#that feeling when you had a neat idea and it just won't turn out the way you want it to

[gracieheartspedro]

Who We Are

pairing: fem!reader x dbf!joel miller

description: when your father falls ill, his patrol partner and best friend, joel miller finds a way to aid in his recovery. but this solution is complicated and requires you to take on a week-long hunt for supplies and resources. being stuck on the road with an older guy you've been crushing on for ages won't be so bad, right? wrong. because he's been pining after you, too. and one of you will have to give in evenutally.

word count: 17k words. this one is a LONG ONE. get a snack.

warnings: MINORS DNI! this is 18+, post!outbreak joel, age gap (reader is in her 30s, joel is in his mid 50s), i don't describe the reader all that much, consumption of alcohol, illness that requires medical intervention, blood, guns, killing of infected, forced proximity, joel is kinda pervy?, talks of loss of family members, joel lies about his past, oral (f receiving), face sitting, unprotected p in v, overstimulation, dirty talk, creampie, after care.

author's note: ... hi folks! this one is a long one, so like I said, grab a snack and get comfy! I was going to make this multiple parts but I'm eager and unhinged. to be honest, this story is better as one big one shot anyway. I had a very intense time editing so I know I probably missed some things. I may write little branch off stories if you guys enjoy it enough. anyway, enjoy! <3 lemme know what you think!

“Didn’t know you were workin’ tonight, darlin’,” Your father’s Southern drawl brings you out of your daze. You had been cleaning glasses for the last hour and a half. Surprisingly, the Tipsy Bison wasn’t busy on a Wednesday night. You had been keeping busy by cleaning and serving two visitors. 

You look up, noticing your father and his patrol partner wander into the bar. They find a seat at the bar, right in front of you as you dry some whiskey glasses. 

“I work every night this week, Pops,” You mutter, turning back to the liquor bottles to grab his favorite bourbon. You knew exactly what he came here for. He wanted to pester you on your shift and watch you write under his partner’s gaze. He thought your little crush was entertaining. You have made comments to your dad in the past about how you thought Joel was nice to look at and your Dad would just laugh. He would jokingly wiggle his finger at you and tell you to find someone your age. 

Little do you and your father know, Joel feels similarly about you. The first moment he saw you, he thought about how if he was a young buck, he’d lock you down as soon as he could. The age held him back initially, never even entertaining your subtle glances or welcoming smiles. Then when he realized who your father was, he immediately shut down all thoughts like that in his head. You were strictly off-limits.

“Well good, keeps you busy.”

You did not enjoy the idea of working every weeknight with a bunch of drunks, but this job was a bit better than constantly shoveling horse shit. Instead, you got to mingle with the locals. Maybe find yourself a man, since you were in your early thirties and unmarried.

Joel loved coming to the Bison when you were here. It meant he got to drink a whiskey neat and watch you twirl and rush around the bar. Tonight was slower, though, so he got the privilege of speaking with you, which was rare. 

You pour your Dad his bourbon, finally glancing up at his partner who’s practically ogling at you. You made a conscious effort to avoid his piercing brown eyes. 

Joel Miller was a dream boat, god damn. Every time he glanced in your direction, you would freeze up and stutter out a very jumbled “hello”. He was quite guarded, never much to talk. When he did finally speak, you found yourself reeling over his deep voice. 

“Whatcha want, Mr. Miller?”

His lips twinged, his eyes flicking up to yours. He loves hearing you say that, he thinks to himself.  You hand off the bourbon to your Dad, waiting for a response. 

“Whatever he’s having is fine, sweetheart,” He says plainly, nodding toward the half-empty bottle. Your knees could buckle at the nickname, but you keep your composure. You can’t crumble that easily. 

You three slide into a conversation about their patrolling, what they found that day, and the game plan for tomorrow. You make a sly comment about how they needed to find some meaning in life other than patrol. Your dad laughs, and Joel just stares blankly at you. You instantly want to take back the comment and never speak again, ever. Instead, you just continue drying the glasses you just washed. 

When your dad finished his bourbon, you noticed his expression change from relaxed to pained. 

“You okay there?” You ask, grabbing his glass and placing it in the sink below the counter. He rubs his chest, letting out a deep guttural cough. Joel looks perplexed while you get closer and notice the blood splattering into your dad’s palm. 

“It’s nothing, just a cough,” He manages to say, his voice hoarse. You scan his face, knowing immediately that he’s lying.

“Bullshit, you’re coughing up blood,” You reach towards some towels, tossing them on the counter in front of him, “You should probably go get checked out, Dad.”

Joel quips, “Yeah, don’t need you getting sick when we are out tomorrow. Why don’t you stop by the infirmary before you go home?”

Your Dad just shakes his head, “You two are being dramatic. It’s nothing, I promise.”

Your Dad was known for downplaying his pain and sicknesses. You remember being a little girl traveling with him across the country and every time he got hurt, he’d just suck it up. He shattered his left pinky years ago and he resolved to just chop it off. So that’s what he did. He was lucky it never got infected. But he was known just to blow off all his ailments, reminding you he’s beat all the other odds. 

So instead of fighting with him, you just nod all the while, stealing a long glance at Joel. He’s finishing his drink and you can’t help but watch his neck. His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows and you fixate on it for a bit too long. 

You’re brought out of the trance when he slams the glass down, his dark brown eyes drooping. Joel always looked tired, but you knew after the day they had, he was actually tired. 

You had a couple more hours at the Bison before you had to close up, so you bid them a farewell, reminding your Dad that you’d be home before he stumbles off to bed. He never slept much, he would just read in the living room until you got home usually. 

Joel waves you a farewell, thanking you quietly for the drink. 

“Don’t be a stranger,” You say as he turns his back to you to head for the door. He turns a bit, giving you a slight smirk as he reaches for the door. 

You spend the rest of your shift daydreaming about what it’d be like to be with a man. You spent most of your time in Jackson without giving much of the men your age a thought. More than half were taken, anyway. While you let your mind wander, you realize your imagination is placing Joel in the spot of all the made-up situations with this said man. 

-

You lock the bar door behind you, tugging on it to ensure it’s snug in the latch. The air was shifting, the cool warm summer turning into a slightly chilly fall. You wore a long sleeve today, luckily, or else you’d be shivering on your way home. The walk home wasn’t a long one. 

When you reach your front door, you realize the living room light is on. Dad’s awake.

But as you reach to turn the knob, you hear ghastly breathing from the other side. When you swing the door open, you see your Dad in his recliner, his hand over his chest. He’s dry heaving, trying to get out a cough. 

“Hey, hey,” You quickly race to his side, “Are you okay? What’s happening?”

He breathes in deeply, “I just can’t seem to catch my breath. Something isn’t right.”

You have never seen him so panicked. You nod, understanding that your next step is to get him to the infirmary. He should have gone on his way home. You didn’t know if anyone would be there and you surely didn’t know if they would be able to treat his symptoms. 

“Are you in pain?” You ask, grabbing under his arms to lift him out of his chair. He’s wobbly, so you keep your hand under his armpit and use your other free arm to balance him. He shakes his head. 

“Just weak.”

Your heart sinks. Never in your life has your father admitted to feeling weak or sick. It was like as soon as he got home, his body just gave out. You help him into his shoes and start your trek back towards the middle of town. You wish you didn’t have to walk him so far because it felt like with every 5 feet, his lungs were giving out and sending him into a coughing fit. You probably woke the entire town trudging him through the streets. When you get to the front step of the infirmary, you knock as loud as you can. Usually, they had an overnight shift nurse helping, having them watch over whoever was dragged there during the day. Dispensing medicine if need be. You knew a couple of the nurses, most of them your age or a bit older. 

When a familiar face opens the door, you feel a sense of relief. 

“Hey Sidney,” You greet her, sort of pushing your Dad into the room, still keeping your hands wrapped around his center, “Something’s wrong with Pops.”

She reaches out to help you with him, “Oh no, what’s going on?”

“Can hardly breathe,” Is all he can muster out. You look at Sidney, concern spread across your face. She nods, knowingly. 

Sidney was one of the nurses you trusted the most. She gave you stitches when you sliced your hand open on a glass bottle a couple of weeks ago. She was patient and gentle, always checking to see if you were doing alright as she sewed your skin together. She’s a former Firefly, probably in her 40s. She got trained by some doctors years ago so she knew a decent amount about all sorts of medical treatment. 

She takes hold of the situation completely, grabbing your Dad and walking him to a free bed near the door. She gets him to lie down and she starts scrambling for some supplies to do a quick once over of him. He looks pale and for some reason, very small, in the hospital bed. 

“It’s gonna be alright,” You say, poking his arm. You say it for him, but you mainly say it for yourself. He closes his eyes and nods. 

“Always is, kiddo.”

-

The news was not ideal. After observation and some tests, Sidney decided your father probably has pneumonia. The problem was, that Jackson was low on antibiotics and they would have to decide if your Dad’s case was urgent enough to give him some. 

It pissed you off, but you had to hold back your anger. This situation was out of Sidney’s control, but you knew exactly who to raise your voice to. Sadly, the city council was asleep in their beds, as it was 4 a.m. Sidney reassured you that she would ensure your father was looked after until the morning when they could discuss with everyone if it would be okay to give him some of the highly sought-after antibiotics. 

But for now, you should get some rest. 

Your father fussed at you while he was in and out of sleep, telling you that you needed to go home and sleep. Your body was plagued with exhaustion and your brain was hardly functioning. You would need to plead a good case, so even a couple of hours of sleep would do you good. You ask if you could occupy a bed nearby and Sidney agrees with a sympathetic smile. You curl up, trying to clear your brain of your racing thoughts. 

You can’t lose your father, he’s all you have. 

You need to remind the council of all your father does. 

You need him to get better. 

You need him. 

-

“We only have 4 vials of antibiotics,” Maria states, trying not to look you in the eyes. She feels horrible, but she knows deep down the rest of the council will probably reject your father using any. It was going to be a tough decision like this that made most of the people in the council think they were playing God, but it was real life. Would they give your 60-something-year-old father antibiotics for pneumonia or give it to a young child suffering from an infection? They had to think ahead and supplies were scarce. 

You cross your arms, waiting for the next shoe to drop. “And?”

Tommy stands up, knowing you will not like the next sentence. He practically guards Maria with his broad frame. He resembled Joel, with his dark hair and stern eyes. His were a bit softer. 

“We are low on resources, hun. We need to think ahead and ensure that the pros outweigh the cons of giving him one of those vials. You understand?”

“Why was this not a thought in the summer? When it was a good time to go seek some out? I just don’t under-”

“We had that sickness going around over the summer. Lots of people getting fevers. Before we knew it, Dr. Peters realized we were low. I had intentions to get out and try to find more, and trade with some people, but we just haven’t discussed it all yet. There’s a process. It was in the works.”

Your blood is boiling and your patience running out. Each second of arguing was another second your Dad could be closer to death. 

“Well, it’s a shitty fuckin’ process. Where can I go to get more, then? Is there another community we can trade with? A hospital we can scavenge? You guys can’t expect me to sit around and wait for him to get worse.”

Maria looks to Tommy, trying to wrack her brain for a response. Tommy’s lip twitches, knowing exactly what to say. He did not want you to do it, but he knew how you were. You’d do anything for your family. 

“There’s a hospital in Salt Lake that I’ve heard is practically untouched. Fireflies used to reside there and do tests. They probably left behind some supplies.”

You narrow your eyes, “Salt Lake? Isn’t that a whole week away?” 

You start to pace the room, trying to console yourself. You can’t just leave for that long and assume that everyone will take care of your Dad. Tommy places his hands on his hips, trying to figure out a resolution. He liked your Dad, always going to him if he needed help around the commune. Your Dad is always one to offer a helping hand and give solid advice. He didn’t want to watch him die, either. 

“How about this,” Tommy huffs, “How about we give him one of our vials and you and Joel head out to Salt Lake to scavenge that hospital? If we are right in our assumptions, there’s probably a lot of resources there. And Joel’s been there before.”

“Why are you roping Joel into this?” You press, crossing your arms. 

“Joel knows where to go. He can get you there in one piece.”

“Where am I going,” Joel’s presence takes you by surprise. You turn back at the front door of the infirmary, seeing Joel’s disheveled hair sticking up in every direction. He had red cheeks, probably from the jog he did to get there. As soon as he heard about your father, he booked it from the stables to his side. 

Tommy shoots Joel a knowing look, “You and her are gonna go back to Salt Lake. You think they have antibiotics at that hospital you took Ellie to?”

Joel’s visceral reaction sends you. His heart practically stopped when Tommy brought up the hospital. 

You start to sweat when he does, realizing you would have to travel that far with Joel Miller. 

He swallows, shifting his weight to his other leg. “Probably. Why can’t ya just give him what we have?”

Maria shakes her head at his response, “We have a long winter ahead of us, Joel. We have four vials left. This saves us from a council meeting where they shoot down everything. They won’t approve it. If I reassure them that you are going to get some more, they won’t mind if we give him one.”

He huffs, scratching his chin in contemplation. You knew this would not be ideal for him, but you’re willing to do anything, even if you had to do it alone. The four of you stand in silence while Joel wracks his brain for an excuse to say no. None comes to him. 

It’s not that he did not want to help you, he just does not want to relive some trauma with you by his side. He would have to swallow back all his emotions, all the while you would be posted up right next to him. He does not want you to see him falter under pressure.

“She can’t go alone, Joel,” Tommy quips, gesturing towards you. You were shaking, your body reacting before your brain even could. Your nerves were shot.

He shakes his head, “And if they don’t have the supplies?”

You didn’t even think that far. 

“They will,” Tommy says, matter-of-factly, “It’s our best bet. The Fireflies disbanded, there has to be stuff left behind.”

You don’t know how Tommy knows all this, but he must have good sources to know all these things. Joel nods at him, accepting his response. He looks back at you, trying to figure out how you feel about the proposition by reading your face. 

“Does that work for you?” His deep voice isn’t meant to be intimidating, but you flinch anyway at the question. 

“I don’t have much of a choice. My Dad needs the medicine. If you guys think we can make it there and back in one piece, I’ll do it.”

“We will leave tomorrow morning. In the meantime,” Joel waves over Sidney, who’s still sitting by your sleeping and dazed father, “Give him one of those vials.”

-

Joel sacrificing his time and effort for your father was unfathomable to you. Sure, Joel was a great friend of your Dad’s, but he truly didn’t owe you two anything. It made you enamored with him even more. 

As the day shifted into the evening, you sat by your Dad’s bed and waited for the antibiotics to kick in. His body needed rest, you knew that much because he slept more than he probably ever had in his lifetime. 

He was sweating out a fever, so every so often you’d pat his head with a cold rag. He would mumble a quiet “thank you” and then return to snoring. As the sun sets, you welcome Sidney back for her night shift. She checked your Dad’s vitals, telling you his lungs are already sounding a bit better. You stretch and yawn, cracking every bone in your body while you do. You were stuck in the same position for so long, elbows on your knees, your chin propped up by your hands. 

You had a long trip ahead of you, and you couldn’t lie, you were scared half to death. You did not want to come back and find your father dead. You were also terrified about going back outside of Jackson. You spent most of your last 20 years living in the wild and shitty QZ’s. You were always on edge out there, and then you found Jackson. Ever since then, life has been a little more hopeful. You were able to form relationships and have some simple enjoyment, after all this time. 

Your Dad finally wakes up when you start stirring more. His one eye opens first which makes you crack a smile. 

“Mornin’ Pops,” You joke, grabbing his warm hand, “That antibiotic should start working soon. You’ll be better in no time.”

“Yeah,” He croaks, “But I heard you’re going somewhere.”

You bite your lip, afraid to stress him out. You knew he would worry about you, he always did.  

“Yeah, me and Joel are going to get more supplies. Nothing too drastic,” You lie, brushing your thumb over his scarred knuckles, “You trust Joel enough to take care of me?”

It was the first time he laughed in the last 24 hours, “Course he will. He knows how much you mean to me. If he fucks up, he will get a load of me, that’s for sure.”

His voice was reassuring to hear, especially since he’s joking with you. 

“Okay, I believe you,” You mutter, “We leave tomorrow morning, so I need you to be good and get all the rest you can. I want you up and moving when I get back, you hear me?”

“Roger that, kiddo.”

-

“Mornin’ sunshine,” Your tone is sarcastic and Joel can tell. You did not expect to be stuck with Joel Miller alone for a week, especially outside the walls. 

He clears his throat as he finishes packing up his horse. 

“Mornin’,” He grumbles, patting his horse’s mane, “Let’s get you all set up. You’ll be takin’ your Dad’s horse, Ranger. He is already saddled up, just need to get your stuff on there.”

Luckily, you packed light. You brought a couple of changes of clothes, some food, some camping gear, and of course, your gun. 

Joel helps you tie down your bag and ensures all the straps he just put on are tight enough for you. You just watch him, enjoying how just takes control of the situation. He had the father instinct, always making sure everything would be safe and secure for the girls he loved. Or liked. Whatever.

You thank him, grabbing onto the saddle and flinging yourself up onto the horse. Ranger was truly your favorite horse in all of Jackson. He was the best behaved and the biggest. His mane was long and black and he loved to be brushed. You spent a lot of evenings riding him for fun, just enjoying his company. 

Joel gets on his horse, adjusting how he sits before he takes the reigns and guides you towards the main gates of Jackson. 

“You still sure you’re ready for a run like this?”

He’s giving you a chance to back out. But this was now an obligation. If you didn’t do this, you would indebted to everyone. You would be the person to blame if someone’s loved one died. Not really, but you felt that guilt. 

“Readier than I’ll ever be, Joel.”

-

“How is Ellie doing?”

You were burning to make conversation. You needed to rid your mind of all the anxiety surrounding your own life. Joel was too quiet, it made you feel queasy. He was too wrapped up in his thoughts. You were about 20 miles outside of Jackson, the sun was coming up through the foliage. 

He inhales sharply, “She’s a teenage girl. She’s grumpy.”

You grip onto the reigns of your horse, your body swaying back and forth with the trot. 

“I remember being that young and being constantly annoyed by my Dad’s nagging,” You chuckle, remembering the days of angst, “Are you annoying her, Joel?”

Joel scrunches his face at such allegations. If anything, Ellie was annoying him. 

“Course I’m not! Just… want to make sure she’s doing good. Which she is. Everyone tells me ‘bout how helpful she is.”

You think back to the last interaction you had with Ellie. She had been helping out at the stables when you were in charge of feeding and cleaning the horses before you got the job at the Tipsy Bison. Ellie wanted to know everything you knew, pestering you with silly questions like what their names were and why they were named what they were. 

“She’s very helpful,” You acknowledge, thinking about how enthusiastic she always was about learning, “You raised her right.”

He huffs, “Was hardly me. She’s just smart and raised herself.”

You did not quite understand the history between Joel and Ellie, but you knew Joel was not her biological father. You had no clue how they found each other or when. But you could see the love Joel had for Ellie. You remember him lighting up when he explained to you and your dad how she was the best shot amongst the recruits. 

Joel will probably never indulge you in the specifics of his relationship with Ellie, simply because it’s complicated. He never felt the need to explain himself to anyone but Tommy. 

“You had a hand in some of it, Joel. Give yourself a little credit.”

But Joel was never good at that. He was hard on himself, weary to accredit any of Ellie’s behavior to himself. 

The rest of the ride was occupied with the sound of leaves rustling. Joel spots a fallen tree that he says would be a good eating spot. You agree, hopping down off your horse with ease. You tie his reins up on a nearby branch and start digging through your saddle bag for the apple you packed for yourself. You were sick with unease all day. With everything going on in your life, the last thing on your mind was hunger. Plus, you were alone with a man that you had to put all your trust in. 

You pop a squat on the chipping bark and get out your pocket knife to start cutting the red fruit. Joel gets out a bag of jerky from his pack and finds a spot next to you. He looks over at you, perplexed at your food choice. 

“Just some fruit?” Joel interrogates, instantly knowing your hunger cannot be satiated by apples. No one can be satisfied with only fruit. 

Your stomach churns at your first bite, “Just not that hungry.”

That’s all the explanation he needs. You watch as he starts to munch on his bagged meat, cringing at the sound of his mouth. You try to block it out, but it’s eating away at your brain. You hated the sound of chewing, it was such a stupid pet peeve, but you couldn’t help yourself. Joel is oblivious, probably not even hearing how loud he’s being. You smack his arm out of instinct, something you did to your dad when he was being too obnoxious. 

He looks down at you with furrowed brows and annoyed eyes. 

“You’re eating too loud,” You say, wanting to smack yourself at how stupid it sounds out loud. 

He looks away, completely flabbergasted at the reaction. “Eating too loud? Really?”

You feel embarrassed for letting your brain get the best of you. So you just cut more of your apple off and slowly crunch on it. You try your best not to hyper-fixate on your chewing. When you’re in a trance, lost in your thoughts, Joel nudges you back. He’s getting you back, now. 

“Now you’re chewing too loud,” He jokes, popping another piece of his jerky in his mouth, “Should probably keep it down. So loud you may attract some infected.”

You can’t help but smile at his stupid rebuttal. You give him props for making you feel less foolish. 

“Sorry,” you mumble, eating another slice intentionally loud, “Can’t help myself. They are just so crunchy.”

You hear him giggle, his smile easing your churning stomach. 

“It’s okay, sweetheart. I’ll forgive you this one time.”

-

You knew the ride to this hospital would be long, but you didn’t realize how barren the landscape would be. You also didn’t realize how bad your ass would hurt. You and Joel finally pull off into some woods when the sun starts to set. Joel acts like he knows exactly how to navigate the woods, guiding his horse deeper and deeper. In between some large trees, you spot a lake. 

“Wanna go swimming?” You question after hours of no conversation. He glances back at you with a sly smirk on his face. When you look to your right, you notice a small path. Joel clicks his tongue for his horse to follow it. You two trot through the leaves, before coming upon a small decrepted cabin.

“This is us,” He states as he halts his horse. 

He had secretly always pictured taking you out here. He could not help but insert you into his small fantasies. Some nights he would imagine what it would be like to have you stick by his side forever. He always felt guilty afterward. 

You look at the building in wonder, completely speechless. You assumed you would be camping on the forest floor, not in an intimate cabin by a lake. You swing your leg over and slide off your saddle. Joel starts to tie up his horse nearby and you follow suit. You continue to look at the cabin, curious as to who kept up with it. It looked well maintained, besides some cobwebs at the peak of the roof. 

“Is this yours?”

He shakes his head, “No. Technically Tommy’s. He goes this way to get to another settlement about 50 miles south. He found this place on a whim and cleaned it up.”

You look around the area, seeing there’s even a fire pit right by the water. It had chairs and stones to outline the charred wood. You could not help but imagine what this place was before Tommy found it. How many fun nights were probably spent here by the original owner? If you had no one to go back to, you would just live here. But the more you think about that scenario, you think about how lonely you would probably get. Maybe if you had someone to stay with you. 

You finally look back at Joel. He’s standing on the stone path with his eyes locked on you. You get self-conscious for a moment, realizing he probably noticed how entranced you were with the surroundings. 

That’s exactly what he was thinking, too. How beautiful you stood in the shadows of the trees, your eyes curiously glancing around like a kid in a candy shop. You had him wrapped around your finger without even knowing it. 

“You good if we stay here overnight? Get back on the road tomorrow?”

How could you ever say no to an offer like that? 

You nod, swallowing back your insecurity, “Yeah, for sure.”

-

Joel could build a good fire. Watching him gather all the wood and place them into a perfect formation. As soon as he lights it, it builds and builds. When the warmth envelopes you, you start to finally feel at ease. Joel sits down with a stick, nudging the fire every so often.

He felt guilty. He felt like he was betraying your father, a man who was trusting him with his daughter. He should not be imagining how a little life in the woods would look like with you. He should not be picturing how beautiful you would look underneath him. He should not be having these devious thoughts about you. His eyes are trained on the flames as they build, trying to push those daydreams away. 

When his sleeve lifts as he toys with the charred wood, you notice the watch on his wrist. It looks ancient, the face of it shattered. You don’t realize you’re staring at it until he snatches his hand away from your view. 

“Sorry,” You retract, sitting further into the chair, “Your watch is broken.”

He places the stick next to his foot, finally out of his head for a moment, “Yeah, I’m aware.”

You were so stupid. You know not to pry further, knowing there’s probably a story and you don’t feel like you’re at a stage with Joel Miller to dive deeper. He notices how small you making yourself, and it makes him feel bad. He never wants to make you insecure. 

“Your necklace,” He starts, trying to place your mind somewhere else. It was a feature on your body that he noticed ages ago, but he never tried to beg the question, so this seemed like a great time to move the subject along. “Is it a moon?”

You reach up to your throat, feeling for the necklace you never took off. It feels like he almost wants to see if you will spill your story first. He is bad at reading women, sometimes. Most of the time. 

“Yeah, it was my sister’s.”

He feels stupid, instantaneously. As soon as those words fell from your lips, he put his face in his hands. 

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

Your feelings towards what happened 20 years ago were drastically different than how you feel now. You could still feel the horror and the pain you felt, but it wasn’t so gut-wrenching anymore. It honestly doesn’t even feel like it happened to you. 

You drop the crescent moon charm from your hands, “No, it’s okay. She died on outbreak day. She was a bit older than me, her name was Reagan.”

He looks up at you and just nods, taking in the information. You don’t know if it’s a gesture for you to continue to talk, but you take it as just that. 

“Her and my mom were at one of her soccer games when all hell broke loose. From what I heard, she was bit by one of her teammates and when me and my Dad were packing up our things to get out of there, I grabbed some of her stuff. A necklace, a sweatshirt, and her favorite pair of sneakers. I don’t know why. But yeah, this necklace is the only thing that survived 20 years. Sweatshirt got too small, shoes got too torn up.”

You don’t even notice the tears pricking in your eyes until you blink. You don’t even remember what she looks like, her face is kind of jumbled in your memory. You remember her hair though, long and brown and super curly. Joel just listens, his eyes trained on your hands as you nervously rub them together. When you peer up at him, you see the mutual pain written on his face. 

He thinks to his beautiful Sarah. His eyes fall to his broken watch. The pain is still very palpable. 

“‘m glad we have somethin’ from our people. Somethin’ to remember them by, ya’ know?”

You scan his broken watch and nod timidly. “Yeah, something to remember them by.”

-

You stand up after eating some more food you packed, ensuring you’re somewhat nourished before you go to sleep. Joel stares at the fire, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. He knows he has to sleep, but he knows you need it more. He’s willing to give up his hours for yours. 

“You want me to do first watch?” You quiz, hoping to get the answer no. Instead, he just shrugs. You cross your arms, a cool shiver going down your back as you step away from the fire. 

“I’ll start first,” He mumbles, grabbing his poking stick, “There’s a bed in there all ready for you. Get some rest, we got a long day tomorrow.”

You respond with a slight wag of your head, “Okay, goodnight, Joel.”

