#AND WHERE IS DINAS BEAUTIFUL NOSE.

[worstamericangrl]

crazy that a cast full of zionists couldn’t even cast a jewish person

[dilf-docs]

From This Time, Unchained

jackson!joel miller x younger fem!reader

summary: joel doesn't know why, of all the people in jackson, you've chosen him.

warnings: 18+ (minors dni), BIG age gap (20s/60s) (does it look like igaf), smut, begging kink, praise kink, oral (f. receiving), breast play, dacryphilia, hurt/comfort, soft!joel, insecure!joel, fluff bc my dying man deserves it💔 #joelmillerapologistclub

word count: 8,554 words

side note: joel miller widow club where u at??? i wish i could write a fix-it fic but my heart is too heavy even after a week lol and my ass too people pleaser-ish to write allat. (i haven't seen last night's ep yet bc this weekend has been ass!!) so, instead, have this piece because peepaw deserves love and a good fuck with his glasses on! (shout out to my joel miller playlist, u saved me girl) (also girl why did i battle with this like for four days lmaoooo not me posting it 9 seconds before midnight)

Joel Miller is a busy man.

All of Jackson seems to need him. Be it his neighbours, with a broken faucet or be the council, for his skills in construction, or even Maria and Tommy, when they wanted some time alone and he got to be the fun uncle for a couple of hours. Even Ellie, who didn't need him, as she liked to remind him, yet he still found himself in her garage, where she moved despite his reluctance, dusting off shelves or the forgotten guitar in a corner, all to feel useful for the one who he cared for the most.

That spot was debatable, thought. There was his brother, his niece, maybe Maria, Ellie, recently Dina and well, you.

You. Sweet you. Town's favorite girl. A complete dream. The girl next door embodied. Looks that aim to kill. It killed him. So damn perfect he can't help but wonder why, of all Jackson, you'd choose brooding old Joel Miller.

The one you'd give your smiles to, because even if you shared it to the world, your reserved your best for him only. His patrol partner, the beauty of the snowed-in landscape barely rivaling your own. Who you'd give your hours, always appearing when he needed you most, eyes open wide with that shine of theirs it was impossible to resist, not to trust. He had been a faithless man for too long, wandering in the dark. Eyes closed. Then came Ellie, and it was gone, coming back the days when Sarah was his babygirl. But it returned when she pushed him away, but you had stepped in, not as a replacement but as an oath. Something to hold on.

To believe.

In anything. In you. In the us, silent but strong. Watchful, like the stars shinning above in the sky, twinkling as the sound of your laugh when you and him would watch them, sitting on his roof. He let this things happen, let his guard down and allowed himself to be childish and soft, even if his joints ached when he got up and he could fall. But you were there, and falling... It didn't sound bad.

(He knew you'd be there to catch him, anyway. Even if you weren't that strong and he wasn't exactly... well, featherweight)

Right now, he's working. Not for Jackson, but or you. Furrowed brow and shoulders slumped over his table at the workshop, concentrated, his glasses perched on his nose. He hates them, another reminder of the time passed by, yet there's no option. At least not if he wants to give you the very best.

Ah, yes. His latest project. A little wood carving. Doesn't have a shape yet, like your relationship. He chuckles to himself, feeling silly. What where labels anymore in this world, anyway? Still, he can't fanthom the nature of it. It sounded more like a perverted old man's fantasy, if he's being honest, the glances thrown his way from townsfolk a little cruel reminder. You're no good, you'd jokingly sing that one song and, despite the judgment, he'd smile. For you, anything.

Like the figurine. Joel finally sees it take shape. And then there's a knock in the door. Sharp. Same as yesterday, and as the year before ever since he's had you like this.

"Come in" he says, not looking up as you enter.

He's too focused, voice sounding gruff for the long hours of silence since he sat down with an idea in mind; pounding heart, trembling hands.

"Hey, Joel"

He takes his glasses off, placing them on the table, before standing up to greet you. He crosses the short distance and wraps his arms around you in a tender hug, nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck. He smells like wood and sweat. His musk lingers, so does his tight embrace. As if you'd dissappear if he didn't.

"Missed ya', sweet girl" he mumbles, voice muffled.

You giggle a bit. "I was gone for an hour. Are you getting clingy on me, Miller?"

You loved to tease him. Bad habit of yours. He lets out a low chuckle that rumbles on his chest and against your skin. He pulls back from the hug, yet his arms now drop to your waist, because he's addicted to keeping you close.

"Too damn long" he protests, carrying his southern accent within.

"I love when that Texan drawl slips in" you sigh, poking his cheek. He leans into your touch, like a touch-starved puppy. You then look at him, pouting your lips with a small frown. "Hey, and your glasses?"

"Huh?" he looks at the pair, sitting on the table. Forgotten. "Over'ere. For?"

You shrug. Joel shoots you a suspicious look. "Darlin', why you so interested in my glasses?"

You avert his gaze. The floor is more interesting now.

"Honey... Look at me. S'okay if you don't wanna-"

"I like how you look when you wear them" you finally blurt out, too fast and too quiet.

He's taken back by that. Eyes wide, probably written all over his face. Yet you refuse to look at him. He tips your chin up, so you can meet his gaze. It's soft, making your legs wobbly.

"Is that so?" he asks, teasingly. He still can't believe you actually like them. "You like when old men wear them glasses, baby?"

"Hhm, yeah" you hum. "More if it's you"

His heart skips a beat at your response. Fuck. He's gone soft, too soft. He feels his face heat up, chuckling in an attempt to cover it. Then, runs a hand through his hair, letting it rest on the base of his neck, a tell-tale sign he's feeling awkward. Flustered, even.

"You gon' give me a heart attack, honey. 'M too old for ya' to say things like that"

"Aw, old man can't take a compliment?" you tease, wrapping your arms around his neck. Then, you stand up on your tiptoes to whisper on his ear. "You're cute when you blush"

Joel's sure his face has gone redder, breath hitching as well. Still, he manages to put his arms around your waist, holding you close.

"You're real bad" he grumbles, though there's no bite on his tone. He hides his face again in the crook of your neck. "And I'm not blushing"

You giggle, patting his head lightly as your fingers trace his now long hair. If it didn't drive you wild...

"Then stop hiding"

Joel relaxes under your touch. "You're trouble. I'm serious 'bout the heart attack"

"No" you exaggerate, rocking him slightly. "Don't die"

He looks up at you, smirking as he groans with fake annoyance.

"If you keep that up, I might do"

"Then who will I bore with my failed recipes and gossip?"

"Thankfully, not me"

You groan. "Oh, shut up you old man"

You're always calling him that. Not that he minds, he knows you're not doing it with malice, but sometimes it annoys him. For example, today.

"Well, you chose 'tis old man so don't go complainin', honey"

You huff. "Unfortunately, I love this old man with his old-man ways. Like your woodcarving"

After saying so, you take a small peek over his figure, still drapped over your chest and neck, to the table behind. "Speaking of, can I see what you're doing?"

He looks back, where he's left the figurine unnattended after your arrival. Lets go of you, taking a step back so you get a better look.

"Sure, darlin'. Go'head"

Joel thinks he's good at hiding the nervousness in his voice as you approach the table. He crosses and uncrosses his arms, anxiously.

"Your glasses" almost in a reflex, passing them to him before seeing what's on the table. "Can you wear them, Joel? Pretty please"

He takes the glasses from your hands, fingers brushing. It may be that or your request that make his heart jump. You can see some hesitation on him before he puts them on. Looking down at you, smirking, Joel smiles.

"There ya' go, sweet girl. Happy now?" he asks, a hint of huskiness in his voice.

"So much better" you tap them lightly, "and so is your vision"

Joel let's out a small chuckle, grinning like a fool. Honestly, he loves the attention.

(He's never going to admit it out loud, though)

"You do know how'da flatter an old man, huh"

You smirk, moving to the table again. "Oh, I love flattering him. Now, show me what you're working on"

There's a block of wood on the center. Cut sharp. Perfectly. He's been obssesive with it, maybe. There's a sketch, and the figurine only has been carved at the bottom, where a tail begins to take shape.

"I know am not an artist, but I tried"

You remain silent, making him a little nervous.

"S'a deer" he explains, gruffly, looking into your eyes for a reaction.

"A deer? Like, Bambi?" you ask in awe, softly tracing the wood. Your words get stuck, like honey. Sweet but sticky. "Joel..."

His heart swells a bit at your tone, expression soft as he recognizes admiration in your tone.

"Yeah, like damn Bambi" he murmurs, hands itchy. First, he shoves them on his pockets, just to take them out and place them on his hips instead, his jacket now open, the silhoutte of his tummy under his shirt showing, the flannel stretched on the middle. He watches you closel as you face him again.

"Is it- Is it for me?" you ask in that voice that, goddamn it, makes Joel want to give you the whole world if he could.

He slowly nods, a sheepish expression on his face.

"Yeah" he admits, voice uncharacteristically hesitant. "S' for ya"

Then looks away, feeling vulnerable for some reason. But your lips quiver, and before he can register, you throw yourself at him, hands around his neck, body practically swinging. He stumbles a bit, yet manages to catch you alright.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" you gush, peppering his cheek with kisses. "I know it's not even done but, wow. Thank you, Joel!" an adorable squeal leaves your mouth, and as soon as that is out, your lips find his to leave a sweet kiss on his mouth. When you calm down, your voice goes soft. "It's... No one had ever done something like this for me"

He's clearly taken by surprise by your affection outburst, his heart swelling at your reaction and giddyness. He's also a bit overwhelmed, kissed cheeks now a pretty flushed pink. There's something so warm and fond on his eyes as he looks down on you, cupping your cheek after your final kiss.

"S'nothin', sweet girl. You're welcome"

"You're so special, Joel. Did you know that?" you whisper, leaning into his touch while closing your eyes.

Good. He's probably a mess right now, his heart clenching on his chest, a mix of emotions washing over him. God, he hates getting compliments, but yours always stirred things he long ago thought dead.

"Special, huh?" he grumbles while sporting a half-smile. "I reckon that's you"

You smirk. "We can both be special, then. There's always room for two"

He runs his thumb over your cheek, chuckling a bit. "Deal. But you're a bit more"

"Oh, you want to compete?" you tease.

He smirks at the challenge, pulling you closer with a tight arm around your waist.

"Damn right I do. Y'know I like winnin'. 'Sides, 'm more than willin' to play if it means ya' get competitive 's well. You're cute when you challenge me, baby"

You feign hurt. "I'm always cute, how dare you"

"Oh, forgive me" he chuckles. "At this age I tend to forget"

"Don't worry. I'll beat your ass so bad, you won't forget it"

He archs an eyebrow, amused. "Now you abuse the elder? Bad girl"

Your face flushes and core pulses.

"I can be a bit of a brat if I want to" you tease, fingers roaming over his warm chest. "Will you punish me for that?"

Joel's eyes darken on an instant. There's a shadow of desire coating his brown when a low rumble escapes his throat. The air feels charged with a new found tension suddenly.

"Careful, sweet girl. You ain't know what you playin'"

He closes the gap between you, his body pressing against yours. His hands move from your waist to grip your hips, holding you against him.

"You're quite mouthy tonight, aren't 'cha?" he growls, his voice carrying a rough edge.

"Just to get what I want. Besides, your little project tug at my hearstrings" you quip. "And something else"

"Oh, yeah? You gon' tell me what's that?"

You smirk. "What do you think it is?"

He hums. "I'd rather hear you say it"

"That's not fair" you pout your lips.

He chuckles, "Nothin' ever is fair, I reckon. But you're a troublesome little thing, ain't ya'?"

You send him a little flirtatious wink.

"I am looking for some trouble tonight"

He's not amused by your words. You're a greedy insatiable little thing sometimes. So far, Joel's been able to deflect all of your attempts. The farthest you'd ever made it was when you straddled his lap on the old couch of his workshop, and even then, he limited his reactions to grunts and seeing you come. God. It had been tortuous waiting for you to go so he could piston his aching cock to the memory of your little sounds.

"Ain't that interesting?"

"Oh, but it is" you're quick to counter, "and I take you and your little friend are into it"

His breath hitches, eyes and cheeks burning alike with intensity. The heat travels down his spine, straight to his throbbing dick, the reason he's been caught red-handed.

"You surely are looking for trouble" his voice reduced to a rough gasp.

Joel's struggling to maintain the control he so prided himself in, you not making it any easier with your teasing. "Y'a temptress, doll. Know that?"

"Is my magic working?" you ask, batting your eyelashes.

He's resolve is quickly crumbling, self-control tossed to the bin in the corner. Joel loves as much as he hates your big innocent yet teasing eyes. No wonder he was carving you out a deer.

"Damnit, sweet girl. Y'know it's. You gettin' me all worked up in'ere"

"Take me upstairs, then. I'm sure we can find a solution"

He can feel the heat radiating off of you, eyes darkening at the invitation.

"Doll, you're playing with fire here" he warns, despite the obvious effect your words are having on him.

"It's fine. I don't mind the burn"

He knows he's done, Joel's growl an indicator of his control snapping completely.

"Damn it" he mutters before his lips crash against yours. It's heated. Desperate. His hands grip your hips, holding you tighlty against him while he devours your mouth like a starved man, as if you didn't kiss just this morning, before going on your patrol.

You moan into the kiss, Joel swallowing your sounds as if they were his own. Fuck. His mind goes fuzzy when you grab his face with both of your hands, deepening the kiss. He thinks he's backed you against a wall, by the small Thud sound. He's lost: on the way your lips move, on the way they taste, in the sounds they make.

You pull out first. Joel thinks you belong in a museum: with your lips, swollen and parted. It's too your dilatated eyes and chest, rising and falling. He can't resist and tucks a strand of hair behind your ear, his calloused fingers tenderly brushing your soft skin.

"Aren't you the prettiest man in Jackson?" you blurt out, adoring.

He's not used to being praised like this. Not even by you, even after months of doing so. Always feels like the first time. And then, he feels stupid: for blushing too much, heart skipping too many beats, chest clenching too hard. Like a damn highschooler. Joel's as embarrassed as content that you make him feel all sort of ways.

"Easy, sugar" he mutters, voice gruff. "You gon' give 'tis old man an ego"

"No need to blame me when you can look at yourself in the mirror" you're quick to reply. "I believe that's enough reason to give you some ego"

He's smirking at your response. Yeah, he definitely loves when you stroke his ego. Especially as of late, where he feels... rather, old.

"Oh. Oh" you begin to tease through giggles, playfully hitting his chest. He huffs, catching where this is going. "Do you like it when I call you pretty?"

Joel's cheeks flush a little at your question, his stoic nature faltering a bit at your teasing.

"Maybe" he mumbles, eyes avoiding yours. "But don't let it get to your head, doll"

"Too late" you murmur, wrapping once more your hands on his neck. "You're pretty, Joel. Especially when you flush"

Pretty isn't exactly a word he'd used to describe himself. But when you call him pretty, out of that sweet mouth of yours, his name along as well? You can call him however the fuck you want.

He can feel his body reek out vulnerability, and he hates himself a bit for getting weaker. He tried, really did, but his walls had been down for a while. His defenses had crumbled. He was pathetic, lonely, and sad. Yet here you were, looking at him with your big adoring eyes like he was the only thing that mattered. Joel lets your words sink for a moment, letting out a small sigh, not being able to deny it feels good. Maybe it does matter.

"You're too damn sweet, sugar. Y'know that?" he mutters, finger tracing lightly your hip.

You smile, sickenly saccharine. "I'm aware. Trust me, I have a cute grumpy boyfriend to remind me so"

His expression softens even more at your easy loving. He's so fucking putty in your hands, Tommy would laugh in his face.

"Y'got me wrapped 'round your damn finger, sweet girl" Joel whispers in his usual gruff voice, but it's laced with affection.

You raise a finger, moving it in front of his face like one would with a bone and a dog.

"You mean this?"

Joel watches your finger with amused eyes, a small smirk tugging at his lips. It scares and excites him how easy it's to fall under your spell. With soft movements, he reaches and captures your hand, bringing it to his mouth. He then presses a gentle kiss to your finger, eyes never leaving yours.

"Yeah, doll. This one" his voice is husky, "All of 'em. Y' got me good"

You gulp under the intensity of his gaze. "Don't do that..."

He smirks at your reaction, finally feeling like he has some leverage. He raises an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes as he holds you even closer, your chest pressing against his. You even feel the soft curve of his stomach over your own.

"Don't do what?" he asks, playing coy. "We're not backin' down now, are we, sugar?"

At your lack of answer, cheeks bright, he huffs, hand moving to gently cup your chin. Joel's brown eyes lock with yours when he speaks again.

"So, what now? Or did y' just come by to check up on your ol' man?"

"No. That's not what I want"

His smirk grows as the dark shade on his eyes. He's not dumb, of course he knows what you want. Just wants to hear you say it.

"What'da ya' want, then?"

You pout your lips, whining.

"Joel... Just give me what I want"

He leans in a bit closer, voice gruff and filled with desire. His thumb strokes your chin softly.

"Depends" he grumbles. "You gon' ask nicely?"

