sitting for warmth.

The cabin was dripping wet, all the furniture was covered in barnacles and coral; chairs, the table and even the organ.

Davy trailed near the organ, he didn't want to explain the reason he plays a certain song.

You asked "you play captain, c-can I hear it".

Davy's tentacles twirled, he decided to play for you, as you were the only human he could stand.

He sat down "ah, ain't bah gahd".

He placed his tentacles down and started to play, he used his hand for some notes as well.

It was soulful to your ears, it wasn't like anything you've seen on land.

You walk up behind him and place your hands around his chest, hugging him from behind as he played.

Tia Dalmer

One night, in the swamps of the jungle. You and Tia hid away in a small shack.

The shack was covered in moss, insects and illuminating lights that were only dim enough to see the small shelter.

Tia was mending away at her ingredients while you stood with a cotton blanket over your shoulder.

You shivered with a cold breeze touching your arms and face.

Tia spoke without looking up "I know when your freezing child, come, it's warmer inside".

"No, I'm fine, believe me I've been through worse" you reassured her.

Tia got up from her seat; a wooden stool, and walked behind you.

She placed her arms around your chest, persuading you to come inside.

"Dear girl/boy/y/n, I am no fool, your body shakes with coldness and I feel no warmth" Tia lightly ushered you inside.

You lightly back away into the warmth with Tia.

Angelica tech

Angelica had rescued you from her father's cruelty. You were a concubine/ex-sailor/a merperson who was under the protection of the captain.

Angelica unfortunately couldn't save you from being forced along on the adventure.

You were dripping wet from white cap bay. The mermaids had pulled you in thinking you were a sailor lured by their songs.

Angelica saw how cold you were and immediately offered you her coat.

"I promise you, I won't let you drown in the salobre profundo" she firmly spoke. (Translation: briny deep).

Angelica helped you up to get you near a fire.

Jack watched Angelica as she helped her profounded new lover.

"Went well I assume" he smiled.

"NOT, now Jack" Angelica snapped.

"Angelica who's that" you questioned.

"A bastardo from my past," Angelica said no more than that.

In reality, Jack left Angelica at the altar when she took her vows. He stole her innocence, corrupted her and Angelica went her own way. Though there's no denying, Jack had stirring feelings for her.

Angelica sat by the fire where the other crew decided to see if any mermaids were alive.

"Jack corrupted me--I was in love for the first time, i was naieve to believe Jack and I were in love" Angelica explained, sitting next to you.

"But you found me, Angelica I won't corrupt you" you promised.

Angelica smiled "unfortunately, your too late".

"Then, I'll stay with you, I'll take my vows upon the sweet Anne's revenge and be loyal" you protested.

Angelica was astounded you were so determined to be devoted to her. "Aye then, if thats what you promised".

Edward tech

You were a concubine/ex-sailor/merperson captured on board the sweet Anne's revenge.

Angelica had brought you to her father as a prize and wondered what to do with you.

He ordered you to be keelhauled or skinned as you walked the plank.

However, you've proven yourself worthy in his favour.

As you travelled through the jungle, you approached a cliff.

Jack was ordered to jump down however, you felt cold as you got to the top.

"Cold, are you my dear" the captain noticed.

"Best not be letting a wench/sailor/merperson freeze to death then" he tormented.

"Jack, you'll go first" he commanded.

"Hang on, father, the woman/man/y/n should go first, we need Jack" Angelica protested.

"Angelica, our dear y/n is freezing and it seems Jack has volunteered" he grabbed out his sword and ordered Jack to Jump.

Angelica took off her Jacket and went "fine, I'll go".

Before Jack ran and Jumped over the cliff screaming.

"He survived" the captain moved on, he didn't have time to wait around for Jack.

"Did you see that, because I won't be doing that again" he swam to the shore.

You were shocked, you weren't ordered to die, perhaps you were chosen to live. A reason unknown.

Joshamee Gibbs

You were cold, Jack hadn't thought of the windy breeze which brought the pearl faster than its usual speed.

Joshamee Gibbs was shaking cold, he thought about starting a fire inside.

