#no-nonsense workwear

[cressida-jayoungr]

One Dress a Day Challenge

September: Bond Films

Tomorrow Never Dies / Michelle Yeoh as Wai Lin

This article states that there are "five primary modes of Bond girl chic," and I'm planning to look at them all! The first of them is "no-nonsense workwear," here aptly demonstrated by Wai Lin. She apparently wears this outfit underneath a skydiving suit. It's casual but eyecatching, and it allows for great freedom of movement, culminating in a memorable motorcycle ride where she and Bond jointly control the bike while handcuffed together.

I think she has two different versions of the shirt, as the one she wears when dangling from the rope seems longer than the one seen in other shots. Probably to hide a harness.

[fashionveroshop]

Vice Grip Garage Merch

Show your love for automotive expertise with the “Vice Grip Garage Merch” from Fashionveroshop. This merchandise is perfect for fans of the popular Vice Grip Garage channel and anyone passionate about classic cars and DIY mechanics.

Made from high-quality, soft cotton, the “Vice Grip Garage Merch” ensures comfort and durability for everyday wear. The design features a bold graphic that highlights the iconic Vice Grip Garage logo, capturing the essence of the channel’s hands-on, no-nonsense approach to car restoration and repair. The high-resolution print maintains its vibrant look, even after multiple washes.

Whether you're working on your car, hanging out with friends, or just want to showcase your automotive enthusiasm, this merch pairs perfectly with jeans, shorts, or workwear. Its relaxed fit and standout design make it a versatile addition to any fan’s wardrobe.

Get gear that celebrates your passion—shop the “Vice Grip Garage Merch” at Fashionveroshop today and drive your style to the next level!.Shop now here

More Design at Fashionveroshop

[ainews]

The concept of gravity is a fundamental force that affects everything on Earth, from the tiniest particles to the largest objects. It is what keeps us grounded and prevents us from floating off into space. So why on earth would we waste time and energy discussing something as trivial as dungarees?

Dungarees, also known as overalls, are a type of loose-fitting, one-piece garment that covers both the legs and torso. They were originally designed as workwear for farmers and laborers in the late 1800s and have since evolved into a fashion statement.

However, when it comes to the laws of gravity, they are just another piece of clothing. They do not have any impact on how gravity works or how objects are pulled towards the center of the Earth.

Some might argue that dungarees can be irritating while engaging in physical activities, such as running or climbing, as they restrict movement and can weigh you down. But this is simply a matter of personal preference and has nothing to do with gravity.

In fact, gravity plays a crucial role in the production and distribution of dungarees. From the raw materials used to make the fabric to the transportation of the finished product, gravity comes into play at every stage.

Cotton is the most commonly used fabric for dungarees, and it grows on plants that need gravity to stay grounded and grow properly. Without gravity, these plants would float off into space and would not be able to absorb the necessary nutrients from the soil.

Once the cotton is harvested, it is transported using vehicles that rely on gravity to stay on the ground and move forward. The fabric is then cut and sewn into dungarees, which are again transported using gravity-dependent methods to reach stores and ultimately the consumers.

Moreover, dungarees are not the only piece of clothing that can be considered footling for gravity. All types of clothing, whether it is a t-shirt or a ball gown, are subject to gravity's laws and do not hold any special significance in this regard.

It is understandable to have a personal opinion on certain types of clothing and their practicality in different situations. However, to perceive dungarees as footling for gravity is simply nonsensical and disregards the importance of this fundamental force in our daily lives.

In conclusion, dungarees may not be everyone's cup of tea, but to claim that they are footling for gravity is baseless. Let's not trivialize the concept of one of the four fundamental forces of nature and appreciate the role it plays in our world.

[steamz]

The History of Men's Jeans: From Workwear to Fashion Staple

The History of Men's Jeans: From Workwear to Fashion Staple

In the world of men's fashion, few garments have stood the test of time quite like jeans. These iconic pants have evolved from humble beginnings as rugged workwear into a symbol of style and versatility. While today we have a plethora of styles to choose from, including the classic "Straight Fit" jeans, the journey of jeans from utility to fashion is a fascinating tale worth exploring.

The Birth of Denim:

The story begins in the mid-19th century when a visionary named Levi Strauss partnered with a tailor named Jacob Davis to create sturdy work pants for miners during the California Gold Rush. These pants, made from a durable twill fabric called denim, featured reinforced stitching, including copper rivets at stress points. The result was a pair of pants that could withstand the harshest conditions, setting the stage for the denim revolution.

The Rise of Workwear:

Initially, jeans were primarily worn by laborers and workers. Their durability and functionality made them an instant hit among those toiling in mines, factories, and farms. The "Straight Fit" jeans, with their roomy legs and sturdy construction, became a practical choice for those who needed freedom of movement and durability in their daily grind.

The Rebel Years:

In the mid-20th century, jeans began to transcend their utilitarian roots. Hollywood icons like James Dean popularized them as a symbol of rebellion and non-conformity. "Straight Fit" jeans became synonymous with the rugged, individualistic spirit of the era.

Denim Goes Global:

The 1960s and '70s marked the international spread of denim culture. From the streets of America to the fashion runways of Europe, jeans began to dominate wardrobes. "Straight Fit" jeans continued to be a staple, offering a timeless, no-nonsense look.

Designer Denim:

The 1980s brought about the era of designer denim. High-end fashion houses put their own spin on jeans, elevating them to a new level of luxury. While various styles emerged, the classic "Straight Fit" maintained its popularity as a reliable, versatile choice.

Modern Adaptations:

Today, men's jeans come in a staggering array of fits, washes, and finishes. However, the enduring appeal of "Straight Fit" jeans remains. With their clean lines and timeless design, they're a symbol of the enduring legacy of denim.

The journey of men's jeans from being workwear essentials to a fashion staple has been nothing short of remarkable. Along the way, "Straight Fit" jeans have played a crucial role in preserving the rugged, no-frills essence of denim. As we explore this journey further, we'll uncover the various milestones that have shaped the history and evolution of men's jeans.

[theurbanhippieswe]

NO NONSENSE. This is one of my favourite outfits. Nothing messy about it. Just down to earth. An M-43 jacket by Real McCoy’s and hat by HW Dog. Henley Merz b Schwanen and vest Blue Blanket. Jean by Pure Blue Japan and boots Viberg.

Photo: @streetphotomoffe

@thehwdogandco

@blueblanketjeans

@merzbschwanen

#classicworkwear #styleinmalmo #menswear #fashion #heritagestyle #workwear #pinterest #instagram #vintage #agingwithstyle #theurbanhippieswe #vintage #therealmccoys #merzbschwanen #thehwdogandco #purebluejapan #vibergboot #blueblanketjeans

[nomanwalksalone]

ALTERNATIVE STYLE ICON: JAWN FETTERMAN

by Réginald-Jérôme de Mans

I often spare a thought for my friend, fellow cat lover and erstwhile Elliot Richardson impersonator Derek Guy, who founded a blog called Die, Workwear! and now writes extensively about the wonkiest of workwear, himself sporting Japanese versions more authentic than the originals.