"On my very best behavior" you raise your hand, "I swear it"

He smirks, letting go of your face. "Good girl"

You stand on your tiptoes, leaning against his ear. His heart skips a beat, a small shiver running down his spine at your lips ghosting his skin.

"I am" you kiss his earlobe. "For you. Just you" you leave a little bite on it. A low rumble escapes his throat. You lick the red little spot to soothe it. "Your best girl"

"My only girl" he's quick to reply. You're up in the air in a minute, his hands supporting you as he carries you, your legs dangling at his sides. It amazed you how strong he continued to be, despite his age. Strong men make good times, you suppose.

You giggle a bit. "Oh, Joel. I'm so lucky"

His heart races at your words. All this banter fills him with a warm fondness, making him feel young again.

"I reckon that's me, doll"

Your noses brush after his comment, in silence. You close your eyes, as so does he. You break the aphony first.

"Joel"

"Yes?"

"I want you to have me"

Joel's heart skips a beat at your words, his chest swelling with a mixture of emotion. No one has ever spoken to him with such tenderness, even with what your request implies. It's overwhelming.

"Ya' want me?" he asks gruffly, his voice hoarse with desire and emotion.

Fuck. It's happening. What he avoided so badly, but right now? His mind has gone blank, and when it starts working again, it's filled with lewd images of sweet you. Jesus. If he had doubts he was going to hell before, now he's certain. At least, he got heaven on Earth with you.

"Y' sure 'bout that, sugar?" he asks gruffly, his voice husky. "You're so damn young, deserve someone better"

You nod, slowly, caressing his cheek, your voice just barely above a whisper.

"I've never been more sure"

He takes a small moment to gather himself, his eyes never leaving yours. He's suddenly feeling incredibly vulnerable, and it scares him as much as it excites him.

"I mean, would've I done all this if I didn't?"

Joel lets out a small laugh. "You little devious minx. I'll give ya' that"

"Give me what?" you tease.

His lips crash into yours as your hands find his face, holding as you deepen the kiss. His fingers dig in your thighs, making you moan and a spark of electricity run through his spine. He lets out a low moan in response to yours, pulling away from your lips momentarily, his eyes darkening with want. Joel looks at you for a moment, taking in your flushed cheeks and parted lips.

He lets out a low rumble, his voice gruff and rough.

"Yeah" he mutters. "Keep talkin' like that, and you'll get more than a kiss"

"So, I'll keep talking then"

"Y' little brat" he grumbles, voice dripping with frustration. "If ya' don't stop, I'm gonna..."

Joel trails off, his eyes dark with promises left unspoken.

"Say it" you challenge. "Or are you backing down?"

He takes a deep breath, trying to regain some semblance of self control, despite loving your teasing and how it's driving him wild. He lets out a small laugh, his mind swirling with desire and frustration.

"Y' gon' pay for that later, darlin'" he threatens gruffly, his eyes locked on yours.

"How about now?"

Joel's heart skips a beat at your question, the idea sending a surge of desire through him. He can feel his self-control slipping away, your words pushing him closer to the edge.

He lets out a low, gruff chuckle, his hand tightening around your chin. His eyes lock onto yours, a mix of desire and anticipation in them.

"Sure you wanna know, doll?" he asks gruffly, his voice rough with barely restrained desire.

"All of it" too eager. He can't help but smile, resolve unraveling. "Don't spare any details"

"And you gon' be a good girl?" he asks, voice barely above a whisper.

"Didn't I promise so?"

Those simple words are all it takes for Joel's resolve to finally crumble. Fuck what other people think. Fuck his own fears. He can't resist you any longer, the desire within him reaching boiling point.

"Shit, doll" he rasps, voice rough. "With words like that I'm just gon' give y'anythin' you want"

"Please, Joel" you utter his name in a little whimper.

"Please what?"

Loves to see you beg. Has imagined you squirming, like you did when his fingers would drift too close to your aching cunt. Straddling feels so stupid now, when he could've have sweet you like this a long ago.

"Fuck me"

The sound of your whimper goes straight to Joel's throbbing dick. He's completely undone, powerless against your desires.

"That's right, good girl" he rasps, his voice gruff and rough. You let a little whimper at the praise. "I'll give y'anythin' you want, angel"

He carries you upstairs while you giggle at his huffs, teasing him when his knees creak like the old wooden stairs. Still, he insists on carrying you when you offer to walk, maybe trying to prove his strength to you or something. When his face turns a deep shade of red, you can't tell if it's out of shame or effort.

"Taking me to your bed? I've never seen your bedroom" you muse out loud, once he reaches the final stair.

Despite the intensity of the moment, a small smirk tugs at the corner of his lips.

"There's always a first" he rasps.

Your nose brushes against his cheek. "Can't wait"

The door opens when Joel kicks it lightly. It's very him, you think, as soon as it comes on view. There's a guitar in the corner, you notice too.

"It's very you" you say out loud now. He drops you on the bed, making you giggle. "It's simple and cozy"

He's still trying to calm his racing heart, but it's difficult when he's hovering over you, so close to your body, he can feel the heat of it. Can even smell your arousal in the air.

"'M not sure simple's a nice thing t' say 'bout someone"

For a moment, the room goes quiet. He hesitates to continue.

"There's just... somethin' I need to discuss with ya' before we get carried 'way"

Your doe eyes look up to him. "Yes?"

Joel takes a deep breath.

"I've... It's been a while, y'know, since... I'm just used to bein' alone. In that sense. And I... I haven't been with someone in a long time"

His voice trails off, a vulnerability settling in his expression.

"Joel..." you whisper, sitting as he backs up a bit.

"'M not good with people" he admits gruffly. "I tend to scare 'em off"

You extend your hand to softly trace over his stubble. Joel leans into your touch, his expression softening, your presence providing a sense of comfort. He takes a moment to gather his thoughts.

"You're not scaring me. I'm here"

His mouth tastes like sand when he swallows.

"Yeah, but I-"

"Yes?"

He pauses for a moment, a hint of vulnerability in his expression.

"'M not exactly young anymore, sugar"

"And what's bad about not being young?" you look at him, voice soft. "Are you afraid your knees will crack when you go down on me or what?"

He lets out a clipped laugh. The tension in the room lightens a little, and he's grateful for your attempt to lighten the mood.

"Oh, very funny, sweetheart." he grumbles, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "And no, 's not that. I can eat ya' just fine" Joel spits, making you laugh at his cocky demeanor. But then he goes quiet again. "It's just... 'M not as young and good lookin' as I used to be" he finally blurts out.

Why is he even saying this things out loud. He didn't care before. He thought about himself better before. Yeah, before. What is it about the now that he cares, worse, admits out loud his insecurities?

Your expression morphs into one of sympathy. God, he hates it. Looks away from your warmth and pity. No, not pity. Compassion, like Joel was some sort of wounded old dog.

"Joel" you close the distance, tracing his face tenderly, drawing little heart shapes over his stubble. "That's not true. You're as handsome as back in the day, baby. I didn't meet you then, I know that, and this may be biased, but I'll choose the old you always, my pretty boy"

Joel's heart skips a beat at your words, his expression softening even more. He's not used to such tender affection, and it's overwhelming.

He takes a moment to process your words, his eyes never leaving yours. He can see the sincerity in your eyes, and it touches him more than he can express. Words were never his thing, anyway.

"Y/n" he mutters gruffly, his voice rough with emotion. He even used your name. "You're too good fo' me"

"I just... I think it's because I love you"

He's taken back, almost falling in top of you, yet quickly regaining his posture. Still, his heart jumps into his throat, dangerously close to falling out from his mouth at your sudden confession.

It's been almost a year of being his and him being yours, yet those three words hadn't even been close to being said. Joel never thought he'd get to hear them again from the lips of a lover. Yet here you were, so damn young and sweet, letting them roll off your tongue in a soft echo of your loving. Safe. Like a home. You were his home.

He looks at you, his expression a mixture of surprise and vulnerability.

"Y'... Y' love me?" his voice rasping a bit as he questions you.

"It's okay if you don't say it back" you laugh quietly, probably to make him feel better. Always thinking about the others, you pure thing.

He looks you in the eye, his hand still cupping your cheek. There's a warm tenderness in his expression, despite his gruff tone.

"No. Don't think that" he goes quiet for a moment, as if the weight of your declaration was sinking him. He lets out a shaky breath, as if unsure if the world around him was real, his eyes locked on yours. "I... love you too"

Your eyes widen, a smile appearing instantly on your face as it lights up. His heart swells immediately at the sight of your happiness, and all he wishes for is to see it everyday. When he wakes up, to be first, and when he goes to sleep, your face the last thing to see. To be there, even as he closes his eyes and dozes off to sleep. Your giddy giggles are so fucking contagious, a rebellious smile creeps up his lips.

"You do?"

His chest tightens, vulnerable. Filled with an affection never known before.

"Yeah, sweet girl" he mutters gruffly. "I do. I love you"

Your smile is probably the most beautiful thing in the world, pleased and vicious like a cat's.

"Now, if you love me so dearly as you say, please" your lips part in a shaky breath, "have me"

So damn impatient. He may have spoiled you too much.

"Ya' want me t' have ya', honey?" he asks gruffly, his voice rough with desire as his hands slide down your thighs, tainting untouched skin.

You squirm, nodding eagerly. "Please. I want you so bad it hurts"

His voice, so soft and low, may have passed as a grunt. But you saw. Heard. Noticed. Like the way his face frowned, eyebrows furrowed as if you just told him you were sick. As if he wanted to be the cure to the disease he gave you.

"Tell me where it hurts"

Demanding in a tender way. Almost benevolent. Not even hurting you, but wanted to take every pain of yours away. You didn't deserve not even a scratch of this angry dirty world ruining your soft heart.

You point to the middle of your legs, parting them slowly open. His eyes turn glassy as he tugs your jeans down, and the first sight he gets, is your underwear, damp with your sticky arousal. He gulps, eyes darkening with desire.

"Please. There" you whimper.

"I've got eyes" Joel lets out a small, gruff chuckle. "You're impatient, know that?"

He cups your chin, eyes locked on yours. His breath is shallow, voice raspy and low.

"Don't worry. Lemme help"

He places himself in between your legs, fingers hooking into the waistband of your panties.

"Gon' show ya' what'a man with experience has to offer, al'ight? Now, spread y'r legs open for me" he commands softly. "Lemme see that beautiful, needy cunt"

He pulls your panties down, his throat dry when he peels the drenched fabric down your legs, revealing glistening folds. He can see how swollen and puffy they were. The sight makes his mouth water and his cock pulse with desire.

Joel lowers his head, knees and bed creaking, inhaling the sweet intoxicating smell of your arousal, his facial hear ghosting over your trembling skin until it tickles. Your nervous giggling get stuck in your throat when Joel buries his face between your thighs, tongue delving into your slick folds to lap up the sweet nectar that dripped from your cunt. He groans at the taste, as if savoring the best meal to exist on Earth.

"So sweet" he growls, voice vibrating against your sensitive flesh. His mouth latches onto your clit, suckling the throbbing needy bud as his tongue flicks over it. "Too damn sweet"

It still hurts. It's across your face.

"Gon' help with 'tis. Just wait" he thrusts two fingers knuckle-deep into your cunt, pumping them in and out, curling them to stroke a spot that reduces you to a quiet muffled mess. "S' right, sugar" he praises. "Wanna see you come f' y'r old man"

The feeling of having you here, so needy and responsive, is doing things to him. Joel's lost on the way you beg, his name out of your parted lips in a secretive manner, as if reinforcing the nature of your desires and needs. How this moment was only yours, a whole new world past his door, creeping up the sweaty sheets, making way to his lonley heart, poisoned by the infectious warmth of your own.

He could feel your thighs trembling around his head, cute cries and whimpers serving as a motivation to bring you to the edge. Joel devours you, sucking like a starved man, flicking and lashing at your gushing cunt mercilessly with his tongue. It's experience, he made damn sure you knew about that. He also pumps his fingers faster, plunging deeper into your clutching heat.

"Come on, doll" he urges, voice a low rumble against your sex, "wanna feel 'tis tight little pussy spasm 'round ma' fingers"

"Joel!" you moan out loud, hands clawing into his arms for support.

He can feel your body tensing, your tight walls fluttering around the digits plunging in and out of you. Joel knew you were close, so he sucks your clit with fervent intensity as he curled his fingers just right, stroking that special spot that made your toes curl.

"That's it, y/n" he growls, eyes flashing up to meet yours, dark and intense with lust. "Drench me, y' sweet thing"

With a keening cry, you feel your body burst. Your back archs as your body quakes and shudders, your orgasm washing over you. Joel feels your pussy clench and spasm around his fingers, hot liquid gushing out to coat his hand and drip down his wrist.

Joel's a gentleman, languidly licking and suckling as you ride out of your high. Once your breathing slows, he withdraws his fingers, bringing them up to his mouth to clean off your essence. He meets your gaze, eyes hooded with the same hunger as your own.

"Like I said" he praises softly, making your spent cunt throb. "You're too damn sweet, sugar"

You giggle. "You're insane"

He leans in, planting a soft fluttering kiss to your quivering lips.

"Just f' ya'"

There's only one thing left to do. You know. He knows. You both know. But the way he takes in your pause, as if you're going to discover the most powerful secret, makes you believe there is so much more. His expression turns curious at your deliberate choice of aphony.

"Tell me what ya' want now. I could give ya' the world if 's what ya' want"

You avoid his gaze, playing with the collar of his flannel.

"I need you"

He lets out a clipped chuckle. "That I know, dirty one"

You roll your eyes, playfully.

"We're both aware. But it's not that, it's just..."

"Yes?"

"Can I see you, please?"

His eyes meet your expectant ones. His voice is gruff but soft, his desire for you mixing with a hint of vulnerability.

"Y' wanna see me?"

You nod as he gulps harshly, mouth tasting like sand.

"Can I take off your clothes?"

Joel's heart skips a beat again at your request, a mix of desire and vulnerability warring within him. It's too revealing and intimate, but God knows he just wants to give you all you want.

There's a hint of huskiness to his vulnerable voice. Unsure.

"Yeah" a beat. "You can"

You start unbuttoning slowly, licking your lips with eager trembling hands and pupils blown wide. Like a child on Christmas, knowing they're opening what they asked for. What they wanted. What they wrote at the top of their list. Your slow, deliberate unbuttoning has him practically holding his breath.

"Joel..." you bite your lip, removing his final button. Finally. "You're...."

Joel's heart stammers at the sight of your eyes on him, your obvious desire heightening his own. Yet, he avoids your stare as you reveal his bare chest, pose faltering a bit as if his strength succumbs to your hungry stare. He gulps under the intensity gaze, feeling so fucking vulnerable. It shakes him to his core, foreign to all this fuzzy things that make him sick.

He watches you through heavy-lidded eyes, his voice gruff and raw.

"Yeah…?"

"Perfect" you whisper out loud, his whole world crumbling down.

Joel's heart skips a beat at your words, his chest tightening with a mix of vulnerability and affection. Despite it, he feels self-conscious.

"Perfect…?" he teases, a hint of a dumb smile tugging at his lips.

"Yeah" you hum. "So pretty"

A word that doesn't fit in Joel's world. Feels off-putting. He has never been called such, but once it falls past your lips, coated in adoration, it feels as if it's the only truth ever. His heart skips another beat, body responding to your words.

You can tell he can't believe you're saying those words about him by the hint of disbelief in his eyes.

"Joel"

He lets out a gruff huff in response.

"Look at me"

"Pretty" Joel repeats, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Don't you believe me?"

Joel's heart skips another beat, the vulnerability growing stronger. He's still not used to hearing compliments about his body by you, by anyone at all. It's making his head spin a little.

He can't quite meet your eyes as he responds.

"Take it easy on me, sweet girl. I ain't exactly in m' prime"

"Joel. Look at me" your voice a little firmer this time.

Joel takes a moment, his heart racing. He can't resist your plea, even if he hates feeling vulnerable. Slowly, he meets your eyes.

His voice is almost quiet. "I'm lookin'"

"Good. Do you want me to know what I'm looking at?" you extend your hand to reach his face, brushing a strand of hair that's fallen to his forehead. "Your greys" then, you tug his bottom lip down, "your lips", you circle the wrinkles around his eyes, "your warm eyes" and afterwards, your fingers dwindle on his nose, "just... all of your face: scars, spots and wrinkles. It leaves me breathless"

Joel's heart races as you speak, your words sinking in. He feels seen, in a way he's rarely felt before. Its messing with his mind.

"You describin' what you seein'?" his voice hoarse with emotion. It sounds far away, as if it didn't belong to him.

His lips part as your hand moves down, grazing his neck and his chest before landing on his belly. The sincerity in your eyes is making him feel even more vulnerable, and Joel can feel himself crumbling under your intense stare and firm hands.

"No, I'm describing what I love"

He looks at you, eyes filled with vulnerability and uncertainty.

"Y/n"

It was like being peeled, layer by layer. He hated how he was built now. Rough. Too sharp around edges. Soft on ones he wished he wasn't.

"All of you"

He chuckles, but it's a defeated dying sound. Almost bitter.

"That's impossible, honey"

"What's impossible is not to love all of you"

He gulps, throat raw but unable to say anything.

