#ship: dartie

[panzershrike-pretz]

Lanterns

Part 3

Disclaimer: i'm well aware that some of the characters mentioned (namely the peculiar bunch) are originally from another work, Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children. When I "made" them, I was only a child who didn't know how to do much besides very poorly made fanfic - but with time, I grew more attached to them and as I understood how to create characters, i just couldn't bring myself to abandon them; so I kept them. I changed a lot since then and they did too as mine. Please, do keep it in mind if you're familiar with the MPHFPC series - if I decided to put this as a disclaimer it's because I care. I won't stand being accused of stealing characters.

Summary: A Goddess who lost her faith, trying to get back to her senses so her family doesn't fall apart.

Warning: death threats and I think it's about it??

Taglist: @malarkgirlypop, @bucky32557038ww2, @xxluckystrike (if you want in or out, just tell me!)

-> Image below found here.

The chit chat tha filled Blithe was soothing. It was home, after all, with all it's peculiarity and strange inhabitants. The ship was old; when Athena first stole her, she was a decrept little thing, abandoned in a port somewhere along the Portuguese coast - and the Goddess made it her own.

She was the one who found every member of the crew. The one who kept them together in the beginning, before everyone truly got along - instead of wanting to kill each other.

The first members of her crew were Sirius, Hydra and Rodion. The three of them lived together in a small house; two siblings and their cousin. She didn't have a hard time convincing them to join - they eagerly wanted to leave their old lives behind. Just like that, Athena found herself with an extremely talented navigator, Sirius; a loyal boatswain, Rodion; and a good wanna-be doctor and potion expert, Hydra.

Somewhere along the line, she found Michael, a sweet Lycanthrope eager to be accepted somewhere, for once in his life. He wasn't able to turn down the position of cook.

After him, came Darty. They were a massive sight to behold; with long wavy hair and pretty eyes, a beautiful smile. They liked to sit around and play music, to keep spirits up during long days lost at sea, under the scorching sun. At night, the crew likes to sit around them, hearing their songs and dancing about, to pass time.

After that, Athena came across an interesting bunch; they called themselves Peculiars. She remembered how her crew was captured and schedule to meet the gallows - and then those kids came out of nowhere, causing a rockus that let them escape the hands (and guns) of the Royal Navy. She gadly took them in; cabin boys and girls that would bring Blithe even more life with their energy - it was different from how the Gods acted, they were mortal after all and wouldn't mind living each day to their fullest.

Hugh and Fiona where inseparable; the bee boy and flower girl. They were always together, like shadows; he was the only person with whom she'd speak, in german, and he'd gladly translate it out. Nothing could stand between them.

Then Emma, a withy, red-headed pyrocinetic girl, full of stupid courage and a big ego. She was a leader and it showed; the person who kept them together and pushed them forward during hard times.

Brownyn was like a mom. She had strenght - no, really, that was her whole thing. She prided herself in helping or protecting others and keeping her eyes on the two youngest: Claire and Olive.

Then Millard, the invisible boy, who initially followed Hydra's every step. He was a joke, really, being a walking Encyclopedia of knowledge. Sometimes, he could be found near Natasha, the light-eater, and Juni, who had an amazing hearing.

After then, came Seamus, Dean and Pangey (who dragged Peggy along, much for the dogs delight). They were somewhere in the army during World War 2 - but Athena couldn't care less for what they did.

The two last of that bunch where Horace and Enoch. Two boys who would not stop bitchin' about everything; especially cranky ol' En, who found himself adopting Olive as a younger sister and then being both adopted by Rodion as his children.

There was Wolfgang, a quiet man who ran away from prison and made his home in the middle of that strange bunch. The crew met him around the same tine they met Theodore, Archie and Toby - the trio almost never came along with the ship, but they were a part of Blithe all the same.

She only knew that when Sam stepped away from his Captain deal, he immediately found himself being the ship's Master Gunner - no one would be better suited to take care of Blithe's artillery anyway. Sometimes the crew fells like he's the one truly in charge.

Dean, Sam's own personal shadow, prided himself on his vision and precision; the man was a sniper and kept his own title when he became part of the crew. Athena felt like if the man had enough beers and guns, he could rip through basically everything - courage and dumbassery were two things he had too much of.

Last of the three, Pangey or Pangea. She kept to herself, most of the time, rarely comming out of her shell - but always there to help. When she came, Hydra wasn't all that happy to share her medical position, but the two quickly got along, like mother and daughter.

Finally, Jeremy. The Captain. The man that once tried to hang Athena was now the one who leaded her ship. She lived for the drama. Which was all she was about to get.

"ENOCH JAMES O'CONNOR, MAKE THAT THING PUT MY DOG DOWN, WILL YA?", Pangey snapped, making the First Mate look down from her crow's nest, curious, both wings open at her side; if things got out of hand, she could just sweep down and shove one of them into the icy water.

Peggy was hanging in the air, smilling and wagging her whole body, not smart enough to get that she was dangling just above the ocean. In the mouth of a monster, no less.

"Wha'? They're playin'! Look at 'er, she's lovin' it!"

"Don't you make me shove your face down a barrell of rum! Make your... thing... get off of her!" The woman was angry. Actually, it looked like it was the angrier she's ever been. And it amused Enoch. "Lis'en here, ye bri'ish shmuck, release my fucking dog or I'll gadly put a hole through your brain!"

"He doesn't have one!", Hugh laughed, getting a death glare from the boy. "What? Am I lying, Enoch?"

Enoch scoffed, trying to make it look like he wasn't offended. The thing Pangey was mad about was Pax, his not-so-little companion. It was a big monster, to be fair, whith dozens of tongues and sharp teeth, loads of eyes and a not really friendly face either - he resembled somewhat a two-headed calf. And, to make things worse, he was invisible to most people aboard Blithe, safe from Enoch himself and Athena.

It was typically a monster that'd gladly kill everyone on that ship, but Enoch was certain he had that thing under control; looking at it now, with Peggy dangling in the air, Pangey couldn't bring herself to believe him.

"Speak to it. Make it put my dog back on the ship."

"Whyyyy? He isn't hurting her!"

"ENOCH, I WILL HURT YOU!" And she was yelling again, fighting the thought of grabbing her pistol and ending him here and now. She usually hated using firearms, but carried one anyway for self-defense since the war. And she usually refrained from hirting people, but Enoch was getting on her nerves and playing with her precious baby. She was about to go ballistic.

"Enoch, listen to Pangea", Seamus said, standing against the main mast. "Don't you think you got enough threats by now, emo bitch?"

He looked over at the man, startled. He didn't think he was watching and, well, Enoch usually kept his annoyance to himself near the guy. Seamus frightened him. Finally, he decided to stop Pax's plan of maybe dumping Peggy in the ocean.

Stop. Down., was really all he needed to do for the beast to let go of Pegs, who looked very happy to be on her feet again. She looked behind her, to where she knew was her big and scary friend. Why am I back? Weren't we playing?

Pax growled, sitting and letting his tongues wander off again, messing with the dogs fur. She quickly got in a playfull stance and both of them ran off - obviously, every one of Pax's steps felt like the ship was gonna break in two.

Pangey crossed her arms, staring down at Enoch. "Don't you have anything to tell me?"

"Like what?", he shook his shoulders. "I'm not sorry for anything, it's not my fault they were playing!"

"Oh, really? Because I think that not doin' anything about my dog being held up above the icy ocean by a killing machine that only you can give instructions to is something you should be really sorry for!"

"Cut it, you two", Sam interveined again, putting himself between the two. "Enoch, fuck off, please?"

"Ugh... fine!", he stomped his way onto one of the lower decks, fumming as he went. Like a spoilled little brat.

"I can't stand him anymore", Pan let out, now focused on her friend. "We've been stuck together for too long."

"No one can stand him", corrected Sam, a little more playful. "Cheer up, it's almost Holiday season. Maybe we can light him on fire."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

---------------------------

It didn't take more than one or two days for Dean, sitting on watch, to yell about land. No one besides him could see it yet, but Sirius was happy to keep Blithe's course. She creaked as the waves hit her side, being compelled forward by the wind on her sails. She was a good ship - or, and everyone would die on this hill, the best one to ever set sail.

The bay in which she sled to was awfully familiar and as she anchored beside some small fishing boats, her crew made all the needed preparations to step on land and finally acess the damage on her side, which slowly but surely was letting enough water in that she was even more tilted to the side.

"Hmmm, this place smells so good!", Hydra was jumping up and down in place, looking at the town in front of her. It was a fishing village somewhere along the state of Amapá, just south of the French Guiana. Hydra was right about the smell; it came from the foodstands along the shore - and she was happily one of the first to make her way towards it when the gangplank was lowered.

"Alright, there's a hole on the bow and it'll need fixing. Rodion, you come with me so we can find some locals and get materials. Athena, you'll come too; we need a good enough translator", Jeremy was firm, eyeing her up so she wouldn't sneak away. "Sam, you're in charge. Get these guys working on gathering more food and water. Remember, no stealing this time; or the locals won't be of any help."

"Yes, sir!", Seamus was quick and went right to work as the three went in search of some help. He gathered the crew, assigning each of them with their tasks for the day - some would get food, others water, medicine, new blankets and cloth. He figured Fiona would be of use gathering fruits and vegetables, seeing as they were on land.

With everything sorted, he turned to supervising the deeds - apart from going up the mast to see if Brownyn was doing alright with the sails. He wasn't exactly fond of the altitude.

Lady Blithe was enormous in comparision to the other ships in the bay - and her black sails and pirate flag, with a crow's skull engraved on it, made a lot of heads turn her way, curious. That village was probably never visited by pirates, as they didn't sound any church bells to warn the people of incoming danger. Still, whatever authorities in the town where alert; it could be a trap, for all they knew.

Blithe and her crew didn't mind the stares. They were indeed strangers who didn't speak the native language, for Gods' sake. The stories told talk of bloodthirsty monsters firing cannonballs all over, burning whole cities to the ground in search of goods soon-to-be stolen. What the locals found was nothing like that.

Hydra couldn't help but notice the small little decorations here and there as she walked, not knowing anymore what was her original task. The houses had vases filled with red roses, orchids, horehounds, fire lilies and arum lilies. She smiled. Those were her flowers.

A few years ago she came to conclude that most people didn't really believe in her anymore - or on the other Gods, for that matter. They had newer, better ones. She spent so long drifting away on the sea that she was disconnected from the mortals; it was with it in mind that she made her way inside a little temple made for her.

Hydra hated her role when she was a kid. She always wanted to be normal, like her cousins - which child would like to have their career all planned out? She cursed Imbatwa, Ozymandias and all the Gods she could muster the name off. She didn't want to be know, to be important or to be some kind of role model.

What kind of Family Goddess she would be, if hers was a comically large mess? What kind of Marriage Goddess was she, if every one of her relationships ended badly? Her own child didn't really like her, so how could she be the symbol of motherhood and childbirth? It was only right for her to run away from all that and live amongst a crew of other people just as broken as her.

Some of them were also Gods who had rotten in their own minds. That was the thing that got them together in the first place. If the Goddess of Death and Feeedom, of all things, wasn't cursed to be forever chained to the ocean, nothing would be the same.

"Your Highness came to pay us a visit...? Give us your blessing...?", some old woman stood beside one of the back doors, wearing the garments of a priest. She didn't seem impressed in seeing the Goddess herself stand in the middle of her church.

She felt strange staring at the depiction of herself at the back of the temple. It was a scarlet ibis with open wings, to gladly take in those in need.

Some people would go all their lives without a single bit of recognition, while she had temples and statues and holidays made for her just because... she was born. It always felt wrong. The Godhood thing. Like it was a piece of clothing that didn't quite fit.

"Oh. I didn't see you there..." Hydra was saying, ready to go away, but she simply couldn't bring herself to.

"You are a troubled one, child"

Child? Granted that woman looked like she had some good 70 years, but Hydra was older. Why was she being called a child?

"I heard your steps and thought it was one of the villagers, not the One for whom this temple was built". She still stood there, curious as to what in the world was Hydra doing. "People usually come to me for help. What can I do for you, my Goddess?"

"Hydra. My name is Hydra. Please... please, use it."

"As you wish."

Both of them stared into each others eyes. Hydra felt compelled to start talking, but she didn't. Originally, when she was in a temple, it was to listen to others and not herself.

"We missed you, dear", the elder said as she got closer, leaning on a cane to help her stand. "We've been having a couple of rough years since you left".

