#🩶. my ellie

[choiwonder]

WHOA WHOA WHOA OH MY GOD CONGRATS MY BABY

900 HYUNNIES ⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️

[jazzy96scorpio]

A Spark in the Darkness

Chapter 2 Attitude

Description: You continued your trip with Joel and Ellie. You came to Bill and Frank's house. Joel hates your attitude, but he loves how you handle things 😉 Little smut at the end.

Pairing: You / Joel Miller

Warnings ⚠️: mention of death, angst, dirty and bad words, jerking off.

🖤

After a long day of walking, Joel suggested you stop at his old stash spot. "Need to check on things and leave a somethin' " he said, his voice gruff.

Ellie, eager to explore, announced, "I'm gonna see if there's anything left."

"Everything's already picked over," Joel grumbled, but Ellie was already slipping inside room.

You sat there, watching Joel, a curious glint in your eye. While he was checking his stash, you rummaged around and stumbled upon an old box of condoms. You couldn't help but laugh. "Well, you always need these," you teased.

Joel looked at you, his expression a mixture of confusion and annoyance. He called for Ellie.

Ellie emerged from the small room, looking disgruntled. "Picked over my ass," she muttered, holding up a box of tampons. You laughed.

After that you continued your journey, heading towards Bill and Frank's house. Joel assured you that these two men would be able to help you.

While you were walking through the fields, Ellie, ever curious, turned to Joel. "How did this all even start?" she asked.

Joel sighed, a grim expression on his face. He explained everything her.

Then he stops her saying "We are crossing our path through the wood."

Ellie asks "Why are we going through the woods?"

"There are some things you shouldn't see," Joel said gruffly.

"Well, now I need to see," Ellie declared, and before anyone could stop her, she took off running.

You looked at Joel, a flicker of concern in your eyes. He watched her go, a grim look on his face.

Ellie soon reappeared, her face pale. She had stumbled upon a ditch filled with the skeletons of people. "What… what happened to them?" she stammered. Joel explained. "The army…they killed them."

Ellie looked at you, her eyes searching for answers. "Those people weren't sick?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"No, probably not" you confirmed, the memory of those dark days flooding back. "Our government…they were fucked up. I've seen worse things than this."

You pulled Ellie close, hugging her tightly. "Let's go," you said softly.

Joel watched you both, a sadness etched on his face. He wondered about the things you had seen, the horrors you had endured. You were a survivor, tougher than you looked, but the weight of the past was clearly evident in your eyes.

🩶

The house was eerily silent. Dust motes danced in the slivers of light that pierced through the boarded-up windows. "I'm gonna check the other rooms," Joel said.

You nodded, watching him disappear down the hallway. Ellie, sitting at the worn wooden table, picked up a folded piece of paper. She read it slowly, her brow furrowed. Then, she handed it to you. Bill and Frank were gone.

Joel returned, his face grim as he saw letter. "They're dead, isn't? he said, his voice barely a whisper. Ellie showed him the letter. "You read it," he said.

As she read, Joel watched you, his eyes searching your face. You felt sad.

He went outside, checking the garage and a truck. He returned a short while later.

"I found a car battery," he said, "Should be charged up soon."

He looked at you. "I have a brother, I need to find him" he said, his voice rough. "He is in Wyoming. He was with the Fireflies… maybe he knows something, maybe he knows where that lab is."

You nodded, understanding.

"If we're going together," he said, his voice firm, "there will be rules."

"Number one: Don't mention Tess. Ever. We keep our history to ourselves."

You agreed, though the words felt like a bitter pill to swallow.

"Number two," he continued, "You don't talk about your condition to nobody. Understand?"

Ellie nodded solemnly.

"And third," he said, his eyes fixed on you, "You are gonna do what I say, when I say it. Are we clear?"

Ellie said, "What you say it goes."

"Fuck," you muttered under your breath, "I fuckin' hate that rule." Joel shook his head.

"You'll get used to it," he said.

"Hell I won't." you say it with harsh voice.

"What are we going to do now?" Ellie asked, her voice small.

"Let's grab what we can," Joel said, already heading towards the basement.

The basement was a treasure trove of supplies. "Shit, this guy was a genius," Ellie muttered, her eyes wide with amazement.

Joel was at the computer, methodically turning off the radio signal and silencing the music player. "Grab some canned food," he instructed.

Ellie, however, was drawn to the wall, a veritable arsenal of firearms. "Dude," she exclaimed.

Joel looked at her, his expression hardening. "No."

"But there's a whole wall of them!" Ellie protested. Joel continued to stare at her, his jaw clenched.

You, ever the opportunist, stepped forward and grabbed the largest gun you could find. "What?" you said, grinning. "I like them BIG! Look how it fits perfectly in my hand." You raised the gun, inspecting it with a predatory glint in your eye.

Joel was taken aback. He was both angry and surprised by your audacity. Ellie burst out laughing.

Joel, after a moment of stunned silence, simply shook his head. "Alright, alright," he conceded, a grudging smile playing on his lips. He knew he wouldn't be able to stop you anyway.

You spent the next hour collecting supplies.

Joel was at the garage, tinkering with the truck. Ellie was in the shower. You returned to check on him.

He was at the work table, fixing the car battery. "Ellie's in the shower," you announced, "and I'm next."

You paused, a mischievous glint in your eye. "And I think you really need one."

"Cuz really, pfff. You smell bad."

He looked at you with that mad face.

"What? You don't like jokes?" you asked.

"No, I don't," he growled, "And I don't like your attitude."

"Oh really?" you retorted, "Well, I really don't like yours either, grumpy asshole."

He got more mad, coming closer to you. "What did I tell you about talking to me like that, darlin'?" He grabbed your wrists, pinning you against the wall.

His touch sent a jolt through you. You were close, dangerously close, and for the first time, you felt a raw passion emanating from him. He was angry, yes, but there was something else there – a simmering intensity, a desire that surprised you both.

"Oh yeah, Mr. Miller," you teased, a playful glint in your eye, "will you teach me a lesson?"

He leaned closer, his breath hot on your face. He growled, his body burning with a lust. He still held your wrists firmly against the wall, his grip tightening. You liked his attitude.

He looked at your face, then lower, his gaze lingering on your breasts. "You… you wanna see them again, don't you?" you continued to tease him.