"Please. Let me love you"

As if he hadn't already hand you his soul. Swallowed all of your words with a feverish desperation, placed them inside a space that had gone cold with time, now feeling like a warm home where he finally belonged.

"My sweet girl..."

You feel Joel pressing you up against the mattress, his bigger body pinning you in place with a hunger that takes your breath away. His hands are everywhere, roaming over your naked curves with a fevered intensity, a low growl of frustration escaping his lips when you break the kiss to take some air.

"You can do with me anything you want"

Joel's breath stops. With a trembling but sure hand, he reaches out, his calloused fingers skimming over the swell of your breasts, teasing the sensitive flesh until your nipples strain against the cloth of your bra. You arch into his touch, a soft moan escaping your lips as you feel the hard length of him pressing insistently against your stomach.

Joel leans in, his lips brushing against the shell of your ear as he whispers. 

"Anythin'?" he murmurs, his voice low and rough with desire as you nod, desperate. 

But then, he's laughing, as if pleased with your eagerness. Amused.

"That much? Oh, baby, you that desperate for 'tis ol' man? That bad you want me?"

You whine, at loss for words, the throb too painful to think straight. Joel laughs again, but it's devoid of malice.

"No, don't just nod. I wanna hear you say it, y/n. Wanna hear ya' beg fo' me like the desperate sweet little thin' y'are"

You've never been one for begging, but something about the way he's looking at you, the raw, unbridled hunger in his eyes, makes you want to give him everything he wants and more.

"Please, Joel" you breathe, voice reduced to a needy tremor, "I need you so bad, Joel, please. I need you inside me. I want you filling me, claiming me, in every way possible"

"My sweet girl" he coos, followed by a flurry of heated kisses and desperate groping. You barely have a chance to catch your breath before he's pressing you up with more insistence, his body pinning you in place with a hunger that leaves you desperately aching for more. "S'pretty"

Joel's eyes darken with lust as he takes in the sight of you, drinking in every inch of your glistening skin. He smirks at the desperation written all over your face, something wicked and tender circling inside his brown eyes.

He leans in closer, his breath hot against your ear as he whispers huskily. "Ts' it, doll. Keep on beggin'. Lemme hear how much y' need ma' cock 'nside 'tis tight little cunt"

You gasp, your hips bucking involuntarily as you feel his fingers slide down to brush against your sensitive clit, a wave of arousal coursing through you.

"Please, please, please, Joel" you whimper, your voice high and needy as you grind yourself shamelessly against his hand. "I'm so wet for you. Please, I'm begging you, make me yours"

He growls. "S'eager, huh? Who would've thought ya' were such'a dirty girl for 'tis ol' dick? Just had ya' bein' all lovey dovey a second ago and now y'are beggin' fo' me to ruin 'tis pretty pussy, baby?"

He quickly sheds what's left of his clothes, revealing to your wide eyes the thick, hard length of his cock, springing free and bobbing heavily against his soft belly. Alright, you had some thoughts about dating a much older man, even if Joel seemed the type of guy to be doted, given his energy. You're glad to be proven wrong in the very best way.

"Fuck, Joel" you breathe, licking your lips as you imagine the taste of him on your tongue. "You're so big"

His cheeks color a pretty pink, sweat beads adorning his forehead. The heat of his body envelopes you like a furnace.

"Now I truly believe ya' like what ya' seein'" he chuckles, "such'a greedy little thing" a beat. "S' fucken hungry for ma' cock. Don't worry, baby. 'M gon' give it to you, nice and slow, until you're screamin' fo' me to let you come"

Joel settles between your thighs, the thick head of his cock nudging against your entrance as he leans down to capture your lips in a searing kiss, effectively swallowing your needy whimpers.

"M' gon' take real good care of what's mine" in that southern drawl that drives you crazy. Hungry. Poisoned with a ravenous desire to possess every inch he can reach of your body. For everyone to see. Know. For all the prying stares. Judgeful. To appreciate in secret under the watchful gaze of the weak sunrays that filter through the courtains of his bedroom.

He then leans to take one of your nipples on his mouth, suckling and teasing the rosy peak, lapping the sensitive bud with his tongue, his hand kneading and squeezing the soft flesh of your breast. You arch into his touch, a symphony of moans and whimpers falling from your lips as he works your body.

At the same time, Joel begins to slowly, teasingly push forward, the thick head of his cock parting your slick folds and sinking inch by tortuous inch into your tight heat.

"Joel!" you gasp, your nails sinking down on the soft expanse of his broad back as you take in his girth, walls clenching and fluttering around his size.

Joel's breaths come in harsh pants against your skin as he fights the urge to bury himself to the hilt in one thrust.

"Y'are so fucken tight" he grits out, his voice strained with the effort of holding back. "Don't wanna hurt you, my little fawn. But ya' feel s' good, sweet girl. S' perfect 'round ma' cock."

You wrap your legs tighter around his waist, using the leverage to rock your hips up against his, taking him a little deeper with each desperate roll. He's impressed by your hunger, your desire fueling further his consuming own.

"Joel" you mewl, voice breaking with need, "I can take it, please, I promise. I just need all of you, Joel. Please, fuck me hard and deep until I can't think of anything but the feeling of your cock inside of me"

With a feral growl, Joel surrenders to your plea, slamming his hips forward to bury himself to the hilt inside you. A scream that sounds like his name tears from your throat at the sudden, intense sensation of all of him devouring your from inside, your body convulsing with the force of his thrust.

He sets a brutal pace, pounding into you with deep, powerful strokes that shake the bed frame and echo through the room. The obscene sound of skin slapping against skin mingles with the sounds coming out of your mouths.

"Please, please. I wanna come, please"

Tears well in your eyes at the insistence that rocks your body. Joel's eyes widen, perhaps in surprise, this new and strange, yet, his cock twitching makes this all the more intriguing. Arousing even.

"S' you cryin' over my cock?"

You deny it, but the salty trails have started to pool down your cheeks, your prettu fluttering eyelashes damp. Joel gulps, feeling blood rushing to his cock again.

"Don't worry, little fawn" doesn't know why but his tongue runs across your tear-smeared face, the taste of your damp skin, musk and sweat strong, make his mind go numb. "I think ya' look pretty when ya' cry"

Joel feels your velvet walls starting to flutter and clench around his pistoning cock, signaling your coming climax. He doubles his efforts, slamming into you with a wild, primal intensity that steals your breath away.

"That's it, sweet girl" Joel growls, voice ragged with lust as he feels your body tensing beneath him. "Come for me, y/n. I wanna feel you comin' undone on ma' cock, screamin' ma' name as I fill you up nice"

You're a sight to savor in, like basking the first rays of sunlight on the morning. Like his bitter coffee on his favorite mug. But you're sweet on the inside and the outside, he thinks as his thumb finds your clit, rubbing merciless circles over the sensitive nub. Joel is lost on you, he's aware, as he leans down to capture your lips in a consuming kiss. He just wants to have all of you, day and night, body and soul, in and out, because just a taste, and he's gone down the deep saccharine trails of your neck and quivering heart.

Your back arches as the pleasure becomes too intense to bear, your body convulsing uncontrollably as your climax crashes over you. You scream his name, you think, lost in a sea of desperate pleas and incoherent whimpers spilling from your lips.

Joel hilts himself deep inside you as your walls spasm and milk his cock, your release triggering his own, followed by a grunt akin to surrender, perhaps. To you, now fully his. This is the end, he thinks. Now, he's truly yours. God help her, the townsfolk say when you tell them Joel's your man, but when a hoarse shout of your name comes out of his mouth, pulses hot and hard as he grinds against you, you think this is all you need.

Fuck it.

This is what it feels like.

Joel collapses onto you, his bigger softer body blanketing you as he struggles to catch his breath.

"My sweet girl" he coos, peppering your face with soft kisses, his hands roaming over your curves with a gentle, reverent touch. You can feel his heart pounding against your own, when he whispers, voice low and sated. "Mine"

You can't help but laugh in awe. "Yes, Joel. Yours"

He props himself up on his elbows, his brown eyes searching yours with a tenderness that makes your heart skip a beat. A slow, lazy smile spreads across his face as he tucks a strand of hair behind your ear, his fingers lingering on the delicate line of your jaw.

"I know I said I was scared, before. That I've tried to push you 'way. God, y'are stubborn, know that? 'M just glad you ain't a quitter"

He leans in closer, his lips brushing against yours in a soft, tender kiss that makes your heart leap. It tastes bitter like grains and whiskey, but sweet with love and devotion. It's not only a spark between your lips, another of many, but a promise, burning with the same intensity the old coffee pot heats his coffee in the morning.

"Y'are my everything, y/n" your name pronounced like never before. Now ever since.

A heart. A home.

"So are you, Joel" his name in a fervent whisper. Born to be said like a prayer.

And for the first time in so long, Joel Miller feels the same thing he felt when he held Ellie close. I've got you, babygirl.

Hope.

cr: divider @kodaswrld / gif @pedgito / dts: @joelscowgirl ⋆˚✿˖°

[mimasroom2]

“But you’re like…. real pretty.” A Mean Girls Ellie au

Mean girls Ellie au but it’s only up until the burn book scene bc I do not wanna be writing the whole ass thing😭 Janice & Damian don’t exist in this au shhh we don’t need them.. we’re focused on Ellie. Also! Don’t worry ab the ages of characters plz LMAO just pretend they’re all in high school unless said otherwise. This took me a long time to write 2 be accurate 2 the movie so pleaseeeee show it some love ! Literally just mean girls but then I take my own route & they fuck😇

C/w: Regina!Ellie & Cady!reader have secret sexy time but that’s later 😋. Ppl are judgmental but it’s mean girls what did you expect. Uhh Ellie curses a lot ig. Strictly lesbian reader. Allusion 2 reader masturbating to Ellie but no details. David is their classmate (still a pedophile) & Ellie breaks his finger😘! Ellie is VERY morally grey. SLOWWWW BURNNNN.

You as Cady

Ellie as Regina

Dina as Gretchen

Jesse as Karen

W/c: 5k

𓆟. ° .• .𓆝 .• ° . 𓆟 . ° .• .𓆞

“Here’s your lunch. I put a dollar in there so that you can get yourself some milk. Ask someone where to do that, okay?”

“Dad, I’m fine. I can find milk by myself.” You roll your eyes playfully at him.

Today was your first day of high school. Well, actually public school in general. You had been living with your parents in Africa until you moved to the US, and that meant no more homeschooling for you.

You wave goodbye to your parents as they drop you off. “Yeah, I’m not worried. High school is gonna be a fucking breeze.” You think to yourself, turning around to walk into the school and you almost run face first into a bus. You look back at your parents and you swear to god your mom almost had a heart attack.

Great start.

~

“Thank fucking god.” You sighed to yourself. Finally the first few classes were done, and you could eat. You thought it was weird you had to eat on a schedule now, you could practically have lunch whenever you felt like it back in Africa, just like the grazing animals.

You can finally relax, kick up your feet, enjoy some nice quiet you time and-

“Holyyyy shitttttt.” You slowly take your headphones off as you walk into the roaring cafeteria. This is seriously where they expect you to eat? Sounded more like 100 dying elephants to you. You scoff and slowly start walking around, watching all the people at each different table converse with one another. There’s so many different cliques, and it seems like they just get worse as you go deeper into the cafeteria.

You stop in the very center of the cafeteria. You’re in front of a table with three people sitting side by side, not across from each other. There’s an Asian guy counting on his fingers, a girl with her hair in a bun and a really pretty smile, and a girl in the middle. She has her hair in a sort of half up half down style, freckles all over her face, and the cutest fucking nose you’ve ever seen. She looks up at you from her seat in between them, and you two make eye contact. Your heart practically jumps out of your chest. You’re completely mesmerized by her, but unfortunately the beautiful stranger keeps you from looking where you’re walking, and you run right into a guy carrying a lunch tray.

“What the shit-“ he starts, but then looks up at you. “Oh damn. Never seen you before. The names David.” He reaches his hand out to shake yours, and you catch him looking down your low cut shirt. He makes eye contact with you again and smirks, “How bout you pay me back for my lunch that’s now on the ground. Come with me to the tech booth after school.”

Suddenly you hear a voice coming from behind you, “Ew. Fuck off, David. No one wants to hit that.”

You turn around and it’s the girl you had locked eyes with before. You manage to say “Uh, hit what?” worried you’d somehow manage to get into a fight on your first day of school.

“You fuck off, Ellie. I’m just bein’ friendly. Plus, I bet she’d wanna hit. You see the way she’s lookin’ at me?”

You look between the two of them, still trying to figure out what they want you to smack. “Sorry, hit what exactly?”

The girl named Ellie looks you up and down, slowly. You gulp. “Do yah wanna have sex with him? Yes or no.”

Your eyes widen and you shake your head ‘no’ vigorously, earning yourself a laugh from the cute brunette defending you.

“Kay, it’s settled. No one wants to sleep with you. Move along, David. Can’t believe you’re in the same grade as us and yet you still somehow manage to be a pedophile.”

He scoffs and walks away. You smile politely at her, and try to wander off to find somewhere to sit. However, you can feel her eyes burning holes into your back, or maybe your ass, and she suddenly calls out to you, “Wait. Sit down. How come I don’t know you?”

You look around, point to yourself and say “Me?” Then mentally slap yourself. Who else could she be talking to?

“Yeah, you. Sit down, babe.” She nods her head at the seat in front of her, the way you’ve seen guys do. You sit down. You’re not going to say no to anyone defending you on your first day of school. And you’re definitely not saying no to the beautiful stranger beckoning you to sit with her.

The other two people at the table don’t smile as you sit down, they just look at Ellie and back at you. Ellie repeats herself, “How come I don’t know a pretty girl like you?”

You’re caught off guard, blinking at her while trying to think of something to say. “Oh, I’m new.” You shift in the uncomfortable plastic seat. “I just moved here from Africa.”

She raises one eyebrow. You notice there’s a scar through it. “Huh?”

“I was homeschooled.”

She grabs the chain she’s wearing around her neck and starts fiddling with it. “Huh?”

Do people not know what that is? You try explaining to her, “My mom taught me at home-“

She interrupts you, putting one hand in the air in a ‘stop’ motion. “No, fuck, I know what homeschooling is, I’m not stupid.” She leans in closer like she’s studying you. “So you’ve.. never been to a real school before?”

You shake your head ‘no’

“Shut the fuck up.” She scoffs and looks between the two people by her side, “Shut the fuck. Up.”

“I didn’t say anything..” You laugh awkwardly.

“Huh. That’s so interesting. But you’re like…. real pretty.” She raises her eyebrows.

“Oh! Uh thank you.” You look down, trying to hide your blush.

“Ahh, so you agree. You think you’re real pretty?” Ellie has this shit eating grin on her face, and for a second you think she’s no better than the guy who was hitting on you.

“Oh, uh, I don’t know-“

“Wow!” Ellie’s eyes suddenly light up. “Love the bracelet you have. Where’d you get it?” She grabs your arm without permission and looks at your wrist. She rests her chin in her palm and looks at you with beautiful twinkling green eyes, waiting for you to reply. Somehow you didn’t notice her tattoo until just now. It’s really nice - ferns and what looks like a moth. Fuck, that’s hot.

“My uh-“ You swear you can’t speak. You’ve never had a stuttering problem and yet here you are tripping over yourself in front of the most enchanting girl you’ve ever seen. “My mom made it for me.”

“Ohmygod it’s just like mine!” The girl to the side of her finally speaks up, then giggles cutely, “That is soooo fetch.”

Ellie suddenly frowns. She turns to her side to face the girl and scoffs. “What the fuck is fetch.”

“It’s like slang! Uhm from Jackson.” She looks down, away from Ellie like she’s ashamed of what she just said.

“So if you’re from Africa….. why are you white??” The one guy of the group suddenly says, staring at you, almost like he’s disgusted.

“Holy fuck, Jesse. You can’t just ask people why they’re white.” The other girl scolds him.

“Let me talk to Dina n Jesse privately for like one second, would yah, dollface?” You swear she actually winks at you.

You gulp, and nod, looking around trying to avoid making any more eye contact with Ellie. She whispers briefly to the girl, who’s Dina, and then to the boy, who’s Jesse.

She turns back to you, “Alright, jus’ to let yah know, we don’t do this very often. So consider this a big deal, alright?” Ellie grins at you. You just nod.

“We’re inviting you to have lunch with us every day for the rest of the week.” Dina chimes in, smiling widely.

You put your hands up, “Oh you don’t have to-“

“Fuck yeah. So I’ll see yah tomorrow.” Ellie interrupts you again. You really should get used to that if you’re going to spend more time with them.

“On Wednesdays we wear pink.” Jesse winks at you and gives you a big thumbs up.

~

The next day you enter the cafeteria and Ellie immediately flags you over, making a ‘cmere’ motion with two fingers. “There she is.” She grins. She’s wearing a low cut tank top, a little pink cardigan and leather pants. The tank top has writing that says ‘a little bit dramatic.’ You smile to yourself, somehow it makes no sense and fits her perfectly at the same time. You look down at your own clothes, a simple button up pink shirt you borrowed from your mom and jeans. Suddenly you feel way less cool, even though you’re somehow sitting with the most popular kids in school.