You turn on your heels and head towards the front door of the cabin. You creak the door open. It’s pitch black so you step back onto the small porch to grab the lantern Joel lit a while ago. You slowly creep through the one-room cabin, placing the lantern on the small table by the door. It lit up most of the room so you got a great look at the wooden framed bed, waiting for you to lay upon it. 

You feel a pang of guilt making Joel sit outside to guard you as you slept. You knew you needed rest. You also knew it would start getting colder and colder and that fire would die eventually. 

Joel could handle himself, after all. You would just have to push your worry aside. When you curl up onto the hard mattress, you think back to the last time you were left to trust another man to look after you as you slept. It was a traumatizing night, so instead of worrying yourself, you close your eyes and remind yourself that Joel is safe. Dad trusts Joel. Joel is a good man. 

Sleep eventually takes over, your soft snores rattling off the wooden walls. 

After a couple of hours, the shivering takes over Joel’s body, so he creeps into the cabin. The lantern is dimmer, slowly running out of fuel. He shakes his head, smiling to himself at your disregard for resources. He walks over to the small wood-burning oven, opening the door to it as quietly as he can. You don’t even stir. You’re a deep sleeper, he would remember. 

He starts a fire with the old coals, warming up the small space. Once he stands up from his squat, he hisses at the crack of his knees. He glances over at you, making sure he did not wake you. Nothing. 

You were a peaceful sleeper, your mouth slightly ajar. To Joel, you were always so beautiful. Not even just your looks, but your kind and reserved nature. You always gave him a delighted smile when he looked your way. You were dedicated to always being there for your father, which would always melt his cold heart. He would always watch you with a careful eye, praying that you would somehow get older or him, younger. He hated himself for admiring you so often, especially since he respected your father so much. But you were right there. 

He sat himself in the old recliner chair near the door, peaking out the window every so often. He would always find himself training his eyes back on you, watching your chest rise and fall slowly. 

It takes everything in him not to curl up next to you. 

-

The second day starts off a bit rough. 

When you wake up in the early morning hours, you take notice of a sleeping Joel in the corner of the room. You spring up, loudly rattling the bed frame. It sends Joel jumping out of his skin, his eyes flying open to look at you.

You are panting like you just ran a mile. 

“Jesus Christ, girl,” He barks, his tone tired but also vicious, “Thought someone had you at gunpoint.”

“You were sleeping!”

“Shit, yeah I was, wasn’t I?” His tone is more relaxed, sort of annoyed. He rubs his eyes, glancing outside. Your horses were still there and it doesn’t seem like you guys have been ransacked. 

You clench your fists, “You’re lucky we didn’t get shot in our sleep or something.”

He rolls his eyes, slowly rising from the chair he took over, “That’s a little dramatic, sweetheart. We are fine.”

After that comment, you did not want to talk to Joel Miller. 

You also start to question if you can trust him. He should’ve woken you up to take charge of the watch, but instead, he ignorantly fell asleep and risked your life. 

When you pack up to leave, he realizes how rattled you are. He wants to apologize, but he’s too stubborn to do so. You were being dramatic. But he shouldn’t have said that. He should’ve kept that comment to himself. He was never really good at holding his tongue, always saying the first thing on his mind. 

-

When the sun sets on the second day, Joel promises you two should be in Salt Lake the next afternoon. The whole day pretty much consisted of you two bickering about state capitals. He swears the capital of Pennsylvania is Philadelphia. 

“It’s not, it’s Harrisburg,” You would say. 

You also talked about times before the Infection. He mentions his daughter, Sarah, telling you about how she used to play soccer and she loved going to the Texas State Fair. It makes your heart happy to hear him light up about her, but it makes you want to cry hearing a father talk about his dead child. You can’t imagine that type of pain, and you hope you never do. He doesn’t even know why he’s suddenly baring his soul to you, but he starts to feel like his walls are falling away and he’s comfortable around you. 

He tells you about how he plays the guitar, which you lock onto quickly. 

“You’ll have to show me how good you are,” You smile, imagining Joel Miller strumming along to some folksy song you request. He can only imagine what type of music you would want to hear from him. 

“When we get home,” He mutters, “I'll give you a performance.”

“I cannot wait.”

The conversation with you was easy. You could get anything out of him, pretty much. You were a lot like your father, but softer. He enjoyed your company a bit more. Your laugh was infectious and you were a lot easier on the eyes, of course. When you two stop for a break, he watches as you look for four-leaf clovers on the forest floor. When you find one, you pick it up and bring it over to his hunched-down frame. 

“My mom used to say they were for love and luck,” You explain, “Think you need it for both.”

He knew you were joking by the way you giggle and return to your spot on the ground. He just shakes his head and sticks the clover in his jacket pocket. 

-

He was dreading being back in Salt Lake. He doesn’t want to relive that day when Ellie was practically ripped from him. It sent him spiraling just thinking about all the outcomes that could’ve transpired that day. 

He contemplates telling you for a few brief seconds. 

He wouldn’t have much to lose, especially now that everything is said and done. But then fear takes over and he wonders, would you judge him for it?

He imagines how you would react. How your nose would probably scrunch up, how your disposition towards him would soon contort into horror. You would probably call him a monster. You would probably never look at him the same way, with that beautiful smile and attentive gaze.

“You okay, Joel?”

You two were positioned on the edge of some woods off a dirt road. Joel didn’t want to attract anyone with fire, so you two decided you would just camp on the ground near the highway you would end up following to get into the city. 

“‘M all good,” He practically whispers, “Just tired. You mind gettin’ first watch?”

You just silently nod, watching him rise from his spot and move over to the sleeping bags you two had set up when you arrived. You watch as he awkwardly wiggles his large frame into a small sack. It makes you giggle a bit. He positions himself with his back to you, his front facing into the woods. He can’t spend his time staring at you like he would like to, he needs to sleep. 

You realize he has a leaf stuck on the back of his head. You couldn’t help yourself, it was going to bother you for as long as you were awake. You stand up and slowly creep up to him. 

You squat down and pluck the leaf out of his thick curls. His head snatches back at you, knitting his brows together in confusion. 

Secretly deep down, you just wanted to find a reason to touch him. 

“Can I help you?”

You give him a shit-eating grin, “Yeah, you just got leaves in your hair. It was going to bother me if I didn’t get it out. You’re very, very welcome.”

He rolls his eyes, “Can I sleep now?”

“Don’t know, I’m already getting bored without you glaring at me.”

You were now on a mission to annoy him, he guesses. 

Without thinking, he responds with a comment that would stick with you all night. 

“Yeah, you like it when I look at you, don’t ya?”

-

The homestretch was only about another 20 miles. You and Joel had made good time, only taking about three days to get to the hospital. After the subtle flirting with Joel the night before, you got a little more ambitious with your advances. 

Before you two took off to get to your destination, you asked Joel if you could change your clothes. You had mud all over your jeans and your shirt was reeking of body odor. The natural deodorants that were handmade in Jackson only did so much. 

“Yeah, make it quick,” He orders, pointing to a more private area of the camp, “There’s some bushes over there.”

“I’m not getting dressed in a bush, Joel. Just look away,” You test, already shrugging off your flannel. He notices your bold move, instantly peeling his eyes away from your direction. This can not be happening to him right now. 

“What the hell,” He murmurs, his hands propped up on his hips, “You’re doin’ this on purpose.”

You feel your cheeks heat up, “Doing what on purpose?”

“Testin’ me. Me and my patience.”

You throw your shirt over your head and grab one of your spare ones from your pack, “Well, if it’s a test, you’re passing with flying colors, Miller.”

He glances back at you without even really thinking, spotting you in your bra with a shirt covering your eyes. It’s almost like when you tell a child not to press a button, and it makes them want to do it even more.

He wanted to keep looking. 

“Fuck,” He says under his breath, trying to push those types of thoughts out of his mind. 

You shimmy off your pants, folding them as soon as you get them off your legs. You needed a shower so bad, you felt so filthy. 

“You think we could stop back at the cabin on the way home? I want to bathe.”

Thinking about you naked and taking a bath made his dick hard. 

“Yes,” He manages to say, “Hurry up, please!”

You grin at his frustration, “Fine, fine. I’m almost done.”

-

You and Joel trot along an abandoned highway, cars littering every lane. It was nothing new to you. You have seen plenty of cities in your lifetime. Each time was a bit different, but for the most part, they were all the same. Riddled with infected and bombed to shit. 

You think back to when Tommy said Joel had been here before. Your mind starts to wonder, and being that you still had a couple of hours before you got to see the actual hospital, you decide to speak up and ask. 

“When was the last time you were here?”

He thinks for a second. He was waiting for these questions. 

“Over a year ago.”

You shake your head, “Was there a reason?”

You had no business prying into Joel’s life, but you felt like after spending days with him, there was some kinship. Maybe even a friendship.

“Ellie’s mom was a Firefly. They had a base camp out here,” He explains, but would he go further? Would he spill all the beans?

It’s technically not his story to tell. But then again, Ellie didn’t even have the truth, so it was a story only he knew. 

You wait before responding, “Did you find her?”

“Who?”

“Ellie’s mom,” You press, glancing around some cars. You are trying to act like you didn’t care, but you could tell from the moment you entered the outskirts of the city, Joel was plagued with the weight of the atmosphere. His shoulders got heavier, his eyebrows further knitted together. He was tense. 

“No, she’s dead. So I brought her home,” He says, half-bending the truth. He’s lying, but not really. Ellie’s mom was dead but that was never the reason they came out here. He just wants to say it, but his chest feels like a weight is pushing down, almost cracking his ribs. He swallowed the guilt. 

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”

You didn’t have much else to say, letting the silence eat away at the prickle of your arm hairs as they stood up. You try to relax, but now that you are in the city, it feels real. You traveled all this way for medication so Jackson would not shun you. It sounded kind of stupid, coming all this way in hopes of a stocked Firefly hospital. 

You also traveled all this way with Joel Miller. You managed to speak to him without tripping over every word and poking fun at him. You watched him sleep at night, looking so peaceful in the woods surrounding him. You try to think about the last time you saw him smile. You saw him differently, now. He came all this way to help you and your dad. He is risking a lot, disregarding his duties back home, just so he can be with you and protect you. 

You ponder if things will be different when you get home. Maybe he would talk to you more when he came to the Tipsy Bison. Maybe he would wave back at you when you saw him around town. 

You secretly hoped being next to him for so long would change your relationship with him. 

Joel starts to ride next to you, studying your face as you stare forward. 

“What are you thinkin’ bout so hard over there?” He poses, watching your face twist when he speaks up. 

You lick your lips, “Thinking about what it’s gonna be like when I get home.”

“What do ya’ mean?”

You halt your horse to look over at him. He does the same. 

“We came all this way and I am scared when we get back, you won’t want to talk to me anymore.”

He shakes his head, a slight chuckle escaping his lips, “Kiddo, your dad’s my patrol partner. ‘Course, I’ll still talk to you. You’re always around.”

The nickname makes you cringe. You don’t want to be a kid to him. 

“Right, of course.”

-

When you get to the edge of the city, Joel starts explaining the game plan. How you will get to the hospital, do your sweep as quick as you can, and don’t meander around. He also explains how the exit plan is to drop everything, no matter what, and return to the horses. You see someone? Run. 

You want to say you know how to handle yourself, but you resist and just nod in understanding. 

To your surprise, you two do not run into any hoards. You turn a corner and spot a couple of infected twitching near an old school, and you two carefully back up and go up another block to avoid them altogether. You two don’t say anything to each other as you spot the hospital in the distance. Joel just points forward, having you trot at his side. 

You pull out your gun when you start to hear some clicking nearby. Joel gestures to you to be quiet and continues to the front of the hospital. You two ride your horses to the ambulance drop-off, parking them there. When you jump down, you start to grab your pack so you can fill it with whatever supplies you find. Joel does the same, throwing his leather backpack over his shoulder. You check the magazine of your gun and take off the safety. 

“Okay, we stay close to each other,” He explains in a hushed tone, “Grab whatever you think we need.”

You wiggle your head in agreement. He raises his rifle as you two enter the side door. The hospital is quiet besides the wind blowing through some shattered windows. You click on your flashlight that is attached to your backpack, making sure it’s pointed forward. The main corridor leads you down to some triage rooms and nurse's stations. Joel gestures to you to check out some triage rooms. You find some bandages and some tongue presses. You grab the entire box of bandages and stuff them in your bag. When you return to the hall, Joel is stuffing some of his finds in his pack. 

“No meds yet,” He grumbles. You two press forward, keeping your steps silent. You find some lab rooms off the main hallway and you two scope out each room carefully, your guns still drawn and at the ready. You find more items; some gloves, masks, and some scissors. You pick them up, stuffing them in your back. 

You hear movement from behind you and quickly spin. It’s just Joel, holding a couple of vials of medication. You rush towards him, using your light to see what the vials read. 

levofloxacin 

amoxicillin

“Jackpot,” You murmur, “Any more?”

He grabs a baggie sitting on a table nearby, “Not that I saw.”

You continue searching, not finding much of anything in the drawers. A lot of the stuff is picked through. 

You point to a central staircase, “Wanna go up?”

“Yeah, right behind you.”

Joel was reeling, spotting some areas where blood was splattered across the walls as he walked through the hospital. It was terrifying to put himself back in this exact spot. It felt like a fever dream. Now he had you with him, another person he cared too much about to admit to anybody, let alone himself. He cared about you in a whole different way than he cared about Ellie. 

You trail up the stairs, finding some old labs and nurse's stations. All were picked through. You couldn’t help but notice the blood all over the floor in some areas. You try to figure out what could have transpired here, but you don’t even try to beg the question to Joel. With the look on his face, you are afraid to say much of anything. 

Something bad happened here and he was a witness to it. 

It made you want to hurry up and spare his feelings. Instead of taking careful and methodical steps, you run room to room searching drawers and counters for anything of value. You find some alcohol swabs, safety pins, and some wrist splints. When you get to the last room in the hallway you’re in, you hit the jackpot. It’s a cabinet with some vials. 

You start to quietly read them off to Joel who’s standing on the threshold of the room. 

“Grab them all,” He says, pulling his pack off his shoulder so you can put some into his, “We can find use for ‘em.”

You also find some sutures and unopened syringes. You wish you could get down on your knees and thank whatever god is up there for blessing you with everything. You don’t believe in that though, so instead you excitingly grab Joel’s arm and shake it. 

“Let’s get this all home,” You smile, pressing your fingers harder into his bicep, “Maybe celebrate with something strong from the bar.”

Then you hear it. 

Click. Click. Click. 

Joel grabs your arm back, shoving you behind him. He slings his pack over his shoulder and you do the same. You never had many issues with killing infected, but you did not know what you were dealing with. It was dark and all too quiet for too long. Joel creeps forward, his gun drawn forward to peek out the door. When you do the same, he tucks you back behind him. 

Lining the hallway is about 3 clickers. Your stomach drops as they slowly make their way to the sounds you two made seconds ago. Joel glances back at you, his face very serious and stern. 

You can read the look on his face and being that you dealt with these fuckers before, you know that you need to be silent. He looks back down the hall, spotting an exit in a staircase that’s slightly blocked by one of the clickers. He waves you along as he slowly tiptoes down the hallway. You get closer and closer to the first clicker and your gun is trained right at them as you keep your distance. You can tell by the clothing that it was a woman at one time, the infection growing out of every crevice of her body. 

She clicks and clicks, but does not attack you. You and Joel continue, not making a sound as you shuffle past the next one. But once you get close to the one closest to the door, something snaps and it’s like they all realize exactly all at once. One squeals and the others follow suit. Joel yells for you to run, but you don’t budge, emptying your gun into the closest one. It crumbles to the ground. With that one down, Joel grips your wrist tightly and flings you towards the door. You two rush out as Joel lights up the hallway with gunfire. 

You now know that you’re attracting every infected in a mile radius so time is of the essence. You practically fall down the stairs trying to get to the bottom. Joel does not like how fast you moving, pressing you to run faster. You two sprint down the hallway as two runners come full speed at you from an opposing hallway. You try to shoot but your gun is empty. You scream for Joel to do something and he puts them down expertly. He’s spot on even with the adrenaline coursing through his veins. You find the door you came in from and quickly make your way to Ranger. He seems sort of spooked so you try to gingerly climb up him, grabbing his reigns from the pole you tied him to. Joel is quick to mount his horse. He pulls his horse back, guiding it to head back the way you guys came. 

You follow suit, hearing stirring from all around you as your hair whips in the wind. You are not worrying about the noise you two are making now, galloping down the once-busy streets of Salt Lake City. 

“Don’t stop til’ I say so!” Joel calls out. You can hardly hear with your heartbeat in your ears and the wind against your ear drum. 

You get to the edge of the city after about 20 minutes of dodging left-behind cars and random barriers. You get to the point where the foliage takes over and the infected taper off. You don’t realize it until you start slowing down and your heart gets back to its normal pace, you’re freezing. 

You yell out for Joel, who’s still going quite fast. He halts completely, letting you catch up with his step. 

“We have to stop, I’m freezing.”

You weren’t wearing all your layers and you knew it would be detrimental if you didn’t stop to wrap up before you two continued your journey. Joel nods, trotting off the main part of the road into some woods. 

When you get off your horse, you can feel Joel’s eyes lock onto your vibrating body. 

“Jesus, girl,” He dismounts, wrapping his reigns around a nearby branch, “The wind do you that much damage?”

You can’t help but laugh as you rifle through your pack to find your extra layers. You can remember packing two thermals, but with the way you’re shaking, you can’t even grip onto the clothes to move them around to search. You don’t even realize Joel has come to your side, you only notice when he nudges your side with his three fingers. You move out of his way so he can look, but you can’t help but feel the warmth his gentle touch gives you on your hip. 

He pulls out a thermal, handing it out to you. 

“Just put it over your other long sleeve,” He instructs, digging for another layer for you. You take his advice and throw it over your head. When your head pops through the neck hole, you spot him smirking at you. 

“If you don’t warm up soon, I may have to share my body heat so we can get back on the road,” Joel jokes, watching you pull your hair out of the back of your long sleeve. You didn’t hate the sound of that, truthfully. 

“Guess I will try my best not to warm up then.”

He shakes his head, grabbing onto your other thermal, “You can’t say stuff like that to me, darling.”

“Why not?”

Joel has slipped up a couple of times already, he wasn’t planning on giving in. But the teasing was fun and light-hearted. He knew in his heart it was not going to turn into anything. 

Right?

“Because I don’t think it’s a very good idea for us to talk like that to one another,” He explains, stepping back as you add the other shirt onto your already warming body, “May lead us somewhere we can’t come back from.”

You swallow, “Maybe I’d like that.”

-

It takes you a day and a half to get back to the cabin. Joel promised that you two could spend a whole day there if need be. You two were physically and mentally exhausted. The horses needed rest too, you could tell Ranger was beat. 

When you arrive on the property, Joel makes sure to scope out a radius before you two settle in. Ever since the sly passes you made at him, he’s been more quiet. You can tell he’s deep in thought. Maybe it wasn’t about you, but he had something on his mind. 

You use the fire stove to warm up some water from the lake to give yourself a quick “bath”. You just used an old rag and some bar soap to scrub your limbs, trying to get off all the caked-on dirt. Joel stayed outside by the fire, cooking up some squirrels he was able to trap. You stood in your undergarments, lathering your skin, watching him from the window as he poked at the fire. 

You felt a bit better once you were clean. The growl in your stomach was dull and kind of painful. You needed to eat, so you got your dirty clothes back on and headed outside to prop yourself up next to Joel. 

When you open the cabin door, his head snaps over to you. 

“Howdy, cowboy,” You gleam, walking down to the stump next to him. You couldn’t help but flirt now. It was funny to watch him squirm, the glint in his eyes not hard to notice. 

“You all clean?”

You nod, giving him a cheeky smile. “Yeah, now you go get yourself all cleaned up.”

He grabs his stick poker, “Don’t got any soap.”

“Use mine.”

Joel stops his motion immediately to train his eyes back on you. “You want me to smell like you?”

“Well, I smell delicious, so why not?”

He scans your body with his eyes, “Cause if we get home and your Dad smells your soap on me, he’ll put it bullet between my eyes.”

You know he’s being dramatic, finding any excuse to opt out of using the soap you just used on your body. 

“So, what you’re saying is,” You clear your throat before continuing, “If my dad wasn’t your friend, you’d lather yourself with my soap?”

He contemplates for a moment, “Yeah, and other things.”

Your heart stops beating for a second. Joel can not help but smirk at your reaction. He was playing with fire, literally and figuratively. The tension between you two was so heavy, that you do not think you could even take a deep breath in. 

He stands up from his spot next to you. “Why don’t ya eat, sweet thing? I have to clean myself up, I guess.”

-

Joel can not do this. 

You were his friend’s daughter. Sure you were grown, beautiful, strong-willed, and everything he could want and more but he could not take advantage of you. The only way he felt this way right now was because tensions were so high back in Salt Lake. You two have spent a lot of time together, the hormones… what the fuck is he thinking?

You sit by the fire, your stomach doing back flips as you think about Joel in the cabin, by himself, practically half naked. 

Why were you doing this to yourself?

Your heart is racing faster than it ever has. No clicker, no stranger, nothing has made you this nervous. Your hand reaches for the door handle, but before you can turn it, Joel rips open the door. 

“What do you think you’re doing?”

You stand there, dumbfounded. “I-I don’t know.”

He’s standing over you, his chest rising faster the more you keep your eyes trained on him. He has a green flannel on, the top couple of buttons undone. You lift your hand to touch the skin peeking through, but he stops your movements before you can make contact. You note the scent of wood burning in the cabin and it’s a lot warmer than you left it. Joel must have started the stove again. 

“We can’t.”

You shake your head, “No, we can’t, can we?”

You two know better. You know better. You know better. 

You are breathing in each other’s spaces. You don’t even want to look him in the eyes. His arm snakes around your midsection, pulling you forward into the cabin. At that moment, you knew that you two didn’t know any better. 

It’s almost like you two silently made the decision. 

“We can’t tell anyone about this, sweet girl,” He whispers, his hands still firmly on your back. You could not resist this temptation anymore. He was right in front of you, wanting you just as badly as you wanted him. 

Your eyes glance up at his dark sultry gaze, “It’s our little secret.”

His hand reaches up, gracing your chin with his touch. When he dips down to meet your height, you finally get bold and extend your hand up and around his neck. Your lips connect and you feel like a million little butterflies explode in your stomach. You had never desired a kiss from anyone as much as you did with Joel. 

He’s eager and impatient, though. He’s not as soft as you imagined for a man who hardly spoke. He just wants to feel you everywhere, all at once. His mouth melts into yours, his tongue exploring every inch of yours. He’s moving you around the room, stumbling over furniture and shoes as he backs you into the large wooden bed frame. 

“So fuckin’ perfect,” He mumbles into your lips as soon as he lifts you up onto the mattress. It catches you by surprise, mainly because you never expected him to manhandle you in this way. He’s hungry for every inch of you. After all these months of secretly pining for him and him not giving you any positive response, you never anticipated something like this happening. Especially at a time like this. 

“Joel,” You whine, pulling him down on top of you as you fall back into the flannel blankets, “I need you everywhere.”

He grins peppering kisses down your neck, “Don’t worry, I will treat you so fuckin’ good. Been wantin’ you for so long.”

It was so filthy and hot. Your dad’s patrol partner, his best friend. Keen to make you feel good? And wanting it for a while? You must be imagining his words because you can’t even comprehend the situation. 

But it’s true. Joel’s secretly been watching you when you’re not looking. When you sling drinks on Friday nights, he watches you from a booth in the corner. Tommy’s caught him a couple of times, smacking him and reminding him that you were off limits. When you came to his house with extra pot pie or soup, he would watch you walk away from his house from his living room window. 

This taboo yearning kept him up at night. But now, he has you alone and he needs a taste. 

He pulls back to look at your face, “Are you sure you want me?”

You can’t help but giggle a bit. 

“Joel, I’ve been wanting you for longer than I would like to admit,” You purse your lips as you bring your hand up to trace his collarbone, “Think about you all the time.”

It was the truth. Your mind was taken up but all his little sly comments. The way he would drop anything to help you or your dad. His beautiful brown eyes didn’t help one bit either.

“My god, girl…Gonna have me cumming in my jeans like a teenager.”

He returns to laying kisses all along your body. It started with wet kisses down your neck, only for it to trail right where your shirt begins, right below your collarbones. You push him back for a moment, taking your shirt off over your head. He watched you carefully, ensuring there was no hesitancy with your actions. He wanted to be absolutely positive that this is what you wanted. 

As soon as you reach for the clasp of your bra, Joel grabs your arms away. 

“Let me,” He mumbles, letting his fingers trace along the seam of the black fabric before using his right hand to undo the back. With him this close to you again, you inhale sharply, catching the scent of your soap. 

“See you took up my offer,” You tease, letting your bra fall down your shoulders, “Did you get clean just for this, Miller?”

He catches a glimpse of you under the bra and his mind goes blank. You notice his change in disposition and decide it’s best to discard every other article of clothing completely. You struggle to get your jeans off, so he helps by practically ripping them off your legs. He can’t help but spot the soak undies attached to your jeans. When you are bare under him, he gawks at you for a moment. 

“A beautiful woman like you,” He shakes his head, biting his lip. He unbuckles his pants before he stands and shoves them down his legs. While he’s making an effort to get as naked as you, you start unbuttoning his flannel. He watches you take your time, thumbing each button slowly. He tilts your head back up, his eyes leering at you for a moment. “And you want someone like me?”

You know he’s probably in his own head, so you feel the need to prove to him, that yes this is what I want. 

You grab onto his neck and pull him back down into a passionate kiss. When you notice him give in, you use all your might to push him sideways and onto his back next to you. You mount his lap immediately, holding him down with your body weight. Your soaked slit trudges over his large hard-on while you dip your head to capture his lips. You feel his hands trail up the sides of your body, leaving goosebumps in his wake. He finds your boobs, palming them with his warm calloused hands. You were extra sensitive so as soon as his fingers find your nipples, you’re moaning into his mouth. 

When your hips jet forward, his tip slides between your pussy lips. The sensation sends him into overdrive, his grip on your waist getting tighter. He’s so fucking big. 

“No foreplay, you just wanna grind your pussy right onto my cock?” His question sends shockwaves through your body and you raise your hips up off his crotch. You kneel over him, anticipating to rotate your pelvis back onto him, but he has other ideas. 

Because Joel has been thinking about what you taste like for too long. He can’t just fuck you. He lays back, all the while, dragging you up to his chest so your pussy is hovering over his pursed lips. 

“Joel, what are you doing?”

You feel his hot breath huff onto your slick center, “I’m gonna devour this beautiful pussy, first. Need to get you warmed up.”

Without any warning, he wraps his arms around your thighs and pushes your center closer to his outstretched tongue. You gasp when he starts to run his tongue up and down your slit. You can’t help but settle around his face, your knees feeling like they may already give out. 

