#i get the best results with a *fresh* razor

[juney-blues]

having face stubble tht never *really* goes away no matter how close you shave, and always comes back after just a few hours *sucks* severely

[foldingfittedsheets]

I don’t think most people can really be trusted with home wax kits if I’m honest. That’s a job best left to professionals. I think this because of the one time Brendan and I tried to wax ourselves with disastrous results.

I’ve always hated pubic hair and Brendan was like a satyr of a man so we decided a fun together activity would be waxing each other. We picked up a home kit and sequestered ourselves in the bathroom.

My first sign that things were about to go horribly wrong was that the first thing we saw in the kit were warnings about how to not horrifically burn yourself. But I had not yet developed a healthy sense of fear. We were going to have an adventure.

Brendan and I stripped and crowded around the heating wax, excited and silly, looking forward to our future hairless states. We debated what to wax first and since I loathed having crotch hair I volunteered my pubes to begin.

The first hurdle proved to be getting the wax where we wanted it. The sticky mess resisted the wooden slathering sticks with all its might and adhered to anything else. Arms, countertop, sink, walls, until finally I smeared some where we were trying to go.

I slapped paper onto the malleable wax and waited for it to set. I asked Brendan if he’d pull it but his eyes welled up with sadness and he protested he couldn’t possibly hurt me until I sighed and tried to rip out my own pubes.

I have seldom experienced worse pain than that moment. It was excruciating and I fully screamed and fell off the edge of the tub where I’d been sitting as a fiery relentless burning agony settled into my crotch. The only saving grace was I’d started off to one side rather than going down the landing strip.

Both Brendan and I were horrified to see that every hair follicle I’d ripped up was now welling with blood. I staunched the bleeding and turned watery eyes on him. “Your turn.”

Brendan was not a coward. He would not let me suffer alone. But he also didn’t want a crotch full of blood, so he smeared a bit up the thicket of his leg hair and ripped. He threw his whole body into a painful silent scream, pounding his fist on the counter as all the cells in the bare patch of his leg lodged a formal protest.

We stewed in silence after that, pain throbbing along our bodies with each heartbeat, balefully regarding the wax on the counter. We didn’t want to give up but the pain register of this task was well beyond our capability to bear. We looked at each other. I said, “Maybe it will hurt less on my leg.”

He looked at me dubiously but we both knew my leg hair wasn’t as dense. The last wax that would ever touch me was slathered on a modest patch of shin hair. I stared at it for a long time, steeling myself against the coming fury of my follicles. I ripped. I managed not to scream but I clenched every muscle in my body against the fresh wash of unpleasantness.

My leg didn’t bleed but I tapped out. It was too much, we couldn’t do it. We tidied the bathroom as best we could we kept finding new wax patches where we’d made a mess for weeks afterward. It took a few hours before we could laugh about the misadventure. My two bald spot were stark for the next few weeks, matching Brendan’s single missing strip of leg hair.

We would go on to try to shave Brendan with disposable razors, a Sisyphean task that blunted three disposable razors and resulted in innumerable cuts and ingrown hairs. Eventually we just accepted defeat and Brendan continued on as hairy as he began.

[moonbaby26]

Title: Breeding Grounds

(Chapter 20 of Doflamingo’s Marine Series)

*Crossposted to AO3 Here*

Chapter Pairings: Doflamingo x Fem!Reader

Chapter Warnings: language, animal behavior/breeding comparisons, but otherwise pretty clean actually except for some nudity, petting, and kissing. in other words, reader finally gets a little break? *gasp!* 😅

Chapter Synopsis: Doflamingo had made prior arrangements to personally pickup the serum he commissioned from Caesar for you. But on a whim, or perhaps a growing need to never be parted, the Heavenly Demon decides you’ll be accompanying him on this trip as well.

Chapters: 1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Fic Masterlist

——————————

——————————

It was only one day since the news had first broken worldwide about Doflamingo’s marriage proposal to you and his resetting of your relationship’s chaotic timeline in the colosseum.

Just one day since that man had cornered you in an oversized closet and confessed to killing his own marine double agent of a brother in supposed self defense, while in the very next breath saying he wanted to make a family with you instead.

Only one damn day since you were made to swallow pool water and further irritate your injuries, only to swim to him and force his paralyzed body out of harm’s way just as he’d intended.

“You still refuse to read about us?” Doflamingo’s taunting voice now carried from the bathroom, in reference to that newest newspaper on the nightstand.

“I was there. I don’t need to read Morgans’ take on it.” You answered only because you felt you had to. Doflamingo would just press more if you didn’t.

And the warlord’s resulting chuckle came easily through that still open bathroom door. “Public perception is all part of the game, love. Don’t discount its uses so easily.”

He had been up long before dawn. Back and forth between this royal suite and his office down the hall you assumed.

But he’d insisted on you waking and showering with him. So you now lay on the bed afterward, still wet and watching him with instinctive caution.

His back was to you, not a piece of clothing or towel to cover him at all. Purposeful you were sure as he stood before the full length mirror, performing such a disconcerting imitation of a normal man’s routine.

You could see his tight ass of course, his waist, and the backs of his thighs. All toned and far too perfect while he just made small talk with you like it was something normal, moving a long razor blade up along his throat and jaw as he did.

The Heavenly Demon was shaving.

And you couldn’t yet admit that whatever thick cream he’d lathered along his skin had smelled amazing too before you’d come over here to  wait on his bed.

Yes, you supposed you’d never seen even a hint of blond stubble across that lean face. As far back as you could possibly remember he’d always looked clean and well groomed.

But it didn’t make it comfortable to witness.

Still wholly bothersome to you somehow as Doflamingo tilted his face this way and that, getting every contour carefully with that blade.

Maybe it felt better to him than his strings. Maybe he preferred the moisturizing aspect of the lather or its scent as well. Maybe he just liked to feel pampered.

Yet even a view of the best ass in Dressrosa, both literally and figuratively, couldn’t distract you forever.

Your mind was still churning, wondering what fresh trauma really awaited you next.

“Doffy.” You said, with your hand tightening into the bedsheet.

And you saw his head turn. Just enough for his good eye to look back at you. He was wiping the bottom of his face with a washcloth after rinsing off the razor blade by then.

“When are you going to let me use a phone again?” You asked somewhat without warning. But quieter than he deserved. Because you still weren’t wanting to fight again yet. You had to recover at some point. You had to at least try to anyway.

But he had taken your snail after the incident with Crocodile. And you’d noticed his own snails were never left alone with you.

He was controlling all lines of communication out of this castle. Even as he’d made such a show of claiming to trust you at the pool yesterday.

But Doflamingo didn’t say anything back at first. He tossed that washcloth, leaving it for the maids to clean up later. And then he was walking towards you out of the bathroom.

You still weren’t used to how fast he could really cross a room. Even if he was in no particular hurry with those long legs.

“My eyes are up here, darling.” He chided, watching you intently.

Your eyebrows lowered at the callout. “Well, wear underwear for once.” You retorted. His length was swinging with his strides even at full rest. “Who wouldn’t look?”

“I don’t like underwear.” He smiled, pleased for the acknowledgement of his size. “It chafes.” But his equally uncovered eyes glinted with the hint of further mischief. “I can stand something smaller though. G-strings and thongs aren’t so bad. Care to see some examples?”

“You’re trying to change the subject.” You correctly pointed out at that, though with an embarrassing heat creeping into your face regardless.

“Nice mental image isn’t it?” Doflamingo reached the bed’s edge with another taunt, before turning and flopping right onto his back beside you.

It actually made you come off of the bed just that slight amount as the force of his weight went briefly through the springs below.

You splayed one hand out behind you for balance, somewhat sitting up. And then his still wet hair was in your equally naked lap as he rolled over onto you.

“You really should be looking at this like a vacation instead of manufacturing things to complain about.” He fussed a little, but with no real bite to it before a string picked up your other hand to set it onto his face.

“Stop doing that.” You huffed.

“Then learn to take a hint. I told you I get headaches on the left side.” He moved his face, that blind eye partly closed while he pushed his temple further against your palm.

“You’re having one right now?” You asked skeptically. He was going to do anything to keep from discussing his clear isolation of you, wasn’t he?

“Just help me.” He sounded more impatient there, edging back towards petulance.

But you were stubborn too, even though you still had to be careful. You kept talking even as your fingers did move by your own freewill then. You massaged Doflamingo’s temple and into his high hairline above that milky left eye. “Are you going to let me contact HQ again or not?”

Both his eyes started to close fully as you’d rubbed him. He only frowned a little when you’d still spoken.

“You just can’t leave a good thing alone, can you?” He asked. But noticeably relaxed despite the retort, letting your hand continue to work. “Careful what you wish for, darling. Because you may just get it.” He continued. “I didn’t tell you. But I decided we’re going out today. And you won’t be the only white coat once we get there.”

————————————

“He’s off island? Where?” Vergo questioned, albeit in his usual monotone.

“The young master left for Punk Hazard earlier today with that girl. He said he didn’t wish to be disturbed.” Gladius answered with similar evenness.

But Vergo did hesitate briefly at that on the other side of the snail, considering the weight of this new information. “It’s risky to go there now. The rank and file are already up in arms about all of this. Did he give a reason?”

“No. It seemed impromptu. One of his whims. But I assume he doesn’t like leaving her alone here with us either. Not after what happened before.”

At this suggestion, Vergo did finally offer a little more emotion in his words. It was a tone of judgement towards his fellow officers actually. “Yes. I heard about Trebol’s screw up. He should have known to wait for Doffy, and not to take anything into his own hands when it comes to her any longer.”

“Yes. But it has been just one thing after another since the young master found her again.” Gladius had always liked routine and order. The last few months had been far from that.

“Doffy always knows what he wants. He’s invested so much into this already. It’s our responsibility to support him no matter what.” Vergo contended, voice getting even a bit more stern in response.

“Yes, Vergo-san.” Whether Gladius added that term for the more senior officer out of genuine respect or just the new wish to hurry the call along was unclear.

“But that’s not what I called about. I wanted to warn him about Orlinde.” Vergo carried on regardless.

“What about it? That’s already done.”

“No, it isn’t. Because whatever amateurs you hired to take care of it are now leading a trail right back to Doffy.”

And at only this was Gladius then at concerned attention while Vergo continued. 

“After they left Orlinde, your hires apparently decided it’d be best to go get drunk on a nearby island and start running their mouths. The navy already had informants all over those bars. One of which reported that a crew was bragging about getting paid well recently for a big job in the area. A young crew with smiling faces tattooed on more than one of them.”

“Goddammit.” Gladius’ quill like hair began to lengthen already as his fist tightened near the snail on the table. “It was that fool Bellamy then. He can’t control his own people! I’ll have to deal with it.”

Yet there was another pause on the other end of the call to this.

“The Bellamy Pirates? What about them?” Vergo questioned, abruptly puzzled in that infuriating way he could sometimes be.

To which Gladius only bristled further, no longer having time for this at all. “You just said it, Vergo! Young idiots with our jolly roger! Who else would that be? Bellamy the Hyena was who we sent to burn down Orlinde!”

The snail quieted yet again.

“But that isn’t who the navy has identified on these reports right here in my hand. By the time a marine ship got to the port that the informants said these pirates were docked, some kind of fight was already going on. The only vessel seen with a smiling jolly roger escaped beneath the surface before the marine ship could stop them. A yellow submarine.”

“The Bellamy pirates don’t have a damn submarine. The young master would never waste that kind of beri on them.”

“I’m aware. This report says some new group called the Heart Pirates are the ones that razed Orlinde to the ground. Because they were the ones that escaped in the submarine. I don’t yet have any photos of their jolly roger or that vessel though. But no one else in the marine files has a smiling face quite like Doffy’s for their signet to get confused for his. So I assumed…”

“Never heard of them. And if they’re really using our symbol without permission, then they’re already dead. No one gets to do that.”

“Hmm.” Vergo still sounded contemplative. “If you truly don’t know them, I’ll look into this further then. Maybe it is just a lucky case of misidentification. And they can take the blame instead.”

“Maybe.” Gladius offered, beginning to calm down at the idea that this may not be the level of problem it had originally seemed.

“Oh, I’ll make sure the evidence points the way we want in the end.” Vergo confirmed though. With falsifying things to pin a crime on a whole other pirate group not being beneath him either. “Don’t tell Doffy for now then. He’s busy enough. I’ll figure out who these Heart Pirates are and get back to you.”

———————————

He had given you no real choice of course. Lingering at the open window in his bedroom not so very long ago.

You were either going to get into his arms like a good girl. Or he would have thrown you out of that window to start this journey anyway. Though, perhaps more gently than at the pool yesterday.

Because Doflamingo was in a very good mood. Again riding these highs of having so many successes all at once.

He had you soundly in his possession. There was already a ring on your finger and a marriage certificate on file in Mariejois. The newspapers were still clamoring to explain it all. And the final piece was now what he was on his way to Punk Hazard to acquire.

Also, he knew the Nefertaris had tried to call yesterday to extend some sort of invitation to the two of you. He knew Tsuru had abandoned her post in Lyra and that her warship was now at full sail on its way to Dressrosa.

Everyone was reacting to him.

But no one was stopping him.

He stayed rather low on his flight path this time. Not too high over the ocean, where the air was still warm as it rushed past you both.

He was doing his best to slow down and smooth out the transitions from one set of strings to the next. Keeping the ride far less bumpy as he released one group of strings just to be pulled further on by the subsequent ones which ran all the way up to the clouds.

There was so much precision and timing in every single movement that he doubted you would know to appreciate it as he watched you put your head down against his chest.

Not out of affection he assumed, but just from you trying to turn your face out of the wind again. 

Even with the borrowed pair of Baby 5’s goggles that he’d made you protect your eyes with, the nonstop blast of air got tiresome he was sure.

The only thing he didn’t like was how difficult it was to hold a conversation even at these lower speeds. You’d both be yelling over the wind, and that would hamper the romantic mood he would prefer to be setting.

Doflamingo knew well the risks of bringing you with him today. But, after seeing that protective look in your eyes yesterday as you’d forced his paralyzed body up from the pool steps, and now knowing Tsuru would be here soon…he didn’t want to lose any moment he had left to really be alone with you.

Even in exchange for the much shorter time it would have taken him to go to Punk Hazard alone on his errand at full speed.

And this was now an excuse to spend more time with you in slightly more neutral territory. 

It was a date.

Which he was considering as having already begun as he leaned his head back down as well. He kissed the top of yours when you’d buried it against him now.

Doflamingo could generate strings from any part of his body. He didn’t need his hands free to keep pulling against the clouds. Nor did he need to hold you up at all though. He’d already put plenty of near invisible tethers between your body and his so that you couldn’t have fallen this time even if you’d tried.

Your bodies were practically stitched together as one of his hands massaged down your back again.

He felt you squirm a bit as his fingers had teased down either side of your spine, and that made him smile.

He knew you hated this lack of control. And being told what to do and where to go by him all the time now.