This time, you’re sitting next to Jesse, with Ellie and Dina across from you.

“Yknow how many calories are in this? Doesn’t say.” Ellie hands you some sort of bar and you look at the numbers on the wrapper. 48/120.

“Yeah, that should be 40%.” You hand it back to her, but your fingers touch hers accidentally. There’s butterflies in your stomach again, you realize they’re the same ones from yesterday. You thought it was just first day jitters.

She stares at you and keeps her hand there a moment too long, before clearing her throat and saying, “Fuck it. I’m getting cheese fries.” She pulls her hand away and stands up swiftly.

Dina watches her walk away then turns back toward you. “So. Are there any boys you think are cute?”

You try to think of the first girl your mind remembers that’s not Ellie. “Well, there’s this girl in my calculus class-“

“Who is it?” Jesse interrupts you, and Dina’s eyes widen.

You clear your throat, “Her names Cat.”

“No!” They both shout in unison, and it actually makes you jump a little.

Dina actually fans herself as if she’s going to faint. You swear you’ve only seen that in movies. “Ohmygod you can’t like Cat! That’s Ellie’s ex girlfriend.”

“They went out for a year. She gave her the tattoo on her arm.” Jesse chimes in.

You try to hide the confused yet pleased look on your face when you find out Ellie likes girls too.

Dina continues, “Listen, any exes are off limits to friends. That’s just like, the rules… everywhere.” She crosses her arms and Jesse nods. “Oh, but don’t worry. I won’t tell Ellie what you said. It’ll be our little secret.” She smiles at you.

~

At the end of the day, you’re walking back to the parking lot, just thinking to yourself. Jesse seems probably the nicest, but he’s basically got no head on his shoulders. At least from what you could tell. Dina’s nice too, but there’s something off about her. Maybe because she’s closer to Ellie than Jesse? You felt like you couldn’t trust her entirely. And Ellie. Fuck man, she’s absolutely gorgeous. You can’t get her out of your mind no matter what you do, you stayed up later than usual last night thinking about her… but that doesn’t matter right now.

Suddenly, you hear a car beep from behind you. You turn around to see all three of them in a classy convertible, with Ellie driving. “Get in, fuckface, we’re going shopping.” you hear her say, and well, you can’t really say no.

Ellie’s like.. a hot masc bratz doll. You never had any dolls. Especially not bratz. Your mom hated them. She’d probably hate Ellie too, thinking about it.

~

You four end up walking through a mall, and there’s actually a lot of people from your school there. The three of them are just.. passing by all these cool looking stores. You haven’t had the chance to actually shop yet since you’ve moved, and you don’t want to feel any more alien than you already do, so you don’t ask Ellie to stop by any of them. You’re all walking side by side, but Ellie’s the farthest away from you. She points at a shop labeled ‘Spencer’s’ and whispers something to Dina. Dina laughs and has to hold onto Ellie’s arm so she doesn’t fall over. You feel your face grow red, and you’re surprised to see that you actually feel jealous. Whatever she said must’ve been really hilarious.

Suddenly, Ellie stops walking and holds out her hand. “What. The. Fuck.”

You look across the way and see the guy who was hitting on you yesterday talking to a girl who looks about 14.

“Holy shit! Is that David?” Jesse steps forward.

“Yeah. It fucking is.” Ellie crosses her arms and scoffs. “And look who he’s talking to.”

This time, Dina steps up, her jaw dropped. “You’ve gotta be fucking shitting my dick.” Even from knowing her only two days, you can tell she never cursed like that, so it must be serious.

“Dina, who is that?” You ask her.

She answers you, but doesn’t look at you. She just keeps staring at the scene playing out in front of her. “That’s one of the damn kids I babysit. Practically my own sister. And fucking pedo David is talking to her.”

“Wait, what makes him a pedophile?” You ask, looking between the three of them.

“He’s been caught talking to girls who are reallyyyy young. Like, even though he’s 17, that’s still fucked up.” Dina answers. “Not just normal talking too. Like, full on crazy shit. Keeps telling them they’re special.”

You shudder and turn to look at him again.

“Yknow. I wouldn’t be surprised if he turned out to be a cannibal too.” Jesse states and looks at you.

Ellie huffs, unfolding her arms, “Follow me.”

You three speed walk behind Ellie as she makes a beeline straight towards David and the little girl. Dina and Jesse are muttering about how they don’t think this is a good idea, which makes you curious as to what the hell Ellie’s going to do to him.

“Who’re you talkin’ to, David?” Ellie asks in a sing song voice, which actually makes her sound way scarier.

He turns around and throws his arms up, immediately annoyed at Ellie for ruining his creepy actions yet again. “What the fuck do you want, Ellie.”

She puts her hands on her hips, “Don’t make me repeat myself. Who the fuck are you talking to?”

Shit.. you really shouldn’t be thinking about this right now, but that was really hot. You glance at the girl and she looks visibly relieved she’s not talking to him anymore, which says a lot. Ellie and David continue arguing while Dina comforts the girl and tries to pull her away from the situation.

“Ohhhoho shit.” Jesse says and points to Ellie slowly taking a few steps back from David while she’s still talking to him, which makes him follow her.

“What’s going on?” You ask him.

He shakes his head, “Just watch.”

“Cmere, David. Pretty boy like you got nothin’ to lose.” Your blood would boil at what she said, but it’s pretty obvious she’s faking it. Well, obvious to everyone but him.

She beckons him to follow her into a small hallway which nobody’s paying attention to. If there was one thing about Ellie, it’s that she could get anyone to do whatever she wanted.

You and Jesse subtly walk closer to them so you can listen. David’s so entranced by Ellie he’s not paying attention to anything else.

Ellie twirls a lock of her hair around her fingers, looking up at him, trying to appear cute and innocent. “Yknow I thought they were all just rumors.. but, I guess it’s true.” She looks him up and down, and makes it obvious she’s looking at his crotch.

He smiles at her, “What?”

She pretends to think, and gently holds his hand with both of hers, “Hmmm..” She looks away bashfully. You almost laugh at how oblivious he is. “Oh, I shouldn’t say..” she eggs him on.

“Nah, quit playin’. Just tell me.” He’s actually grinning so wide, he looks like he’s in a candy store. Does he really think people are raving about his dick that much?

Ellie’s face falls flat in a second, “I guess it’s true that you’re a fucking pedophile.” And she swiftly twists his hand in one motion, and you hear a crack.

Your eyes grow wide and he yells and curses at her, falling to his knees on the floor. She just taps her foot impatiently, waiting for him to shut up so she can talk.

“You’re gonna go and tell that little girl’s parents what you were doing. Everyone saw you, and now everyone can hear you screaming in pain.” She actually laughs. “There’s no hiding now, David.”

He looks up at her and yells, “WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU WANT ME TO TELL THEM!??”

“Tell them that Ellie is the girl who broke your fucking finger.”

And then she walks away.

~

Ellie drives the four of you to her house to hangout, you try texting your parents you’ll be home for dinner, but you’re honestly not sure. And it’s only Wednesday. As soon as you get there your jaw drops, this place looks like it’s out of a damn movie.

“Wow, Ellie. Your house is really nice.” You say, not looking away from it.

“I know right.” She smirks at you.

Dina leans in and whispers to you, “Make sure you check out her dad. Damn, he’s hot.”

You guys walk in and her dad immediately greats you. He’s holding a small chihuahua and it’s almost comical considering how big and muscular he is.

“Hey, Mr. Miller. This is Cady.” Dina motions towards you. He shoots you a little finger gun and puts the dog down.

“Jus’ wanna tell yah.. if yah need anythin’ don’t be shy, okay? No rules in this house. I’m not like a regular dad. I’m a cool dad.” He winks and turns toward Ellie, “Right, baby girl?”

She’s leaning against the counter. Her face is completely blank as she shuts him down immediately, “Please stop talking.”

Ellie leads you all upstairs to her massive ass room. You thought the outside was impressive, but this is crazy.

“This is your room?” You spin around.

Ellie sits down to take off her shoes. “Mhmm. It was Joel’s room… but I made him trade me.”

You take off your shoes too and look around. There’s pillows, posters, and pictures everywhere that are just adorable. You can see a selfie printed out of the three of them that Dina took.

“Hey, someone put on Take On Me.” Ellie says.

Ellie takes off her little pink cardigan. You don’t mean to stare, but how could you not? Her bare arms are so toned and defined..

She snaps you out of your trance, “Cady, do you even know who sings this?”

“Umm.. Weezer?”

She looks you up and down slowly. She sure loves doing that. “Ugh I love her. She’s like a martian.” She says to Dina.

Jesse walks over to a bookshelf and picks up a hot pink book. It’s the size of a photo album. “Holy shit, I forgot about this.” He laughs.

Ellie glances over to look at what he’s holding. “Damn. Haven’t touched that thing in forever.”

“Look at this, Cady. It’s our burn book.” Dina motions you over to look at it. “See, we would cut out pictures from the yearbook and write little comments.”

Jesse starts reading, “Abby Anderson has sex in boats.”

“Still true.” Ellie chimes in.

“Owen Moore is a fat virgin.” Dina reads.

Ellie snorts. “Still half true.”

She sighs and looks at you. You’re immersed in the burn book and yet, you can immediately feel her eyes on your skin. You look up at her. She has a completely different look in her eyes. Her stance isn’t as strong, she’s fidgeting with her fingers, and her eyes are glossy. She looks almost.. vulnerable.

You keep looking at her, puzzled, when she walks over to you and takes your arm. She’s gentle this time, opposed to when she did the same thing to look at your bracelet when you first met her. She leads you over to her ginormous closet. Dina and Jesse are still giggling at the burn book, they don’t even notice you two left. She steps closer to you.

“We need to get you some new clothes.” Ellie says. But her voice is lower and not as loud as when she usually talks. You try your best to control your breathing, you swear you could get off on just her voice alone.

It’s that weird stage or moment in time. Where you’re not entirely sure if the other person is feeling and thinking the same things as you. It makes you nervous, especially because you haven’t done this kind of thing a lot before. And especially because it’s Ellie fucking Williams.

She steps even closer to you. “Fuck. Needa help you out with clothes.” She mutters. You can barely hear her, she may as well be talking to herself.

She calls Jesse and Dina over with a few snaps of her fingers. “Can you two go make the four of us some drinks. Virgin margaritas.” She turns towards you. You’re just inches away from her face. You’re way too close. “Cady, what do you like?” She asks, making direct eye contact with you. “Lemon lime?” She asks, furrowing her eyebrows almost like she’s pouting, before you can answer her.

Jesse nods and heads out of the room. Dina gives Ellie a weird look, but pulls out her phone to look up recipes and follows Jesse downstairs.

You wait a few moments before you stop hearing footsteps on the stairs, then attempt to ask Ellie what’s going on, “Ellie, why-“

She cuts you off before you can finish, like how she always does. Usually it annoys you, but right now it’s different. Right now it means that she’s really the one in charge. She reaches up and fiddles with the collar of your shirt.

“Cmere, baby. I like you.. okay? You’re cute.” You weren’t sure if she was talking about you platonically or romantically. Her tone was so casual, like she was talking about what to have for dinner, and yet the way she was caressing you made your knees weak. Well, you weren’t sure until she pulls you in by the shirt and smashes her lips against yours.

You immediately gasp and whimper at the action, and become embarrassed at how inexperienced you are. But she fucking loves it, kissing you deeper and unbuttoning a few buttons at the top of your shirt. When she uses her tongue, it’s over. You moan into her mouth and your hands desperately grab at her. She laughs and you can feel the same shit eating grin she gave you when you first met her.

You break away, suddenly remembering that Dina and Jesse are downstairs and could be back any minute. “You sure they’re gonna be gone long enough?” You didn’t know how far she wanted to go… but you could guess.

She nods. “I’m sure. Between the two of them, yeah. Jesse doesn’t know how to make anything and Dina’s gonna spend at least 15 minutes making it perfect after she finds a recipe. Plus they’ll probably both spend another 7 or so minutes arguing wether they should really make it virgin or not. And my dads playing one of his shooter games. Trust me, having a big house comes in handy.” She leans in closer to you, “In any case, with how good I’m gonna make you feel, you won’t be lasting very long.”

And with that she immediately starts making out with you again. It’s sloppy and desperate and not something you would expect from Ellie. But this vulnerable side just seems so much more like her. You pull at her hair, and she fucking moans, the slutty sound sending heat straight down to your pussy.

You pull away again, and she looks up at you like she’s about to cry if she doesn’t touch you. You shakily nod and she bites your neck hard. Thank god you’re wearing a high collar button up.

“Fuck, Ellie.” You yelp, a little too loud, so she shuts you up by soothing the bite marks with her wet tongue. You whine for more, trying any way you can to pull her closer.

She hits a particularly sensitive spot, you gasp and open your eyes. You remember where you are, and look around in her closet. It’s a decent sized walk-in one. Everything’s sorted by color and style. Gorgeous shoes are on racks on the side. A nice fancy chaise is in the middle. You see a few name brand purses throughout. Between Ellie’s teeth and your envy for her life, you feel on fire.

“You always get what you want.” You seethe through your teeth.

“Shut your fucking mouth. Right now is about you.” She pulls away from your neck and reaches straight down to your jeans. She pauses, looking at you to ask for permission. You gulp, nodding to tell her you want her to. She unbuttons your pants and lets them fall down your legs just a little bit, to give herself better access to your panties.

She pulls those down too, and places two fingers to where you’re wet. She gasps, and you cover your face with your hands. “Shit, no.” She pulls down your arms with her non dominant hand, and quickly places a kiss on your cheek. “You’re not gonna hide from me, baby.”

You nod, swallowing. You can feel her making circles around you, wanting to push in. “Please, Ellie.” You beg. You’ve never sounded more desperate in your life.

With one swift motion she pushes two fingers inside you, and pushes you back so that you land against the wall. You gasp and are about to retort, but you accidentally cut yourself off with a moan as Ellie starts pumping her fingers in and out of you. Her other hand is up against the wall above you. You whimper as she picks up pace, this kind of stuff only happens in fiction. You don’t want to cover your face again, so you try turning away from her. She immediately grabs your chin with her spare hand and forces you to face her. “You better look at me when I’m fucking you.” She stares directly into your eyes.

You moan at how rough and fucking gentle she is at the same time. You don’t know why you’re surprised, but you can tell she wants you to enjoy this. Thinking about it, this actually doesn’t benefit her in any way. She’s not the one getting off. In fact, she’d be in major shit if anyone walked into the room.

With each passing second, she’s getting faster. Picking up her pace and making no attempt to be quiet, grunting in your ear. You look down and see her tattoo flexing as she uses her whole arm to fuck you.

“Yeah, you’re gonna fucking cum onto my fingers like you know what’s good for yah. Making a fucking mess on me, shit. So wet, dollface.” She mutters through her teeth. You knew she loved to talk, but she especially loves to talk when she’s making you feel so good.

Just a few more sentences and you’re coming undone, your legs shake and she has to hold your hip to keep you in place.

“Uuugh.. mm. ‘M gonna cum, Ellie.”

“Fucking give it to me.” She huffs out and curls her fingers up into you. Immediately white hot pleasure takes over you. You’re cumming on her fingers just how she wanted. She’s still holding onto you, making sure you don’t fall as she fucks you through your orgasm. She’s fucking magical, making your orgasm last as long as she can, until your eyes are rolling back and you’re whining that it’s too much.

You’re finally able to slow down your breathing and take in what just happened. God, that was good. So much better than when you fucked yourself to the thought of her.

Ellie brings the two fingers she used on you up to her mouth and sucks on them. She even makes eye contact with you until she’s done cleaning them. Your jaw was already on the floor. Now it’s 6 feet below.

You hear Jesse say “Fuck” from downstairs, so you quickly pull your pants back up and button up your shirt in a mirror. Ellie fixes her hair and walks out of the closet, meeting Jesse and Dina as they come into the room.

“She spilled one.” Jesse says, nodding towards Dina who’s holding a tray of now three margaritas.

“Are they actually virgin?” Ellie crosses her arms.

“For once, yeah.” Dina says. “So. Who’s not getting one?”

You practically march out of the closet, “I want it. I’m fucking thirsty.” You greedily grab the drink from off the tray and take a large sip. All three of your friends are staring at you, and you bring it down from your lips. “What! Trying on clothes gets tiring okay?” You whine.

“Fuck it. ‘S my house. I’m getting one.” Ellie says.

“And I’m not the one who spilled it.” Jesse sticks his tongue out at Dina, who rolls her eyes.

The four of you sit down on the couch in Ellie’s room. You’re sitting next to Ellie, she crosses her legs and puts her arm around you.

Dina and Jesse give her a look, but she handles it so smoothly, you swear she’s prepared for anything. “Fuck it, you’re officially part of our group now. Gon’ stay by my side longer than just the rest of the week.” She announces, lightly punching you in the arm.

Jesse holds up his drink, “To Cady?” He prompts, looking between you and Ellie.

She nods, holding hers out to meet Jesse’s. You bring yours up too. “To Cady!” All four of you say, and Dina squeals and claps her hands.

You look over to Ellie. She’s still holding you in her arm, she smiles softly, grabs your side and brings you in a little closer.