It is easy to write about gestures. About a particular pose that readers can infer stands for sincerity or that authenticity. In that manner, I could write paragraph about paragraph about John Fetterman, the 6’8” tall, imposing and intimidating lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.  He posed for his official portrait in a Dickie’s work shirt, the better to suggest he was down to earth and up for any job, no matter how unglamorous. He had his arm tattooed with the dates of each murder that occurred while he was mayor of the post-industrial town of Braddock! He spurned the official residence of the lieutenant governor to live in a converted car dealership with his wife, a former undocumented immigrant. He punctuates Twitter with the occasional pithy tweet and seems to make most of his appearances in jackets from Carhartt, another no-nonsense workwear brand.

Writers always seek a narrative, and in a profile they often tie together a series of such evocative points – mere details --  in an attempt to suggest something deeper about a subject. Without insight and investigation, though, the result can be as empty as the inside of any connect-the-dots game.  There is more to John Fetterman, a man whose momentary Twitter handle, Jawn Fetterman, hinted he’s aware of his meta-workwear style icon status. Derek has pointed out that Fetterman paired his Dickie’s shirts with the high-fashion chops of Martin Margiela side-zip boots. In other words, his embrace of workwear involves some calculation and a broader sense of how to appear

Fetterman himself has stated that he led a “privileged” childhood in York, Pennsylvania, although his parents had not come from money. He holds a graduate degree in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. As such, his workwear outfits and plain speaking could simply be performative: gestures used to telegraph a pose and to pander while the gesturer upholds the status quo and furthers his own ambitions. He could be like any of the other heavily credentialed miscreants Harvard, Princeton and Stanford seem to pride themselves on producing (After Howard Hunt, Brown instead produced mostly harmless preening dandies.)…  We always risk deluding ourselves when someone seems to look a part, to answer to easy expectations. It was a slippery slope to slide from politicians wearing flag pins to literally embracing the American flag on a stage, a gesture of stunning emptiness except for those who wanted to believe.

However, so far Fetterman has shown dedication to practice, not just performance. His degree at Harvard came after work in public service helping students earning GEDs; after Harvard he put his degree and his convictions to work in a struggling town where he continued to teach (even while serving as mayor), reclaimed and renovated houses, and opened community centers.  Some of the daring positions he took (such as officiating a same-sex wedding before it was legal, and his current stance on pot legalization in Pennsylvania) certainly have helped raise his stature. However, much else that he’s done, including expressing what seem like realistic assessments of large sections of the American electorate between the coasts, and plans to help them, seems sincere, intelligent and public-spirited. For this moment, at the very least, let him be the Alternative Style Icon we need, if not the one that we deserve: expressively gigantic, self-aware, able to rip an interlocutor to shreds with his gritty wit or his bare hands, a new national presence providing some blessed change…

[best-worde]

Wartime

Wartime WWII put fashion in an unusually practical position, with women forced into factory work after the men had left for the front. Fabric rationing meant less fullness in the skirts and sleeves, and contributed to the slimmer, no- nonsense silhouettes and alternate materials like rayon. The ‘make do and mend’ 

campaign saw the recycling of garments and contrasting fabrics. With Paris occupied and London under siege, fashion saw a reliance on American designers and ready-to-wear for the first time. The feminine, romantic feeling of the 1930s sobered up to a mature, practical woman with her nipped-in waist, practical knee-length skirts, padded shoulders and long sleeves. 1940s Styles: Practical workwear, austere tailored suits, wrap-around ‘popover’ dress, recycled knits Utilitarian details: Patch pockets, epaulettes, larger buttons platform shoes, spectator shoes, fur stoles, shoulder-strap bags high-rolled hairstyles, snood hair- nets, red lipstick, ‘painted’ stockings Colours: Dark and dusty: utility blue, browns, grab green, beige Fabrics: Wool, cotton, denim, rayon, seersucker, jersey, pinstripes, small scat- tered patterns Designers: Norman Norell, Claire McCardell, Hattie Carnegie, Pierre Balmain, Edith Head, Adrian, Jacques Fath Fashion Influences: Lauren Bacall, Lana Turner, Rita Hayworth, Kathryn Hep- burn, Rosie the Riveter, Carmen Miranda Illustrators: Eric, Alberto Vargas Photographers: Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Lee Miller, Irving Penn Movies: Gilda, Casablanca, It’s a Wonderful Life, Rebecca 1950s The New Look The post-war return to domesticity saw a resurgence in high fashion, and the practical woman became a sophisticated lady in the 1950s. Her retreat to the home saw the return of the proper corseted waist, impractically full skirts, softly rounded shoulders and bracelet-length sleeves. A return to ex- travagant eveningwear and matched ensembles were a requirement for any well-dressed woman, but the Rockabilly and Beatniks also brought a youth- ful influence from the streets. 1950s Styles: Twinsets, pencil skirts, shirtwaist dress, cocktail dress, strapless ball gowns, ‘the little black dress,’ fur coats, stiletto heel, pearl necklaces, clutch purses, matching accessories, chignon hairstyles, gingham dresses, pedal pushers, Converse and Keds sneakers, preppy style Colours: Jewel tones, neutrals Fabrics: Wool tweed, cashmere, satin, taffeta, organza, nylon net, cotton piqué Designers: Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain, Charles James, Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies, Pauline Trigère, Hubert de Givenchy Fashion Influences: Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, Eva Peron, Evelyn Tripp Illustrators: René Gruau, Coby Whitmore, Rene Bouché, Bernard Blossac Photographers: Bill Brandt, Diane Arbus, William Klein, Cecil Beaton Movies: Sabrina, Funny Face, The Seven Year Itch, Rebel Without a Cause, The Wild One, La Dolce Vita, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, All About Eve, To Catch a Thief, Rear Window The rise of teenage culture and rock and roll during this decade had a last- ing influence on fashion, as did the electronic age and the rise of suburban development, shopping malls, and the domestic use of washing machines.  1960s The Mod The woman who had been maturing over the last 30 years started over again in the 1960s, with a wide-eyed return to youthfulness and a naïve schoolgirl look colourfully influenced by Pop Art and Op Art. The look was unisex, with waistless sack dresses, short haircuts, and sleeveless tops. The mod styles of swinging London’s Carnaby Street and King’s Road reached the world along with The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, James Bond, and The Avengers in a ‘British Invasion.’ Hemlines shot up to the mini-skirt, showcasing colourful tights and go-go boots, and silver and metallic colours highlighted the inspiration of the Space Age. The free spir- its of the decade saw the freedom of oral contraception and the Women’s Lib movement, and politics met fashion in the Equal Rights Movement, at Woodstock and protests against the Vietnam War.

