Through The Valley

Mustafa's New Anthology

Thank you to @auteurdelabre for our beautiful coloring book! Pedge and I think we have rounded the corner with our health challenges, but are unsure. Thinking about cancelling my upcoming round of specialists, if my body has found a happy homeostasis. Looking forward to reading the anthology this evening and have included PP's contribution below....Absolutely enthralled...

I see you late bloomer smoking just after sunrise for the first time. Wearing pants and buying pillows dropping cash then leaving them lonely in a stranger's closet. Mushroom lamp says, "What the fuck? Lemme outta here". I explain to her that first I have to go back and back and back again until I understand that I will always be in love with those footprints "Fine". People smoke here because they like me. See me sitting near the bird shit making things up that never happened. But they're cool with it. Someone tells me she was kidnapped by a man who held a knife to her neck because her sister always picks the wrong men. I tell her I was a very late bed wetter. All the other talk happens alone, never into a mirror and never to you. But to objects caught off guard by my hostility, by the shape of this grief. Eleven months and only this: I am struck by the lightning of your presence now that you are gone.

*original GQ shoot

*the Arabic references the section about wearing pants and purchasing piillows

@littlemisspascal  @lizette50 @beefrobeefcal @sawymredfox @anelva @wordywarriorwrites @burntheedges @inept-the-magnificent @timelordfreya  @schnarfer @devineconjuring @mermaidgirl30 @galaxyedging @joelalorian @joelmillerisapunk @jennaispunk @sheepdogchick3 @marcus-is-my-muse @guiltyasdave  @copperhalfcent @bluesweaters15 @drewharrisonwriter @darkheartgatita @harriedandharassed @brittmb115 @confusedpuffin @yorksgirl @quicax3 @shaunasflannel @shinyanchorobject

Pedge Bookshop Art

Oooh, this was fun! A huge thank you to @auteurdelabre for our beautiful Coloring Book! I hope you will check out Pedge's Bookshop, as this rendering is based on the integration of "Crime and Punishment" themes that closely resemble "The Last of Us".

“Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.”

“To go wrong in one's own way is better than to go right in someone else's.”

“The man who has a conscience suffers whilst acknowledging his sin. That is his punishment.”

“Man has it all in his hands, and it all slips through his fingers from sheer cowardice.”

“Break what must be broken, once for all, that's all, and take the suffering on oneself.”

Happy reading! This fan art took a little over a day. I've never used my i-pad for coloring and writing, so this was a fun adventure

WIP Wednesday

WIP Wednesday. Um, who do I think I am having SIX open series at the same time? Well, whatever. Much like our guy, I try not to censor myself.

Who Wants to Trick or Treat?

Pike's Place; New Episode Halloween

Pedro-Tober

My Darling Muse

Pedge's Jukebox

Outside of one musical in high school, I'm fairly certain Pedge is not a self-proclaimed musician. HOWEVER, as a professional musician myself I can't help but notice that doesn't seem to stop him from vocalizing every chance he can and I am EUPHORIC. I love combining reality with fantasy, and while I'm sure this isn't a new Tumblr concept, I'm going to be cataloguing our Pedro Boys as per Pedge's suggestions! All playlists will attempt to utilize music or groups that our beloved has referenced at some point. Get your headphones and enjoy!

Pedge's Bookshop The Calm

Grab a Latte! in the foyer with this sweet fic "Just a Cover" by @popcornforone before heading into the Bookshop!

Triggers: profanity, Last of Us canon + references, yay lite smut!, MAJOR spoilers for "Crime and Punishment", references to alcohol/prostitution/murder/rape/death...

Series Masterlist

Words: 3k

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Having Levi and his posse sulk around the commune for the last several weeks was a tumultuous backdrop to the real foreground of your attention; Joel. While the visitors were slated to leave by the end of the month, that did nothing to quell your fears of town gossip or possible altercation. The main protection and acceptance you were currently enjoying was from Joel, and you never wanted it to end.

After that fateful dinner you had expected the participants to shun you or at least offer silent judgement from a watchful distance. But, if anything, it had only seemed to intensify your unique connection to the extended Miller Family. Somehow your own self-perceived fall from grace had engendered more of their affection and resolution. Maria was intent on discussing more of your leadership responsibilities, Tommy seemed exceptionally pleased that Joel and you were spending more time together. Even Ellie was paying rapt attention in class, and seemed to have an ever greater sense of care and support during your interactions. And Joel. Joel had surprised you most of all.

