#these were all my fav shots in the movie <3 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

citrusrei · 1 year

Text

In Every Lifetime.

Joel Miller x Reader MDNI 18+ Summary You fell for a man before the world went to hell. Nearly 20 years later, he’s there again in a different lifetime. Genre: a lil angst if you look at it right, Smut, fluff TLOU!Universe Word Count: 10.7k Warnings: Post-Outbreak!Joel, aggressive situations, a couple of hasslers, smut (piv ~unprotected~, fingering, hand jobs, creampies (again), slight breeding kink maybe? vocal dirty joel, mutual masturbation), age gap (14 years, joel is older duhh) lots of good Ol’ soft Joel, slightly possessive joel (again cause i love him), insecure joel :( happy ending cause my heart couldn’t take a sad one *please imagine whichever Joel you’d like whether it’s pedro’s or videogame joel cause I pictured both at certain points.*

AN: This is truly one of my fav things I’ve ever written lol Joel is so babygirl in it i’m crine. also this can be read as a one shot if u haven’t read the first one~ (but read the first one hehe)

pt. 1

listen to these as you read~

Life after the apocalypse was nothing anyone could have anticipated. Before the outbreak, you’d seen countless movies about zombies or the undead, or infected. But this was different. It wasn’t a virus, or a bio-weapon used to control the population. A fungus. A fungus that just so happened to mutate and create this global panic.

The night it happened you were with a friend of yours testing out a new club downtown. Everything was great. The drinks were cheap and tasty, the music was amazing, the vibe was just immaculate. You and your friend Holly danced, drank, and sang the night away. A little before 11:00pm is when things got strange. The music changed, slower now. Holly asked if you wanted another drink to which you declined, but followed her to the bar anyways.

“Another sex on the beach please!” she urged.

“You’re addicted to those, ya know?” You laughed, shaking your head.

She laughed with you, “I am not! They’re just so delicious I can’t help myself.”

As the bartender handed Holly her drink, you sent Joel a quick text asking him how his birthday was. You’d been taking things slow since the night you and him finally hooked up. He had admitted his feelings for you and you were right there with him. The both of you decided to give each other a shot. You had wanted to see him today but he had told you he was working a double and wouldn’t be home until late so you had planned something with him later in the week.

- 10:45pm Joel <3: Got home a couple hours ago. Sarah wanted to watch a movie and knocked out. Lil girl can’t run with the big dogs.

- 10:45pm Me: lol hopefully she got to see at least a bit of it! Holly dragged me to this club tonight and I’m kind of over it. Would rather be in bed with you rn 😉

- 10:46pm Joel <3: You got no idea how much I'd like that bout now darlin. You got me all weekend.

- 10:46pm Me: You better promise me that, Joel Miller!

- 10:46pm Joel <3: Promise.

- 10:49pm Joel <3: Tommy just called me. He’s in the county jail. I gotta go get him... text you in a bit.

- 10:51pm Me: You’re kidding...... jesus Tommy. But ok. Text me once you get him. Talk soon <3

You slid your phone into your bra and sighed, not surprised that Tommy found himself in a predicament like that. He was so headstrong and stubborn. You wondered what had happened to him.

“Everything okay?” Holly asked. You nodded but still you were unsure. Your eyes floated to a couple on the dance floor as your eyebrows knitted together. The woman began to twitch, her limbs snapping in different, odd directions. It continued a moment. People around her began to notice and step away, creating a circle around her. The man she was with held on to her as an attempt to keep her steady. She fell to the ground, her body still moving slightly. As this happened, the man pulled his cellphone out, most likely trying to call 911. In the blink of an eye, she rose to her feet, jumping on to the man in front of her and sinking her teeth into his neck. It physically startled you as you latched onto Holly’s arm. “We need to leave.” You said, eyes never leaving the woman, the crowd now starting to panic. People dispersed in a matter of moments. You could see someone trying to pry the woman off the man who laid what looked to be lifeless on the ground. That person suffered the same fate. She was on him in an instant.

Holly looked around and realized what was going on before pushing you towards the door. Once outside, everyone was scrambling. And not just people from the club but the man across the street, locking his bail bond business up or people fleeing from a nearby diner a few doors down. It was mania. Your heart was pounding in your chest as you looked around a moment, not exactly sure where to go or what to do.

C’mon, ___! We gotta get to my car!” You followed Holly down the street to where she had her car parked when suddenly a horde of people ran by, being chased by what seemed to be someone covered in blood. Mucous and viscera gargled from his mouth as the sounds echoed through the street. The man dove to an older woman in front of him and began his attack. Holly screamed at the event which cause the man to turn his attention to her. He swung his arm out for her, grabbing her wrist and pulling her forward. You leapt into action, grabbing her body and pulling her back to you with such force, you could feel her back pop.

“Come on, run!” You screamed. The two of you sprinted to her car, not even minding the fact that both your heels had broken off in the process. She started the ignition and sped off, driving anywhere besides here.

“What the fuck is happening?!” She yelled, checking her rearview mirror to make sure no one was following.

“I’m not sure. I need to call Joel.” You pulled your phone out and dialed his number, but it went straight to voicemail. “Fuck!” You called a few more people, Tommy, your mom, your sister. No one answered.

“I gotta get home, ___. My-My son... I left him with the babysitter.” Holly cried, tears flowing now as she thought of all the possibilities of what could be happening to her child.

“Okay- It’s okay. We’ll go get him.”

You and Holly sped to her home, not minding the speed limit as literally no one was. You both got to her house without a hitch, thankfully. However, upon arriving you noticed the door was wide open. Holly’s eyes widened.

“Stay here. I’m going to go in.” She breathed, shaking so bad she could barely unbuckle her seatbelt.

You nodded, checking your phone again and seeing you had a missed call from Tommy. You called him back immediately. It rang once, “Tommy! Hello? Can you hear me?”

“___! I can hear you but barely.” He was staticky. The call was barely hanging on. “Where are you? Are you safe?”

Tears began to prick your eyes as he spoke, his voice comforting you. “Yeah, I’m okay. I’m with Holly. We’re getting her son. What is happening? Are you with Joel? Is Sarah okay?”

Tommy sighed, “I’m not sure. It’s a mad house. Av-oid downtown bu-t drive west. We’re over that w-ay. I was with Joel and Sarah b-ut I got sep-arate-d. Meet us p-ast the theater o-n the west side, okay? I got to g-” Suddenly the call dropped, showing no signal. At the same time Holly ran out with her son RJ in her arms. She set him in the back seat and jumped into hers, her tires squealing as she backed out of her drive way. Just as she pulled out, the babysitter came running out of her front door, growling animalistically. Your eyes flashed from her to RJ, checking for any wounds which you found none. He was bawling, completely terrified.

“Hey, Tommy said drive to the west side past the theater and we can meet them there!” You said, climbing into the back seat to comfort RJ. You cradled the 2-year-old and hushed his sobs. He clung to you for dear life as you rocked him back and forth. You drove just outside of Austin, avoiding the mobs of people. Many people had the same idea as you but the flow of traffic stayed decent, only stopping every so often. The three of you rode in silence until a blockade came into view. It looked like the military was stopping people and directing them east. The exact opposite of where you needed to go. As Holly pulled up to the officers, they signaled her to roll her window down.

“How many in the car?” he asked, shining his flashlight in the vehicle.

“Just us three.” She answered.

He nodded, typing something on a tablet he held, “Okay, head east 15 minutes from here. There’s a larger Military presence over there and they’re taking survivors. I’ll add 2 women and a child to the list so they know you are coming.”

“No-No, we need to head west! We have people we need to meet!” You said quickly. The officer scowled and shined his light back to you and RJ who had calmed down into sniffles.

“Sorry ma’am but you can only go east. West side of Austin is under lockdown and no one can leave or enter. You go east.” He finished, walking to the car behind us.

You set RJ down next to you, buckling him in before returning to the front seat. “We need to find Joel and Tommy. We can’t go East.”

Holly shook her head, turning her tear-soaked cheeks to you. “No, we’re going east. I have RJ to think of, ___. If Joel and Tommy are smart, they’re already there waiting for you.” You sighed, defeatedly. She was right. The Miller brothers were very resourceful. It was a possibility. Maybe they were already at the safe zone. Same with your family. You nodded, your heart twisting in your chest as you agreed with her and then you were off.

It was a 15-minute drive but you could see the lights and helicopters before you even got there. It was massive and there were hundreds of people and tents popped up everywhere. It would be forever before you found anyone. The officers let you all in, setting you and Holly into a medical tent with a few other people. RJ slept in his mother's arms as the Doctors and Soldiers came in and out of each tent. Your leg bounced with anxiety. You glanced around the tent and around the area in general. People sobbed and cried and yelled, asking where their loved ones were, or what was going on, and saying they wanted to go home. You couldn’t help but to agree. You wanted nothing more than to go home and go to sleep and wake up and have this all be dream.

Some time passed before the fedra soldiers came back with water and blankets. They said they were transporting people to quarantine zones as soon as possible. You wanted to fight back and say you had people to find, but everyone was saying that. So you sat and obliged.

Finally, the doctors made their way into your tent, checking on the other habitants first. They did a full body check on the young girl sitting on the cot. She was clean. Next was the mother, she didn’t speak any English. She cried to the doctor, “Por favor, doctor. No estoy enfermo. Quiero irme a la casa.” The doctor just looked at her, checking her body over anyways. She cried and cried and your heart broke for her. It made you sick. You wanted to go home too, desperately. You wanted your mom or your sister. Or Joel. The doctor finished his search and nodded to the soldier. The soldier came over to the woman and dragged her away. Her daughter screamed on the cot as they subdued her. You couldn’t look anymore, it hurt too much. You averted your gaze back to Holly and RJ who was awake now, rambling in her arms. She raised her hand to wipe the hair out of his eyes, and that’s when you saw it. Your eyes widened as you noticed the three scratch marks on her wrist.

Present Day. It was fall now. Mid-October. The cold decided to make an early appearance and you were thankful for the older couple you’d stumbled upon a few weeks ago. They’d stocked you up with a good amount of food and a thick winter coat. The old man had been saying it was going to be a Winter with a sharp bite and offered you the jacket. Who were you to deny an old man and his wisdom? They let you stay there a couple days. Maybe they had been too trusting. You could have easily killed them while they slept a few doors down from you. You’d even thought about it. They had plenty of food and a barn with a couple cows and chickens. You could just take it if you had really wanted to. You hated that those were thoughts you had. They were showing you such kindness and trust, hell, the older woman even baked you a pie. A fresh baked pie?! It had been probably 20 years since you’d had one of those.

The course of the last 20 years moved in a blur. From you being split from anyone you’d known and sent to a QZ in Illinois, to that said QZ being destroyed by fireflies only 5 years of being there. You’ve had to do horrible, heinous things to survive; which you hated yourself for. You searched and searched for anyone familiar. Someone you’d gone to school with, babysat, or maybe a neighbor. Anyone. And that never happened.

As you scrambled for a place to find shelter, dark storm clouds rolled in, bringing a late fall storm. The trees all shades of burnt sienna and burgundy as their leaves fell to the ground, leaving the smell of their decay lingering in the air. It was a comfort to you. You’d always been a fall type of person and being out here in Wyoming, it was almost magical. You adored the whip of the wind across your skin as the air became colder, a few drops of rain kissing your cheeks. In the distance, you could see a small shack, clearly (hopefully) abandoned. You trudged on forth, minding the ache in your knees. You’d been walking for a while now, and you definitely weren’t 22 anymore.

As the shack came into a better view, the rain began falling harder. You picked up speed, not wanting to be completely soaked and thankfully mother nature allowed you to reach your destination before it really pelted down. Once inside you looked around and no surprise, it was empty. It was a small, dusty home. Only having a living area, kitchen and bathroom with a bedroom off to the side. You sat your backpack and rifle on the couch as you sat next to it, reclining and stretching into the cushion. You were so comfortable as you listened to the rain patter against the roof. The room was dark and cold, you couldn’t help but close your eyes and drift off for a bit.

You weren’t sure how much time had passed, but when you woke up it was still raining. You stretched, shaking off any remaining drowsiness but when you went to reach for your backpack a gun cocked at the back of your head. You froze, raising your hands in compliance.

“Stay fucking still.” The voice said. You blinked, annoyed with yourself that you let your guard down. “Don’t plan on going anywhere.” You retorted.