𓆟. ° .• .𓆝 .• ° . 𓆟 . ° .• .𓆞

[nico-the-newt]

Enemies to Lovers - Ellie Williams x reader

summary: you and Ellie had hated each other the moment you stepped foot in Jackson. Others disagree.

warnings: swearing, Ellie's a bit of a dick, mentions guns

You could honestly say that you had no idea how it happened. One moment you were scanning through the old, abandoned supermarket with Jesse for supplies, laughing at something stupid he had said. And suddenly, in an instance, you found yourself being ambushed by a hoard of runners.

Patrol had started off as it usually did when you were grouped with Dina, Jesse and Ellie. The four of you were walking down the old, dirt road to the abandoned supermarket that Maria had assigned you to patrol. As usual, Jesse and Dina were being coupley and affectionate - arms wrapped around each other, hands linked, noses bumping, as you and Ellie grumpily walked beside them, shooting each other looks and making snide remarks. The pair of you had had a strained relationship since your arrival in Jackson two years before. You thought she was rude and cocky. She thought you were obnoxious and demanding. In fact, the pair of you despised each other so much you weren’t even aware that you were very similar - personality-wise.

You still cursed Jesse for forcing you on patrol with Ellie. He and Dina had some sort of weird idea that you and Ellie secretly liked each other, enemies to lovers, as Dina put it. You had laughed in their faces.

“Not if she was the last person in the world,” you had scoffed, but that did not change their minds in the slightest.

When you finally arrived at the old building, you were extremely tired and grumpy. Ellie had spent the first ten minutes of the walk complaining about how late you had been that morning (she had arrived twenty minutes early to patrol just to give you a hard time), which sparked an argument that lasted for the rest of the trip. You could tell Dina and Jesse were completely  over the pair of you and it secretly made you pleased to prove them wrong.

“Jeez, look at this place,” Ellie sighed in admiration when you entered the supermarket. You couldn’t deny that you shared her admiration. There was something so beautiful about the place being covered in vines and sunlight streaming in through a big hole in the roof, lighting up the entire store. You wouldn’t let that be known though.

“‘Jeez, look at this place’” you imitated in an annoying voice that sounded nothing like Ellie.

“Hey, what’s your fucking problem, man!” Ellie exclaimed, storming towards you.

“You are-!”

“Okay!” Dina called, coming between you and Ellie before the shoving and arguing began again. “This place is pretty big - why don’t we pair up and split off. Ellie and I’ll look on this side, you guys look on that side.”

Ellie shot a scowl at you, which you gladly returned, but you followed Dina’s orders nonetheless and trailed off after Jesse.

“You and Ellie need to chill,” he said, after a period of companionable silence.

“Ellie needs to stop being an asshole,” you grumbled, causing Jesse to let out a laugh.

“You’re just as much of an asshole as she is,” he chuckled, shaking his head  in amusement and slipping a bottle of disinfectant he had found into his bag.

“No one is as big of an asshole as Ellie is,” you said pointedly. “Except maybe you~”

“Oof, low blow,” Jesse grinned, placing a hand over his chest in mocked hurt. “However will I get over that one?"

“Please, you’ll get over it,” you had laughed, finally starting to feel at ease for the first time that day. Unfortunately, the feeling had left as soon as it came due to a loud crash coming from the loading dock behind you.

“The fuck was that?” You muttered, instantly grabbing your gun and pointing it in the direction of the loading dock.

“Dunno,” Jesse hissed, drawing his gun too. When there was no other noise after a few minutes, you both slowly started edging your way towards where the original sound had come from. You practically hear your heart beating out of your chest. A cold bead of sweat dripped down the back of your neck and you almost found yourself holding your breath. However, the anticipation was all for nothing, as when you had poked your head around the corner, there was nothing there but old, dusty boxes and a rusty hand truck.

“Nothing,” you shrugged, a frown crossing your brow. “Weird.”

You stepped back towards Jesse, unaware of the runner that had been coming up behind you until its hands were grasping your shoulders and it was trying to bite your neck off. You didn’t even have enough time to be scared as several gunshots went off and caused our ears to ring like crazy and your vision to fog over.

“Come on!”

Jesse grabbed your arm and dragged you away from the area and back into reality. It was only when you could hear again and actually heard the screams and groans, along with the sound of rabid footsteps behind you, that you finally found control of your legs once more and began to run. Jesse and you crashed through a door and into a small office at the back of the store. Jesse pressed his body up against the door and you quickly copied, as there was nothing to barricade the door with. This is how I die. We’re gonna die. You couldn’t stop these morbid thoughts from bouncing around in your brain as you used all your body weight and strength to push against the door, despite the fact that the strength of the infected easily overpowered you and the door had begun to come off its hinges. You were certain they were about to break the door down completely, and was preparing for the worst, when you suddenly heard a series of gunshots outside, followed by some grunt and yells, and finally, silence. The pressure you had been fighting off against the door had stopped, though you and Jesse remained pressed against it for a few minutes - neither of you sure if it was actually safe. It was only when you heard Dina anxiously yell for the both of you that you realised it was over and cautiously moved back from the door - just in time for her to practically kick the door down and throw herself at Jesse when she realised you were both still alive. You closed your eyes and leaned back against the desk to catch your breath, completely oblivious to Ellie’s presence looming towards you at speed. It was only when she practically shoved you over and cupped your face to see you for herself that your eyes flew open and you stared at her, confused but not disliking the feeling of her hands on your face.

“You fucking idiot!” She exclaimed, letting go of your face and wrapping you in a hug. You were surprised at the contact but didn’t care and hugged her back, simply grateful to be alive and not bitten. And that Ellie was hugging you

“It’s okay. It’s over,” you sighed, rubbing her back comfortingly and raising your middle finger towards Jesse and Dina when you saw them smirking at the pair of you.

“Enemies to lovers,” Dina mouthed with a smug smile.

Part 2 can be found here:

[pantheresssy]

Spending Nights (Abby Anderson/ Reader)

Hello!

This is part 2 of ‘casual’! You can find part 1 in this masterlist! It took me so much time to write this but i did it, im rlly sorry, studying is making my creativity go away. Enjoy!!!

Synopsis: Your friendship with Ellie becomes stronger as you both get to know each other better. From the other side, Abby wasn’t dealing with this too well.

warnings: marijuana use (els), non graphic smut, too much abby and not much of els, angst angst, getting into toxic!abby.

“It smells like shit,”

Blowing the smoke on the air and, for consequence on your face, Ellie looked at you with a smirk. Her eyes were blurred and couldn’t stay in the same place for too long, in a trance with the sensations of marijuana. “But it makes me so fu-cki-ng good. Try.”

You pushed her hand away from your face and twisted your nose, feeling that the smell would make you sick and stick to your hair and clothes. You were in her dorms, with the notebook where she writes her songs open on your lap. Somewhere in the middle of your reading, you discovered a few more things she wrote. Small poetry’s. Most of them were sad, about unrequited loves, death, sadness of abandonment and the loss of a parental love. They were tragically tragic, but still beautiful.

Ellie looked over your shoulder, following your reading. Smiling when you turned your page to see the sweetest song you had ever come close to. She was a real talent, just like you had imagined when you first meet her. “I’ll write one for you.”

“If it’s as good as this one, I’ll say please.” She made a face and leaned back on her seat, taking the marijuana into her mouth.

Ellie blowed and talked at the same time. “This is the worst I’ve written since I started.”

You dismissed her words, outraged by what she had said. When you told her it was the ‘best one she had so far’ she looked a bit offended and gave you a full list of why it was her worst composition. Ellie explained to you all of her creative work and, by the end, you thought you knew more about songs than about your own classes. It was interesting seeing how her eyes shone and her voice became more happy. You could see that she really loved doing what she did.

When you went back to your doorms, not long after, you did with a smile. She really was a great friend, person, and writer. It was curious for you how she gad opened up about what she liked so quickly after knowing you for barely a whole week. But it was good.

The rest of your day, you enjoyed with one of your many books. Laying in bed with it on your chest, being dragged by the words. That’s why, when a knock sounded on your door, you opened it without checking who it was. Thinking it could be Dina — (or Ellie) — you never looked away from the page you were reading, only finding out who truly was when she spoke for the first time.

“Can we talk?” Abby said. At that moment, you regretted not asking who it was first. It’s been days since you last saw her, and you would be laying to yourself if you say that this wasn’t broking your heart even more, but you tried to ignore.

Holding your breath, you swallowed hard before answering: “No. I… I’m not in the mood for talking right now.” Deep down you wanted it, so when you kept talking, you wanted to slap yourself. “Maybe later.”

Abby stepped closer when you make a move to close the door, quickly trying to stop you. And it worked. “I saw you at the party.” There it comes. “Who is she?”

You raised an eyebrow. She had no right to be there questioning you, as if she deserved something. “I’m surprised you went, you never liked those things.” A small pause, “But I guess I should’ve had imagined, you have changed so much in a short time.”

She bit the inside of her cheek and you knew she was looking for what to say next. “Owen invited me”, And oh… oh.

Of course he did. You felt silly, a completely idiot. She never went with you when you asked, always making sure you knew how much she hated going to these things. But with him, that part never really mattered. “I’m glad he managed to change your mind.”

“He didn’t,” She said quickly. “I hated going there. You know this, Y/n. I… I hated even more when I saw you with her.”

An ironic laugh escaped you and you looked at the ground already feeling the tears filling your waterline, obstructing your vision. Abby was the proudest person you had ever seen and, when she said that, you realized that she was there not because she missed you, or because she wanted to apologize for everything she did, but for some jealousy of seeing you with someone other than her. You had to mourn her for the time she thought it was necessary, waiting until she wanted to come and talk to you correctly. Like at that moment.

It was a cycle that she had created and you couldn’t leave. On other occasions the same had happened, but not like that, with a fight so big as that one. You two have never been more than a few hours without talking to each other, and it’s been a long time.

You started poking your thumb, an attempt to keep everything you felt inside you through the soft pain. “You don’t own me any explanations.”

Abby denied. “I do, yes.“

“Look…” You started, letting transpire in your voice and face how tired you were of going around so many times, only to ended up in the same place. “We had the same conversation that day, you said what you wanted to say, what you felt-“

She interrupted you. “I didn’t.”

“So i am asking you to leave.”

As the last word came out of your mouth, you saw her posture fall. She looked sad, worried and younger, totally vulnerable and open for you. And you hated that you felt yourself softening. “Abby,”

She reached out for you and took your hand. You felt the urge to pull off her grip, but gave up in the last second. “Give me one chance.”

Swallowing, you watched as her fingers went to the inner part of your pulse, and you squeezed your eyebrows together. She was close, so close and God, it was good to feel her there. Your walls and anger were down as soon as she stepped even further after seeing your reaction, her lips touching yours.

And you did no move to push her.

Abby was fully inside of your room and closed the door with her feet while her hands gripped your wrist. You joined your lips more to hers, sighing heavily when you realized that you would not be able to let her out, even if you fought with all your strength against your will. Your arms wrapped around her neck and you two walked blindly to your bed, you sitting on the end while she was still standing in front of you, her back bent the kiss wouldn’t end. And you moaned, a sound that came from the back of your throat that seemed so desperate, wanting. But Abby smiled in enjoyment — (and proud).

Your shirt quickly came out of your body, then the rest of your clothes. She pulled you to the middle of the bed and started to kiss, lick and grope each part of you she could reach. Your noises only got louder, this time being followed by hers. And when her fingers went inside you, touching that spongy place that made you see stars, you felt your body shake with goosebumps. You couldn’t deny it anymore, you loved her and loved the way she made you feel.

You were lost on the fog of your orgasm, your mouth was open, trying to catch air for your lungs. She fell at your side on the bed, one of her arms supporting her head while the other supported yours. With the corner of your eye, you could see the smile she held and turned for her, placing your hand on her chest. You could regret it later, being so close to her, so open, letting yourself go so easily. But at that moment, you couldn’t think of anything else but being with her like that for the rest of your days. That’s why, when the words came out of your mouth, you didn’t stop them.

“I missed you,”

She hummed, taking your chin and pulling you into a light kiss. “Me too.” She said. “It was a torture, being away from you and seeing you with… Ellis… Ellie?”

You licked your lips, feeling her taste. “Ellie. Dina introduced us at that party. She’s great. She showed me the songs she writes today.”

Abby’s face fell into something darker, heavier. Jealousy shone back on her and you sank your nails on her skin, trying to pull her back. You knew that if you allowed it, that moment would turn into a discussion just like the other day or worse. She was territorialist and you hated it, especially after having fought with you because of your jealousy and insecurities. “I don’t like her.”

“Do you like anyone?” You asked, fun shining in your eyes and voice.

She kissed you one, two, three times. “You.” With her statement, you smiled big. Abby stroked your cheek, whispering her next words: “Just… can you stay away from her? For me, please.”

Just like that, your expression twisted in a grimace. “That’s why you’re here? To fuck me and try to say with who you want me to hangout with?” You got up and started to put your clothes back on. “Get out, Anderson.”

She faced you. “She clearly wants you, Y/n.” You laughed indignantly. “I won’t let her fuck with you.”

“Like you did that day? She won’t do it, Abby. And you know why? Because Ellie doesn’t hide what she feel, she doesn’t yell and curse when a problem pops up.” Your chest gasped with your words said in one breath. “Leave, now. You’ve stayed too much already.”

You pointed to the door, lowering your head and listening to her wear her clothes. Abby walked up to you and stopped in front of you. “I fucking tried to do this better. You can’t blame me now.”

How much you hated that situation, to be dragged by those words. The pain you felt before was nothing compared to the one you felt at that moment. “That’s all that matters to you, isn’t it? Making me feel bad so you can go over me?”

“I fucking like you, Y/n! That’s why I don’t want you with her.” Her finger wrapped around a lock of your hair and gave a slight pull.

You walked away and rubbed your hands on your face. “And you show it by trying to put someone I like as a friend away? Just go, Abby.”

“I ain’t giving up on you.”

She left with one last look and you closed the door as soon as she passed through the threshold, sniffling when the tears fell and your body was shaken with strong hiccups. You felt nothing but stupid. You knew that at some point everything would go down, but you didn’t knew it would be so quick, — not after everything.

You really thought that things would settled down, after just a few minutes and a moment with her at the bed. You thought you would go back to spending nights with her, smiling and kissing. Abby could make a fool out of you so easily. Sometimes you think you might hate her.

And this is the end!

I really wish I could write more than 2k but at some point I just start to repeat words/expressions and I have a tick with this. Hope you had enjoyed this ride and be patient with me for part 3 plss it will come out! Thank you for all of your comments!! As always, I’m sorry for any mistake.

taglist: @pinkpanther-44, @elsmissingfingers, @sofi4v13, @bready101, @mattxxamryli.

[sundownpromises-inactive]

potato, potato, my little baby potato...

Pairing: Ellie x Dina

Tags/warnings: fluff, pregnancy, childbirth, domesticity, motherhood, slice of life, pregnant dina

Word Count: 1766

Synopsis: A peek into Ellie and Dina's life before JJ was born.

Author's Note: wrote this back in june of 2022 and posted it on ao3, decided to post it here too bc why not <;3 here is the ao3 link!! also idk how well this will do bc I know this site mostly has x reader fics but I love elliedina with my whole soul OKAY. please enjoyyy comments are appreciated!!

When Dina first noticed her small baby bump, it filled her with pure joy. She remembered standing in front of the bathroom mirror, gently rubbing her stomach, eyes full of admiration. Ellie was behind her, hands wrapped around her waist, experiencing a fluttery feeling in her stomach at the thought of her being a mother – which is something she never would've imagined in her wildest dreams. In a dangerous world like the one they navigated, she never believed parenthood would be an option for her, nor was she really interested in it. Ellie thought children were cute, sure, with their contagious giggles and chubby faces, but she knew taking care of one would be more responsibility than she felt she could handle. But with Dina being with her, she felt this unbridled sense of confidence. Dina was caring and loving by nature, and Ellie had a hunch motherhood would come to her easily – with Dina by her side she had someone's footsteps to follow in.

Despite being pregnant, Dina was still very active around the house, much to Ellie's disapproval. Anytime Ellie saw Dina on her feet, whether she was doing the dishes, taking out the laundry, or even getting up to put her plate in the sink, she always made a face similar to that of a displeased mother who couldn't get her sick child to lie down. But Dina always retorted with "It's not like I'm completely immobile yet, so don't worry." 

Dina also spent a lot of time preparing for their baby's arrival, with the help of Ellie and some fellow Jackson residents. 

Maria had connections with a lot of people in Jackson. Random strangers were kind enough to give Ellie and Dina a ton of baby-related things, like a crib, toys, and even books. They spent a whole day setting things up and figuring out where to put certain items, and when they had finished, Dina began to cry, feeling overwhelmingly grateful. Ellie was right there with her, rubbing her back in a soothing manner and holding her close, almost being brought to tears herself as she gazed upon the empty crib.