His once stolid and nearly gruff appearance had softened in almost every way; at least when he was around you. You were almost spending more time at the Bookshop than at school, not just to avoid the wandering eyes of Levi and his group, but to vanish in the safety of literature, coffee and your newfound burgeoning relationship with Joel. It was far too early to label anything at this point. You inwardly smirked at the incredulity of it all. A boyfriend, in the midst of the apocalypse? But yours was more than a passing friendship. There was an innate understanding, an “other-ness” that you somehow shared, and within that, had found a sense of belonging. You just didn’t know how far that belonging actually extended.

With Ellie’s help you had nearly finished the Arts and Recreation section, but were newly entrenched in the Literature categorization. Not that you were complaining. Almost everyday, if Joel wasn’t on a patrol, or the school day didn’t encapsulate your existence, you could be found at The Bookshop. Not that Joel ever let anyone shop there. Besides you, Rascal the Cat was his most loyal customer. And while the Bookshop was still in assembly, there was another somewhat clandestine reason; Joel couldn’t keep his hands off you. Only occasionally caught in a lip-lock by Tommy or Ellie, even this indulgence was becoming steadily more difficult, as you found unique ways to extend your ongoing “literary discussion”.

You had already unpacked the varied interpretations of the title, “Crime and Punishment”, indicating that the Russian word for crime was much more indicative of “transgression”. This seemed vaguely appropriate as you lost your train of thought with Joel’s stubbled beard and soft lips winding their way across your clavicle, your voice hitching raspily in your own throat. You tried to explain the import of interpretations like “crossing a line” or “stepping across a barrier”, but that was hard to do when Joel had your eyes rolling back in your head languidly as he cupped your breasts softly in his massive hands. So much for academic objectivity.

One night after Ellie had gone upstairs, you and Joel sat, kissing quietly in front of the living room fireplace, two untouched glasses of whiskey sitting on the handmade coffee table beside you. Joel’s hands had found themselves weighted at your waist, his calloused fingers teasing the hemline of your shirt, tickling the bare skin just beneath. You were straddled across his lap, your breasts nearly in his face as you cupped his jawline tenderly between two hands, licking into his mouth. Pausing to catch your breath, you gently relaxed atop him, feeling his hardened length beneath. You sat lower, wiping his lower lip tenderly with your thumb. 

“I think you might be one of my best students…” you drawled, winking lazily at him, as he gazed darkly back.

“What’dya think Teach, am I gonna get a good grade in class?” his voice edged lowly, making sure to keep quiet, lest Ellie get an earful of your evening activities from upstairs.

“Well, you’ve been doing so much, HANDS-ON…” at this you ground your hips in a circle over Joel’s tented pants, eliciting a groaning growl from him as you clapped a cautious hand over his mouth… “…extra-credit this semester. I would say your grade is rising as we speak…” you taunted, reveling in the pained delight that registered across Joel’s brow. He looked up at your showcased cleavage, licking his lips slowly with anticipation.

“And what about the oral examinations?” he mumbled into your neck, dragging his lips across the delicate skin of your décolletage. “When do those begin?” he teased, sucking lightly, just below your ear, drawing forth small giggles from your trembling mouth. You were just about to answer when Ellie’s door opened, her head buried behind Joel’s copy of “Crime and Punishment”.

“Snake-Eyes DIES?!” she exclaimed somewhere between disbelief and delight, slowly descending the stairs as you repositioned yourselves more appropriately, at arms length. You had just finished smoothing your shirt and adopting an innocent expression when she placed herself in front of you, cocking an eyebrow quizzically.

“I know you’re making out. It’s fine” she bluntly offered, Joel rolling his eyes with exasperation. 

“Did ya need somethin’?” he huffed, crossing his arms with frustration, before joining her line of questioning. “Snake Eyes DIES?!” he scoffed, looking over at you for confirmation. You shrugged enigmatically, a small smile already plastered across your contented face.

“He fucking offs himself!” Ellie smiled, not even attempting to hide her disdain. “I know, I know…LANGUAGE…” she interrupted before Joel even had a chance. But after attacking Dunya and arguing with Rascal. And probably killing the old lady, and maybe harassing the girl. I did NOT see that coming…” she shook her head confusedly.

“Well good-riddance!” Joel shouted, “…sounds like he had it comin’! Only…don’t get too far ahead of me, I only just finished readin’ the dinner scene…” he pouted, kicking Ellie’s boot with his own as she smiled mischievously. 

“Doesn’t seem like you have a lot of time for readin’ lately!” she toyed, dangling the book in front of Joel’s face before he grabbed it defensively, with a knowing grin. 

“Alright, alright…apologize to Teach before she heads home. Sounds like I need to do some research to catch up with y’all” he confessed.

“What am I apologizin’ for exactly?” Ellie sarcastically argued, reaching for the book which Joel swiftly held out of her reach. 

