#(([text] jason do you know basic plumping))

[breanime]

Want It Bad

So this is my first songfic, based on Jason Derulo’s “Want to Want Me”--it’s all smut, ya’ll! Here’s the song if you want to give it a listen: Want to Want Me. 

*gif not mine*

Billy stared at his bedroom ceiling. It was the middle of the summer which meant New York was basically a smoldering hellhole. He had the air conditioning on, a fan pointed directly at him, and his ceiling fan on and Billy was still too hot. He’d kicked his duvet and sheets off of him about 45 minutes ago and had shed his boxers shortly after. He tried to think about work to get his mind off of the uncomfortable heat; things were going well at Anvil, Frank finally took Billy’s advice and was working as a trainer while Curtis continued to work with the vets. Anvil was getting lots of contracts and Billy’s bank account was full of commas. He’d just bought a new Rolls Royce and was thinking of remodeling his office, and while this stock of all of his successes usually put Billy right at ease, tonight it wasn’t enough. He couldn’t get you off of his mind.

He closed his eyes as he thought back on your last encounter: you looked so good, you were on your knees in his office with your pretty, plump lips wrapped around his cock. Billy smirked as he remembered how it felt, the way your tongue rolled around him and the wet warmth of your mouth. He had cum in your mouth and watched, eyes heavy with arousal, as you licked it all up. It hadn’t taken him long to have you on his desk, legs spread, while he ate you out and fingered you, watching with keen interest the way his long fingers slid in and out of you. God, he loved fucking you. Billy put an arm behind his head and pictured your face, your head flung back in ecstasy as your mouth fell open in silent screams of pleasure. You tasted so fucking good, Billy could still taste you on his tongue. He hummed to himself, thinking back on the noises you had made as he finger-fucked you on his desk. Anyone could have walked in and seen the two of you, and he knew the risk of discovery turned you on. Personally, he liked the privacy. Normally, Billy could give a fuck about that, but with you…the thought of anyone walking in and seeing you like that, the way Billy made you, flush with lust and high on his touch, no. That was for him only. Billy’s other hand trailed down his stomach to his cock, it was semi-hard with just the thought of you. He wrapped his free hand around his cock and summoned an image of you in his head. The day before you came to visit him in his office, he had come to your place and fucked you on the kitchen table. You had been mad at each other that day; it was stupid, Billy had been shitty that you were too busy to spend the night with him and you were annoyed that he “never” took your work seriously. So he had barged into your apartment, all ready to continue your argument in person, when you had simply pulled your shirt over your head to reveal that you weren’t wearing a bra. Then you had slipped out of your shorts, eyes never leaving his. You had a little smirk on your face, as if to say: “if you want me, take me”. So, obviously, he had to fuck you. He had bent you over the kitchen table, gotten on his knees, and eaten you out with gusto. Billy stroked his cock as he remembered the sounds of your breathy moans and the way your legs had shaken as he licked you from top to bottom. He gripped himself like he had gripped your ass the other day, keeping you in place until you orgasmed. Billy laughed out loud, recalling the way you had screamed his name as you came. God, there was nothing that sounder sweeter than his name on your lips. Well, maybe not nothing…because after that, you had demanded that he fuck you. Your exact words were “Billy, please, baby, baby, fuck me, I need you” all in one breath. Billy bit his lip as he thought of that. He loved when you begged, because you didn’t have to—he would do any and everything to you, no begging needed. He could feel the moistness of his pre-cum as he pumped his cock, and he wished it was you he felt. That day, at your place, he had flipped you over so he could see your face while he fucked you, and you had put both of your pretty hands on his face and stared into his eyes as he thrust in and out of you. He loved when you did that, loved that you liked watching him as much as he loved watching you. At some point, Billy had bent his head and started sucking on your breasts, and he moaned as he remembered the feeling. He had been able to feel your nipple harden in his mouth which made him tighten his grip on his cock now. “Jesus, Y/N,” he hissed, eyes rolling back in his head. He cursed to himself then as he came in the palm of his hand. Billy sat up, breathing heavily. He looked down at the cum in his hand and his still hard dick. He sighed into the night. “Jesus, Y/N.”

Billy slammed his door, keys in hand. He had cleaned himself up, but he was still hard. He knew where he needed to go. He wanted you so bad, it physically hurt him, he felt like an addict and he needed a hit—bad. Billy wasn’t entirely sure he could drive, he felt like his skin was on fire and the only thing he could focus on was you, so he called a cab. He tipped the driver ahead of time and growled “get me there fast”. He thought about your arrangement as the cabbie sped through the city; you weren’t dating, per se, but Billy wasn’t seeing anyone else, and he knew for a fact you weren’t either. Still, he hadn’t really sealed the deal with you and he wanted to. Now, tonight. The more he thought of it, cock twitching in his pants, the more he realized that there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to be with you. And that didn’t just mean sex—he wanted all of you, for as long as you’d be willing to give it to him.

By the time the cab pulled up to your apartment building, Billy was aching for you worse than ever. He had texted you when he was en route, his message simple and honest: “I want you”. Billy threw the cabbie another wad of bills, grateful that the ride was over, and practically ran up the steps to your apartment. He was wearing only a black t-shirt and jeans and he felt overdressed. He wanted to be wearing nothing, wrapped up in you, holding you in his arms as you laughed against his lips. Fuck want—he needed it.

When he got to your place, he only had to knock once before the door opened. He couldn’t see you, so he just stepped in. He closed the door behind him with his foot and turned to look at you. His mouth fell open. You were wearing nothing but a smile, and God, he could get lost in that smile.

You kissed his ear as you whispered, “Baby, I’m yours.”

That was all he needed to hear. Billy picked you up bridal style, grinning as you giggled at his actions, and carried you to the bedroom. He kissed you, all tongue and teeth, as he carefully laid you down on the bed.

“I’ve been thinking about you all night,” he said, voice deep and rough as he kissed all over you, “Been thinking about fucking that pretty little pussy.”

“Mm,” your hands were in his hair, “me too, baby.” You kissed his neck. “It’s only been a few hours but damn,” your sigh against his skin made him shiver, “I’ve missed you.”

“Wanna know what I was doing before I texted you?” He asked, one hand wriggling between your bodies to slide into you.

You hummed, kissing him lightly on the lips. “What were you doing, baby?”

“I was jacking off,” he said, biting your lip as he plunged another finger into your tight wetness, “I was thinking of you and I couldn’t keep my hands off my cock,” he groaned when he felt your hand wrap around his dick, “Shit, baby…”

“Was it good?” You asked, smiling up at him. “Did you cum?”

“Yeah,” he answered honestly, “but lemme tell you, it wasn’t nothin’ like the real thing.”

There was a break in conversation then, as Billy’s fingers went to town and you, looking gorgeous with your hair splayed all over the pillow, could only moan and sigh as his fingers stroked your insides. Billy knew what you liked, and even better, he loved making you feel good. Billy never left you unsatisfied, if anything, he made you crave him more and more with each encounter. You moved your hands down to his shoulders, where you left claw marks in his skin.

“Billy,” you moaned, “fuck, baby. Baby, I’m gonna cum…”

“Not yet,” Billy said, he gave you one long kiss before he kissed down your body. He stopped when he got to your core, looking up at you with a grin. Your eyes were trained on him and he loved the attention. “Gotta taste you first.”