You sat there a few moments before another voice spoke, “Hey, kid! What are you doing?” The gun’s nozzle stayed firmly planted against your skull, “She was in here asleep! I was getting the upper hand!” The other person came up to your assailant and pushed the gun away before stepping in front of you, hand at her gun on her hip.

“Who are you?” She asked. She was average height, darker skin tone and had these beautiful braids in her hair. She seemed a bit younger than you but had to have been in her mid to late thirties.

“Doesn’t matter, I’m just passing by.” You sighed, not really in the mood for an interrogation. I mean, you’d just woken up.

“Why are you in the area?” she asked, probing further. The other person, a young girl, went to stand next to her, eyes locked tightly onto you. Did you really come off as that threatening? The girl had to have been 13-14 no older than that. Maybe 15. You couldn’t really tell.

“I told you. Just passing by.”

“Maria, she doesn’t really look like much of a threat...” The younger girl hushed. The older woman, now known as Maria, sighed. “What’s your name?”

“If I tell you, will you let me leave?” You asked, your annoyance increasing.

“It’s pouring still. You want to leave in the middle of a storm?” The younger one remarked.

You sighed, “It’s ___. My name is ___. I don’t have any intention of hurting or robbing or killing any of you. Just needed a place to stay while it rained. Is this your place? I didn’t mean to intrude.”

Maria shook her head. “No, it’s not. We were out on a hunt and it started pouring. Saw this place and had the same idea as you, I suppose.” Maria relaxed, removing her hand from her hip and settling down on a chair opposite from you. “I’m Maria. This is Ellie.”

Ellie scoffed, “Maria! We could have used fake names!” You smiled softly, loving the kick-back. Maria just shrugged, relaxing further into her chair. “Where you from, ___?”

Your eyebrow quirked as you thought of an answer, “Good question. Kind of everywhere. Midwest originally. Stayed in the Chicago QZ after the outbreak. Didn’t last long. Been traveling since.” Which was mostly true. You were in Texas of course for a while, and there had been groups you stayed with since the QZ fell, but none of them worked out in the end.

“Why Wyoming now?” She pondered.

“Well, just kind of found myself here. Was with a few people and that ended. Now? Well...”

“What happened to them?” Ellie asked.

“Doesn’t matter. Looks like the rain is letting up. Am I free to go?”

Maria sighed as she hesitated for a moment. Ellie watched her intently not quite sure where she was going. After some time, Maria spoke. “Alright. You can go if you’d like. Want to follow us though? We have a town a bit north from here. Could set you up a place to stay for a few nights, get you some food, a shower...?”

“A shower?” You asked incredulously. It’d been so long since you’d had a proper bath and you knew you needed one desperately.

She chuckled, nodding.

“A hot shower too!” Ellie chimed in.

You hesitated a moment, weighing your options. One, you could go and have an amazing shower and meal and sleep in a safe place... maybe even on a bed. Or two, it was a trap and they were going to sell you off or maybe even kill you and cook you. If it were the latter, they probably would have killed you by now, so you decided. Fuck it.

“You have a deal.”

You followed Maria and Ellie a few miles until a rather large town came into view. You could see the area had power as the sun had begun to set. Lights twinkled throughout the homes and your heart almost got caught in your throat. “You guys have electricity?”

Maria nodded, “Yep. We have a dam nearby that give us power and stuff.”

You all walked a bit more before finally reaching the town. It was massive considering things. As you approached the guarded gate, you could hear people chattering and kids laughing. What were you about to get yourself into?

Maria raised her hand at the guard who stood at his post, signaling for them to open the gate. As they did, a man rushed to Maria’s side pulling her into a tight hug. You didn’t pay much attention to it as you peered into the town, eyes wide.

“Where have you been? It’s been hours! I was worried sick!” He spoke. Maria rolled her eyes, “I don’t know if you knew this but it was raining cats and dogs about an hour ago? Ellie and I found a little shack and waited it out. We found her too.” She said, pointing towards you.

Your attention was brought back to Maria and as you looked to the man in front of her, your eyes widened even further. His face matched yours as you both stared at each other.

“T-Tommy...? No fucking way.” You stood there like you’d seen a ghost. Tears pricked your eyes and you blinked them away immediately, scared that if you looked away, he’d disappear. Tommy rushed to you, pulling you into a tight hug, squeezing the air out of your lungs. You clung back to him, letting the tears fall freely.

“___… I can’t believe it.” He breathed into the side of your head, bringing his hand up to your hair.

“I’m guessing you know each other?” Ellie asked.

The two of you embraced a moment longer before he let go of you, keeping you at arm's length. “What... where... I can’t even formulate a sentence right now.” He said, tears of his own stinging the corners of his eyes. You laughed, biting back more tears that dared to spill, “I’m in the same boat, Miller. It’s been so long.”

Your heart was pounding as you reunited with your former friend, just stuck in a state of shock that after all these years, you’d run into someone like Tommy Miller. What are the odds?

“This your place, Tommy?”

He nodded, “Yeah, Maria and I oversee things for the most part. Come on, let’s get some food in ya.”

You followed Tommy, Maria, and Ellie through the town until you reached the mess hall in the middle of it. As you walked through the streets, people greeted Tommy and Maria. They were doing their duties or relaxed on their porches, enjoying their space. Enjoying their life. Their guards totally let down. It was a sight to see. Children played with each other, splashing in the fresh rain puddles and chasing each other down in a game of tag. It was almost unreal.

The four of you entered the mess hall, the smell of fresh cooked food entering your nostrils. You’d been living off canned beans and peas for the past few weeks so your stomach was instantly rumbling. Tommy sat you at a table while he went and grabbed you a bowl of chili and bread. You could have cried as you ate your first bite; it was hot and fresh. “Is it good?” he laughed. All you could do was nod, stuffing your mouth with another spoonful.

After you ate, Tommy and you caught up to date as best as you could. Ellie and Maria had wandered off somewhere else leaving the two of you to yourselves. “So, you and Maria?” Tommy smiled, “Yeah. Couple years now. Even married her.”

Your eyes widened, smiling at your longtime friend, “No shit! Wow, who would have thought Tommy Miller to be married.”

He laughed, “Yeah, yeah. Such a shock, is it now?” You just laughed back, looking down at your empty bowl.

“What about you? Anyone special over the years?”

You rolled your eyes jokingly, “Maybe a few here and there. Nothing serious though.”

“Don’t know why. You’re still a looker.” He poked.

“There’s the Tommy I know and love.” You grinned, pushing his shoulder playfully, “Not everyone has the luxury of living in a town like this one and meeting the love of their life.”

Tommy leaned back in his chair, agreeing with you. “Well, maybe it’s sudden but you know how I am. You know you have a place here with us. We’ll set you up with a lil’ house. Get you on the board for some jobs. Wasn’t a doubt in my mind when I seen you out there that I was gonna let you leave again.”

“You gonna hold me hostage, Tommy?” You laughed.

“Might have to.”

You’d be a fool to pass it up, you knew it. But you were nervous. How could you adjust to a life of ‘normalcy’ after being essentially feral for so many years.

“Mind if I think on it a bit?” Tommy shook his head, “Take all the time you need. In the meantime, I got someone you might want to see.”

Your eyebrows knitted together in thought. Who could he have been talking about? And then it hit you. In the excitement of everything that had been happening in the last couple of hours, you hadn’t even considered the idea that Joel could be there. Your heart started pounding in your chest again, butterflies swarming in your stomach as the thought of seeing him entered your mind. You’d convinced yourself that he’d died years ago. That both him and Tommy had died and Tommy was in fact here before you. It’s been 20 years and the idea of seeing Joel Miller still sent you spiraling. “He isn’t…” you began. Tommy smiled at you as he radioed someone over the talkie, “Anyone got eyes on Joel?”

Your heart hammered so hard Tommy could probably hear it. He had to have been pulling your leg. You started becoming self-conscious. You hadn’t showered in weeks, you were grimy, you had aged. You couldn’t help but laugh to yourself because when was the last time you’d had to worry about that?

“He just got in from patrol, you need him?” A man said on the other side of the radio.

“Yeah, send him to the mess. Got someone he needs to see.”

“Roger that.”

Tommy made small talk while you both waited for Joel to arrive. You couldn’t process anything though. You were suddenly so nervous. How was he going to react? Would he be just so happy and cry? Yeah right, that was so anti-Joel it was laughable. Would he just be nonchalant? Like, wow. Been a while. Nice to see you. You couldn’t even predict it. Tommy could sense you were anxious and placed a hand on your shoulder to calm you down. “Hey… it’s Joel. You know him. No need to be nervous.”

He was right. You did know him. But the keyword was did. You knew him 20 years ago. You’ve changed since then so of course he’s changed as well. What if he didn’t even remember you? God, you’d be so embarrassed. “Y-You’re right. I’m just in my head I guess.”

“Well get out of it. I think you’ll be surprised. Want a drink?” He offered.

“God, yes. What do you have?”

“Well,” he began “probably don’t got those fruity little drinks you used to like but I can sure get you a glass of whiskey.”

You laughed, exhaling a breath you didn’t even know you were holding, “Okay. Whatever you got.”

Tommy returned with the drink quickly. You downed it as soon as it hit the table, the whiskey burned the back of your throat and chest as it went down.

“Still can’t shoot whiskey, huh?” Tommy teased. Your face scrunched up into a look of disgust, “Fuck, guess not. That’s awful.”

Tommy opened his mouth to say something but was distracted by the mess doors opening. There he was. Joel Miller in all his glory. Tommy walked up to the man, patting him on the back before striking up a conversation. You were out of earshot so you couldn’t hear anything but you weren’t sure you wanted to. If you were anxious before, you didn’t even know what to call how you felt right now. You felt like you could throw up on the spot, but maybe that was the whiskey talking. He was the same. A bit aged, but still Joel. His hair was grayer, bit longer too. Still scraggly, but it’s always suited him. Maybe he was a bit more muscular but you couldn’t exactly tell cause of all the layers he had on. You stirred in your seat as your heartbeat went a thousand miles per minute. He was here, and he was alive.

Tommy led Joel over to the bar and poured him a glass of amber liquid, maybe in a way to prepare him. Joel took a sip, not noticing that his brother had signaled you over. You stood from your chair, stomach in your ass as you made your way over to them. Nothing could prepare you for this. You had half a mind to run out and never look back. But your heart yearned for him, even if it were just to be in his presence, even just to say ‘Hi’.

You reached both men, standing at the chair behind Joel who had his back facing you.

After a moment of you trying to talk yourself up, you spoke. “I’ll have another one, Tommy.” You said, sliding your glass over to him. Joel turned around, finally aware of your presence. His eyes scanned up your body until they met your face.

A chill ran up Joel’s spine as he heard a voice ask for another drink. It was a voice he knew all too well. One he hadn’t heard in 20 years, besides in his dreams. His eyes met yours for a moment, until you turned away under his gaze. No words were said and honestly you didn’t feel like they needed to be. He stood from his chair and faced you fully, eyes shimmering behind the tired look on his face. Almost like he was renewed.

“Hi, Joel.” You managed to get out, your words finally finding you again. Confidence found you too as you looked the man in the eye. He sputtered a moment, not quite sure what to say before he decided nothing was best. He wrapped his big arms around your frame, pulling you in for a hug that was even tighter than Tommy’s. You hugged back, gripping to the back of his flannel. He smelled the same with just a hint of something new. That warm, musky Joel smell that reminded you of cedar and whiskey with the added sent of pine. You could have gotten drunk off it. Not in a million lifetimes could you have imagined the day would come where you were reunited with him. You had to have been dreaming. More tears spilled and you cursed yourself, tired of all the waterworks.

Joel held on to you for what seemed like an eternity. You didn’t mind at all. In fact, you welcomed it. It’d been too long since you’d been touched in general you hadn’t realized how much you’d been craving something like this, let alone from him.

“I’ll give the two of you a moment.” Tommy said, knocking on the bar and walking over to Ellie who was coincidentally walking up to you all and pulling her away with him, “Oh c’mon, Tommy!” She yelped.

Joel finally pulled away, but still keeping you at bay, “I don’t... I don’t understand. Where did you come from?” He was breathless. He kept thinking it was a dream, you being here. He didn’t want to wake up.

“Well, that’s a long story,” You laughed, “Most recently from Colorado. But it doesn’t matter. I don’t even know how we’re both here to be honest.”

Joel smiled down to you, his grip tightening, “It’s kind of unreal, right? I kind of.... thought-”

“That I died? Trust me, when I saw Tommy, it was like I’d seen a ghost.” You recalled, eyes softening as it really hit you that Joel was here in front of you. Unchanged, just slightly grayer.

