Afterglow Series Workplace Benefits
Afterglow Series Workplace Benefits
*thank you @almostfoxglove for the sexy moodboard, I'm inspired!
The Afterglow Series is more focused on intimacy and unexpected situations, so please imbibe accordingly. Javier Pena is so voracious, I wanted to explore what would happen if he met his match.
Triggers: Prostitute POV, empowered woman in a safe transactional relationship w/ Javier Pena that evolves into more vulnerability, a little physical aggression, profanity, alcohol use, aftercare, crying (there's always crying), P in V, a little more smutty than most of my stuff, more valiant attempts at Spanish however inaccurate...
Series Masterlist
You loved your job. It wasn’t the type of thing you could easily discuss with your sister and the futbol moms. But you felt empowered as fuck, and prostitutes were more protected than ever. To be honest, you didn’t really think of yourself in those terms. What you thought of was the money and the sense of power you felt, holding important men, quite literally by the balls. And Javier Pena was one of them.
You’re not sure when, but at some point, things had begun to shift. At first, he came over for a quick whiskey and a fuck. And then one time, he arrived on your doorstep, already drunk and cuddly as a teddy bear. You don’t think he even remembered, leaving $100 bucks on your nightstand and thanking you for a “good time”. There was a routine of sorts, and sometimes he was flat out aggressive, but you never had a problem with that. As long as he paid, you were happy to incur a few bumps and bruises, and knowing he left happy, your income was relatively secure. But last week, he came by, perfectly sober and ready…to talk? It wasn’t a DTR, that would be ludicrous. He just wanted to talk. You kept trying to lure him to bed, but he endlessly deflected, making you laugh till you nearly snorted iced tea out of your nose, ordering tacos from the seedy joint downstairs, and still leaving $100 bucks on the nightstand after you fell asleep watching tv. What the non-fuck was going on?
Today seemed like the routine as per usual. He’d shown up on your doorstep, raring to go, whiskey in hand and lust pouring from his steely gaze. Several breaks in, he’d enjoyed himself profusely and you found yourself being pounded from the back, as his sweaty hips thrashed against you loudly. Until….you had a problem. You were cumming.
The day had been fine, you’d already had several clients and were looking forward to seeing Javier in the evening. Feeling relaxed and unfocused you hadn’t realized your body was careening out of your control until this very moment. A quick surprising breath caught in your throat as you attempted to stifle a low moan…
“Que?” Javier questioned, as though telepathically linked to every nerve in your body.
You tried to play it off as one of your many performances, “Oh Javi more! So wet, so wet…” until you realized those statements weren’t a fabrication. Your legs were already trembling and the room was starting to spin around you.
“You like that, pobrecita?” he kept a relentless pace, jack hammering into you from behind. “You never tell me what you like…” he grunted appraisingly.
Your eyelids fluttered shut of their own volition as the silvery thread of arousal coursed through your veins fluidly. This can’t be happening, your mind stuttered, attempting to divorce yourself from the powerful sensations ebbing through your body. You prided yourself on your professionalism, but quite honestly, you didn’t get into this career for…sex. Most of the men that came to you were escaping a disappointing home life or were otherwise sexually unsuccessful, so their last concern was your pleasure, and that was fine for you. No reason you needed to be vulnerable in the workplace. The money was compensation enough and you could pleasure yourself on your own time. But Javier Pena wasn’t a regular guy, and when it came to sex, he was actually good at it. He came for his own pleasure, but that included yours, and he was down to try anything. Honestly, it was just a matter of time, but you had remained irresolute and focused up until now. And now, you were cumming.
The harder you tried to swat the idea away, the stronger the impulse grew. Small tendrils of pleasure that pulsed at your core, stuttered breaths that caught in your throat, whimpers of ecstasy that escaped from your mouth; Javier was devouring it like a man starved.
“There she is…” he drawled, grabbing you by the throat and hoisting you backwards until your back was pressed against his sweat glistened chest. “Are you going to cum for me, hermosa?” he panted into your ear, as you shook your head slowly.
“No, no, no” you had dropped all pretense of performance, realizing your body seemed to be acting of its own accord. You dropped your hands to your clit, rubbing in quick circles now desperate to get off.
“Mine” Javier growled into your ear, grabbing your wrists and yanking them around his neck as he angled up into you, harder still. You cried out in anguished ecstasy, confused at the unbidden sensations tingling throughout your being.
“M-m-more…” you began to mumble incoherently, no longer concerned with the loss of control, and only focused on your pleasure and nothing else.