Your head fell back as he licked you, and Billy took his time with you. He ran his tongue up and down your slit until you were almost crying with need. Then he moved his head up, chin wet with your juices, as he sucked on your clit. You almost jumped off the bed, so he put his arm over your belly to keep you in place. He liked that he could make you squirm like that. Billy moved your legs so that one was propped up while the other was wrapped around his back and added his long fingers into the mix. Your answering scream was enough to let him know that you were enjoying yourself.

“Billy,” you gasped out, having rode out your orgasm with his lips still on your pussy, “I need you.”

“I need you too,” he said, crawling back up your body. “You have no idea how bad I need you.”

Billy took no time in getting inside of you, and you both groaned at the sensation. He rocked inside of you, alternating between kissing you and sucking on the skin of your neck as you clawed at the skin of his back and moaned his name. He fit perfectly into you and he thought, not for the first time, how perfect you were for him.

“Hey,” he said, pressing his sweaty forehead to yours, “I need to ask you something.”

You blinked up at him, biting your lip to keep your moans at bay. “Now?”

“Yeah,” he arched his hip into yours and both of you groaned, “now.”

“Okay,” you gasped, wrapping your arms around Billy’s neck, “Ask.”

“I want…” He paused, closing his eyes as he felt you squeeze his cock with your walls, “Fuck…” He took a steadying breath but didn’t slow his movements. “Baby, I want you.”

“I know,” you gasped back.

“No, no, I mean I want you,” he answered back, “for real. I want you to be mine, and I want you to be mine.”

You laughed, and Billy’s heart stopped for a second. “I’m already yours, stupid,” you giggled, kissing him. “And you’re mine.”

Billy grinned, and he doubled down his efforts until both of you were screaming. He came inside you just as you were cumming around him, and he held onto you afterwards, feeling profoundly complete.

“So,” he pulled you onto his chest, kissing your forehead, “where do you want to go for our first date?”

“Hm,” you said, running a hand down his sweaty chest, “We’ve already been to Anvil…”

“Good times,” he grinned.

“…and your place, and mine…” You smiled up at him. “I think we’ve technically had our first date.”

“Really?” He frowned down at you. He wanted to make this official, and he hoped you would too.

“Yeah,” you replied, “So let’s just say we’re dating and make it even.”

Billy laughed. Of course it would be that simple. “Yeah, okay,” he agreed, “but I’m still taking you out for breakfast tomorrow.”

“How ‘bout I have you for breakfast,” you compromised, “and you can take me out to brunch.”

“Fair enough,” he agreed, cuddling closer to you, “long as I have you.”

You smiled up at him again, and he grinned back. Fuck, you had him wrapped around your little finger. “You have me,” you promised, “I told you, baby, I’m all yours.”

**************************************************************************************

Two glasses of wine later, and here we are! Haha, tell me what you think. Also, I think someone else did a fic based on this song too, but I can’t recall who. 

[randomwordprompts]

If It’s Magic | Chapter 6

A/N: This took longer than I planned but it’s here! I don’t do summaries cause I want y’all to read it so do that lol

Warnings: Light Angst if you squint hard enough Taglist: @bartierbakarimobisson @oceanscorazon @supersizemeplz @wakandas-vibranium @wakandan-flowerz @yaachtynoboat711 @great-neckpectations @reaperdeldrunk @storibambino @babygirlofwakanda

September 2nd, 2015 - Manhattan, New York

Amira slept soundly in the king-sized bed, clad in only a t-shirt that was too big for her plump frame. She rested on her back because she’d fallen asleep with her hulking boyfriend on her chest, though he now resided between her legs, pressing soft kisses to her thighs. His attentions grew more and more lingering as he neared her sex, his beard tickling her skin. She stirred slightly when he parted her lower lips, his own wrapping around the bundle of nerves at her apex. It didn’t take long for Amira to fully wake up with a groan of his name, her hand snaking into the hair he’d pulled up into a messy bun the night before.

“Jason...shit, you’re almost as insatiable as me.”

“Almost? I think it might be a tie.”

She chuckled sleepily and muttered about how it wasn’t even close before pushing his head back down between her thighs. Jason grunted hungrily and continued to make a breakfast out of her pussy, smirking against her skin when she pulled his hair loose and ran her fingers over his scalp, scratching lightly. Her hips bucked towards his mouth as he worked for his wet reward, her voice growing louder when he slipped two fingers into her, curling onto her g-spot with ease. It didn’t take long for her to release into his mouth and onto his hand with a moan of his name, all her movements pushing his shirt that she wore up around her breasts. Jason pulled away and sucked his fingers clean, eyes on Amira as she sat up and removed the only fabric covering her body. He grinned and removed his boxers before climbing on top of her, hooking her thick legs up with his arms and pushing into her with one smooth thrust.

They moved in tandem, meeting each other’s ministrations as hushed profanities and short grunts were passed between them along with lustful encouragements. Without much warning Amira came again, scratching at his shoulders and chest as he worked her through her orgasm. Jason followed closely behind her, his warm seed shooting into her as he moaned into the crook of her neck. They rested for a moment in each other’s arms but Amira was the first to speak.

“That was lovely, but now you definitely have to feed me breakfast.”

...

“Girls, with a boy like that it’s serious…”

Lucy danced and bopped around her shared dorm to Eros and Apollo by Studio Killers, singing along to the lyrics as she did some light cleaning. At some point, she paused to just sing and dance, not hearing the front door open behind her as she belted.

“Soon he will eat your ass like cereals…”

“Now I know damn well she said ‘hearts’, not ‘ass’. Clean ya ears, Lu.”

She jumped at the sound of her roommate’s voice and turned to face Amira before running over and hugging her with a laugh.

“I thought it was ass, it’s the accent. But hey girl!! You got Jason to propose yet?”

“Bitch, it’s been like two months-”

“Three! Time flies when you having fun, but you should remember these things.”

Amira rolled her eyes and took her bags into her room, laughing though she truly couldn’t believe it’d been a whole three months since she’d officially started dating Jason. Her lips spread into a grin as she realized it would’ve been four if she hadn’t avoided him for a month after the night they spent together, assuming he couldn’t be serious about dating her. He did everything he could to change her mind, including an elaborate surprise that involved “Amira, be mine?” being sky-written in the middle of a New York day. Once she gave him a chance she realized Jason was charming, funny, sweet, sexy, and all around just a great guy. He was basically perfect for her.

Almost.

He may be perfect for her, but he wasn’t Xavier. A thought she found herself feeling guilty for thinking about more and more recently, but one she pushed to the side as Lucy filled her in on some of the campus gossip she’d heard since being back.

…

“Daniel, open this door!”

“Not happening.”

“Why the fuck not?”

“He’s not here Marcy, but I’ll make sure he knows you came by.”

Daniel sat on the couch writing on his laptop as he lied through his teeth for his roommate, the young man in question next to him rolling his eyes at the pure desperation he felt coming off the girl in question, Marcelline, on the other side of the door. He shook his head when she finally caved and left, not missing Daniel’s gaze on him.

“What?”

“The hell did you do to Marcy?” Daniel was plain and blunt, per usual.

“I only fed off her once and it wasn’t even a full feed! Every time I would get into what she was doing, she’d say cock and my dick would go soft.” Xavier exclaimed, tired of her completely.