“I-I looked for you... For years. I kind of went mad about it for a while. So much happened that night.” His face twisting into a look of discomfort as he remembered the night things started.

The two of you sat and spoke for hours, catching up on everything. Joel told you about Sarah and how Tommy stopped that soldier. You cried when he spoke about her; he teared up too. You told him about Holly and how she’d been taken that night. How you looked after RJ until he got sick one winter when he was 8. He didn’t make it either. He told you about the Boston QZ and people he’d met along the way. How he met Ellie and how that went down. You did the same. A lot was similar in the way you lost people, and a lot was different.

At some point during the conversation, Joel reached over the table and took your hands into his. You couldn’t even imagine pulling them away. By the time you caught each other up to speed, the clock above the mess door said it was nearly one in the morning. At this point, it was only you and Joel in the room. It was so strange to you how 20, almost 21 years had passed and it was like you’d talked to him yesterday. You both fell so naturally in line with each other, you had no idea why you were so nervous to begin with. The two of you sat in silence while Joel rubbed circles on the back of your hand with his thumb. You hadn’t felt this kind of comfort in so long, you didn’t want it to end.

Suddenly, the doors burst open to reveal an irritated Ellie and an exasperated Tommy. “Joel, you have all day tomorrow to catch up. You promised me you’d teach me that dumb song on your guitar.” she said, throwing her body down on the chair next to Joel.

“I’m sorry, we tried everything in our power to keep her entertained. You know how she is about her Joel.” Tommy joked, pushing Ellie’s head forward slightly.

Ellie scoffed, “Yeah, right. This old man? I’m just making sure he makes good of his promise.”

“You know I always do. But, she’s right. It is gettin' late. I’m sure you gotta be tired.” Joel said, looking over at you. You nodded, finally paying attention to how exhausted your body was.

“Yeah, I am. I’ll give you Joel back, Ellie.” You said smiling to her, “Tommy, you said you got a place I can stay a while?” He nodded, beckoning you with his hand to follow him. You went to follow him but not before Joel grabbed your wrist, stopping you from going any further.

“Promise we’ll talk tomorrow?” His eyes searching yours for something you weren’t sure of.

“’Course. I’m not going anywhere.” Your answer seemed to satisfy him as he gently let go of your wrist and stood. “Alright.”

The next few days flew by. You’d gotten cozy in your tiny home. Which really wasn’t so tiny. Two bedrooms, a working bathroom and kitchen. You could have died there you loved it so much. Tommy had taken you to the pantry to get some essentials stocked up in your house. They gave you a few days to settle in before getting your answer on if you’d be staying long term. Which, of course you were. You saw Joel and Ellie every day. She was always in tow behind him which you thought was the cutest thing ever. She’d been growing on you and you hoped you were growing on her as well. She acted tough at first, almost like she wasn’t interested in getting to know you, which Joel told you she’d come around. You really hoped for that. And you succeeded.

It seemed like Joel made up any excuse to see you throughout the day. Literally the most mundane things, and there he was. Knocking on that red front door of yours.

“Tommy told me the sink has been leaking. Figured I’d come take a look at it.”

“Actually, the sink has been doing just fine.”

“Oh, well. Maybe I should take a look anyways.”

Or, “I made an extra sandwich. PB&J. Ellie said she didn’t want it. I figured we could have lunch together.”

“Oh, I actually just made some eggs. Also, aren’t you on patrol today?” He pouted, “Oh, yeah. I have a lunch break though. It’s alright if you don’t want it. Jus’ thought I’d ask.”

“... a peanut butter and jelly sandwich sounds pretty good right now.”

And even, “Hey, Maria said they’re playing that one movie you liked at town hall tonight. The one with the green guy and the donkey?”

“Shrek?”

“Uh, yeah. I think so. Want to go watch it me? Or, uh... I mean, Ellie and I?”

“Sure, Joel. I’d love to.”

It was so funny to you. But you loved it. It was so in character for him to beat around the bush or to just make the little excuses to see you or hang out with you without just plain saying “Let’s do something.” You’d come to realize Joel really hadn’t changed much at all in the decades you’d been apart from him. At least, in the ways he’d been showing you. You also realized maybe you hadn’t changed much either over the years. You found yourself falling into ‘normalcy’ easily. You lived for the moments where Ellie would come over and ask you to have dinner with them. Or the little excuses Joel made up to see you. It filled your heart in ways you weren’t even aware of. You were excited to wake up each day, knowing you were with people. Maybe even your people.

Days turned into weeks and you’d even been assigned work at the preschool during the day. Sometimes you’d take shifts at the mess halls bar, serving drinks to the men and women in the town. You figured it was a good way to make friends. Joel and Ellie always sat at a table near the bar when you'd work with the excuse of keeping you company. Not that you minded, at all.

One night, a few months after settling in Jackson, you called Ellie over to the bar, “Hey, come here. Wanna teach you something.” Ellie pointed to herself making sure you were talking to her to which you nodded, smiling to her.

“What’s up?” She asked.

“Wanna learn how to make a drink?” You offered. Ellie’s eyes lit up and she agreed eagerly, “Um, yeah, duh! What drink?”

“Well, let’s see what we got. Not much to work with but here,” You said handing her the glass, “Put some ice in it, and fill it up to here with this.”

You handed Ellie the bottle of bourbon on the shelf behind you. She opened the bottle and filled the glass halfway, eyeballing it to exactly where you had pointed. “Hmm, how about we top it off with this?” It was an almost empty bottle of ginger ale. She followed your instructions, filling the glass to the brim. “Okay, now take this spoon, put it at the top of the cup and slam it to the bottom.”

Ellie looked at you with her eyebrows quirked, “Slam it? But why?”

You laughed, “Just do it. Trust me.”

Ellie tilted her head, unsure, but did it anyways. She slammed the spoon down, causing the glass to fizz up, nearly spilling over the edge. “Oh shit... Can I drink it now?” She asked eagerly.

You laughed again, now tilting your head as you thought a moment, “Well, not too sure about that one, Ellie. Why don’t you go ask your dad?”

Ellie grabbed the glass and carefully walked over to the table Joel was sitting at. You watched from a distance as she asked the older man if she could drink her creation. Joel looked over to you and gave you that look, you mouthed a sorry and stifled a giggle. “Not today, kiddo. Try again when you’re older.”

“Oh, c’mon, Joelllll. I can’t even have a sip?” She whined. It was endearing.

You watched as the two of them went back and forth, arguing over the drink and who was going to drink it. You smiled to yourself. The moment felt so... domestic. You didn’t know what to think of it. But by the way your heartbeat picked up, you figured you might have liked it.

You were cleaning glasses and organizing the liquor when a couple of men sat at the bar, and removed the hats off their heads. “Back from a late patrol, boys?” You asked, placing cups in front of them and pouring some whiskey into it.

“Yes, ma’am. Not much out there when it’s ‘bout 10 degrees and snowing.” One of them said. He was a regular. Here at the bar every Thursday and Friday. Maybe Sunday’s. You’d picked up from his friend that his name was Luke. He was younger. Probably about 25, maybe 26. His friend, who you learned was named James was a bit older. Mid-thirties, married, had two kids. They were both nice, however, James was a flirt despite being wed. Luke tried but he was pretty inexperienced. Both alright looking though, the younger being taller and thin, blond hair and blue eyes. The older one was shorter in stature, bit thicker, with darker hair and green eyes. If you were honest, you weren’t the biggest fan of James, but a you remained cordial.

“It is a chilly one out there,” James began, “Luke needs someone to keep him warm at night. You’re single, aren’t ya, ___?” He said, smiling. His grin somehow gave you bad vibes, but you smiled back nonetheless.

“I am. But I'm not looking right now. Sorry, Luke. I’m old enough to be your mom!” You laughed, finishing up wiping a couple of glasses and setting them in a tray under the bar. “Barely! Maybe if you were a teen mom or something.” He retorted. You just smiled and went about your business.

A little while later after a few more people came and drank, it was almost time to call it a night. You peaked behind the people finishing up their drinks and sure enough, Joel was still there, with a book, listening to the random music that played on the stereo. You bit your lip, hiding the smile that adorned it. He was always there.

“All I’m saying is that, if I weren’t married, I’d be all up on that! Luke, c’mon she’s a single cougar. Get your head in the game.” You overheard James's whispering to the younger man next to him. James sighed, “I don’t know, James. She’s been seen with that Miller guy. Not Tommy but the other one. He’s scary. Heard he’s killed a bunch’a guys.”

“Oh, come on. He’s not that bad. Just an old dude. Plus look at her. She’s fucking worth it, man. The ass she has on her? God, and those tits.” James continued.

You mentally scoffed. You figured he was a slime ball but this was just flat out gross. Thank God the mess hall was closing soon because you were about ready to give the man a piece of your mind. Suddenly, James said something, attempting to get your attention but you pretended not to hear.

“Helloooo! I said can Luke get another drink here?” He repeated himself.

“Oh, sorry. I’ll pour you one more but we gotta close up soon.” You replied, filling Luke’s glass once more.

“Jesus, Luke. You see that? Dumb and hot. I bet you could convince her to get in bed with you.” This was your last straw. You get they’d been drinking but they clearly lacked common sense. You turned to the sleazy drunk, ready to tear him a new one but it turned out you didn’t need to. You stood there; arms crossed waiting for whatever was going to happen next.

“What’sa matter, baby? Suddenly want a piece of what Jamesy-boy has to offer? Got enough to go around!” Your eyes rolled as he tried again, digging himself a further hole.

“Don’t think she likes what you’re offering her, Jamesy-boy.” Joel said behind him, placing both of his hands on either of James shoulders. Luke’s eyes widened at what was happening, or at least about to. He had some decency to know what James was saying was wrong, but he lacked the balls to say something about it.

“Wha-What... How would you know what she likes and doesn’t? How dare you come up and put your hands on m-” James bit his tongue when he turned around to see a seething Joel behind him.

“Wanna repeat what you were about to say?” Joel asked, leaning down into the man's face. James shook his head quickly, struggling to move from his seat as he was so frightened.

“If I see or hear you talking to her again, hell, even lookin’ at her, I’ll mess you up so bad, your wife won’t even want what ‘Jamesy-boy' has to offer. Y’hear me?” Your eyes widened at Joel’s threats and you couldn’t help but like what he was saying. His words turned in your stomach as you felt the heat build there and further down. Only God knew what that said about you.

James nodded, trying to slip past Joel. Luke got up as well, ready to follow his friend out. “I didn’t hear you say it. Out loud, now.”

“I-I won’t talk or look at her again. S-Sorry about that.” He stuttered.

“Good. Don’t apologize to me though.” Joel said, signaling over to you.

“I’m sorry, ___. It-It won’t happen again.” You nodded, acknowledging him, waving him away.

The two of them scurried away like the rats they were. Good riddance. You looked at Joel who was now sitting at the bar. “Jesus, Joel...”

He scoffed, “What? Was that not okay? He was harrassin-”

“I think you’ve gotten softer in your old age.” You chimed in. Joel stared at you, confused as to what the hell you were talking about.

“Excuse me?” He asked. “I told him I’d beat him so bad he’d be disfigured and that was soft?”

You laughed, finishing up the last of the cleaning before close. “Yeah. The old Joel I knew would deck a guy for saying something to me.”

Joel sat there a moment as he recalled the night at the bar where he broke a man's jaw for calling you a slut. He smiled lightly, “That’s right. You’re right... maybe I have gotten soft.”

Your eyes rolled as you grabbed your winter jacket and throwing it on, “Come on, softie. Walk me home.”

Joel obliged, getting up from his seat and following you out of the mess hall. The two of you walked into the frigid air, almost instantly shivering from the lack of warmth the place provided you. The sun had set a long time ago, leaving the milky blue hues of the night appear next to the luminescence of the moon. It was a sight. You stared up at the floating rock in the sky, entranced by its beauty. If everything in this world has changed, the moon stayed the same. You were a big fan. You were so engrossed in the way the moonlight shined; you had no clue someone was doing the same but to you. Joel walked with you, paying no mind to the road ahead of him. His eyes were on your frame, on the swell of your breasts, on your lips. He noted how your irises twinkled as you peered up to sky. It caused a lump to form in his throat, his heart rate picking up as he tried to swallow it down.

“Hey, Joel?” You asked suddenly, his gaze quickly leaving you as you looked to him.

“Yeah? What’s up?” He replied, clearing his throat.

“Back there… in the mess. I could have handled that myself.”

