WIP; In Cold Blood

Moody SAG Awards

I gotta say, I'm usually pretty reserved, even via Tumblr, but this look had me outright barking. Whether swashbuckler, Mr. Darcy or Pirate Pedge, this aesthetic is my ABSOLUTE favorite. Coifed curls, tequila buzz and industry glow? Make this man happy EVERY day of his g@ddam life...

Hey beauties! Welcome to Pedge's World, our little corner of the digital universe where healing, freedom and chocolate chip cookies reign supreme! Pedge helps me sort through all of my sad, sexy, angry, euphoric, hungry, cranky, spiritual, creative moods! I hope you will join us! 18+, no minors!

Sexy Series Masterlist (RPF)

Let's Stick Together!

Art Projects Dieter's Art Studio; My Darling Muse

Afterglow Series Dead Dove December; The Deepest Cut

Pedge's Campsite

Fun With Mood Boards!

Pedro Boys

Pedro Posts, Polls and Prompts

Pedge's Juke Box

Pedge Tweets!

Pedge's Bookshop

Pedge's Cinema

Unmasked A Christmas Prompt

*featuring @shuploc @southparkpedro @thethunderstormsgirl @immarocketman

Thanks to @beefrobeefcal for the fun Christmas Prompt; What Could Go Wrong? I was initially hesitant to write my first Din fic, until I pressed into my teenage Star Wars obsession. I also had planned on a wacky, galactic romp but it turned into a soft exploration of the asexuality spectrum and religious denominations? Giving you the Christmas content NOBODY asked for. At the very least, it's my pleasure to feature the amazing artists above, particularly as it relates to the fic itself. I hope you enjoy, and if not, take some fruitcake for the road!

Triggers: Star Wars canon (don't come for me, I blurred the lines a bit), M masturbation, discussion of religious concepts, naked-ness, bounty hunter stuff, fantasy smut...pretty innocuous and sweet...

Din lumbered up the ramp of the Razor Crest, immediately sealing the outer bolts to prevent entry by anyone else. Depositing his jet pack in the corner he engaged the outer shield, covering the ports and windows appropriately before ensuring he was alone. Heaving a heavy sigh of exhaustion he began to peel off the bulky gloves and armor, before hesitantly removing his mask and unceremoniously collapsing onto the metallic floor. He allowed himself a small tantrum, hefting the mask across the room, a dull clanking sound echoing off the walls, yet feeling immediately chagrined at his show of insolence. There was just one question that remained; what MORE could have possibly gone wrong?

He felt lucky that Grogu was off pursuing his training in the outer reaches with Skywalker and Ahsoka. Rubbing the back of his neck tiredly he wrinkled his brow in consternation. He was constantly worried, but hopeful that the youngling was finding a place and a purpose that suited his unique talents. Din had to admit his life had been forever changed with the introduction of this small wonder, and he could only wish their paths would cross in the future for a hopeful reunion.

Din closed his eyes, resting his head against the hull, feeling the mechanical, humming heartbeat of the ship. With trepidation he finally gazed over at the heavy mask looking back at him from the shadowed corner. The small strip of permeable material that allowed for vision had all but shattered and buckled under the force of the explosion, forcing his immediate return to the Razor Crest. One of the few components of his all but impermeable Beskar Armor was now beyond repair, leaving him somewhat stranded until he could garner the necessary replacement parts. He kicked his foot sulkily, annoyed that his quarry had escaped capture and that he found himself somewhat stranded in his otherwise preferred solitary status. Normally, that would have amounted to an inconvenience at best if it weren’t for….you.

You both had planned an impromptu meeting in the next few days to celebrate Life Day on Kashyyyk. It was a time of song, drink, gifting and rejoicing, and Din had nearly admitted to himself the truth; he was excited. Living life in this solitary manner had always suited him until…it didn’t. Mandalorian culture was steeped in its own tradition and folklore, but with the dissolution of their home world, connection had become such an insular and rarified commodity, Din had all but given up hope. Grogu had changed all that, and much like his current armor, Din found small cracks of affection and friendship beginning to melt the stolid steel of his lonely solitude. He never felt it more poignantly than when he spent time with you.

Yours was initially a friendship of convenience, facilitated by trade routes, parts and labor, precious resources, consumerism….and similarity. Another Mandarlorian. There were so few left. But that’s where the similarities ended. Din could never forget the day you had completed a run to the spaceport on Tatooine for necessary maintenance. Grogu was eager to visit Peli Motto and kept steering the ship in that direction until Din acquiesced. Leaving Grogu in Motto’s care you had returned with Din to the Razor Crest to discuss bounty requests and supply inquiries when you nonchalantly removed your helmet to admire the impressive display panel.

Din’s breath hitched in his throat quietly as you hugged your own mask to the side, reaching for the controls in admiration. He nearly closed his eyes in supplication before he realized you were unabashedly chattering away. Who was this Mandalorian and why were they unapologetically disavowing themselves from the oath in his presence? As though telepathically linked you chuckled wryly under your breath, blushing slightly at Din’s silence.

“I’m sorry, would you prefer I remain masked in your presence?” you inquired, tucking a stray hair behind your ear adorably.

