sharpened like a knife

@dyingbrced​ liked the thing for a starter

He’d opted out of the school run that morning, much to Eva’s chagrin, and firmly planted himself in front of the TV instead. It was strange, trying to get used to the slow-pace of daily life, but so long as he had something to look forward to - in this case, Alexi’s return home - it made it all just a little bit easier.

Hand was wrapped around a hot mug of black coffee when the front door opened, the flicking of the TV display as he slogged through channels stopping, the man on the sofa throwing an arm over the back of the sofa so he could look at his lover as he entered the house. “Still in one piece? I’m shocked. That outfit? I’d have assumed that the mothers would’ve been all over you… Maybe that’s just me, though, hm?”

The school run had become far more exciting knowing that he had something to look forward for the rest of the day, or more like someone. Seeing James making himself at home warmed every inch of his body, when he asked him to stay this wasn’t what he had expected to have come from it. But he couldn’t have wanted anything else now that he had this.

It certainly didn’t take much more than a vague hint at beckoning him forth further into the room to goad Lyle into his boyfriend’s arms; his smile was bashful as Alexi teased, buried against the man’s neck as the younger man chose the other’s lap over the actual bed.

“You’d not be worried about us gossipin’? I’m sure I could weasel a few embarrassin’ stories about ya outta your mum. I’m also not entirely sure if I’m ready for the whole ‘meet the parents’ thing yet, but-” not that they hadn’t already jumped that hurdle, but staying in the same house as Alexi’s mother for a weekend? That was a bit… terrifying. “You’re gonna phone me before bed, though, yeah? Tell me all about your day and how brilliant everyone thinks you are?”

A quiet noise of surprise left his mouth as he was rather promptly trapped in his spot on the edge of the bed by Lyle, who seemed very intent on keeping his full attention for as long as possible. His hands ran up his boyfriend’s back, he was a familiar kind of warm now, the kind he didn’t want to let go of.

“When have I not?” It’s a question that’s just as loaded as Alexi’s, delivered expertly in a way only a man like James could manage. He did have feelings for the man before him, it was just a matter of reconciling them both within himself and the life he led. He hadn’t yet faced a problem he couldn’t solve, but practical problems out in the field were far simpler than conflicts of the heart.

His body language opens almost instantly as Alexi shuffles ever closer, the spark of something between them enough to convince James to stay just a little bit longer, if the situation necessitated it. “I’m not going to be in the country for at least a week or two-” his go-to measurement of time when he was estimating his absence, “-and after that there’s no guarantee that I’ll have time when I get back, but-” he trails off, piercing blue eyes unwavering, “As long as you want me, I’m here.”

There had always been something there between them from day one, a little something they shouldn’t have let themselves get caught up in quite so quickly as they had. In hindsight it had caused a great deal of pain for both of them even if James never really went to great lengths to show his emotions so openly. When it came to matters of the heart it seemed far more difficult to express sincerity, he understood that it meant one hell of a guard had to come down but when it budged a little he was afforded far more than expected.

They hadn’t thought they’d ever have something like this, a bond that felt all encompassing and completely genuine. Not many people got to see behind the scenes of a derby practice except for the team, but they had all given their approval for the new presence in Frey’s life. A soft noise left their mouth as their quiet request to be laced up was appeased within mere moments, “Maybe I just like getting your attention... plus your fingers are far more nimble than mine.”

A retching sound came from across the room, and a whole chorus of laughing filled the room. It was commonplace to tease them now, their gentle heart really did counteract their intimidating derby getup - anyone who judged on appearance only was going to be missing out.

This was always difficult, emotionally more than anything else because James was unbelievably infuriating but he cared for him so deeply that it hurt him to the very pit of his stomach. That’s why he had to disconnect, as he was the one who found it so hard for them to separate. There was a noticable absence as soon as their hands were no longer entwined, and he hated just how much he missed it already.

@dyingbrced​ gets a teddy // stick to your guns - watsky

He’s been up for the better part of the night, typing away on his laptop. Emails seem to be never-ending, correspondence with about a dozen different people ensuring that Teddy’s kept busy as he tries to build his case. Cat naps on the couch have sustained him, Sweetie’s resigned presence offering him all the company he can expect at such an ungodly hour. Teddy’s tired, needless to say, but it’s all for a good cause.

The clacking of claws on wooden floors has him turning in his chair, yawn just barely stifled as he watches Gable descend the stairs. He only has one thing to say, a reassurance to an unasked question, “Don’t worry, this’ll all be over soon.”

It wasn’t that he worried, it was that it was a great deal more difficult to sleep in an empty bed now he was used to the warmth that company brought him. He leaned against the doorframe, the contact with his bare torso raising goosebumps his arms. Even Bruce had the good sense to get his ‘girl’ to tuck tail and go back to the cosy human bed that he’d vacated, “Man’s best friend huh?”

between the flower beds 

you breathe in the smell of lillies, the shadows of their blossoms falling over your face. you let the beauty embrace you - do you pretend to be one of them? are you one of their kind? you want to be good, but you have to face the reality of not being perfect. sometimes, just being might be enough. sometimes, it is simply about breathing in and out. soak in the beauty of the most simple of things constantly buzzing around you. look closer and hear the heartbeat of everyday life. learn to look for kindness and it will find its way to you. after all, the flowers have already found you.

tagged by: nobody but stolen from @killedminds​ + @notdoriangray​

He’d been late in from his last meeting, a consultation with another talent scout to see whether there were opportunities out there for him. It overran by a great deal despite his insistance to get home, there was hardly any room for him to start making demands when it was his future they all held in their hands. 

When he came in all the lights were off, August couldn’t help but frown that he couldn’t check in with his partner while the thoughts were fresh in his head. Instead of heading straight to bed he beelined to bathroom to wash off the smell of stagnant air and cigarette smoke that these scouts still seemed to favour. Not long after he’d gotten in the shower he heard a familiar pad of feet enter the room, “Hey..” it was quiet under the running water. So instead he turned to greet him, Mikey who surprisingly had got in behind him, but before he could open his mouth to speak they were suddenly intimately close. 

“You okay?” it wasn’t often that affection was initiated by his partner, so of course it immediately made Mat worry about him. He squeezed instinctively, and made a point of looking at just how tightly braced together their hands were, almost enough to cut off the circulation if he thought to dare to complain. Maybe there wasn’t anything wrong, maybe it had just been unintentional and not something he should have even mentioned.