"Shut up," he muttered, his eyes darkening.

"Come on, Mr. Miller," you purred, "I bet you've dreamed about this, don't you?"

You managed to free your hand from his grip. Then, with a mischievous grin, you placed your right hand on his bulge. He was rock-hard, he enjoyed in your earlier teasing. "Ooh," you breathed, "impressive for an old man like you. So hard, and I didn't even touch you."

He leaned closer, his eyes burning with desire. He liked your touch, liked the way you were pushing his buttons. "Don't stop, please." He muttered.

You started rubbing his pants, a slow, deliberate motion. He groaned, his head thrown back.

"Imagine what I could do if you'd let me," you whispered, your voice husky with desire.

"Fuck," he muttered, his voice rough.

You add "I feel it's the big one."

He looked at your face."You… you like them big, don't you?" he growled.

"Fuck yes, I do," you whispered, your eyes locked with his. You slipped your hand into his pants. He was so hard and throbbing, already leaking with precum. He groaned, a low, guttural sound escaping his lips. He hadn't felt this in years. He enjoyed your touch, the way your hand explored his length.

"Your hand is so soft," he whispered, his voice hoarse, "You handle a cock just as good as you do a gun, darlin'."

"Fuck, I really wanna have this cock in my mouth," you breathed, your voice husky with desire. He groaned again, "I'm so close…"

You increased the pressure, your movements faster, harder. He arched his back, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Then, he erupted, a wave of pleasure washing over him. He came hard on your hand, a low moan escaping his lips. He was breathing heavily, his body trembling. You slightly move a thumb across the tip of his cock.

"Looks like your cock likes my attitude, Mr. Miller," you teased, a triumphant glint in your eye.

He cursed, "Fuck, that was good."

"Well, look at the mess you've made," you said, a playful smile on your lips. "Can I get some kind of compliment at least?"

He stammered, "I… I'm sorry. Thanks…" He didn't know what to say. He was still reeling from the intensity of the moment.

You found a rag and cleaned your hand, then left the garage, heading towards the bathroom. You left him standing there, his breath still ragged.

His mind reeling like What the fuck was that?

You went into the shower, your mind still reeling from the ongoings in the garage. The way he looked at you, the way his body had reacted… It was exhilarating and strangely satisfying. You wanted him, badly.

After showering and dressing, you came downstairs. He showed up looking surprisingly sexy and clean.

"Well, don't you look pretty," Ellie teased, her eyes twinkling.

"Yeah, like some DILF from a magazine," you added, a playful smirk on your lips.

He blushed slightly, "Shut up," he muttered. You went into garage, then you climbed into the truck. Ellie squeezed into the passenger seat beside Joel, while you settled into the back. Joel glanced at you from the rearview mirror, his eyes lingering a moment longer than necessary. He was still surprised, still processing what had almost happened back in the garage.

"Here," you said, handing him a small CD case. "Play this. It's my favorite."

He slipped the CD into the player, and as the music began to play, a soft melody filling the truck, you leaned back against the seat, a comfortable silence settling between you. You glanced at Joel, who was focused on the road, but you could feel his eyes on you every now and then.

And as the truck rumbled down the road, disappearing into the fading light of the setting sun, you knew that this journey, already fraught with danger, was about to become a whole lot more interesting.

Thank you for the reading 💜

Please like, reblog and comment. Send me your reviews. ❣️

Chapter 3

Chapter 1

[whocaresstillthelouvre]

hello, my dear Mallory 🩶

with this ask I challenge you to write a ficlet (or anything bigger if you want) inspired by this screenshot:

may the writing muses be with you,

kissing you on your forehead (if you allow it not then just waving from the distance!)

Oh Aly! This was so fun and lovely to write this morning. Jackson Joel will always have my heart.

---

His chair scrapes across the worn floorboards. He settles on the seat, across from her. 

“Remember what I showed you last time?” he asks. His voice is deep and affectionate. 

“Yeah, I’ve been practicing a lot.” She responds, holding the guitar the exact way he showed her how. 

“Go ahead,” he says, nodding encouragingly. "Show me what you've learned."

Her fingers find their spots over the rungs. She gently clears her throat, adjusts her posture, and takes a deep breath before strumming the first note. The first few chords are a little clumsy, but as she continues her confidence grows.

“Good,” he praises, nodding along to the rhythm.

Pride swells in his heart as he notices the small improvements in her technique. This feeling inside his heart once seemed so foreign and long forgotten, buried under the years of grief that wrapped around his heart in a tight hold.

A smile forms on his lips, almost unconsciously, as he watches her play. The wrinkles around his eyes soften, warmth spreading throughout his chest as if he’s being embraced by every note she strums.

Her face is set in determination, brows furrowed above her brown eyes that roam across the instrument. 

Memories of Sarah and the way he used to teach her swirl through his mind. He can almost see her sitting there instead, her curls catching the sunlight, her small fingers fumbling over the strings just as Ellie’s are now. She’s not Sarah, but she’s here and she needs him, just as much as he knows he needs her.

She misses a chord, but instantly corrects herself.

“That’s it,” he encourages softly. “You did good. That G chord is a pain.”

She bites her lip in concentration, gently humming along to the music.

The final chord rings out, she looks up at him expectantly with a mix of hope and nervousness in her eyes.

“You did good, baby girl,” he says with a nod.

“Yeah, well, I couldn't have done it without you,” she grins as she gently puts the guitar down. “You’re like… really good, Joel.”

He looks away with a bashful grin. Years of heartbreak and cold still haunt him, but within the walls of their shared home, where her boots lay carelessly in the middle of the walkway—no matter how many times he trips over them—there is warmth and love.

[luke-hughes43]

terrible teammate | luke and mel

mel gets back after a particularly tough roadtrip to penn state where she wounds up on crutches with a sprained ankle, to a bunch of hateful messages from her softball teammates wanting to have a team meeting in the locker room only to bully and berate for never being around.