Very soon you’d understand that everything had a purpose though. And that he could reward you just as easily as he could punish you.

Yet today was meant to be a reward.

——————————— 

You’d never known yourself to be afraid of heights. You could climb a ship’s rigging as quickly as anyone. Far up above deck with only seagulls to then keep you company as you’d helped to make repairs whenever needed.

Yet this was wholly different. And your stomach couldn’t seem to forget the last time you’d been dropped all the way from the clouds.

Doflamingo had told you to dress for duty. Back in your full marine attire, the white fabric fluttering as you now stayed coiled against his open shirt.

And he’d practically thrown a bag you’d never seen before at you earlier, telling you to carry it while he carried you.

Yet he’d been grinning all the while as he’d opened the bedroom window and hopped onto the windowsill like an overgrown spider to beckon you to him.

He hadn’t said where he was taking you. Only that there would be other marines there. Of course that only left so many options in your mind.

Yet all you’d known for sure is that what started as an invitation would have become an absolute demand if you hadn’t taken his hand as you’d eventually stepped up into that open window with him.

The last time you’d flown together, it’d been sunset and soon nighttime. So even through Baby 5’s slightly scratched goggles, you’d gotten to briefly see a much clearer aerial view of Dressrosa today.

With his hand cupping your ass just against the bottom edge of your skirt all the while anyway. You’d had to ignore his pressing fingers copping a feel even as the city and then the outer cliff face of Dressrosa had passed beneath you both to leave only open ocean again.

There wasn’t much talking after that either. Just the rush of air and the occasional sound of his strings plucking and snapping as he forced the two of you along.

But he never quit rubbing you, touching you. Maybe not even willfully at times. He would look up sometimes from the distraction of you though, like checking on the clouds that were still in the distance. 

He was charting his path you thought, confirming it as still passable. Weather could change in the New World so quickly.

Even the biggest ships could get into trouble fast when things went wrong. Yet you never thought for a moment that someone like him wouldn’t have contingency plans.

Doflamingo seemed perfectly at ease. 

Enough so that you’d finally tired of watching only open water. You’d put your face back against him fully to get it more out of the wind.

And then you’d felt him kiss the top of your head in response.

Those wandering fingers had teased along your spine not long after too, pressing just hard enough to make you nearly shiver.

He was clearly enjoying this. 

But were you?

Well…he wasn’t hurting you. You weren’t fighting one another. And no one was yelling or specifically upset in this moment.

You could still feel the rhythm too when he moved from the tension of one batch of strings to the next. But after awhile it was more like coasting over gentle swells of waves rather than being jarred too much this way or that.

Like being in your bunk during an easy day at sea. It was comfortable. 

It almost felt safe.

—————————

“Wake up, sailor. Land ahoy.” Doflamingo’s voice rumbled against your ear.

And you weren’t asleep. But you hadn’t moved for long enough that you couldn’t be insulted at his assumption as you did open your eyes.

Your head was back up, gaze focusing through those goggles for so much vibrant green to be the very first thing of note in the far distance. 

And no boat traffic below at all as you tried to identify where in the hell you now were.

But Doflamingo suddenly banked left before you could think much more about it, making you grab his shirt in reflex as if that would have actually done anything to help you.

He laughed immediately when you’d startled, his altitude dropping while that lush jungle rushed closer and closer.

You still saw no identifying landmarks, yet he seemed to know exactly where he was going. 

“We’ll head around the back side.” His lips were nearly to your ear again, voice just loud enough to be heard before palm fronds were soon rustling in his wake beneath the two of you.

And then you saw the first security fence pass below in a blur. And another and another, bisecting the thick jungle in seemingly random intervals.

About the same time that you heard a mechanical wail far in the distance. A type of siren you easily recognized then.

It was a marine security alarm as that mix of additional surprise and possibly even dread settled within you.

There was only one place this could then be within the range you could guess you now might be from Dressrosa.

But your transportation only chuckled darkly to that new noise. “Heh, they’ve added better snail cams then. Coming in this way used to work fine. Though I am usually faster than this…”

And he rolled, slowing further with those words. But still flying the two of you along as he reached within his feather coat. He pulled out a baby snail, waking it as he keyed in a quick number on its shell.

Doflamingo’s other arm tightened further around your waist, still holding you like a bad habit while that snail trilled for a bit.

As soon as the line did connect, the siren could also be heard louder in the background from it before a flustered voice broke through.

“Hell- oh, turn those damn things off already! I can’t hear! Hello!?” The mystery voice complained loudly.

“It’s me. I tripped the sensors.” Doflamingo spoke right over the other voice. “Tell them to calm their asses down, Caesar.”

“Ah, Jo-,” The voice sounded even more excitable then. “I mean, Doflamingo! But…you’re early!”

“Heh.” You saw that cocky little smirk you already knew too well. “Is that a problem? I won’t be coming by the lab until later though. We’re heading for the lake right now.”

“Wha…we?” The other was struggling to keep up. The sirens were still going off fully in the background.

“Me and my fiancée of course. We’re just taking a little break from the paparazzi and all our well wishers back home. So keep your nosy bodyguards inside.”

——————————

“I absolutely do not have clearance to be here. Just so you know.” Were the first words out of your mouth as your boots finally met the ground again. You were very glad to remove the goggles as well, pulling them down to hang around your neck so that you wouldn’t have to carry them.

That thick jungle initially seen from above was now what you were both standing within. 

Everything looked the same though. It’d be so easy to become lost you were sure.

But Doflamingo was just grinning once more as he now shouldered the mystery bag he’d had you carrying the entire time before now.

“Welcome to Punk Hazard, love. Home of unspoiled wilds, diverse flora and fauna, and the most egregious of the World Government’s human experimentation.”

You didn’t fail to notice the almost chipper way he’d said that last part too. But he just began to walk afterward, expecting you to follow.

Doflamingo’s head was down and slightly forward to keep from scraping against all those palm fronds and vines in the dense overhang of foliage.

He really didn’t care about your clear worries of not belonging here though. But why would he? He was a warlord. In all honesty, this island was likely considered part of his own jurisdiction to protect. If something went very wrong here, Doflamingo would be the nearest government weapon to call in to handle it.

But to only a captain like you, even setting foot at a place like this was all a bit much. Initially at least. Maybe nothing was really too insane to you any longer once it had enough time to settle. Yet you still couldn’t help but ask, looking up as you had to move quicker to keep pace with his longer strides. “Is Dr. Vegapunk actually here today?”

And Doflamingo scoffed a little at your continued worry. “Why? Are you a fan of his or something? He’s still just a man. An oversized brain floating around in a bag of meat like all the rest.”

“Lovely.” You answered with a roll of your eyes to that, stepping over tree roots while Doflamingo cut more brush out of the way with a few flicks of his fingers.

“Don’t blame me for unpleasant truths. But shut up for a minute.” He chided anyway as if his voice wasn’t still the louder of the two of you. “I landed out here so we wouldn’t scare them off.”

Them?

And he was starting to crouch further as he still moved forward, like an apex predator now lurking through the jungle.

But he reached back, taking you by the hand again. 

Which was still a gesture that did something to you every time his larger hand closed that warmly around your smaller one.

Doflamingo was soon pulling you along, his thumb rubbing across your skin as he did so. Like it wasn’t even a choice any longer, but a reflex or a need for him.

That simple touch distracting enough to you actually that you were watching his grip instead of straight ahead, and bumped into him when he abruptly stopped again.

“Look. There’s a damn hoard of them out here today.” His voice was quieter then as he ignored your having just run into him. He pulled you around in front, to peer through the sudden end to all the trees. 

There was a very large clearing just ahead. Flat in comparison to all else, with a body of brilliant blue water framed against even more jungle rising steep behind it.

This had to be the lake he’d spoken of to the person on the phone.

And the “them” were apparently the peppering of tall pink all throughout those tranquil shallows as your eyes widened.

A small sound of disbelief left your throat. Even if you knew better than to give in this quickly. You were still in uniform. You were still at one of the most infamous facilities in all the world. This was not shore leave or the time to goof around.

But you had never seen even a single one in person. Your home island had had no zoos. And even books could only be read if stolen by you.

If you hadn’t seen something yet in your time sailing with Tsuru, then you hadn’t seen it at all.

And oh, how Doflamingo must have realized that from the depth of your reaction as his smile grew from ear to ear. “I told you I didn’t keep any at the palace. But I never said I didn’t know where to find them.”

He crouched down further too, squatting almost to be more at your eye level. “You know, we never got all three of our days in Scylla like we’d planned to either. We got shorted on visiting their aviary and gardens together. So consider this my substitution until we can go back there, darling…let’s relax a while and enjoy it.”

And at that, he moved back past you gently, still keeping his full height lowered as he lead you out by the hand.

The two of you soon crossed a stretch of soft grass together to reach the banks of the lake.

Many slender necks rose up to watch your approach, but the birds did not take flight.

“I’ve only ever flown over this valley, not stopped at it. No humans come out this far from the labs. These birds may not even know what the hell we are.” Doflamingo reasoned quietly, still smiling as he looked out over that water and all the examples of his very namesake within it.

He and you both were keeping your movements slow and deliberate without even needing to discuss it.

You didn’t want them to leave. 

But when you were on the bit sandier, yet fully flat bank of the lake, he finally let go of your hand before he slid that mystery bag he’d taken from you earlier off of his shoulder.

You were glancing back and forth, as curious as the birds then while he unzipped it.

“Monet packed this for us. Let’s see how well she did.” He offered, though sounding already pleased and expecting just what he wanted all the while.

The first recognizable thing was a blanket. Very tightly rolled to have fit within the bag. But also impressively large when he stretched it out on the bank.

The fabric was long enough even for him as he then sat on it while continuing to dig through the bag.

“Well come here, love.” He didn’t take long to invite you over either, noticing you still standing there on your own for a moment.

This newest intimate scene was so surreal for you all over again of course. But you did listen. You sat down beside him on that soft blanket while more things kept emerging.

A wine bottle, two cups, and what appeared to be hand wrapped packages of food came out from the bag next.

He opened and laid each thing neatly out too, as purposefully as if setting a table before the two of you on the blanket. There was even silverware that you recognized with his signet on it from the palace.

“How long did you plan this?” You asked with increasing disbelief.

“Hmm?” But you could tell he was trying not to laugh. He was being playful now. “Why would I have to plan time with my own wife?”

And the word remained far too new for you. Even with that engagement ring still on your finger. No one else really knew you’d already signed those papers. That legally you were already wed.

Just legally you thought.

You stared at him long enough though that he smirked again before more legitimately answering. “I had an errand to run here tonight anyway. But I didn’t decide to fly in earlier and make an afternoon of it until this morning. I’ve got a theory that you’re entirely different when I get you alone in neutral territory. Am I on to something with that?”

He was so effortless when he wished to be.

You barely even felt his arm snake around behind you until he’d abruptly pulled you closer. Hip to hip then on the blanket before he bent down to steal a quick kiss.

His face was practically nuzzling yours while he smiled again after. “I have to take care of you too though, don’t I?” He said. “You still barely eat whenever my crew is around. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.” And he pinched the flesh of your hip a little. “I’ve already mapped out every curve of yours, darling. I see when you’ve been skipping meals. But I want my woman to have the energy to fuck and fight whenever she likes…”

Even just that much attention brought some new heat to your face too. It was objectification in a way, yet very personal all the same. And he kissed you again, like he couldn’t help it at all as his hand then wandered over your thigh to squeeze that too.

He was massaging the fabric of your leggings beneath your skirt soon enough. As if he’d prefer it not to be there at all while his tongue moved into your mouth.

That embarrassing warmth just kept rising in you too with every further movement of that long muscle against yours. Until finally he broke the deeper kiss like coming up for air. “Damn, that’s not even fair. Trying to distract me again…” He accused. But he was chuckling. 

He was enjoying everything actually, kissing you even once more before turning his gaze back to the food from behind those glasses.

“You’ll have to give me your opinion on this. I told the head chef everything I could remember of that ravioli we had in Scylla.” He said to you, then unwrapping the first package of food as he still sat side by side with you on the blanket.

And you stared. Because it did look just like it. The same size and shape entirely while Doflamingo handed you a fork.

Yet he just started opening the wine bottle next while he bid you to have the first taste of that lobster filled delicacy.

“Shit, it’s really good.” You confirmed immediately, after stabbing one and putting it in your mouth to chew. The cream sauce alone was probably something a person could drink if allowed. It was that flavorful.

“But the same kind of good?” He questioned, as if this was suddenly the most important thing in both of your lives.

And it was something else unspoken. You had just stabbed another of those ravioli onto your fork after swallowing your first one. He still had the wine bottle in one hand but was looking only at you.

You didn’t think to do it. You just did it, as you offered that ravioli up to him on your fork. And he took it as if it were second nature, bending down enough for you to feed it to him.

The Heavenly Demon let you move it into his mouth as he gladly accepted it, pulling the cream sauce with it to clean off your fork with his lips.

“Well?” You asked him as his cheeks moved while he chewed. That nagging warmth in your chest still spreading even more while you watched him.

“Fuck, I’m going to have to give him a raise.” Doflamingo answered before even swallowing.

He was right too. About that and more.

Because you were different with him when outside of your normal territories. You both were as he poured the wine next. He had completely relaxed.

And every single piece of that ravioli ended up eaten between the two of you. As well as the dessert he’d also brought.

It was those flowers made of pastry layers overlapping like the petals of a rose. The ones he’d had to tell you the name of again of course. Flores de hojaldre.

He’d remembered that you’d never gotten to actually try one the last time they’d been presented to you, though you had admired them. 

During that very first dinner together in his palace. The one that had dissolved into a screaming argument and drugged sex instead that you hadn’t had much say in.

You still knew better than to see this gesture as a real apology though, even as he smirked at you while you’d tried one and messily ended up with a bit of powdered sugar on your face before he’d wiped it off for you.

He ate them far more cleanly than you too as he’d explained how they were made and how he preferred his with powdered sugar and honey, but no fruit. Though he’d said even in Dressrosa recipes varied wildly, with some savory varieties existing as well with fish wrapped into the pastry layers instead.

It’d just been so low stakes by then. Sitting here, drinking wine and talking about pastries of all things while watching the still wary flamingos walking around in the water before he’d finally laid back on the blanket when done eating.

“You really never experienced much as kid, did you. Besides just surviving in that brothel?” He asked you.

A question not entirely unexpected as you looked down at him and his sunglasses now reflecting that sunny sky above.

“We didn’t have pastry chefs, no.” You answered easily. “Or exotic birds.”

He smiled a little again, but it was not a mocking one for once. “I didn’t always have those things either.” He eventually offered back. “I was without them for more years than I had them.”

And you raised an eyebrow. You weren’t sure if he was inviting you to pry further or not. Maybe you were too honest for your own good though. 

You weren’t even supposed to be having alcohol while in uniform either. But you finished your cup, finally just damn asking him. “Is your past some kind of big secret or something?”