Since I left to sea and started ignoring you, Hydra couldn't stop that train of thought, feeling some kind of guilt. She couldn't lie to anyone: she ran away so she didn't need to heed to her responsabilities.

"We won't blame you", the elder added, as if reading Hydra's mind. "Gods are trapped in their jobs, liking it or not. The ship in the harbor is what brings peace to you lot, isn't it?"

"Hum... yeah. She does."

"Then you shouldn't feel guilty for how us, mortals, handle ourselves."

"Are you giving me a life lesson?", Hydra inclined her head a bit.

"It depends. Do you need one?"

She didn't immediately answer, caught off guard by that priest. "How may I call you?"

"Maria de Lurdes", was the answer. "But I won't mind anything you desire to call me, my Godde- uh... Hydra."

Hydra made her way to the stained glass, depicting amazing stories that run wild. She could only make up Blithe's blurry sillouete from afar. "Why didn't you ring the bells?"

"You weren't gonna hurt us."

"How could you be so sure?" Hydra turned her head a bit, just enough to see the woman from the side of her eye. "We had sails full dressed and the flag blowing."

"Yes. The black flag, not a red one." Maria sat on one of the benches, tired. "The black Jolly Roger means lives will be spared if there's surrender... the red one, well..."

She was right. And both of them also knew that a ship so tilted it was almost rolling over was not exactly a good enough vessel to raid a village.

"Anyway, I just felt you wouldn't attack."

"What?"

"I could feel it. I'm a old woman, Miss Hydra, my gut doesn't lie." Maria smiled. "You aren't like normal pirates, are you? I can see it on your face. You guys are just like Robin Hood, right?"

Hydra liked the woman; she was quick to guess things and was almost always right. The Goddess nodded. "Yeah... just like Robin Hood... mostly."

"What will you be doing during your Holiday?"

Hydra stopped. It's been years since she last took part on any celebrations; her friends usually stayed alone partying while she took refuge anywhere quiet. This year she thought would be the same - yes, she celebrated with them the other Holidays, but her own? It was off her schedule.

Apart from her and Sirius' birthday, which she always took part - even if against her will, just for her brother -, the Night of Libero Sanctis was the only other Holiday in her name and she couldn't bring herself to participate. She had lied to herself just enough so she believed that it was a waste of her time. The New Year was better anyway and it was only some days later.

December 28th could be absolutely scrapped off of her calendar.

"I'll stay in bed. Probably reading, I don't have anything else to do", she finally said, the words hung heavy in her tongue.

"Pardon me, but that's bullshit."

"Excuse me?", Hydra turned to Maria, confused. "How so?"

"Not hoving anything else to do. That is bullshit."

The Goddess simply waited, perplexed. That woman had some guts, she had to admit. And, to be fair, Hydra really needed to be beaten with a dead cat 'till it started meowing, so she could come to her senses.

"What about your family?" Maria asked.

"I don't really think they appreciate me being alive, if I may be honest", she spoke carefully, still processing. "Actually, I believe they would be more than happy to receive a letter declaring my death on the 28th."

"Not your blood family, darling. The ship's one."

"Oh."

Hydra felt her wings become tense. Right. Maria was talking about Blithe. She felt so stupid.

"Won't you stay with them?", the elder asked. "My grandkids will come visit me. We'll have a whole celebration here in the temple... what about you?"

"Uh... I guess... it doesn't really matter...?"

"Matters, yes. It should, at the very least."

Hydra kept still as the old woman stood and very slowly made her way to the back of the temple, just to come back some time later holding something.

It was a lantern. One of those that floats when you light it on fire. It had little flame engravings on the side, along with a pretty depiction of a flower. Hydra felt a chill down her spine as she understood - Maria was giving that to her.

"My Goddess, would you be so kind as to light this lantern on your night..?", she asked, bowing her head. "If not for you, then maybe for us?"

Hydra was left speechless for a moment. Then accepted the gift.

"I'll think about it, miss Lurdes."

She turned to go, feeling like it was already late - and soon enough someone would be at her tail nagging her about not doing her assigned tasks. As she went, she heard the woman pray:

"May all the Gods stand by you."

Hydra smiled a little. They already stood - or at least the ones that really mattered to her did.

"Same for you, lady."

---------------------------

[sezja]

Tag 9 people you want to get to know better

tagged by @medi-melancholy

Three ships: Sanson/Guydelot and all their many variations obviously (FFXIV), Laeticia/Albaird (SO6), Coeli/Estinien/Aymeric (FFXIV)

First ship: Oh, almost certainly from a book. I couldn't begin to tell you. The first ship I posted fanfic for was platonic Kuja and Garland (FFIX).

Last song: Come and Be Welcome by Heather Dale, because I am a creature of habit.

Last movie: I have. No idea.

Currently reading: Rereading Kushiel's Darti for the sixth billion time to fuel my bodyguard crush needs for First AU.

Currently watching: Yesterworld's The Disastrous History of Howard the Duck

Currently consuming: Just finished a packet of peanut butter crackers.

Currently craving: A week off work

[deadbeatcentral]

@etherealmeliorism

[deadbeatcentral]

Ups and Downs

@etherealmeliorism

Donut was many things. Tall wasn't one of them. So it shouldn't have come as any surprise to him when he couldn't reach the pot he needed to cook pasta in. That didn't exactly make him any happier with it, but at least it didn't surprise him. Even so, he spent around five minutes on his toes, trying to find a way to grow a couple inches on command. Falling a bit short in that department, though, he let out an indignant huff, letting his arms fall to his sides dramatically as he fell back onto his heels. Was it too much to ask that he be able to make dinner for his boyfriend and himself without being reminded of how 'vertically challenged' he was?

He knew he shouldn’t have let Grif borrow his step stool. Why did he even put the cookware up that high in the first place, anyway?

“Honey,” Donut called upstairs, finally deciding to ask Artie for help. He jogged over to the kitchen doorway, so his voice could reach up the stairs better. He knew Art should be wrapping any work he was doing up around now anyway, but he also knew this probably wasn’t much of an actuality, so the farmboy’s voice took on a more pleading tone when he finally asked, “Could you… grab something– for me?” His eyes darted back to the top shelf to the right of the stove, before moving back towards the stairs. “Pleeeease?” he added, pressing his cheek up against the doorway -- he had sort of given up on not looking pathetic, frustrated at his inability to get something as simple as a pot on his own.

[marryat92]

"They stood a good tustle, I will say that, and so they always do; we may laugh at 'em, and call 'em Johnny Crapows, but they are a right brave nation, if they ar'n't good seamen; but that I reckon's the fault of their lingo, for it's too noisy to carry on duty well with, and so they never will be sailors till they larn English."

"I never heard them carry on duty in French," said Ben; "it quite beats my comprehension how they can do it at all."

"Well, I have," replied my father; "and every word they use is as long as the main-top bowling; and the mast is over the side before they can get them out. Why, would you believe it? I once asked one of those fellows what he called the fore-mast in his language; and what d'ye think he said? Why, I'm blowed if he didn't call it a 'Mar-darty-marng' (and that's the only bit of French I know); but how is it possible to work a ship in such gibberish?"

"Quite unpossible," replied Ben.

— English tars having trouble with the concept of French sailors speaking French, in Poor Jack by Captain Frederick Marryat.

A tall ship replica of the French frigate Hermione (1779), showing her mât de misaine or 'Mar-darty-marng'

[thedreamer-of]

Nessuno è perfetto

Ebbene si, nei giorni scorsi un mio neurone è partito nuovamente nell’universo Maisel, ed ecco una nuova Fanfiction, un po’ più lunghetta questa volta. Spero di essermela cavata bene nel dare la giusta intensità ad alcune scene, non scrivevo una fanfiction da davvero molti anni prima di rincontrare una ship che mi appassionasse tanto da scrivere, lasciatemi un commento o un cuoricino se apprezzate la storia.

For everyone want this story in English, I can work on, or you can translate this with an online translator and edit the story with a correct sense in english. Please let me know!

AVVERTENZE: In questa storia ci sono riferimenti a droga, sesso, viene usato un linguaggio volgare.

Nessuno è perfetto

Dopo la Carnegie Hall si erano visti furtivamente in qualche hotel, lui aspettava lei che finisse il suo spettacolo, lei aspettava lui, per gli amici di Lenny stava diventando una consuetudine vederlo sparire in determinate sere. Quando Midge iniziò il Gordon Ford, lui partì per Los Angeles, si salutarono con la promessa che si sarebbero scritti e telefonati qualvolta fosse possibile. Passarono due mesi di lettere e brevi telefonate, finché una sera, dopo il Gordon Show, Midge trovò delle peonie rosa nel camerino, con un biglietto:

“Sono al Corner, c’è un Martini con molte olive a farmi compagnia, mi raggiungi? - Lenny”

Le si sgranarono gli occhi e strinse istintivamente il biglietto al petto, soffocando un gridolino eccitato, mise i fiori in acqua e iniziò a prepararsi per l’appuntamento, scegliendo la sua lingerie con molta più attenzione del solito.

Quando uscì dal camerino Gordon la braccò nel corridoio, impedendole di proseguire la sua camminata

“Ehy Midge, gran show stasera”

“Grazie!” Rispose con un sorriso più luminoso del solito, cosa che incoraggiò Gordon nell’ennesimo invito

“Allora che ne dici di andare a festeggiare insieme?”

“Oh ti ringrazio per l’invito, ma ho dei piani e devo scappare, mi stanno aspettando”

“Beh allora non ti trattengo, ma prima o poi me lo concederai un appuntamento vero?”

Midge alzò gli occhi al cielo e le scappò una risatina “non lo so, la mia agenda è molto impegnata….staremo a vedere Gordon Ford, per adesso potresti pensare alla tua fidanzata, che ne dici?”

Gordon raccolse la provocazione e si fece da parte, facendole proseguire il suo percorso “capisco, non ti piacciono gli uomini impegnati, peccato”

Midge lo salutò con la mano muovendosi per avvicinarsi all’uscita “diciamo che attualmente preferisco i miei impegni a quelli degli altri, buona serata Gordy”

E scappò via, ignorando ogni altra persona sulla sua strada per quella sera.

Uscì indossando il suo soprabito primaverile nero, era decisamente elegante per essere un’uscita in un bar, il suo vestito rosso brillava al di sotto del suo soprabito nero, nell’atmosfera newyorkese tra luci dei lampioni e dei locali vicini.

Quando arrivò nei pressi del Corner lo vide subito lì davanti, il suo impeccabile abito nero, con la sigaretta tra le dita e le braccia incrociate, appoggiato al muro, che fissava un punto non definito del marciapiede opposto, probabilmente aspettandosi che lei venisse da quel lato, ma questo non accadde e Midge si avvicinò silenziosamente guardando nella stessa direzione 

“Si, dev’essere lì che ho visto pisciare un barbone una volta”

Lui si girò di scatto e rise di gusto, sbuffando il fumo dalle sue labbra 

“Pensavo fosse solo un ubriacone, eri sicura fosse un barbone? Oppure era un cane molto grande?”

“Oh non lo so, ho un ricordo molto vago, ero impegnata a fumare uno spinello con comico molto importante”

Lui rise e le sfiorò il braccio tirandola gentilmente in un incavo del retro del bar 

“Direi che non potevo aspettare vicino al tuo Martini, non avrei potuto darti questo”

Si chinò a strapparle un bacio veloce, lei restò per un momento senza fiato e poi ricambiò con più fervore. Le ci volle tutta la sua forza di volontà per allontanarsi dopo qualche momento, entrambi con il fiato corto dai loro baci.

“C’è un Martini per lei Mrs Maisel, e forse potremo ballare, in seguito, le prometto che potremo darci tutti i baci che vuole in un’altra sede”

Midge sorrise “Ottime idee Mr Bruce” gli strinse la mano e con l’altra gli tolse il rossetto dalle labbra, “mi piacciono gli attacchi a sorpresa, molto organizzati”

“Ho la fama per essere un uomo dissoluto, ma in realtà ci tengo particolarmente a farti trascorrere il tuo miglior tempo in mia compagnia” rispose sorridendo di rimando e spostandole un capello dal viso “cerchiamo solo di non far scandalizzare il Village, ora siamo entrambi importanti e l’ultima cosa che vorrei è trovarmi la stampa dietro anche per questo”

Lei annuì, gli lasciò la mano e lo guardò mentre usciva dal loro piccolo incavo “Sto diventando molto brava a fingere di non conoscerti così bene Mr Bruce” disse con un sorriso malizioso sulle labbra.