“Seems to me you still owe that report about weather cycles affecting crop rotation and seasonal climate shifts…” you offered, grabbing a pillow in anticipatory defense.

“Snitch” Ellie grinned, grabbing another pillow and hitting your own, before disappearing back upstairs and calling behind her, “BE SURE TO USE A CONDOM!”

“ELLIE!” Joel bellowed, standing to his feet with irritation as you covered your mouth to stifle the latest bout of giggling. Joel stood poised with his hands on his hips, mid-scowl, before noticing your squeaks of embarrassment, his frustration beginning to fade into the distance as he watched you unravel before him. An impish smirk appeared on his face, as he tossed the book to the side and draped his broad form above you.

“Something funny, Teach?” he asked, peppering your sternum with chaste and not so chaste kisses, as your laughter died down to soft hums of approval.

“She sees a lot” you observed, tucking your hands into the back pockets of his jeans as he gently lowered himself to your chest, snuggling in for a respite. 

“This okay? M’not squashin’ ya?” he mumbled into your chest, as his body incrementally relaxed atop you. Guiding your fingers through his peppered locks of hair you parted your legs slightly to capture more of his weight. 

“I’m a bit more durable than all that” you managed, relishing his supine figure before you. After a few minutes the room settled into a contented quiet, so much so that you wondered if Joel had fallen asleep before his low voice tentatively drawled, “You know, you can tell me anything. Anything in the world…” he gulped, unwilling to break the magnetic spell the two of you had crafted, before turning his head upward to catch your gaze. “Just want you to feel safe. Safe as…” he paused, considering his next words cautiously… “…safe as I feel with you” he finished, resting his head back on your chest sweetly. Your heart swelled within you. You didn’t feel a sense of shame, exactly. But wondering how Joel might react to the details of your past was carving a hole in your potential intimacy, and you welcomed the open door of conversation.

“I was young…” you started, as Joel’s head whipped up attentively, shifting his weight to the side of your body on the couch so he could get a better look at you. “I had made it to grad school, but my parents weren’t in the picture so much, and money was starting to get tight”. Joel fixedly held your stare, willing you to feel his support and encouragement if you needed it. “One of my friends had experimented with webcams…Remember those?” you chuckled, as Joel nodded in affirmation, nudging you forward. “Seemed harmless enough at the time. I made a little money with simple tasks at first, but soon I got connected to Levi…”. Joel seemed to stop breathing at the mention of his name, his jaw ticking slightly with restraint. “Well…you’ve met him. He always seem to show up at the ‘right’ moment. Saving the day, but somehow taking advantage simultaneously”. Joel breathed deeply, reaching a hand up to stroke your back in wide circles. “He assured me everything would stay virtual, until…well it didn’t. I was definitely complicit, but before I knew it, I was essentially a call-girl, and everything was very much in-person. Levi decided to really play up the ‘teacher’ aspect of my persona, and it became my calling card. It felt ridiculous to be pursuing my Masters in Education, all the while playing up those same qualities in…more intimate situations” your face reddened slightly at the confession. “It wasn’t really what I wanted. But it paid the bills. And it was my choice. A choice Levi definitely took advantage of, but my choice nonetheless. Sometimes it actually felt empowering. Until…it didn’t…” you trailed off, remembering some of the darker details of those years.

“Should I not call you by that nickname? I didn’t know…” Joel shifted upwards on his forearms, before you halted him mid-apology. 

“I love it. It was always my dream. I love being a teacher, and I don’t regret the choices I made to bring those dreams to fruition. Maybe it didn’t happen the way I dreamt, but it’s still mine” you shook your head with surprise as you articulated your clandestine thoughts for the first time. “Still think you’re one of my best students, Miller” you whispered toyingly, noticing Joel’s cheeks gain a pinkish tint as his chest rumbled in affirmation.

“Looking forward to those oral exams, whenever you feel ready” Joel jested, drawing you in for an extended, passionate kiss. You sighed quietly into his mouth, before he pensively pulled back. “Don’t want you to feel like you have to keep secrets with me” he mused, bringing his forehead tenderly to yours. 

You breathed one another in for several minutes before you hesitantly whispered, “Feel the same way Joel. You know you can tell me anything”. Joel sighed a deep breath of contemplation, rallying himself for the next step.

“Ellie mentioned…my Sarah?” he mumbled, gazing downward so much so that you only saw the beauty of his lashes flitting quickly. 

“YOU mentioned Sarah…” Joel’s quick intake of air at her name, flashed painfully across his face and yours, as his eyesight rose haltingly to catch your own. 