Javi tipped you forward violently, re-situating himself in a seated position, and then abruptly pulled you back onto his lap, pistoning up into you at the most delectable angle. Your entire body seized up in a pre-orgasmic throb. He gripped you tightly, calloused fingers palming your breasts, kneading and pinching as all thought left your mind completely. You were a ray of light, pleasure itself, his heat sheathed inside you, piercing the darkness and eradicating everything else. You’re not even sure if you spoke out loud, but the primal awareness that you were cumming, clouded time itself, until there was no denying it anymore. You threw your head back against his shoulder and cried in a silent scream, softening into a guttural moan of euphoria. Your body was fluid, liquid gold, dripping and melting over his hard figure. He worked you through your release until you pulled at the nape of his neck, weak with overstimulation. He drew his palm down the front of your salt soaked body and then flipped you around in a tangle of arms and legs, nearly collapsing on top of you, lowering you to the bed.
In the dull recesses of your mind you felt the throb of embarrassment, but not yet cognizant enough to grasp it with any enthusiasm. Holding onto your cloud of your contentment, you were vaguely aware of Javi’s absence, assuming he had left the appropriate amount of money on the bed stand and made a quick exit. You felt your heat twitching and throbbing with the loss of his presence, but thankful he had left you to your own mortification. It had been so long since you felt comfortable enough to enjoy yourself with someone else, you were nearly shocked it was still possible. You swallowed dryly, blinking away the tears. Damn endorphins, you sniffled, freezing as a figure appeared in the doorway with a washcloth and water.
“Drink, hermosa” he commanded as your eyes widened to saucer shape. He was still here. Was he angry? Did you just lose your best customer, and this was the swan song? Appraising your silence he brought the glass of water up to your parched lips tentatively, eyeing you with slight concern. You started shivering slightly as your body attempted to regulate itself into normalcy. “Are you hurt?” he demanded, sitting on the edge of the bed and lifting you to a seated position so you could drink.
You shook your head slowly, devoid of intelligence as the tears began to dry on your cheeks stickily. You flinched with surprise as he began rubbing down your legs and mid-section with the washcloth. “Shh, shh…” he shushed, as though coddling a small child as your body relaxed with relief and exhaustion.
“You don’t have to do that, Javi” you muttered softly, grabbing his wrist gently, but as yet unable to meet his eyes.
“Porque, eso cuesta mas?” he pondered, a small smirk shadowing his countenance.
“I’m not charging you for tonight” you murmured, turning your head away from him in defeat, until you felt him reach around and draw your chin back towards him.
He drew his thumb across your lower lip, not saying a word, a pained expression pinching at his eyebrows unexpectedly. “Inestimable” he whispered, almost to himself, kissing you lightly on the lips and withdrawing to the bathroom. You sunk down on the bed, unsure of what might happen next. Your ears were still ringing from the high, and your body felt like a heavy weight drawing you further into the mattress. You heard the soft click as Javier shut off the lights and crawled into bed with you tentatively.
“Puedo quedarme un poco mas?” he paused, his body hovering above yours.
You bit your lower lip in the dark, pondering the uncharted territory. No one ever asked to stay. Should you charge for that? Your thoughts were becoming more muddled and your eyelids heavier still, as you wordlessly tucked your body into the crook of his side, huffing a small sigh of defeat. No more thinking. Just sleeping. Javi wrapped his arms around you, breathing deeply at the crown of your forehead.
“Smell good” he mumbled into your hair, as you started to drift into darkened oblivion. He was rocking you ever so slightly, and you didn’t have the energy to make any arguments whatsoever. You hadn’t felt this content in a very long time.
Swallowing dryly, your eyes blinked into the sunlight, hearing the motorcycles putter to life in the streets, and the vendors selling Cafe Caribe for the morning commuters. You sat up abruptly, reaching sideways to feel the cool sheets under your fingertips, noticing the hundred dollar bill grinning at you from the bed side table. Next to it, you saw the small cardboard cup, steaming with the chocolate aroma of your morning cafecito, note scribbled hastily across it…
“Thanks for the f@ck, hermosa. See you next week”. The small heart drawn in the corner winked at you as you smiled to yourself.
You loved your job.
*thanks @samspenandsword for the dividers!
More Posts from Pedges-world and Others
PB + J: Interview
I've been seeing this cute questions prompt, and it got me wondering how the man himself might respond. Before I knew it, Pedge was! At least in my IMAGINATION. I have imbibed most of his interviews so it's an educated GUESS, but I also like writing dialogue and this was a fun exercise.
It's also interesting how many times Pedge acts as an avatar for my personal growth or emotional exploration. As always, Pedge is a self-made man, if you count Bitmoji and my FABRICATED answers...
Do you make your bed?
J: Never. I detest it. I want at least one area of my life that stays cozy and messy and immediately ready for cuddles. Plus I’m single, so nobody else to answer to.
Pedge: If I remember. I’m kind of lazy. When given the chance, I’m a homebody so….wait, do I have a guest?
Favorite Number?
J: Seven? Three? I’m not superstitious, but I like patterns.