Yet you then found yourself laying right beside him no sooner than those words had left your mouth.

He hadn’t used strings. Just his arm around your middle again after pulling you down, and his other now back behind his head.

You were both laying there together on the blanket then, looking up at the passing clouds that abruptly.

He rubbed your side before he spoke again. “I had it all. Then I lost it, and I had to fight for it all over again.”

“You were born wealthy?” He didn’t seem defensive. So you just kept going. Tentatively, but still trying to understand more if he’d let you.

“Very.” Was his next simple answer.

And you believed him. You thought of the pet swans he’d once mentioned, and the ways he’d carried himself amongst the other nobles in Scylla. The graceful waltzes and the condescending words to others.

But also his story of being a young boy fleeing violence with his father and brother. Starving in the war torn area where he’d first met Tsuru. 

“Did your home country have a revolution?” You asked even more quietly, feeling warm again against him.

The government didn’t always rush in in every case you knew. Sometimes they wanted islands to fall depending what ulterior motives might really be at stake.

They’d left Charybdis crumbling for ages now.

“No.” Doflamingo clarified though. Yet his hand tightened on your hip again. He turned his head so he could look at your face.

You saw yourself in those red glasses again.

“I have more enemies than you realize.” He said instead then, just staying like this beside you. “They’ll be your enemies too if anything takes a turn.”

Your eyebrows furrowed a little. It felt like you’d already experienced that with Crocodile in just the first few days in Dressrosa. But you still asked anyway. “Who?”

Doflamingo turned his face even more then, so that it touched yours. His skin was still quite soft from whatever lather he’d used this morning. His scent was heady and pleasant.

“All the way at the very top, my love.” He teased then, his voice quieting further like these words were truly only for you. “The gods have an axe to grind when it comes to me. And that feeling is entirely mutual.” 

“Just because you robbed the Dragons’ tribute ships?” You responded just as quietly, as his lips started to brush your temple. 

The sheer balls of that heist only a few years ago had been the final straw that put Doflamingo’s name in everyone’s mouths across all the seas.

You remembered Tsuru being beside herself, furious as she’d cursed in her office when Sengoku had called your crew with the news first. Even before it ever made the newspapers.

The sheer audacity of the Donquixote family to pillage a world government transport ship filled to the brim with beri meant as heavenly tribute had been a terrible embarrassment to the marines at the time.

But that was also the very same stunt that had had Doflamingo bullying his way into the seven warlords’ roster not long after.

And then he’d become a king.

And then he’d taken you.

You were hardly as valuable as the riches owed to the gods, or the ownership of an entire country though.

Yet he seemed so content here and now. At least enough to roll over onto his side, facing you with his whole body then. 

He pulled his feather coat around you both, bringing you against his chest. “Oh, they hate me for far more than just taking my cut retroactively.” 

It was an odd choice of words, and your face likely said as much.

“Not yet.” Doflamingo smiled to your expression of additional question however, choosing not to explain that particular answer any further. “I only just got you back into a good mood after all.”

“Is that what this is supposed to be? My attitude adjustment?” You countered, accepting that that would be all for now then. But you were also watching that smart mouth hovering near yours again. He was still holding you against his chest, enveloped in pink together.

“Mmhmm.” He purred warmly. “You love this. It’s why you’ve been too busy staring at me instead of noticing what visitors have been creeping up on us all the while. No sudden movements, darling.”

But you raised your head anyway. Not understanding what he meant until you surprised both yourself and the birds.

It must have seemed like your disembodied head abruptly rising from the pink feathers that would otherwise be so familiar to them.

Because there was an immediate flutter of wings, with the curious birds that had gotten this incredibly close then startling as they ran into one another after your surprise movement. 

They were all legs, necks, and wings then. But they still didn’t fully leave. They stumbled and bounced off of one another in their confusion. It was the most awkward thing you’d ever seen out of an animal so beautiful.

But that wasn’t the thing that tilted your brain into genuine humor.

It was the sound they made as they did this. They’d been fairly quiet in the distance all the time before, warily watching you both while they’d only walked and fed in the shimmering lake waters.

But in this upset of being frightened enough to fall and stumble, their small exploratory group now broke out into a cacophony of indignant honking.

It was so loud and ridiculous. A sound that didn’t match their exotic, elegant bodies at all. It was as embarrassing as a common goose now having a fit before you.

And you burst out laughing with that unexpected contrast. Which only made them honk more, and you laugh further, feeding one another’s reactions.

You finally had to bury your face against Doflamingo’s shirt to quiet yourself with your shoulders still shaking a little.

His arm tightened around you again as soon as you did, and you could hear that huge smile without looking up.

“Hell, maybe I do need to bring a few home with us then. That’s now only one of two things I’ve ever heard pull a real laugh out of you.”

Yes, you never did this. Not around him at least as you had to regather yourself.

The birds still hung around though after they eventually settled back down. The ice broken so to speak now that they had seen you both up close and neither of you had actually harmed them.

You turned your head to watch them again even as your cheek stayed against the warlord. “I can’t help it…they honk. No book ever said anything about that.” You told him.

And now he chuckled, that lighter kind even though it still rumbled up from his chest. “You’re such a cute little mutt sometimes.”

That term that should have been insulting, wasn’t either right now. Not when you could hear the real pleasure in his own voice still.

The happiness.

Doflamingo was happy.

Yet he was already ready for your full attention again too. His hand came up, catching your jaw to make you lift your head back towards his own.

Enough so that he could kiss you once more. Again and again actually, but slow and soft while the birds remained around you.

And with you both still nestled in all Doflamingo’s pink feathers yourselves, you may as well have been another pair of them here on the lake’s edge. Oblivious to the rest of the world in this brief escape with your partner.

——————————

“You’re a voyeur! I never want to hear your holier than thou admonishments again!” Caesar  scolded the other scientist gladly. Not seeming to take into account how fully his own golden eyes had never once looked away from this security monitor now either.

“It’s unexpected isn’t it?” Dr. Vegapunk only answered with a question, not insulted at all as he had stopped holding any weight to Caesar’s habitual outbursts years before now. Of course he was interested in what he was now seeing. But not for the reasons Caesar accused of.

Donquixote Doflamingo had arrived dramatically to the island earlier as he typically did. But after a brief call to announce himself, he’d just stayed to the virgin wilds this time. On the other side of the mountains from the laboratories.

The warlord had never lazed or lingered like this before today. Everything was always business, in and out as fast as possible. And he was always alone.

Yet not right now as Vegapunk and Caesar still watched a distant view of you and the so called Heavenly Demon in one another’s arms, being a bit intimate again while laying on a large blanket.

Even the flamingos had surprisingly accepted this new oddity, just walking around unbothered again and preening or resting near you both on the banks of the lake.

“Is this very strange to you as well Caesar? You know him better, don’t you?” Vegapunk asked that additional question with his brows still furrowed in wrinkles all the way up his tall forehead. “I had assumed she would only be a pawn in his control unwillingly. Yet he doesn’t appear to be using the parasite ability of the String-String fruit.”

And Caesar made a noise, pale face flushing slightly as he saw the pink of Joker’s tongue edge against your face. “Well, maybe she isn’t wholly stupid!” Caesar had always assumed the majority of marines were. Because who would willingly sign up to be fodder for any and all enemies of the government? “She wants to be rich, obviously! The treasury in Dressrosa is worth submitting for!” Caesar projected his own desires with that idea of course.

But Vegapunk still looked doubtful. He was watching far more than the obviously budding hormones and physical aspect of these interactions.

He’d seen the two of you talking and laughing too, though even his advanced snail cams couldn’t pickup the actual words from this far away.

But he could see the gestures and the body language the same as any biologist might while observing courting animal species. While you fed one another, and nested together. It was all a process.

And in the thoroughness of his ever analytical mind, Vegapunk was determining this as an anomaly. An already mated pair on far more equal footing and with a higher level of consent than the two of you had any natural right to have.

Because he now knew what Doflamingo really was. It was all over those incestuous lineage factors he’d stayed up all night sifting more thoroughly through.

The Donquixote name itself, and even the epithet of Heavenly Demon were obvious clues to begin with. But names could be falsified, public personas created at random.

The real proof was in the fact that there was only one land in all the world with exactly those same poor genetics, brought on from centuries of no immigration and no mixing of bloodlines outside of an original nineteen families.

Vegapunk had never seen a Celestial Dragon who could accept the company of a human in this way.

This was something new.

“Caesar, go ahead and call that man to tell him his medicines are ready early. But I want to have a private word with him before they leave.”

———————————

    T⨂  BE 

CONTINUED

———————————

Thanks for reading!

Author’s Note: Yes, Punk Hazard (pre Caesar blowing it up anyway) does have a flamingo lake! 🥰 It was one of my greatest joys to find out. Even though it’s probably just an anime filler scene. It’s shown in Brownbeard’s flashback. Episode 589, timestamp 13:36.

Also, those flower pastries…I am obsessed with the google images of them. I want one. 😩

[clarisse0o]

The Mayor - Chapter 46

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternate Universe: Mayor and Architect

Words: 600

Masterlist

———————————————————————

I turned my back on her that day.  

She tried calling me afterward, but I didn’t answer. She sent me a message saying she needed to talk.  

I replied that I didn’t want to speak with her anymore.  

I had gone further than I ever thought possible—out of love and, worse, out of revenge.  

Alexia pieced me back together that evening, as shattered as I was. She insisted I take a two-month break, and she was right.  

I listened. One of our friends had moved to Costa Rica and was thrilled to host me for a month. I planned to extend my trip to the U.S. for three weeks afterward, a much-needed breath of fresh air.  

---

The day of the elections arrived, a sunny Sunday. I’d helped with the final preparations while staying in the background.  

That morning, I went to my local polling station to vote around 11 a.m.  

Lucy was there. My heart clenched, and I avoided her gaze.  

One of my former running mates approached me.  

“So, it’s the big day!”  

“Apparently!” I replied with a broad smile.  

“I swear, Bronze hasn’t left this polling station all morning!”  

I could feel Lucy’s eyes on me, watching my every move.  

I grabbed the ballots and cast my vote for our slate.  

When I approached the ballot box, Lucy was standing just behind it.  

I looked at her wearily, and she refused to break eye contact.  

“I think I can guess how you voted,” she teased with a faint smile.  

I forced a polite smile in return.  

“Vote cast!” announced the clerk.  

I turned and walked away without a final glance at Lucy. I wanted to seem strong, but it was so hard.  

---

That evening brought the long-anticipated results. We gathered in the town hall’s lobby.  

Lucy won the election with 51% of the vote—a razor-thin margin.  

Julie, who had replaced me, was elected as a councilor. Relief washed over me for stepping away from the fray.  

Our team was disappointed but proud of how close we had come.  

I thanked everyone and shared a drink, but I left early, eager to escape.  

As I walked toward my car, I heard her voice behind me.  

“Ona…”  

I turned, startled.  

She stood there, stunning in a black dress. Having just won her third election, she radiated confidence, though a trace of sadness shadowed her expression.  

I caught my breath.  

“Congratulations! I hadn’t had a chance to say so.”  

In truth, I’d avoided her all evening.  

“Thanks… It’s a great victory. Ona, I’m really disappointed things ended up like this between us…”  

Why bring it up again after such a painful election?  

“It’s just the way things are, Lucy. I can’t explain it rationally. Leaving is going to be good for me.”  

She seemed worried now.  

“You’re going to her, aren’t you?”  

I looked surprised, unsure what she meant. She continued, slightly annoyed:  

“You’re going to her—in Canada!”  

So, she thought I was going to Alessia.  

“That’s none of your business, Lucy. But yes, I’m crossing the ocean.”  

I kept my answer deliberately vague. She didn’t need to know my plans.  

“When exactly are you leaving?” she asked in a whisper.  

“I’m taking the morning train to Paris on the 8th, in a week.”  

She seemed to wrestle with her words, looking lost. Then she lifted her head.  

“Well, I wish you all the best, Ona. I just wanted to…”  

Her sentence trailed off.  

She pulled herself together.  

“… I need to get back inside. I wish you all the happiness in the world!”  

And with that, she walked away hurriedly.  

[neverniko101]

Trying to convince my brain that I cannot make another ask blog (it is not working help)

Anyway, a swapverse! Phastasmverse? Is that too hard to spell?

Uh

Yeah, I might be making another ask blog, probably on an actually different blog this time

I’ll probably alternate between working on this and Horror Dreamtale between STP

Rambling about precious children ⬇️

Amber (Dream by Joku):

- Tall bee man

- Smug asshole

- Got rich off selling his brother’s inventions

- Runs a fancy multiverse-wide Casino/Bar/Restaurant

Pollen (Dust by Ask Dusttale):

- Sweet little guy

- I say “little”, but he’s actually pretty tall

- Botanist obsessed with flowers

- has never killed anyone

- ever

- especially not by poisoning them with flowers

- Terrified of bears, even teddy bears

Cyan (Nightmare by Joku):

- Acts scary but is really a goofy little guy

- Mad scientist/engineer

- Uses inventions to run mazes, haunted house etc. to get negative emotions

- Lives in a giant (very, very heavily trapped and guarded) castle by himself

- Mechanical tentacles/arms, Doc Ock style

Epoxy (Ink by Comyet):

- Acts like a goofy little guy but is really scary

- >:3

- Likes to climb Amber and sit on his shoulder

- definitely not some kind of horror that traps people in resin cocoons and drains their life force

Razor (Cross by Jakei):

- After his AU was destroyed, he ripped a hole into the anti void, corrupting him and destroying the remains of Xtale

- Hunts ‘bugs’ in AUs, sometimes destroying entire universes to ensure the bug doesn’t spread

- Memory issues, doesn’t remember most of Xtale

- lonely someone befriend this man

Stitch (Error by Loverofpiggies):

- Runs around AUs taking parts of them to sew into the broken parts of his own AU, Cross-style

- Often accidentally causes bugs in AUs he visits, corrupting/destroying them himself or causing Razor to destroy them

- On the run from Razor

- Can animate his puppets to do little chores

- Fights with a giant sewing needle as a weapon

- Also needs friends

Mist (Fell by Vic):

- Probably the chillest guy here

- It’s his job to make sure that everyone gets enough sleep

- Will be disappointed in you if you don’t go to bed on time

- Has several pet bunnies

Comet (Outer by 2mi127):

- Angry little guy

- One of two employees at the Multiversal Transportation and Postal services

- Runs exclusively on coffee and baked goods provided by Cookie (the only person he can tolerate)

- Can take you basically anywhere, but you’d have to convince him to do so, which is difficult even for Cookie

- Catches on fire when too angry

Azoic (Fresh by Loverofpiggies):

- Mercenary

- Unnaturally good at making improvised weapons

- Is a cowboy? Don’t know where that came from

- Has a horse named Penelope

- Trying to earn money

Toxin (Killer by Rafbawas):

- He seems fun

- Perfectly mentally stable

- Eats the fabric of the multiverse

- Turns people into mindless rainbow zombies

Marrow (Horror by Sourapplestudios):

- Bounty Hunter

- Able to switch out his body parts with other monsters and humans

- Pretty chill all things considered

Crypt (Reaper by Renrink):

- Uh

- what

- what is that

- just some guy that Palid decided to adopt?

