#'i know the weather is awful right now and i want you to be safe'

[cosmogyros]

I just made an order on my food delivery app, and a minute later I got a notification saying "The restaurant is really busy right now :( Your order won't be able to be delivered until 9:32 pm :("

It's 8:47 pm right now. That's 45 minutes. Oh no. I have to sit on the couch relaxing and doing absolutely nothing for a mere 45 minutes, and then someone will bring a freshly cooked meal right to my door without me having to lift a finger. What horror. What tragedy.

I think we've come to expect too much these days.

[ohtobeleah]

Day Two: [An Angels Discretion]

Summary: When Bradley gets a call to say you’ve been involved in a major car accident, his whole world is turned upside down.

Warnings: Death, Bradley Bradshaw x wifeF!reader. Car Accident. Injuries sustained from a car accident. Pregnancy, Bradley in a state of existential crisis. Premature birth. Hurt/comfort. Goose cameo.

Whumptober Prompt Day Two: Unfortunate Fall, Car Accident, “Don’t move. You’ll be okay.”

Word Count: 4.4k

Author Note: THIS IS AN ALTERNATE ENDING TO AN ANGELS DISCRETION ~ Please make sure you read the warnings provided. Disclaimer: I do not condone nor endorse the actions that are written about during the month of October. These works of fiction are just that, fiction and should be treated as such. Thank you to @ailesswhumptoberfor this year's prompt list.

Whumptober Masterlist | Main Masterlist

It felt like time stood still yet had sped up all at the same time. Your entire world had been flipped on its head in the blink of an eye—you felt like your entire life was flashing before your eyes. A Rolodex of memories played out before you as you spun out and rolled down into the embankment. You didn’t know exactly how it happened or why it happened - but regardless of that, it still very much happened and you were still very much in trouble. 

It had been god-awful weather recently, so much so the Daggers had been grounded for the better half of a week. Bradley had been home for a change, pottering around the house baby-proofing sharp edges and making sure the crib was set up just like the instruction book had said. 

It seemed that people truly believed that the car you were trapped in for nearly half an hour had flipped and rolled hours ago. An empty mangled car on the side of the road—nobody stopped to see if there were any occupants. Nobody stopped to snoop. Nobody heard your cries— the cries of a woman in unimaginable pain. Hoping, praying, as you remained helplessly tangled in your seat belt. You had blood gushing from wounds you didn’t know what exactly had been caused by and had bones that shattered from impact. 

“Don’t move. You’ll be okay.”

You stayed there, trapped in a mess of broken glass and twisted aluminium, whimpering as you rubbed your swollen belly. Seven months. Seven beautiful months carrying your child. Bradley’s daughter. You’d spent seven months promising to keep her safe - keep her sound. You didn’t know the gender but the feeling was there and it was strong, you were having a little baby girl. 

Bradley wanted to keep the gender a surprise, but you knew deep down with every fibre of your being that you were having a girl, that he’d be a girl dad till his dying day. But as you slowly brought your hand up to cup over your belly button? You knew something was utterly wrong.

“We’re okay, aren’t we spud.” You mumbled as your vision blurred and your head became far too heavy for you to keep it lifted. “Mama’s gonna take ca-care of you.” You struggled out before succumbing to the feeling of emptiness as you drifted into unconsciousness—the sound of your shattered phone playing your doting husband's ringtone. Replay by Iyaz. One final smile appeared on your bloodied broken face as you heard the all too familiar sound. 

Before.....nothing. 

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

“Baby seats shouldn’t be this complicated to fit!” Bradley groaned as he tried to figure out how to secure the baby seat into the backseat of the Bronco. Jake was too busy trying to reread the instructions. “Nope, I can’t do this right now I need a break.” The pair of naval aviators had been off work for the better half of the week and while you were out grocery shopping, Jake had come over to lend a helping hand at putting together some flat-pack furniture. “Good thing this baby isn’t coming for another few months.” 

“Ah, you’ve jinxed it now!” Jake teased, clicking his fingers at Bradley to grab his attention. “Also, apparently it’s meant to face the other way round.” Jake grinned ear to ear as Bradley deadpanned him. Giving up in entirety before he turned back to the house with a huff. “Oh come on! Where are you going, Rooster? we almost had it!” Jake laughed, jogging after his wingman up to the house. 

“I need a beer!” It had been a long afternoon for the two men who had done nothing but unpack and organise the nursery. Bradley was in his own nesting phase. He’d read in a bunch of parents’ books that nesting was something you’d go through in preparation for the little spud on the way. He was now finding that he was doing it too. 

“Oh, I’ll take one too.” Jake trailed behind Rooster into the kitchen. “Job well done deserves a bevy.” Just as Bradley opened the fridge and passed Jake the Budweiser, his phone began to ring out on the kitchen counter. “Oh—unknown number man,” Jake announced. 

“It’s probably Y/n.” Bradley twirled his wedding band as he stood to answer his phone that was sitting on the kitchen bench, not recognising the number lighting up his screen. For a moment he wasn’t going to answer because why would you be calling from an unknown number? But he just had a gut feeling. He’d called you a few times beforehand but you never answered, maybe this was you calling him back? 

“Hello?”

“Hello? Is this Lieutenant Bradley Bradshaw?” A woman who sounded more panicked than calm spoke—needing a confirmation before continuing with her call. 

“This is he?” Bradley responded, turning back to Jake with a confused look on his face, eyes glancing up at the time. Five thirty in the afternoon. You should have been home an hour ago. 

“Lieutenant Bradshaw, we’ve just had a one Y/n Bradshaw admitted.” The woman on the other end of the phone call Bradley almost didn’t answer, explained. “Your wife, she’s unfortunately been involved in a severe accident and—“ Bradley didn’t hear the rest of what the nurse had to say as he dropped his phone, it clunked and clambered from the kitchen bench to the tiled floor below. “Hello? Mr Bradshaw?” Unable to process the news he’d just been told Bradley began to panic as his vision tunnelled and his mind went numb. 

“Jake—“ Was it Bradley’s fault? Was he a terrible husband for not noticing how long you’d been gone? Was there something wrong with your car? You’d mentioned a time or two that the air conditioning had been making a funny noise. “Jake I can’t breathe—“ Bradley clutched at his chest as he groaned, it felt like his entire world was collapsing around him. “I can’t fucking breathe.” 

“Oh-okay, yeah we’re leaving right now,” Jake confirmed as he spoke to the lady on the phone. Hangman had picked up the phone Rooster had dropped, he listened to what the woman on the other end of the line had to say as Bradley started to sob, losing his grip on reality. 

Jake reached out to touch Bradley’s shoulder in an attempt to confront the aviator whose world had just shattered into a million pieces, the moment he did though Jake Seresin witnessed his best friend collapse down to his knees in unimaginable pain at the thought of losing you. His girl. His wife. His best friend. The love of his life. The mother of...oh god the mother of his child. 

“Rooster we gotta g—“

“I can’t lose her!!” Bradley screamed as warm tears drenched his flushed face. “Can’t—won't lose her. I can’t!” Jake knew Bradley was hyperventilating, he’d seen a panic attack a time or two before when Bob had stayed in his spare room while his house was being painted. Jake also knew a panic attack when he saw one because he got them too. But this? This was a panic attack shrouded in heartache, one Jake would never understand. 

“Hey, hey Rooster.” Jake crouched down before his wingman— knowing he needed all the strength he could get. On the inside, Jake was a mess. If Bradley lost you that meant Jake lost you too. Holding the back of Bradley’s head as he leaned in. “Listen, man, this is so fucked up but she needs you, Y/n needs you to be there for her because she can’t do this alone? Alright? We gotta go— you’re her husband Rooster.” Jake reminded him. “Y/n needs her husband to be there for her okay? In sickness and in health you promised her.” 

Bradley sobbed uncontrollably—but he got up. Knowing Hangman was right. You needed him, and like fuck was he gonna let you slip through his fingers. 

“Okay, okay let’s go.” 

***~***~***~***~***~***~

It’s needless to say Bradley Bradshaw was a mess—a sobbing, shaking, totally exhausted figment of his former stoic self in the private waiting room nurses had told him to wait in. Jake contacted your mum and dad, he called Mav and Penny too who were already on their way over to the Miramar Base Hospital because hell was Mav somewhat sob going to go through this alone. 

“We don’t know what’s going on.” Bradley could just faintly hear Jake on the phone with Phoenix as he sat and twisted his wedding band around his ring finger. It kept him grounded but the tangible reminder of your love did nothing to stop Rooster's mind from thinking of the very worst. 

“We haven’t been told a single thing—“ Jake sighed as he ran his hand through his sun-kissed hair locks. “No, no he’s not in a good way.” 

Bradley could hear only Jake's voice and only his answers. But he knew Phoenix would be going stir-crazy not knowing what had happened or what was going on, they all would be. Every single member of Bradley’s naval squadron had become like family to you both. Extensions on the small albeit perfect family you were just starting. 

Bradley thought he knew heartbreak, thought he’d been through pain. He’d lost his dad when he was just shy of three years old and his mother just after his seventh birthday. But nothing—nothing, compared to the heartache of not knowing what was happening to you. If you were alive if your baby was okay? If Rooster had just lost his young family before it had a chance to grow old. 

“Lieutenant Bradshaw?” An older-looking woman in scrubs asked as she knocked. Both Bradley and Jake looked up—both just as desperate for answers. “Hi,” She cooed. “My names Jannette, I’ve been with your wife since she came in—“

“H-how is she?” Bradley could barely speak at this point, he was too afraid to know but needed answers. Although he’d stood from the chair he’d been perched in he still twirled his wedding band around his finger. He still needed that tangible reminder. You loved him, no matter what the outcome was you would always love him. To the moon and back and twice over you’d say before he left for deployments. 

In all Bradley’s years, he always thought he’d be the one leaving you behind—he never once thought his wife who cut and arranged flowers for a living would leave him, the naval aviator who flew super hornets for a living. But here he stood in some twisted parallel universe that felt like a plot ripped straight from an episode of The Twilight Zone. 

“She’s critical, my colleagues are still working on her as we speak.” The room went silent as Bradley forgot how to breathe. Jake was by his side in seconds. “It's touch and go.” 

“My baby? How’s my baby?” If anything mattered to you, it was your unborn child. Bradley knew if anything happened to them that you'd never forgive yourself. You’d rather die than live a life without your baby. You’d done everything in your power to make sure they had the best chance of being strong healthy and safe. You’d been the perfect mother. 

“She” The nurse smiled. “Is okay, we did, however, have to do an emergency c-section because your wife was unfortunately not able to carry her to full turn due to her uterus filling with blood.” It was a whirlwind of emotions. Bradley Bradshaw was suddenly a father, he had a baby girl. 

“Rooster, you have a little girl.” Jake helped Bradley take a few agonising steps as he took in the news. You’d given him a baby girl. A tiny little you. How could he ever thank you enough? How could he ever begin to repay that debt of gratitude, of love? 

“You can see her if you’d like? She’s in the NICU.” Jannette explained. “But you won’t be able to touch her without protection until she’s used to the new environment, premature babies can catch infections and colds despite our best efforts, so it’s best she says in the incubation chamber.”

“C’mon Bradshaw, let's go meet your little girl, yeah? You know Y/n wouldn’t want her left alone.” Jake was right. Bradley could hear everything going on around him but he couldn’t speak. He was still taking all this in. He was a dad, a girl dad. He was the father to your daughter and you weren’t here to see him start this new chapter. 

God, it was bittersweet. 

“When will I know how my wife is?” Bradley asked as he followed the nurse he towered over—she had a little waddle that Jake couldn’t help but notice. 

“You’ll be the first to know her updated condition, Lieutenant, but from what I’ve seen so far your wife is one hell of a fighter, not a lot of people in her condition would’ve come out of that alive.”

Braduheld onto that tiny shred of hope, clung to it for dear life as he followed the nurse to meet his baby’s girl—way too early. How do you introduce yourself to a baby? Jake was right beside him. Do you think Jake Seresin would ever let his wingman walk alone through such a tragedy? 

Absolutely not. 

“Bradley, this is your daughter, obviously she doesn’t have a name so we called her Jane as protocol - short for Jane Doe.” The little girl was so incredibly tiny. She was dwarfed by wires and tubes connected all over her tiny body helping her little lungs breathe. Bradley couldn’t distinguish if she looked more like you or him. But fuck he wished she looked like you. He took a seat next to the incubator that held his bundle of joy. The joy he’d been blessed with by you. The joy and light of his world he’d helped create, a blend of you and him. 

“H-hey little one.” Rooster struggled to talk. “I’m your Dadda, your mums in a little bit of a situation right now but I’ve got you yeah?” Tears ran down Bradley’s face as he placed a fingertip against the glass. “I’m not gonna let anything bad happen to you, ever.” 

Rooster always said he’d never love anyone more than he’d love you—but this little girl? God, she was already Bradley’s entire fucking world. For a single second, he forgot you were in surgery. Watching as your daughter's tiny lips curled into a soft smile for a mere second. Bradley liked to think it was her acknowledging his presence. 

“Bradley?” Jannette interrupted, Bradley had forgotten all sense of time as he sat with his baby girl. “It’s your wife—she’s stable, sleeping but stable. She’s being moved to the ICU for around-the-clock observation.”

“When can I Uh, when can I see her?” Bradley let out a sob as he thanked the heavens above, his little family was okay—not great, not thriving with heath, but okay. Stable. Jake finally allowed himself to breathe for the first time all night. 

“We can go up there if you like?” Bradley nodded in response—looking over at Jake who already knew what his wingman was about to ask. 

“I’ll stay here, keep her company, go get your girl Rooster.” Jake hugged Bradley as tight as he ever had before. “You’re a dad man, congratulations.” Being the big brother Bradley needed but didn’t have. “I got you brother.”

Bradley didn’t know what to do when he first saw you—he stood at the doorway just staring at the woman who had given him everything. So injured, so hurt. And he couldn’t do anything to help ease your pain. Even through all the injuries, tubs and wires, much like the little girl you gave precious life to, you still look beautiful. So gorgeous, so at peace. 

A soft “oh god” escaped Bradley’s mouth as he held back sobs walking towards you. Nurse Jannette giving him the space he so desperately needed with you. Bradley took in the sight before him. His beautiful wife, the mother of his daughter, lying so lifeless in a hospital bed. He wished so badly you could be at home with him right now, tangled in the warm sheets, smiling and being your “happy-go-lucky” self instead of here. He wished so badly he could take you anywhere else in the world. 

Anywhere but here—like this. 

“Hey beautiful,” Bradley whispered. Biting his bottom lip to stop himself from breaking down for what felt like the one hundredth time tonight. “You don’t know it yet but you’re a mama, and dammit baby you’ll be the best fucking mum on earth.” Bradley grabbed the nearby seat and pulled it close. Once his hand was in yours there was no place else Rooster wanted to be than right by your side. Although he wished the two of you could be anywhere else together. 

“You’re gonna be okay baby, maybe not today or next week? But you’ll be okay. I won’t let you be anything but okay.” Bradley mumbled through soft sobs as he took notice of every injury that plagued your body. Every cut, stitch, wrap and blood-stained patch that littered the soft and supple skin he loved so much. Bradley especially noticed the gash on your cheek—stitched. 

As Rooster sat with you, he could see your eyelids moving. He knew you were conscious, just sleeping. Heavily medicated, he knew you could hear every word he spoke. But soon Bradley Bradshaw watched in awe as you placed your hand over your stomach. Checking to see if your little spud was alright. When you noticed how small your stomach felt you moaned. 

“My—my baby?” Your eyes weren’t even open yet and you already knew something was terribly wrong. Even if your entire body was in agonising pain you needed to make sure your baby was alright. 

“Hey shh, shh, shh, I got you.” Bradley cooed, his hand gently reaching out to cup your cheek—the side without any noticeable injuries that would bring you discomfort. “She’s alright mama, she’s here a little early but she’s okay—j-just like you yeah.” 

“She?” Your eyes opened slowly at the sound of your husband’s voice—your neck killed as you turned to face him. Giving up quickly. Bradley was quick to notice the wince you let out. 

“She mama, our little girl. Both of my girls gave me a pretty big heart attack this afternoon huh? Are you trying to kill me, honey?” Bradley smiled. Noticing how you smiled back for a brief moment before the muscles in your cheeks gave up. 

“I’m so sorry” You whispered—eyes closed again as you couldn’t stand the light of the room. “I don’t know what happened— no one came though.” You started to cry. “No one came when I called for help for so long.” Bradley leaned in to place a gentle kiss on your forehead. 

“I’m here, I came, I’m not going anywhere my love.” Rooster sobbed back, sometimes being strong meant crying along with the ones you love. “God, I thought I lost you.” 

“He said it wasn’t my time to go.” You sighed, clearly fighting off the urge to fall asleep. So groggy from the medicine that even the thought of being a mother hadn’t truly set in yet—all you cared about was that your baby was safe. She was alive. 

“Who did bub? One of the paramedics?” Bradley asked, a little confused as he pushed some hair away from your face and made sure the oxygen tube was sitting just right. 

“He was in the car, said I couldn’t leave you yet, that you’d be lost without me.” You softly grinned while your eyes rested. “Had a moustache just like yours.” 

Bradley sat back in shock as he watched you drift back to sleep. Holding your hand thinking how the universe worked in mysterious ways. Bradley had promised to love you in good times and in bad - through sickness and in health. He’d live in the damn hospital if he had to—anything to be by your side. 

“God I hate it when he does this.” Goose groaned as he watched his son’s name appear on the shattered phone on the floor of your busted-up car. “You’re not ready, it’s not your time so why bother even putting you through this crap.” The man spoke as you fell unconscious. “It’s not your time my dear and my son certainly needs you by his side or he’ll go crazy.” You listened, tried to nod, smile, anything to let him know you heard him. “You’ll be alright kid.”

Bradley Bradshaw had his family. He had his daughter, he had you. Going back and forth with Jake from room to room watching as both his girls slept. Both of you were still so unaware of the turmoil Bradley had been through. He nearly lost you. Without you? Bradley would’ve been helpless. 

But someone watching over him knew that as well as he did. A guardian angel not only watched over him....

But over his girls too.

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

Life always seems to be far too good at throwing unexpected curve balls at unsuspecting victims. It has a way of being able to knock the wind from your lungs all the while ripping your heart from your chest. Unimaginable pain and sorrow seemed to be the universe's favourite seasoning. Like msg or garlic salt. Whatever God or deity that was at the wheel needed its kicks, needed that morning fix of watching its human puppets experience the worst of what the world had to offer. It needed that rush of adrenaline while watching those who trained in medicine try to solve the issues occurring in your hospital room. 

Like ants, they watched everyone rush around as all kinds of bells and whistles rang out in the early morning. The sun had yet to kiss the horizon, you had taken a dramatic turn. And while you stood by the edge of your hospital bed watching doctors and nurses alike try to bring you back from the precipice of death, you knew this was it. 

“The worst part about it is the people we leave behind, my dear,” Goose, Bradley’s late father explained as he stood beside you. You could only describe him as your guardian angel, a guiding light through this experience. He’d already tried his best to keep on in the living realm for the sake of his son who’d already lost too much. But unfortunately, it seemed as though it may have been your time after all. 

“Am I dying?” You asked softly as you watched the team of medical professionals try everything in their power to bring you back. “I thought–” Your voice broke as tears began to stream down your face. “I thought I was fine, they said I was fine?” 

“Sometimes it just doesn’t go according to plan, my dear.” Goose sighed as he watched with you. It was one of the hardest things he’d ever had to watch. His son’s greatest love was dying right before him and there was nothing he could do to stop it. 

“What about Bradley, my little girl? What are they supposed to do without me?” You asked as the panic set in. No. this couldn’t be happening. Things like this don’t happen to good people, right? “No, no I don’t accept this, I need to go back!” You cried out as you tried to move forward. Goose tried his best to stop you, but you were quick to shrug him off. “I need to go back, no no no no no–” 

“I know it’s hard Y/n,” Goose tried his best to give you the comfort you so desperately needed right now. “But if it’s your time, then it’s your time, we have to accept that it’s a part of the plan.” 

“Well FUCK the plan!” You shouted as you turned back to your husband’s dad. “I’m not dying on him, or my baby girl! I won’t do that to them! Not now! I can’t, I can’t do that to him please!” 

“Time of death–” Everything went quiet. The room felt so still like not a person in the room was breathing or thinking a single thought. “03:24 am” 

“No!!!” You fell to your knees in utter agony as you watched yourself lying lifeless in that damn hospital bed. “Bradley–” You sobbed as you felt an ache in your heart you’d never felt before. “No–” 

“I’m so sorry my dear,” Goose held back his own tears as he watched on. He knew what this agony felt like, the pain of feeling like you let the love of your life down. “I’ve got you–” 

“My baby girl–” It was hard to hear, the turmoil of grief set in, but Goose knew this was all a part of the process. Time would hopefully heal the wounds of death and one day, soon enough, the three of you would be reunited. 

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

It was the most heartbreaking to bear witness to. You couldn’t leave without seeing Bradley, without seeing your husband. No one was expecting you to take such a dramatic turn so quickly. The doctors and nurses who had worked tirelessly to save your life thought you had a fighting chance. But as fate would have it, he had other, more heartbreaking plans for you. 

“It’s okay little one–” Bradley sobbed as he softly played with his baby girl’s tiny hand through the glass of the NICU bassinet. “I’ve got you.”

You weren’t ever sure if those words would stop echoing through your husband’s mind. The words that changed his life forever, the words that made him feel like his mother did when she had lost his father. The words he would remember throughout this lifetime and the next. 

“Unfortunately Mr Bradshaw, your wife didn’t make it through the night.” Bradley had been with your daughter when it all happened. That’s where you wanted him to be.  

“We’re gonna be alright, mum would want us to be okay,” Rooster cooed as he watched the tears that he cried splatter against the glass. “I’ve got you for this lifetime baby girl,” 

“I’m right here Roo–” You sobbed as you watched your little family begin their life without you. Goose stood right by the door, he knew you would come, just not right now. “I’m right here.” As you reached out to touch your husband’s cheek, he felt a cool breeze against him, and he knew.

“Mamma loves you so much beautiful girl.”

******************************

[arcadia-of-pluto]

Bad Weather LADS Drabbles

Word count; 837

Warnings; fluff, reader is scared of bad weather

Notes; hey guys! I thought I'd just post something small and I've never tried my hand at drabbles before, so I hope they're actually decent enough. I'm also not sure how long they're supposed to be or if this is classified as a scenario instead? Either way, I felt bad for not writing anything new in my one-shots this week, so I hope a random little drabble will suffice!

Either way, I was just a bit inspired since I have a tad bit of bad weather coming my way (mostly just thunderstorms and high winds, a storm surge from the hurricane but it's not going to come anywhere close), and I was inspired to write since I don't particularly like bad weather. Big things in the sky scare me, to be honest.

Anyway, yall be safe out there if there's any bad weather near yall and I hope you have a good day/night!! 🩷

Sylus

“Hmm?” Sylus would wake up in the middle of the night with you in his arms, trembling from the sound of rain harshly hitting the windows. Wind whistling and whipping while your head was buried in his chest. 

“Kitten?” He would chuckle. “You're a mighty and proud Hunter, but this is what scares you?” 

A flash of light illuminates the room and your nails bite into the skin of his shoulder. 

Sylus would count out-loud how long it took for the lightning to follow behind the thunder. The low timber of his voice helps you calm down with your ear against his chest. 

His arms would tighten around you every time you jump from fear. 

“Calm down now, sweetie. Do you want me to have Mephisto fly out there and check the damage? Or should I have Luke and Kieran go out there and stop the storm?” 

A small caw is echoed through the room– a sign that Mephisto clearly did not want to go outside. 

You would laugh and shake your head. The thought of the twins trying to physically fight the storm, and Mephisto being blown around in the high winds, calms you down to where you can finally fall back asleep. 

Rafayel

“Hey…the studio isn't going to flood or anything right?” You would be worried, having heard on the news that Linkon would be hit with the storm surge coming off a hurricane. The hurricane wouldn't hit Linkon, however you were more worried about tsunamis– especially when you were at Rafayel's studio on Whitesand Bay. 

“It better not.” Rafayel would grumble as he tried to quickly put away any paintings he really cared about. “But if it does, you'll be safe by my side.” 

“That's…very reassuring..” you would say, not feeling very reassured because what could Rafayel do? He couldn't very well tell the raging waters to just stop…or could he?

As you excitedly turn around to ask Rafayel this, he puts his hand up in front of him. “I know what you're going to ask and my answer is no.” 

“Aw..” You would sigh before you'd nervously look out the window, keeping a close eye on the distant tide and the clouds in the sky. 

“Cutie..–” Rafayel tugs on your arm to pull you away from the window. “Seriously, don't look outside. You'll just stress yourself out, Miss Hunter.” 

He mischievously smiles, “Come on, let's go paint something together to pass the time or…I could distract you.”

Xavier 

“Xavier, does that cloud look weird to you or is it just me?” You would squint up at the sky, staring at the large bundle of clouds. “Mm…it's called a wall cloud.” Xavier would say from your couch, fingers tapping against his phone. 

“It usually means thunderstorms are on the way, and it can cause tornadoes.” The silvery-blonde haired man would shrug as if this wasn't a big deal, but it was. A big deal, that is. 

“Xavier, this is seriou–” 

A sharp noise would slip from your lips when a loud boom shakes the whole apartment and the lights go out shortly after. 

“Xav..” You would dart back inside from your place on the balcony and quickly shut the doors, trying to search for him in the dark. 

“Right here, starlight.” 

You would notice a tiny speck of light before a dozen others lit up the room. It almost felt romantic, if it wasn't for the rain pelting the windows and the distant sound of thunder. 

“Come here, we can hide out from the storm together in our own little world.” 

Zayne

“We gonna die–” you would blurt out the moment you began to hear sirens. Bundled up in a blanket on Zayne's living room floor, eyes locked in on the weather report coming from the TV. 

“I– Snow angel…” Zayne can't help but laugh as he returns to the living room with two mugs in hand. “Be careful, it's hot.” He would say as he sets your mug on the table in front of you. 

“Are you not worried at all!?” Your gaze would turn to him in a panic and Zayne would sit down next to you, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. 

“If we die, I'll die with the person I love. That doesn't sound too bad, all things considered.” He admits. 

“You…What–” 

“I think we'll be just fine, angel. You fight wanderers daily, so I didn't expect you'd be this scared of bad weather.” Zayne leans forward and rests one arm over his propped up knee. 

“You know, even though I've known you since we were children, I'm still constantly learning new things about you…” A smile tugs at his lips as he reminisces on the past for a moment. “I hope we survive this ordeal so I can continue to learn more about you in the future.” 

“Zayne, you're not helping!” You would hit his shoulder and try to cover up your reddening face. But you do appreciate the way he was trying to get your mind off of the weather outside. 

[dazedandconfused-15]

Heaven's in your eyes (Part 2)

Pairing: Billy Hargrove x Female Reader

Summary: Life in Hawkins is dull and lonely, especially after your mom abandoned your family, leaving you even more isolated amidst school rumors. Already shy and with few friends, you find solace in your solitude—until Billy Hargrove, the intriguing new boy from California, comes into the picture. To your surprise, Billy seems to seek you out, finding ways to talk to you despite the odds. Never in a million years would you have imagined forming such an unexpected bond with someone.

Link to: Part 1, Part 3, Part 4

@tatumrileyslover @nocturnest @i-keepmyideals @eddiestans-blog here you go!

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It has been exactly six days since Billy dropped you home that Monday after the trip. The following days he never fails to greet you if you cross paths in the hallways. He hasn't ignored you once, even though you haven't called him yet. The truth is, you are terrified of doing so. When you think about dialing his number, two days later, you think it's too soon and you will look desperate, so you put the phone receiver back in its place. At the same time, you keep mulling over his words. 'Call me when you feel like it'. It means you don't have to call him right away, maybe he really means to call him when you feel like it. On Saturday morning, you decide it's the perfect time to call him. Enough time has passed to avoid seeming desperate, but not so much that it seems like you don't want anything to do with him. You need to repay the favor, and even though it's pouring rain outside, you pick up the phone.

After a couple of hours of pondering and racking your brain, you decide to take the risk and go for it. You had written Billy's number down as soon as you got inside, safely on a piece of paper. As the phone rings, you're already regretting your decision, feeling nervous as hell.

“Hello,” a girl's voice answers.

“Oh, um, hello. Is Billy there?”

You definitely didn’t expect a girl to answer. She sounds very young.

“Hold on,” she says, sounding bored. You quickly move the phone away from your ear as she screams Billy’s name.

A few seconds later you hear the rustle of the phone being moved around. “...cking yelling like a banshee. Hello?”

“Hey, it’s Y/N” you say, hoping he remembers your name. It would be weird if that’s the case.

“Hey. What’s up?” he says instead.

You instantly feel relieved. 

“You told me to call you when I wanted. I hope it’s not a bad time.”

“‘Course not,” he says. “You okay?”

“I’m good, thank you. And you?”

“Yeah, same. What you’re doing today?”

“Um, nothing special.” You glance at the window. “The weather is awful. I was actually wondering if you wanted to go grab a bite?” It feels like you’re inviting him on a date. It’s embarrassing. “Since it’s raining.” Now you’re repeating yourself. You’re glad he can’t see you blushing furiously as you keep rambling. “I mean, remember you told me you wanted to see more of Hawkins? I saw the weather and thought about this place. It’s a bit outside of town. If you don’t have anything planned.”

“Yeah, sure. Just need to finish working on some stuff. I can pick you up at seven.”

“Seven is perfect,” you say, your heart still hammering in your chest. “I’ll see you then.”

“See you.”

You change clothes at least three times, unable to decide what to wear. You don't even know why you're making such a big deal out of it—it's not a date, just an outing between friends. Actually, you two aren't even that close. But don't dwell on that too much; what is the reason for your outing, anyway? Originally, it was to show Billy the rest of Hawkins. Dinner is part of that plan, but Benny's Burger isn't one of the places he mentioned, even though it's a bit more isolated. However, that didn't seem to bother him. This time, you decide to bring enough money to pay for both of you. It's the least you can do.

Despite anticipating this moment with secret enthusiasm, seven o'clock arrives faster than you'd like. You leave the house in the pouring rain to find Billy's Camaro idling in front of your trailer, its low rumble cutting through the night. You hurry to open the door and close your umbrella, trying not to let any water into the car. As you settle into the seat and turn to greet him, your breath catches. You try not to look too impressed by the sight of him as you fix your wet hair, but a quick glance is enough to get your heart racing. You’re increasingly convinced that this man has no physical flaws, and that thought destabilizes you. He’s wearing a white tank top under a black leather jacket, with blue jeans that fit like they were tailor-made for him. As he puts his hand on your seat and looks over his shoulder to back up, he manages to keep his cigarette firmly between his fingers, one hand on the steering wheel. You take the opportunity to steal a glance at him. The movement brings him closer, and the scent of his cologne reaches your nostrils, making your skin prickle. His long curls are perfectly styled, reminding you of a lion.

“I didn’t think you’d actually call.” he says as he shifts from reverse to first, heading toward the end of the trailer park. 

“Oh,” you say. “Why is that?”

“Dunno.” he chuckles, his long lashes brushing his cheekbones. “Maybe you were scared of me or something.”

His sentence moves something inside you. "Oh. Not at all,” you say, your voice carrying a hint of determination. You are determined to make him understand that you may be shy, but you are not a fragile little thing. "I'm not scared of you."

“You’re not?” his voice is like a low rumble, it burns through you and sets you on fire.

“Uh-huh.” your mouth feels dry, and you distract yourself by feeling the hot air coming out of the vent with your hands.

“Good.” 

When you walk into Benny's Burger, it's practically deserted. There's just a couple of old gentlemen. From the way they are dressed, they look like fishermen. It looks like they have recently ordered because there is only cutlery and two glasses of beer on their table. Benny Hammond comes to take your order and greets you warmly. He and your dad are good friends, they went to school together here in Hawkins. Billy orders a double burger and a large portion of fries, and you order a steak with a small portion of fries. You were afraid the evening would be punctuated by few words and awkward silences. Billy is not the biggest of talkers, but the feeling of uneasiness quickly vanishes as the night goes on. You tell him about your dad and Benny, recounting how your dad was born and raised in Hawkins. When you tell him about his travels, you linger and talk a lot about California. Billy is curious about what your dad did there for five years. Then you tell him how he went to Jamaica alone and risked his life several times but had a good time. Then Billy tells you how his group of friends in California had been very diverse, two of them being a Jamaican and a Filipino. He tells you how good their mothers' cooking was when he was invited to eat at their house. You are surprised how the conversation always manages to bounce back. 

Half an hour later, Billy has cleared his plate. You, on the other hand, are still struggling to finish your steak, so he finishes it for you. You comment in amazement that he eats like a horse, then immediately apologize, feeling your face flush with embarrassment. Billy laughs and tells you he does weight training five times a week. You feel like saying you've noticed, but luckily manage to stop yourself in time and avoid further embarrassment.

You insist on paying to make up from last time, but Billy refuses categorically. You feel guilty, but his stubbornness prevents you from doing anything else. When you leave the restaurant, it has stopped raining. The smell of rain rises from the asphalt of the car park. As you walk towards the parked Camaro, you cross your arms over your chest, suppressing a shiver. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Billy take off his jacket.

"No, don't take it off, I'm good, really." you tell him, already knowing what he’s doing.

“Here,” Billy drapes it over your shoulder anyway. The weight of a jacket and the smell of leather envelop you. You try not to show your surprise as his warm hand gently squeezes the back of your neck. “Just wrap it around yourself. Don’t wanna catch a cold.” 

His hand seems to leave an imprint on your skin. You didn’t know you would like his touch so much until now. The sound of zippo rips through the silence and your mind. Billy walks past you, the orange glow of a freshly lit cigarette is the only light in the evening darkness. He opens the driver’s door and bents inside, inserting the keys and fiddling with the radio. You lean your back against the side of the car, enveloped in the warmth of his jacket, still carrying the lingering heat from his body. You breathe through the collar of it, smelling the faint scent of his cologne. 

The gentle guitar strumming of ‘Landslide’ wafts through the air as Billy closes the door, windows down, and leans against the car, beside you. You turn towards him, your eyes dragging over his body covered only by his wifebeater. He takes a drag from his cigarette, the tip of it vibrating until it almost turns red. 

"You’re sure you're not cold?" you ask, daring to be a bit bolder and nudging his shoulder gently.

Billy nudges you back, mumbling around his cigarette. “Hey, I’m a tough guy.”

You softly shake your head at his answer, looking at the trees in front of you, forming a wall of darkness, a trickle of wind shakes them slightly in the breeze. “I love this song,” you say with a soft smile. Then you look at him. “I didn’t know you liked Fleetwood Mac”.

“What did you think I liked?” Billy asks after exhaling the smoke, taking the cigarette from his mouth.

“I don’t know,” you hesitate, hoping he doesn't misinterpret your words. “I thought you were more into metal. Just ‘cause I heard you playing it from your car sometimes.” you hastily add.

Billy hums in acknowledgment. “So you were watching me, huh?”

“No, it’s not that! You just, sometimes the music is very loud.” 

He laughs, and it’s such a pleasant sound. It makes your insides swirl. “S’alright. I do play my music very loud.” he flicks the cigarette on the ground, the glowing ashes extinguishing silently on the wet asphalt. “I listen to metal, yeah, but I like rock in general. Hard rock, folk rock,” he jerks his head to his right where the music comes from. 

You hum thoughtfully, tightening his jacket around you. “That’s nice. I think they’re among my favorite folk rock bands.

“Those guys?”

“Yes.” 

Billy nods his head. “They’re cool, yeah. What else do you like?”

You hum while thinking. “There’s lots. My dad likes all these rock bands, like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and a bunch of others. I picked it up from him. He used to blast them in the house when I was little," you recall with a soft smile. "He's a big fan."

“Well, well, well.” Billy grins in appreciation, his smoldering eyes on you. “Didn’t know little miss was so cool.” 

You let out a small laugh, and put a strand of hair behind your ear with a shake of your head to do something with your hands. You thank the night for hiding how flustered you are. “I just…” 

“What else are you hiding?” he tilts his head toward you, the warming mood bringing him closer than before, his shoulder brushing against yours.

“Not much.” you laugh again, unable to meet his eyes. 

“Huh-huh,” he mumbles playfully, bringing the cigarette to his mouth. 

You switch the conversation on him, to shift the attention from you. “And how did you start listening to rock?” 

Billy initially stays quiet. At a certain point, you’re almost convinced he either didn’t hear you or doesn’t want to answer.

“My mom.” he finally says. You look at him, instantly feeling the shift in his mood. “She listened to all this folk stuff, like Joni Mitchell, Mamas and Papas, Bob Dylan. I remember hearing it play in the house since I was a toddler.” he muses, and for a moment seems lost in the memory, breathes a silent laugh through his nose. “She was a bit of a hippie.”  

You can imagine his mom dancing barefoot in the living room, him mirroring her movement with a smiling chubby face, his bright blue eyes looking up in adoration at her.  

“And my old man didn’t like that part of her one bit,” he says then, his voice turning acidic. He flicks his cigarette again. “You meet someone and expect them to change what they are for you. Kinda makes sense, huh?” 

Something in the way he talks about her suggests to you that her mother is part of his past. You don't know on what level, but surely the whole thing didn't end well. And that's one of the sensitive topics regarding his life in California. 

‘Dreams’ starts playing next, filling the last few seconds of silence. It makes you think about the vinyl of that album you bought in Chicago when you spent part of last summer at your grandparents’. It was the right before your mom left.

"I think it’s kind of cool. It's usually always dads who listen to that music,” you say gently in an attempt to lighten the mood. 

“Yeah, no.” Billy snorts. “Surely not mine. He thinks that’s the Devil’s music. Still into that conservative bullshit.”

“My grandma thinks the same,” you comment. “I had ‘Rumours’ on vinyl before.” you start, referring to the current song’s album. I bought it that summer when I visited them in Chicago. It got damaged shortly after buying it. I still think she broke it on purpose.

“Shit. That sucks.” 

“Yeah,” you sigh. “It’s my favorite one.”

“Do you still have your record player?”

“Yes. I have a few other vinyls too.”

As the two of you continue to talk about music, a topic you didn't think you'd be on the same tune on, the mood returns to a lighter one. Soon later, the rain starts falling again stopping you in the middle of your conversation and you both realize it got late. Billy crushes his unfinished cigarette with his boot and you get in the car.

“Thanks for paying tonight. Again,” you tell him sheepishly once on the drive back home. 