Pedge: Favorite number? Uh…2 billion…and FIVE! Point…6.
What’s your job?
J: How much time have you got? I think of myself as an artist and collegiate professor. I specialize in music, theater and art mentorship.
Pedge: The jury’s still out. I’m trying. I think it’s official, but who knows? Trying to play in the sandbox over here. Would love to write some more. One dream at a time…
If you could go back to school would you?
J: Absolutely. I’m a collegiate professor so I go to school for a living. But I would get every degree, every subject…okay not EVERY subject…
Pedge: Absolutely not. I kind of….suck at school. I’m very good at reading. I’m voracious. But school and I were not a great fit.
Can you parallel park?
J: Yes, nervously. I had an apartment in college that required parallel parking, but downtown areas make me tremendously anxious. I hate doing it.
Pedge: Um, hello? Whataryatalkinabot? Yeah. I live in LA. Well, when I’m not in NY, and there nobody drives. I mean, I guess I’d rather walk? Without talking…I’ve got headphones.
Can you drive a manual car?
J: Nope. My grandma taught me to drive a tractor. Does that count? Don’t think I remember…
Pedge: Uh…I don’t know. Do I? I feel like this is one of those questions where they ask if you can do something so you lie about it on your resume. Yes. I also can ride a horse. That one I can actually do…
What’s your guilty pleasure?
J: Smoking. I have a weekly cigarillo and read Tumblr. Boop.
Pedge: NOTHING. I have no guilty pleasures…because pleasure is not something to feel guilty about. I did like smoking in Narcos. Narcossss.
Tattoos?
J: I’ve been planning four very specific tattoos, particularly after my hysterectomy last year. But I’m waiting for the right time. Not sure when that is exactly…
Pedge: Yes. Next question.
Favorite Color?
J: Yes. I like all colors.
Pedge: I like colorful things. Colorful people. I’ve never forgotten that quote by Alice Walker, “I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple and don’t notice it”. I just finished reading “The Autobiography of Red” by Anne Carson. And I like “Bluets” by Maggie Nelson…
Do you like puzzles?
J: Definitely, but my mom is the expert. I like Lego Sets and internal emotional puzzles.
Pedge: Don’t have the patience. I can like…stand and point where things would go. I’ll boss you around while you work on a puzzle…I’d rather read…
Any phobias?
J: The ocean. This is ridiculous because I grew up on the West Coast, but I’ve only “swum” in the ocean once, in Mexico. I also dislike thinking about infinity. It’s just too scary.
Pedge: Phobias? Spiders? I like horror movies, so I’d take a good scare, especially in the cinema. Unemployment? Does that count?
Favorite Childhood Sport:
J: Dance. Running? I didn’t get into half marathons until adulthood, so PE was a terrifying experience. Can we never do dodgeball again?
Pedge: Viva Chile! I like futbol. I mean, soccer. If we win. WHEN we win…I swam competitively as a kid. Until I didn’t.
Do you talk to yourself?
J: Constantly. This is an ongoing monologue that never ceases. Why do you think I’m in the arts.
Pedge: Isn’t that…what we’re doing now? Wait, what is this? Who are you? Whyaruaskinmeallthesequestons? Yes. Sometimes I can’t get myself to shut up. Now, if I would only listen.
*thanks @thecutestgrotto for the dividers!
Pedro Scouts Glamping
A big thank you to @pedroscouts for this fun summer time activity! I ran into Pedge and he gently mentioned that my solo tent was a bit messy. He suggested some after care and a light massage because I was such a hot mess, so I've organized myself a bit more.
Ranks/Pledge I Pledge to Pedge Song Fic Use SomebodyPedge's Favorites Fan Art Papi Pascal Personal ArtJoel Miller @norththelemon Ellie and Joel @pebblume Din and Grogu @lupinsuniverse Game of Thrones Era @craftingwithamyc Esquire Magazine @saminadorazahi Beldro Ramscal Marcus Moreno We Can Be Heroes @firsttarotreader Cockwarming @flightlessangelwings Coffee Shop Coffee Shop Date @mermaidgirl30 Routine @endlessthxxghts Dieter Salt, Shot, Lime @freelancearsonist Enemies to Lovers Enjoy the Silence @strang3lov3 Whiskey Daniels How Much Does Devotion Weigh? @anabdaniels Ezra How to Write for Ezra @morallyinept Helianthus Fan Art @millersblud Sex Pollen Scarlet Haze @katiexpunk Only One Bed Killing Me Softly Series @alltheirdamn Frankie Morales Do You Feel It Too? @burntheedges Fluff + Smut Is Joel Okay? @djarinmuse Hurt/Comfort I Know Who You Are Series @punkshortChronicSweet DreamsNothing Hits Quite Like That First Kiss @backtothefanfictionYou're My Stranger In the Dark @lady-of-glass-and-bone Slow Burn Pike's Place Joel Miller Somewhere to Run @punkshortJust Ralphy @ameerawrites
Now, if you'll excuse me, it's very important that I continue earning badges. Pedge assures me that the reward of personal hard work is quite fulfilling and I'm not just talking about scout cookies. Happy summer activities!