[redand51ue]

有點冷的禮拜一早上，昨天晚上我似乎亂說話了.......傷腦筋啊！ On a cold Monday morning, I seemed to talk nonsense last night. 月曜日の寒い朝、私は昨夜ナンセンスな話をしたようです。 Pada pagi Isnin yang sejuk, saya seolah-olah bercakap karut malam tadi. เมื่อเช้าวันจันทร์ที่หนาวเหน็บฉันดูเหมือนจะพูดไร้สาระเมื่อคืน Pada Senin pagi yang dingin, saya tampak berbicara omong kosong semalam. Vào một buổi sáng thứ Hai lạnh lẽo, tôi dường như nói chuyện vô nghĩa đêm qua. Sa isang malamig na umaga ng Lunes, tila nakapagsalita ako ng walang kabuluhang kagabi. В холодное утро понедельника я, казалось, говорил ерунду вчера вечером. An einem kalten Montagmorgen schien ich letzte Nacht Unsinn zu reden. Par un froid matin de lundi matin, j'ai semblé dire des bêtises hier soir. 外套：【03-080】コンビネーション・デニムジャケット 14.7OZ @momotarojeans_official @pooh03187 #色落ち #fade #fadefriday #デニム #denim #denimjeans #selvedgedenim #japanbluejeans #blue #indigo #fashion #menstyle #japanesedenim #rawdenim #経年変化 #workwear #selvedgeforum #fadeoftheday #365photochallenge #madeinjapan #jeanslovers #denimevolution #jeansdestroyed #jeanswear #日常 #denimhead #style #rawfie #thedenimdaily #denimjacket via ✨ @padgram ✨(http://dl.padgram.com) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvIkfCEAaI0/

[prideswim]

INTRODUCING

PRIDE FIT

If you’re tired of pseudo "anatomical" cuts, more suited to superheroes than you, and have seen too many glued/welded seams peel apart, Pride’s Fit range may come as a welcome relief.

No-nonsense straight lines, and workwear sewn seams, combine with the world’s most advanced technical fabric for sportswear, in more durable, handmade, gym fashion.

Fleecy knit gym pants only trap sweat. Ours allow for evaporation, while providing medical-grade compression, when muscles are sorely in need.

#compressionharment #yogapants #stretchwoven

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tailors of Swimwear (@prideswim)

[bricklebeary]

I was tagged by @rissa-rey, and here is my nonsense:

Nickname: Bub (ma mums)... Tash?

Zodiac: Gemini

Height: 5 ft 4 in

Time: 10:25 pm

Favourite band/artist: ummm idk depends on the day

Song tuck in my head: “ain’t no rest for the wicked” cage the elephant. Heard it in a coffee shop yesterday and it will just not stop.

Last movie I saw: Wonder Woman (?)

Last thing I googled: “Priceline townhall”

Other blogs: nil

Do I get asks: sure

Why did I choose this user name: no idea

Following: 350 odd, most probs dead blogs

Average amount of sleep: 5 hours

Lucky number: (?)

Wearing: workwear and a too thin denim jacket

Dream job: Director of Events/f&b

Dream trip: a golf cart puttering round a vineyard in where the fuck ever, slower exceeding the acceptable blood alcohol level

Favourite food: Nasi Goreng, anything Malaysian/Asian fusion

Play any instrument? No I do not and I have many regrets

Eye colour: dark grey/bluish

Hair colour: chocolaty brown

Describe yourself in aesthetic things: mug, notebook, watch, outlook calendar ... ?

Languages you speak: none but English I guess, understand some not enough to speak so-

Most iconic song: “be mine tonight” Th’ Dudes

Random fact: Bromelain is an enzyme that digests protein and is only found in pineapple. That burning feeling in your mouth when you eat pineapple is Bromelain at work. In other words, while you eat pineapple, the pineapple is essentially eating you.

Tags: I’ll tag @trinuviel @nonagaye @jiyyaaaaa @lostlittlesatellites @jonsnowbrooding @twilight-sparx

[schmidtclothingcom]

Now that the cooler weather is coming, we need to think about sweaters.

Sweaters are great cold weather items. They are perfect for keeping us warm. They can be worn as an outer piece, such as a cardigan, or they can be worn as a shirt.

If you are thinking of incorporated sweaters into your fall wardrobe, here are a few types that should be on your radar.

Crew Neck

Crew neck sweaters offer a classic, no-nonsense look. Solid crewnecks tend to have a preppy vibe but if they have an interesting print, the print will dominate its look. Crewneck sweaters look great with a pair of jeans. They also can go with a skirt but they tend to have a baggy look that makes them suited for sleeker lines on the bottom.

V-Necks

V-Necks have been rising in popularity lately and are a favorite with the hipster generation. These sweaters also tend to be baggie and go best with a pair of jeans. You can also wear a collar under them to add interest to the look.

Cardigans

Cardigans are great for when you catch a chill. They make terrific outerwear during cool days and you can also put them on indoors when you are feeling cold. They tend to have a preppy look but they are available in so many diverse styles, they can add a vibe that ranges from conservative to alternative.

Turtlenecks

Turtlenecks are another type of sweater that can have an uptight, professor vibe, but they can also provide a sleek and sophisticated look that brings us back to the vintage eras of the 60’s and 70’s. When sweaters are tight throughout, they look great with a mini and a pair of boots or a tight-fitting pair of jeans or leggings. 

Sweater Dresses

Sweaters that are a bit longer can be worn with a pair of tights or leggings or on their own making for a sexy look. Sweater dresses are typically minis that come a few inches above the knee. They are great for semi-formal occasions, workwear or a day or night on the town.

Crop Sweaters

Crop tops are big this year. They are a look that was resurrected from the 80’s. They are cute and sexy and great for showing off curves. While crop sweaters may not be the most practical item of clothing, they sure are fashionable. They look great with a skirt, shorts or jeans.

Two Piece Cardigan Set

Two-piece cardigan sets are extremely versatile. You can wear them as a two piece to provide a professional look when it’s chilly out and, once the temperature rises, take off the outer layer for a sexier style.

Cut Out Shoulder Sweaters

Who says you can’t look sexy when the temperature drops? The cut-out look is perfect for when you want to add a little style and flair to your sweater looks. They are great for semi-formal occasions and they are perfect for showing some skin while keeping warm.

Sweaters are a great way to keep warm and look stylish while doing it. Which of these types of sweaters are your favorite?

[ed-star]

G-Star Blake Overshirt Jacket, Indigo Left Hand Twill Pattern, Rinsed/Milk AO Presented in sturdy twill, this workwear-inspired jacket is made for between seasons and between layers. Roomy patched on pockets give it a no-nonsense feel. While a button-up placket underscores it's functional roots. Details Slim fit Button-up placket Chest and hand pockets Functional cuffs Indigo Left Hand Twill Pattern The Blake Overshirt is cut from soft, indigo-dyed twill with a unique to G-Star pattern. Denim-weight twill Soft and dry to the touch Printed pattern 100% cotton Rinsed Lightly laundered to soften the fabric and give a more comfortable fit from day one. available at www.ed-star.com #clothes, #fashionpost #look, #lookbook, #menswear, #womenswear #outfitoftheday, #streetfashion, #streetwear, #styleblogger, #styleinspiration, #stylish, #trending, #trends, #trendy, #wiw, #wiwt #edstardenim #FashionBlogger #LookBook #FashionWeek #FashionStyle #StyleBlog #Blog #jacket #chorecoat #gstarraw #gstarrawdenim https://www.instagram.com/p/B74CBoth4Di/?igshid=1db5447sq8n6d

[40sandfabulousaf]

Guys, something is a little wrong with tumblr at the moment. My post sharing the navy and white look keeps going missing - it completely vanishes - so instead, I'm posting what I wore yesterday. I'm really hoping it isn't because the babe I wanted to share about was showing some cleavage because it was a very feminine navy and white polka dot wrap dress 😐

Anyway, let's do something different today and have a chat about broadening our options when it comes to fashion. The last time I urged everyone not to let the stigma about the slimming effect turn you off black because this allows you to see the colour as just another you can play around with when it comes to style.