Billy slightly lowers the radio's volume until the guitar strums are just background noise, his eyes fixed on the road. “There’s lots of other ways to make it up to me, but I won’t let you pay. Sorry, sweetheart." 

His tone suggests he's not sorry at all. It almost sounds like it’s out of the question for him. You try to ignore how the nickname makes your heart flutter, refusing to dwell on its meaning.

“But why?” 

“Because,” he chuckles, probably amused by how you seem fixated on the question. “It’s just the way it works.”

“Doesn’t make sense,” you mumble quietly, burying half of your face in his big jacket still wrapped around you and suppressing a shiver. 

“Shit. Does it always rain in this shithole?” he squints his eyes a little bit as he lifts the lever to increase the windshield wiper's speed. The rain is now pelting the car more aggressively. 

“I think it’s because you’re used to California,” you say gently. 

There still are a few droplets of water on his naked arms and shoulders. However, he doesn’t seem to feel cold since he’s not shivering.

“Guess so,” he mutters. 

For the first time, you notice he has a tattoo on his shoulder. It’s a skull smoking a cigarette. You wonder when he got it done, what does it represent? 

Before you can stop, your mouth talks. Your voice is quiet, but it is still audible. “That’s a cool tattoo.”

He turns his head toward you, and for a moment he seems surprised. Then his face settles back into a composed expression, his eyes flickering with a hint of amusement. "Yeah, you like it?" he responds casually, you swear his tone betrays a touch of warmth.

“Mh-mh.” you nod, feeling comfortable enough to say what you really think next. “It suits who you are.”

He lets out a quiet chuckle under his breath. “What do you think that is?"

Maybe it’s the relentless thundering of the rain over you, maybe it’s the fact that it’s pitch dark or you’re slowly being accustomed to being around him. You feel a sense of comfort enveloping you. 

“I think… You’re tough on the outside, you always act distant from what surrounds you, like you don’t care about anything and anyone. But deep down, you’re kind-hearted and really gentle.” 

The only sound breaking the silence is the soft hum of the music and the harsh drumming of rain against the car. Your swallow seems thunderously loud in the quiet, but the collar of his jacket offers some solace. Glancing at him, you breathe in the scent of leather and him, focusing on his forearms—robust yet slender—then his hands gripping the steering wheel, long fingers lightly wrapped around it. You wonder what it would feel like to have his arms around you, his hands on your waist, neck, cheeks. Every thump of your heart against your ribcage feels hyper-aware.

“Like, incredibly kind and gentle,” you venture, sensing the weight of your words. It's why you try to cloak yourself in the armor of a rough exterior, a fortress formed by sharp cutting gazes, sharky smiles and skinned knuckles. You want to say more, but it feels too personal, too revealing. You know he wouldn't handle it well. It would make him feel vulnerable, prompting him to close off. You guess he’s hiding some things from himself and the world, afraid it would spill over and flood the fragile sanctuary of his soul. 

Billy chuckles softly, his tone light yet evasive. "You're painting me as a real softie, aren't you?" his words carry a playful edge, his gaze still fixed on the road ahead. His eyes won’t meet yours, though. There are a few seconds of silence before he speaks again. "Got it last year. The tattoo. Hurt like a bitch."

You notice his subtle attempt to divert the conversation. But you can’t blame him. You went a bit too hard. 

“I want to get one too. Someday,” you murmur. 

“Yeah?” he glances at you.”D’you have something in mind?” 

“Not really…I guess I’d have to think about it.”

“You should. It’s gonna be there forever. Unless you get it lasered off, which is a new thing. And that’s a whole other level of pain.”

Just to make you think about it makes you shiver. “Laser it…?”

“Yeah.”

Getting a tattoo is something you have to ponder for a long time indeed. And you’ve always had a penchant for changing your mind. Getting excited about ideas, projects, and it always seemed to work for a long time until you changed your mind. Or something happened and you consequently changed your vision of things. You’ve always been uncertain. Your life had a penchant for unexpected events and uncertainties as well.

“Maybe getting a tattoo is not for me,” you mumble. “I’m bad at making decisions. I feel like all of my life is going to be like this.”

“What do you mean?”

As the car slows down, you realize you’re already driving on Forrest Hill trail road.  

“I mean…” you sigh, uncertain whether to delve into what’s on your mind and risk exposing yourself. But Billy opened up tonight, so you feel compelled to do the same. It also feels kind of natural. “In my life, things always seem to take unexpected turns. Often in a bad way. I can never know what to expect. And I don’t like that.”

The car comes to a halt, and you find yourselves parked in front of your trailer.

“Well, I could tell you ‘That’s the beauty of it’ or some stupid shit like that. But huh…” he chuckles, shaking his head as he rattles the pack of cigarettes in his palm to extract one. “My life has been a shit show itself. So, I get it.”

“I’m really sorry,” you say softly. That’s all you can say, you can only imagine from the vague piece of information he gave you. 

Billy shrugs as if to brush it off. It’s so natural it looks rehearsed. You wish you could tell him it does matter, that he deserved to have a happy childhood, he deserves a happy life.

“I wish I could at least have a hint. Even if it’s just one piece of information. I don’t like all of this uncertainty,” you continue. You've known Billy long enough to understand he doesn’t appreciate pity, or even anything that remotely seems like pity. “I wish I could see my future. My grandma…” you stop yourself with an embarrassed laugh. “I know this is gonna sound stupid. It’s probably not true anyways. But I’ve always wanted to get my palm read. My grandma used to know how to do it.”

Met with silence, you feel the familiar burn of shame and regret welling up inside you. Why would you say that? He’s probably thinking you’re crazy for believing in this stuff.

“Wanna give it a shot?” 

You turn toward him in surprise. “You know how?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty good at it.” he shrugs, putting the pack of cigarettes in the compartment. Then places his cigarette behind his ear. “Come on.” he holds his palm in invitation. You place your hand in his, palm facing up. 

“Alright,” he begins, tracing a line with his fingertip, “This here, is your headline. It’s curved and wavy, which means you’re creative and intuitive. You think outside the box, not afraid to follow your own path.”

You watch his face, his concentration as he reads your lines. “And this one. Huh. Oh yeah. See, your lifeline is strong and deep,” he continues, his voice a low rumble. “That means you’re full of energy, and vitality. You’ve got resilience, no matter what life throws at you.”

He shifts his focus to another line, “An this, here, this is your fate line. Not everyone has one. Suggests you’ve got a purpose, something you’re meant to do, and it’ll shape your life significantly. Basically, your destiny is in your hands.”

His thumb moves lightly over your palm, his touch sending a shiver down your spine. “Your skin is soft. How's it so soft all the time?” he almost mutters to himself. “Means you’re sensitive, maybe a bit sheltered. Shows you’re not letting anyone in. But it’s not a bad thing, you know what I mean?”

You could listen to his voice forever. It’s like a low melody, resonating deep within you.

“How do you know all this?” you breathe, your eyes studying his face. 

“Told you my mom was a hippie. She was into all of this stuff. Taught me how to do it. Shit”, he chuckles. “...haven’t done that since I was ten probably.”

Finally, he traces the heart line, deep and prominent. “And this,” he says, rubbing his finger across a line that nearly runs the full width of your palm. “is your heart line. It runs deep, straight across. It means you feel things intensely. You love deeply, but you also hurt deeply. See this?” he presses his thumb into the little fleshy space between the first and middle fingers, then meets your eyes. “When it curves outward like this, it means you’re willing to give a lot to the other person. Like, you give all of you.”

You are caught between the urge to look away from him and hold his gaze. His tourmaline eyes are two deep pools in which you swear you can lose yourself.

“I uh, we’ll see about that.” you manage to say. “I haven’t had anything like that before.”

“Haven’t had a boyfriend yet?”

A small laugh escapes your lips at your own embarrassment. His own slightly twitch too. “God, no. I haven't exactly been in the game.”

“So nada, huh?”

One of his thumbs caresses your palm, the other the skin of the inside of your wrist, drawing circles. It sends tingling along your body. A pleasant shiver that makes your whole body aware, a hot sensation in the pit of your stomach, all your nerves rising. You can feel something hanging in the air, a palpable tension, but you also wonder if it's just your imagination running wild. Being inexperienced as you are, perhaps it’s all in your head, and all of this is fueled by the undeniable attraction you feel toward him. Then Billy jerks his chin toward your right.

“Looks like your dad is waiting for you.” 

You follow the direction he’s pointing at. Indeed, the little light outside the trailer is lit. Your dad is peering at the small window on the door, you can see him munching a pickle in the meantime. As you’ve been burned, you quickly retract your hand from his.

You are grateful to your dad for entering the picture and getting you out of this situation. With him looking at both of you, you can do little other than simply greet Billy without a second thought. Had he not been there, you would surely have stumbled over your words.

“Oh, uhm. Sorry about that.” you chew at your bottom lip before looking back at Billy, an apologetic expression on your face. It’s embarrassing. “He was probably worried, he does that when I come back late. Oh,” you suddenly remember you’re still wearing his jacket, so you quickly take it off. “Here. Thank you. I’ll see you at school?”

Billy takes the jacket. “Yeah. See you there. Sleep tight.” 

You want to ask him if another hangout is on the program, but you don’t wanna press too much, so you hurry inside the trailer with your heart a little lighter and a thousand questions. In your bed, you keep replaying the hours spent with him unable to fall asleep. His change of tone and attitude when he talks about his parents lingers in the back of your mind. You don't know his story in depth, but you are increasingly convinced that he and you share more than you think.

[mcflymemes]

PROMPTS FOR SPENDING THE NIGHT TOGETHER *  adjust as necessary, send 'reverse' for the reversal of action prompts

ACTIONS AND SETTINGS

[ storm ] sender sees the awful weather conditions outside and insists receiver stay the night and ride it out

[ too late ] sender notices how late it is and suggests receiver sleeps over rather than travel the long distance home

[ sleepover ] sender and receiver have been planning this sleepover situation for a while now, and tonight's the night it finally happens!

[ one bed ] sender and receiver are forced to share the same room and the single bed within it

[ accident ] while traveling with receiver, sender accidentally books a room with one bed, and the place is too crowded to find another option

[ sick ] sender tends to a sick receiver at their home and stays the night to watch over them

[ injured ] sender brings an injured receiver home and refuses to leave their side overnight

[ couch ] while receiver sleeps on the couch, sender leaves their bedroom to snuggle with them instead

[ sneak ] while receiver sleeps in their bed, sender abandons their place on the couch and climbs into bed with them

[ awkward ] sender and receiver, laying in the same bed, establish some distance between their bodies before falling asleep. when they wake up, they realize they're cuddling

[ movie ] while watching a movie together, sender and receiver fall asleep on the couch and end up staying there all night

[ car ] with no hotel or place to stay in sight, sender and receiver fall asleep in their car together

[ fort ] sender and receiver build a pillow fort and fall asleep inside it

[ read ] sender reads to receiver to help them fall asleep

[ work ] forced to pull an all-nighter, sender and receiver work tirelessly side by side through the night

[ tent ] there's only one tent on this camping trip/adventure, so sender and receiver are forced to snuggle down in cramped quarters and make it work

[ outdoors ] sender and receiver construct a temporary shelter to get through the night outdoors, huddling together for warmth

[ pretend ] sender and receiver are fake-dating/fake-married and have to be seen staying the same room together to fully sell the relationship

[ intimacy ] sender and receiver wake up in the same bed and, in the haze of a beautiful morning, kiss for the very first time

[ whisper ] while receiver sleeps (or pretends to sleep) beside them, sender whispers affectionate, reassuring things to them thinking they can't hear

[ caress ] while receiver sleeps (or pretends to be asleep) beside them, sender admires how wonderful they look and gently caresses their arm

[ innocent ] before the two of them fall asleep, sender leans in and presses an innocent kiss to receiver's forehead

[ kiss ] sender and receiver share a tender kiss before they cuddle and fall asleep in each other's arms

[ spoon ] sender snuggles up behind receiver in bed and spoons them as they sleep

[ snore ] sender wakes up in the middle of the night and realizes receiver's snoring woke them up

[ hair ] sender gently strokes receiver's hair until they fall asleep

[ locked up ] locked away in the same cell/compartment, sender and receiver try and sleep side by side for comfort and warmth

[ cave ] out of options, sender and receiver are forced to spend the night together in a cave

DIALOGUE PROMPTS

i know my way around. i've stayed the night before.

is this the pillow i used last time?

mind if i stay the night?

you snore, you know.

i think i might fall asleep standing up.

it's not safe for you to drive home.

you should stay here. i don't mind.

i'll take the couch, and you can have my bed.

don't be serious. i'll take the couch.

this could be fun! it's a sleepover!

i have nowhere else to go.

i feel safer when you're here.

i don't want to impose.

are you the big spoon or little spoon?

would it be all right if i stayed the night?

i don't snore.

i'll stay on my side of the bed if you stay on yours.

pretend there's an invisible line down the middle of the bed. don't cross it.

there's no harm in cuddling.

i'm freezing.

is this the first time you've slept with someone?

this doesn't have to lead to sex.

this doesn't mean anything.

you fell asleep on my shoulder.

i'll protect you all night.

you'll never get home in a storm like this.

i don't want you driving in that.

i don't want you traveling in that.

bad news. the room's only got one bed.

is there a pullout couch we can use?

i'll just sleep on the floor.

pretty sure we cuddled all night.

you used me as your pillow.

i got you a blanket.

mind if i scoot in?

stay in bed. i'm here to help.

what's a little cuddling between friends?

i'm glad you stayed over.

what if we watch something to pass the time?

i didn't have anywhere else to go.

did you have to buy the smallest tent possible?

at least pretend that you like me.

do you like spooning?

this doesn't have to be awkward.

you're really warm.

this is cozy.

you should stay like this.

i don't want you to go.

can i hold you for a while?

[plotsignificanthaircut555]

Long Lonely Layover (Nanami Kento x Reader)

Sitting at a bar in the Paris airport you’re approached by a handsome stranger on a similarly long layover.

warnings: SMUT, MDNI, 18+ Only. kissing, sexy, doggy, oral, getting right nasty up in the bathroom, public sex, standing sex, standing oral, talk of contreception (keep it safe yall), emotions after sex

6.7k words. Ao3 I really hope you enjoy this one, I hope was super happy to write for this big beautiful man once again. Kind of plus size coded reader(all my readers are pretty mid/plus sized coded.)

Your eyes flicked up to the bottom right corner of the news broadcast in front of you. There was a little animation card that showed the weather, the date, and the local time. 

Charles de Gaulle Aéroport, Paris. 12:22 pm

The broadcast changed to a commercial, some beautiful woman biking through a sunlit trail, a glass bottle of wine in a stylish backpack that was apparently the product for sale. How you craved to be that woman, you wanted to feel the sun instead of these harsh, artificial lights above you. You wanted to open a bottle of wine in some gorgeous Parisian park, not pay a massive up charge for each pour, as you were now. Your last flight had brought you here nearly an hour ago, you didn’t board your next flight for another two and a half. A four hour, cumulative, layover. Just enough time to drag, but not enough to fully leave the airport, stretch your legs, and enjoy some local sights. Especially with how long customs could take. You sighed, daring to check the clock display once again. 

12:23pm 

Fuck. 

The airport bartender hovered the bottle of white wine above your glass, you nodded, and he emptied its contents. In your defense, the bottle had already been opened by another patron before you sat down, you just drank the remaining two glasses worth. Taking a small sip, deciding it may be better to start savoring these— you have a long afternoon ahead of you, you scanned the airport terminal for a duty free store that may sell books. You could pick up a saucy paperback or a mystery thriller and breeze through the next few hours. No luck, you would have to close out and wander through the various hallways and levels in search of one. You took a larger sip of your wine, feeling confident in your next plan. Before you could catch the bartender's attention, a voice came from your side. It sounded like French, someone was speaking to you in French— in the Paris airport, a likely place for that to happen. But the tonality held something else, something richer and augmented. You turned toward the voice and found an apologetic looking blonde man. He was tall, even from your place on the barstool you could tell, and he was, broad shoulders, the black and burgundy pinstripe blazer that housed them looking like dark brick you’d find in one of Paris' many gothic style buildings. Catching yourself, you looked up at his eyes and saw him gesture his head toward the stool next to you. 

“Puis-he m’asseoir ici?” He asked, presumably again as you had completely missed what he said earlier. 

“The seat? Oh! No- yes! Wait no, no one is sitting there, yes you can sit here.” You didn’t know a lot of French, but this was a common enough phrase that after some embarrassing mental flip flopping you were able to answer. 

He softens, and pulls the suitcase slung over his shoulder and sets it down next to the stool,

 “Merci.”, he smiles softly, “or—I suppose—Thank You would be better, here.” 

You smiled in awe, “English and French. Very impressive.”

Nanami blushes at your voice, or maybe it was your smile, pretty, perfect teeth shining at him, your cheeks curling upward, he thought he felt his heart leap. He shrugs a bit, an attempt to downplay your compliment. 

“My French isn’t very good. Mostly yes, no, is that seat taken? Can I get that coffee or that pastry? ” He adds, pointing to the imaginary bakery case before him, “The English is okay, I do a lot of business over the phone so I get more practice.” 

“Better than mine! French slipped through my education totally. Spanish a bit, but mostly just English.” You shrug, eyeing him carefully as he slid into the bar stool next to you, making himself comfortable. 

He was brutally handsome, a long, sloped nose stopped just before a pert Cupid’s bow, tan rose colored lips stayed slightly parted as he listened to you. But his eyes, amber and honey, outer irises deepening to an oaken, whiskey brown, they took your breath away. You couldn’t look at them very long, finding yourself unable to form thought, and quickly blinking away. Small scatterings of freckles lined the tops of his hollowed cheeks, and the line of his nose, such a lovely detail on an even lovelier man. His hair was clearly styled at some point, but was quickly losing its hold, sandy blonde strands falling in front of his eyes as he read the menu in front of him. 

Nanami could feel you looking at him, the skin of his neck was heating up, he wanted to take off his jacket, but that would be too obvious. He hadn’t noticed you when he approached the bar, he truly needed a drink after the turbulence on his flight in from Tokyo, 14 hours of travel so far, 8 more to go. But when you turned your face, observing the terminal around you, he stopped in his tracks. You were gorgeous, truly gorgeous, the details of your face reminded him of an oil painting, all soft lines and creamy textures. There was one seat open on the bartop, directly next to you. Maybe he should have been embarrassed how quickly he had rushed over to you, but you didn’t seem to notice him catch his breath, or his hurried approach when you spoke to him. And now he could feel his heart drumming in his chest as he struggled to read the menu in front of him. His French was fine, he had to use it more often than he expected when he joined the French club in university. The bartender approached tentatively, you assumed he was also a bit intimidated by the Adonis that had joined the bartop. Nanami assumed it was because he could see him sweating already, confirmed by being served a glass of water nearly instantly. 

Nanami scans the menu quickly before he darts his eyes over to your half full wine glass,he turns to you. 

“Sorry,” he starts, god this is embarrassing, “which wine is that?” 

“It’s the Amici Olema. Do you want to try it?” You were taking a chance here, sliding your glass towards him.

This could be taken as a moment of generosity from a kind stranger, a massively inappropriate imposition, or as flirtation. You weren’t even totally sure which one you intended it to be, yet.

His blush darkened, and his breath hitched. Nanami tried to control his trembling hand as he graciously accepted your offer. The glass was sweating a bit from the chilled wine condensating. He could see where your fingers had been before, there was the slightest sheen on one lip of the glass, where your lips had been. He restrained himself from putting his mouth in the same spot, opting to taste from the opposite edge instead. The wine was delightful, tart and cool, there was a subtle peach note on the back. Nanami hums happily, his eyes closing blissfully, allowing it to linger in his tongue before returning your glass. He nodded toward the bartender asking for a pour of his own. You looked down at the glass in front of you, one shared between yourself and this handsome stranger. His pretty pink lips against the same glass as yours, a small smudge showing you exactly where he had sipped. The popping of the fresh wine bottle woke you from your lingering fantasy.

“Thank you for the recommendation.” He raised his glass to you.

You tap your glass against his, “I’m glad you like it….” 

You raise your eyebrows indicating you were wanting to add his name. 

“Kento Nanami.” He replied offering you a wide closed lip smile. 

You told him your name in return. Sipping your glasses in sync. There was something exciting about knowing you were tasting the same thing. The same tartness that slid over your tongue, was coating his as well. The thought made you cross one leg over the other. You pray you were being subtle enough. 

A thick silence blanketed the two of you. The noise of the airport hummed and buzzed around you. Boarding calls and codes run out from the loudspeakers in various languages, often repeated one or two times. Your fingers slid over the menu, you were starting to feel the effects of four glasses of wine, you should probably eat something. The bar menu wasn’t expansive, mostly appetizers, a few salads, a few  questionable sounding sandwiches. Nothing was making your mouth water but you could already feel your stomach growling.

“Are you hungry?” You to your left again facing Nanami who had now adorned the cutest pair of reading glasses fuck he was too much , “I’m hungry but I’m not starving and these flatbreads look pretty big. Would you want to split one?” 

“Only if you let me put it on my tab.” 

You started to protest but he raised his hand.

“For the great wine recommendation.” He finished, those honey eyes catching yours and making you swoon. 

You sighed out, barely containing your smile, “well if you insist, how can I say no.” 

He ordered with the bartender, and you dipped your wine positively smitten, his French was clean and lilting. The smallest hint of his home accent lingered, his pronunciation of the swirling language was nearly perfect. Under different circumstances this would be a very good date. You chastise yourself in reminder that this is not a date, this is just benign, unintentioned human kindness that bears no flirtation and you should be sick with yourself for even entertaining the idea. 

That is, until he removed his jacket. He leaned back in his stool, pulling the blazer away from his body. Giant, ropey biceps in a barely fitting black sweater. This guy was trying to kill you. He hung his blazer in the back of his chair, back muscles stretching the fabric even further. Thankfully, his turned body gave you solace to chug your ice water, knowing it wouldn’t satiate the thirst you were feeling. 

Nanami seemed to be unaffected by your gawking, adjusting his glasses and checking his watch, sighing at the slowly ticking time. 

You needed a second to gather your voice back, “long layover?” 

“About two and a half hours.” He removed his glasses and squeezed the bridge of his nose. 

You nodded, “mine too. It’s a beautiful airport to be stuck in, but…it’s still an airport.” 

He let out a laugh, his smile showed two small dimples on either side of his lower lip. 

“Do you travel often?” He asked, taking another sip of his wine. 

“For work, yes. I’d like to do some more traveling on my own. But this works for now.” You shrugged.

He nodded, knowingly, “what do you do?” 

You told him. Your job was a little complex to explain but he listened closely and seemed to relate. You two began talking about your respective careers. You learned he worked for a Japanese finance company that had a few international offices in the United States, Denmark, Argentina, and the UK. This was his first time traveling internationally for this job, being sent out to settle the last few details of a contract. He asked good questions, he listened closely to your answers. Minutes ticked by, the food arrived, more glasses of wine being poured, the stories shared became more intimate and detailed as you two grew closer both emotionally and physically. Soon you two were nearly interlocking your knees, the flatbread completed, a new bottle of wine nearly half drunk, your cheeks flushed, his glasses discarded, folded on the table.  

You slipped your cardigan off your shoulders, leaving your arms and collarbones exposed to him. The wine had heated your skin, Nanami’s eyes flicked over your form quickly before returning to his wine glass. 

“So your wife must hate being apart now that you’re traveling more.” You baited him. It was an obvious ploy on your part, the wine had numbed some of your finesse. 

Nanami smirked, immediately catching you out, “I’m not married but that was very clever. Very subtle move.” 

You laughed with him, his mix of teasing and praise sent your head fluttering. He continued,

“I do prefer my move of not-so-subtly checking if you were wearing a ring, which I did earlier when I asked about the wine.”he sipped the shallow pour still in his own glass, “you don’t wear a ring. But plenty of people don’t, are you with someone?” 

He had begun to lean in conspiratorially, as though your relationship status and your sharing of it were top secret information. But you could see the small flecks of gold in his irises now, the small beginnings of lines around his eyes, the pores along his nose and cheeks. You shook your head, catching his eyes directly. You both lingered in this moment; neither of you were beholden to someone else, the acknowledgement of shared chemistry hung between the two of you, the ticking clock of your coming departures ticked away in the back of both of your minds. Nanami watched you closely, your lips parted slightly, eyes drinking him. He would normally feel anxious being observed so closely, but your gaze was so warm, so inviting, he felt nothing but total elation. 

His gaze was so intense, you felt so seen by him. Maybe it was the wine, more than likely it was the company. The serendipity of this moment. You weren’t one to believe easily in fate, but you were inclined to believe something beyond had brought this man to you. One as beautiful, as charming, as engaging as Kento. You checked the television’s clock briefly. Only one hour left until your flight starts to board. Only one hour left before you never saw him again. Only one hour. 

“Can I ask you something, kind of crazy?”  The words slipped from you before you could think rationally. 

Kento had noticed the time as well, counting down the remaining fifty-nine minutes until your separation. He had donned his wire framed glasses again, wanting to memorize every inch of you in perfect clarity. He raises his eyebrows at your question, heart pounding in private hope. Could you? Would you? 

“Please.” He answered, leaning closer, his knee sliding against yours, “ask me anything.” 

You flicked your eyes down to where his body touched yours, you hadn’t yet felt him touch you, but even the brush of his clothed leg against yours had your throat tightening. 

“I’m not one to…ask this sort of thing, but since I’ll probably never see you again after this, I won’t have to bear the shame.” You swallowed hard, begging your courage to stay with you, “you’re…incredible. I’ve never met anyone like you. You’re smart and funny and so charming and you’re…fucking stunning. I would be so remiss if I didn’t ask…” 

Your words were failing you, your heart racing, you scanned his face for any sign of coming rejection and your throat caught, closing it off from more words. 

Fuck. You were caving in. This was so embarrassing, so presumptuous. You had ruined what could have been a good memory. 

Fuck

Kento gave you another moment to see if you would finish your question. When it was clear you were psyching yourself out, he watched as you sighed frustratedly. How sweet.

Nanami put the toe of his shoe under the foot rest bar of your barstool and pulled your seat closer to him. Your eyes shot open, embarrassment quickly turning to confusion. Nanami put his arm around the backrest, just barely brushing over your back as he did. Bringing you back to look at him, he smiled wider at your sweet, blushing face. He moved a piece of hair out of your face, fingers lingering on your soft skin. His touch was electric, enticing, you wanted those fingers in your mouth, on your body, anywhere, everywhere.

“I would be honored to find somewhere private where we can pass the rest of this layover.” Nanami’s eyes had grown darker, full pupils and focused, “if you’ll indulge me.” 

In a flash the tabs were paid, both by him, drinks were finished, bags were grabbed, and you had quickly located the closest empty room with a locking door to you. Nanami’s hand on your lower back ushered you inside quickly before shutting and locking the door behind him, pulling on it once to guarantee you wouldn’t be interrupted. You set your bag on the ground, next to his own carry on, and stood back up. Facing him directly, now in total privacy, in the motion activated light of this family restroom the ticking clock faded, the crowd of the airport was forgotten, it was only him and you. Nanami looked at you, head to toe, before taking a few careful steps toward you, as one would approach a centerpiece in a well curated museum. Thoughtful and admiring. He stood chest to chest with you, although as a tall man he stood quite a bit above you. He hadn’t yet removed his glasses, they sat perched in his nose, intending the skin on either side. You could smell his cologne, something subtle and herbal. Bergamot and cedar. His large, warm hands came to cup your face, yours covered his.

“I’m usually much more of a romantic. I hope you’ll forgive me.” Kento leaned in, his lips barely brushing yours in apology before kissing you. 

From the moment your lips touched, you were gone. He tasted like the wine you shared, his lips were soft and hungry. It took no time at all for your tongue to find its way past his lips. His hands flew from your face to your waist, up your back, down to squeeze your hips. Yours similarly wandered, across the downed of his back, up his arms, tugging at the cropped hair at the nape of his neck. The bathroom quickly filled with the wet, smacking sounds of your kisses. You removed his jacket, and your own. Soon your shirt was discarded on the floor. You didn’t even have time to lament not being able to wear something nice before he pulled your comfort focused sports bra over your head, your breasts falling freely. He watched them bounce freely before settling, his mouth watered. You covered yourself shyly. 

“Don’t stare…” you weren’t sure where this bashful side of you had come from, surely he was pulling it out of you. 

He moved your arms, baring your chest to him again, before moving onto his knees before you. His hands traveled up your body, pawing at your breasts, cupping and squeezing them. 

“You’re right, we have so little time.” Nanami looked up at you wickedly, something devious and titillating behind his amber eyes, “and I have to get you ready.” 

Before you could inquire further he began to pull your comfy travel pants off of you, untying the drawstring easily, stretching elastic, not your sexiest apparel but here he was down on his knees begging for you. You realized he hadn’t yet removed his sweater so you tugged at the back of the collar. He pulled the black knit over his head, in a second. You took the opportunity to slip off your sneakers and removed your pants fully. His body was just as incredible as it seemed, he truly was something out of myth. Gladiatorial build, masses of muscle cut lean under his fair, even skin. The freckles on his face littered his shoulders and the tops of his pecs, his abdominal muscles were further contoured by a tan colored happy trail leading into his still belted and buckled trousers. You moaned at the sight of him, making him smirk (and blush). He returned to his spot between your legs before looking back up at you. 

“Do you trust me?” He spoke, voice rough with arousal. 

You nodded desperately. You did. Anything he wanted from you, you would have given him at this moment. It wasn’t until he moved one of your thighs over his shoulder and snaked the paired hand up your back to support you, that you figured out why your trust was necessary. Immediately your blood ran cold, anxiety shadowing your arousal. He looked like a strong guy…but you were a fully grown woman: tummy, thighs, breasts, and arms to show as much. Never did you think someone would even attempt to support your full weight like he was implying. 

“Kento…wait..I’m-“, you protested, trying to move to stand on your own legs. 

His grip was iron as he kept your leg on his shoulder, he was at eye level with your pussy, hypnotized by the sight of you wet and waiting for him. He would not be denied. 

“I regularly bench more than 180 kilos, you’re a warm up. Please trust me.” 

His voice was so flippant, as though lifting your entire body over his shoulders was the most obvious feat in the world. Your reservations held strong until his pleading eyes looked up at you again, his mouth watering, hair disheveled, he looked so hungry. You couldn’t bear the thought of depriving him.

“Please.” He asked again, giving your leg on his shoulder a soft squeeze. 

You nodded again, and he slung your other leg over his shoulder in one perfect lift. You now sat on his shoulders with your back against the wall, his hands holding your waist and hips. Finally, after three excruciating hours of build up, Nanami finally tasted you. If he weren’t already on his knees they would have buckled. You tasted better than he had imagined, so wet for him already, your pretty moans still reaching his ears even through your legs against his head. Your hands found his hair, gripping onto him for stability, taking your nail across his scalp as he lapped feverishly at your cunt. He didn’t realize he was making deliciously primal grunting sounds as he gorged himself on you. His moans sent vibrations into your core and up through your body. You rushed to cover your mouth as he shook his head side to side, tongue flicking perfectly at your swollen, throbbing clitoris. 

“Fuck!” You panted, not caring how hard the back of your head hit the bathroom wall, “you’re so good at that, fuck, Kento—ah!”

Nanami smiled, drunk of your taste, your sounds, the feeling of your body on his shoulders. He was losing himself completely, he could have stayed like this for eternity. Pleasuring you could become his life’s purpose, his calling, he could be the devotee at the altar of your sexuality and die a happy man. But he was all too aware of the ticking clock that would rip you away from him. Luckily, he was a man who thrived under a deadline. 

Nanami sucked hard at your clit, alternating between pushing his tongue deep into your hole, and circling it around your clit. You couldn’t believe how good it felt, in just a few minutes he had solidified himself as the best loved you had ever had, and it wasn’t even close. 

But you were, you could feel your impending orgasm rushing toward you like a speed train. You whimpered into your palm, trying to warn him, (or warn yourself?) about what was to come, but he could already feel it. Your hips were shaking against his face, legs clamping down against his ears. Like a true expert, he didn't change a thing, his patterns and devotion bringing your orgasm crashing down around you in seconds. 

You cried out into your palm, the other hand gripping the back of Kento’s neck to hold him in place. He was happy to relish in your climax, sucking in everything you released onto his eager mouth. When you couldn’t take anymore, you pushed at his forehead, whimpering. 

“No more, no more. Please.” 

When his mouth was no longer attached to you he sucked in a breath, coming back to himself. He squeezed the flesh at the top of your thighs, right where they met your hips and tummy, coming down from his own haze he pressed soft, intentioned kisses to the insides of your legs. He turned his eyes back upward, his pleasure drunk eyes and dripping mouth making you swoon. Nanami eased you off his shoulders carefully before lunging to kiss you again, it was so dirty to taste yourself on his tongue. 

“You taste like heaven. I don’t know how I’ll go without now that I’ve had you.” He uttered against your lips, tongue still charging forward against your own. 

You mewled at his praises, “you’re so good. Too good. You do this a lot?” 

Hot kisses fill the gaps between words as you bring your hands to his belt, unbuckling and pulling at the waistband of his pants. Kento shakes his head, pulling off from the kiss to look you in the eye. 

“I’ve never done anything like this before.” He was as shocked as you were.

He wasn’t usually social, let alone pulling people who were essentially strangers into private corners to have sex with. You had brought something out of him he hadn’t even known existed. Something primal and desperate, something passionate and consuming. You were touched at his admission, and awestruck by his natural skill and the situation you were in. You kissed him again, finishing the removal of his belt. His hands trembled with enthusiasm as he helped you remove his pants. You couldn’t help yourself, you reached past the fly and palmed him through his briefs. Fuck. 

He was big, thick and full and so hard it was a miracle he wasn’t in tears. You moaned at the heft of it in your hand, which only caused the caged erection to pulse more. You wanted to taste him,to feel the weight of it in your mouth, to  know every inch of this man before he was gone from you. Kento groans at your hand stroking him through the fabric, indulging briefly before putting his hand over yours, training his eyes back to you. He looked disheveled and desperate, hot mouth hanging open to catch his breath, eyes hazy and drooping. 

“We don’t have enough time….” He mumbled, his forehead pressing against yours, eyes screwed shut he huffs out as you squeeze him, “I don’t have a condom…I’m sorry.”

“IUD.” You assure him, desperate to feel him raw inside of you, to feel him pulse and grow and cum.

He grips you harder, eyes opening wide, “Are you sure?”

You nod, practically lapping into his mouth for another sloppy kiss. He removed his cock from his briefs, not pulling his pants down or away and stroked himself a few times, each one eliciting another moan into your open mouth. Holding you close against him, Nanami allowed himself to luxuriate in the feeling of your body pressed against him. Trying to remember the heat, the weight of you in his arms, the smell of your perfume, the way your hair felt in between his fingers. He ignored the ache in his heart as he struggled to imagine how he would be able to let you go now that he held you. He couldn’t bear to think about that yet. Not while he could have you now. 

“Brace your hands against the door, please.” He ordered against your lips. 

You nodded before turning and placing your hands in the form of a standing push up against the locked, all too thin door of the restroom. You shivered as you felt Kento’s hands outline the form of your body, nearly crumbling entirely when you felt the tip of his cock brush against your ass. He leaned in close to your ear, moving your hair to one side, one of his hands interlocking with yours against the door. His chest pressed against your back, radiating heat. His breath tickled the tiny hairs on the shell of your ear.

“I’m sorry this isn’t more romantic. You deserve to be worshiped and spoiled properly, I’m sorry I can’t give that to you now.” Kento’s tongue trailed up the side of your neck as his unentangled hand aligned himself with your sex. 

When Kento Nanami finally entered you, it was inhuman the speed at which he rushed to cover your mouth, stifling the cry that came from you. 

He shushed you hurriedly, “You sound so beautiful but I can’t have us interrupted. Bite my hand if you need to.”

He filled you so completely, thick and deep. He was so big, you felt your velvet walls throbbing around him already, beating in time with your frantic heart. His hand kept yours locked against the door, fingers interlocked sweetly, despite the firm grip. His other hand held your hip in place, he pulled out nearly to the tip before filling you completely again, somehow deeper than the previous. His cock head pushed right up against your cervix making your eyes roll back and you whimper pathetically against his palm. After another thrust your arms started to shake, barely able to hold yourself up against the door. Nanami, of course, noticed.  

“Here, hold your arms like this.” Still sheathed inside of you he moved your arms in front of you, folded together as though you were sleeping, and pressed you further against the door, body now flush against the cool metal and wood. 

You buried your head in your arms, every thrust of his sending you further and further into total euphoria. You tried so hard to be quiet, keeping your mewls muffled against your arm, but it was so difficult when he really started to thrust, setting a delicious rhythm that even your best toy could never achieve. 

Nanami’s teeth were threatening to pierce the skin of his lip, the groans and grunts he held back threatening to erupt. You were so tight around him, if he had had any thoughts left he would have worried his cock would snap off. He palmed the flesh of your ass, spreading you out to watch your walls stretch and cling to him as he thrust in and out. He nearly came right there, eyes rolling back, a throaty huff leaving him, he couldn’t watch anymore or he would lose himself completely. He found solace in pressing his forehead against the connection point of your neck and your shoulder, whispering to you in a long stream of praises and promises. 

“You feel so good. You’re taking me so well. I would have taken you out first, if I could have. The nicest table at the best restaurant I know, you deserve it. Fuck. Fuck, anything you wanted. I should have had you in a beautiful bed, you’d look so gorgeous splayed out for me--agh, fuck you’re getting so tight. You’d like that, huh?” He shuddered as you clenched around him, body shaking, resolve crumbling. 

His words were growing more and more nonsensical, sounds paving through thought to fill the small bathroom. Everything about him felt engineered to make you cum, and you were so fucking close, you could feel his cock twitching between thrusts, he was getting close too. You raised your head from your arms, he seized the chance to press his forehead against your cheek, his lips meeting your skin anywhere he could. Your ear, your cheek, your jaw. You felt spoiled, you felt ravished, you worried you may never be able to fuck another person. No one would have you again, no one could make you feel like this, only him. Only him. There was only him. 

“I-I can’t last…I--” Nanami pleaded in your ear, his whisky voice dowsing you in pleasure, your eyes rolling back, mouth dropping open into a silent scream. 