Daniel made a face at the sound of the aforementioned word, shuddering at the thought of being in that situation.

“Damn, I didn’t even know Black girls used that word. Even still, I can’t keep covering for you when she comes here looking for yo ass.”

Xavier sighed, sitting down next to his roomie, “I know, I’ll talk to her later on today. For right now I need to focus on this damn Lit class. Who gives a whole ass assignment on the first day?”

…

Amira looked over her reflection one last time, smoothing her hands over the strapless orange sundress that adorned her frame. She decided to pair it with her clear chunky sandal heels and opted for a natural makeup look, ready for her lunch date with Jason. After adding some gloss to her lips and pulling her box braids up into a high pony, she grabbed her small purse and headed downstairs to wait for him so Lucy wouldn’t scream loud enough to alert their entire floor.

Once downstairs in the lobby, she pulled out her phone and began scrolling through Instagram while texting Francois to find out how the family was doing, pausing only when she heard an all too familiar voice call her name. Her eyes lifted to see Xavier just coming off the elevator, gaze widening slightly before her fingers floated across her screen to text her brother once more.

Xavier just came off the elevator...

Porque? Did he see you?

He called out my name and is walking over to me dude

OI RUN AWAY

FRAN I-

“Amira?”

“Xavier, hey!”

Amira stood to greet him with a friendly hug, ignoring the way her heart tugged at her to kiss him all over his face. She noticed he’d started growing his hair out over the summer, keeping the sides tapered low. She also didn’t miss the flicker of hunger in his eyes when she stood and he took in her outfit but chose to ignore it. Instead, she tried to keep the conversation light.

“You look good, how have you been?”

Xavier rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous habit of his, before he answered.

“I’ve been okay, how about you? We didn’t see you around campus much over the summer…”

“I was around for classes but I ended up staying with a friend till Labor Day.”

His brow raised then, wondering who this friend was since she didn’t say Lucy. Before he could ask they were interrupted by the ring of Amira’s phone, one look at the screen causing her to immediately answer it. He noticed her smile when she did, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes the way it used to when he made her smile. While he thought about that, Amira turned and walked a few feet away as she talked to Jason.

“You almost here?”

“That’s why I’m calling, babe. We hit some snags during the morning shoot so we’ll have to work through lunch. I’ll make it up either later or tomorrow?”

Amira sighed, hoping he was going to tell her he was outside to save her from this awkward convo with Xavier. Since that wasn’t the case she told him she understood and that they’d talk later, stunned silent when the words “alright, love you” left his lips. So stunned she hung up without replying. When she turned around she found Xavier standing where she’d left him, looking at his own phone. Just when she was going to say something to him, a shrill voice caught both his attention and hers.

“Xavier!! X!”

Marcy sped up her formerly relaxed walk down the hallway at the sight of the towering incubus, his face shifting just enough to show his exasperation if you knew him as well as Amira did. She invaded his personal space without warning, completely ignoring the fact that Amira was less than five feet behind her.

“Marcelline, back up. You smell horrible, criss...”

She looked like he’d punched her in the gut, checking herself for any stench and finding none. Before she could question him Amira finally spoke.

“He means your aura, honey. I can smell the desperation from here and I don’t even know you.”

“Desperation?! Listen here you fat bitch, I don’t know who you think you are but-”

Before she could finish her sentence Amira was in her face with a hand wrapped around her throat tightly enough to just cut off her air supply, her face an indifferent mask.

“Unlike you, I know exactly who I am, and right now I’m someone that could snap your neck between her fingers. Now clearly the gentleman doesn’t want to fuck you so take your L and keep it pushing.”

Marcy choked out a weak reply only to have Amira let her go with a forceful push, knocking her onto the floor before she scrambled away wheezing. Xavier looked at his ex with a wonder she hadn’t seen in a while, one that had her stomach fluttering. He opened his mouth but she held up a hand to stop him.

“I know. You’re welcome. See you around, X.”

Amira moved around him and walked towards the elevator before he grabbed her arm lightly, making her look back at him.

“Hey, wait. If you’re not busy could I take you to lunch? Just to catch up.”

“Xavier, I’m not about to-”

“I don’t wanna fuck you. Well, I do, but I also just miss my best friend. So have lunch with me?”

She pondered it for a moment, but she couldn’t deny the sincerity in his eyes.

“Alright, let’s go. But just lunch.”

[lady-dinah]

Children of Gotham  (Chapter 1)

A series of one shots and stories from the life of one, Grandpa Bruce Wayne. FT. The Batkids as badass parents, and a lot of 'self-help parenting' guides.

(Stems mostly from DC comics/young justice)

Find the series on Wattpad here

CH1: The Small Manor (Dick Grayson's Children) 

Summary: No matter how old you get, sometimes it just takes your children, to make you feel young again.

OR Dick Grayson spent a whole week alone, beaten, and too busy saving Bludhaven. Now all he wants is a hug from his dad, and affection from his kids to feel whole again.

Set in DC comics

No edit, we die like mne (I mean I tried, but I'm shit at editing)

"No Barbara, I already checked the cave."

They had been going on like this, back and forth, for almost ten minutes. Don't get him wrong, Dick loves Barbara, she's his anchor, the mother of his children, his partner in crime, but she can be as stubborn as Bruce (and that's saying something). Speaking of his guardian, Dick wandered around the Manor looking for any sign of life or even anything besides this eerie silence. In all honesty he's never noticed how big the mansion was, ironic as it is, the place actually felt pretty small. Back then, when everyone lived under one roof, there was constantly some commotion going on. Whether it was Tim and Damian threatening to kill one another for the 20th time of the day. Or Stephanie blasting her hip hop music, while Cass argued she wanted to play her Mozart playlist instead. Even with Bruce and Jason just grumbling at one other still filled up the bleak noise of the manor.

Now everyone had grown up, moved on. Only Bruce, Alfred, and Damian were permanent residents. Even then, Damian was mostly off world these days. Playing Batman with the Justice League. A pang of guilt gutted his stomach, he didn't want to be that kind of kid who just leaves their dad high and dry once they've moved out and made a life of their own. But these days things have been insanely hectic. Bludhaven had a mass breakout which kept Dick busy all week. The Justice League almost had another invasion on their hands, meaning both Damian, and Barbara, as Oracle, were busy running things. Wayne Enterprises stocks were dropping due to some insider trading, so there goes Tim's time. And God knows what Jason is even doing these days, but even he was clearly occupied since he hadn't called or even texted for the past week.

"Dick?" Barbara called again. "I think I found them."

A sigh of relief escaped his lips, after everything that has been going on. He couldn't handle the onset anxiety of his children possibly missing. Before Barbara and him left for their respective duties, knowing it would be all hands on deck with the situations around them. Dick dropped his kids off at the Manor, hoping Bruce could look after them. The old bat was hesitant at first, at his age caring for a baby and a rambunctious toddler was out his depth. But Dick assured him that his kids would behave, and if Bruce could handle five batkids he could handle anything. Still, he could never forget the nervousness and hesitation as his father held his baby boy for the first time. The eyes of a guardian and a protector instantly taking hold, as the old man carefully held the child like it was made out of glass. And that was the last of Dick seeing his kids and Bruce for almost a week. His heart ached when he slept alone in his bed, all the warmth gone from his wife's cuddles and his children's laughter.