Joel was taken aback for a moment before chuckling softly, “Oh, darlin’ I know. He should have been more scared of what you were gonna do to him instead of me.”

You laughed back, nudging Joel on the shoulder with your own, “I mean it! I would have tore him apart had you not been there.”

Joel smiled, “I know, I know. Maybe I just wanted some points in my favor with you. Make me look cooler, maybe make you like me more.” He continued.

You looked at him with a confused face, “Like you more? Joel, I’m not sure if that’s even possible. I think I like you too much.” Your nerves started getting the better of you as you realized what you’d just said. Joel’s eyes widened but only for a second. He started slowing his steps down as he turned to you, “Like me too much, huh?”

“Just forget I said it.” You piped in quickly, trying to back track.

“Don’t think I can do that, darlin’.” Joel said, stopping you from going any further. He wrapped his calloused hand around your wrist, lightly pulling you to him. Your eyes softened as you looked up to the man, your cheeks reddening under the yellow-toned streetlight the two of you stood under. You wanted to look away. You didn’t want Joel to see the way he so easily made you blush. “Stop hiding from me. You look so pretty, tonight. You always do.” Joel placed his free hand under your jaw, leading your eyes to meet his.

“Why can’t you forget I said anything?” You hushed, entranced in the way he was looking at you. Like you were the most precious thing in the world. He just laughed, bringing his hand from your wrist to the other side of your face. “Don’t want to. Think I might like you too much, too.”

You smiled, heart racing, stomach flipping; everything. You brought your hands up to Joel’s jacket, running over the wrinkles until you hit his neck and kept them there. Snowflakes began to litter from the sky and danced around the two of you, melting as soon as they hit your bodies. “Well, Joel Miller. If you like me so much, why don’t you kiss me?”

“Can I?” he asked softly, nudging his nose with yours as he closed the space between you. All you could do was nod as your words failed. That’s all he needed before his lips were on yours. His soft lips met yours, only a little chapped. You moved with him as he kissed you, one of his hands wrapping around the back of your neck while the other fell to the nape of your spine. Your own hands wrapping around his neck and lacing through the bottom of his hair. You both stood there for what felt like forever, just enjoying the embrace. At one point Joel nipped the bottom of your lip, asking for an entrance. Your tongues moved and intertwined with each other as Joel deepened it even more. You didn’t want to break away as you were quite literally seeing stars and hearing fireworks but Joel stepped away first. “We-We need to stop, baby girl.” He said breathlessly.

“Why? I want to kiss you more.” You insisted, moving your head to kiss him again.

Joel grinned, pecking you again lightly once, twice, maybe a third time. “Trust me. I need to kiss you more. But not here.” You agreed with him as you pulled him further down the street. It was a straight shot to your house when suddenly Joel stopped again.

“What’s wrong?” You asked.

He hesitated, his face etched in concern. “You’re not gonna regret taking me home with you, are you?”

Your eyebrows pulled together as you looked at him like he’d said something ridiculous, because it was. “Joel, do you think I’d regret it?”

He hesitated, unsure of himself, “Don’t know... ‘S why I’m asking you. Don’t want you mixed up with the ‘crazy old guy’.”

You paused a moment, almost laughing at how silly it was. You walked right back up to Joel, placing both of your hands on his cheeks a pulled him into you, kissing him once again. It was full of intensity. You wanted to show Joel just how badly you wanted him, crazy or not. Hell, you were old too. Joel fell naturally into it, wrapping his arms around your body. He chased your lips like he was addicted. It sent you soaring. After a moment, you pulled away, “Come on. Take me to bed.”

Joel placed his forehead against yours, holding you to his body. You could hear the heavy, desperate breaths coming from him like he was wagering with himself. Joel cupped your face once again, his lips ghosting over yours before whispering, “Let’s go.”

The trip to your bedroom was hazy. You were so out of your mind with want for this man you were shaking. As soon as you both entered your room and the door was shut, Joel was at you. He shed you of the thick winter jacket you had on and the fleece sweater under that. You did the same to him, pushing off his coat and flannel in one go. Your lips met fiercely, your hands running up his chest to his neck, pulling him closer. You wanted to be engulfed in him in every way. It scared you a bit at how much you wanted him in this moment, how much you needed him. You shivered at the lack of clothing as Joel pulled your jeans down, leaving you in your bra and underwear. He stepped away but only for a moment as he discarded his shirt and worked on his pants. His eyes ever left your body. His breath grew heavy again, watching the way his chest puffed up and down. You could see the strain of his length, begging to be released as he stepped out of his own pants and returned to your body.

Joel kissed from your clavicle to your neck, biting and sucking as he saw fit. You moaned as you wrapped your arms around him, scratching his back lightly. He grunted, shuddering from the pain as it turned into pleasure. Joel grinded against you, his erection poking your belly. Your hand flew down to it, rubbing him through the fabric of his boxers. He sighed, kissing up your jaw to your mouth as he fucked into your hand. “f-fuck, baby girl. You’re drivin’ me insane.” He stuttered, his hands at your panties as he slid them down. He left them just below your ass, gripping your cheeks and kneading them in his large hands. You moaned again, your own hand slipping into his underwear as you continued your ministries. His cock was already slick with precum. God, he was so needy for you. Never in his life had he had a desire this intense. Both your bodies felt like fire as your fingertips danced over the expanse of each other’s skin.

You were just as desperate. You could feel the wetness drip from your folds on to where your underwear sat, your swollen bud just aching to be played with. It’s like Joel could sense that, as one of his hands left your ass and dipped inside of you. He circled your clit slowly at first which you could have cried at. You needed more. You bucked your hips into his hand and he got the hint, picking up his speed. You both stood there at the side of your bed, getting each other off. Both moaning into each other’s mouth, licking up his jaw as he did to yours.

“Baby, need to be inside of you. F-fuck, I’m goin’ crazy.” He breathed; his breath muted as he spoke against your lips. You were already so close from Joel working so hard on your clit, but you knew coming around his cock would be way more gratifying. You nodded, separating yourself from him as you shucked your bra off and climbed on to your mattress, minding the way you wiggled your behind ever-so-slightly to which Joel moaned out loud at. Joel rid himself from his boxers and climbed over to you, hovering over your body as he pecked hot, open-mouthed kisses up your body.

“You’re so f-fucking beautiful.” He spoke, eyes on you. Your own eyes rolled as you wrapped your hands around his neck pulling him in for another kiss.

“Quit buttering me up, Miller.” You sighed, licking a strip up his tongue. Joel’s grip on your waist tightened. He was so hard it was beginning to hurt. “Not doing no such thing, darlin’. You’re so fuckin’ pretty. Look at how hard you get me. Been doing this to me a while now. Just lookin’ at you, I could cum.” His words went straight into your heat as you clenched around nothing. You needed him in you or you’d quite literally die.

“Oh yeah? How long you been touching yourself to me?” You asked, your hand returning to his cock as you lined him up at your entrance. Joel slid his leaking tip in between your folds, running it up to your clit, rubbing there for a moment.

He laughed softly, “Long time, baby girl. Here and there before. But now that you’re here with me again; it’s almost every night.” Your back arched at his confession. There’d been many nights you’d lay awake since you moved to Jackson. Your mind thinking of the events of the day, but they’d always end up on Joel. They way he’d sip from his glass of whiskey, or bourbon. The way he’d come into the mess hall after a patrol, always a little disheveled and sweaty. Or the way he was always so intense with you, never looking away when you spoke, when you laughed. How he’d always find a way to have a hand on you, just to be as close as possible.

“Joel, put it in, fuck- all the way. Please fuck me.” You begged, your legs wrapping around his waist.

“You ready for me, sweetheart?” He asked, teasing your needy hole with his tip, pushing it in slowly. You nodded, lips back on his. Joel pushed himself in easily. You were beyond ready for him. He gasped at the sensation. He loved the feeling of his cock being swallowed up by you. He looked down at your cunt as he bottomed out, moaning at the sight.

“Jesus... you take me so well. Y’always have. Like you were made for me.”

His words sent you spiraling, your eyes rolling back as you felt his fat cock fill you up. He started at a slower pace that was still intense. His lips on yours as he kissed into your open mouth. You couldn’t help the moans and sighs that escaped your reddened, plump lips, abused from Joel’s own. Joel pumped into you, your slick mixing with his as you both created a symphony of wispy moans and slaps against each other’s skin. It was fucking beautiful. His hand pushed the stray hairs away from your face as he picked up speed, thrusting into you as the claps became louder. “Yes-s, take it. Let me see that pretty face of yours. So fucked out ‘cause of me.”

You loved how vocal he was. It was a driving force as he slammed into you, on the edge of his high. You were right behind him, the coil in the pit of your stomach on the verge of snapping. Joel’s thumb worked on your swollen bud again, circling quickly as he wanted you to come with him.

“Joel I-I'm so close, fuck!” You cried out, your arm thrown over your eyes as he rutted into you.

“Move that arm of yours, wanna see you when you come for me.” You obeyed, your arms wrapping back around his neck pulling him down to you. Joel kept his pace steady, and with a few more flicks of his thumb, you were unraveling. Your hand flew to his hair, gripping it as you moaned, calling out his name. Joel felt your cunt tighten around him, gripping him to you. “Yes, fuck, take it! ’s all yours, baby. Always yours.” His pace slowed; you felt the hot ropes of cum filling any leftover space inside you, coating you. Tears pricked your eyes as he continued the remainder of his thrusting, everything becoming too much.

Joel’s softened dick slid out of you and was replaced by two of his long fingers, “Don’t want you to waste a drop. Keep it all in, baby doll.”

Your eyes closed; body enamored with pleasure as your legs shook from the af effects of your orgasm. Joel collapsed on to you, pecking your chest and neck with more kisses and love bites. His hands found their way up to your hair and weaved into it. He wanted you close, but you weren’t going anywhere.

The room was quiet besides the sounds of both yours and Joel’s labored breaths. You could hear your heartbeat in your ears as you basked in the comfortable silence. It was a while before either of you spoke. You actually thought Joel had fallen asleep which sucked, cause while you loved him being on top of you, he was getting heavy.

“Do you regret it?” He spoke suddenly.

You pushed yourself up onto your elbows as you peered down to the older man on you. You looked at him incredulously, like you’d been shocked. “Regret what we just did?” He nodded slowly, eyes on yours.

“Joel,” You began, fully sitting up as you pulled him with you, “Why would you even ask that?”

“I just... Dunno. Just feel like you could do better than an old, crazy guy. Lots of guys ‘round here dying to have you even look at ‘em.”

You sighed, your shoulders slumping. Your hand reached out to Joel’s face, petting the grayed scruff on his jaw. You took some time to figure out how to say exactly what you were feeling, even then it was hard to explain. “If you think that, genuinely; You really must be an old, crazy man.” You laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

“I don’t think you realize that I am absolutely in love with you, Joel Miller.” Joel’s breath hitched as his eyes widened slightly. His heartrate picked back up. He really wasn’t expecting to hear that.

“Not Luke. Not James. No one else. Ever. I get that might be a lot to place on you so sudd-”

Before you could even end your sentence, Joel’s lips were on yours again. He kissed you so deeply, so passionately, that you could have exploded. Your body was so warm even with the bite of the negative temperatures outside. He pulled you on to his lap and just... held you. He held you so delicately, like you’d break with any amount of pressure. After a moment, he broke away and maybe you were just seeing things, but you could have sworn you saw a little tear drop, threatening to fall. Your eyes glazed over, tears of your own beckoning an appearance. You truly were just so in love with him, it was crazy. You’d only been reunited a few months back but, it was as if you’d spent the last 21 years with him. It felt as though no time was spent apart at all. Things between you just worked so naturally and flowed so well. Like you were made for him, just as he said. And as though he were made for you.

Another comfortable silence lingered in the air. You both just genuinely enjoyed the presence of one another. Joels hands rested at your waist, one them made its way to your back, rubbing small circles on to your skin. His head fell into you, resting just above your breast as he breathed you in. Your own hand had moved to his hair, scratching his head lightly.

Joel sucked in a big breath of air before speaking, “Don’t think I’ve heard those words in a couple’a decades.” You nodded along with him. It’d been a long time for you too. Joel looked up to you, too comfortable to move any further. His eyes glimmered as he looked into yours. It was as if you held the universe within those orbs of yours. He couldn’t look away.