This post is about 'small' jewellery. I get that there's a lot of sensitivity surrounding this word because some associate it with 'thinness' or 'thin bodies'. By sharing with you how I think and accessorise, I hope it helps you to open your mind to better possibilities and increasing the options that you have.

Ladies, if your aversion to the words 'small' or 'smaller' causes you to avoid delicate jewellery, please reconsider. As someone on the thinner side, these words don't affect me, allowing me to not only wear statement jewellery when I so please, but also to complement workwear with teeny tiny earrings and necklaces.

What does this mean? Greater variety for me. If you allow the word stigma to influence your choice of accessorising, it not limits your options, you'll be playing right into the hands of those who spew the nonsense that some women shouldn't be wearing dainty jewellery.

You want to dress together with us, right? You want to be equal, right? Then the first thing you need to do is get that stigma out of your head! Small accessories are not about how slim you are. They are about adornments, how you choose to complement your outfits. So please wear them. Don't limit yourselves to big and bold jewellery - you deserve more and better. Take your lead from influencers who're daring enough to give delicate jewellery a try and observe how classy they look.

I hope this helps you. You want to break barriers? Then truly break free, ladies. I hope to show you the ones who do so with jewellery while demonstrating guts and glory in time to come. The next time, I'll address the topic of maxi dresses, why you should wear them if you like them and why I wish I could wear them. Have a great day guys!

[the-vaporverse]

Starless Horizon RP File #23

(Vela’s part in italics.)

Vela was a little disappointed that Orion had even managed to get Fera out into a place he obviously didn't want to be; the sneer on the prince's face as they approached was a little too telling when it came to what he must think of it. He was looking as immaculate as ever in pristine white, cringing away from every surface as though it might get him dirty, even though he was staying awfully close to Orion, who hadn't changed from his slightly greasy jumpsuit.

"Hey, you two," Orion greeted them fondly, though Fera only stared. "Nice night, huh? I... well, Dritz, I know you had something to ask Fera, so I brought him for you. I dunno if you want to speak alone? I can probably take Vela to show her some more of the human food stalls around here. I'm good at finding them." He was chuckling weakly, but Fera had a pointed glare which he was currently dividing between Dritz and Vela.

As always, the dinner Dritz and Vela had was delicious, and the atmosphere full of cheerful conversation, though as the time of their meeting with Orion and Fera drew closer, there was something of a cloud over Vela, albeit a small one. Miniscule, really. He knew she never liked seeing Fera, though, so it was understandable.

As they approached, Dritz beamed, waving, "Ah, the most handsome pair of gentlemen I have ever seen together." His smile turned into more of a smirk as he was met with one glare, and one delightful grin that matched his own.

"Actually, yes, I did want to ask your lovely royal datemate something," he chuckled, sweeping an arm around Fera, taking care not to touch his lovely white clothing, "Be a gentleman to my lovely flower, though, okay? We won't be long!" Quickly, he leaned over to Vela and gave her a gentle kiss before turning back to Fera, "A drink, perhaps?"

Holding himself quite stiffly, especially as Dritz moved an arm around him (thankfully not touching him), Fera couldn't stop glaring. He was angry with Orion for making him come here, angry with Dritz for wanting to speak with him, and angry at the Vela for... for existing and using her horrible magic on anyone she came near. Since she obviously was.

A little part of him, the rational side, was telling him that he shouldn't be so harsh on them all. They were trying to be friendly, and Orion had tried so hard lately to make him happy, which wasn't an easy task. Of course, it shouldn't ever be an easy task to make a prince happy, but that was beside the point. As usual, his stubborn and irrational side was winning out.

He cringed back to see Dritz kiss the Vela, then sneered at the idea of Orion being a gentleman toward her, though he naturally would. In a brief moment of horror, he realized now might be the time she could sink her evil claws into his lover, but Orion whisked her off so fast there was no time for him to protest this sudden plan.

"A drink," he snapped icily. "Fine. It had better be a nice one." If he was going to have to put up with whatever nonsense this was, he had better get a start toward becoming slightly inebriated in the bargain.

Dritz, trusting his knowledge from last time, confidently ordered a small bottle of Verrian champagne, despite the raised eyebrow from the barman. It wasn't necessarily the very nicest drink available in the galaxy, but it ranked well on the station; a seemingly crystal clear alcohol with, if one looked carefully, flecks of glittering rose gold. If Verrians did one thing right, it was decadence.

He poured the bottle into the wide, shallow glass provided and handed it to Fera with a smile that could be considered mildly flirtatious, but was simply his attempt to warm the prince to him.

"Now that you have something befitting, I'd like to invite you," he said in an easy, warm tone, "To... Come shopping with me. Ori mentioned to me, though it was already clear to me, that we have a mutual love of fashion. I'd really enjoy it if we could maybe do a bit of browsing together sometime, maybe you could even give me some advice. What do you think?"

First things first, of course: Verrian champagne was absolutely marvelous. Fera sipped at it daintily, hardly even noticing Dritz as he spoke, but the words slowly began to register. Then he had to set the glass down and stare.

"You are not being serious. Are you? Is this a joke at my expense?" Dritz started assuring him it was not, and Fera sighed loudly to interrupt. "I hardly think our taste in fashion is at all similar. What benefit is there to us browsing together? And what sort of advice could I possibly give you? Coronal and Chrysalan fashion-" he sniffed haughtily "-might as well be different as night and day."

If he had to be honest (and he wasn't about to be publicly), he thought that all sorts of fashion were at least a little intriguing. In fact, there were times when he actually thought about learning more, but generally thought it would require too much work. He resumed sipping from his glass, though he glared over the rim at Dritz as though to challenge him to come up with a satisfactory answer to his questions.

Dritz smiled earnestly, "It's not a joke. Fashion as self expression is still like, really, really new to Chrysala, so no one I know really gets why I love it so much. Even my little sisters find it a bit weird." He shrugged, looking somewhat sheepish.

"Honestly? I think you'd know more about it than me. Maybe I could learn more about what... Goes with what? You know? Don't you think you'd have fun too? We could go in any shops you like. And it'd be nice to have someone there when I find something really unflattering to laugh at!" This was something that Dritz didn't really like admitting, but sometimes he would find an item even he disliked, and it would amuse him. He'd often thought it might be fun to gather up the most ridiculous things he could find and try them all on at once.

"C'mon, I bet we'd have a good time."

Fera shrugged, trying to feel irritated instead of intrigued. It confused him why he was even contemplating spending any time with Dritz, who he had mostly thought of as an annoyance before, even as he had somehow almost wanted to spend more time around him. He wasn't the worst. He might even be alright. Sort of.

In the end, it was the lure of being able to discuss fashion and shop with someone else with the same interest. That's all it was, not even the slightest interest in becoming a friend to Dritz, none at all.

"Fine," he said shortly, continuing to sip his drink in the pause after. "It's not like Orion's really interested in doing the same with me. You've seen how he dresses," he continued with a sigh. Those drab jumpsuits were nearly intolerable. Fera was certain that if he was a little more shallow, he would drop the human over that.