“When…?” he croaked, before closing his eyes in remembrance. “That night…I couldn’t get her outta my head” he nodded, thinking back on the drunken conversation several weeks ago. “The patrol was a nightmare. And…worried about Ellie and you…” he trailed off, trying to piece together the sketchy details, but just reflecting on Sarah’s smile. “You’d’ve liked her” his voice cracked sweetly as you abruptly grasped him around the torso, smashing your face into his chest.

“You don’t have to say anything” the tears welled up within you, desperate to somehow remove the searing pain of loss.

“Not much to tell now” he nearly whimpered. “I had her…and then…I didn’t. Coulda done more. S’my fault…” his throat closed with emotion as you squeezed him tighter still.

“I see the way you love Ellie” you managed to get out thickly. “Can’t convince me otherwise. I know a good dad when I see one…” you encouraged, reaching up to wipe away your tears cascading into Joel’s telltale plaid shirt.

“Nothing I wouldn’t do for that girl” his voice took on a serrated edge, as you pulled back to gaze at him appraisingly. “She mention anything about…how we came to Jacksonville?” he faltered, unsure of his next steps.

“She told me about The Preacher” you swallowed dryly, watching a flicker of rage pass over Joel’s face quickly as he nodded curtly. 

“There’s things…” he tried to continue but was steadily growing more tense “…things you don’t know about Ellie. Or me…” he bit down hard, his mouth a thin line of resolution, watching your eyes narrow judiciously before placing a single finger over his lips wisely.

“What have you done to yourself?” you murmured rhetorically as Joel’s eyes painfully closed, a single tear disappearing into the scruff of his beard. And there you stayed, held in one another’s arms for the evening, until finding a restless sleep. It was early dawn when you disentangled yourselves from one another’s embrace, shakily starting the next day, and whatever the unknown future might hold.

The next day you were scheduled to meet with Tommy and Maria to discuss future administrative plans for the commune. Maria’s pregnancy was really starting to show, and you didn’t dare ask when her potential due date was. You could feel the palpable excitement and tension in the air as you joined them in the town meeting hall.

“Joel doesn’t want to interfere with commune business” Tommy began, shuffling some papers hurriedly before him. 

“Give him a gun and a cause…” Maria shook her head disapprovingly, avoiding Tommy’s reproachful gaze.

“Come on darlin’…” Tommy chastised, sounding once again like his older brother, in voice as much as demeanor. “Told ya we can trust him” Tommy began before Maria halted him silently.

“I know when townsfolk are holding secrets” Maria reprimanded, looking over at you apologetically. “No offense, Teach, just a gift I have. Investigating. Used to be a lawyer in the time before. Comes naturally to me. I know a sinner from a saint, and they’re often one and the same” she wisely observed, before reflecting a bit further. “Except that Levi, for one…” she inhaled skeptically, quickly glancing over at you for confirmation.

“Levi isn’t someone you want around any longer than is absolutely necessary” you bluntly stated, pleased with your growing sense of self-confidence. Maybe Joel was starting to rub off on you.

“I hate to be so beholden to him after their last minute redemptive strike…” she pensively acquiesced.

“Even Joel said he might not have made it back without their assistance…” Tommy chimed in begrudgingly. Joel hadn’t mentioned that. Granted, this was before Levi’s full intentions were known, but were you really willing to sacrifice Joel’s well being for your own discomfort? Maybe there was some kind of olive branch you could extend, making the future somewhat tolerable. You had changed. Maybe other people could too.

“Maybe we could give them some kind of test” you ventured, pursing your lips thoughtfully.

“Alright, Teach!” Tommy cheered, clocking Maria’s chagrin. “Pop quiz time!”

You couldn’t help but chuckle softly, getting a small indication of the Miller playfulness that often lurked mischievously beneath.

“Maybe we send them out on our next dangerous patrol, and keep them on a steady leash” Maria agreed, taking notes in her own administrative notebook. “Good idea…”. Tommy gave a quick clandestine wink that brought a victorious smile to your face, perhaps motivating your next point.

“Regarding…our dinner conversation” you began, before Maria stopped you.

“Water under the bridge…” she tutted, not lifting her eyes from the notebook. You and Tommy shared a pregnant pause, as he returned your gaze definitively.

“We all have a past. Don’t mean we can’t have a future” Tommy succinctly encouraged, eliciting a curt nod from Maria.

“Some secrets should probably stay hidden” you muttered under your breath, reflecting on Joel’s past admonition, noticing Tommy shift uncomfortable in his chair. Maria was breathing steadily across from you, still not looking up.

“You talk to Joel?” she quirked her head to the side, looking at Tommy knowingly before he averted eye contact.

