#he’s turned into such a dapper you g gentleman

[wasatchmountaindogs]

I take horrible photos but this young man went to his trial adoption yesterday!

[oletus-writer]

Different anon from the nightmare one but maybe we can get nsfw alphabet for Orpheus? He’s probably into some experimentations, both kink wise and the whole drugs/whatever thing

(We?) Hell yeah I’ll do that.

Orpheus NSFW Alphabet

Warnings: nsfw

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Sex with Orpheus is not exactly the most rowdy, so he’s got more than enough energy to draw you a bath, clean you up, get some food, and smother you with cuddles. He’s a gentleman, after all, and wants to make sure you’re doing well regardless of whether or not he’s giving or receiving cock.

B = Body part (their favourite body part of theirs and also their partner's)

His hands are his favourite part of him, as he writes with them, but also because how he can pleasure you in such ways only using such small tools. As for you, he enjoys your eyes, the windows to the soul, and how the pupils are blown wide while he fucks you. Simply, the information available to him from two organs draws him in.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

He’s got a decent amount of cum, thin and salty, and he prefers to cum either inside you (with your consent) or on your face and chest.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

He wants to indulge in some roleplay, of the less nice variety, as he enjoys having power over an individual, sometimes. But he’s a gentleman, of course, and will discuss with you thoroughly beforehand what it entails.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they're doing?)

He’s read some erotica, for research, and has hooked up with many women before. As for men, he’s a bit less experienced, but is a quick and eager learner.

F = Favourite position (this goes without saying)

Missionary’s a classic, and Orpheus is a bit old-fashioned when it comes to courtship. He enjoys seeing your expressions and pressing you underneath him.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

Oh, he’s rather serious, but will crack a joke or two if he sees that you’re nervous. His jokes aren’t too funny, per se, but it’s the thought that counts.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes?)

He’s a gentleman, and a dapper one at that (or so he tells you) so naturally, he’s well-groomed, his thick wavy hair neatly trimmed. He doesn’t mind if you have hair, but would rather it be smooth, although he never tells you that.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? are they romantic?)

Despite some of the rough play, he’s very intimate in the moment and is more of a soft dom, than anything. He’ll kiss down your sternum while pounding you, whisper how good you’re doing while his hands worship.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcannon)

He doesn’t masturbate often, but does it to relieve some stress, when writing about it does not work.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

He’s into things like aphrodisiacs, drugged sex (consensual, of course), sleep sex, all things that release your inhibitions and gives him a look at your raw state.

L = Location (favourite places to have sex)

The gentleman side of him prefers the bedroom, but he can’t deny the thrill of the thought of being caught, cocksitting in his office while he’s supposed to be writing, letting loose after a book signing, just in the back of the bookstore… he’s not opposed to any of it.

M = Motivation (what turns them on?)

Of course, old fashion flirting never goes wrong, and the classic touches to his waist, an breath in his ear, will get him hot and bothered. Still, if you go the extra mile and dress up for him a bit, you’ll find he’s a bit more enthusiastic than before.

N = No (what turns them off?)

He’s open to anything, really, except some stuff like scat, fetishes such as anthropophagolagnia (don’t search it up) and all such other strange and deranged things.

O = Oral (do they prefer giving or receiving? how skilled are they?)

Fuck yeah, oral. Orpheus loves oral sex, and is extremely talented at it. He’s not too picky on whether or not he’s giving or receiving, but he prefers receiving.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual?)

He usually sets a pretty slow pace, but can go fast if you’d like. He has no qualms about being rough and manhandling you, if you’ll let him.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies)

Why not? Unlike some other people, quickies with him don’t become full-blown sessions, and it’s more often than not that Orpheus would go hard and heavy.

R = Risk (are they experimental? do they take risks?)

The more risks, the more fun, although a small part of him tells him not to. He’s very experimental as well, but knows his limits.

S = Stamina (how long do they last?)

His stamina is a bit on the low side, as he constantly spends his days sitting at a desk and writing if he’s not in any matches,

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them?)

He’s got a few toys, such as vibrators, dildos, and some bondage equipment, but that’s about it. He doesn’t use them often on himself, and keeps them for his potential lovers.

U = Unfair (how much do they like to tease?)

He’s rather teasing, and enjoys it - when you tease him, less so, but the look on your face is all worth it. He’s not as patient to tease you the entire day as foreplay, but he manages to make you beg for him.

V = Volume (how loud are they?)

He moans a lot, but they’re soft and light, almost feminine, but he’s also quite vocal, describing everything he’s going to do to you.

W = Wild card (a random headcannon for the character)

He’s a writer, and, while not to stereotype, he has written erotica of the two of you before you started having sex. He’s explored his wildest fantasies through that medium, and he’s got his preferences sorted.

X = X-ray (let's see what's going on under those clothes)

I’m sorry, those of you who think he has a big dick, but I don’t. You know, the louder the car the smaller the penis, and all. The showiness of it all - the fact he’s dressed in the latest fashions and is frankly a prick - all drives me to the conclusion of a 4.7 inch (12 cm) penis.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

It’s relatively average, if not a bit lower, as he is absorbed in his work too often to think of having sex.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

If the sex is rather rough, he falls asleep rather quickly, but more often than not, it’s more calmer, and he’s able to tend to you properly afterwards.

[cashewally-sarcastic]

Okay hi hi hello I didn't forget about telling you about my Octopath OCs but I wanted to make more and oops! There went 10 hours of my day!

I have IDEAS for all of the characters but names for only some because coming up with characters names that sound nice AND have some sort of meaning AND start with the letters O, C, T, P, A, or H isn't fun.......(also if you have ideas or suggestions for names please for the love of G-D let me know)

Anyhow!

Ondrine Rivani - "Merchant", 35, She/her

A pirate captain whose ship is destroyed and is desperate to reform her crew. After getting a new ship, she travels the high seas in search of gold, good times, and the greatest treasure of all, henchmen friends! Manages to fool people into think she's a merchant ship despite having no documentation and piss poor lying skills and has to keep up to ruse lest she get thrown in jail. She just here for a good time lol

Themis - Thief, 24, They/Them

An archetypical gentleman thief but it's fun and novel because they're a dapper butch lesbian. Also you know how the "magical device/knowledge that corrupts/is secretly evil" trope is usually given to scholars or mages or whatever? Yeah well that's ALSO fun and novel now because Themis is searching for a bracelet said to bring back the dead after they lost their younger sister and this plan to bring back the dead TOTALLY isn't going to go colossally wrong.

Priam (Real name: Parsifal Pellerius because he's fancy) - Hunter, 32, He/Him

So rarely do I create a male oc that I like as much as Priam.

Not that's there's anything special about him though.... he's just some guy who leads a hunting party in the woods around the outskirts of cities to make sure nothing bad gets near them. Just a guy who loves his wife a whole lot and wants to keep people safe and is just a genuinely nice guy, just like...incorruptibly good and noble and purehearted. Definitely not a secret noble who ran away from that life because he felt trapped by it but now spends his waking hours wondering if he can help people more as the dashing folk hero Priam or the noble Lord Pellerius. Who's Pellerius? Definitely not the birth family Priam is considering turning back to THAT'S for sure haha.

Helena Drouit - Scholar, 42, She/They

She was a well respected philosopher before she released a treatises that proved to be too controversial for the conservative institute she worked at. After she finds her work being censored and herself being exiled from the academic community, she sets out on a journey to challenge those who would suppress knowledge and find like minded people to share her work with.

The Warrior is a female Sanctum Knight whose town (and by proxy, cathedral) suffers a great tragedy and after seeing such an event has a crisis of faith. But the Reverend Mother (idk if that's the right term...there's so many fantasy church systems I get titles mixed up) left her final orders to her most trusted knight, sending her only a journey that she prays restores her faith in her gods and her church.

The apothecary is a midwife in the worst part of the city, currently facing an influence of immigrants fleeing conflict in other parts of the country. With more and more people flocking to her clinic each day, the city guard is getting closer and closer to discovering her practice, dangerous for both her and the other migrants. Believing she could appeal to the lord of the region to keep her clinic open despite her lack of licensure, she sets out, but quickly realizes that there's more reasons than she suspected for the incessant attacks on Lowtown.

The cleric is an assassin seeking refuge in the church who finds himself loving his new life as a church member. After spending many years in the tranquility of the church, he finds himself called to go help others around the continent, however when he leaves the seclusion of the church, he finds his past catching back up with him but he's determined to lay it to rest once and for all...hopefully.

and...idk about the dancer tbh. All I know if that he's gay and flaming lol. I want to make him a courtesan but I'm worried that's too similar to Prim.

And blah blah their stories are connected through themes of belonging and community and the tragedy of loosing faith the things/people we belief in etc.... ALSO I JUST REALIZED HOW LONG THIS IS SORRY FOR CLOGGING YOUR ASK BOX BYE

DON'T APOLOGIZE I LOVE ALL OF THEM SO MUCH?????? Also if you want help with names, half of the octopath character's names are just like...random. Poked around the wiki so sometimes just going "names that start with [letter]" can be really helpful tbh I just kinda used a plant for mine

Also also a whole cast??? Thats so impressive and cool honestly like I spent 3-4 hours on ONE oc so having around 8 is fucking COOL i love them

Anyway my one (1) little oc info:

Hebe - Scholar, 19, she/her (really quick every scholar is in their 30's i just wanted to make a student-oriented one okay?)

Anywho yeah Hebe, a young student who's stubborn as fuck. Her mother was a researcher who gave her a random key necklace, said "I'll show you what this unlocks when you're older", and then got murdered 2 days later. Her father insisted on sending her to a school across the continent (somewhat against her wishes), and years later she decided Welp I've learned everything I can for now, it's about time I learned what this key is for. So she goes on a journey for answers to A) what her mother was researching B) why she was killed and C) what the key is for (haha these totally aren't all related haha)

[glitch-mind]

Heya guys

So, long story short me, Percy and Wilson (both of thy peeps are from Don't Starve Amino) started randomly talking in-character. What happend next was a flow of inspiration and we accidentally created this short story which I am about to present you. So big shoutout to them! Enough chit-chat, off to the story!