Your second orgasm was summoned in full force, tipping over the edge and arriving all around as Kento sounded the most delicious, salacious moan directly against the skin of your face. His hips jerking beyond his control, his own orgasm being pulled from him by you and your fluttering cunt. He pushed in as far as he could, tip pressing against your cervix. His hands held your hips so tight you knew he would leave bruises, you silently prayed that they would never leave you, that you had been marked by him forever. Your breath returned to you in choppy, pitched up gasps, he was quick to wrap his arms around your waist, catching you before your legs could fail underneath you. He was still filling you, spurt after spurt of white painting the inside of you as you trembled in his sturdy arms. Panting together, folded together, coming down from a simultaneous climax you and Nanami shared a moment of singularity, joined together completely, with no sense of time or place, nothing existed outside of the pair of you. And the pair itself held no boundary, no ego, no sense of self.

The bliss was quickly chased away by the remembrance that after this, you would never see him again. A dual continental moment of chance led you here. However distance, logic, and responsibility would rip you apart. Despite the ache in his heart, Kento was the one to break the embrace, kissing the bare flesh of your shoulder blade as he pulled out and slowly set you back onto your own feet. His hands didn't leave you until your colt legs had grown into a firmer foundation. At which point you felt a chill surrounding you, embarrassment, fear, but above all of that: a profound and perhaps overinflated sense of loss. Nanami shuffled behind you, the sound of a zipper, the retrieval of his discarded sweater. You couldn’t turn to face him yet, you didn't want to see the denouement, for it to truly be over. 

Fabric brushed against your tricep, calling your attention back into the restroom. 

“Your pants.” Nanami’s voice was gentle, so different from the raw honey depth you had just experienced, You turned on an inhale, accepting your clothing back. 

He watched you start to redress, with every inch you pulled up your pants, covering your shapely naked legs, he sank further. He didn’t expect to feel so empty, truthfully he hadn't expected this at all, he meant it when he told you he hadn’t ever done anything like this before, he had the occasional one night stand but always in more formal, organized scenarios. He didn’t think himself capable of such raw passion, such chaotic intimacy. He wasn’t ready to forgo this new streak in himself. 

He was dressed far before you, now focusing the entirety of his energy mourning the loss of the sight of you. You found your bra on the floor, and by donning it, sealed the sight of your round, smooth, perfect breasts away from him forever. Your shirt went over your head and covered the expanse of your bare stomach, the early stages of finger shaped bruises on your waist no longer for him to admire and take pride in. When you were dressed again you turned to face him, scared eyes softening at the sight of him. 

“This was…” You started, unsure of how to finish. 

Unexpected? Sudden? Life changing? Mind blowing? Emotionally irresponsible? 

He nodded, knowing whatever you chose to fill that blank, he was feeling too. He took in a long breath before closing the distance and pulling you into a long, deep kiss. His arms wrapped around your back, one hand tangling in the hair at the back of your head. No clashing tongues, no biting lips, no frantic hands grabbing whatever they could. Just his swollen lips joined with yours. Your eyes were closed but you could feel the sting of tears starting to build. You fought them down and focused instead on memorizing the feeling of his kiss. When he finally pulled away he held your face in his hands, brushing one cheek affectionately with his thumb. Those golden brown eyes beheld you so kindly, so tenderly for a second or so…had it been eternity, it wouldn't have been long enough.

 Nanami’s watch glinted under the overhead lighting, flashing lightly in his eye, alerting him to the time: 3:03pm, his flight had begun boarding. He sighed, looking back to you. 

“Listen…”He started, eyes boring into you, “This was…incredible. You are incredible. I don’t want to go, my flight is boarding. Its the last one out tonight or else I would miss it, I promise.” 

You laughed a bit, your smile returning. He separated from you to dig through his bag before pulling a business card out for you.

“I know this is unlikely but, if you’re ever in Japan, I would love to see you. Please, reach out.” He gazed at you hopefully, however not expecting an answer. 

You nodded, watching as he picked up his bag and peered in the mirror, brushing the front part of his hair back in an attempt to look less like he had just fucked in the family bathroom of an airport terminal, it was not successful. He moved to the door, unlocking it carefully, before stopping himself. Kento turned back to you, chuckling in spite of himself. 

“I don't want to go.” he repeated, just barely audible to you. 

This time you traversed the gap between you, kissing him once again. He struggled to hold you again with one hand holding his bag, but he managed, indulging fully in your lips for the last time. 

“Thank you for this, Kento. You are really something amazing.” You brushed some of his hair back from him after separating your lips, “If I am ever in Japan, you’re my first call.” 

He smiled down at you, unable to resist pecking your lips one final time before opening the bathroom door and peeling away from you. When the door closed you took in a long breath. You were thankful for how it had ended, you were far more thankful that it had happened at all. He was already becoming a fond memory you would treasure forever. One day you would remember him as a testament to your youth, to being exciting and risky. But for now, the smell of his cologne still lingered in the room, the sound of his moans still rang in your ears.

You made your flight just before the gate closed, having taken too much time in the bathroom trying to cool your flushed face, smooth your mussed hair, rid yourself of the smell of sex that seemed to stick to you. You didn't miss how the flight attendant rolled her eyes at your approach, scanning your ticket and allowing you to enter the bridge. Luckily your employer had sprung for a first class seat, so you didn’t have to rush the length of the plane in order to find your row. You were grateful to find an empty spot in the overhead bin only a few rows ahead of where your seat should be, quickly stowing it away before moving between the aisle apologetically. You were thankful you had chosen an aisle seat so you wouldn't have to ask whatever poor sap was sat next to you to get up so you could sit down. Finally you arrived at the row and seat number that matched your ticket. Raising your head from your triple check of your seat number you saw your seatmate. A broad, beautifully built blonde man in a black knit sweater whose cum was still sticking to your legs. He gawked at you, you felt your mouth mirroring his in a surprised O. 

“This is your seat?” Was the only thing you could think to ask. 

Before he could stutter out an answer the flight attendant who you had already wronged interjected, “Ma’am, please find your seat and sit down.” 

You nodded, still in disbelief staring at him as he stared back at you. You took your seat next to him, your shoulders touching. Such a small touch felt electric as though he hadn’t been inside of you just minutes earlier. Neither of you could say anything yet, stunned, elated silence settling in the inches between your seats. Without having to say a thing, Nanami reached across the arm rest and picked up your hand, closing it in his. You turned to meet his eyes, which were somehow more brilliant and inviting than they had been. It would take eight hours and some change before you reached New York City, eight more hours with him. Eight more hours. 

ooooooooh! maybe a cheeky part 2? :P who knows!!! I really hope you guys enjoyed this one! Thank you so much for reading, and for all of your support with my writing, it makes me so happy. Love as always, --Doodle.

[gigabyte-flare]

There's No Escape (Part 2)

Part 1

Summary: Just when you start to get comfortable in your new lease on life, your past comes rushing back to chase you down. Literally.

Pairing: yandere!Leon Kennedy x fem!reader (afab)

Word Count: 2.8k

If any of the warnings below trigger you, please kindly pass on this fic 

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, actions depicted in this story are not condoned in real life; if you feel this way, please go touch grass

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT OR I SWEAR TO GOD I WILL YEET YOU INTO THE GODDAMN SUN. Thank you!

Warnings (may not apply to all parts): Sex, gaslighting, swearing, stalking, acts of violence, blood, dubcon, kidnapping, pet names (baby, doll, angel, sweetheart, etc.), PTSD triggers, unprotected sex, forced breeding, daddy kink, manipulation, oral (m and f receiving), choking, overstimulation, knife play, gunplay, masterbation. Long story short, DEAD DOVE: DO NOT EAT. More warnings may be added in the future

Tags: @lipglossanon, @ghostkennedy, @hxllfiredoll, @nexyswrites, @ilookatlater, @shroomietrip (Shoot me a message or an ask if you want to be added to the list!)

A/N: First off, holy shit thank you so much for over 300 notes on Part 1! This community is one of the nicest I've ever been apart of, I appreciate all of you! Again, please excuse any grammatical errors in here. Dinner is officially served!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You had slept like a goddamn rock for the last few nights

They were the first nights in three months where you were able to get a full night’s sleep without getting abruptly woken up to Leon touching you. You recall at first it was fun, he was an absolute monster in bed; unfortunately as time went by you realized he was quite literally a monster. Each night that he was home, his sexual advances became more and more twisted. Especially that one time he made you suck the end of his loaded handgun.

You’ll never forget the sick grin on his face as he watched your helpless expression.

You jolt yourself awake and shake your head, dispelling the awful memory with it. You were safe now, well away from him. You slowly sat up and stretched your arms out over your head and let out a loud yawn. You slip out of bed and put on a pair of slippers before walking out into the kitchen. Becky was standing at the island reading the newspaper and chewing on a piece of toast.

“Mornin’!” says Becky with a mouthful of toast.

You give her a nod in response as you make your way to the fridge. You grab the jug of orange juice and grab a cup from the cabinet to fill. You fill the cup before putting the jug back into the fridge.

“Still no sign of him, right?” Becky asks.

“Thankfully no, he’s definitely back at his apartment by now. Haven’t heard a peep.”

You can only imagine how violent his reaction to you being gone was. He absolutely hated it when things didn’t go exactly as he wanted. That’s fine, he can have his hissy fit in D.C.. You took gradual sips from the orange juice before discarding the empty cup into the sink.

“Got work today?” Becky inquires.

“Yeah.”

Becky was able to secure you a tech support job at a law firm for when you moved into Boston. You were extremely grateful for that. Thankfully you had saved up money prior to Leon forcing you to quit your job in D.C., but that money was starting to wear thin. The job was entertaining from what you gathered in the last couple days. Lawyers were extremely tech illiterate to the point where it was almost impossible not to laugh on the phone. 

You go back into your bedroom to get dressed into a polo shirt and a pair of jeans with sneakers. You put your hair up in a ponytail before going into the bathroom to put some light makeup on. Work was extremely close by, you could walk to it, which you decided to do since the weather was so nice. You get into your cubicle and start taking calls.

“Did you charge it last night?”

“Thank you for calling tech support, how can I help you?”

“Hi, yes? My laptop won’t turn on.”

“You know what, no I didn’t. I bet the battery’s dead. Thanks!”“Thank you for calling tech support, how can I help you?”

“My mouse doesn’t work.”

“Is it plugged in?”

“Of course it’s plugged in! I’m not an idiot-- oh… wait… it’s not plugged in. Sorry to bother you.”

“Thank you for calling tech support, how can I help you?”

“Found you, sweetheart.”

Your eyes widen as you hold your breath. This has to be some kind of sick joke. You regain your composure and hang up on the caller; it sounded like Leon but you weren’t 100% sure. You try to track the number they called from, but it came up as an unknown caller. Whoever it was, they were using a burner phone number. The phone rings again immediately and you answer it.

“Who are you and what do you want?!” you scream into your headset.

“Whoa hey, what the hell!? I’m calling because my internet’s not working!” they say, the person clearly being a different caller.

You log out of the call queue to collect yourself. You rub your face into your hands. You hear footsteps walk over to your cube and you look up and find your boss standing there.

“Oh my god… I’m so sorry,” you rub your eyes before continuing, “I just had a prank call. Did you try restarting the router?”

“Oh ok, no worries! No I haven’t, I’ll do that now, thank you miss!”

“Everything alright here? I thought I heard you yell,” your boss asks.

“Yeah sorry, there was a prank caller. I think they were using a burner phone to call in.”

“Ah ok, that doesn’t usually happen here but there’s a first for everything. Definitely take a breather before you log back in, ok?”

You give your boss a nod before he walks away. Before logging back into the queue, you look into the call history. Your stomach drops when you see that the unknown caller called your phone directly, not into the tech support line.

It was just a prank caller, don't psych yourself out, you think to yourself as you close your eyes and take a deep breath.

There was absolutely no way Leon could have found out where you worked that quickly, it had to be a prank.You log back into the tech support queue and finish out your day thankfully with no other prank calls.

Even though your apartment was a 10 minute walk, you decide to order a taxi instead, the prank call still making you anxious. When the taxi driver arrives, you confirm your address for him and he takes you home, the drive takes less than 5 minutes. You thank and pay the driver and quickly enter your apartment. 

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Leon was thankful that you hadn’t turned around and seen his familiar lifted Jeep Wrangler with tinted windows parked across the street from your apartment as he watched you hurry inside. He turned his attention to the laptop he had open on the passenger’s seat. After a few keystrokes, several camera feeds popped up on the screen. 

At some point when you and Becky were both out in the last couple of days, Leon had broken into the apartment and installed several hidden cameras. He enlarged one of the cameras where both you and Becky could be seen standing in the kitchen and enabled the audio.

“Hey! How was your day?” Becky asks.

“Eh, it was alright,” you reply, “I got the creepiest prank call today.”

A smirk began to cross Leon’s lips.

“It wasn’t him, was it?” Becky inquires, the concern evident in her voice.

“No way! There is no way he figured out where I went that fast.”

Leon let out a laugh, “Underestimating me is your first and last mistake, dear.”

“I’m going to take a quick shower. Want me to order pizza when I come back out?” you ask.

“Yeah sure!” Becky replies.

Leon immediately switches the camera feed to one that is inside a vent above the shower. He hears you enter the bathroom and shut the door. As he hears the ruffling of clothes, he begins to undo the belt on his jeans, grasping his hardening cock in his left hand. He sees your arm reach into the shower to turn it on and let it warm up. 

If only you knew that you were putting on a personal show just for Leon to enjoy. Picturing your horrified expression only aroused him even more.

Your naked form then came into frame, his cock pulsing in excitement as he began to stroke it vigorously. His eyes were glued to the laptop screen as you lathered soap onto yourself. He began to let out quiet whimpers as he got closer and closer to his release, the whimpers getting progressively louder. Suddenly, with a shudder of his body, he let out a guttural moan and came all over his hand and his jeans. His moment of euphoria was short lived as the disgust of having cum all over himself overtook him. He slammed the laptop shut, grabbed a small towel from the back seat and wiped the cum from his hand and jeans as best as he could before throwing the towel back to the backseat. 

His ice cold eyes glare at your apartment door before he starts the engine in his Wrangler, driving off into the Boston night. 

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

You and Becky decide to go out that weekend into Chinatown to get hot pot. Becky knew of a great restaurant called Shabu Zen, she claimed they had the best hot pot in town. You haven’t had hot pot before, so you were going to have to take her word for it.

You both enter the restaurant and the hostess seats you two in the corner. You sit on the side where your back was to the wall, you never wanted your back exposed, ever. Your waiter comes over and takes your order for drinks, Becky ordered a margarita, you simply just asked for water.

“We got through the first week in Boston together!” Becky exclaims, lifting her glass, “a toast to being Bostonians and no creepy ass ex-boyfriends!”

“Hell fucking yeah, my friend!” you respond, raising your glass of water and clanking it against her margarita.

The waiter comes back over, and you both put in your order of broth and meats that you’ll be having for hot pot. You two make small talk about work before the waiter comes back over a short time later with plates full of different veggies, noodles and meats. Another waiter behind him sets the broth on the burner in the middle of the table and turns the burner on. 

“For real though, thank fuck you got out of there when you did, I know you haven’t told me everything that fucking prick did to you but… I’m just glad you’re not dead.” Becky states as she starts piling food into the broth.

“I know… I still need to look up a therapist that I can go to so I can move on. I feel like I close my eyes and his face is the only thing I see.”

Becky scoops out noodles, meat and veggies out from the broth and starts eating, “Who would have thought such a hot dude would turn out to be a fucking psychopath.”

“It’s always the ones you least expect, Becky. I should have seen the red flags,” you say as you also scoop food out from the broth. 

Your eyes happen to wander around the restaurant to the other patrons as you slurp up noodles; it was mostly younger people with one older couple seated at the table next to yours. Your eyes settle on a dark corner of the restaurant where you see a man seated by himself. You stop mid bite, your eyes locked on the man. You recognize his short dirty blonde hair immediately. His cobalt eyes burned into your skin. He was even wearing that fitted black shirt that you used to love so much. There is no doubt in your mind, Leon is in the restaurant.

Becky notices your freaked out expression immediately, “Hey, what’s wrong?”

You blink a few times to make sure he wasn’t a figment of your imagination. Much to your dismay, he wasn’t. You watch a devilish smirk spread across his lips before he puckers his lips at you.

You suddenly dig your wallet out of your purse, throwing several twenties onto the table before getting up, “we have to go. Now.”

“Wait, what? What’s going on?”

“No time, we need to leave,” you grab Becky by the arm and practically drag her out of the restaurant. 

You both bolt onto the sidewalk and you walk briskly down the street towards the depths of Chinatown, still pulling Becky along.

“Are you going to tell me why you just dragged me out of Shabu Zen?”

You look back and see Leon step out of the restaurant; he looks around and quickly spots you and Becky, giving chase.

Becky, seeing your panicked expression, looks back and sees what has you spooked, “Holy fucking shit how did he fucking find you?!”

“I don’t know but we need to lose him, got any ideas?”

“Yeah, let's get to the Orange line. We’ll lose him in the subway system.”

Becky grabs your hand and leads the way running. You occasionally look back, each time your heart sinking as you see Leon’s face in the crowd, running after you. Having a military background, it wouldn’t take him long to catch up.

Thankfully, you both get to the Chinatown stop for Boston’s T subway system and bolt down the stairs.

“Listen to me carefully, it’s going to get awfully confusing so I need you to follow me closely, ok?” Becky says, looking back as she scans her Charlie card and goes through the gate.

“Yeah, got it.”

Becky throws her Charlie card to you. You scan it and get through the gate and catch up to Becky. You turn around just in time to watch Leon vault over the subway gate with the grace of a panther. Thankfully, the next train was just pulling in as you two got to the train platform, you both bolt inside one of the cars and try to cram yourselves into the most crowded car.

“Ok, we need to get off at Downtown Crossing, then we pick up the Red line to Park Street and get on the Green line there. Then, we get off at Government Center which will then loop us back to the Orange line, ok?” Becky explained quietly.

You nod before scanning your eyes through the car, but you can’t tell if Leon’s on the train, you’re just going to have to assume that he is.

“Next stop, Downtown Crossing.” the T PA system called out.

“Ok, here’s our stop, as soon as those doors open, we make a b-line to the Red line to Alewife.”

As if on queue, the doors open and you and Becky practically launch yourselves out of the car, you don’t bother to look back to see if Leon is following you. Becky has a vice grip on your hand as you both get to the train platform for the Red line. Again luck was on your side, the doors for the Alewife train just started to open and you and Becky dove inside one of the cars and, once again, made your way to the most crowded car.

You repeated this same maneuver again at the Park Street stop and again at Government Center. Just like Becky had said, that eventually led back to the Orange line, which you both took back towards Forest Hills, getting off at the Back Bay stop, which thankfully was close to your apartment. You both ascended the stairs to the street level and stopped to take a breather.

“Holy shit I can’t believe that worked, where do you think we lost him?” you ask.

“I don’t know, once we were on the first train in Chinatown, I stopped looking for him.”

“Me too.”

When you both finally could catch your breaths, you proceeded to walk down the street back to your apartment.

Neither of you would be sleeping that night.

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

He lost track of you and your friend after getting off at Park Street. He ascended the stairs to the street, kicking a trash can over in frustration. You were so close to being back in his grasp.

And you would have been if it weren’t for that bitch, Becky. He knew that she smuggled you up here away from him, convinced you to leave him. She filled your head with nasty lies about him, she must have, why else would you leave him? He let his anger boil inside him as he walked down the street. He couldn’t help but notice several women gawking at him as he strolled down the street. He winked at some of them, seeing them visibly swoon at him. Oh how he enjoyed toying with their hearts.

It was a small bit of enjoyment he had since the world started to repeatedly fuck him over. First it was his new life in Raccoon City, then Operation Javier, then the incident in Spain with Los Illuminados. It was a couple years after returning from Spain that he met you at a bar in D.C., you had noticed him sitting alone at the bar and walked over and talked to him. It was the first ounce of normalcy he ever felt in his life since he graduated from the Police Academy. When you two started dating, that was when he decided he was never going to lose you, no matter the cost. 

Again, his thoughts returned to your friend Becky. She took your princess away from him.

And she was going to pay dearly for it.

Part 3

[gffa]

Guess who fell right smack back into BATFAMILY feelings hell?  Who has two thumbs and really thought they were truly out of the DC game, that it had been like ten years since they’d read a single comic, that they were finally safe from crying about stupid bats and birds?  Yeah, that’s right, this nerd.  And now I’m waking up and choosing violence on the rest of you by throwing every I’m Having Dick Grayson Feelings Fic at you that I can find, because this fandom is fantastic for it.   This list will skew towards my fave, but I hope there will be some good Jason, Tim, Damian, Cass, and Steph fic for anyone who wanders by for them!  You just have to scroll for a second first. I probably tend towards a slighty softer view than canon always provides (I will grab hold of Nightwing #100 with both hands and a death grip, though, and you can’t take Dick & Bruce hugs away from me now) but that’s what fic is for!  All the emotional resolution the source material cannot give us itself and I am GOING to inhale all of it like it’s oxygen and I’m on a run.  And then shove it at everyone I can while crying on them, too. BATFAM FIC RECS - BABY DICK IS THE CUTEST FERAL ROBIN I’M NOT HEARING ANY ARGUMENTS: ✦ Stay a Child by ijustwanttodestroy, dick & bruce & alfred, 2.2k      “Redo it,” Bruce orders. “Aw, come on!” Dick dares to pout — a thing that he uses often, and would work on anyone but Bruce and Alfred. Sometimes. Bruce gives him a look. “I’m not going to do it for you.” “I’m going to misdo it until you do,” Dick threatens. ✦ Sweater Weather by MashpotatoeQueen, dick & bruce, 2.2k      Dick Grayson is eight, Bruce Wayne is trying, and there’s a walk home in the rain. ✦ Hay Is for Horses by lurkinglurkerwholurks, dick & clark & cast, 2.7k      The sleepover had been Dick’s idea. In which Clark is a good but very overwhelmed uncle who is Trying His Best. ✦ Eye of the Storm by Janie__loops, dick & bruce & cast, de-aged!dick, 2.5k      Dick Grayson becomes once again a traumatized volatile murderous eight year old, and the only thing more surprising is how adept Bruce is at handling him. ✦ A Blur of Spinning Wheels by chinuplilpup, dick & bruce & alfred, 10.1k      Dick is on the chandelier. An eight year old. A genius gymnast, to be sure, but a child, small for his age and under Bruce’s legal care. On the chandelier. Twenty five feet above the ground, surrounded by glass and kept up by a single fifty-year-old chain bolted to the ceiling. Bruce is going to have to check his blood pressure after Dick is safe on the ground. ✦ The Flame and the Night: A Bedtime Story by WingFeathers, dick & clark, 1.8k      Dick’s thrilled to stay with the Kents, but they go to bed far too early for him to sleep. It turns out to be a job for Superman, who shows Dick the Kansas night sky and tells him a story from Krypton––a story about two gods, called Nightwing and Flamebird. ✦ (T)his Child by shanahane, dick & bruce & alfred, 2.1k      ”I’m here for the elephant,” Bruce says bluntly. ”Elephant?” Haly says. ”We haven’t had elephants in over two decades, what…?” ”The toy. That Dick left on his bed.” OR What wouldn’t Bruce do for… this child? ✦ 5 Times Dick Grayson was in the Newspaper Because of Bruce Wayne by Engineerd, dick & bruce & alfred & clark & cast, 4.7k      Batman and Robin are Gotham’s urban legends, and Bruce wants to keep it that way. “I know that,” Clark said. “But when Robin eventually goes officially public, I want to be the one that does the interview.” ✦ we don’t allow monsters in these walls. by thychesters, dick & bruce, 1.8k     New dad Bruce is still trying to figure things out with Dick. He’s not his dad, not his brother, he’s just … he’s B, the guy Dick runs around with at night fighting crime. He’s worried, and he’s scared, and he’s too protective. Tonight the protective side just won out. ✦ shades of monochrome by renecdote, dick & bruce & clark, 6.1k      He can’t even think, let alone think how to act. His brain is like a broken record, stuck on a loop of blood and ringing gunshots and Bruce is going to die. “It’s going to be okay,“ Alfred says. But it isn’t. How can it be? Dick takes a deep breath and screams for Clark as loud as he can. (The one where Bruce gets shot and Dick cries a lot.) BATFAM FIC RECS - ADULT BATSON AND BATDAD ARE MY KRYPTONITE, I FOLD LIKE WET CARDBOARD FOR THEM: ✦ Ghosts by fanfictiongreenirises, dick & bruce & batfam, 2.5k      “Nights like this, when everything was balanced on the edge of a knife, when Bruce could feel Gotham clawing at them with her claws, he could feel their gazes scraping his back.” Bruce waits for backup with an unconscious Nightwing tucked in his cape. ✦ When I Touch the Water by audreycritter, dick & bruce, 2.7k      Bruce is trying to deal with an old injury alone, and alone is exactly the opposite of how Dick Grayson is willing to let him handle it. But Bruce can’t really complain because it’s nice to see his son again and not fight for once. ✦ Making Time by CaptainOzone, dick & bruce & cast, 6.5k      Bruce does not remember anything leading up to this moment. He does not remember teaming up with Superman recently, nor does he remember being anywhere but Gotham proper. He does remember having Robin at his side. Robin, it turns out, is not there any longer. God does he hate magic. ✦ to love is not to leave by daringyounggrayson, dick & bruce, 1k      Dick called Alfred for a medical consult last night, so when he hears someone at his door, he’s not exactly surprised. What does surprise him is that the man who came to check in on him isn’t Alfred: it’s Bruce. ✦ Olive by Ptelea, dick & bruce, 1.5k      In which Dick and Bruce catch up in the kitchen sometime after episode 11, “Not It,” Dick peppers his speech with condiment-related puns, and Bruce is sort of amazed by his life sometimes. ✦ too lost and hurting to carry my load by daringyounggrayson, dick & bruce, 1.8k      Dick is sick and feverish, and those two things are forcing him to face some previously-stifled fears and insecurities. He really just needs someone to take care of him. ✦ No Other Songbird Like You by SilverSkiesAtMidnight, dick & bruce & damian, 8.5k      The difference between grappling off a building and free-falling off a building is actually a very small difference. Really, it’s just the difference between firing your gun before you jump, like Bruce always insisted on according to safety protocols, and firing after you jump, when it’s more fun. The fun way, ninety-nine times out of a hundred, is totally fine and has absolutely no consequences. ✦ mid-May’s eldest child by one_step_closer_to_death, dick & bruce, 1.2k      Dick’s sick and Bruce takes care of him. BATFAM FIC RECS - EVERYBODY LOVES DICK: ✦ Handle with Care by takadainmate, dick & bruce & damian, 3.4k      Dick is sick. Alfred isn’t around. Bruce and Damian do their best. Damian had known something was wrong. ✦ Off The Record by amathela, dick/donna, NSFW, 1.2k      Dick and Donna work off the aftereffects of a mission. ✦ Rejoice in Youth by FlashThroughLight, dick & bruce & tim & damian & jason & alfred, 6.1k      Dick has been regressed to the age of four, now Bruce and the rest of the family has to look after him until he returns to his rightful age. If Bruce thought teenage Dick Grayson was unruly, nothing could prepare for the storm that is Dickie Grayson. AKA Dick cons his family into giving him hugs. ✦ The Real in Funereal by lowflyingfruit, dick & damian & alfred & tim & jason & barbara & selina & cass & cast, 9.3k wip      Batman is dead. So is Bruce Wayne. And the Bat-family is struggling to cope, both publicly and privately. But crime in Gotham waits for no Bat, and like it or not, new grievances and old, the family must pick themselves up. Gotham needs its defenders, before their grief tears them apart. (Battle for the Cowl AU) ✦ Visions of Sugarplums by CamsthiSky, dick & bruce & damian, 3.7k      See, it happens like this. Everything’s normal for them all—or, well. As normal as a family full of vigilantes can get. But things are running smoothly. He keeps his head up and his ears open, though, because he may be able to move forward, but he isn’t stupid enough to think that he’s not going to hit a bump in the road. He always hits a bump in the road. He just hadn’t expected this. ✦ Safety First by SuperWhoLockianFangirl, bruce & dick/babs & dick/roy & dick/wally, 2.6k      Bruce Wayne can handle lunatics like the Joker without even flinching, but the hurtles of raising a teenage boy prove more daunting. When it comes time to give Dick the “Talk”, he has absolutely no idea what he’s doing. And unfortunately for him, he finds himself repeating the experience multiple times over the years. BATFAM FIC RECS - BATKIDS ALL HAVE MANY SIBLINGS AND THEY’RE ALL PETTY ASSHOLES AND/OR WONDERFUL BABIES AND I LOVE THEM WITH MY WHOLE BEING: ✦ Catch by Ptelea, dick & jason & tim & damian & bruce & cass & steph, 13.7k     Five times Dick caught one of the younger Bats, and one time he wasn’t the one to do so ✦ Stubborn by audreycritter, dick & jason & tim & damian & cast, 20.3k     Dick is usually the one taking care of everyone else and he’s bad at asking for help. So bad, in fact, that he never even actually asks– but Jason shows up anyway. And then Dick returns the favor. And then they both do for Tim. And it’s just going to keep going from there. It’s probably Alfred’s fault. When your butler mom calls and says, "Go check on your brother,” you don’t argue. You just do it. ✦ Without Question by lowflyingfruit, dick & jason & tim & damian & bruce, 6.2k     There is something very wrong with Dick at the moment. He’s doing everything Bruce says without a hint of protest. Tim’s going to get to the bottom of this. ✦ Ranking Robins by Beauty_In_Her_Darkness, dick & jason & tim & damian & bruce, 5k     Buzzfeed has been cranking out quiz after quiz about Gotham’s Bat-themed superheroes. When Jason shows them to his family, him and his brothers decide that not only should their adoring fans get to rank the Robins: Bruce should too. ✦ Carry by Ptelea, dick & jason, 4.9k     Whoever said, “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother,” didn’t have to haul you around. ✦ a pointless resistance by emavee, bruce & dick & jason & alfred, time loop, 26.7k     It starts with a news report running in the background of a greasy little diner, but it ends with Dick dead. Except, it doesn’t stop there. It keeps on ending, over and over. Bruce’s son keeps dying, and nothing he does seems to make any sort of difference. ✦ while you see it your way by irnan, bruce & dick/babs & tim & cass & damian & alfred, 4.5k     Wherein Damian acts his age for once, and - to the astonishment of absolutely no one - it’s all Bruce’s fault. ✦ Manor-Dad lets me drive the Batmobile by loosingletters, bruce & dick & jason & tim & cass & steph & damian & duke & cast, 21.2k wip     Bruce had two options when Dick found the Cave. 1) Tell him the truth. 2) Go along with Dick’s excited “You’re dating Batman!” until he figured out the truth. Several children later Bruce wished he’d gone with option 1) or he wouldn’t have to deal with all his kids believing he and Batman were separate people. ✦ Bomb Sing Se by Cephalogod, dick & jason & tim & cass & steph & damian, 2.2k     The thing was…it wasn’t actually the worst idea. (The bombs in the gauntlets part; Jason had vocally disapproved of every aesthetic decision Dick had ever made since they were teenagers, Dick wasn’t going to start listening to him about that now.) ✦ Above Any Price by centreoftheselights, dick & jason & tim & damian, 1.6k     Dick gets the news that Jason has been taken hostage. This time, he’s going to save his brother. ✦ Upside Down by withthekeyisking, dick & jason, de-aged!dick, 2.1k     Something that was not on Jason agenda for the night, but somehow now is: take care of the de-aged version of his big brother, who is—in his tiny mind—apparently running away from juvie. Because, sure. Why the fuck not. ✦ straight up, what did you hope to learn about here by irnan, bruce & dick & damian & barbara & jason (background dick/babs), 3.8k     (or: Three Conversations Dick Grayson Has About Jason Todd, That One Time A Couple Years Ago When Jay Was Dead, And How Talia Al Ghul Is Why Dick Can’t Have Nice Things.) ✦ Now Comes Good Sailing by geminus_17, dick & jason, 2.3k     Dick and Jason escape to Walden Pond and have a healing talk about the meaning of life and death, and insult Henry David Thoreau. ✦ on the other side by MermaidMarie, dick & jason & tim, 3.6k     In which Tim and Jason are staying up all night in the hallway, after Dick gets his memories back. ✦ Control Alt Delete by audreycritter, bruce & dick & jason & tim & damian & cass & stephanie & riddler, 1.9k     Sometimes the only way to solve an impossible riddle is to give up. ✦ Extension by smilebackwards, tim/kon & dick & jason & bruce, 5.9k     Tim’s going to need to learn to be less conspicuous about this hopeless crush he’s developed; he lives with an entire family of detectives. Or: Tim has a crush on Conner and everyone has something to say about it. BATFAM FIC RECS - JASON TODD IS AN ASSHOLE CAT, I’M GONNA THROW HIM AT DICK BECAUSE IT’S FUNNY (AND MAYBE SOME OF HIS OTHER SIBLINGS TOO): ✦ The 70 Days After Groundhog Day by Ptelea, dick & jason & batfam, time loop, 43.9k      There’s a time loop that only Jason remembers. It acts as a catalyst for changes within the family. Some arguments, some misunderstandings, some bonding, some healing, and quite a lot of conversations that mostly take place over food. Dick POV, focused on Dick and Jason but with the other Bats around and very present. ✦ Fair is Fowl by Lysical, dick & jason & batfam, 4.3k      Dick Grayson is visiting the Manor. Jason Todd has the chickenpox. They might not be brothers, but maybe they can get along for one evening. ✦ Ensemble Performance by lowflyingfruit, jason & damian & batfam, 4.8k      Damian has a deep, dark secret he needs kept from Grayson, his father, and most of all Drake, at all costs: he has, quite unwillingly, been volunteered for a part in his school’s annual musical. As a grouchy dinosaur. This is now Jason’s problem. Or his blackmail opportunity. Whichever. ✦ Home Intrusion by daedalusdavinci, dick & jason & cast, 7.2k      There are moments when the… everything of Dick’s life catches up with him, and exhaustion sinks deep into his skin. However, when he goes dark on everyone else, Jason doesn’t quite get the memo. Rules never seem to apply to little brothers. After two weeks of little more than clipped texts, Jason shoves his way into Dick’s life and gets him up and moving again. BATFAM FIC RECS - DICK AND DAMIAN WERE THE BEST BATMAN & ROBIN, I’M NOT HEARING ARGUMENTS ABOUT THAT EITHER: ✦ 3:16 by partingxshot, dick & damian & alfred & stephanie & cast, 70.7k      The knife pushes thin along Dick’s carotid artery, cupping the indent between neck and jawline—forcing him to angle his chin. The metal is warm, pulled with execution speed from under Damian’s pillow. “Okay,” Dick says quietly, tracking the intricacies of his own heartbeat—counting the space between breaths. “Guess I did need a shave.” (With faltering steps, Dick and Damian become Batman and Robin.) ✦ The R Stands for – by Cirth, dick & damian & bruce & talia, 5.8k      Damian pretends to focus on lacing up his boots as his father tugs Drake to his side, plants a gruff, casual kiss in his hair. Drake’s lips curl into a pleased smile, and Damian yanks the strings so hard his palms burn. ✦ The Rule Stands by Engineerd, dick & damian & bruce & tim & alfred, time travel, 11k      Damian meets a 10-year-old Dick Grayson, and they become best friends. ✦ this tiny little space by Alienu, dick & damian, 2.1k      The landing on his fire escape is nearly silent. Nearly. ✦ waiting for the tides to meet by partingxshot, dick & damian, 2k      Grayson behaves like this sometimes: like Damian needs to be protected. It twists his stomach in sharp and unfamiliar ways. “You leave, then!“ Damian spits. "I’ll—I’ll track Clayface on my own.” Another shudder takes him. The pain floods him all over again. It doesn’t matter: he won’t cry out. The rain pelts the dumpster behind him. It pools in cracks in the concrete. ✦ the city without stars in its skies by Alienu, dick & damian & batfam, 18.5k      (Or, in a world where he was never sent to live with his father, Damian al Ghul is contracted to assassinate one Dick Grayson.) ✦ Catch Me (All Records Indicate) by Engineerd, dick & damian & batfam, 9.5k      Damian had studied each of his father’s prior proteges briefly before he’d left the League of Assassins. Somehow, Grayson in person is nothing like Grayson on paper. OR “Are you sure you can catch me?” Grayson asked. Damian could hear his heart beating. He wasn’t sure. “Yes,” he answered anyways. ✦ Even in the Midst of Grief by Ellegrine, dick & damian, 4.3k      Richard Grayson has never hurt Damian. It’s unforgivable that anyone should believe otherwise. BATFAM FIC RECS - TAKE THE ANGST DIAL, TURN IT UP TO ELEVEN, AND BREAK THE KNOB OFF, MAKE ME CRY ABOUT BATS AND BIRDS, THAT’S WHAT I’M HERE FOR: ✦ Second Generation by lowflyingfruit, dick & bruce & tim & barbara & jason & alfred & cass & cast, aftermath of rape + depression, 108.9k      Nine months after the ‘Blockbuster Incident’, a call from Lockhaven Penitentiary regarding Catalina Flores brings all Dick Grayson’s plans for his future in Bludhaven crashing down. Thrust suddenly into parenthood and hiding what happened to make him a parent in the first place, Dick must decide, adjust, and accept - and no matter what, the family has to pull together to help him. ✦ Savior Complex by Arwriter, dick & bruce & barbara & tim & jason & damian & alfred & cast, 11.6k      “All I did was disappoint you.” He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t catch his breath. “I just wanted to do good. I just wanted to be better and all I did was make everyone angry.” Or: When Bruce comes back from the dead, Dick goes nonverbal. Nobody seems to have the time to notice. ✦ Essential Actions by CKBookish, dick & clark & bruce & wally & cast, 8.8k      Clark shifted his weight making the floorboards creak and groan under his feet. “Dick I hate to see you–” He paused searching for the right word. Dick snorted. “Wallow?” Clark sighed. “That’s not what I was going to say.” “I know. I can go to the barn and hang out there if I’m bothering you and Lois.” Dick pushed himself up. Of course he should have thought of that. Lois didn’t want some random teen laying around her home on Christmas Eve. Dick’s first Christmas without Bruce after he’s fired. ✦ The Night It All Came Crashing Down by chibi_nightowl, dick & jason, rape aftermath/read the tags, 4k      After a difficult night on patrol, memories Dick would much rather forget come to the surface. Thankfully, Jason’s there to catch him before he falls. ✦ The Winter of Our Discontent by BloodFromTheThorn, dick & bruce & jason & tim & alfred, 10.2k      Why did criminals always think that the best time to make a disturbance was in the middle of winter? Between the snow, Clayface and Scarecrow, Dick’s having a really bad day. It really doesn’t help that Batman’s late. ✦ The Universe Doesn’t Get to Take This by fishfingersandjellybabies, dick & bruce & damian, 1.9k      “And they’re so important that you don’t come home to check on your recently un-amnesiac brother? And here, I thought I was your favorite.” BATFAM FIC RECS - THROW BABY DICK AT BATTISON, C'MON DO IT, IT’LL BE HILARIOUS: ✦ In This or Any Other Universe by wildsofmarch, dick & bruce & alfred, 33.4k      Dick Grayson (DCU) accidentally lands himself in Battinson’s Gotham. ✦ I’m a Good Pretender by shipNslash, dick & bruce & alfred, 40.4k      Dick’s mother raised her son to be a star. Dick’s father raised his son to be an athlete. Bruce’s new ward is charming (manipulative), dedicated (obsessive), and way, way too smart for either of their own good. ✦ take these broken wings and learn to fly by fishingclocks, dick & bruce & alfred & cast, 45.5k wip      or, How Dick Grayson Burrowed His Way Inextricably into the Heart of Bruce Wayne ✦ i turned around, there was nothing there by lwbones123, dick & bruce & alfred, 3.1k      the batman got me thinking about battinson with a robin. this is that. ✦ Robin’s Light by iammadeofmemories, dick & bruce, ~1k      ‘Lies still’. Murder weapon still missing, Why riddles? Why leave a code? And why— “B! Whatcha working on?” or, in which I throw nine-year-old Dick Grayson at Battinson.