“You do not observe The Way?” Din’s mechanized voice cut through the intensity, perplexed at your show of vulnerability.

“I belong to a smaller, outer sect of Mandalorians who have embraced their independence and honor the Way by other means” you smirked, grasping Din’s wrist lightly and moving back into the main cabin, leaving him relatively speechless. As a Child of the Watch, Din was well aware of the more extremist philosophies of his upbringing, but found himself immediately intrigued by your seeming contradictions. 

From that moment on, your friendship had only intensified, as Din even began to seek out your recommendations and eventual comradry. He had a tremendous amount of respect for your acumen and was completely enraptured with the dichotomy of your personhood. Armored and war-worthy one moment, soft and friendly the next. Spending time together on long hunts, or chatting around the camp fire, Din couldn’t help but steal forbidden glances behind the safety of his own mask. The light wisps of hair tickling your cheeks, the knowing crinkle in your eyes. Moments when you would reach up to massage a sore muscle, and Din found himself longing to aid your ministrations. What would it be like to touch you, he wondered. Or…to be touched?

Din shifted with discomfort against the hardened floor feeling his body react to the fleeting fantasy of your supple and pliable form beneath him. Atop him. Beside him. Stroking his face. The feather light touch of your fingertips ghosting over his chest, his lips, his…He heaved a sigh of frustration, clamoring to his feet in helplessness. He could put in a request to Tattoine to send a messenger with a replacement part, but how would he explain this holiday absence to you?

He trudged toward the sonic shower, happily peeling off the under layers of his armor and folding them neatly at his bedside. A rare opportunity to exist freely in the cocoon of the Razor Crest, Din took quick inventory of his accumulated scars, newly formed wrinkles and salty lines of grimy dirt before stepping into the soothing pulse of the shower. Breathing deeply, he activated the water function, as a fine mist of fragranced heat emanated from the shower head. Dank farrik. He shuffled his feet with annoyance, realizing the compounded problem of the moment; no holiday gift. Rubbing his face with chagrin he thought on the clandestine fantasy of the two of you wandering the street market, listening to children laugh and watching the Black Spire entertainers. Perhaps your fingers would accidentally touch as you pointed to a trinket or bauble you liked, which Din would “begrudgingly” purchase on your behalf. His face was already flush with the warm water, but would have blushed more crimson still, realizing how much time he had invested in this now unsurmountable dream.

Perhaps you wouldn’t have worn your armor at all. There might have been a chance, however small, that you would have arrived in a soft, flowy dress of silken fabric, your hair braided into an intricate pattern. Din imagined the dress, clinging to your curving body as his length twitched with anticipation. Stupid mask. He reached up to massage a tired muscle, imagining your smaller, soft hands kneading his skin underneath the now scalding liquid. He hissed with discomfort, reaching down to massage a different part of his body, which now glistened and plumped under the burgeoning heat of his own body. What would you smell like? He was absentmindedly, pumping himself languidly, breathing deeply through his nose. He thought he caught the faintest fragrance of Vormur, but it had been so long since the days of his youth, he couldn’t be sure. Everything was filtered through the armor that supported his existence and simultaneously seemed to stifle it.

Din’s head tilted back against the metallic tile as his body sagged under the weight of his desire. What would you taste like? He licked his lips with seductive thirst, biting down hard on his lower lip. Always so close, yet so far. A tendril of light pulsed at the base of his torso, expanding further and further, wrapping itself around his navel. Closer. Closer. Din was breathing heavily, his mouth slack with pleasure as he imagined more…and more…and more. Closer, closer…until….

A ship alarm pinged annoyingly, as Din’s release seemingly evaporated with the steam of the shower. His eyes flew open in frustration and anxiety, wondering what else could have possibly gone wrong. He grabbed a nearby towel, skin immediately prickling in the cooler temperatures, as he headed down the secluded corridor to his simple living quarters. A red light blared loudly indicating an incoming message, which he quickly answered without thinking.

“What?” Din quipped, immediately clamping his mouth shut as he realized the ambient, non-mechanized undertones of his natural voice. There was a dramatic silence on the other end, until a familiar and lilting voice responded…

“Din?”

Din sighed with relief, swallowing dryly at the recognition of your melodious cadence. “It’s me” he acquiesced, simultaneously thankful and embarrassed at the unintended opportunity to cancel the upcoming plans.

“I almost didn’t recognize your voice without….uh….without the mask!” you teased slightly, curious at the unexpected turn of events.

“This is my voice” Din stalled, looking around the bare components of his living space, and wondering why you weren’t there with him. 

“Sounds nice” you stated matter-a-factly, pausing again as the silence weighed heavily between you.

“How can I help?” Din countered, feeling more exposed than ever, dripping on the alloyed floor and holding the towel tightly against his waist.

“I think that’s MY question” you parried, a minute edge of concern in your tone. “I thought you were bringing in that scum from the Pyke Syndicate, and then somebody at Mos Eisley said there was some kind of explosion?” your words hung in the air with a hint of…what? Care? Curiosity? Affection?

“Don’t think I can handle myself?” Din joked, sinking down on the bed and shuffling his feet like a teenager. He couldn’t remember the last time he had a conversation without the limitations of his armor obstructing the connection.

