Piper Allison / Alessandra De Luca (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
callmeles) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
royal_musings2023-09-23 02:37 pm
callmeles) wrote in royal_musings2023-09-23 02:37 pm
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Great. Let me know when you have time? And if it's easier, I can come to you.
That may be the part I'm the most interested in witnessing. But, unlike you, it will not be behind a buffet table. No doubt they would and plenty of kick. They may be old as dirt but doubt they're into bland foods.
That may be the part I'm the most interested in witnessing. But, unlike you, it will not be behind a buffet table. No doubt they would and plenty of kick. They may be old as dirt but doubt they're into bland foods.
Good. I would hope it never would because you're still mine too.
Tell me you've always had a knack for spices even then. Or did you have to stick to recipes?
I will have to ask him sometime.
[ She can't help but burst out laughing at Nina's comment. She wasn't wrong. ]
Good point!
Tell me you've always had a knack for spices even then. Or did you have to stick to recipes?
I will have to ask him sometime.
[ She can't help but burst out laughing at Nina's comment. She wasn't wrong. ]
Good point!
[ It was so rare that she found a moment of "peace" no matter how fleeting it was and while she knew it wasn't real peace, it was some semblance of it. ]
If the price is that I stand out in the rain for a few minutes to find it, then it's worth the dripping.
[ Maybe not if she winds up sick because of it but that was not something she would focus on right now. She studies him back in return and hums. ]
No, I can't imagine it's ever quiet for you, Kaz. Your mind is constantly going and scheming.
[ She imagines it's one of the reasons he hardly ever sleeps. There are the rare few nights she allows herself to imagine what it might be like to be able to provide a little peace for him, but she knows better than to dwell on what may never be. ]
If the price is that I stand out in the rain for a few minutes to find it, then it's worth the dripping.
[ Maybe not if she winds up sick because of it but that was not something she would focus on right now. She studies him back in return and hums. ]
No, I can't imagine it's ever quiet for you, Kaz. Your mind is constantly going and scheming.
[ She imagines it's one of the reasons he hardly ever sleeps. There are the rare few nights she allows herself to imagine what it might be like to be able to provide a little peace for him, but she knows better than to dwell on what may never be. ]
Not sure either. That is a question for Nina, I suppose but can't imagine it'll be as good.
I can't say I have but now I will, thanks for that. Does this mean shallow frying is just superficial and surface-level?
Yes, I thought so too.
I would never take advantage of her abilities! Ever. Okay, rarely.
I can't say I have but now I will, thanks for that. Does this mean shallow frying is just superficial and surface-level?
Yes, I thought so too.
I would never take advantage of her abilities! Ever. Okay, rarely.
No, most recipes don't say to reheat for peak performance. Unless maybe soups or stews.
It's a valid consideration. [It isn't.] Yes. Pan frying is about surface appeal.
'He added a whole extra letter, he must really mean it.' Logic as sound as a shallow fry.
Just don't stick a giant stuffed thing in my office.
It's a valid consideration. [It isn't.] Yes. Pan frying is about surface appeal.
'He added a whole extra letter, he must really mean it.' Logic as sound as a shallow fry.
Just don't stick a giant stuffed thing in my office.
"There is only one I really want to blow," Henry says as Alex pushes him back against the door.
Any other thoughts melt away as Alex's mouth takes his. Henry returns the kiss with a low sound, his hand going into the First Son's hair and tugs on it while his other hand moves to Alex's shirt and rucks it up.
He needs him and wants to feel his body press against his own.
Any other thoughts melt away as Alex's mouth takes his. Henry returns the kiss with a low sound, his hand going into the First Son's hair and tugs on it while his other hand moves to Alex's shirt and rucks it up.
He needs him and wants to feel his body press against his own.
It's not your floor you're dripping on. [Kaz doesn't actually care about his floor, he cares about her being comfortable and not getting sick. He doesn't know how to say that though, so pushing her to go get changed in a more brusque manner it is.] You should get changed, Inej. There's no point in going around in wet clothing when you don't have to.
[There's a hardness to Kaz's default gaze, years older than his actual age, glaciers that somehow contain blazing fires beneath them. It's only on rare occasion that they crack and weariness is allowed to seep through. His mind is constantly moving, but it's as much trying to escape the past as it is planning for the future. Inej's frank observation doesn't sound like a compliment, as usual brushing past his bravado.
An anchor that tries to ground him in the present. He doesn't miss the irony that it's a shadow that holds this weight with him.
Miles to go. Always.
[His voice is quieter, though no less rough thanks to the raspy nature of it.]