The One With Election Day
Sigh. Pedge and I are feeling sad today. We found ourselves in New York during the 2016 Elections, and there are some aspects of today that feel analogous.
Pedro Pascal has been very vocal about his politics, so I will let you research them on your own, but I told Pedge that a lot of us are feeling sad and scared about our country’s future.
What was that Pedge? Do I think Pedro Pascal could use some chocolate chip cookies today? Um. I’m not sure chocolate chip cookies will make EVERYTHING better, but in this moment it couldn't hurt.
If you happened to vote another way, I don’t think this post is for you. I have close friends and family who think differently than I do, and I still love them.
Pedge and I still love you. But we’re allowed to disagree. And I would encourage everyone to have as diverse a community as is possible so you can understand varying viewpoints and backgrounds.
Pedge says he loves enjoying all the colors of the rainbow when it comes to humanity and I couldn’t agree more.
If you are specifically in the LGBTQIA+ community please remember that you are not alone. As a self-described sexy celibate I often don’t feel like I belong anywhere, but as my mom says, “humans were made for one another”, and I believe her.
We were made for each other. Pedge, I don’t think I can hold your hand and type at the same time…Okay, just rest your head on my shoulder, but try not to snot into my t-shirt please. Thank you.
As per Pedro’s IG post, I have several friends at The Trevor Project, and I believe P has volunteered there as well. Please check out their resources if you are feeling lonely, or just need a talk.
Pedge and I will be enjoying our creativity today. We have several projects of gratitude, but Pedge wants me to remind you that thankfulness is never toxic.
It doesn’t operate in opposition to reality, it holds it firmly by the hand and gives it perspective. I exist in Love, regardless of circumstance and I believe that for you as well my darling friends.
Pedge and I encourage lots of snuggle time today, and we might even upgrade from cookies to pie this Thanksgiving season. There is still much to be grateful for like cherry pie, hot coffee, chocolate chip cookies, smut, Pedro Pascal, sweater weather, winter break, silly songs…but most importantly Pedge says he’s most thankful…for YOU.
A Sense of Pride
Hey beautiessss! I wanted to write something specifically for pride, entirely self indulgent, and based in my own limited experience. If this doesn't describe you, it doesn't describe you! But hopefully it speaks to inclusion, positivity and self love, in all it's forms!
Triggers: nothing big! a little self doubt, little profanity, mostly fluff a little implied smut, fictional exploration of orientation with our Therapist Pedge and loving support of the LGBTQIA+ community, I've also tried to write w/o gender pronouns so Therapist Pedge can love on us all...
“I brought Thai foooood!” Pedge sang out from the doorway of your apartment, balancing several bags and books precariously in his arms and dumping them unceremoniously on the ground.
“K” a voice responded from the living room.
Silence.
“Alright, not the tone of enthusiasm I was expecting…” Pedge rounded the corner to find the top of your head hovering behind your computer screen and assorted merchandise strewn haphazardly around the room.
“Whoaaaa…babe. Are we hosting the Pride Parade this year in the living room, cause we’re gonna need a bigger boat…” P grinned broadly, hanging a rainbow flag around his neck, and draping his arms around your shoulders.
You quickly slammed the laptop shut, looking around the room, slightly chagrined. “I may have gone a little overboard at Walmart while you were gone” you blushed.
“I mean, I’m LOVING the new decor” he nodded in approval “though, a little surprised! Feeling all the ally feelings? Are you a Leprechaun and you didn’t tell me?”
Silence.
“Tell me about your meetings” you stalled, setting the laptop quickly on the coffee table.
He took a heavy breath, plopping down on the couch and shaking his head. “I don’t understand why we have to take these meetings in person, in the digital age. The 405 is ALWAYS a disaster area. I ran out of Nicorette on the drive home…”
“I’m ace” you interrupted, holding your breath in anticipation “maybe?” Pedge sat, unmoving, un-reactive. Apparently, non-plussed at your blunt admission.
“Does that mean…I should have gotten vegetarian, instead?” he asked, with tremendous gravitas.
Your eyebrows shot up with irritation. “I’m not joking, P! I’m fucking BROKEN!” you wailed, lightly slapping him on the chest, and starting to unravel.
“OW!” he pouted, grabbing your hand and rubbing it over his chest in faux reproof. “You’re not broken! What are you talking about? Ace is the place with the helpful hardware folks!” he chastised, massaging your hand and smirking. “I don’t understand, but I’m curious. Bi-curious. Is this a new revelation…in the last couple hours?”