Palid (Geno by Loverofpiggies):

- His name is a mix of Pallid (being pale or dull, like a dead person or ghost) and Paladin (a hero)

- Kind of adopted Papyrus’ personality after his death

- Precious little guy

- Finds Crypt in an ally and is like “yup I’m keeping him”

- Fights with a morning star

Ghost (Blue by Popcorn prince):

- Sad boy

- Able to manipulate water, especially his tears

- Has started following Razor around for no apparent reason

Cookie (Lust by NSFWShamecave):

- Again, just a genuinely nice person

- Runs a bakery!

- Obsesses over people easily

- Can and will give you a hug

Sweettooth/Ttoo (Ccino by Black-Nyanko):

- So high energy (as a result of experiments, probably) that they need to almost constantly be eating high-energy food, typically sugar

- Trying to find a cure along with their best friend, Cookie

- When low on energy, will start to melt and attack any nearby source of energy, including souls

help

[thepaperpanda]

A Carefree Rascal || Jake Sully x fem!Omaticaya reader

Summary: Jake Sully is the Olo’eyktan of the Omaticaya clan but his carefree attitude often results in injuries. As the healer of the clan, you are not impressed with his reckless behaviour despite having feelings for him

Warnings: none

Word count: 4436

Authors: Cass & Fenrir

Jake had been living with the Omaticaya clan for several years now, serving as their Olo'eyktan and leading them through countless challenges. He had come to love the people and the way of life here on Pandora, and he felt a deep sense of pride knowing that he was a part of this tribe.

On this particular day, he had gone out on a hunting expedition, determined to bring back a kill that would feed the village for days. He had tracked a huge herd of talioang for hours, unfortunately before he could have stroked, Jake came face-to-face with the ferocious palulukan. In the intense struggle that followed, the creature had inflicted several deep wounds on Jake's body with its sharp claws and fangs, leaving him bloodied and battered.

Despite his injuries, Jake managed to make his way back to the village, where he was greeted with cheers and relief from the members of his clan. They immediately sprang into action, tending to his wounds with the skill and expertise that had been passed down through generations.

As he lay there, Jake felt a sense of gratitude and awe wash over him. This was his home now, and these were his people. He had come to understand their ways and their values, and he had learned to respect and cherish them all.

As the healer of the clan, you swiftly received news of an almost fully successful hunt. While some might argue that it was completely successful since everyone would have food, it was difficult to call it a success when it had resulted in injuries.

After gathering the necessary supplies, you hastened to assist whoever required your aid. Upon arriving at the location, you had to shoo away others to be able to work effectively. It came as no surprise to you when you discovered that the injured party was none other than Jake himself. "You seem to enjoy getting hurt, don't you?" You remarked.

Jake rose to his feet, wincing slightly from the pain in his wounds. He turned to you and gestured for you to follow him to his tent, a serious expression on his face. You fell into step beside him, feeling your heart race with anticipation and concern for his well-being.

As you entered the tent, Jake motioned for you to take a seat on a nearby stool. He then proceeded to recount the story of his latest hunting excursion, during which he had been attacked by a fierce palulukan. He described how the creature had ambushed him from behind, raking its sharp claws across his back and leaving him with several deep wounds. "It was a fierce battle, but I managed to take it down. Unfortunately, it managed to get in a few good hits before I did. Its claws are razor-sharp, and I couldn't dodge them all. It's nothing too serious," he added, though the pain etched on his face suggested otherwise. "I've had worse."

It was clear that Jake was a skilled hunter, but even the best could fall victim to the dangers of the forest.

As he finished recounting the details of the attack, Jake turned to face you and asked if you would be willing to help treat his wounds.

You sat with your arms crossed, listening to an unnecessary story that you had never asked for. As you heard him out, your tail began to move restlessly, reflecting your growing impatience. "Considering how senseless your question was, I might as well leave you to deal with it alone," you retorted, tapping your fingers against your arm in frustration. Letting out a deep sigh, you stood up and approached the injured person to inspect their wounds more closely.

Jake sat on his cot, his back facing you, revealing the deep wounds left by the palulukan. You could see that the scratches were still fresh and bleeding, and it was clear that the hunt had been a difficult and dangerous one.

The palulukan, a fierce and formidable predator, had put up a fierce fight, and its razor-sharp claws had left a trail of deep, jagged wounds across Jake's back. The cuts were long and deep, some of them still bleeding and oozing pus, and it was clear that they would need careful attention if Jake was to make a full recovery.

You touched the wound gently, thinking carefully about your next steps. Fortunately, this wasn't your first time dealing with such a situation; in fact, it had happened more often than not. "Stupid," you muttered under your breath, flicking Jake's ear lightly. "So skilled, yet so stupid and reckless," shaking your head, you began your work by cleaning the wounds first. “A carefree rascal. Nì’eveng!”

Jake winced as you gently touched his wounds, his body still sore from the recent attack. You could feel the heat radiating off his skin, and you knew that he was in a great deal of pain. But despite the discomfort, Jake remained stoic and silent, determined to tough it out. "Look, I'm not stupid," Jake said, turning his head to look at you over his shoulder. "I know that even the best hunters can't always see an attack coming from behind." He winced as you applied pressure to one of his wounds, but he continued speaking. "That palulukan was faster than I expected, and I paid the price for it." He let out a deep breath and clenched his jaw as you worked on another wound. "But I'll be back on my feet in no time. I'm not going to let a little thing like this keep me down for too long."

You looked straight into his eyes and hissed at him, turning his head away from you to make it easier to focus. "If you're going to be back on your feet in no time, then why am I even here? I have more important things to do," you snapped.

Your skilled fingers worked swiftly on the wounds, ensuring that he wouldn't bleed out and would make a full recovery. Your anger towards him wasn't due to hate, but rather worry. He had a tendency to get injured more frequently than others, and for some reason, you cared about him deeply, which made you anxious.

Jake expressed his frustration at having let his guard down, as he prided himself on being a vigilant and cautious hunter. You could see the pain etched on his face as he spoke, both from his physical wounds and the wound to his pride as a warrior. 

As you continued to tend to his wounds, he softened his tone and thanked you for your care and attention.  "I knew Mo'at made the right choice in accepting you as a healer," Jake said, looking at you again with gratitude in his eyes. "Your skill and care have helped me tremendously, and I am thankful to have you among the people."

Frowning, you flicked his ear once again, this time much harder in an attempt to shut him up, and turned his head away from you once more. "You sure like to talk, Sully. Maybe you got so hurt because you tried to talk the palulukan to death?" You quipped.

After finishing the cleaning and ensuring it was done correctly, you carefully began to apply ointment on the wounds.

Jake felt a sharp pain as you tended to his wounds, and he had to fight back a hiss. He tried to stay quiet, not wanting to show any signs of weakness or discomfort. He knew that the Omaticaya valued strength and resilience, and he didn't want to appear weak in front of you. He took a deep breath and focused on keeping his composure as you continued to work on his wounds. Despite the pain, Jake couldn't help but feel a growing sense of attraction towards you. He had been drawn to you ever since he first met you, and he couldn't deny the chemistry between the two of you, at least it was what he hoped for. But he knew that his duty as Olo'eyktan came first, and he had to stay focused on leading the Omaticaya clan. "Ha-ha, how funny you are, Y/N."

"Who said I was joking?" you asked with a smile as you pressed on one of the wounds, knowing it would elicit a reaction from him.

Of course, you were fully aware of how to do this without causing him any additional pain, but just to give him a little shock.

Jake grunted with pain as you pressed down too hard on one of his wounds. He tried to stay quiet, but a hiss escaped his lips. He gave you a brief glance, showing his fangs as well. "Nìktungzup!"

You didn't hold back from baring your teeth in return, but you soon gave him a mocking grin. "What? Did I hurt our big and mighty Sully? I thought you were tougher," you taunted.

"Behave, Y/N," Jake hissed in a stern voice, his eyes locking onto yours. "I'm tough when I need to be."

You hissed back and laughed softly, mocking him slightly. "I'll behave. It's just that I have a fussy hunter on my hands."

Jake rolled his eyes, not bothering himself with commenting on your words.

With a smile, you continued your work. After properly cleaning and applying ointment to his injuries, you proceeded to wrap them to ensure they were secure.

After his wounds were treated, Jake's expression relaxed and he breathed a sigh of relief. As the Olo'eyktan, he knew the importance of having skilled members in the tribe, and he expressed his gratitude for your presence. "Thank you for your help," Jake said with a smile, as you finished treating his wounds. "I think some of the other hunters might need your assistance as well. It was a fierce battle out there." He standed up from his cot, wincing slightly at the pain spreading all over his body but still looking determined.

After patting his shoulder, you added, "You should rest for a few days. It won't make you look weak if you lie down."

Then you left the room to attend to others.

The next day, not having heard from him, you decided to check on Sully. Knowing him, he probably wouldn't heed any of your words, and the last thing you wanted was for him to bleed out.

You made your way to his tent, humming softly.

Jake stood at the edge of the High Camp, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger. He heard the sound of footsteps approaching and turned to see a group of young trackers returning to base. "What happened out there?" Jake demanded, his voice stern.

One of the young trackers stepped forward and began to explain, but Jake cut him off. "I don't want to hear excuses. You were supposed to be back hours ago. If you can't keep up with the pace, you have no business being out here."

The young trackers hung their heads, looking ashamed. Jake walked over to them, his expression softening. "Listen, I know it's tough out here. But we have a responsibility to the clan. We have to keep them safe, no matter what, and RDA is acting up again."

He looked each of them in the eye, his gaze firm but kind. "You need to rest and heal your wounds. But tomorrow, you get back out there and do better. Our people are counting on us."

His ears perked up and he turned his head around to see you walking towards them. "Y/N, oel ngati kameie."

You nodded, looking right at him. "Stubborn as always, I said to stay down for a bit and you didn't follow. But it seems you're doing well despite your wounds." Crossing your arms over your chest, you tapped your feet against the ground, not out of anger, but out of a mix of amusement and mild frustration.

As you finished speaking, one of the young trackers smirked and muttered something under his breath. 

Jake's keen hearing picked up on it, and he turned to face the tracker with a scowl. "Is something funny?" He asked, his voice low and dangerous.

The young boy's smirk disappeared, replaced with a look of fear. "No, sir," he stammered.

Jake gave a nod. "You're dismissed."

After approaching you, he let out a deep grunt. "Listen, I know I should be resting, but I can't afford to stay in bed right now," Jake explained to you. "As the Olo'eyktan, I have a responsibility to keep the clan safe. I can't do that from my cot. There are threats out there that we need to stay vigilant against. Omaticaya have a strong connection to Eywa, but that doesn't mean we can let our guard down. The RDA is still out there, and they're always looking for a way to exploit our weaknesses."

You gave a little smile and waved to the others before returning to pestering Jake once more. "Trust me, I'm well aware of all that," you said, shrugging. "My point is, I took the time to patch you up, and I don't want you to mess it up by not being able to sit down for two days."

He growled at your words. "Aren't you a little too dramatic?"

"You know me, always the drama queen," you said with a smirk as you followed Jake to his tent. "But in all seriousness, I just want to make sure you're healing properly. Let me take a look at those bandages." You stepped inside  and began to inspect his wounds, making sure everything was as it should be.

Jake let out another grunt of annoyance. "I'm fine, you don't need to check upon me," he told you.

"I'm afraid I do have to check on you. I need to ensure your injuries are healing properly."

Jake took the garb off his shoulders, revealing his muscular arms and chest. He let out a deep breath and stretched his arms, feeling the cool air against his skin. He looked over at you and smiled, the tension from earlier melting away. He folded the garb carefully and set it aside before sitting down on his cot.

You couldn't help but appreciate his physique for a moment, but you kept your expression neutral so as not to give him any satisfaction. "Thank you," you nodded, approaching him. "So, how do you feel? Any pain other than your injuries?"

He fell silent for a moment, lost in thought. Then he turned to you with a serious expression. "Does emotional pain count?"

"It depends," you replied, sitting down and beginning to carefully unwrap the bandages to examine his wounds. "Care to tell me more about it?"

He looked at you intently, as if trying to convey the weight of his responsibility. "I know I could be tough to deal with sometimes," he said. "But I took my responsibilities as Olo'eyktan very seriously. The safety of my people was always on my mind, and sometimes that meant I had to make hard decisions. I hope you understood that."

You gave him a gentle tug on his ear and said, "First of all, those are also my people. I live among them and I help them however I can. Second, I understand that, but the truth is that a dead Olo'eyktan is good for nothing, so you need to remember this as well."

Jake smirked more to himself than to you. "There's a great truth in your words."

"You seem to forget that I have a healer's duty to keep you alive," you said with a playful smirk, checking his wound. Your fingers deftly probed the edges of the injury to ensure it was healing properly. You were relieved to find that everything seemed to be in order. Although you tried to hide it, your tail gave away your happiness at his recovery. "Looks like you're going to make it. For now, at least."

Jake noticed your tail wagging back and forth. He couldn't help but feel amused by the sight. "Looks like someone's excited," he commented with a chuckle.

You lightly tapped his shoulder. "I'm not excited, just relieved that you'll be okay. It's a normal reaction. I still think you're foolish and impulsive, just a reckless child."

Jake got up from his cot, stretching his muscles as he stood. Jake walked over to you and wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close. You could feel his warmth and the solidness of his body against yours. He nuzzled his face into your neck, his breath hot against your skin. "How long will we pretend, hmm?"

You huffed in annoyance and nuzzled him, wrapping your arms around him. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Sully," you replied with a playful grin, your expression lightening.

Without saying a word, he leaned in and brushed his lips against yours, the kiss gentle and tender.

You pulled away from him, a growl escaping your lips. "Oh, I hate you so much, Jake," you muttered before leaning in to kiss him properly this time.

For a moment, everything else faded away and it was just the two of you, lost in the sensation of the kiss. Jake felt as though he could stay like this forever, wrapped in your arms and lost in the kiss. He murmured softly in your mouth, enjoying the sweetness of your lips.

Once again, you pulled away from him and observed his face with a mocking grin. "Well, well, well. Our mighty Olo'eyktan falling for a healer. How the mighty have fallen," you teased.

Jake took a deep breath and looked into your eyes, his expression serious. "I need to tell you something," he said. "I know I can be a bit difficult to read sometimes, but I want you to know that I care about you deeply."

He took your hand in his and squeezed it tightly. "I know we've been through a lot together, and I just want you to know that I'm here for you, always. I want to be more than just your friend, if you'll have me."

You wrapped your arms around his neck. "You can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but you're easy to read. I saw everything you did and heard everything you said. I just decided not to let you win me over so easily."