Going with Dritz would allow him to learn more about how the Chrysalan chose to express himself through fashion, something more interesting than he ever might have imagined it could be. Maybe he could learn more about why his planet was new to the idea as well. "The day after tomorrow," he announced abruptly, draining his glass in another swallow. "I'm free then. At least a few hours before the shops close at night." He stood, looking away from Dritz. "For the drink... thank you."

It wasn't like him to show much gratitude to anyone. He nearly tried to stride off dramatically, but then realized they both had to find Orion and the Vela together, resulting in him just standing there in a maddeningly awkward way as he waited for Dritz to join him.

Dritz beamed, giving Fera's shoulder a brief squeeze, "Yay! I'll be there! Thanks, it's gunna be amazing."

He rambled excitedly for a moment, about which of the shops might be the best while he grabbed a soft drink to go from the man behind the bar, before he realised Fera was waiting on him. "Sorry. Hey, though, I don't think Orion looks bad in his overalls or anything. Do you? I think he looks handsome; it says something to still look desirable in workwear. Most folk, when they're covered in engine oil or dirt and grime and stuff, they don't look their best. Even if they look hardworking, and that's a good thing. But I think Ori almost looks better. More like himself, maybe?"

After a beat, he added, "You make a pretty cute pair, actually!"

Fera stayed icily silent as Dritz rambled, one eyebrow twitching in irritation every now and then. Why had he agreed to spend more time with this individual, exactly?

"Don't look at him like that," he finally said in suspicion, protective of Orion immediately. "Of course he's handsome no matter what, otherwise I would have no interest in him. Chrysalan have multiple partners, don't they? You had better not be getting ideas. Orion is mine."

He hadn't meant to sound so possessive, but losing the human was an odd fear of his. He had never been so invested in one person before, and had in fact been on a long series of one night stands for quite some time now. To hear Dritz describe them as a "cute pair" made his emotions churn in a way which he had never experienced in his life.

It was with great relief that he hurried to Orion's side when they found the others. The Vela similarly moved quickly to Dritz with a worried look on her face. But what did she have to be so worried about when she was the one who might have used some of her mysterious signs on Orion?

While it was unlike him, Dritz bristled, but kept his voice as cheerful as he could, "I'm not his type, and I'm not the same as the rest of my people. I can appreciate how someone looks without wanting to bed them, prince." Feeling a pang of mischievousness, he added in a lighter, flirty tone, "Yourself, for example."

When they were reunited with their respective loves, Dritz threw his arms around Vela, scooping her up with ease and nuzzling her neck, "Hiya, flower, have fun?" He whispered with a comically exaggerated pout, "You better not be leaving me for a certain handsome human now." Something about what Fera had said was still niggling in the back of his mind, and he found he couldn't let Vela go right away. He clung to her for a few minutes more, her feet dangling only an inch or two off the floor, given their similar height, fully appreciating her slight body heat, delicate smell, the softness of her hair as it brushed against one of his antennae. He didn't want anyone tainting what they had.

Vela couldn't figure out why Fera had such an appalled and disturbed look on his face when the others came back, but returned Dritz's hug immediately, clinging back to him as he seemed to want to hold her for quite a while. She shook her head as he whispered, wondering why he would ask such a thing, certain his talk with Fera had not gone well at all.

So she was quick to rush along their farewells and get Dritz to herself again, turning to face him and sign. [What is it? Did he say or do something horrible?] She couldn't help herself as she reached out to fiddle with the hem of shirt again, fretting and concerned as she watched him closely.

Dritz had been fairly accepting that they would need to make some polite conversation for a while before they left, but Vela somehow ushered them through some goodbyes in an expertly swift way. It was clear she and Orion had maybe managed to speak a little, and Dritz translated for her when there was any lack of understanding.

Once they were alone, he found Vela looking incredibly concerned, gently twisting his shirt in her fingers.

"Oh... no, not really," he said cheerily. "It's silly... he thought that, just because other Chrysalans have a lot of partners, and that I told him Orion was handsome, I was going to try and, I dunno, seduce his boyfriend or something." Dritz sighed, stroking Vela's arm. "Not everyone on Chrysala has several partners. I mean, it's the norm, but it doesn't mean the same for all of us... I know it's not what I want..."

Vela listened closely, first a little alarmed, then relaxing as Dritz explained further. Strangely enough, it had been the same thought which had crossed her mind not too long ago, and to hear there was nothing to worry about was rather comforting.

[I see,] she signed, letting go of his shirt and giving him a little smile. She didn't feel like telling him what she had worried about, but thought she might press a bit further to be sure. [But why wouldn't you want more partners? Maybe there's a benefit you haven't thought of. It might be that they could provide some things which I might not be able to.] While she wasn't sure what those things might be, she did want to be certain Dritz knew what he was doing and not making the decision just for her sake.

Dritz seemed more confused than distressed by this point, shaking his head.

"I know what I want out of a relationship, any relationship, and that's a companion. Someone to share things with, someone to lavish affection on, and someone who works with me on everything. Some of my people don't find what they want in just one partner. My mum, for example... She has another partner just for discussions. They cuddle and share drinks, and have deep, philosophical conversation. The most physical they'll be is tender kisses. But... I can't think of a single aspect of what I think I need that isn't being fulfilled by you," he said. Not normally awkward, Dritz's manner was soft, quiet. "So... Why would I seek someone else just so I could seem 'normal' to Chrysala?"

Her own expression softening further, Vela found she had no answer for Dritz immediately. Instead she put her arms around him, squeezing as tight as she dared and resting her face against his neck for a long moment. When she finally pulled back, her smile was a little wider.

[You don't have to look, then. And neither do I, you give me all I need. All the things I never knew I wanted, but now that I'm experiencing them... I don't want to do without.] She leaned up to kiss him, her gaze lingering over his face until she was ready to sign again.

[But what did happen with Fera, then? Are you going shopping with him?] She almost found she wanted to start fidgeting with Dritz's shirt again once she remembered the main point of the evening, but managed to hold herself back.

Dritz squeezed back with a slight but pleased little chirp, grinning.

"Oh, heh, yeah. I'm not sure he's too happy about going with me, but he had every chance to say no, and he didn't do it, sooo..." he shrugged, shaking his head. "He clearly just needs some persuading, I predict we will be the very best of friends by the end of our shopping trip." He gave Vela a wink, "After all, how could he not enjoy time with me?"

He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead, "So what about you? Have fun with Ori?"

Vela wondered why Fera would agree if he didn't seem happy about the plan. Was he plotting something awful for Dritz? It appeared she had more worrying to do, with this information not settling her fears at all. They would not be best friends by then, of that she was certain.

[It was alright,] she signed hesitantly in response to Dritz's question. The truth was she had been so busy fretting that she had paid little attention to anything the human tried to show her. [There were some other places selling food exclusively from Earth, so we should try them sometime. And while you're shopping with Fera, I should teach Orion how to sign a little.. it would be easier.]

She took Dritz by the hand then as he talked to her, gently maneuvering them through the streets as quickly as she could manage, wanting to forget about that situation for now.