“I can barely handle you” your ebullient voice bubbled over the intercom as Din smiled with acknowledgement. Wouldn’t he like to give you permission to try.

“Still in one piece, but it turns out my mask, is not…” Din began haltingly, loathe to relinquish his holiday dreams of celebration.

“But you’re okay?” you interrupted. “You take too many risks, you know” your voice began to lull Din into a tentative submission as he laid down on the bed and closed his eyes.

“Hmph…” Din huffed, feigning annoyance, but inwardly recognizing the apparent truth. His entire existence was a risky one, so what was so difficult about revealing himself to another person? “I’ll survive. It just means…we can’t…”…he couldn’t even bring himself to utter the deplorable words.

“You’re cancelling on me?!” you whined “I’ve been planning this for a month! I gave up that quarry from the Kessel Mines JUST so we could go to the Day of Life!”. There was a tone of mocking in your voice, but it couldn’t immediately hide the thread of disappointment, causing Din to wince with displeasure. “You know, your mask isn’t actually required for the celebration” you chastised with a slight pout.

“Listen, if I could…I would” Din countered, sincerity lacing his voice. “I…it would have been fun…” he finally admitted.

“Couldn’t we just get you a celebration veil and call it a day?” you laughed, imagining the stark contrast of Din’s stolid armor juxtaposed with a malla mask. “Maybe you could go as a Storm Trooper?”.

“Are you THAT determined to avoid my ugly mug?” Din joked, beads of water dripping down his bare legs onto the hull floor.

“I’ll bet you’re pretty handsome under all that Bezkar” you retorted, without missing a beat.

Din’s breath stilled, wondering if your supposition were true. He never thought of himself that way. But any moment spent with you, seemed to bolster his self confidence and expand the horizon of possibility. Maybe there was a world where he could let someone in. A world that included you.

“Din?” your voice echoed loudly from the ship’s intercom, as the silence of the room sealed his resolve like a cavernous mausoleum.

He cleared his throat with lamentation, willing his voice to remain steady and undaunted, “I’m…sorry” he apologized, swallowing back his own defeat. The intercom stilled, laden with the immovable weight of limitation. Din paused to assess the light breathing on the other end, shaking his head in dismay and grasping for words.

“Stay put” you reprimanded, ending the call abruptly.

“What?” Din sat bolt upright, checking the connectivity, but the line was already dead. Stay put? He was immediately suspicious of your intentionality, but perhaps that was the end of the argument. A final reprimand he was totally deserving of. Dank farrik. Another holiday alone. Din braced himself for the emotional onslaught and grabbed the nearest bodysuit for his evening’s repose. THIS is the everything else that could have gone wrong.

Skulking into the small kitchen chamber, Din prepared a nutritional ration pack, plopping unceremoniously onto the dingy floor and poking at it unenthusiastically. Some holiday. Setting the food down he subconsciously balked at his profile reflected in the steel surface of the Razor Crest. Handsome, huh? He took an uncharacteristic moment to squint at his features, dragging a finger across the stubbled hair dotting his jutting chin. He shrugged his broad shoulders appraisingly. You don’t even know what I look like…Din lamented the woebegone complaint of his recent existence as a curious thought entered his mind. But what if you did? What if there was a way I could show myself to you, and not betray everything that I believe in? Din pursed his lips with determination. No harm in trying, he reasoned. Grabbing his small, unsavory dinner, he returned to the living quarters, steeling himself across from the reflective surface of the wall. He heaved a sigh of exhaustion, beginning to study his features, reaching for the nearby data pad and writing instrument. Shaking his head with incredulity he settled in for a more acute observance. Was this sacrilige? Mandalorians weren’t supposed to reveal their countenance to members outside of their clan, but was there no personal interpretation of “The Way”? YOU had found your own unique distinction, while maintaining the inner truths of honor, respect, love and so much more. Perhaps he could do the same.

Rifling through his previous data files of sketches, he smiled at his renderings of Grogu, captured quarry, desert flora and fauna. He doubted that drawing was a necessary trait of successful bounty hunters, but had always enjoyed a small, indulgent artistic thread for his own moments of reflection. He just had never intended on drawing his own visage, until now. He paused, anticipating the enthusiasm of your response, contradicted by the recent turn of events. He had to find a way of apology. I way to express his desire for more connection. A way to show you what you truly meant to him. This was the Way. 

Settling in with a newfound focus, he studied his features with determination, ladling one decisive stroke after another, and beginning to admire the distinction in his profile, strong aquiline nose, and world-weary wrinkles. He certainly didn’t consider himself a beauty, by any extent of the imagination, but perhaps he had character. He smiled ruefully, reflecting more-so on the delicate beauty of YOUR face as he hummed quietly and contentedly. The time passed quickly before he finally pulled back to hesitatingly admire his creative work. He was certainly no Sabine Wren, but the self resemblance he’d drawn was striking. At least you would know what he looked like, underneath all that armor. And maybe someday, he could perhaps show you more. He nodded his head with approval. Maybe THIS could serve as the apology you so readily deserved. 