But, the mission came first.

So here was, finally the escapees were back in their respective prisons, those injured taken to a hospital, and Bludhaven was back to its moderate levels of crime. Barbara was on her way back too after being cooped up in the birds of prey tower all week. At least she was in contact with Damian, and her girl group, not to mention the whole of the justice league. Dick was basically all alone for his mission. After the dust settled, he immediately headed towards the manor, desperately wanting a hug from his dad, and just to relish in his children's presence, but when he walked in, no one was home. No noise, no screams, just emptiness. He had called Barbara right after he entered, terrified that something had happened.

After all, it just takes one night...

"They're in the east wing, I think the third room on the left. The hallway with the ugly wallpaper."

Dick chuckled as he made his way up the stairs, his phone warm against his ear. "I'll have you know I chose that wallpaper."

He heard his wife scoff, could tell she was rolling her eyes. "No wonder it's shit. You're sense of style has always been awful."

"I never heard you complaining about discowling."

Barbara let out a breathy laugh. "Of course. That deep V showed all the good parts hunk wonder."

Dick knew where this was going, heat rising to his cheeks as all the tension left his shoulders. "It's been a while since we did play with my suit, hun?"

She hummed in response, making promises of midnight love when she came back. Dick grinned, knowing he would hold her to that oath, but he said his goodbyes and hung up when he finally came to the room where they were supposed to be. Taking a deep breath, he slowly opened the creaking door, light creeping into the dark room. Dick tensed for a second, the shadows playing tricks, making him see the monsters he's dealt with all week, but then the rumbles of snores and quiet huffs instantly put him at ease.

The room was littered with toys and drawings, crayons thrown about and stuffed animals put into a makeshift tea party. Not to mention a toy batmobile and batman thrown haphazardly on the floor. But the best sight of all was seeing the three people snuggled up on the large king size bed. His baby boy lay on top of Bruce's large chest, a pacifier slowly moving to each inhale and exhale. His plump fist held a fist-full of the old man's shirt, desperately clinging on to the old man. Then beside his father, lay his daughter, curled up and tucked into his side. Sleep lines marred across her pink cheeks as her dark hair sprayed all over Bruce's face. The elder bat had his strong arms wrapped tightly around both the children, daring anyone to try and pry them away from his grip.

Dick couldn't help the warm feeling blossoming in his chest. He quickly pulled out his phone getting ready to send pictures to Barbara, wanting to keep this memory forever. It was a miracle to see Bruce, and his kids, fall asleep. This two in one had to be a gift from God. The residing click of the camera is what jolted Bruce awake, instantly tugging the children into chest and snarling at the shadows in the room.

"Relax B, it's just me." Dick smiled, finally switching the lamp on. It took his father a second to recognize that it was just his son, not some intruder trying to take away the children he loved.

"Dick." he said, as if unable to believe he was standing before him. Dick nodded, reaching over to wrap his arms around his father's neck. The familiar smell of expensive cologne, leather, and sweat swept over him like a wave, calming him down as he unfurled from his father's hold.

"Morning B, or I guess, night."

Dick watched as his daughter began to mumble, then slowly rise out of her sleep. Rubbing her bright green eyes to take in the room. Her gaze instantly fell to Dick and all sights of grogginess vanished as a smile exploded across her features.

"Dad!" she screamed, and then leapt over Bruce and into his arms. Thank God for years worth of reflex training, because he would have dropped his daughter if he hadn't.

"Hello my princess," he chuckled, holding her tightly as his fingers made their way into her hair. "I missed you so much."

"Dada!" his son shrieked, pacifier falling from his lips and discarded onto the ground. He stumbled his way over to him, tripping over Bruce's leg. The old man gave a soft smile as he helped the boy walk over the mess of limbs. Dick scooped up his second child, nuzzling his nose into the baby's chubby cheeks as he let loose a shrill of giggles. Dick spent the next few minutes sitting and peppering his kids with kisses, his heart finally feeling whole again. He finally glanced over at Bruce who was quietly watching the exchange of affection with a soft look in his eyes. It wasn't exactly a smile per se but it was still Bruce's way of showing that he was happy.

"Get over here old man," Dick said, reaching over and wrapping his arm around the elder. Bruce stiffened at first but then melted into the embrace, Dick's kids instantly shifting to make room for their grandad.

"Dad, dad, daddy, dad, da-

"Yes Mary." Dick answered. His daughter pulled herself out of the embrace and jumping off the bed, a little too dangerously for his taste.  Barbara was going to kill him once she learned that their daughter has taken to making deadly jumps for fun, just like a certain someone he knows.

Mary gathered all the drawings that were scattered on the floor, then threw them all on top of the bed. Most of them fell on Bruce's legs.

"Grandpa Bruce and I drew all this stuff 'cause he told me that Uncle Dames likes to draw and I want to be just like Uncle Dames 'cause Uncle Dames is soooooo cool, and Uncle Dames draws really well so I wanted to draw really well so I practiced with Grandpa and then Grandpa Bruce told me I draw as good as Uncle-

"Mary, sweetheart." Dick chastised, "slow down."

His daughter inhaled almost comically, ready to speak again, but she  didn't even bother slowing down, trying to jam a week's worth of activities into one sentence. Dick just shook his head and smiled, knowing all too well where all this energy was coming from. His son began to imitate his sisters voice, squealing out his own stories even though most of it was baby talk that no one, but Mary, could ever understand.

"Wow Jimbo, really?" Dick said, pretending to converse with the baby. All it did was make the child more enthusiastic about his babbles. The young father turned to the elder, who was making his way out of the bed.

Dick put Jim on the floor beside Mary, as he rushed over to help, but Bruce just brushed him off with a wave of a hand. Slowly easing himself onto the floor, with more effort than it would usually take. Dick knew Bruce hated it, to feel useless and old. To have a weakness, to have the need to be dependant. No matter how many times Dick and many others told Bruce that it's okay to ask for some assistant, that it's not a sign of failure. All they would get in return would be angry eyes and a sneer, as the batman would attempt to stomp away but end up hobbling instead.

"Grandpa!" Mary yelled louder while Dick winced. As much as he loved his kids, they were a noisy bunch. "Are we gonna make pancakes! You promised!"

Bruce just chuckled, warm and deep. Rare too. "Of course baby, I'll race you downstairs."

Mary instantly stood up and bolted out the room, her footsteps echoing off the walls.

"Her stealth training needs some improvement," Bruce said, a little too seriously to be a joke.

Dick gave him a raised brow, picking up his son who was about to stuff a crayon into his mouth. "Please tell me you have not been training my children behind my back." he exasperated.

He just got a shrug as an answer, which really didn't ease him at all.

"Whatever, we'll talk about this later" Dick sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "How were they? Mary and Jim."

Bruce leaned over, Dick expected he just wanted more room to move towards the door, but instead he plucked Jim right from his hands and held the boy protectively in his arms. Then proceeded to shuffle out the door. It was probably pathetic and petty, but Dick really wanted to hold his son. Like it was unfair that Bruce got to spend a whole week with them, not to mention how happy Jim looked being in his grandpa's arms right now. So yeah, maybe he was a little bit jealous, but what Bruce didn't know wouldn't kill him.

"They were... They were good Dick." Bruce started, as Dick followed out behind the pair. "No. They were better, amazing. They made me feel... made me feel... I..."

