4AM and I couldn't sleep, so I wrote a poem (does this count as a poem? or is this a short story?) Basically it's 10 verses of haikus that tell a story-- from Sumo's perspective! 🐶🐾
I really wanted to submit a DBH piece for the @challenge-of-wheels-and-words (along with my T3I fic from my sideblog!), and I got a nice title, but I haven't got an idea for a full fic, so... Hope this will do. Thanks for the inspiration. ❤️
Little jerejean pirate AU for @challenge-of-wheels-and-words !
A Map of Time and Flame (T, 500 words)
below or read on AO3
JEREMY
“What is it?” Jeremy asked, peering over Jean’s shoulder where he sat at the desk.
It was Jeremy’s desk, really, him being the captain of this ship and all, but Jean sat here more often than he did, keeping the ledgers, charting new courses, and whatever other mind-numbing tasks Jeremy could manage to pawn off on him.
“A map,” Jean said, like it was obvious. “I think,” he added, like maybe it wasn't.
Jeremy leaned farther over him, resting one arm across Jean’s broad shoulders, and pointed at the paper. “What are these symbols across the top?”
There was a series of circles inked along one edge of the page, with funny little lines jutting out from them in no particular pattern Jeremy could discern.
“I think… it may indicate…hm.”
Jean sat up a little straighter and carefully lifted Jeremy’s arm off his shoulders.
“Sorry,” Jeremy said immediately, taking a step back for good measure.
JEAN
It wasn’t, actually, that Jean minded the contact. There had been more and more of it lately, and not just from Jeremy. When Jean had first joined the ship, hauled in by the crew like the ragged wet stray he was, Cat had tended to his wounds, her hands deft and gentle as she bandaged him up. Over time, touch from her became less of a necessity and more of a … comfort. A brush of her hand over the top of his head, the press of her cheek against his shoulder. Over the last few months, Jean had been surprised to find himself appreciating and even, on occasion, reciprocating the physical contact.
It took Jeremy longer to catch on. Jean didn’t mind. He appreciated the restraint and consideration. It was interesting, actually, to get into Jeremy’s space, to touch his wrist or chin, and see what happened. Usually, Jeremy held back, his mask of a smile firmly in place, barely breathing until Jean retreated.
He knew Jeremy wasn’t averse to touch. He was openly affectionate with Cat’s partner Laila, and often horsed around with the rest of the crew. It was only Jean that he was so careful with.
But that had started to change recently. Perhaps it was Jean’s promotion from ship wretch, to member of the crew, to navigator. It put him on a more level ground with Jeremy. Jeremy was still his captain, but Jeremy depended on him now.
And so when Jeremy stepped back, clearly thinking he had crossed a line, Jean turned and caught his hand.
“No,” he said, meeting Jeremy’s gaze. “I just need to focus.”
Jeremy froze for a moment before his eyes widened in comprehension. Something suspiciously like hope played across his face before he schooled his expression into a relaxed smirk.
“You’re saying I’m a distraction?”
Jean fought the urge to roll his eyes. As if Jeremy needed to flirt with him.
“Yes,” he said simply, and turned back to the map – but not before he caught the twin flames in Jeremy’s cheeks.
Thank you again @challenge-of-wheels-and-words for being the final push for me to post this after the concept lay dormant in my head for more than a decade. 😭
Uhhh here's the link if you're keen:
The Map of Murder and Ambition -- ConnorGavinARMY
A Bouquet of Rain and Wonder by Dakota_Wren (Buddie Daddies, G, 1.2k)
After a rainy morning, the skies clear and Miri is able to play out on their apartment's balcony. Heading outside, her attention is quickly drawn to Papa Rei's garden, giving her an idea for a special gift.
The Night of Ink and Red by alwaysherother (No fandom, M, 318)
For the Challenge of Wheels and Words, a little initiation scene.
A Sword of Mist and Light by sillyunicorn6154 (All for the Game, T, 1.5k)
The tale of how Renee became a knight.
A Trace of Frogs and Fear by TheGlassDragon (Arcane, T, 513)
Jayce sits by Viktor’s hospital bed, haunted by the thought that there might be no more time, no more chances.
A Map of White and Danger by embrace_weird (All for the Game, G, 456)
Neil is a park ranger and has to deal with the most annoying hikers.