A few more weeks went by, and Dina's baby bump was getting pretty large. Dina started complaining more about her back hurting, and she couldn't be on her feet for very long. Nevertheless, she still helped Ellie around the house when she could, with small breaks in between. She began using the bathroom more frequently, which quickly began getting on her nerves, as it disrupted her sleep, or interrupted a good reading session. Ellie would always chuckle whenever they were in bed together, her nose buried in a Savage Starlight comic and Dina practicing her embroidery, when all of sudden Dina would groan loudly and reluctantly get out of bed, angrily making her way to the bathroom for the seventh time in just thirty minutes. 

Then, of course, it got to the point where walking was something Dina did only when she needed to. It had been eight months and her stomach looked like it was ready to burst. Ellie found herself helping Dina walk up and down the stairs, getting out of bed in the morning, and even getting up and off of the toilet. Jackson residents also gave away some maternity clothing, which Dina often lounged about in. Even though pregnancy was miserable for Dina, Ellie couldn't help but notice how beautiful she had gotten. Dina had always been attractive in Ellie's eyes, even since they were kids, but Dina really seemed to glow now. 

Before, Dina's hair was always in some sort of up-do, because she was always doing various tasks around the house and needed it out of her face. But since she's been lazing about more often, she usually wore her hair down, and Ellie was in love with how thick and long it had gotten, her unruly curls framing her face in the most breathtaking way. Her skin was brighter, and it almost seemed to shine in a way that totally captivated Ellie. Sometimes, Ellie would find herself ogling at Dina whenever she was doing some random, mundane task, to which Dina would always notice and turn into the prettiest shade of red.

Right on the cusp of her delivery date, Ellie and Dina had a small baby shower. They had a wonderful time, Dina spending hours unwrapping cute onesies, even more toys and a couple parenthood books. It all felt so normal, so domestic, that it almost made Dina cry again, but she kept it together for the sake of her guests. 

It was late at night when their child decided to arrive. Ellie was wide awake, reading her comic book, while Dina was trying to figure out a crossword puzzle. It was quiet and the room was basked in the cozy, soft lighting of the bedside lamp. Dina couldn't seem to figure out the last word of her crossword and decided to give up and try again tomorrow morning with a fresh mind. She turned to her side, groaning at the heaviness at her stomach, and shut her eyes. Ellie glanced at her briefly, smiling softly and whispering "Goodnight, babe." 

The room was quiet once again, Ellie getting immersed into the fictional world of Savage Starlight, but after about five minutes, Dina was startled awake, feeling wetness trail down her legs. She sat up rather quickly, as quickly as she could, anyway, and Ellie turned to her with a confused and slightly concerned expression. 

"Do you need to use the bathroom again?" Ellie asked, ready to get up and assist her girlfriend. Dina shook her head, her eyes having widened ever so slightly, cheeks flushed, and heart rate steadily increasing. 

"Ellie… I think… I think it's time." Dina said. It took a little bit for the words to register in Ellie's mind, but when they did, she was immediately kicked into action, setting her comic book down and getting out of bed. 

"Okay. Let's get you comfortable, yeah?" She said, peeling away the damp comforter that was on top of Dina. She had Dina lie down a little bit while still staying somewhat upright. Dina instinctively opened her legs, trying to get started on removing her underwear. Ellie helped her, pulling them completely off and discarding them haphazardly. Afterward, Ellie quickly ran to the bathroom and grabbed a towel, aiding Dina in rolling over so she could place it under her. She had also grabbed scissors and placed them on the nightstand.

Ellie's palms were sweaty. She remembered asking a mother at the baby shower how to prepare for birth, and Ellie tried her best to recall the woman's advice. It was stressful, trying to think while Dina was screaming at the top of her lungs, holding Ellie's hand so hard that her knuckles had turned white as bone. Ellie just tried to be as encouraging as possible, keeping her tone of voice even and steady throughout the whole process. 

Eventually, the room was no longer being filled with Dina's cries of pain but instead her labored breaths and the shrill sound of a baby crying. Their child had finally entered the world.

Dina, with tear streaked cheeks, immediately reached out for her child. Ellie held him briefly, smiling so hard her cheeks were growing sore. He was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen in this ugly, ugly world. Ellie made quick work of cutting the umbilical cord before carefully handing him to Dina.

"Hello handsome." Dina spoke softly, grinning tiredly. Ellie was overjoyed at the sight in front of her. They were mothers now. For Ellie, this was the most nervous she had ever been. Not even fighting hordes of infected had her this scared. But she was also excited to step into this new era of her life. She knew that motherhood was going to be a bumpy ride, but so long as Dina was with her, she knew that she'd get through all of the trials and tribulations just fine. 

"I think I've got a name." Dina said, bringing Ellie out of her thoughts.

Ellie raised an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah? Whatcha got?" She replied, a small smirk resting on her lips.

"How does JJ sound?" Dina asked. Ellie's smirk grew into a wide smile of approval.

"I like that. Suits him perfectly." She said. 

After JJ was born, life for the two new mothers definitely became more hectic. 

JJ would start crying late at night, and Ellie, wanting her beloved girlfriend to get all of the sleep she could get, was always the one who got up to calm him down. She would gently bounce him, humming some random tune to get him to relax, before lying him back in his crib. Ellie missed out on a few hours of sleep because of this, but she didn't mind it one bit if it meant Dina would wake up well rested (sometimes, though, Dina would pretend to sleep just to hear Ellie sing).

Feeding JJ could be nightmarish too. He was a picky eater sometimes, and would throw food on the floor or spit it out onto his bib, causing Ellie to roll her eyes and Dina to giggle at the sight. Dina was definitely more patient when it came to JJ but she knew Ellie would get there – slowly, but surely. 

Changing diapers was mostly a Dina thing until Ellie got the hang of it. Before, she would always put them on backwards, much to Dina's confusion. 

Aside from all of the difficulties, there were plenty of joyous moments that the two mothers shared with their son. Often, Ellie would play guitar for him. Whenever Ellie was out hunting, or doing some general sweeps around the outer perimeter of the house, Dina would spend that time coloring with him, or playing with wooden shapes. She tried to get him to participate in activities that would not only be fun for him but educational as well. If Dina was busy, Ellie loved to (carefully) run around the house with JJ on her shoulders, his contagious laughter bouncing off of the walls. 

At night, Ellie and Dina loved to read him bedtime stories, both playing multiple characters and doing the silliest voices they could come up with until JJ slowly drifted away into a peaceful slumber. 

The both of them would then climb into bed together, exchanging "I love yous," after which Dina would continue to read her parenthood guidebooks and Ellie would begin yet another chapter of Savage Starlight, the both of them sitting in a comfortable silence.

[lanietadelatierra]

Consequences A Naughty dog’s The last of us’ short film PART IV

Summary: This short film, adapted from The Last of Us game series, focuses on the young wife of the older Joel Miller as the protagonist. She escapes from Jackson to search for her husband during a fierce snowstorm, unaware of the consequences her decision will bring. 

Previously

INT. JOEL MILLER'S ROOM - NIGHT 

The sound of Joel's heavy breathing mixes with Evie's in the dark, where they can’t yet be seen. With a sharp, stuttering breath, Joel's body freezes for a moment, signaling he’s reached climax, his face buried in Evie's shoulder. He’s sweaty, lying on top of her, who’s also frozen, her own body glistening with sweat as her arms wrap around his back. Both of their skins are flushed, including their noses. They’re both breathless and naked. Joel hadn’t had sex in a long time—years. It was his first time in ages. For Evie, it was her first time ever. She was a virgin, and tonight, he’d taken that from her. 

Joel lifts his face from her shoulder, places a kiss on her collarbone, and looks down at her with a smile. He shifts his hips, sliding himself out of her, but still doesn’t move off of her or break eye contact. 

JOEL  (smiling)  Love ya so much, darlin’. 

He brushes a stray strand of hair from her face. 

EVIE  (smiling)  I love you too. 

SIX MONTHS LATER 

EXT. MOUNTAIN, OUTSKIRTS OF JACKSON - MORNING 

Joel is riding a horse with Evie holding tightly around his waist from behind. Dina is on another horse with Abby behind her, also holding her waist. The wind howls, and snow makes visibility difficult. 

ABBY  (pointing)  Over there! 

JOEL  (commanding)  Just a few more yards! Faster! 

The extreme cold bites at them. Evie and Dina shiver uncontrollably, while Abby and Joel seem unfazed by the harsh weather. Their noses and cheeks are red from the cold. 

EXT. CABIN, OUTSKIRTS OF JACKSON - MORNING 

Abby’s group of friends—Owen, Mel, Manny, and Nora—are searching for her, worried about her delay. They call her name repeatedly. After several moments, they spot horses approaching in the distance. 

OWEN  (shouting to the group)  Horses! 

The horses draw nearer. Abby is the first to dismount. 

ABBY  (commanding)  Inside! 

The others dismount as well. Evie is trembling and shivering from the cold. Joel notices, unzipping his jacket as he dismounts. He wraps an arm around Evie, pulling her into his jacket to warm her. 

The group hurries inside the cabin. 

INT. CABIN LIVING ROOM - MORNING 

The hearth glows warmly, its fire casting a cozy contrast to the storm raging outside. The group gathers around the fire, letting the heat restore their body temperature. The spacious room features a large glass window showcasing a breathtaking view of snow-covered mountains and forests. This place, called Mansion Bawin, is a hunting and skiing lodge. 

JOEL  (rubbing Evie’s back over her jacket while she warms her hands by the fire)  Feelin’ better? 

Evie nods. Owen moves closer to Abby. 

OWEN  (whispering)  Who are they? 

ABBY  (firmly)  Just help ’em. 

Joel steps over to the grand glass window, pulling his radio from his belt. He leaves Evie by the fire with Dina but kisses Evie’s forehead first. Mel approaches Dina. 

MEL  You need a blanket? 

DINA  No, thanks. 

Dina glances to the side, noticing a backpack on the floor with a wolf emblem stamped on it. She frowns and looks back at Mel. 

DINA  Who are you all? 

MEL  There’ll be time for explanations. You want a blanket? 

EVIE  No, thank you. I’m better now. 

Evie offers a small smile. 

JOEL  (into the radio, looking out the window)  Jackson, come in. Jackson, do you copy? 

Abby approaches Dina and Evie. Meanwhile, Manny stands off to the side with Nora and Owen, eyeing Evie with desire. 

EVIE  This cabin is so beautiful, Abby. 

ABBY  I thought you’d like it. 

JOEL  (into the radio, looking out the window)  Jackson, come in. Jackson, do you copy? 

Dina and Evie remove their gloves. Mel notices the wedding ring on Evie’s hand. 

MEL  You’re married? 

EVIE  (smiling)  Yeah. 

MEL  To who? 

EVIE  To him. 

ABBY  To Joel Miller. 

Everyone turns, surprised, to Joel, who’s still distracted, trying to contact someone on the radio. 

EVIE  (confused)  What’s going on? 

Manny suddenly moves behind Dina, grabbing her neck and holding a gun to her head. 

DINA  (terrified, nervous)  Joel... 

Joel turns around, only to find Owen pointing a gun at him. Joel raises his hands. Nora points her weapon at Evie, who also raises her hands. Mel looks distant, disconnected from the situation. 

ABBY  (to Joel)  We’re not gonna hurt them. Not if you cooperate. 

JOEL  You robbin’ us? Fine. Take what ya want. 

ABBY  Do we look like raiders to you? 

Joel surveys Abby’s group, his gaze shifting to each member. 

JOEL  No. 

Abby crosses her arms. 

ABBY  What do we look like? 

JOEL  Military? Fireflies? 

ABBY  We used to be. 

EVIE  (scared, nervous)  Abby, please... 

ABBY  You have no idea how much I appreciate you savin’ me the trouble of findin’ him. 

Evie looks guilty. 

DINA  (shouting at Evie)  How could you do this to us? 

Dina tries to kick Evie, but Manny holds her back tightly. 

MANNY  (to Dina)  Ease up, pendeja. 

EVIE  (guilt-ridden, voice trembling)  I’m sorry. I didn’t know... 

Evie turns her eyes to Joel. 

EVIE  I swear, I didn’t know. 

Desperate to resolve the situation and prove her innocence, she pleads. Joel looks at her with a mix of distrust and pity. He wants to comfort her, to hold her, but he remains still. 

JOEL  I know, darlin’. I know. 

Abby rolls her eyes. 

ABBY  How pathetic. Tie them up! 

Abby commands. 

Nora ties Evie’s hands behind her back, while Manny does the same to Dina. They’re placed sitting against the large window, their hands bound behind them, seated side by side. Manny, Owen, and Nora keep their guns trained on them. 

ABBY  Alright. Let’s get on with it. We were Fireflies. Didn’t you hear? There ain’t no more Fireflies. They’re all gone. 

Evie sits with her head down. Joel, still standing nearby with his hands raised, remains silent. 

ABBY  (commanding)  Take their weapons. 

Nora approaches each of them, disarming them. 

OWEN  What are we gonna do with them? 

ABBY  Let me think, for once, dammit! 

FADE TO BLACK 

[lovers-rck]

Can you do a fluff where like Ellie gets you flowers 😭 idk why I just think it’s so cute

it's so cute!!!!!!!!! i want ellie as my gf so bad it's embarrassing

☆

the idea had been lurking in the back of her mind for weeks.

ellie didn't consider herself the kind of person who gives her partner something new every week. she was, indeed, in love with you, but her love expressed itself through her touch and words more than through gifts. but whatever, she thought, once in a while doesn't hurt anyone.

so she went, and when the flower boy (is that how he is called?) asked ellie wich kind of flowers she was looking for, she felt like and idiot i don't know man she almost said the ones she likes?

ellie even considered calling you to ask you what kind of flowers you liked, but she realized it was a dumb idea that would ruin her whole surprise plan. so she spent about 15 minutes picking out a bouquet made up of different flowers, choosing and regretting every time she picked a flower of a color that didn't match the rest. she could feel the flower boy's (she decided to call it like that) hateful look on her, but she was going to pay him anyway so fuck it.

then she walked a few blocks back with the flowers in her hands. she cringed. she didn't know how to hold them without feeling embarrassed and like a total loser.

"i saw dina and jesse on my way here" you said, laying in ellie's bed a couple hours later "they looked suspiciously couple"

ellie nodded "right" ellie mumbled as she paced the room, playing with her fingers.

"do you think they're together?"

ellie cast furtive glances toward her closet from time to time, trying to keep the thread of conversation going but failing in the attempt "huh?" she replied.

"dina and jesse" you repeated, looking at her "do you think they're together?"

she pretended to think about it, imagining her best friends together. then shrugged "i don't know. maybe"

you leaned back on your stomach, your hands supporting the weight of your head thoughtfully "they look good together"

ellie nodded absently, her body so restless that she couldn't stay in the same place for more than three seconds. if you saw the situation from afar, you'd think ellie was performing some kind of strange dance.

"i bought you something" ellie said after a few seconds.

you furrowed your eyebrows and sat down on the bed. you noticed how ellie was restless since you arrived, quieter than usual, not commenting much on your stories like she used to do practically all the time.

"what's that?" you asked, watching as ellie turned away to look for something hidden in her closet "you didn't have to."

she shake her, opening the closet door "it's not much"

you waited silently, watching as the locks stealthily escaped from her half bun, adorning her face and matching her freckles.

"close your eyes" ellie said, more for her sake than for yours.

you obeyed and closed your eyes, trying not to laugh at the suspense ellie was creating.

ellie laughed uncomfortably. her footsteps echoed in the room, indicating that she was approaching you "don't peek"

"i'm not!"

"i know" Ellie murmured, standing in front of you with the bouquet in her hands "i just wanted to make sure".

you let out a giggle, the excitement pouring out of your pores.

"okay" ellie took a big inhale "open them up"

a feast of colors and scents rose in front of your face. yellows, oranges, reds and pinks danced in your eyes, showing their ephemeral beauty. ellie hid behind the bouquet, her gaze intent on you, trying to decipher what your expression meant.

"ellie..." you murmured, getting up from the bed and stroking a yellow petal.

"i don't know what flowers you like" ellie replied "in fact, i didn't even know there were that many flowers. there were a million there, i thought maybe you'd like these."

you were still admiring each of the flowers. their smells permeated your nostrils, making your nose itch but you wanted to smell them one more time.

"i put the bouquet together all by myself" ellie continued, a hint of pride in her voice "that guy at the flower shop didn't even help me. he didn't know shit about anything. i bet it was his first da..."

you gently took the flowers from ellie's hands and laid them on the bed, wrapping ellie's body in a hug.

"thank you" you murmured, your arms wrapping around her neck.

ellie took a few seconds to reciprocate your embrace, but when she did you could feel a weight lift off her shoulders. ever since you arrived she had a feeling that a wolf was inhabiting her stomach, ready to devour every organ in her body if her gift didn't go as she had planned.

now she was relaxed, her mind didn't feel the need to babble on about everything that was going through her head to avoid the nervousness. she was so awkward and you loved it.

she hid her face in the space between your shoulder and your neck, her arms around your waist in the softest way.

"did you like them?" she murmured against your skin.

you laughed lightly before nodding fiercely "they're beautiful"

ellie released you from her clutches after a few seconds, sitting on the bed and indicating you to do the same next to her, to babble randoms data she had taken care to learn about those flowers a few hours before your arrival.

the sun went down and gave way to a sunset of the same colors as those flowers, while you told ellie where the flowers would go, she listened to you attentively while she left delicate kisses on your skin, some more wet than others. the reality is that ellie couldn't care less about those flowers when she had you in front of her.