"I didn't know you felt the same way," Jake said, his frown deepening. He seemed surprised by your confession, and you could see the emotions playing across his face. "But I'm glad you told me," he continued, a small smile breaking through. "I've had feelings for you for a long time, but I wasn't sure if you felt the same way." He pulled you into a tight embrace, holding you close. "I don't want to hide my feelings for you anymore," he whispered in your ear. "I want everyone to know that you're mine and that I'm yours."

You let out a soft chuckle before gently holding Jake's cheeks and turning his face to look at you. "Just so you know, I care about you deeply," you said with a small smile. "But that doesn't change the fact that, to me, you are reckless."

Jake scoffed, his expression turning sceptical. "You can't be serious," he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

Chuckling, you nodded and gave him a playful tap on the nose. "I know you're serious, but that doesn't change the fact that I like you a lot too."

As soon as Jake spotted Mo'at approaching, he moved away in a slight move. 

As she entered the tent, Jake stepped aside, giving her space. He had great respect for the Tsahìk and always made sure to defer to her wisdom.

Mo'at looked around the tent, her sharp eyes taking in everything. Jake waited quietly, his posture relaxed but respectful. When she finally turned her gaze to him, he met her stare without flinching, his expression open and honest. "I somehow knew I would find you here, Y/N," said Mo'at, fixing her yellowish eyes on your face.

You turned to her and gave a soft smile. "Is everything okay? I just had to make sure that our stubborn Olo'eyktan lives to see another day."

Mo'at gave you a significant glance as she reminded you that others required your assistance.

You apologised to Jake and gave him a quick look before telling him quietly that you would be back later. After that, you left to attend to your duties, not wanting to neglect them any further and bringing Mo'at's anger on your soul.

The evening came quickly, taking his busy schedule.

He made his way back to his tent, feeling a sense of relief wash over him as he stepped inside. The air was cool and quiet, a welcome respite from the chaos of the day. Jake quickly shed his gear and settled onto his cot, stretching out his tired muscles. 

As he lay there, he could hear the distant sounds of the Na'vi speaking as the eclipse was approaching. He closed his eyes, imagining the sight that would soon unfold: the sun disappearing behind Polyphemus, the sky darkening, the world falling silent.

You decided to surprise him by sneaking into his tent. Standing at the entrance, you rested your hand on your hips and looked straight at him. "Oh, look at that. My most stubborn hunter is finally lying down. I think I need to thank Eywa for this miracle."

"So, what brings you here?" Jake asked, raising his eyebrow slowly. "Not that I'm complaining, of course. I'm always happy to see you, but it's hard for me to believe you came just to check upon my wounds for you've done it earlier."

You raised an eyebrow and let out a short scoff. "I came to check up on you, but if my presence is bothersome, then I'll leave."

When you finished, he gave you a warm smile. "Oh, come on, where is your sense of humour?"

You playfully hissed and let out a deep sigh. "I'm just tired, Jake. Sorry."

He cocked his eyebrow, listening to you. "A lot of work, huh?"

"Yes, not only injured but sick as well, especially kids," you nodded, rubbing your eyes. "Am I bothering you? After all, I promised to be back."

"You're not a bother," he said, his voice calm and warm. "I'm always happy to spend time with you. I enjoy your company," he added, his eyes meeting yours. "So please, never hesitate to come see me."

You nodded once more and took a comfortable seat next to him. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm doing fine," Jake said with a small smile. "It's been tough, but I'm getting through it. How about you?"

You gently examined his injury and let out a relieved sigh. "I'm glad to hear that, but don't push yourself too hard. Rest is important for healing."

Jake got up from his cot and letting out a contented sigh, he walked over to the small table in the corner of his tent. There was a bowl of fruit sitting there, and he picked up one and took a bite. He chewed thoughtfully, savouring the sweetness, looking at you, pointing at the bowl. "Would you like some?"

"Well, I was starting to think you'd never offer. I was afraid I'd have to die here before you'd bring it up. Yes, please. I would love one."

He walked to you, his hand outstretched with the fruit resting in his palm. "Here," he said, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "It's one of the best fruits on Pandora, but I'm sure you know that."

“Irayo.” You took a bite of the fruit and your eyes widened in surprise. The sweetness exploded in your mouth, and you felt a burst of energy flow through your body. You couldn't help but let out a small moan of pleasure. You quickly finished the fruit, savouring every last bit, and couldn't believe you felt refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take on anything that came your way.

Jake smirked at you as he stood by the entrance to his tent, watching the hustle and bustle of the village. He looked relaxed and content, as if he was enjoying the simple pleasures of life on Pandora. "It's a beautiful sight, isn't it?" He said, turning to you with a smile. "There's something so peaceful about watching the village like this. It's like everything else fades away and you're just left with the present moment."

"That's true," you said, walking up to him and wrapping your arms around his waist from behind to give him a hug. "These moments are priceless and so peaceful. I hope we can continue to enjoy them together."

Jake's body tensed for a moment, but then he relaxed into your embrace, tilting his head slightly to the side to rest it against yours. He took a deep breath, savouring the feel of your arms around him.

You teased him, squeezing his waist, "Someone tensed up here for a moment. Am I making you nervous?"

As you hugged Jake from behind, he turned to face you and wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you close to him. You could feel the warmth of his body and the strength of his embrace. Jake let out a contented sigh, enjoying the feeling of your touch. His hand caressed your back as he held you close, savouring the moment. "Kxawm. Or maybe not."

Your hands curiously moved up and down his belly, exploring every inch of his skin and every strong muscle beneath. "Oh, really? That's why you got so tense when I touched you?"

Jake closed his arms around you, holding you tightly as if he never wanted to let go.

With a smile on your face, you snuggled up to him, feeling pleased with your teasing attempt. "Oh, didn't you like that?"

His strong, yet gentle hands moved up and down your spine, loosening the knots that had formed there. "You okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face. Jake continued to rub your back for a few more minutes, and you felt your muscles begin to relax under his touch. Eventually, he stopped and gave you a reassuring smile. "Better?" He asked.

You relaxed, leaning comfortably against him as you let out a soft purr. His touch was indeed making you feel better, easing the tension in your sore muscles. "It seems like you can do more than just get hurt," you told him, looking up in his eyes.

Glossary:

talioang - sturmbeest

palulukan - thanator

nì’eveng - like a child

nìktungzup - carefully

oel ngati kameie - I see you

kxawm - maybe

irayo - thanks

[leo-interactive-fiction]

I wanted to ask, do the RO's cut/maintain their own hair, or do they have it done by someone else?

Haha let's see...

E tries to make sure to groom their hair every morning. They can have embarrassing bed head because they are a restless sleeper that moves around a lot, so they always spend time making sure they're presentable. They get their hair cut every few weeks or so, and they're not too concerned about maintaining an exact length. "As long as it doesn't get in the way too much, I'm fine with it? W-Well, if you have any particular preferences...J-Just for reference!"

R used to go to a personal stylist every few days or so to keep their appearance fresh, although since becoming excommunicated from the family they haven't had access to such funds. Nevertheless, they still take very diligent care of their appearance, and the results speak for themselves. "Hey now, not everyone is born good-looking. It takes a great amount of dedication to maintain attractive qualities. It just so happens I'm hard working and blessed. Lucky you."

L always had their hair cut and maintained by their butler, Walter. Since the journey to Triaina, they have been following a detailed instructional pamphlet created by Walter on the specifics of their grooming needs, such as the exact length to cut and what products are used. They can't follow some of the instructions to the butlers' exact specificity, but they do their best. "Um, I apologize for any inconvenience, but would you happen to know if the water here is locally sourced from a freshwater spring? O-Oh, 'tap water', you say...? N-No, that shouldn't be an issue! Thank you!"

V handles all of their own grooming with the humble contents of their travel bag, which includes a knife, razor, scissors, pocket mirror, and a bar of soap. There are always traces of split ends, rogue hairs, or ragged lopsidedness, but it is never completely disheveled. It is enough to show you that divine intervention must have taken place somewhere along the way to keep their hair from looking like a matted rug left on the side of the road. "...Oh, I missed a spot. Hmm......Commander, don't stare. Get my knife. I'll fix it."

P doesn't put very much effort into their overall appearance, but they make an exception for their hair. At the very least, they spend some time in the morning to make sure it doesn't cause problems for them or get in the way, and in very special circumstances, they can spend an overabundance of time trying to style it to look better. Unfortunately, their hair naturally fights back against any drastic changes to its normal rugged look, so it requires a lot of effort to style. "Stupid piece of-- Hey M, can you get off your ass and get me a damn hairclip or something? I know you have some...Eh? What do you mean I'm taking too long?! No, it's not for a date with-- Just get me something for this!"

M's hair is a constant tangle of persevering bedhead. It has become the natural rest state of their hair, to the point where you don't think even a thorough combing session could make a difference. They don't even remember the last time they went to a barber to get it cut. Or perhaps they were just asleep when it happened. Nevertheless, it carries a very loose and natural feel to it that M enjoys. "Just so...you know...it can get even...messier...when I'm in bed...If you don't...believe...you're welcome to...'fact check' me..."

Raven's grooming habits can best be described between the ranges of 'potentially hazardous' and 'negligent character assassination'. During their time living in the backwash alleys, they've come to terms with all manner of trash and grime in their hair, and their method of cutting involves a quick chop with a knife when it gets a little too long for their liking, leaving it an uneven and jagged mess. You can't tell how often they actually wash their hair, but since coming to the academy and having access to a running water source, you haven't found anything too worrisome tangled in messy tangled in, although the sleek oily sheen has never faded. "If you tell me I'm not good enough to draw your gaze as I am...I don't mind changing everything about myself. My hair, my manners, my very identity... As long as you can look at me, with those same eyes...I'll do anything...!"

S has surprisingly tidy hair. Despite often having the rest of themselves covered in grime from their work, their hair stays relatively spotless. They say those from the Dens pick up habits to maintain a clean appearance while living through the harsh and sandy desert environment of Orden, but you can't say how much of that is very factual when it's relayed through S's unkempt grin. "Why ya sweatin' the small stuff? It ain't like I never shower or somethin'. You seen how huge those showers in the gym are? Ya can practically take a lap in there! How can ya not take advantage of that?! Speakin' of which, do ya think they'd let me have one for the dorms...? Dont worry, i'd share!"

F's hair has not been cut in a very long time, and they take great lengths to personally maintain and preserve it. No one but a select few are allowed to even touch her hair for normal maintenence, and not even Fiore is allowed to brush or style it. Their hair and their clothing are of the few personal features among them that they claim full ownership of, without any assistance or pretext, and so they safeguard those features very closely. "...You are wondering who did my hair? And what, pray tell, would you do with such information? Have them style your own? Well...perhaps if the discussion of extending your servitude is put underway...I may find the time in that period to indulge you..."

Thank ya for the ask!

[mistyswifey]

Harmful Memories

{• y/n & Gwen • }

(TW: Sh, depression, etc)

Y/n was, well not the brightest kind of kid. They would always do weird stuff, they were always seen as the ‘weird kid.’ Y/n didn’t care, or thats what everyone thought. but when they’d get home from anywhere, they would feel overwhelmed and have the urge to cry. Y/n had been bullied their whole life. Y/n’s big sister, Gwen, had no idea what Y/n had been going through their whole life. Gwen didn’t notice the changes in Y/n’s mood, style, etc. Before Y/n had been so talkative and they would always spend time with Gwen, now they barely talk to Gwen. Gwen didn’t think anything of it, she just thought ‘Oh but isn’t this how all teenagers act?’ not until she found a razor in your/n’s drawer.

you heard a knock on the door.

“Come in.” 

you said, scrolling through the old pictures on your phone. You’d do that often, you’d scroll through the pictures with your best friend, old best friend. She had passed away a couple years back. which also resulted in your mood changes and depression.

“Y/n..”

Gwen walked into your room with a sad look on her face. You didn’t think anything of it, until you saw the razor on her hand.

“Gwen where the hell did you..? how the hell.? i thought i- you know what, never mind.”

you said. your voice was hesitant and your hands started to get sweaty.

“Show me..”

Gwen said, calmly. You shook your head.

“Show me.” 

She said getting frustrated slowly. You shook your head but she sat next to you on the bed. She started to look at your arms, trying to see any signs of self harm, but your arms were clean. 

“Show. Me.” 

she said again. you rolled up your sweat pants. You looked at your sister who now had tears in her eyes. She hugged you. Your scars were fresh, still red. you had some faded ones too, but very few. 

“Y/n please dont do this to yourself..”

Gwen said sobbing. she held you tightly. You remained silent, but you hugged her back.

“Please if you ever need anything, just talk to me..”

Gwen said as she finally let go of you. you thought for a second, before coming to the conclusion you should just tell her everything.

“Gwen i.. im sorry ok, you have absolutely no idea how hard it’s been. i don’t understand it? why don’t people like me? did i do something wrong? the only person who didn’t hate me fucking died? did i deserve this?”

Gwen hugged you tighter.

“Y/n dear.. im your big sister, you still have me.. i love you, i could never hate you. i don’t know what i’d do without you, please you need to stay strong..”

she said rubbing your back softly. her voice was comforting, you had never thought she could be so comforting and sweet.

“Thanks Gwen.. I’ll try..”

you said.

“if you ever have the urge to self harm, please talk to me, ok dear?”

she said as she let go of you again. she threw the razor out of the open window in your room. you were about to yell at her but you knew it was for the best. she left the room smiling at you before closing the door. you felt happier than before. now you knew your sister actually liked you, you had another reason to keep on going. you didn’t want to give up, you wanted to be clean.

{ • AN: Im so sorry this is so short! hope you liked it! i wanted to try something a bit sadder, as i’ve been feeling down myself lately. i kind of just put all my thoughts into this one. :) • }

[the-elevator-twins]

>[At the prospect of fresh meat, your twin seems to perk up, and point to the door almost frantically. Is he talking about the monsters? Those two are certainly meat of some sort.... though the second he makes that recommendation, he starts shaking his head, and seems to snap out of his daze, still frantic, but much more normal.]

>[He takes in his surroundings and tries to offer you his scissors and talk to you, but when he does, the strings tighten completely, blood dripping from the threads as they cut his skin and render him completely unable to talk. But he seems insistent on staying away from you, not out of fear of you, he'd gotten over that a while ago.]

>[It's like he's scared of hurting you]

>[Though almost immediately his eyes widen and his pupils shrink, and pained, choked, muffled laughter escapes him. The threads loosen and he goes back to his pacing, just more... twitchy, and hyper aware, like an animal. The parallels to how he acted when feeding off of the blonde monsters are striking, but his behavior is almost worse. Probably because unlike you, he didn't get to eat. He's starving]

CW: implied abuse

(i) > Seeing your brother like this... it hurts you in some way. Honestly, you should feed him, but at the same time, you know he really, truly doesn't want to. With a reluctant sigh, you force yourself up, wincing slightly in pain before the door knocks, right on cue. A hook moves to the door, pulling it back as you come face to face with 'them' again.