You’ve never sat on someone’s face and watched them eat you out like a starved man. But Joel is precise with his motions, his mouth wrapping around your clit. When he starts to suck, the suction noise makes you whimper and shake. You have only ever cum by your own hand, so when the familiar heat rises in your stomach, you know instantly this is going to be the best sex you’ve ever had in your life. 

Joel is a very easy man to please. He thoroughly enjoys watching women crumble above him, their orgasms surging through their bodies while his tongue is pressed into them. But with you, he wants to drudge it out of you over and over again. You’re so magnetic on top of him, your head thrown back in pleasure. Your hands rest on your shoulders as you grind down on him, your peak teetering the edge. He shimmies his hand in between your thighs and begins to use his fingers in you, just to drive you crazier. He’s fucking up into you with his pointer and middle fingers, managing to latch onto your clit while he does. 

When you tumble into bliss, Joel moans into you, egging on your spasms. You lurch forward, dragging your center off his drenched lips. Your legs are limp as you try to crawl up the bed. Joel rolls over, creeping up the bed with you. You lay on your back, propping yourself up onto some of the pillows. 

“Do you need a break?” He asks, his hands feeling up your bare, still kind of shaking, thighs. You shake your head “yes” and breathe out loudly. Your body is covered in a light sheen, the sweat pooling around your hairline. Joel lets you take a moment, making sure you are completely ready for him. 

When you finally meet his eyes, your stomach fills with butterflies. He’s admiring you from his position, his eyes not finding yours until he’s done checking out your bare chest. You giggle, tugging on his wrists. He takes up your advances, positioning himself above you. He’s caging you in with his tanned strong arms, only allowing you to really move your upper body. You tangle your hands through his messy dark peppered curls, which makes him sigh. He secretly loved it when women felt through his hair. 

“Fuck me,” He groans as he reaches down between you, grabbing ahold of his hard member. You watch as he drags it through your heat, gathering all your wetness before teasing your entrance. 

“Joel, please.”

He smirks, pushing in just his tip, “Please what, baby girl? You want me to give you all of it?”

You are already overstimulated after your last orgasm and you are a bit nervous to imagine what all of it is. You nod, though, because the stretch is already so delicious. 

“Please, Joel, please. I need it,” You whine, knowing how desperate you sound. It’s music to Joel’s ears. 

“Shh, baby,” He eases in further, “I told you I’m gonna treat you real good. Gonna treat this pussy, so fuckin’ good.”

When he’s fully sheathed in you, your nails are digging into his shoulders. When he eases back to pull out some to ensure you can take it, you’re a moaning mess. It only eggs him on, feeling how slick you are and how tight you are around him. 

“That’s right baby, take all of me,” He says as he lifts himself off you. You have nothing to grip onto now, except the sheets that line the queen-sized bed. Joel wants to watch himself slip out of you and go back into you with ease. You love the friction, but you know you need more. 

You don’t know how, but it’s like he reads your mind. He starts to increase his pace, holding onto the back of your thighs as he drills into you. The curvature of his dick hits exactly where no man could ever reach. 

“Oh my god, fuck Joel! Fuck!”

Your words only encourage him to go harder and faster.

“Keep screamin’ my name, baby doll.”

The sweat is dripping down his face with how much effort he’s putting into fucking you. You’re floored at how quickly your orgasm builds again, the sounds of him plowing into you alone sends you into overdrive. 

As soon as you start to vibrate under him, Joel takes that as a great time to start thumbing at your clit. You feel every one of your nerve endings burning with such rapture, that you can’t even say anything. You’re just howling, no coherent words even coming out. Your vision goes white.

The scene is something out of the old pornos Joel used to watch. You’re writhing under him, the orgasm practically sending you cross-eyed. You reach up to anchor yourself down and the only thing you can find to grab is Joel’s forearm. 

“Yes, Joel!”

His hips continue to snap into yours as you squeeze his cock with your gyrating hips. He’s fucking you through it, watching your face contort. Your grip on his arm hurts, but he does not care. It’s unbelievably hot to watch the girl he has adored from afar cumming around him. Over and over. 

The scene is enough to have him chasing down his own high. The feeling of your cunt gripping onto him so tight, while his name is chanted from your lips, the cum practically shoots out of him before he has time to grab his shaft and pull out. He does not empty himself in you though, quickly prying himself out of your weeping hole and spilling out the rest onto your stomach. 

“Shit.”

You don’t even realize what happened, not caring about really anything except for how wonderful and high you feel. Joel tumbles onto his side, half of his body resting on yours. His mouth is close to your ear so he whispers it to you, his voice shaky. 

“I came inside you.”

You lick your lips, trying to regain some saliva in your mouth, “I do not care, Joel.”

He does not prefer that answer, but he accepts it for the time being. You could not feel your face at the moment, you did not have time to worry yourself over Joel cumming inside you. It was not the first time someone did that. 

Joel rolls off the bed, his legs feeling wobbly with his first steps. He’s still half hard and stumbling over to the bowl of water he just used to clean off himself. He grabs a clean rag and soaks it in the soapy water. The least he could do was clean up his mess. 

You watch him trudge over to you, the cum still pooled on your stomach and a bit in your belly button. 

Joel places the warm towel on your lower tummy, wiping up his mess. 

“Thanks,” You manage to say, your post-orgasm haze wearing off a bit. Now you’re just cold and exhausted. You shiver as soon as he removes the towel from your buzzing body. He notes it immediately and grabs the blanket that had been kicked to the floor. He lays it over you, making sure your full nude body is covered by the chilly air. 

“I need to go take a leak, I’ll be right back.”

You try to stay awake. But as soon as he gets some clothes on and heads outside to relieve himself, you’re lulled to sleep by the sounds of the rustling woods that surround the cabin. 

-

When you slowly open your eyes, you instantly notice how dry your mouth is. The itchy fabric of the blanket is tickling your bare limbs as you shift. Joel’s not beside you. 

You sit up, glancing around the cabin. His stuff is still here, but he is not. You keep the scratchy blanket wrapped around you as you plant your bare feet on the wooden floor. As soon as you take your first step forward towards the front door, it slowly swings open. 

Joel stands there, fully clothed, cheeks reddened from the cold outdoors. 

“Mornin’,” He says with a sleepy voice, “Got up early to get the horses fed and saddled up.”

All you remember is him going to pee outside last night, right before you fell asleep. “Did you ever come to bed last night?”

“Yeah, only got a couple of hours of sleep. You took up most of the bed.”

You clear your throat, becoming hyper-aware suddenly that you are very naked under the blanket. Joel tries not to notice your natural sensuality when you wake up. Sleepy eyes, swollen lips, slightly tangled hair. Even if last night never happened, he would be completely enamored by you. 

“Oh, okay,” You mutter, trying to act natural about the fact that you slept with Joel fucking Miller last night. “We all set then?”

He shuts the front door, cutting off any more cold from slipping in. You watch him slowly start to invade your space. He feels pulled towards you, the gravity overcoming every sense he has. He needs to be close to you, touching you, feeling you. 

“Yeah, we are all set.”

Chills run down your spine when his cold hand reaches out and grazes your cheek. You flick your eyelashes towards him, not knowing what to say next. He dips down to your height, kissing your lips carefully. He is nervous you will back away from him, but you don’t. You lean forward into him, the weight of your entire body pressing into him. 

He is the first to pull away, but you swear you could be latched onto him forever. His big brown eyes are lasered in on your eager lips, but in the back of his mind, he knows that you two need to get back home soon. He promised Tommy four days, nothing more. And you needed to get home to your Dad. Fuck. Your Dad. His fuckin’ friend. 

“We have to get home,” Is all he says. 

And then he’s gone. It’s like he blipped out of the room. You blink and the door slams and you are alone again. 

-

You stumble out of the cabin with your backpack on, your eyes adjusting to the sunshine between the falling away leaves. Winter creeps in so quickly in Wyoming, you think to yourself. 

Joel is already posted up on his horse, waiting for you to hurry along and join him. You pet Ranger for a moment before you hop up onto his back. He can’t help but realize how perfect you seemed in the sunlight. Your face hasn’t aged with time like his. It makes sense because you’re so much younger than him. You’ve lived a very full and traumatic life, sure, but you still had a lot more energy to live. He couldn’t picture that you’d want to spend the rest of it with an older guy with maybe 20 more years left in him if you’re lucky. 

The thoughts start to eat away at him as you two make your way through the forest. 

You assume he’s just tired from not getting a lot of sleep, so you just keep your lips sealed until you make it to the main trail back home. 

“So, when we get home,” You break the quietness with your open-ended statement. Joel doesn’t know what you’re insinuating, so he just keeps his head forward. “What happens, then?”

He pulls back his horse's reins to position himself looking directly at you. 

“What do you mean?”

You look at him suspiciously, “Do we tell people?”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Joel thinks. 

“Tell them what?”

He has to be messing, right? You think. 

But no, he’s deadly serious. 

“About us,” You remark as Ranger trots a bit closer to Joel. He shakes his head and your heart sinks. He can’t do this, not after you two slept together. 

“There is no us,” He grumbles, unable to look you in the eyes anymore, “We can’t do that. You’re too young.”

If you weren’t on a horse, you would’ve already smacked him. “What the hell, Joel? What if you get in my pants and make me feel special and now we are nothing? Because I’m a little bit younger than you?”

“No, it’s not like that-”

“Well, it seems like it is like that,” You bite the inside of your cheeks, holding back every instinct to burst into tears, “Fuckin’ asshole. I should’ve known better.”

-

When the walls of Jackson come into your line of sight, you could cry with excitement. Your hands were shaking, not only from the cold but the nerves. You had been silent the entire ride back. Your only desire was to get home to your Dad and ignore Joel Miller for the rest of your life. 

You can only hope and pray that your father is on the mend. To keep on track and not let panic take over, you’ve tried to put your mind on other things this whole trip. Most of those things you wish you’d forgotten, already. 

The doors open when you two get close. When the crack is big enough to see through, you spot some familiar faces waiting for you. Tommy, Maria, and even your father. He’s standing up straight, wrapped in layers of jackets and blankets. You tap Ranger with your foot, getting him to speed up. When you reach about 30 feet away, you practically fall off him to get your arms around your father. 

A sense of relief floods your body. A tidal wave of happiness and solace. He’s okay. He’s alive. 

When his scent reaches your nose, it triggers your tear ducts. After years of never having to really worry about him, knowing he can handle himself, you have felt this constant state of uneasiness the last week. 

“My baby is back,” He grumbles into your hair, his arms locking around you, “I knew I could trust that Joel.”

You don’t have time to feel guilt over your actions, you’re just so happy he’s upright. You also don’t want to hear his God-forsaken name from your own Dad. When you pull back to inspect his face, you note the tiredness in his eyes. He looks better, but not his normal. You grab each end of the blanket that’s slowly slipping off his shoulders and bundle him tighter. 

“Let’s get you back in the warm, how ‘bout it?”

You glance back at Joel who just nods, knowingly. You remember that you still have your backpack on, so before you stroll away, you shimmy out of it. Tommy watches you carefully as you hand it off to Joel. 

“Get those meds to the infirmary,” You whisper to no one in particular. Joel studies your face, waiting for you to say something else. You do not. As he grabs your pack, you feel like Maria and Tommy are gawking at you two. Like they know something was left unsaid. 

You two move differently around each other. When you shift one direction, Joel follows suit. 

Joel feels like every eye in Jackson is on him. Tommy’s being the most piercing, watching him like a hawk as he grabs his horse and guides him towards the stables. While you stroll away with Maria and your father, Joel and Tommy bring the horses and supplies to the stables. 

As you walk, you listen to Maria explain your father’s steady recovery. She mentions how Ellie has been keeping a careful eye on him. After she heard you and Joel were going to be gone together, she asked Maria if she could help him somehow. Once your dad got well enough to walk, she got him settled in your house. She’d go over there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, just to help. It makes your heart swell when you hear your dad say how kind and generous she was, just like you. 

-

Joel starts to unpack your bags from your horse first when he gets the horses parked. 

“Somethin’ happen out there?” Tommy presses, noticing how odd you and Joel moved in front of him, “With her?”

“No, nothin’,” He lies, placing your bags on a table near Ranger. When he lifted the first duffle bag, he got a whiff of you and it made his stomach sink. “We just had a rough spot in the hospital. Clickers and shit. Nothin’ too crazy-”

“Joel, I know when you’re lyin’ to me,” His eyes are shooting daggers now. Joel was too old to be pestered by his little brother. He groans in annoyance but Tommy does not give up, “What did you do?”

“I didn’t do nothin’, Tommy.”

“Bullshit,” He grumbles, grabbing one of your bags, “Want me to ask her?”

“You won’t get anythin’ out of her. She’s mad at me, okay? She is pissed I won’t…”

He feels humiliated, his stomach twisting into knots. He would never intentionally hurt you. He just put his foot in his mouth when he realized how much your actions would change everything for him. He could not just be someone you slept with. He could not just leave it. 

“You won’t what, Joel?”

He bites his lip, not wanting to say it out loud. 

“I won’t let her ruin her life for me.”

Tommy’s eyebrows furrow, not completely understanding what he’s droning on about. 

“What?”

“Jesus Christ, Tommy!” Joel wasn’t anticipating a shake-down when he got home. You two really didn’t help with those looks splattered across your faces when you rolled into Jackson.

“You slept with her, didn’t you?”

Joel shakes his head, peeling his eyes away from Tommy. Joel knew nothing could get past him, so he is practically surrendering. Tommy knew then. 

“You dumbass,” He whispers, getting closer to Joel, “You slept with her when her daddy is your patrol partner? After I told you to stay away?”

Joel clenches his teeth, “I don’t need this right now. I’m gettin’ these meds to the infirmary and then I’m takin’ her stuff to her.”

“Joel-”

“Just fuckin’ drop it, Tommy. I ain’t doin’ this.”

-

Your Dad has a nice setup, thanks to Ellie. She has transformed the downstairs guest room into a wonderful stay, with tons of pillows and bedside service. When you get inside the house, Ellie is there. She stands in the corner of the living room, timidly, as you guide your dad back to his warm bed. Maria and her wait for you to handle getting him back to his bedroom. Even though his recovery has been a steady incline, he’s very weak and exhausted all the time. It’s his body’s reaction to fighting a rough illness, but he made sure to reassure you that Sidney told him it’ll be a couple of weeks before he’s 100% back to normal. 

You get him back in bed, his eyes already drooping to find slumber again. You manage to get his shoes off and help him under his covers. Once his head hits the pillow, you stand by the bed for a minute to ensure he’s actually sleeping. You slip out of the room, and the sudden rush of comfort of being home takes over your senses. To hear the crackling of the fireplace, and the smell of your homemade candles. While you enjoyed every moment spent with Joel, there’s nothing like home. 

For a second there, you thought you had that same feeling being next to him in bed. But maybe you were wrong. 

You walk out to where Maria and Ellie stand. They are mumbling to each other while you kick off your boots by the door. 

“Hey, Ellie,” You catch her attention, her freckled face down turning with concern. You smile, trying to ease her, “Thank you for all you’ve done here. I am glad he had someone like you looking after him.”

She nods, her lips twitching, “It’s no problem at all. I know how much you two mean to Joel and I just wanted to do what I could.”

Hearing his name sinks your heart, “We owe ya one.”

Because you did. No matter what would eventually transpire between you and Joel, you owe him your father’s life. His idea saved him. With how sick he was, Joel’s quick plan was enough to bring him home. Then for Ellie to spend her days looking after him while you two were gone? You were forever indebted to them. Sadly. 

“Well, we should leave you to get settled. Let us know if you need anything at all,” Maria gestures to Ellie towards the front door. Their footsteps trail around you, heading to your front door. Before Ellie can reach for the handle, there’s a knock. You nod your head, letting her know it’s okay to open it. 

Joel stands there, your bags in his hands. 

You honestly just left your belongings for him to deal with. Joel looks down at Ellie, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. She’s not as impressed, initially. 

“Hey kiddo,” Joel acknowledges, before spotting Maria, “Mrs. Miller.”

“We were just heading out,” Maria says, pushing the door wider so she and Ellie can slip by his large frame, “Give the girl her things and let her settle back into her life, huh?”

Joel was already annoyed at the narrowed eyes and judgemental jabs. It’s like everyone somehow knew he fucked up. 

You two watch Maria and Ellie leave, their breaths forming clouds in the cold sharp air. Jackson’s weather changed overnight, you think, remembering how it was more tolerable before you left. 

“Can I come in?” Joel ponders, still holding your backpack and duffle. 

It was cold and while you wanted to slam the door on him, you know you can’t. You move away from the threshold, gesturing for him to come in. His footfalls are heavy and drawn out. You shut the door, waving him towards the living room so your voices don’t carry down the hallway to your father’s newly set up bedroom. 

He places your bags on the couch before he stretches his shoulders in discomfort. Your stuff was not that heavy, but Joel could not help but try to draw your attention. He glances around your living room, taking in some of the artwork and photos that line the walls. Some are old photos of you and your father, in which you don’t really resemble him at all. 

“Back to how things were, huh?” You remark, bitterly. You wanted to attack him with every mean thing plaguing your mind, but you don’t. You were tired from all the travels but you were also tired of the idea of fighting for someone who does not care to fight for you back. You had done that for years with pointless boys. 

The whole walk to your house, Joel’s thoughts were moving a million miles a minute. He did not want you to live your life resenting him. He cared for you deeply, but he did not want you to miss out on all the wonders of life. Joel could not give you kids. He could not give you 40 more years of happiness. He would be an elderly man before you could even reach menopause. He does not want you to regret things when you’re old and gray. 

“I don’t want that. You know damn well I don’t want that.”

You could scream. But you stay even, not giving in to the temptation to just rip him a new one. 

“I don’t know what you want, Joel. One minute you’re kissin’ me and begging to be with me, the next you’re telling me you can’t be with me because I’m too young.”

“Baby-”

“No! Don’t you dare? You had no intention of making this a thing, yet you played into it and got exactly what you wanted. I’m just another notch for you, ain’t I?”

Your hands are clenched, waiting for his delayed response. You are embarrassed and humiliated that you were delusional enough to let Joel toy with every one of your emotions. 

“You know that ain’t true, girl. I just don’t want you to live your life regretting that I was a part of it, okay? You want to spend your days with an old man who can’t give you everything you want? ’m not good for you.”

He can’t let you make this mistake. 

But you’re not easing up. 

“What do you think I want? Kids? A simple life? A picket fence? Joel those are things I wanted when I was living in a world that didn’t have a brain-eating infection that’d turn people into zombies,” You’re huffing and puffing, trying to understand why he thinks he can tell you what you need and want. 

“I spent years of my life wishing I could get those things, but I gave up a long ass time ago. I don’t want those things nearly as much as I want you. I fuckin’ want you, okay?”

You realize you’re not being quiet and your Dad could probably hear every word falling from your lips. He can hear you desperately plead with Joel Miller to be with you. 

Joel is shocked you’re laying all this out. He can’t believe his ears when you say you want him. A man like him being wanted is quite unbelievable, especially by a woman like you. 

You could hear a pin drop with how silent your house is. You fold your arms, trying not to give into the nausea you feel from spilling your soul to him. 

“I just…” He fidgets with his hands for a minute before those puppy eyes glance up at you, “I don’t want to ruin your life.”

You step closer to him, your face inches away from him. You train your eyes on his mouth, unsure how to respond to such blasphemy. 

“I have spent so many days thinking about what it’d be like to live in a world where the Joel Miller would even glance in my direction. I imagined what it’d be like to kiss him,” You’re whispering now, making sure this revelation is for his ears only, “I imagined what it’d be like to have a man who’d treat me well and look… Exactly like you. I have dreamed of you.”

Joel would have never guessed such a statement fall from your lips. 

You breathe out, relieved it’s finally off your chest.

“I just don’t want to leave ya worse than I found ya,” His softness instantly makes you crumble into his arms. He holds you tight, before pulling away to search your face. You teeter forward on your toes, pressing a firm but attentive kiss to his lips. 

When you draw back, “I’m not givin’ you up, Joel.”

The tension is shattered when you hear your Dad yell your name from down the hallway. You snap out of your trance of staring at Joel’s beautiful lips and dart toward the voice. 

“Yeah?”

You open the door and see him, his eyes wide open and focused on the door. 

“Who you talking to out there? Is that Joel?”

Suddenly you’re hyper-aware of every word you just said, scared half to death that your Dad would get out of bed and beat some sense into you. Joel follows you down the dimly lit hallway, but you don’t even hear him, too rattled by your father’s question. 

“Yes, it’s me,” Joel speaks up, coming forward to meet your Dad’s confused expression, “How you feelin’, man?”

“I’m feelin’ like I’m hearing some odd things from down the hall. You two fighting?” His voice is breaking a bit. 

The silence after he asks the question is deafening. You glance over to Joel whose mouth is slightly ajar, unable to move with an answer. You bite the inside of your cheek, wishing you could disappear into the wall nearby. 

Joel cannot lie to his friend. He certainly would never do it with you right beside him. 

“Yeah, you uh, heard us?” He barely manages. 

“Yeah, I sure as hell heard my daughter beggin’ you to take her on, is that true?”

“Dad-“

“My daughter wants to date a man that’s 10 years younger than her own father? Kind of twisted.” He snaps, shoving the blankets off his legs. “But, I am gonna be honest… I expected this.”

You can hardly breathe with the tension in the air. 

“Sorry?”

Joel’s tone is dry, and he’s unable to fully form a coherent thought. 

Your dad coughs before he starts, “Well, I could tell by the way you looked at her that you had a thing for her, Miller. Didn’t think you’d be dumb enough to entertain it.”

“Dad, he’s not dum-“

“And I thought you’d get over this little schoolgirl crush, but I was mistaken, I guess.”

You were used to your Dad’s sarcasm and upfront jabs. You spent a lifetime throwing them back at him, but this time you had nothing to say. You watch as he settles back from obnoxiously tearing off his blankets. 

You fiddle with your fingers, trying not to show your internal anxiety-riddled monologue. He thought you’d get over your crush. He always noticed how Joel looked at you. How did he look at you? How did you never notice?

Joel is spiraling, reverting to his original conclusions. He knew this was a horrible idea. He should have never stepped over the line. He’s a horrible man. You don’t deserve someone as awful as him. 

He smacks his lips, making you and Joel come back down to Earth and out of your heads. 

“Whatever is happenin’ between you two, I probably will never fully understand it. But you are adults, you do whatever makes you happy,” He says with both hands up in surrender, “I am too old to bother with my daughter’s love life. She’s a big girl, I trust her. But Miller, if you hurt her-“

“I’m a dead man.”

Your father laughs which in turn makes you smile crookedly. 

“Just one thing,” He points to you, “I don't want to hear or see anythin’-”

You nod, cutting him off immediately, “Deal.”

Joel catches your eye when he smiles in your peripheral vision. You look over at him, a grin plastered to your face. 

You can’t believe you’re actually going to do this. 

And Joel can’t believe your father somewhat agreed to let it happen. He was sure he would have a gun in his face before he could even mutter a word. But instead, your Dad is receptive to him being with you, which is all you can ask for. 

“Well, get along now, I wanna get back to sleep. You two were keepin’ me up,” Your dad grumbles, readjusting his frail frame to get comfortable in bed. You just nod, pointing at the door for Joel to exit. You follow suit, closing the door behind you tightly, making sure it clicks. Joel stands in the darkness of the hallway, waiting. He is in disbelief. 

You just take one of his hands and bring it to your lips, softly pressing a kiss into his knuckles. 

“Let’s go get cleaned up and take a nap,” You murmur, walking him to the end of the hallway to the bottom of the stairs. He accepts the offer, trailing behind you like a lost puppy. 

You were not sure where this was all going to end up. Neither of you did. But you could not wait to carve the way with him, bringing every last one of your daydreams to life.

THE END

or is it? I have started writing snippets to go along with this story- if you want more, here's the link:

No One Fucks With My Baby

#joel miller fic #joel miller #joel x reader #joel miller x fem reader #joel miller smut #pedro pascal #joel miller the last of us #joel miller tlou #joel the last of us #joel miller fanfic #joel last of us smut #joel miller x reader #the last of us #post outbreak joel #dbf joel #dbf joel miller #gracieheartspedro #fic: who we are

[gallusrostromegalus]

You can lay blame for this second ask at @hoifne 's feet, I saw their comment on the post and had to:

How did folks react to the moon landing?

"You're ready? No Big Regrets?" Renji asks. He always asks. He'd done hundreds of Konso rituals now that he was doing his mandatory tour of duty in the living world, but he never wants them to feel 'routine', so he talks to the ghosts. Hypes them up a bit for the afterlife, tries to keep his heart in it.

Especially when it's a kid.

"Well, it's not really a big deal..." The ghost Suichi considers. He was maybe ten or eleven years old. Thick prescription glasses, face round with puppy fat, very loved. Love won't stop a freak electrical accident though. Young Suichi is handling his sudden departure really well, all things considered, so maybe love does stop despair. "-but its a bit of a shame that if there's no TV in the afterlife, I won't be able to watch the moon landing."

"Yeah, we're a bit behind the times, but I'm sure one of the mad geniuses in the 12th will invent one sooner than late-" Renji grins ruffling the boy's hair before the rest of the sentence registers. "-The What Landing?"

"The Moon Landing!" Suichi lights up with excitement. "They just launched the rocket yesterday! But in just three days, man will walk on the moon!"

"...The Moon?" Renji blinks, bewildered.

"Yeah!"

Renji points up over his shoulder into the sky, gripping the boy's shoulder, eyes wide. "THE MOON IN THE FUCKING SKY?"

---

The lights of the Fifth division offices reflect blankly off of Captain Aizen's glasses as he attempts to process the news. He is entirely still, save for his eyebrows which are writhing like overcaffienated caterpillars, unable to settle on an emotion to convey.

"The Moon?" Lieutenant Ichimaru squints at Renji even harder than usual, pointing up out the window behind him. "The Moon in the fucking sky?"

"Yeah!" Renji spread his hands. "I didn't believe it either but the humans have managed to work out some neat trick with the way the world turns to like, throw the spaceship like a slingshot..?" he tried to explain.

"So, so there's three guys in a boat-" Captain Aizen tried again, reaching up under his glasses to rub the bridge of his nose.

"It's really more like a sealed metal tube, but they call it a Space Ship because it does sorta sail through space..." Renji tried to explain, holding up the newspaper from the living world he'd brought back to substantiate his claims and also provide helpful images to explain what was happening.

"So there's three guys in a metal tube and they... threw it into the sky so hard that instead of falling it started flying instead?" Aizen tried. "How do they even throw something that hard without Kido?"