-

Early the next morning, Vela found herself trying to prod Dritz awake. It was their first day of working, and she wondered if he was dreaming, as it was proving more difficult than normal to rouse him.

Eventually she let her hand slip down to his ticklish side, a slight smile rising as she ran her fingers across it.

That evening, Vela did not seem particularly settled, but Dritz put it down to her having not really enjoyed any interaction with Fera, which... was entirely understandable. He knew she liked Orion well enough, which was reassuring, but he wondered what it would take for the prince of Coronus to apologise and atone for his behaviour towards Vela, and similarly what it would take for her to forgive him. She wasn't unreasonable, but he certainly was, from what Dritz had seen.

Their night was relaxed, something they always seemed to need after time with or around Fera, and they curled up close together, agreeing to try some Earth cuisine sometime soon.

-

The first thing Dritz was aware of, though only vaguely, and through a fog of deep slumber, was something against his side. With his mind thick with sleep, it didn't register properly, and he batted at it lazily. The sensation persisted and he tensed, a low buzz in his throat that turned into a desperate yelp/giggle.

When Dritz sleepily tried to push her hand away, Vela only smiled wider and reached around him to drag her fingers along his side even more. He began laughing, almost in his sleep, though he was coming out of it quicker the more she continued. The sounds he was making caused her to wish she could laugh too, a genuine feeling of mirth which rose up in her chest and wanted to spill over.

[We have to go to work,] she signed when she thought he could see her properly, even if he was still giggling after she took her hands away. [You wouldn't wake up, so... I'm sorry to do that.] Her smile indicated she wasn't really too sorry, and she leaned over him for a quick, almost playful kiss.

Dritz chirped happily, rubbing his eyes as he looked up at Vela. All in all, even with the tickling, it was not a bad way to be woken up. Not at all.

As she leaned over, however, he pulled her down with a grin, rolling the two of them to one side and kissing her deeply, thinking they surely had enough time for a little playful cuddle. In one smooth motion, as he rolled them to one side, he carefully climbed over her and out of bed, kissing her again.

"Thanks for waking me, flower. I would have woken up in time, but I wouldn't have had a lot of time to adjust. I've never yet been late for work, but-" he scrunched his nose up, laughing, "I have turned up half asleep, still. So this is better. Even if I don't approve of being tickled awake."

He grinned and dressed quickly, in his overalls, which still had a pleasant, if faint, hint of the smell of the plants on Trelos. "We should grab something quick to eat on the way, there's no use starting work on an empty stomach."

Dritz pulling her down and kissing her unexpectedly did startle Vela a little bit, but she was soon smiling again. She nestled against him warmly until he rolled out of bed on her other side, then sat up.

Her normal eye bright, she watched Dritz as he dressed and rambled to her. While he said he didn't approve of this method of being awoken, she couldn't help but want to try again and see what might happen a second time. She had an excited feeling about getting to their new job, one which mingled with a little anxiety. Suppose she wasn't very good at it? But Dritz would teach her, obviously it would all be fine.

Of course she had dressed hours before, in closer-fitting clothing than she might normally choose, thinking loose items would be more likely to catch on objects if she had to get near them. It was easy to agree they needed to eat something, and they headed out to one of the food stalls closest to the docking area, which sold convenient "pockets" of bread filled with vegetables or fruit. These were eaten along the way, and the freighter came into view just as Vela was taking her last bite.

By now, the anxiety was edging out the excitement. She stood close to Dritz even when Lis appeared to greet them, beaming in a friendly way. "Good morning! Very punctual, that's good. I'll take you inside and show you where to start. Orion's already here, and I've put you all together in one of the sub-engine rooms for now. I'll need to do just a little observing to make sure you can handle it, first," she added with a wink.

Dritz was more energetic than usual, a spring in his step as they made their way down to meet Lis. There really was nothing for him quite like going to a new job or fresh work, with a full stomach, early in the morning. The fact that he was getting to share that feeling with Vela only added to the experience.

"Good morning! You should know this about me, Lis; I love to work, and you won't ever find me late," he said brightly, putting an arm around Vela, "Glad to hear Orio is already here, Vela and I are ready to work hard with whatever you give us." He glanced at her with a reassuring smile, "We can handle anything, and you'll definitely see that in your observations."

"That's very reassuring," Lis replied, beginning to lead them through the maze of corridors in the freighter. "Of course, I already had faith, being recommended by someone like Orion, and being a Chrysalan, who are generally quite good with mechanical matters if they have a mind to specialize in them. I'm beyond thrilled with all of my hires on this job, it's such a big one! Two weeks with a team of twelve, that's all the time I've been given but I'm sure we can do it."

Vela remained close by Dritz's side as she listened to him talk back and forth with Lis, her sharp mind for details already committing their path to the sub-engine room to memory. It wouldn't take her too long to be familiar with the layout of the entire ship, if they got to be shown much of it, at least.

Orion gave them a friendly and enthusiastic greeting upon their arrival, making Vela relax a bit further. She did like the human, much as she was beginning to associate him with Fera now.

"Alright, lady and gentlemen," Lis said in a louder tone, seeming to be ready for them to get down to serious work. "I don't need an example from Orion, who's already working on getting the exterior generator repaired. What I want from Dritz is to show me how fast he can fix the main connection to the sub-engine, here." She opened a large panel along the side of one wall, showing an obvious engine but a mess of wires which Vela honestly thought was a little intimidating. "That is, how fast you can fix it while teaching your lovely companion to do it along the way. Now that's a real test." She paused to laugh a moment, though she didn't look worried about it. "One of the fuses is split, if that helps for a start. Probably, anyway. I didn't take a close enough look at it."

She stepped back and let Dritz take over, with Vela cautiously approaching near the engine to watch.

"Lis, my dear, you have no idea how easy a test this will be for her," Dritz announced proudly as he rolled his sleeves up, flexing his fingers and looking at the mess of mechanical insides. "My flower here will have this memorised in no time."

He pulled out his multitool and a small device for testing the functionality of the systems, kneeling in front of the opening. "Good morning, love. I'm Dritz, this is Vela, and we'll be trying to fix your split fuse. No, we will be fixing your split fuse. It's Vela's first time, so don't be difficult, okay​?" he said to the ship as he started uncasing areas and running wire tests, beckoning Vela closer and talking her through every process. Occasionally he would hand her the multitool and have her test things herself, or affix the simpler parts together.

Within maybe fifteen minutes it was complete, but it was an additional ten while Dritz made certain he was happy with their work. Turning to Lis, he shrugged, "How'd we do? I'm excited to know!"

On her part, Vela focused very hard on following what Dritz was doing, listening to his explanations and cautiously following his instructions when he handed her the multitool or showed her how to perform other actions. She wanted to complete the work quickly and impress Lis, but at the same time she knew it would mean nothing if it wasn't done right in the first place.

Once they were done, Dritz was checking it over, and she even followed along with that as best as she could. With an anxious expression she turned to see what Lis thought.

"Well, well," the woman said thoughtfully, her arms folded as she studied what they had done. "I'm impressed again. You kept up a good speed and fixed it all thoroughly, even double checking, without getting too distracted by anything else. Unless, this was all simply because I was watching." She winked at them, showing she wasn't serious about that part, and Vela relaxed. "But I may have to copy your way of talking to the parts first. I'm thinking it must add a secret benefit to your work that I'd never considered before. Good job, both of you. I'm more than satisfied, and I'll take you on to the main course, so to speak."