Another ship alarm jolted him out of his reverie, as his eyes shot up to the peripheral indicators, noticing a fast approaching figure outside the hull of the Razor Crest. Din’s body tensed with defensiveness. Had the quarry from the Pyke Syndicate somehow found his location? Running down the corridor hurriedly, Din grabbed a small blaster and poised himself at the entrance leading to the lowered ramp. He held his breath as a decisive, repeated thud sliced through the hum of the ship’s heartbeat.

“I don’t abide trespassers” Din’s voice stabbed the darkness as he punched at the intercom.

A small pause before a familiar voice punctuated the hull, “‘Happy Life Day’ to you too, idiot”.

Din inhaled quickly, whirling around helplessly and looking down at the splintered mask at his feet. You. It was you! You were here. Was he going to let you in?

“Are you going to let me in?” your voice ironically echoed, as Din clumsily dropped the blaster to the side and jammed the mask unceremoniously over his hurried countenance. He took a deep breath before making his final decision. Punching a set of buttons quickly, the whoosh of the entryway opened, revealing your own masked appearance and a nearly unrecognizable plate of….

“Is that Varos Cake?” his voice cracked with surprise, identifying the fruity confection of Mandalore, and immediately salivating at its fragrance.

“I come bearing gifts!” you teased, holding up an unwrapped package of plastiod and jamming it against the flat of Din’s fabric-suited chest. He crumpled inward, embarrassed and unaccustomed to even the indirect touch of human contact. “Room for two?” you asked, breezing past Din’s clandestinely surprised expression and closing the door behind you. Din gulped with shock, looking down at the parts replacement necessary for his splintered vision plate.

“Where did you find this?’ Din held an edge of incredulity in his voice as you sat yourself down on the ONLY chair available in the main corridor, removing your own mask with a flourish. He stifled a gasp EVERY time you unmasked in his presence, but this evening your eyes were shining with a greater mischief and celebration that literally took his breath away.

“Despite evidence to the contrary, I happen to be a Mandalorian as well, nerf-herder. You don’t think I have replacement parts for my own mask?” you drolled, propping your feet up on the nearby table with joviality. “Love the bodysuit, by the way…”

Din placed a hand on his hip, chuckling to himself with acknowledgement. “And the Varos Cake?” he pointed inquisitively at the holiday delicacy.

“SOME of us were prepared for the “Day of Life” celebration” you chided, squinting skeptically at the splintered remains of his visor plate. “Bet you didn’t even get me a gift” you reprimanded, holding out the cake with reproach. 

“I got you a gift” Din shot back, moving forward to take your outstretched hand, and realizing one second too late that his was ungloved. Din hissed with sensitivity, as your fingers brushed in the quick contact. Nearly dropping the cake to the floor you both paused in an awkward silence, holding the plate between you. An electricity hung in the atmosphere as the dull din of the ship hummed around you. It was as though a hypnotic womb of security engulfed the moment, hugging you both and soothing any anxieties.

“Close your eyes” Din lowly intoned, slowly setting the cake down on the table next to you, his mask devastatingly close to your curious expression. You swallowed dryly, mere inches from the mechanized breath of his mask, finally closing your eyes in amenability. Din took a moment to admire the color in your cheeks, and the fluttering beauty of your eyelashes, attempting to take in every detail for his next sketch. He quietly removed his mask with trepidation, finally breathing the night air and enjoying the fragrance of your perfume. Vorum. He sighed heavily with relief, mere inches from your budding lips, and feeling the magnetic pull of your humanity. He tentatively reached up with a feather-light finger poised just above your jawline. Perhaps there WAS a world that included more than just the solo journey.

Several moments passed as you sat silently, awaiting whatever moment was about to transpire, but nothing materialized. With rapt anticipation you finally whispered, “Din?”.

“Open your eyes”.

You hesitantly cocked one eye-lid open, greeted by the repaired visage of Din’s masked countenance, as he held out a data pad for your perusal.

“A data pad?” you quipped “….really you shouldn’t have” you jested, before Din interrupted.

“Look” he slanted his head sideways, imploring you to observe more closely.

“Who’s this handsome demon?” you joked, before inhaling quickly with realization. “Is this you?” you finally whispered, as Din sat achingly close, your shoulders now touching.

“Tis the season?” he offered, nudging his shoulder against your side and awkwardly clasping his hands in front of him. He admired your slender fingers as you dragged them across the data pad idly, the warmth of your bodies heating one another in the winter solstice. You eventually rested your chin on his shoulder, gazing adoringly into the reflective surface of his now repaired mask.

“Thank you for showing this to me” you softly stated, tilting your head against his and breathing quietly.

“Maybe someday I can show you more” Din finally uttered, feeling a sense of relief and affection wash over him contentedly.

You paused, a smile curling the corners of your delicate mouth, “I’d like that, Din” you promised. “Happy Life Day…”

“Happy Life Day, cyare” Din sighed with enjoyment. Happy Life Day, indeed. 

Maybe not EVERYTHING had gone wrong…

*thanks @thecutestgrotto for the cool dividers!

The Audition:

This is Part Two of the New York, New York Series where I thought it would be fun to explore a realistic jaunt into the past. It's mostly self indulgent fluff, although just to be safe...