[rfxiii]

Hi, i enjoy your headcanons and writing! I was wondering if you could write about Franklin, trevor and Michael with an S/O who is cold easily :)? I'm anemic and the winter weather is kicking my ass in that regard rn, lmao

(I’ve always had such bad anemia, so I totally feel you! It doesn’t get too cold here, but winter is literally the worst! Anyways! Tysm for the request, I’m sorry it took so long!)

TW: None

Franklin, Trevor, and Michael with a S/O who gets cold easily:

Franklin Clinton:

Over protective vibes are activated. If you get too cold, you could get sick. And he’s not letting anything happen to you!

He brings a spare jacket everywhere in case you need it, he cranks up the heat in the car/house, he buys a bunch of blankets. He’d even take his own shirt and jacket off to give to you if it looked like you needed it.

He’s not a great cook, but he’ll buy you tons of canned soup, hot teas, make you coffee- anything to keep you warm and comfortable.

He likes lighting his fireplace at night and sitting on the couch with you, in a big nest of blankets, while he holds you and fights off the chill of the night with your shared body heat.

He keeps track of the weather on his phone throughout the day to make sure you won’t need more layers and so he can update you on the temperature when you get ready in the morning. He’d even come to your work, or someplace in the city, to bring you an extra jacket if you’re out without him.

Trevor Philips:

“Did ya know gettin’ naked together under the blankets creates body heat?” He’s using any excuse he can to get you as close as he can. Luckily, he runs pretty hot, and it doesn’t get too cold out in Sandy Shores except at night.

He’s from Canada, he’s used to the cold. So, he may not be as sensitive to your needs as he should be. He’s a very “It’s not cold to me. Why’re you bitchin’?” kinda guy. He may pick on you a bit until he sees you shivering. He’ll give you his old, never-been-washed, denim jacket to keep you warm, after that. He really does care about your comfort, he’s just not super perceptive about that kind of stuff.

He’ll offer to make you soup/stew to keep you warm. Do not eat it! His heart is in the right place, but the last thing you want is to be freezing and have food poisoning. If you gently decline his offer, he’ll make Wade or Ron go somewhere and buy you something pre-made, and safe to eat.

Cranks up the heat in his trailer to almost unlivable degrees. It’s awful, it’s hard to breathe, he’s sweating everywhere- but his heart was in the right place and it is a sweet gesture.

Michael De Santa:

Are you cold? Well, now the most expensive, well insulated, name brand jacket is now yours. Congratulations!

He’s offering to take you on a tropical vacation every winter. It doesn’t get too bad cold in Los Santos during the winter, thankfully. But he’d do anything to keep you comfortable.

He shows up to see you with expensive coffee/tea everytime he sees you. And buys you tons of expensive, handmade wool blankets to keep you warm.

He offers to buy you a car with heated seats/heated steering wheel, etc. He’s all about keeping you warm and comfortable.

Secretly kind of likes that you get cold so easily, so he can pull the cheesy, romantic move of pulling off his own jacket and draping it around your shoulders when he notices you shivering.

[obae-me]

The Brothers and their Nightmares

I was going to post this for Halloween, but things came up as they always do and I couldn't get to finishing it until now. Enjoy the late angst and spoops!

These are just dream scenarios I imagined the Brothers would suffer with, connected to both their Sin and the personal things they struggle with. Most of it is symbolic but could still be triggering for some.

TW: Hurt/No Comfort, Violent Images, Death, Blood, Angst, Nightmare Scenarios, Burning, Broken Bones, Disturbing Scenes that may upset readers. As Always, Read Safely.

Lucifer:

Displayed in a box. Preserved. Hung on a shelf for all to see. Trapped in a clear case with giant pins puncturing his wings and limbs in place. A perfect specimen.

The pain is immense. The torture almost unbearable, but this is where he belongs, right? To be shown off with Pride? To weather any struggles and pain to shine ever brighter in the light? A diamond only need be pressurized, cut, and polished before it's valuable.

Blurry faces of demons and angels and humans alike all pass him by, pointing at him and observing him with awe, sometimes fear, but nothing more. A living piece of art. He's searching for any familiarity amongst the crowd. The people he loves the most, the people he wants to shine for above all, the people he's suffering for!

Please! Give him a reason to endure this crucifixion! Prove to him that this is worth it! Let him know that he's enough! This prison must mean something! Don't say it was all for nothing! Everything he's worked for! Everything he's lamented over, toiled for! Look at him! Appreciate him!

But no one ever comes.

In the end he's left alone. The pins push deeper. The blood dripping from his eyes.

Just a caged butterfly.

--

Mammon:

Glistening palms. Shimmering faces. Gold as far as the eye can see. A perfect shining kingdom. Frozen lifeless subjects. This isn't what he wanted.

Come on, Belphie. Beel? What about you Asmo?... Satan?... No... Levi, please... Hells no... Lucifer!

Unmoving metal lips match each stiff jeweled eye. His hands... He- he had only touched them. That was all he did. Right? All he had done was love them. The Greed had become too much. In his ambition for glory, his corrupted embrace had tainted his family past the flesh. Motionless mannequins, that's all they were now. Cursed to shine till the end of time. His treasures that he had always craved.

Was this what he had wanted all along? No! He had created this all for his family! His friends! His loved ones! They were to all to gimmer with him! Not leave him alone! He did this. He always took things too far. Steal and cheat and lie until nothing remained! Rotten scum! Why couldn't he just listen? Why couldn't he just be better?! Give him a second chance... please. He can be better... Someone say something...

A destiny written in stone. Take. Even the lives of his brothers.

No matter how hard he tries, he only makes things worse.

Surrounded by the Fool's gold.

--

Levi:

Clanging, burning chains. There's a constant deafening buzzing in the air, the chatter of thousands of people. The voices rise and fall in rhythm, like the beating of war drums, or the increasing pace of his heart. He can't think, he can hardly see, and he can't breathe.

Millions of shining eyes stare down at his restrained body in the middle of a stadium. The blinding gazes singe his body, his skin melting off his bones. He's not the only one at the center of attention. Other people, other contestants are here to play the same game. Win, and get everything you ever dreamed. Lose, and be forced to burn with Envy and shame.

Every failed attempt of his makes the arena hotter. The infernal heat spills from the breaths of the crowd sharing his weaknesses to the world. They give his competitors the advantage, kicking him while he's down. The thrumming gets faster. It's not fair! He's trying so hard! Was he just doomed from the start? Was he born a failure? Hated by the universe since the moment of conception?! Is that why he's never good enough? Is that why all his brothers get to move on without him?!

His dreams always just out of reach. He's not good enough to be loved.

The bitterness eats him up from the inside.

Till he's melted into a pile of nothing.

--

Satan:

A mess of strings. The curtain is drawn. The show begins! It's the same routine day after day after day after day-- He can't take this any more!

He doesn't even understand this masquerade! The story he's forced to play out is gibberish, some fickle plot he can't even begin to fathom. Everything is foreign to him. The audience, the dance, his body, his Wrath. None of it is recognizable. And they chuckle like they know, like they enjoy his ignorance. Limbs are pulled in any direction the strings choose. Bones broken, lips sealed shut, he's pushed to the brink of oblivion once again.

But he worked so hard! Everything he's read, everything he learned, so he could stop feeling like this! He's not just a hollow doll, controlled by someone else's ambitions! He has thoughts, he has feelings! He might... not fully understand them yet, but he's trying! Tell him he's smart, that he's strong, that he's his own person! Let him stand on his own!

But only his mind is allowed to scream as the congregation watches.

A wicked dance until the strings are snipped. His opportunity to be independent. But instead, he falls into a lifeless heap on the floor.

Nothing without someone else.

The poor wooden plaything will never be real.

--

Asmo:

An endless winding labyrinth of mirrors. He runs, panting and crying as he tries to find his way through the illusions. Make it stop! Let him have peace!

The creatures are invisible to his normal eyes, only showing up in the reflections of the mirrors surrounding him. There's hundreds of them at least, crawling over each other to get to him. They don't even make a sound, silently scrambling towards him. An amalgamation of Lust. Each time they grab him, they take something precious from him. His fingernails, strands of his hair, his beautiful lips, the blush from his cheeks. They rip off of him as easily as tearing away a puzzle piece.

They're stripping him of his beauty bit by bit! How is he supposed to be loved like this?! If he's not gorgeous, than what is he? He has nothing left! This is all he has! He's not strong, or smart, or powerful! His physical charm is all he has! Please, leave him alone! He's supposed to be a jewel! That's all anyone ever sees him as!

He can't bear to look at himself. Every time he glances he's slightly different. Until he no longer recognizes the humanoid shell in the mirror. But he has no choice to keep looking if he wants to keep an eye on the monsters pursuing him.

A single fumble.

It's rather quick and painless as the souls each take what they want from him.

And leave him broken in shards on the floor.

--

Beel:

Screams echo from every direction. Buildings crumble as the earth shakes and the air hums. A moving living black cloud sweeps through the town. Where's his family? He has to help.

The sky a vast pool of crimson as the Celestial Sun and Demonic Moon cross paths and cast a torrent of blood down onto the merging realms. The ground beneath them all trembles, growling. It's Gluttonous. Every person he tries to save is always just too far away. They either get consumed from the plague of insects or fall into the gaping maws of the starving earth. And he still can't find his family.

Why? Why is this happening? Why isn't he strong enough to save anyone?! All the workouts, all the training, pushing his muscles stronger than any demon ever has, all so he can quit feeling so useless! He told himself he would be ready to take on anything! Even an entire army if he had to, just so he could save somebody for once! Lilith... Belphie… everyone... he's sorry... Sorry he's so weak. This is his fault.

The foundation beneath his feet begins to crumble.

His wings feel far too fragile to fly.

It makes sense that in the End of Days, no one would be there to save him.

He didn't deserve it.

--

Belphie:

There's something rotten in his chest. It feels like a pit in his soul, growing larger with every passing second. The sensation is agonizing.

It's something no one can see, but something he feels with every breath. It's very slowly stripping him of everything he is. His love, his memories, his desires... He needs to go find help. The House is laid out all wrong. Doors lead to where they shouldn't, hallways bend in the wrong directions. His house doesn't even feel like home anymore. Every step feels harder than it should. The supposedly easy task of getting help seeming more like an impossible feat. This rot is more than just Sloth. It takes what seems like hours to finally find his family. That's when he reaches out to them, trying to tell them what's wrong. But he can't speak for some reason.

Gestures and panicked grasping means nothing to his brothers. The desperation in his eyes goes ignored as most simply rub his head or push him off to the side, not taking him seriously in the least. But this hurts! He can't take the pain anymore! Someone help him! Don't push him away, don't treat it like a joke! Listen to him! Take what he has to say into consideration! He can't possibly speak over six other voices!

His efforts wasted, his energy depleted.

The rot ate away at his heart and left him numb.

And everyone walked away, leaving the boy who cried to cry alone.

[emisprocrastinatingbywriting]

Alone and Forsaken

Chapter Summary:

Four years later and Joel cannot believe the way his life has turned out. As he prepares for what he hopes is one of the best nights of your lives, will his fears get in the way of his future?

Warnings: Fluff, Smut, Soft! Joel, Possessive! Joel, Talks of Past Trauma and Character Death (Minor), Neither Joel or Reader Need a Hug For Once, Talks About The Future, Love <3.

A/N:

Hey y'all, I've missed you and this story so much that I decided to write an epilogue. This has a bit of a time jump and we are checking in on them four years after the last chapter. I won't ruin it for you but heads up, this is a whole lot of fluff and a whole lot of smut. I do fill in some blanks for you all since the dust has settled a bit, but I also wanted to feed my readers some filth after tormenting you for twenty chapters. If you guys want to see this pair again, my requests are always open but until then, that's all folks! I will starting a new series soon so stay tuned if you liked this one. Thank you for reading my first fic, I know it isn't perfect, but it has been a blast. Love ya <3

Epilogue: Alone and Forsaken, No More!

An amused grin stretched over Joel’s weathered face, his eyes following the little girl with a wild mane of curls as she chased a stocky boy across the backyard. Ellis’s chunky little legs worked hard, hard enough to keep him safe from the snake Alba was taunting him with, but he wasn’t quite as nimble as her. She screeched in delight as she gained on him, laughing maniacally at his terrified screams. If he were a better parent, perhaps he would have scolded her antics, but it was hard to do that effectively when he himself couldn’t hold in his own laughter. 

Even after four years, Joel found himself in constant awe of the dumb luck he had stumbled upon. Finding you had changed everything, leading him down a path that was more interconnected than he could have ever imagined. It had been almost ten years since he lost Ellie to the fireflies and condemned himself to a lifetime of solitude, and even longer since he had lost Sarah. Although the two girls still held their rightful places in Joel’s heart, he no longer let the sting of losing them eat him alive. Ellie and Sarah hadn’t been squished to the side with the arrival of the twins, rather his heart had expanded so that it could fit everyone inside. 

There were still days where Joel missed them so much that getting out of bed seemed impossible but instead of keeping it all in, he talked about it. Speaking about his girls breathed life into them once again and allowed their siblings to get to know their sisters better. He smiled with each question the twins threw at him about their favorite colors or their favorite books, willing to go on for hours if they wanted him to. The simple act of remembering, a feat that had once terrified him, was the thing that patched the holes in his aching soul. That, and the love of the one person who had been able to peel back the steel welded around his heart. 

Without his mate, Joel would be nothing more than the grieving shell of a man you had found waiting to die in the woods. It was bizarre for him to think about that day, and how different his life had become because of it. That morning his nightmares had pulled him out of sleep, just like they had for the past twenty four years. What had he been dreaming of? Joel couldn’t remember, all he knew was that whatever it was had served as yet another painful reminder of his failures. The morning was a blur to him now, but he would never forget standing over that trap, lifting his nose in the air as notes of lavender and peppermint drifted over to him from the river. With so much time in complete solitude, Joel remembered thinking he had finally gone insane, before a quiet whimper had smacked him in the chest and dragged him towards the rushing waters. 

After that day, Joel was in a constant state of awe at how ridiculously fortunate his life was. How could a sad sack of shit like him happen upon someone so beautiful, so understanding? It seemed impossible. And the fact that you loved him back? Well, that was a shock that he was sure he would never shake off. During the time at the cabin, the first home you shared together, Joel felt like he was always waiting for you to change your mind, like at any moment you might come to your senses and abandon him. But now? After everything the two of you had been through, he was pretty sure he deserved this slice of peace. He deserved to grow old with you at his side, watching as his children actually surpassed their teenage years and became adults. 

Five years ago, with a fresh bite mark proudly adorning his neck, Joel had gone to the river to refill the bucket after a failed breakfast attempt, only for the but of a rifle to slam into his face and knock him out. The next few weeks had been hell, followed by even more hell once he finally found you hacking soot out of your lungs as you crawled out of a burning chapel. He shivered, thinking about how his heart had broken in two as he cracked your ribs under the weight of his CPR compressions. It was like Joel was dying alongside you but the second you opened your eyes, gazing upon him for the first time in weeks, he felt himself come back into his body once more. 

The chaos that ensued after your near death experience was still something Joel couldn’t quite wrap his head around. Paul’s remaining men coming after the two of you as you healed in a lumpy childhood bed was one thing. But the cult that had stripped you naked and tried to bleed you dry in an abandoned pool? If Joel hadn’t seen it himself he would’ve thought it was bullshit. And just when he was sure he had you secured within the safe embrace of Jackson’s walls, his future had almost been snatched away again. First by the ghosts of your shared pasts, and then by the residents who had shown up to the house with pitchforks. 

Joel chuckled, thinking back on that day with kinder eyes now that a few years had passed. One thing about life was that it was filled with ups and downs, with hard losses and victories. And it just so happened that for whatever reason, mother nature had been on his side that day when the both of you were thrown face first into carnal need. Nobody could have predicted it, especially since you had only gotten the go ahead by the former town doctor to get down and dirty if you so dearly pleased. But for whatever reason, your heat had come back with a vengeance, tearing a rut out of Joel like it was nothing. He remembered you climbing him like a tree in front of the frustrated group of locals, growling at them and begging him to take you inside regardless of the crowd. 

The brief interview the both of you had been forced to sit through after Maria sent the residents away was a blur now. All Joel could remember was feeling extremely uncomfortable that his little brother and sister in law were around to see his cock straining against his jeans as he tried to muscle through the biological response you had ripped out of him. Meanwhile, he had also been tasked with trying to keep his heat fueled mate from ripping everyone’s throats out. Luckily, the small group of people you called family had come to defend Joel’s family, an act of loyalty that he would never be able to fully thank them for. 

With the looky loos dispersed, the next three days had been intense, filled with Joel trying desperately to stake his claim on you, as if he could somehow fuck a protection spell over you in case the worse came to pass. And you were no different, spouting possessive words as you marked in any way you could. He wasn’t entirely sure, but the event seemed to have prolonged the experience, so much so that the two of you had been dehydrated and exhausted by the time it finally petered off. There was no conversation about the situation during the relentless bouts of pleasure, only a silent understanding that whatever happened, you would deal with it as a team. 

Nevertheless, Joel had been sure that he would be lugging bags across Wyoming when the dust settled. Of course he never told you that, preferring to leave it until you had both regained some sanity, but he couldn’t help the feeling that he was running out of time in the home the two of you had made. The anxiety that had plagued his being had fueled his depravity, as he tried not to think of the impossible task of keeping his two newborns warm and above all else, quiet, as the two of you returned to the cabin. Joel didn’t even want to go there, he wasn’t sure what sort of state it was in or how many supplies he had left, but it seemed like the only option if Jackson ousted his family. Nevertheless, when the dust had settled and his rut had finally quelled the heat raging inside of you, he was surprised to find that the sky had not fallen during his time away. 

Joel had prepared himself for a war to protect his family from the scorn of Jackson. He had grimaced when you suggested a walk to the center of town, preferring to get it over with rather than wait it out, but what else could he do? After picking up the twins from Jake’s house, another factor that had him on edge, the two of you had set off to find Jackson’s fearless leader. Joel held Alba tight to his chest, so tight that the normally feisty newborn seemed to sense her father’s discomfort and relaxed in his arms. 

Every passerby was a possible threat and Joel remembered asking you multiple times if you needed him to take Ellis. It wasn’t because he thought you weren’t strong enough to carry an eleven pound sleeping pup, it was because he was convinced the both of you would be sprinting out of town the second Maria caught wind of your freedom. Joel was the muscle, but you had all the speed, which meant that the twins would be safer in his grasp while you covered him from any incoming danger. As much as he hated to think about going to war with his mate, he trusted in your abilities to fend for your family. Except the fight that Joel was so sure of never came to pass. Upon reaching the main square and approaching his brother’s terrifying mate, he was shocked to find that his family was old news. 

The incessant complaints of more than a few residents had dogged Maria at every turn while the two of you were indisposed, which had forced her to make an executive decision. There weren’t many options, either she tore her own family from their homes in the middle of what was the most intimate of times between mates, or she followed the path of least resistance. Maria had swiftly dismissed the two of you outside the dining hall that day, ignoring the questions sent her way about what the future would hold. Although she had been quick to dismiss any questions about nepotism, given the fact that the path she chose to follow just so happened to benefit her own family through marriage, Joel had his doubts. 

Tommy too left the two of you wondering, as the beta was uncharacteristically silent on the matter when approached thereafter. Maybe Maria wasn’t quite as unbiased as everyone believed Jackson’s fearless leader to be, or maybe she just hated the thought of separating two pups from their parents. Either way, Joel knew that he’d spend the rest of his life being thankful that she had opted for the option that kept his family away from the horrors of the outside world. 

The tale that had been concocted was just what the Jackson residents needed to spice up their monotonous lives, like something out of one of the many teen dramas Sarah used to make him watch. It featured the classic archetypes. There was your mother, the woman who had abused for so long that when her daughter went missing, she finally snapped. And there was Cooper, the incessantly disparaged younger brother who had almost had everything taken by Paul. A deal was supposedly made in secret once the two collaborators within Jackson were found, one which led to their eventual deaths. The entire town ate every bit of it up and gossip about the incident flooded the streets for months afterwards, each version getting more extreme than the last. 

Joel almost wished he had been there to see the trial, but he knew that it was probably for the best that he had been too wrapped up in his rut. It would have been hard to watch two innocent people take the blame for the crimes he had committed, and even harder to keep you from jumping to their rescue. Not that they needed saving. 

Much to Joel’s amusement, the town didn’t blame either parties for slaying the men that had worked alongside Paul’s former group of assholes and Aspen’s remaining faithful followers. All they got was a sharp slap on the wrist in the form of community service and a quick rise to the status of local legends. He tried not to be too miffed about it, reminding himself that he should be thankful that the two were willing to brave the extra attention for the sake of the people he held dear. Plus, Joel couldn’t get around the fact that at that time, his track record in Jackson was pretty awful, with everyone still remembering his grief fueled, drunken antics from years before. Still, the fact that they would’ve easily written his family off because of him had agitated him a bit, but he let it go. 

Luckily, since that fateful day four years ago, Joel’s image had been slightly refurbished, which he attributed a large chunk of to his family’s reputation. It was hard to believe that Joel was a complete monster when his mate was the town doctor and the twins were so damn cute. And with his slight reputational rehabilitation, came a small perk in the form of a new job. Taking on the role as the handyman for Jackson was not something Joel had seen himself doing, especially with how most residents had avoided him like the plague during the first year of coming back to town. But after the relentless fighting he had faced for decades and two backbreaking years with the twins running circles around him, he was exhausted, and not just physically. 

Joel was tired of kissing you goodbye, knowing that you would be worried sick until he rode through those gates again. He was tired of the forever changing patrol schedules, of leaving his family alone in the dead of night or on hectic mornings when neither of the twins felt like cooperating with their parents. He was tired of missing things whenever something went bump in the night outside of Jackson’s walls, like the time he had missed Ellis standing for the first time while he was taking down a wayward group of infected. So, after a long conversation with his beloved sister in law that had ended with him literally begging her, he gave up his spot on the patrols for simpler employment, the kind he had done before the outbreak. 

There was a never ending list of things for Joel to tinker with in Jackson and for the first time in a long time, he was actually proud of his work. Sure, it wasn’t the most glamorous job, but it was what he knew, and he was good at it. He spent his days filling an endless supply of work orders, fixing broken things and supervising construction jobs until he could sprint home to his family. It was a perfectly uncomplicated life, one that he had assumed to be off the table for him since that devastating day in 2003, and he fucking loved it.  

Despite the fact that raising two rambunctious kids was at times back breaking work, Joel tried his best to rise to the occasion. There had been multiple occasions where he felt he might crack under the pressure, but luckily he had a good foundation. He had you, someone who walked by his side, unshaken by the things that would make even the mightiest of alphas shake in their boots. It was because of you that Joel was sure he could do it all and more. The two of you had formed a united front for the rowdy pups that were weaving between the trees in the backyard, giving what the other lacked so that the twins would never go without. Which was why Joel wasn’t surprised to hear your concerned voice come from behind him as Alba shoved Ellis into the dirt with a wicked grin. 

He didn’t blame you for worrying about their wrestling, you had never had a sibling to fight over toys with. If only you had seen him and Tommy at their worst; practically strangling each other over shared action figures, or shoving the unexpecting party into a pile of horse shit when mom and dad weren’t looking. Perhaps then you would understand that the harmless tussling of two four year olds with weak limbs was nothing to write home about. In fact, as long as it didn’t get too rough Joel sanctioned it, knowing that it would make bedtime ten times easier. 

“Shouldn’t we be doing something about that?,” you asked, making him turn from the scene unfolding outside. 

Joel lit up at the sight of you clad in a set of light blue scrubs, beautiful as ever. He smiled wide, unable to tamp down the giddiness he felt as he stepped forward to embrace the woman that had set his soul ablaze. Dropping a loving kiss into your hair, he indulged in a heady whiff of your scent, as if it had been days rather than hours since he smelled it. There was a slight bite of chemicals, likely from the antiseptic used at the clinic, but he ignored it in search of a hit of the good stuff, of the delicious smell of his scent nearly overtaking your own for the first time in four years. Joel’s scent mostly cloaked your own as it pumped out of your pores, signaling to everyone in town that it was his pup you were carrying. And if his scent wasn’t enough, the swell between your hips was getting harder to ignore, proudly boasting yet another addition. 

This pup, much like the last two, had taken you both by surprise. Except that it wasn’t like before, when Joel had deluded himself into thinking everything would be fine each time he spilled inside of you, only to freak out when nature came knocking. He didn’t fear being a father anymore and after the twins had surpassed the terrible twos, he even humored your subtle hints about adding another to the mix. However, after four years of constant lovemaking, whether it was fueled by hormone induced mania or not, there was no sign of another life. It didn’t matter that Joel had stopped trying to pull out mere months after the twins were born, or that you locked your ankles around his waist to keep his cum plugged inside almost every time; your womb remained empty. 

Joel had chalked it up to his age, assuming that his swimmers had probably gone dormant with time. He was aware that before the outbreak there were some alphas who were crazy enough to have kids well into their eighties, but after a lifetime of endless physical injuries and the inability to test his sperm count, he convinced himself that his reproductive abilities had somehow been compromised. Who knows? He had been stabbed and shot so many times in the abdomen, maybe something had gotten nicked. There would be no way of knowing if Ellis and Alba were miracle babies, and with you being a perfectly healthy candidate for motherhood, he knew that it had to be him that was the problem. 

Which was fine, Joel didn’t mind the twins being the only children he would have with you, they were more than enough. Still, he couldn’t help feeling guilty about not being able to give you the one thing you wanted, the one thing he was specifically designed to give his mate. Although you had adamantly claimed it was fine, that you were perfectly happy with the life you had been given, he saw the yearning you felt as you walked by one of the few pictures of the twins that hung along the walls of the house, especially the one that had been taken when they were barely a month old. Or the jealousy that you had tried to hide when Maria gave birth to a little girl two years earlier. Or the way you looked at even your best friend’s incessant additions to his family. 

The longing on your face was enough to break Joel’s heart and so he kept trying for you, even though he was sure it was a lost cause. What else could he do? To reject your attempts would be to admit the truth, that the likelihood of another pup was probably slim to none and that it would probably be best if it was dropped altogether. Nevertheless, you remained persistent, ignoring every sign that the attempts were futile for yet another year, until he had completely forgotten why you were so keen on jumping his bones to begin with. Which of course, was when it happened. 

After an exhausting illness had knocked you down at the end of May, accompanied by a familiar distaste for meat, it became clear that a test needed to be taken. Joel had dropped the twins off at Tommy’s that night, terrified of what the fallout would be if you weren’t pregnant. However, nothing could have prepared him for what he came home to that night. He had been ready for an average, vaguely tense stroll to the clinic with his mate, only to be forced into a set of dark clothes so that he could sneak through town like some sort of burglar. 

For the last year, the clinic had been run by a new head honcho, you. The training with the previous doctor had been completed just before the twin’s second birthday, allowing the elderly woman the luxury of finally being able to retire. It had taken almost a year for you to get the hang of handling the ins and outs of being in charge, which was why you didn’t want to shock the nurses who had just gained trust in their fearless leader. According to you, there was no reason to start a panic about maternity leave for what could be the flu. So, the two of you had used the cover of night to sneak through Jackson, infiltrating the clinic like it was some sort of grand heist rather than a trip across town for a pregnancy test. 

Of course, that was the day where the clinic was fresh out of tests, meanwhile the ancient ultrasound machine had broken for the millionth time. With no other option, you decided to do it the old fashioned way, hoping like hell that you were far enough along for there to be a heartbeat. Joel had sat patiently as you dug the stethoscope out of your desk, grumbling about the clinic’s lack of supplies until your hands slid across the cold metal. He took a deep breath as you shoved the buds in your ears, watching as you pressed the circular end to your abdomen. It took a few slight adjustments but then he saw it, the way your eyes lit up with a gasp before you tore the ear buds out so that he could listen. With shaky hands he had taken the stethoscope, straining to hear it. You shifted a bit and there it was, a little heartbeat fluttering in his good ear, a new life carving more space for themselves inside of his chest. 

The two of you had cried, holding each other and making nonsensical promises that ended in a round of passionate lovemaking against your desk. It was stupid to fuck in your workplace, especially when any nonsuspecting Jackson resident in need of medical attention could waltz in, but neither of you cared, too hopped up on the good news to stop. Joel had plowed into you with abandon, incessantly praising you as his cheeks burned from smiling so hard. 

That night had been one month ago and Joel was still riding that high as his two four year olds battled in the yard. It was different this time around. The first time he hadn’t been ready to be a father again. He was scared shitless for your entire pregnancy, constantly doubting himself and praying that he wouldn’t fuck it up again. Tragedy had chased him before and he was convinced that at any moment, his life would collapse in on itself yet again. But none of that happened, Joel had two healthy pups and a woman who loved him. And in four to five months, there would be another pup for him to care for. There was nothing for him to fear anymore, only the satisfaction of having a life that was truly worth living. 

“Joel?,” you huffed, breaking Joel from the spell he was under. 

He hummed, “They’re fine baby, best they get it out now before bedtime.” 

A frustrated sigh fell from your lips, but after one more glance towards the backyard, you nodded. Joel kissed your cheek, trying to distract you from the wrestling pups. They would be fine. If they truly needed a time-out from one another, he knew that one of them would have already started screaming at the top of their lungs. 

“How are my girls today?,” Joel murmured, pressing his hands against the bump to hold his pup. 

You snorted, “Puh-lease, you always think it’s going to be a girl.”

“I do not.”

“Mm hmm, yeah you do. It’s exactly what you said last time,” you pointed out. 

“I mean… I was kinda right though,” he shot back. 

A snort came from you, followed by a smack to his arm that made him squawk and chuckle. With an almost audible roll of the eyes, you brushed past him to get a better look at the pair that tussled in the grass. 

“Only half right,” you grumbled as you peered out at them. 

The snake had been long since forgotten, probably yanked from Alba’s hands by her older brother once it had gotten too close to his face. Although Ellis had been screaming bloody murder just moments before while his sister was chasing him, Joel knew all too well that his son had been blessed with his father’s temper. A fear of snakes could easily be overcome once a certain threshold had been reached, a threshold that Alba loved to test at every turn. 

Ellis wasn’t like his sister, he wasn’t sporty or sociable. He preferred to spend his days quietly coloring or pretending to read books that were far too advanced for his age, though Joel had a sneaking suspicion that he knew more than he was letting on. If Ellis wasn’t somewhere with a book, he was shadowing one of the grownups in his life, either following you through the clinic like he was some sort of intern or watching Joel fix something in his workshop like he was learning the ropes. It was crazy how much of a little man the boy was. There were times when Joel wondered if his real son had been swapped at birth for a younger version of himself. He couldn’t help it. Every time Alba’s antics were shut down by a pointed look from her older brother, all he could see was himself and Tommy. 

However, unlike her Uncle Tommy, Alba didn’t often push for more than Ellis could give. Usually, one outburst was all she was looking for, as if shattering the illusion of his maturity was the only thing she was after. She was smart enough to walk the line of appropriateness like a tightrope to keep herself from getting in trouble. When Alba wasn’t picking on her brother, she spent most of her time tracking down one of her parents to play whatever needlessly complicated game she had made up at the top of her head, or begging anyone that would listen to take her to the park so that she could blow off some steam. Joel was close to building her an at home gym so she could exhaust herself, anything to keep her from bouncing off the walls. 

They were complete opposites, which meant that a bit of tussling was necessary to keep any grudges from forming. Joel peered out the window, chuckling a bit as Ellis finally gained the upper hand in the brawl. It took a lot to get his son to engage, but Joel was glad to see him rough house like a regular four year old. They fought over a toy, forming a small heap of flailing limbs as they grappled with each other. It made him laugh to see the doll being fought over, especially since he knew Ellis didn’t give two shits about it, likely trying to get a bit of revenge on his sister for bothering him. The kicks were a bit more enthusiastic than before, teetering on the verge of parental intervention, but Joel held back to allow them the chance to correct themselves. 

“I don’t like it when they play like that,” you commented, the small crease between your brows deepening as you watched the twins roll around in the dirt. 

Joel sighed and stepped closer, wrapping his arms around you so that he could bring his chin to your shoulder. He smiled at the two, remembering the scar on his left elbow that he had earned from a particularly rowdy game of Kill The Carrier with Tommy and the neighborhood kids. 

“Relax honey, s’not like that. They’re brother and sister, a bit of play-fighting is good for them. Plus, if one of them wasn’t keen, you know that we’d fucking hear it. Hell, the people manning the gates would probably hear those two hollerin’,” Joel pointed out. 

Alba was the worst for it, but both of them had the strongest lungs he had ever seen. During their time as toddlers, Joel was perpetually thankful that the hearing in his right ear had all but disappeared in the years since settling in Jackson, as it ensured that their shrill cries were at least somewhat drowned out by years of damage. Meanwhile, you had been left with ringing ears and splitting headaches that were so bad that tylenol had become your best friend until they grew out of it. 

“I guess you’re right,” you sighed, melting back into him. 

Joel leaned down and kissed your cheek, ghosting his lips over your neck for a second for another hit of the delicious aroma you emitted. He smiled against your skin as you tilted your head back a bit, allowing him more room to peck at the sensitive skin. His mouth watered as he peppered kisses all over, trying to keep his groans to a minimum so that the moment wouldn’t be over before it had even started. Lately, the twins seemed to have a second sense for when their parents were about to engage in some much needed adult time. Joel knew that, but he was hoping that if he stayed as still and silent as one possibly could while sucking hickeys into their mate’s neck, he would fly under their radar. However, the warning you let out soon pulled him from that fantasy. 

“J-Joel, wait. You’ve gotta - shit - gotta cut it out. We’ve got incoming.” 

“Mom! Dad! Alby’s mean, she chased me wib a snake!,” Ellis exclaimed, causing his sister to immediately come to her own defense. 

“Well Lis is a stoopid butface who's scwared of snakes AND he took my dolly!,” Alba shouted back, sticking her tongue out at him for good measure.  

“You’re the butface!,” he gasped indignantly, like being called a butface was some affront to his personal character. 

At times, Joel had to remind himself that he was the adult, which meant that he couldn’t laugh at the petty arguments of two wound up four year olds. Plus, he was not completely without blame for the situation at hand, as quite a few cookies had slid their way after he picked them up. Joel couldn’t help it, all it took was one flash of the puppy dog eyes and he was folding like a piece of wet paper. Still, he knew that he had to stay strong before the two of them started screaming about who was the biggest buttface of them all. 

“Alba Miller, that ain’t a very nice thing to say. And what have I told you about buggin’ your brother? If Ellis doesn’t wanna play, you gotta let him be. Now, say sorry to him,” Joel admonished from your side. 

“M’sorry Lis,” Alba mumbled, kicking at the carpet as she stared at her feet. 

He nodded at his daughter’s apology, “Thank you sug’, now how about you Mr. Man?” 

Joel turned towards his son with a raised eyebrow. Ellis sighed, stubbornly flashing his eyes at his father’s request. It had always been that way, from the second Ellis refused to take his first breath, to when he had ignored Joel’s attempts to get him to look up during tummy time, to his adamant rejection of any set of clothes that wasn’t picked out for him by his mom. Whereas Alba didn’t care enough to be tied down by a simple apology, or the slight corrections from either of her parents, Ellis was tougher to break. 

Well, for Joel at least. The both of them listened to you unconditionally, while he often felt like they were only humoring his corrections. He didn’t blame them, he too hung off your every word. 

“I’m sorry Alby, you’re not a buttfwace,” Ellis gritted out, glaring at his father one last time for good measure. 

Being chased around by a snake and then tackled to the ground wasn’t typically what the four year old boy preferred to be doing, so Joel allowed his poor excuse for an apology slide. If the discarded coloring book and crayons that laid against the lawn were any indicator, it had been an ambush. 

“Why don’t you two go get cleaned up? I brought home some chili that Uncle Jake made for supper,” you suggested. 

The pups looked at each other, raising their eyebrows in question before they tore out of the sunroom like two bats out of hell. They shoved each against the table in the breakfast nook, against the walls, against anything that could slow the other’s pace as they raced towards the stairs. It was only when you chastised them that they slowed down, although Joel knew that it was all for show. The second that they passed the dining room, which marked them as officially out of their parent’s sight, the pace picked up once more. 

“God, they’re going to make me go gray,” you groaned, sighing as you turned back toward him. 

Joel snorted, “Guess that leaves me shit out of luck then, I’m already there.”

What little brown Joel had left in his hair when the two of you met was almost gone, as the salt had started to completely cover the pepper, but he couldn’t complain too much about it. At least he wasn’t balding, and you didn’t seem to care. Plus, there was something about seeing himself grow old that felt like a victory. He never thought he’d live long enough to see it.  

“I love it, you’re my handsome silver fox baby,” you cooed, lovingly raking your hands through his curls, “I wouldn’t want you to change a thing, just keep being your sexy self.” 

“Whatever you say darling,” he hummed, eyes sliding closed as you rubbed circles into his scalp, “I’ll dye it fucking pink if ya want, just keep doing that.” 

A giggle came from you as Joel slumped forward, pressing his face into your neck so he could huff at the skin there. The magic of your fingers soothed each muscle in his body, until he felt like he was practically asleep standing up. Joel could spend eternity as he was, basking in the scent of his pregnant mate while she rubbed all his aches away. But he knew that with two pups, that was a pipedream. 