~

mel's pov

we get off the plane after penn state and I'm wiped out. I ended up with an ankle sprain during the second game after splitting the series. I turn my phone back on to a bunch of messages from Lauren, Audrey, Alex, and then the softball group chat. I obviously look at lauren's first:

lo grant💜: hey, as you soon as you land and see this, come to the locker room. the girls wanna talk.

then audrey's, then Alex.

audrey leclair🩶: I'm sorry for the shit storm you're about to walk into. especially after getting banged up this weekend, but come to the locker room when you get back.

alex storako🤍: I did my best to stop this but I couldn't. this is not going to go well for you but I need to come to the locker room. be prepared for this to get ugly, and I'm so sorry in advance.

I hobble my way down to the locker room like I was asked, but I'm confused and unsure of what to expect. I see the whole team waiting for me when I finally get down there, and most of them roll their eyes at me on crutches.

I sit between lauren and audrey and I ask, "what's up?"

alex takes a deep breath and says, "so there's been some conversation amongst the team, and a mojority of them are upset that you aren't around much and how you aren't as committed as the rest of us."

one of my teammates, lexi, says, "alex is being nice because she's the captain and lies you but we're sick of your flakey behavior and how you're never here with the team. like you are never morning lift, you're the last one to practice when you bother showing up, and when you are here you never talk to us or interact with the team besides lauren audrey and alex. and you're the first one to leave when practice ends. we're sick of feeling like you aren't as committed as the rest of us."

ellie asks, "why are you never here and where are you when you aren't? we feel like we deserve to know."

"if you feel so inclined to know, I'm either at the rink for hockey or I'm at the library doing homework to stay eligible."

"the point is here is why are you at the library instead of here." Sarah snaps. I take a deep breath and explain, “well, coach gave me thursdays and fridays off for the fall because of games and I have hockey practice at 4:30 on thursdays so she told me not to worry about it. So I’ll go to the library and get some homework done.”

“and lift?”

“I go to hockey during the week and softball on the weekend. that’s changing next semester.”

“how come you cancelled your bullpen session with lauren earlier this week then?”

“how did you even know about that?”

“who do you think she called to go to the cages with her when you cancelled?”

“hang on, I never said I was mad about her cancelling. I was fine with it because I knew why so I didn’t care.”

“and why did you cancel mel?”

“because the trainers told me to take it easy this week. after getting hurt last weekend, they wanted me to take it easy so both of the trainers advised me on canceling and coach was ok with it.”

“excuses, excuses.”

"this is exactly the point we're making here. you're never around and you're just making excuses for why you aren't. you're acting like you don't wanna be on the team. and we're over it."

I roll my eyes and say with an attitude, "if I didn't wanna be on the team, I never would've committed to play hockey and softball and never have any time to myself or my boyfriend. if I didn't wanna be here, I wouldn't have voluntarily had every ounce of free time and a normal college athlete experience taken away from me. I'm playing 2 sports, studying 2 different majors while possible graduating early, I have a boyfriend, and there's only 24 hours in a day. I get 5 hours of sleep every night and I barely eat because I don't have time. so sue me for the coaches looking out for my physical well being because it's obvious none of you are."

"all of that aside, why do you chose hockey over us?" sarah bluntly asks. I chuckle to myself, "you really don't wanna know the answer to that."

lexi says back rudely, "she wouldn't have asked if we didn't wanna know. why are we second to the hockey team?"

"because most of you don't fucking like me. or even pretend like you do. I have all of 30 minutes to myself everyday and that time is spent in the shower every night. if I have to chose between a group of people who seem me for me as a person and not an athlete or a group of people who don't even know what state I'm from, I'm gonna pick the people who see me for me. I don't have the time in my day to deal with people who don't even have the ability to pretend they like me to my face."

"well we don't feel like you given us the chance to get to know you."

"I've given you plenty of chances. you guys don't bother to talk me during practice, let alone out of practice. the phone works both ways and you guys always know where I am. i've tried but you guys aren't."

"you aren't even listening to us mel. you're just making excuses."

"I apologize that I’m a little spaced out because I have a sprained ankle, a headache from not sleeping in 3 days and my teammates are yelling at me for being a bad teammate when they haven’t fucking treated me like a part of this team in the first place.”

"and you getting hurt all the time at hockey doesn't help our team here. because when you're hurt, you aren't here and it effects team chemistry and team performance. on top of you being hurt so much that you can't fucking practice you're own stuff to get better and help the team. from our eyes, it's all about mel and not the team."

"yea well this isn't the only team I play for. it hurts hockey just as much if not more when I get hurt. you think I don't feel guilty about getting hurt? you think I didn't hate myself for getting hurt senior year of high school and watching my team fall short of winning a championship while I was sidelined and then watching the Leo of my life get drafted to the NHL knowing that I should've been getting drafted with him? you think my getting hurt doesn't just effect softball but also hockey an my mental health? you know what, I'm not gonna sit here and listen to you guys call me a bad teammate and not committed when you don't even know the half of what I deal with everyday nor have you made me feel included. I have homework to do." I say and storm out.

I stop when I get out of the building and call Johnny. he answers not he 3rd ring, "what's up moynihan?"

"if I asked you to come pick up, would you do it without telling pat or Luke?" I say choking back tears. I hear him doing around on the other side of the phone and he says, "yea, where are you?"

"softball building. I don't think I can make it back to my dorm safely on crutches with the ice."

"don't even worry about it. I'll be there in 5." he says and hangs up. and 5 minutes later he's there just like he said he would be. he gets out and helps me in his car, "do you wanna talk about it?"

"the softball team hates me. like actually hates me and is blaming me being iced out on my own behavior. like I don't know what I did to make them hate but I wanna fix it. I want with them what I have with the hockey team. but they are trying to call me uncommitted."

"you are the most committed person I know. you'd die before quitting on something that you started." Johnny says patting my shoulder as he drives me to luke's dorm. I smile, "thanks beech. I just wish I could get them to see that. I don't even know how to explain it to Luke."

"you don't have to if you don't want to. it's your business and if anyone is gonna understand that, it's Luke. just don't lie to him."

"I've tried lying to him about being hurt, it doesn't work. but I won't, I promise. I'm just not really ready to talk about it. do you think he'll be mad that I talked to you about it instead of him?"

he shakes his head as he parks in front of luke's building, "no. he knows that I'm the closest thing you have to a big brother here in michigan and he gets that. and I know not to tell pat, and that if you want him to know then you'll tell him. everything you say to me, always stays between us unless I think you're in danger. you know that."