“No! I don’t know. I mean, you know…I’ve talked to you about…my background…and my…preferences…and I was looking up terms online…And then I got confused…” you trailed off, unsure of what you were trying to say.
“Honey, are you interested in less…touching? Or…maybe…not into sex…or…not into, ME?” he set your hand down in your lap with genuine interest, but trying to grab ahold of the very loose thread of understanding.
“Noooo!” you mewled, hugging him firmly around the waist and knocking the breath out of him. You grabbed him by the face, smashing your lips into his, sharing a long kiss. After a few minutes you both came up for air, you, lightly drawing your fingers through his hair and sniffling slightly.
“I gotta say, based on what I know about being ace, this doesn’t seem very on brand” he teased, with eyes closed.
You bit your lower lip in confusion, exploding in a cascade of confusing language,
“Iwaswatchingthetelevisionshowsexeducation. Andtheyweretalkingaboutasexualityandsomeofitkindofappliedtome.ButyouknowILOVEsexthoughsometimesIfeelmorecomfortableenjoyingitalone.ButIdontwanttoBEaloneIjustdontalwaysfeellikebeingphysicalintimate. ButIthinkaboutemotionalandspiritualintimacyallthetime. AndeverybodyelsehasmoresexualpartnersthanIdoandImnotbigongenitalia. ButIdontwantyoutothinkIdontloveyou. AnddoesthismeanImandrogynous? Thosecanthardlybethesamethings. Idontreallylikewatchingporn. AndIdontunderstandwhyImsojudgementalaboutthis? IthoughtIwasanopenmindedperson.ButmaybetheressomethingwrongwithmeandImruiningusandIllneverbehappy!”
“Okay, there’s a lot of interesting ideas to unpack there” he paused. “Did you just use the word, genitalia?”
Silence.
You both burst into uncontrollable laughter as he stroked your upper thigh hesitantly. After a few minutes, everything settled down as he sat back, gazing at you appraisingly.
“What?” you huffed, annoyed at your own theatrics and noticing the small rumble in your stomach.
“Babe…I like being with YOU. I like touching you, I like laughing with you. I like eating with you. And if you’re still okay with it…I like…eating…you” he lovingly pinched at your knee as you started giggling. “I’m excited to unpack whatever these discoveries are. And there’s nothing wrong with you or broken about anything you’re feeling. You’re just human, and humans have all different kinds of preferences. That Kinsey guy said everything is on a spectrum.”
You nodded silently, attempting to take everything in. “I was reading that some peeps don’t even think asexuality is a thing. Like I don’t even belong in ANY community…”
“I mean you know I don’t like using a lot of labels. I think sexuality is a pretty fluid thing. I’ve had lots of incredible…interactions with people over the years. Do you think I’M broken?”
“No, that’s one of the things I like BEST about you!” you blurted out. “You’re open-hearted! Sometimes I feel so closed off. How can I still be so confused?” you complained, throwing your hands up in the air.
He smiled, fingering your chin lightly. “Sex isn’t the price we pay for intimacy. Or love. I just want to make sure you’re comfortable. I want to know you, that’s all.”
“Me too” you grinned, caressing his face.
Silence.
“Somebody said something about Thai?” you whispered, rubbing your legs together excitedly.
“I don’t think asexuals are allowed to eat Thai Food” he shook his head disapprovingly before you leapt onto his lap. “I read that on Google” he teased, pinching your stomach.
“So, like…if you’re bi…and I’m ace…together…we could be…bi-ased” you scrunched your nose at the disastrous attempt.
“Ewwwww” he laughed. “Race you to the Thai…”
Overprotective Mom
Ha! This was not on my WIP list until I saw @morallyinept's character studies and realized how fun it would be to Mood Board some of the smaller characters Pedge has played over the years, whether they get a fic or not. Lol...Who knows, I'm steadily falling in love with ALL of them...She's really doing something for me right now...
Pedge's Bookshop The Talk
Bookshop: As per your recommendation, Joel is our shop owner. I think there's something appealing in a man who says little, but obviously feels so much. I just finished reading Pedge's rec for "Crime and Punishment" and it's a doozy. Joel has a lot...or very little say about it.
Triggers: spoilers for "Crime and Punishment", "Last of Us" canon, profanity, gun, sexually threatening situation, cat allergies...
Series Masterlist
Word Count: 2k
“Now, just because Teach is comin’ to the house more often, don’t mean that she’s like…your mom or somethin’…”.
Ellie winced awkwardly hearing the stilted words fall out of Joel’s mouth in his decidedly Southern drawl. This was easily the most uncomfortable conversation she had ever had. What topic was he going to broach next, the birds and the bees? Watching the reddish tint creep up Joel’s neck, now reaching to the tips of his ears, Ellie saw a rare opportunity to rib him a little.