══════•°• 🔥 •°•══════  

The Shadow Intruder

Wilson and Willow have set up a camp not so long ago. They've created a safe shelter for the night; a place they can call home. Oh how lovely it would be to return to their 'home' after a long journey through Constant. However, their safe place was not fully secured. There was a certain someone spying on them in the shadows...

The firestarter has thrown another log into the fireplace, keeping the fire alive much to the intruder's disgust.

- ...can you turn out the light? I literally have to stand outside of it's range - he snarled, sinking into the darkness around.

- I can not, or else your shadows will attack us - replied Willow, crossing her arms on her chest.

- Or is it the fact you don't trust me? I'm not going to attack you in your sleep. - the intruder chuckled evily, making his presence known. His skin was incredibly pale, which created a perfect contrast with his black suit and hair. A confident smile has crept on his face, two ink black eyes tracking the woman's movements.

- But you will when we're awake. - interjected the scientist, who has only now noticed the dapper fellow.

- Free game. I'm still a gentleman. - the intruder defended himself, putting a hand to his chest.

- ... and an evil lord - remarked Willow with a smirk on her face - Those two titles don't go well together, you know?

- Hey, I'm Wilson too. You can trust me - the man huffed, clearly insulted by her remark.

- I'm not sure about that... - she heasitated, lowering her arms. Now she looked conflicted about whether to trust him or not.

As the log has been progressively eaten by the flames, the fireplace's light range decreased, allowing 'Wilson' to take a step closer to her.

- You don't see me trying to attack you two, right? - he asked, crossing his arms behind his back.

- No, but I see you lurking in the shadows and glaring at us constantly - the woman asserted, taking a step back - You're always after us, and that's pretty suspicious.

- You wound me! - the shadow snapped at her.

- In self defense! - Willow snarled back, stamping her foot against the ground for emphasis.

- I've done nothing wrong. - he stated, crossing his arms on his chest this time and glaring at her with a bold look. However, she was not impressed with it.

- You control the shadows, and the shadows attack us - she objected to his statement, crossing her arms as well - I would've been dead if it wasn't for good old Bernie.

- Nostalgia hits me when I look at that campfire. - he mumbled more to himself. Unfortunately for him, Willow heard that.

- And your nostalgia hurts us - she hissed.

'Wilson' chuckled suddenly, which angered the firestarter even more

- What can I say? I'm pure evil, and I just can't help myself. - he snickered, shrugging.

- If a shadow kills the human version, does Shadow Wilson die?- asked the real Wilson P. Higgsbury, who didn't take part in this argument untill now. Willow turned her head to face his, her glare softening.

- The more important question is, are you two one being or two separate beings - she replied with an answer.

- Two separate beings - the scientist answered - Hes an alternate version of me, with free will and emotions.

- Then using your 'scientific method sheanigans' that means when one of you dies, the other lives - Willow presented her hypotesis - though it might affect the alive one somehow...

- Right, but due to the fact hes separate from me, shows we only really have a 50/50 shot - he pondered, rubbing his chin.

- Killing your shadow isn't scientifically possible. - Shadow Wilson interjected, annoyed with their chit-chat. Wasn't Willow supposted to argue with him?

- Exactly. If you put lights all around you, your shadow disappears - Higgsbury noticed.

- Or fire! - added the firestarter.

- Tsk... I am not a shadow. I am merely a wilson that accepts the throne. - seethed the Shadow Lord.

- You rarely smile, though - the woman noticed - you're like a grumpy grandpa - she teased.

Both of the survivors laughed at that remark.

- Oh really? If I smiled you'd get scared. - explained the shadow, raising his brow.

- Just one big honest smile! Am i asking for too much? - pouted Willow - Say cheeesee!

- Fine... Fine... - he sighed, turning his body to face her. And at once, his face morphed into one, massive sinister grin. It was a sight taken out alive from a horror movie.

The scientist literally jumped in his place, immediately taking cover behind Willow. It was hard for him though, because she was shorter than him. Willow froze, feeling chills running down her spine. She appeared quite scared too.

- Better? I gave you the smile you wanted. - jeered Shadow Wilson, smiling at their reactions.

- G-Gee thanks, I won't be able to sleep tonight! - stuttered Willow, trembling slightly.

- You're more than welcome - he replied with a shrug.

The firestarter got out her beloved teddy bear, and hugged it for comfort. It was an old heirloom of hers, which never failed to calm her down.

- I really need you right now, Bernie - she whispered, hiding her face in the bear's soft fur.

The gentleman scientist has straightened up his back, glancing at Willow. The way she held that bear in her arms was so gentle and comforting, that he wished him and Bernie could switch places.

- Good thing I can hide in your shadows...so I'm always around. - the shadow started a discussion again. The firestarter was too preoccupied with hugging her plush friend, so she didn't hear a thing.

- That's what Willow is talking about! You're everywhere, constantly spying on us. What's the point of it? - asked the scientist, crossing his arms. Just like his campmate, he didn't trust the dark king.

Shadow Wilson responsed with a chuckle, giving his original a smug glare.

- Honestly. I'm still a gentleman scientist, just like you. - he stated - And this world is one big experiment for me.

- Then maybe go stalk some other creatures and leave us alone for some time, hmm? - suggested Willow, looking up to face the shadow.

- I'm not going anywhere - he protested.

- That means we better keep this fireplace running - she noticed, trotting over to the junk pile next to the chests and throwing a pinecone into the fire, gladly watching it burn. The flames circled the pinecone, engulfing it at once. Thankful for this meal it consumed, the fire began to dance a lively foxtrot, jumping from left to right.

The shadow king stepped back, sinking into the shadows so as not to get caught in the light.

- Must you make it co bright? - he hissed, turning his gaze at Willow.

But the firestarter did not reply, and only locked her sight on the flames. The same flames that once saved her life.

- The fire... The fire will set you free - she chanted with a visible grin, holding Bernie by his hand. One could swear she looked like a mere child for a split second. The scientist joined her by the fire as well, holding a carrot over it.

The survivors' ignorance frustrated the shadow.

- Are you even listening to me?! - he barked, stepping over to the light's border. However his question was left without an answer

The dance of the flames helped Willow collect her thoughts and calm down. It was like all of the tension suddenly disappeared, and heavy shackles of stress freed her hands. She sighed with relief, brushing some of her raven black hair out of her eyesight. Then, she turned to the shadow king, standing so dangerously close to the light's range.

- The fire is our source of warmth, so needed for the winter season - Willow replied, in oddly calm manner. Was it still the same person? Shadow Wilson just kind of... stood there... Indeed, she was much calmer than before, and the manner she spoke with was way different too. It took him a moment to snap out of this weird trance. He shook his head, and his bold glare softened.

- You never change. Do you, Willow? - he asked calmly, with a weird kind of smile on his face.

- Nope! - she replied with glee - I am who I am and I am not ashamed of it.

Her old self was back again, which calmed down the shadow.

- I know. Back when... - he paused suddenly - You know what? Forget I said anything. - he stammered, gazing into the shadows around.

But she wasn't going to forget so easily. Her childish curiousity got the best of her.

- What? What is it? Oh come on! Firstly you start telling me something, and then you cut mid-sentence! Tell me! Tell me! - she pleaded.

- No. - he replied shortly, glaring back at her.

- Pleeaaase? Pretty pleeeaaase? - she whined, clearly getting on the shadow's nerves.

- No. I don't need to tell you anything. - he snarled.

- Hmph! - huffed the firestarter, crossing her arms. Despite everything, she still was the little girl at heart.

- It was just old memories of when I wasn't on the throne that's it! - the shadow king barked, only now realizing what he's done.

Willow's face lit up as soon as the other Wilson spoke up.

- Ha! You finally spilled the beans! - she giggled again.

He sighed, pressing his thumb and pointing finger against the bridge of his nose.

- Don't get used to it. You were annoying me.

- Aww come on, you DID actually want to tell me, didn't you? - she teased with a smirk.

The Shadow King grumbled something to himself.

- I did not want to tell you. I am pure evil. If you two died right now I wouldn't bat an eye. - he stated, looking Willow dead in the eyes. What was the point of her teasing and bubbliness?

- Then who would be here to tease you, hmm? For sure it would get lonely on your own - Willow continued.

- Alright alright, the fireplace's light is enough - she said to Wilson, upon noticing him about to throw in another log.

Wilson nodded, heading into the tent to get some sleep.

- I can always drag someone else in here. - the shadow defended himself, crossing his arms.

- But nobody can replace me, the firestarter! Only one of a kind - she declared, doing a little spin for emphasis. Her face was as bright as the fire's light.

Shadow Wilson sighed while facepalming. If the survivors were angering him so much, then why didn't he send a wave of hounds to trouble them? There was something holding him back from doing so.

- You're getting on my nerves. - He mumbled to himself.

But suddenly, it all got completly dark. The fire in the fire pit has died! Without thinking much, Willow took out her lighter, starting it up. A small flame danced around, lighting the darkness surrounding the place.

- Whew... I thought I was gonna go blind - she sighed in relief.

The Shadow king merely laughed at this, stepping closer to the firestarter.

- I still have the light! I still have the light! - she laughed, moving her lighter around so as to show him.

- Yet, if you look closely. I've gotten further in the base. - sneered the shadow, walking past her.

- Hey! Stay away from the base! Or I'll start the fire in the fireplace again - threatened the firestarter. Of course she would be eager to do such a thing.

Her threat however did not impress him. He whistled so carefully, taking a stroll around their camp.

- Don't mind me - he snickered, crossing his arms behind his back.

Willow tried to find something to start the fire, but it was hard doing so when there's darkness everywhere. She was unfortunate enough to trip over a rock and fall face into the ground. Her lighter fell from her hand, killing the flame dancing inside as soon as it hit the ground.

- Oof! Great. Simply great.

The Shadow King was sitting nearby, reading a book he found in the chest... unlike most people he wasn't quiet and read this book rather loudly.