“He said enough” you intimated, sensing the growing tension, though somewhat unaware of its origin. “Told me about Sarah” you finished, attempting to gauge the telepathic conversation happening between the married couple.

“He mention anything else?” Maria probed, Tommy gripping the edges of the table in a stylistically Miller fashion.

“Darlin’…” he warned, shaking his head slightly, in earnest.

Maria clamped her mouth shut skeptically as her brow furrowed in conflict. “I’m not sure how much my….brother in-law might have revealed” she began, weighing her words carefully. “Truth will out” she finally decided, sitting back in her chair resolutely. Tommy sighed a heavy breath, closing his eyes fixedly. 

Truth will out. In Jacksonville you had found a new home and a new start. But perhaps there were some things that should ultimately remain in the past. You thought on Joel’s near confession, and the sheer depth of knowledge you lacked about Ellie, Sarah and so much more. Would it be possible for Levi and his group to somehow fit into the commune without disrupting the precarious new start you had finally crafted for yourself? Or was the future forever fated to be doomed by elements of the past? You wanted to believe in new beginnings. You wanted to believe in love. And more than anything you wanted to know Joel Miller for who he truly was. But as you reflected on your own secrets and the apocalyptic territory you were barely surviving, perhaps there was more still to the enigmatic narrative of Joel and Ellie.

But in this moment, you weren’t entirely sure you wanted to find out.

Baby's Beats

I love combining reality with fantasy, and while I'm sure this isn't a new Tumblr concept, I'm going to be cataloguing our Pedro Boys as per Pedge's suggestions! All playlists will utilize music or groups that Pedro Pascal has referenced at some point. Get your Apple earbuds and enjoy!

Triggers: music may involve profanity and adult topics, short description of character's interactions with music, smut, substances--RPF vibes but Pedge is just my fictional avatar for the glory that is Pedro Pascal...

Pedge's Jukebox

Baby's Beats (Spotify)

*Baby Pedge, who will not be caught DEAD singing karoake in public...unless he's bored...or lonely...or tipsy.... *Pedge who cannot help himself if the Xanadu Soundtrack starts, and will immediately begin dancing and biting his lower lip *Pedge who MUST have earbuds at all times, not just to eventually secure his Apple gig, but also to listen to tunes on the busy New York streets *Obviously spent a summer in Madrid as a go-go dancer and cannot shake those groovy 70's vibes...who would want to? *Listens to his favorite soundtracks to hype himself up for important auditions *Creates a different playlist for every theatrical and cinematic character he plays, in order to get in the right headspace *Enjoys a night of relaxation with a substance/beverage of choice, whether alone or partnered with the soundtrack of the evening *When dating or friendshipping, enjoys making a playlist for his beloveds, as something to remember him during work absences *Is VERY nostalgic when listening to music that moves him, and sometimes cannot do so in public without bursting into tears *Is happiest when on the dance floor, with friends, drink in hand, pulsing to the music and forgetting his troubles *Would be delighted to learn about his future dancing opportunities with "Happy Socks" and "Apple", but disgruntled to learn that he somewhat missed his musical cue on SNL 50 Special...#heyheyheyman

*thank you @kodaswrld for the cool dividers!

@lizette50 @beefrobeefcal @sawymredfox @anelva @wordywarriorwrites @burntheedges @inept-the-magnificent @timelordfreya  @schnarfer @devineconjuring @mermaidgirl30 @galaxyedging @joelalorian @joelmillerisapunk @jennaispunk @sheepdogchick3 @marcus-is-my-muse @guiltyasdave  @copperhalfcent @bluesweaters15 @drewharrisonwriter @darkheartgatita @harriedandharassed @brittmb115 @confusedpuffin @yorksgirl @quicax3 @shaunasflannel @shinyanchorobject

The One With Pedge + J

I'm the new kid in class. You know the one. I’m wearing glasses, sitting in the corner, freckled face; academic nerd. I’ve arrived in my “freshman year” and am watching the seniors show me how it’s done. I’m not sure what graduation involves, but Pedge and I are excited about that consummation.

Recently I’ve noticed an influx of bullies and thieves who seem to be on the literary prowl. Pedge and I are blocking accounts right and left, and covering all our bases for the 5 people who read my Tumblr page and I’ve been particularly impressed with several writers of note. Another writer has taken the time to invest in an evolution, and decided to focus on their expressions of creativity in new and exciting ways. While enthusiastically supporting any artistic shift a writer wants to make, Pedge and I are disgruntled that anyone would feel bullied or exploited.