> "Hey newbie! Wow, looks like you got caught in a trap or something. Got baited to do something reckless?" > "Would you and your brother like to go out for drinks?"

(i) > Lips parted, you were about to decline, but it's already too late as your brother lunged forward. He seems to go after the weaker one of the two, while your manic coworker takes out a lighter and a beer bottle. You react quickly, hooking "Bryce" to the ground as Neil finishes mauling "Bruce" to death.

> "Hey! You think you can get away with this you little brat!? Do I have to punish you again!? You bastard child!!" > "H-Huh. . ?"

(i) > There, Bryce begins to morph, that of your own mother. . . or, what appears to be your mother. Instant dread sets in as you loosen your grip on the other, resulting in the monster to shove you to the ground.

> "If you had only done what you were asked of!! None of this would have happened!! Our prayers to God fell on deaf ears, all because you wanted to be selfish!! Maybe being locked up without any food will do you some good!" > "M-Mom-" > "Don't call me your mother you PIG! You're nothing more than an unwanted animal! Dead meat! We warned you what happens when you stray from God's hand!" > "St-Stop it-- STOP IT PLEASE--"

(i) > Falling to your knees, you cover your ears, it hurts... hurts to listen to the ringing and harsh voices, the meat hooks on your body coil in agitation. Tears threaten your eyes before you feel a hand grip your hair, forcing you to look up. Something in "her" hand frightens you, it's left you unpleasant marks before, a razor blade. There is only one emotion you have at this moment. . . Fear.

> "I'll make you repent, one way or another boy, REPENT! REPENT RIGHT NOW! YOU UNGRATEFUL BRAT!" > "I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY PLEASE DON'T HURT ME!! PLEASE MOM- > "Sorry doesn't cut it!! I'll make you remember my warnings permanently!"

(i) > "She" goes to strike you, only making you flinch and let out a mortified scream. You don't want to be hurt. . . You did the best you could, you tried to bee the best son. . . you tried to be enough to matter to someone, to feel important. . . but even then, the blade never tears into your skin.

> "N. . . Nigel. . ."

(i) > Lifting your head, you see the front of "her" stomach bleeding. the monster collapses in front of you as you only look up at your brother, who's appearance only looks more terrifying. But. . . all you can do is cry, shuffle to your brother's arms and hug him tightly.

> "I'm. . . here, Nigel. . . Shhhhh. . ." > "Ghhhuuhhhaaa. . . I-I'm sorry. . !! I-I did m-my best. . . I did my b-beeessst. . !! Hhhuuuaahhhh. . !!"> "Shhhh. . . Shhhhh . . . I'm here. . . now. . ."

(i) > . . . Neither of you speak a word, you just embrace and weep together.

[cbairdash]

Author’s note: Hoist the Colors may eventually inspire fiction. Most likely will and I’ll gladly write it. But right now, it’s a role-playing game setting with what I hope is an interesting take and look at an “Alternate History” of Earth. It isn’t really “steampunk”, though I can see how someone would get that impression. For me, it’s more a “gaslamp fantasy” set on Earth of 1722 in all it’s historical mess… that I’ve stirred up even more!

So, with that said, I thought I’d cover the playable species and cultures players will have to choose from. Here we have the morasu!

Some people that arrived from Otherworld wanted to blend old with the new. A fresh start. But there are those that wanted to reshape the world in their image, no matter the cost…

Professor Isolde Trelawny, Historian at the Royal Institute of Otherworld Studies

Crossing’s Fall brought many species to Earth from Otherworld against their will. Some, such as the thayans, were quick to offer an open hand to the Earth’s nations with mixed results. Others, like grimlings, kept to themselves as much as they could. But then there was the morasu, who met humanity with a sharp, naked blade.

The morasu are a formidable species known for their militaristic cultures and dogmatic social traditions. Originating from the Tir Yovat Empire on the continent of Zafra in Otherworld, they were legendary for their aggressive ethos and pursuit of order. Many historians and scholars suspect that these traits, and the morasu themselves, inspired the dark and complex myths among human cultures in the past.

But the Crossing’s Fall disaster spared nothing. The mountainous terrain of Zafra fell to Earth, split to pieces and a shadow of its former glory. Now, the bulk of the continent lies in the Pacific Ocean to the east of Japan, while smaller fragments are scattered from Greenland to South America.

In most Otherworld cultures, morasu are called ‘nightclaws’, a derogatory nod to their raven-like features. Humans use a different insulting term. They call them ‘stormbirds’, partly because of their unpredictable temper.

After Crossing’s Fall, while many refugees looked to rebuild or find new opportunities, the morasu sought conquest. They looked to establish their own brand of order on what they saw as a primitive, chaotic world.

Dark Mirror of Humanity

They look frail, but so does a razor…

Professor Isolde Trelawny, Historian at the Royal Institute of Otherworld Studies

Morasu are humanoid but are the least human-looking of all the Otherworld refugees. They stand as tall as an average human but are often thinner, with a unique blend of human and animal-like features.

They are a bipedal species with the physical characteristics of both humans and ravens. Glossy black feathers cover their body, except for pearl-gray scaly skin on their legs and face. On their head, those features are entwined with long black or silver hair they often wear in a topknot or long braids.

Their black feathers aren’t just for looks. They serve as natural weather protection and grow the longest along their arms, like wing feathers. While they’re incapable of true flight, morasu can glide when leaping from high places. Buildings or the crow’s nest of a ship work best. They also posses a raven-like tail, complete with more midnight black feathers.

Last would be their face. Despite their raven characteristics, morasu have a human-shaped face. It’s thin, with no beak, but has the same pearly gray scaled skin. They have sharply pointed ears and solid black eyes that are particular to their ancestry.

For the rest about the morasu, see the link above!

Taglist: @thelaughingstag

[cleverhottubmiracle]

After you mow over your facial hair with a bare blade or six, you need to calm things down. That’s where the best aftershaves comes in. Its job is to soothe skin, restore moisture, neutralize bacteria, and keep pores clear, thus helping prevent bumps, ingrown hairs, and razor burns. It does so with a slew of common skin care ingredients, such as aloe vera, witch hazel, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid.While I certainly hope you still use a pre-shave oil, an editor-approved shave cream, and, of course, a sharp, fresh razor, above all, I believe that you should use a post-shave product. That product gets bonus points if it has soothing, hydrating ingredients—and steers clear of skin-drying ones like alcohol.The Best Men’s Aftershaves, According to GQLooking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonHowever, because post-shave products meet many needs these days, it’s important to ensure that you’re matching your skin's needs with the ingredients in a given bottle to get the best results. To help you decipher the dizzying variety of aftershave grooming products out there, we’ve tested and tried loads. Following are the best of the best.Best Aftershave for Men Overall: Lab Series Grooming Razor Burn BalmLab SeriesGrooming Razor Burn BalmWhy it’s great: Of all the products on the list, this balmy lotion will benefit most skin types. It has soothing superpowers for the most sensitive folks and is light enough to satisfy the oiliest complexions. I dab it on following an electric shave since it only requires a light layer.On skin, it’s not overly astringent and drying, which might put off those prone to egregious breakouts. For everyone else who simply needs an aftershave to be a punctuation on their shave regimen—this one layers perfectly beneath your standard moisturizing agent (while providing nourishing benefits of its own). You’ll likely also be tickled pink with the balancing and cooling agents.Best Aftershave for Sensitive Skin: Proraso Aftershave Balm - Sensitive SkinProrasoAftershave Balm - Sensitive SkinWhy it’s great: This timeless barbershop favorite comes to mind first any time I recommend shaving products for sensitive skin. While the brand has four formulas addressing different needs, its products for the most sensitive skin types may be its finest. This lotion, in particular, has a glycerin-rich base that floods dry and vulnerable skin with moisture and also contains a dash of sweet almond oil, which is rich in skin-shielding antioxidants like vitamin E.A caveat: This formula has a pinch of artificial fragrance, so if that puts you off, take note. However, that same scent gives my mind so much peace. For some reason, it feels like a mother’s embrace, which makes this product doubly soothing.Best Aftershave for Bumps and Ingrown Hair Prevention: Bevel Bump ControlWhy it’s great: This product is as much a regular exfoliant and toner as a post-shave, which helps ensure that your hair follicles are always unencumbered. For bump-prone skin, I suggest using it as your go-to exfoliant a few times a week to prevent pore clogging and ensure oil balancing.Its potent combination of astringent witch hazel and exfoliating glycolic acid helps you from buying a standalone post-shave product (ahem: budget-minded guys or minimalists). It’s also among the easiest to layer beneath your moisturizer, not to mention one of the best bargains on this list.I do think it could smell a little cuter. Not that it stinks, but it’s not exactly menthol or lavender. Still, it’s great that this one lacks any artificial fragrance.Best Aftershave for Razor Burn Prevention: Bevel Post-Shave BalmWhy it’s great: Bevel might possibly have the best range of beard and shave products in the whole industry, which explains why they’ve got two on my list here and another pair on my list of the best shave creams.This post-shave cream has all the heavy-hitting ingredients that are sure to thwart any potential redness and bumps from forming—and reduce existing inflammation, too. I’d soon use this as an everyday moisturizer, too, especially in winter (as it does wear a bit heavier than others on this list).Best Aftershave That's Also a Great Moisturizer: Aesop Neroli Post-Shave LotionAesopMoroccan Neroli Post-Shave LotionWhy it’s great: Aesop's full range of shaving products is great, but it wouldn't be complete without the excellent Neroli Post-Shave lotion. It's lightweight, great for those with oily skin, but it's still hydrating enough for those with dry skin thanks to the addition of several nourishing oils. We especially love the woodsy smell, and even if you haven't shaved today, the lotion makes a great daily moisturizer that absorbs super quickly into the skin.Best Aftershave for Everywhere: Anthony After Shave BalmWhy it’s great: Heads, shoulders, knees, and toes—wherever you just shaved would be a great place to apply some of Anthony's After Shave Balm. This use-everywhere lotion has vitamins A, C, and E, which work in tandem to hydrate and restore the skin's natural barrier after you just dragged a sharp-ass razor over it. This aftershave is especially hydrating, so it's great for those with dry skin or to use during the winter when the face (or other freshly shaved areas) take a beating from the brutal cold.Best Aftershave Splash: Supply Healing Post-ShaveWhy it’s great: This is like breaking open a fresh aloe pod and rubbing the gel right on your skin—plus, it’s got the toning and purifying powers of witch hazel to top things off. You can even use it as a quick cleansing and healing agent for shave cuts.Personally, I’m a fan of this head-clearing white birch and sage scent (it smells like fresh laundry), but the brand offers a fragrance-free option, too, if you want to spray on something totally neutral. (I’d even use that one as a recovery for minor burns or sun-scorched skin, too.)Best Aftershave Lotion: Marlowe Post Shave LotionWhy it’s great: A go-to for my bald-headed brother, who likes to lather his dome with Marlowe after a full head shave. He’ll even use it as a routine lightweight, breathable moisturizer in the days after a shave. Given the large amount of real estate up top, he can’t be too careful in terms of keeping things balanced 24/7, especially in the day post-shave. Marlowe remains his ol’ reliable and has long topped this aftershave list in the same “best post-shave lotion” category.Best Aftershave Cream: SheaMoisture Post Shave Restoring CreamSheaMoisturePost Shave Restoring CreamWhy it’s great: SheaMoisture’s formula is for all hair types and will be especially remedial for ingrown-prone curly-haired guys. The aforementioned trio of hero ingredients works overtime to keep skin calm, cool, and collected—ensuring it stays nourished and bump-free with each shave. This one doubles as a daily redness- and acne-mitigating booster, applied ahead of a go-to night moisturizer. I like it as a same-day soothing agent in the hours leading up to a shave; it will soften hair, cushion skin, and reduce the risk of bumps and redness after the fact.How to Pick the Best Aftershave for YouFor insight on choosing the best aftershave and active ingredients, we spoke with Alex Hughes and Alyssa Bachowski, who are both senior barbers at Fellow Barber in NYC.Balms, Lotions, Splashes… Which Aftershave Is Best for You?It’s too easy to confuse the different types of post-shave products out there and to determine which of them—balm, lotion, cream, splash—is best for your skin type. Truth be told, it’s often dependent on the formula itself since not all products labeled “balm” are going to be dense and heavy (as you might otherwise expect). Source link

[norajworld]