- Am I bothering you? - he asked in such an ignorant tone.

- Uh, duh! Pretty mu... hey, where did the fire go? - she asked, her tone changing to more anxious one. Has she dropped her lighter? Now it will be impossible to start the fire. Hold on just a second. Does that mean she is surrounded by the darkness? Oh no...

Willow began frantically tapping the ground, hoping to feel her lighter before it's too late. The air around her got significally colder, and a silent whisper echoed around too. The firestarter shivered in fear.

- Where is it... Where is it? - she trembled. Finding a source of light was more important than messing with Shadow King, who now had a free hand to finish her miserable life. Why, she was like an animal stuck in the hunter's net! Defendless and scared, nervously looking for a way to escape the grim situation she's found herself in.

The shadow merely chuckled.

- I shall give you 5 minutes to find your light. If you fail I'll give you a painless death.

Willow squeaked. Five minutes? How on earth is she supposed to find her lighter in pitch darkness under pressure of time? It's almost impossible. She only mumbled something incomprehensible under her breath, searching for her lighter. Five minutes remain...

- Or..should I set the hounds loose..? So many options...

He let out a dark chuckle before pacing around the panicking Willow. Seeing her powerless was weirdly satisfying for him.

- SHUT UP! - she thundered suddenly - Just shut up and let me find my lighter you prick!!

The firestarter was fed up with his teasing, and had to let out her frustration somehow. She just wished she could light him up on fire and watch the flames wound him.

He paused and didn't say another word.. he was rather surprised she just blew up on him like that.. then again.. *His* Willow blew up on him. He folded his arms behind his back.

- You have only one minute now. - he drawled.

- What?! - Willow seethed - That's no fair!

It was now or never. If she finds her lighter in time, she'll live, if she fails to do so - she will die. Her hands were desperately tapping against the ground, hoping to feel te coldness of the lighter's steel surface.

- I'm surprised you haven't checked by your bear. - he remarked. After that the shadow king hasn't said anything. He was simply watching her struggling.

- it has to be here somewhere... - she stuttered, brushing the ground around her. The clock was ticking, after all. It was getting closer and closer to her demise. But then, something unexpected has happend. The Shadow King smirked before sliding the lighter towards her.

- There. - he spoke softly.

What has just happend? Shadow Wilson, the ruler of Constant who threatened to kill her seconds ago, casually helped her find the light! Oh, the irony! Pure irony! But why would he do that? Did he actually joked about killing her? Why, he had a solid reason to end her life. After all, she yelled at him. Perhaps with a little bit of luck he will explain his reasoning.

Without heasitation, Willow grabbed her lighter, turning it on. A small flame bursted into life again, dancing happily. The firestarter sighed in relief. She's escaped death this time.

- Enjoy the fire - Shadow Wilson added, avoiding eye contact.

- Guess I'll stay alive for a little longer just to mess with you - Willow teased.

He was already back to reading his book this time rather quietly. Now with a source of light the firestarter quickly located a stray log laying nearby. And without thinking much she throwed it into the fireplace. Shadow Wilson retreated to the shadow of the science machine to stay safe from the light, where he continued his lecture.

- All bright again - the firestarter hummed to herself.

- I'm surprised you haven't burned everything down. - he teased with a smirk on his face.

She turned on her heel towards the shadow king, facing him.

- I've burnt a forest once - she admitted with a proud look on her face.

- I know - he sighed.

- Of course, because you spied on me - Willow huffed, snatching a carrot from the icebox.

- I was actually with Wendy when you burned it down - the shadow explained, turning the page over.

- What a coincidence - she remarked, placing the carrot on the stick and hovering it over the fire. None of them spoke up, and there was silence. The night seemed to be calm and without any trouble. But everything could change with a blink of an eye.

- This is an Interesting book. - Shadow Wilson broke the silence between them.

- What is it about? - Willow asked.

- It doesn't matter - he replied shortly.

- It's prabobly some sloppy romance novel anyways - she shrugged it off, checking if her carrot has roasted already.

- No it isn't - he protested and looked up from the book only to send her 'the glare'.

- Could you enlighten me, then? - she requested, putting one hand on her hip.

- Different kinds of fire. It came from the chest near your bed. - the shadow stated, showing her the cover of the said book. Willow recognized it immediately. Her eyes widened with suprise; Why, it was her book!

- What?! You stole it! - she huffed - Give it back!

But he only chuckled, flipping some pages only to anger the firestarter.

- It's missing shadow flame - noticed the shadow king.

Willow's face softened; anger switched its places with confusion.

- Shadow fire? - she asked, to which he nodded.

- Shadow fire is a very important part of fire you know. - he explained - It's fire made from the power of shadow.

- But does it produce light and heat? - Willow asked further, scooting a little closer to him, setting the carrot on stick aside the fireplace.

He lifted his hand and created a weird flame within it. It was pitch black and almost unnoticable in the dark, because it didn't produce light. However it did produce a lot of heat, making its presence known that way.

- No light as it is shadow.

- Woa... - she stared at it with awe. It was so magical, and so, so warm. She wanted to touch it, to feel it burning her fingertips. She reached out for this weird flame, sticking her whole hands in it. The fire immediately surrounded her fingers, engulfing them in flames.

- Feels nice - she replied, locking her gaze on her now burning hands.

Shadow king froze in his tracks. Why would she do that? And why it doesn't hurt her? She's literally holding A FLAME in her hands. As for now, science was not able to explain this strange phenomenon, and neither could magic.

- Even now you confuse me. - he remarked.

The fire was mixing with the darkness around them making it impossible to see it.

She giggled at that 'compliment' of his.

- The fire is so dark I can't see it, but it's still here.

- It was meant to catch others, who didn't find it in time - he explained further - For now I have no need for it.

- It's such a wonderful source of light for the winter season - she added, moving her hands around.

- Is that so? - he asked, raising a brow.

- Yes! It's very warm, see? - She gestured towards her burning hand with a smile.

- Yet it gives off no light - the shadow noticed, finding himself looking at her hands. Yes, they were burning, but her skin still looked soft. He surely needs to examine this matter fully. It was his duty as the gentleman scientist.

- That's the biggest flaw - she sighed, snapping him out of his thoughts.

- I don't see it that way - he argued.

- What do you mean? - asked Willow, munching on the carrot she's forgotten about for a moment. It was cold now.

- It is a combination of science and magic..it's beautiful..and perfect. - Shadow Wison explained with such pride in his voice

- But it's not bright - she protested - and smells weird.

- Maybe so... - he grumbled, looking out into the distance. The shadow king purposely avoided eye contact with her, but why? Was there still a bit of humanity left in him? Or perhaps, his feelings finally made themselved known? Now's not the time to dwell on that. He shook his head, returning his gaze to Willow. Her gentle smile and those sparks in her eyes were enough to make his heart flutter.

- Daylight, good for you. Oh, by the way I'd go look in the ruins if I were you. Wortox has been trapped down there for awhile. - he added.

The firestarter tilted her head in confusion - Wortox? Hold on... You trapped someone in the ruins?

- Yes, I did. For a few days at that - he reassured, setting the book on the ground beside her - Same Ruins you were in not too long ago actually.

- Why would you... - she was about to ask but stopped mid sentence. Why would he trap an innocent being inside the ruins? He's still and evil lord of darkness... And a huge nerd. She couldn't help but smile at that thought.

- Go save him if you like or let him die, doesn't bother me any - the shadow said nonchalantly. He turned around his heel and began walking off into the shadows.

However, something else has been bothering her for quite a while now.

- Hey, I have a question for you - she spoke up, stopping him.

He turned around to face her for the last time.

- What? - he asked.

- Just a few moments ago you helped me find my lighter, even though you somewhat had a reason to kill me, and now you're giving me a chance to rescue someone. What's the matter with that? - she asked, munching on her carrot again.

Shadow Wilson would gladly answer that question, if he had a proper answer.

- Does it really matter? I'm bored - he stammered.

- Or maybe you just really like me. Depends, huh? - teased Willow.

He froze for a second, feeling his cheeks warm up, but only a little. After a small pause he glanced at her again.

- How could you possibly think that? - he questioned.

She snorted with laughter.

- I have a... 'Hypothesis'

- You seem to forget that I'm pure evil - shadow king defended himself, regaining his dapper posture.

- Said the nerd who didn't kill an innocent lady because something was preventing him from doing so - she teased again, crossing her arms.

- It doesn't matter. Now, Clock is ticking. Save him or let him die, up to you. - he reminded.

- As soon as the sun rises I'm going to - explained the firestarter - It's still hella dark.

Shadow Wilson nodded, like he understood what she meant.

- Farewell. - he replied, walking away a short distance away from the camp.

- Thanks for the talk! See you later! - she waved him goodbye, as to mess with him for the last time before he disappears.

He stopped before facing her. A smirk crept up on his face. However it was not a classic, smug one but more... warm?

- You never change. That's good. - he chuckled, dissolving into the shadows.

- "That's good"? - she repeated after him, not fully understanding. What did he mean by that? Is it good she's the same, so she's easily predictable? Or is it good she's the same because... Something else? Her mind was drawing a blank here. Anyway, it would be great to get some shuteye before her rescue mission. She rubbed her eyes, and crawled under the beefalo skin that acted as her bed, drifting off to sleep.

══════•°• 🔥 •°•══════   

Whew! That's a lot of words. I've counted... exactly 4190! I think that's my biggest record so far. But anyways, thanks for reading! I highly encourage you to share your thoughts about this story and/or point out some grammatical errors. With constructive criticism everything can improve, they say.

Forgot to add i was inspired A LOT by Bamsara's EE&EE & Nightly Sheanigans. You should definetely check those out.

[thrillingdetectivetales]

2020 Creator Wrap

2020 Creator Wrap: Favorite Works

Okay, okay, I know I’m late with this but the incredibly sweet @irolltwenties and the utterly delightful @anthrobrat were both kind enough to me in this bad boy and it seems really fun, so here we are!