Lenny si morse il labbro inferiore e la seguì, portando le dita sulla sua fronte 

“Se continui a chiamarmi Mr Bruce ci arresteranno per atti osceni in luogo pubblico Mrs Maisel…”

Midge si lasciò andare in una risata rumorosa entrando nel locale, lui dietro di lei indicò il tavolo che aveva riservato per loro, abbastanza riservato da poter essere lontano da occhi indiscreti.

Trascorsero un paio d’ore a bere drink e a raccontarsi le loro carriere, di tanto in tanto si sfioravano le mani, poi  Lenny la cullò dolcemente in un paio di lenti che alimentarono la loro voglia di stare insieme. Uscirono dal locale alle 3 del mattino, erano ormai da soli per strada e lasciarono che le loro mani si intrecciassero nel tragitto che percorrevano a piedi.

“Sai Mr Bruce, sono un po’ stanca di tutti questi hotel dove andiamo…..”

Lenny sorrise “oh mia cara ho sempre saputo che preferivi un uomo con un contratto di locazione…”

Midge rise e cominciò a camminare all’indietro, seguendo il tragitto “adesso potrei preferire casa mia ad un contratto di locazione…”

Lenny si fermò sorpreso da quella affermazione “e i genitori? I figli? Il vasino?”

Midge sorrise dolcemente e gli si avvicinò piano alle labbra sussurrando “Genitori fuori, mio padre è andato a Philadelphia per uno spettacolo teatrale e mia madre è con lui per un paio di notti romantiche, i bambini sono con il mio ex marito, quindi ho per due giorni tutto il comfort delle mie cose, senza nessuno intorno…”

“Nemmeno la cameriera che voleva i miei pantaloni?”

“No…”

Lenny le diede un leggero bacio sulle labbra “in tal caso sono disposto a passare un’altra notte nell’Upper West side, magari trasformando vecchi ricordi in qualcosa di decisamente più memorabile”

Midge sorrise “decisamente” premendo le labbra verso di lui brevemente, poi si staccò e si allontanò sul ciglio della strada per prendere un taxi che li avrebbe portati direttamente a Riverside.

Il viaggio in taxi fu uno sfiorarsi continuo di mani e corpi, fin quando non arrivarono all’appartamento di Midge, salirono in ascensore e Lenny cercò di fare tutto ciò in suo potere per iniziare a slacciare il vestito di Midge non appena usciti dall’ascensore. La tirò subito a se baciandosi ardentemente, Midge continuò a camminare all’indietro verso la porta del suo appartamento, nessuno dei due notò le luci accese all’interno, ma dall’interno tutti osservavano le due figure che avevano appena sbattuto pesantemente sulla porta a vetro.

Lenny tirò le chiavi  dalle mani di Midge per aprire lui la serratura, trovandosi in una posizione di vantaggio rispetto a lei che era premuta contro il vetro della porta. Midge iniziò a darsi da fare per togliergli la giacca e allentare la cravatta e iniziare a sbottonare la camicia, si lasciarono andare in piccole risatine mentre la serratura girava e la porta si apriva, Midge tirò Lenny dal colletto a sé per continuare a baciarlo, Lenny la tenne dalla vita mentre il soprabito primaverile di Midge cadde per terra e la cerniera del vestito fu aperta per metà, Midge stava per far cadere anche la giacca di Lenny per terra mentre furono sorpresi da un “Miriam!” scandalizzato, pronunciato da una Rose completamente scioccata.

Lenny alzò lo sguardo e si irrigidì di colpo, dalle sue labbra uscì un soffocato “O cazzo” trovandosi davanti Il signor due maglioni, la signora della cucina, un uomo dalla faccia pallida e la bocca spalancata e due signori robusti anche loro a bocca aperta.

Midge vide il viso di Lenny e sentì la voce di Rose, era ancora tra le sue braccia quando si girò e si trovò davanti i suoi genitori e La famiglia Maisel al completo, completamente esterrefatti dalla visione appena avuta.

Le ci vollero un paio di secondi per razionalizzare e togliersi dalle braccia di Lenny, coprendosi d’istinto con la giacca di lui, che stava per far cadere a terra, “c…cosa ci fate a casa?”

Ci fu un insolito silenzio, Abe dopo poco si fece coraggio e rispose 

“Mei è in travaglio, Joel, Moishe e Shirley ci hanno chiamato per portarci i bambini, abbiamo provato a contattarti ma eri già andata via dagli studios, pensavamo fossi a casa ma non c’eri, siamo dovuti rientrare il prima possibile…adesso sappiamo con chi eri”

Midge fece un sospiro imbarazzato “bene, sono a casa adesso, suppongo che in questi casi si debba dire Mazel tov?” Joel si passò una mano sul viso sospirando, strinse i denti mentre gli uscirono le uniche parole sensate che gli vennero al momento “Bene, direi che adesso possiamo andare da Mei in ospedale.” 

Posò con un tonfo le borse dei bambini e fece segno ai genitori di andare.

“Non c’è bisogno di prenderla così male adesso Joel”

Midge intervenne nell’immediato vedendo il movimento di rabbia di Joel, ma lui scattò molto più pesantemente del dovuto

“Non c’è bisogno Midge? Davvero?! Ti abbiamo cercato per un’ora prima di far tornare i tuoi genitori, mentre Mei aveva le contrazioni!! Esther ha pianto spaventata, voleva stare solo con te!! Si è calmata solo poco fa, appena sono arrivati Abe e Rose e finalmente si è addormentata! Che razza di madre sei?!”

Lenny lo guardò sconvolto, sentirlo urlare in quel modo verso Midge gli mosse qualcosa dentro e lo spinse ad intervenire con il suo tono calmo 

“Non c’è bisogno adesso di alzare la voce e svegliare i bambini”

Joel si girò rabbiosamente verso di lui “E tu che cazzo vuoi?!”

Lenny spostò d’istinto Midge al lato della porta liberando l’uscita riuscendo a tenere il tono calmo “Credo che qualcuno abbia bisogno di te fuori da questa casa”

Joel sorrise nervosamente e si avvio d’istinto verso lui puntandogli il dito

“Questa è anche casa mia!”

Midge soffocò le parole lentamente “Non…non più Joel..”

Moishe lo trattenne dal braccio, si stava agitando anche lui, ma fece di tutto per mantenere la calma “Joel, andiamo da Mei ”

Midge rimase in silenzio, apaticamente, guardando Joel spostare con rabbia il padre, le lacrime le arrivarono agli occhi senza che se ne rese conto e si allontanò nel corridoio dirigendosi nella stanza dei bambini per controllare Ester e Ethan, sentì la porta chiudersi poco dopo e mentre accarezzava i capelli di Ester le lacrime iniziarono a scendere copiosamente.

Lenny osservò i Maisel andare via, Abe li pregò di informarlo appena Mei avrebbe dato alla luce il bambino, rimase in silenzio a raccogliere il soprabito di Midge, spolverandolo e mettendolo sull’appendiabiti all’ingresso, mentre la porta si chiuse.

Rose sbuffò osservando i movimenti di Lenny, senza dire una parola, Abe, invece, si girò verso di lui e con un sorriso di cortesia gli chiese “gradisci una tisana? Conciliano bene il sonno..”

Rose gli diede una gomitata che lo prese alla sprovvista “auh, che c’è? Abbiamo un ospite dopo tutto”

Rose alzò gli occhi e le mani al cielo e sbuffò andando via nel corridoio anch’essa.

Lenny si grattò la testa imbarazzato “Credo che saluterò Midge e andrò via…”

Abe lo guardò attentamente “Non siamo stupidi Lenny, lo sappiamo di te e Midge, da un po’ veramente…stasera è stato solo strano, vedervi…ecco”

Lenny “lo sapevate?”

Abe “Certo, Midge che non torna a casa quando sei in città, le chiamate di nascosto, le lettere. Lei non lo ha detto, ma lo sappiamo che sei tu… quindi, davvero, non c’è problema”

Lenny completamente spiazzato da questa affermazione “oh, ok, immagino”

Midge riemerge dal corridoio con la giacca di Lenny fra le braccia, il trucco un po’ sbavato e lo sguardo basso

Abe vide il volto della figlia e sospirò pesantemente “Credo che avete qualcosa da dirvi, raggiungo mia moglie..” fece un cenno di saluto a Lenny prima di andare nel corridoio e sparire in una delle camere.

Lenny si avvicinò a Midge lentamente, accarezzandole la guancia coperta ora dalle linee di trucco sbavato

“Non devi ascoltare le parole di Joel.”

Midge alzò lo sguardo, sbuffò, con voce spezzata “io, io…Lenny…mi dispiace”

“E di cosa? Il tuo ex marito è uno stronzo, wow, anche la mia ex moglie lo è ma ehi, è pur sempre la madre di mia figlia…. Non siamo perfetti, nessuno lo è Midge, Lui ha voluto solo farti del male perchè, probabilmente vederci non lo ha reso felice, voleva colpirti…”

Lei annuì tirando via il trucco dalle sue guance con i pollici

“Hai ragione ma, sentirmi una madre inadeguata è la peggior cosa”

Lenny fece un sospiro “Midge…tu lavori, i tuoi risparmi servono per assicurare questa vita ai tuoi figli, perché tuo marito vi ha lasciato. Sei indipendente, forte, divertente…il nostro lavoro non ci permette di star sempre sul pezzo con i bambini ma ci assicuriamo che abbiano tutto.”

Midge annuì sospirando e accennando un sorriso “ Grazie Lenny….vuoi…vuoi restare comunque?”

"Tecnicamente tuo padre mi ha dato la sua benedizione, ma…meglio di no, sarò pronto a portarti fuori di nuovo domani sera”

Le accarezzò la guancia posando un lieve bacio sulle labbra “E domani nessuno ci interromperà…”

Midge sorrise “Va bene, anche se il mio letto è molto grande, mia madre prende i sonniferi e mio padre dorme con i tappi alle orecchie..”

Lenny la tirò più vicino a sé “Tua madre prende i sonniferi?”

Midge annuì guardandolo con aria maliziosa, facendo lievi passi indietro tirandolo a se

Lenny sorride “magari…magari potrei solo provare com’è comodo il tuo letto ed andare via prima che si sveglino tutti…”

Midge soffocò una risata baciandolo, immergendo le sue mani nei capelli neri e ricci di Lenny, aprì piano la porta della sua camera da letto e lo tirò dentro con lei, dimenticando totalmente l'episodio appena accaduto.

Il mattino seguente il telefono squillò molto presto, Midge si svegliò tra le braccia di Lenny sentendo suo padre che urlava e si complimentava per telefono “congratulazioni! Una femminuccia!!” Furono le prime parole che sentì, guardò l’orologio che indicava le 6:00 del mattino

“Lenny, svegliati…ci siamo addormentati”

Lenny portò la sua mano libera al viso e fare un ghigno abbastanza scontroso, il che la fece sorridere.

Si chinò per dargli un bacio sulla mascella “So che lo odi, ma mio padre si chiuderà in bagno a scrivere a macchina tra mezz’ora, ed è lì che dovrai uscire di casa…”

Lenny sbuffò e la strinse più forte “questa clandestinità autorizzata è molto eccitante, abbiamo solo mezz’ora?” Disse chinandosi a baciarla, Midge ricambiò il bacio velocemente prima di venire distratta dal pianto disperato di Ester, evidentemente svegliata anche lei dalla voce del nonno, e il suo “mammaaaaa” fu talmente forte da svegliare anche Ethan.

“Ok vado via” disse Lenny sgranando gli occhi al suono della bambina, Midge si alzò seduta sul letto di scatto 

“Merda, si devi andare, tra poco i miei figli busseranno alla mia porta e vorranno entrare in questo letto” Lenny scattò in piedi mettendo frettolosamente pantalone e camicia, Midge gli infilò la cravatta dalla testa mentre lui saltellava per mettersi le scarpe e chiudere la cintura dei suoi pantaloni. 

“Chiamami all’hotel appena ti liberi” le disse prima di premere un altro bacio sulle sue labbra “lo farò” rispose divertita alla vista di un Lenny Bruce arruffato, con voce ruvida del mattino e la camicia quasi completamente aperta, Midge aprì la porta della stanza e notò Abe nella stanza dei bambini 

“Papà ci penso io! Vai a scrivere tranquillo!”