I nod, "thanks for listening. and picking me up. I'll let you know how things go." he smiles and helps me out again before I turn around seeing Luke in the doorway. me and beech fist bump before I hobble off to my boyfriend and give him a hug. he holds me tight and asks, "are you ok baby?"

"not really but I don't really wanna talk about it. can we just cuddle while I ice my ankle and do homework?"

"whatever you want mel. always." Luke says while kissing my head.

we get to his dorm room and we just cuddle together all night while I work on some of my assignments. and naturally I fall asleep in the middle of one of my assignments while Luke uses me as a pillow.

~

let me know your thoughts and if you want more of the angst!

[elliesbelle]

almost like we knew

chapter 6

pairing: ellie x reader

synopsis: it all began online—the whirlwind long-distance, years-long romance between you and young artist, ellie williams. despite all the history and heartbreak and regrets, you keep dancing backwards into each other. the time just never seems to line up.

content warnings: ellie's POV, modern au, ex-gf!ellie, cursing, angst, mentions of hospitalization, mentions of overdose, mentions of death, minors do not interact

chapter 1, chapter 2, chapter 3, chapter 4, chapter 5, chapter 6, chapter 7, chapter 8, chapter 9

series masterlist

my masterlist

i have a ko-fi if you like my work so much that you feel compelled to tip me ♡︎

based on the lauv and julia michaels song “there’s no way”

1 year ago

Present Day

author’s notes:

featuring a little pic from when i was in the ICU two years ago (first pic in the header), what a fun time :)

sorry for such a short chapter, i’m still sick and really dizzy and nauseous, so looking at screens is a little painful, but dw there is more to come 🩶

reader’s best friend’s name is after my irl best friend :)

be warned that darker themes will be explored in later chapters!

taglist: @sawaagyapong, @elliewilliamsmissingfingerss, @lonelyfooryouonly, @abbyily, @spaceshipellie, @ximtiredx, @elliessknife, @aouiaa, @godisacirclemp3, @uberyellowsheep, @alexpritch, @fireflyelllie, @machetegirl109, @millersaurora, @ellieslegalwife, @jokerpokimoon, @gold-dustwomxn, @carmellie, @ellieswifee, @robinismywifee

please let me know if you'd like to be added to the taglist or if you'd asked previously and i missed you! and please have your age in your bio if you want to be added to the taglist!

[courtofcrescent]

Among the characters, which would they prefer;

Is it better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all?

Hi, Dear Anon! My, what a question indeed 👀

MALLORY, VIVIAN, ELLIS would prefer to have loved and lost.

SORIN, E̴N̵I̶G̵M̸A̷ would prefer to have never loved at all.

Thank you for the ask! 🩶

[tloupride]

TLOU Queer Fic Recs

Happy Pride! Admin Zoo here, with some of my favourite queer fics, please share your own recs, I'm looking for more to read!

🏳️‍🌈 🩷💜💙 🖤🩶🤍💜 🏳️‍⚧️

Late October, 2022 (Or The Last Time Joel Saw Bill and Frank alive), 5k, T, by Springandastorm, @spr1ngandastorm

Joel and Tess and Bill and Frank hang out and find community in each other. This devastated me in the best way, I have not stopped thinking about it since I read it. Beautiful and bittersweet and hopeful all in one.

trace my fingers across your frozen veneer, 2k, E, by fromthewhales @deervsheadlights

Bi Joel gets pegged by Tess, as he deserves. Like all the best explicit fics, this is a character study and really gets into their relationship. 10/10 no notes.

some sort of private conversation, 2k, M, by fromthewhales. @deervsheadlights

Bi Joel tries to have a hookup on the road but Ellie cannot mind her own business. So in character and hilarious, RIP Joel hope the next time works out better for you.

Eternal Love Bullshit, 3k, T, by @sedumlineare

STOP THE PRESS, ASEXUAL JOEL IS ON THE SCENE. Lovely fic where he bumps into an old friend in Jackson (who's a lesbian!), remembers past community, and it's just so sweet. Neare aced this one.

The Trans Joel Universe, series, 27K, G/T, by @sedumlineare

NEARE THIS GIVES ME LIFE. This series has everything: gender euphoria and mentorship, trans Joel through the years, and nonbinary Ellie! Stunning, lovely, special mention to Took a While But I Don't Mind (How Do I Look Now?) which is full of joy and is named after one of my favourite songs

I know, I know the sirens sound/Just before the walls come down, 2k, M, by @donttouchtheneednoggle

Trans Bill AND Frank!!! Oh. My. Sweet. Jesus. This fic left me in a puddle on the floor. Beautiful, stunning, please read it, it's gorgeous.

making yourself up as you go along, 6k, M, by awenswords, @awens-words

Trans Joel!! Really brilliant fic, I especially love the detail given to his smuggling operation and how that doubles up as a way to get hormones. Him trying to come out to Ellie is a particular highlight.

Different Shades, 773, G, by mandocule, @theydjarin

Ellie asks about Bill and Frank, and she and Joel come out. Really sweet little fic with lesbian Ellie and bi Joel doing their best to be #Vulnerable. One of the first queer TLOU fics I read last year!

mellow is the man who knows what he's been missing, 15k, G, by flannelfeelings, @boopernatural

The happy AU where Joel gets to meet JJ and Ellie, Dina, and Jesse have a polyamorous relationship! We love love, we love community.

Watch Me Bleed, series, 24k, M/E, by Fiachra, @consultingzoologist

Apologies for the self-promo, but writing this changed my life due to the people I met as a result. TLOU but Joel is trans, with an Ellie-centric sequel exploring her queer feelings, and a t4t TessJoel installment (that gets the E rating)

[choiwonder]

hello bae i haven’t been here in so long i miss you wtf????

I HAVENT EITHER 😭😭😭 im losing motivation BUT IM TRYING TO STAY STRONG BUT I MISS U TOO POOKIE

[choiwonder]

WHOOP WHOOP LETS GO ‼️‼️‼️

-; ✧˖*°࿐ HEART BREAKER . HAN JISUNG .

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ PAIRING ; han jisung x fem! reader.

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ SUMMARY ; growing up you were never shown the correct example of what unconditional love was, so you believed it didn’t exist… so why was this nerd of a boy, making you feel things you didn’t know existed?