Pedge and I enjoy our sexy time therapy, and a lot of that involves a healthy self image and celebration of bodies in all forms. Pedge tells me he is currently filming his upcoming Marvel Spectacular “The Fantastic Four” and is excited to play a character that can assume any shape that they want! I see many sexy time benefits in our future. I’ve told him that some writers have been bullied for their celebration of bodies in ALL forms. It seems to me that they call them “love handles” for a reason. Yes Pedge, we can do that thing with your belly button again this evening, though we are starting to run out of edible wax.

Pedge reminds me that he has spent a great deal of time enjoying the complexities of the human form. Whether delightfully squishy, muscular, soft, hard, pliant, normative, skilled or inexperienced, there truly is something for everyone. Pedge reminds me that one of his favorite songs is by Princess Nokia who similarly celebrates their form in ALL of its splendor.

So, to wrap up….excuse me…yes, Pedge, even though we did not go to the gym today we are allowed to have chocolate chip cookies. We’re just going to have to find some other physical means of burning calories later tonight, if we so desire. Sorry about that…What was I saying? Oh yes. Pedge and I will be holding on to our love handles, and not letting go anytime soon. We remind everyone to be good to yourself and be good to others. There are so many things in this life that are temporary, let’s make sure that love isn’t one of them.

My Darling Muse, My Darling Dieter (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. Love this post @for-a-longlongtime, and inspired by the @auteurdelabre Trope-Off (Dieter Bravo/Pen Pals)...

Trigger: it's Dieter bub so this series will DEFINITELY include profanity, drugs, alcohol, sex, smut and any meanderings D wants...He's endlessly inspired by art, poetry, songs, sex and YOU! Workplace vibes...

Dieter's Art Studio

My Darling Dieter,

Oh silly muffin! I was so excited to receive your postcard and hear more about your spiritual sojourn! I know you are doing research for your reawakening, but I still miss you terribly and our intimate spongebaths. Be sure to keep all your sketches limited to postcards and not the originals....Yours, J

My Darling Dieter,

Racoon! Your travels sound absolutely amazing, it will be just the thing to take your mind off of awards season. YOU are the true gift! My Darling, is it just me or are some of these pictures a bit....erotic? I definitely recognize the artist, but I can't quite put my finger on it....Love, J

My Darling Dieter,

Oh my! My neighbors are fantastically scandalized as they keep intercepting your postcards and complaining about their content. I told them IT'S ART!!! Although, I'm not 100% sure if these images are being displayed in their purest form. Sweet D, I think you've taken some artistic liberties... Yours, J

My Darling Dieter,

There is something about these pieces I can't stop looking at. I find myself drawn into a void-like, dreaming state, thinking about you Mr. Darling D. I think they might be flowers of some kind! But I find them very erotically charged! I can't seem to concentrate on anything else! Are you coming home soon? Who is Georgia? Should I be jealous? Love, J

My Darling Dieter,

Need you. Come home now. J.

Hey folks! This is J, Dieter’s PA. The year has been a challenging one, as Dieter has successfully checked himself out of rehab and has embarked on a spiritual journey of artistic expression! I am sad to report that his holiday special, Cliff Beasts 6 1/2; Hannukah Hijinks, was completely snubbed by the Oscars this awards season, so we indulged in many a sponge bath to recouperate. I myself am experiencing some health challenges, and can't accompany D on his exciting embarkation, so he's promised to send postcards from his travels as I attempt to figure out "Where is D?". He keeps mentioning Georgia, so I think he might be in Atlanta, but it's anyone's guess. I've just received his most recent postcard and he's promised to be home any minute! Gotta go! Where will D be next?

*I'm afraid D has taken HORRIBLE liberties with the classic artwork of Georgia O' Keeffe, but I would encourage anyone to view their work in New Mexico and research their stellar artistic contributions and creative friendships with the likes of Frida Kahlo, Ansel Adams and Agnes Martin.

Men I think it’s important that you know that more than just your dick is sexy. Your HANDS. Your ARMS. Your BELLIES. Your THIGHS. Your SHOULDERS.

Intimacy and Empathy

I really have no excuses this time. This has completely devolved to a pure literary self-indulgence, utilizing our hero and sexy time villain, Papi Pascal. Fluff, fluff, and fluffer nutter with a little smut at the end.

Triggers: RPF, committed relationship, exploration of intimacy/empathy, hetero M/F description, oral fixation, mention of food, exploration of consent etc...Mood board is for aesthetic only. No affiliation with Coca-Cola lol...

It was the perfect Sunday afternoon. The windows were open as a cool breeze blew through the house, curtains fluttering in the wind. You and Pedge had set up camp on the living room sofa, “being alone together” as a jazz record played on the phonograph. Two Diet Cokes sat perspiring on the coffee table as you each devoured your Sunday book of choice. Your feet lay propped on his lap, as he sunk further and further into the cushions, weighted down by literary gravitas. You peered up at him, over the corner of your book "Intimacy & Empathy" with a mischievous glint.