Triggers: fluff, lite smut at the end, saccharin sweet hand holding, alcohol consumption, descriptions of athletic (f) body, slight profanity, description of cigarettes, RPF re: Narcos audition

Lazily, you stretched your body like a cat, noticing your bedmate sprawled out next to you. Their pink button nose twitched with sensitivity as the morning light streamed in from the crusty window. You twisted your feet against the multi-colored quilt, blinking sleepily into the daylight. New York, New York. What a wonderful town.

Giving one final stretch you nuzzled your furry bedmate to happy purrs and biscuits and placed your feet on the cold wooden floor, padding down the hallway of your Airbnb. Standing at the kitchen counter you prepared the small metal espresso pot, cracking your joints noisily. Rehearsals had been a dream, but the wear and tear of New York foot traffic was nothing to scoff at. You’d met your creative team, perused the show sketches, started choreography, fell in love with your cast mates and moved into Ripley Grier. You’d even memorized the sketchy subway patterns and Thai Food take out locations, but you hadn’t done one thing.

Bumped into Mr. New York.

You licked your lips in anticipation as the espresso pot boiled in front of you. Pedro.

Pedge.

He seemed like more of a Pedge. Your guardian angel. That bumpy landing followed by a whirlwind arrival had almost completely derailed you in a New York minute, but something about those swirling orbs of chocolate-eyed concern had stuck with you. In a city that never sleeps it seemed almost ludicrous that you’d bump into him again. The cat delicately wrangled itself through your poised ankles as you poured a steaming cup of liquid energy into a chipped cup. But in the Big Apple, you smirked, anything can happen.

After two weeks of rehearsals things were going well, but they’d sent you further downtown for your final costume fitting and you had NO idea where you were going. The bustling underbelly of the New York subway system still had a certain romanticized grime, but WHY were you always lost? You nearly tripped over a discarded scarf and elbowed your way to the approaching train as your hair blew back in surprise at its gust of wind. Allowing the sea of humanity to exit you merged with the entering crowd and took your place, eyeing the suspiciously sticky puddle to the left of your feet. Assume the position; wide stance. Gripping the pole with one hand you took a deep breath and…there he was.

Face contorted in focused concentration and holding a nearly empty Venti Iced Starbucks Cup, along with loose leaflet pages, an iPod, phone and wallet. You smiled nervously, attempting to hone your skills of telepathy. If New York had taught you one thing it was to immediately seize every opportunity that presented itself, because the Big Apple waits for no one. You slid your way through a barrage of annoyed faces till your belly button was positioned nearly in front of his nose. You cleared your throat, but he remained buried in his concentration amidst the metallic, humming atmosphere. A busker began singing “Falling Slowly” and for one horrifying moment you considered disappearing into the masses, but noticing the large print on his cup, your curiosity got the better of you.

“Brown Eyes???!!!!” you exclaimed as his eyes darted up to your face with surprise. Dropping his pages on the subway floor, you nearly bumped heads trying to pick them up as a headphone now dangled unceremoniously, twisting in the air.

“J!” he smiled, brightening up the entire car as it slowed to a halt with a grinding crash. Having forgotten your wide stance, you nearly fell over backwards as he grabbed you by the front of your shirt and awkwardly pulled you onto his lap.

“Oops!” he blushed, pulling the other headphone out and beaming. “I wondered when I would see you again, how are rehearsals?”

Having temporarily forgotten your name and all manner of information you took quick note of the stubble dotting his chin and scent of something woodsy. Clearing your throat you stood up shakily, attempting to press your shirt down unsuccessfully. “It’s going great Pedge!”

…oops…

“Er…can I call you Pedge?” New York City: One, J: Zero.

“Of course!” he shouted patting the open seat next to him. Plopping down, your eyes took in the sides he was holding in his hand.

“Narcos” you nodded “intriguing”.

“Oh” he deflated a bit, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean, I got a callback for tomorrow, but I can’t even get arrested, even after the…thing..” he lowered his voice conspiratorially, whispering into your ear, eliciting a small shiver.

“Well good, Narcos are supposed to arrest people, not the other way around” you joked. “Unless you’re playing a bad guy? What’s the scene?”

He chuckled light-heartedly handing over the pages, “It’s not the dialogue I’m worried about.”

Your eyes widened like saucers reading the lurid description:

Javier Pena and Helena are fucking on the living room couch. Liquor bottles and cigarettes sit in the foreground as the camera pans to their naked bodies. Javier finishes quickly, and eventually lays back on the couch to light a cigarette.

YOU nearly dropped the pages this time, reddening in embarrassment. “Are you playing Helena?” you coughed, watching his eyes sparkle before you.

“No, they said my tits were too small” he pouted, taking the pages back and smirking mischievously. You pursed your lips, attempting to hold back a laugh. Saucy devil.

“I mean, this is probably nothing compared to..the thing…” you repeated, referencing his recent GOT gig.

“It’s true, we had lots of nudity in that one” he agreed. “I’m pretty okay with it as long as I check with my scene partner, but this feels different somehow…” he trailed off.

“It feels more intimate” you surmised.

He winked, rolling the pages into a funnel and chewing his lip.