Abe annuì chiudendosi in bagno, Ester echeggiò un altro “mammaaaaa” piagnolento seguito da un Ethan esasperato “Per favore Ester non piangere!” , Midge uscì nel corridoio facendo cenno a Lenny di passare, aprì la stanza dei bambini prima di dare un ultimo sguardo a Lenny che furtivamente si avviò alla porta, le lanciò un ultimo sguardo prima di uscire lentamente e chiudendo la porta dell’appartamento alle sue spalle. Appena si girò si trovò davanti una Zelda molto sorpresa “Mr Bruce buongiorno “

Lenny rimase spiazzato “Buongiorno” rispose coprendosi con la giacca lì dove i bottoni della camicia erano ancora aperti 

“Di nuovo un vestito stropicciato Mr Bruce”

Lenny annuì sorridendo imbarazzato e si portò di lato per superarla “Prima o poi mi vedrà in un vestito stirato, glielo prometto, buona giornata” e si precipitò all’ascensore che fortunatamente era già sul piano.

La giornata passò relativamente in fretta, tutti cercarono di fare finta di niente, riguardo a Lenny, e Midge tenne a bada solo le mille domande di Ester riguardo alla nuova sorellina, domande come “Potrò giocarci? Potrò farle le treccine?” Si susseguirono per tutta la giornata, finché non fu Ethan a spiegare alla sorella che era inutile eccitarsi, non potrà giocarci finché non camminerà da sola, la cosa non fece piacere ad Ester che si rifugiò con il broncio nelle braccia di Midge “Ethan! Smettila di essere antipatico, domani i vostri nonni vi verranno a prendere e vi porteranno a casa di vostro padre per aspettare che Mei e la bambina rientrino, conoscerete vostra sorella e abbraccerete forte vostro padre. Mostra un po’ di entusiasmo!”

Ethan sbuffò "sì, avevo proprio bisogno di un’altra bambina in casa”

Midge “Ethan! Smettila!”

Ethan sbuffò e si diresse verso Ester che era appena scesa dalle braccia di Midge” Ester vieni, giochiamo” i due si allontanarono in camera loro mentre Midge si rivolse ai suoi genitori con aria preoccupata “Non so cosa fare con loro, Ester sembra entusiasta ed Ethan sembra quasi deluso da questa nuova bambina”

Abe sorrise “Anche tuo fratello lo era quando sei nata tu, dagli tempo di adattarsi alla nuova situazione, si sistemerà”

Midge sbuffò poggiando la testa al tavolo “Sono esausta”

Rose la guardò torva “Bene allora possiamo parlare di te che entri in casa mezza nuda tra le braccia di “è solo un amico” Lenny Bruce”

Midge alzò di scatto la testa e la guardò “Mamma…”

Rose con il suo fare calmo la calzò di nuovo “Cosa? Non mi sembra la tipologia di uomo adatta ad una donna in carriera, sembra che abbia molti più guai di te”

Midge sbuffò ancora “Va bene, sai cosa? Devo prepararmi per andare a lavoro, e non aspettatemi stasera.” Alzandosi e sistemandosi il vestito fece per lasciare il divano sulla quale era seduta.

Rose si alzò di scatto “Devi vederti ancora con lui stasera Miriam?! Dobbiamo preoccuparci di vederti arrivare a casa sballata come lui quella notte?!”

Midge rabbrividì a quella frase, Abe richiamò Rose per aver esagerato, Midge girò lo sguardo e l’affrontò di nuovo “Prima la mia carriera, ora che la mia carriera va bene hai da dire su chi scelgo di portarmi a letto..sai cosa mamma? Nessuno è perfetto, io non sono perfetta, non sono una figlia perfetta, una madre perfetta, nemmeno Lenny lo è! Ma al diavolo, se c’è una cosa di cui sono sicura è di come mi sento quando sono con lui, e no, mamma, non devo discutere con te dei suoi problemi, nemmeno tu sei perfetta, sono stanca di tutta questa perfezione che hai cercato di farmi raggiungere negli anni, STANCA”

Rose ”è evidente che non lo sei, scegli sempre uomini sbagliati”

Midge “tu non lo conosci, smettila”

Rose “Non venire a piangere da noi quando finirà con lui Miriam. Non ci sarò, te lo stai creando tutto da sola questo”

Midge “Felice di crearmelo”

E andò via, prese un paio di vestiti e un beauty con le sue cose e andò a salutare i bambini, promettendo che al loro risveglio l’indomani avrebbero fatto colazione insieme.

Lo show andò bene, Midge fece un monologo sulle scelte di vita e sull’approvazione dei genitori, che fece molto ridere e riflettere il pubblico in sala. Dopo lo show si diresse nel suo camerino e sentì bussare “Un attimo, non sono pronta..”

“Va bene se non sei pronta, ti aiuto io…”

Midge spalancò gli occhi, afferrò una vestaglia e aprì la porta facendolo entrare “cosa ci fai qui?”

“Mm..ho sentito il monologo, ho pensato che avessi bisogno di un po’ di supporto morale in questo camerino..”

Midge gli sorrise e lo abbracciò, sprofondò la testa nella sua spalla “è stato terribile oggi, avrei voluto raggiungerti in hotel appena possibile”

Lenny le strinse la vita avvicinandola al suo corpo “ora sono qui, possiamo prenderci tutto il tempo che vuoi, cos’è successo?”

Midge sospirò “mia madre…non ha reagito benissimo all’averci visto”

Lenny la strinse “neanche io reagirei bene nel vedere mia figlia in certi atteggiamenti con un comico malato come me"

"Lenny..."

Lui sorrise "Ok, lo ammetto, sono qui per dirti che se posso aiutarti, potrei conoscere i tuoi genitori...rendere, ufficiale? la nostra relazione.."

Midge rimase spiazzata a quelle parole "Davvero? Lo faresti?"

Lenny abbassò lo sguardo "Non sono perfetto, ho molti difetti, sono un casino tra avvocati e processi, ma se c'è una cosa che mi fa stare bene, l'unica che mi fa sentire davvero bene con il mondo, è stare con te..quindi si, lo farei per te."

Midge sentì i suoi battiti aumentare "Ma, noi....insomma.....io, non credevo che.."

"Midge...." alzò lo sguardo guardandola dritto negli occhi "ti ho detto ti amo almeno due volte senza che tu te ne accorgessi..."

Midge arrossì restando senza parole "Wow, ho tolto le parole a Midge Maisel..." Lenny sorrise e le accarezzò il braccio, facendo scivolare le mani intorno alle sue "Ti ho detto ti amo la prima volta in tv, a Miami, quando ho detto che ti amavo almeno quanto amo me stesso, Ti ho detto ti amo quando ti ho detto che ti presto attenzione, sempre....credo di averti detto ti amo anche sul palco del Carnegie Hall. Non voglio darti false speranze, non ti farò promesse che non sarò in grado di mantenere, ma voglio stare con te, davvero...io.." sorrise "Io ti amo Midge...sono fottutamente innamorato di te da anni"

Midge riuscì ad espirare finalmente, dopo aver ascoltato quelle parole che le avevano tolto il fiato "anche io ti amo....anche io..." disse in un sospiro, le sue labbra furono rinchiuse in un bacio dolce, lento, si stavano trasmettendo attraverso le loro labbra tutto ciò che provavano, i loro corpi si avvicinarono automaticamente e la mano di Lenny scivolò in fretta a chiudere la serratura della porta, prendendo Midge dolcemente e trascinandola sul divano del suo camerino. Fu lì che si amarono dolcemente, attraverso gemiti soffocati e vestiti trascinati via, cercando di fare il meno rumore possibile, si amarono lentamente fino a raggiungere insieme l’apice.

Quando finirono restarono distesi e abbracciati sul divano, Midge sul petto di Lenny che eseguiva cerchi circolari sul suo petto, Lenny che provvedeva allo stesso movimento sulla sua spalla, non riuscendo a staccare un solo secondo le mani dal corpo dell'altro.

"Dovremmo rivestirci e andare a mangiare qualcosa, credo di avere un po' fame.."

Lenny sorrise "Hai ragione, dovremmo, l'attività fisica implica un nutrimento adeguato, e stanotte non ho intenzione di fermarmi qui..."

Midge sorrise e gli diede un leggero schiaffo al petto alzandosi e raccogliendo i suoi vestiti "dammi dieci minuti e sarò pronta per il cibo e per il nostro hotel Mr Bruce.." 

Lenny si tirò su i pantaloni accendendosi una sigaretta e restando a petto nudo mentre fumava seduto sul divano, si godette la vista di Midge che si divide tra la toilette e lo specchio del camerino, sistemando i capelli, il trucco, il corsetto, il vestito

"Puoi aiutarmi qui?" lo chiamò mentre la fissava, lui si alzò e le chiuse la cerniera porgendole un dolce bacio sul collo "Sei spettacolare" 

Midge sorrise e gli porse la camicia che giaceva sulla sedia avanti a loro "anche tu, ma sono molto gelosa che altre persone ti guardino senza camicia.." Lenny sorrise e si rivestì anche lui.

Per non destare sospetti nei corridoi, Lenny uscì per primo, accordandosi di ritrovarsi al Corner dopo poco. Ma quando Midge stava per uscire, trovò Joel davanti alla porta del camerino che stava per bussare 

"Joel.." rimase sorpresa

"Midge, posso parlarti?"

"Certo, entra.."

Joel entrò guardandosi intorno, sembrava agitato "ti hanno sistemato bene qui.."

"Si, ti senti bene? Tutto bene con la bambina?"

"Si, si...senti, sono qui per..scusarmi"

Midge rimase sorpresa "Oh.." 

"Si, io ho sbagliato a reagire in quel modo, io...ero agitato per Mei, poi vederti con Lenny fottuto Bruce a pomiciare, insomma...non ha aiutato.."

"ah, beh...scuse accettate"

"Ma..devo dire che l'ho odiato vederti con un altro uomo..io..Midge io forse provo ancora dei sentimenti per te.."

Midge lo guardò sbalordita "E cosa ti fa pensare che dirmelo possa migliorare la tua situazione? Joel hai appena avuto una figlia da un'altra donna....una donna che ti ama! Ha cambiato religione per te, ha avuto una gravidanza anche se non voleva interrompere i suoi studi!"

Joel si passò le mani sul viso "Lo so!! Credi che non lo sappia?! Ma tu, tu..." sospirò sedendosi sul divano "io sto sbagliando tutto, ho sbagliato tutto"

Midge lo guardò rassegnata "Joel, è normale provare dei sentimenti, ma tra noi non c'è più amore....io...io non ti amo più e neanche tu, e lo so perché quando sei con Mei tu... tu sei migliore, lei ti migliora, hai solo paura di questi cambiamenti"

Joel alzò lo sguardo "...si, troppi cambiamenti. Scusami Midge io non so cosa mi sia preso"

Midge "Hai paura, ma credimi, urlarmi contro o interessarti alla mia vita amorosa non ti farà sentire meglio....concentrati sulla bambina, sui nostri figli, su Mei....mi dispiace che tu abbia dovuto vedermi con Lenny, io non potevo immaginare che ci foste voi in casa. Joel....tra noi ci sarà sempre un grande affetto, ma le nostre vite ormai sono divise..."

Joel annuì, alzandosi "si..hai ragione, io comunque non volevo dire che non sei una brava madre, sei sensazionale come madre...e qualunque cosa ci sia tra te e Lenny Bruce, se ti farà soffrire ti giuro che andrò a prenderlo a pugni..."

Midge fece una risatina pensando che anche Lenny avrebbe voluto fare lo stesso con lui "Non ho bisogno di queste dimostrazioni di supremazia maschile, ma comunque ti ringrazio....ora, devo andare, mi accompagni fuori?"

Joel annuì e si diressero entrambi fuori dallo studio, prendendo entrambi strade diverse una volta fuori.

Midge trascorse la notte con Lenny, rientrando la mattina ad ora di colazione per svegliare i bambini. Rose la guardò per tutto il tempo, notò il suo volto felice appena arrivata, il suo ottimo umore nel corso della giornata. 

Il giorno proseguì con i bambini a scuola e dopo da Joel per conoscere la piccola  Yuki, Midge aveva il giorno libero da Gordon Ford ma aveva un esibizione nel Village, non sapeva se avrebbe visto Lenny quella notte, anche lui aveva un concerto dal lato opposto della città.

Lenny quella sera riuscì ad esibirsi evitando di farsi arrestare, ma alla fine del suo set una donna molto elegante si presentò di fronte a lui non appena tutti quelli che volevano un autografo finirono.

“Buonasera madre di Midge”

“Sei simpatico, dovresti fare il comico..” disse con aria superiore a quella battuta “Puoi chiamarmi Mrs. Weissman”

Lenny le fece cenno di sedersi e lei lo fece “La chiamerò Mrs. Weissman, come preferisce, gradisce da bere?”