Rules: it’s time to love yourselves! choose your 5 (or so) favorite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought to the world in 2020. Tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works!

According to my AO3 statistics page, I wrote just over 100K of fiction this year, across 17 different fandoms, a few of which won’t actually go live until after the New Year because they’re part of a gifting collection that hasn’t been revealed yet... Anyway, I picked my faves for a variety of reasons, listed briefly after each link. If you have any questions about works I’ve shared (or just in general) feel free to ask!

1. Front Row at the Gongshow

The Pacific, 16K, Rated G  Andrew ‘Ack Ack’ Haldane/Edward ‘Hillbilly’ Jones

Aside from being the longest completed work I produced this year, this is also the first fic I’ve ever written using the “found document” format. While there are parts of it I feel really conflicted about, I’m still incredibly proud of it and think it’s one of the better fic I’ve written...possibly ever. Which is doubly funny because I don’t usually do modern AUs of period fiction, but the hockey angle was enough to tempt and lo, here we are, lol.

[Excerpt from Deadspin]

"You all remember Eddie Jones, right? The corn-fed captain of the New Orleans Rougarou so wholesome he belongs on a box of Malt-O-Meal? The gentleman bruiser who spends his free time playing country tunes for kids with cancer?

Our favorite dapper D-man led his team to 97 points last night in a shut-out victory against the Los Angeles Kings, clinching a playoff spot for the first time in franchise history. Oh! And he also got caught on camera at the after-party, sucking face. WITH A DUDE."

2. Entremets

Hannibal, 8K, Rated E Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter

I have...so many Hannibal fic that I’ve started writing and haven’t finished because all my ideas lead to long plotty epics and also big name fandoms scare me. I did this one up for Eat, Drink, & Make Merry, and I’m really, really pleased with the way it turned out, considering it was my first foray into establishing new character voices and also a successful exercise in writing explicit content, which can be a bit of an Ordeal for me, so overall I’m incredibly happy with it. Plus! My deep and abiding love of writing characters cooking/eating/otherwise dealing with food finally paid off!

“The pâté was supposed to be more of a gesture,” Will explains, spreading a golden sliver of honeycomb out across a slice of sopressata with the blade of his pocket knife. “You don’t actually have to eat it. I’m not even sure if it’s any good.” He smears a healthy dollop of chȇvre across his meat-and-honey concoction and pops the whole thing into his mouth without ceremony.

“What better method exists by which to convey one’s appreciation of a gesture than to indulge it?”

3. An Ode to Matty Big-Time

The Good Place, 2K, Rated T Jason Mendoza/Original Male Characters, Pillboi

This one was actually a request made by my very dear @thesummoningdark, who wanted to see some bisexual Jason per that one fantastic Tumblr post about how everyone in TGP should be bi, and I’m really, really proud of the way it turned out. I love writing comedy and I very rarely get to lean into it as hard as I’d like, so delving into the whole wild craziness of Jacksonville, as explained in the show was really fun. I also love writing original characters, and this was a great excuse to indulge.

“We probably shouldn’t do any butt stuff,” Jason warns, with as much gravitas as he can muster. “I had two of Stupid Nick’s Disaster Buckets when I got here.”

“Yeah, your face is still kinda orange,” Mateo agrees fondly, bringing his other hand up to brush his thumb over Jason’s lower lip. It stirs a little frisson of heat in his belly that Jason is 68% sure isn’t just indigestion. “No chemical burns, though, so I think you came out on top.”

4. This and Who I Used to Be

The Tick (2017), 3K, Rated G Arthur Everest/Superian

Another new fandom I haven’t written in before, this was a fill for the Rare Male Slash Exchange that turned me on to a pairing I’d never even thought of before I wrote it and am now low-key obsessed with. It is also, to date, the ONLY Arthur/Superian fic on AO3 at all, which is a cool weird honor and fairly indicative of my life’s goal to eventually write my way into smaller and smaller fandoms until I come out the other side with original works. It was really fun to explore these characters, and to figure out some world-building for Superian’s backstory that fit within the tone and established canon of the extant Amazon!Tick universe. Also featuring an original character that nobody asked for but I’ve come to love unconditionally.

Arthur glances down to where Superian has one cheek pressed against his shoulder, humming something off-key and unintelligible with his eyes closed. Arthur sighs. “Let’s get you inside.”

He hauls Superian in until he can prop him against the wall while he shuts and locks the door behind him. When he looks back over, Superian is smiling at him, soft and lazy. He swings a finger in Arthur’s direction, a broad, sloppy motion, and announces, “I knew you’d say yes.”

“Technically I said fine,” Arthur rebuts. He gestures down the hallway toward the kitchen—which leads on to the bedroom, as Superian well knows—and sighs, “Come on. I don’t know what those handcuffs did to you, but you should probably lie down and have a glass of water or something.”

5. Rain in Its Season

Band of Brothers, 12K, Rated G Edward ‘Babe’ Heffron/John Julian

Oh boy. What to say about this one. It’s maybe not as polished as I might have preferred, but I feel that way about mostly everything I write and at the end of the day I do really love what I managed to do with this piece. Written for the Heavy Artillery Rare Pair Exchange, I managed to lean heavily into both my love for needlessly granular period research and original characters, which are abundant herein. Frankly, based on the very little we see of him in the show, Julian himself is practically an OC, but I digress. This was another of the longer pieces I’ve ever finished and I’m proud of it even if I’d’ve liked to write another 15K or so, time constraints notwithstanding.

“Tell me. Please. Why’re you here?”

Babe flinched, gaze dropping to the floor. His heart was a raw, swollen welt in his chest. He swallowed and licked his lips, slow and pained.

“Come on, Julian,” he rasped, low and quiet. “You know why.” He laughed, soft and hoarse, and shook his head, once. When he looked back up, Julian had taken a careful step into the center of the room. His eyes were very dark, his mouth very red, hope and fear warring in his every feature. Babe fisted his fingers in the cotton sheet underneath him, halfway to pleading as he insisted, “You gotta know.”

Julian sighed and came over to hover at the edge of the bed. Babe spread his legs to accommodate the intrusion.

“That was - ” Julian started. His voice failed midway through the protest, and he swallowed, took a breath, and regrouped at a lower volume. “You said that was just buddies, what we did over there. That it didn’t count. That you didn’t want it to.”

The TL;DR of this all being that while I didn’t write as much I wanted to this year in terms of volume, I feel like my quality has been improving consistently and hope it continues to do so into 2021 while I try to finish out some of my years-long WIPs and get into longer completed pieces.

I’m not sure who all to tag, so I’ll say @thesummoningdark, @blahblahblahclintnickiscanon, @thisbadge, @incognito-insomniac, and anyone else who’d like to join in and hasn’t been tagged yet! (If you’re the latter, feel free to @ me so I can see what you’ve written!)

Happy New Year everyone May the fanworks you create this year be prolific and soul-affirming!

[fritzllang]

so! here’s the Vic/Eddie nobody asked for, featuring a road bar, some country music and even a couple of punches! thanks to @anticmiscellaney for giving me great ideas and editing my awful typos. hope you all enjoy

all the songs referenced are listed at the end

Don’t touch me, I’m a real live wire (Vic/Eddie, G, 3.6k)

“Uhhh… I’m bored as shit,” Eddie lets the pool cue fall from his hands onto the table as he speaks, and Vic gives him a raised eyebrow. They’ve been shooting pool for a couple hours now, but he’s noticed Eddie’s attention drifting away from the game for the past thirty minutes.

“Let’s go someplace,” Eddie insists.

Vic props himself up and nods obligingly, “Okay,“ he looks up for a moment, musing, and remembers there’s a place he’s been meaning to visit. “Let’s go to Bull’s Bar-B-Q.”

Eddie tenses up, only for a moment, but the gesture doesn’t escape Vic’s attention. He knows him, he can tell there’s something up, so he follows Eddie out of the room and down the stairs and waits for his answer.

“Nah, don’t feel like it,” Eddie says nonchalantly, “pick somewhere else.”

Vic squints his eyes. What is Eddie trying to hide from him? Is there something, someone at the bar he doesn’t want Vic to run into? “I wanna go to Bull’s.”

“Well I don’t,” there’s a tang of irritation in Eddie’s voice as he puts on a flashy yellow and blue polyester jacket, “so let’s go someplace else.”

Vic reaches to open the front door and smiles slowly, looking at Eddie with slightly raised eyebrows; he takes a bit of amusement in making Eddie nervous. And if there’s something he doesn’t want him to know about at the bar, then Vic’s going to find out.

“Well I’m going to Bull’s,” he takes his car keys out of his pocket and walks out into the driveway toward his Cadillac, “You’re welcome to come if you want.”

He knows Eddie will follow, and sure enough, he huffs loudly behind him, making a show out of his sulking as he gets into the car, “Vic, you’re impossible.”

In the way over Eddie turns the radio’s dial one way and the other every two minutes, doesn’t let a single song end before he’s changing stations. Every time it looks like he’s finally picked something to listen, his arm shoots out and he’s at it again. Eventually, Vic clicks his tongue irritated and reaches across to slap Eddie’s hand away.

“Leave the fucking thing alone, you’re getting on my nerves,” he glances at Eddie, and tries again to get an answer, “What is up with you?”

“Well for starters I don’t wanna go to that stupid cowboy bar of yours.”

Vic takes a long drag off his cigarette, peers at Eddie before answering, “Why not?”

“I don’t fucking feel like it,” Eddie drags the words out, like he’s trying to make a stubborn child come to reason. Vic doesn’t raise to the bait.

“Why not?”

“What the fuck does it matter why?” There’s a vein starting to swell in Eddie’s neck.

Vic shrugs indifferently, “Well I wanna go because I haven’t been there since I left the can. Nobody’s forcing you to come.”

Eddie throws up his arms out like that’s the most stupid thing he ever heard, “Oh, yes, I can just get out here in the middle of fucking nowhere and walk back home.”

“Just sayin’.”