“They really should have somebody on-site to consult for intimacy scenes” you pondered. “I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but it’s about a lot more than just stripping and calling ‘action’! I’m never quite sure how to handle those auditions myself…”.

He nodded, bumping your knee with his and sipping down the final dregs of his espresso.

“Particularly with coffee…no wonder you’re so wired!” you pinched his knee sardonically as he crumpled with embarrassment.

“A man’s gotta eat” he huffed, pausing to think. “Wanna grab lunch?”

You’d never played hooky in NY, but your costume fitting wasn’t for another hour and Pedro pulled you through the epicenter of Times Square as you dodged a mostly Naked Cowboy and a dubious looking…Elmo? You tilted your head upwards, taking in the large marquis signs and towering hotels. “God, I hate Times Square” he muttered under his breath, weaving precariously through the tourists and tchotchke shops featuring every manner of “I Heart NY”.

“Shake Shack okay?” he nearly shouted into your face, gripping your hand tightly and moving forward at a breakneck pace.

“Sure!” you exclaimed, unsure of its significance, but excited to feel the vibe of the city. You could feel the pulse of his hand gripping yours, noticing a small tattoo in the crook by his thumb.

“It’s like “In and Out!” he retorted, “but even better! I know….sacrilege. You’ll thank me later, I promise…” whisking the door open and nearly shoving you inside. The rest of the day was a blur as one hour became two and two became four. You both raced into the costume fitting, still holding hands and giggling like kids. The repetition of the sewing machines and office talk immediately silenced you, as you made bee line for the fabulous individual wrapped in measuring tape and bright pink feathers.

“Darling, you’re 30 minutes late” they dead panned, eyeing you up and down suspiciously.

“I know I’m so sorry! I get lost everywhere I go! Is there still time for the fitting?” you panted, biting your lip apologetically.

“Come with me to the dressing room” they breezed past you with newfound amibition. “Your boyfriend can sit in the waiting area…”.

You gulped loudly, dropping Pedge’s hand with embarrassment. You looked over at him as he made a funny face. “Looks like I got the part” he chided, bopping you on the head with the Narcos sides and placing his hand on your lower back.

You felt your body temperature raise slightly as you headed into the backroom. Stepping into the curtained area you gawked at the gorgeous, red sequined dress hanging in front of you. Running your hands over the material you quickly ascertained its functionality. Breathable. Moveable. Wait, a minute. This plunging neckline was a bit too…plunging, as in, all the way downtown. Hmmm…Unable to reach the zipper in the back your eyes widened in concern.

“Move it or lose it honey!” the seamstress yelled, drawing the curtains back theatrically. “Let’s see what God gave ya!”. They pulled you into the center of the room as Pedge’s mouth dropped open in surprise.

Your black laced bra was fully visible through the non-existent front panel, and that one freckle on your butt cheek peeked out from the unzipped back portion.

“Sold” Pedge whispered with a graveled undertone, as the the seamstress arched a well manicured eyebrow to high heaven.

“Well that’s one way to sell tickets” they joked, yanking the zipper closed in the back as Pedge’s eyes darkened seductively. He cleared his throat, shifting with discomfort in the seat, and readjusting his pants with one hand.

“Looks good to me” he piped up, giving you a wink and twisting his mouth comedically.

“Thanks, boyfriend” you smirked, hoping your tits weren’t pointing directly through the fabric.

You floated through the rest of the afternoon in a dreamy hazy. They had released you from the day of rehearsal and Pedge convinced you to take a stroll in Central Park. Cyclists and kids dotted the hillside, and you couldn’t help but notice your hands seemed to brush together a lot in passing. Grabbing some ice cream from a nearby cart you found yourself uptown near the Metropolitan Museum of Art. About to step foot into the crosswalk a horse drawn carriage nearly bulldozed over you, as Pedge grabbed you around the waist protectively.

“We’re walking here!” he shouted, flipping the man off, and holding on to you a bit longer than was necessary. “You okay?” he asked, reaching up to wipe the ice cream remnants from the corner of your mouth.

“Never better” you smiled, lifting one foot slightly off the ground.

Meg Ryan, eat your heart out.

Pedge grabbed your hand as you walked into the massive, echoing chambers of the Met, grabbing your audio guide and museum map. “I prefer the Guggenheim, but the Met is unreal” Pedge beamed, ushering you into the Egyptian room with pride.

“I have decided…dat for the rest of the day…we are going to talk like dis” he whispered to you in front of the ceiling high paneled windows. “Waiter…”

“Waiter…” you smiled with acknowledgement.

“There is too much pepper on my paprikash…”.

You started giggling with delight until you both blurted out:

“But I would proud to partake of your pecan piiiiiiie!!!!”

Dissolving into fits of laughter you noticed a security guard clear their throat noisily in response.

“What, are we going to Katz's next?” you whispered clandestinely.

“I’ll have what she’s having” his voice dropped about an octave, grabbing you by the jean pocket and pulling every so slightly. Your breath hitched in your throat, noticing your close proximity. He didn’t break eye contact for so long you thought he might kiss you, but then he sighed heavily, dragging his hand across your abdomen. “Told you it was beautiful” he grinned, grabbing one of your fingers lightly and leading you through the open hall.