“No grazie, sono qui per parlarti”

“bene, avrei qualcosa da dirle anche io”

“Ti droghi ancora?” Lenny rimase spiazzato da quella domanda “Rispondimi, non fare quella faccia sorpresa, ti ho visto entrare in casa mia in condizioni decisamente pessime”

“Un ricordo che preferirei rimuovere dalla mente di tutti coloro che mi hanno visto…”

“Beh io so bene che quella sera non eri solo ubriaco, quindi?”

Lenny fece un sospiro, sapeva che prima o poi la questione droga sarebbe uscita fuori 

“Ne faccio un uso terapeutico da quando sono tornato dalla guerra…quando sono stato a casa vostra, in quel periodo mi facevo anche di altro ma, da quando sta succedendo questa storia con Midge, sto cercando di tenermi pulito..”

Rose sbuffò “non prendermi in giro, non esiste cercare, esiste essere disintossicato oppure no, se ti droghi poco non vuol dire che sei meno drogato”

Lenny si passò una mano sul viso “io amo Midge, non le farò del male”

Rose rimase sorpresa “Tu la ami?” 

“Certo, si….io.. io non posso prometterle un matrimonio o un altro figlio ma posso garantirle che farò tutto ciò che è in mio potere per farla stare bene”

“E in questo stare bene è compreso anche il trovarti svenuto in overdose da qualche parte?”

Lenny rimase un po’ irritato dalla sfacciataggine di Rose “Non andrò in overdose, è sotto controllo, io non le farò del male”

Rose sbuffò “Io non fingerò che vada bene questa situazione, non mi va bene questa situazione signor Bruce, Lenny….se tieni a Midge devi provare a disintossicarti, fallo per lei, fallo per chi ami”

Lenny la guardò negli occhi e vide il suo sguardo preoccupato “io, non posso promettere niente ma…ci proverò….”

Rose annuì “Grazie..e complimenti per le battute, capisco perché mia figlia e mio marito ti adorino così tanto”

Si alzò e si diresse verso l’uscita, Lenny si posò una mano sul volto sbuffando e sbottonandosi il primo bottone del colletto, allentandosi la cravatta, trangugiò d’un sorso il suo drink e si diresse anche lui per strada, con l’intento di chiudersi in hotel con il solo obiettivo di usare la sua borsetta nera.

Proprio mentre era intento a preparare la sua siringa, sentì bussare alla porta, sbuffò, lasciò tutto sul lavandino e andò ad aprire “Midge”

“Sorpresa, ho finito prima e ho pensato di venire a darti la buonanotte..” Midge notò subito che aveva un volto triste, la manica della camicia alzata, l’orologio tolto “Tutto bene?”

Lenny annuì “Si…si..ero..stavo per.. non importa..entra, aspetta un attimo qui..” le fece segno di aspettare davanti la porta d’ingresso, lui si diresse velocemente in bagno e buttò tutto ciò che aveva preparato “scusami ma stavo per fare un bagno..”

Midge si affacciò nel bagno e lo vide sbarazzarsi delle fiale nel cestino della spazzatura e rimase paralizzata, in tutti questi mesi non aveva mai pensato più a quella borsa nera, lo aveva sempre trovato bene, pensava fosse pulito, non ne avevano più parlato.

“Lenny…” disse a bassa voce guardandolo dalla porta. Lui si girò di scatto “Midge…scusami..io..”

Midge fece un passo indietro “Ti ho disturbato… io…non volevo..vado a casa” Lenny lasciò le cose che aveva in mano e la raggiunse, fermandola prima di uscire “No non andartene, non adesso, per favore..”

Midge lo guardò, gli occhi lucidi, non riusciva a pronunciare più una parola, Lenny riconobbe la delusione nel suo volto e abbassò lo sguardo

“è venuta tua madre alla mia esibizione stasera…”

“C…cosa?”

“mi ha chiesto delle droghe…” alzò lo sguardo, si passò una mano sul volto “mi ha chiesto di disintossicarmi, per te, per noi..”

“Non devi..” Midge lo disse senza rifletterci troppo, senza sapere realmente cosa dire

“Non devi disintossicarti…voglio dire… non devi farlo se non vuoi.”

“Posso assicurarti che non ci riuscirei se non lo volessi”

“e lo vuoi?”

Lenny sospirò “Io non lo so, io, è difficile, è….è qualcosa di cui ho bisogno, stavo per farmi prima che bussassi….ma adesso non ne ho più bisogno, ora che sei qui”

Midge gli posò le mani sul volto “Lenny….io, una parte di me, avrebbe preferito ignorarli e continuare fin dove saremmo arrivati….”

“Siamo arrivati al punto di essere innamorati, Midge, io non so se riuscirò a migliorare, ma tua madre stasera mi ha fatto sentire come…” le parole si spezzarono, un nodo in gola rese la sua voce tremolante “io, non voglio farti del male”

Midge gli diede un bacio leggero “Non me ne farai, lo affronteremo insieme…vuoi affrontarlo insieme?”

Lenny annuì, ricambiando con un altro bacio “tu mi dai la forza di affrontare qualsiasi cosa, ma, se vedi che non ci riesco, se vedi che ti sto tirando giù nei miei guai, per favore….lasciami andare, non farti del male per salvarmi, promettimelo”

Midge lo guardò, vide i suoi occhi lucidi, sentì la sua voce spezzata, avvolse le braccia intorno al suo collo e lo abbracciò forte, Lenny ricambiò la stretta “te lo prometto, ma prima di lasciarti andare farò di tutto per tenerti…non posso farne a meno”

Lenny soffocò un singhiozzo e le lacrime scesero ad entrambi, si strinsero forte finchè non si calmarono.

Quella notte non fecero l’amore, quella notte dormirono abbracciati, avevano la necessità di sentirsi vicini, prendendosi cura l’uno dell’altro, cercando di dimenticare le preoccupazioni e cercando di immaginare il loro futuro insieme. L’unica cosa certa era il loro legame, qualcosa che sicuramente sarebbe restato indissolubile, qualsiasi sia il loro futuro.

[memerataphor]

Been thinking about starfighters and space battles...... darty speedy little ships nipping around lumbering hulks........ pew pew pew.....

Anyway if any of my friends wants to DM a spelljammer campaign and let me play an oath of insurrection paladin hmu.....

[yoonguurt]

Hongjoong

Thank you to my best friend for making this moodboard. @kwanisms​ really out did herself by making every board for this series and I am so thankful for her.

“So, who will you choose?” 

Looking around, the logical choice in your mind was to choose the captain. He said he would make sure you were taken care of, right? Meeting his gaze, you mumbled his name and he gave you a smile and a nod after recovering from what looked to be a mild case of surprise. He offered his hand, pulled you up from the deck and immediately dropped your hand. You thought you had seen a small blush on his cheeks, and giggled at the possibility. He introduced you to the rest of the crew before having you follow him to his quarters. You moved to walk down the stairs to the lower deck, but Hongjoong’s hand on your wrist stopped you. He gave you a smile smirk and tipped his head to the left, “Captain stays up here.” Now, it was your turn to blush. Despite your love of the sea, you had never actually been on a ship as large as the Desire. Your ship only had the one bed below deck, so that was your first instinct.

Once the door to his quarters was opened, the flood of emotions hit you all at once. Your ship, the wonderful gift from your father, was gone. You tried to walk to the bed, but your knees buckled almost immediately. Hongjoong caught you quickly and helped you to the bed, asking if you were ok the entire way. You heard him, but you weren’t listening, thoughts racing before landing on your father’s necklace. Your hands flew up to your neck, finding the small golden chain easily and you breathed a sigh of relief. “Miss? Is everything alright?” the voice to your left asked again. “Y/N. Please call me Y/N. I’m alright, just a little shaken, I guess.” He nodded slowly before speaking up once more. “We found you floating on a barrel. What happened?” Slowly you recounted the events that led to you floating in the middle of the ocean. You could tell you that he was listening intently, he took a deep sigh once you had finished your tale. “Well, no more floating about for you. We’ll get your back to your port as soon as possible.” The words were said with a smile, but that didn’t make you feel much better. What was there to go back to really? 

Hongjoong had given you free reign of the ship, aside from the rest of the crew’s quarters, and you took that opportunity to get to know everyone. Seonghwa wasn’t much of a conversationalist, giving you a simple “I’m busy, go talk to someone else” even though he just seemed to be standing around. Yunho was in the galley preparing for dinner, he talked with you bit while he chopped vegetables, refusing your offer of help. Yeosang was another quiet one, just not as curt as Seonghwa, just preferring to focus on steering the ship in the right direction. San, Mingi and Wooyoung were all huddled together talking about three different things at the same time, which made the conversation hard for you to follow. Jongho was neither quiet nor talkative, he replied when you spoke, but offered no words first. You found yourself enjoying the company of the band of pirates, most of them anyway, Seonghwa would take some warming up to.

By the time you had talked with everyone, or at least tried to, Yunho had finished dinner. Hongjoong made sure that everyone was seated before anyone was allowed to dig in, serving you first and himself last. You could tell that he really cared for his crew, despite only knowing him for a few hours. Just from the way he looked at them when they spoke, watched them as they joked around, and even lightly scolded them when they went too far, you could tell that he loved them like brothers. It made you a bit jealous, they had a sense of family you had always wanted, and they weren’t even actually related. 

Once dinner was finished, the entire crew helped clean up including you, despite Hongjoong’s protests. You knew you were just here temporarily but you wanted to be useful, though you couldn’t help but wish you could you spend all of your days like this. Aside from your initial break down, you hadn’t felt sad all day, no thoughts of home. You thoroughly enjoyed the short amount of time you had spent here already, and knew you would miss it when you returned, which felt weird to you because you didn’t really know these men. 

You made your way to Hongjoong’s quarters, waiting for him before entering. Even though he had given you permission, it still felt rude to go into a person’s room without them being there, and you wanted to be as respectful as possible. You could see him on the other side of the deck talking to Wooyoung, and just waited patiently outside of his room. He strode over to you, chuckling lightly, “I told you that you could go in whenever you pleased, it’s your room for the time being.” You waved his words away before finally opening the door and stepping foot inside. Hongjoong followed you in, turning to the right immediately and stepped up to a small dresser. You sat on the bed and watched as he dug through the drawers, picking out clothing and setting them on top of the dresser. When he had gone through all the drawers, he handed you a long shirt and a pair of loose trousers, “It doesn’t really look like your style, but it’s something to sleep in at least, we can make a stop and get you some clothes of your own until we get you home.” You smiled and thanked him for the clothes, noticing he had many more cloth items in his hands and looked at him with slight confusion. “Oh, yeah. A lady should have her own room, so I’m going to bunk with Wooyoung for the time being.” He spoke as if it weren’t a big deal, but you felt otherwise. “I can’t let you leave your own room, that wouldn’t be right. I can sleep somewhere else, really.” but he silenced you with a firm shake of his head as he turned and walked to the door. “Rest well, Y/N. You’re welcome to find me when you wake. Goodnight.”

Being in the room alone made it feel colder somehow. The emotions that had hidden themselves throughout the day resurfaced suddenly. You lie there, sobbing quietly as you thought about the events that led you to that moment. You’re family didn’t even care if you were gone, you’d lost a precious gift from your father, you were in a strange new place with people you didn’t know and now you were completely alone. You sobbed for what felt like hours, hoping no one would hear you, until sleep overtook you.

You awoke to a light knocking on the door, straightened out your bed head and told whoever was on the other side to come in. Hongjoong’s head poked through the crack in the door with a smile plastered on its face. “Goodmorning, Y/N. Would you like breakfast or would you like to sleep a little more?” You wanted to stay in bed for a little longer, but the growl of your stomach made you reconsider, and you told the man, who was trying to hold back a laugh, that would would be out shortly. You quickly changed into the clothes that you had been wearing the day before, hoping that the captain had meant his words about getting you some new clothes. 

When you exited the room, the guys already had everything for breakfast already set up, everyone was already sat at the table and seemed to be waiting for you. Your heart swelled at the thought that you were already so accepted after only a day, but you dismissed that as wishful thinking and made your way to the table. Nestling yourself between Hongjoong and Yunho, who gave you a big smile and handed you a plate. You noticed that Hongjoong hadn’t sat at the head of the table last night, and here he was leaving that spot empty again, with your curiosity peaked, your mouth opened before you could stop it. “Why don’t you sit at the head of the table? Isn’t that what the person in charge is supposed to do?” The air around the table filled with muffled giggles and you felt that you had asked a silly question, but Hongjoong just put his hand over yours and gave you a smile. “I’m the captain, yes, but that doesn’t make me any different than anyone else here. Most decisions are made by a group discussion, not by me alone. We’re a family here.” His answer made you smile, but you still had that ping of jealousy, but you hid it and made sure he saw your smile. 