Dick rolled his eyes, even years after being with five kids, not to mention mentoring young heroes and saving millions of lives, Bruce still had trouble expression emotion. Thankfully, Dick was here to translate.

"They make you feel alive don't they. Younger, energetic, you just constantly want to impress them, be their hero, give them the world and then some more."

Bruce stopped, dead in his tracks. He turned to look at Dick, grey eyes with years worth of experience, pain, joy, all flashing at once.

"Now you understand how I felt about all of you."

Dick stumbled, he never lost his balance. Never. But at this moment, this moment right here was all it took to make him choke. To wet his eyes. He spent a whole week getting beat up, cursed at, and all alone. But just one sentence of pure heart from a man he called father, is what broke him.

"Dada?" Jim whispered, his bottom lip jutting out, concern marking his little features. Dick wiped his eyes, leaning down to kiss his sons red hair.

"I'm fine buddy, don't worry about me."

"Grandpaaa! Daaad!" Mary shrieked. "You're taking so looooongg!"

"Are you sure she's not Canary's child?" Bruce questioned with a smirk.

Dick snorted, but then reached out and yanked Jim back from Bruce's grip. The boy screamed in excitement as Dick ran down the stairs.

"Come on old man, I'll race ya!"

Bruce smiled, but what Dick didn't see was that things had never changed. That he was still Bruce's little boy and always will be.

Hey babes, 

Hope ya’ll liked Ch1. I’ve already posted CH2 on Wattpad if ya’ll wanna check it out, but I will be posting CH2 here later on (Spoiler! CH2 is all about Jason Todd’s kids). 

Anyways hope ya’ll enjoyed!! Let me know what ya’ll think! 

- Lady Dinah 

[artificialqueens]

City of Stars (Chapter 6) Pearlet - Leatwerpenn

A/N - Sorry for the slight delay in posting. I went to the Willam, Sharon, Etc show in London on Wednesday night and have been fighting the hangover since. >.< As always, Previous chapters can be found HERE in the masterpost. Warnings for some SLIGHT smut, fluff, and angst. Enjoy ;)

Chapter 6 (2011) 5 Years Before. LA. Spring.

Jason’s phone vibrating was what distracted him from watching the Jazz band playing on the stage, which Matt had now joined in with. Jason held his phone up and made eye contact with Matt from his place on the stage. He then moved away to a quieter area of the club. _______________________________________ “I got a call back! Oh my god!” Jason was jumping up and down holding onto Matt as he did so. If I wasn’t holding on to him I swear I would float away. “Really? What for?” Matt had a huge smile on his face. Fuck, he has the cutest smile. “It’s for some online thing called ‘Hurts’, it doesn’t have a script or anything apparently. They said that they have a different role in mind for me, not the one I auditioned for! They would like to meet with me again for a different role! How cool is that?” Jason thought he might explode from excitement. “Jay, that’s amazing.” Matt wrapped him in a warm hug. As he pulled back he looked at Jason’s lips. God, please kiss me. Just as Jason thought he might, Matt pulled away and took his hand. “C’mon Pumpkin, had better get you home so you can prepare.” Jason’s heart sank a little, but he understood. He had, after all, asked Matt not to kiss him again until he was single. _______________________________________ Jason tugged Matt impatiently to the car and they were soon on the highway, making their way to Jason’s apartment. He had a million questions running through his mind. What do I wear? How do I prepare when there is still no script? Fuck! “You’re flipping your expressions from frowning to smiling every two seconds. What’s up?” Matt glanced at Jason. “I have no idea what to wear, or how to prepare. I mean, there is no script! I feel like I need to watch a movie marathon or something!” His voice was panicked. Fuck I need to calm down. “So go home and watch some movies. What is this role about? What do you know?” Matt asked. “I know it’s about people hurting. But that is kind of it. I don’t like thinking about what hurts me because it takes me to a very dark place, and I don’t like going to that place. So, I guess movie marathon it is. Any suggestions?” Jason babbled. “God there are so many! Virgin Suicides, Kids, The Breakfast Club! God what else…? Oh, The Pianist is one of my favourites… for obvious reasons!” Matt laughed at himself. “I don’t think I have seen any of those movies.” Jason put his head in his hands. “How can I be an actor when I don’t even watch movies?” He looked up from his personal pity party at the sound of Matt’s laughter filling the car. “You’re such a dork. You know, The Pianist is playing at this little outside theatre in Venice this weekend. It’s super cute. It’s one of those old-fashioned style ones, where you sit out on deck chairs in the sand and watch it projected on the side of a random building. Sometimes we get chased by the cops before the movie ends but it’s fun and I have been asking them to play The Pianist for like, ever. I was going to go after work on my own but, I could always take you? Like, a date? I guess…” Matt’s confidence seemed to dwindle as he spoke. Yes! Yes! “Sure, you have my number now. Text me the address and I’ll meet you there” Jason took Matt’s hand and stroked his thumb across the top of his hand. Perfect. _______________________________________ Matt had spent the next five days trying to think about anything other than Jason. Or Violet. He had messaged Jason and told him the location of the secret cinema, and now he was just awaiting a response. He wasn’t sure how to label Jason in his phone contacts, so he just called him ‘Pumpkin.’ He had been composing more music than ever. He felt extremely inspired. Matt was sure it had everything to do with the man with the messy bun and the woman with the tiny waist.