[pawnshopbleus]

These Are the Days Eight - Melted Away

Abby Anderson x Fem!Reader High School AU

For the summary, warnings, and more, please visit here.

Previous Chapter.

Another day of history class meant only one thing, more busy work. The entire class was silent. The only thing you could hear was the scratching of pencil on paper and the occasional cough from a student who definitely shouldn’t have come to school today. 

Class goes by faster than usual and the bell rings. Students gather their things, and you're leaving with them for the first time in a while.

Mr. Miller stops you at the door. “I was hoping I could speak to you for a moment.” 

You nod, bidding Abby farewell, and lean against the door frame. 

“The school board is having a meeting next Tuesday. They tasked me with finding the perfect student that could provide them with some ways to help make the school better and I pointed them in your direction.” 

You? You’ve been in Washington for less than a year and at Lakeview for less than five months. Although you’ve gotten accustomed to the school, you don’t know everything about it. 

“Mr. Miller, I appreciate the thought but I barely know this school. How would I be able to tell the school board what they should fix?” “That’s why I thought you would be perfect for this. You’ll be able to give them fresh ideas. Not to mention some of the people on the school board are also admissions counselors at The University of Washington. Having a letter of recommendation from them could get your foot in the door.” 

You press your lips together. Before moving to Washington, USC was your dream school. It was right in the middle of Los Angeles, just a thirty-minute drive from your old house and right in the middle of the city. It was where your parents went to school. You felt like you’d somehow get closer to them if you went to their alma mater but as you explored Seattle with Ellie, Dina, Jesse, and Abby, you fell in love. It was a beautiful metropolitan oasis that you would surely thrive in. You mentioned wanting to go to The University of Washington to Mr. Miller in passing but you never expected him to remember that. 

You gulp. “I’ll do it.”

Mr. Miller nods. “Good, I’ll let them know that you’ll do it. You should invite your parents. I noticed that they weren’t at back-to-school night.”

“They work a lot so I don’t think they’ll be able to make it.”  

“Well, that too bad,” Mr. Miller returns to his desk, letting you make your exit. You set off for the library where Dina, Jesse, Ellie, and Abby are all waiting for you. 

You sit in between Abby and Jesse, take out your math book, and start studying. You occasionally ask Abby for help but the rest of the group stays silent. It’s unusual for Dina, Ellie, and Jesse to be this quiet. Usually, Dina and Jesse would be bickering about something small or Ellie would be gushing over how good Dina smelled, but today, they all sat with their head down, focused on their schoolwork.

As if he could sense everyone’s discomfort, Owen saunters into the library with a smug smile dancing across his face. You have to restrain yourself from plugging your nose as he pulls up a chair next to Abby. 

Owens's hands paint their way toward the back of Abby’s neck and pulls her in close. He kisses her in a way that you know doesn’t feel good but despite that, Abby sinks into the kiss, her hands finding their way towards Owen’s letterman jacket. 

Your mouth drops and you look at the other’s for confirmation that this is happening. Owen and Abby are kissing. They’re kissing as if the past week didn’t happen. Abby’s kissing Owen as if you didn’t see her after they had their argument in his car. Owen is kissing Abby as if he didn’t get another girl pregnant. Abby is kissing Owen as if you didn’t comfort her and provide her direction when she needed it most. And all you can do is sit there and stare at them. 

The one time you want the librarian to come up to your table, she’s not here. 

They break apart after what seems like forever and Abby clears her throat and gathers her things. 

Owen throws his arm around Abby’s shoulder and pulls her in close. He leans down and kisses her on the forehead, looking you in the eyes as he does so. Owen ushers Abby out of the library, leaving the four of you behind. 

“What the fuck was that?” Jesse’s the first one to say anything. The librarian shushes him and you roll your eyes. 

“I thought that him getting another girl pregnant would finally end it for them but I think she’s in deep,” Dina sighs as she leans her head on Ellie’s shoulder. 

All you can do is stare out into the window. You thought that you were going to get Abby back but as you stared into the eyes of the devil, you knew that she was gone. The version of Abby that you knew had melted away like snow does at the beginning of spring. 

You grab your bag and leave the library. Ellie, Dina, and Jesse watch as you solemnly leave the library. They give each other a knowing look and then return to their schoolwork.

Next Chapter.

Taglist: @colbyweirdo, @rew1nds

Thank you for reading!

[writerseclipse1]

rewarded [joel m.]

inspo: somewhere only we know (keane)

summary: does death look you in the eye before you die? or does life flash your memories in your mind? aka: joel's on death's doorstep; he reminisces your time together

warnings: angst (flashback fluff), canon-typical violence, blood and gore, dialogue follows joel's death scene, vivid descriptions of joel's death, major character death, flashbacks, abby (if u hate her ig), guns, knives, and a golf club as a weapon, crying ellie, cursing, no use of y/n. pls tell me if i missed anything!

word count: 2.7k

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ a/n: am so excited to be back into writing! ik i promised a 505-inspired fic w joel but i couldn't help it!

“Joel Miller.” The sadistic sneer in her voice is what causes him to look up at her, groaning in pain as his leg throbs. He can feel the bullet she lodged into his skin.

“Why don’t you say whatever speech you’ve got rehearsed and get this over with.” He said, annoyance evident in his tone, anger flooded his veins as he stared at her with a look that made it clear he was in no mood to mess around. Neither was Abby and she made that clear, especially when she barked out orders to tourniquet Joel’s leg.

He groaned, eyes shutting tight and tilting his head back. He cursed under his breath, leg pulsing and hurting like a bitch. “God damn it!” He started seeing spots of black in his vision, the figures in the room turning into dull, blurry colors.

His chest heaved, trying to regain control of his breathing and his entire being, seeing Abby flip the handle of her weapon in her hands, his blood ran cold, colder than the metal of the golf club she raised in the air.

Her chuckle was a deep rumble in her chest, the corner of her lip twitching upwards as she murmured. “You don’t get to rush this old man.”

Whack.

“Hey!” The plastic material of the frisbee dug into his palms slightly as he caught it. Jackie, one of the bigger kids in town, inched carefully to Joel and he handed the disc back, but not without a pointed look. “Watch where you’re throwin’ next time.” She uttered out a meek apology, all but running back toward her friends and almost instantly resumed their game.

Snow crunched under his boots as he walked, his feets leaving tracks in the snow. The sound of children laughing and birds chirping filled his ears, a beautiful memory he had come to love. The wind whipped at his face as the chilly air bit his skin but he paid it no mind. Not when she was right there, full of warmth even in just the palm of her hand.

His hand reached out to grasp hers once more as they continued walking, his grip a slight squeeze but if she noticed anything, she said nothing. His eyes were restless, occasionally sneaking a glance to get a glimpse of her, in all her glory. The way her eyes rivaled the stars in the clear night sky, the way she graced passersby with her smile, the way her presence warmed up his heart, the heart he once thought was trapped under all these layers of ice, only to be melted by an unexpected yet welcome gift.

His train of thought derailed once he was pulled back, almost colliding with a child who looked no older than seven. After muttering out an apology and a small ‘I told them to watch it”, his eyes rolled and glared at her playfully when he heard her get engulfed in a fit of giggles that she tried hard to control.

“Think that’s funny, do ya?” He pretended to be offended, turning around to poke her in the ribs and smirking as she let out a squeal.

“Joel!” He laughed as she tried to chase him down the street, his longer legs taking him further and her voice getting distant. It wasn’t until his legs slowed down to a step that she caught up, wrapping an arm around his waist as she saw his somber expression. Following his gaze, you saw Ellie on Dina’s front porch, the two focused on each other. Ellie had her arms wrapped around Dina, her head atop the girl while Dina’s nose brushed the skin of Ellie’s neck, her sniffles being muffled by the material of Ellie’s sweater.

From the corner of his eye, he could see your lips spread out into a grin, closing his eyes with a sigh when he felt your lips brush his cheek, muttering a small “Thank you.”

“For what? You got nothin’ to thank me for, darlin’.” Eyes now on the woman beside him, he noticed your focus stray from the two girls back to him, your walking only slowing down but not stopping.

“For being a lover,” you whispered back, pulling back to look up at him. “Maybe your fighter days are over.”

He shook his head as they passed Ellie and Dina yet his eyes never left her once. “I ain’t stoppin’ my fightin’ days, baby. ‘Cause I fight for you everyday.” His eyes wrinkled at the corners as he smiled when he heard you laugh, not noticing that the attention of the two girls moved to you and him, watching as you walked further away.

Good thing Dina buried her head in Ellie’s shoulder just in time for you to look back and send Ellie a wink, a soft pink hue spreading on her cheeks as yours and Joel’s footfalls started to fade.

Thud, thud, thud.

It was all that echoed in his ears as his heart pounded in his chest, his ribs taking the damage Abby’s boot was inflicting on his body, all while he lay helplessly on the floor. He felt bile crawl up his throat and out his mouth when the girl kicked his stomach. His eyes widened slightly when he realized that it wasn’t bile, but blood.

Abby let out a huff, pacing in front of his body and if Joel could let out a sigh of relief, he would, but it hurt to even breathe. He choked on his own blood, his head lolling to the side as he spat out blood, the red liquid coating his lips and dripping to the floor. She looked at him with a mixture of anger and disgust, the former more evident as she readied her weapon again.

Yet her intentions were the farthest thing from his thoughts, feeling a familiar warmth spread across his body as his mind brought him back to a time of safety, of care, of arms wrapped around him and lips pressed to his skin.

Before he could feel the shattering impact of the metal club, he closed his eyes and thought—

“This is stupid,” he muttered and you only shook your head. The two stood on the front porch, in front of the wooden column on the right. Digging your hand into your pocket, you flipped open your pocket knife and he watched you flip it in your hands. He still remembers the time you first held it in your palm.

There was nothing to your relationship at first, with the exemption of watching each other’s backs during patrols outside the walls. He took the reins during missions and when he first saw it, untouched and sitting pretty in a gardener’s shed they passed by, his first thought was to give it to you to make sure you had a weapon that “didn’t let you shoot your goddamn ass off.”

Never would he expect that the same sharp blade that has sliced a man’s throat and lodged itself in an infected’s chest would be the same blade that would carve your initials on his front porch.

“Come on, Joel, stop being such an old grump,” you pouted, taking his hand and wrapping it around the hilt before your own came up to rest on his. He let out a chuckle when you guided his hand, from the curve of the J to the lines of your own initial. Both of you stepped back slightly to admire your work but he tilted his head at you when he heard you hum.

“Something’s missing,” you murmured, eyes casting downward as you thought. He always admired you when you were deep in the recesses of your mind, how your eyebrows pinched together and how your lips pursed. He fought the urge to kiss your lips until you were giggling against his. “Aha!”

He watched you move forward, your body covering most of the carving as you added a detail. When you stepped back, he couldn’t contain his chuckle. You had added two hearts that sat beside each other, one bigger than the other. Your eyebrows furrowed again, this time not in thought but in mock indignation. “And why are you laughing?”

“Nothin’ honey, it’s cute!” He reasoned but you only huffed, facing the opposite way. He let out an audible scoff but he licked his lips, a mischievous smile taking over his expression. Wrapping his arms around you, he carried you into the house, ignoring your protests and your wriggling motions as he laid you down on the couch, kissing you deeply.

It shut you up for the rest of the afternoon.

“What? Cat got your tongue now?” Abby scoffed, hitting him again and again without abandon. Joel didn’t speak, every inch of his face covered in blood. He felt like he was drowning, swimming in a pool of his own blood with each drop of the weapon.

BANG!

At first he thought it was the club, striking his head hard that his skull cracked open but when he opened his eyes, he saw Ellie, a hand wrapped around her gun tightly as she tried to shoot but to no avail. Pinned down, the girl could only watch as Joel struggled to breathe, his chest rising and falling with every shaky breath.

A man who was certainly younger than him started talking, barking out orders to people in the room but Joel couldn’t hear a single thing with the ringing in his ears and the pounding in his head. But he could guess what it was when Abby snarled down at him, her hands wrapping tightly around the club as she raised it. And just as quickly as it rose, it fell.

“JOEL!

“Joel!” He turned his head, closing his eyes as he tried to gain his composure, breathing in like how he was taught by his momma when he got mad. Slowly in, slowly out. In through the nose, out through the—

“Joel Miller! Don’t you dare walk away from this conversation!” So much for composure.

“And what? Huh? I’ll let you go out there on a stupid horse with a stupid partner Tommy paired you up with and then what? What if you get hurt, what then? What’ll I do? Beat ‘ em up for not keepin’ an eye on you? It wouldn’t be his fault, wouldn’t it? No it wouldn’t, because you,” he pressed his finger against your chest, “Didn’t listen to me!”

“Why are you already assuming I’ll get hurt? Do you think I’m that helpless?” Your jaw ticked and from the corner of his eye, your hand twitched and balled itself into a fist. Everything was going so well for him but he had to hit a bump in the road somewhere. “I asked you a question.” His thoughts were out of order but Joel was a patient man to the right people, he didn’t want to say the wrong thing.

“No! No I don’t but—”

“Then why are you so—”

“Because if something happened to you, I dunno what I’d do with myself!” He yelled and his heart froze when you stepped back, surely taken aback from what he did. He didn’t mean to do that, he didn’t mean to yell.

“I know.” His eyes locked with yours, scanning your expression. He didn’t mean to say that out loud. Seeing the guilt in your unshed tears he sighed, shaking his head. His fists unclenched and he stretched his fingers as he took in a breath, closing his eyes. In through the nose, out through the mouth. In through the nose, out through the—

Arms snaked around him, like vines creeping around an abandoned brick house that has definitely seen better days, fingers interlocking behind him so that he couldn’t escape. Like I want to leave in the first place, he thought as he felt your cheek fall against his chest and your ear press against his heart.

When Joel would encounter danger and violence, his heart wouldn’t beat like a sinner’s caught in church, fast and swift, no. His heart followed a rhythm. Du dum, du dum, du dum, always steady and strong. It reflects how he is, always biding his time, saving his energy until he’s ready to strike. 

He could practically feel your shoulders slump as you heard his heart beating, steady and strong. Du dum, du dum, du dum.

“I’m sorry,” you choked out and he only realized the tears that dripped like water from a broken faucet; dripping one-by-one yet loud and clear. His body moved on autopilot, arms wrapping around you before he could even clear his head and rubbing his hand up and down your back, resting his chin on the top of your head. “I didn’t mean to make you feel like—”

“I know.” He smothered kisses into your hair and he felt your shoulders lighten and your chest rumble with a sniffle before a chuckle. He could feel your pout through the thin material of his button-up, putting a hand on your cheek and tilting your head up, staring into your soul like it was a window without blinds. “I only want you to be safe. You’re the reason why I wake up in the morning, why I sit on the porch and wave to people I barely give a damn about, why I water the flowers outside our house because you love it when the house looks so lively even from the outside. You’re the reason why I care about the little things. I don’t want you, my reason to come back home, not come back home.”

He felt you sniffle into his chest, nodding as you pulled slightly back. “I get it. I just…”

“Hey, let’s talk about it in the morning, yeah? We got plenty’a time,” he whispered, brushing back a strand of hair wet from your tears, giving you a kiss on the forehead. “We got plenty’a time.”

For the first time in Joel’s life, he lied to you that night. He just didn’t know it yet. 

He was sorry.

He’ll always be sorry.

Even after his dying breath, he knew that sorry can’t reverse his mistakes. That was like trying to put a bandaid on a porcelain plate. He was an idiot.

A Stupid. Fucking. Idiot.

He thought it was safe.

It was winter, it shouldn’t’ve even been there. It should have been freezing in one of the fucking rivers or something.

It was his fault.

All of it.

“Baby?” His breath caught in his throat as he watched your body, his figure as unmoving as you were. He inched closer, crouching down to you, looking away from the infected he killed with its mouth open and brains splattered everywhere. He saw red, maybe it was the blood on his shirt. Whose was it? He didn’t want to know.

“Baby?” His voice echoed, asking again and foolishly enough, he expected an answer. He only saw your eyes staring back at him, distant, unwavering, unmoving.

Gone.

He shook his head and shut his eyes, unwilling to see, unwilling to believe. “Baby? You–you gotta wake up for me, honey. No, no, you can’t—” He choked, covering his mouth with the palm of his hand as his eyes filled with tears. Tears you’ll never get to wipe with the pad of your thumb. He cradled your face gently, like you were still sleeping but with your eyes open, like you didn’t see the infected coming at you and he didn’t see it too, like you were lying in a pool of your own blood, like he was the cause of it.

Like he didn’t know what he was going to do.

His chest was engulfed in wracking sobs, sobs that would make the merciless merciful, sobs that would make the follower the leader, sobs that would make the dead live.

He prayed that was the case. It wasn’t.

And it never will be.

Not even when Ellie cried at his chest, her eyes screwed tight and muttering apologies, recounting old memories, anything to get Joel back, yet even the man knew he himself was already gone. Ellie was wrapped up in her anguish and her pain to notice the distant but hopeful look in Joel’s eyes, shaking his body like it would shock him back to life. But life rewarded the patient, not the vengeful.