Gibbs was standing by the railing, on the main deck.

He noticed you shivering with a fever.

"Lass/lad/y/n, Aye ye best warm up, we be headin inta' unsturdy waters" Gibbs pointed out.

Master Gibbs handed you a blanket, taken from the birth below.

It wasn't a silken, cotton sheet but instead was a light-threaded wool blanket, stolen from a merch ship.

You took the blanket as Master Gibbs started to tell a story.

"Aye, did I ever tell yer about a story between me and sparrah, headin inta tha most deadliest waters" he smiled.

"It be colder than this, men's lives were almost but, we ended up near tha end of the world" he explained.

He was referring to the tale of when he had to get Jack Sparrow from the dead and they sailed through the artic.

You listened full of interest and sat with Master Gibbs, drinking rum.

Phillip Swift

Phillip was forced to be brought along with Jack Sparrow and Syerna.

He was walking with the crew until he noticed you shivering.

Phillip immediately places his coat over your shoulders without any second thought.

One of the crew mates glared at Phillip as he stared worryingly back.

"Just a bit more further" he whispered. "I promise we'll be there soon".

He picked you up and started to carry you to pick up the pace so you weren't greeted with a whip from the cat-o-ninetails.

"I promise, under gods watchful eye, thee shall not harm you" he smiled.

Syrena

Syrena wasn't warm blooded like most humans, her body was adapted to handle cold waters.

Syrena wasn't aware of human temperature until she came turned into one.

She was dragged along with the crew, you were a prisoner, forced to come and find the fountain.

You were shivering for the most part, Syrena took notice.

She placed her hands to yours and said "you shake, your skin is cold".

Syrena, albeit not exactly greatly, wrapped her coat; from which Phillip gave to her. Placing it around your body.

"Your skin should heat up soon" Syrena smiled.

"Keep moving" a crewmate shoved the two of you to keep walking.

You looked up and defended Syrena "It's not her fault".

Syrena looked up to you as if you were her savouir.

Ragetti and Pintel

Ragetti and Pintel were busy looking through all their loot that the crew had just pillaged.

"You's knows, I wonder how's its feels ta be like them fancy people's" Ragetti asked as he picked up diamonds and doubloons.

"Them fancy peacock's ain't know wha's missin" Pintel smiled at all the gold, doubloons and silver.

They both heard someone coming closer, they both peak toward the darkness.

"Avast you's bilgin lubber, we's saw's it first n' therefore it's mine" Pintel growled.

Ragetti kept his gaze focused on the other side.

A person emerged from the darkness which only turned out to just be y/n.

"Wha's you want, bugger off, we's found it first" Pintel warned.

You were shivering cold, your teeth chattered more then anything.

"I-i think she's/he's/they's cold, perhaps runnin' a fever" Ragetti pointed out.

"Well's we ain't gonna give em, any o' our treasure" Pintel greedily said.

Ragetti approached the young member "oi's, you right? Do ye's need ta warm up".

"We's ave a bunch o' stolen coats from them fancy men tha' could elp ya" Ragetti pointed.

You shook your head, as Ragetti grabbed a coating that its sleeves were big with frills hanging out the end.

You took it and wrapped it around yourself.

"You's best not get any ideas" Pintel replied.

You sat down as the two men stared with little to no words.

They wanted the gold but had the feeling you weren't interested in it.

Ragetti perked up "Aye, reminds me of tha time we's were freezin' cold in tha artic briny deep".

"Aye, is that so" you smiled.

"Yea's, I swears I could ear es' teeth chatterin', we weres tha cold" Ragetti smiled.

"Your's chattering were louder than mine!" Pintel argued back.

You smiled at the two attempting to warm you up.

Bootstrap Bill

You were keeping an eye up above the crows nest, you had resurfaced for the first time in years.

Bootstrap was swabbing the deck until he looked up to see you freezing.

He couldn't speak in front of the crew, he had to be smart and keep his thoughts to himself.

He kept to task, feeling bad for your freezing temperature.

When you came down from the crow's nest, Davy had entered into his captains quarters.