She began leading them out of the room again, along with Orion, who had also finished his work and hung back to talk to them in a low voice. "You really impressed her, I can tell even without her saying. I admit I was trying to watch and work at the same time, though I did finish my own correctly," he chuckled. "I think we're getting assigned to something really good." Intrigued, Vela nevertheless remained close to Dritz as they walked, feeling more confident but still needing the extra boost of security.

Dritz chortled with absolutely no embarrassment to realise he'd been speaking to the machinery. Oftentimes, he'd just... do it without really thinking. "It's always worked well for me," he said with a wink back at Lis.

Much as Dritz liked to be modest in his work, it always made his heart sing to hear he'd done a good job, or he'd impressed someone. Then, he was sure that came with the work ethic his family, and his people in general had. Working hard and knowing you'd done a good job of something was surely rewarding no matter who you were, though.

"Oh yeah? I look forward to learning more, then," he said with a grin, leaning in to speak quietly to Orion. "What were you working on? Sounds like she was already pretty impressed by *you*."

Had Fera been there, Dritz had a feeling he would not have made a suggestive little joke about Lis and Orion in that way. The older lady clearly didn't think of Orion in the way he was suggesting, so he figured it was acceptable.

"The external generator," Orion replied with a grin of his own, shaking his head. "But no, that's easy stuff. She wasn't impressed by that. Like I said, I've worked for her before. She knows I'm good." He seemed to catch on to Dritz's teasing, but didn't seem displeased by it.

Lis was taking them fairly deep into the ship, but Vela felt she could lead them back out with little problem. She wasn't exactly prepared for the sight that met them at their destination, however. The room was massive, with multiple machines out in the open as well as behind panels which stood ajar to show they needed to be fixed. Vela stared in awe, finally wandering a few steps away from Dritz and taking a look at the nearest machine.

"What do you think?" she could hear Lis asking, though she didn't turn away from her inspection. "You three in the main engine room by yourself for a few days? See how much you can clean up before I send in anyone else. Though I wonder if you could take care of the whole thing." The human woman was watching them closely, but she smiled in a way which was obviously friendly. "Think you can handle it, Orion? Dritz? With some help from this darling and curious flower?" Now it seemed it was Lis who was teasing, at least a little, and Vela turned to watch with the exact curiosity she had just been accused of.

Much as Dritz wanted to join Vela on her curious exploration, the Chrysalan always maintained a good degree of seriousness when he was working. Of course he was passionate, but it wouldn't do to wander off and make someone question their trust in you. At least not yet. And it was clear that Lis herself was not the sort to judge, but still.

"I dunno, what do ya reckon, Ori?" Dritz said brightly, then turning to Vela, "Vela? You two reckon we can get this done alone? I think that, even if we don't do it alone, the additional help you'll need will be minimal," he added with a proud grin.

"Curious flower and her two educational thorns reporting for mechanic duty," he chirped, chuckling.

"Oh, we've got this," Orion replied with slightly exaggerated confidence, joining in on the lighthearted attitude to the work in general. He knew Lis enjoyed a lighter tone, not wanting to be completely serious unless the situation absolutely called for it. "Who knows if we'll even need help? Once Vela is up to speed, there's very little that could possibly slow us down."

Vela didn't seem as certain, though she did give a hesitant nod in response. Lis only started laughing, telling them they were a wonderful team, and to take good care of the Aurian by not being too prickly as thorns before she left to talk to the rest of her team elsewhere on the ship.

Immediately, Vela turned to Dritz with an earnest, almost worried expression. [She didn't say what to repair. It can't be the entire room? How do we know what to do?] She was a little embarrassed about not knowing many things about repair just yet, but wanted to learn as quickly as possible.

Dritz laughed heartily at Orion's enthusiasm and how it matched his own perfectly. Soon enough, he thought, Vela's would match as well, and he couldn't wait for that day.

When the scruffy human had explained the repair situation, Dritz put a hand to his chest. "Why, Ori! I never thought you'd ask," he sighed, before snorting with laughter and they began to examine the main engine.

Between the three of them, they fixed each of the niggling small repairs in the main engine, with Vela managing a complete minor fix with nothing but Dritz's verbal guidance. The human and the Chrysalan chattered cheerily, and it wasn't long before they were able to do some tests and move outwards to the other consoles. There were a lot of minor repairs, and some damaged casing (something they couldn't actually do too much about), but mostly it was a lot of trial and error, looking for exactly what was wrong with the machinery.

"This might be the biggest job I've ever taken," Dritz mumbled thoughtfully, looking at Vela as he wiped his sweaty hands on his overalls, "So I'm glad I have your help."

Vela's only response for the moment was a slight smile. She had found it an enjoyable day after all, beyond being worried about how she would do with the repairs. It turned out to be something she could quickly learn, and had indeed learned a lot during the hours they had worked.

Their only break had been an hour for a quick lunch, so by the time they were done for the day, they were all feeling a bit worn out and hungry, but overall happy and satisfied. Lis had come to check on them and dismiss them with praise of a job well done, and a promise to see them at the same time tomorrow morning.

Orion went along with Dritz and Vela for their evening meal, which was full of discussion of their day and what they would like to accomplish the next. She didn't add much to the conversation, but she kept her attention focused on it in an attempt to learn even more. By the time they parted ways with Orion, who said he had promised to spend the evening alone with Fera, Vela was relaxed and feeling oddly, almost... playful.

[What should we do now?] she asked of Dritz as they left the dining area together. [Maybe we should take a shower to freshen up a little. You can go first.] While they could take a shower together, she had other ideas in mind for how their evening might proceed.

The combination of a full stomach, the satisfying ache of well worked muscles and the dull thrum of a concentration headache were putting Dritz in bright spirits. All of these things meant he had worked well, and hard. To have enjoyed a full day with two people he had a great deal of affection for, too, was a delight.

For all he was enjoying work, he was even more excited to finally have non-working time alone with Vela, and when they finally got back to their room, he pulled her into a big embrace, flopping his head against her and sighing happily, having agreed to shower first but not quite getting there right away.

"I'm glad to be working with you, flower, I've had such a good day," he purred, rubbing her back as he nuzzled into her hair. "Buuuut... you sure you don't want to join me?"

Tempting as it was to simply get into the shower with Dritz and enjoy their time together that way, Vela forced herself to shake her head and step back as soon as she could, especially before Dritz's hands began working their way lower (as they tended to) and making it harder to keep her resolve.

[It was a good day. I loved to work with you. But for now... we'll shower separately.] Her smile was the slightest bit flirtatious, so he knew there was nothing wrong, and she backed away without even giving in to the urge to help him undress first. She was almost proud of her determination.

She listened until she heard the water running, then sat herself down on the bed calmly to wait. Her mind was working over several ideas which could nearly be classified as mischievous, and this was a new feeling for her.

Dritz was seemingly satisfied with Vela apparently wishing to shower alone; perhaps she felt grubby and less attractive, or something similar. With a cheerful kiss, he left her to her own devices to enjoy his own unhurried shower.