“I am absolutely in love with you too, my sweet girl.” Now it was your turn to be surprised even if you weren’t really. Not like you’d been expecting him to say it, but it was still something. You couldn’t help but smile as a tear fell. You didn’t want to cry, not at all. But you couldn’t help it. Your body swelled with emotion as every cavity of you filled with love and admiration for this worn-down man in front of you. Both of you changed in so many ways, some for the better, maybe some for worse. But when you really looked at it, not so much was different. He was still Joel Miller, and he was yours.

“Good.” Was all you could say as more tears threatened to fall.

Joel smiled, a small laugh escaping his lips. “Good.”

taglist: @paleidiot, @aestheticangel612

i hope u all like this part! soft joel is my absolute weakness and i love writing him. i think i might take some requests so if anyone has any ideas for Joel Miller or even Din Djarin :o i’d be glad to see them! also lemme know if anyone else would like to be added to a taglist <3

likes and reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed <3

#pedro pascal #joel miller #joel miller x reader #tlou #the last of us #joel x reader #fanfiction #please lemme know if yall like it hehe

287 notes · View notes

noturlesson · 8 months

Note

Could you possibly write hcs for sal with a masc s/o that's into film and photography and take a lot of photos of him? They've always admired Sal and saw him as interesting but was too socially awkward/nervous to start a conversation ever since he moved in. The two probably only met due to Larry introducing them..

Sal x Masc!Photographer!Reader

Ngl this is gonna be a challenge since I’m used to writing fem readers, but I need to diversify my writing anyway, so here u go! I hope this was good enough lolol

How you met

You almost died when Larry introduced you to Sal for the first time

Seeing him in the halls was completely different than being face-to-face with him. He was so much prettier now that you were meeting him and it absolutely dizzying.

Of course, Larry put you on blast by telling his blue haired friend about your photography. He gushed about how good it was, and naturally, Sal wanted to see.

You nodded, awkwardly fumbling with your photo album, but finally pulling out a few pictures of some birds you took.

“These are really good, (Y/N)! You have a great talent.” Sally complimented you while examining the photos.

Your thanks came out in a stutter, and you mentally facepalmed at yourself.

“See? I told he’s rad!” Larry exclaimed, playfully slapping you on the back. It caused you to panic and drop your photo album, pictures spilling out all over the floor. Embarrassment rushed through you, but Sal was quick to help pick up the pictures. “Wait.. is this me?” He asked, holding one of the photos in his hand.

You were absolutely mortified, stumbling over your words as you scrambled to pick up the rest of the photos. “Well I just thought that you looked really good in that lighting, so I took a picture, and beauty should be captured so-“

“Do you have more?”

If you almost died before, you were definitely dead now

In a relationship

He absolutely adores the photos you take of him. He has really bad self image issues, but your pictures make him feel so beautiful, he can hardly believe that it’s him in the picture.

Asks to look at all the photos you take, compliments you profusely on all of them

Loves tagging along with you to photo shoots

You teach him how to use your camera and he falls in love with you even more

Nearly passed out when you put your hand on top of his to stabilize the camera for the shot

Has a collection of pictures you took when y’all go on dates

His absolute favorites are the ones he takes of you though. They’re not as cinematic or professional-looking as yours, but he doesn’t care, he thinks you look handsome so he’s going to cherish the photos

You hate when he takes pictures of you though. He always catches you off guard, and you don’t think your nearly as photogenic as he is.

Has at least 3 photos of you trying to eat a burger (if u don’t like burgers imagine ur fav food or smth idk)

Refuses to let you delete them off your camera because “you look too cute”

Will never tell you, but your photos boost his self esteem sm and he loves you so very much for that

Will listen to you go on and on about your dream equipment, movie/film sets you like (or hate), your favorite filters to use, etc. Just happy to see you so passionate about something you love.

So sorry that this was so late 😭😭 Homecoming week happened as I was BUSYYYYYYY but yea hope u enjoyed :D

#sal fisher #sally face #sally face x reader #sally fisher #sal fisher x reader #larry johnson #sally face fandom #sally face headcanons #sally face fanfiction

99 notes · View notes

evansbby · 6 months

Text

I finally watched a ballad of songbirds and snakes and here are my thoughts!!! (movie and book spoilers below the cut!!!)

Overall I think it was a PHENOMENAL movie. Especially Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow, he was just incredible. The subtlety in his expressions, how he portrayed cool confidence as well as awkwardness that lies beneath… he was just WOW.

AND Rachel Zeigler as Lucy Gray!!! She was incredible and so charming!!! I loved her accent and the little things like how she’d call Coryo “gorgeous” and “sweetheart” I was scared they’d make her a typical Hollywood girlboss and I think I got maybe one or two glimpses of that, but for the most part she was just brilliant and an amazing singer too!

I think they adapted the book into a movie really well.

But here are some things they cut out which I wish they included: (there are some I’ll miss bc I’m rusty with the book since I read it one year ago)

— Clemensia’s fate. The last we see of her is when she sticks her hand in the snake pit and gets bit by the snake and exposed as a liar. But in the book, the snake bite literally has a physical effect on her like her skin becomes yellow and also her eyes, she starts growing scales, her brain is altered by the venom too. She basically becomes like a snake and they showed none of that??? In fact we never see Clemensia again??

— Arachne’s funeral scene. This scene was SO poignant in the book bc of how they paraded Brandy’s dead body and one of the things I remember so clearly and I understand maybe it was too gruesome but I really feel like it should’ve been included in the movie. It really really showed how the Capitol treated the tribute kids. I was really waiting for this scene and they never showed it so that was a bit of a letdown.

— They should’ve showed more of the exchanges between Sejanus and Marcus. They went to school together in district 2, and they REALLY should’ve highlighted this a lot in the movie, to show that it easily could’ve been Sejanus in his place has things been different. Idk I just felt like there was more to explore there. Marcus barely had any lines in the movie.

— The Covey was barely explored and introduced at all. Maude Ivory and the rest of them barely had a speaking line! I know the movie was very long so I understand they had to cut a lot of things out but the Covey was so important to LG’s character and it’s a shame they basically got cut out.

Okay and now I have a few good things to say. My favourite parts included the way they filmed the bombing of the arena in the beginning, with the shot of LG and Coryo and bombs just going off all around them. Visually it looked pretty cool.

Also the hunger games themselves were very interesting to watch! They were actually my least fav part of the book (the district 12 part aka part 3 was my fav in the book) but the movie made the hunger games so interesting! Loved it from beginning to end.

I just need to talk about my biggest problem with this movie. Now I’ve read the book and the book mad it obvious from the beginning that Coryo was… Not Good. But in the movie this wasn’t very obvious. My friend, who hasn’t read the book, literally was on Coryo’s side and thought he was justified throughout… I feel like the movie should’ve showed Coryo’s hatred for the districts more, his shame for being poor more, his hatred for Sejanus more, even his second thoughts about leaving with Lucy Gray… none of that was obvious in the movie. My friend thought the movie deliberately made Coryo look not that bad, which defeats the purpose of the book in my opinion. In the book, it’s always somehow made clear that Coryo is not good. He does good things but innately… there’s always something off about him. Movie didn’t show that enough imo. Like his possessive nature especially was never highlighted. I mean ofc Coryo gets progressively worse and he does have his good moments in the book too BUT the book makes it clear that he had sooo many chances to make the right choice and he just… doesn’t IDEK im scared no one is gonna get what I’m trying to say

SEJANUS is probably my biggest gripe in this movie. In the book, he was my favourite character. He was the only one speaking sense, the only one who was so passionate about how THG were wrong and how the treatment of the districts was wrong. In the movie, I’m so sorry but he came across whiny and annoying. He wasn’t being passionate like how I imagine him in the book, he just…. fell a bit flat for me. So much so that when his execution happened, it fell flat for me too. As opposed to when I read it in the book… you guys I CRIED and couldn’t breathe and felt sick to my stomach. Had they better highlighted how much Sejanus trusted and seemed to love Snow, his death would’ve had more impact in the movie. Idk how to explain it but I just didn’t like Sejanus in the movie? The acting felt flat, the guy was doing nothing for me… and in the book he was everything bc he was the one saying what all us readers were thinking!!! My friend who hasn’t read the book found Sejanus INCREDIBLY annoying too. Idk.

A lot of people said that the third act in the movie was too brief but to me it felt too long? Maybe bc I knew what was coming. I liked the ending, I think it was done really well. Exactly how I imagined it in the book. I also wished they’d showed LG and Coryo kissing more in the film. They only kissed once??? Whereas in the book they were always kissing??? And I wish they showed Coryo’s reaction to the first kiss, like in the book he fell asleep repeating the kiss in his head, likeeee idk I wish they’d have translated that initial infatuation better in the movie.

BUT APART FROM THAT.. and I know I’m missing so much more but I’m so tired… but yeah, this movie was really good, it was really special, it was entertaining throughout and I wasn’t bored even for a second!!!

I’d give it 8.5/10

#tbosas #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #the hunger games #my thoughts 💭

35 notes · View notes

chaoticloving · 2 years

Text

no bad habits

harry styles x actress!reader

summary: harry has a lesson in asking a girl out from his bandmates, while simultaneously freaking out and contemplating his whole life. (universe summary in masterlist)

w/c: 2.5k

w: swearing, talks of sex (smut in future chapters), and probably grammatical errors ( english is not my first language)

a/n: inspired by bad habits by steve lacy! i was debating on how much longer i should go on until the two get together but omfg i have no patiences so i think next installment/chapter will be them finally together! question is: should there be smut in the next chapter? lmk <3

also this chapter is all harry! lowkey my fav fics are when they focus on the guys pov so i indulged here lol so enjoy the awkward harry!

masterlist

April, 2012

“Hi, Honey. How’s my precious boy doing?”

Laughs filled the room as Harry quickly turned off the speaker and got up to leave from his band mates.

“Come back precious boy!” Louis called, but Harry ignored the snickers and headed for the back of the private plane.

“‘Lo mum.” Harry said, more relaxed now that he has privacy, leaning against the wall and slightly leaning so he doesn’t hit his head–even though his friends don’t believe him, Harry swears that he’d hit his head. “‘m alright, how are you?”

“Don’t give me that.” Anne chided. She knew her son, she knew when her youngest wasn’t feeling his best. “Just because you’re a big shot now doesn’t mean you can act like your own mother doesn’t know you.”

“Mum-“

“What’s wrong, Harry?”

“Nothin, just annoyed with the boys now.”

“When are you not?” She chuckled. “But seriously, Honey. Are you okay? You sound sad.”

“Well we’re about to take off on the plane and you know how uncomfortable I get.” It wasn’t a full lie, Harry has hated traveling by plane ever since his first flight at the young age of five–Gemma will gladly share all of the embarrassing memories of young Harry crying on planes to anyone who’d ask.

“You have your gum? Chew it well and it’ll help pop your ears.” Anne told him, in her protective motherly tone.

“I will mum, don’t worry.” Harry said dryly, use to this lecture.

“Also, a little birdie told me you had another one of your friends was joining you boys–”

Harry groaned. “Mum, what's Gem been tellin’ you?”

“That you’re making friends! And if it’s the friend that I think it is, I'd like to meet her.”

“Mum, Y/n couldn’t come, she had a work thing come up, and you know I just don’t like plans changing when it comes to flights.” He mumbles. “It just got me in a mood.”

He thought flying would be easier and he wouldn’t be stressed since Y/n would be coming, but sadly, her schedule is even more hectic than his own. She was too good at her own job apparently, as she had gotten a call–right in the middle of their own call where Harry was going into explicit detail on some vocal coach who quite frankly needed some coaching of their own in his opinion—that said she was needed for the filming of a new movie right away. She wouldn’t tell him for what, saying it was a surprise.

Obviously, she made the decision to take on the job, which Harry couldn’t protest too; he didn’t have the right to say that she couldn’t film a movie for one concert in Australia or because he would be sad. But even though he told her how happy he was for her, a small part of him will miss her–well, maybe a big part of him.

“Still, it’d be nice if I could meet her.” Anne told him. “You haven’t told me anyone you liked since that one waitress at the diner.”

“Because you ruined my chance with her!”

“You were seven and all I asked was for a kids menu when she accidentally gave you the adult menu.”

Harry smiled but still jokingly huffed at the memory. All those years ago, Harry first tried out flirting. Although looking back it was definitely terrible, he thought it was going well since she was smiling, but he would never forget the embarrassment of his mum asking for a kids menu–making him feel significantly less cool, crushing Harry’s new dream.