“Just one question…” Ellie somberly muttered, casting her eyes deceptively downward to the bookshop floor hearing Joel’s gruff affirmation in response. “If your condom breaks, does that mean I get a little brother?” Ellie’s mouth turned upward in mischief, watching the crimson hue completely drain from Joel’s chagrined face as he froze in temporary emotional paralysis.
“Maybe we can call him Rascalnikov for short?” Ellie teased as Rascal the Cat quipped its head to the side in curiosity. Joel’s face registered a millisecond of recognition before he exhaled the breath he had unknowingly been holding, chuckling softly under his breath.
“Fuckin’ teenagers” he muttered, his shoulders quaking slightly with laughter. “Look, unless you want an earful, just get home a little later tonight, okay? Me and the Teach are gonna have some adult time…”
“…Discussing literature?” Ellie interrupted, kicking at Joel’s booted foot playfully.
“…Discussing LITERATURE, among other things” Joel continued wryly. “But this is all real new, and we don’t want to rush into anything that…”
“…Makes us extremely uncomfortable” Ellie continued to jest, rolling her eyes clairvoyantly. If Joel was determined to drag this conversation out, then she was going to have her fun with it. Ellie was actually excited to form more of a connection with you. In your conversations you had already formed a connection, and your response to her had been so welcoming and inclusive. Besides the sharing of clandestinely housed secrets, in you, Ellie had found a mentor, a friend and a teacher. Someone who understood the darker parts of humanity, maybe even of themselves, but didn’t shy away from it. And Ellie desperately needed more people like that. But she wasn’t done humiliating Joel while his soft underbelly was exposed.
“You know there are lots of ways you can be intimate with someone, without risking a pregnancy…” Ellie continued watching Joel’s jaw lock with embarrassment. “I’ve been reading some VERY educational material here at the Bookshop that Maria and Tommy should DEFINITELY have read…”.
“Jesus Christ” Joel wiped his hand over his face with annoyance. “Are ya done yet?”
“Oh I’m just gettin’ started” Ellie razzed before acquiescing to his point.
“Just…nothin’s changin’. It’s still you and me” Joel’s eyebrows pinched in the center of his forehead with real concern as Ellie considered his words carefully.
“All jokes aside…it’s okay” Ellie hesitatingly pondered. “I like Teach a lot, and so do you. But things are gonna change. Things always do. We’ve just gotta make it our business to change with ‘em.” Ellie nodded her head curtly as though agreeing with herself. She had already lost enough in this world to know how temporary things could be, and knew that life was meant to be lived. Hesitate for even a millisecond and your entire existence was a flash in the pan. Ellie wasn’t going to go out quite so easily.
“How’d you get so smart?” Joel mumbled, kicking back at Ellie’s foot good naturedly.
“Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain?”
Joel stalled in confusion, squinting his eyes skeptically.
“His goal was transcend-dental-MEDICATION” Ellie paused triumphantly as Joel brought his hands to his hips with defiance.
“I’m leavin’”. Joel grabbed his winter coat heading for the door huffily.
“Atheism is a non-PROPHET organization” Ellie called after Joel as he stalked past her gruffly shooing Rascal the Cat out of his way deftly.
“Be home by 10, BUT NOT BEFORE!” Joel reiterated, flinging the bookshop door open, a hefty bounce in his step she hadn’t previously noticed.
“Hope you get an ‘A+’!” Ellie managed to get in before the bookshop bell sounded cheerily and Joel was out the door and headed home. She smiled to herself victoriously, looking around the Bookshop happily.
Good for you old man, she chuckled, heading into the back room to grab another stack of books. The store was nearly assembled, and despite Joel’s grumblings she knew that he was anxious to open it, not just for the rest of the commune but for the admiration and encouragement of his favorite customer; Teach. All that remained was a special exhibit featuring the Book of the Month, “Crime and Punishment”. Options were still limited, but the display would include a dirtied copy of “Anna Karenina”, “The Master and Margarita” (which was unfortunately in Russian), and a collection of short stories featuring Chekhov. It was somewhat miraculous they had the options they did, so Ellie was smiling as the bookshop bell rang upon her re-entrance to the main lobby. “Forget your condoms?!” she chided, now hearing the tell-tale hissing of Rascal as her stride was abruptly halted in revulsion.
Levi.
What the hell was he doing here? She looked around the Bookshop noting her avenues of escape, and was continually grateful for the wide open window transparently showcasing their interaction. However, the backroom now forebodingly loomed behind her. She resumed her confident path to the front counter, pocketing a nearly dried out ball point pen. “What do you want, Levi?” she spat, mirroring Rascal’s aggressive reception.
“Ain’t got to want something to visit the commune bookshop” Levi retorted, dragging his dirty fingers along the display shelves and kicking at the cat with annoyance.