Hongjoong made the announcement that you would be stopping at a near by port to get you some clothes to wear. You were filled with happiness at getting your own clothes, but then you were hit with a realization. The nearest port was probably home, you weren’t ready to go back there. You made sure to smile and thank him for doing this for you, but you weren��t happy at all. You helped clean up, despite the guys trying to talk you out of it, trying to fight the falling feeling you had in your stomach. You paced around the deck nervously, giving the excuse that you were just excited to get some clothes when you were asked, until you saw buildings come into view and your stomach fully fell. It was home. Or the place you lived, never really felt like home. 

You watched as the ship was pulled up to port, and it took all of your willpower to not jump over board and swim away from port. You had always known that you hated you life here, but it took being away from it and on the sea for a few days to realize just how much. You thought, hoping that if you put your hair, which was always down, up in a bun that maybe no one would recognize you. All you had to stay away from your family’s stand and maybe you could pretend you had never been here before. Being dressing in Hongjoong’s clothes would definitely help. You thought you maybe able to pull this off. 

Hongjoong offered you his arm as soon as you stepped off the ship, which you happily took while trying to ignore the beat your heart missed. You noticed him stiffen slightly when you took hold of his arm, but you were too wrapped up in thoughts of if you would be recognized to wonder what that might be about. You held your breath as you stepped into the market square, eyes darting through the forms of people walking around you, looking for signs that they had realized who you were. 

The rest of the crew bumbled around the different stalls, looking at all of the different things for sell, while Hongjoong directed you to a stall with dresses hanging about. Looking at the saleslady’s face, you immediately pushed him in the direction of a stall with pants instead. The woman was named Mina and she was your neighbor, there was no way you could avoid her not knowing who you were. He gave you a confused look, and you just gave him a shrug and replied in the most neutral tone you could muster. “These pants are really comfortable, I’d like to have more.” He chuckled a bit and nodded, putting his hand around your waist to pull you closer so he wouldn’t lose you in the crowd. You felt yourself smile at the new contact, and looked over to him to see a small blush on his cheeks. “Is that a blush I see, Captain?” you teased, not being able to resist, resulting in him giving a huff and nudging you with his shoulder. 

You had picked out a few pairs of pants and a few shirts, not wanting to put Hongjoong out too much since he had insisted on paying, and went to wait at the ship while he gathered the rest of the guys. The constant looking out to make sure you kept your cover was exhausting and you were really ready for it to be over. You knew that you would have to explain to Hongjoong one day, but today was not that day. If you could just make it until everyone got back and you all set sail, you could worry about your next step later. 

You had told Hongjoong you would wait by the ship, so you stood at the dock facing the ship, when you felt a tap on your shoulder. Panic flooded your body, thoughts racing through all the people that could have recognized you and how you were going to get out of this situation. You turned around slowly and were met with an unfamiliar face. Before you stood a man much taller than you, skinny with blonde hair and glasses. Looking up at him, you quirked an eyebrow up, showing your confusion, but also letting him know that he had your attention. “What’s a lady doing out here all alone?” he spoke with a smirk, and a tone that made it seem like he was trying a little too hard to be threatening. Before you could form a reply, a slightly shorter man joined you and the unknown man. 

This man looked like something right out of your dreams. He was well built, jet black hair that fell into his eyes slightly. “Jae, what are you doing. I told you to head back to the ship” the dream man paused and turned to you, giving you a smile. “Hello there. And you are?” His smile, while beautiful, gave you a bad feeling. Like he was trying too hard to not seem threatening. Honestly, despite his beauty, you’d rather take your chances with the blonde one, Jae, than the dreamy one. Not wanting to be rude, or to anger him, you gave him your name and his smile grew, as did your uneasy feeling. “That is a very pretty name. Are you waiting for a ship to take you somewhere? We have room, maybe we could be of service.” 

Hongjoong and the rest of the crew came into view before you could reply, the captain calling out to you. “Y/N? Is everything ok?” You immediately felt better having seen the concern on his face, and moved towards him, wrapping your arm around his. You whispered that you didn’t know these men and you noticed him stand a little straighter, even though they were much larger than he was. Hongjoong nodded politely at the men, and asked them to step aside, which they did without a fuss, and the nine of you made way back onto the Desire. As the ship pulled away from the dock, you turned to see the men still standing there, the dark haired man’s eyes on you. You gave him a small smile, and turned away, not wanting to look at him for very long. 

The men watched you turned your back, Jae turning to walk off, stopping when he felt a hand grip his arm. “We’re following them.” Jae gave a confused look before responding to his captain.”Brian are you sure? We don’t even know them.” Brian turned to finally face him, glare prominent on his face. “Follow. Them.” Jae nodded as they both headed off to their own ship.

You had immediately went to Hongjoong’s room to change into your new clothes, happy to be in something that fit a little better than Hongjoong’s clothes. When you came back to the deck, Seonghwa and Hongjoong were off to one side, seemingly having a hushed conversation, Seonghwa’s eyes darting to you every once and a while. Not wanting to disturb, you walked over to where Yunho was standing with Yeosang, joining in on their conversation about what was for dinner, Yunho informing you that he would be preparing a nice stew before heading off to get started.

 Dinner was spent the same way it had been the previous night, you wedged between Yunho and Hongjoong, everyone laughing and talking amongst themselves. The only difference is that tonight Seonghwa seemed to only glare at you. He frequently glared at you, but this was different. In the middle of everyone’s conversation, Seonghwa stood up, grabbing everyone’s attention, and raised his eyebrow at you. “When were you planning to tell us that the port back there was your home?’ he paused a moment and continued when he noticed your wide eyes, “I heard some people talking in town about a girl that had been gone for a few days, they mentioned you by name.” his tone raised a little toward the end causing you to flinch slightly. 

Looking around you saw looks of suspicion on the faces of everyone at the table, Hongjoong staring at you, face a mix of anger and confusion. Seonghwa took the opportunity to throw his suspicions at you. “Did you get into trouble? Steal something? What?” shaking your head slowly, tears pooling in the corner of your eyes. “Explain.” Hongjoong spoke in a cold, quiet manner, and that hurt more than Seonghwa’s loud tone. Taking a deep breath, you stood and looked around the table and began. You told them about your father, about how your family treated you, and how you just meant to take a day trip when the storm hit. You told them how you didn’t say anything about your native port because it was a place of misery for you and how you didn’t want to go back. 

The air was quiet as everyone took in what you said, no one wanting to say anything. Hongjoong looked as if he were deep in thought, Seonghwa even had a small look of sadness.  Everyone had their heads down, a voice behind you causing them all to shoot up. “Such a sad story for such a beautiful lady.” You didn’t even need to turn around, the voice already causing a shiver down your back. Hongjoong moved to stand up quickly, but the arm snaking around your waist was quicker. Your body was snatched backword and flush with a chest, turning your head you saw the dark haired from earlier, big smile accompanying the uneasy feeling again. “Never did give you my name, it’s  Brian. And I don’t think I was around for yours, little lady.” He looked at you expectedly, but your mouth remained closed, causing a crease in his forehead. “That’s ok, we’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other, little one.” 

Hongjoong had fully gotten to his feet and was staring at Brian with a fire you hadn’t yet seen from the sweet captain. “This is my ship and I suggest you take your hands off of her. She is a member of my crew.” Everyone turned to look at Hongjoong quickly, smiles forming on their faces before they dropped them and returned their attention to Brian, finally noticing the two men behind him. San was the first one to stand, the only one to not drop his smile, ready to attack. Hongjoong’s hand came up to stop him, and San kept still. “Sorry, no can do, small fry. See, I want this one and I’m really good at getting what I want.” You saw Hongjoong’s fists clench, as he weighed his options. A beat later, he gave a small smirk. “Captain’s duel. I challenge you.” Brian smiled, obviously very confident in his abilities, and agreed. 

He had handed you off to Jae, and though Jae was less intimidating, you’d still rather not be held captive at all. You had heard of captain’s duels, and you were really worried for Hongjoong, but when his eyes met yours, he gave you a smile and you returned it, giving your support. The men pulled out their swords, readying themselves. Seonghwa gave the order to begin, Brian rushing Hongjoong, only for the smaller man to stand his ground until the last minute, dodging to his left, nicking Brian with his sword with a flick of his wrist. Watching the men fight, you could tell that this was neither of their first duel, but you could also see that Hongjoong was vastly more agile and better skilled. Every time he dodged, Brian got a small nick, and you could see that the taller man was starting to get tired, and angry. Hongjoong had been using a pattern of dodes, when Brian charged again, he changed direction to the left, which was supposed to be next. Hongjoong hadn’t moved, instead watched as Brian swerved and then plunged the sword into Brian’s shoulder. 

Brian dropped his sword, hand flying up to his injured shoulder, eyes drifting to Honjoong, who stood their with a grin. Hongjoong dropped his own sword, eyes meeting Brian’s. “I’ll take Y/N back now.” He nodded to Seonghwa, who moved to take you from Jae’s hold. Jae let you go with no hestitation, and moved to Brian’s side. “Come on, let’s get you back to Wonpil so he can patch you up.” It was obvious the man didn’t want to leave, his eyes constantly drifting to you, before the crew formed a circle around you, Hongjoong at the front. Once, they made sure that the men were gone, he turned to check on you. “Are you ok? He didn’t harm you, did he?” You shook your head, saying you were physically fine, just shaken and tired. He gave you a nod and wrapped his arm around your waist and directed you towards his room. 

Once inside, your knees buckled and Hongjoong caught you and carried you to the bed, placing you on it gently. He grabbed your hand and asked again if you were ok, and you said you were, smile on your face. The two of you sat hand in hand in silence for a few moments before you got the courage to speak. “Did you mean it? Am I a part of the crew?” Hongjoong smiled and brought your hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. “If you’d like to be. The guys really like you. And so do I” You gave a giant smile and flew into him, arms wrapping around his neck, squeezing him tightly. He chuckled and pressed a kiss into your hair. 

After a few minutes, he moved to get up to let you get some sleep. You didn’t let him get far, grabbing his wrist, and tugging slightly. “Do you think you could stay with me tonight?” He gave you a soft smile, and turned back to you, kicking off his boots. He climbed into bed, wrapping his arms around you. You lifted your head to give him a smile and thank him, right as you moved to open your mouth, his lips crashed into yours. It was a quick kiss but he pulled away a little flushed. “Sorry. I thought I should do that while I had the courage.” he said kind of half laughing and rubbing his neck. Your only reply was to give another quick kiss and snuggle into his chest.

You awoke the next morning still encased in a still asleep Hongjoong’s arms. You stretched you neck to press kisses along his jaw and neck and watched him slowly stir into consciousness. He immediately gave you a smile and pressed a kiss to your forehead. The two of you walked out, hand in hand and getting many whoops and hollers from the rest of the guys, and took your places at the table for breakfast. The meal was full of laughter and even an apology from Seonghwa, which you accepted with a smile. Reaching up to grab your necklace, you smiled even bigger. You had the family you had always wanted, and you were sure you father would be happy for you. 

After eating, you and Hongjoong walked around the deck just talking, him making sure you were feeling ok still, and you telling him that you were.He stopped by the edge, looking over the water before turning to you. “Where would you like to go, my dear?” he asked you quietly but with a smile. You thought it about it only briefly before replying. “Everywhere.”

prev // next

tag list: @kwanisms​ @kpop---scenarios​ @lilithpooped​ @jookyunhoevercoupshoe​ @bopping-to-my-kpop​

[mwdders]

Tattoo

You draw Harry a tattoo and he add’s something a little special to it.

Word count: 2K

Warnings: none I don’t think

Enjoy!

— —

“Love, come here would ya?” You look up and see Harry sat at a table a few feet away from where you were sat drawing.

“What is it?” You walk over to Harry and put your hands on his shoulders as you stand behind him, chin resting on his shoulder. He leans up, placing his head on your chest, “Will ya draw me something?” He questions, “Like what?” He pulls your hands from where they lie on his shoulders, drawing them into him, and they’re now crossed over his chest.

“A tattoo.” You cough as he speaks, “A ta-tattoo?” He nods, leaning his head back to look up at you, his hair tickling your chin. “You’re the best drawer I know and to have you draw me a tattoo would be amazing.” You move and slip out of his grip to sit on the table in front of him, placing your feet on the chair in the gap between his legs, “What do you have in mind?” He smiles, shuffling his chair closer, placing a hand either side of you.