Until the kids were grown, Joel would have to make due with these scattered moments. But oddly enough, he didn’t mind being resigned to a few seconds of solace each day. It just made the time all the more special. And in that particular moment, with all of his strained muscles being addressed, he couldn’t help but smile at how perfect this small piece of the puzzle was. 

“Did you fix the breaker in the schoolhouse?,” you asked, speaking directly into his left ear so that he could hear you properly. 

Joel nodded groggily, “Yeah, it didn���t take me long. S’why I picked ‘em up so early.” 

“You know,” you chuckled, “Most dads would be thrilled to have some downtime. You could have left them with my mom and gone home to take a nap. With how late you stayed up with Ellis last night, I wouldn’t have blamed you for it.” 

How terrifying had it been for Joel to wake up as he had the previous night. The first thing he had seen was a small face that resembled his own, peering down at him with the focus of a deranged serial killer. Without even blinking, his son had stood there in complete silence, causing Joel to nearly jump out of his skin. Close to cardiac arrest, he had almost lunged at the small demon in front of him to protect his pregnant mate that was asleep beside him. 

But as the post-dream haze faded, Joel was relieved to find that it was just Ellis who had crept into his room after a bad dream. So instead of chanting the tiny bits of scripture he could barely remember from Sunday school to ward off a child-shaped demon, Joel spent his night reading to his son. He held Ellis close to his chest for hours, rocking him and whispering about Amelia Bedelia’s adventures until the little boy had finally dropped off around four thirty that morning. 

“Wasn’t so bad, he had another bad dream about fucking David Bowie,” Joel groaned, shaking his head at the thought of Ellis’s blubbering about the goblin king, “Plus, I wanted to see them.” 

“We shouldn’t have let them go see that stupid movie,” you sighed, “But in my defense, I had never seen Labyrinth before! Tommy said it was supposed to be for kids.”

Joel had a cheeky response, but a loud BANG echoed from upstairs, signaling that at least one of the human tornadoes were on their way. Given the swiftness of the little feet and how the steps halted at the room next to the bathroom to pound at the door until a muffled voice snapped at her to cut it out, it had to be Alba. 

“Well, I guess I can’t be mad at you for wanting to spend time with them,” you sighed, feigning a disappointment that caught his attention, “It’s a shame though, I heard you had left work early, so I thought I’d join ya. Had something special planned but whatever, there’s always next time.”

He blinked, “What? What did you have in mind?” 

“I thought we could pick up where we left off this morning.”

Joel choked on his own spit, his eyes widening as he thumped himself on the chest to cough it back up. Face was beet red, he finally caught his breath and narrowed his eyes at your sly grin. It had been far too long for you to be poking the bear, especially with how close he had been that morning. The two of you had gotten up early, both half dead from lack of sleep but desperate as he shimmied you out of the baggy sweatshirt of his that you had slept in. 

Neither of you had cared about how tired you both were or the morning breath, all that mattered was finally getting to feel each other after weeks of failed attempts. Joel had almost made it, teasing your drenched slit with his throbbing cock when a flurry of fists had slammed against the locked door. The doorknob had shuddered from one of them trying to figure out a way to break in and he sighed, groaning as he felt the moment slipping away. With no other choice, he had pulled away and dressed the two of you quickly before they beat down the door. 

Joel was quite literally starving, ready to die if he didn’t feel the tight embrace of your walls around him soon. He didn’t know how many times he had given himself a pitiful release in the few spare moments he had, holding up a pair of your used panties to his nose as he imagined what it would be like to have you splayed out for him once again. It was starting to get downright pathetic. And there you were, waving a first class dinner right in front of his face like it was some sort of joke. But little did you know, he already had a plan set in motion for tonight that would ensure the two of you got some much needed alone time. 

“Christ honey, ya can’t just say things like that to me. How am I supposed to live with myself knowing that I could be breakin’ that sweet pussy open right now?,” Joel whined.  

“Guess you’ll have to make it up to me with a little midnight snack,” you giggled, nipping at his throat in a way that made his stomach clench, “I just hope they actually stay in bed this time, it's been too long baby.”

Joel smiled wide, thanking his lucky stars that he had secured a babysitter as another playful nip to his pulse point had him close to laying you out on the ratty old futon in the sunroom. It’s not like it would have been the first time he had fucked you on it, but he refrained. Now was not the time for a quickie.

“Don’t you worry sweetheart, we just gotta put ‘em down. I’ve already asked and your mama is gonna do the rest for us,” Joel murmured. 

“My mom? What? Why?,” you asked, abruptly pulling back from his heated skin. 

He shrugged, “Figured we could use some alone time honey, so I called in the big guns. Been too long, I need ya all to myself. Wanna take care of my girl tonight, without anyone interrupting us. S’that alright darling?” 

Joel smiled at your enthusiastic nod, leaning down to steal one soft kiss from your lips as two sets of uncoordinated feet touched down on the first level of the house and sped towards the kitchen. The two of you broke apart with matching sighs, giving each other one last longing glance before turning towards the door. He motioned for you to go first, watching your hips sway as you left him behind in the sunroom. It took all of his strength not to lunge forward and tear your jeans off with his teeth, but the two little gremlins that raced into the room put any thought of that sort to bed. There were more important tasks that needed to be attended to, like getting them to sleep so that he could whisk you away for the night. 

After dinner, Joel was meticulous with how he spent the rest of the night. He kissed you on the cheek, promising to watch them while you did some self care until your mom came. First, he challenged the twins to a race in the backyard, which inevitably led to multiple rounds due to the fact that they were almost as competitive as their mother. All he had to do was lose a couple times and they ousted him from the activity, labeling him as a slowpoke before they continued to fight it out for number one. As they exhausted themselves, Joel cleaned the discarded toys around the yard, biding his time until one of them said uncle. In the end, it was Alba who won the final round, as Ellis had finally decided that the bragging rights were not worth the effort. 

Next, Joel worked through a plethora of books, trying to tire their minds as much as their bodies. He kept going until they slumped against the couch, their eyelids starting to flutter as they fought sleep, which signaled that they were ready for the final step. After filling the tub with the salts you made him use when his back hurt, Joel placed them in the warm water and watched as every bit of fight left in them melted away. They were both so out of it that they didn’t even react when their grandmother knocked on the front door, too busy trying to keep themselves upright to notice the muffled sounds of the two of you talking in the entryway. 

Joel gently rinsed the shampoo from their curls, chuckling at their little yawns and sleepy sighs. As tired as they were, it was easy for him to maneuver them however he wanted, which thankfully cut the usual bath time in half. It didn’t take long for the twins to begin to sway and he plucked them from the steaming water, chuckling as they groaned through the process of him drying and redressing them. 

Even with as tired as he was, Ellis refused to go to bed first, clinging to one last bit of stubbornness for the sake of reasserting his place as the eldest. Alba was too sleepy to argue, already gone by the time her head hit the pillow. She didn’t even react as Joel drew the sheets up around her and placed a kiss against her chubby cheek, completely dead to the world. He whispered a soft -  love ya sugar - before he pulled away, smiling as Alba snuggled deeper into her pillow in lieu of a response. It was only when he turned around that he noticed that Ellis was also fast asleep at the foot of her bed, too overcome with exhaustion to stay awake despite his adamant refusal just moments before. Joel smiled at the sight of the two of them, shaking his head as he slipped his arms under his son to carry him towards his own bedroom.

Since their third birthday, the twins had started to sleep apart. Ellis had been placed in the room next to the plum bathroom, as he was more likely to need it in the middle of the night. Which left Alba in the room at the end of the hall, due to the fact that she slept like a damn log no matter what. A storm could blow through the house and she’d be none the wiser. It had been a hard separation, one that neither of them particularly liked at first, but the change was necessary. 

Their petty arguments and late night shenanigans had started to get out of hand. All it had taken was one midnight adventure into the backyard for a game of tag and the line was drawn. Joel had almost passed out when he had passed by their empty room that night, letting out an actual cry for help that had lifted you from the depths of sleep in an instant. Half cocked fears had driven him to a state that he hadn’t been in for years as he tore through the house, tears threatening his waterline as he convinced himself that the past had somehow finally caught up to him. Meanwhile, you had been ready to call in the calvary, rightfully believing the same as him. However, after the two of you had looked outside and seen them playing in the dark, the decision to separate them had been made in an instant. 

Plus, with another Miller on the way, their old room would soon find a new occupant. It still looked the same as it had when they were infants, although it had gone through a couple much needed updates for the incoming pup. All of the sets of two had been split apart, with the extras carefully stowed away in the basement in hopes that another surprise addition wasn’t on the way. A new coat of paint brightened the walls, along with a few paintings that their excited siblings and cousins had made for them. All the room needed now was the pup. 

As Joel walked into Ellis’s new room, careful not to trip over the art supplies and books that littered the floor, the pup let out a small whine. He slowed as he neared the bed, trying not to jostle his son as he lowered him onto the sheets. A hand came up and gripped Joel’s collar, as if even in sleep Ellis knew that his father was trying to make a hasty escape, and he smiled. Stubborn didn’t even begin to cover it when it came to this one. 

“S’alright buddy, your Papa’s gotcha. M’here sweet boy,” Joel mumbled into his son’s ear as he slowly pulled the tiny fist away from his chest, “I love ya buddy, but ya gotta relax. S’alright, your mama and I will be back before ya know it, just sleep Ellis.” 

Ellis relaxed at his father’s words, completely knocked out by the time the quilt was drawn up under his chin and a kiss was dropped into his hair. With both of the twins asleep, Joel eased himself down the hall, careful to avoid all of the creaky spots along the way. The last thing he needed was a restless child coming back from the dead while he was trying to make a break for it with their mom. As quietly as he could, Joel slipped into the bedroom, holding his breath for a moment after the door clicked shut. When two sets of feet didn’t come bursting down the hall, he sighed in relief, thanking his lucky stars that the plan actually worked. 

“Did they give you any grief?,” you called out. 

Joel walked over to the bathroom, leaning against the door frame with a grin on his face as you smeared a clear goop all over your face. It was the sweet smelling stuff that you coveted, forever trading far too much for a small bottle in order to ward off any wrinkles. He had laughed when you told him the reason behind the pricey trade, only to be snapped out of his joking mood by the glare you had sent his way. Joel had switched gears after that, reminding you that you were the most beautiful woman in the world, while also jokingly pointing out the fact that his own aged face was basically made of leather. That had earned him a smile, but the goop remained a part of your routine and he learned after that to keep his mouth shut about it.

“As much as I appreciate the down time, I can’t believe you managed to get them both in bed that fast completely by yourself. What did you do? Bribe them? I read two full chapters of my book AND did a full in-depth shower before my mom came, that literally never happens.”

He laughed, “Nah, I tired them out with some laps around the backyard and a bunch of books. All they needed was a hot bath and boom, out like a light. Ellis was asleep before we even got back to his room. He did stir a bit just before I got him down, but he was out again by the time I tucked him in.” 

“Hmm, I bet he was faking it. Ten bucks says he gets up and sneaks in with his sister again tonight,” you challenged. 

Joel laughed and shook his head.

“You don’t have ten bucks baby and even if ya did, what the hell would I do with it?,” he shot back. 

“Shit, ten kisses then?”

“Yeah, alright sweetheart,” Joel agreed with a lovesick grin, ready to give them to you either way, “I’ll take that bet.” 

You smiled and turned back towards the mirror to finish your routine. Meanwhile Joel drifted over to the sink, not to halt your movements, just simply wrapping his arms around you so that he could watch from over your shoulder. He took note of every step, following your fingers as they dotted some of the thicker goop under your eyelids. The soft circles you rubbed into the sensitive skin below your eye had him in a trance, a low hum rumbling in his chest as he slumped into you.

Joel’s chest tightened as you pressed back into his embrace, the warmth of your body against his chest making him sigh. The look you gave him in the mirror was worth a million words, a million lifetimes filled with nothing but utter bliss, but he’d have to settle for trailing loving kisses down the side of your neck for now. 

The beauty of holding you in his arms was not lost on Joel, you were the only person who had ever crept through the cracks of his gnarled soul to catch a glimpse of the truth of his being and understand it completely. To be seen for who and what you are, that’s something people dreamed of even before the outbreak, or at least he had. The minx you were, you had come when he least expected you, infiltrating his self imposed imprisonment to tear open his chest and engrave your initials on the inside of his ribcage, forever marking him as yours. It made Joel want to swallow you whole, to weld his arms around you so that he could forever be a part of you, but he couldn’t. You were the sun, the stars, and everything in between, all a mortal man like him was bound to do was worship you and pray that it was enough.  

“How am I supposed to focus when you’re doing that?,” you chuckled, sighing as he snuffled at the bite mark he had left years ago. 

“Mmm, I have faith in ya honey. Just do your thing and I’ll keep lovin’ on ya,” Joel mumbled, voice muffled against the crook of your neck as he continued to nip at the skin there. 

“Alright cowboy, how about you focus on getting ready, hm? I doubt my mom is going to be too happy if she hears us banging up here when we’re supposed to be heading out,” you reminded him, drawing him out the ocean of love and lust that your presence drowned him in. 

“Yes ma’am.” 

Joel gave you one last kiss, lingering for a few seconds longer before he abruptly slapped you on the ass and walked away. A faint whine slipped from your lips and he paused in the doorway, throwing a smug grin over his shoulder that had you rolling your eyes despite how flustered you were. Joel laughed and drifted over to the dresser, filled with nerve racking excitement for the night he had planned. He tugged off his dirty clothes with a cheesy grin still plastered on his face, slipping into a cleaner pair of jeans and one of the only shirts he owned that didn’t double as work clothes, only for a singular glance into the mirror to shatter his confidence. 

For the first time in his life, Joel found himself wondering if his outfit was okay. He stared at himself, tugging at the fabric around his midsection and legs that had grown tighter in the last few years. It wasn’t that Joel was particularly unhealthy or overweight, his job in Jackson ensured that his body had remained strong. Nevertheless, four years of proper food and a comfortable life had left him with a softer tummy and thicker thighs. A flash of anxiety tightened all the muscles around Joel’s heart, ancient worries nipping at him that he tried his best to brush off. It was way too late in the game to be worrying about if you thought he was handsome or not. For Christ’s sake, you had birthed two of his kids and had another on the way. He shook his head, trying desperately to get it together before he let the panic get the best of him and called the whole thing off. 

A frustrated sigh fell from Joel’s lips and he paused, dipping his fingers into the gel he had borrowed from Tommy to tame his curls. He raked his hands through the silver strands, downright disgruntled as he tried to convince himself that he didn’t look completely absurd. Sighing at the sight of himself, he decided to leave it and moved back out of the bedroom. If you loved him as much as you said, he supposed that his newly acquired thickness and aging features wouldn’t bother you. 

Joel crept down the stairs, careful not to alert any restless pups as he made his way to the first floor. Babysitting the twins could be a handful, and he had promised that they would be asleep for your mother by the time she came. The last thing he wanted was to leave her with two excited grandkids after she had already been the one tasked with watching them all day. Especially with all she had done to ensure his plans went off without a hitch. 

“Has she figured it out yet?,” your mother called from the couch as he touched down onto the first floor, marking her place in her book so that she could look up at him. 

Joel shook his head, hoping like hell that he was right. Tonight had been a bit of an all hands on deck situation, which meant that he had to trust not one, but five other people to make it happen. Sure, he knew that Cooper, Maria, and even the woman in front of him could probably be trusted enough to keep a secret. But with two chatty-cathys like Jake and Tommy involved, Joel was in utter disbelief that the whole thing hadn’t fallen apart on day one. 

“I think everyone kept their word but Jake and her are like two peas in a pod, so I ain’t completely sure,” he sighed, “Who knows, the clinic has been so swamped that she’d probably forget it if he did tell her. Reckon I could’ve left the damn thing right on the dresser and she’d probably would've walked right by it on the way to bed.” 

She scoffed, “I’d prefer if you kept the ring somewhere safer than that until you have the chance to give it to her. I didn’t bring it halfway across the country and save it for over twenty years, hiding it from her stepfather and then those sick pricks who kept me in that damn brothel, just for you to lose it by being careless.” 

“Yes ma’am, I-I didn’t uh… That was a dumb joke, I wouldn’t do that,” Joel answered quickly, face flush from the shift in her tone.

The woman could still be as ornery as ever, but Joel knew enough not to fight her on the subject. He was right, it was a dumb joke to make, especially when he knew how precious of a thing it was that she had given him. In the time since her arrival to Jackson, your mother had softened a considerable amount, especially for her grandkids and the daughter she was still trying to mend fences with. The kindness had even been extended to Jake’s family, as well as Tommy’s, but Joel was still kept at an arm’s length. 

Joel didn’t blame her, he probably wouldn’t have liked anyone his older daughters introduced to him if they had made it that far, and he had a funny feeling that the same would be true for the twins. Who could possibly be perfect enough to deserve his kids? They would have to be a world class children’s surgeon, who somehow doubled as a school teacher and volunteered with the elderly, all while curing every disease known to man, in order to get his approval. Afterall, they deserved the best. Still, Joel knew that there was no way your mother hated him entirely. If she did, she wouldn’t have given him her most prized possession. That had to count for something. 

“I went up there to help Jake with a few things and it,” she stopped and cleared her throat, “... It looks nice Joel, really nice. I think she will appreciate it. After everything that I… Well, all I was ever worried about was keeping her alive, so much so that I couldn’t see how miserable she was. I’m glad she has someone who does things for her, someone that keeps her safe AND happy.” 

The compliment was rare, so rare that Joel wasn’t sure what to say for a moment. Some of the ice in her eyes had melted and for the first time ever, he could see a small twinkle of something. A quiet excitement radiated off of her, so subdued that the untrained eye would have missed it, but it was there. A veil of grief still masked it, like many of the other positive emotions she exuded, but he could see how happy she was for you despite her own pain. Joel understood that grief, could sense how hard this was for her as someone who had lost the only man she had ever loved, and he wished there was something he could say. But Joel only knew of the past from your perspective, and he knew even less about the father you had lost well over twenty years ago. There were no words that could fix that type of pain, so instead he refocused on her praise. 

“Thank you, I want it to be perfect. I love her so damn much and I uh… Well, I know that it ain’t much but I want her to feel um - to feel…,” Joel trailed off, slightly uncomfortable gushing about his mate in front of such a severe woman. 

She waved off Joel’s attempts at an explanation, giving him a look of understanding that calmed his frayed nerves. 

“It isn’t about material possessions,” she sighed, looking away from him, “Her father and I never married, but that was my choice. Abe showed his love in other ways instead. He built me a house, he let me pursue my career over his, he gave me a daughter who is so much like him that it hurts sometimes… The ring didn’t matter to me and he knew that.”

“So why did you keep it?,” Joel froze as her gaze snapped back towards him, fearing he might have overstepped, “I mean, shit. I’m sorry ma’am, I don’t know why I asked that. That’s not really any of my business, I just meant -” 

“It’s fine, you should know if you’re going to give it to her. I hated the thought of it, being someone’s wife just felt like admitting defeat to me. She never met my parents, but they were hard people, very strict and religious. God, I hated them so much but it’s funny, you always end up becoming the one thing you never wanted to be,” she chuckled. 

Joel felt his heart break for the unfortunate woman, standing there in silence as she worked through the past she tried hard to avoid. He wondered if you knew any of this. There had been many conversations, hard and awkward as they may be, between you and your mother since settling in Jackson. It had helped the two of you to come together, but he knew there were still a lot of things she hadn’t been able to fully express to you just yet. 

“Anyways, none that matters now I guess. I met her father and I finally had a family. He understood, so he never pushed me to marry him… Even if his mom was always asking when she’d see us under the chuppah,” she laughed, softening as she remembered your grandmother, “When she died, Abe took her ring for our daughter. She was the only granddaughter so…” 

“So, he figured it should go to her someday,” Joel finished. 

“Yes, but it was more than that. She’s not like me, Joel. Even as young as she was when he died, Abe knew that she’d want it someday, that she’d want all of the romance that came with a commitment like that, just like he did. That’s why he kept it, because he knew her…,” she said wistfully, getting a little quieter as she added, “He was always so good at knowing people.”

A beat of silence filled the air and Joel didn’t move to fill it, letting her have a chance to breathe. This was the most your mother had ever spoken to him about… Well, anything. And the information session on the family you barely remembered? That was priceless. There was no way Joel was going to ruin it. He watched as she straightened up and peered into his eyes, looking directly into his soul as she continued. 

“Everything good in her, all of that hope she has, comes from him. She is completely of him, not me. When Abe died, I promised to keep it for her until she found someone that would love her. I never gave it to that bastard Paul, I’d sooner toss it in a lake. I have made a lot of mistakes in my life, but giving you that ring was not one of them and I know that her father would agree.”

Another beat of silence passed, one where Joel stood in quiet astonishment of your mother’s words. Never had any of that information been divulged to him. Of course you had told him stories about the father you had lost over the years but not many, which he attributed to either the pain that still lingered or the simple fact that you had only been five years old when he died. There were stories about ice cream trips, dressing up in silly costumes for Purim, and how he treated your family with such care, but that was it. Joel had been able to put together that he was a good man, but to learn more about him from an adult’s perspective, someone who could actually paint a picture that wasn’t faded around the edges, that was everything. And to be given the blessing of not just your mother, but the man who had loved you both so much? It was everything to him, as your mate, as a father himself. 

“I… Thank you, I never knew any of that. She hasn’t uh… Her memories of him are few and far in between I think, so I still don’t know a lot about him, other than that he was a good man and that he really loved you two. I wish I could have known him,” Joel admitted. 

She nodded, her mouth twisting in a way that made him want to reach out and hug her.

“You do, in a way. He was… warm, like her. And she knows people, just like he did, so much so that it used to scare me but now… Now I think it helped her figure out what she wants. That’s why I know she’ll say yes, she’s known what she wanted since day one,” your mother said. 

“I-I don’t even know what to say, other than I love her and I promise that I won’t ever hurt her. All I want is to make your daughter happy,” Joel vowed, trying to keep himself from getting emotional in front of the stoic omega. 

Above all else, even if your mother still absolutely hated Joel as she had after their first encounter in the arena, he needed her to understand that he would never do you harm. If it came down to it, he’d die before he ever let anything bad happen to you.  

“I know,” she nodded, “Although, perhaps you should get better at giving explanations if you want her to say yes. The stuttering doesn’t sound very convincing and you should probably promise her more than just ensuring her safety. I think we both know she can hold her own.” 

Joel chuckled, shaking his head at the dry jab, “Yeah, maybe you’re right about that.” 

“Right about what?”

Whirling around, Joel was met with a sight that made him weak in the knees. The last days of June had been warm, which caused you to swap the scrubs out for a pair of shorts that 

perfectly framed your ass, the denim tapering off mere inches away from the swell of it. If that wasn’t bad enough, the tighter than usual t-shirt you wore nearly drove him up a wall, as the evidence of his claim on you was straining against the fabric around your tummy. That and the deep v-neck almost gave Joel a stroke, but the presence of your mother kept any lewd thoughts from turning into actions. However, he couldn’t entirely let your beauty go unaddressed and marched over, greeting you with a kiss that certainly teetered on the edge of appropriateness. It was over much too soon but he made sure to make it count, even sneaking in a small dip that made you squeal and break away from him. 

“Wow, what was that for?,” you panted, giggling as he pulled you back up. 

“Y’look real pretty baby, just had to kiss ya.” 

Entranced by the way you beamed at his compliment, Joel leaned back in, completely forgetting where he was. All he could focus on was your lips, so pretty and soft, practically calling to him. How could he leave them unkissed? Refusing to kiss the one who brought him back from the depths of hell would be a sin. However, when a throat was cleared Joel halted mid air, inches from reaching the plushness of your mouth once more. The two of you turned, breaking apart at the sight of the severe woman who cocked her hip out at the affectionate display. 

“Ugh, please go,” she muttered, grimacing as she turned back towards her book, “The twins will be fine, I can watch them until noon if you want to sleep in. For the love of everything that is holy, just get out of here before you blind me. There’s only so much a woman my age can take.” 

“Thanks mom,” you said with a sheepish grin, gesturing for Joel to follow you towards the door. 

Joel nodded, thanking your mother one last time before the two of you practically sprinted out of there. He grabbed your hand as you stepped out onto the street, squeezing it every now and again in lieu of chatting. The summer air was the perfect temperature, not too chilly and not too hot, which soothed his dilemma about slipping a pair of jeans on rather than his only pair of shorts. Sure, you loved when Joel wore them, but who was he kidding? He was not a shorts type of guy and he was pretty sure the only reason you liked them so much was because they were much too tight around his crotch. 

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?,” you asked excitedly, making him chuckle and shake his head, “Because we passed the cafe, town hall is playing Footloose tonight, which I doubt you want to see, and considering the fact that you don’t drink anymore and we already had supper, I can’t see us going to the Bison...” 

“Ever heard of a surprise?” 

You scoffed, “Yeah and they piss me off. C’mon, just tell me baby.” 

Joel rolled his eyes, zippering his lips with one hand before he pretended to toss the key over his shoulder. He laughed as he felt you begin to drag your feet, leaving him no choice but to pull your dramatic ass along until you stumbled back into a normal pace. The sigh you let out as he forced you to walk normally was long and drawn out, but he knew that your own curiosity would be enough to convince you to follow him in the end. 

“Guess this is it then, you’re finally going to murder me. You’ve played the long game Mr. Miller but here we are, five years later and the final phase is in motion at last,” you lamented.  

Joel shook his head, keeping his mouth shut despite the fact that he knew you were trying to break him. The stable was in view, all he needed to do was keep your interest up long enough to get you on the back of a horse and outside of Jackson’s walls. If you would just stop rambling about his supposed plans to assassinate you, then maybe he could get you to the surprise without losing his mind. 

It was a field trip Joel had thought about for quite some time but after much deliberation, as well as a quick logistics session with his brother, he had figured out how to do it in a way that was safe. While the pregnancy had made him more nervous about it, Tommy had promised to be nearby for the night with Cooper, the two of them holed up in a lookout tower with a walkie talkie in case anything went sideways. Aside from a few scans over the area every few hours, the agreement was that they would keep a wide berth so the two of you could be loud if need be. Joel was incredibly excited and terribly anxious about it, feeling like he was burning from the inside out while you continued to push his buttons for information.

“Listen honey, I ain’t telling you nothing. M’just gonna take ya on a little ride and then I’ve got a few things planned, s’all I’m gonna say. Now, I know you’re itchin’ to know but let me do this right baby, please,” Joel cut in, which thankfully silenced your long winded murder accusations. 

Another look of skepticism was thrown his way but you nodded, allowing Joel to lead you into the stables and towards the jumpy horse that was somewhat of a family pet. Rusty still refused to take any other riders, but he seemed to understand that the twins were an extension of his owners, since they were the only other people that didn’t get immediately bucked off of his back. Meanwhile, the rest of Jackson remained shunned by the timid horse. Joel rolled his eyes as you approached the stallion, cooing at him like he was a sweet little puppy, rather than the grumpy brute he was. 

“Don’t baby him darling, asshole nearly tore Eugene's arm off the other day when he stuck his hand in to give him a carrot. Fucker didn’t even care that he was getting a treat,” Joel warned, keeping an eye on the finicky beast as he secured a saddle overtop of him. 

“Sh, don’t listen to him sweetie. I’m sure you had your reasons,” you murmured. 

Joel rolled his eyes as you placed a kiss on Rusty’s muzzle, which was answered by a series of excited little nods from the horse that made you smile. He sighed and patted Rusty's side in defeat, shaking his head at the way you babied him. Someone as ancient as Eugene most certainly did not deserve to be whipped around by his coat sleeves, especially when all he was trying to do was give the stallion a treat, but Joel supposed that there was no use in keeping a grudge on an animal that had never shunned him or his family.  

“Spoiled rotten,” Joel tsked, chuckling at the way you swatted at his arm in response. 

Shaking his head, Joel led Rusty out from the stables, giving him one last look over before he pulled himself up into the saddle with an audible grunt. He hauled you up next, placing you directly in front of him rather than behind so that he could wrap his arms around you as he steered the two of you towards the gates. 

“Ready darling?,” Joel whispered into your ear, noting the way you squirmed at the proximity. 

“I-I’m ready,” you stuttered, giving him the green light to head towards the exit. 

The guards at the gates had already been notified of the trip, which thankfully meant that the two of you were simply waved off rather than subject to the usual line of questioning. As he veered off to the right, Joel breathed a sigh of relief, letting the night air soothe his nerves. Would you like what he had planned? Fuck, he hoped so. Everything with the two of you had happened backwards, which meant he never really got the chance to try his hand at the whole romance thing. Not that he had ever been known for it before the outbreak, the best his hookups ever got from him was the usual aftercare and an offer of a paid cab ride home. And after the world ended? Well, let’s just say the quick fucks Joel had squeezed in here and there were dirty, more of a mean’s to an end. But once he met you, his soul mate, he suddenly felt the need to try. 

There had been attempts. Joel had carved that rose years ago, but he had given it to you after he had fucked the shit out of you for days on end. Even after that, when he thought that he might finally have a chance to woo you, to show you how much you mean to him, the two of you had been separated for weeks. Hell, by the time Tommy had found the two of you entangled in the ski lodge, any thought of pursuing cutesy little things had gone out the window. The growing life inside of you had been his only concern, and after they were born, the twins took up any remaining free time that either of you had. There had been small gestures, like the desk he made you for your office at the clinic, or the breakfast he made you each morning, or the song he wrote you for your last birthday, but it wasn’t enough. You deserved more. 

Joel needed to get better at the grand gestures, especially since his competition was you. In a world where so many commodities had become unavailable, one might think that gift giving would be nearly impossible, but you were annoyingly creative. Whether it be the long lost Fleetwood Mac CD you had found for him, or the way you had reinforced his favorite brown coat with fleece for the wintertime, or the lunch box you packed for him every day, you continuously bested him in making an effort.

It was his last birthday that had kicked Joel in the ass, and he had vowed that day to find a way to top it, even if it was the last thing he did. At first he had thought it was just a notebook, something he could use for jotting down measurements and supply lists for his job, but after some urging from you to open it, he was stunned into silence. A small collection of pictures, all taken from his brother, had been arranged for him in a small book that he now kept in his nightstand. It had a few pictures of the twins, of you, of Sarah, as well as a couple shots of the family he grew up with, but it was the last picture that had made him dissolve into a puddle of tears. 

There, on the very final page of the book, framed with terrible drawings of rockets and other space themed decorations, was a picture of Ellie. His mouth had dropped open, pure astonishment splitting his face wide open as he looked down at the girl he thought that he’d never see again making funny faces in a series of photobooth snapshots. He had no idea that the picture existed, or who the other girl was in the photos, but he swallowed it all down to ask: 

“How?” 

“Tommy said she left it in the room she stayed in. He kept it thinking she might be back for it someday but then ah… That didn’t happen so…,” you explained, trailing off when you caught the look on his face. 

Fury had whipped through Joel in that moment, deepening all of the lines in his face and darkening his eyes. All he could feel was pure rage, not towards you, but towards the brother who had kept such a treasure away from him. How dare Tommy hold on to this, especially when Joel had devoted his life to grieving her for four years. How many bi-yearly visits had his brother sat on this information, babbling about Frankie while Joel floated above himself and tried to make all the appropriate noises that an older brother should? Not once had Tommy said a single word during his lowest period, but it was that exact thought that snapped him out of it, forcing him to grit his teeth and swallow down his resentment. 

There was a reason Tommy hadn’t told him. Two things could have happened to the picture. Either Joel would have vehemently refused it in his initial drunken stupor, cussing his brother out for thinking he needed the reminder of his failure, or he would have begrudgingly accepted it later on and left it with the rest of his things at the cabin. There would be no getting it back, not when he had two living pups that needed him alive and a mate that would be broken by a pointless death. Understanding this, Joel had taken a deep breath, drinking it all in for another second before he turned to you and began to cry. 

“Darling, I-I can’t,” he groaned, his brain unable to keep up with the wave of emotions that washed over him. 

Without even thinking about it, Joel launched forward and welded his arms around you, squeezing you so tight that all of the air rushed out of you. 

“Fuck, I’m so sorry. If you don’t like it, I totally get it. This was supposed to be a happy gift. God Joel, I didn’t mean to cross a line by digging up all of this shi-” 

“No,” Joel whispered, pressing a kiss to the side of your face for good measure, “It’s perfect honey. The best gift I ever got, promise.” 

That was months ago and yet, Joel still couldn’t get over the enormity of the gesture. That was why, as he neared his destination, he felt like he was about to implode. He wanted, more than anything in the world, to make you feel as special as you had made him feel that day. Joel had worked hard, scrounging up what he could and planning for months, but he was still nervous. What if you laughed at his efforts? Or worse, rejected them entirely? Sure, you had never done that before, but there was always a first time for everything. Afterall, Joel was not exactly known for being great at expressing his feelings. He tried to keep his head on straight for the last few minutes of the ride, even though he was sure that you could feel the layer of sweat that had soaked through the front of his shirt, but it was getting harder the closer the two of you got. 

“Honey, I uh… Well I wanted to do something nice but if you don’t - I mean, if it fucking sucks, we could always do something else. I don’t want you trying to spare my feelings alright? I’m a big boy, I can take it and if this ain’t -”

“Joel,” you called, breaking him from the spiral. 

“Yeah?”

“You’re better at this than you think. Everyday you make me and the twins feel so loved, it’s just what you do baby. I’m sure whatever this is, I’ll fucking love it,” you softly encouraged. 

Joe smiled, feeling his chest crack open and all of the tension rush out at your words. He pressed a small kiss to the back of your neck in thanks, nuzzling it for a moment before he straightened up in his seat. It was your words that pushed him through the last bit of the journey, giving him just enough strength to veer off into the clearing he had scoped out where Rusty could graze. 

“Alright, this is it,” Joel announced as he jumped down, holding out his arms for you to leap into. 

But you didn’t move. Eyes going cartoonishly wide at the forest that Joel had to admit, somehow looked ten times more terrifying at night, you whipped your head around before looking down at him with a raised brow. He chuckled, reaching forward so that he could yank you off of Rusty’s back and wrap your legs around his waist. 

“You’re really not beating the murder accusations Joel. I mean, all you need is a machete or something, and you’d be set to star in the world’s first post-apocalyptic slasher movie,” you teased as you pinched his side. 

Joel barked a laugh, shaking his head at the slight sting as he set you down in front of him. There was a mischievous look in your eye, one that made his heart skip a few beats. He leaned in, brushing his lips over yours for just a moment before he pulled back with a sly grin. 

“Machete is overdone, I’d be more original than that.” 

That made you laugh, a true laugh that puffed Joel’s chest up a bit despite the anxiety that still weighed it down. The fear of rejection still wriggled like worms in the pit of his stomach, but the sound of your laughter was making it a bit more bearable. 

“Oooh, like maybe your whittling tools? That could give it a little personal touch. They’d call you the Wayward Whittler,” you tried, nose scrunching up as it rolled off your tongue, “Bleh, forget that one. That sucks. You need something better, maybe something like…” 

“The Crazy Craftsman?,” Joel tried, which earned a cackle from you. 

“Yes! That’s perfect,” you laughed, throwing your head back in a way that made his heart soar, “Well, we’ve got it all figured out. Guess it’s time for me to die now, do your worst.” 

Joel shook his head, smiling as he held a hand out for you to take. A matching grin graced your lips as you took it, giving him the last boost he needed to direct you towards what could either be a romantic night, or a travesty of his own creation. 

“Sure thing sweetheart, but I was thinking we could go for a little walk first,” he joked, tugging you behind him as he weaved through the trees. 

From just beyond the treeline, Joel could hear the rushing water and he hastened towards it, wanting to get it over with before his heart gave out entirely. The two of you broke through the forest, coming out along the side of the river that powered Jackson. It was further upstream than the dam, a conscious choice he had made to ensure that no confused workers would stumble upon any intimate scenes. That, and the fact that it was tucked away, hidden from any of the usual groups of raiders or infected that passed through the area. Plus, the swimming hole just before the bridge was a nice touch. Once upon a time, Joel had promised to take you swimming in the river he had found you by when the summer came. Although this was a substitute, the waters were just as cool and the company was just as gorgeous. 

On the other side of the bridge, a lodge was built into the side of the rocky hillside. The wooden structure was slightly worn, the logs having been washed out by years of harsh weather, but the big windows and near perfect interior still boasted a rare beauty. It was the type of place where snobby rich pricks had probably escaped to when the stress of their fancy high rise had gotten to them, but not anymore. Now, it was just a beautiful building hiding in the middle of nowhere, waiting for someone like him to take advantage of it. There was a warm glow of candles coming from inside, beckoning the two of you inside. Joel turned to you with a hopeful smile on his face, praying that you weren’t completely apathetic towards the spot he had found.  

“Oh wow, this is beautiful,” you gasped.

The look of wonder on your face was something to behold and Joel tried to burn it into his memory with all of his might. This night wouldn’t necessarily change things between you, but he wanted it to be an experience that you thought about from time to time, smiling to yourself as you completed whatever mundane task life in Jackson threw at you. He wanted it to be a story that the both of you told an edited version to the kids someday, so that they could understand just how much their parents have always loved each other. So, as the look on your face filled him with hope, he took one last deep breath and began. 

“We met for the first time by a river,” Joel said, leading you across the bridge, “And I know that everything got messed up out there, but I still think about how it was at first, about how happy we were out there. That place was the first home we had. It was nothing but a coffin before you came around, but then it became a home, you made it a home.”

“Joel, this is so… What is this?,” you asked, voice thick with emotion already. 

“Hush baby, I’m gettin’ there. Look, I know the cabin is miles away and that it didn’t exactly,” he gestured towards the polished lodge, “Well, it didn’t look like that, but I wanted to take ya back. That was the place where I met my favorite person, it was where we fell in love, it’s where we bonded. Fuck, who knows, it could be where our pups were made. Honey, it’s our start.”

“Baby,” you squeaked, eyes brimming with tears that quickly spilled over onto your cheeks. 

He shook his head, pressing a chaste kiss to your forehead before he continued towards the lodge. 

“Not yet sweet girl, there’s some more stuff inside first,” Joel implored, to which you gave a shaky nod.  

Coming to a stop at the door to the lodge, Joel gave you one last hopeful look before he opened it up, gesturing for you to go first. His heart clenched as you stepped in, the sound of a sharp gasp falling from your lips making his head spin. He followed, desperately hoping that it was a good surprise as he carefully closed the door behind him. 