Sharing an audio guide, you were joined at the head, giggling in hushed overtones and pondering some of the classic art pieces. Walking into a room filled with ornate insignia and full bodied armor, Pedro twirled impressively, lunging forward with athleticism.

You took an embarrassed look around to make sure you weren’t catching unnecessary attention.

“I haven’t even told you anything about Croatia for GOT!” he exclaimed, a bit too loudly as you shushed him clandestinely. “There’s this scene for this MAJOR character that drives everyone nuts, and there’s an assassination attempt…” you covered his mouth with mouth hands smiling up into his face.

“Stawp!” I don’t even know the characters and you’re probably not allowed to talk about those details ya big goof!” you whispered, as he kept speaking in muffled tones into your hand. Darting his tongue across your palm you yelped with surprise. “Stawp!”

He grabbed your hand back and blew a stream of air over your fingers. “Do you want me to do a palm reading?” he asked, suddenly serious.

“Um, sure? Can you do that sort of thing?”

“Verrrrrry convincingly…” he joked, rubbing one finger down the epicenter of your hand. You shifted your weight tensely.

“I see an…interesting stranger in your future” he cocked one eyebrow up, bemused.

You rolled your eyes, poking him in the sternum as he chuckled. “What about money?” you pointedly asked, placing your other hand on your hip.

He closed his eyes dramatically, humming under his breath. You waited with anticipation, moving slightly closer, feeling the heat emanating off of his body. He brought your hand up to his forehead with bravado, “Zoltarrrr sayssss….actors never make…moneeeeeey” he chanted, opening his eyes to find you mere inches from his face. “Hi” he whispered, pressing his thumb into your palm and bringing it down to your side.

“I suppose there are things worth more than money” you mused, completely transfixed by his pouty lower lip. Watching his Adam’s Apple bob in his throat hungrily, you reached up and placed a hand to his neck feeling his feathery pulse intensify with the closeness.

“Nah” he broke the tension with a wide smile, giving you a quick peck at the corner of your mouth and running away like a kid in a candy store.

You stood with your mouth agape, beaming from ear to ear. Ah, the culture of art.

“Sick of me yet?” he questioned, caging you in against the vibrating subway door.

“Hardly” you yelled, covering your mouth in immediate embarrassment. “But what about your callback?”

His face registered slight shock for a millisecond, remembering the day’s events, and then shrugging his shoulders. “Eh, I’ll probably call my agent and bail. I don’t think I’ve got a shot in hell…” he reasoned.

“Nonsense!” you retorted. “I’m putting you to work immediately! You’re still in Brooklyn, right? We can grab some Thai and run your lines.” you tipped forward slightly with an unexpected bump, nearly brushing lips.

Pedge’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “You’re not gonna give me a line-reading are you?” he teased, pinching your chin lightly.

“Only if you suck” you wrapped your fingers around his wrist playfully. “I generally ask for compensation via foot massages”. Pedge glanced down at your feet with curiosity. “I think that can be arranged.”

“I haven’t…laughed this hard in years…” you wheezed, attempting to balance the Thai Food, wine and Pedge up four flights of stairs. Pedro dropped the keys in front of his apartment as you finally doubled over in laughter, tears streaming down your face.

“Stawp, stawp!” you pleaded, holding your stomach. “You’re gonna make me peeeee….”.

“Absolutely not!” he bellowed. “My landlord will fine me for that!” he burst into the apartment, trying to drag you over the threshold amidst your gasps for air.

“We haven’t even started drinking yet…” you barely managed to get out, crawling down the hallway to what seemed like the bathroom. Returning to the kitchen a few moments later, Pedge had grabbed some paper plates and opened the two buck chuck.

“Bon appetite!” he smiled gesturing broadly to the delightful spread as you took in the meager New York residence.

“Very bachelor pad” you teased, poking him in the ribs and gazing at the futon, clothes rack and piled books. “Okay Mr. Bibliophile” you observed, catching the titles of “The Color Purple”, “Meisner On Acting” and an art book on Rousseau.

“It’s no Versailles, but it’s home” he grinned, taking a large bite out of the crab rangoon.

Inhaling your Thai Food, you were already two glasses of red wine in, and had to remind yourself to slow down. You were just having so much fun, talking about character development and fighting over the last spring roll.

“Do I have to goooo tomorrow?” he whined, plopping down on the couch with faux theatrics. “Couldn’t we just…go to another museum? Oooh, have you ever been to Lincoln Center? Or Sardis?”

“No, no, no” you laughed, sitting opposite him on the couch and gazing intently into his eyes. “Do you think you have it memorized yet?”.

He turned his body to face yours, returning the intensity of your focus. “It’s not like there was a lot of dialogue” he reminded, tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear tenderly. You swallowed dryly, feeling the happy effects of the wine buzzing around in your head. Curling your legs underneath you and resting your hands definitively on his quads you lectured.

“As you know, film and television has a much more intimate intensity than the performative styles of the theater…”

His eyes widened with acknowledgement “Thank you Professor J…”.

“Shuddup!” you giggled, continuing. “The most important thing you can do to maintain emotional intimacy for the camera is body language, communication and eye contact…” you informed, licking your lips and concentrating on his.