"So the men are up in this little itty bitty bit at the top that looks like a cap on a vaccine needle-" Renji pointed at the image of the Apollo 11 rocket. "-All the rest of this is the uh. enormous amount of extremely coordinated high explosives they used to launch it. The. The whole thing is like... It's a little over three hundred fifty shaku and only 12 shaku of that is where the humans are. The rest is um. Air they smooshed so hard it became liquid and then they set that on fire and look at the picture you can see the kaboom!" Renji tried to explain, pushing the paper across Aizen's desk for his captain to read.

Aizen certainly pointed his face at the image and accompanying article, but 'read' may have been a bit beyond him at the moment.

"Oh, is that all it took?" Ichimaru hummed with interest. "Well fuck, why haven't we done that?"

"Oh yes, how very silly that the humans have beaten us at the trifling matter of FLINGING OURSELVES INTO SPACE, WHAT THE *HELL* ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT ICHIMARU??" Aizen objected.

"Well like. Idea's sound. Moon goes around the earth, so a smaller thing should too. And we can absolutely make a sealed metal container and kaboom bigger than that." Gin shrugged, as though this were plainly obvious. "Betchya the clown that runs the twelfth has the stuff laying around- we got a meeting with him later today anyway, why not ask?"

"Oh sure, that's a great Idea!" Aizen beamed. "Why hello Kurotsuchi-taicho, curious news from the human world- do you think you could spare a few parts and several tons of explosives to send some guys for a stroll on the moon?"

There was a moment of silence where Renji and Gin shared an awkward glance (or at least, Renji gave meaningful look to the narrow slits where his lieutenant-commander's eyes theoretically were).

"...he'd agree to that in a heartbeat, if he hasn't started work on his own Spaceboat already." Aizen groaned.

---

"No." Grunted Mayuri.

"No? Why not?" Aizen asked, head cocked to the side like a confused spaniel.

"Look, what the old man doesn't know about budget expenditures won't hurt him!" Gin smiled encouragingly. "Think of all the scientific data you'd get to research!"

"What the old man finds out about budget expenditures after the fact can and will hurt me." Mayuri growled. "It's not cookie money, kitting an expedition to the living world to engineer a spaceship with atomic matter instead of Reishi- No, much more efficient to let the humans do it for us and poach the date from them."

"...Why would we need to go to the Living world?" Aizen blinked, confused. "I can see the moon from the window right here?" Aizen pointed out the window of Kurotsuchi's office.

"What? That moon? You can't go to that moon!" The clownish chemical engineer cackled."

Aizen and Ichimaru stared at him blankly.

"Is. Is the moon here different than the one in the living world?" Aizen asked, bewildered.

"Different? It doesn't exist!" Mayuri laughed, waving his hand at them.

Aizen and Ichimaru stared at him, then leaned back in their seats, looking out the window at the moon, which still looked as physical and present as it ever did.

"...Oh don't tell me you didn't know." Mayuri frowned, pouting. "No, spirit world doesn't have a moon. The thing up in the sky is a Tulpa- there's a "moon" because everyone who comes to spirit world thinks there should be one, and there's so much ambient spiritual energy even weak souls can exert some force on the nature of reality and when millions of them are all certain there should be a moon, a moon manifests. Or at least, a thing that looks like a moon. Doesn't act like one, changes size and skips around it's phases all the time and if it really were a round object in space, that's NOT what a crescent moon would look like."

Aizen and Ichimaru looked back out the window at the "Moon", whose crescent arced a full three quarters of the alleged satellite's circumference.

"Seriously? this is some really basic stuff." Mayuri glared at them in disappointment. "You never noticed that the moon is always visible out any random window at night, no matter what time it is? It doesn't even go east-to-west more than half the time!"

"But. But we have a lunar calendar..?" Aizen muttered, an edge of genuine distress in his voice.

"Oh yeah, the moon *used* to be regular as clockwork- everyone literally set their watches to it." Mayuri shrugged. "Then sometime about eh, two and a half, three thousand years ago? Right around the same time the first captain-class spirits started appearing, the moon started doing this 'Full Moon Thrice A Month If it Feels Like It' and 'Visible At Improbable Angles' nonsense."

Aizen's eyes were wide and Gin's very nearly open with alarm.

"That's uh- that's terrifying?" Aizen sputtered, now outright frightened.

"Yeah, anybody know what coulda caused that?" Gin muttered.

"The going theory is that the precipitation of a new class of spiritually hyperpotent souls like us has caused disproportionate tugs on the desired appearence of the the "Moon", but that's only a theory- my predecessor's predecessor once attempted to send a camera to the 'Moon' for a closer look, but it never actually *got* any closer." Mayuri explained, casually inspecting his fingernails- he seemed to be growing out the middle one for some godforsaken reason. "-Your theoretical starboat would likely far worse."

"...Okay but that's worse. You understand how that's worse, right?" Aizen demanded and Mayuri waved him off.

"No, no hit makes sense-" Gin nodded, and Aizen glared at his lieutenant. "Think about it! There's what, three and a half billion human on earth? Millions die every day, but only a couple hundred ever turn up every day at the intake queue in the 7th, and nearly everyone is from just the one part of Japan. We're one afterlife of many- ugh, could you imagine if the missionaries were sent here?- anyway, our world is nowhere NEAR as big at the Living World, so the moon-moon is just a geographical feature in the living world, and there's only a couple million people living here. We got disproportionate swing, so we pull on the collective conciousness more. It's fine!"

"That's AWFUL!" Aizen shouted, dismayed.

"I mean I think we all understand God is an Asshole, but what are you gonna do about it?" Mayuri shrugged before tapping on the crate beside his desk. "-Anyway, do you want these Polio Vaccines for the rukongai outreach program our not?"

"I- yes. Please." Aizen muttered.

"Good man, sign here." Mayuri tapped the sheet on his desk. As Aizen tried to read over the provisions release paperwork, the small "Electronic Mailer" on Mayuri's desk pinged. "Oh, the word got out- Kyoraku-taicho wants to hold another moon-viewing party for the occasion. Do me a favor and attend so you can explain to him why we can't go to our 'moon' for me? I don't want to go, and I really don't want to explain it to him through a hangover either."

"If you don't wanna go Boss I'll stand in for you. Promises to be a real riot." Gin grinned.

"Yes, you have your young friend, don't you? Miss Matsumoto?" Aizen smiled fondly at his second-in-command.

"Oh, she probably already got her invite- she an' Miss Nan- er, lieutenant Ise are real pals from the academy." Gin laughed. "Nah, I was gonna drag old blind bones along."

"...Captain Tousen?" Aizen asked, befuddled. "Whatever for?"

"Stars ain't exactly braille, y'know?" Gin explained, wiggling his fingers. "He knows even less than we do an' I wanna watch Rangiku and Kyoraku try'n 'splain the whole thing to him." Gin grinned.

"Sounds lovely! Take your shit and get out of my office." Mayuri threatened.

---

Renji exhaled, still bewildered, laying on his back on the grassy hill just outside the 2nd division training grounds, staring up at the moon as it rose opposite the sunset behind him. Or, maybe not? There had been some lecture about how the moon in spirit world wasn't a moon back at the academy that he didn't really remember-

"You sound like you're in the throes of a moral conundrum Red." Shuuhei teased, looking up from the strange contraption he was setting up.

"Huh?" Renji blinked. "Oh, no I'm just- Those guys in the Spaceship gotta be somethin' else, going to die thousands of miles from home."

"What? The Astronauts? They'll be fine! -Probably." Shuuhei laughed. "They're definitely insane, getting in that contraption at all, but they still gotta come home with all the rocks and whatever they get from the moon for the lab techs to look at."

"...How the hell are they getting back?" Renji frowned, rolling up onto his elbow to frown at his senpai. "I thought they blew up all the rocket getting off the planet?"

"They got a bitty rocket in the lunar landing craft that will get them between their ship and the lunar surface, and then they will angle the ship a bit and the moon will fling them back to earth the way earth flung them at the moon." Shuuei explained, not looking up from the weird bass-drum looking object he was messing with.

Renji opened his mouth, realized his friend probably understood it way better than he did, closed his mouth, shrugged, and changed topics. "So what is that thing you had me haul up here?"

"It's uhhh... Experimental. Haven't got a name for it yet." Shuuhei muttered, placing a level on top of it and frowning at the bubble before adjusting the legs bolted awkwardly to the side of the drum. "-But with all this excitement about the Lunar Landing, I realized Tousen-Taicho is... I mean he gets left out of a lotta stuff, y'know? But it's not like he can see the stars, or the spirit-moon, and I don't think he really understands orbital mechanics-"

"I sure fuckin' don't." Renji muttered.

"Yeah, because you're the kind of moron who put a ham sandwich in a VCR-" Shuuhei rolled his eyes.

"That was ONE TIME, and Matsumoto Senpai told me it was a Panini Press!" Renji sulked.

"-and then pressed "Fast Forward", but Tousen is actually smart as hell- I'm the one who can't explain it without gestures he can't see." Shuuhei continued. "...but I can use a camera obscura and reiryoku-sensitive film to sort of take an old exposure image of the night sky. I'm hoping that if I treat the exposed film right, that the light and dark parts will turn into different textures for him to read, like a braille sky."

"Oh." Renji muttered. "That's really nice of you actually."

"I mean, we'll see if it works." Shuuhei shugged, examining the level again. "Hand me the allen wrenches- What about your boss?"

"Captain Aizen? Uh- honestly? He seems a little freaked out by all this and I saw him fuckin' slam the newspaper into his wastebasket when he got back from the twelth." Renji winced. "He's weird like that. Sweet as cake most of the time but then there's these weird flashes of anger... and I'm not sure how much longer he's gonna be my boss."

"As in you got ambitions, or you think he's gonna get fired?" Shuuhei asked, staring at the level again.

"As in 'Tetsuzaemon Iba got in another brawl with his mother about him only being fourth seat when she made captain, and Liuetenant Madarame asked me if I'd updated my resume recently." Renji winced.

"Woof. Talk about a lateral promotion." Shuuhei winced. "Still, the pay raise would be nice. You could afford to take your girl Rukia somewhere up to her brother's standards!"

"IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!" Renji snapped, rolling over and jumping to his feet. "-It's -I'm sorry. It's kinda complicated." Renji sighed.

Shuuhei was silent for a minute as Renji sat back down on the grass, face in his hands. After a minute of fine-tuning the drum to keep it level, he spoke up. "You're more than good enough."

"Huh?" Renji jolted. "Oh, yeah- I'd be doing all the eleventh's paperwork but there's no way it's worse than the fucking rice subsidies accounting board-"

"That's not what I meant." Shuuhei glared.

"...I know." Renji groaned. "It's just. It's complicated, okay?"

"If you say so." Shuuhei shrugged. "Alright, hand me the flat box- thanks. It'll be ready for exposure in a minute, and I want to get it done before those clouds roll in." He gestured at the distant thunderheads threatening to bloom into a summer storm on the edge of the city.

The process was quick- the shielded plate went into the gap under the drum, and the light of the night sky was reflected onto it from a pinhole in the top. Once the metal plates were pulled back, it needed a few minutes to pick up enough light, before Shuuhei pushed the metal shutters back in and locked the plate in darkness until it could be developed.

"It's for taking pictures of the stars, right?" Renji asked as Shuuhei started disassembling the camera. "You could call that plate an Astrograph."

"Hah! Futuristic. I like it!" Shuuhei grinned. "C'mon and help me with this thing before the punishment squad turns up to kick my ass for having a camera within a mile of the second."

#AEIWAM #An Elephant Is Warm And Mushy #Bleach #Bleach Fanfic #renji abarai #sosuke aizen #gin ichimaru #mayuri kurotsuchi #shuuhei hisagi #the moon landing #And THAT's why the moon is fucked up in spirit world! #long post

[angelltheninth]

Hey love!! May I request how genshin men would react to getting jokingly sparked from behind by their s/o for the first time? (Zhongli, Pantalone, Diluc, Ayato, Capitano and some else you’d like to add!!) Tysm and I love your blog💙💙😫

Pfft, this is hilarious Anon, thank you for making me laugh with this request.

Pairing: Diluc, Ayato, Pantalone, Capitano, Zhongli x Fem!Reader

Tags: fluff, slightly smutty, teasing, spanking, kissing, grinding, tail shenanigans (Zhongli)

A/N: I would smack Zhongli's ass, have you seen that man's cake?

Diluc turns around all wide eyes, his hands on his ass, almost knocking over the bottles in the process. The moment he sees you laughing about how he reacted he starts pouting at your joke. There is a time and a place for things like these and work is not it. If he can't spank you, then you can't spank him. Well... you never said that he can't, in fact you'll even bend over for him. Oh if you do that now then spanking you won't be your only punishment.

Ayato blinks at you very slowly, looks at your hand, then back at your face. He had no idea you were into that sort of thing. He thought he sensed someone looking at him from behind but he never would have guessed it was his, seemingly innocent, girlfriend. Not so innocent after all if you'd to this in broad daylight. What other dirty secrets have you been hiding? Will he find out if he pushes you against the wall right now and spreads your legs for him. Does it get you excited to be lewd in places where others can see? It certainly seems so.

Pantalone doesn't react at first, he shows no sign of even noticing you did it. He just takes his seat at his office chair and hums, setting the papers for the day. Then after everything is neat and organized he looks at you and pats his lap, inviting you to sit. The moment you do you can feel how excited he is. He's not one to like pain usually and that's not what got him feeling that way, its the fact that you were brave enough to do it. With both hands he slaps your ass cheeks, the slaps echoing around his office, accompanied by your moans as you start rolling your his against him with every loud smack.

Capitano is very surprised that you saw it fit to slap him like you did, on his ass no less. Interesting. Are you inching for a punishment perhaps? Or are you trying to test your luck. Both will get you bent over his knee an have your underwear down your legs so he can leave his marks on you, he just wants to know if you were curious or if you were just misbehaving like a undisciplined dog, a bitch that needed scolding.

Zhongli barely lets your hand get inches away from him when his dragon tail wraps all the way around your arm and keeps you in place as he turns to look your way. Hm. Laying your hands on him in such a way, even as a joke, in the older days would mean severe punishment and even death. Now... he can still punish you, he should punish you, the only question is how will you take the punishment. On your knees like a good girl, or will he have to teach that pretty ass of yours a lesson first, the choice is yours. Although by the smirk on your face he knows you'll make this harder for him, and more pleasurable for yourself.

#genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #diluc x reader #ayato x reader #pantalone x reader #capitano x reader #zhongli x reader #genshin impact imagines #genshin impact headcanons #genshin impact fluff #genshin impact smut #genshin impact x you #genshin impact x female reader #genshin imagines #genshin headcanons #genshin fluff #genshin smut #genshin x you #genshin x female reader #diluc fluff #ayato fluff #pantalone fluff #capitano fluff #zhongli fluff #diluc smut #ayato smut #pantalone smut #capitano smut #zhongli smut

[djarincore]

Down by the River pt. 2

SUMMARY: Wyll accidentally finds you bathing in the river.

PAIRING: Wyll x reader

WORD COUNT: 1k

TAGS: slight hurt/comfort, fluff, nudity

A/N: another version of this fic but with Wyll I just love this trope sm I wanted to write it again LMAO

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The horns on Wyll's head weighed him down—both metaphorically and literally. The new, extra weight to balance made him uneasy on his legs, which earned him extra cuts and bruises in battle, as well as a singed ego.

He was only as good as his blade. And what good was The Blade of Frontiers if he couldn't even use his blade? Who could he protect if he was stumbling around and people feared his new appearance?

The sun had set long ago and his fellow companions were readying themselves for bed. It was the perfect time to slip away and lament over his new appearance in solitude.

He wandered through the forest aimlessly, ignoring how late the hour was getting. His path eventually led him towards the river where the sounds of water could wash away his thoughts.

Unfortunately for him, the time for quiet respite would have to wait.

As soon as he reached the river, he locked eyes with you, chest-deep in the water. Your eyes widened, but you remained frozen.

“Gods, I'm sorry,” he apologized, averting his gaze to the ground. “I didn't mean to disturb you.”

He didn't expect to see you here. Last he saw you, you were exchanging recipe ideas with Gale by the campfire. He hadn't realized he was gone from camp for so long.

You chuckled, shaking your head. “You didn't disturb me. I was just taking a dip—care to join?”

It certainly was tempting. Especially when the offer came from you.

“I won't bite,” you teased, smiling to show off your non-pointed teeth.

“No, unfortunately, that's Astarion’s job.”

The two of you shared a sly smile. Teasing the vampire spawn happened to be a favorite pastime the two of you shared.

Of course, it was all fun and games. Astarion would always come up with a quick quip to shut the two of you right up, something about how the two of you should put your mouths to better use on each other. That little comment always worked, sending you and Wyll in opposite directions to pretend to scout for supplies.

“So, are you coming in or are you going to leave poor, defenseless me here all alone?” You pouted, pressing both hands over your heart. Though you pretended to look like an innocent maiden, he knew your fighting prowess was a match for him. You could easily fend off whatever malice lurked in the forest, but he would play along.

“How can I say no when you put it like that?”

With a beaming smile, you covered your eyes but left a small sliver between your fingers open.

Wyll wouldn’t say he was a shy man, but to have you watching him made the moment feel too intimate. All at once he could feel his shirt brush over every ridge along his back as he lifted it over his head. And he was keenly aware of the fabric catching on his horns.

“What’s wrong?” Your hand had gone below the water again. Any amusement is replaced with concern.

He was aware of so much wrong with his new body that he failed to realize he was frowning. He tossed his shirt on a rock at the water's edge.

“It's just… me,” he said, like it was something so obvious. He looked like a monster—a devil. You and all your companions had to see it too.

Your brows furrowed and you reached out a hand above the water, droplets fell from your fingertips as you beckoned. “Come here.”

“I-” He swallowed. “Can you turn around?”

You nodded and turned, waiting for his okay. He shed the last of his clothing, leaving it all in a neat pile where his shirt was. He slipped into the river soon after, taking in a sharp breath when the cold waters bit his skin.

He wadded behind you. The water reached just below his pectorals.

“You can turn around now,” he said. He almost wanted to hold his breath. He felt more vulnerable now more than ever. So close to you and completely bare.

You turned and moved closer, hoping to catch his eye. “You know I don't see you any differently.”

He laughed bitterly, turning his head down. His reflection rippled in the water, obscuring any clear reflection. He was glad—he was afraid of seeing the devil looking back.

“I'm serious.” Your hand moved to cradle his jaw, tilting his head up. His eyes were still downcast, sullen, lost in his murky reflection. “Have I ever lied to you?”

“No, but-”

He just couldn't see it anymore—the hero he was, was now just a devil in the reflection.

“Can I kiss you?”

His gaze finally snapped up to yours, mouth falling agape. You wore a cheeky smile.

“A kiss? I-” He felt his cheeks begin to warm. “You want to kiss me?”

“Yes, I have for a while now,” you confessed.

His heart was beating wildly because he felt the exact same, if he was being honest.

The slight nod from his was all it took for you to lean in and meet his lips. He could taste the sweet mead from dinner still lingering on your lips.

“Oh, finally,” an exasperated voice spoke from the bushes.

You both jumped away from the kiss and looked to find Astarion pushing aside some foliage to step out into the clearing.

“What in the Hells are you doing here?” Wyll demanded.

“Looking for a snack, of course. I guess I ended up following the scent of two lovebirds instead.” His signature smirk pulling across his pale face.

“Oh, piss off, Astarion.” You rolled your eyes and splashed some water in his direction. There was no need to be embarrassed by his comments now that the two of you knew your feelings for one another.

The vampire turned with a haughty laugh and called over his shoulder, “Don't stay out too late, lovers, or I'll be telling everyone why the two of you are exhausted in the morning.”

When Astarion disappeared into the brush, you smirked. “Is it too late to stake him?”

“I think I saw a few decently sized pieces of wood on my way here.”

“Lead the way.”

#wyll x reader #wyll x tav #bg3 x reader #baldurs gate 3 fanfiction #bg3 fanfiction #bg3 headcanons #wyll ravengard #bg3 fic #wyll ravengard x reader

[dairy-farmer]

Is me~ back to haunt you Ask Box o/ because I just had A Thought(tm)

What if~? The OPPOSITE of my Magic Sex Toy idea? Uno Reverse?

But how would that even work? You say. Tim would very obviously notice!

Oh ho ho~ ye of little Faith! *slaps my "join the Church of Civilian Tim" poster I obviously made myself* CONSIDER! Not a cape! Semi-stable schedules!

We open our scene with stalking. As ya do. Tim would prefer you call it "bird watching" or "observing the night life" but... let's be real here. Stalking. He's getting them NICE Premium Pics for his Definitely-Not-A-Stalker-Shrine. There's a newbie on the scene. A gaudy robe wearing mofo.

3 guess what HIS shtick is. First two don't count.

But! Thing is? Tim is no long a wee baby faced pre-teen. He is a Man(tm). Legally, twice over. And well... you find a LOT if Neat Late Night Shops running after the bats. He may have been persuaded by CERTAIN libidos that maybe he should check them out. Who can say? You can't prove ANYTHING. These bags are groceries and no you can't check..

Where was he? Ah, right, Pics of the Nightwing booty. *click*

Tim forgets Rule Number 1.5: ALWAYS keep an eye on what the villian is doing.

By the way... what that bright light? Oh, just a SPELL BOLT. Fuckin DODGE, MAN!

He fails to dodge.

🥺 H-His camera... Night-booty... Also why does he feel? Tingly? He doesn't stick around to figure it out. Grabs his TRAGICLY dead camera and bolts. Not getting caught at the scene of the stalking TODAY, no sir! Batmans definitely gonna check the area and he SHANT be there! Early night it is!

He gets back to his apartment. Still feels tingly... but less? Maybe those charms he looked up how to make protected him after all. Still, shouldn't push his luck, you know? He settles in for the night. Gets a warm shower.

Comes out and eyes the bags he dropped by the bed... and... well...

He DID wrap up early~ Maybe treat for Timmy time. He digs them out.

Weird.

They? We're already pretty life like (it's why he bought them) but... when he TOUCHES one? He swears it gets MORE life like? He really should look this up or something... suspect toys in Gotham and all... but on the other hand? Horny. And the boxes WERE closed. It's fiiiiine.

But which one? It's kinda been a while. And he doesn't want to be sore tomorrow. This one!

So Tim lays back. Let's himself enjoy working himself open. Then works the fake(?) Cock inside himself. And oh~ it's WARM. Twitchs. He let's himself enjoy a slow, lazy session. Get really sloppy and relaxed before finally finding juuust the right angle aaaand~

Across the city, the current Robin, Damian Wayne, is shaking APPART on a roof top. Sweat pouring down his temple, thighs trembling as he tries ro stop himself from rutting up into empty air. It won't help. Won't make the damnable TEASING go any faster. Wet and tight and PERFECT around him.

Came out of NOWHERE. One second he was patrolling, the next barely catching himself from falling. Stumbling into an alchove on some god forsaken roof. Hands fumbling to turn off his comms. Absolutely not. They could NOT hear him like this.

Panting into hands pressed tight over his own mouth to stiffle the sound he wants to make. Beg and demand that magnificent heat go FASTER. Plunge him DEEPER. But he CANT. Because there's no one there. Just him and the slowly increasing pressure in his balls, begging for relief.

Then, like prayers answered, it DOES. He could WEEP. Can't stop the aborted jerks of his hips as he chases his relief. Soon is trembling like the virgin he ISNT anymore as he spills into... into SOMEONE.

They take it so well. So perfectly.

He's RUINED. His hand will never be enough after this. And Tim has no idea.

Sure, he's not stupid. He didn't buy toys the fake cum. (So to be safe plan B it is) But? In the cold like of day? Prooooobably magic sex toys. Eh. It's Gotham. Not the weirdest thing to happen. Tim's keeping them.

And using them.

Thus begins the "phantom lover" incident, as Bruce will insist on calling it. Because "we were haunted by random fuckings" sounds... unprofessional. And he's a Dramatic Bitch at heart.

Damian, obviously, told NO ONE. Patrol? Utterly normal. Mind you business. But Bruce? Uncomfortable conversations for EVERYBODY~☆

See, Tim has a long day. His new camera isn't gonna be in for a WEEK. There is no point in going out. So his evening stretchs long and empty before him. Which... SPEAKING of things both long and things empty... >.>

He remembers. There was an absolute UNIT that he bought. It also has that base... which mean he could put it on the sex pillow. Try riding it... oh he's GOTTA, now.

Lucky for Bruce, he's not even in the cave when it hits. Unluckily, it is a cock teasing hell. Nothing to hold. No body to press close. No skin to run his hands across or ears to whisper filthy praise. So TIGHT. Fluttering and fighting to take him. Sinking little by little. Can't even HEAR him praising them. He can't even distract them, rub their clit and sooth them as muscles relax.

Can't hold them by the hips and work them up and down. They way he knows will work best. At angles that will make them SOB. Just nothing, nothing, nothing. Trembling and eager around him but so SLOW. Pausing again and again to adjust. Can't thrust in, can't pull out, only TAKE it. Let himself be teased.

But OH. When they finally, FINALLY get a rythme? He knows they can hear a word he says. Not yet. But the FILTH he growls. The audacity of what they're doing. He's GOING to find them. Going to pin them done and-

Tim spend the next day sore, but happy. Definitely not an "every day" sort of toy, but holy shit the orgasm. He hasn't slept this well in a WHILE. Though... when he wakes up? The Bats are acting weird. Violent, hyper-focused, seemly shaking down leads with a single minded enthusiasm. Weird.

Speaking OFF. Now he's wondering... does the possibly fake cum... TASTE like real cum?

One way to find out.

And... look. Dick may have been warned, but it's one thing to hypothetically get your bits milked dry and another to be doubled over seeing the face of god. He would gladly kill a man for the ability to grab hold of whoever is doing this and ram home. The mouth on him is a thing of wonder and it keeps TEASING the tip. They keep running soft, pampered, little hands up and down his length. God he wants them to feel him in their GUT. Fuck their face and their ass and any OTHER holes they have til everything is sloppy and wet and-

Yep! From the tast flooding Tim's mouth, that's real cum. Good his he got his shot. But it begs the question... whoms't exactly is he fucking? Tim's not sure he's comfortable with random hook ups. What if, Gods forbid, it linked him to the JOKER or something!? He'd have to blow up the city and everyone in it.

He considers this as he resumes his sta- he means, BIRD watching. Newly be-camera-d. Weirdly enough, now Nightwing is acting off too. What is going ON? Also... he could of SWORN he saw the Red Hood a second ago. Did he leave? Aaw D:>

.....what's that sound?

*boss music starts playing* That would be the Red Hood. Owner of the mythical Common Sense gene. HE immediately phoned a friend! And by THAT we mean he beamed up to The Watchtower to get poked at by magic users until he had a scanner.

Beep beep, mother fucker. You have explaining to do.

OR, counter argument.... Tim makes a run for it. Doesn't GET far. But he Sure Did Try! Jason is unamused. Consent is sexy, kids. And he has the gun to explain that. But! TIM has the panic babbling to explain his horny stupidity and innocence.