They’re both dancing around the issue, pretending they don’t know there’s something Eddie’s not saying. Vic doesn’t push, just keeps driving until he sees the neon sign creep up behind some trees.

They pull up into a place on the side of the road with a big parking lot full of pick-up trucks and motorbikes. The blinking sign on the front displays the face of an angry bull with big red horns, along the name “BULL’S BAR-B-Q”. Vic parks the car and gets out, then comes around the back to open Eddie’s door with a grin. Eddie rolls his eyes, pouring sarcasm into every word as he speaks, “Who woulda thought, prison’s turn you into a real fucking gentleman.”

Vic ignores the acid in his voice as he follows him toward the door.

The room is crowded, dimly lit with fake orange kerosene lamps on the tables and neon signs on the wall with the names of beer brands. Gang bikers in leather vests mumble among each other in the dark corner tables, and men dressed in cowboy outfits take their girls out to dance on the open floor by one side, where a young man who’d made a great Waylon Jennings softly sings …Someday when we meet up yonder, we’ll stroll hand in hand again… if some cowboys hug one another and start dancing together, nobody seems to notice.

As soon as they’re inside Vic notices Eddie’s attempt to be subtle about the way he’s giving the whole place a glance, stretching his neck and looking left and right. Vic sneaks closer in silence until he’s perching over his shoulder and whispers quietly on his ear, “See a table you like, Eddie?”

Eddie jumps startled and shoots back a glare at Vic, slowly blinking, “Do not fucking do that to me Toothpick.”

Vic can’t help a low chuckle as he settles a hand on Eddie’s neck and squeezes softly, “Why you so hot under the collar, huh?”

Eddie seems to be satisfied with his survey of the place, because he shrugs away, turns around and sits down on the first table that he finds available, immediately signaling for a waitress. They order beer and start drinking in silence, and soon he seems to unwind, losing his nervous edge, and they even manage to have a conversation about Waylon Jennings’ 70s transition from dapper genteel cowboy to scruffy, brash outlaw without barking at each other.

Vic is saying, “He peaked right after he changed his looks, nothing tops Dreaming My Dreams,” he starts singing quietly, “I’ve been a fool, I’ve been a fool, forgiving you each time that you’ve done me wrong…”

Eddie makes a dismissive gesture, “Yeah, but what about Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town? That’s a country classic.

“Yeah, but that Nashville sound shit is so impersonal, he was just doing what everybody else was doing. The other stuff is raw and unique, he’s singing about his struggles in life” he tries to take a swig of his beer before realizing it’s empty, “He looked hotter in the sixties, though… when he sang Your love scares me to death girl, it’s the chokin’ kind…,” he purrs, and gives Eddie a wink.

Just then the bar’s band wraps up a song, and after a brief applause the singer starts crooning and strumming his guitar, “The only two things in life that make it worth livin’…”

Eddie chuckles, “Well, speaking of the devil.”

Eddie’s laughter and the stupid conversation makes Vic remember how much he missed having fun with him while he was in jail, and suddenly he doesn’t care too much about whatever crap he was hiding anymore; it was probably just Eddie’s usual bullshit, he must have been caught cheating at cards or something like that. And Vic’s been giving him shit all night for it. He looks up Eddie sideways, smiling smugly.

“Hey, you wanna dance?” he could swear he sees Eddie blushing a little, but maybe that’s just the beer.

“What am I, your girlfriend?” Eddie says with exaggerated offence, and Vic tilts his head and scratches his brow like he’s seriously considering the question. Eddie huffs, “Nah, you go.”

“Your loss,” Vic grins and stands up and moves toward the dance floor with swaggering steps.

Vic dances alone for the duration of half a song until a young redheaded girl in a denim skirt approaches him with a grin.

“Hey stranger, you wanna dance?” she has a chirpy voice and a soft southern accent. Vic offers her his hand and his most charming smile.

“Sure, sweetheart.”

She takes his hand and places the other on his shoulder, coming nearer but not quite touching him; Vic doesn’t close the distance but rests his arm around her waist when they start moving to the music.

“You’re not from around here, are you?” Vic is a head taller than her, so he has to tilt down his head to look at her eyes.

“Is it obvious?” She’s the kind of girl that smiles with her whole face and voice, and she’s cute, too, but Vic doesn’t really care about it, he’s just dancing with her to make Eddie a bit jealous.

“I’m from Kentucky,“ she continues, "but I moved out here because I wanna be an actress.”

He shoots a glance at their table and can’t repress a smile; Eddie is looking at him with an angry expression, mindlessly turning one of his golden rings in his finger. Just as he wanted.

Vic turns his full attention to the girl again, “An actress, huh? How’s that working out for you?” If he’s gonna make Eddie jealous at least he’s gonna enjoy himself.

They dance around for a couple of songs, talking about the weather in Lexington and the traffic in LA, until Vic looks up again to watch Eddie. But he’s not looking back; instead, he’s sitting on the edge of his seat with a tense stance, looking at the man sitting by his side and trying to put as much distance as possible between them. Vic furrows his brows and lets go of the girls hands without peeling his eyes from the table.

“‘M sorry, sweetie, my friend’s calling me.” He doesn’t see the disappointed look on the girls face, but hears her voice as he walks away.

“Oh, well… okay, it was nice meeting ya’.”

He circles tables and shoves people out of his way with his eyes fixed on Eddie and his companion. He seems like a really big man even seated, bigger than Vic, with broad shoulders and hairy arms resting on top of the table. His cowboy hat keeps his face in the shadows so Vic hasn’t yet seen his face when he stands near the table, interrupting whatever the man was whispering to Eddie.

“I don’t think I know you.”

Eddie looks up alarmed, eyes wide and face twisted with something very close to fear. Vic squints his eyes, confused, and then he looks at the man for the first time. He’s got a broad face, with a dimple on the chin, high cheekbones and a perfectly straight, pointy nose; his eyes are dark as the curly strand of hair that falls from under the hat in the middle of his forehead. He is handsome, and that makes Vic’s gut squirm with anger.

The man chews on a gum slowly, giving Vic a disinterested look up and down before speaking up, "I don’t think I know you.”

Vic chuckles like he finds the answer remotely funny, but he won’t be intimidated by some rowdy rancher. The stranger keeps a straight face.

“I’ll rephrase…,” Vic says, “who the fuck are you?”

Now the man does laugh, a low chuckle as he swings his arm up and around Eddie, resting his hand on his shoulder. “I’m a friend of Eddie’s. Sal’s the name.”

Vic shoots up his brows in surprise at the friendly gesture. He wants to know exactly what the fuck is up with this guy and his eyes go to Eddie in search for an answer, but Eddie’s just standing still, paralyzed and shooting nervous glances between Vic and Sal.

Vic gives the guy a friendly smile now, “Well, Sal, me and Eddie were having a good night, so why don’t you go fuck off,” he makes a swiping gesture with a hand and widens his grin.

“Vic-,” Eddie makes an attempt to intervene but Sal interrupts him.

“Nah, I don’t think I will,” The man reclines his chair back, balancing himself in the back legs with a smug grin on his face and looking like an absolute asshole, “You see, Eddie and I have been very good friends for… what, two years now?” Vic’s muscles tense listening to him, but he lets Sal continue speaking. “And I’ve never seen you so I think you’re the one who should split.” He draws up his thumb from Eddie’s shoulder to stroke his face, which prompts a cringe from him.

"Don’t fucking touch me,” Eddie snarls.

“Now Eddie,” Sal clicks his tongue and uses a chastising tone, “you weren’t saying that the last time I saw you.”

And that does it for Vic, who falls down into a chair next to the man and with a smooth motion grabs him by the collar and gets really close. With his other hand he pulls up the leg of his jeans, trying to draw his blade out of his boot.

“Buddy, if you don’t let go of him right now I will-” he feels a sharp pressure on his stomach and recognizes the shape of a gun’s barrel. His reacts with a surprised laughter, but even he can tell when the odds are really tipping against him, so he opens his left hand to let go of the cuff oh his pants..

“C'mon pal, I don’t think there’s anything that interesting down your boot. Hands where I can see ‘em.”

Vic clicks his tongue and obliges, releasing his collar and drawing up both palms slowly over the table. Sal takes the opportunity to bring Eddie closer and stand up, forcing the other man to get up with him. Vic doesn’t miss a beat and gets on his feet too, hands still up, pressing his chest forward into the gun with a smile on his face. Sal stands tall and strong, a few inches over him, big enough to scare anybody with a hint of common sense. But Vic doesn’t scare easy.

“If you take one single step I’ll break your neck,” he threatens calmly.

Sal’s face hardens as he tightens his grip on the gun, “I don’t think you wanna play this game, pal.”

“Oh, I wanna play,” Vic speaks slowly, “You wanna shoot me?” he points at his own chest with his hands, amused, “C'mon, tough cowboy, shoot me.”

“Vic…” Eddie starts speaking.

“Shut up Eddie,” Vic doesn’t need Eddie getting in the way, the whole fucking point of this is to get this guy away from him, “you, why don’t you pull the trigger if you’re such a tough boy, huh?”

“Vic, fucking stop it.” Eddie’s hurls through closed teeth; Vic can see his face starting to redden from the tension and anger bubbling up in him, but Sal still has an arm around his shoulder, gripping him tightly.

“Cmon.” Vic spurs again, speaking lower and pressing forward, and for a moment he thinks he might have to start throwing punches to get a reaction from the man, but Sal seems to be thinking better of it already; starts releasing the pressure from the gun, drawing it backwards slowly to place it in his hip holster again.

Vic grins, tilting his face up with arrogance, “That’s what I thought…”

The hand around Eddie’s shoulder relaxes, and Sal takes a slow step back as he squints, “I’ll be seeing you, Vic…”

“Yeah, I hope so.”

The man walks backwards slowly, keeping his eyes on Vic until he disappears among the people of the bar.

Vic exhales slowly, distensing his body for the first time in a while. He isn’t sure what the hell just happened, but he knows two things: he wants to kill this Sal guy, and he is very, very pissed at Eddie. He turns to glare at him with eyes cold and angry; unlike himself, Eddie has not relaxed at all.