Bootstrap Bill quietly and swiftly came to your side "here, take it, you'll need it to survive".

He gave you his wet coat, you took it and wrapped it around yourself before Bill scurried off with his work.

He had to be careful, he didn't want Davy Jones finding out and punishing him with the cat-o-nines whip.

"Careful, kid, keep your wits about you and you'll live" Bill spoke before swabbing the deck again.

Redd the pirate

Redd was wandering the town of Tortuga, a rum bottle in her hand with her red gown flowing in the wind.

Aye, redd was an astonishing pirate, a lass with strong bones and attitude. Many lads when they see her shout "we want the red head".

Her story was a sad tale, one that involved being sold off.

She was a part of Barbossa's old crew from the wicked wench.

She learnt how to fend for herself and shoot when necessary.

One day, redd came across a lonely lass/lad/person who shivered with chills to the bone.

"Aye, freezin temp ain't it" Redd smirked at the newcomer.

"I'd welcome yer ta Tortuga but this don't seem like tha place fer a person like yourself" she winked.

Redd offered you a coat she took from a local "ere', lad gave it ta me as a well--"kind" offer" to put it bluntly, a sailor who mistook her for a wench.

You accepted the warm coat and wrapped it around yourself.

"Aye, be careful out thar, not many sailors be as kind as me" she smiled.

With that, Redd walked off and bid you farewell.

Anamaria

Anamaria was furious, furious at Jack for stealing her ship.

The jolly mon, Jack had taken it and sunk it.

She couldn't forgive him after that.

Anamria noticed how cold you were while she was up at the helm.

Anamria wanted to help instead, she took off her coat and gave it to you.

"Here this'll keep you warm until we reach the island of isla de Meruta" she offered you her brown coat.

You took the coat and wrapped it around you.

You smiled to yourself "thank you".

"It wasn't much, you need to warm up when out at sea, otherwise frost bite gets the best of ya" she walked back to the helm.

You embrace her jacket with a smile and a grateful feeling.

Armando Salazar:

Armando was manning the helm when he saw you.

You were freezing; feeling proud and polite, he approached you with a genuine feeling.

"You look frozen, hm, I could offer you my coat but, that wouldn't do much heh" he smiled.

"Here, this coat is my pride, my possession" he tried to make small talk.

You took it, you couldn't help but think how kind Captain Salazar was being despite his horrible past.

"Once we are free, once I capture Jack Sparrow, I'll set you free" it was unknown if he was lying or telling the truth.

Armando was unpredictable, he lost his mind after he died along with his crew.

You were trapped on his ship for eternity after joining it.

You hoped once Armando was human, he would take you to see the world.

A place that was far from the curses of the sea.

Arabella smith:

Arabella was amongst the crew of Jack Sparrow.

She, Bill and Jack were all in a crew the barnacles.

Arabella had finished speaking with bootstrap Bill, she approached you with the feeling you were freezing.

"These waters ain't kind toward the likes of us" she sat with you.

"Aye, I know but, hopefully, Jack knows what he's doing" you smile.

"He's a witty lad, I can say he's ta be trusted fer now" she had a hope of confidence in her tone.

You and arabella sat around the fire, she began dating Billy Turner as to which Arabella's mother didn't approve.

She was a tough lass, commanding her ship at times and even being on par with Jack Sparrow.

You joined the crew after you heard of Jack's idea, you were the navigator for the barnacle crew.

You kept an eye out for Arabella ever since she found you in Tortuga when she was a waitress at the faithful bride.

Murtogg and mulroy

You were a noble seeking through the docks of Port Royal when you noticed how cold it was.

The guards stood their ground, they bidded you a greeting.

"Evenin' madam/sir/y/n, fine morning ain't it" mulroy greeted.

"As always a fine morning" murtogg agreed.

"Tha's wha I just said" Mulroy argued.

"I know, I was only complementing it" Murtogg replied.

"It's rather cold, don't you think" you noticed the cool breeze.

"Aye, but nothing better than taking a stroll in Port Royal in a fine morning" mulroy replied.