His usual gig at Charlie’s tonight had been cancelled as the restaurant was closed for the night. It was Charlie and his wives 40th wedding anniversary. How cute. Matt was so deep in thought he didn’t hear the front door open and close, or the sound of heels clicking around upstairs. He continued to play and make notes in his music book. Every song title had something to do with either Jason or Violet. What does this one remind me off, ummm, her magical laugh… ‘Magical Laughter’… “Matt… Matt… Matthew!” Matt snapped out of thinking about Jason; looking straight into Courtney’s blue eyes. And all he could see, were stars. (1990) 21 Years Before. Atlanta. Spring. ‘C’mon Matty! We have to get a seat!” A beautiful woman with long golden hair pulled a tiny Matt along with her, laughing and smiling as she moved through the small café. She found a table to the left of the small stage and pulled a chair out for Matt. “C’mon Handsome, hop up! You are only ever going to see a performance this good once!” The woman sat opposite him, and held his small hand in hers. Matt’s heart was beating so fast. “Plus, your father think’s we went to visit Aunt June! Guess what? We totally aren’t!” Matt just looked at his mother with adoration as she talked at a thousand words a minute. The only time she was ever quiet was during a performance. “Now Matty, this is a performance café, so when people are on stage you have to be quiet and respectful; But when there isn’t anybody on the stage you can talk, like we are. Understand?” She smiled, her blue eyes sparkled. “Sure Mumma, I get it.” He smiled back up at his mother. Her eyes soon left his as she focused on the stage where a slender woman with dark hair had walked out. Matt started to feel a burning in his chest. He wasn’t sure what it was. The woman sat at the piano and started to play beautifully, maybe even more so than his mother and he loved his mother. That was the first time Matt had seen what he was about to see, and all he could see, were stars. (2011) LA. Spring. Jason sat in the living room, on the couch, watching movies. This is where he had been for the past 5 days; the only time he left the sofa was to go to work. The thought of not getting this role was driving him insane, and he was going to do just about anything to make sure he would be successful at it. Kurtis opened the living room door and plumped up the cushions so he could sit beside Jason. Jason was so caught up in his movie he barely noticed Kurtis asking him a question. “Bitch, answer me. When are you going to leave this sofa?” Kurtis pressed the pause button on the remote to ensure that Jason was paying attention. “Whenever Matt text’s me where he wants me to meet him for our date.” He replied as if it was second nature, but he instantly regretted it as Kurtis’ face lit up. “Where is he taking you? What are you going to wear? When are you going?” Kurtis had now moved to sit on the armchair opposite. He was basically jumping in his seat. Fuck, calm down. “Well, we’re going to some weird secret outside cinema. I have no idea, and whenever he texts me a day.” He picked his phone up at that moment and saw he had a message. 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice. Just keep walking along the boardwalk till you see the Secret Cinema sign. I’ll be the handsome man with the popcorn. Heels not advised. Only because of sand. See you later Pumpkin. Jason smiled and saved Matt into his phone as ‘Handsome’. “Well, tonight apparently. He texted me earlier, but I didn’t even notice as I’ve had my head in the TV for most of the afternoon.” Jason sighed as he turned the TV off and wondered into his room. “Fuck! Kurtis! What do I wear?” He let out a sigh in frustration as he pulled his drawers open to where his boy clothes lived. “You have loads of nice clothes; just wear some skinny jeans and a shirt. That vintage patterned one you got a while ago? Or maybe your leather jacket?” He was going through Jason’s wardrobe pulling out all sorts of things that did not go together. Stick to make-up hun. “I’m not wearing a leather jacket to the beach bitch. Look, ill just wear my black jeans and this shirt.” He grabbed a different vintage shirt; it was a navy blue colour with an 80’s style geometric pattern on it. “And I now need to shower, so goodbye.” He pushed Kurtis out of his room and slammed the door. He glanced at the clock. 3pm, I have some time. Jason leant over, opened Spotify, put his favourite instrumental playlist on and laid back on the bed. As he listened to his mothers, or Matt’s tune. All he could see, were stars. (1990) 21 Years Before. Atlanta. Spring. A baby Jason was playing with toys on the floor of some shabby-chic looking café. Blue eyes looking back at him. A young boy smiling down at him, helping him to stand up. Jason felt cold. He looked around for his mother and began crying when he couldn’t see her. The blue-eyed boy was saying “shhh!” over and over. “Shall we find our Mumma’s little one?” Baby Jason attempted to crawl, clinging on to the bottom of the other boy’s trousers. Baby Jason saw his mother and another woman sitting on the piano stall together. Playing at opposite ends on the piano. And all he could see, were stars. (2011) LA. Spring. Jason awoke feeling confused. Was that a memory? He glanced at the clock and realised he was now running late. Shit! He grabbed his clothes and rushed to the bathroom to get ready. _______________________________________ “Hey, I didn’t know you were coming back today. I could have got you from the airport.” Matt got up to greet Courtney, he pecked her on the cheek. He had never felt so guilty. “It’s okay, I’m only here because my parents are in the US and insisted that I see them.” Courtney huffed and followed as Matt went back upstairs. “Your parents are here… great” He rolled his eyes as he went to the kitchen to make himself a drink. Courtney seemed on edge. “Yeah, I know you hate them. Hell, I hate them. But will you please come with me to dinner tonight. I can’t face them on my own.” Courtney looked at him with pleading eyes. His heart broke, not because of Courtney, but because he would have to let Jason down. “Court, I actually have work tonight.” Let’s try that angle. “For god sakes Matt! I never ask you for anything! You live here, you eat the food I buy, you basically bum off of me and I need one favour for you and you can’t do it?” Courtney raised her voice. Matt felt conflicted. It was never just one favour though, was it Court? “Fine! I just, I need to tell work.” He went to go back downstairs to get his phone but Courtney cut him off. “Don’t worry, it’s not like it’s an important job Matthew. Let’s just go. I need to get you something to wear because your clothes are hideous.” Courtney grabbed Matt, pushing him out of the door. He glanced back inside and felt his heart sink. I’m so sorry Jay. _______________________________________ “Do I look okay?” Jason stood in the living room, blocking Kurtis from watching TV. “You look to die for. I swear to god, if he doesn’t rip that shirt open and want to take you on the beach then I might!” He jumped up and fussed over Jason. He swatted Kurtis away. No thanks. “Okay, well I’m going to go. I’ve got my keys and phone. Please don’t wait up” He typed a quick text to Matt letting him know he was leaving, and he set off, in his Prius. _______________________________________ Matt had spent the entire dinner watching the clock. He couldn’t remember if he had told Jason a time. Why can’t I remember? Matt, Courtney and her parents were eating at some fancy sushi restaurant on the other side of LA to where he had told Jason to meet him. Fuck! Courtney’s parents were always so horrible to her. He could tell that the dinner was painful for her and he kept squeezing her knee under the table to re-assure her. He felt so ashamed. He wanted more than anything to support Courtney, but as a friend. Not as her boyfriend. “So Matt, you still getting steady gigs? What’s the big goal? You know, Courtney can’t carry you forever.” Matt rolled his eyes. This question came up a lot from them, he always had the same answer. “I’m still saving to open my own Jazz club, remember. Unfortunately, the property I was interested in in New York just got converted into a salsa tapas place. Like, what even is that? Anyway, I’m just looking for new locations now.” He smiled and didn’t really pay attention to anything else her parents we’re saying. Somewhere towards the other side of the restaurant was a pianist. He could have sworn the pianist was playing his tune. City of stars Are you shining just for me? Matt could hear the lyrics so clearly in his head. He felt like he was in a dream. As if time was moving slower than he was. The lights seemed brighter for some reason. He wasn’t even convinced the piano was playing his tune. But he could hear it. Who knows? Is this the start of something wonderful and new? Or one more dream that I cannot make…. True…. A dream I cannot make true. No way, I need to make this happen. Wake up! “I’m so sorry Courtney, but, I can’t do this anymore, and I know you can’t either. Mr and Mrs Act, it has been a pleasure knowing you for all of these years. But, my heart is with someone else and I need to go get them.” Matt apologised again and got up from his seat. He was moving towards the exit when he glanced back at Courtney to see her smiling brightly back at him. He gave her a small nod and ran as fast as he could to the nearest taxi rank. _______________________________________ Jason felt stupid, he knew it was too good to be true. He had been sitting in his deck chair for 45 minutes already and no sign of Matt. How did I think he liked me, I’m repulsive. This is why he never went on dates. His face was so focused on the movie that he didn’t even notice that someone had sat next to him. That was, until he felt the shiver shoot up his spine. Matt?