Fair enough. He's confiscating them though. If you get horny, just fucking ask.

Wait.... really? Does Jason really mean that?

And... two things. Cute Horny Idiot knows his identity. And.... he never said HE wasn't also apparently a horny idiot. Sure, why the fuck not.

He confiscate the magic contraband... then bends that twink in HALF. Comms off, back into it. Tim can barely breathe, pressed down so tightly to the bed as his guts get re-arranged, callused hands holding his legs spread, his childhood hero rumbling FILTH into his ear as hips snap against his, again and again and AGAIN. The world is hot and fuzzy around the edges and... AND-!

Jason's pretty damn smug that HES not only the one who found mystery twink, but them fucked him incoherent. He seriously considers just... not saying anything. Whoops! Nothing to find here folks. To bad the Watchtower is a fuckin snitch.

So obviously Bruce finds out. And wants to "talk to him". Which inevitably ends with Tim, pressed close to his front, held still as he "fucks him properly". Which as far a Tim is concerned is a god damned excuse to EMPALE him on his monster of a cock. Work it deeper and deeper, all while holding him like a lover, as he absolutely DESTROYS Tim's poor puss. Makes him lose count of how many times he's gotten off. Until everything is too bright and hyper sensitive. Til it's nearly hurting but not quite there and all Tim can think about, as he whimpers and drools, is SLEEP.

Oh... and THEN he wants to talk about how Tim knows their secret identies. Ask him in the morning or Tim WILL cry at you.

He wakes up in Wayne Manor. He did not go to sleep in Wayne Manor. He can't move his lower body with out pain. Bruce is clearly pretending he planned that. Liar.

Then? Karma. His horny chickens come home to roost. Has Bruce introduced you to his sons? This is Dick and Damian. They remember you. And would like a "word".

(The word is sex and they would like it as soon as possible)

👀👀👀!!!!!!!!!!!! a reverse magic sex toy!!!!!!!!!!!!! where tim tortures the other bats by fucking his little pussy with their cocks while they're forced to just suffer and endure it until he's finished. more than once they almost scream from frustration because tim finishes before they do and he pulls them out of his warm, slick little hole. 👀👀👀👀

#answered asks #asks #anonymous #brutim #dicktim #damitim #jaytim

[sunnysidevans]

See You Soon - J. Seresin

Synopsis: Four Years ago you said goodbye to one of the most important people in your life. Being called back to Top Gun, you are met with that person again. you never thought your goodbye would turn into a see you soon.

Pairing: Jake 'hangman' Seresin x Pilot!Kazansky Reader - callsign; winter.

Warnings: Mentions of breakups, swearing, mentions of death. Mostly some angst & some fluff.

Authors note: Hi. I won't lie I did not expect this to take the turn it did. This is LONG. I also hope i did my man hang some justice as the best trope is the ' i hate everyone but you ' and thats exactly what this is. It's also my first time develing in something i've never written before. Thank you if you do read this through. Enjoy.

ps: thank u mr.powell for the playlist that kicked this whole fic off to begin with. you can find that here -> hangman playlist

Bold = Text ; Italics = Flashbacks.

The envelope felt heavy in your hands. Your name in neat handwriting, the Navy symbol in the top corner.

You take a deep breath as you open the letter, the only words sticking out to you.

invited.

top secret.

top gun.

Top gun wanted you back? You were far from shocked as it stated, the best of the best were called back for this mission. Tossing the letter on the table and taking a deep breath, you were going back to San Diego. You had graduated top gun almost four years ago. Luckily you were on assignment just a few hours from North Island.

Taking a deep breath, hands on your hip,looking between the letter and the time on the stove You pulled the phone from your pocket, and dialed the only phone number that came to mind. “Hi honey” your mom cheered happily, a sigh fell from your lips.

“Hi mom” you smile, shoving your hand into the back pocket of your jeans. The green light's on the stove stared at you, it was late, he may not be awake.

“Can he talk?” you ask as she sighs. “I don’t know honey” biting your lip, you look at the letter. “I got called back,” she gasps. “You got called back?!” hearing the excitement in her voice made you think, he had no idea.

“I wanted to tell dad but I will just see him soon” you smile. She laughs on the other end, and you can imagine her hand on her forehead with a wide smile.

“We can’t wait to see you darling!” biting back a wider smile, you hang up the phone and slide it back in your pocket. 

Making your way up the steps, you can’t help your mind to linger. Who from your class may have gotten called back, hoping at least one friendly face would accompany you.

The packing was quick, learning quickly with the Navy it was just awaiting the drop of a hat to your next destination. Folding the last of your things in bags, hands on your hips, smiling at the photo on your nightstand.  Reaching over and grabbing the frame, you gently shove it into the bag with a final zip. The drive to San Diego was gonna be long, you knew setting out as soon as possible was the plan.

The letter stated you were to report no later than forty-eight hours than the date given, which was two days from now. You knew you had some important stops to make before you made it to base. Looking back at your home one last time, it was time to set out to your second home.

Top Gun. 

You replayed many memories on your drive, the moment you told your parents you were going to be in the navy, to when you made the decision to be a pilot. To the moment you told your dad you were number one in your class, holding up the family name. Leaning against the car, listening to the soft sounds of gasoline making its way through the line, you feel the buzz of your phone in the back pocket of your jeans. A smirk makes its way to your lips. 

PHOENIX: San Diego?

you type a quick reply and a quick heart reaction came seconds later and you knew then, a familiar face was going to be there awaiting you in San Diego.

You remember meeting Natasaha the first time, the two of you being the only two women in your top gun class. She couldn’t stand the sight of you, until she needed you in a time of terror jumping in to help her on a terrible flight with multiple bogies. A friendship falling into place almost immediately. You knew it was to be expected, you walked through the navy with a target on your back but you never let it falter your skill.

You couldn’t help but think you were called back because of who you were, not what you could do in an F-18. You held a skill that even your family couldn’t believe. You were thankful to make it back to North Island, it held a special place in your heart. It was home for many years as well as the only place you felt at peace. The sun rising over the horizon pulled you from your thoughts, a smile on your lips as you could feel the saltiness from the ocean, the warmth of the sun.

You were home. 

Pulling your vehicle to a stop you can’t help but smile. The base had not changed since your days at Top Gun. You were still extremely impressed with the flattery of the people still lining the hallways. Trudging down the hallway, bags in toe.

You needed an extra long nap, the drive was hours and hours of bright fluorescent headlights and awful gas station snacks.

Phoenix texted you with plans to meet at the hard deck in a few hours so you knew there was plenty of time to get a bit of rest before meeting the rest of the aviators. Shoving into the small barrack you let out a heavy sigh, bags falling beside you.

Falling into the unmade cot, groaning at the hardness but welcoming it with open arms. You fell asleep within minutes of hitting the cot. 

You slept for hours, as the alarm you set rang. With a groan, you managed to get yourself off the sticky cot and into some non sweaty clothes of just a pair of shorts and a tshirt.

You couldn’t bring yourself to pull your khakis out, the summer sun extremely hot. Pulling the aviators from your bag following the base to your parked jeep.

Making way to the hard deck you quickly texted your mom, letting her know you arrived at North Island with no problems and would be over to visit as soon as you could. Biting your lip you recognized the bronco in the hard deck parking lot.

Make that two familiar faces.

Smirking, shutting the door with your hip, making it up the stairs quickly. A sea of khaki in the bar was almost as if you were in the most boring state in the world. A sea of aviators. None of the aviators on your radar, until a voice pulls you from your thoughts.

“Winter?!” you turn then, a smile on your lips at your uncle at the bar, “Mav?!” you rush over then, hugging the older man tightly. “What are you doing here? Last I knew you were in france” with grin with you shrug. “I’ve been stateside a while Mav, just a few hours away” giving his shoulder a squeeze.

“Penny, this is (y/n)” you wave to her as she sends you a smile. “Call sign winter” she adds as you giggle, nodding. “In the flesh” you wink. Looking around the bar your eyes fall on the slicked back bun you had been on the hunt for, as well as the familiar Hawaiian shirt. “If you excuse me” you send them both a smile, gladly taking the beer from Penny's awaiting hand.

As you approach the group, Rooster notices first. “Do my eyes deceive me?” he pulls the aviators down his nose, looking over the frame. You smirk, bowing as the eyes of the other aviators fall to you.

“Winter in the flesh gentleman” squealing as Rooster pulls you in by the waist. “Is this how I found your stateside?” he asks as you chuckle, hitting his shoulder. 

“Me?! You have room to talk Bradshaw!” he laughs, hand on his chest as he shakes his head. “Eat it Kazansky!” you grin, sipping the beer in your hand as your eyes follow around the group.

“Stop hogging her would ya” Phoenix is in your line of vision in seconds, a smile on her lips. “Oh my god!” you grin, pulling her into you tightly. “Hi Wins” she grins, hugging you just as tightly. “I’m so happy you are here” you whisper, pulling her into a tighter hug. “Me too” she grins, standing to her full height. “Let me introduce you to everyone” nodding you follow beside her.

“This is fanboy, coyote and payback” she continued pointing to each man, each sending a gentle smile your way. “And my back seater bob” you look over at the man who seemed hidden away.

“Hi” you wave, he smiles shyly. “Don’t leave me out now” the southern drawl, you knew instantly who that was. “And this is bagman” turning around, blood running just as cold as ice.

“Winter?” your call sign fell from his lips almost as a whisper. “Bagman now?” you smirk, hand on your hip as he shakes his head, smirk making its way back to his lips. “You know that’s not it” he winks, taking his place back at the pool table. “You two know each other?” Rooster asks first, his brotherly instinct was instant.

“Sure, that’s what we’ll call it” you mumble, sipping your beer. Lieutenant Jake “Hangman” Seresin was a man of many things. Of course he was an amazing pilot, his cocky personality could attest to that. Top of his class, just as you were at top gun. You were in the class after him, warned off from everyone, your father included.

“That man is nothing but trouble Winter” biting your lip at the memory of your fathers voice clear in your head. “Winter” turning at the sound of Rooster's voice, sending him a small smile. His head motions over to the piano, a smirk on his lips.

You quickly pull the plug of the jukebox, the opening notes of Great Balls Of Fire played by the one and only. You start the opening verse for him, the crowd of aviators following. 

For one of the only other moments of his life, Jake Seresin was at a loss for words. There you stood in front of him, singing with Rooster at the piano.

“Sooo, are we gonna unpack that?” Coyote asks beside him, he snaps his head at the sound of his voice, a snarl on his lips. “Oh, the answer is gonna be no” Coyote holds his hand up in surrender as he turns away from his friend.

The pool stick felt heavy in his hands as he wiped his sweaty hands on his uniform. There was no way you were back.

The last time he saw you, you were on your way to signing your papers, you were heading overseas to France. Being in San Diego was too hard for you to see your father the way he was. 

TWO YEARS EARLIER.

“France?” he asks, looking up from the plate in front of him, fork in hand as he sets it down. The clank of it hitting the glass plate could be heard around the world. “I’m being moved to France '' you say again, hand in your lap as he looks at you. “I-'' shaking your head, at a loss for words. “My talents are to be beneficial there” you say with a shrug. “What- I guess I’m having a hard time because you never wanted to leave-” your head falls at that.

“I can’t sit here and watch my father die” you admit, biting back the tears as you look at him, the sea of green pulling the rope deeper. “But you can sit here and leave me?” he admits as you scoff. “We both knew this would not be forever, before we’d be shipped off to our respective bases'' you look at him as he stands. “No I can’t say I thought that much now” running a hand over his face, he sighs.

You knew Jake almost a year prior, seeing his graduating class out of Top Gun as yours fell in. You had never seen the look on his face before, even in the short months you began to get close, falling into each other's arms for solace. “That’s the Navy Jake, you know that!” you stood, looking at him as he shook his head. “I don’t understand- Are we even gonna talk about this?” you sigh, hand on your hip. “What is there to talk about? I’m heading to France, you are heading to wherever they feel fit” you admit, a shrug of your shoulders.

He felt it then, the iceyness in your tone, the bite everyone told him about. “Fine Winter '' he rolled his eyes, pushing past you,

“I’ll get my things once I know you're gone” before you know it he's shutting the door in your face.

He had no idea you returned home, no idea you even landed just hours from San Diego, right under his nose as he stayed at the base. Your father knew and didn’t even tell him, he knew his reasons for that. He watched you beside Rooster.

A pang in his heart as he relieved a lot of your past in the matter of minutes. 

-

Your flightsuit felt almost like second skin, your badges stitched into multiple sleeves. Following beside phoenix, books in hand as you stop at the front doors, a smile on your lips slightly.

“Hey dad” you grin at the photo of your father. The plaque underneath,

ADMIRAL TOM “ICEMAN” KANZANSKY.

You are pulled from your thoughts at the very nosy girl beside you, “So” Phoenix speaks first, looking between the lingering eyes of Hangman who seemed to bore holes into your skin as you make your way to a seat beside her and Bob.

“Hm?” you look up from the book, looking at her as she sighs. “Hangman?” she asks as you giggle, “he was very charming” you admit, biting your lip as you can’t help to look over from your peripheral.

The green of his fightersuit was gorgeous against his skin, the way it hugged his muscles in the most amazing way. “Ladies and Gentleman” Cyclone made his way to the front of the class. “You have been called back because, you are the best of the best, and that’s what we need, the best for this type of mission” he stands at the podium, hands on either side as his aviators rested on his face.

“I welcome your instructor for the next three weeks, Lieutenant Pete Mitchell, call sign Maverick” you turned in the seat, meeting Roosters eye. You knew the two had a rocky relationship, it was no secret Maverick pushed his career back years.

“Good morning aviators” pulling the aviators off his face, his heart swelled at the sight of the two of you, his niece and nephew following in their parents footsteps. “In the next three weeks, you are going to take everything you know about F-18’s” he tosses the text book in the trash beside him.

“And relearn your aircraft” falling back in your seat with a sigh. “I want everyone on the tarmac in fifteen, Lets see what you aviators got” he nods, pushing his way through the small walkway and out the door.

“Winter” stopping at the door, almost a sadness to his voice as you turn to face him, You never failed to be infatuated with him. His softness to you and only you.

“Hangman” looking over his face, hands on your hips. “I-It’s nice to see you” he admits, hand shoved into his fighter suit pocket. You smirk, looking over his face. “Is it?” you ask, he nods, his own smirk on his way to his lips. “Tell me that when I shoot your ass down” sending him a wink, following beside phoenix and bob.

He felt the flutter in his heart again for the first time in almost a year. You held a similar cocky attitude as he did, as your father did. He won’t lie and say he didn't miss that about you. “I really think we should unpack hangman, '' Phoenix says first, looking at you beside her.

“I’m sorry but why?” you ask with a raised brow, grabbing your helmet. “I mean" she pauses "it's Hangman” she has a deadpand look on her face, one you knew all too well. “Your father warned you about him and you disobeyed him” you can't help but roll your eyes.

“You sound like my mother, I knew what I was doing but at the same time, we expected one of us to be shipped off to somewhere else.” she nods then, looking over your body language as you walk away from her out to the tarmac. 

“Alright, I want Winter, Phoenix and Bob and Coyote and Fanboy you’re up first '' you grin. The F-18 was a second home to you, you spent so much time around the planes it was in your blood.

“Winter!” looking up at the sound of your name, standing on the ladder, making eye contact with hangman and his signature smirk.

“Knock em dead” he mouths, you can’t help the flutter in your stomach at his words, was it dare you say love behind his eyes?

Climbing in and strapping yourself in you take a deep breath. The comms kick on as soon as your helmet is on.

“So” Phoenix says first, watching you from her own plane, “shall we make this interesting?” rolling your eyes with a smirk. “Interesting?” you ask, fanboy’s comm kicking on. “Whoevers shot down first, 200 pushups!” he yells, you laugh with a nod.

You follow behind phoenix on the tramac to prepare for take-off. Sending a salute to the gentleman on the ground, your jet was in the sky. 

Pulling the face mask over your face, locking it in for the oxygen, you look over making eye contact with bob and phoenix.

“Let’s see if Miss winter is all she’s cracked up to be '' Coyote says, rolling your eyes at that with a laugh. “Can’t wait to watch your ass sweat on the tarmac” he groans, flying past you. You fly just beside phoenix, being the honorary wing-woman. Soon, Maverick flew between the two of you.

“Welcome aviators, let's kick it off with a good ol dog-fight. You know the rules'' you smirk, turning to the left away from phoenix. “How are we lookin bob?” she speaks, her backseater desperately looking through the windows. “I don’t have eyes on him” you grin, flying just above them.

“I got him” you can almost feel the roll of Phoenix's eyes even in the sky. Weaving between the mountains, doing your best to keep up with the wingman duties and to also compete in the dog fight. “Winter!” pulled from your own thoughts, looking up at the sound of Bob and Phoenix.

“On it” you fall back behind the two following Maverick. The fight lasted almost forty minutes, Hangman sat with his elbows on his knees, listening over the radio. “That's a kill” Maverick panted into his headset, Coyote and Fanboys curses followed.

Then it was just you and phoenix and bob. He listened intently.

“Phenoix Bob, that's a kill” the two groaned. You smirk, flying up behind your uncle, soon his own jet sending him the warning.

“That’s a kill” Hangman can’t help the smirk on his face, “yes" he falls back in the seat. Rooster looks over, watching him.

The opening of the canopy was a relief, you could never forget the heat from the jets.

“That’s bull!” Phoenix points from her own jet, a proud smirk on her face as you hold your hands up in surrender with a smirk. “A kill is a kill!” you wink, climbing down the ladder.

Pulling your aviators from the pocket of your suit, pulling them on from the sun. Stopping at the sight of Maverick, who wore his own smirk. “Winter” standing straighter, you look up at him.

“Sir” he shakes his head, pulling you into his chest for a hug. “I respect it, good work Kazansky" you smile, hugging him back tightly before he is nodding to the rest of the team. “Meet Hondo for our push-ups, got it?” they all nod as you continue inside. “I can’t believe you got a kill on the first dog fight are you kidding?” phoenix laughs, arms entwined with yours. “Best of the best baby” you smirk, sending Bob a smile.

“I real-” your body collided with a hard chest, you knew that cologne anywhere. Phoenix eyes widened at the sight of Hangman, parting from the two of you quickly. You look up to meet his shit-eating grin.

“That’s my girl” he grins, pulling you into his chest for a hug. “What the fuck” rooster whispers from his place, watching the whole interaction. You laugh, hugging him back as he pulls you from the ground in his arms.

“Jake!” he  laughs, his name on your lips was almost his favorite song, god did he miss you. Setting you down, his hands cupping your cheeks. “It was so exhilarating to hear you fly again” behind his aviators you could feel the love in his eyes. You smirk, “Are you- are you happy for me?” hand falls to his as you pull it from your sweaty face to hold it.

“Of course I am” he pants, looking over your face behind his own aviators. “I can’t wait to kick your ass though” he smirks, giving your hand a squeeze as you pull away with a laugh. “In your dreams, Bagman!” he has his hands on his hips, shaking his head as he watches you walk away from him.

“Start talking, now” stopping in your tracks at the sound of your best friend's voice, Rooster has his hands on his hips as if a scolding father. “Roos-'' he shakes his head, “what the hell was that?!” he yells.

You sigh, hands on your own hips. “Jak- '' holding his hand up he points his finger at you, almost scolding you. “Bradshaw, if you cut me off again” you point your own finger back, moving closer to push it into his chest. “Jake and I dated when I was here the first time, before France, before-” he shakes his head.

“Before Uncle Ice got sick” he looks over your face. “Yes" you whisper, hiding behind the tears. “He was there for me for a lot of things, more than you know” you admit, shoving your hands into the pocket of your suit.

“And you two may not like each other but he’s a good man” shaking your head, you push past the rest of the team, and out of the door. “What the fuck Rooster” Hangman speaks up first, looking at the shorter man. “I don’t want to hear a peep from you” he points at him, and soon the two were chest to chest.

“What is your deal, she’s a grown woman” Rooster shakes his head. “Yeah and you fucked her over, probably broke up with her over a text or some stupid shit” Hangman scoffs, looking at Rooster.

“I do not owe you an explanation nor does she, and for the record, she ended it with me” he spoke with a shake of his head as he made his way out the door. 

The house was the same as it always had. After your chat with Rooster you showered and went to the only place you knew would bring you a sense of comfort.

“Honey!” your mom cheers, pulling you into her arms as you smile. Nothing compared to your mothers hug. “Hi mom” you are hugging her tighter. She pulls you in quickly, shutting the door. “Your brothers are outside” looking out the doors, turning to her shaking your head. “Can I see dad?” she looks hesitantly. “Please” you whisper, the crack of your voice made her nod, shooing you towards his office.

You knock gently on his office door, peeking in to see him at his desk. “Admiral” peeking your head around the door with a smile as he ushers you in. His smile matching your own as he hugs you tightly. He motions to the chair beside him, his keyboard handy as he types out a quick message.

“Hi Honey” you smile, “Hi daddy”. His smile grows, looking at you with raised brows. “What's wrong?” sighing, his hand falls to yours in comfort. “DId you have anything to do with me coming back to Top Gun?” his brows furrow, quickly moving his hand to type a message. “I had no idea” nodding, you look at him with a sad smile.

“Well I got called back, got a kill on Mav actually” he smirks. He was proud of the route you took, getting your wings just as he did. “Why so glum then?” he asks as you sigh.

“Coming home to top gun, I found some people I tried to forget about” he nods slowly, sitting back in his chair to look over your face. The creak of the chair brings your eyes to his, his fingers moving over the keyboard.

“Jake Seresin?” he raises a brow as you chuckle. “How did you even know about that?” he shakes his head, zipping his lips and throwing the key behind him with a chuckle.

You nod slowly, looking at him. “He came to me after flying today, he was Jake, not Hangman. He was loving and kind, far from when we were together last” he nods, hand held to you. You place your own hand in his as he gives it a pat. He turns to his keyboard again with a smile.

“It’s never goodbye, always see you soon”. You nod slowly at that with a smile. 

The conversation went on that way for hours, talking about anything you could. Smiling, you stand as he pulls you into his chest. Hugging him tightly your head falls to his chest, eyes closing as you take in his comforting scent.

“I love you Winter” his voice hoarse but it was his voice, you can't help the tears that make it to your lashline. “I love you more Ice” you hear him chuckle. He places a gentle kiss to the top of your head, pulling you back by the shoulders to look you up and down.

“Almost as good as your dad” he says, as you chuckle. “Oh but maybe even better” you smirk, pulling the aviators from your head as the two of you walk hand and hand to the door. Standing at the door, you watch as he makes his way up the stairs.

“I think you both needed that” smiling, you look at your mother nodding. “Thank you for coming” you pull her close, hugging her tightly as you give her a squeeze. “I am very thankful for being here, I should’ve come home sooner” she shakes her head, sending you out the door. Waving, you climb into your Jeep and the dam is broken.

You sob your head falling against the steering wheel. You hated to see your father this way, a strong man brought to typing on a keyboard. Quickly wiping your chees as you try to pull yourself together to at least look at the text on the screen.

ROOSTER: Were at the Hard Deck celebrating, come on down

smiling, you send him a thumbs up. Looking back at the house, you smile sadly at your father in the window, who blows a kiss from above.

Wiping your eyes again as you slide out of the Jeep, Smiling at the sound of the jukebox that the could be heard for miles.

You pushed through the sea of khaki, making it to the small group of aviators in their own sets of khaki’s. “Winter! Winter! Winter'''' Coyote makes your presence known first, hand cupped around his mouth as he chants your call sign.

You smirk, hands held out to your sides as you curtsey. “The living legend” you laugh, smiling at the rest of them. Rooster’s arm is around your shoulders, pulling you into his side as you laugh. “A living legend maybe just for today til I get your ass” the group laughed then. You take the beer from Phoenix with a grateful nod and sip it, looking around at the rest of the aviators.

“I don’t know, I’m gonna be tough to beat Roos" nudging his side as you move around the pool table, sipping the beer quietly. “It really was great '' Bob speaks up from beside you, smiling as you nudge your shoulder into his.

“You are a wonderful back seater Bob” he chuckles with a nod, “yeah, better than she ever was" phoenix speaks up as you throw her a look. You notice Rooster making his way towards the bar then. “Roos!” holding the beer up he sends you a nod and thumbs up.

You were at least four beers in, the only ones left in the Hard Deck were Hangman, Phoenix, Rooster and yourself. Sighing at the scent of his cologne Hangman slides up beside you. Falling into his chest, nuzzling your nose into his neck with a sigh.

He chuckles, arm wrapping around your waist to help keep you standing. “You okay?” he asks as you giggle. “Of course” he nods, head resting on yours as his hand rests on your hip, it was too comforting for you. “I missed you” you whispered softly mostly to yourself, he wouldn’t have heard it if you weren’t so close.

He smirks down at you, “oh did you now?” you nod. “France sucked without you” you admit softly, sipping on the last of your fourth beer. Pulling yourself from his chest, swaying slowly at the fast movement, Hangman's hands there to catch you as they land on your waist.

“Woah” he chuckles softly. You were never one to handle liquor well. “Let’s take you home” setting the bottle down, your nodding slowly. Your hands fall to his arms to steady yourself. “Guys, I’m gonna head back to base” he nods to the last few aviators in the bar, Rooster takes in the sight of you in Hangman's arms.

They all nod to him, his arms wrapping around your waist to lead you out of the bar. You sway as the world felt like it was spinning, you weren't sure if it was the alcohol or Hangman. Holding his hand out to you. Placing your own in his, he helps you down the steps slowly and over to his own parked vehicle.

You stop in front of the car door, looking up at him. Pinching his cheeks in your hand you sigh. “God I want to kiss you” you admit more to yourself than him as he chuckles, smiling against your hands. Opening the car door he helps you in. Falling back into the soft seat with a sigh, you look out at the setting sun.

Hangman looked gorgeous in the setting sun, you couldn’t help the flutter in your heart.

“C’mon sweetheart” Hangmans voice was soft as he picked your body up and over his shoulder. “Jake!” laughing, you're gripping his shirt tightly.

The walk to the barrack's was farther than either of you expected, but you were enjoying the company. It was almost as if you fell into each other all over again. Setting you down on your feet, his hands on your hips to steady you as the world swayed. Resting hands on his arms, you smile at him.

“Thanks” you mumble, the world was spinning. “You-” he was cut short at the sound of Phoenix's voice. “I can take her” she replaces his hands, putting an arm around your shoulders as you fall into her. He nods, sending her a tight lipped smile as you waved to him, the door shutting in his face.

-

One week left. One week until the big uranium mission and it was getting tense in the air and on the base. Everyone wanted to prove their worth. Yourself included.

“I want to see Winter, Hangman and Coyote and Fanboy in the sky today” Maverick is in front of you, flight suit on as he looks between the rest of the aviators.