“Babe?”

“Hmph…” he barely grumbled, chewing on his lower lip, brows furrowed in concentration.

“I have an idea.”

“Yeah?…” he mumbled, turning the page.

“Intimacy,…”

“Yes!” he jumped to his feet, slamming the book shut in comedic theatrics, laying down on top of your giggling form in one fell swoop.

“Okay, hold up cowboy” you laughed, feeling him nuzzle into your breastbone with delight “My book is exploring the subtle differences between intimacy and empathy…”

“Emmmmpathy…” he began to drone, nibbling over your t-shirt at your nipple.

“Stawhp!” you giggled, writhing in faux exasperation, cupping his jaw in your hands and bringing his eyes up to meet yours.

“Yes ma’am” he sighed brazenly “you have my undivided attention. Innnnntimacy…”

“Yes, intimacy and empathy” you re-started, curling your fingers around locks of his hair and tenderly stroking his eyebrows. His eyelids immediately grew heavy while your thumb absentmindedly moved in circles across his cheeks. “This author is talking about how the dom dynamic subtly operates around themes of empathy…”

Pedge’s eyebrows shot up to his forehead, lightly gripping your finger between his teeth. “Mmmhmmm…” he started sucking on your finger, swirling his tongue around it.

“Are you concentrating?” you smirked, finding yourself distracted by his ministrations. He bobbed his head excitedly, hair flopping loosely around his temples. You tittered underneath him, trying to steer the conversation forward, regardless of distraction.

“This book says that the nature of sexual domination in its healthiest form, is akin to empathy, in that, the needs of the sub are paramount, in helping establish an intimacy of self.”

You relished the slight popping sound as he pulled his mouth off of your finger and moved his hands to your waist. “Babe, I’m in the middle of Henry IV, so…I’m still in Shakespearean mode.” He reached up to delicately pinch your lip between calloused fingers, “I can’t concentrate on anything that pretty pink mouth is saying, but it sounds like…I’m about to order some padded handcuffs on THE Amazon, methinks?” he queried, licking his lips inquisitively.

“To be honest, I have no idea what I’m suggesting…” you quizzically twisted your mouth in confusion as he waited patiently. The wind chimes bounced in the distance, as you heard some birds chirping, and attempted to coalesce a cohesive thought.

“Maybe we could explore…”

“Yes!” he jumped up again, downing his Diet Coke in one gulp, staggering slightly and offering his hand out to you enticingly.

“You are the most ridiculous man I’ve ever known” you teased, shutting your book and following suit. You hooked your fingers into the back loops of his jeans as he began to salsa into the bedroom, humming under his breath.

“Empathy, ecstasy, empathy, ecstasy…” he abruptly stopped and twisted around, grasping you in a hug and falling backwards onto your bed.

You both laughed, as he stayed pinned to the mattress, you in his embrace, peppering sloppy kisses all over his neck and face. “But babe, I don’t have any plan. No ground rules…I mean, we still have our safe words, but I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know what I’m suggesting…”

“Do you usually have an itinerary for our sexy time?” he joked, catching your mouth in a small tender kiss.

You pondered the question, and his lips for a moment before realizing, that yes, you were always intent on an achievable goal. For the moment, that point seemed moot as he licked into your mouth eliciting a small moan. You’re not sure how long you enjoyed kissing one another before you collapsed back into him catching your breath.

“I think I actually do. Plan, I mean”.

He stroked your back lightly, “Plans are good. Are there blueprints? Is there a power point presentation?” he rumbled as you kicked your feet childishly atop him.

“Maybe I want permission…to just follow my whims, without censorship? I don’t know, it might be…unpredictable…” you trailed off, unsure of where this sexy time adventure was headed.

“I think we can probably arrange that” he smiled. “Life is unexpected, so it makes sense that sex would be too.”

You shrank into his body bashfully with a small smile.

“What?” he laughed, hugging you tighter.

“You said, ‘sex’” you whispered, rubbing your legs together like a cricket.

“I meannnnn…” he gently flipped you over, now caging you in with his elbows and humming into your neck. You wrapped both legs around his waist, squishing his stomach in pulsing movements.

“Eeee, eeee, eee, eeeee…Bee..eee..care…ful…I did have that Diet Coke.”

“Okay, you sound like a chew toy.”