After you mow over your facial hair with a bare blade or six, you need to calm things down. That’s where the best aftershaves comes in. Its job is to soothe skin, restore moisture, neutralize bacteria, and keep pores clear, thus helping prevent bumps, ingrown hairs, and razor burns. It does so with a slew of common skin care ingredients, such as aloe vera, witch hazel, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid.While I certainly hope you still use a pre-shave oil, an editor-approved shave cream, and, of course, a sharp, fresh razor, above all, I believe that you should use a post-shave product. That product gets bonus points if it has soothing, hydrating ingredients—and steers clear of skin-drying ones like alcohol.The Best Men’s Aftershaves, According to GQLooking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonHowever, because post-shave products meet many needs these days, it’s important to ensure that you’re matching your skin's needs with the ingredients in a given bottle to get the best results. To help you decipher the dizzying variety of aftershave grooming products out there, we’ve tested and tried loads. Following are the best of the best.Best Aftershave for Men Overall: Lab Series Grooming Razor Burn BalmLab SeriesGrooming Razor Burn BalmWhy it’s great: Of all the products on the list, this balmy lotion will benefit most skin types. It has soothing superpowers for the most sensitive folks and is light enough to satisfy the oiliest complexions. I dab it on following an electric shave since it only requires a light layer.On skin, it’s not overly astringent and drying, which might put off those prone to egregious breakouts. For everyone else who simply needs an aftershave to be a punctuation on their shave regimen—this one layers perfectly beneath your standard moisturizing agent (while providing nourishing benefits of its own). You’ll likely also be tickled pink with the balancing and cooling agents.Best Aftershave for Sensitive Skin: Proraso Aftershave Balm - Sensitive SkinProrasoAftershave Balm - Sensitive SkinWhy it’s great: This timeless barbershop favorite comes to mind first any time I recommend shaving products for sensitive skin. While the brand has four formulas addressing different needs, its products for the most sensitive skin types may be its finest. This lotion, in particular, has a glycerin-rich base that floods dry and vulnerable skin with moisture and also contains a dash of sweet almond oil, which is rich in skin-shielding antioxidants like vitamin E.A caveat: This formula has a pinch of artificial fragrance, so if that puts you off, take note. However, that same scent gives my mind so much peace. For some reason, it feels like a mother’s embrace, which makes this product doubly soothing.Best Aftershave for Bumps and Ingrown Hair Prevention: Bevel Bump ControlWhy it’s great: This product is as much a regular exfoliant and toner as a post-shave, which helps ensure that your hair follicles are always unencumbered. For bump-prone skin, I suggest using it as your go-to exfoliant a few times a week to prevent pore clogging and ensure oil balancing.Its potent combination of astringent witch hazel and exfoliating glycolic acid helps you from buying a standalone post-shave product (ahem: budget-minded guys or minimalists). It’s also among the easiest to layer beneath your moisturizer, not to mention one of the best bargains on this list.I do think it could smell a little cuter. Not that it stinks, but it’s not exactly menthol or lavender. Still, it’s great that this one lacks any artificial fragrance.Best Aftershave for Razor Burn Prevention: Bevel Post-Shave BalmWhy it’s great: Bevel might possibly have the best range of beard and shave products in the whole industry, which explains why they’ve got two on my list here and another pair on my list of the best shave creams.This post-shave cream has all the heavy-hitting ingredients that are sure to thwart any potential redness and bumps from forming—and reduce existing inflammation, too. I’d soon use this as an everyday moisturizer, too, especially in winter (as it does wear a bit heavier than others on this list).Best Aftershave That's Also a Great Moisturizer: Aesop Neroli Post-Shave LotionAesopMoroccan Neroli Post-Shave LotionWhy it’s great: Aesop's full range of shaving products is great, but it wouldn't be complete without the excellent Neroli Post-Shave lotion. It's lightweight, great for those with oily skin, but it's still hydrating enough for those with dry skin thanks to the addition of several nourishing oils. We especially love the woodsy smell, and even if you haven't shaved today, the lotion makes a great daily moisturizer that absorbs super quickly into the skin.Best Aftershave for Everywhere: Anthony After Shave BalmWhy it’s great: Heads, shoulders, knees, and toes—wherever you just shaved would be a great place to apply some of Anthony's After Shave Balm. This use-everywhere lotion has vitamins A, C, and E, which work in tandem to hydrate and restore the skin's natural barrier after you just dragged a sharp-ass razor over it. This aftershave is especially hydrating, so it's great for those with dry skin or to use during the winter when the face (or other freshly shaved areas) take a beating from the brutal cold.Best Aftershave Splash: Supply Healing Post-ShaveWhy it’s great: This is like breaking open a fresh aloe pod and rubbing the gel right on your skin—plus, it’s got the toning and purifying powers of witch hazel to top things off. You can even use it as a quick cleansing and healing agent for shave cuts.Personally, I’m a fan of this head-clearing white birch and sage scent (it smells like fresh laundry), but the brand offers a fragrance-free option, too, if you want to spray on something totally neutral. (I’d even use that one as a recovery for minor burns or sun-scorched skin, too.)Best Aftershave Lotion: Marlowe Post Shave LotionWhy it’s great: A go-to for my bald-headed brother, who likes to lather his dome with Marlowe after a full head shave. He’ll even use it as a routine lightweight, breathable moisturizer in the days after a shave. Given the large amount of real estate up top, he can’t be too careful in terms of keeping things balanced 24/7, especially in the day post-shave. Marlowe remains his ol’ reliable and has long topped this aftershave list in the same “best post-shave lotion” category.Best Aftershave Cream: SheaMoisture Post Shave Restoring CreamSheaMoisturePost Shave Restoring CreamWhy it’s great: SheaMoisture’s formula is for all hair types and will be especially remedial for ingrown-prone curly-haired guys. The aforementioned trio of hero ingredients works overtime to keep skin calm, cool, and collected—ensuring it stays nourished and bump-free with each shave. This one doubles as a daily redness- and acne-mitigating booster, applied ahead of a go-to night moisturizer. I like it as a same-day soothing agent in the hours leading up to a shave; it will soften hair, cushion skin, and reduce the risk of bumps and redness after the fact.How to Pick the Best Aftershave for YouFor insight on choosing the best aftershave and active ingredients, we spoke with Alex Hughes and Alyssa Bachowski, who are both senior barbers at Fellow Barber in NYC.Balms, Lotions, Splashes… Which Aftershave Is Best for You?It’s too easy to confuse the different types of post-shave products out there and to determine which of them—balm, lotion, cream, splash—is best for your skin type. Truth be told, it’s often dependent on the formula itself since not all products labeled “balm” are going to be dense and heavy (as you might otherwise expect). Source link

[ellajme0]

After you mow over your facial hair with a bare blade or six, you need to calm things down. That’s where the best aftershaves comes in. Its job is to soothe skin, restore moisture, neutralize bacteria, and keep pores clear, thus helping prevent bumps, ingrown hairs, and razor burns. It does so with a slew of common skin care ingredients, such as aloe vera, witch hazel, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid.While I certainly hope you still use a pre-shave oil, an editor-approved shave cream, and, of course, a sharp, fresh razor, above all, I believe that you should use a post-shave product. That product gets bonus points if it has soothing, hydrating ingredients—and steers clear of skin-drying ones like alcohol.The Best Men’s Aftershaves, According to GQLooking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonHowever, because post-shave products meet many needs these days, it’s important to ensure that you’re matching your skin's needs with the ingredients in a given bottle to get the best results. To help you decipher the dizzying variety of aftershave grooming products out there, we’ve tested and tried loads. Following are the best of the best.Best Aftershave for Men Overall: Lab Series Grooming Razor Burn BalmLab SeriesGrooming Razor Burn BalmWhy it’s great: Of all the products on the list, this balmy lotion will benefit most skin types. It has soothing superpowers for the most sensitive folks and is light enough to satisfy the oiliest complexions. I dab it on following an electric shave since it only requires a light layer.On skin, it’s not overly astringent and drying, which might put off those prone to egregious breakouts. For everyone else who simply needs an aftershave to be a punctuation on their shave regimen—this one layers perfectly beneath your standard moisturizing agent (while providing nourishing benefits of its own). You’ll likely also be tickled pink with the balancing and cooling agents.Best Aftershave for Sensitive Skin: Proraso Aftershave Balm - Sensitive SkinProrasoAftershave Balm - Sensitive SkinWhy it’s great: This timeless barbershop favorite comes to mind first any time I recommend shaving products for sensitive skin. While the brand has four formulas addressing different needs, its products for the most sensitive skin types may be its finest. This lotion, in particular, has a glycerin-rich base that floods dry and vulnerable skin with moisture and also contains a dash of sweet almond oil, which is rich in skin-shielding antioxidants like vitamin E.A caveat: This formula has a pinch of artificial fragrance, so if that puts you off, take note. However, that same scent gives my mind so much peace. For some reason, it feels like a mother’s embrace, which makes this product doubly soothing.Best Aftershave for Bumps and Ingrown Hair Prevention: Bevel Bump ControlWhy it’s great: This product is as much a regular exfoliant and toner as a post-shave, which helps ensure that your hair follicles are always unencumbered. For bump-prone skin, I suggest using it as your go-to exfoliant a few times a week to prevent pore clogging and ensure oil balancing.Its potent combination of astringent witch hazel and exfoliating glycolic acid helps you from buying a standalone post-shave product (ahem: budget-minded guys or minimalists). It’s also among the easiest to layer beneath your moisturizer, not to mention one of the best bargains on this list.I do think it could smell a little cuter. Not that it stinks, but it’s not exactly menthol or lavender. Still, it’s great that this one lacks any artificial fragrance.Best Aftershave for Razor Burn Prevention: Bevel Post-Shave BalmWhy it’s great: Bevel might possibly have the best range of beard and shave products in the whole industry, which explains why they’ve got two on my list here and another pair on my list of the best shave creams.This post-shave cream has all the heavy-hitting ingredients that are sure to thwart any potential redness and bumps from forming—and reduce existing inflammation, too. I’d soon use this as an everyday moisturizer, too, especially in winter (as it does wear a bit heavier than others on this list).Best Aftershave That's Also a Great Moisturizer: Aesop Neroli Post-Shave LotionAesopMoroccan Neroli Post-Shave LotionWhy it’s great: Aesop's full range of shaving products is great, but it wouldn't be complete without the excellent Neroli Post-Shave lotion. It's lightweight, great for those with oily skin, but it's still hydrating enough for those with dry skin thanks to the addition of several nourishing oils. We especially love the woodsy smell, and even if you haven't shaved today, the lotion makes a great daily moisturizer that absorbs super quickly into the skin.Best Aftershave for Everywhere: Anthony After Shave BalmWhy it’s great: Heads, shoulders, knees, and toes—wherever you just shaved would be a great place to apply some of Anthony's After Shave Balm. This use-everywhere lotion has vitamins A, C, and E, which work in tandem to hydrate and restore the skin's natural barrier after you just dragged a sharp-ass razor over it. This aftershave is especially hydrating, so it's great for those with dry skin or to use during the winter when the face (or other freshly shaved areas) take a beating from the brutal cold.Best Aftershave Splash: Supply Healing Post-ShaveWhy it’s great: This is like breaking open a fresh aloe pod and rubbing the gel right on your skin—plus, it’s got the toning and purifying powers of witch hazel to top things off. You can even use it as a quick cleansing and healing agent for shave cuts.Personally, I’m a fan of this head-clearing white birch and sage scent (it smells like fresh laundry), but the brand offers a fragrance-free option, too, if you want to spray on something totally neutral. (I’d even use that one as a recovery for minor burns or sun-scorched skin, too.)Best Aftershave Lotion: Marlowe Post Shave LotionWhy it’s great: A go-to for my bald-headed brother, who likes to lather his dome with Marlowe after a full head shave. He’ll even use it as a routine lightweight, breathable moisturizer in the days after a shave. Given the large amount of real estate up top, he can’t be too careful in terms of keeping things balanced 24/7, especially in the day post-shave. Marlowe remains his ol’ reliable and has long topped this aftershave list in the same “best post-shave lotion” category.Best Aftershave Cream: SheaMoisture Post Shave Restoring CreamSheaMoisturePost Shave Restoring CreamWhy it’s great: SheaMoisture’s formula is for all hair types and will be especially remedial for ingrown-prone curly-haired guys. The aforementioned trio of hero ingredients works overtime to keep skin calm, cool, and collected—ensuring it stays nourished and bump-free with each shave. This one doubles as a daily redness- and acne-mitigating booster, applied ahead of a go-to night moisturizer. I like it as a same-day soothing agent in the hours leading up to a shave; it will soften hair, cushion skin, and reduce the risk of bumps and redness after the fact.How to Pick the Best Aftershave for YouFor insight on choosing the best aftershave and active ingredients, we spoke with Alex Hughes and Alyssa Bachowski, who are both senior barbers at Fellow Barber in NYC.Balms, Lotions, Splashes… Which Aftershave Is Best for You?It’s too easy to confuse the different types of post-shave products out there and to determine which of them—balm, lotion, cream, splash—is best for your skin type. Truth be told, it’s often dependent on the formula itself since not all products labeled “balm” are going to be dense and heavy (as you might otherwise expect). Source link

[chilimili212]

After you mow over your facial hair with a bare blade or six, you need to calm things down. That’s where the best aftershaves comes in. Its job is to soothe skin, restore moisture, neutralize bacteria, and keep pores clear, thus helping prevent bumps, ingrown hairs, and razor burns. It does so with a slew of common skin care ingredients, such as aloe vera, witch hazel, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid.While I certainly hope you still use a pre-shave oil, an editor-approved shave cream, and, of course, a sharp, fresh razor, above all, I believe that you should use a post-shave product. That product gets bonus points if it has soothing, hydrating ingredients—and steers clear of skin-drying ones like alcohol.The Best Men’s Aftershaves, According to GQLooking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonHowever, because post-shave products meet many needs these days, it’s important to ensure that you’re matching your skin's needs with the ingredients in a given bottle to get the best results. To help you decipher the dizzying variety of aftershave grooming products out there, we’ve tested and tried loads. Following are the best of the best.Best Aftershave for Men Overall: Lab Series Grooming Razor Burn BalmLab SeriesGrooming Razor Burn BalmWhy it’s great: Of all the products on the list, this balmy lotion will benefit most skin types. It has soothing superpowers for the most sensitive folks and is light enough to satisfy the oiliest complexions. I dab it on following an electric shave since it only requires a light layer.On skin, it’s not overly astringent and drying, which might put off those prone to egregious breakouts. For everyone else who simply needs an aftershave to be a punctuation on their shave regimen—this one layers perfectly beneath your standard moisturizing agent (while providing nourishing benefits of its own). You’ll likely also be tickled pink with the balancing and cooling agents.Best Aftershave for Sensitive Skin: Proraso Aftershave Balm - Sensitive SkinProrasoAftershave Balm - Sensitive SkinWhy it’s great: This timeless barbershop favorite comes to mind first any time I recommend shaving products for sensitive skin. While the brand has four formulas addressing different needs, its products for the most sensitive skin types may be its finest. This lotion, in particular, has a glycerin-rich base that floods dry and vulnerable skin with moisture and also contains a dash of sweet almond oil, which is rich in skin-shielding antioxidants like vitamin E.A caveat: This formula has a pinch of artificial fragrance, so if that puts you off, take note. However, that same scent gives my mind so much peace. For some reason, it feels like a mother’s embrace, which makes this product doubly soothing.Best Aftershave for Bumps and Ingrown Hair Prevention: Bevel Bump ControlWhy it’s great: This product is as much a regular exfoliant and toner as a post-shave, which helps ensure that your hair follicles are always unencumbered. For bump-prone skin, I suggest using it as your go-to exfoliant a few times a week to prevent pore clogging and ensure oil balancing.Its potent combination of astringent witch hazel and exfoliating glycolic acid helps you from buying a standalone post-shave product (ahem: budget-minded guys or minimalists). It’s also among the easiest to layer beneath your moisturizer, not to mention one of the best bargains on this list.I do think it could smell a little cuter. Not that it stinks, but it’s not exactly menthol or lavender. Still, it’s great that this one lacks any artificial fragrance.Best Aftershave for Razor Burn Prevention: Bevel Post-Shave BalmWhy it’s great: Bevel might possibly have the best range of beard and shave products in the whole industry, which explains why they’ve got two on my list here and another pair on my list of the best shave creams.This post-shave cream has all the heavy-hitting ingredients that are sure to thwart any potential redness and bumps from forming—and reduce existing inflammation, too. I’d soon use this as an everyday moisturizer, too, especially in winter (as it does wear a bit heavier than others on this list).Best Aftershave That's Also a Great Moisturizer: Aesop Neroli Post-Shave LotionAesopMoroccan Neroli Post-Shave LotionWhy it’s great: Aesop's full range of shaving products is great, but it wouldn't be complete without the excellent Neroli Post-Shave lotion. It's lightweight, great for those with oily skin, but it's still hydrating enough for those with dry skin thanks to the addition of several nourishing oils. We especially love the woodsy smell, and even if you haven't shaved today, the lotion makes a great daily moisturizer that absorbs super quickly into the skin.Best Aftershave for Everywhere: Anthony After Shave BalmWhy it’s great: Heads, shoulders, knees, and toes—wherever you just shaved would be a great place to apply some of Anthony's After Shave Balm. This use-everywhere lotion has vitamins A, C, and E, which work in tandem to hydrate and restore the skin's natural barrier after you just dragged a sharp-ass razor over it. This aftershave is especially hydrating, so it's great for those with dry skin or to use during the winter when the face (or other freshly shaved areas) take a beating from the brutal cold.Best Aftershave Splash: Supply Healing Post-ShaveWhy it’s great: This is like breaking open a fresh aloe pod and rubbing the gel right on your skin—plus, it’s got the toning and purifying powers of witch hazel to top things off. You can even use it as a quick cleansing and healing agent for shave cuts.Personally, I’m a fan of this head-clearing white birch and sage scent (it smells like fresh laundry), but the brand offers a fragrance-free option, too, if you want to spray on something totally neutral. (I’d even use that one as a recovery for minor burns or sun-scorched skin, too.)Best Aftershave Lotion: Marlowe Post Shave LotionWhy it’s great: A go-to for my bald-headed brother, who likes to lather his dome with Marlowe after a full head shave. He’ll even use it as a routine lightweight, breathable moisturizer in the days after a shave. Given the large amount of real estate up top, he can’t be too careful in terms of keeping things balanced 24/7, especially in the day post-shave. Marlowe remains his ol’ reliable and has long topped this aftershave list in the same “best post-shave lotion” category.Best Aftershave Cream: SheaMoisture Post Shave Restoring CreamSheaMoisturePost Shave Restoring CreamWhy it’s great: SheaMoisture’s formula is for all hair types and will be especially remedial for ingrown-prone curly-haired guys. The aforementioned trio of hero ingredients works overtime to keep skin calm, cool, and collected—ensuring it stays nourished and bump-free with each shave. This one doubles as a daily redness- and acne-mitigating booster, applied ahead of a go-to night moisturizer. I like it as a same-day soothing agent in the hours leading up to a shave; it will soften hair, cushion skin, and reduce the risk of bumps and redness after the fact.How to Pick the Best Aftershave for YouFor insight on choosing the best aftershave and active ingredients, we spoke with Alex Hughes and Alyssa Bachowski, who are both senior barbers at Fellow Barber in NYC.Balms, Lotions, Splashes… Which Aftershave Is Best for You?It’s too easy to confuse the different types of post-shave products out there and to determine which of them—balm, lotion, cream, splash—is best for your skin type. Truth be told, it’s often dependent on the formula itself since not all products labeled “balm” are going to be dense and heavy (as you might otherwise expect). Source link