[lillysbigwilly]

streamer!ellie w introvert reader 🩶

streamer!ellie with an introverted gf

she would try and get you to stream with her all the time and sometimes you agree as long as you didn’t have to be on camera. you spoke few words on the stream but they all loved you.

making ellie food or a drink whilst she streaming and literally creeping into the room and waving like a mad man out of view of the camera trying to get her attention so she can grab it however, when you don’t get her attention, you will literally throw it onto the desk, whisper a quick hi and then go back to watching from a distance.

spoils you like a LOT. new clothes, flowers, perfumes, accessories. anything you had even mentioned in passing, you will get.

it takes a while but when you start warming up to the camera, you’d sit right beside her. still hardly talking but smiling at the camera and holding ellie’s arm. you’d also played a few games together

when fans recognise you both, you tend to get really shy, hiding behind ellie slightly and holding her arm in front of you

you tend to play music whilst cooking and ellie takes full advantage of it as it’s a time when you let loose, singing and dancing in a pretty dress and your apron, sometimes she’ll join in and other times she records it and puts it on her story with a little ‘she’s not always shy <3’

no matter when she starts streaming, your always watching. in bed, your phones propped up on the bedside table with the stream playing. in the bath, it’s either resting on the floor when you wash or in your hands. making food, your phone is propped against the wall in view of you most. out with friends, it’s on mute so you can join in with conversation but it’s on

and ellie knows when your watching because you’ll always type a sweet little chat that sends her fans crazy

if you wake up earlier than ellie to go grocery shopping (which is usual) you always creep into her streaming room and write on a post it note ‘gone shopping, don’t stream too long my love. i’ll be back soon’

she keeps all your little notes for her in a box in her desk

it’s a very rare occasion but sometimes you go into her stream room when she’s out and start your own stream, curled up on her chair playing silly quizzes on buzzfeed with her fans. you speak to them, barely but there’s content. the fans love it. it’s more chill than ellie’s usual streams.

and don’t get me started on when ellie comes back and finds you in her stream room. she’ll come up behind you, wrap her arms around your shoulders and get involved with the stream. the biggest smile sat on her face

[jazzy96scorpio]

A Spark in the Darkness

Chapter 5 * The Dawn After the Storm

Description: You came into Jackson city with Joel and Ellie. Lots of drama happens. But you and Joel finally make out for first time. SMUT at the end.

Pairing: You / Joel Miller (early 30/56)

Word count: 2,800

Warnings ⚠️: adult content, fluff, angst, dirty talk, sex, oral sex (f/m), SMUT.

🩶

You entered the small Jackson settlement. Tall wooden walls surrounded the community, offering a sense of security. As you passed through the gates, Joel spotted his brother, Tommy, working on a construction.

"Tommy!" Joel called out, a wave of relief washing over him.

They embraced, laughing, finally reunited. "What the fuck you doin' here?" Tommy asked.

"I came here to save you," Joel replied.

After their warm reunion, you all went to the dining hall. The aroma of food filled the air, and Ellie, ravenous says, "This is fuckin' amazing!"

"Ellie, let's mind our manners," Joel said, a slight frown on his face.

"What?" Ellie asked, confused.

"What's wrong with you?" Joel muttered.

You chuckled at their small argue, turning to Maria. "Thank you very much for the meal," you said sincerely. "It's really good."

Joel, looking at Tommy and Maria across the table, cleared his throat. "Ma'am… we're grateful for your hospitality and all. But it'd be nice to have a moment here, maybe just for family."

"Well, um… Maria is family, actually," Tommy said, taking her hand.

Joel looked surprised, a hint of grumpiness crossing his face.

"Oh, shit! Congrats," Ellie said. "Joel, say congrats."

"Congrats," Joel mumbled. You echoed his congratulations, watching Joel's reaction.

Maria then turned to Joel. "What about you two?" she asked, glancing at you. "You look too young for Joel."

Joel stammered, unsure how to respond. "No…she's just…"

You gave him a slightly annoyed look before smiling at Maria. "Oh no, we just travel together," you said smoothly.

Tommy broke the awkward silence. "How 'bout a tour?"

"Yeah," Ellie agreed.

Joel watched you and you felt a little coldness towards him.

After the tour of the town, you were in the barn, admiring the horses. Maria suggested, "Well, I'm sure they'd like a shower, some new clothes. We can put them in the empty house across the street from us."

"Yeah. It's a decent place," Tommy added. "Pretty much untouched since '03, but it's got the heat goin' in it. Could do worse."

"Oh, trust me, we have been," you said, a wry smile on your face.

"We've been doin' fine," Joel countered.

"Well, I'll take Ellie and [Y/N] over there if you two wanna catch up?" Maria offered.

"Yeah. Okay," Joel agreed.

"Shall we?" Maria asked.

"Uh, yeah," Ellie replied, and you nodded in agreement.

Joel and Tommy headed to the bar, while you, Ellie, and Maria walked to the house. 

Joel and Tommy had conversation. Tommy told him he is gonna be a father soon. Joel had harsh reaction. Especially after Tommy asked what is going between you two. He noticed something. But Joel didn't say anything.

After you showered. You were drinking coffee and Maria gave Ellie a haircut, they chatted. Ellie finds out about Joel's daughter, Sarah, and how he lost her. "I guess that explains him a little," Ellie commented.

Then, Maria turned to you. "Look," she began, her voice serious. "I'm not gonna ask you what you're doing with him."

"Good," you replied.

"But there are clearly things you don't know about Joel," Maria continued.

"Oh, like how he used to kill people? I know about that," you said.

"So then you understand my concern," Maria pressed. "Be careful who you put your faith in. The only people who can betray us… are the ones we trust."

Her words resonated with you, a chilling reminder of the harsh realities of this world. You nodded slowly.

"Now, come on," Maria said, a slight smile returning to her face. "Grab your coats."

"Where are we going?" you asked.

"The movies," Maria replied.

"Sounds great," you said.

While Ellie and you were enjoying the movie, Tommy found Joel. They sat down together, and Joel tells Tommy the truth.

"She got infected," Joel began, his voice low and strained. "But she didn't get sick."

Tommy looked at him, worry etched on his face.