Flowers, courtesy of the talented gardener your best friend was married to, covered nearly every surface. The air was filled with the smell of gardenias, dahlias, peonies, and a few more that Joel couldn’t quite place. Candles were scattered throughout the first floor, giving the room a warmth that made everything feel more intimate. There was a table filled with treats that you mooned over for more than a few seconds, eyeing all of the chocolatey goodness that was left for you with a small smile before you turned towards him again. 

“Joel, you shouldn’t have. This is way too much,” you admonished, though there was no real heat behind the words, just a flustered warmth that made him blush. 

“I wanted to baby, you deserve a little pampering every now and then. And I know you probably wanna dig into that chocolate, but there’s more to see upstairs first,” Joel directed, nodding towards the stairs to the second floor. 

However good the first floor looked, nothing could have prepared either of you for the second. Although Joel had given his helpers a plethora of instructions, he was shocked at how closely they had recreated his over the top imagination. He hadn’t expected them to be able to meet half of his requests, knowing that his need for perfection was completely unreasonable in a post-apocalyptic world, but they had followed every single directive to a T. There was even some artistic license that Joel couldn’t find it in himself to hate. 

More flowers highlighted the beauty of the open concept room, along with an obnoxious amount of petals all over the bed that reddened the tips of Joel’s ears. He certainly didn’t have the guts to ask for that, but he also had a feeling that they were courtesy of your excitable best friend. The candles around the room burned low, casting a sensual glow to the room that ticked the room temperature up by a few degrees. Even with the door to the balcony open, the fresh air wafting in from outside and the sound of rushing water, it was sweltering. However, given how hot and bothered the two of you had been lately, he was pretty sure the candles had nothing to do with it.

Awestruck, your jaw popped open as you looked around. Each time your eyes met Joel’s, a few more tears would fall, but it was the little memories that he had given his minions to leave out that started the real cries. The first thing you came across was a replacement of sorts. The small rose Joel had once carved for you was long forgotten at the cabin, along with many other precious things, but there it lay on a coffee table. Or at least, a replica did. It had taken him far too many times to get it right. Not that Joel would ever admit it, but there was a closet filled with failed recreations in his work room back home. Nevertheless, the endless trial and error was worth it to see your reaction. 

“I thought I lost it,” you sobbed, clutching the rose to your chest like it was priceless. 

Joel stepped forward, grabbing your face so he could brush the tears away as they fell. He kissed your eyelids, cooing at the small whimper that bubbled to the surface in return.

“That ain’t the original baby, I made another for this. Thought you might like to remember that day… It uh, well it was a really good one for us.” 

You blinked, slowly remembering how that day had played out. The rose, the morning chores, the fight by the river, and then…

“We bonded that day.”

Joel nodded, feeling sheepish as he remembered alongside you. He didn’t mean to be an ass that day, all he had wanted to do was unwind the clock a bit, to be the chivalrous gentleman you most certainly deserved. What Joel didn’t realize at the time was that you didn’t want that, you wanted him as he was. One frustrated argument was all it had taken for him to realize it, which had ultimately led to the love making session that had ended with you sinking your teeth into his neck. 

“That day was one of the best days of my life darling,” he admitted, though he was sure you already knew that. 

You smiled, “Me too.” 

Another nudge from Joel and you turned back towards the room, reaching another artifact he had left out. Although this one was a bit unclear, with the colorful case and upbeat soundtrack listed on the back boasting a mix that he would usually steer clear of. He cleared his throat, chuckling at your look of confusion. 

“Um, this is from… Well, it wasn’t exactly the best time. I mean, we had almost just died but you brought one of these mix CDs with us for the drive to Jackson and it was the first time in a while that I was happy. I mean, things got pretty crazy after that first day on the road but just for a second, everything felt okay. We were together again and it felt so fucking good.” he explained. 

“Even after you had to listen to my horrible rendition of the Spice Girls?,” you teased. 

Joel laughed, “Yeah baby, even after that.”

You set the CD down, smiling as you dragged your finger over the cover for another second before turning back towards the last bit of scattered memories. As you walked over to the small collection of things that covered the desk in the corner, Joel took a deep breath and readied himself. Pictures and keepsakes were strewn across it, showcasing the life the two of you had built together in Jackson. A few pictures of the twins as infants, toddlers, and even one taken a couple months earlier at Tommy’s birthday party were placed in the center, showcasing the center of both of your lives. Perhaps in a different life there would be a sonogram for him to add, but for now all he could make do with was one of the many drawings the pups had done for their incoming sibling. 

Around the edges, there were a few of the notes Joel had left you over the years, the ones you had hidden from him in the box on the bookshelf, as if he didn’t also frequent the library in his own home. You giggled, plucking a few from the desk and reading them, letting more tears flow as he got into position. He watched as you picked up one of the very few pictures of you and him, the only one that he looked semi-decent in. It had been taken at the twin’s second birthday party by Maria of all people, after the two of you had snuck into the backyard for some much needed alone time while all the kids and parents were too distracted by the chaos. 

In the picture, Joel holds you close, one hand on the small of your back while the other cups your face. His face is lit up, uncharacteristically lively as he stares into the eyes of the woman he loves. Even his mouth, so often found in a grim line, is spread wide with a grin that makes him look ten years younger. But it was you that stole the show in the photo, clad in a baby blue sundress that had driven him wild as he watched you host what turned out to be a jam-packed party. Your hair is slightly tousled, probably because Joel had his hands in it just moments before when he kissed you, but it makes you even prettier. And the look you're giving him in the picture, god, that look made him more sure of what he was about to do than anything else. 

“Hmm, you look so handsome in this one baby. It’s a good thing Maria came out of the house when she did, or else she would’ve gotten quite the show,” you laughed, shaking your head as you turned, “Do you think that she saw when you - Joel? What are you doing?” 

The way you stared down at him on one knee, cocking your head at the gesture like it was the strangest thing in the world, nearly made Joel lose his nerve but he pushed through. It was now or never. 

“Honey, I-I need to tell you,” Joel stopped, taking a deep breath to steady his pounding heart, “Before I found you, I was perfectly fine dying alone. Fuck, I was ready for it even. Anything would be better than feeling so god damn miserable all the time.” 

Fat globs of tears sprung from your eyes and Joel winced. Maybe starting with how miserable he used to be wasn’t the best move, especially when he was proposing to his very pregnant mate. As you bit down on your trembling lower lip, desperately trying to keep in the shaky cries he knew were seconds away from breaking free, Joel switched gears. 

“Sorry, that was a bad start. Let me try again. For years before the outbreak, I dreamed of what it would be like to meet my person, to fall in love with someone and be a family. Then, after everything that happened, I started to think that it was just a fantasy. Or if it was real, that I’d never find someone who’d be crazy enough to love someone like me, but then I met you.” 

A cracked sob echoed throughout the room, fallen from your lips as you shakily lowered yourself onto the floor. Joel chuckled as you got down on his level, gripping his shoulders to keep yourself upright as you gazed at him through a heavy veil of tears. He lifted your left hand, pressing it to his lips before he rubbed at the finger he hoped would soon be adorned with a ring. 

“I-I don’t understand Joel, what is this? I mean, this is all so… F-Fuck, it’s so amazing baby, but why are we on the floor?,” you blubbered. 

Joel laughed, a true, full, belly laugh as he shook his head at your utter confusion. It had never once occurred to him that you might not understand the tradition of getting down on one knee, but he was a man of his time and he’d be damned if he didn’t do it for you. 

“Everything I have is because of you babygirl. My pups, my home, my fucking sanity, I wouldn’t have any of it if it weren’t for you. And I will spend the rest of my life loving you as best as I can. My heart is yours honey, now and forever. So, will you marry me?”

Joel slipped the ring from his pocket, wishing like hell he could have found a box for it in time, but the sentiment would have to do. Plus, he had to admit, the family heirloom was pretty damn impressive. An emerald sat at the center, wrapped in a thin line of peridot, with a thin gold band that glinted in the candlelight. 

“W-Where did you get this?! This is my grandmother’s ring! I don’t understand. M-My dad was supposed to save it for me but then the world ended and he… Well, he fucking died. How the hell do you have this?,” you stammered, astonished by the small piece of jewelry. 

“Your mama kept it,” Joel answered with an earnest smile, “She said that he wanted you to have it someday when you found the right person, so she um… She gave it to me so I could ask ya darling. I know that I never knew him but I… Well, I hope that’s okay.” 

“Oh my god, Joel!,” you cried out as you threw yourself at him. 

A small oomph came from his lips, the force of your body hitting his chest nearly knocking him to the floor, but Joel managed to get his balance. He wrapped his arms around you, allowing you to weep into his neck and babble about how overboard everything was. 

“So, uh… Is that a yes?,” he asked, unsure if the display of emotions was a positive thing or not. 

As quickly as you had nearly tackled him, you were pulling away, placing a plethora of kisses all over Joel’s face as you repeated your answer again and again. 

“Yes.”

A kiss to the forehead. 

“Yes.” 

His nose. 

“Yes.” 

Both of his cheeks. 

“Fucking a million times yes.” 

The last kiss was dropped onto Joel’s lips, effectively sealing the deal and forcing his heart to strain against the confines of his ribcage once more. He dove into it, allowing himself to get lost in the feeling of your tongue sliding against his, in the way you tugged at his hair and moaned into his mouth. All consumed by you, he could hardly keep in his pained whine when you pulled away much too soon. However, when you extended your left hand to him, fluttering your fingers with an excited grin, he couldn’t find it in himself to be annoyed. 

Instead, Joel grabbed your hand, placing a kiss to the back of it before he carefully slid the ring on. He held his breath, praying that it would fit, only for it to slide home like it was meant to be there all along. The air in his lungs halted when he looked down at it, a chemical reaction going off in his brain that had moisture gathering in his eyes as his cock simultaneously twitched to life in his boxers. 

“I love you sweet girl, more than anything,” Joel breathed, completely in awe at the sight of the ring glimmering in the candlelight. 

“I love you too Joel. I never thought I’d meet someone who loved me so much, someone so…,” you sighed as you cupped his face, “Perfect for me. I mean, I never thought I’d be able to choose. Then there was Paul and that stupid wedding. Fuck, I never even said yes but it didn’t matter.” 

Joel growled, a deep resentment for that awful man bubbling up to the surface. It didn’t matter that the piece of shit had been dead for years, his ghost still managed to stir up some rage. 

“Baby, I need you to understand that I will never treat you like that asshole did. I love you, I’d rather fucking die than hurt you. And if anyone ever threatens you or our pups, I will kill them myself,” he hissed through gritted teeth. 

“I know Joel, that’s one of the many reasons I’m saying yes,” you grinned, rubbing a hand over his chest until he released the tension there, “For most of my life, I felt like I was sleepwalking, but then I met you and you changed my life. You understand me in a way that nobody ever has, you showed me that I had a voice, that I could choose and I choose this. I choose you, forever.” 

“Oh sweetheart, you’re giving me waaaay too much credit. That was all you, my strong girl. You found your own voice honey, not me,” Joel admonished, heart swollen with pride as he thought about the confidence you had gained in the past five years. 

“Maybe, but I couldn’t have done it without your help. All I had ever heard was that I was worthless, that I was stupid, that I didn’t deserve respect. But you? You actually listened to me and for the first time in my life, I had someone who loved me, someone who didn’t tear me down. I might have found my own voice but Joel, it was you who gave me confidence to do it.” 

“Goddamn honey, how am I supposed to follow that? I can’t believe you’ve outdone me at the proposal that I planned,” Joel groaned, making you giggle at his theatrics, “I can’t even begin to explain how proud I am to call you mine. You’re the smartest, kindest, most beautiful and strong person that I know. And until I die honey, I’m yours. I love you so much.” 

“I love you too, now kiss me.”

The two of you met in the middle, a surge of electricity setting all of Joel’s nerves alight as his lips moved against yours. His hands grabbed at your ass, kneading the flesh beneath his fingers as you tugged on his curls like you could fuse the two of you together. Sweat formed at his hairline, the heat of the room turning downright tropical as his greedy hands grabbed every part of you he could reach. One twirl of the tongue from you and Joel was done, grunting into the kiss as he picked you up and walked to the edge of the bed. He bit your lip, causing you to whine unabashedly and grind down against the bulge in his jeans. The zipper dug into his hardened length, the sensation only worsened by the sound of your pretty moans riling him up even more. 

“Do you like rubbin’ that little cunt all over me? Tell me, who’s making that pretty pussy gush? God, she’s just so needy, isn’t she? Talk to me sweet girl,” Joel panted, unable to keep himself from shivering as you licked a stripe up the side of his neck. 

“Shit, you Joel. Only you. Need you to - ah - need you to fuck me,” you keened, already gone despite the fact that he had barely touched you yet. 

Joel grinned wolfishly, allowing you to grind against him as he sucked at the skin along your neck. His hands wandered under your shirt, drifting over your hips, across your belly, and up under the swell of your breasts. Joel nudged the pesky bra aside, sneaking his hands into the cups so that he could toy with your nipples until they were swollen and stiff. All he had to do was bite down on the sensitive skin a bit harder while he plucked at your overly sensitive peaks and you were done, letting out an uncharacteristic low warning growl. He grinned, loving how worked up you got when he toyed with you like this. 

“Are you trying to kill me?,” you grouched, all flushed and sweaty as you glared at him, 

He laughed and shook his head, “Quite the opposite sweetheart.” 

The moan you let out as Joel’s lips crashed into yours was better than any symphony, causing his knees to almost give out from the sheer beauty of it. For two weeks, the forces of life had kept him from having you this way, forcing him into a state that was embarrassingly needy. Joel needed to hear more, to tear that blinding pleasure from your core until all that could be heard throughout the room was the muffled cries as you released again and again. It riled him up just to think about it. With his cock beginning to ache against his zipper, he flung you onto the bed, fumbling with the buttons of his shirt as he watched you bounce against the mattress. 

“Take it all off. Need to see all of you honey. Shit, you’re so fucking sexy baby,” Joel commanded, his tone somehow both domineering and desperate.

Shaky hands peeled off your scant layers one by one, revealing a sight that Joel could only describe as excruciatingly beautiful. His eyes burned as he gazed upon your naked body, almost as if his retinas knew that what they were witnessing was the embodiment of divinity itself. It was as if you had fallen straight from the heavens, kindly enough to grant him a small glimpse at paradise. 

Joel stared at your soft skin, entranced by how smooth it looked compared to his. He trailed his gaze downwards, practically foaming at the mouth as he watched your pert nipples harden in the air. His mouth watered as he imagined himself launching forward, sucking and biting at them as you squealed in delight, but he had to wait. 

After two weeks with nothing, Joel wanted everything. He wanted to flip you over and drill into you like a maniac, tugging at your hair as you begged him to pump you full. He wanted to throw one of your legs over his shoulder and ease into you, kissing every inch of your face as he listed the many reasons he had fallen for you. But more than anything, Joel wanted control, to be precise in his movements in order to bring you the most pleasure he possibly could. And based on the dark look in your eye as your hips bucked up against nothing, there was only one way he could do that. You wanted him to be fucking filthy. 

“Touch yourself for me sweet girl, play with yourself just like we practiced,” he drawled, stepping forward so that he had a clear view of what lay in between your thick thighs. 

What Joel expected you to do was rub your slick cunt, perhaps stopping to tweak at your nipples first to playfully tease him. But what he didn’t expect was for you to bat your eyelashes at him, smiling as you shoved two fingers into your mouth. His eyes bulged out of his head, cock jumping at the sight of his mate fucking her own mouth with one hand while squeezing her breasts with the other. The noises you were making were lewd, the soft gagging making him sweat and regret all of his decisions immediately, but he stayed rooted to his spot. He couldn’t move even if he wanted to, the sight alone was enough to make him cum in his pants and he was worried that any slight movement would make him explode. 

“Jesus fucking Christ baby, just like that. Like choking yourself honey? Bet you wish it was daddy doing it for ya. Shit, you’re such a dirty girl, so good for me,” Joel groaned, his pained voice almost getting lost by the whines you let out around the digits. 

Nodding, you let the hand tweaking at your sensitive nipples drift downwards. Joel swallowed hard as you opened up your legs for him, revealing the drenched slit that begged for his attention. The smell of your arousal hit him like a freight train and he quickly unleashed his cock, squeezing it around the base to calm himself down. Grinning around the fingers that continued to thrust away at your throat, you reached down to toy with your neglected clit. Gentle fingers brushed over the swollen nub again and again, until slick was dripping down your wrist. He watched as you started with small circles, teasing yourself into the pleasure just as he had taught you, until you were ready for more. 

“C’mon darling, I can tell that she’s fucking starving for something inside of her. Be a good girl and give her two of those pretty fingers, wanna see her cry for me,” Joel ordered, although with how turned on he was, it sounded more like a whine. 

“Mmm-hmm,” you replied through a full mouth, thrusting two fingers deep inside of your pussy without another word. 

Joel groaned at the way your walls immediately clenched around the digits, sucking them in as you started to fuck your needy cunt. Slick dripped down from your quivering entrance, ruining the sheets below, but he didn’t give a shit. He’d happily sleep in the wet spot if it meant he got to witness such a erotic display. The way your garbled moans spilled around your fingers as you pressed a thumb against your clit almost brought Joel to his knees. Completely entranced by your pussy, he didn’t even notice that you had taken your drenched fingers out of your mouth until you called out to him. 

“Come here alpha,” you sighed, heavy lidded eyes staring him down like he was the prey. 

Those words hooked into Joel’s chest, leaving him no other choice but to stumble forward like a fool the second he heard them. He had almost rounded the bed when he saw your spit soaked fingers trail down, reaching past your pussy to toy with that tight ring of muscle that you had allowed him to take a handful of times. A flash of heat burned through Joel’s lower abdomen as he realized what your intentions were, forcing him to halt and squeeze the base of his cock again to keep himself from cumming like some sort of riled up teenager. If that wasn’t enough, the sound of the guttural groan you let as you slipped one, then two fingers inside of your ass could have killed him right then and there. 

“Jesus honey, what are you trying to fucking do? Kill me? S’not playing fair,” he moaned, almost losing it when the fingers in your ass started to thrust in time with the ones in your pussy. 

“Who s-said anyth- fuck - anything about playing fair?,” you breathily teased. 

Joel cussed, kicking himself for teaching you his ways as he tried to keep himself from dissolving into a mess of desperate pleas. He growled and shook his head, trying to remember the original request you had made for him to join you. Every step of the way, his eyes darted from your overstuffed core to your flushed face, his mind spinning with all the filthy things he wanted to do to you. By the time he got there, he was semi-convinced that he was dreaming. It was all too good to be true. 

“Closer,” you whined.

It was so desperate, so wanton, that Joel had no choice but to abide by it. He shuffled closer, until his thighs brushed against the sheets and his cock nearly touched the side of your head. 

“Where do you want me sweetheart? Fuck, just me where you need me and I’ll be there. Is this what you mea- hey! Oh shit,” he groaned, his eyes rolling into the back of his head as you turned and captured the reddened tip between your lips. 

A sweat broke out on Joel’s forehead as he looked down, watching with a slack jaw as you took him halfway down your throat and swallowed around him. He didn’t know what to say, so shocked by your actions that he couldn’t even reprimand you for foiling his plan. Instead, he hissed through his teeth as you started to bob your head, his gaze frantically switching between you fucking both of your holes with abandon and the sight of you taking his cock down your throat like a pro. 

“F-fuck yeah baby, that’s it,” he cussed, reaching forward to brush the hair away from your face, “Got all of your slutty little holes filled, hm? How’s it feel to be such a fucking whore for daddy? Oh my god, that’s it - ngh - just like that. Bet she misses me, pussy loves when I stretch her out.” 

The noise you made around Joel’s cock was nearly incoherent, but it sounded vaguely like a yes. He chuckled, locking eyes with you as he started to thrust in and out of your mouth. Keeping it slow for the first few strokes, he grinned at how well you took him, with nothing but pure lust staring back at him through unshed tears. You were just as famished as Joel, practically begging him with your eyes to be a little rough, to remind you how much he yearned to be inside of you at all hours of the day. So after your throat relaxed, he picked up the pace, groaning at the feeling of you moaning around him as he fucked your face.  

“Nngh, oh darling, look at how wet she is. That pussy is just beggin’ to cum for me, isn’t she? F-Fuck yes baby, c’mon. Fuck her a little harder for me,” Joel taunted. 

The way you fought against the tears in your eyes, batting them at Joel so prettily as you gagged around the big cock that slammed into the back of your throat with each animalistic thrust was too perfect, and he found himself moaning embarrassingly loud. With your thighs shaking, fingers thrusting desperately in and out of your gushing cunt, he could see that you were right on the edge. All you needed was one last push to launch you into space so, he did the only thing he could think of. 

Sputtering as Joel tore his cock away, you cried out, blinking wildly as you tried to comprehend what was happening. But before you could, he grabbed your face, leaning down so that he could look you right in the eye. 

“I think I know what ya want honey, but I’m just checking. Are you okay if I get a bit rough? I promise I’ll make you feel so good baby,” he asked, gently wiping some stray tears away.

A chirp of excitement came from you, along with an enthusiastic nod as you nuzzled the hand that cleaned the fluids from your face. 

“Good girl, just tell me if it gets too much,” Joel cooed, giving you one last soft caress before he hardened his stance again, “Now, open that mouth for me.” 

You obliged, even rolling your tongue out in a way that made Joel suck in a harsh breath between his teeth. He gathered all of the spit in his mouth, letting it drip down into your own. Without even having to be asked, you snapped your mouth shut, waiting patiently for him to tell you to swallow it. The way you looked at him was downright filthy, but not as filthy as the wanton moan you let out when he suddenly reared his hand back and slapped you straight across the face. He didn’t do it too hard, just enough so that the sting would add to the pressure growing between your legs. 

“Swallow it,” he snapped. 

You did, whimpering as you opened your mouth to show him that it was gone. The fingers in your core were halted, which made him tsk. 

“I never said you could stop.” 

Joel swooped down so that he could look you in the eye as your fingers started moving again, covering your mouth with his palm to muffle your high pitched whines. The wet sounds coming from your core increased the harder he stared, the fingers in your holes trying desperately to bring you up over the edge. Despite his cruel demeanor, he smiled when he felt your lips pucker beneath his palm, unable to keep himself from softening as you kissed his hand.  

“Aw, so sweet f’me honey. Such a good little slut. Fuck, always look so sexy playing with your holes. I bet that little pussy wants to cum, doesn’t she baby? I can see her twitching.That's alright, cum for me darling, want to watch her cry.” 

Joel didn’t look away from your face as you came, unwilling to miss a second of it. He watched as your face scrunched up, tears falling from your eyes as they rolled back in pleasure, taking note of every expression so that he could use it for later. With how frequently the two of you fucked and how often he found himself taking mental snapshots of your blissed out face, it was a wonder Joel got anything done with how large of an archive he had acquired over the years. Could he remember what he had for breakfast that very morning? Hell no. But could he remember exactly how many times he had made you cum and in what positions on your birthday three years ago? Absolutely. 

“Fuuuck, Joel,” you cried out as his hand left your face, followed by a sharp gasp as he ripped the fingers from your core and climbed over you. 

“I know baby, did so fucking good for me. My mate, my omega, my fucking wife, all mine. You hear that honey? Nobody else can have you like this, s’all for me,” he rambled, cock twitching at the sight of the ring wrapped around your drenched fingers. 

A gasp, followed by a litany of swears came from you as Joel leaned down and clamped down on your gland, worrying the skin under his teeth in a way that had you both making obscene sounds. He wasn’t sure what it was, but all he could think about was the day that the two of you bonded, the day that his life had come together again in a way that finally made sense. It was enough to make him bite down even harder, rendering you absolutely useless by the time he pulled back to stare at you through heavy lidded eyes. 

“I fucking love you sweetheart, so good for me. Always so fucking beautiful - shit - you drive me insane. Fuck, just wanna make you feel good, wanna keep that pussy stuffed like she deserves forever,” Joel growled, wrestling with the remainder of his clothes so that he could feel every inch of your skin against his. 

“Joel, fuck. There could never be anyone else baby, it’s you, you’ve ruined me,” you whined, reaching out to him with a pained expression, “But I love it daddy, love the filthy things you say, the way you love me, how your big cock feels inside of me. P-Please, I need it, need you alpha.” 

The last part was spoken not as a request, but as a call to his very nature. It awoke something ferocious inside of Joel, the same something that screamed at him to keep you swollen with his pups every single day of his life. His sanity drifted away, replaced only by the need to heed the call of his desperate omega that needed him to fulfill his duty. And you were no better. By the time his pants finally hit the floor, you were gone, bucking your hips at him and writhing against the drenched sheets as you wailed. The air had grown thick, both of your scents mixing together in a way that had his mouth watering and his cock aching, but the loud cry of his name you let out snapped him out of it. 

“Hush now baby, s’okay. Daddy’s gotcha, m’gonna make it all better,” Joel promised, leaning down to press a chaste kiss to your forehead before he pulled your hips towards him. 

Dragging your hips upwards, Joel kneeled against the mattress and ripped your legs apart. He placed them on each of his shoulders, rendering you absolutely useless as he laid you back against his thighs. The weight of his cock was heavy against your mound, providing the both of you with the jaw dropping sight of just how deep he was about to spear into you. With your shoulder blades pressed into the bed while your lower half was held up by nothing but his brute strength, Joel was seconds from passing out. He couldn’t get over how enchanting you looked with your back arched against his thighs, body on full display for his ravenous gaze. 

“Look at that baby, see how deep she's gonna take me? Fuck, always so tight. Such a pretty pussy, so wet and ready for me every time,” he moaned, panting as he dragged himself through your sticky folds, “What more do I have to do? Already fucked another baby into her but she wants more from daddy, doesn’t she?”

“Please,” you breathed. 

“Please what sweetheart?” 

“Please, may I have your c - oooh fuck,” you squealed, choking on air as he buried himself all the way to the hilt. 

Before you had a chance to catch your breath, Joel was off, lifting you up and down, using you in a way that had your pussy twitching around him in seconds. With how sensitive the pregnancy had made you, he wasn’t surprised that you were already so close. Each thrust hammered against your g-spot, dragging you towards an even more explosive end. He chuckled as you tried and failed to speak, amused by how easy he could take you apart like this. And Joel was no better, chewing on the inside of his cheek as he watched your tits bounce, the swollen nipples almost as enticing as the protruding belly that he had given you. 

Joel was so wrapped up in the way you shook and moaned beneath him that he didn’t even realize how close you were until you suddenly let out a pinched whine, glossy eyes begging him for something, anything. His lungs burned from his relentless pace, sweat dampening his hairline as he continued to plough into you but he kept going. It was not usual for him to have you like this, so wanton and open, with no fear of anything or anyone interrupting and he needed to take advantage of it properly. There was no need for him to worry about the bed slamming into the wall, or the sound of his thighs clapping against the cradle of your hips as he drove into you, he could fuck you just how you wanted.

“I know, I know babygirl. She’s so desperate isn’t she? Can’t even let go unless daddy tells her to. S’alright honey, cum for me, I know you want to,” Joel demanded, hissing through his teeth when you answered by spraying him with a stream of slick, “Fuuck, just like that honey.”

Joel fucked you through it, uncaring of the way your body twitched from the overstimulation as he continued to jackhammer into you. It didn’t matter to him that you were barely cognitive, a mess of slick and tears as he pulled you up from his thighs and wrapped your legs around him. What mattered was making you understand just how obsessed with you he was. If it were up to him, this would be his job, pulling as much pleasure from your core as you would allow whenever you needed. 

A scream was muffled against his mouth when Joel pulled you up, the new angle somehow making him spear into you even deeper than before. The tip of his throbbing cock kissed your cervix, causing you to shudder and clamp down on him like vice. He whined at how tight your walls hugged him, clutching your hip hard with one hand while the other buried itself in your hair. Joel made a fist with your messy strands, tugging on your hair so he could hear the litany of curses you spat at him as even more slick dribbled into his lap. 

“Shit darling, love this, love you so much. So pretty, so smart, so sweet, I can’t - fuck - can’t believe you’re mine and I’m-  ungh - I’m yours. Never gonna want anyone else, never needed anyone else before you, my sweet girl, my wife - oh fuuuuck. You’re gonna be my fucking wife.” 

The feeling of your warm breath against his neck was driving him crazy, along with the way you moaned oh so sweetly as you came around him yet again, your walls weakly clutching at the base of his cock, trying desperately to tease his knot inside. Teeth buried themselves into his gland and Joel made a warning noise, his thrusts stuttering for just a moment before he got himself back in check. He was a man possessed, completely deranged in his incessant need to bring you mind numbing pleasure. 

Joel wasn’t sure, but he had an idea of what was making him so feral. Each flash of the rock on your hand made his cock scream for release. The rock, the bite mark he had left on your neck, the pregnant belly he had given you, the way you looked up at him oh so lovingly, it all spoke to the beast within. A possessive streak bubbled up from deep inside, making Joel absolutely insatiable despite the crescent moons you dug into his skin as another wave of pleasure soon followed the last. As your orgasm petered off, he pulled his glistening cock out, ignoring your choked sob as he flipped you over onto your hands and knees. 

“No, no, no, no, no, please. N-Need you daddy, Joel, alpha, please, I c-can’t,” you cried, dutifully folding over the pillow he shoved underneath your belly to protect it as he forced his way back inside. 

A garbled scream was muffled into the sheets as Joel slid home, followed by a desperate whine as he pulled your cheeks apart to look at the hole he had been neglecting. 

“M’not going anywhere sweetheart, gonna make you cum until you can’t see. Then m’gonna give you want, gonna fill you up so good that you’re leaking for days,” he promised, chuckling at the way you clenched around him as he teased the puckered skin. 

“Please,” was whispered into the mattress, followed by a broken wail as Joel started to thrust once more. 

One hand snuck into your hair, forcing you to arch against him so that his cock nailed that devastating spot every single time. Joel gritted his teeth, the sound of your high pitched mewls and his heavy sack slapping your clit making his stomach clench. He groaned as you started to throw yourself back onto him, so far gone that he wasn’t even sure you were speaking English anymore. Chuckling at the endless stream of nonsense, he continued to tease your back entrance, pressing tight the ring of muscle until you let out a garbled demand that forced him to shove two fingers inside. It was quite the stretch, with his thick fingers more than double the size of your own, but the wad of spit he let fall from his mouth eased the glide. 

“More, more, more, more,” you sobbed, legs shaking as he started to thrust his fingers in time with his cock. 

Joel swore, “Such a slut for me, aren’t ya? Both of these greedy holes are filled up baby, what more do you want? What does daddy need to do? Want me to take you the Bison and you fuck you on the bar? Want me to break that little cunt open in front of everyone? Show the whole town just how good that pretty pussy is at taking daddy’s cock?” 

A broken cry tumbled from your lips, rivulets of your cum running down his thighs as you reached your peak, this one even more brutal than the last. How many times had Joel made you cum so far? He had lost count, all he knew was that he needed to keep going. The pleas you were letting out were getting downright sinful, nothing but jumbled nonsense that made his balls draw up, forcing him to chew on the inside of his cheek to work through it. The sweet, nonsensical pleas would have broken his heart, if he didn’t know how much you fucking loved it when he treated you like this. After spending the day calling all of the shots, running the clinic, while also being a mom, what you needed was for someone to take the reins. 

And Joel was more than happy to. The way you undulated beneath him, working yourself back against his steadily throbbing cock, made him want to propose to you all over again. You were slack jawed and shaking with every brutal thrust Joel gave you, making him thank ever higher power above that his stamina hadn’t wavered despite his age. He didn’t care if it killed him, he would continue fuck you into the mattress until his legs gave out. It didn’t matter that his cock was aching, knot demanding to be locked inside as he continued to fuck you silly, what mattered was making good on his promise to break you into a million little pieces. That’s what his mate deserved, what his wife deserved. 

“J-Joel - mmfph - I can’t, need more,” you choked, gripping his arms hard as you tried to muscle through the sharp bolts of pleasure Joel was pulling from your swollen pussy, “Need you closer, want you close to me, please daddy. I can’t - I don’t wanna, not without you, please, please…”

The desperation in your voice this time was different, like you would die if Joel didn’t give you a taste of adoration, and he quickly pulled out so that he could flip you around again. However, upon turning you over, he immediately regretted the decision as he grabbed the base of his cock to stave off the cum that threatened to spurt out of him. Sweat glistened across your skin, illuminating your figure beautifully in the soft candlelight. 

If Joel was a smarter or more creative man, he would write poems about the gorgeous woman beneath him. You were ethereal, glowing with the pregnancy and drenched in lust, all while you looked at him like HE was the perfect one. It broke through every single one of his defenses and set his heart on fire. The hand adorned with a glittering ring reached out to Joel and he smiled, plucking it from the air so that he could kiss the back of it. You tugged on his hand, letting out a soft come here that had him climbing over you in seconds.��

“Darling, I could live a million lives and still never get over how fucking beautiful you are. Like a goddamn goddess babygirl, and I don’t tell you nearly as much as I should. Just so, so sexy. And you want to be with me forever? Fuck, I’m a lucky man,” Joel praised as he placed a smattering of kisses over your face. 

You giggled at his soft touch, “You tell me every day Joel, I think you’re in the clear.” 

He shook his head, giving you a cheeky grin before he said, “Then I should tell ya twice.” 

The laugh you let out in response was cut off by Joel easing himself back inside. He smiled as you wrapped your shaky legs around him, allowing him to slide in just a few more inches. His forearms bracketed your head, giving you no choice but to look him in the eye as he started at a slow but forceful pace. Each thrust knocked the air out of your lungs and forced a small squeak from your lips, which he couldn’t help but think was so goddamn cute. 

“That’s it sweetheart, take it like I know ya can,” Joel sighed, letting his hands roam all over your sweaty body.  

The way you squeezed his cock and scratched at his back told him you were close. Joel pressed his mouth against yours, nipping at your swollen lips and sucking on your tongue until he was sure you were on the edge. Pulling away, he grunted at the feeling of your walls tightening up even more, hugging him almost painfully hard and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was doomed the second you let go. 

“Let me have it baby and I’ll give you what you want, shit. Dammit, I’ll fill that tight little pussy up so good sweetheart, just fucking cum for me. Know ya can do it, fu-uck, please. Christ honey, need to feel you choke my cock. Please, please, please,” Joel rambled, the desperation in his voice evident as his cock started to twitch. 

A squeak came from you, followed by a full body shudder as you released so hard that Joel had to trap you against him so that the force of it didn’t push him out. He groaned as you came, eyes rolling into the back of his head as your cunt greedily milked his reddened cock. With his lap soaked and your walls clenching around him so good, he couldn’t handle it anymore, thrusting forward so that he could lock himself inside. Joel let out an uncharacteristically high pitched whimper, calling your name like a goddamn whore as he released inside of you, right where his seed belonged. Thick torrents of cum spurted out of his cock, making you both moan as you both shook from the overwhelming surges of pleasures that just kept coming.

Again and again, Joel flooded your womb, until he was sure that if it was possible for him to somehow get you pregnant again, he would have. It was all so mind blowing that he found himself shaking under the weight of his own body, close to collapsing as the two of you were thrown off the edge once more. He groaned, rolling the both of you onto your sides so that he didn’t squash the precious bump that stuck out from your midsection with the next round of mind melting pleasure. 

“Oh fuck, Joel, I d-don’t, shit. Baby, that was so, oh my god,” you stammered, shaking like a newborn deer as you came down from the last wave. 

Joel held you close to him, tangling his legs with your own while he drew shapes on your hip bones and played with your hair. He nuzzled your neck, kissing the thin skin there until you had caught your breath and called his name. After giving your gland one last peck, he pulled away, coming face to face with a more disheveled version of you than he had seen in a while. The sight of it made his heart soar, knowing that it had been him who fucked you so good. 

“Beautiful honey, just the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen,” Joel confessed, unable to keep all the gooey-ness from spilling from his lips with how exhausted he was. 

“I love you,” you whispered, which only caused his heart to burn even brighter in the solace of the quiet lodge. 

“I love you too,” he answered, like it was the only thing in his life he had ever been sure of. 

And to a certain extent, it was. Joel’s love for you had been one of the first things he had been sure of in over twenty years. A light had filtered into his life again with just one smile from you, knocking him on his ass and driving away all his demons in an instant. Everything that had come since then, the bond, the twins, the home the two of you had made in Jackson, it was all a derivative of the love Joel had been so afraid of for decades. 

So, as Joel knocked his nose against yours and sighed at the way your fingers made soothing circles across his scalp, he couldn’t help but feel victorious. There was nothing else he had ever longed for as much as a family, a partner to love him as much as he loved them, a home to call his own, perhaps even a few pups that bore his image. But after the world had ended, after his first daughter had been torn from him so cruelly, he had resigned himself to a life of pain. And after Ellie died? Fate seemed to be giving him the middle finger, laughing at him for allowing himself to fall for it again. Joel had tucked away his sense of self, his hopes, his dreams, his humanity, anything that could possibly make him feel. 

But you? You had changed the game, stumbling into Joel’s life and unknowingly jumpstarting his heart in a way that had scared the absolute shit out of him. And after everything; the kidnapping, the arena, the cult, the traumatic birth of the twins, the murder of the two men that had threatened his peace, holding you in post engagement bliss made him want to gloat. It had taken fifty six years, but Joel had found a home, and he had you to thank for it. Laying one last kiss into your hair, he let himself drift, feeling like a champion of the odds for the first time in forever. 

- You - 

The nap that you had taken was necessary, given the relentless pounding Joel had rained down on your poor pussy after you had said yes to the proposal. It had been so mind breaking that you had awoken groggy and disoriented, unsure of where the hell you were until you caught the sparkling ring that now adorned your left hand. As carefully as you could, you disentangled yourself from Joel, wanting to get a better look at the heirloom that had been hidden from you for decades. 

The candles throughout the room flickered still, although most had gone out since you fell asleep. Padding towards the staircase, you stopped before the first step, casting a glance back at the devilishly handsome man that was your mate. Joel hugged the pillow that had just cradled your head, snuggling it closer to his chest as if it was you as he muttered nonsense in his sleep. That man loved you so much that it was surreal, like looking at the sun for too long as a curious child and coming away with dizzying holes in your vision. With one final glance, you turned back towards the steps, not wanting to wake the alpha that had so kindly fucked you into another dimension just a few hours earlier. 

Joel had been running on little to no sleep lately, too stubborn to wake you in the middle of the night when one of the twins came knocking. And with how many times he had just made you cum, you decided to let him rest for a bit longer before you jumped his bones again. Although, you had to admit that it was hard not to with how handsome Joel looked, naked and splayed out against the sheets. 