“Is that so?” he leaned in, returning your gaze and starting the scene.

“We get better every time we practice” he placed his arms on either side of your legs, moving in closer.

“You’re amazing Javier” you drolled, smirking sardonically.

“Well, don’t go overboard” his eyes darted down to your wine stained lips as you tipped backwards onto the couch.

“What you’re missing in this apartment is a woman” you teased, pulling him gently forward and straddling his torso with your knees.

“It’s fine the way it is” he rasped moving his head down to your sternum and placing a small chaste kiss across your midriff.

“Good…blocking” you managed to whisper. “Improvisation is…essential” you ran your fingers through his hair gently.

“What are you doing this weekend?” he intoned into your chest, now nibbling at your solar plexus.

Your breath came in shallow bursts, as you tried to remember your lines. “Uh….work or play?” you muttered, as the lines between lines blurred hazily.

“Ven aqui” he looked up, drawing his hands up the sides of your body slowly and pausing to cup the back of your neck.

“What?”

“Dame un beso” he drew one finger across your lower lip seductively, resting his body weight carefully atop you.

“I think that’s my line” you sighed.

Time seemed to stand still as you both held the moment, intently.

“I think tomorrow…you have a very good chance…” you smiled.

Pedro Stories Secret Santa!

I'm gonna be totally honest. Nothing went according to plan. Chronic illness flare-up, missed Christmas Eve performance, late upload, and bungled festivities with the parentals. But in an odd turn of events this artistic project was the healing balm. Happy Holidays to @savedyounine. Even if things haven't gone as planned, you've got me, Grogu and Din Djarin rootin' for ya!

Unmasked @pedges-world Just Feels Right @ghostofskywalker

The Pensive In the autumn gardens under virgin palm trees, I watched mute and dodge pass the Pensive. I saw them in morning blue, with his gaze so far away; That in the mystery was lost in the blurred sky. I saw him in rosy railings where he wore his brials; And his beautiful evening face. It was a sorrow in the haze… Then walked silently in the candid gloom; And a sad pride lit them up. What would you think? Oh the pearly countenance with innocence and sin! Oh, their wandering glances of the fading plains! He was bewitching beauty; it was the pain that never cries; Without virtue and irony. What would it feel like? In the serene dawn, I saw him come back sad, Heading to the west, mute, dodge, The Pensive! by Jose Maria Eguren

*having taken FANTASTIC liberties with the translated Mando'a (background)

*thanks @thecutestgrotto for the cool dividers + @pedrostories for the prompt!

Childless Cat Lady...

GIF by @iamasaddie

Oh man, let it be me. Me next.

#man biscuits #a girl can dream #meow #childless cat lady much #insert pussy joke

Charcuterie Challenge

Pedge and I were pretty late to the game on this one but I couldn't get the @happypedrohours Charcuterie Challenge out of my head and off of my plate. So here we are with the last minute offering! I'm not as familiar with Marcus Pike, but @perotovar and I noticed that he seems to be eating a lot, and we have no complaints here!

Ingredients

Candy Coating sweet as Marcus Sprinkles for the sparkle of life Parchment Paper for Sexy Messiness

Directions

Fall in love with Marcus Pike. Obvs. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet. Read your daily sexy fics until you are hawt as hell. That will make it easier to melt your candy coating as quickly as possible. Dip the pretzels half of the way into the candy coating (allow Marcus to lick the coating off of your fingers and other extremities). Place the candy coated pretzel on the parchment and cover with sprinkles, if you’re not already on the floor, kissing and hugging each other in a sweet, sticky mess. If you find yourself overheating, place in freezer. Oooops! Just the pretzels, not Marcus, he won’t fit!

Enjoy sexy time ASAP. Have pretzels for after-sex-time snack, and stay salty!

Salty Poetry

Body quivers as hot palms touch me Arousal is written all over my face Wrapped inside two muscular arms Ten fingers lock in a tight embrace. Warm breath tickles satin shoulders Skin lights up with an electric charge Hot lips nuzzle chiseled naked flesh And a solid man part shows large. Sweet plum bosom tips point at you Fiery tongue caress the crimson peaks Squeals spill from my red parted lips Soft nibbles steal breaths-cannot speak. My whimpers drive granite to throb Arousal lights cheeks with a pink glow Sweaty bodies flex into pretzel twists Nimble fingers flick the creamy flow.

Credit: Deborahlee, 2016, @happypedrohours

Moody Moreno + WIP Poll

We are finishing up Pedro's Holiday Feast and I was curious about a Marcus Moreno long term marriage exploration of praise kink. Thanksgiving at its BEST. Looks like I'm not the only one in need of some Thanksgiving Delights...

Moody Dave

LOVE this movie. HATE this character. Pedge says he was in his Rageful Era, but come this Halloween I want all my options available, and this Pedro Boy is one of the scariest. It's a little creepy...but I like it...#murdermedaddy

Moody Acacius

I've got to be honest. I'm avoiding my taxes. I got an extension, but this is preposterous. But #priorities...and #pedropascal...Also, this is apparently more historically accurate, so...you're welcome...