"Tommy," Joel continued, his voice trembling slightly. "I saw her get bit myself. That was months ago. Months. She's immune. From the beginning."

He paused, taking a shaky breath. "It was Marlene," he finally said. "She hired us to smuggle her to some Fireflies."

Then, the dam holding back his emotions broke. Tears streamed down Joel's face as he spoke. "You know," he choked out, "[Y/N]… saved my life there… from another kid. Five years ago, I would've destroyed him. But she had to shoot him to save me. Because I was too slow and too fuckin' deaf to hear him comin'. And I saw… I saw a man kill his own brother… to save Ellie, while I just watched. And today, I thought that dog was gonna tear her apart because it smelled somethin' on her. And all I did was stand there. I couldn't… move. I couldn't think of anything to say. I just… I was so afraid."

His voice cracked. "You think I can still handle things, but… I'm not who I was. I'm weak. And I have dreams. Every night."

"What kinda dreams?" Tommy asked, his voice gentle.

"I don't know," Joel sobbed. "I can't remember. I just know that when I wake up… I've lost somethin'. I'm failin' in my sleep. That's all I do. It's all I've ever done is fail her again and again."

Tommy says,"You want me to take her?"

Joel, his face a mask of despair, whispered, "I'm just gonna get her killed."

Ellie had overheard their entire conversation.  She retreated to the house, her heart heavy.  When Joel returned, a tense argument started between them.

Just as you arrived back at the house, you heard the raised voices.  Concerned, you went to check on Ellie. As you opened the door to her room, you caught a snippet of Joel's words: "Now, come dawn… we’re goin’ our separate ways."

You stepped into the room, shocked. "What the fuck is going on?" you demanded, your voice tight with anger.

Joel was silent, his face angry.

You turned to Ellie, seeking an explanation. "He's gonna ditch us," she said, her voice trembling. "He wants Tommy to take us the rest of the way."

"Really, Joel?" you said, your voice laced with disbelief. "And why the fuck is that?"

"You'll be way better off with Tommy," he mumbled, avoiding your gaze. "He knows the area better than I do…"

"Do you give a shit about us or not?" you asked, your voice rising.

"Of course, I do," he replied, but his tone lacked conviction.

"No, you fucking don't," you spat, stepping closer to him, your eyes blazing. "When you care about someone, you don't fucking leave them." You pushed him, the force of your anger surprising even yourself. "You know what? I don't fucking need you, Joel." You turned to Ellie, then back to Joel, tears streaming down your face. "She's all I have. I'm not gonna let her down because I'm scared. I'm not afraid of death, Joel. I'm gonna give my life to protect her. And you… you are such a coward."

You turned to Ellie, your voice firm despite the tears. "We're going in the morning, alone. Be ready." Ellie nodded, her eyes mirroring your resolve.

You left the room, slamming the door behind you. Joel retreated to his own room, a mixture of sadness and guilt warring within him. You, your heart aching, sought solace in the bar.

Joel, felt guilt and regret, couldn't bear the weight of his actions. He felt a deep ache in his chest, a raw pain. He had hurt you, deeply, and the realization of it gnawed at him. He needed to find you, to explain, to apologize.

He searched, his heart pounding in his chest, and finally found you in the bar. You were sitting at the counter, sipping your drink, and a younger man was flirting with you, his hand resting on your back.  Joel, witnessing this view, felt a surge of jealousy, a sharp, unfamiliar pang.

As he approached, he overheard your words, "Well, I need to fuck out this anger on someone." You laughed.

"Sweetheart," the man replied, his voice smooth and suggestive, "I would let you do everything you want."

That was the breaking point.  Joel, his anger flaring, grabbed the man by the shoulder and yanked him away from you. "Get back from her," he growled.

The man, surprised looked up at Joel.  "Whoa, buddy," he stammered. "This lady is mine tonight."

Joel, his jealousy now a burning rage, punched the man in the face. The man crumpled, falling onto the floor unconscious.

Joel turned to you then took your hand.

"Let's go," he said, his voice strained.

You glared at him, your anger still simmering. "Get your fucking hands off me," you spat.

He leaned closer, his face inches from yours. "I'm not fucking leaving without you," he said, his voice low and intense. "We need to talk."

"Fuck off," you hissed, turning and walking away, leaving him standing there.

He followed you back to the house, his resolve unwavering. As you entered, you stormed into the kitchen.

As you saw him approaching you, you unleashed your pent-up anger. "Well, you first left me, and then you ruin my possible fuck tonight," you snapped.

He approached you, his expression contrite. "Please," he said, his voice thick with remorse. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."

"What the fuck do you want from me, huh?" you challenged, your eyes flashing.

He grabbed you, pulling you close. "I fucking want you," he growled.

You pushed him away, a bitter laugh escaping your lips.  "Oh, please don't," you mocked. "Don't say that now. You want a goodbye fuck before I leave? Is that what you want?"

"No," he said, his voice cracking. "It's not like that. I'm so sorry for hurting you. I was scared… I was scared that I would fail you." He started to cry, the tears welling up in his eyes. "Like I failed Sarah. What if I fail to protect you?"

His vulnerability touched a chord within you. "You think it would be easier for me with someone else?" you asked, your voice softening slightly. "I would be fucking scared more."

He then burst, pulling you into a rough, passionate kiss. His huge hands cupped your face, his touch desperate. "I love you," he confessed, his voice raw with emotion. "I fucking love you. I realized I can't leave you. I would go crazy without you. Please… forgive me."

"Fuck… you are killing me with that word," you breathed, your voice thick with emotion.

"Which one? 'Please' or 'I love you'?" he asked, his eyes searching yours.

"Shit… both," you admitted, a small smile playing on your lips.

He kissed you slowly, tenderly. "Please… will you let me love you?" he murmured against your lips.

You laughed, the sound filled with a mixture of relief and desire. "...Fuck, I will let you," you said, your voice husky. "You beg so nicely."

He lifted you onto the kitchen counter, his moves swift and sure. He spread your legs, his gaze burning with lust. Leaning closer, he kissed you deeply, passionately. "I want you so bad, darlin'," he whispered. You clung to his shoulders, your body trembling with anticipation.

He ripped your shirt open, exposing your breasts. "Fuck, you are incredible," he breathed.