The first floor was slightly brighter, with many of the candles still going strong and the moonlight leaking in from the huge windows. You toyed with the ring as you drifted over to the table of treats, snagging the bowl of chocolate covered fruit to munch on as you stared out at the scenery. The trees shuddered under a gust of the humid wind, the warmth of it creeping in through the cracks of the molding. The quietness reminded you of the peaceful home that you had once shared with Joel in the forest. All of the memories, both bad and good, rushed over you in an instant, and  you couldn’t help but smile. It had all been worth it. 

Absentmindedly, you brushed a hand over the growing swell between your hips, smiling at the small kick that nudged you. There was a part of you that wanted to leave the comfort of the lodge so that you could bask in the cool waters and enjoy the sanctity of the forest, but you refrained. The last time the two of you had been separated in the woods, it hadn’t ended well and you weren’t willing to risk it again in the state you were in. The last thing you needed was the father of your children having a stroke when he realized that you had left the lodge without him, especially with how your last pregnancy had ended.  

Joel had relaxed some since then, but that didn’t mean he was particularly keen on letting you wander too far with how traumatizing the birth of the twins had been for the both of you. This time around, he stayed close, glaring at anyone in town that stared at you for too long no matter how many times you reminded him that he wasn’t hated in Jackson anymore. It was hard for people in town to stay mad at Joel when he had two pups who so clearly worshiped the ground he walked on, who babbled excitedly about their days to him as they strolled through the streets, all while he hung off of every word. He was a good dad, anyone could see it, and it forced everyone who once hated him to see the man he was, the man you loved. 

Plus, with how ruggedly handsome Joel was, you guessed it had something to do with that as well. He was the town handyman, and you knew just how good he looked while he worked, all sweaty and flushed as he put something back together. With how jaw dropping he was and how attentive he could be towards his family, you weren’t surprised how many residents suddenly needed various home appliances repaired. You didn’t mind. They could look all they liked, just so long as they also got a good look of Joel kissing you in the street, holding the swell that he had given you. Just so long as everyone in town knew that the sexy handyman belonged to you. 

Not that you were worried. With how relentless Joel’s public displays of affection had been since he found out about the newest edition, you were sure that the entirety of Jackson was well aware of the bond the two of you shared. He was so excited that it made you giddy, and it also made the pregnancy a lot less nerve racking than your first. That and the fact that you were pretty sure that there was only one pup this time around. Although you had no way of knowing, you remembered how much larger the bump had been and how drained you had felt growing two pups instead of one. Sure, there had still been the month of morning sickness, along with the unusual cravings and the mobility issues that came with growing a new life, but you were relieved at how much easier it was to only house one. 

Four years after the twins had come into the world and the fear that had once plagued your union was all but gone. Joel had become the man you knew he could be, the one he had always been capable of being but was too scared to after everything terrible that had happened to him. A part of you would like to think it had something to do with you, with how much the two of you loved each other, but you couldn’t discount the work he had put in. Being a dad again had terrified him, yet Joel had shown up for his pups and you every single day. You could tell that the responsibility of caring for Ellis and Alba at times felt like an anvil hanging above his head, could see it in the layer of sweat that glistened on his skin during the days that his past haunted him, but his broken heart had somehow started to mend around the people he loved. 

And now Joel was your fiance. Or was he your husband now? You had no idea how this was supposed to work. The only weddings you had been to had all been awful, including your own travesty that had ended with you being shoved out the window by the two women in your life that loved you the most. Was the puffy white dress and boring churchy vows what you wanted? Surely not, but you had never experienced anything else. Not to mention the fact that the proposal had taken you completely off guard. Regardless of the few comments Joel had made over the five years of being together, along with the matching bite marks and house filled with his kids, you were never sure if it was something he truly wanted. Hell, you weren’t even about it until you saw the beautifully broad man down on one knee. 

Although the purpose of such a gallant display had eluded you, the sight of the ring had drawn something out, the ghost of a memory long since forgotten. It sent you back to a time before Joel, or Josiah, or even Jake, when the world had been free of infected beings that shambled around in search of fresh meat. It was then that you had watched your parents laugh as they danced around the kitchen, had seen the princess meet her prince charming in one of the few films you were able to squeeze in before the world fell apart. As any little girl would, you had begun to dream of Prince Charming, someone who would love you unconditionally and be your best friend for the rest of your life. Never once had the younger dreamed that you would find him in the way you did, but every day since the first had proved to you that dreams could come true. 

Even if one of the many adversaries had succeeded, at the very least you would have been able to say that you had been truly loved and known by someone beautiful. The way you felt about Joel Miller was intense. It was like being in love with the wind itself. He was all encompassing, wrapping around you during every storm and carrying you away from the merciless talons of reality. But it could also be gentle, soothing you on days when it felt like everything and everyone was against you. 

Joel knew every piece of you, even the pieces that you had tried desperately to hide, and he loved them all. He could take you apart and put you back together without even breaking a sweat. And you tried to do the same for him, every single day. Which was why you didn’t care if Joel wanted a big ceremony, a small agreement in front of the family, or just a set of rings for one another. He was your mate, the love of your life, the father of your children, and your fucking husband as far as you were concerned. The specifics meant little to you when the end result was spending the rest of your life being loved by such a goddamn hunk. 

“How’d I know you’d be down here getting into the chocolate?,” a syrupy voice, still thick from sleep, drawled from the bottom of the stairs. 

The smile that spread across your face was involuntary, along with the small flutter of your heart. That was the effect Joel Miller had on you. Even after five years, two rowdy kids and another on the way, he could still make you weak in the knees. Before you had a chance to turn, Joel was already at your side, spinning you around and bending down to kiss you. He flooded your senses as his lips moved against yours, leaving you dazed that you missed when he snuck a hand into the bowl of sweet treats you held and stole one. As Joel pulled away, you laughed and beamed up at him, admiring how his curls looked all tousled from sleep. Although it had only been a few hours, he somehow looked completely refreshed, like all he had truly needed was a few hours buried in between your thighs and a quick nap to rejuvenate. 

“Hm, maybe don’t knock me up if you want me to stay in bed and wait around for your ass to wake up babe. Mama was starving,” you shot back, giggling at the wary look he sent your way. 

“Last time I checked, it was you that was begging me to cum inside and get you all round again. It takes two to tango sweetheart,” Joel joked, shaking his head at the jab, “You know, you could’ve woke me up honey. I would’ve gotten you something to eat, s’not good for you or her to wait if you’re hungry.” 

“Roger that cowboy, no naps for you,” you teased, getting up on your tippy toes to press a kiss to his lips, “Don’t worry Joel, I was fine. Plus, I really just wanted to get a better look at this bad boy. It’s just so pretty.” 

Joel grinned at that, plucking the hand in question from your belly to examine it himself. The way he lit up - god - it made you want to rewind time so that you could see it over and over again. He kissed the finger that he had adorned with the ring, admiring the shiny jewels for another second before he placed your palm over his steadily beating heart. 

“M’glad you like it sweet girl. I wasn’t sure how you'd feel about it all. We’ve never really talked about getting married, especially not since Ellis and Alba came, but I knew that if I didn’t ask I’d regret it for the rest of my life. You’re my missing piece honey, and I want to be yours in every single way I can,” Joel admitted, his words hitting you square in the chest. 

“Baby,” you admonished, “I can’t believe you thought I’d say no. It’s only ever been you and I’d like to keep it that way. You’re a part of me Joel, it feels like I can’t breathe when you’re not around. All I do while we’re apart is think about you and how much I love you. Fuck, or how good it feels to have you love me back. There’s nothing I’d rather do than - ah!”

You squeaked as Joel abruptly picked you up, kissing every inch of your face and neck as he carried you across the room. The nearly empty bowl was torn from your grasp, slammed down onto the coffee table before he fell back onto the couch with you in his lap. A series of giggles came from you as his mustache tickled your skin, only intensifying as Joel laid you back against the cushions and relentlessly tickled your sides. His laugh bounced off the high ceilings as he playfully wrestled you into a mess of breathless cackling. It was only when you begged him to stop that the assault finally ended. He pulled back to let you get some air, leaning over you with a soft smile as he did. 

“I know that you love me darling, I just get nervous sometimes,” Joel said as he knocked his forehead against yours, “A good nervous honey, like I’m going to go nuts if I don’t remind you how much that I love ya. I just… I needed it to be perfect baby, you deserve nothing less.” 

“It was Joel, I loved it. And for the record, I would have said yes if you asked while I was on the toilet. Don’t get me wrong, this is probably the most romantic thing I’ve ever experienced, but all I need is you baby. That’s all there has to be for it to be perfect Joel, just you,” you cooed. 

And it was true. The grand gesture was heartwarming and amazing, but unnecessary. Joel could have asked you at the Tipsy Bison over greasy steak sandwiches, he could have asked you at the end of dinner while you both cleared the table, he could have asked you when you were curled up in bed with your reading glasses on while you thumbed through a book, or hell, like you said; he could’ve asked you on the toilet. In any scenario, you would have accepted and remembered the moment as one of the top ten of your lifetime. Joel was what made the whole thing special. 

“Christ darling, I’m the luckiest man alive. I thought for sure you were gonna say no when you started asking me what the hell I was doing, damn near shit my pants,” Joel laughed, letting the weight of the admission roll off of his shoulders. 

“To be fair, you don’t usually get down on your knees for me,” you chuckled. 

The look Joel gave you at that statement was pointed, as if to say, do you wanna bet? It made you flush and giggle, rolling your eyes at his innuendo. Of course, he did get on his knees for you quite a bit, more so than you did for him as of late, but that wasn’t what you had meant. He wiggled his eyebrows at you and you groaned, playfully shoving at shoulders until he relented. 

“Okay, you do get on your knees for me quite a bit. My bad baby, that was a poor choice of words. What I meant was… Well, you don’t usually get down on one knee for me. I didn’t understand what you were doing. For a second I thought that you were trying to help me take my shoes off like you used to when I was pregnant with the twins and I was about to tell you to get the hell up but then you started saying all of these incredibly sweet things,” you explained. 

Joel guffawed, “Have you really never seen anyone do that? I guess I don’t really know what people do nowadays, but that used to be what ya did when you proposed. It’s tradition.” 

Scrunching your nose, you tried to pry out any memory of the odd practice from your brain but came up blank. Perhaps you had seen it in passing on a TV show as a kid, but any recollections of that were long gone. All that remained were the memories of various community members, your mother, Jake, Cooper, and finally yourself, being dragged towards the council to be matched up with someone. It never mattered to those people what anyone thought about their designated match. Paul never got down on one knee, he just made a shady deal with your stepfather and boom, he was assigned to be your husband. 

“No, I’ve never seen it. Where I’m from, alphas would never get down on their knees - in any context - for their omega. They just bought them by making a deal with someone on the council and then there would be a wedding. Nobody gave a fuck what we thought,” you admitted quietly, sighing as your past bubbled up from the depths once more. 

The way Joel’s face dropped made you frown, but he was quick to haul you up, maneuvering you until you were straddling his lap again. His face was wide open as he gazed upon you, uncaring of the mess the two of you were as he brushed his hands over every inch of your naked body. Peering at Joel in the soft light, he too was a mess of sweat and cum. It didn’t make you nervous to be so bare in front of him anymore, he had seen it all by now. In fact, it made you feel like you were on solid ground, like the two of you were equals in the soft glow of the candlelight. 

“M’sorry baby, I didn’t even consider that,” Joel sighed, “I guess that I always just dreamed of doing it that way. It’s a real old tradition that’s supposed to be a sign of devotion, of love, which is why I thought it was fitting. There’s no one else I’m more devoted to, or love more than you honey. You and our pups, that’s it, s’all I need.”  

A rush of dopamine filled you, his sweet words making you practically glow. Perhaps Joel was not the Prince Charming most people would dream of but he was yours, and he somehow always knew just how to make you squirm like a lovestruck teenager. 

“Please don’t apologize Joel. I didn’t understand, but I still loved it and I…” you trailed off, unsure of how to finish the sentence. 

With nothing else to say, you pressed your lips against his. Joel hummed, cradling your face as he allowed you to take charge. The kiss was slow and loving, leaving the both of you yearning to weld yourselves to one another so that you’d never have to part. If you could, you’d keep him in your back pocket instead of leaving for the clinic every day but that was impossible. Joel had a job to do and the twins needed parents that weren’t so busy mooning over each other that they forgot to feed them. But you supposed that these moments were for that, cherishing one another in the solitude of a paradise found. 

“Darling, whatever you need, I’ve got you,” he sighed as he pulled back. 

You grinned and nuzzled his jaw, breathing his scent for another few seconds until the spicy aroma coated the back of your throat. Pulling away, you smiled at his heavy lidded eyes, reveling in the fact that you could get Joel drunk off of you with just the briefest of touches. The air was thick, the candles and your overheated bodies seeming to make the summer night even more stifling, but you didn’t mind. With sweat covering every inch of you, along with a steady stream of his cum trickling down your thighs, you looked out at the fast moving waters outside. 

“What do you say we go for a dip?,” you asked as you turned towards him with a grin, “You did promise to take me swimming once.” 

Joel answered your grin with an even bigger one, nodding wildly as he pulled the both of you up from the couch. In seconds, the two of you were scampering towards the door, laughing like kids as you hurried towards the ultimate cool off. There was only one pause, when you begrudgingly slipped off the ring and left it on the table by the door to ensure that it didn’t get swept away, but then you were both back to racing towards the water. 

“Geronimo,” Joel called, his voice muffled by the heavy stream pounding off the rocks as he leaped from the bridge. 

You came to a halt at the very edge, waiting for him to surface before you followed him in. It was a bit daunting for you to jump into water without him, especially with the memory of your last dip in the moving waters of Montana still fresh in your mind. The grin he gave you when his head breached through the water was infectious, but that didn’t stop you from glancing at the edge of the swimming hole, remembering how you had almost drowned before being flung into one that looked just like it. 

A sinking feeling crept over you as your eyes followed the current, thinking about how you had shivered and puked after dragging yourself up onto the bank. You remembered crying out for Joel, despite the fact that he was nowhere to be found. Those memories were ones you tried hard to avoid, but the sight of the rushing waters flung you into the moments after you first jumped in and you drifted away from the man in the water who grinned at you.

The shock of the cold held you down beneath the waves and you felt your body quickly torn away from the shore. You flipped and somersaulted weightlessly in the rushing waters, every attempt at paddling to the surface useless against the current. More pain erupted from your side as the river slammed you against one of the rocks and a groan was muffled by the water. Desperate to breathe, you sucked in a mouthful of the frigid water but it stung your chest. Panic bloomed from within at the realization that you were drowning. 

Your lungs screamed for oxygen but you were stuck, shoved against the solid stone and weighed down by the rapids. Opening your eyes didn’t help, as all you could see from the bottom of the river was black. Was this it? Was this how you would die? You were infuriated at the thought. How could this be the thing that killed you? After everything you had been through, drowning seemed absolutely ridiculous. No, this couldn’t be it. Not with Joel somewhere alone and in pain. Not when you finally had a home.

“Come on sweetheart, what’s the hold up? Are ya chicken or something?,” Joel’s cut into your panic fueled remembrance, snapping you back to the present in an instant. 

You focused on the way Joel smiled at you, letting it bring you back down to earth. Joel Miller was right in front of you, he had survived the arena and you had survived going after the people that had made the mistake of taking him away from you. As scary as almost drowning had been, you didn’t die that day. And if Joel’s face wasn’t enough to soothe the swirling memories that locked you in place, all you had to do was look down at the swell sticking out from your tummy or think about the twins back home with their grandmother. They wouldn’t even exist if the worst had come to pass. A midnight swim in the river with the love of your life was not going to be the thing that killed you, the universe would have to try harder than that. 

“Not scared baby, just taking it all in,” you answered him, taking a deep breath before you leaped in behind him. 

There were no excruciating pins and needles from the temperature this time, nor were there ice chunks thumping you in the back, just a cool embrace that immediately shooed away the overwhelming heat that plagued you back in the lodge. That and the man that grinned at you as your head broke the surface made it perfect. Joel swam over in an instant, pulling you into the shallow end so he could wrap your legs around him. The two of you bobbed with the waves and you breathed a sigh of relief. The night had gotten progressively more humid, signaling an incoming burst of rain, but the water was perfect and so was he. 

“See, s’not so bad, is it sweet girl?,” Joel teased, whispering it into your ear as he nibbled on your neck. 

“Hmmm, nope,” you answered, tilting your head so that he could get better access to his mark, “Plus, the company is pretty good. I never thought I’d get to see you run but-ass naked into a river and yell geronimo, but now you’ve truly sold me on this whole marriage thing. My husband, the absolute dork.” 

He snorted, “Takes one to know darling.” 

With that, Joel bit down on your gland hard and you moaned. It was maddening how easily he could get to you, as you could already feel all of the tired muscles in your abdomen that had been fucked into submission tighten up again at the small move. He wasn’t ignorant of his abilities either. Each move by him was incredibly precise, like taking you apart was down to a mathematical equation that only he knew the answer to. The way Joel laved his tongue over the indents he made over your skin, his fingers digging into your asscheeks to keep you still as your hips began to twitch, all worked in tandem to have you dripping for him in seconds. 

The water, once so refreshing to the both of you, was now in the way of the heat growing between you, and Joel wasted no time pulling you from it. He laid you out against the soft ground, keeping his lips on yours the entire time. His tongue teased the seam of your mouth and you gladly let him in, sighing in frustration when he continued to err on the side of caution. Exasperated, you wrapped your legs around Joel and flipped the two of you over, straddling him just as a crack of lightning flashed through the sky. 

“Christ baby, maybe we should - ungh - oh fuck me,” he groaned, eyes going round as you grasped his length and dropped down hard. 

“I don’t care,” you snapped, lifting yourself up so that only the tip remained before you slammed down again. 

The pace you set was rough and desperate, Joel’s cock making your mind go completely blank as you rode him into slack jawed submission. He gripped your hips, your breasts, anything he could reach as raindrops started to fall from the sky. And still, you kept on going, moaning and throwing your head back like a depraved whore as another crack of lightning illuminated your bare skin. The rain started as a sprinkle at first, but it soon picked up, drenching the two of you as he grabbed your hips and began to help you ride him. 

“Fuck, just like that babygirl. Ungh, so fucking tight every time. Can you hear how wet she is for me? Goddammit, such a needy thing aren’t you? Can’t even wait to get inside, gotta have it out here. Christ, I fucking love you honey, such a good fucking girl for me,” Joel groaned. 

The words made you throw your head back, pace faltering slightly as your walls clenched and unclenched around him. With the curls around the base of his cock tickling your clit, his strong arms forcing you to stretch around his wide girth with every downstroke, you couldn’t help but lock up. A garbled shriek fell from your lips, dwarfed only by the sound of thunder, so close that it almost shook the ground. Still, you couldn’t find it in you to care about the danger, not when you were cumming and falling over him as you tore at his graying curls. 

“Joel, I can’t, ohmyfuckinggod, yes, yes, yes,” you mewled, shaking against him as the orgasm tore through you. 

Joel grunted as he flipped you over, tearing his cock out of you the seconds that the last vestiges of your orgasm petered away. Before you even had a chance to whine about it, he had already plucked you from the ground. He ignored all of your nonsensical pleas for him to release you, letting out a low growl when you tried to wiggle out of his grasp. That stilled you, along with the dark look he gave you. 

“Nope, stay fucking still,” Joel snipped, readjusting so that he could carry you bridal style towards the lodge, “S’not safe for you two out here. It’s way too dangerous, shouldn’t of even let you start but fuck, that pussy is just so fucking perfect. How could I say no to her?” 

“Joooel, c’mon, it’s fine!,” you pleaded, letting out a yelp when he leaned down and bit the spot on your neck that sent a wave of tingles down to your core. 

“Enough honey, I need to keep you safe - fuck - need to protect what is mine. My pup and my fucking wife can’t be out here in the storm. Need to take care of ya, so hush up,” he stammered, the truth behind his hardened features peaking through. 

The alpha in your mate was ready to breathe fire, causing Joel’s chest to rumble with useless threats pointed towards a force of nature of all things. He wouldn’t be soothed until you and his unborn pup were out of danger, even if the likelihood of you actually being struck by lightning were slim to none. Still, you didn’t fight him on it, too distracted by the way he continued to nip and suck at your neck each step of the way. As miffed as you were about the quick venue change, you had to admit, it was sexy when Joel let himself be overcome by his instincts. His need to fulfill his biological duty made you squirm in excitement, and you quickly decided to rile him up just a little bit more. 

“Shhh, I know baby,” you cooed in between soft moans, going crazy at the way Joel continued to spit possessive mantras between his teeth, “You’re so good at protecting us, so glad that’s I’m yours Joel. And you’re mine, do you hear that? Nobody else can have you - fuck - I fucking love you.” 

Joel let out a pained whine and pulled his face away from the love bites he had left as he neared the door. Any of the brown in his puppy dog eyes were gone, replaced by a pitch black that was ravenous for every inch of you. He ripped open the door, practically tearing it off as he marched inside and kicked it shut behind him. Ignoring the treats and the ridiculous amount of flowers, he hurried over to the couch so that he could throw you down against the cushions. 

“I’m yours darling, nobody else can make me feel like this,” Joel admitted, clambering between your thighs and tearing them apart so he could stare at your drenched slit, “And look at that, she’s still so fucking needy. Fucking hell, I gotta taste that sweet little pussy on my tongue.” 

Before you even had the chance to respond, Joel had lifted both of your legs up over his shoulders and was devouring your pussy like it was a four course meal. A slew of curse words fell from your lips, followed by a drawn out wail as he suckled your throbbing clit into his mouth. Joel chuckled against your folds as you pulled at his hair, yanking the strands and squirming so much that he had to double down on the hold he had on your hips. The way he was building you up was too much, sucking your nub even further into his mouth so he could bat at it with his tongue. The pressure inside of you continued to build, until you were sure it was going to kill you, but Joel knew you too well. Just as you started to suppress the urge to explode, he had already reached up to tweak at your nipples, giving you just enough stimulation to break.  

“Oh my god, f-fuck yes. Please daddy, m’gonna -  ouu shit,” you shrieked, shaking as liquid ecstasy flooded your veins. 

The way Joel groaned into your sopping cunt, his desperate sounds vibrating against you, had you twitching as the pleasure washed over you. He was relentless, sucking up every bit of moisture as slick poured out of you with each devastating wave. And just when it had petered off, when you thought he might let you go so that he could slam his cock back inside again, you felt him double down on his efforts. A choked whine was torn from your throat, ignored by Joel as he used you however he damn well pleased. It was only worse when you looked down and caught a glimpse of his pinched brow, moaning at the sight of his closed eyes as he focused all of his attention on forcing you into another orgasm. 

“D-Daddy please - ungh - SHIT baby, just like that. Fuck, you’re gonna make me cum again already. Ooooooh my fucking god!,” you cried out, thrashing against his hold as your walls began to clench around nothing. 

A request was on the tip of your tongue, but Joel was much too attuned to your every desire. As the storm raged outside, the rain now pounding against the windows and the thunder making the foundation shudder, the embarrassingly loud praises were drowned out as he slipped two, then one more finger inside of you. With how soaked you were, the three digits slipped in and out easily, working you into a frenzy as the rough pads rubbed so attentively over that sensitive spot inside of you that had your legs shaking over his shoulders. 

The command for you to cum was muffled into your folds, almost drowned out by your relentless babbling, but you caught it. All it took was one particularly harsh thrust of his fingers, combined with a devastating suckle and flick combo from his mouth, and you were gone once more. Every thought flew out of your mind, the pleasure burning so bright, spreading out from your core until you were boneless and sobbing. As you orgasm petered off, you pushed at Joel’s head with more insistence, signaling to him that you were much too sensitive for a third. 

“Mmmm, fucking delicous babygirl,” Joel sighed as he pulled away, shoving his fingers into his mouth the second they were released from your twitching core. 

Watching him through hazy eyes, you couldn’t help but moan at the show he was giving you. It was so filthy, so downright depraved, that you couldn’t help but buck your hips up at him. A breeze filtered in from outside, hardening your nipples in a way that had Joel licking his lips. You reached a hand out to him, the desire in his eyes making you squirm, but he didn’t grab it. Instead he stared at it for a moment, letting out a frustrated noise before he was suddenly retreating. 

“J-Joel? What?,” you called, lifting yourself up onto your elbows to watch him go. 

Joel ignored your soft voice and you whimpered, desperate for him to return despite the fact that he hadn’t even left the room. Naked and splayed out, pussy crying for attention from the man with the monster between his legs, you were a disaster. But he was too busy, completely ignoring you as he headed towards the door. Tears blurred your vision at his refusal to say anything, a deep seeded desperation coming from within, and you cried out.  

“Please,” you squeaked, overwhelmed by the pangs of desire that came from your very being. 

It wasn’t just Joel’s cock you needed. No, it was his touch, his gentle words, his loving gaze. All of him was so perfect that you knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you would yearn for his presence until the day you died. But with his attention elsewhere at that moment, you felt like you were going to wither and die. 

“Hush now darling, m’right here. You’re gonna be okay baby, I’ve gotcha,” Joel cooed, dropping down onto the couch so he could blanket himself over you. 

The weight of his heated skin against yours was one thing, but the smell of him was another. As you shoved your nose into the crook of Joel’s neck, taking in lungfuls of the delicious scent that was forever entwined with yours. A heavy sigh came from him, followed by an excited little chirp from you when he pulled back to kiss you on the tip of the nose. 

“Wasn’t going nowhere honey, just wanted to give ya this,” Joel chuckled as he held up the ring you had slipped off before heading out to the river. 

“Mmm, I guess I can forgive you, ring pleeease,” you giggled, fluttering your fingers at him until he grabbed the hand. 

The ring slid back onto your finger so perfectly that you couldn’t help but grin. It was toothy and wide, much too dorky to be sexy but Joel didn’t seem to mind. Instead, he matched your energy, looking like a kid in a candy store as his nose brushed yours. However, the second you felt his forgotten length rub against your core, reminding you of how the two of you were but naked and pressed together against the couch, the mood changed. The gaze upon you went from light and loving, to possessive and so devoted that one could mistake it for insanity. A shiver inched up your spine, goosebumps prickling the skin he brushed his hands over again and again. 

“Fuck baby, this is how I want you from now on. No clothes, just that fucking ring. God, s’like the mark, drives me wild every time I see it. Just another reminder that you’re fucking mine, mine to fuck, mine to take care of - shit - to marry, oh sweet Jesus,” Joel groaned, his words working the both of you up. 

“I want to get you a ring too,” you rushed out, hissing through your teeth as he started to rut against you, “Want to see it every single day, want everyone else to see it too, want all of the people in town to know that you’re my alpha, my mate, my husband, you’re mine too Joel.” 

That tore an animalistic groan from Joel and he nodded, grabbing the base of his cock so he could place it at your entrance. Even though he had just been inside of you, he halted for a moment, looking at you for confirmation that this was what you wanted. It filled you with warmth, your sweet alpha always checking in on you no matter how obvious it might seem to anyone else that you wanted him. And you knew that Joel would stop if you wanted him to, no questions asked. He only ever wanted to make you feel good. 

“Please baby,” was all you had to say and then Joel was pressing into you, draping himself over your nude form as your mouth dropped open from the stretch. 

You felt every ridge, every throbbing vein of his thick cock. A grunt came from you as Joel’s reddened tip brushed against your cervix. He pressed a line of kisses into your neck, ending it with a final peck to your swollen lips. A breathy whine tumbled out as he started a slow pace, circling his hips into the cradle of your own on every downstroke. The way his pubic hair scrubbed at your oversensitive clit was perfect. That and the way you panted into each other’s mouths, sharing breaths in between desperate kisses as strings of arousal dribbled down both of your thighs. 

“Pretty girl, my girl, so good for me, TOO good for me,” Joel joked your legs up a little higher around his waist, drawing a breathy moan from you as he slid a little deeper, “Just like that, hm? Is that the spot? Right there honey? Feels so good, you’re so good, shi-it.” 

“Yes, right there Joel. S’good baby, you make me feel so fucking good,” you answered, tearing at his shoulders with your claws as he dug into you a bit harder. 

The air was sweltering as you writhed against one another, every inch of your bodies pressed together so perfectly. Keeping a passionate pace, Joel grabbed one of your hands, the other slithering down to cup the growing life between you. Tears sprung to your eyes at the simple gesture and when you looked into his eyes, you saw how his glimmered as well. Ever the caretaker, Joel made a sympathetic noise and bent down to kiss your eyelids, doting upon you despite his own swelling emotions. 

“I love you Joel,” you whispered, heart bursting at the seams. 

“I love you too darling, so much that it scares me sometimes. I’d die for you, I’d kill for you, fuck - m’gonna live for you. My whole life is yours baby, gonna keep you nice and full, gonna take care of you - ohmygod - gonna make sure you never need a thing. I’ll give it to you baby, anything you fucking want, just ask,” Joel rambled. 

“Kiss me, make me feel it,” you whined, not even fully sure what it was you were asking him for. 

The whine Joel let out as kissed you was pornographic, so much so that you wished you had the means to record it. Although you had heard about the joys of sex tapes and somewhat understood how the vague concept of the internet had revolutionized the masturbation of many. However, you had never truly understood the appeal. It all seemed so crass and disconnected. Why would you want to watch two strangers fuck when you could go find Joel? However, the first time the need for him had hit while your mate was too busy with work to do anything about it, you couldn’t help but wish you had some footage to aid in the experience. Fuck, who were you kidding? You didn’t even need a video, just the sound of his deep grunts as he thrusted into you would be more than enough to get you there. 

“I w-wish I could take a video of us like this,” you admitted when he pulled back, too drunk off of him to censor yourself, “Would be so fucking hot, I’d watch it every - gah mmph - every single day baby. God, all I need is the audio and I’d be happy, wanna listen to the sexy noises my husband makes when he - oooh fuck - when he fucks me.” 

Joel chuckled, pulling back so he could look you in the eye as he said, “I don’t know how sweetheart, but m’gonna make that happen if it’s the last fucking thing I do.” 

The response you had died on your lips as the angle of his thrusts changed, his cock now brushing up against every pleasure spot inside, lighting up all of your nerve endings like the fourth of July. A wicked grin came from Joel when you let out a throaty groan, your head thumping back against the cushion as slick gushed from your throbbing cunt. 

“Oh, that’s it, isn’t it sweetheart? Did daddy find the spot? Fuck yeah I did, can feel her squeezing me like a goddamn vice. Choking my cock so fucking good, like you were made for it. Love it, love you so much baby,” Joel keened, his voice going up a few octaves with the strain of holding off. 

“G-Gonna cum, shit, gonna cum Joel,” you warned him. 

A choked noise came from your mate, followed by a litany of broken whines as Joel slammed his knot into your silken walls. You howled, exploding around the thickness of his flared base in a way that had you both boneless and wailing as his cum started to pour into you. His fingers dug into your hips, keeping them still so he could grind up into you, prolonging each and every release until you disintegrated into an overstimulated mess. The pleasure was so intense that you clamped down onto Joel’s shoulder, muffling your whines into his skin as you were thrown into space. By the time you were done cumming, he had filled you up so much that you were sure it would be leaking out of you for fucking days. 

“Holy shit,” Joel panted, rolling the two of you over so that he could steer clear of squashing your abdomen. 

A chuckle was all you could give, too fucked out to do anything else but rub his scalp in the way you knew Joel liked. Moaning from the attention, he melted into you. He nosed at your breasts, sighing into them as you pressed a kiss onto the top of his head. It didn’t matter that the couch was slightly cramped, or that there was a storm slamming into the sides of the house, or that the two of you were covered in sweat, what mattered was the way he hummed in satisfaction as you whispered a soft I love you baby into his curls, quickly answering it with his own slurred admission of adoration. 

Soon, Joel’s knot would go down and the two of you would drag yourselves off to bed, perhaps even going a couple more rounds before you had to return to Jackson. But for now, with your bodies entangled and your hearts one, you couldn’t think of anywhere else you’d rather be. As Joel dozed, his hands cradling your tummy as he dreamt about god knows what, you smiled to yourself. Despite everything that had taken place, you had made it. In that moment, with the two of you snuggled so close and the rest of your family waiting back home, you realized that neither of you were alone anymore and you’d never have to be ever again. 

The world was a ruthless place and many times your spine had almost snapped under the pressure but luckily there was someone who made it easier. Joel lifted the burden that came with existence, a cross which every human being was forced to bear, by simply existing. All of the chains around your soul had been torn off by that man, freeing you in ways that even he could never fully understand. Joel Miller was the first good thing in your life and after years of nothing but horror, you finally had proof that it wasn’t senseless to hope, to dream, to want something more for yourself. It was rare, but sometimes good things did come for those with the stomach to wait for it. So many times you had wanted to give up, to throw away any chance at happiness for the sake of comfort, but you hadn’t. 

And now, with the home you had always dreamed of embodied in the man who brought color into your life, you knew that it was all worth it. The two of you had felt the sharp sting of rejection, of loss, of grief, of spite, that sting had been the only thing keeping either of you alive before meeting each other. The tragedy of knowing true pain, not the kind that people mentioned in passing, but a true overwhelming grief surrounding the wretchedness of one’s own existence, had driven you both to the point of madness. It had seemed like hope was lost, only for the impossible to become reality in the blink of an eye. 

Fate had brought you both to the river that day, braiding your souls together so painfully tight that they could never possibly be torn apart again. And as the night slowly bled into dawn, you found comfort in the knowledge that the two of you finally had a life of peace. The world would turn in on itself as it always did, ensuring pain and perhaps even violence in the futures of many, but you were unshaken. Joel was your future. The family the two of you had built together with blood, sweat, and tears was your future. 

In a world poisoned by such constant agony, one might wonder what the point of any of it was and whether anything really mattered at all, but not you. No, you had learned first hand how to appreciate the simple things. 

The masterpiece of unending devotion that was created between two lovers. 

The divinity in a broken spirit when it finally loves and is loved in return. 

The violence that could come from protecting the person who made life more than just surviving. 

The transcendence of becoming the person you always wanted to be, the person you were always meant to become. 

The wholeness that came as a result of it all. 

To have Joel, to love him and be loved by him, was worth whatever price. There was nothing else more noble, more commendable to fight for than the gift that was true love. So as the man in question muttered in his sleep, yanking you even further into his embrace, you went willingly, allowing yourself to relish in the victory that was being happy in spite of it all. With Joel, you were home, the rest of it was meaningless. 

[ohtobeleah]

An Angel’s Discretion //

Summary: When Bradley gets a call to say you’ve been involved in a major car accident, his whole world is turned upside down.

Warnings: Bradley Bradshaw x wifeF!reader. Car Accident. Pregnancy, Bradley in a state of existential crisis. Pre-mature birth. Hurt/comfort. Goose cameo.

Word Count: 3.5k

It felt like time stood still yet had sped up all at the same time. Your entire world had been flipped on its head in the blink of an eye—you felt like your entire life was flashing before your eyes. A Rolodex of memories played out before you as you spun out and rolled down into the embankment. You didn’t know exactly how it happened or why it happened - but regardless of that, it still very much happened and you were still very much in trouble. 

It had been god awful weather recently, so much so the Dagger’s had been grounded for the better half of a week. Bradley had been home for a change, pottering around the house baby proofing sharp edges and making sure the crib was set up just like the instruction book had said. 

It seemed that people truly believed that the car you were trapped in for nearly half an hour had flipped and rolled hours ago. An empty mangled car on the side of the road—nobody stopped to see if there were any occupants. Nobody stopped to snoop. Nobody heard your cries— the cries of a woman in unimaginable pain. Hoping, praying, as you remained helplessly tangled in your seat belt. You had blood gushing from wounds you didn’t know what exactly had been caused by and had bones that shattered from impact. 

You stayed there, trapped in a mess of broken glass and twisted aluminum, whimpering as you rubbed your swollen belly. Seven months. Seven beautiful months carrying your child. Bradley’s daughter. You’d spent seven months promising to keep her safe - keep her sound. You didn’t know the gender but the feeling was there and it was strong, you were having a little baby girl. 

Bradley wanted to keep the gender a surprise, but you knew deep down with every fibre of your being that you were having a girl, that he’d be a girl dad till his dying day. But as you slowly brought your hand up to cup over your bellybutton? You knew something was utterly wrong.

“We’re okay, aren’t we spud.” You mumbled as your vision blurred and your head became far too heavy for you to keep it lifted. “Mama’s gonna take ca-care of you.” You struggled out before succumbing to the feeling of emptiness as you drifted into unconsciousness—the sound of your shattered phone playing your doting husband's ringtone. Replay by iyaz. One final smile appeared on your bloodied broken face as you heard the all too familiar sound. 

Before.....nothing. 

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

“Baby seats shouldn’t be this complicated to fit!” Bradley groaned as he tried to figure out how to secure the baby seat into the backseat of the Bronco. Jake was too busy trying to reread the instructions. “Nope, I can’t do this right now I need a break.” The pair of naval aviators had been off work for the better half of the week and while you were out grocery shopping, Jake had come over to lend a helping hand at putting together some flat pack furniture. “Good thing this baby isn’t coming for another few months.” 

“Ah, you’ve jinxed it now!” Jake teased, clicking his fingers at Bradley to grab his attention. “Also, apparently it’s meant to face the other way round.” Jake grinned ear to ear as Bradley deadpanned him. Giving up in entirety before he turned back to the house with a huff. “Oh come on! Where are you going, Rooster! we almost had it!” Jake laughed, jogging after his wingman up to the house. 

“I need a beer!” It had been a long afternoon for the two men who had done nothing but unpack and organise the nursery. Bradley was in his own nesting phase. He’d read in a bunch of parents books that nesting was something you’d go through in preparation for the little spud on the way. He was now finding that he was doing it too. 

“Oh I’ll take one too.” Jake trailed behind Rooster into the kitchen. “Job well done deserves a bevy.” Just as Bradley opened the fridge and passed Jake the Budweiser, his phone began to ring out on the kitchen counter. “Oh—unknown number man.” Jake announced. 

“It’s probably Y/n.” Bradley twirled his wedding band as he stood to answer his phone that was sitting on the kitchen bench, not recognising the number lighting up his screen. For a moment he wasn’t going to answer because why would you be calling from an unknown number. But he just had a gut feeling. He’d called you a few times before hand but you never answered, maybe this was you calling him back? 

“Hello?”

“Hello? Is this Lieutenant Bradley Bradshaw?” A woman who sounded more panicked than calm spoke—needing a confirmation before continuing with her call. 