“Vic…”

“Now who the fuck was that?“

"Vic, I can…”

“Let’s get out of here.” Vic starts circling the table toward Eddie as he gets a few crumpled bills from his pocket, throws them among the beer bottles without trying to count them, then he grabs Eddie by the arm and starts walking fast toward the door.

“Hey!” Eddie yanks his hand away hard, but still matches Vic’s walking pace. “I swear to fucking God, if someone else grabs me again tonight.”

“Oh yeah?” Vic turns to confront Eddie, crowding him, but he still speaks slowly “Is there someone else who’s gonna come take you for a dance, huh? Any other guys I oughta know about?” Vic chest feels like it’s on fire, and he thinks if Eddie gives him any more shit it might be his breaking point tonight.

But Eddie looks back at him like he’s gonna start shooting sparks out of his eyes any moment, “You know very damn well that’s not what I meant, you fucking nutcase,” he walks around Vic out the door and Vic follows behind.

Eddie crosses the parking lot in a few long paces and gets immediately in the passenger seat of the car, closing the door. Vic could get in the car, drive away and act as if that guy didn’t just threaten to kill him and got away with it; it’s probably the best thing he could do, considering he’s still on parole. But he doesn’t move toward the car’s door, instead, he approaches Eddie’s window and gives the glass a light tap. Eddie rolls his eyes as he rolls down the glass.

“What?!”

Vic perches himself on the window, points at Eddie with his finger, “Don’t move, I’ll be right back.”

“Have you ever heard the phrase ‘don’t bring a knife to a gunfight’, you moron?” Eddie’s squinting his eyes like he can’t believe Vic would be so stupid, but he doesn’t take offence, “Get back in the car!”

Vic is already standing up and walking toward the bar.

As soon as he gets in he starts scanning the place methodically, with a sharp look on his eyes as he walks along one wall so he never loses sight of the whole room; the guy is nowhere to be found. He makes his way to the bathrooms and inspects them too, with no luck. He closes a fist in frustration before walking back outside. When the chill night air hits him he takes a slow breath, brings his arms to his hips and gives the parking lot a glance, too; maybe the idiot is staying behind in his car waiting for Vic to break his face.

When Vic sees him he can’t believe his eyes. Sal is perching over Vic’s own Cadillac’s window, his hat hanging from his neck and thrown over his upper back, in the same posture Vic was not five minutes ago, speaking with Eddie and giving his back to the bar’s door. He might be big and good looking, Vic thinks, but the man sure ain’t the sharpest fella.

Vic approaches slowly from behind, stealthily, and when he’s close enough he brings his right hand back, taking impulse for a moment before swinging it forward with full force and an open palm towards Sal’s head; as soon as he comes in contact he grabs the hair and shoves him face first towards the car door. The knock of metal against forehead makes a loud thud.

“Shit!” Eddie pulls back, taken by surprise.

Vic uses the moment of confusion to take Sal’s gun from his holster, then stands back and throws it toward one end of the parking lot over the roofs of the cars; when he turns back around Sal’s already recovering, left fist up in front of his face while he swings the right. A cold punch lands on Vic’s jaw, another on his sternum. He stagers back for a moment, struggling to breath, but regains his balance quickly. He lets out a sigh and grins.

“So you can hit too, huh?”

He takes one step back to gain momentum, then throws himself with full force toward Sal’s waist, knocking him on his back with Vic on top of him. He scrambles up, grabs the man’s hair again and yanks upward, then back down, hitting the crown of his head against the hard pavement. He does it again. Sal grabs his shirt and pushes back, trying to get him off, but Vic’s got him pinned to the ground, resting his full weight on his ribs, the man almost unable to breath. Vic lets go of his hair and throws a punch to the eye, the jaw, the nose, starting to breath heavily himself. For the first time, he’s vaguely aware of Eddie’s amused howling and laughing through the car’s window.

“Heh, he sure didn’t see that comin’,” he taps the door of the car with a pleased grin, “Cmon, that’s enough, you’re gonna kill him.”

But Vic hasn’t had enough. He reaches for the razor in his boot, panting slightly from the strain of the fight, and opens it carefully, then brings the blade to the man’s face, resting it flat on his cheek. Sal’s face is smeared with blood from his nose and the open cuts in his brown and cheek, and he is gasping for air. Vic moves his face closer, his lips almost touching the other’s ear, and he whispers.

“If I ever see you again I’m gonna give your pretty face a fix-up,” he tilts his face sightly sideway to look him in the eye, “You want that, huh?”

Sal shakes his head faintly, keeping his eyes on Vic’s, but he doesn’t speak.

“Yeah, ’s what a thought.” He gives him a last grin and finally gets up, brushing one hand back through his messed up hair; with the other he closes the blade by pressing the blunt edge against one leg.

He walks around the car and gets in the driver’s seat, immediately puts in the key and starts the ignition, then maneuvers out of the parking lot without giving even one last glance to the man still lying on the pavement. Eddie’s giggling dies away as he sees Vic’s livid expression, and Vic’s glad because he doesn’t want Eddie to think for a moment that he’s off the hook.

“You have a lot of explainin’ to do.”

“Yeah, I guess I do, huh…”

As they drive back to the house Vic steals a glance to his right; even in the darkness of the road he can make out the younger man’s frown, his lower lip between his teeth. Vic wonders if Eddie missed him too.

***

1. yes they did have hot angry sex later.

2. also in case you read my posts where i detail my writing struggles yes Rock Hudson was my reference for Sal

3. Songs in the fic:

Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain by Willie Nelson

I’ve Been A Long Time Leaving (But I’ll Be A Long Time Gone) by Waylon Jennings

The Chokin’ Kind by Waylon Jennings

Luckenbach, Texas (Back To The Basics Of Love) by Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson

title of the fic comes Psycho Killer by The Talking Heads

[mautadite]

april book round up

20 books this month, which i didn’t see coming. i had more free time than expected, even with working from home and *makes vague hand gestures*. i still have a scribd membership so almost all these books came from there. also i’m putting some thought into reviewing on netgalley, so a couple from there as well.

american fairy tale - adriana herrera ⭐️⭐️⭐️ contemporary m/m romance in herrera’s dreamers series that follows immigrants and children of immigrants. this second book was fun, a kind of fairy tale romance as the title suggests. a rich guy/poor guy situation which isn’t usually my cup of tea, and the domineering, throw-money-at-every-situation personality of the rich guy got on my nerves, and i wasn’t totally sold on the way the conflict was resolved? but i enjoyed it. herrera’s books just have this down to earth vibe that i love.

unfit to print - k.j. charles ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ historical m/m romance. vikram, a young lawyer doing a lot of pro-bono work in the indian community in london, lost touch with his childhood friend gil years and years ago, is pretty sure he’s dead. so imagine his surprise when he comes across him in an unlikely occupation in an unlikely place. this was a charming, touching novella, really interesting historically, with a lot of cool titbits about porn in the 19th century. very sweet romance-wise.

american love story - adriana herrera ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ another dreamers novel, this one about a black professor and political activist and a white ADA who had a fling a while back and are now living in the same town. and same apartment building. lol. it did get into real world politics, which i know some people don’t like, but i honestly thought it well done? there were some great bits in this, good insight, one really harrowing moment, and just really great chemistry and character moments.

wanted, a gentleman - k.j. charles ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ more historical m/m romance from k.j. charles, which i always like, but this one i REALLY liked. which surprised me, because it’s a novella, and with novellas you never spend enough time with characters to really know them and their story and get attached? but that’s exactly what happened here. a well-to-do ex-slave and a poor gazette owner team up to untangle a young love affair. i seriously loved this, the characters are so good together. T__T

far from the world we know - harper bliss ⭐️⭐️ contemporary f/f romance about a young widow with a traumatic past who moves to a tiny new town to take care of her ailing aunt, and slowly falls into a relationship with the owner of the local newspaper. the premise was good, but this honestly felt like every single harper bliss book i’ve ever read, except it had nothing to recommend it. ask me why these characters even like each other. i can’t answer! 

the hound of justice - claire o'dell ⭐️⭐️ the second book in a series that re-imagines the sherlock holmes universe, except as near-future scifi set during a civil war, and both holmes and watson are black lesbians. i LOVED the first book (with a few caveats) and i’ve been looking forward to this one for so long... but it was disappointing. in terms of the writing, in terms of the direction the characters took, in terms of the plot... i have to wonder if i read the first one with rose-tinted glasses. :/ won’t be continuing this series.

the vintner's luck - elizabeth knox ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ *CLUTCHES MY CHEST WITH BOTH HANDS* in my goodreads review i said i didn’t know how to talk about this novel, and i still don’t. but i ADORED IT. so completely. in early 19th century france, the young son of a winegrower climbs a hill on his father’s property, and there, meets an angel. this is the story of them falling in love, but also about family and friendship, love and death. it’s written SO beautifully, and i’ll be thinking about it for a long time.

the family fang - kevin wilson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ OOOF. i went into this knowing that several friends loved it so i knew i probably was gonna too and i DID. it’s about two siblings whose parents have been obsessed (since before the birth of their children, and until the present day where they’re both grown) with the idea of creating perfect art, and how the kids survive that. i actually didn’t enjoy reading many parts of this, but only because it was so well written, if that makes sense? like, it took me right in there with some of the shitty emotions and just made me feel. OOOF.

mrs. martin's incomparable adventure - courtney milan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ a VERY sweet and charming historical f/f romance between a wealthy 74-yo widow and the cute young 69 (nice) yo landlady who comes to ask for her help. and then they have an adventure! i read it at a great time, because i was beginning to feel really bummed out about how people are trivialising and discounting the lives of older people in this crisis, and there was a really great message of like... life not being over until you SAY it’s over, living like you have 20 more years left. i loved it a lot.