“Hangman, you are gonna be winters wing” you look over at him, he smirks behind his toothpick. “Let's do this again, I want efficiency guys” nodding, you follow behind coyote and fanboy. The crackdown on the training was getting harder, everyone was on edge, It had to be perfect.

Climbing up the ladder to your own F-18, you couldn’t help but look around at the other aviators, sending Hangman a wink to your right. Strapping in, you take a deep breath. This was only the second run for you, it was also the first time Hangman was your wingman and you had to admit it was a bit scary.

“Let’s show em how it’s done boys” you speak over the comms, looking over at fanboy and coyote. “You guys know the deal” Mavericks voice was over the comms. “Remember nothing over 8 g’s, and stay low” nodding in your seat the canopy came down and locked in.

As soon as you were in the sky, you felt on top of the world, weaving through the mountains to keep up with Hangman. “Hangman you need to slow down” you say over the comms,

“no can do Winter, we’re not gonna make it out if we don’t speed the hell up” rolling your eyes, looking down at the speedomoter, it was already at 4 g's.

“Winter is right” Fanboy says in your defense and you can hear Hangman scoff. “Just lock on that damn missile and blow it to shreds” you bite back a remark, attempting to keep up with your wingman. The rest of the trial was quiet, except when Fanboy was able to get the hit.

“That’s what I’m talking about!” you yell with a grin as you fly beside the two of them. “Winter” Maverick’s voice is in the comms, quietly. You chose to ignore it at first, still on the thrill of the success as none of you made it in g-lock.

“Lieutenant Kazansky” you hear the whispers in the comms. “Mitchell?” your voice soft. The sigh over the comms was enough. “I need an emergency landing, now”. Looking over at the boys to your right, the two of them shrug.

“Oh shit, what did you do?” you can hear the smirk in Hangman’s voice. “Seresin” Mavericks' voice was stern, but wavering slightly.

Whatever it was, it wasn’t good.

You tried to think of anything that could be the reason for an emergency landing. You were brought in for landing first. The canopy opened, fumbling you unstrapped yourself, pulling the helmet off quickly.

Climbing down the ladder you ignored the landing of the other pilots. Maverick stood on the tarmac, cyclone beside him. “Uncle Mav?” you looked at him, ignoring formalities.

Panting, you looked at their body language. Hangman stood from his F-18, watching the conversation at hand. You knew it. “It’s dad isn’t it?” your heart was beating a hundred miles a minute. “Winter” Maverick made his way over slowly, cyclone not far behind.

“I’m sorry to inform you Lieutenant Kazansky-” the world stopped. Your brain completely blocked out anything Cyclone was saying. You sobbed, falling to your knees on the tarmac, flightsuit still intact, gear still on your body.

“Winter!” Hangman was quick to climb out of his own F-18.

“(y/n)!” he was beside you in an instant as he tried catching you before you hit the ground.

“Admiral Kazasnky has passed '' Cyclone finished, looking at Hangman. Falling to the ground, holding you to his chest you sobbed into his flightsuit

“Shh, I’ve got you” his voice was soft, holding your body as it shook with sobs. “I’ve got you baby, I’ve got you” he swayed, running his hand up and down your back in comforting circles. “Let’s get her inside" Maverick clears his throat, looking between you and Jake.

He’s helping you up as you're pushing both men off, walking ahead. “I-I need a minute- I” shaking your head, sniffling as the tears kept flowing. Pushing past the rest of the team, Rooster was the only one who ignore your plea.

“(y/n)! C’mon slow down talk to me” he jogs to stop infront of you. Sobbing harder, your shoulders shaking as you look up at the only man who’d understand.

“My dad is gone” the fall of rooster’s face was not hard to miss. He was not expecting that. “And on top of that! Hangman treated me like shit on the run today and-and I have to bury my father who was the only man I needed- and '' your hyperventilating then. Sliding down the wall, you sob harder into your knees.

“Oh Wins'' he's beside you instantly, letting your head fall into his chest as he holds you tight. Running his fingers through your hair to sooth you. “In and out,” he whispers. He looks up at the sound of panting, meeting Hangman’s green eyes.

As much as he wanted to spite him, spit in his face and give him the good ol big brother talk, he knew Hangman was a source of comfort for you. “(y/n) I am so sorry, hey hey” he’s crouching infront of you then, sending you a soft smile, one reserved for you and you only. Rooster couldn’t hide his surprise at the apologies flowing from Hangman. 

“I shouldn’t have talked to you like that up there” sniffles were the only thing heard in the hallway.

“Can I?” he looks between the two of you, he’s then scooping you up in his arms. The comfort of his arms has the tears flowing again. Sobbing in his chest, he falls back against the wall. “Thank you” he mouths to rooster, who sends him a bit of snarl but almost turns into a smile.

“I’ve got her,” Rooster nods, walking back down the hallway to find Maverick. You curled into him then, gripping his suit tightly. “My dad is gone” voice hoarse from crying, it almost didn’t sound like you. “I know darlin, I am here for you okay?” nodding against his chest, you sniffle. “I’m so sorry about today” he admits, rubbing comforting circles on your back.

“Is hangman apologizing right now?” chuckling, he nods. “Only for you darlin” you smile, wiping your cheeks, his soft but calloused hands replacing yours. “I need to go see my mom” you whisper, he nods, sending you a sad smile.

“Want me to drive you?” biting your lip, nodding slowly as you look over his face. “Please?” he nods, pulling himself up as he holds his hand out, pulling you from the ground. Wrapping an arm around your shoulder, wrapping your own around his waist. Leaning into him as the two of you walk out of the base.

Phoenix and Rooster watched as he helped you into his own Jeep. “I can’t believe the hangman we are seeing” Phoenix is the first to break the silence. Rooster nods,

“I saw a side of him today that I’ve never before". 

Pulling up to the front of the Kazansky home was almost pushing him to his past. He looked at the front door, his mind couldn’t help but to fall back to the last time he was here.

“Can I help you?” your mothers voice was just as soothing as his own mothers. “Uh, Hi ma’am” he pulled his cap off, dressed in his whites as he sent her his signature Hangman smile. He realized his silence as she blinked up at him.

“My name is Jake Seresin, I am actually wondering if it would be possible to speak to the Admiral?” she looks him up and down, soon your fathers voice was behind her. “Honey!? Who is it?!” he comes behind your mother, looking him over.

“Lieutenant Seresin '' your fathers voice made his blood run cold. He couldn’t believe he was doing this. “Good evening sir, I’m sorry to bother you at home but uh, I was wondering if I could speak to you?” your father nods then, motioning him in. “Let’s go to my office” Jake smiles at your mother, following after him.

He shuts the door behind Jake and he realizes then, he was doing this. “Admiral, I know this may be a big ask but-” he shakes his head, hand on his hip. “This is about my daughter isn’t it?” opening and closing his mouth, looking over your fathers face, Jake was speechless.

“Listen son” he looks up at your father. He admired this man, he knew what Iceman did for the topgun program, knew what he did to get where he was. “I want to go to France with her,” he finds his voice then,it was soft and vulnerable, it even surpised himself. He's looking over your fathers face.

“I-I don’t want her to go and I-I’ve never felt this way about anyone” nodding, the admiral leaned against the desk infront of the lieutenant who sat in the chair.

“If you love my daughter, I think you need to let her go to France, alone” Jake can’t help the way his stomach plummeted.

“It’s never goodbye, always a see you soon” 

“Jake” your voice was soft, almost missed if he wans’t right beside you. You looked over his face. Hesitating he looks over at you, he can’t help the feeling in his chest he’s always had for you. “Can you come with me?” the hesitantcy in your voice almost broke his heart especially at the sight of tears in your waterline.

“Of course” he’s nodding quickly, climbing out to meet you on the sidewalk. Hold your hand out to him he takes it in his own. Walking hand and hand up to the front door of your family home. You felt his reassuring squeeze as you opened the door. The entire Navy was in the living room then, Maverick stood first.

Your mother in the arms of Slider, your fathers backseater and a long time family friend. Closing your eyes, you take a deep breath. Jake wrapped his arm around your shoulder then, giving it a reassuring squeeze again.

“(y/n)”  Slider was infront of you, pulling you into a tight hug as he watched Hangman over your shoulder. He was stiff as a board. You didn’t know about the conversation between Jake and your father and Jake wanted it to stay that way.

He felt the same anxiety he did that night.

The house cleared out almost as soon as it filled. After shutting the door to your mothers bedroom, you smile sadly at the blonde at the end of the stairs. Jake remained in his flight suit, he would stay by your side as long as you wanted him to be.

“Are you staying for the night?” he asks, making his way up the remaining stairs. You nodded. Biting your lip, looking down at your fingers picking at the hang-nail on your thumb. “What is it?” he asks, taking your hands in his to stop the nasty habit you picked up.

“Will you stay? I-I don’t want to be alone tonight” Jake felt your tiny hands on his heart as you squeezed. You were never this vulnerable with him even in the past.

“Sweetheart” he nods, pulling you into his chest, hugging you tighter than he’s ever hugged anyone besides his mother maybe. Walking to your childhood bedroom, hand in hand he can’t help the giddy feeling in his chest.

“Never thought this would be how I was spending the night in your childhood bedroom” he oofs at the gentle hit on his chest as you can’t help but to giggle, he smiles. Pulling some clothes from the drawers, his eyes stop at the tshirt in your hand.

A naval academy tshirt, but not your own, no, his. “You’ve had that this whole time!” he points out, looking down at you. You can’t help the blush that makes its way to your cheeks.

“I-” you nod. “I looked for it and thought I threw it out!” holding it tighter to your chest. “I took it to France with me” admitting it felt silly, but the smile on Jake's face made it worth it. “You did?” nodding, he smiles. “It’s in good hands then” you smile sadly.

After changing into the tshirt, Jake holds the sheets out for you as he already made himself comfortable. Climbing in beside him, he pulls your body into his chest.

“Jake” you whisper in the dead silence of the bedroom. “Thank you for being here with me” he nods, looking over at you then, you looked beautiful. “I’ll always be here with you” he whispered, placing a gentle kiss to your forehead.

You’re fathers words are playing in his mind. 

Never a goodbye, always see you soon. 

-

The uranium mission tightened its reins on the aviators. It was time. “What do you mean you may pull me from this?!” you couldn’t help the raise of your voice, Cyclone pulled his aviators off his face, tossing them on his desk.

“Kazansky” hands on your hips he shakes his head.

“I was brought back here because I was the best, not because Ice was my father, not because I am a Kazansky. I was brought here because I am a damn good pilot and I am not being pulled from this!” He nods, looking up at you then. “If you feel confident you can ship out with the team” nodding, you push out the office door.

Maverick and Rooster standing outside. “Boys” you grin, looking between them. “Are you sure you are up to this?” Rooster speaks up first, looking over his face, you nod. He notes the slight sag of your shoulders.

“We won't be angry if you arent up to it Wins” Maverick looks at you. Shaking your head, pushing past the two of them, yelling down the hall. “Let's blow some shit up boys!” you grin. You knew the chances of you being a part of the team were slim, It was all in Mavericks hands but you still were going to be there for your friends.

In the week leading up to the mission, everyone was on eggshells with you. They didn’t want to say the wrong thing to put you over the edge. After your fathers funeral you were given a bereavment period where you went off the grid for three days.

No one heard from you, not even Hangman. 

“Sweetheart” the southern drawl stopped you in your tracks. You hadn’t seen him since you returned. Turning to face him, his smile was soft, toothpick between his lips. It was him so much it almost hurt. “You’re coming with us?” you nod, hands on your hips with a grin. “Of course, I’m not letting anyone down” he nods, coming to stand infront of you, bag in hand.

The ship would be loading in less than two hours. “Good” he sends you a wink. He wont lie in saying he was a bit hurt at the way you left him with no idea where you went and if you were even okay. The death of your father was hard on everyone.

“Jake” you're jogging beside him, looking up at him. His side profile always left you speechless. “Thank you” he’s looking over your face, watching as you chew on the inside of your cheek. “I can’t begin to thank you for being with me through that, through my breakdowns and-” he shakes his head, leaning down to place a soft kiss to your cheek.

“Always darlin” and he was gone, making his way to the ships.

In the matter of hours, you sood in the middle of the ocean. The room was hot, sweaty. You could feel the sweat in places it shouldn’t be. “Maverick” Cyclone crosses his arms, nodding towards the pilot and the group.

“Maverick is picking the team to go with him on this, you all will be here on stand by for recon if needed” you all nodded, looking around the room at one another. “Rooster” Maverick looks at the young man at your left, you send him an encouraging smile. “Phoenix and Bob” you smile even wider, they were the perfect choices.

“And Winter”

your head snaps up at the sound of your name, making eye contact with your uncle. “Alright” he rubs his hands together.

“Let’s do this” looking over at phoenix and bob, both sharing the same look on your face. Pulling you into her chest, Phoenix hugs you tight. “We’re gonna do great, you are an amazing pilot, I wouldn’t want anyone else to fly with” nodding against her, you let out a heavy sigh. “I didn’t expect to go on this” you admit.

She pulls you at arm's length, hands on your shoulders. “You are the same winter, the same one who kicked everyones ass in every single dog fight, the one who was number one in the class” nodding, you give her arm a squeeze.

Walking around your f-18, ensuring everything was in place not noticing the presence of the man beside you.

“Winter” jumping you look at Jake with a smile.

“I’m proud of you” he’s first to speak, moving to stand in front of you. Cupping your cheeks looking over your face . “Come back to me would you?” nodding, you take in his features, the comfort of mossy green and the million dollar smile.

“Of course” standing up on your tiptoes to reach him, pulling him down to connect your lips. It was the first time in three years he’s kissed you and yet it felt like yesterday. Pulling you closer by the waist, he can’t help but continue to kiss you as if his life depended on it.

“Alright!” Rooster yells causing the two of you to pull apart as he can’t help to grin. “Enough of that shit” he scoffs, walking to his own F-18 beside yours. Jake looks down at you with a smile.

“Give em hell Winter” he’s kissing your forehead, slipping your helmet on with a gentle pat to the top. Sending him a smile, you yell for him, “Jake” he stops a few feet ahead of you. “See you soon,” he grins, sending you a wink.

“See you soon gorgeous” climbing up the ladder, looking over at rooster who raises a brow. “Can I help you?” chuckling, you climb into the seat. 

“Dagger one is hit I repeat, dagger one is hit!” Phoenix is yelling over the comms. Biting your lip, you can hear the voice in the back of your head. “Rooster” he jumps at the sound of your voice, breaking your silence.

“Winter” he heard the determination in your voice. “I’m going after him!” and soon your own jet is hit with bullets of the enemy, flying to find Mavericks plane. “What the fuck!” Hangman yells from his own jet, hitting the canopy above him. “Winter!” Rooster yells in the comms.

“I’ve lost sight of dagger two I repeat” Rooster sighs as Pheonix and Bob and himself fought enemy fire. You had one missile left, finding Maverick on the ground. In the process of your own plane going down, you are able to blow up the enemy plane. Climbing from jet, your panting. “Winter?!” Mavericks already yelling.

“Are you insane?!” Standing, you pulling the helmet off head looking at him. “A thank you would be just fine Maverick” he rolls eyes. “I would’ve been fine! You left the rest of your team in danger!” you scoff, shaking your head. “I could’ve left your ass to die!” you point out. With a shake of his head, he looks at you.

“Just like your father” hands on your hips, looking at him with a snarl. “I am a Kazansky after all” you seeth looking over his face. “Let's get out of here" looking around the wooded area, he walks ahead of you nodding, making his way through the woods.

Trudging behind him, you can’t help but huff. “Thank you winter, oh thank you for saving me” mumbling under your breath. “If you don’t shut up” he pulls you beside him, motioning to the F-14 in the bay of the enemy base. "You have to be kidding" he looks over with a smirk.

He was not kidding.

Running after Maverick, looking over your shoulder. "I can't believe we are doing this" you mumble mostly to yourself as he chuckles. "I can't say I expected this either" he runs into the bay, looking at you. "I know you know this" nodding, looking over his face. "Tell me" he runs through when he needs you to disconnect the cords and to get in the jet with him. "Back to your backseater days, I know you're not used to that" he smirks as you send daggers his way.

Hangman is bouncing in his seat. Why the hell has he not been called into recon? “Permisson for take off” he’s pulling the mask on, waiting for the okay. He was not gonna sit here when there were no eyes on you or maverick.

“Permission denied” he groans, mumbling under his breath. “Sir '' Cyclone looks down at the man infront of him, “Winters back online”. You couldn’t believe you were flying in an f-14, just as your father did. “Let’s make Ice proud huh?” Maverick is grinning in the front seat, you nod with a smile.

“Let’s do it!” looking through the canopy you watched for enemy fire. “Mav, low right, he’s right below” it was much different in the F-14 than an F-18. Of course it was to be expected but you felt almost on a different level. “Damn it” he mumbles, taking fire.

“I’ve got lock on him, get a bit higher” and on que, the missile flew out and the enemy plane was in flames. “Jesus this is old” you mumble, flipping switch after switch. “Way to make me feel better” Maverick mumbles from the front seat. “I’m used to an F-18, I’m sorry!” you're arguing then, looking for the right switches to pull. The jolt of a missile hitting the back of the plane puts your argument on hold.

“I’ve lost the left engine!” you yell, looking for anything to help the two of you. Maverick switches to bullets, shooting at the enemy plane, cursing under his breath. “I’m out” letting out a heavy sigh, it was time to accept your fate.

“Ladies and Gentleman, this is your saviour speaking” your eyes fly open at the familiar voice, noticing the f-18 and the pilot from miles away. The enemy plane was in flames.

“I told you to come home to me” you smile, looking over at the smirking pilot who flew on the right side of you. “I am now, thanks to you” you wink. “Requesting landing” the plane was clearned for landing within minutes.

“Hold on” Maverick mumbles, the landing itself was alot rougher than you expected. The opening of the canopy was more startling than the cheers on the tarmac. Panting, you unstrap yourself standing as you pull the helmet off. Holding your helmet up as you cheer with the rest of your fellow aviators.

Climbing down after Maverick, he pulls you into his chest, hugging you tightly. “I know he’s proud of you” he whispers in your ear, pulling a smile to your lips. Hugging him tighter you nod, "I do too".

“He’d be pissed to know you did that” nodding, holding your hands up in defense you can’t help but smirk. “I may be dangerous but that's what my father always taught me, you always look out for your wingman” you shove his shoulder with a smile.

“Winter!” looking past Maverick and the crowd of people, you can see Hangman stood at his jet. Gear still on his body as he’s holding his helmet in his hands. Dropping your own, running to him as he drops his helmet beside him, catching you as you're colliding with his chest, legs wrapping around his waist.

“Holy fuck” he’s panting, it was setting in for him he could've lost you in the matter of seconds. His arms tighten around your body. Pulling back to cup his cheeks you grin. “It’s never goodbye Hangman” he smiles, pulling you down to connect your lips for the second time that day.

Kissing you as if you’d slip from his fingers again. The way you slipped from him to another coninent almost three years ago. Pulling away for a soft breath, he whispers against your lips,

“It’s always see you soon” 

BONUS;

The dress whites were always somehow uncomfortable no matter how well tailored they were. After the uranium mission, you were all sent back to respective bases. You were lucky to stay in North Island but the others all shipped to home bases. Jake included as he was shipped home to Texas.

The Navy was holding a ceramony to honor those who put their lives on the line for their country. Brushing yourself off in the mirror, looking over all the honors on your chest, eyes falling to your fathers tags that are sitting there, staring at you. Smiling at the photo beside them, you and your father from your top gun graduation, plaque in hand.

“Honey!” your mother yelled from the steps. “Coming” you knew how badly you needed her support for this. “God you look like your father” she mumbles, more to herself as you smirk.

“Got the goddamn smirk to prove it” she chuckles, ushering you out the door. The car ride was silent, it was hitting you now that your father missed this.

“He’s proud of you, you know that don’t you?” looking over at the sound of your mothers voice, you nod.

Walking into the ballroom it was nothing but a sea of white.

“Oof” you stumble slightly at the collision of a hard chest, reconizing the hug anywhere. “Coyote!” pulling him to your body again, you can’t help but smile, hugging him tighter. “It’s good to see you Wins” you grin. “I want you to meet someone” he’s pulling you after him, stumbling slightly as you smile at everyone you pass. “This is my girlfriend, Victoria, Victoria this is Lietuenant Commander, (Y/N) "Winter" Kazansky'' rolling your eyes, sending her a friendly smile. “Hi Victoria, Please just call me (y/n)” shaking her hand as she sends you a smile.

“I’m also not lietuenant commander yet” you nudge the man beside you. “I’m gonna go mingle okay?” smiling at the two, you push through the sea of Navy officers.

“Good evening everyone” Cyclone stands at the podium with a smile. “Thank you all for making the time to come see us here on North Island” a few chuckles erupt from the crowd.

Your eyes scan the room for the blonde hair you fell in love with.

After the mission, even after finding out he was heading to Texas, he was not letting you go again. “I’d like to start by bringing up a group of aviators who really showed their love for this country” he claps, listing off the names of your team one by one.

The entire room cheered as you stood beside your friends.

Your family.

“I also have a few awards to give tonight as well as some honors” Cyclone continues.

“I would like to honor Admiral Tom "Iceman" Kazansky '' biting the inside of your cheek, looking down to avoid crying infront of these people.

Rooster nudges your hand in comfort, sending a smile your way. “He was an amazing man who did everything for this country as well as Top Gun” the room claps.

He gets through the awards, Maverick getting a new rank as he takes the pinning and sends you a smile.

“And for this next honor, I want to bring someone out here to help me with this” looking over to the right side of the stage, your eyes meet the sea of green. In his whites, Jake is grinning ear to ear as he makes eye contact with you, stopping to stand ahead of you.

“In honor of her sacrifice for this country” Cyclone has started talking again. It is nothing but background noise as you're looking at Jake. He’s taking the pin, holding it in his hands.

“Lieutnent Commander, (Y/N) "Winter" Kazansky '' He's pinning the small pin to your chest, as delectly as possible as he sends you a grin. You smile, shaking cyclone's hand as you are escorted off the stage.

“I can’t believe you” slapping his chest, looking up at your boyfriend as he smirks. “I wanted to be the one to present your new rank” he’s pulling his hat off then, his hair is longer.

Cupping your cheek, he pulls you into him to kiss you for the first time in months. “I’m still not happy you have better rank” rolling your eyes, pulling him to you connecting your lips., standing on your tiptoes to reach him.

For a man who was cocky, arrogant and left a room filled with his ego, he held a proud smile on his lips.

“I love you Winter” you smile, looking up at him.

“I love you too, Hangman”.

---

ps a/n: brooo if you read this long I am so grateful. This was a wild ride and took me TOO long to complete. I ended up loving writing top gun as well as hangman. I know this is different than anything I put out but I wanted to try something new.

thank you for the love & support. to read any other of my work you can find it in my library.

LIBRARY.

#jake seresin #jake hangman x reader #jake hangman seresin #jake seresin x reader #hangman x you #hangman x y/n #hangman seresin #hangman angst #hangman fic #hangman fluff #hangman #glen powell #glen powell top gun #glen powell x reader #top gun #hangman top gun #top gun maverick

[lovelytsunoda]

don't worry, darling // clement novalak

summary: clem hates it when his girlfriend is stressed. unfortunately, with finals coming up, she seems to be stressed all the time. lucky for clem, he has an idea to help her relax that he really thinks y/n is going to like.

pairing: clement novalak x female reader

warnings: sugary soft smut, but smut nonetheless. mentions of academic burnout and anxiety. clem pauses mid-makeout to ask google to put the sex playlist on. there is one (1) bridgerton joke and it made me giggle when i wrote it.

authors note: clement novalak is the definition of a golden retriever boyfriend and i will not take any criticism whatsoever. we also share a birthday which is pretty neat

the dining room table was covered in textbooks and sheets of paper as she stared at the laptop screen. she'd been at it for hours, at least an hour before clem vanished into the sim room to do his meeting with mp about the upcoming formula two season.

it was finals season, and y/n wasn't the only one feeling the stress. her head hurt from how long she had been squinting at the real estate law on her computer screen, textbook margins filled with scrawled notes in her dainty handwriting, differing pen colors to correlate to different things she needed to remember.

clement was starting to worry. since finals season had begun, y/n shrunk back into her shell, turning into the girl she was before she met clem. and the driver knew that she hadn't been happy like that.

when clem met y/n, she was a quiet, shy university freshman who kept to herself and devoted herself to her studies. which wasn't a bad thing, but she felt isolated and anxious all the time. clem helped her change that, helped bring her out of her shell, helped her become a stronger person.

he brought something to her life that she hadn't realised that she was missing.

"babe, you've been at that for three hours now." clem's voice was soft and relaxing, almost enough to pull her away from her laptop as she turned around to give the frenchman a kiss.

"the final for this class is on friday, i really need to focus on this. just half an hour more."

clement frowned "baby, that's what you said before i went into the meeting. this isn't healthy, darling."

"i know, clem. i just, i have to finish this."

as she turned back to her laptop screen, clem made the decision for her. he closed the lid on her laptop, almost catching the edge of her fingers.

"clement novalak!" she exaggerated the french. she only ever did that when she was annoyed with him.

or when she was horny.

"you need a break, y/n." he insisted, picking up the computer and holding it above his head as y/n got out of her chair, trying to get it back.

her body was pressed up against his before she gave up, her chest pressed against his, his blue eyes boring into hers.

she'd fallen in love with those eyes the minute she saw them for the first time.

"clem, give it back." she swallowed, knowing exactly what the frenchman had planned.

clement grinned, one of his hands moving to cradle her waist. “only if you promise to take a break, love.”

“would you settle for a kiss?”

“I could be persuaded.” the frenchman hummed as he leaned in close, pressing his lips to hers softly, placing the laptop back on the table so he could hold her with both hands as their lips moved in sync together.

"clem." she whined, gently pulling away from him. "i have to study."

"no, you have to take a break." clement insisted, lifting her up and placing her on the table, her arms loosely linked around his neck. "i don't like seeing you stressed like this, baby. it's not good for you." the frenchman sighed, running his thumbs over her sides.

"just one more week, clem." she sighed back. "then finals are over and it's just you and me against the world again."

"babe, taking a couple hours away from the textbooks and the screen won't kill you, and you won't fail. but you'll burn yourself out if you keep this up."

he didn't let her answer, kissing her softly instead. "just let me distract you, darling." he whispered against her skin. "we'll have some incredible sex, order takeout and then watch a stupid movie while i braid your hair, how about that?"

"actually, that's not a terrible idea." y/n hummed, kissing clem softly. "but i'm so stressed that i fear i might not be the best company."