[oliviajoyice21]

After you mow over your facial hair with a bare blade or six, you need to calm things down. That’s where the best aftershaves comes in. Its job is to soothe skin, restore moisture, neutralize bacteria, and keep pores clear, thus helping prevent bumps, ingrown hairs, and razor burns. It does so with a slew of common skin care ingredients, such as aloe vera, witch hazel, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid.While I certainly hope you still use a pre-shave oil, an editor-approved shave cream, and, of course, a sharp, fresh razor, above all, I believe that you should use a post-shave product. That product gets bonus points if it has soothing, hydrating ingredients—and steers clear of skin-drying ones like alcohol.The Best Men’s Aftershaves, According to GQLooking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonHowever, because post-shave products meet many needs these days, it’s important to ensure that you’re matching your skin's needs with the ingredients in a given bottle to get the best results. To help you decipher the dizzying variety of aftershave grooming products out there, we’ve tested and tried loads. Following are the best of the best.Best Aftershave for Men Overall: Lab Series Grooming Razor Burn BalmLab SeriesGrooming Razor Burn BalmWhy it’s great: Of all the products on the list, this balmy lotion will benefit most skin types. It has soothing superpowers for the most sensitive folks and is light enough to satisfy the oiliest complexions. I dab it on following an electric shave since it only requires a light layer.On skin, it’s not overly astringent and drying, which might put off those prone to egregious breakouts. For everyone else who simply needs an aftershave to be a punctuation on their shave regimen—this one layers perfectly beneath your standard moisturizing agent (while providing nourishing benefits of its own). You’ll likely also be tickled pink with the balancing and cooling agents.Best Aftershave for Sensitive Skin: Proraso Aftershave Balm - Sensitive SkinProrasoAftershave Balm - Sensitive SkinWhy it’s great: This timeless barbershop favorite comes to mind first any time I recommend shaving products for sensitive skin. While the brand has four formulas addressing different needs, its products for the most sensitive skin types may be its finest. This lotion, in particular, has a glycerin-rich base that floods dry and vulnerable skin with moisture and also contains a dash of sweet almond oil, which is rich in skin-shielding antioxidants like vitamin E.A caveat: This formula has a pinch of artificial fragrance, so if that puts you off, take note. However, that same scent gives my mind so much peace. For some reason, it feels like a mother’s embrace, which makes this product doubly soothing.Best Aftershave for Bumps and Ingrown Hair Prevention: Bevel Bump ControlWhy it’s great: This product is as much a regular exfoliant and toner as a post-shave, which helps ensure that your hair follicles are always unencumbered. For bump-prone skin, I suggest using it as your go-to exfoliant a few times a week to prevent pore clogging and ensure oil balancing.Its potent combination of astringent witch hazel and exfoliating glycolic acid helps you from buying a standalone post-shave product (ahem: budget-minded guys or minimalists). It’s also among the easiest to layer beneath your moisturizer, not to mention one of the best bargains on this list.I do think it could smell a little cuter. Not that it stinks, but it’s not exactly menthol or lavender. Still, it’s great that this one lacks any artificial fragrance.Best Aftershave for Razor Burn Prevention: Bevel Post-Shave BalmWhy it’s great: Bevel might possibly have the best range of beard and shave products in the whole industry, which explains why they’ve got two on my list here and another pair on my list of the best shave creams.This post-shave cream has all the heavy-hitting ingredients that are sure to thwart any potential redness and bumps from forming—and reduce existing inflammation, too. I’d soon use this as an everyday moisturizer, too, especially in winter (as it does wear a bit heavier than others on this list).Best Aftershave That's Also a Great Moisturizer: Aesop Neroli Post-Shave LotionAesopMoroccan Neroli Post-Shave LotionWhy it’s great: Aesop's full range of shaving products is great, but it wouldn't be complete without the excellent Neroli Post-Shave lotion. It's lightweight, great for those with oily skin, but it's still hydrating enough for those with dry skin thanks to the addition of several nourishing oils. We especially love the woodsy smell, and even if you haven't shaved today, the lotion makes a great daily moisturizer that absorbs super quickly into the skin.Best Aftershave for Everywhere: Anthony After Shave BalmWhy it’s great: Heads, shoulders, knees, and toes—wherever you just shaved would be a great place to apply some of Anthony's After Shave Balm. This use-everywhere lotion has vitamins A, C, and E, which work in tandem to hydrate and restore the skin's natural barrier after you just dragged a sharp-ass razor over it. This aftershave is especially hydrating, so it's great for those with dry skin or to use during the winter when the face (or other freshly shaved areas) take a beating from the brutal cold.Best Aftershave Splash: Supply Healing Post-ShaveWhy it’s great: This is like breaking open a fresh aloe pod and rubbing the gel right on your skin—plus, it’s got the toning and purifying powers of witch hazel to top things off. You can even use it as a quick cleansing and healing agent for shave cuts.Personally, I’m a fan of this head-clearing white birch and sage scent (it smells like fresh laundry), but the brand offers a fragrance-free option, too, if you want to spray on something totally neutral. (I’d even use that one as a recovery for minor burns or sun-scorched skin, too.)Best Aftershave Lotion: Marlowe Post Shave LotionWhy it’s great: A go-to for my bald-headed brother, who likes to lather his dome with Marlowe after a full head shave. He’ll even use it as a routine lightweight, breathable moisturizer in the days after a shave. Given the large amount of real estate up top, he can’t be too careful in terms of keeping things balanced 24/7, especially in the day post-shave. Marlowe remains his ol’ reliable and has long topped this aftershave list in the same “best post-shave lotion” category.Best Aftershave Cream: SheaMoisture Post Shave Restoring CreamSheaMoisturePost Shave Restoring CreamWhy it’s great: SheaMoisture’s formula is for all hair types and will be especially remedial for ingrown-prone curly-haired guys. The aforementioned trio of hero ingredients works overtime to keep skin calm, cool, and collected—ensuring it stays nourished and bump-free with each shave. This one doubles as a daily redness- and acne-mitigating booster, applied ahead of a go-to night moisturizer. I like it as a same-day soothing agent in the hours leading up to a shave; it will soften hair, cushion skin, and reduce the risk of bumps and redness after the fact.How to Pick the Best Aftershave for YouFor insight on choosing the best aftershave and active ingredients, we spoke with Alex Hughes and Alyssa Bachowski, who are both senior barbers at Fellow Barber in NYC.Balms, Lotions, Splashes… Which Aftershave Is Best for You?It’s too easy to confuse the different types of post-shave products out there and to determine which of them—balm, lotion, cream, splash—is best for your skin type. Truth be told, it’s often dependent on the formula itself since not all products labeled “balm” are going to be dense and heavy (as you might otherwise expect). Source link

[amitnanda42]

How Do I Maintain My Beard Between Trims?

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered why your beard doesn’t look as sharp as it did just a few days after a trim? It can be frustrating to notice stray hairs sticking out, or to feel that your beard is losing its shape long before your next appointment. We get it—keeping a beard looking fresh and tidy between trims is a challenge many of us face. And let's be honest, finding the time to visit a barber in Victoria BC as often as needed isn't always easy. But don’t worry, maintaining your beard between trims is achievable with a bit of know-how and some effort.

Understanding the Challenges of Beard Maintenance

A well-groomed beard is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about confidence. When your beard looks its best, you feel your best. However, keeping it that way can be difficult. The challenge lies in the daily growth and natural tendencies of facial hair. Unlike the hair on your head, which typically grows uniformly, your beard might grow unevenly, with some areas sprouting faster than others. This can lead to a messy appearance, even if you've just had a beard trim in Victoria BC.

Moreover, the environment plays a big role. The coastal climate here can sometimes lead to dry, frizzy facial hair or, conversely, make your beard feel oily and unmanageable. Pair that with the busy lifestyle many of us lead, and it’s no surprise that maintaining a neat beard can seem like a full-time job. But it doesn’t have to be.

Daily Beard Care: Your First Line of Defense

The first step in maintaining your beard between trims is establishing a daily care routine. This doesn’t need to be time-consuming but should be consistent.

Cleansing and Conditioning: Start your day by washing your beard with a quality beard shampoo. Regular shampoos can strip away the natural oils, leaving your beard dry and brittle. Instead, opt for a product specifically designed for beards. After washing, use a beard conditioner or oil to keep your facial hair soft and hydrated. This step is crucial, especially in our often-dry climate, where facial hair can quickly become coarse and difficult to manage.

Brushing: A good beard brush can make a world of difference. Brushing your beard daily helps in distributing the natural oils evenly across your beard, preventing dry spots. It also helps in training your beard to grow in the desired direction, reducing the need for constant trims. We recommend using a boar bristle brush for the best results.

Trimming Stray Hairs: Even with the best care routine, stray hairs will inevitably appear. Rather than waiting for your next appointment at a mens barber in Victoria BC, take a few minutes every few days to trim those stray hairs. Invest in a good pair of beard scissors or a high-quality trimmer with adjustable settings. Remember, less is more—only trim the hairs that are visibly out of place to maintain the shape of your beard.

Weekly Touch-Ups: Keeping the Shape

While daily care is essential, you’ll also need to perform weekly maintenance to keep your beard looking sharp.

Edge Maintenance: The edges of your beard—along your cheeks and neck—are key to its overall shape. These areas can become unruly between trims, so it’s important to maintain clean lines. Using a straight razor or a precision trimmer, you can define these edges to keep your beard looking well-groomed. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, or if you're unsure about the proper technique, it might be worth scheduling a quick visit to a barber in Victoria BC to have the edges touched up professionally.

Beard Oil and Balm: Every week, treat your beard to a deep conditioning session with beard oil or balm. These products not only nourish your beard but also help in keeping it styled and in place. For those with longer beards, beard balm offers more hold, which can be particularly useful in maintaining shape between trims.

Knowing When to Visit the Barber

Even with the best at-home care, there will come a time when your beard needs professional attention. The frequency of your visits to a mens barber in Victoria BC will depend on your beard’s growth rate and your personal style. For most men, visiting the barber every 3 to 4 weeks is ideal. However, those with faster-growing beards might need more frequent trims.

A professional trim not only tidies up your beard but also gives it a fresh start, allowing you to maintain it more easily in the following weeks. Plus, your barber can offer personalized advice on products and techniques tailored to your specific beard type and growth pattern.

The Importance of Proper Tools

Investing in the right tools can make a significant difference in how well you maintain your beard between trims. While it might be tempting to use just any trimmer or scissors, professional-grade tools are designed to deliver better precision and control. Look for trimmers with multiple settings and sharp, high-quality blades that can handle different hair textures. Similarly, a good pair of beard scissors should be sharp and comfortable to hold, allowing for accurate trimming without tugging at the hair.

In addition to trimming tools, don’t underestimate the power of a quality comb or brush. As mentioned earlier, a boar bristle brush is excellent for distributing oils, but a wide-tooth comb can also help in detangling and shaping your beard, especially if it’s longer.

Adapting to the Seasons

The climate in Victoria, BC, can vary significantly throughout the year, and so can the needs of your beard. During the colder months, the air tends to be drier, which can lead to a dry, itchy beard. To combat this, consider increasing your use of beard oil and opting for thicker balms to lock in moisture. Conversely, during the warmer months, you might find that your beard becomes oily or feels heavier. In this case, a lighter oil or balm can help keep your beard feeling fresh without weighing it down.

Dealing with Common Beard Issues

Even with the best maintenance routine, you might encounter common beard issues such as split ends, dandruff, or uneven growth. Split ends can be particularly frustrating as they lead to a rough, untidy appearance. Regular trims, even if just to remove the split ends, can keep your beard looking healthy. For dandruff, a specialized beard wash and regular conditioning can reduce flakiness.

If you struggle with uneven growth, it might be tempting to trim frequently to achieve uniformity. However, sometimes the best approach is patience. Allowing your beard to grow out a bit before your next beard trim in Victoria BC might give you the length needed to even things out more effectively.

When in Doubt, Consult the Professionals

Maintaining a beard between trims requires attention to detail and consistency, but it’s not always easy to do it alone. If you ever feel unsure about how to care for your beard or notice that it’s not looking its best despite your efforts, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. A visit to Nanda Barber can provide you with the guidance and services you need to keep your beard in top shape.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your beard looking sharp between trims doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right care routine, tools, and occasional professional touch-ups, you can maintain a beard that looks great every day. Remember, the key is consistency—regular maintenance will save you from the frustration of a disheveled beard and help you look your best.

At Nanda Barber, we understand the unique challenges that come with maintaining a beard in our local climate, and we’re here to help. Whether you need advice on products, a quick touch-up, or a full beard trim, we’ve got you covered. Nanda Barber can help you achieve and maintain the beard of your dreams.