“There just hasn’t been anyone after that mum.” Harry told her, him sighing. He’s had similar conversation with his mum before. But when he was in school, it was always ‘no dating, no pregnancies.’ Now his mum was singing a completely different tune of ‘when are you getting a girlfriend.’ He knows she means well, but it’s a little scary to realize he should–and wants to–find someone to spend the rest of his life with, especially if he wants the most amount of time with them as possible.

“No one could compare to the happily married waitress you met ten years ago?” Anne laughed. “I guess, other than Y/n?”

“Ugh, mum you’re no better than the DailyMail.” Harry accused, but they both new he didn’t mean it. When the photo came out, Anne of course had a couple questions–specifically about what was in his drink, but also about the pretty girl that everyone was saying was his new girlfriend. Harry reluctantly answered that she was just a friend and how the photo being posted was an accident, but he often wondered what it would be like to introduce Y/n as his girlfriend to his mother.

He heard commotion going on in the seating area of the plane, shaking him from his thoughts, and realized take off was coming soon. “I’ve got to go mum. I’ll call when I land.”

“All right sweetie. Don’t work yourself up too much. It’s nighttime so you need to get a good rest, especially if you're up dancing and whatnot tomorrow.”

“Yes, mum, I’ll be careful. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

Harry hung up with a sigh and waited a few seconds before returning back to the group of boys. He knew once they took off the realization of his short break would be over, and he didn’t want it to be. A part of him was concerned that now that Y/n was back off working, and he was too, no one would be able to call, text, or really have the energy to make the effort as often as before. He wanted to call though, so that had to be enough, right? Harry hoped it was.

Harry joined the others and took his seat down next to Niall who was in a weirdly passionate conversation with Liam, arguing over some TV show that Harry hadn't watched. Louis was looking at sheet music, with Zayn leaning over his shoulder to join him. Harry sat and watched the group, unsure of how this all happened. He was on a fucking flight to Austrialia to preform at a sold out concert with some really great people.

Even this job got him to meet someone special. But it also gave him heartbreak–more serious than any waitress at the village diner he could meet. Harry was proud of Y/n and all of her accomplishments, she worked for all she achieved, no famous parents, no rich relative; she auditioned and got every role on her own merit, it was something he truly admired.

She was often busy, it was a part of her job description, so it was up to Harry to normally call and such. A part of him always felt guilty about it, and if he was a little honest he felt unwanted too, so he’s been trying hard not to talk to her…as much; but those thoughts were always push away when he confided in Y/n for the first time, with her saying how she appreciates all of his calls because it allows her to have a break–a long break at that, Harry was glad he switched over to an unlimited plan because almost all of their calls were over two hours.

As his mind wandered, he got a buzz in his pocket that shoved him back into the real world, allowing him to realize that the plane was starting to move. He quickly took his phone out and opened the message, one that made his smile wide.

‘Good luck and wish I was there!!’

As Harry was about to respond to Y/n he got another text from her.

‘I miss you’

Harry froze and didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t sure if the feeling of his stomach dropping was from the plane taking off or the fact the girl he likes just unpromptly said that she misses him. He felt like giggling and kicking his feet up in the air while rolling on his bed.

“You got sent nudes or somethin’” Zayn jokes as Harry looks up to see his friends all looking closely at him.

“Wha–”

“Bad day to wear skinny jeans, huh.” Louis joins in.

“Guys come on, he wasn’t sent nudes.” Liam says.

“Thank you–”

“Probably got a little message from mumsy.”

“Yeah you’re right Liam, doubt Harry’s that lucky.” Niall laughed.

“Alright what does that mean?” Harry asks defensively, while all the others look silently at each other, trying to keep their composer.

“Well, you’re the baby of the group.” Niallstarts.

“I know.” Harry answers, still confused.

“You’re also… incredibly awkward with any woman you talk to.” Liam slowly says.

“So it’s hard to believe that you out of everyone here, y’know, got sent a nude.” Nialll finishes up the explanation, hoping poor Harry would get the hint. “Especially from Y/n.” He mumbled that last part.

“You think I have no game?” Harry accuses, standing up. He looks around at his now so-called friends, all looking in other directions. “Fuck, I have no game.” Harry sits back down, stunned by this realization just hitting him causing him to stare off into space.

“Did we break him?” Louis whispers to Zayn, yet loud enough for everyone to hear it–hence the quick punch he received from the other boy.

“I-I’m thought of as a hot and pretty charming guy but… but I’ve never actually dated anyone before–I don’t even know how to get a girl to like me for me.” Harry choked out, starting to spiral. He got up and started to pace in the tiny plane, nervously biting his nails. “She’s a real celebrity, like famous and she gets so much attention from practically everyone…why would she choose me?”

Liam got up and tried to sooth his friend. “Hey, mate, why don’t we just calm down for a sec–”

“No! I-I don’t bring anything to the table!” Harry added on, going deeper into this hole he is digging himself. A wave of nausea was hitting him, adding to his terrible feeling.

“Hey, why don’t we help you?” Zayn offers, getting up and ushering him to sit back down in his seat. “We can spare little advice for ‘em right?” The group of boys all nodded in agreement.

“But…” Louis hesitated, scared to say what he was about to. “Do you know what you’re getting into?”

“What sort of question–”

“She’s an actor. She's going to kiss people for movies.” Louis pointed out. “Are you going to be okay with that? Even though it won't mean anything, could you stand to watch that?”

Harry thought back for a moment. He watched The Hunger Games when she gave him a copy –that suspiciously disappeared from set–and watched as he felt his heart being ripped out from his chest as she kissed Peeta–although, he much prefers Peeta over Gale. But still, he hated seeing her kiss Josh whatever his name is.

He did like how happy Y/n was when she talked to him about making the movie. He remembers watching her on his computer both during an interview on youtube and when he called her.

“If she’s happy and it’s not romantic–I’ll live.” Harry concludes. “I-I can’t tell her to stop acting because I would be uncomfortable–if we were to get together, of course.”

Liam’s a bit shocked. “That’s very…brave.”

“You mean whipped?” Scoffed Louis, again, earning another jab from Zayn. “Not that it’s a bad thing of course. I’m sure Y/n would love that.”

“You’re not helping.” Harry groaned. “But that’s a problem if she wants to date me.”

“She will!” Niall said sternly. “No one would sleep in some bathtub with an ugly stranger; she must find ya’ some bit attractive.”

"Not when she finds out I have four nipples--"

“I'm going to forget you said that." Louis commented, the cleared his throat. "All you have to do is put on the old Styles charm!” He tried. “Just go up to her an’ say, “Y/n, darling, angel, sunflower” –and whatever annoying nickname you call her– “you make me so horny–”

“Woah, woah woah, absolutely not.” Zayn interrupts, and stared directly at Harry. “Do not mention anything about sex or anything about appearance, that makes you sound like an asshole. Only mention how she makes you feel when you see her if it's romantic, not sensual; and talk about how she’s smart and talented–that sorta stuff.”

Harry didn’t want to act like some sort of fool when he would be talking to her. He wanted to get to know her, that’s all he really wanted. Well, he did also think it’d be fun to dance with Y/n, didn’t matter where, hell it could be in the kitchen for all he cares, but he’d just want to be close–doing something he loves with someone he…likes.

But if he messes that up then no kissing in the kitchen.

“I was only joking.” Louis mumbled.

“When we land, you have to call her.” Liam told Harry, more like ordered though if you asked Harry.

“But my mum–”

“I think she will understand that her precious boy is trying to get a girl.” Zayn explained. “Make it clear that you just got off the plane when you talk to Y/n, it’ll show how much you value her and stuff. Just don’t tell her about not calling your mum, that makes you seem like a dick.”

“Yeah, no one likes someone who doesn’t call their mum.” Louis chimed in.

“But isn’t that what I’m doing?” Harry wondered.

“She doesn’t have to know that.” Niall told him. “Look, I’m sure Gemma grilled it into you that you won't say anything outright wrong. Just be you.”

“What bullshit is that?” Harry bawled. “I’m not anything compared to all those other actors! Maybe I should become an actor--”

“Yeah, and what would you play? Some psycho killer? I’m sure that’ll be real hot.” Louis groaned. He got up and put his hands on Harry’s shoulders–looking at him right in the eye. “You need to realize that you have a chance with a hot actress and you need to go for it!”

“Don’t be a pussy.” He finishes and gets back down into his seat, exhaling as he did so. All the guys just looked at him, Zayn had a disgusted face in particular, clearly confused on what that was supposed to do.

“He’s right.” Harry mumbled.

“What now?” Zayn questioned, surprised like the rest of the boys–including Louis himself.

“Louis is right, I need to ask her out, I need to go for it!” Harry realized, saying his words a little louder now.

“Yeah!” Louis cheered.

“That worked?” Naill whispered and looked over to Liam who just shrugged.

“Apparently.” Liam replied.

“I am going to talk to the girl I like and get her to like me!” Harry shouted confidently.

“Yeah!” All the boys yelled in agreement, going with this positive momentum.

Harry sat in his chair smiling, proud of himself for his little manifestations. Now he had to wait another grueling few hours until he actually had service. But he had a plan, and he had the confidence to go through with it–at least for now, he’s not too sure how he’ll feel in the moment, but it’s better than where he was before. He couldn’t want her anymore tonight then what he already does–he just can’t fuck it up.

Like Louis said, he just has to put on the Styles charm.

taglist -> send ask to be added/remove

@uhuhuh @sucker4angstt @b-reads-things @augustfaultline @bxtchboy69 @japanchrry @lilbredsticc @springholland @daydreamingofmatilda

389 notes · View notes

steveshairychest · 2 years

Note

I need you trans Steve headcannons I've been living off trans Steve for the last few weeks

Trans Steve is my everything <3 I'll give you my fav hcs

Yes, his parents are awful people, but not so awful to disown him for being trans. He came out while he was still rather young, maybe 12-13, and he was able to transition early on bcs his family was wealthy and could afford it. They of course ignore him now bcs he doesn't want to work for his dad and isn't living up to their standards of a 'perfect son'.

He'd used one of those baby names books to pick out his name. He still has it and Robin had found it and thought he had a secret child that she didn't know about.

Because he had transitioned so early in life and passed relatively well, not many people actually knew he was trans. The first person to find out was Nancy and she was extremely supportive. She helped him do his T shot once while they were together.

In regards to needles, he is terrified of them and dreads doing his shot. On the days he has to have his shot, Robin comes over and does it for him and they have a sleepover and movie night.

He hasn't had bottom surgery and he doesn't know if he wants to bcs he is really happy with where he is now. Plus there's not a lot of time to get surgery between babysitting and monster slaying.

He gives his old binders to Eddie and helps him save up to get his top surgery done. He'd pay for it completely but Eddie won't let him.

When he brings up getting his top surgery scars covered, Eddie draws him up all different tattoo designs that he might like. He says they can have matching tattoos when he gets his done.

#hope you liked them thats all i got for today <3 #steve harrington #stranger things #steddie #eddie munson #trans steve harrington

272 notes · View notes

immortaltaro · 11 months

Text

media thread post 2023

going to attempt to port over my media thread from twitter and use reblogs to update it

Avataro Sentai Donbrothers The Movie: Shin Hatsukoi Hero i enjoyed it more then the revice summer movie, shame like pretty much all mid series sentai movies its basically just an ep with a bigger budget

2. Ultraman Decker

MUCH IMPROVED OVER TRIGGER IN LIKE EVERY AREA, INCLUDING ITS USE OF KENGO. only real complaint i have is them revealing the Spheres motivations minutes before they are destroyed but thats a fairly minor thing looking at the show as a whole

3.ultraman: mystery of ultraseven

great stuff continuing the momentum of the last mini series, i do have issues with the ultra comic verse that dont get addressed, but regardless it was a great read, interested to see ma boi ace show up in whatever is next

4.kingdom hearts dark road

one of my fav KH stories, elevating xehanort alot, giving insight into how his beliefs formed and i absolutely need this freed from its mobile prison and given the back cover treatment

5. Ork #オーク

really cool, indy Toku production, it very impressive that this was filmed on an Iphone and goes this hard, well worth a watch, right now its free on youtube i recomed checking this out https://youtube.com/watch?v=GcibuY

6. ultraman decker finale journey to beyond the movie

it was pretty good, if the main series is a 10 this is like an 8, pretty fun time.

7.Avataro Sentai Donbrothers

i was sceptical as FUCK when this was announced, and inoue and the producer were saying how they wanted to make a sentai season that was a comedy drama aimed at 20somethings, but fuck did they land it. top 3 sentai seasons for sure. taro is my boi somethings like how under written murasame is, alot of the stuff with kijino and the zenkai gears turning into avataro gears plotline that was seemingly dropped ( if the Vs movie addresses this i take back the last one) bothered me, but as a whole i really liked this season

8.Psyren (reread)

this series goes hard. i love the cast and i think more people should read this.