"let me help you take your mind off it, love."

he kissed her gently, sliding his hands up underneath the sweater she was wearing. heather grey, with her university crest on the front. the frenchman pressed open-mouthed kisses to her jaw, slowly picking up the pace as he trailed the kisses from her jaw to the patch of skin behind her ear.

clement novalak was intoxicating. y/n wanted all of him, all at once. she wanted his good days and his bad, his highs and his lows. she could never have enough of him as she tried to slide towards the edge of the table, pulling herself closer and closer, arms around his body for support as he kissed her neck, his warm breath tickling her skin and drawing a gentle giggle out of her throat.

"you're beautiful, mon amour." clem rarely spoke french. all the time he had spent travelling the world had caused him to lose his accent, and now he spoke in a smooth british accent with swiss undertones.

but god did y/n love it when his french side came out.

his teeth gently sunk into the skin at the base of her neck, marking her as his. his heart skipped a beat as she exhaled, the sound bordering on a whine as her fingers sunk into his arms, her head tilted back and her lips parted like an angel.

"clement." she whined, resting her forehead against his. she was breathing heavily, her hands on either side of his neck. "bedroom. now."

"now you're speaking my language, lovie." clem laughed, scooping y/n into his arms. she laughed with him as he spun around, carrying her bridal-style to their shared bedroom.

clem flopped down on the bed, his back hitting the pillows and his lover's body cradled against his.

there was no place he would have rather been than with y/n. he loved her more than he ever thought he could love another person. she was the grumpy, and he was the sunshine. everybody thought that they clashed with each other, and that the relationship would fall apart.

they were two years strong, still continuing to prove everybody wrong.

she was fully on top of him now, devouring his lips with hers, grinding her hips against his. catching his moans between her lips as he gripped her sides, his hands warm against the cool skin peeking out from her sweater. she pulled away from him, straddling his waist as she sat up, pulling her hoodie over hear head and ruffling her hair before clem sat up, pressing gentle kisses to her collarbone and running his fingers along the lace of her cropped camisole.

she closed her eyes, sucking in a sharp breath as clem slipped his hands under the thin, white fabric, cupping her breasts in his hands over the thin padding of her bra. she involuntarily grinded against him, a gentle moan escaping both of their lips.

"can i, darling?" clem asked softly, his head cocked to the side and his brown hair ruffled and messy. "just let me make you feel good."

"only if you take yours off too." she said sweetly, picking at clem's crew-neck. "it's not too fair that i'm the only person showing skin."

"anything for my girl."

she raised her arms over her head, helping clem take her camisole off before the boy flipped them both over and he sat back on his heels, taking off his own sweater and throwing it in the vague direction of the dresser.

y/n sat up slightly, hooking her fingers through the frenchman's belt loops, trying to pull clement closer to her. he smiled, leaning over her with one arm on either side of her head.

"hang on just a second, darling." he kissed her forehead before raising his voice in the direction of the speaker sitting on the dresser. "hey google, play the playlist 'technicolor dreaming' from my spotify library."

"you're such a dork." y/n chuckled as 'powerless' by waterparks began to play softly in the background. "i love you, clement."

clement kissed her softly. "i love you too, y/n. my beautiful, brilliant, intelligent girlfriend."

the music played softly as clement kissed down her body, his hand coming to hold hers, linking her slender fingers with his as she gently arched her back, pressing up against his pleasantly warm skin.

"clem, please." she whined, finals week long forgotten as clement's soft lips neared the waistband of her jeans, arousal and anticipation pooling in her stomach.

two years later, and clem still gave her butterflies with the slightest of touches, the gentlest of kisses. he had been her first everything, and, she hoped, he'd be the person she spent the rest of her life with.

“babe,” clement mumbled, lips still affixed to her skin. “stand up for one sec.”

he got to his feet, hands in hers as he helped her to her feet, ignoring his lovers confused expression as he moved the small tray at the end of the bed that held the tv remote and the book that y/n was reading, pulling back the duvet cover and fluffing the pillows before urging her back to the bed.

“I know how much you hate making a mess of things. ‘clem, don’t drink your morning coffee in bed’, ‘clem wipe the cheeto dust off your hands before you touch the blankets’.”

his voice was so full of love and laughter, a bright smile on his face as she laughed with him, thanking him before the driver kissed her again. his hands went straight to the button on her jeans, pulling the denim down her slender legs tantalizingly slowly.

clem slowly kissed up her leg, sinking to his knees next to the bed. y/n could feel the anxiety evaporating from her body as clement danced his fingers across her skin, his lips leaving barely noticeable marks across the expanse of her inner thigh.

"clem." she moaned softly. "i need more."

"i know, darling. just lay back and relax. clear your mind completely." he smirked. "the only thing you should be thinking about his how great my tongue feels as i eat you out."

y/n laughed, running her hands down her face. "you spend too much time with marcus and felipe."

"bold of you to assume i'm not the one corrupting the two of them."

"fuck off and get on with it." she giggled, nudging the frenchman with her foot.

"as the lady wishes." clem chuckled, sliding his hands underneath the waistband of her calvins, sliding her panties down before kissing her clit softly.

"okay, lord bridgerton." she joked, laughter transitioning into a moan as clem's lips made contact with her clit, his soft hands gripping her thighs to hold her in place.

clem hummed in contentment as he flattened his tongue against her folds, the vibration causing her entire body to shiver, the frenchman urging her forwards, encouraging her to tangle her fingers in his hair and grind her body up against his face.

she threw her head back against the egyptian cotton sheets in a soft moan, which only spurred clem on as he started to move his tongue faster.

"you taste so good, beautiful. moaning nice and pretty for me as well."

"oh, clem."

"say my full name, pretty girl. i want to hear the french roll off your tongue."

"clement!" her moan came out more like a squeak as her hips bucked up against his face, the tip of his nose brushing her clit. "oh my god!"

"that's my sweet girl, are you going to come for me? come on my mouth, darling. there we go, i've got you, i've got you." the driver encouraged as y/n let go, her hands gripping his hair as her thighs clenched around him, head tilted back in ecstasy.

clem emerged from between her legs, using his discarded sweatshirt as a towel to wipe off the area around his mouth.

"babe, you're washing that yourself. that's fucking gross." y/n chuckled, sitting up to pull clement closer. "i love you." she said softly, pressing a kiss to his jaw as her fingers slipped below the waistband of his jeans.

"love you more." clem hummed, gently pushing her hands away so he could undo the belt himself. "get comfortable, baby. i'll join you in just a second."

with a contented sigh, y/n undid her bra, hanging it neatly by the straps off the knob on the nightstand drawer before leaning back and settling herself in the middle of the bed, amongst the pillows. she rolled over onto her side, watching with arousal pooling between her thighs as clement slipped out of his jeans, hard cock springing to attention. his muscular arm reaching behind the headboard to turn on the fairy lights in the dim room.

it was only then that y/n noticed the light patter of rain against the windows. when had it begun to get dark? had it been raining while she had been studying?

clem reached into the bedside drawer for a condom before leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to y/n's forehead. "hi."

"hi." she giggled, a blush spreading across her cheeks as a new song began to play. many songs had played since clem decided to turn the speaker on, but this one stood out, and she found herself singing under her breath. "when did you add 'patience' to the playlist?"

"a few days ago. i heard you singing along while you did the dishes. the smile on your face and the way you swayed your hips almost made me want to take you right there."

said "woman take it slow, and it'll work itself out fine", all we need is just a little patience.

clem sang along to the chorus softly, pressing his lips to hers before climbing onto the bed, covering her body with his. "isn't this much better than looking at real estate law all afternoon?"

"i don't know." she said teasingly, giggling as she looped her arms around clem's neck. "maybe you should fuck me and i'll find out."

clement laughed, passing y/n the small foil packet. "care to do the honors? you remember what happened when i tried to open one with my teeth."

y/n burst out laughing at the memory. clem ducked under her arms to pepper her breasts with kisses as y/n found the pull tab, ripping the condom packaging open. the frenchman sat back on his heels, taking the condom from y/n and unrolling the latex sheath over his rock-hard cock.

he positioned himself over y/n, her hands coming up to grip his arms as he slipped inside of her, his lips hovering over hers as her mouth made a perfect 'o', a silent moan.

clem leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss, thrusting deeper as he wrapped her legs around his body. "god, you're beautiful."

she moaned, head thrown back against pillows as she bucked her hips against his, desperately pulling him closer. she craved intimacy, needed to constantly know that she was loved, and from the first night that they spent together, clement had never failed to make her feel like the most stunning, smart woman on the planet.

"oh, clem." she moaned, needy and worked up over the glacial pace that clement was thrusting at. "faster, faster."

"what was that, my love?" clement smirked. "you want me to go faster? is my hard cock sliding in and out of you like this not enough to distract you?"

"clement."

"just focus on me, lovie." he said softly before picking up the pace, barely holding back his own moans after hearing y/n moan and whine underneath him, her fingers tangled in his hair. "doesn't that feel good, baby?"

"yes, clem, oh fuck-" she sucked in a breath, arching her back and pressing her chest up against his as he dipped his head down to pepper her neck in kisses.

clement kept up his relentless pace, nothing on his mind except the beautiful young woman underneath him, and his undying love and care for her. he would never tell anybody, but he thought she was most stunning like this. not in the sexual sense, but in the sense that her mind was clear and empty: nothing for her to stress about or worry about. she was truly relaxed, face contorted in pleasure, hair splayed out against the mauve sheets.

clem blindly reached for her hand, fingers lanced together as he moaned down her ear. "you feel incredible, darling." he breathed out, voice raspy before he gently kissed and nibbled at her earlobe.

y/n smiled, turning her head to kiss clement softly, a smile quickly forming on his own face.

"i love you." they both said it at the same time, although y/n more so moaned it, gripping her lover's hand tightly as she felt her walls begin to contract around clem's cock.

"baby..." she breathed before her body was seized by another moan. "i-i think i'm gonna come."

clement snapped to attention, snapping his hips against hers to try and coax her closer to her orgasm. "come on, darling. are you going to give me another orgasm tonight, honey? just let go, focus on how good it feels to have my cock inside you. to not think about anything else. to be fully relaxed with me."

"oh, clem." she moaned, reaching her peak as she gripped clem's biceps, surely leaving marks from her nails behind in his skin.

"that's it, my sweet one. that's it." clem breathed, his forehead resting against hers. "i think you're gonna make me come, darling." he laughed slightly before kissing y/n's forehead, his hips stuttering as he came with a moan that rattled his entire body, stealing every last drop of energy he had as he dropped down next to his lover on the bed.

"so," he laughed, still trying to get his breath back. "are you still worried about finals?"

"not any more." she smiled, kissing him softly.

they laid together in the afterglow for a little while longer before they both got up, half-dressing in comfortable clothes before settling back into the bed, duvet pulled over them as clem reached for the tv remote and y/n scrolled through netflix on her phone.

"babe, what do you want to watch?"

"something that requires little to no attention." clem responded with a laugh, pulling y/n closer to him and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "something with adam sandler in it, maybe?"

y/n pressed a few buttons, the opening credits to 'blended' playing on the screen as she rested her head on clement's shoulder, letting out a contented sigh as she allowed herself to fully relax with him, her real estate final long forgotten.

it was just her and clement, curled up in bed, watching a movie and enjoying each other's company.

#clement novalak #clement novalak x reader #formula 2 x reader #formula 2 #clement novalak imagine #formula 2 smut #clement novalak smut #okay lord bridgerton has to be my favourite line in this entire fic #i want a clem is that too much to ask for

[herehavesomeheadcanons]

Hihi! I saw you were taking requests and so I was wondering if I could have Poe or Sigma fluff (and maybe angst if you're up for it, you don't have to!) hcs? Like where you are sick or smth and they take care of you? And possibly how they make you feel better? Can I also be 🍥 anon if you're okay with it?

Whew, back to writing requests. Sorry for the long wait, but my brain shut down after I finally finished that Christmas event. I'll try to get on with the requests still waiting in my inbox!

Anyway, fluff is absolutely my specialty, and these two dorks are the perfect characters to take care of a sick s/o! I had the idea floating around in my brain, so I added an accidental confession for Poe as well <3

Edgar Allen Poe and Sigma taking care of a sick reader~

As usual, snatched the images off Pinterest

Poe

🤎🦝 Poor Poe freaked out when he heard you were sick. He immediately rushed over to your house and insisted on taking care of you! It doesn't matter how many times you try to push him away and tell him he'll get sick too, he's determined to take care of you!

🤎🦝 The reason for this is that Ranpo gave him the idea. Poe wanted to know how he could win your affections, and Ranpo suggested that he should go and see if you needed care, since you called in sick that morning.

🤎🦝 So now you're being forced to lay on the couch while Poe spoon-feeds you soup that he made himself. I don't see why you would complain, except if you're one of those Akutagawa kinnies that won't admit you're sick until you're dead.

🤎🦝 Poe insists on doing everything for you. To be fair, he is a pretty big help, considering it feels like someone fucked with the Earth's gravity settings and turned them all the way up. Oh, and you're delirious with fever, so no amount of willpower is going to make you able to do chores.

🤎🦝 As you feared, Poe gets sick too. Somehow, he still managed to drag himself to your place, so now you're both lying inert on different couches with a bad flu. You have some absolutely hilarious conversations while you're both completely out of it with fever hallucinations. Unfortunately, you probably won't remember them.

🤎🦝 After a few days of this bullshit, you're starting to feel better. Poe isn't, but your head is starting to clear. One night, you wake up to him rambling on and on about something to Karl. As you listen, you realize he's talking about you.

🤎🦝 "Oh Karl... What am I to do?" *Karl noises* "Yes I suppose you're right... You're so wise, Karl!" *More Karl noises*

🤎🦝 If he didn't talk to Karl like this all the time, you'd probably suspect that the fever had addled his brain to the point of no return. You decide to speak up and see what this nonsense is all about.

🤎🦝 "Hey, Poe, what are you going on about?" "Y/N! You're awake?" "Obviously. Now what are you asking Karl about?" "Oh, I was just trying to figure out what to do about my feelings for you." "...your what?"

🤎🦝 It takes a moment for Poe to realize what he just said. Once he does, he hides under the the blanket for ages. He refuses to come back out and speak to you for the rest of the day. He won't even eat! He's going to need lots of reassurance after such an embarrassing mishap!

Sigma

🤍🎰 Sigma doesn't really have a lot of time on his hands, being the manager of the casino and all. So, when he hears that you're sick, he has an existential crisis. Should he take care of you? Stay? What if he gets sick too? Can the casino run smoothly without him?

🤍🎰 Seeing how worried he is, some of the people working directly under him (I couldn't think of a good word, ok? Leave me alone-) convince him to go look after you. They can handle running the casino in his absence.

🤍🎰 Let's get one thing straight: Sigma is a fabulous caretaker. He just has the instinct for it, I guess. You'll be perfectly fine under his care. He gets you any medicine you need, cooks for you, does chores, and anything else you need. He has absurd multitasking skills, and will keep everything neat and orderly to ensure your speedy recovery.

🤍🎰 He is an absolute sucker for you, so you could probably get away with a lot while sick. You want him to read to you? On it. You want him to sing you to sleep? He'll try his best. He won't do anything that could get him sick, though, so no physical contact. Sorry, but he can't afford to get sick too.

🤍🎰 He is rigorous about keeping your stress to a minimum. He sets limits on who can visit you, how often they can visit, and for how long. He's like your nurse or something. You know Madam Pomfrey from the Harry Potter series? Yeah he's like that.

#bsd #bungo stray dogs #bsd x reader #bungo stray dogs x reader #bsd poe #bsd edgar allan poe #bsd edgar allen poe x reader #bsd poe x reader #bsd sigma #bungo stray dogs sigma #bsd sigma x reader #bungo stray dogs sigma x reader

[delusionalwings]

Hello! I saw your reqs open and was so excited, cuz I adore your writing!! So I'd like to make a rq! Headcanons, pls!

How would Beel, Barb, and either Mammon or Raphael react to their MC just accepting everything. Like they kidnapped them and forced them to love them and their different scenarios of being Yandere, but they just accept it and love them anyway!

― synopsis -> when you accept his yandere tendencies after he kidnaps you

― characters -> beelzebub, barbatos

― gender neutral reader

― headcanons

― warnings -> yandere content, kidnapping, toxic and problematic behavior, stockholm syndrome

― a/n -> i am happy that you enjoy my content ♡ i hope this is to your liking!

mammon version

BEELZEBUB

The kidnapping was the most amusing business. He approached you like it was any other day and offered to escort you back home. There was no reason to be suspicious since that was second nature to Beel. Even when he told you to take a different route because he had something to buy, you did not bat an eyelash. You thought that some new restaurant must have opened in the vicinity and he wanted to try the food there. When he stopped in front of a small cottage, you did not question him and went inside. The sound of the lock didn't bother you either. You were with your protector, the one who would save you from every harm, not someone who you could consider as a possible danger.

“Do you like this place, [Name]?” he asks after turning towards you, pocketing the key quickly.

That is the first time you look around, really look around with the intent to answer him.

“I think it's neat. I wouldn't mind living here with you,” you chuckle and tease playfully.

His stoic face softens, and a blush graces his cheeks.

His voice is laced with relief, “Hehe that's wonderful news because that's how it would be like from now on! I told Belphie that you would understand. I knew you would! I told Belphie that I wouldn't need to force you. I am so happy that I was right.”

“Understand what exactly?” you ask, blinking.

“That we will live here from now on. Belphie will come visit from time to time too,” he finishes a little uneasily. Was that doubt that he heard in your voice? But he thought you understand. You always understand what his family needs.

You need to understand that he kidnapped you for your own good. With all the attention and popularity, you could have fallen victim to some demon's ill will. Trust him. He knows demons better than you do.

He looks at you pleadingly.

You frown.

“Okay... I didn't know that it was in the plan. I thought we were going home.”

“Exactly. This is home. Our home. Nobody can come between us now. I can feed you, take care of you, carry you around and get your attention whenever I want. So this is home for me.”

You look at him and your chest feels warm. The idea that he just put in your mind doesn't seem too terrible. In fact, you would like Beel to take care of your needs.

You smile and put a hand on his arm, “Yes... I think you are right. This might be home.”

Beel smiles, “I knew you will understand. I am so glad that you understand! Now we must get this place ready to spend the night. I will treat you to some good food for dinner today hehe. This is what it will be like from now on.”

He sounds so dreamy that you kiss him on the cheek.

BARBATOS

He would have liked to proceed slowly. Even though he is greedy for you, he wanted to keep his darkness hidden longer. Maybe put a little distance between the you who thinks of him as a friend and the you who will come to hate him someday. That is how he expects it to turn out. Not that you should complain when he is going to give you a life where you won't have to lift a finger. All you should be concerned about is making him happy and you will be taken care of.

He truthfully doesn’t know exactly how you will react and he doesn’t want to find out using his powers either.

The situation keeps growing grim as your popularity increases in the Devildom. With his usual expressionless mask, he notices how lower demons muster up the courage to greet you, to hog up all your attention and time. Seeing others greedily enjoy your light and company when he can’t do so himself only makes him more firm to get you sooner rather than later.

There are very few things in his life that he has wanted as ardently as he desires you. So he acts.

His plan is carried out perfectly. Nobody in any of the realms knows where you are. Nobody expect Barbatos.

His absences during the period of your disappearance might be noticed so he doesn’t dare leave the Devildom to go meet you and suffices to spy on you from his room. It’s only when suspicions have shifted enough that he finally goes to visit you in person. By now, after watching you almost religiously daily, he has realised that you knew all there was to know.

“Do you know what this means, [Name]?” he asks after showing his face, approaching you slowly.

“Barbatos... Yes I was expecting you... We are going to always be together from now on,” you answer calmly. You register a little surprise but that’s all and by the looks of it, the emotion is triggered by his appearance rather than the entire... unpleasant affair of the kidnapping.

“Very good,” he says.

His face gives nothing away but his voice has a cautious undertone in it. The human he has set his heart on seems to be full of surprises. No wonder everyone was losing their minds over you, himself included.

He speaks again, “You know that I am a busy demon so if we are to be together all the time, you must be available for me whenever I get free time. You must always be ready to receive me. So how do you feel about it?”

You take a step closer to him, “I do not mind. I wish to know you better and be closer than we are now.”

“Is that so? Do you understand the gravity of the situation as you speak so innocently?” he moves towards you.

“I made my decision after thinking about it. I love you enough to want to be with you. I think my reason is innocent enough,” you smile and take another step towards him.

“If that is what you want. Remember that I do not take kindly when someone goes against their words,” he says darkly but lets you reach out to him.

#obey me #yandere #gender neutral reader #gender neutral mc #obey me yandere #forbidden path #male yandere #yandere scenarios #yandere headcanons #obey me beelzebub #obey me barbatos #yandere beelzebub #yandere barbatos #x mc #x reader #x you

[spidey-bie]

I actually don't do requests but since you asked so nicely (and I also already had this in my drafts for like the longest but I never finished it.)

Hobie x Black G/N Reader

TW: Physical Touch

Hobie Brown is a proud aroace relationship anarchist who's constantly sticking a middle finger up at amatonormativity. Idc idc.

You wanna have a qpr? Try and stop him. (Don't do that he's got Spidey strength.)

If or when you start living together you both either take turns cooking or you cook together.

(Also I feel like he can't bake for anything but his food is the bomb)

If you wanna share rooms he's cool with that.

If you want separate rooms he's cool with that too.

But either way y'all definitely have a big sleepover/movie night in the living room at least once a week.

"Mate, you just had to get in the car. You'd still be alive if you just used your head."

"Bie you know they had to kill the black guy first. It's a horror movie."

You hang out in the back stage during his shows and he takes you with him to go pub hopping afterwards.

You both infodump to one another. He can go off on tangents for hours about a lot of different things. Whether it's something political or just his favorite artists.

If you're not British then he teaches you British slang so you can understand what he's saying. (In turn you teach him some AAVE and y'all mess with Miles and Gwen by using both simultaneously.)

His love language is physical touch but not in like the traditional romantic sense. He's the type to just lay his entire body weight on you while your both lounging around. Or he'll drape himself up against you if your both standing.

If you don't like the word love he finds roundabout ways to tell you that he appreciates and cares for you. Or he just shows it via his actions.

Both of you go out on weekly outings together. (they're not dates because you aren't dating)

He either takes you to really obscure places or he sneaks you into his favorite artist's shows.

Let's you steal borrow his clothes. He knows if he's missing something he just has to go looking for you.

"Is that my jumper on your bed?" "If you mean our jumper then yes."

I just know that he knows where to find the best cheap hair products. (If you don't like to steal. Lame.)

I personally feel like he doesn't do much with his own hair. He got his locs installed one day and has just never touched it ever again but after hearing you lecture on about hair health he joins you on your wash days.

"I don't see why we have to feed into the idea of black hair being neat so that we can be palatable to those in power." He was leaning face first into the kitchen sink. "True. It doesn't have to be neat to be beautiful. But it at least has to be clean and watching you scratch makes me itch. Now close your eyes so i can rinse."

Edit: I modified the last one because I didn't agree with it anymore.

A/N: The autism won't let me hyperfocus on anything aside from Hobie at the moment. It's a curse but you don't hear me complaining lol. I looked into the difference between locs, dreads, and wicks for this and now I'm contemplating growing my hair out again.

#amatonormativity can suck my dick #ace hobie is here to stay #idc #i have never seen a man so aroace shaped #ace hobie #queerplatonic relationship #hobie x black!reader #hobie x black reader #hobie brown x black!reader #hobie brown x reader #hobie brown x black reader #hobie x reader #black reader #my bae [🎸] #hobie brown headcanons #aroace reader #jay and the spiders #aro hobie #cory writes

[inkyycapp]

Phasmophobia Au

Sally Face Edition

(Alt ! Au)

ft: sal, larry, travis (,ash, todd, and neil) tw: ghosts, murder, violence, demoniacs, weed, implied romance? i have never smoked weed can you tell? not beta read forgive me edit: it was beta read now yay a/n: i'm writing this up on my laptop rather than my phone, which i lost. anyways, feel free to request. this was heavily inspired by mark, bob, wade, (jack/sean) i also rewatched sally face fandub, it's pretty neat. you should watch it too. i added travis cause he's silly

after high school, after everything at the addison apartments, things you all knew you couldn't just leave the paranormal life behind. enrolling in collage, school went about the same. you moved in with your friends, and life was relatively normal.

normal.

you were laying on the wood floor, mind feeling a bit fuzzy. larry talking nonstop, sal sitting on the bed with his back against the wall. an odd silence filled the room, then larry spoke up.

"dudes, wait, wait, actually, hear me out on this one," larry slurred sitting up on the beanbag chair. "what if we like hunted ghost? ghostnabbers 'n shit." he waved his hands around dramatically. "larry, what. man, wait, what?" sal sat up as well. you turned your head to look over at larry not getting up from the floor. "just hear me out! like, i got this flyer from some dude talkin' about his ghost hunting job, showed me all his ghost tracking shit." larry stumbled to his feet, rushing to his desk dropping the flyer on your face. the paper covering your face for a moment before you grabbed it off, looking it over. in your high mind, this looked like the best idea that could have ever been said. "no way." you dragged yourself to your feet, plopping on sal's bed, showing him the flyer. sal looked it over as well. you were a group of unsupervised, high out of their mind, teens. of course, you were going to do it.

the others took some convincing, but they were in. it seemed it wasn't just you three that missed your paranormal fascination.

how you managed to get travis involved? he saw a flyer, thought it looked stupid. but, the more he looked at it, the more a strange fascination fell onto him. he knew ghosts were real, but actually searching for the things, solving their mysteries. he heard the ghost group talking about them, and tried not to eavesdrop, but couldn't help himself. (also, he heard you say it was pretty cool.) he called for the job and nailed it. now he has to deal with all of you and you all have to deal with him.

you, sal, larry, ash, and travis are usually inside the haunting grounds while todd, and neil stay in the truck, watching over and keeping equipment in check. they also often make sure you all get the objectives done. (you all refer to them as papa eagle. they share the title.)

"papa eagle, what're the objectives? over." "papa- what? over." (todd) "objectives are witness an event, capture ghost on film-" (neil)

(todd warms up to the title while neil owns it out the gate.)

(probably w/ travis) "why won't you listen to me, i already said the objectives are-" "cause you're not papa eagle." "papa huh-? i'm not calling todd or neil-" "papa eagle." "sorry, i'm not calling papa eagle- wait." "..." "..."

...

if you chose to partner with sal he always makes sure you got good equipment, doesn't want you to draw the short end of the stick. he cares very much.

while the idea sounded crazy at first, sal got into it after some convincing via you and larry. he nails the interview. he sees his friends did as well, and he's glad to have them onboard. though, when he sees travis is here, he had to do a double take. he's not opposed to it, just surprised. actually laughs, and nearly gets hit. larry, and ash wants to hit travis. you are the peacekeeper.

he's actually really good at this. he's had many experiences at the apartments, so the ghost violent attempts don't really phase him much.

sal likes to use the walkie even when he's in the same room as you, or anyone. finds it funny. everyone, but travis, join in.