“Well, we’re actually closed, so why don’t you come back when you learn how to read” Ellie responded sweetly, gripping the pen abrasively in her small hand. This felt terrifyingly familiar, and she wasn’t going to lose the upper hand. No one was coming to save her, and she was all too ready to take care of herself.
“Well ain’t you got a mouth on ya?” Levi judiciously appraised, picking up the showcased copy of “Crime and Punishment” and tossing it unceremoniously back on the table. “You remind me of the Teach, when we first met”. Ellie bristled noticeably whilst battling her own curiosity. Levi was no friend of hers, but knowing more about the Teach and her background was an interest she couldn’t deny.
“I’m surprised she didn’t run circles around you” Ellie bantered, watching Rascal bob and weave like a feline prize fighter, ineffectively batting a small paw at Levi’s boot.
“Can’t say she didn’t” Levi offered, his hands outstretched plaintively. “But surely you know, sometimes circumstances force our hand. Most people would be willing to do whatever it takes to survive”.
“Endure and survive” she almost whispered.
“I like that!” Levi feigned enthusiasm, now drifting behind one of the tall bookshelves, his voice eerily echoing in the Bookshop. “Endure and survive!” he re-emerged, peaking out from behind a different bookshelf, now several paces closer to the front counter.
“What do you want, Levi” Ellie growled, shifting a few feet closer to the doorway and trying to situate herself nearer the exit.
“I’ve got my eye on you…and Teach” Levi threatened, contrasted by his all but beaming countenance, as he edged closer. Rascal latched his serrated claws onto Levi’s tall boots, but found him undeterred.
“What is that supposed to frighten me or something?” Ellie countered, gripping the pen harder in her now sweating hand. She could go for the eye, or the jugular if she had the right angle. Maybe Rascal could prove a worthy distraction.
Levi reached to the side, donning a small revolver that he brandished in front of him like a toy. Ellie’s eyes widened to the shape of saucers. Leave it to her to bring a ball point pen to a gun fight. What could he possibly gain by shooting her in broad daylight? He couldn’t be serious. Levi was many things, but crazy wasn’t one of them. Before Ellie had a chance to register what was happening, Levi slid the gun across the counter proffering both hands before him in surrender.
“Thought I’d lay all my cards on the table, before you had a chance to doubt my intentions” Levi drawled, leaning on the opposite end of the counter and ignoring Rascal’s hissing and caterwauling. “How old are you anyways?”.
“Too young for you” Ellie bluntly stated before greedily grabbing the gun and pointing it in Levi’s direction. His eyes shifted darkly eyeing the barrel of the loaded gun and licking his lips slowly. “‘Sides I don’t date psychopaths” Ellie joked, waving the gun towards the door. “Get out of her Levi, before we both do something we’re gonna regret”.
The look in Levi’s eyes flashed a momentary dejection, as the cat finally abandoned its attack and slunk off to the back room in defeat. “Ya gonna shoot me, before you even know what I have to say?”
Ellie slowly cocked the gun, relishing the clicking metal beneath her fingers. “Fuck around and find out, Levi” she breathed deeply, focusing on what Joel had taught her about marksmanship.
“Yeaaaaah” Levi’s honeyed voice almost smothered her with its poisonous sweetness. “You’d do it, wouldn’t ya? But I know somethin’ you don’t. You think you’re so special, like you’re the only one with passion or desperation?” Levi inched closer as Ellie backed up. “Nothin’ special about the will to live. Saw it in Teach. Saw it in Joel. See it in you…” Ellie held her breath, considering her options. She’d killed before, and she could do it again.
“Go ahead. I like my girls fightin’” Levi stretched his arm towards Ellie as her foot unexpectedly caught on the lip of the rug. Without even thinking, the pull of the gun slammed back violently against her hand as a bullet grazed past Levi’s shoulder and lodged itself in the nearby bookshelf. Ellie’s eyebrows shot up to her forehead, a mixture of bravado and shock as she flung the gun back on the counter towards Levi’s surprised expression.
“I’ll be damned” Levi sighed, slowly taking the gun and returning it to the holster disappointedly. He sounded almost disheartened as he regarded Ellie with a newfound clarity. “Guess I have my answer” he sulked, giving one final look to the Bookshop before heading towards the door. “Maybe you’re not like Teach at all…” he appraised, casting one final look back before jerking the door open swiftly and ducking out. Ellie gripped her chest anxiously, as Rascal the Cat poked its head out from the backroom, meowing with uncertainty.