9. Agents of mayhem - dropped got about 8/27 missions thought this. ITS ASS the cars feel awful, esthetical it wants to be overwatch soo bad. in the 4hrs 40mins i played enemies became spongy as shit and the second gat mission bugged turning 3 waves into infante boring and bland AND THATS NOT MENTIONED THE 1 MAJOR BOSS I FOUGHT THAT WAS JUST * puts up shield and summon turret* 3 TIMES THEN THEN BALL JOKE SEGMENT WHERE YOU SHOT ENERGY BALLS. THE BORDERLANDS TEIR REDDIT WRITING IS SO MIND NUMMING FUCK

10.Dandan Tenshi Fanclub

this was pretty cool for a one shot

11.Revice Forward: Kamen Rider Live & Evil & Demons

no "which ones the real one" plot is good. i screamed when they revealed the twist.

alot of the fanservice stuff i liked, like seeing that Hana opened her own detective agency in Blue birds basement was fun

12.Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO

really enjoyed this,really liked all the lil toku nods what with the gammas two ultraman inspired androids thats do rider kicks. hope we can get more content thats not as goku/vegeta focused

13.Luther: the fallen sun it was ok, i feel like it peaked with the jail brake.

the last 30mins brought it down for me

14.Digimon Ghost game:

its pretty good when all is said and done, 90% of this show is very solid MOTW/horror mystery stories with all the cryptic build up they have been seeding since ep 1 being all burned thought in the last 3eps.defo feels like they were trying to set up a movie with that last second alien reveal too. since most of its stand alone mysteries, the humans done really feel like they grow much over the course of the show its still a very fun time like an 8/10 id say love gammamon, they baby

15. coming out to my parents and telling them about @toni-the-oni

twas better then expected

16. Reborn to Master the Blade: From Hero-King to Extraordinary Squire ♀ ( manga volumes 1-4 )

binged all 4 volumes in a couple hrs, this is a very fun series, interesting world building and Inglis as a MC is amazing and i love her

17.Reborn to Master the Blade: From Hero-King to Extraordinary Squire ♀ (anime: season 1)

unsurprising i loved it ! i will say i liked the way the manga handled the content it covered more but this was still good,

18. Oshi no ko (ep 1, its feature length so imma count it ) holy shit watch it. it more then earns its length. this is something you need to experience blind.

19.brooklyn 99 season 8, the final season

bout a perfect a goodbye as a series can have

20.Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always (2023) eh, it was ok, rough in some aspects but overall alright

21.Oshi no ko manga (upto the current chapter 116) one of the best things ive read in a while. its going to be hard for the anime to fumble this bag.

22.Kamen Rider Geats × Revice: Movie Battle Royale

very fun movie, seeker really is that bitch in fortnite that builds a replica tadj mahall the second a fight starts. yeah a good ass time.

23. Kamen Rider Juuga VS Kamen Rider Orteca

it was alright, pretty fun moments with one line in particular that kinda took me out, the Drive cameos and call backs were great and honestly out of all the over demons/vail retools i think i like orteca's rider form the most out them

24. netflix Ultraman season 3 the final:

kinda mixed on it if im honest, i dont think theres ever really been a great "shapeshifters turn the publics opinion on it" and i wasnt super impressed with aspects of how Rena was written that said the last 2 episodes really were peak.

25. Power Antoinette ( upto the current chapter, theres only 2) the only series brave enough to ask the question what if Marie Antoinette was built like shehulk and used a guillotine like a sword

26.The Church Play Cinematic Universe : jenny Nicholson

watched this with @toni-the-oni this was such a wild ride, of ups downs and "robin in the hood" a 10/10 experience

26. Church of the rock 2023 production Beauty and the Beaster

watched this with @toni-the-oni Gaston sings BTS

27.Avataro Sentai DonBrothers VS Zenkaiger

extremely fun film, loved seeing everyone again, just a fun time all round and HOLY SHIT HOW CAN IT END LIKE THAT ?!

28.Geats Extra: Kamen Rider Punkjack

its alright, felt kinda like one of the covid clipshow specials we got for zero one, rolling rolling punk king fucks, so glad they went that hard with the insert song

#media thread 2023

27 notes · View notes

decembercamiecherries · 4 months

Note

Can I ask your top 10 fav fics ever (from any fandom, if you don't mind)?

Also, just curious, is there a story behind your name "decembercamiecherries "?

Thanks if you want to answer.....

Yeah, of course you can ask! ^-^

My username came from my ao3 username - decembercamie. 'December' is my favorite time of the year and my birth month, 'camie' is supposed to stand for the camellia flower somehow lol. When I made my tumblr account I made it with decembercamie as my username buuuuuut I accidentally forgot my password so I had to make a new account with a new username. I like cherries so that's literally the only reason why I chose to add 'cherries' onto my ao3 username for my tumblr username.

For your first question, I wasn't sure if you were asking about my fav fics that I've written or fav fics that I've read? I went with fav fics I've read but if you meant something else just send me another ask!

Here's my current favorite top-ten fics I've read in no particular order:

Atlas (star trek, spirk) - a re-imagined what if au about what would happen after the events of the first movie and it features genius!Kirk which I absolutely love. I reread this at least once a year.

2. Miracle Child (Homestuck, gamkar) - also a what if au about what might have happened if the characters completed the game earlier and reset both the troll and human universes. It's set only in the troll universe, though. I came for the gamkar but I stayed for the awesome world building and incredible OCs. I also reread this one at least once a year.

3. A Heavy Heart (Homestuck, gamkar) - a bit of a reversed hemospectrum au mashed with a royalty au. I love this author in general for their gamkar but this fic of theirs has all my fav tropes.

4. from the rivers of our palms (x-men first class, cherik) - I'm pretty sure this fic is what inspired me to write my own hxh daemon au series because this is the best daemon au fic I've found and it inspires me every time I reread it. The cherik in this is excellent and I loved their daemons' personalities too.

5. from stardust to stars (hxh, killugon) - all of xyliane's fics are absolute perfection but this fic is the first of theirs I read and it still makes me cry to this day. The world building is really interesting, I wish I could read another couple thousand words more about it. It also inspired me to write my hxh alice in wonderland fic out of order, as this is the only other story I've read that is told like that.

6. 108 degrees (hxh, killugon) - I have a lot of fav hxh killugon fics but this one is just really fun to read. It's not that deep, it's basically a short one shot of aged up!killugon getting together on a really hot day, but god damn does it make me happy.

7. All Things Belong (mdzs, wwx + the Wens, wangxian) - this fic features Wei Wuxian receiving all the love, pampering and recognition he deserves from the most powerful cultivation family and I love that for him. The Wens are fleshed out characters in this and I love how they all fall in love with Wei Wuxian while remaining a threat to everyone else involved. Even if this fic is never completed I will adore it to the end of time.

8. Starved Stunted Juvenility (mdzs, wangxian) - what if au in which wangxian get together during their Cloud Recesses days. This fic has everyone in character, everyone falling in love with and being protective over and spoiling Wei Wuxian, incredible action scenes, a seriously well thought-out plot and world building, wonderful OCs AND it is still being regularly updated despite being over 750k WORDS LONG. I would worship the ground this author walks on if I could because oh my god.

9. Rule Number One: Don't Get Attached (mdzs, wangxian) - all of my favorite tropes and aus mashed into one fic, featuring badass/genius!Wei Wuxian and dark!Lan Wangji. This author is also just an excellent wangxian writer, I've really enjoyed all their stuff but this fic of theirs in particular is so my type that it's kind of insane lol.

10. the kind that lasts forever (tgcf, hualian) - I read this fic back when I still hadn't finished tgcf yet because it is a modern au so I wouldn't be too spoiled, and I liked it so much that I chased it down again to reread it, and then searched for it AGAIN just to bookmark it. It is hysterical. I legit laughed out loud several times even when re-reading it a second and third time.

#answered #fanfic rec #hunterxhunter #mdzs #tgcf #star trek #homestuck #about dc #cherik #there are sooooooooooo many more fics I could have added #this was so hard #like so so SO HARD

11 notes · View notes

partypontius · 2 years

Note

I'm here for a request ! I would totally love a Johnny Knoxville x reader, maybe an enemies to lovers trope, and you could make it based off of a song since you said that was your fav ! do whatever you please 💋

just like me - johnny knoxville x reader

thank you so much for requesting!! (i love ur username btw) :))) also, when i do song fics, i go off of the lyrics. i hope this doesn’t deter anyone from reading, but connecting the lyrics to the fic is what makes these my fave to write! i hope you enjoy!! <3 (also sorry it took so long. i had to find the PERFECT song, and i finally found this one!)

warnings: the undying feeling of teenage angst in grown adults, swearing, fluff, and i think that’s it!

***the italicized words are the song lyrics! :)

I played this game for you, I tried to win it too

Johnny Knoxville. Your co-star, your biggest competitor, the pain in your ass.

Even when the television series of the Jackass franchise began, it was like you two were at war with each other. One was always trying to outdo the other, and then the other would get angry. It was a constant cycle that never ended.

Filming the new Jackass movie only caused for this silent war to continue, and to get more brutal. Neither you nor Johnny enjoyed talking to each other, and the whole crew knew it. Sometimes, Jeff would purposefully be a dick and make you two perform stunts together. You hated it as much as Johnny did.

But all day long, this song kept playing through

Johnny was a fairly sweet person. His unmistakable southern etiquette would always shine through, and he was truthfully a good friend. Hell, he’s kept the same friend group since the 90’s, so he must be doing something right. However, there was just something about you. It’s almost as if he felt threatened by you. He knew that you were capable of what most people wouldn’t even dare to think of. You were ballsy, and he respected you for it, but there was always that feeling of envy.

You were also a very likable human being. You were pretty much friends with everyone, and you were very fun to be around. Everyone enjoyed your presence, and you were very easy to be friends with. However, just as Johnny felt about you, you felt threatened by him. It’s not that you wanted to be the leader of the group. It is mainly that you knew that he hated you, and you wanted to show him that you weren’t a pussy. You always wanted to prove that you were like the others, and you always felt that you had to do something more dangerous than necessary to prove that.

And I heard you say, “Here’s the line”

Inevitably, you came up with yet another dangerous stunt idea. You were to be shot out of a cannon, only to land in the middle of a big group of cacti. It mirrored one of his previous stunts, where he was shot from a cannon into a lake. You wanted to go farther, and you had every intention of doing so.

Yes, this was dangerous. Yes, you were probably going to get extremely hurt. You were being shot up in the air, and you were going to come down extremely quickly to a pile of cacti. It was going to cause damage. You didn’t care about any of that. You wanted to do something that was a step ahead of him. You were setting the bar high.

I just can’t keep these feet of mine from running just to see what they can find

You were dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, nothing to protect you from getting hurt. You were climbing the ladder to step into the large cannon. You kept looking down, realizing how high you would actually be. The image of the sandy desert around you was burning into your brain. Looking to your right, you see the cacti that you would be falling into in the distance.

You shake away the intrusive thoughts and continue to climb. If you stopped climbing, you realized you may not continue. You had come this far and you did not want to stop now.

You had reached the top, and all that was left to do was situate yourself inside and wait for disaster to happen. You weren’t entirely sure how this would go, but you knew that everyone’s jaws would drop. You had to put on a brave face, even when you didn’t feel so brave.

Don’t tell me I’ve got to be just like you

You could hear distant chatter from inside the cannon. You were unsure of what was being said, but all you knew is that you were minutes away from being dozens of feet in the air, hurdling quickly towards the painful landing below.

If you were being honest with yourself, you would admit that you were scared. You wondered if Johnny felt his bravery slipping away in moments like these. You wondered if he ever felt scared or if he felt like the space around him was closing.

In a time of pure fear, your mind went straight to Johnny. Why? You were unsure, but it brought you a sense of comfort to think that he may feel the same way that you did.

I can see it in your eyes, you wanna sing with me tonight

You felt the structure below you begin to heat up. You try to control your breathing in an attempt to calm yourself down. You could feel your hands shaking and your cheeks turning red. You wondered if he was looking forward to seeing you fall. You wondered what he was thinking when he looked at the cannon with you inside.

You put your hands into fists and tightened them. Your knuckles were practically white you were squeezing them so hard. In a matter of moments, you would be shot out of this narrow space at an intense speed. You were finally realizing what you had gotten yourself into, and you almost began to regret it.