Get dry. I have to get going, anyway. I'll let you know when I'm coming back.
[There's a hardness to Kaz's default gaze, years older than his actual age, glaciers that somehow contain blazing fires beneath them. It's only on rare occasion that they crack and weariness is allowed to seep through. His mind is constantly moving, but it's as much trying to escape the past as it is planning for the future. Inej's frank observation doesn't sound like a compliment, as usual brushing past his bravado.
An anchor that tries to ground him in the present. He doesn't miss the irony that it's a shadow that holds this weight with him.
Miles to go. Always.
[His voice is quieter, though no less rough thanks to the raspy nature of it.]
Get dry. I have to get going, anyway. I'll let you know when I'm coming back.
Edited (HTML too early in the morning) 2023-10-03 11:35 (UTC)
"Is it terrible of me to admit that it's kind of nice that you worried?" Wylan is very used to not being noticed at best. That Jesper would worry instead of simply shrugging and taking Wylan at his word makes Wylan feel supported. "Not that I want to give you worry lines, but you're a very nice boyfriend. And I'll tell you all about how close we are to perfecting this project later. Maybe I'll even put it to song."
There's a strangled noise across the room, a long-suffering sigh at the shameless flirting. "You're free to leave, Kaz."
"Nothing in life is free. At the very least, time is spent and I've none to spare." Kaz can't help but be a little grumpy, even if he is genuinely happy for his friends. He glances over at Jesper. "So what trouble have you been getting up to in the meantime?"
There's a strangled noise across the room, a long-suffering sigh at the shameless flirting. "You're free to leave, Kaz."
"Nothing in life is free. At the very least, time is spent and I've none to spare." Kaz can't help but be a little grumpy, even if he is genuinely happy for his friends. He glances over at Jesper. "So what trouble have you been getting up to in the meantime?"
Soups and stews I can see. Reheating pizza in an oven? Yes. Funnel cake? Maybe the air fryer would work...
Sometimes, like with chicken, pan frying just doesn't do it.
[Jesper is more than amused by this conversation.]
Ah, well there goes my surprise for you. I planned on winning a giant stuffed crow to add to your room. Or for your gremlin.
Sometimes, like with chicken, pan frying just doesn't do it.
[Jesper is more than amused by this conversation.]
Ah, well there goes my surprise for you. I planned on winning a giant stuffed crow to add to your room. Or for your gremlin.
[It's still crazy sometimes to Kaz that they even have an air fryer now.]
Remember when the Slat didn’t even have a microwave and the oven decided when it wanted to work or not?
You’re against pan fried chicken?
It’s for the better, I don’t like surprises or presents. The gremlin also doesn’t need more things, he’s amassed quite a stolen horde he stashes beneath my bed. If you're missing socks I'm fairly certain they're there.
Remember when the Slat didn’t even have a microwave and the oven decided when it wanted to work or not?
You’re against pan fried chicken?
It’s for the better, I don’t like surprises or presents. The gremlin also doesn’t need more things, he’s amassed quite a stolen horde he stashes beneath my bed. If you're missing socks I'm fairly certain they're there.
"The worst," Jesper jokes while shooting him a teasing look. "I appreciate you looking out for my frown lines. I'm much too young and too handsome for that." He grins and considers that. "You know, if you put it to song, I am more likely to remember it better."
He snorts at the noise from Kaz and looks over at his best friend.
"And the air we breathe isn't free?" He likely knew the answer that Kaz would give him but he can't help it.
"I've made my rounds around the tables and let Abbott go. He wasn't happy."
He snorts at the noise from Kaz and looks over at his best friend.
"And the air we breathe isn't free?" He likely knew the answer that Kaz would give him but he can't help it.
"I've made my rounds around the tables and let Abbott go. He wasn't happy."
"Breathing is a privilege, not a right, and the cost is determined by what words it's used on," Kaz predictably replies, though his mood shifts at the mention of Abbott. He leans on the mop he's using, utilizing it as a makeshift cane at the moment as he stands still. Shark eyes latch onto Jesper, devouring the news with satisfaction. "I'm not in the business of keeping someone on freelance payroll because it makes them happy. I'm sure someone else will scoop him up, but he doesn't have enough on us to be of use tattling secrets to them."
Wylan gingerly cleans off his equipment as the other two men handle the floors. "Not everyone actually goes to the effort of revenge, Kaz. He just got fired, of course he's upset."
"Then he shouldn't have done a poor job," Kaz replies bluntly, going back to mopping. "There. Done."