“This is he?” Bradley responded, turning back to Jake with a confused look on his face, eyes glancing up at the time. Five thirty in the afternoon. You should have been home an hour ago. 

“Lieutenant Bradshaw, we’ve just had a one Y/n Bradshaw admitted.” The woman on the other end of the phone call Bradley almost didn’t answer, explained. “Your wife, she’s unfortunately been involved in a severe accident and—“ Bradley didn’t hear the rest of what the nurse had to say as he dropped his phone, it clunked and clambered from the kitchen bench to the tiled floor below. “Hello? Mr Bradshaw?” Unable to process the news he’d just been told Bradley began to panic as his vision tunnel and his mind went numb. 

“Jake—“ Was it Bradley’s fault? Was he a terrible husband for not noticing how long you’d been gone? Was there something wrong with your car? You’d mentioned a time or two that the air conditioning had been making a funny noise. “Jake I can’t breathe—“ Bradley clutched at his chest as he groaned, it felt like his entire world was collapsing around him. “I can’t fucking breathe.” 

“Oh-okay, yeah we’re leaving right now.” Jake confirmed as he spoke to the lady on the phone. Hangman had picked up the phone Rooster had dropped, he listened to what the woman on the other end of the line had to say as Bradley started to sob, losing his grip on reality. 

Jake reached out to touch Bradley’s shoulder in an attempt to confront the aviator who’s world had just shattered into a million pieces, the moment he did though Jake Seresin witnessed his best friend collapse down to his knees in unimaginable pain at the thought of losing you. His girl. His wife. His best friend. The love of his life. The mother of...oh god the mother of his child. 

“Rooster we gotta g—“

“I can’t lose her!!” Bradley screamed as warm tears drenching his flushed face. “Can’t—won't lose her. I can’t!” Jake knew Bradley was hyperventilating, he’d seen a panic attack a time or two before when Bob had stayed in his spare room while his house was being painted. Jake also knew a panic attack when he saw one because he got them too. But this? This was a panic attack shrouded in heartache, one Jake would never understand. 

“Hey, hey Rooster.” Jake crouched down before his wingman— knowing he needed all the strength he could get. On the inside Jake was a mess. If Bradley lost you that meant Jake lost you too. Holding the back of Bradley’s head as he leaned in. “Listen man, this is so fucked up but she needs you, Y/n needs you to be there for her because she can’t do this alone? Alright? We gotta go— you’re her husband Rooster.” Jake reminded him. “Y/n needs her husband to be there for her okay? In sickness and in health you promised her.” 

Bradkey sobbed uncontrollably—but he got up. Knowing Hangman was right. You needed him, and like fuck was he gonna let you slip through his fingers. 

“Okay, okay let’s go.” 

***~***~***~***~***~***~

It’s needless to say Bradley Bradshaw was a mess—a sobbing, shaking, totally exhausted figment of his former stoic self in the private waiting room nurses had told him to wait in. Jake contacted your mum and dad, he called Mav and Penny too who were already on their way over to the Miramar Base Hospital because hell was Mav somewhat sob going to go through this alone. 

“We don’t know what’s going on.” Bradley could just faintly hear Jake on the phone with Phoenix as he sat and twisted his wedding band around his ring finger. It kept him grounded but the tangible reminder of your love did nothing to stop Rooster's mind from thinking of the very worst. 

“We haven’t been told a single thing—“ Jake sighed as he ran his hand through his sun kissed hair locks. “No, no he’s not in a good way.” 

Bradley could hear only Jake's voice and only his answers. But he knew Phoenix would be going stir crazy not know what had happened or what was going on, they all would be. Every single member of Bradley’s naval squadron had become like family to you both. Extensions on the small albeit perfect family you were just starting. 

Bradley thought he knew heartbreak, thought he’d been through pain. He’d lost his dad when he was just shy of three years old and his mother just after his seventh birthday. But nothing—nothing, compared to the heartache of not knowing what was happening to you. If you were alive, if your baby was okay? If Rooster had just lost his young family before it had a chance to grow old. 

“Lieutenant Bradshaw?” An older looking woman in scrubs asked as she knocked. Both Bradley and Jake looked up—both just as desperate for answers. “Hi” She cooed. “My names Jannette, I’ve been with your wife since she came in—“

“H-how is she?” Bradley could barely speak at this point, he was too afraid to know but needed answers. Although he’d stood from the chair he’d been perched in he still twirled his wedding band around his finger. He still needed that tangible reminder. You loved him, no matter what the outcome was you would always love him. To the moon and back and twice over you’d say before he left for deployments. 

In all Bradley’s years he always thought he’d be the one leaving you behind—he never once thought his wife that cut and arranged flowers for a living would leave him, the naval aviator who flew super hornets for a living. But here he stood in some twisted parallel universe that felt like a plot ripped straight from an episode of the twilight zone. 

“She’s critical, my colleagues are still working on her as we speak.” The room went silent as Bradley forgot how to breathe. Jake was by his side in seconds. “It's touch and go.” 

“My baby? How’s my baby?” If anything mattered to you, it was your unborn child. Bradley knew if anything happened to them that you'd never forgive yourself. You’d rather die than live a life without your baby. You’d done everything in your power to make sure they had the best chance of being strong and healthy and safe. You’d been the perfect mother. 

“She” The nurse smiled. “Is okay, we did however have to do an emergency c-section because your wife was unfortunately not able to carry her to full turn due to her uterus filling with blood.” It was a whirlwind of emotions. Bradley Bradshaw was suddenly a father, he had a baby girl. 

“Rooster, you have a little girl.” Jake helped Bradley take a few agonising steps as he took in the news. You’d given him a baby girl. A tiny little you. How could he ever thank you enough? How could he ever begin to repay that debt of gratitude, of love? 

“You can see her if you’d like? She’s in the NICU.” Jannette explained. “But you won’t be able to touch her without protection until she’s used to the new environment, premature babies can catch infections and colds despite our best efforts, so it’s best she says in the incubation chamber.”

“C’mon Bradshaw, let's go meet your little girl, yeah? You know Y/n wouldn’t want her left alone.” Jake was right. Bradley could hear everything going on around him but he couldn’t speak. He was still taking all this in. He was a dad, a girl dad. He was the father to your daughter and you weren’t here to see him start this new chapter. 

God it was bittersweet. 

“When will I know how my wife is?” Bradley asked as he followed the nurse he towered over—she had a little waddle that Jake couldn’t help but notice. 

“You’ll be the first to know her updated condition, Lieutenant, but from what I’ve seen so far your wife is one hell of a fighter, not a lot of people in her condition would’ve come out of that alive.”

Braduheld onto that tiny shred of hope, clung to it for dear life as he followed the nurse to meet his baby’s girl—way too early. How do you introduce yourself to a baby? Jake was right beside him. Do you think Jake Seresin would ever let his wingman walk alone through such a tragedy? 

Absolutely not. 

“Bradley, this is your daughter, obviously she doesn’t have a name so we called her Jane as protocol - short for Jane Doe.” The little girl was so incredibly tiny. She was dwarfed by wires and tubes connected all over her tiny body helping her little lungs breathe. Bradley couldn’t distinguish if she looked more like you or him. But fuck he wished she looked like you. He took a seat next to the incubator that held his bundle of joy. The joy he’d been blessed with by you. The joy and light of his world he’d helped create, a blend of you and him. 

“H-hey little one.” Rooster struggled to talk. “I’m your Dadda, your mums in a little bit of a situation right now but I’ve got you yeah?” Tears ran down Bradley’s face as he placed a fingertip against the glass. “I’m not gonna let anything bad happen to you, ever.” 

Rooster always said he’d never love anyone more than he’d love you—but this little girl? God she was already Bradley’s entire fucking world. For a single second he forgot you were in surgery. Watching as your daughter's tiny lips curled into a soft smile of a mere second. Bradley liked to think it was her acknowledging his presents. 

“Bradley?” Jannette interrupted, Bradley had forgotten all sense of time as he sat with his baby girl. “It’s your wife—she’s stable, sleeping but stable. She’s being moved to the ICU for around the clock observation.”

“When can I Uh, when can I see her?” Bradley let out a sob as he thanked the heavens above, his little family was okay—not great, not thriving with heath, but okay. Stable. Jake finally allowed himself to breathe for the first time all night. 

“We can go up there if you like?” Bradley nodded in response—looking over at Jake who already knew what his wingman was about to ask. 

“I’ll stay here, keep her company, go get your girl Rooster.” Jake hugged Bradley as tight as he ever had before. “You’re a dad man, congratulations.” Being the big brother Bradley needed but didn’t have. “I got you brother.”

Bradley didn’t know what to do when he first saw you—he stood at the doorway just staring at the women who had given him everything. So injured, so hurt. And he couldn’t do anything to help ease your pain. Even through all the injuries, tubs and wires, much like the little girl you gave precious life to, you still look beautiful. So gorgeous, so at peace. 

A soft “oh god” escaped Bradley’s mouth as he held back sobs walking towards you. Nurse Jannette giving him the space he so desperately needed with you. Bradley took in the sight before him. His beautiful wife, mother of his daughter, laying so lifeless in a hospital bed. He wished so bad you could be at home with him right now, tangled in the warm sheets, smiling and being your “happy go lucky” self instead of here. He wished so badly he could take you anywhere else in the world. 

Anywhere but here—like this. 

“Hey beautiful.” Bradley whispered. Biting his bottom lip to stop himself from breaking down for what felt like the one hundredth time tonight. “You don’t know it yet but you’re a mama, and dammit baby you’ll be the best fucking mum on earth.” Bradley grabbed the nearby seat and pulled it close. Once his hand was in yours there was no place else Rooster wanted to be then right by your side. Although he wished the two of you could be anywhere else together. 

“You’re gonna be okay baby, maybe not today or next week? But you’ll be okay. I won’t let you be anything but okay.” Bradley mumbled through soft sobs as he took notice of every injury that plagued your body. Every cut, stitch, wrap and blood stained patch that littered the soft and supple skin he loved so much. Bradley especially noticed the gash on your cheek—stitched. 

As Rooster sat with you, he could see your eyelids moving. He knew you were conscious, just sleeping. Heavily medicated, he knew you could hear every word he spoke. But soon Bradley Bradshaw watched in awe as you placed your hand over your stomach. Checking to see if your little spud was alright. When you noticed how small your stomach felt you moaned. 

“My—my baby?” Your eyes weren’t even open yet and you already knew something was terribly wrong. Even if your entire body was in agonising pain you needed to make sure your baby was alright. 

“Hey shh, shh, shh, I got you.” Bradley cooed, his hand gently reaching out to cup your cheek—the side without any noticeable injuries that would bring you discomfort. “She’s alright mama, she’s here a little early but she’s okay—j-just like you yeah.” 

“She?” Your eyes opened slowly at the sound of your husband’s voice—your neck killed as you turned to face him. Giving up quickly. Bradley was quick to notice the wince you let out. 

“She mama, our little girl. Both my girls gave me a pretty big heart attack this afternoon huh? Are you trying to kill me honey?” Bradley smiled. Noticing how you smiled back for a brief moment before the muscles in your cheeks gave up. 

“I’m so sorry” You whispered—eyes closed again as you couldn’t stand the light of the room. “I don’t know what happened— no one came though.” You started to cry. “No one came when I called for help for so long.” Bradley leaning in to place a gentle kiss to your forehead. 

“I’m here, I came, I’m not going anywhere my love.” Rooster sobbed back, sometimes being strong meant crying along with the ones you love. “God I thought I lost you.” 

“He said it wasn’t my time to go.” You sighed, clearly fighting off the urge to fall asleep. So groggy from the medicine that even the thought of being a mother hadn’t truly set in yet—all you cared about was that your baby was safe. She was alive. 

“Who did bub? One of the paramedics?” Bradley asked, a little confused as he pushed hair away from your face and made sure the oxygen tube was sitting just right. 

“He was in the car, said I couldn’t leave you yet, that you’d be lost without me.” You softly grinned while your eyes rested. “Had a moustache just like yours.” 

Bradley sat back in shock as he watched you drift back to sleep. Holding your hand thinking how the universe worked in mysterious ways. Bradley had promised to love you in good times and in bad - through sickness and in health. He’d live in the damn hospital if he had to—anything to be by your side. 

“God I hate it when he does this.” Goose groaned as he watched his son’s name appear on the shattered phone on the floor of your busted up car. “You’re not ready, it’s not your time so why bother even putting your through this crap.” The man spoke as you fell unconscious. “It’s not your time my dear and my son certainly needs you by his side or he’ll go crazy.” You listened, tried to nod, smile, anything to let him know you heard him. “You’ll be alright kid.”

Bradley Bradshaw had his family. He had his daughter, he had you. Going back and forth with Jake from room to room watching as both his girls slept. Both of you were still so unaware of the turmoil Bradley had been through. He nearly lost you. Without you? Bradley would’ve been helpless. 

But someone watching over him knew that as well as he did. A guardian angel not only watched over him....

But over his girls too.

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~*

[klarex]

To all of you, I want to say that I'm a big fan of hardwave music, and this fic is kind of based on this type of music. But if you don't like it, then you can change that to any type of sad music.

Genre: fluff

Warnings: orcs and wargs, fighting and orcs/wargs death, injuries

Summary: Your life was sad and boring, but somehow, you got teleported into another world.

Paring: Bilbo Baggins x Earth human! reader

There is a possibility

Not my gif, its from pinterest

Pov. (Y/n)

Just sitting and drifting in my thoughts hurt. Everything hurt. I just want to disappear. Not feeling any emotions, or not wanting to feel them? Do I like being alone, or I'm just lonely? I don't know.

Those questions repeated themselves every night like this.

I sat down on the windowsill and watched everything going on outside the window, heavy breaths escaping my mouth. I had my headphones on, listening to some calm/sad music. It was dark outside. Some street lanters gave a little light outside. A few cars passed by. The fog was thick. Something about this weather made me feel safe. I don't know what it is exactly, but it's a peaceful and calm feeling. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath.

Then I felt a wave of fresh air hitting me.

"Weird.. I don't remember opening my window.."

I thought and opened my eyes. I jumped when I saw a tall man in grey robes in front of me. He was tall! I looked up at his face, shaking with a slight fear. He had a long white beard and a pointy, grey hat. He was also holding a long stick. He reminded me of someone...

While I was too stuned to do anything, I heard mumbled voices. I realized that I still had my headphones on and took them off.

- How did this lass get here?!

I heard someone say with anger. I looked around me and saw that I was outside, standing on a green grass. The sky was dark. Behind me, there was a fireplace and a lot of short men. They all had beards, but there was also a smaller man, with bare feet and without the beard.

And then it hit me. My eyes went wide as I heard the tallest man talk.

"Am I in Middle-Earth?!"

I thought and looked up at a man in front of me.

- I- I'm sorry to interupt...

I said, and they all looked at me. I gulped, feeling all of their gazes on me.

- But- are you Gandalf..?

The wizard chuckled and nodded his head. I was stuned again.

"How is that even possible?!"

I saw the wizard slightly bent before me.

- And who you may be?

He asked with a polite smile. Oh, Gandalf always knew how to make odd things right...

- I'm (Y/n).. and apparently.. I'm from another world...

I looked down, embarrassed. I heard someone scoff.

- From another world?! I don't believe it!! You must be a spy!!!

I didn't even look up, because I knew no one would believe me. Maybe Gandalf would...

- Thorin Oakenshield!! She is not a spy!! I would feel it if she was, but she isn't one.

Gandalf said and I sighed in relief.

- Now! Everyone, we have to settle here for the night, so go and prepare yourself. I will go and talk with (Y/n).

Gandalf said and all of the dwarves go their way. The wizard took me a few meters away from their camping place. I sat down on a rock and grabbed my head in my hands. He sat next to me and placed his hand on my shoulder.

- I do believe you, (Y/n). I'm not going to lie.. before you got here, I was practising some of my spells, and apparently, you must get here by one of them..

He said and rubbed my back in a comforting way. I looked at him, surprised and shocked.

- So technically, there is a way to send me back home?

I asked with hope, but at the same time, I didn't want to go back. My life was worthless and awful back in my world. I always wanted to make it exciting or something, and now I have a chance.

- Yes, but you would have to give me some time to-

- It's okay! You don't have to!

I interrupted him with a truthful smile on my face. He looked at me with curiosity and confusion.

- You know.. I actually don't want to go back.. Maybe it's not an accident that you brought me here...

I said, chuckling, and he smiled with a nod. I told him about my world a bit and my life, but then I heard some quiet footsteps. I looked over to the sound and saw the hobbit with two bowls in his hands. He was smiling shyly.

- I- I thought that since you are not near the fireplace and are probably hungry, I would give you some soup.

He said and handed us the bowls. I nodded and said "thank you". He slightly bowed.

- I'm Bilbo Baggins. The company's burglar.

He said. I nodded with a smile.

- Bilbo. Take care of (Y/n) for a while, will you?

The wizard told the hobbit, and he nodded. Gandalf got up and walked away, into the forest. I looked over at the bowl.

- What's that?

I asked, looking at Bilbo. He looked at me and back at the soup.

- It's quite everything. Balin made this with Bombur's help, and told us it's an old-fashioned soup, where you throw everything in the pot and make soup out of it.

He said, giggling, slightly scrunching his nose. I smiled at the cute sight before me and nodded. His eyes wided.

- Oh! Excuse me for a second.

He quickly ran back to the fireplace and walked back to me with his own bowl. He sat down next to me, and we began to eat our supper. The taste was really good, nothing like I had expected.

- Mm! It's good! I mean really good!!

I said, happily. Bilbo chucked and sipped his own soup. After a short while, we finished our food.

- So if it was really good, you should tell it to Balin and Bombur, I'm sure they would be happy to hear it from you!

The hobbit said with a smile, and I looked down. Bilbo placed his hand on my shoulder and looked at me concerned.

- Ay! You will be fine! I'm sure they will like you!

He said, trying to cheer me up.

- I know they will.. but I'm not sure that Thorin likes me or even trusts me..

I said quietly, but Bilbo is now standing in front of me and pulling his hand out for me.

- Come on. I will be right behind you..

He said calmly, and I looked up at him. He had this adorable smile of his and eyes full of kindness. I gently took his hand, and he helped me get up. He was slowly leading me to the fireplace, still holding my hand. I blushed at his action.

When we sat down around the fire, like everyone else did, Bilbo pulled his hand away. All eyes were on me. I gulped and blushed. I took a deep breath.

- Balin.. Bombur.. this soup is extremely g- good!

I said while rubbing my arm, but the dwarves simply smiled.

- Why thank you, lass.

Balin said, chuckling. My worries swam away, and I returned the smile, looking up. From the corner of my eye, I saw Bilbo's relieved face and a smile creeping on it. The atmosphere wasn't so tense when I first got here. The company talked lively about their adventures and all that.

- So (Y/n)? Did you have any adventures in your world? And what are those?

A young dwarf asked me, it was Kíli. He pointed at my headphones, hanging on my neck.

- To be honest, I totally forgot about those.

I said, giggling.

- But no. We don't have any adventures back in my world. You just work to live. It's more like a sad life than actually something happy, I dunno...

I said, looking down sadly, but then I quickly looked up at them.

- But those are my headphones. They are made for playing music from my phone.

I said, and they all looked at me like I was insane. I smiled and took out my phone from my pocket. I turned it on, adjusted the screenlight, and checked my battery.

"Hmm.. still 88%, that's good.."

I thought and opened my music app. I quickly turned down the volume.

- Who wants to try? That's nothing scary and hurtful.

I asked, smiling, and saw Kíli looking at them really interested. I slowly got up and sat down in front of the dwarf. I gently put my headphones over his ears and looked at him.

- What type of songs do you like, Kíli?

I asked while clicking search on my phone. He thought for a second.

- Catchy and happy ones.

He said, smiling. I thought for a second and searched for "What makes you beautiful - One Direction" and played it. The song started playing, and Kíli was amazed.

- Aye! It's pretty good!

He said loudly. I laughed and left him to listen to the song. He started boucing to the song a bit and hum. We all laughed.

I repeated this thing with every other dwarf (except for Thorin, cause he said it's a waste of time), but when I sat close to each dwarf and put mine handphones on them, I felt a strong gaze on me. I played it off, because I thought everyone found me weird or insane.

Now it was time for Bilbo. He wanted to go last, I didn't know why. When I sat down in front of him, he blushed. And when I put on my headphones on him, he blushed even harder. He looked so cute, his face is so perfect. His lips in a soft smile, cheeks pink, and his slightly pointy ears that are now pinkish too. I adored him so much.

When I broke away from my thoughts, I asked what he would like me to play.

- Play what you mostly listen to..

He said, and his request shocked me. He was smiling sweetly, and I slowly put on my favourite calm/sad song. His eyes widened with shock and sadness. No one ever asked me to play one of my songs, and I don't feel good while showing them to people. But Bilbo was different. I knew he wouldn't judge.

- Well... that's a really interesting one.. It's like you know the feeling of this, and you can understand the song..

The hobbit said with a sweet smile. He was right. I felt the same when I played this song. Like I sat on my windowsill, just like earlier. Watching the cars drive by and everything covered in fog.

I smiled widely back at him, seeing that he could truly understand the power of this song. He gently took my headphones off and handed them back. I took them and turned them off to not waste the battery. I turned off my phone too.

We started talking again. Dwarves were really curious about my world, so I tried explaining everything to them as simple as I could. I felt cold air hitting my skin, and I shivered. I wrapped my arms around myself, but the next thing I felt was a heavy fabric on my shoulders. I looked up to and saw Bilbo putting his blanket on me. I smiled happily, and he sat next to me.

- Thank you, Bilbo. But won't you get cold?

I asked. He slightly shivered and shook his head. I rolled my eyes and pulled him closer to me, under his blanket. He blushed and sat still, not expecting that to happen. Then Thorin stood up.

- Now everyone, we have to rest, so Nori and Dwalin are taking night watches tonight.

He said, and we all nodded. Every dwarf got up and found their place to sleep. They took their things and put them down, pulling the blankets out. I looked around, embarrassed. I didn't have anything with me, except my phone, headphones and clothes that I was wearing.

Everyone lay down under their blankets and went to sleep (not Nori, of course, cause he took the first watch). I just sat there under Bilbo's blanket, while he walked away for a moment. I closed my eyes, feeling sleep overtaking me, but I heard soft talking.

I opened my eyes and saw Gandalf and Bilbo walking my way. My eyes were nearly closed, but I managed to keep them open.

Bilbo had a little backpack on his shoulder and a rolled blanket in his hand. They had smiles on their faces. I felt a soft hand on my shoulder.

- (Y/n)?

I heard the hobbit saying. My eyes flew open, and I quickly looked at him.

- Come on... I have a blanket for you and some useful things.

He said softly and helped me get up. We took a few steps away from the place I was sitting. He put the backpack on the ground and sat down. I follwed his actions and looked at him.

- Now.. lay down and try having a nice sleep. If you need anything, then I will be right beside you.

He said, smiling kindly and sweetly. I nodded, not having any power left in me. I lay down and covered myself with a blanket.

- Goodnight, Mr. Baggins...

I whispered and closed my eyes. I heard Bilbo chuckle.

- Goodnight...

He said quietly, and I fell asleep.

••

I woke up to some loud talking and sun hitting my face. The morning breeze was pretty cold. I covered my head with a blanket, shivering. I groaned and moved, so I was now laying on my side. I listened to what dwarves were saying, and of course Thorin was talking the loudest.

- We need to keep moving! We don't have much time! Wake this lass up!

He said, and I quickly jumped out of my cover.

- I'm awake!

I said loudly, and everyone looked at me. I blushed embarrassed and looked at them. I saw that there was no sight of Gandalf. They started packing their things, and I got out of my blanket. I quickly packed myself up in the backpack I got from Bilbo and put it on my back. Gandalf then joined us.

We walked for 2 hours, and we heard a sound coming out from the deeps of the forest. We all looked in the direction of the sound. Bilbo took a few steps before me, holding his sword and his hand before my chest. I blushed and smiled, but I was also slightly shaking with fear. Then, a wizard in a brown robe jumped out from the leaves on his rabbit harness. It was Radagast. I sighed with relief. Everyone put theirs weapons down. Gandalf stood before him, and they started talking.

The hobbit turned around to face me, his cheeks pinkish. I smiled widely, and he smiled back, so warmly and so kindly...

"I could melt, because of him. His smile is so pretty.."

I thought and gently ruffled his soft and pretty hair.

- Ay!

He shouted, and I giggled. He scrunched his nose and narrowed his eyebrow, but he didn't look super angry. He crossed his arms on his chest, and I bent down a bit with a smile.

- Aww.. Bilbo.. don't be angry at me... I'm thankful that you wanted to protect me..

I said, and he chuckled and let his hands fall down.

- Fineeee..

He groaned, and this time, I chuckled. I straighted and looked at two wizards. Radagast had a very scared look on his face, but Gandalf seemed to calm him down a bit.

- Company! We will have to fight, Radagast saw a few orcs not far away from here. I'm sure they are looking for us.

Gandalf said loud enough for everyone to hear. I gulped when we heard wargs' howl. Thorin took responsibility for the fight and told everyone what to do. He walked up to me and handed me a knife.

- Thanks..

I said quietly, and he nodded.

We walked a bit forward, but then we saw an arrow nearly shooting Dori's head. Kíli quickly took out his bow and shot back at the orc, killing him. We started running to get out of the orcs' sight, but they were too fast. Thorin stopped and punched a warg's legs with his axe. The creature fell on the ground, stopping with his face, and it made the orc that was riding it fall forward on the Bifur's spear. Gandalf and Radagast defented themselves with theirs sticks and magic. Dwarves were fighting orcs with their weapons.

I was slightly paralyzed, but when one of the orcs attacked me, I cut his throat and kicked him away from me. I was shocked at my own action, but smiled proudly to myself. I helped a few dwarves to get away from orcs grasps.

When I was helping Bofur out, I didn't see a warg behind me, and Bilbo jumped at me, pushing me away from the dangerous creature. We fell down hard on the ground. The hobbit was lying on top of me. I looked at his face, and he looked up at me concerned. I blushed, and so did he. He fastly got up and held his hand out for me. I took his hand, and he helped me get up. I nodded and looked up from him. I saw an orc behind Bofur that was going to attack the dwarf. I throw my knife at the orc's head. The dwarf looked at me and smiled warmly, but quickly went back to fighting.

I looked back at the hobbit, but he was no longer there. He was fighting side by side with Thorin now. I ran to the orc that I "shot" and grabbed my knife.

After a bit of fighting, we killed every orc we could.

- Let's get going! We have to move from this place so orcs don't attack us again!

Gandalf said and made his way to the front of the company. Radagast got on his rabbit harness and drove away to mislead remaining creatures. We fastly walked near the hills in the forest, searching for a good hiding, resting place. Then I saw a little cave covered with bushes.

- Here!

I said and pointed at a cave. Gandalf nodded, smiling. We all ran into the little ground curving, and sat down behind bushes. Everyone sat close to each other in a circle. A sweet hobbit was on my left, and Balin on my right. Bilbo was leaning on my side as I was on his. This brought comfort to us in this stressful situation. We heard a really quiet and muffled howl from far away. Kíli and Fíli sighed in relief.

- Mr. Baggins, as our bugler, you should check if there aren't any enemies nearby.

Thorin said, and Bilbo shivered, straightening. I put my hand on hobbit's shoulder in a comforting manner. He looked at me and smiled. The hobbit got up and climbed on a hill behind us.

And again, Gandalf started talking with Thorin about our journey.

••

The journey went on and on. I didn't plan to go back home. From time to time, Gandalf would come up to me and ask me if I don't want to go back to my world, but I always refused. Everyone was confused about it, but I was rather ignoring the subject or answering them that "my life there was boring". They seem to understand that.

Since the day I got in Middle-Earth, Bilbo has always been curious about my life. I thought that it was just normal for hobbits, but now I think it's something else. Like he actually wants to know me, like know why am I like this and how I am. His kindness is so amazing about him. He doesn't care how much others hurt him, he will still help them. That's what I adore about him the most. He is sweet and innocent, and his smile could warm up my days. He is actually perfect. He is all I could ask for. He is the reason why I haven't lost my mind yet. We had an amazing friendship, since I got in this world, so I thought that we had no secrets, but I didn't want to ruin it by telling him how I really felt.

We were sitting on our camping spot. Dwarves were dancing and singing around the fire while I sat with Bilbo on my side. Wide smiles creeping on our faces when we saw a happy scene before us. Fíli walked up to us and pulled his hand out for me. I took it with a grin. He pulled me closer to the fireplace, and we danced to their singing. I was laughing uncontrollably, and I saw a big grin on Fíli's face.

When the song finished, I was out of breath. I went back to Bilbo to sit down beside him.

- That was fun!

I said, giggling. He hummed and smiled at me politly. He scrunched his nose and looked into the distance. I looked at him, concerned.

- Did something happen, Bilbo?

I asked, putting my hand on his back. He shook his head and slightly blushed. I had a confused look on my face. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts.

I sat in front of him, so he finally looked at me. He seemed surprised, and his already pink cheeks changed colour to a darker one.

- I know something happened, Bilbo.. You know you can tell me everything, right?

He looked down and nodded.

- I just.. I..

He mumbled and sighed.

- I just- I really like you, (Y/n). Not in a friend way... I'm sure that it will ruin our friendship, and you probably don't feel the same-

I cut him off by grabbing his face in my hands and rubbing my thumb on his cheek.

- Who said I don't like you back?

I asked, and his eyes widened, his body stiffened. His ears turned red, and the colour started growing even on his neck. I giggled at the sweet hobbit and slowly leaned in. I gently kissed him. It took him a few seconds to kiss me back, but when he did, he grabbed me by my waist and pulled me onto his lap. I yelped in surprise, but ran my hands through his soft hair, and he sighed dreamily.

We heard loud clapping and whistling behind us, and we pulled apart. I looked around my shoulder and saw the company cheering.

- Gandalf won the bet again!

I heard Ori say and saw small purses being thrown to the wizard. Gandalf smiled widely and nodded his head to us. I rolled my eyes and looked back at Bilbo. His whole face was dark red again. I nuzzled my nose against his and pressed our foreheads together.

- Ignore them, sweetheart. They're just jealous..

I said and kissed my hobbit again. He quickly kissed back with a smile on his lips.

♡masterlist♡

[bangpop91]

I'll Meet You In Between

It's day 2 of @bucktommypositivityweek round 2! Today's prompt was scenes from a firetruck. This drabble takes place directly before Mayday. I hope you guys enjoy Day 2

Buck woke a groan fumbling with his phone to turn off his alarm before flopping back down into the bed not wanting to get up for the day. It hadn’t been that long ago that he looked forward to every shift. But these days the idea of getting out of the massive plush bed that also happened to feature a big muscular pilot with ridiculous bed head, and is like his own personal space heater. Buck wiggled closer into Tommy’s side burying his nose into Tommy’s armpit making his man grunt.

“Your face is like icicles,” Tommy groaned, adjusting himself so that they were face to face.

“It's not my fault your house is like a penguin habitat.” That startled a laugh out of Tommy while Buck grinned, pressing kisses against Tommy's stubble covered cheek. 

“You have a shift baby.” Tommy reminded him before capturing his lips in a sweet kiss.

“So do you.” He replied in-between morning kisses, where if he played this right could lead to morning sex 

“I don't have to fight crosstown traffic.” Tommy countered sitting up scratching his scalp making his mess of curls even more out of control from where they curled frizzy and untamed on one side and flat against his scalp on the other. He looks so rumpled and soft, far from the cool guy exterior Tommy meticulously puts on like armor every morning. He's moved on to casually scratching an itch on his chest while checking the weather on his phone like he does every morning before he gets out of bed. He wants to live in this moment and it's domesticity forever, he knows that realistically it's too early to talk about living together, about forever. But he wants this to be the sight he wakes up to every morning. Tommy looks down at him, Buck still stubbornly burritoed under the blanket  with his face in Tommy's pillow.

“Bed head?” He asked, looking at him with a lopsided grin. It makes Buck laugh from his spot in bed watching Tommy go through his morning routine.

“Nicely tousled.” Tommy and him should not be laughing at what dorks they are being, but he loves that he and Tommy can be silly, and there is no pressure to be tough, or manly, or cool, they can just be themselves. 

“Alright Darlin, you do have to get up now.” Buck is feeling a little bratty and burrows further into his burrito of blankets and Tommy’s pillow like a petulant child. “Will you get up if I promise to shower with you?” Tommy teases leaned over Buck.

“I could be persuaded.” He responds and lets Tommy lure him from the bed with kisses. He does make it to work on time, he didn't have time to stop and get coffee on the way to work which is fine because Tommy had sent him on his way with a thermos of coffee, kisses, and a reminder to be safe.

It turns out to be one of the worst and craziest shifts he has ever worked. He knows Tommy's own shift has been just as hectic. And yet in the rare minutes of downtime that he had to check his phone there were messages from Tommy.

A picture of a black cat from the pet rescue site that Tommy likes scrolling through with the accompanying message.

❤️ Loml ❤️ : I love Salem almost as much as I love you.

Buck: Awe he’s beautiful. I love him.

❤️ Loml ❤️ : 🐝🐝🐝🐝

❤️ Loml ❤️ : Are you enjoying the bee-nado

Buck: look at you learning how to use emojis I’m so proud of my old man.

❤️ Loml ❤️ : Don't be a brat, Evan.

Tommy finds him in the aftermath of the plane crash. They are in-between the 118 and 217’s engines when Tommy pulls him in for a hug.

“How you holding up Darlin?” His voice is low and quiet in Buck’s ear.

“I wish today would just end already.” He mumbled clinging to the back of Tommy's flight suit. He doesn't want to let go of Tommy, because right now Tommy is the only thing holding him upright.

“Twelve more hours okay.” Tommy promised, “Just twelve more hours and we will have forty-eight hours together. We'll turn our phones off, catch up on Stylish Designs, and try that new chili recipe.” 

“Okay.” Evan nodded with a smile, Having something to keep him moving towards. An end goal for his shift. Tommy is called away, his chopper is ready, Tommy presses a quick kiss to his lips.

“I'll see you at home.” He says with a big, bright charming smile that makes him melt. He'll see Tommy at home.

[evilasiangenius]

“I suppose you’ll want to hear about my day,” Aziraphale said, as he sat by Crawley’s bed, carding wool. “Today I made this tool out of wood and thorny branches after I ran into some stray sheep. They’re all fine of course, albeit a bit lighter. Since the weather’s warm, I gave them something of a trim, and have collected their fleeces. I’m going to see what I can make of this, but for now it’s tedious work. At least it’s a bit less tedious with you to talk to.

“Like I mentioned before, the cow birthed a calf recently, and she’s been kind enough to let me have some of her milk. I don’t need much, but it is nice to have fresh milk every now and then. If you were awake, I’d make you a nice creamy soup with it. There’s a very delicious one that I make with wild garlic, greens, fish, and fresh cream, which I pour over boiled barley. Let me tell you, the forests and meadows are absolutely reeking of wild garlic these days; I probably should just hold the bowl outside in the forest for a few minutes to let the flavor seep in. Though I wonder it might pick up the flavor of bluebells as well?

“Oh, I suppose it’d be good with bread too, but I hardly make bread these days. It’s a bit tedious grinding flour just for myself, but if you were awake, I’d make you some fresh bread. Don’t start with me, it’s not a temptation, it’s just bread. But if you were awake...

“Ah, that reminds me, I think I can find the right plants to try to make some cheese, but to be honest I’ve never made cheese properly, only eaten it. Do you like cheese? Do you even eat the foods that humans make? I don’t know.

“There are big patches of barley and wheat and if the deer don’t get to it all first, I’m going to harvest it once it ripens. That won’t be long, I should think, some weeks perhaps. Do you like the sun coming in during the day? I have some ideas about that window. There are broken bits of imported glass from Rome all around and I think, if I bend it slowly and carefully enough, I can flatten the bits and perhaps somehow piece it together into a colorful shutter for the window. One that can always let light in, even the light of the moon, without letting in all the cold air and rain. Wouldn’t that be pretty? Bits of green and blue and amber sunlight falling upon your face. I bet you’d find that very pretty. I would find that very pretty.

“Erm, not you of course. The light. The light would be pretty. Um-

“When you’re up. When you wake, Crawley, I’ll take my leave. I don’t want to leave you here like this by yourself. It’s probably safe but...I don’t like the idea of you here helpless, while some awful human tries to do something terrible to you, like carry you off, or discorporate you, or worse. There are vicious criminals around these days! And who knows what they’d do to a beautiful angel like you. Erm, even if you are fallen, you still are an angel that is.”

And yet, Crawley continued to sleep.

x

[mountttmase]

Masterlist

- . - Loz - London - Mason Mount enthusiast - . -

Requests are open so please feel free to send anything in, I’ll try and get to them when I can or if you just want a chat that’s fine by me 💚

Fics are below ⬇️

Smut

An Unexpected Visitor

An Early Christmas Gift

A Deal’s A Deal

Morning Glow

I Won’t Tell If You Don’t

Let Me Try Again

Don’t fight it

Blueberries

Am I Doing It Right?

You Drive Me Insane

Don’t Do This

Show Me How

Seeing Stars

Smutty blurb

Not Yours

Every Second Of Everyday

Someone You Can Trust

Fluff

Under The Weather

You Make Me Nervous

A Little Miracle

Three Little Words

You’re Playing Dirty

Where I’m Supposed To Be

Cherry Earrings

You know I’ll always be here

Ships In The Night

Five Minutes

Angst

Cold Hands Cold Heart

A Night To Forget

Worth A Shot

Until I Found You

I’m Yours

The Mixup

Lost And Found

Be Bad For Once

Are We Okay?

Damage Is Done

My Priority

Where You Belong

If I Lost You

What I Need

I Bet You Miss Her

Catch You

Dad Mase

See You Soon

My Everything

Play The Game

Don’t Get Caught

Mummy’s Got One Growing Too

In Awe Of You

I’ll Fix This

Always There

Safe Place

Still Be Mine

Not Your Fault

Blurbs

I’ll Keep You Safe

Happy For You

Little Bean

Sweetheart

Tell Me Now

Number One Fan

Insta AU’s

George’s First Easter

MTC: Get Hitched

The Babies Turn One

Multi Part

The Do-Over - Part One Part Two & Part Three

A Little Problem - Part One & Part Two

Brave - Part One & Part Two

MTC Christmas - Part One & Part Two

Baby Thea - Home Is Where The Heart Is & Always Meant To Be

Like Magnets & The Way You Love Me

Series

A Mountain To Climb

A Mountain To Climb: The Sequel

Winter Sun

Change Of Heart