"I know, Mr. Miller," you purred, your eyes locking with his. "Say what you want. I wanna hear it."

He leaned closer, his voice low and suggestive. "I wanna feel this pussy… wanna fill you up with my cock, honey."

You unbuckled his belt, pulling down his boxers. "Show me what you know, old man," you challenged.

You stood up, removing your pants and panties. He watched you, his breath catching in his throat.

"You are something else, sweetie," he murmured, his voice filled with awe. "Such a beauty."

"You wanna fuck me, or you will just gonna talk?" you teased, your eyes sparkling with mischief.

He grabbed you, lifting you onto the table. He kissed you roughly, then trailed his lips down your neck, teasing your nipples. He crouched between your thighs. "Please… can I?" he whispered, his voice thick with desire. "I wanna taste you, darlin'."

"No talk, Joel," you moaned. "Just fucking do it."

He licked your clit, teasing you mercilessly, then moved his tongue inside your entrance. You gasped, your hips lifting slightly. "I wanna feel you," you whispered, your voice trembling. "Don't make me wait."

"I won't, darlin'," he promised.

He stood up, watching you as he took his cock in his left hand, guiding it inside you. He watched you as he moved deeper, inch by inch, filling you completely. You felt his thickness, the fullness of him inside you.

"Fucking move, Joel," you commanded, your voice hoarse with desire. "Fuck me hard."

And he did. He moved harder, deeper, his movements relentless.

"Ohhh fuck, yes," he groaned. "You feel like heaven, darlin'."

"I know," you gasped. "And you are so fucking good…so big." He was the biggest cock you ever had.

"I'm close," he said, his voice strained.

"Me too… fuck!" you cried out.

He moved even harder, and you moaned as you reached your orgasm. He felt your tightness, your wetness, and pulled out quickly, cumming onto your stomach.

He leaned down and kissed you, his touch tender. You lay on the table, spent, as he cleaned you with a warm cloth.

Afterward, you looked at him, a playful glint in your eyes. "Let's go to the bedroom," you said. "Ellie might see us. I'm not done yet, Mr. Miller."

He grinned, his eyes filled with lust. "Fuck yes," he growled. "I will fuck you until dawn, sweetheart."

He lifted you from the table carrying you into the bedroom.

"What a gentleman," you purred.

"Anything for you, my lady," he replied.

He gently placed you on the bed, locking the door behind him. He approached, his gaze intense. You were sitting on the edge of the bed, and you commanded him, "Come here. I wanna suck that cock, Mr. Miller."

"Oh fuck, yes… my lady," he responded, his voice thick with desire. He came closer, and you took his cock in your hand, slowly moving your hand along its length. You leaned closer, licking the tip and twirling your tongue around it. Then, you continued lower, taking him deeper into your mouth. He groaned, resting his hands on your head, gently holding your hair. You continued with faster, more insistent movements, your saliva dripping down his length. "Fuck, sweetie," he moaned, his voice strained. "You are so fucking amazing at everything."

You pulled his cock out of your mouth. "I wanna ride your cock, Joel," you said, your voice husky with desire. "Sit down."

He obeyed, his eyes never leaving yours.  He watched as you reached for your backpack and pulled out a box of condoms. "Told you we might need these," you said, a playful smile on your lips.

He laughed, a low, rumbling sound. You leaned closer, kissing him deeply. He kissed your breasts, squeezing them as you opened the condom wrapper. You rolled it onto him, your touch teasing and deliberate.

Then, you climbed on top of him, straddling him. You guided his cock inside you, your moves slow and deliberate at first, then faster and harder. You teased him with slow, circular motions, his low moans filling the room.

He grabbed your butt cheeks, holding you tight. "Shit… I'm gonna," he murmured, his voice strained.

You placed your hand on his jaw, forcing him to look at you. "Eyes on me, Joel," you commanded.

He looked at you as you both reached your climax, your bodies convulsing in shared pleasure. You leaned down and kissed him, your voice filled with love. "You are the best man I have ever had," you whispered. "I love you, Joel. I fucking do."

"Love you too, sweetheart," he replied, his voice soft.

You lay beside him, his arm wrapped around you. He kissed your forehead. "I swear I will never leave you," he promised.

"Well, you better not," you teased, a playful glint in your eyes. You kissed him again, a deep, lingering kiss.

You felt a chill, and he noticed. He grabbed the blanket, covering you. He cleaned himself, then tucked himself in beside you, pulling you close. You fell asleep together, wrapped in each other's arms.

💜

You woke up the next morning nestled in Joel's arms. He was warm and solid beside you, his large hands wrapped around your body. A genuine happiness bloomed within you, a feeling you hadn't experienced in a long time.

He stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He looked at you, a soft smile gracing his lips, and kissed you gently.

"We need to go," you murmured, though you didn't really want to leave the warmth of his embrace.

"We are not going anywhere right now," he replied.

"But Ellie," you said, a hint of worry creeping into your voice. "I guess she is waiting for me."

"Okay," he conceded. "We are going to tell her. I want to stay a day or two, and then we can continue to the Fireflies. Is that okay?"

"Okay," you agreed, snuggling closer to him.

After you both dressed, you went together to Ellie's room. She was there, waiting, unaware of the events of the previous night.

"What the actual fuck?" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. "What is he doing here?"

"I'm not leaving you two, Ellie," Joel said firmly, his gaze unwavering. "I will never do that again." He took your hand, his touch reassuring.

Ellie, surprised, jumped up and hugged you both tightly. "Aww, look at us," she said, laughing. "Like a real fucking family."

Joel looked at you, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Yes, baby girl," he said, his voice filled with affection. "A nice family." He leaned and kissed you on the cheek.

"Oh nooo," Ellie groaned, wrinkling her nose. "Don't do that in front of me."

"What? We love each other," you teased, grinning at her reaction.

"Yeah, well, last night you almost fight each other," Ellie pointed out.

Joel chuckled. "Yeah, I guess," he admitted. "That's the best kind of love. We fight and then we love," he said, his eyes meeting yours.

"Yeah, yeah," Ellie said, waving her hand dismissively. "Enough romantic moments for this morning. I'm hungry."

"Okay," Joel said, standing up. "Let's go."