Wylan sighs. "Thanks for your help, and glad we got the job finished." He looks over at Jesper though and says in a small voice, "I'm sorry you had to do that, though. It couldn't have been pleasant to deliver news like that."
Wylan gingerly cleans off his equipment as the other two men handle the floors. "Not everyone actually goes to the effort of revenge, Kaz. He just got fired, of course he's upset."
"Then he shouldn't have done a poor job," Kaz replies bluntly, going back to mopping. "There. Done."
Wylan sighs. "Thanks for your help, and glad we got the job finished." He looks over at Jesper though and says in a small voice, "I'm sorry you had to do that, though. It couldn't have been pleasant to deliver news like that."
"And not just who but where," he teases, nipping at Henry's lower lip. They're meant to be having the most wicked of liaisons but right now all he can think is about getting his hands on the other man.
Groaning against Henry's mouth, he tongue sweeping over the other's mouth. Loving the taste of him, how his hands feel, and aching for so much more. Unable to help himself, rocking against the other man and grinding himself against Henry's hip. Already hard, achingly so, and not hiding it.
Groaning against Henry's mouth, he tongue sweeping over the other's mouth. Loving the taste of him, how his hands feel, and aching for so much more. Unable to help himself, rocking against the other man and grinding himself against Henry's hip. Already hard, achingly so, and not hiding it.
I know I wouldn't be much better HTML'ing early in the morning!
withoutanet
2023-10-08 04:02 am (UTC)(link)
[ Inej narrows a look at him at his brusque manner before she exhales a breath. She knows she should go change and get out of her wet clothing. She also knows she really needs to sleep while she still can.
Maybe it's that she enjoys these moments with Kaz - just the two of them like this. Though, not usually with her dripping on his floor and soaked to the bone. ]
Always.
[ She agrees giving him a nod before heading toward his door. She'll change and then probably come back with a towel so she can dry his floor. It was only fair since she dripped all over it. ]
Be careful, Kaz.
[ Inej doesn't need to say it, she knows that. But she would say it regardless because she wasn't there to watch his back. Even if he wasn't doing anything serious, this was Ketterdam and there was always someone there looking to backstab someone else. Even if they were more than likely doing the backstabbing than being the victim of it. ]
Maybe it's that she enjoys these moments with Kaz - just the two of them like this. Though, not usually with her dripping on his floor and soaked to the bone. ]
Always.
[ She agrees giving him a nod before heading toward his door. She'll change and then probably come back with a towel so she can dry his floor. It was only fair since she dripped all over it. ]
Be careful, Kaz.
[ Inej doesn't need to say it, she knows that. But she would say it regardless because she wasn't there to watch his back. Even if he wasn't doing anything serious, this was Ketterdam and there was always someone there looking to backstab someone else. Even if they were more than likely doing the backstabbing than being the victim of it. ]
“Only risks that bring rewards, Inej. I can promise you that.” Kaz gives her a sideways slash of a grin, a cat dining on canaries at her words of caution. He is careful, as much as he can be in this world living this life. As much as he can be while still getting ahead, because there is no such thing as remaining still to be safe. She never calls him Dirtyhands to his face, he’s noticed that, but they both have banked on him serving that role to keep himself and others safe. Can he do that without his rumors and reputations wrapped around him? In full honesty, Kaz has never really tried.
He leaves her in his room, trusting her to find her way to hers. There’s literally nothing there that holds a secret she doesn’t share, so he’s not afraid of snooping. The only story to the life before he met her is on his body, that bold and black R tattoo, and she’s never asked him about it. Everything else in that room is Brekker’s business, and if Inej wishes to look at his business ledger books she’s welcome. He knows that numbers interest her about as much as saints interest him, though.
His cane clacks against the muddy streets, an umbrella holding the drizzling at bay. The rain isn’t going sideways for once so he stays mostly dry. He can smell the salt and smoke in the air, and the sky is a brilliant mix of orange peeking through gray skies. His business takes a few hours, but he keeps his hat and umbrella, so he counts it a success as much as he does the deals being made and the costs extracted.
A box of pastries is under his arm when he returns. A few of the Dregs have made their way downstairs, though many sleep til noon or later given the late hours. He sees Nina and Wylan up and about at least, and when his gaze flicks past them Nina says, “She’s upstairs.”
“Who?” Kaz asks as he sets the box on the table.
Nina just gives him a knowing look over the cup of tea she’s sipping at the table. Reaching over she opens the box and lights up at the pastries. She helps herself to an apple turnover and nibbles it.
Kaz grabs a fruit danish for himself and Inej’s favorite for her, both wrapped in a napkin, and without a word heads for the stairs.