his convenient husband - robin covington ⭐️⭐️ m/m contemporary fake marriage story, about a russian ballet dancer and the widowed american football player he marries to get citizenship. and then they fall in love for realsies. i love fake marriage as a trope, it can be so cute but this was very meh. if a book is gonna handle racism/homophobia in such a shallow way... i’d honestly prefer if the book just pretended those things don’t exist lol. :/ it’s also very very rushed and not well plotted at all. alas.

once ghosted, twice shy - alyssa cole ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ alyssa cole is like my good luck charm, because starting here, i read a bunch of lesbian romance novels that i really liked. this one is part of a series about reluctant royals, and follows the dapper assistant to a prince as she falls for a girl who seemingly ghosts her, and then meets her again months later. it’s a novella, and sort of relies on the fact that you would have met one of the characters in a previous book (which i did read). but i really really liked it, thought it was super cute, and the mcs had great chemistry. it was almost insta-love, which i really don’t like... but i still like this book so much. also best cover?? BEST COVER. 

who'd have thought - g. benson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ now THIS is fake marriage done right!!! f/f contemporary romance about a struggling nurse who comes across an ad offering a chunk of money in exchange for one year of marriage... and the person on the offering end turns out to be the cold, stuck-up but brilliant doctor at the hospital where she works. this was the perfect slow burn, with great character writing, really good set-up, very believable arc as they slowly fall in love. it got me so emotional at times. definitely gonna make sure i read more from this author.

three reasons to say yes - jaime clevenger ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ f/f contemporary about two women who strike up a romance while on vacation in hawaii; one an overworked professional, one a doctor-mom of twin girls. another winner for me. just an extremely cute, very genuine butch/femme romance. it’s funny because i definitely nitpicked on a lot of things in this book, but i only remember the parts of if that made me so fond.

we set the dark on fire - tehlor kay meija ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ f/f YA fantasy in a world deeply divided by class. in the upper echelons of society, girls are trained either to become one of the two wives of upper class men; the primera and the segunda. the story follows a girl who has faked her social class becoming the primera of a very powerful man, getting involved with revolutionaries, and developing a surprising relationship with her husband’s segunda. really interesting world-building, some lovely writing, a really heart-felt core. i had my nitpicks with the plot but i still super enjoyed it, really want to read the second part.

a tale of two mommies  - vanita oelschlager ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ netgalley book. a cute children’s story about a kid with two moms. <3

crier's war - nina varela ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ more f/f fantasy YA, this one with the added benefit of being about something that i ADORE reading about in fiction: artificial life. in this fantasy world, automae were created, perfected, became aware of their place in society, fought a war for their autonomy... and won. the story opens up 50 years later, in a society ruled by robots, where humans are subjugated. it follows the current robot ruler’s created daughter and a young human rebel whose one goal is to kill said daughter. i loved this SO much, the enemies to lovers trope was peeeerfect. i wish the writing was tighter, and some plot elements could have used cleaning up, but i enjoyed this so much. the ROMANCE especially was... gah! <3 the second book comes out soon, but i want it like, now.

second dad summer - benjamin klas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ another netgalley book. a fun and charming primary/middle school story about a kid spending the summer with his father, and his father’s new boyfriend, who he doesn’t quite get along with. over the summer he makes new friends, nurtures some plants, learns some lessons. i thought this was well-written, touching, and does a pretty good job of telling kids about queer stuff. 

tempting fate - sloane kennedy ⭐️⭐️ contemporary m/m novella (short story honestly) about two ranch hands realising their feelings for one another. it was fine, i read it because i was in the mood for a quick HEA and i got that, but it was also kinda flat and there were several kinda irksome things about it. i reeeeeally don’t like overly possessive characters, lol.

all the reasons i need - jaime clevenger ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ more contemporary f/f romance, this one about long time friends who have been in love for ages, slowly coming to a place where they can finally admit their feelings and try to embark upon a relationship. again, while on vacation! this was a lot more sombre than the previous clevenger book, as it deals with past abuse and eating disorders. but i also found the writing to be better in general, and the relationship between the two women was just... so great. the writing definitely isn’t pulitzer prize-winning or anything, but there are so few good butch/femme books out there, i ate this up, and will def. be reading more from this author.

interpreter of maladies - jhumpa lahiri ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ speaking of pulitzer prize-winning authors... i’ve had this author and this book specifically at the back of my mind since secondary school; one of my literature teachers really loved it and would bring it up all the time. i really enjoyed it! it’s a collection of stories about the indian diaspora in america, as well as life on the subcontinent. i really like her writing (very simple, very precise, but very evocative) and there were a few really striking stories.

and that’s it for april. look at me, actually writing this entry on time, lol. for may i’m just gonna... keep reading whatever catches my eye on scribd i guess. i remember vaguely saying that by this time of the year i would have moved on to reading the books on my physical bookshelf that i haven’t gotten to yet but... i go where the wind takes me etc. currently reading silver moon, about women who turn into werewolves once they hit menopause? absolutely metal.

[greggory--lee]

6 Timeless Advice for a Dapper Look

“A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgotten all about them.” ~ Hardy Amies

Whether you agree or not, the look and appearance have become judging criteria these days. Gone are the days when men were barely concerned about their clothing. The dressing style of an individual plays a very vital role in determining the personality. This is the reason why most men invest a lot of time in getting the much-desired dapper look. However, being dapper is generally misunderstood for donning the tuxedo look. Being dapper is not just about wearing the best clothes. In fact, In fact, regardless of your wardrobe, it is a way of stylizing yourself.

The write up has compiled some quick tips, for all the style connoisseur who want to don an impressive look. Apply the timeless fashion advice and caution in your daily life in order to turn dapper.

Self-grooming: Personal hygiene and grooming are one of the most decisive factors. No matter what you’re wearing, a neat, clean and classy look is a proven weapon to turn every head around. So, before you decide your wardrobe for the day, make sure that you take your hygiene to the extreme. Remember to bathe well and trim your beard before leaving home. Wash your face and apply a moisturizing lotion to remove the white patches and flakes. Along with this, your clothes should be neat and well-ironed.

Get the clothes tailored: Tailoring your clothes appropriately is the best way to get a noticeable difference in your appearance. Wearing the wrong fit is one of the major error of fashion. Not every man is as particular about the size as the ladies. The wrong fit can make or break your look. So, make sure that you get your attire tailored accordingly. Do not wear it if doesn’t fit. The attire should fit you like gloves.

Dress according to your age: Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable, but the style is more about being yourself. The contemporary styles may intrigue you at times, but make sure that you dress according to your age. So, do not try to fit into the fashion, but choose a style that fits your personality. This is the best way of dressing to the nines.

Accessorize your clothing: As a gentleman, you can never go wrong with a timeless statement wristwatch. It not only adds flair to your look, but also gives an elegant look. Most dapper men will be seen in a neat pair of formal shoes. Wearing an elegant footwear helps in power dressing. Along with this, the accessories should be according to the clothing. In case, you are in your formals, then, the ensemble should be formal as well. For casual outfits, you can go with the subtle ones that get you an easy-going look, yet oozes effortless style. Right from the cuff-links to the undergarment, everything contributes to the overall personality. Wear a cozy pair of men’s underwear. Even the underneath article should be according to the occasion. Briefs for men is an ideal option if you don’t want to adjust yourself in front of everyone.

Match the colors well: The color combination of the overall attire should complement your personality and skin tone. Don’t be afraid of exploring the possibilities of fashion, but remember to stay subtle. Simplicity and sophistication are what defines a gentleman. The combination of dark and light color is the safest option when the large variety is confusing you. The light hues with the contrasting dark ones is a timeless sequence.

Avoid being funky: Being funky and playful is fun, but it projects a boyish attitude. So, keep the dressing simple and subtle. Go for prints that are elegant and dressy without going over-the-board. Whether you are heading for a formal event or getting dressed for a casual spree, the clothing should project your personality is a positive light.

What are your hacks for a dapper look? Do share in the comments below.

Source by Thom G Watson

Source: http://bitcoinswiz.com/6-timeless-advice-for-a-dapper-look/

[othersportsnews-blog]

Wimbledon -- Roger Federer's comeback tale just retains obtaining additional unbelievable

New Post has been published on https://othersportsnews.com/wimbledon-roger-federers-comeback-tale-just-retains-obtaining-additional-unbelievable/

Wimbledon -- Roger Federer's comeback tale just retains obtaining additional unbelievable

1:fifty seven PM ET

Peter BodoTennis

Near

Peter Bodo has been masking tennis for more than 35 yrs, mainly not long ago for ESPN. He is a former WTA Writer of the 12 months and the creator of various textbooks, which include the basic “The Courts of Babylon” and the New York Periods bestseller (with Pete Sampras), “A Champion’s Mind.”

In his moment of doubt, wanting to know how much of a foreseeable future he even now experienced in tennis just after consistently slipping limited in Grand Slam finals, Roger Federer turned to his support group of relatives members, trainers and coaches. He questioned them for an sincere reply to the concern every single player faces when his body commences to give out, his generation stalls and the internet pages on the calendar seem to be to be flying by.

Do I even now have it — can I even now win a big?

“Fundamentally the reply was constantly the very same from them,” Federer explained to the media Sunday just after successful his next Grand Slam title of the calendar year [19th general] at Wimbledon. “[They said] that they imagined if you’re 100 % healthful and you’re well-organized, you’re eager to enjoy, then anything’s achievable.”

Just after successful his eighth singles title at the All England Club, a dapper Roger Federer carries his trophy at the Wimbledon Winners Meal. Getty Photographs

Seems very simple, but bear in mind that when Federer questioned that concern he was fast approaching 35 on a negative knee. He organized as best he could, but no make any difference what he did, the effects just were not there he’d shed in his past a few Grand Slam finals. And he was something but eager to soldier on just after Milos Raonic steamrolled more than him and his aching knee in the 2016 Wimbledon semis.

In truth, Federer was so dejected that he made the decision to simply call it quits for the calendar year.

That’s when he questioned the concern. That’s when his devoted spouse, Mirka, coaches Severin Luthi and Ivan Ljubicic, and other people expressed the self-confidence that he repaid in spades Sunday in London. When all the aspects are tolled and set into context, Federer’s resurgence in 2017 will consider its position in the Comebacks Corridor of Fame.