"Right...I'll be on my way as you were gents" you politely smiled.

"Ang' on', ain't-cha feelin' cold" murtogg noticed.

"No, I'm fine really" you didn't want to get in trouble for disturbing the guards.

"Here love, a complimentary gift from us, serving and protecting the fine town" Mulroy gave out a coat; it was from the royal navy.

"Thank you" you replied.

"No problem's, if you sees anyfin' suspicious, give us a yell" murtogg nodded.

You went off with a navy man's coat, little did they know, you were disguised to help captain Jack Sparrow.

Lieutenant Theodore Groves

Groves was busy preparing for his voyage out on the royal navy with commodore Norrington.

However, just as he was about to dock the ship.

He spotted you, shivering, he observed for a moment before approaching you.

"Sir/madam/excuse me, do you need some help" the navy man asked.

"I'm feeling rather cold" you replied.

"Indeed, here, take this, it may help you along your travels" he offered his coat.

"I thank you--" you replied.

"No problem, as we must serve and protect the town of his majesty" Groves looked proud.

You took the coat and smiled before bidding the fine looking man farewell.

"I bid you fare travels sir groves" you smiled.

"Lieutenant, mam/sir/y/n" he corrected.

Anyways that's all I have for now:

Ta Ta ✨️

[nitewrighter]

Ok, with beast boy’s og costume, you like the mask, hate the red and white color scheme.

Any thoughts on raven’s og look from the 80s? Her normal cloak over an evening gown and pumps. Fashion wise, I think it looks great, but it doesn’t seem to fit her personality wise, not then and definitely not now.

Though I imagine a modern story could call back to it, having her forced to wear the ensemble for a formal event.

Really not a huge fan of the 80's costume. I like the earrings gleaming under the shadow of the hood, but pumps? Really? Though yeah I agree it could be a fun callback in a formal outfit for her.

For me, on a design level, Raven is one of those characters where, I like her so much and she has so much going on that I'm pretty much never satisfied with whatever look they give her. DC Superhero Girls? Ew. Bombshells? Corny and lazy. Injustice? UGLAY. I know with the 03 show, the leotard had a lot of haters, but I honestly liked the leotard--I was in gymnastics as a kid, so I always thought there was something very elegant and ballet-adjacent with the long-sleeved black leotard, and this leotard also had the additional cool factor of the high neck. It's sleek, it's graceful, it's the look that made me fall in love with Raven's character to begin with. Plus, it was sportier than the high cut half-your-ass-hanging-out evening gown, and that meshed well with the overall looks of the team on that show despite her powers being more magic based than superhero sci-fi like the rest of the team. I also kind of like that it was slightly offset by those soft-looking short boots--those and the gem accents and the little sleeve cuff things added a little fantasy element to the outfit. I WILL say the DCAMU won me over on the sleeveless + long gloves combo by making them fingerless gloves.

I don't like when Raven's outfits incorporate too much of a 'bird' theme. So much of the time feathers just make her outfit look terribly busy, or it really doesn't match her restrained cool attitude at all. I do admire the ballsiness of the New 52 weird feather bone Griffith-Berserk-Eclipse-looking helm, but that look never really felt like Raven, at least it didn't feel like a Raven who was herself, if that makes sense.

For me, the ideal Raven look is one that brings to mind night and water, sleek silhouettes, fabrics that hang with a certain sense of weight but can also swish and sweep around dramatically. She's more of a shadow than a bird, to me. My design challenge for DC artists is "Forget about the bird thing for 10 seconds: How do we indicate to people that this is a half-demon interdimensional wizard girl, without making her outfit too busy?" Gem element good. Feathers bad. Don't worry about the bird--she can literally bring her own bird to the party with her Soul-Self.

I actually do like outfits of hers that turn the high-cut dress into more of a surcoat/overdress for like... a full superhero black bodysuit underneath. I am not a fan of the transparent looking tights, either make them opaque or keep her legs bare--sheer tights is just such a weird middle ground that doesn't feel like something she'd wear.

But yeah, anyway this is how picky I am when it comes to Raven's designs, haha.