He turned his head and he saw Matt, looking extremely sweaty and gazing back at him. Before he could realise what was happening, Matt breathed, “I’m single” and grabbed Jason’s face between his hands. He was kissing him with so much desperation that Jason could feel it burning at his lips. He is single? He broke up with his girlfriend? Oh my god he is kissing me, and what is he doing with his tongue? Matt pulled away from Jason, breaking the spell. When Jason saw Matt looking to the right where he saw police cars pulling up and jogging over to where they were seated in the sand. “C’mon Pumpkin, before we get caught” He pulled Jason up and tugged him along in the sand. He was laughing. He stopped suddenly, kicking his fancy shoes off into the distance and shouting, “Who needs shoes! I’m free!” Why is he such a dork? Jason led Matt over to his Prius, which Matt had great pleasure laughing at. He drove Matt back to his place. “I’m homeless!” Matt joked playfully in the car on the ride over. They both took the stairs two at a time, with Matt constantly telling Jason how perfect his ass was. He felt confident. For once in my life. They stumbled through the front door to find the place quiet. One single lamp was on in the living room, and Jason spotted the glow from his own lamp in his bedroom down the hall. Phew, no Kurtis. Their lips were on each other, as they continued their battle for dominance towards the bedroom. Jason kicked his shoes off and they flew, hitting the wall on the way. Clothes became fewer on the way to the bedroom. Jason left Matt for just a second and put his instrumental playlist on the loudest he had ever heard it. “Fuck the neighbours.” He breathed as he unbuttoned Matt’s fancy shirt. Kissing down his chest, and lingering on his pelvic bone. “Stop! Stop… Slow down.” He grabbed Jason’s wrists to halt him. Jason felt insecure. “Dance with me.”  Matt breathed. He pulled Jason up and took him in his arms and started spinning him around his tiny bedroom to the beat of the playlist. At some point, Jason had willed the lights to turn down to a more romantic glow, and it was only them, swirling and twirling, under the glow of the stars that Jason had super glued to the ceiling. Jason felt like he was floating. Matt was making him feel more comfortable and safe than anyone ever had. He felt like they had been dancing for a lifetime. The darkness didn’t frighten Jason in that moment. Soon the lights were completely off. I feel safe with you. Matt trailed kisses across Jason’s jaw. He felt the shiver in his groin, he thought he might cum just from being kissed. Oh my god. “Is this okay?” Matt asked. Jason replied in moans but he wasn’t sure it made sense. He was making the most animalistic noises as Matt made his way down to his chest, kissing one nipple and playing with the ring in his other one. “Matt.” Jason breathed, over and over. Matt pushed Jason down to the bed and continued his trial of kisses down to his boxers. He bit at Jason’s cock through his boxers. He whimpered. Matt looked up unsure. Jason smiled down at him. “Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with Matt. I just want you.” Jason played with Matt’s short hair at the side of his head. Running his fingers up and down and around the back of his ears. He looked at Jason’s crotch and pulled his boxers down. He kissed the tip of Jason’s cock and then took it into his mouth. Jason could swear his eyes rolled into the back of his head. Matt continued to work on Jason’s cock while his own erection was throbbing in his pants. It was becoming so uncomfortable that he could barely concentrate on what he was doing. Jason soon sat up, pushing Matt back. He then crawled across the bed, slipping his hands into Matt’s pants. He freed Matt’s cock who let out a gasp of relief. “I want you to fuck me Matt.” Jason whispered as he palmed Matt’s erection. “I’ll bottom. But you need to get me ready. Can you do that?” Please say yes. “Of course.” Matt pushed Jason back roughly and pushed his legs into his chest. Matt started to lick around the rim of Jason’s hole tentatively. Matt felt slightly unsure, however, Jason’s moans spurred him on. He was now touching Jason’s cock, moving his hand up and down. Matt let out a “Bedside drawer?” between kissing and licking Jason’s hole. Matt heard a faint ‘fuck yes.’ He then reached into the drawer and got a condom and a bottle of lube. He coated two fingers in the lube and started to move one finger in and out of Jason’s hole carefully. The look of pleasure on Jason’s face was nearly enough to make Matt cum. He then inserted another and when he felt Jason start to loosen up, he changed his finger motion to start scissoring him instead, preparing him for Matt to enter. Matt kissed the tip of Jason’s cock as he continued to prepare him. Jason breathed a rough ‘I’m ready’ and Matt removed his fingers. Rolled the condom down his dick and coated it in lube. Their first time was passionate. Matt was unsure and tentative as he angled himself to find Jason’s prostate in a missionary position. He soon found the angle and rhythm that Jason liked. Matt had never felt anything so tight around his cock. He came apart soon after as each thrust seemed to feel better and better; with Jason’s name on his lips. Matt had cum a litter sooner than he would of liked so to tip Jason over the edge he pulled out, took Jason’s cock in his mouth once more, only this time, with two fingers in his hole, tapping at his prostate. Jason came, moaning loudly. They discarded the condom and wrapped themselves around each other. They both gazed at the ceiling as they started to fall asleep, and all they could see, were stars.

[toddrogersfl]

Vintage men’s fragrance advertising down the decades

To celebrate National Men’s Grooming Day, we thought we’d share this article by novelist, blogger and columnist Maggie Alderson from ‘The Magic of Mimosa’ edition of The Scented Letter – which looks at men’s scent ads new and old…

Spending an afternoon than researching pictures for a feature about great aftershave advertisements can have quite an effect on you. Holy plumped pectorals! After five minutes browsing muscular torsos and manly gazes, I didn’t know whether to take a cold shower or dance a tango.

But once you really study these images (as opposed to just drooling over them) it becomes clear that there is in fact a lot more to this genre than photographs of ridiculously beautiful men.

In-depth scientific research (ahem…) reveals that they fall into four main categories, which involves said living gods wearing one of four outfits: practically nothing, a suit of superb cut, sporting attire, fancy dress.

But whichever of those it is, the very best aftershave print ads share one thing, in my opinion; they consist of nothing more than the picture and the name and brand of the fragrance. There’s not even a smart tag line – yet these heavenly images create an entire world, telling a story that draws you in wanting to know more. And makes you very keen to lean in and smell that particular man’s neck…

Here are some favourites from the archives – and a few vintage classics that show how not to do it, perhaps.

HOT, HOT, HOT

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio

This was a masterstroke of casting, taking all-American blond hunk Jason Morgan and photographing him in moody black and white. Mr. Morgan’s astonishing blue eyes are his calling card, but who knew they’d be even more arresting in greyscale? One of the greatest aftershave photographs of all time, taken by Matthew Brookes, with that serious expression adding dreamy depth. There is also a video… Have your fan ready. And a mint julep.

Chanel Allure Homme Sport

Probably the medal winner in the sporting genre, the series of Spanish super dude Andrès Velencoso Segura – ex-squeeze of Kylie Minogue – with a surf board stopped me in my tracks when I first saw it (and inspired the leading man in my novel ‘Everything Changes But You’). It’s the combination of hunky, yet sensitive, which is so devastating. Senor Velencoso has his mum’s name tattooed over his heart and loves dogs. I’m working on finding out his favourite biscuit.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

Our very own David Gandy wearing little more than his birthday suit and showing how it is possible for art to improve on nature. Even the azure waters of the Amalfi coast are enhanced by his white Speedo-clad proximity. And how could a fragrance associated with a scene so pleasing to the eye smell anything but divine?

Dior Eau Sauvage

Here’s one that spans the genres – it could equally fit in Famous, because while the ad appeared in 2105, this bearded beauty is none other than French actor Alain Delon, snapped in his youthful glory in 1966, the year this most classic of Colognes was launched.

It would also fit in Story. That little frown…what just happened? Who was she? Is he about to write a poem, jump off a cliff, or sail off into the horizon? We’ll never know, but it’s so easy to imagine that lemon-y herby sillage trailing behind him as he goes.