“I want an anchor with a ships wheel somehow intertwined with it.” You nod as he explains, “And where do you want it?” He stands up, pulling his jacket off then lifting his shirt, “I was thinking here?” His chest already had a few tattoos on but there was a space just to the right of his belly button. “That could work.” You picture ideas in your head, as you think about the space you have to work with. “I’ll draw a few and see what you think yeah?” He nods, letting his shirt go before leaning in to kiss you. “I trust you with whatever you come up with.” He says as you pull away, “I hope so.”

You tap his shoulder and he moves so you can stand down from the table, “Is there anything else you want to be on it?” As you stand up, he grabs your hips pulling you into him, “Can’t think of anything.” He places a light kiss on your forehead before saying, “Unless you want to draw your face too.” You roll your eyes and hit his chest, “No Harry, I don’t.” He laughs and you move out of his arms, “I’ll get started.” You walk over to the booth you where hiding in and turn to a fresh page in your sketchbook.

— —

Putting your pencil down, you were happy with what you had drawn, you just hoped Harry was too.

You sigh before picking up the book and walking through the chip shop and out onto the shop to find him, the wood creaking under your weight, the ship swaying with the choppy waters and the flag whistling in the wind, there was no one else around and you were about to look elsewhere until, “Hey sugar plum, finish my drawing?” You turn your head slightly unsure as to where his voice was coming from. “Up here.” You peer up and see Harry sat in the crow’s nest. “I did.” You wave your book in the air, “Come down and I’ll show you.” Harry smirks before shaking his head, “I canny come down, I’m on look out.” He watches as you roll your eyes causing him to chuckle, “You’ll have to come up here.”

You hated going up to the crow’s nest, it was the worst part of the ship because of how high up it was, but nonetheless, you climb on the mast and up to the net ladder, proceeding to the top. “Ay, fancy seein’ you here.” Harry jokes as you shuffle your body into the small space next to him. “Never again.” You mumble as you get comfortable although that was hard with how much the ship was swaying. “Let’s see it then.” You open your book and flick to the right page, showing him the sketch.

He runs his fingers across the drawing, admiring all the little details, “Darling I love it.” A sigh of relief leaves your lips as he smiles. “I love the way you’ve done tentacles to weave them together. It’s amazing.”

“I was so worried you wouldn’t.” You whisper, pulling a strand of your hair to tuck behind your ear as it blew in the wind. “You’re so talented, no matter what you’d of drawn, I’d of fallen in love with.” He sits closer to you, wrapping an arm around you, “I can’t wait to get this done later.”

You relax into his side, listening to his heartbeat, as you look out into the horizon, the brightly lit Auradon castle coming into view.

“We’ll get there one day.” Harry says and you sigh, looking down at your hands, “What if they don’t want us?” His body tenses and he places his hand under your chin, lifting your face so you’re looking up at him, “Who wouldn’t want you my queen?” You blush and close your eyes, appreciating the moment, “I just want a better life.” You mumble, “I know,” Harry sighs, pulling you even closer to him so your legs were across his knee’s, his hands resting on your thighs. “I want to be free, I want to be free with you and Uma and Gil, and do what ever we want.” He sighs, his jaw tightening as he keeps his gaze out to sea. “I’m sorry, we shouldn’t talk about what we can’t have.”

Harry turns his head quickly to you, “Love don’t, we will have that one day. I promise you.” He draws patterns with his thumbs in a comforting manner, as you both sit in comfortable silence, “I’m gonna go and see if Darty is about to do my tattoo, do ya wanna come with me?” Harry breaks the silence and you shake your head, “I’ll meet you at the chip shop.” He nods before standing up and helping you to your feet as well.

Harry goes down the ladder first, insisting to catch you if you were to fall, “I got you.” He puts his hands under your hips as you reach the bottom, helping you jump down from the mast. “Thanks gorgeous.” He blushes at the nickname you call him, grabbing your hand as you walk side by side off the deck. “Meet you in a few hours?” He lets your hand go, before placing a light kiss on your cheek, “Can’t wait to see it.” You hand him your sketch book and he walks off in the direction of Darty’s.

You walk down the stairs and into the chip shop through the back, in hopes of seeing Uma. You and Harry had been together for a year now and it definitely felt like longer, you were hoping to talk to Uma and ask her advice on telling Harry that you love him, she was his best friend after all.

“Uma?” You call as you enter her room, it was dark but you could hear something coming from her office. “In here.” Her voice startles you slightly, but you walk over to the other door and open it.

“Hi buttercup.” You roll your eyes at her nickname, “Take a seat.” She points to an old chair that had more splinters in it than you’d ever seen. “I want to ask you something.” She peers over her shoulder before putting down her pencil and swivelling around in her chair. “I’m all ears.” You make eye contact with her and sigh, “I think,” you stop and take a deep breath, “I think I’m ready to tell Harry that I love him.”

Her expression is unreadable before a smirk appears on her lips, “About damn time.” She chuckles, “Do ya know how long he’s wanted to tell you he loves you but been too scared you might not say it back?” You gasp, “Re-really?” You stutter and she nods, “Baby yes. He’s head over heels for you.” You smile widely, “I’m head over heels for him too.” She nods, “I know, I see the way you look at each other and I didn’t believe in love before, but the way you care for one another and how I know you’d both put your lives on the line to save the other, that’s love.” You giggle, “How do I tell him?”

You suddenly become very nervous and feel the need to fidget, “Just say it, it doesn’t need to be a big thing just casually slip it into conversation, you don’t have to worry or be scared.” Uma stands up, sitting next to you, “Where is he right now? Just find him and tell him.”

Turning your head you stare at her, “He’s gone to get a new tattoo, he should be back soon.” She then stands again, hooking her arm under yours and pulling you up, “Well off you go, wait for him in the chip shop and tell him as soon as he gets back.”

Uma opens the door pushing you out, “Do it or you’ll be on deck cleaning duty for a month.” She sarcastically waves before shutting the door, you stand there bewildered for a second before making your way down to the chip shop, unbeknownst to you, Uma had a front row seat, to witness it all, she was sat above the shop looking through a hole in the wall she’d made to keep an eye on proceedings, thank fully it came in handy for times like this too.

You take a deep breath as you sit at a table and wait for Harry, you only had to wait about 10 minutes before he came sauntering through the door but it felt like forever.

“Alright darlin’” he walks over to you, leaning across the table to place a kiss on your lips before sitting in the chair next to you. “Well? Let me see it!” You ask, forgetting for a second why you were so nervous. “Hold on beautiful.” He smirks before taking his jacket off, he’s about to lift his shirt when he says, “You’re gonna wanna get a real close look.” He pats his lap signalling for you to sit, you raise an eyebrow at him before shrugging, you sit on his thighs, holding onto his shoulders so you don’t fall.

“Voila.” He takes his shirt exposing his chest, the fresh ink taking up the majority of his abdomen, “Oh my gosh.” You gasp, it was amazing. “Harry.” You rub your fingers across his skin and that’s when you notice, your fingers stop and your heart beats faster, “Is that-“ He nods and you run your fingers across where your initials lie in the middle of the ships wheel, small but not small enough to not be seen, “You,” you look up at him still in shock, “I-“ Harry stops you, and kisses you slow, his hands resting on your hips yours behind his neck, “I love you.” You mumble, you feel his body tense and he pulls back, “Y-you do?” You nod, a strand of hair falling over your face, the smile on his face is from ear to ear, “I love you too.”

You giggle as you kiss him again, pulling him closer to you with the hand you had behind his neck, “I can’t believe you did that.” You chuckle, resting your forehead on his, “I did it, because I love you, and I was so scared to tell you, I thought that maybe this would of been a way for me to show it.” You run your fingers through his hair, “Hold on, Harry Hook, scared of something?” He rolls his eyes, “You do know how to ruin a good moment don’t you lass?” He chuckles wrapping his arms around your waist holding you tight to him, “I do try, I do try.” You joke, “That’s why I love you.” You kiss his shoulder as you relax into his arms, his body heat engulfing you, “You’re mine forever.” You whisper into his neck, placing a kiss just below his ear, “As are you mine darling.”

— —

The drawing the tattoo is based off.

— —

@hook-harry @descendants-hooked @umaisgay @harryy-hookk @descendantofthesparrow @descendants3iscoming @descendantsxreader @umaxxhook @eviegrimhildes @umasuggestions

@wishiwasanavenger @wicked-imagines @auradon-prep @harry-hook-me @disneydescendants-headcanons @damndescendants

(Random Descendants tags)

[panzershrike-pretz]

✨ 💼 🎹 for the OC asks!! 🥰

HELLOOOO! :D thank you so much for the ask!!

Here aee the answers! I decided to go with one of my characters I haven't made a post about yet, Juni! Because I love her!

✨- How did you come up with the OC’s name?

Her whole name is Juni Sharma!

Originally, her name wase meant to be Juniper, actually, but I ended up calling her Juni way more. Story-wise, she's of indian-secandinavian descent (her dad came from india, while her mom is finnish; they met in the US and she Exists). From what I found on good ol' internet, Juni means lovable, young or born in june.

While Sharma, her surname, came from her dad. It means "bliss", "happiness" or "warmth".

If I may be jonest it's been a while since I named her and I don't fully remember my intention with the name, so theresearch about the meaning was done now again. It certainly still fits her!

💼 - What do they do for a living?

Piracy! Juni joined the crew alongside Natasha, her best friend, so she wouldn't be left behind.

Due to her blindness, Juni prefers not to get involved in physical combat - instead, she works with Darty as another of the ship's musicians! That, and she also cares for the children.

Rarely she works as a spy as well, guve that her power is of enhanced hearing.

Begore that, she was a stundent and part-time worker at a restaurant, as a waiter. When she was able, she'd play as well for an extra money.

🎹 - Do they have any hobbies?

Juni isn't fully blind, she still loves to write poetry. It's one of her favorite past-times, even if she finds it very hard. Her boyfriend, Millard, loves to help when she asks and they both enjoy to read together as well.

She plays the violin; she got classes from a very young age and while her vision was deteriorating due to glaucoma, the violin was her best friend. She had a hard time adapting, especially since she was so young when she started to loose her vision, and it's still hard for her to fully deal with it but she's doing better now. And the violin stuck around.

Finally, Juni is a lover of horses! She always loved to ride them on her uncle's farm and had riding classes up until she disappeared (fucked off; her family thinks she's dead). This love for the animals stuck with her as she grew. Now, she rides whenever she gets a chance to visit Andy and Ted's ranch.

I'm debating on giving her own horse as well. Maybe?

[sunsetcorvid]

Some art requests from @darkeondraws

The first one is his ship Dangle (Dark/Tangle)

And the second on is Darty (Dark/Mighty)

[kaths-art]

Hey excuse me, could you draw any of my ships either dangle or darty? U can choose the one u want

Sure thing!