“Good choice!” Nina calls to his back, and laughs when Kaz gets very creative in managing to flip her off while carrying pastries and his cane.
His heavy footsteps up the stairs announce his presence before he even arrives at her doorstep. The rhythm and cadence tells her that, for Kaz, he’s in a good mood. Politely, he knocks on her door and waits to let her tell him he can enter.
He leaves her in his room, trusting her to find her way to hers. There’s literally nothing there that holds a secret she doesn’t share, so he’s not afraid of snooping. The only story to the life before he met her is on his body, that bold and black R tattoo, and she’s never asked him about it. Everything else in that room is Brekker’s business, and if Inej wishes to look at his business ledger books she’s welcome. He knows that numbers interest her about as much as saints interest him, though.
His cane clacks against the muddy streets, an umbrella holding the drizzling at bay. The rain isn’t going sideways for once so he stays mostly dry. He can smell the salt and smoke in the air, and the sky is a brilliant mix of orange peeking through gray skies. His business takes a few hours, but he keeps his hat and umbrella, so he counts it a success as much as he does the deals being made and the costs extracted.
A box of pastries is under his arm when he returns. A few of the Dregs have made their way downstairs, though many sleep til noon or later given the late hours. He sees Nina and Wylan up and about at least, and when his gaze flicks past them Nina says, “She’s upstairs.”
“Who?” Kaz asks as he sets the box on the table.
Nina just gives him a knowing look over the cup of tea she’s sipping at the table. Reaching over she opens the box and lights up at the pastries. She helps herself to an apple turnover and nibbles it.
Kaz grabs a fruit danish for himself and Inej’s favorite for her, both wrapped in a napkin, and without a word heads for the stairs.
“Good choice!” Nina calls to his back, and laughs when Kaz gets very creative in managing to flip her off while carrying pastries and his cane.
His heavy footsteps up the stairs announce his presence before he even arrives at her doorstep. The rhythm and cadence tells her that, for Kaz, he’s in a good mood. Politely, he knocks on her door and waits to let her tell him he can enter.
I can see that being cathartic. Getting out some physical aggression.
I don't do as much training these days, to be honest. Hand-to-hand sure, but ever since my powers took on a more necromantic bend, it just feels... I don't know. Indecent to practice. It isn't as if long-rested bones can consent, you know? Calling someone from the past back to the present feels cruel.
Though I did try and speak with Matthias. Once.
I don't do as much training these days, to be honest. Hand-to-hand sure, but ever since my powers took on a more necromantic bend, it just feels... I don't know. Indecent to practice. It isn't as if long-rested bones can consent, you know? Calling someone from the past back to the present feels cruel.
Though I did try and speak with Matthias. Once.
Tomorrow? Kaz hasn't roped us into a new heist, I assume he's busy with whatever he's doing at the festival.
If you'd rather me put my mingling skills to use, I could. At the very least, I can rescue you from the worst of the dull conversations.
If you'd rather me put my mingling skills to use, I could. At the very least, I can rescue you from the worst of the dull conversations.
[Nina sends an image of her blowing a kiss.]
Oh, I absolutely went off script with the recipes sometimes. Especially for the boys who needed a lesson.
You should, I'm sure he misses scheming with you around.
Oh, I absolutely went off script with the recipes sometimes. Especially for the boys who needed a lesson.
You should, I'm sure he misses scheming with you around.
All that they endure and everything they have in this world and the life they've made, and he knows that he can rely on Inej above and over anyone else. She would always be there for him, and he knew that while she was often frustrated with him, when it came to moments like these, he knew there was no questioning why he was there and what it meant to do as he asked.
Not that he was there long. The safe was nothing new, old enough that many might well be capable of cracking it so it didn't take him long.
He gets the things he needs from the safe, tucking them into his jacket. He isn't gone long before he steps out of the room, closing the door and heading out into the shadows. There isn't a word, knowing she would follow along with him, or meet him back at the Crow Club.
Not that he was there long. The safe was nothing new, old enough that many might well be capable of cracking it so it didn't take him long.
He gets the things he needs from the safe, tucking them into his jacket. He isn't gone long before he steps out of the room, closing the door and heading out into the shadows. There isn't a word, knowing she would follow along with him, or meet him back at the Crow Club.
It doesn't seem like that long ago. Ah yes, Nelson the Ovens midlife crisis - those were the days.
I'm not against any sort of fried chicken but between the two, I'd choose deep fried chicken.
I am getting low on socks. I'm just grateful he hasn't gone after my hats.
They are off limits!