Federer said he realized he could enjoy “wonderful” all over again one day. But even he failed to dare visualize that it would be with a upper-scenario “G.” He said he may well have laughed if another person explained to him he would win two majors this calendar year, telling his interlocutors, “I guess you would have laughed, also.”

Roger Federer is a men’s document eight-time Wimbledon champion, successful his next Grand Slam of the calendar year in impeccable vogue by not dropping a set all through the two-week match.

Even Roger Federer has trouble describing his renaissance. But here he is, a Wimbledon champion for an eighth time.

As extended as he is healthful, Roger Federer programs to enjoy skilled tennis, but even he does not know how much lengthier that window will stay open up.

two Related

But here he is all over again. And many thanks to his stunning 31-two document, he is on observe to have one of the finest yrs any one has appreciated. He also will by vying with his occupation nemesis Rafael Nadal, another player reborn in this astonishing calendar year, for the calendar year-end No. 1 rating.

That contest is anything neither Federer nor Nadal experienced anticipated. Nadal is just about five yrs younger than Federer, but he grinds by his matches whilst Federer skates more than them. Nadal has endured additional occupation-impacting injuries than the Swiss star, which helps make his possess renaissance this calendar year comparably remarkable. Like Federer, Nadal has embraced a trio of priorities: stay healthful, love the journey and win another big, or additional.

Getting to be embroiled in a dogfight for the No. 1 rating has been the furthest matter from either player’s head. That’s one motive Federer skipped the entire clay-court segment and the French Open and Nadal chose to forgo grass-court tuneup activities for Wimbledon. But Federer, up to No. 3 in the hottest globe rankings at the rear of No. 1 Andy Murray and No. two Nadal, has constantly been keenly interested in tennis history, especially the chapters he is creating. Therefore, replacing Andre Agassi as the oldest player ever to complete the calendar year at No. 1 has arrive to have a sneaky kind of appeal.

Lest any one think that Federer is obtaining greedy, he pointed out Sunday that he never ever meant to consider another lengthy hiatus this calendar year. “I was constantly likely to enjoy additional the next element of the period. I wasn’t likely to skip entire swings. … I was constantly likely to enjoy as much as I quite possibly could, so I think I’m likely to keep genuine to that.”

So the ball is in Nadal’s court, and it will be a challenging one to cope with. Federer has continually experienced greater results than Nadal in the summertime U.S. challenging-court activities, specifically the US Open. With No. four Novak Djokovic out for an unspecified period of time and Murray off his A-match and nursing a negative hip, Federer is not just well-positioned to do well right up until the end of the ultimate Grand Slam of 2017, he towers more than the discipline. That’s just wherever he wishes to be, since this is a gentleman who for whom “strain” is much less adversary than aphrodisiac.

Federer concluded his run by the match, in which he did not drop a set, with a 6-3, 6-1, 6-four win more than Marin Cilic. Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Photographs

Federer was philosophical about his anticipations, saying that he failed to think also much about the data he proven with his win more than Marin Cilic, not even when it was more than and he was soaking up the ambiance in the course of the trophy presentation. What he was contemplating was how wonderful it was to arrive by and win Wimbledon, wherever he experienced known so much disappointment and doubt considering the fact that he last gained the occasion in 2012.

“It is really been a extended highway,” he described, “It is really been an remarkable highway. It is really been tough at moments, but that is how it truly is supposed to be.”

For Federer, all roadways guide to Centre Courtroom. It is really wherever he feels best and plays best. He promises that at this phase, his results is genuinely the byproduct of his “consistency.” That potential to routinely execute at the greatest level underneath the most challenging situations is only offered to people who have a profound hunger for the highlight.

“I’m not shying away from the massive phase,” Federer said, insisting that from the begin, he is never ever felt he hits the ball as well on secondary courts as on Centre. “That was constantly likely to be a fantastic matter.”

That’s a remarkable attitude, and it goes some way to describing Federer’s results. Still he insists that his adore of that phase was neither created nor drilled into him by dad and mom or mentors, like he was some kind of “challenge.”

“I was not that child,” Federer reiterated. “I was just genuinely a standard man rising up in Basel, hoping to make a occupation on the tennis tour. I guess I dreamed, I believed, and genuinely hoped that I could essentially possibly genuinely do it, you know, to make it serious.”

Federer unquestionably attained that. And now the only term for his achievements and what he is become is “unreal.”

Resource link

[arkweldr-blog]

‘76 Ironhead Build

The 2016 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in St. Louis had a great turnout of riders. Lot’s of cafe bikes and vintage standards to get excited over. But one bike in particularly caught everyone’s attention ~ Chris G’s 1976 Harley-Davidson Ironhead.

I can’t remember what caught my eye first, Chris or his bike. He’s a big dude and would stand out in a crowd on a regular day. But at the DGR he chose to get dapper in red velour pants and a vest. And when big dude’s wear red pants, ride custom-vintage Harley’s with turquoise paint and the fleur-de-lis crested on the tank - well, they’re kind of hard to miss.

Can you pick Chris out of the line up?

Fortune Teller Bar, Cherokee Street, St. Louis, Missouri

I didn’t really talk to Chris much that day about his bike or where the hell he sourced his pants. But since that ride, many of the guys, including Chris and myself, have joined The Toasted Reviolis Motorcycle Club (more on the T-Revs some other time), which allowed me to catch up with him about this great bike.

Below is a post from Chris about how this bike came to be. And if you catch a “u” where you think it’s not suppose to be, that’s King’s English and you better get with the program.

~ I had an idea !! I could see the result in my mind’s eye as clear as if it were sitting there right in front of me – the overall look, the shape, the balance, the flow from front to rear, the colour – yes the colour was critical – it had to capture the spirit of my heart’s desire… the details started to emerge, the larger wheel to the front, a brown sprung seat and oh and it simply had to be a springer… something I had wanted on a bike of my own since I first saw one at 12 years old on the ferry from England to the Isle of Man to watch the TT with my father in 1982. It all seemed so simple. All I had to do was keep on imagining and without doubt it would just come together right? Only there was a problem. Actually, there were several problems. The first being, I had never ‘built’ a bike before. Sure, I had tinkered and tuned and switched parts and done most things the average petrol head (I do not apologise for the liberal sprinkling of Anglicism’s that have occurred and may follow) had undertaken – I had sprayed many a can of paint liberally over a variety of articles but this was different, right? I mean this was to be something completely special. The next problem was more straight forward to deal with mentally. The concept of dealing with a lack of skill and expertise was particularly daunting however the lack of a bike to actually start, well if anything, it kept me from having to worry about problem one – no bike, no problem… phew, what a relief. But then it happened. My greatest dream and worst nightmare rolled in to one. My best friend, an awesome dude and an owner of many rides, hit a bump in the road. More metaphorical than literal thankfully. He had issues that needed resolving and the purchase of his beloved 1976 1000cc 4 speed Harley Sportster bolt on hardtail half chopped and looking cool as you like already, well, it was the least I could do to help. And now I had no choice – well I did, I could leave it just like it was – high rise bars, chunky single seat, classic black and glittery orange tank and awesome pipes stretching out the back,swept up just behind the home made sissy bar that rose to a peak culminating in a fleur-de-lis of epic proportions and solidity. I mean it looked great – especially to him. And therein lies the rub. It was his idea of cool. It was his idea of what a motorcycle should look like. It was his baby – each bracket, nut and bolt was attached or tightened by him. He knew it inside out. What to do when this wouldn’t turn, when that wouldn’t work or what needed tightening every ride v’s every second ride (it was a ’76 Harley after all). Yes, I could have learned all those things either over time or quite quickly by asking the questions but ultimately, they would all have been his things, not my things. Things he already knew about… some he had caused during the build, others he had just to wait and see about… but all his things. It almost felt like stepping in to someone else dream. It wasn’t my dream – I simply had to do this. Stand up. Be a man (or woman – after all, anyone can do this). Take a leap of faith. If not believe in myself then believe in the outcome. And so I began !!!

In writing this I had a choice. I could delve in to every nut and bolt, every cut, saw or grind mark. Each snip and spark. But that is not what this was about (plus I can save that for another day – they count the words when you write these things you know – you have to save some for later). I had one reason for pulling together this barely lucid personal diatribe. You see there is kind of a point to this. And that is, if I can do this then you can do this. It sounds a little contrite, but damn it, it is true. I should qualify this a little. And this may sound like I am a little over qualified in some respects… a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Engineering for starters. But the realities of these are that knowing that ‘In any cyclic process the entropy will either increase or remain the same’ and that ‘heat is a form of energy, and thermodynamic processes are therefore subject to the principle of conservation of energy and therefore that heat energy cannot be created or destroyed’ has much more chance of leading to a weld that looks like something deposited by the rats of the sky (pigeons to you and I) on the pavement – ok I give in – sidewalk. Because here’s the thing. You learn. You learn so much and in such a short time that you WILL surprise yourself. You learn in so many ways too. You learn practical skills. I learned to paint, I learned to weld (a little better), I learned how to wire a bike from scratch, I learned what works and just as importantly, I learned what did not. I learned much more though. I learned if I try I may fail. I may fail again. But if I am determined I will succeed. I am proud of myself. And I achieved. It’s not perfect. It’s not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. But it’s my ‘not perfect’. They are my nuts to tighten. They are my leaks to watch out for every ride or every second ride. I know I have to check the steering regularly (that’s a new thing ‘I’ built in to this machine – before I switched to the springer it was fine !!). I’m the only one that knows the paint on one side of the tank is different than the paint on the other. But none of these things matter. They are all mine and I wouldn’t have it any other way. So, gentlefolk. I implore you. See your dream. Feel that dream. Build that dream and best of all…. Live that dream !!! ~

Chris G. is a great dude. And if you see him out and about, ripping through your neighbo”u”rhood, sporting a T-REVS MC shirt and a pair of red velour pants, make sure you check this bike out. Thanks Chris for the awesome post!

Noah