I’m a little bit, a little bit off the wall

Suddenly, before you could let the feeling of regret overtake you, you were in the air. Your arms and legs going every direction, your eyes trying to fixate on where you were going. You were going so fast, you could barely see anything at all.

In the air, you felt weightless. For a few moments, you felt calm and like you were floating. In times like this, everything moved in slow motion. You could see everything as a blur, only in different blobs of color. Then began the fall downwards.

Your stomach dropped because you were moving towards the ground at such a high speed. The fear you had felt in the previous minutes came rushing back. You knew you were going to feel so much pain all at once, and you were trying to prepare yourself for it.

Seconds later, your body was covered in dirt, sand, and cactus thorns. The pain was not immediate. The adrenaline rushing through your veins provided you with a few seconds of peace before everything began to set in.

Call it what you need, ADHD for me

“Medic! Medic!” you heard one of the guys yell.

Other things you heard were “Oh my god, there’s blood”, “Dude, you’ve got bigger balls than me, that’s for sure”, or your personal favorite: “Fuck that. I’d like to keep my spine in tact.”

Truthfully, it’s a miracle you broke no bones. Just bone bruising. But you definitely had more issues on the outside.

The medics came rushing over, pulling you out of the mess you were in. They carefully placed you on a stretcher and put your neck in a brace, just as a precaution.

If you’re feeling what I’m feeling, maybe it’s time to say

They took you to the ambulance to have you examined. You had multiple cuts and bruises, some just a little too deep. The medics checked you for anything major, and to their surprise, there was nothing.

You did, however, receive more stitches than you could count. Even though you were not hurt bad enough to have broken your bones, everything hurt like pure hell.

Every movement you made was extremely painful, and you were unsure how you could hide it from everyone. Again, you didn’t want to seem like a pussy to anyone, especially Johnny.

You’re a little bit, you’re a little bit just like me

The medics released you, and you walked out of the back of the ambulance. You were not to do anything that would rip your stitches, and they advised you to lay low for a few days to allow yourself to heal. You listened to them, and walked away.

Chris, Steve, and Ehren walked up to you, exclaiming how badass that stunt was.

“Dude, that was so fucking cool!”

“Y/n, I respect everything you do. Hell yeah!”

Other praises made their way to you from the guys, and it made you feel good. You felt accomplished, and like everyone looked up to you in that moment. But one person still hadn’t said anything to you, and that person was Johnny. He was standing near Jeff, but had not even come over to make sure you were alright. It stung, but there was nothing you could do to make him talk to you.

You tell me I need peace of mind, so take these pills and stabilize

Unbeknownst to you, Johnny was worried about you. He may not have liked you too much, but that didn’t stop him from worrying. What you did had the potential to hurt you, and he was praying that it hadn’t.

He wanted to find you to be sure you were okay, but he had to film a stunt and was unable to find you in time. He walked towards Jeff and got ready to film while you watched him walk away in the distance.

He was the one person that you wanted to talk to, and watching him walk away stung. He didn’t say anything, and you had no idea why.

Just let it die and say goodbye to me

The praise for your stunt died down, and the boys went off to film or spend time in their trailers. You were left alone and the pain began to get worse. Every movement you made caused you pain and extreme discomfort. You made an attempt to get back to your trailer without making it too obvious that you were extremely uncomfortable. It was a poor attempt at that.

You got to your trailer and sat down behind it. You were tired, and decided to just stay there. Your body was aching, and you were in so much pain. You didn’t know whether to go back to the medics to get seen again, or whether to just stick it out and wait for the pain to subside on its own.

You won’t say you want to be just like me

You didn’t want to seem weak. You didn’t want the others to see you walking back to be seen again because of your pain. You knew that wouldn’t mind at all, they want you to be safe and to take care of yourself, but the voices in your head said to wait it out.

You didn’t want him to see. That little voice in your head kept telling you all of the things that he would say about you. Was any of that true? Most likely not. But that voice in your head didn’t care.

You weren’t going back, no matter how much you wanted to.

‘Cause maybe you won’t turn back, you won’t turn back again

The longer you sat there, the more pain set in. Tears welled up in your y/e/c eyes threatening to fall. You held them back as long as you could before one slipped and fell down your cheek.

After that, it was uncontrollable. The tears rolled down your cheeks one after another. You started quietly sobbing, placing your head in your hands. You let it all out, and quite frankly, that’s what you needed.

Oh, don’t tell me I’ve got to be just like you

This burst of emotion was not only linked back to the discomfort spreading through your body. Every small inconvenience, every bad thought, among everything else fell into your tears.

Your silent battle with Johnny slipped into your mind and caused you to cry harder. You truthfully wanted nothing more than to make a friendship. You wanted so badly to be friends with him, and you wanted him to feel the same way. You wanted something with him.

You wanted to not feel like you were at war with him.

I can see it in your eyes, you wanna sing with me tonight

These thoughts kept coming, and had no intention of stopping. You tried sobbing quietly to yourself, but you no longer cared who heard. No one would notice, as everyone was busy with filming.

Or so you thought.

Suddenly, you heard a voice say, “Hey, are you alright?”

You quickly turned your head and wiped your eyes. Your gaze met those chocolate brown eyes, and your heart dropped.

I’m a little bit, a little bit off the wall

“Yeah, I’m alright. Just a bit frazzled is all.” You tried mustering out a laugh. Needless to say, you were unsuccessful.

“Y/n, you don’t look alright.” He walked closer to you. “Do you need anything? Do you need me to get the medic?”

“No, I’m fine. Really.” You said, forcing a smile.

“Okay, then what’s up? Something’s gotta be making you cry like that.”

Call it what you need, ADHD for me

“Johnny, I know damn well you don’t want to hear about anything I have to say. Save yourself the trouble of asking.”

“Y/n, really. Talk to me.”

You looked at him, wondering why he was suddenly being so nice to you. Yes, it was nice but it was out of no where. He was never like this with you, not even in situations like these.

“Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden?” You asked with a slight grimace.

If your feeling what I’m feeling, maybe it’s time to say

“Well, to be fair, you were crying. And you just got your shit rocked. I thought you might need something.”

“I appreciate the concern, but I’m fine,” you said coldly.

“Okay,” he said, sitting himself on the ground beside you. “Then if you don’t need anything, then tell me why you’re crying.”

At this point, you realized he wasn’t going to stop until you gave him an answer. You might as well say something so he will be satisfied.

You’re a little bit, you’re a little bit just like me

“You want me to be honest?” You asked him.

“Of course I do.” He said with a slight smile.

“It hurts. Everywhere. Like, I move and want to shoot myself in the foot.”

He laughed. “Alright, we’ll maybe I can do that for you,” he smiled.

“Of course you would say some shit like that, Knox.” You smiled at him.

Let’s take a little time just to daydream

“Well, at least I’ve got somethin’ to offer you.”

“Yeah,” you laughed. “Finally something other than that shitty attitude.”

He laughed again. “You think you’re real funny, huh?”

“Oh, hell yeah I do. Funniest out of the group, even you.” You laughed at yourself.

It was nice to have an actual conversation with each other rather than an argument. You knew he was a nice guy, and it was nice to finally be able to see it for yourself.

Slip from under the mainstream

“Hey, y/n, I know things between us have been a little shaky. I just wanted to say that I’m sorry. For everything,” he said, putting his hand on top of yours.

“If you want me to be even more honest, I’m so sorry for everything. I shouldn’t always try to outdo you. That shouldn’t be the goal, and I’ve been an asshole. I’m sorry.” You looked at him.

“I’ve always felt a bit nervous around you. I’ve always felt kinda intimidated, or threatened, I guess. You’re badass, and I felt like I was gonna get replaced.”

You realized what this duel had done to the both of you, and hated it. You both felt the same way. It was truly nothing more than a misunderstanding.

View of paradise, close your eyes, let your mind take flight

“Knox, I’m so sorry. I never meant to make you feel threatened. I know that you probably hate me for that, and you have every right to. I’m so sorry.”

“Y/n, I could never hate you. I mean, did I not like you for a while? Absolutely. But I got over that real quick. I had a little shit fit, then I realized how highly the guys talked about you. I wanted to be friends, I just didn’t think you wanted to be.” He squeezed your hand, and smiled.

“Who doesn’t wanna be friends with Johnny Knoxville?” You laughed. “Dude, even better, who doesn’t wanna fuck you and get married to you? You’ve got people everywhere in love with you, man. Take your pick at your friends.”

Maybe you’ll learn to fly singing with me

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He smiled and laughed. You looked at him, realizing his smile really was as bright as people had talked about.

All the hatred and all of the envy that you felt was melting away. You felt yourself growing to like him, and it was the best feeling that you had felt in a long time.

“I mean, that you have your pick of anyone you want. You could pick your friends and lovers if you wanted.” You laughed.

“I wouldn’t trade my friends in for the world. If I did have to pick though, I’d definitely add you to the mix. Maybe not as a friend, though,” he grinned and winked.

Don’t tell me I’ve got to be just like you

“I’m honored,” you laughed at him. “You’re such a flirt. Get out of here.” You smiled, and your cheeks turned a light shade of red. You playfully smacked his shoulder and laughed. You two were just messing around, but that didn’t stop those butterflies from coming.

“I think I’d rather sit right here,” he smiled at you. He squeezed your hand a bit tighter, and looked at you.

He hated to admit it, but he was happy. It was hard to realize that the both of you felt the same way towards each other, but neither of you had realized it.

Don’t tell me I’ve got to be just like you

“Well, it truly is an honor to be wanted by America’s hottest jackass,” he laughed while pointing at himself. That charisma had not failed to make your cheeks flush red thus far, and he wasn’t stopping any time soon.

“Oh, so you want me?” You raised an eyebrow and grinned. “You want all this sexiness right here?” You laughed and took both of your hands and moved them in a downward motion on either side of your body, as if you were showing yourself off.

“Shit, I made it too obvious,” he snapped his fingers and laughed. “You caught me!”

Oh, don’t tell me I’ve got to be just like you

“Is that so? You mean to tell me that you hated me, now you want me? Damn, Knox. Make up your mind,” you looked at him and laughed.

You were now unsure as to what he was feeling, as well as what you were feeling. You knew you wanted to be friends with him, but what if he wanted more? Your mind filled with questions concerning both his and your own feelings.

“Make up my mind, huh? Is that what you really want me to do?” He raised an eyebrow at you.

I can see it in your eyes, you wanna sing with me tonight

You fully expected him to get up and brush the previous conversation off like it had never happened. You expected him to joke around and say some snarky comment about being your friend.

But he stayed. Johnny looked in your eyes and said again, “Do you really want me to make up my mind?”

All you could do in that moment was nod your head. Your mouth wouldn’t say the words that you wanted to say. It’s like you were frozen, and you couldn’t bring yourself to say anything.

I’m a little bit, a little bit off the wall

Before you could process what happened, Johnny brought his hand up to your cheek and pressed a soft kiss against your lips.

He pulled away and looked at you, almost like he was waiting for you to say or do something.

“There’s my choice,” he said in his soft, raspy voice.

Call it what you need, ADHD for me

You sat there, wide eyes and not knowing what to do.

Fortunately, you had a quick sense of humor and pulled a snide comment out of nowhere.

“I’m still a better kisser than you, Knox.”

He looked at you and laughed. “You’re joking. Well, y/n, if that’s what you say then I’m going to need you to prove it.” He shrugged his shoulders.

If your feeling what I’m feeling, maybe it’s time to say

You, still being in pain, didn’t want to move any part of your body too quickly. You looked at Johnny and said, “Come here, then. I can’t move too far, I’m still in pain.”

He laughed and met his lips with yours once again. You were still in shock, but you felt nothing but happiness. Everything felt like it had happened so fast, but for some reason, it felt right.

You pulled away from him and all you could do was smile.

“Well, I wonder how all the guys will react if and when they figure this out,” he put his hand on his forehead and laughed.

You’re a little bit, you’re a little bit just like me

To your surprise, Steve-O saw the last kiss that you and Johnny shared. You didn’t realize he was there until you heard his unmistakable laugh.

He just looked at the both of you, watching your faces turn bright red. “What the fuck?!”

a/n: so as i was writing this, the spacing was like, rly fucked up. sorry if it looks like that for everyone. idk what’s going on with that :0 anyways! i hope you enjoyed, and i hope it’s what you hoped for! if anyone wants a request, feel free to request them! much love! -em :)

169 notes · View notes