"look, there's footprints, over." "roger, over." cue giggling. ...

"guys, you seein' this bullshit? over." "affirmative. over" "mhm, yeah. over." "i can practically smell it from here. over." "i wish i couldn't see it. over." "get off the line we're literally all in the same room. >:(" (travis) "buzz kill. over, and out." more giggling.

this man has no fear. will actively seek out the ghost, using the cursed objects. though not scared of them, he makes no room to provoke them. he's very chill with them. whether you're scared of them or not, sal's always sticking close to you just in case.

sal always ends up with a shit flashlight, or even a uv light to see. he always makes sure everyone has a good flashlight and ends up with the bad one. please help this guy. one time he got stuck with a candle. you made sure to keep close to him so he can share yours. he was very grateful.

sal has each ghost type, and behavior memorized, and actively adds to it, the twist is, they're memorized in such goofy ways.

"it's the one that can't touch the salt, finding no green stuff on the purple light, and it's talking to me over the ghost phone. over." "what- wait, huh? go again. over." "wraith, it's a wraith. over, and out."

he finds them all fascinating in honesty. if you share this interest, he tends to come to you with any, and all new information. enjoys talking to you about the kinds of ghosts and demons. you both like to take your ghostly conversations to todd, who also has everything memorized.

...

if you chose to partner with larry, i'll have you know larry is the instigator. this man will provoke, provoke, provoke. and will freak out when something goes wrong. he's really mellowed about it though. you, ash, and sal running in with the smudge sticks or a crucifix, trying to get the ghosts attention. travis is laughing over the walkie, todd and neil are watching in the van. he will make sure you're in the safe even when he's being stupid.

"harold wilson, harold wilson, harold wilson." "..." "..." "what a puss-" loud banging, chair is thrown but missed him. "haha. shit."

he's on a thin line between skeptic, and believer. he's always so surprised when the ghost shows themself, or if they give them evidence. he also just barley passed his interview. if it wasn't for all of you vouching for him, and being friends with the boss, he probably wouldn't have gotten the job.

larry hates mimics. hates how they give an extra piece of evidence and makes things difficult. literally calls them the try hard of the ghost community.

larry probably pulls pranks on everyone (travis). always dragging you into his pranks, sometimes pulling small one over you. larry just gets a good laugh at spooking everyone, claiming he's just "keeping you on your toes."

the ghost is always after him and travis. like, they always have it out for them. during ghost events, you could be standing right in front of it and the ghost would sidestep you and chase after them instead. everyone always pokes fun at it. secretly make sure to keep a crucifix on you at all times for him, just in case.

never leave larry alone with cursed items. he will use them without a second thought.

"and i pulled death." "you pulled what?" "death." "please, tell me you aren't using the cards." "..." "larry..." incoherent ghost noises

larry will bet on things. he would put money on what the ghost is. he will bet on chores, and such, and somehow, he always calls things. claims it's just luck, but after so many times everyone grows skeptical. he's always so lucky with the bets. probably the luckiest member out of the group.

larry is always throwing hands with travis. they can never, and i mean never be on the same page. the only time they are is during a hunt. you have to keep the peace.

...

if you chose travis, please be patient, he is trying. travis knows a lot about ghost, and the occult, but not about teamwork. at first, he will deny he needs a partner. it isn't until he gets the scare of his life, and you have to deter the ghost will he even consider it.

always cursing out the ghost once they are in some scary shit. he will go feral. please keep him in check.

ghost breaks the lightbulb above him "you piece of shi-" "travis, buddy, pal, friend, chum, i think it's hunting." "..." "..." "bitch."

travis keeps a tough front but will get anxious. he can deny it all he wants, but he sticks a bit closer to you, making sure to keep his flashlight on at all times, including in bright lights.

if it isn't larry getting targeted, it's him. can't explain the thought process. travis is always mumbling curses under his breath when the ghost is hunting. travis will claim he will use you as a human shield, but he doesn't. literally all his threats are empty threats. he will deny everything though. claims he didn't have the time, or something along those lines.

he oddly knows his stuff. very smart in this field of work, but 'hates' being praised for his knowledge. he brags a bit about it, only with you though.

you make travis open up a bit, he's nicer with everyone. you're not really scared of him, scolding him before he has a chance to say anything bad, or offensive to the group.

he doesn't join in any pranks, or walkie talkie jokes. he is the designated buzz kill. though, one time he did make a joke during an event. literally made you promise not to tell. blames all of you.

"make sure to take the picture of those bones. over." "wilco, taking picture now. over...wait"

always gets mad when your 'stupid' rubs off on him. but in all, he does want to make sure your safe. can't have your stupid get you in trouble, can he? he's stuck with you. (he actually isn't he just says he is cause he likes being your buddy.)

e/n: i only wrote for sal, larry, and travis cause it's going on 3am, and i'm eating shrimp stir-fry. i might do a part two, or something similar. thank you for reading :) (the beta reader is my brother{s} sue me) beta reader note: funni funni haha

#sally face x reader #sally face imagines #sally face headcanons #travis phelps x reader #sal fisher x reader #larry johnson x reader #sally face fandom #sally face fanfiction #phasmophobia #crossover fic

[queer-devil]

Drdt Incorrect Quotes

Warning: A lot of these are probably ooc but I was just having fun so yeah

All of these were made using quotes from https://perchance.org/incorrect-quote-generator, my favorite quote generator

Whit, barging in: Syphilis! 
Charles: 
Whit: 
Charles: Pardon?

David: Thank you all for coming. 
Xander, wearing a hospital gown: When I heard you couldn't get laid, I dropped everything and came straight here. 
David: Well, I couldn't imagine anyone else being part of the "Fuck David Task Force". 
Teruko: Yeah, I interpreted that in a different way.

Levi: Ace is mad at me, and I'm not sure why. 
Hu: Okay, did you talk before he got upset? 
Levi: ...yes? 
Hu: That's probably it.

Veronika: We all have our demons. 
Veronika, grabbing Arturo: This one’s mine.

Ace: FIGHT ME, YOU NERD ASS SLUT! 
Charles: At least try to sound slightly more sophisticated when you threaten someone. 
Ace: Oh, I'm sorry. I should ask; dost thou want to engage in a duel, my good bitch? 
Charles: Somehow that's worse.

Whit: Hey, babe, remember how I had to go to the pharmacy to pick up my ADHD meds? 
Charles: Yes? 
Whit: Well, it turns out they're all out for the next five days. 
Charles: Fuck. 
Whit: It's gonna be a fun week! 
Charles: I'm going to Teruko’s house. 
Whit: Nuh-uh. Through sickness and health, motherfucker.

Rose: Big day today, Nico. *holds up two shirts* Mustard stain or ketchup stain? 
Nico: Mustard– looks less like blood.

J: I'm going to get myself some soup. 
Veronika: Be careful not to burn yourself, it's hot. 
J: Pfft, I won't burn myself. 
*30 seconds later* 
J, entering the room: I burned myself.

Charles: You know, on second thought, gum would be perfection. 
Teruko: *Gives him a strange look and hands them a piece of gum* 
Charles: *Thinking* Gum would be perfection. Gum would be perfection. I could have said gum would be nice, could have said I'll have a stick. But no no no no no, for me, gum is perfection. I loathe myself.

Min: "29-34 Give a particular ecosystem and explain how could it be protected." 
Xander: Forests, stop cutting down trees and don't hold gender reveal parties anywhere near them.

Veronika: You know, I used to play back in my gory days. 
J: You mean glory days? 
Veronika: Ah, that too.

Veronika: Go ahead, Charles. Let it out, cry. If you don't, your tear ducts will get blocked up, and then when you get old, you won't be able to cry. 
Min: Just when we thought it was safe to let you back into the conversation.

Eden: What's worse than a heartbreak? 
Nico: Stepping on a cat's tail and not being able to explain that you're sorry.

Min: You can’t have a gun on stage! 
Veronika: WRONG AGAIN! I can have a gun, and I must have a gun, that’s the rule of Chekhov’s Gun: have a gun. And now that it’s been seen, I will have to shoot someone before the end of the play.

Eden: I'm so happy, I could kiss you! 
Teruko: Um...Neat. 
*later* 
Teruko, lying face down on her bed: I said "Neat," Xander. Who the fuck says neat these days? It's not neat to say neat but I said it anyways because I'm fucking stupid. 
Xander, reading a book: Don't beat yourself up too much, Teruko. Everyone gets nervous sometimes. Remember what I did when David confessed his love for me? 
Teruko: Didn't you thank him? 
Xander: *closes the book and looks at the ceiling* I fucking thanked him.

Whit: Adulting is hard. 
Whit: How do I quit? 
Eden: Time travel!
Veronika: Die.

Charles: I feel like doing something stupid. 
Whit: I’m stupid, do me.

Veronika: Teruko, what do you have? 
Teruko: A KNIFE! 
Veronika: Okay, have fu- 
J: NO!

Veronika: Between Teruko, Arei, David, and me -- if you had to -- who would you punch? 
Eden: No one! They're my friends. I wouldn't punch any of them. 
Veronika: David? 
Eden: Yeah, but I don't know why.

Charles: As a functional adult- 
Whit: *chuckles* 
Charles: … As a functional adult—

Eden: Where’s Veronika? 
Whit: Around. 
Eden: Around? 
Eden: You don’t have any idea, do you? 
Veronika, dropping down from above: Did you know there’s a space above the ceiling?

J, texting: Arei, will you please go to sleep? 
Arei, texting back: What makes you think you didn’t just wake me up? 
J, yelling: I CAN HEAR YOU CLAPPING TO THE FRIENDS THEME EVERY TWENTY MINUTES SHUT THE FUCK UP AND GO THE FUCK TO SLEEP! 
J, texting: Just a hunch :) You goin’ to sleep soon? 
Arei, texting: I’m trying 
J, yelling again: TRY HARDER I HAVE A 5:45 AM MEETING TOMORROW BITCH 
J, texting: Okay, don’t stay up too late or you’ll be cranky :)

Nico: I feel awful about killing you. 
Ace: 
Nico: Even though technically you never even died, so I don’t know what you’re bitching about.

Eden: Why can’t we all just get along? 
David: Because most of us are assholes, Eden.

#danganronpa #drdt #danganronpa despair time #whit young #charles cuevas #david cheim #xander matthews #teruko tawaki #levi fontana #hu jing #veronika grebenshchikova #arturo giles #ace markey #rose lacroix #nico hakobyan #j moreno #min jeung #eden tobisa #teruko x eden #xanvid #arei nageishi #teruden

[afterhourswjay]

Send help (for I don't know how to bake)

sooo, just figured I'd make a post about some of the genshin guys who I think would attempt baking, and how that attempt might go i'm a sucker for baking dates, so i'm making it y'alls problem too haha

characters: diluc, kaeya, arataki itto, wanderer, childe my requests are open. i'm also open to chatting, if you don't feel comfortable sending in a request :3 warnings: no warnings that i'm aware of

Diluc

while he's not the best at baking, but he's good enough where you could leave him unsupervised in the kitchen with the recipe

it isn't hard to persuade adalade to allow the both of you to borrow the kitchen for an afternoon

she's aware that the two of you a proficient enough to not burn house down

you two kinda just bake whenever you guys feel like it, no need to have any sort of special occasion to do so

so, what do you two make? an apple pie

something simple, yet tastes so good when done right

the kitchen does end up getting a bit dirty because you two decided to throw flour at each other all in good fun, lol

since the two of you finish early, you decide to make some dinner as well

this was your idea, as you think it'd be a neat way to thank adalade for allowing you two to steal borrow the kitchen for a while

diluc finds himself frequently looking over at you, finding your focused expressions to be rather cute

when the two of you are close to finishing making everything, he can't help but to lean over and press a soft kiss to your cheek

'your so cute when your focused on a task' is the only answer your given when you ask him why he did that

Kaeya

kaeya absolutely loves baking, and is actually much better at it than you. you both are equally talented when it comes to decorating cakes n cookies n stuff

while you don't mind baking, you much prefer cooking. sweets aren't particularly your most favorite thing in the world

kaeya loves baking for special occasions the most. he loves being able to make a cake, a pie, or a plate of cookies, gift it to a friend or fellow knight, and watch how their face changes with the experience

he finds it kinda funny how sad some people get when it comes to eating a particularly intricately designed cake that the both of you worked really hard to make

usually there wasn't much resistance from them, after all. you have a kamera, and are able to immortalize the design forever

you often take the pictures as not only are your hands steadier, but the kamera is also yours. he'd feel awful if he accidentally messed the device up some how

one of the times you allowed him to learn how to use it, he really liked taking pictures of you

the best one had been of you gazing down at the cake that the two of you recently finished decorating

you hear the shutter go off and you turn to look at kaeya with a slightly puzzled expression

you grin at him, chuckling lightly as you lean forward and place a chaste kiss to his lips

Arataki Itto

this guy, this oni

he cannot cook and he cannot bake :(

he does, however, enjoy hanging out with you as you cook and bake away

he's a big fan of anything you decide to make

feel like baking a cake? cool, please let him have the first slice

feel like roasting up a chicken? save him a leg please!!

while he isn't capable of cooking/baking on his own, he is down for learning

don't be offended if he tries to put his own spin on your instructions, tho

the first thing he learns to do is successfully roast a lavender melon without burning it to a crisp

he has the biggest, brightest smile on his face anytime he manages to make something with minimal help from you

if he had a tail, it'd be wagging a million miles an hour oh no, he's taking off :0

his positivity is infectious, thats for sure

you often find yourself with a sore face from smiling and laughing for a while after the two of you part ways after your hangouts

Wanderer

he doesn't like sweets, so he doesn't even bother learning how to how to bake

he won't admit it, but he loves seeing the look of excitement on your face when he claims to have made far too much food for simply himself don't listen to his lies, he loves making sure your fed

when he realizes you enjoy sweets, he suddenly has an interest in baking. he claims to want to try one of all desserts in existence, just to see if he really doesn't like them

the liar literally just wants to be able to make your favorite foods

he's a gift giver at heart and what's more practical then food?

well... desserts aren't really practical

but you deserve a treat every now and then for all the stuff your helping him through

y'all literally live through an enemies to strangers to best friends arc loool, its all fun and games till someone catches feelings

you two are practically attached at the hip

that said, you don't enjoy cooking or baking w him because he's always flicking the dish water off his fingers at you

he doesn't do it often cuz you retaliate by biting him

there's nothing you do that he isn't at least somewhat aware of

he says take the food and you say have the spare room in my home

he actually got angry at you for that but stopped when he realized you literally weren't going to budge an inch

Childe/Tartaglia

this guy has a handful of siblings, so he obviously knows some dishes to cook or bake

that said, he isn't home often, and he doesn't really cook when he's not in snezhnaya

when you two aren't sparing with each other, nor busy with your other obligations, you teach him all you know about cooking and baking

and archons, do you know a lot

all your free time is generally geared towards practicing decorating cakes and trying to get the pie-crust leaves to look perfect before being baked

so to say your good at decorating your desserts would be an understatement

childe seems to pick up real fast, tho

which is cool... tho, his cursive could be a bit better

he genuinely enjoys hanging out with you to the point that he's showing up at your doorstep, ready to hang out, after pretty much all his missions

the problem? he's usually still bleeding and got blood and grime all over him

you simply huff and puff at him, but it doesn't take long for you to start cleaning up his wounds and making sure that their properly bandaged

soon after that, you tell childe that he should just keep spare clothes in the guest room of your home

its not like you use that room

and he basically lives here already, when he's not gone for months at a time wherever he goes

your aware of him being a harbinger, but he doesn't want to paint a metaphorical target on your back, so that's pretty much all you know

#jays thoughts #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact x gender neutral reader #diluc x reader #kaeya x reader #arataki itto x reader #wanderer x reader #tartaglia x reader #jay chats about genshin impact #jay squawks

[little-aster]

hi love! hopefully your reqs are open but if not ignore this 😭

but I had this idea where cg!eddie x little!reader are hanging out around in his trailer (or something like that), and then pretty much everyone in the hellfire club waltz in because they were supposed to play - which eddie forgot about cause he was caring for the reader.

basically, everyone is confused, the reader is confused and shy, hiding behind eddie; stuff like that. eddie explains the situation then and everyone's like "ohhh"

sorry if this is too specific! have a lovely day 🥺

OKAY so uhm, thank you for requesting!! Also I'm so sorry this took so long to get out. Alsooo this is pretty bad towards the end because i didn't exactly know how to continue it well enough?? I severely apologize for that. But i am now finishing my requests! 💕

Eddie Munson x Little!Reader

*•°•*•°•*•°•*•°•*•°•*•°•*•°•*•°•*•°•*•°•*

Eddie and you were sitting on the couch together, watching some movie that in all honesty, you weren't even paying attention to. You were sitting in his lap, playing with his hair and giggling. He had his hands on your sides, smiling like an idiot.

You had his hair in four different ponytails. At this point, it was probably more tangled than it already was. But Eddie couldn't find it in himself to tell you to stop – not when you looked so happy, smiling like a kid who got candy before dinner. And honestly, you probably did.

If Eddie had been paying attention to the time, he would've remembered that the Hellfire Club were coming over to his trailer to play this time around. But he wasn't paying attention, he was having too much fun with you.

"Daddy, need more ties!" You giggle out as you hop out of his lap. You rush to the bathroom, looking for more hair ties.

While Eddie was waiting for you, he heard his door being opened, followed by a lot of ruckus. He looked up and saw the club members walking in, Dustin arguing with Mike over something stupid.

After everyone stormed in, Gareth let out a laugh. One of those laughs that make your stomach hurt. One of those laughs that leave tears in your eyes.

"Eddie, dude, what's going on with your hair?"

Right after that question, you come walking back with hair ties in your hands. "DADDY I FOUND-" you started, but froze once you saw the amount of people in the room. You rushed over to where Eddie was sitting, curling into his side, trying to hide away, whimpering, your little brain already thinking the worst.

"Will they judge me?? Do i look silly??" Is what your brain told you.

Eddie chuckled lightly, slowly pulling you into his lap, rubbing your back. "it's alright baby, they won't judge you."

You let out another whimper in response. "Soo…what's happening?" Mike had asked, most – if not all – of the kids watching in confusion.

Eddie looked over at them, smiling. "little space." Was all he said, like it would clear up everything. Instead, it caused tilted heads and sounds of confusion.

Eddie sighed and explained what it was, adding a bit of attitude like it was the most obvious thing ever.

That's what caused the sound of multiple different "oh"'s

Meanwhile, you had been sitting in his lap with your head in his chest, refusing to look up. You couldn't. You knew that if you did, you would burst into tears. It was too embarrassing for you. You didn't want to be made fun of by them.

But it seemed like everyone was okay with it.

You could hear movement around you. It was the boys sitting in places like the floor or the small space the couch had to offer.

Eddie whispers towards you "they won't judge you sweetheart. You can stop hiding, you're okay." Very slowly, you rose your head, turning towards the group. You gave a slight wave, still feeling embarrassed.

They all seemed to be content with the situation. That eases you up a bit. "I think it's pretty neat!" is what Jeff exclaims. That made you smile.

"No need to be nervous. Just like I said, fairy." Eddie smiles. You finally slide out of Eddie's lap, a small smile on your face.

"I like what you did to Eddie's hair," Gareth grins. You giggle, "I made him look pretty!"

That caused some chuckles from the group, while you held a proud smile. "Maybe you should let me help next time."

You nod happily, Eddie frowning behind you at the boy.

Then that's when Eddie got an idea, whispering something in your ear.

It made you gasp, and walk up to Gareth. He gave a sound of confusion. "want one too, gare??" You smile. "nononono, thanks fairy" he chuckles nervously.

But you wouldn't listen. You began taking his hair, playing with it, planning to give him a new style.

While the group did their game, you were content just doing hair and talking their heads off.

They could definitely get used to it.

#littlenadii 💜 #little!reader #little space #agere little #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson x little!reader #eddie munson

[autisticempathydaemon]

this took too much unnecessary courage to send haha </3

What song are you fixated on at the moment? What lyric or verse, and why?

- A loving feeling by Mitski ( Holding hands under a table Meeting up in your bedroom Making love to other people Telling each other it's all good )

What is your Enneagram type?

- INTP 5w4 !

Do you love gargantuan Youtube video essays, and if so, which is your favorite and why?

- I do<3 i just like space things in general, I find it neat!!

Tell me about your childhood imaginary friend.

- didn't have one, I spent most of my childhood people watching and watching stuff on the TV

What is your go-to way to fall asleep?

- hugging a spare pillow next to my dog :) (i love my dog)

If you had to change your name, what would it be, and why? (In tandem, if you have changed your name, why did you pick that one?)

- I changed my name because it felt nice when people ( my friends ) referred to me as it and made me feel more comfortable with who i am in general !!

What is your favorite of Redacted’s audios, and why?

- I love all of them but if I had to pick I think I'd have to go with Huxley and Damien's valenweek 2024 audio. I could feel my stomach turning throughout and falling into the vulnerability, seeing the misunderstanding playing out. When there is so much love, so much love for one another, one's insecurities can rear its ugly head so loudly</3

What Redacted boy holds no appeal to you, and why? Like, not the one you hate but the one who you don't get the hype for. (I won't judge, I promise.)

- im so sorry but i just dont get the hype wit vega n blake.

Tell me about that one book/movie/tv show you know all the words to.

-.. im not into any of those 😭 I get overwhelmed when I use my eyes too much so I just stick with Audiobooks, podcasts, etc (OUUUU I LOVE THE MAGNUS ARCHIVES SO MU)

Which Redacted boy are you platonically attracted to? Like- forget dating, which dude do you want to be your best friend?

- Caelum. I wanna give him the biggest hug I could ever muster. I wanna draw pictures with Caelum. I wanna make friendship bracelets with Caelum. I WANT CAELUM AS MY BFF 😓

Do you have a go-to thing you ramble about when you’re tired, and if so, what is it? (For example, my boyfriend knows I’m ready to sleep when I start talking about space.)

- I don't talk when I'm tired, I just go completely nonverbal and just lay in my bed with no lights on until i doze off !!

Tell me about your favorite playlist at the moment.

- it's just a mix of my favorite artists and music that make my brain feel fuzzy:3 (mitski, cas, matt maltese, david bowie, TV girl, msi, the rare occasions, etc)

What’s your guilty pleasure media, and why?

- horror movies (found films). Specifically 'As Above, So Below'. The movie is SO good but it'll keep me awake all night</3

So there’s quite a few reasons I like this match, but two of the most compelling to me are your Enneagram and INTP. The Logician/Philosopher combo makes you a good fit for Avior.

These personality types give me the impression of someone introverted with a curious and unique nature who thinks more than they necessarily say; this would intrigue Avior. I think once he gets to know you, he’d really love to hear all your thoughts and talk with you, and find out what’s going on up in your head. Yet, your chipper nature is a pleasant contrast to his more sardonic, sarcastic temperament. You’d lighten him up and make him smile.

Even in your weird, little Aligherian prison, I think y’all would get along and have fun in your own ways. You’re a big fan of space; who better to tell you about it than a member of a magical species all named after stars? He could show you another section of the cosmos every night. When out of hell, you could have the opportunity to show him things instead. I’m personally delighted by the idea of Avior enjoying The Magnus Archives, so I will not let this headcanon go for anything. (I think he enjoys the metatextual nature of the Fears and hilariously relates to Jon and Martin in Season 5 iykyk)

Song:

There's nothing you or I can do so let the stars fall/ 'Cause from up here the sky's my thoughts and we're all so small/ We're all so/ My heart and the earth share the same rule/ It starts with love and it ends with you/ But don't go outside, it's dangerous tonight/ Without me right here by your side

I can’t quite pin down Avior’s music taste, I’ll admit, but you strike me as a possible Cavetown fan, so I hope you like this pick. I just couldn’t resist a sweet, cute love song titled Meteor Shower for you two, you know? It gives hopeful vibes, like the two of you knowing you’ll make it out and dreaming of that coffeeshop.

Runner-ups:

David is a runner-up for you, because your personality Types lowkey give Introverted Angel, you feel? David would like that, buuuut I want someone nicer and Space-aligned for you, so not him. Ivan is my favorite runner-up for you because you would be his type and because the two of you being horror buffs together is a very fun, silly idea to me.

note: I hope you enjoy your match-up 💜

Read this post and send me an ask if you’d like a match-up of your own! 💌

#redactedasmr #redactedverse #redacted asmr #redactedaudio #redacted audio #redacted #busybee matches

[more-than-tender-curiosity]

🎥 with og Ghosting

Well it’s right there in the title I guess worjeodjdi

Ghosting by Mother Mother, the song the fic is based on, though probably edited a lot differently. Slower, maybe just one voice rather than the whole band.

I've been ghosting, I've been ghosting along

Ghost in your house, ghost in your arms

When you're tossing, when you turn in your sleep

It's because I'm ghosting your dreams

And this is why I have decided

To pull these old white sheets from my head

I'll leave them folded neat and tidy

So that you'll know I'm out of hiding

I've been ghosting, I've been ghosting along

Ghost in the world, ghost with no home

I remember, I remember the days

When I'd make you oh-so afraid

And this is why I have decided

To leave your house and home un-haunted

You don't need poltergeists for sidekicks

You don't need treats

And you don't need tricks

You don't need treats

You don't need tricks

You don't need no Halloween

You don't need treats

You don't need tricks

And you don't need me

Me

Hey, would it be so bad if I stayed

I'm just a ghost out of his grave

And I can't make love in my grave

I won't put white into your hair

I won't make noises in your stairs

I will be kind and I'll be sweet

If you stop staring straight through me

And this is why I have decided

To pull these old white sheets from my head

I'll leave them folded neat and tidy

So that you'll know I'm out of hiding

And this is why I have decided

To leave your house and home un-haunted

You don't need poltergeists for sidekicks

You don't need treats

And you don't need tricks

You don't need treats

You don't need tricks

You don't need no Halloween

You don't need treats

You don't need tricks

You don't need treats

You don't need no Hallows Eve

You don't need treats

You don't need tricks

And you don't need me

————

I originally had the idea for a natsby ghost story but didn’t have much planned for it—all I had was the image of the green light swinging around to illuminate Jay’s silhouette but when the light faded and it was just starlight, he wouldn’t be there. Just an empty jay-shaped space.

Then I heard this song. It races right alongside the plot of the story—from both perspectives! Both of them feeling invisible and lost without the other. Both of them wanting to dig their heels in and ‘stay’, be it in the time when Jay was still here or in the closet or in misery or on this plane in general or in the idea that Daisy was still the end goal. Both of them realizing that they both have what they need to move on—Jay has realized that he can let people go and be happy, and Nick has realized his only chance for happiness is to live in the pressnt and look forward to the future (and the only way to do this was to accept himself and let jay go, since jay was really just this manifestation of all his own missed opportunities).

#the great gatsby #jay gatsby #nick carraway #natsby #ghosting