          STORYTELLING

Dior Eau Sauvage

Could this be the most iconic aftershave advertisement of all time? Part of the wonderful series of works legendary fashion illustrator René Gruau created for the brand, somehow this gorgeous – fictional – man’s entire sophisticated, sexy, city life is conveyed by this cheeky image of a most personal moment, through a half-closed bathroom door. I know I’m not the only person whose entire ideal of what a man should be like was inspired in childhood by seeing these advertisements…

Michael Kors for Men

The American designer is the current master of the atmospheric advertisement, reaching standards set by Martini commercials in the 1960s, conveying the sense of lives of perfect insouciant glamour. It took Martini a couple of minutes of film of ski lifts, helicopters and white horses on beaches, plus an iconic theme tune to achieve it; somehow Mr Kors pulls it off with one picture. Where exactly was this open-shirted hottie last night? Who was he with and where’s he off to now? Is he getting into that seaplane landing behind him? Are his tanned feet bare, below those white jeans? Is that a gun in his pocket or…? Whatever he smells of, we like it.

Givenchy Gentleman

Swoon. That’s the only word to describe this photograph. While the frontal lobe of our brain might try to tell us it’s just beautiful models in a studio doing what they’re told, the imagination immediately has other ideas. You can practically feel the skin on skin. How they managed to convey such passion in one shot is quite miraculous and you just want to know more. Is their embrace illicit? Or are they reunited after a long spell of enforced separation? I’m feeling army (could be those shoulders…). To me this is Prince Andrei and Natasha from War and Peace and oh my lord, do I need to smell him, the most romantic character in literature, ever. Swoonavich.

Guerlain Habit Rouge

As befits the most classic of French perfume houses, this image has a more metaphorical feeling to it – the romance between a man and his horse, rather than that old une femme et un homme storyline. But is it a real horse, or an imaginary one? An expression of his innermost feelings? His essence (said in a French accent). Or, when you consider the meaning of the aftershave’s name Habit Rouge, which is French for a huntsman’s red coat, does it represent the male’s eternal hunt for a mate? Whatever – cor!

Aramis by Aramis

Forget the silly text – which modern advertising has shown really isn’t needed. This brilliant 1980s picture says it all for Aramis. She’s a modern girl and she likes what she smells so much she’s got him pinned up against the fridge. He’s not going anywhere until she’s fully explored all those intriguing wormwood and leather notes. But where have they been in their black tie outfits? Whose kitchen is it? And why does he look a little bit uncomfortable with his hands in his pockets? Might somebody be about to come in and surprise them?

FAMOUS FACES

David Beckham Urban Homme

Aftershave ads featuring famous chaps fall into two types – famous faces modelling for the brands and famous men who are the brand. David Beckham is a classic of the latter with seven aftershaves to his name, plus spins on those – all of them promoted by this sporting living national treasure in different moods. Sometimes casual in a classic T, showing off his tatts (Instinct Sport and Beyond Forever), in a fetchingly undone black tie (Instinct Gold Edition), or here in his full metrosexual glory in an immaculate mohair suit and crisp white shirt, ready for dinner at the coolest restaurant in town.

Jimmy Choo Man

The Jimmy Choo man is dark and brooding, a modern warrior in urban leathers and biker boots, ready to swoop to the aid of a damsel in distress – possibly because she is wearing such very high heels. And who better to pull that off than dark and brooding actor Kit Harington, Game of Thrones’ tortured hero Jon Snow, who looks born to smell of suede and patchouli?

Mont Blanc Homme Exceptionnel

A sub-genre of the famous man aftershave advert is the man who is famous for something specific, not acting or modelling, or owning the brand. Brut owns the concept, with their legendary 1970s commercials with Henry Cooper. Other sportsmen featured included tennis player Vitus Gerulatiis, racing driver James Hunt and American footballer Richard Todd. Montblanc run a posher version of this, featuring men exceptional violinist (and hot tottie) Joshua Bell.

Bing Crosby

If you’re going to go famous, why not go pure legend? LA based toiletries outfit Courtley Ltd. did, with a Father’s Day ad for their ‘virile Courtley fragrance’ in 1946. The backdrop photo of His Bingness looks as though it might have been sent out by the publicity department of Paramount Studios which was also promoting his new film Road to Utopia on the ad, but a more personal connection has been shoed in by adding a cunning gift tag to the ‘flagons’ (their word) making the gift set appear to be a gift from four of his six sons. Can’t see David Beckham’s team trying that stunt.

VINTAGE TREASURES

Old Spice

‘Joan Daly says she likes it when men wear Old Spice’. Likes what, exactly? But the finger resting playfully on lips and the position of her right hip ready to move into the twerking position gives a hint. The lower tag line is brilliant in its disingenuous simplicity. ‘Girls like it. Is there a better reason to wear Old Spice?’ Ms Daly was Miss Massachusetts in 1953.

Centaur

‘Are you ready for Centaur?’ Frankly not. If the ads looked like this, what on earth did it smell like? Goat blankets? The image alone is terrifying, but wait til you read the copy. ‘It’s the massage cologne. Half man, half beast, all male!’ proclaims the headline.

And also a little bit sex toy, it would seem: ‘Out of the Wild and Violent days of ancient Greece comes the exciting concept of Massage Cologne… Massage CENTAUR [so manly it always has to be written out in caps] into your arms, legs and loins. CENTAUR [can you hear us at the back?] has no alcohol [their itals] to irritate, so it massages with comfort into sensitive areas.’

SENSITIVE AREAS. [my caps]. But wait! There’s more: ‘CENTAUR adds a delightful new dimension to your body, a low level aroma that hovers close to the skin for hours, transmits its virile message only in moments of close and intimate contact.’

A virile low level aroma, like around hip level… Basically it seems to be perfume for his nether regions.

Brut

His rakish eye patch (not available on the NHS) and general air of nudity are just red herrings. This ad is really all about the way he is grasping the, er, shaft of that Brut bottle. But that really is a very small cigarillo.

Denim

There’s something rather contemporary about this image – and it still has sex appeal. It’s just the name of the fragrance that adds the cheese. But then you get on to the copy, clearly written in the afterglow of a 1970s ad agency creative department expenses lunch.

‘DENIM. For the man who doesn’t have to try too hard. He doesn’t have to. Things come easy for the man who wears DENIM (trademark). Because a man feels better. A man feels cooler.’

Despite seemingly being permanently off their trams on Beaujolais nouveau and Black Forest gateau, this shows what geniuses those copywriters were at subconscious messaging. Read it carefully and you’ll see that this blurb has several key words planted in it: hard, easy, feels and man. Next stop, CENTAUR?

Tabac

‘Peter Wyngarde smells… great’ declares this ad for Tabac. How could we ever have thought otherwise? As the magnificently coiffed, Windsor-knotted and luxuriantly moustached Jason King, his performance was OTT top you could practically smell his aftershave through your TV screen. Really worth checking out on YouTube if you are too young to have witnessed Mr. Wyngarde’s hilarious delivery in this early 70s classic TV show. He makes Austin Powers look demure.

Written by Maggie Alderson maggiealderson.com

The post Vintage men’s fragrance advertising down the decades appeared first on The Perfume Society.

from The Perfume Society https://perfumesociety.org/vintage-mens-fragrance-advertising-down-the-decades/