Thank you for the reading 💜 📚

Chapter 4

Please like, reblog or comment 🙏 ❣️

Chapter 6

[xekutozoren]

🪽🫐Welcome to my Blog🫐🪽

It is currently a safe haven for Aquaroth, where the two of them are free from the harassment and suffering that they receive from their respective games for the sake of plot.

💙🩶- Explanation of my take on their relationship - 🩶💙

🏡- Their cottage - 🏡

I am a very sensitive potato that likes to create content for characters who I think deserved better than their canon verses.

Please send me an 'ask' if you feel like it, I enjoy engaging with people and might make a post of what you wrote. (Unless you're mean to me. In that case, I'll cry and then delete it.)

Anyways, I hope you enjoy your time here~

Art credits

kazuo_art_ kushirojin nnannappy caliburn05 and moi

Ref for my art

ゲニアスウェイ

Media used in my badly photoshopped stuff

Sharra Joy Ellie featherplanet Flipkart

[cervinae-canine]

F/O Tags

(I am perfectly fine with sharing my F/Os and I encourage interacting if you share with some of the fellas)

[Romantic]

#〽️ 💛 (The Narrator; The Stanley Parable)

April 14th, 2023 (04 / 14 / 23)

[Retired] #🖤🩶🤍 (Noir; Spiderverse)

October 20th, 2023 (10 / 20 / 23)

[Retired] #🥯⚪⚫ (Spot; Spiderverse)

November 7th, 2023 (11 / 07 / 23)

#💘🔫 (Sniper; Team Fortress 2)

November 17th, 2023 (11 / 17 / 23)

#��❣️ (Demoman; Team Fortress 2)

November 17th, 2023 (11 / 17 / 23)

#💉🫀(Medic; Team Fortress 2)

November 17th, 2023 (11 / 17 / 23)

#💗🪛 (Engineer; Team Fortress 2)

November 18th, 2023 (11 / 18 / 23)

#💝🚬 (Spy; Team Fortress 2)

December 16th, 2023 (12 / 16 / 23)

#🪖💓 (Soldier; Team Fortress 2)

December 19th, 2023 (12 / 19 / 23)

#💄♥️ (Grell Sutcliff; Black Butler)

January 21st, 2024 (01 / 21 / 24)

#💉💙 (Medic / Ludwig; Emesis Blue)

February 8th, 2024 (02 / 08 / 24)

#🔪🩸 (Christian Brutal Sniper; Freak Fortress)

February 18, 2024 (02 / 18 / 24)

#💜📑 (Miss Pauling; Team Fortress 2)

March 5th, 2024 (03 / 05 / 24)

#💕🐻 (Heavy; Team Fortress 2)

March 22nd, 2024 (03 / 22 / 24)

#💵🦈 (Bill Sykes; Oliver and Company)

April 21st, 2024 (04 / 21 / 24)

#🧡🍻 (Raul Tejada; Fallout: New Vegas)

May 30th, 2024 (05 / 30 / 24)

#💜📢 (Coach; Left 4 Dead)

July 8th, 2024 (07 / 08 / 24)

[Platonic]

#🏃🏼⚾ (Scout; Team Fortress 2)

April 23rd, 2024 (04 / 23 / 24)

#🪓🔥 (Pyro; Team Fortress 2)

June 22, 2024 (06 / 22 / 24)

#🌺📹 (Rochelle; Left 4 Dead 2)

August 10th, 2024 (08 / 10 / 24)

#🧰🎸 (Ellis; Left 4 Dead 2)

August 10th, 2024 (08 / 10 / 24)

[Self Insert Tags]

#💞📻 (Morale / Piper; Team Fortress 2)

January 21st, 2024 (01 / 21 / 24)

#💙🌾 (Daphne; Left 4 Dead 2)

August 10th, 2024 (8 / 10 / 24)

Dividers by @ enchanthings

[courtofcrescent]

💘 HEART W/ ARROW - what traits do they look for in a relationship? do they believe in love at first sight?

Hello there, Emoji Ask Anon!

What an interesting question! Apologies, but I'll leave the former for you all to unravel 😉 Now, regarding the latter: do they believe in love at first sight?

MALLORY : Doesn't believe in love at first sight. Love is such a deep and complicated feeling, it's nonsense to think that love can bloom in mere seconds. That's not true love.

VIVIAN : Love at first sight is such a powerful, spontaneous feeling. This type of emotion is dangerous. She acknowledges it, she believes in it. But she mislikes it nonetheless.

ELLIS : My, what kind of question is that? Of course he believes in love at first sight! He believes in love at any moment. He loves love; love loves him. Just ask his long line of lovers.

SORIN : Fairytales portray love as love at first sight, do they not? The princess always ends up happily with her prince because of it, does she not? She's a firm believer. And it breaks her heart.

E̴N̵I̶G̵M̸A̷ : B̷e̴lie̷v̵e̷ ̴in̶ lo̷v̶e̴ ̴a̸t̴ ̷fir̶s̶t̵ ̷s̶i̷gh̵t̴.̶ Is̵n'̵t ̷t̸ha̶t o̵b̵v̵i̵o̶u̷s̴?̸

----

Psst, someone is not being entirely truthful here 👀👀

Thank you for the ask! 🩶

[yourmomssidepiece]

🩵,🧡,✈️, 🚗, 🍊,🍓

for the ask game🫶🏼

🩵- 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘴?

yes i have 2 dogs called ellie and hiccup and they are probably the best thing in my life at the moment

🧡- 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘹𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺?

this should be a pretty obvious one but i am a lesbian, i love women especially ones that are a lot older than me

✈️- 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘥?

i don’t really travel much but my favourite place to go was london, i went with my friends and it was amazing

🚗- 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦?

no i can’t drive yet but i would love to at some point, it’s mainly just anxiety putting me off i think

🍊- 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯?

i love winter, i just love being cozy and having a full time excuse for being in my bed

🍓- 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘥?

i adore pasta, literally any kind of pasta i will devour if you put in front of me. But i did struggle with eating for a while so trying new things is still scary for me

thank you so much for the ask!!🩶

[choiwonder]

i don’t think you’re aware of how much i love you.

i wanna drop kick the forces of the earth that separated me from you like wtf??? i gain the intimacy i desire and it’sSO FAR AWAY