“Fine by me, honey. Chew me up and spit me out…” he buried his head into your chest once again and started gnawing at your shirt. “Off pleeeeeease…”

You lifted your hands above your head as he peeled your t-shirt off and threw it to the side. He blew a big raspberry into your stomach as you giggled and squirmed underneath his weight, squeezing his mid-drift even harder.

“I’m not a toothpaste tuuu—uuube” he teasingly grimaced, kneading your stomach and thighs with his fingers.

“Mmmm, I can taste that Diet Coke now. ‘Be open like never before’” you winked, taking his face in your hands and kissing his nose. You sighed into his mouth as the make-out session continued. It was easy to move your body against his, circling your hips and pulsing up and down. You felt his length harden between your legs as he dragged your hands above your head.

Breathing heavily, he started sucking on your neck, “You okay? Is this intimate enough?”

“Ohhhh yes” you exhaled, eyes fluttering shut. “I’m feeling very empathic”. You felt him smile into your collarbone as he moved south, dragging his lips down your torso.

“Wait!”

His eyes whipped up, as he paused at your stomach, surprised at the outburst. You started giggling in embarrassment as he dipped his tongue into your bellybutton, sucking and biting. “Are we done? Did we achieve intimacy?”

You laughed to yourself, thankful for the respite. “I’m not feeling super confident about that…right now…” you admitted. Pedge began to pout, resting his chin atop your stomach and moving his hands under your knees.

“Fair enough. Expect the unexpected” he parried “Are we retiring back to the library, or is there an amuse bouche?”

You pursed your lips together, mulling over the many, many options.

“You?”

His eyes lit up with recognition, the corners crinkling into happy exclamation points. “Where do you want me, coach?”

You took a deep breath of relief, trying to NOT overtly plan your next move. “Lay down on the bed for me, please.”

“Yay!” he moved enthusiastically to the side, quickly stripping off his own shirt, and folding his hands over his stomach in anticipation. You removed your sweatpants and straddled his legs, gently removing his hands. He blushed, balling his fists beside him.

“Preeettty” you admired, dragging your hands down his stomach and fingering the trail of hair leading to his hardening length. Slowly, you unbuttoned his jeans as he lifted his hips. You could see him tightening against his boxer briefs and you nuzzled your nose into his stomach, breathing deeply. As you lightly nibbled at the fabric he unexpectedly bucked into your chin.

“Easy there, heavyweight” you coo’d, peering up at him as a smile crept over his face.

“Sorry” he flushed, a crimson hue creeping up his neck. “You’ve got me all wound up, chiquita”.

“Alright, let’s take care of you, sweet pea” you mused, already aroused by the foreplay of the day.

His eyes drifted to your breasts as he chewed his lower lip. “Do I have any lines?” He reached up for your waist, making eye contact and fingering your lace waistband. “Am I embodying intimacy or empathy? I need my motivation…”.

You lazily dragged your heat over his upper thigh, lightly grasping his length in the palm of your hand. “I don’t think you’re going to be lacking in motivation” you countered as he hissed an intake of air.

“Wait”.

It was your turn to be surprised as your eyes shot up to his face, a small look of embarrassment creeping over his countenance.

“Are we….just doing me, tonight? I mean…” he cleared his throat with discomfort “that feels a little…selfish…for me."

You sighed heavily, endlessly impressed with this man’s attitude. You turned your eyes down shyly and clasped your hands in front of your body. He took them in his own, playing with your fingers. “Hey, look at me, bebita. I’m here for whatever you need, whatever you want. Absolutely no complaints. You know. “An Actor Prepares”. I’m ready for those blueprints.”

The corners of your mouth turned upwards, as he placed your finger back between his teeth with anticipation. What WERE you asking for?

“I think…I’ve been so up in my head lately…If I could just lose myself in you…it would take some of the pressure off. I just…love you, and stuff.”

He stopped abruptly, crinkling his eyes with amusement and bringing your hand up to his face. “Okay, we’ve got our character breakdown. You’re the empathy. I’m the intimacy”.

You flashed your teeth in a cheshire grin, waiting for his acquiescence. He theatrically huffed, furrowing his brow in mock frustration. “What is a man to do when faced with such a question?”

Shrugging your shoulders with curiosity, you held your breath in anticipation. Gently bringing your lips to his, he whimpered softly.

“Sounds like a yes, to me” you smiled.

Friendly Frankie

Ooooh, @auteurdelabre told me they are working on a SECOND coloring book for us!? I'm not even done with the first! An embarrassment of riches! I don't write for Frankie very often, but when I do...I seem to be gushing about it. If you're looking for something saucy, don't forget to check out my "Moody Frankie Fic". Coulda used him last night....Pair it with Frankie's Favorites for the full experience and enjoy :)