I'm not against any sort of fried chicken but between the two, I'd choose deep fried chicken.
I am getting low on socks. I'm just grateful he hasn't gone after my hats.
They are off limits!
No one has ever supported Peter in who he is and the werewolf he is. He's always had a strength that others in his family had not recognized but used. He wasn't in places where he could fear he could leave.
Until he just had.
Then he took a chance and that chance is giving him a moment to make a choice he'd always wanted to make, a chance he wanted.
And he is willing to leap into this and take his chance for as long as he could have it.
And that's why he takes the man's hand and curls his fingers around Felix's fingers. "Lead on, Charmer."
Maybe it's a crazy chance to take but it's one he wants to take. Whatever happens, it'll be worth it.
Until he just had.
Then he took a chance and that chance is giving him a moment to make a choice he'd always wanted to make, a chance he wanted.
And he is willing to leap into this and take his chance for as long as he could have it.
And that's why he takes the man's hand and curls his fingers around Felix's fingers. "Lead on, Charmer."
Maybe it's a crazy chance to take but it's one he wants to take. Whatever happens, it'll be worth it.
"Of course," he says, not in the least bit surprised by Kaz's answer. "I've no doubt someone will snatch him up until they realize he can be a loose canon. I'm only impressed that he didn't try to pull one out on me."
With all of his experience at the tables and dealing with his addiction to gambling (with a lot of help from Wylan to be sure), Jesper can see the situation just a little more clearly than he did before. He didn't like letting anyone go, not when it was hard enough in Ketterdam but they only had room for one hothead and it was usually himself. Or Nina.
Jesper finishes sweeping the remaining area and gives Wylan a little smile. "It's not fun but after he made a commotion that didn't go unnoticed, it couldn't be helped."
With all of his experience at the tables and dealing with his addiction to gambling (with a lot of help from Wylan to be sure), Jesper can see the situation just a little more clearly than he did before. He didn't like letting anyone go, not when it was hard enough in Ketterdam but they only had room for one hothead and it was usually himself. Or Nina.
Jesper finishes sweeping the remaining area and gives Wylan a little smile. "It's not fun but after he made a commotion that didn't go unnoticed, it couldn't be helped."
Henry would have said something more but all he can focus on is how good it feels to have Alex pressed against him with his mouth on him.
He groans, meeting Alex's tongue with his own, and slides his free hand down to his ass, grinding into Alex's hip. There was no hiding just how hard he was and how much he wanted and needed this.
"I've missed you," he murmurs into his mouth before kissing over his jaw and down his neck. He didn't want to stop touching or kissing him.
He groans, meeting Alex's tongue with his own, and slides his free hand down to his ass, grinding into Alex's hip. There was no hiding just how hard he was and how much he wanted and needed this.
"I've missed you," he murmurs into his mouth before kissing over his jaw and down his neck. He didn't want to stop touching or kissing him.
Kids these days don't know how good they have it.
There's a Korean place that just opened. [Kaz's way of saying they should go. Korean fried chicken is hard to beat in his mind, and he's pretty sure it's deep fried.]
You can come and get them. I'm not touching your socks.
You know that only encourages the little beast.
There's a Korean place that just opened. [Kaz's way of saying they should go. Korean fried chicken is hard to beat in his mind, and he's pretty sure it's deep fried.]
You can come and get them. I'm not touching your socks.
You know that only encourages the little beast.
When Peter takes his hand, Felix smiles and clasps his hand in his own before leaning in and pressing a kiss to his cheek. "This way then," he says, leading him toward his place. It wasn't too far of a walk and along the way, he pointed out a couple of sights that Peter may or may not already be aware of.
He could have made them appear there but he wanted to show Peter his home. Both the city and the place he lays his head down at night. Though, he knows they have some time together for everything.
When they arrive, Felix brings down the wards surrounding his home and allows Peter to enter first before following him through and resetting them. Much later, no doubt, he'll add Peter to them but he's learned over time to not grow complacent. He sets the bottle down on a side table before stepping in closer to Peter, cupping his cheek. "I'm very glad we ran into each other tonight. Or, that old woman ran into you..."
He could have made them appear there but he wanted to show Peter his home. Both the city and the place he lays his head down at night. Though, he knows they have some time together for everything.
When they arrive, Felix brings down the wards surrounding his home and allows Peter to enter first before following him through and resetting them. Much later, no doubt, he'll add Peter to them but he's learned over time to not grow complacent. He sets the bottle down on a side table before stepping in closer to Peter, cupping his cheek. "I'm very glad we ran into each other tonight. Or, that old woman ran into you..."
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