[giulia-liddell]

Non sapevo di aver bisogno della Anacore nella mia vita ma: HERE I AM! Sarà che ho un debole per i rapper incazzati... Ho bisogno di una lista di loro interazioni (se ce ne sono 😭)

Temo di non poter darti nulla perché l'intera base della ship è "abbiamo tutti un debole per i rapper incazzati" 😅

[gloriabourne]

2/11che fino ad ora non è che avesse fatto chissà quante dirette con altri colleghi, ma io non parlo solo di dirette. In due anni, dalla fine dell’ESC, non hanno davvero MAI avuto interazioni pubbliche sui social, a eccezione delle foto postate quando erano a Trento e di poche altre cose, e tutte le volte che ad esempio si sapeva che erano allo stesso evento o programma non hanno mai postato nè storie nè foto assieme, cosa relativamente normale per fab che non è molto social ma un po’ meno per

3/11Ermal che spesso quando si trova ad eventi o programmi con colleghi che ritiene amici posta storie e simili. Da questo febbraio invece hanno iniziato improvvisamente a interagire molto di più, a partire dalla foto postata da fab del ricordo di Sanremo e dal commento di Ermal, continuando con le storie postate quando erano al programma della Guaccero, gli auguri un po’ più “personali”,lo screen postato da Ermal della loro conversazione e finendo con la diretta di lunedì. Ecco a sto punto a me

4/11non sembra così anormale domandarsi perché abbiano aspettato ben due anni a mostrare questa loro profonda amicizia e perché in tutto questo tempo non abbiano praticamente mai interagito o postato qualcosa almeno in situazioni nelle quali si sapeva che si trovassero nello stesso luogo, sapendo che alla maggioranza dei fan, ship o meno, fa molto piacere vederli assieme. Anche nel caso in cui non lo avessero fatto per paura dei gossip, come dici te non avrebbe avuto senso perché se loro sanno

5/11che quelle che vengono dette sono tutte cazzate, che senso ha “nascondersi” da una cosa che si sostiene non essere reale? Ci fanno due risate su e buona, non mi sembra un motivo valido per non mettere una foto con un amico. E soprattutto come hai detto te, a me personalmente darebbe più “fastidio” parlare di certi gossip nel momento in cui mi dichiaro fidanzato,più che altro per rispetto nei confronti dell’altra persona, piuttosto che in un periodo nel quale sono almeno apparentemente single

6/11perchè appunto se so che non sono veri non ho motivo di preoccuparmene. È come se adesso Ermal, avendo fatto capire di essere impegnato, non avesse più “paura” dei gossip che potrebbero uscire interagendo con Fab, ma quello che mi chiedo io è: che tu sia fidanzato o meno, se i gossip non sono reali come sostieni, che problema ci sarebbe stato a interagire con Fab anche prima? Mi sembra anche impossibile che Ermal,che legge davvero tutto come ha detto più volte, fino a poco tempo fa non fosse

7/11a conoscenza delle “gialloblù”, delle quali tra l’altro ha dato anche una definizione sbagliata perché, almeno da quello che ho sempre saputo, sono semplicemente le fan di entrambi (la solita rompipalle di Twitter può pensare quanto vuole di aver “coniato” sto termine e andarne fiera ma è sempre esistito, da febbraio 2018).Che fab non lo sapesse mi sembra un po’ meno strano proprio perché è un po’ più fuori dal mondo social, però comunque mi sembra impossibile che fino ad ora nessuno dei due

8/11avesse mai visto associati a loro due quei colori. E comunque, oltre che mi sembrava che Ermal facesse di tutto per farla sembrare una cosa assurda e ho invece adorato il “eh che male c’è” di Fab ahaha, mi è sembrato che appena Fab ha iniziato a fargli qualche domanda Ermal abbia iniziato ad “agitarsi” e quel “sono gruppi di vari social” mi fa pensare che una sbirciata su Tumblr l’abbia data, perché è l’unico social in cui, non essendo loro uffucialmente presenti, si parla così apertamente

9/11della questione e di quello che ha detto lui... io ad esempio non ho mai visto discussioni così esplicite su Twitter piuttosto che su insta. Mi sembra anche strano che questa ragazza sia uscita allo scoperto dopo che Ermal ha cantato un inedito con un testo che fa pensare molto, a partire da “per te che cresci i figli da solO”, ma questa è un’altra storia e le interpretazioni sono personali e possono essere molte e diverse tra loro, tutte ovviamente rispettabili. Personalmente ci sono molte

10/11cose che non mi tornano, non dico di avere per forza ragione in quello che dico proprio perché le prove, perlomeno pubbliche, non ci sono e io stessa non so per certo quale sia la verità così come penso non la conosca nessuno, ma farsi domande è lecito e, siccome ho notato che ultimamente molte più persone se le stanno facendo, o sono/siamo tutte pazze o un motivo c’è. A me non cambia niente che Ermal stia con Fab piuttosto che con questa Chiara, la vita è la sua ahah, però se noto certe

11/11stranezze non riesco a non farmi domande. Ti chiedo davvero scusa per il papiro ahah, ci tenevo comunque a dirti di non preoccuparti delle persone che ti mettono in bocca parole che non hai detto perché è evidente che il problema sia loro e non tuo, ammiro il fatto che esponi sempre quello che pensi in modo molto razionale e sempre tranquillo, non capirti mi sembra impossibile. Io ti ho scritto il mio pensiero, ma ovviamente se non ti va di rispondere tranquilla, lo capisco😘

----------------------------------------------------

Non mi è arrivata la parte 1 dei tuoi mille ask, ma ho comunque capito cosa intendi quindi ti rispondo ugualmente.

Guarda, il mio discorso fatto la scorsa settimana su questa faccenda - e che poi per la settimana seguente mi ha portata a disattivare il box delle domande, perché evidentemente la gente capisce solo quello che vuole - in realtà si discosta un po' da quello che hai detto tu.

Nel senso che tutta la questione che tu hai fatto presente sul non avere interazioni social fino a poco tempo fa ecc, secondo me può avere altre spiegazioni che poco hanno a che fare con ciò che ho detto io.

Ovviamente il primo pensiero che viene è quello. Ovvio che si può ricollegare al fatto di voler tenere nascosta un'amicizia che si sapeva avrebbe scatenato i gossip, e ovvio che qua ritorna tutta la storia del "se i gossip sono falsi, di che ti preoccupi?"

Però può anche essere semplicemente che in quel periodo si vedessero più spesso - in fondo Non Mi Avete Fatto Niente era uscita da poco e per più di un anno se ne è parlato abbondantemente, obbligandoli a ospitate insieme ovunque - e quindi vedendosi più spesso pensavano molto meno a farsi una foto insieme e postarla quando erano insieme. Non so se capisci cosa intendo, però ad esempio spesso mi trovo a condividere sui social foto insieme ad amiche che vedo più raramente piuttosto che amiche che vedo sempre. Non perché tenga più a una piuttosto che all'altra, ma perché se un'amica la vedo spesso diventa un'abitudine, una parte della mia quotidianità, ed essendo qualcuno di costantemente presente nella mia vita non mi passa per la testa di scattare una foto di ciò che per me è quotidianità e postarla. Cosa che invece faccio quando magari rivedo un'amica dopo tanto tempo, perché si tratta di un evento straordinario che mi va di condividere sui social.

Non so se mi sono spiegata 😂

Potrebbe semplicemente essere andata così anche nel loro caso. Magari prima, vedendosi più spesso, le interazioni sui social passavano in secondo piano. Ora invece diventano un modo per sentirsi vicini anche se non si vedono.

Poi ovviamente farsi domande su questa storia e sul perché abbiano iniziato a interagire di più solo ora è più che lecito!

Riguardo alla faccenda del gialloblu però devo fare un paio di correzioni. Io non credo che Ermal lo abbia scoperto ora, anche perché nella diretta ha detto "è una cosa che so da un po'", che potrebbe anche significare che è una cosa che sa da anni. E sono convinta che lui abbia dato quella spiegazione senza sapere che fosse sbagliata purtroppo. Il fatto è che quando è uscita la storia delle gialloblu, qualcuno si è subito appropriato del termine per prendere per il culo una parte di fandom (triste quando non sai come occupare il tempo e quindi rompi le palle agli altri) e quello è il significato che poi ha preso quel termine. Ad un certo punto - purtroppo quasi subito - non è più stato un termine che indicava fan sia di Ermal che di Fabrizio, ma è diventato un termine che indicava le shipper e basta. E penso che sia stato a quel punto che Ermal è venuto a saperlo. Che poi è stato quando l'ho scoperto anch'io, perché finché era un termine normale e non usato per prendere per il culo non se ne parlava poi così tanto. Purtroppo si è iniziato a parlarne di più quando ormai aveva preso una connotazione negativa.

Queste persone che si credono anime pure e in realtà sono solo delle povere anime tristi, hanno iniziato a parlarne su Twitter, a fare gli screen di fanfiction e di ciò che veniva detto su Tumblr e a postarlo su altri social, e a quel punto la cosa si è diffusa probabilmente arrivando anche a Ermal.

Quello che voglio dire è che Ermal secondo me ha dato un'interpretazione errata, ma non per quello che sa lui. Per ciò che sa lui, per ciò che ha visto sui social, purtroppo quella è l'interpretazione giusta. E mi spiace che non si renda conto che la colpa di tutto ciò è di alcune sue fan che evidentemente non sono in grado di rapportarsi con il resto del fandom in modo civile.

A parte questo però, io non credo che lui abbia cercato di farla sembrare una cosa assurda mentre lo raccontava a Fabrizio o che si sia agitato dopo la reazione del suo compare. Anche perché se fosse stata una cosa che lo metteva a disagio non ne avrebbe proprio parlato.

E l'altra correzione che devo fare - cosa che mi rincresce da morire perchè vorrei davvero darti ragione - è che purtroppo le discussioni esplicite sull'argomento ci sono state sia su Twitter che su ig, forse più di quante ce ne siano state su Tumblr.

Ti do ragione sul fatto che ci siano molte cose che non tornano, io per prima l'ho detto. Sai solo qual è la differenza? Il modo in cui lo si dice.

Tu hai espresso il tuo parere con molta tranquillità, ponendoti delle domande ma senza puntare il dito contro nessuno.

Ci sono state molte altre persone, da entrambe le parti del fandom, che invece non hanno reagito con questa calma.

[janiedean]

MA GLI ANON NON HANNO NULLA DI MEGLIO FARE CHE DARTI FASTIDIO? CAVOLO CHE VITA PATETICA. Se ti piace una ship va bene, se non ti piace l'altra ship va anche bene. Questo, tuttavia non ti da il diritto di odiare un personaggio e una persona GESÙ! Comunque se possiamo fare qualcosa per aiutare dillo

APPARENTEMENTE NO guess we’re all bored solo che io ho risolto vedendo il film delle spice girls, loro no *shrug* detto ciò guarda basta che fate la memoria storica perché sta gente campa facendo la vittima/dicendo che ho cominciato tutto io quindi I’d like to have people in giro che possono testimoniare il contrario XDDDDDD

[sciatu]

Navi e barche nello stretto di Messina, alle Eolie e a Lampedusa.

Fragilità, è quello che provi senza di lui! Puoi inventarti tutte le storie, le giustificazioni, le motivazioni che vuoi, ma la tua fragilità è quella che domina i tuoi pensieri ed i tuoi  silenzi: è l’evidenza più forte del tuo amore, è il vento che ti spinge al largo non ti fa nascondere nel porto delle tue sicurezze. Confusa, fai bilanci fallimentari dove quello che lui è per te si scontra con la sua assenza, ne chiede ragione, pretende motivi, che già sai che lui non saprà darti. È vero, forse tutto è sbagliato, l’età, il momento, la moglie ed i figli. Ma allora perché cerchi nel tuo letto ancora il suo calore? Perché casa tua ti sembra estranea e soffocante, mancando il mare che lui ti donava nei suoi sorrisi, l’ estate che erano i suoi abbracci? Fragile, e vulnerabile, incerta e disorientala, ti senti una nave che ha paura a seguire ogni rotta che ha davanti. Ti dici che non è amore, che c’è tutta questa confusione ed incertezza e non riesci a fare l’integrale della situazione; tutto ti appare un avventurosa approssimazione a cui lui non cederà lasciando moglie e figli. Non è questo il senso, non è questo il motivo e impietosa lo odi, disperata l’ami, incerta ti giudichi con la severità di un inquisitore che non prova clemenza e non sente ragioni. Bruci così nel rogo dell’incertezza e se la tua nuova fragilità chiede pietà, il tuo infinito orgoglio pretende indifferenza e schiacciata tra loro due umanamente soffri, maledici e desideri, come qualsiasi innamorata, mentre stringi sulle tue labbra il suo cuscino addolcito dal suo profumo.

Fragility, that's what you feel without him! You can invent all the stories, the justifications, the motivations that you want, but your fragility is the one that dominates your thoughts and your silences: it is the strongest evidence of your love, it is the wind that pushes you offshore you do not hide your security in the port. Confused, you make bankruptcy budgets where what he is for you clashes with his absence, his absence asks for reasons, it demands reasons, which you already know but it won't be able to give you. It's true, maybe everything is wrong, age, time, wife and children. So why do you still look for his warmth in your bed? Why does your house seem strange and suffocating, lacking the sea that he gave you in his smiles, the summer that was his hugs? Fragile, and vulnerable, uncertain and disorienting, you feel like a ship that is afraid to follow every route ahead. You say that it is not love, that there is all this confusion and uncertainty and you are not able to do the whole of the situation; everything appears to you an adventurous approximation to which he will not yield, leaving his wife and children. This is not the meaning, this is not the reason and you hate it mercilessly, you desperately love him, you are uncertain and  you judge with the severity of an inquisitor who does not feel clemency and does not hear reasons. You burn in the fire of uncertainty and if your new fragility begs for mercy, your infinite pride demands indifference and you crushed between them two humanly suffer, you curse and desire, like any lover, while you hold on your lips his pillow softened by his perfume .