“It’s okay, he’s gone” she muttered, rounding the corner and laying a finger to the bullet lodged in Joel’s fine workmanship. A small party of men went running down the main thoroughfare, ostensibly in search of the ruckus as Ellie winced with embarrassment. Maybe she would just keep this little altercation to herself. But one thing was quite clear; Levi was a threat to more than just her, but also to the lives of the entire commune and the people she cared most about. As far as Ellie was concerned, Levi couldn’t leave soon enough. She plopped herself down on the floor unceremoniously as Rascal sidled up next to her with encouragement, purring softly.
In this moment she was assured of her resolve, and had never felt so certain of anything. She would protect, and she would kill. She would do whatever it takes to keep her future lodged safely in the palm of her hand.
And she would do it, by any means necessary.
Pedro Pascal naming 4 movies that impacted him the most
'All About Eve' dir. Joseph L. Mankiewicz Margo, an established theatre actress, appoints Eve, an aspiring actress, as her personal assistant. However, Margo is unaware of Eve's intention to take over her career.
'Poltergeist' dir. Tobe Hooper A family's dream home turns into their worst nightmare when evil spirits rise up to torment them and possess the soul of their innocent daughter.
'Do the Right Thing' dir. Spike Lee In a Brooklyn neighbourhood, the long-simmering racial tensions between diverse communities erupt into brutal violence over the course of a single summer day.
'Fanny and Alexander' dir. Ingmar Bergman During the early twentieth century, Fanny and Alexander are the children of the Ekdahl family in a Swedish town. They are living a peaceful life until their father Mr. Oscar dies.
Pedro Boys
Pedge and I have FINALLY started writing fics for the Pedro Boys and we wanted to have a spot where they could all catch up! Check out the masterlist below!
Pedro Pascal Pedge Cuddle Couch New York, New York Series Baby's Beats (short) Javi Gutierrez Afterglow: Phoenix Rising Marcus Pike Charcuterie Challenge A Different Happy Ending Pike's Place Pike's Playlist (short)
Frankie Morales Moody Frankie Frankie's Favorites (short) Joel Miller Moody Joel Peach and Apple Pie Crime and Punishment Joel's Jives (short) Max Phillips Blood Sucking Witch Max's Mix (short) Javier Pena Afterglow Series Pena's Playlist (short) Dieter Bravo Yes Chef! My Darling Muse Dieter's Deets (short) Marcus Moreno Thanksgiving Delights Din Djarin Unmasked Platonic Love
My Darling Muse (iii),
Dieter is in LOVE. He's just not sure if he's met them yet. But in the interim, he's keeping a journal to house all of his inspiration, poetry and recipes, before they fly out of his head. And once he meets the ONE...or ONES...this is going to be his gift to you. Along with those sexy time IOU's he's always handing out...
Triggers: it's Dieter bub so this series will DEFINITELY include profanity, drugs, blood, alcohol, sex, smut and any meanderings D wants...He's endlessly inspired by art, poetry, songs, sex and YOU!
Series Masterlist
Rothko's "Red On Maroon", thanks @thecutestgrotto for dividers!
My Darling Muse,
I am a gaping wound, Aligned with your iron fluidity Throbbing with the passion of blood Warming at your scalding touch Like lava, I flow unbidden, a verse of self unhindered and free Pulsing, ebbing, molten and boiling Pistoning forward in poisonous acid, I am the red monster Alight with desire, wings unfurled in splendor and terror I survey all and know little, a word unspoken A thought unuttered, a feeling unrequited, A husk of a shell unravelled, like trinkets in a wind chime My words bounce on a red dawn A red tide that bears stealthy fruition A soundless crimson wave of meaning, Into your chasm I plummet, into the red void I sojourn Feathered wings in pained approach Molt and melt like Icarus, I am the red death I am the maroon birth, I am love alight And rage unaltered (scribbled in margins: Was Rothko bi? Is blood a good paint substitute? What's it like to date a vampire? Can I list myself as a Google location? Online anger management...with goats.)
Hey folks! This is J, Dieter's PA. I'm not sure if he even knows who I am, but I also run his TikTok page so he can "commune with the proletariat". His fellow actor and good buddy Pedro Pascal recently recommended "Autobiography of Red" by Anne Carlson. And Dieter has similarly been obsessed with John Logan's production of "Red"....No Dieter, I won't mention you thought it was originally a musical about menstruation...
-
pedges-world reblogged this · 7 months ago -
jensensational71 reblogged this · 7 months ago -
jensensational71 liked this · 7 months ago
-
almostfoxglove liked this · 8 months ago -
pascalislove liked this · 8 months ago -
pedges-world liked this · 8 months ago
-
littlemisspascal liked this · 8 months ago -
anat2507 liked this · 8 months ago -
notavault liked this · 8 months ago -
you-give-aspirin-headaches liked this · 8 months ago -
holla-at-me-hood liked this · 8 months ago -
pedges-world reblogged this · 8 months ago
I'm a 40+ Sexy, Saucy Celibate ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Reblog account @pedrotease
227 posts