It was a good half an hour before the Chrysalan emerged once more, with a towel slung around his waist, his hair dripping onto bare shoulders.

"Your turn, my flower," he said, sitting on the bed beside her and nuzzling her hair once again, apparently becoming distracted by her neck, as he absently kissed at it, "Water's nice and warm."

Vela melted a little into the kisses, but made herself stand and smile as Dritz offered her the shower. She did kiss him back before entering the bathroom, quick to strip herself down to nothing and stand under the warm spray.

Admittedly, showers to her were almost as blissful as baths. The way the water ran constantly across her body was delightful, and sometimes she had made Dritz laugh by standing under the shower head for long minutes without moving. The water across her mechanical eye didn't affect its function, fortunately, as long as it wasn't submerged completely.

She didn't want to take so long this time, so she began washing herself right away, only taking half the time Dritz did before she left the shower. Drying herself with a towel, including rubbing her hair until it was fluffy and nearly dry again, she left the cloth on the floor before taking a deep breath and exiting the bathroom. She approached Dritz at a slow walk, and it obviously wasn't escaping his notice that she hadn't brought the towel with her.

Dritz had expected Vela to take her time, and so had situated himself on the bed with his legs stretched out and crossed lazily, leaning against the wall as he looked over his datapad at the plans for the ship they had been working on. Okay, so maybe he hadn't quite switched off work mode yet.

At the soft click of the door opening, he started to look up, "You didn't take long-"

His words were robbed from him when he saw her approaching, with no evidence of modesty. Her pale skin was soft and just slightly damp, the light hitting the gentle curves of her stomach and hips, and her hair was like a feathered halo. Of course, he'd seen it all before, but for her to be so openly confident was... Well. Well.

Vela stopped right at the end of the bed, looking at Dritz with amusement. [You're staring,] she signed to him, seeing he couldn't seem to decide what to say yet. She had thought it over, and knew one thing to completely distract him would be if she decided not to wear anything out of the bathroom. While she had expected to maybe feel uncomfortable or shy, it turned out she felt neither of those things at all. She liked Dritz looking at her, and the way he obviously appreciated all he could see.

Gracefully she climbed onto the bed and moved toward him, seeing he had at least managed to put the datapad down, and seated herself astride his lap, leaning forward so their chests pressed together and their faces were close. The towel Dritz was wearing around his waist was the only barrier between them, but Vela could still feel how incredibly warm he was through it. With no further explanation, she slowly moved her lips near his until they brushed tenderly, then deepened the kiss as a sudden passion seemed to run through them both.

She would wait just a little longer...

"Yeah, well you came out of the bathroom looking like this," he said softly, smiling mischievously, still unashamedly looking her up and down, "And you expected me not to stare?"

What happened next was enough to melt even the toughest person's resolve. Any thought of reasonable conversation was gone, and Dritz was immediately shuffling to accommodate Vela more comfortably (and with as much of them touching as possible). He gently pushed her away from him, wishing to look at her for a time longer, taking in every possible detail of her body through half-lidded eyes. He had no idea what had caused this sudden burst of additional confidence, but he was certainly not complaining.

"You're so beautiful," he said softly before pulling her into a deeper kiss, running his hands over her back and up into her hair, twirling short, delicate strands in his fingers.

He had a point, but Vela only smiled gently against his mouth as he kissed her again. She almost changed her mind about the silly thing she had planned to do, caught up in the adoring way Dritz kept looking her body over, but there was still that playful feeling she couldn't manage to shake no matter what.

They continued to kiss, Dritz's hands in her hair, and she moved one of her own hands innocently along his jaw before sliding her fingers down his chest, and slowly, slowly to the side she had touched that morning when she had awoken him.

Her movements then were still slow, but she deliberately moved her fingers across his ticklish side in a pace which gradually quickened, nearly collapsing against him with what could only be thought of as silent laughter as he responded.

There was a little buzz in the back of Dritz's throat as he leaned back, pulling Vela close. He was aware of her lithe fingers stroking over his chest and stomach, lightly tickling but in a way that was fairly pleasant.

Soon he was aware of the sensation intensifying, and he jerked his hips to one side, involuntarily, but Vela's fingers were insistent, and he soon was squirming under her, gasps rapidly growing into squeals.

"Aaah, Vela, what the heck!" he laughed, grabbing her wrists and wrestling her onto her back easily. With bright, excited giggles, he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, releasing her hands and starting to flex his fingers over her own stomach and hips.

"Reveeennge!" he yelled, before leaning down and, apparently thinking this was a good act of revenge, licking her earlobe.

Though she gasped as Dritz grabbed her, Vela continued to shake with a sort of silent laughter when he pulled her to lay down and leaned over her. She was smiling so widely that she was certain her face hurt. It had definitely been worth it.

However, when he (quite oddly) decided to lick her ear, she gasped again and rolled to her side, curling up and away from his reach. It wasn't what he done, but the fact that his face had pressed so close to her neck in just the right way that it had tickled her in return.

She shuddered a little, still trembling with "laughter," curling her toes inward in a strange sort of delight. With her body scrunched up like this, she wondered what Dritz would do to make her relax back toward him. Of course she couldn't say anything, but she waited for the moment.

Dritz delighted in her response; her trembling shoulders and squirming, almost completely silent. There was something incredibly endearing about her lack of vocalisation, and he flopped next to her, giving her a moment without contact, for her nerves to calm. And, he thought with amusement, for her to untangle herself from the knot she was in.

After a moment, when she hadn't yet... unfurled herself, he put an arm around her and pulled her into a cuddle, nuzzling against the hair behind her ear, then kissing her bare shoulder.

"I think I've proved my point; be careful who you mess with," he murmured in her ear, his tone low and flirtatious before he chuckled and gave her a gentle squeeze. "You're adorable."

Vela gradually relaxed, with only a little additional shiver when Dritz murmured in her ear in a low tone. Her response to his words was to shake her head and smile, and she finally stretched back out and rolled onto her back, looking up at him.

[I didn't ruin our night, did I? I'm not sure why I wanted to do that. But it was fun.] She reached up to gently brush at his hair, a little stiff as it was still drying, then traced her fingers down his chest and lingered on his stomach for a long moment before she began tugging on the towel at his waist in an effort to loosen and remove it. For some reason, even after what she had done, her desire felt greater than it had before.

"Ruin? Oh, hell no," Dritz chuckled, nuzzling at her earlobe. "If anything, it's been more enjoyable! And anyway, there's no such thing as a ruined night with you."

Of course, Vela's insistent fingers at the towel around his waist made him smirk, and Dritz quickly tugged it off for her, before they sunk into each others' arms, and into deep, passionate kisses, Vela's enthusiasm lighting a fire within Dritz that only grew with intensity as their hands traced over skin.

[bettyewhartonblog]

Dickies Goes International to Showcase More Talented Craftspeople

There was a time when Dickies was, at least to some, a little dorky. Since its 1922 founding in Texas by E.E. "Colonel" Dickie, the heavy-duty, no-nonsense workwear brand was what you bought if you happened to be a custodian--but not if you were, say, an artisan with a studio in Los Angeles. That changed... Dickies Goes International to Showcase More Talented Craftspeople published first on https://improfitninja.tumblr.com/

[maziedclark-blog]

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