Joel had been a patient man all his life and he knew it.

And when he saw you, surrounded by a circle of light and an arm outstretched, he knew he had been rewarded.

[cardierreh15]

Post Human

Hey yall 🫣☺️

***I do not give anyone permission to copy or repost my work!!!

Warnings 18+: Cursing , Mentions Of Parental Loss , Violence , Gore , Other than That— Great Conversation between the two 🥰

Pairing: August Walker x Roslyn (Black!Female Oc)

Description: Roslyn gets caught up with training August on becoming a Herding Master.

Word Count: 4.1K

Song: Pretty Places by Aly & AJ

Taglist: @drewharrisonwriter @kingliam2019 @imaslutforcuddles @headcannonxgalore

II

Knock, Knock.

The sudden knocking caused Roslyn’s head to pop up tiredly. She snapped her head over to see if Ellie was here but her bed was perfectly made. Clear evidence that she hadn’t even been there the previous night.

Rolling her eyes, she grumbled tired gibberish and rubbed her face. The knock returned.

‘Ugh! I’m coming, I’m coming damn.’

She shoved the comforter off of her lap and stumbled her way out of bed before dragging herself tiredly to the door.

‘Goddammit, Ellie! I ain’t gone keep—‘

Roslyn pulled the door open to see Maria standing there with her arms folded across her chest with an eyebrow raised.

‘Maria!’ She said surprised as she quickly looked back and stepped down to shut the door behind her. Now she would have to make up a quick lie to save her sister’s ass. ‘I didn’t know you were… making house calls today!’

‘Right…’ Maria said as she stepped back and placed her hands on her hips, ‘Ellie in there?’ She asked, jerking her head towards the door.

Roslyn looked back once again, ‘Y-yeah! She’s sleeping. Y’know— us girls gotta get our beauty rest!’ She gave Maria a gentle punch on the arm as she tried to keep up this facade. If Ellie wasn’t here, she knew exactly where she was and she wasn’t going to sell her out like that.

‘Hmm. Whatever, look. I don’t care if she’s not here. I’ll just simply give you the job.’ She shrugged.

Ros raised a brow, her face instantly hardening. ‘Job? What job?’

‘Oh. It’s nothing you can’t handle! I’m gonna have you riding with August today.’

It had been about 2 weeks since the boys arrived and from what Ros gathered, they were pretty level headed and respectful. They did any and everything Tommy and Maria told them to do. They were almost like the kids they never had!

Even with Mike’s injury, he did the best he could.

Since the day at the bar, August and Roslyn haven’t really spoken. Just when they’d walk past it was always a “hi” or “bye” but they never stuck around for casual conversation.

But that was all about to change.

‘What?! Why can’t he ride with Jesse?! Dina?’

‘Because I have them on different projects today.’

Roslyn let out an annoyed, soulful sigh. As much as she loved her sister, she wanted to wring her neck like a rag.

‘Besides, it’ll give you a better opportunity to get to know him. He’s a very nice guy, Ros. You can’t be hard on everyone who shows up here. His past may not have been great but— we can use him and his brother. I just need your help.’

‘Oh? I know Ms. “I don’t beg anyone for nothing” ain’t beggin’ right now?’

‘I ain’t beggin. It’s a demand. Now, go on now. Meet him at the gymnasium. He spends most of his mornings there.’ She retorted before spinning on the toes of her boots and walking down the steps.

Roslyn grimaced, holding back the litter of curse words that so desperately ached to burn her lips but instead she shouted, ‘Maria! You owe me for this!’

‘More like Ellie does! Hurry up! Y’all better be gone by 10!’ She hollered back.

***

Roslyn was lacing up her boots when she heard the knob turn. Ellie had just walked into the door with the silliest grin on her face.

‘Hello big sis! Anyone came by lookin’ for me?’ Ellie chimed.

Ros breathed through her nose as she stood up and grabbed her coat off the bed. ‘Yes! In fact, someone did!’

‘Who?’

‘Maria.’ She hissed at the name, it bringing her great disdain in the moment.

‘Maria?! What the hell she doin’ here on a Tuesday for?’

‘She sendin’ me on training patrol with August. She was here for you… but she insisted I did it instead.’

Ellie’s green eyes grew slightly at the impactful news. ‘No shit! Well…’

‘It’s fine… don’t even worry about it I guess. It’s said now.’

‘Hey, quit it! Look,’ Ellie sighed out as she pushed her hair out of her face, ‘I’ll make it up to you. Somehow.’

Roslyn’s head fell to the side slightly. She tried her best to remain serious but Ellie began to make silly faces. A smirk managed to curl up on her face and eventually, a laugh escaped her.

‘Alright. Fine. I forgive you I guess! But when I get back, tell me about your night with Dina?’

‘It’s a deal!’

***

Roslyn walked into the training center, smiling as she walked over to the desk where Dan sat snacking on what had seemed to be a breakfast burrito.

‘Top of the morning’, Dan!’

‘Heya kiddo! How yer’ doin’?’ He asked with a grin spread across his lips.

‘Maria’s got me pulling patrol three days in a row.’ She huffed out, ‘You can only imagine how I’m feelin’.’

‘Mmm. I am sorry to hear that but whatever boss lady says, goes.’

‘Yeah. Anyway, is Walker around? Maria told me I could find him here.’

‘Yup. Sign in for me, he’ll be in the weight room.’

Roslyn picked up the pin and signed her name along the line. ‘Thank you, Dan.’

She walked into the weight room of the gymnasium, her eyes scanning the room only to find him pulling his body up over the pull-up bar.

A thin sheet of sweat covered his arms and back with a few droplets sliding down his skin. His trapezius muscles flexing and pulling with every movement. She’d also taken note of those familiar pink star-like scars on his shoulder and back. Then, there was another scar on his lower waistline that had to be 3 inches long. All of them had seemed to be stitched and patched up pretty clean so they must’ve occurred way before his rebellion.

Curiosity befell her. She’d be sure to ask about it later on. But right now she was admiring what God had created. A single drop of sweat cascaded down his spine and she felt her chest tighten at the sight.

Sure, she’s seen men like this— in their prime and what not but he had it all!

For now, she balled all of that up and puffed up her chest. Roslyn walked over to him with her chin high and unphased. ‘Walker!’

August glanced down when he heard his name being called. He was not expecting to see her here. ‘Roslyn!’ He’d let go of the bar and turned to face her, revealing his thick curly chest hair that was drenched in sweat. And this detailed moth tattoo right below his sternum resting at the center of his torso. That was an interesting choice.

‘I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Where’s Ellie?’

Roslyn held her breath for a second, keeping her eyes on his which somehow equally melted her all the same.

‘Ellie couldn’t make it. So I’ll be accompanying you today.’

‘Oh! Well, gimme a few minutes and I’ll meet you at the Stables?’

‘Fine by me.’ She gave him a small smile with a nod.

***

She’d been pacing back and forward, creating infinite tracks in the snow until he heard her name being called.

‘Roslyn!’

She lifted her head to see August jogging in her direction. She then looked at her watch. It was 9:55AM. At least he made it before 10.

‘You’re late, Walker!’

‘Yeah! I know. I’d figured you wouldn’t want to be training some funky dude so I took a quick shower.’

Well, at least he cared about his hygiene. A lot of dudes in this day in age ain’t care too much bout it since everyone was on death row.

She looked up at him as she tried to fight that smile, but it fell through when she giggled, ‘You’re right. I don’t want to be smelling onions, garlic and horseradish. Thanks for the consideration. Let’s go.’

The pair chuckled as they walked together inside of the stables to retrieve their steeds.

Roslyn greeted her horse with a beaming smile as he neighed and nickered.

‘Kentaro.’ She placed her hand on his jaw and gave him a firm pat on his shiny jet black coat, ‘I know you’re tired my boy. But, one more day?’ She whispered as she gently rubbed at his black snout.

He let out a huff of air and nudged her gently.

‘Thank you.’ She giggled and placed a kiss on his jaw before unlocking his stable and grabbing his reins.

Once she made it to the saddle rack, she placed hers on Kentaro’s back and strapped it down.

Suddenly, she snapped her head over at the aggressive neighing, squealing and nickering in the stables.

August was trying to calm down his horse along with others but she was anxious.

Roslyn handed off her reins to Jesse and jogged back into the stables. She snatched the reins out of the keeper’s hand and raised her hands to let her know that she was not a threat.

‘Shhh. Shhhh. Hey, girl. Shhhh.’

Once she began to calm down, Roslyn rubbed at her brown spotted jaw. ‘Shhhh, it’s okay girl. He is no threat. See? Look— Walker!’

August’s eyes grew before he looked at the trainers and keepers. He pressed his index finger at his chest, mouthing the word, ‘me?’

Roslyn let out a gentle giggle and nodded, ‘Gimme your hand.’ She lend out her palm to him, watching as he stared at her then the horse skeptically. ‘I promise she’s sweet when you get to know her.’

He hesitantly placed his large calloused palm into hers and allowed her to guide his hand over to the side of her neck.

The horse let out a gentle whine before letting out a heavy huff from her snout.

‘Shhh. It’s okay girl…that’s it Hera. That’s a sweet girl.’ Ros looked over at August with a gentle smile as his nervousness seemed to fade but was replaced with relief. A gentle smile curled on his lips. ‘I told you. She’s never really been great with men. I guess the more testosterone you carry, the more you give her the ick.’ She giggled before throwing him a wink.

August chuckled as he scratched beneath her jaw, ‘Well, that’s quite the ironic name. Don’t worry, Hera. We’re going to be the best of friends ya?’

Roslyn smiled softly, placing the reins in his hand. ‘Go head and get your saddle. Meet me by the gate when you're finished.’

August gave her a gentle smile, ‘You got it!’ He watched her spin off and walk off towards the gate. Even a blind man could see that he was checking her out. Watching as her hips swayed and her glutes tighten and relax, followed by a jiggle with each step.

She was quite dreamy.

Hera nudged August’s chest, causing him to let out a winded grunt then a chuckle, ‘Alright girl. Let’s get out of here.

***

Roslyn climbed Kentaro and sat down comfortably. She then leaned over to give him an encouraging clap on his neck. ‘Such a good boy.’

‘You talk to all your men like that?’

She looked back to see August well acquainted with Hera; sitting high and mighty on his brand new saddle. She could admit, he looked damn good on top of a horse. With his straight posture and broad shoulders. He belonged there. And she had a gut feeling that he belonged here too.

‘Maybe I do.’ Ros retorted with a sly smirk. ‘I see you finally got on with Hera. How she holdin’ up?’

‘Just fine.’

‘Good.’ She nodded before she looked over at Jesse, ‘Get that gate open, we outta here.’

‘Alright. You guys be careful out there and August, stay vigilant.’

August waved his hand once, ‘No need to warn me. I’ve witnessed enough to make an Army Ranger cry.’

Jesse stared at him with a blank glare. As if that was something to be proud of. But at least he knew how to deal with the dangers beyond the compound.

‘Alright.’ Jesse turned and waved his arm towards the guards at the gate, ‘Open ‘er up!’

Roslyn smirked and looked over at August, ‘Army Ranger huh?’

He gave her a gentle shrug.

She shook her head with her smirk unwavering, watching as they pulled the large wooden gate apart. ‘Seem to shut him up pretty good. Nice one.’

‘Hmph. Thanks.’

The both of them gently kicked at the ribs of their horses, causing them to trot on with their handlers at their reins.

‘Wow!’ August breathed out gently, ‘Look at that incredible view.’

‘It is breathtaking isn’t it? You guys didn’t have views like this in Washington?’

‘We did. It just rained a lot in Seattle. And if we weren't on patrol then we weren’t spending our time looking at the wonders of the world. It was too fucked up out there and we didn’t need that constant reminder… or at least that’s what Isaac lodged in our heads.’

‘Mmf. Sounds like a master manipulator at its finest.’

‘You don’t even know the half.’ August scoffed and rolled his eyes, ‘If only my father knew. Stubborn old fool.’

She pressed her lips together, ‘I’m sorry… about your loss.’

August looked over at her with a perplexed glare, ‘My father’s not dead!’ He hissed.

‘Oh! Oh my god, I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have—‘

An exaggerated cackle left August’s lips, startling Roslyn in the process.

‘Wh—what’s so funny?!’ She barked back.

‘You should see the look on your face!’ He laughed so hard, one would think he’d fall off that damn horse. ‘I’m kidding. He’s been dead for quite some time now.’ He added, recovering from his heartfelt giggle.

Roslyn rolled her eyes, holding back a giggle of her own, ‘You’re such an ass.’

‘Maybe but hey, at least I know how to make light out of situations. Y’know? Sometimes I forget he’s dead.’

‘Why?’

‘He was hard on me and Mike after mom died. It was like… something snapped inside of him. He used to be a good man. I believed a lot of his choices were for the greater good but… at the cost of our sanity. I’d prefer him not to be there honestly.’

She hated to hear these stories. It was repetitive really. It appeared more and more people had shitty parents than the good ones.

Perhaps this world just created shitty people.

‘That… sucks.’

‘Meh. I think I turned out pretty good.’ He said daft with this goofy grin spread across his lips.

‘Something tells me you didn’t though.’ Roslyn laughed out, ‘But you have to be some kind of crazy to survive nowadays.’

‘Exactly! You get me.’ He chuckled softly. ‘So what about you? Where are your people?’

She should’ve braced herself for that one. Roslyn didn't like talking about what happened to her parents but over the years, the more she spoke of them, the more healed she felt.

‘They’re gone too. Apparently my parents knew Joel and Tommy from way back when. Used to work together I guess. Apparently they were ripped apart by a bloater.’

‘Jesus.’

‘Yeah. In my parents' written will, they wanted Joel to be my Godfather… If anyone believes in that shit nowadays…’ she sighed out, ‘So— he’s my dad!’

‘Fucking hell. Were yall close at least? Got good memories together?’

‘Yeah… some good ones. I mean it’s hard to create anything good in … this.’ Roslyn gestured her hand out towards the open, referring to what this world had become over the last 15 years.

‘I hear you there.’ August added in a remorseful manner. ‘I’m sorry to hear about your parents. It sucks that all the good people have to go. Unfortunately I’ve been a part of the problem.’

Roslyn’s head snapped over at August, her pretty hazel eyes narrowing as she processed his words. ‘You’ve killed innocent people?’

He parted his lips to speak but hesitated as if he’s trying to find the appropriate words.

‘Not because I’ve wanted to. The way we were trained… anyone beyond those walls were a threat and had to be eliminated if found insufficient of use.’ He shook his head softly, ‘And if we failed to follow those orders well… you know the rest.’

‘Damn. That is rough. At least you're here though… you’re already turning your life around. I say… A win is a win!’

August smiled and nodded, ‘I guess you’re right.’

***

The pair scaled up the worn down path on the side of the mountain. From this point on, they were quiet and kept their eyes peeled.

Luckily, they made it all the way up to the small town’s grocery market. One of Jackson’s checkpoints.

‘Alright.’ Roslyn pulled her reins to a stop and hopped down. ‘We —‘

Suddenly, a loud screech and clicking echoed on the other side of the aluminum door.

The pair snapped their heads over towards the supermarket. Both letting out a shuddered breath in angst.

‘Grab your shotgun. Ain’t no telling what’s behind that door. We need all the fire power we got.’

August gave her a nod and quickly snatched up his weapons off of his steed and made sure they were loaded up.

Before the horses could grow restless from the constant noise and attract more infected, she smacked the rump of Kentaro and did just the same for Hera. They took off running with only the sound of hooves echoing in the space around them.

‘OK.’ She let out a shuddered breath, taking a step closer to him. ‘Don’t let your guard down. I was just here in the past few days and they’re back again. There has to be a nest nearby but it’ll take more than just us to clear it.’

‘Alright. What-whoa…’

‘Yes?’

‘Are you ok?’ August asked in concern.

‘Yeah. Another day in paradise am I right? Come on. The sooner we can clear this out, the sooner we can reach our final checkpoint. Cool?’

‘Cool.’ He gave her a reassuring smile, ‘Good Luck to you.’

Roslyn returned the smile and nodded before turning around, ‘You too… we’re damn sure gonna need it.’

Once the two carefully made their way into the space, she did a head count of two clickers and three runners. ‘Alright,’ she whispered, ‘You take those guys over there. And I got these three.’

‘What?’ August hissed quietly, ‘That’s three on one!’

‘I’ve handled worse! Plus, I’m here to train you remember? Just if I get hemmed up, help me out!’

August let out a long deep breath through his nose as he peaked over the counter to see the runners groaning in anguish. ‘OK. I got you. Just watch your ass!’

‘Of course.’ She whispered, ‘Now, go!’

The two skulked down the aisles. Making sure not to step on any glass or slip on any water. And one by one, they began to take out the runners first. They could be very overwhelming in numbers, but once removed from the equation, Clickers would have their undivided attention.

Roslyn pulled out her dagger slowly, letting out a shallow breath. ‘Here. We. Go.’ She whispered as she once again began to creep behind the infected to catch them by surprise.

But her luck had to run out eventually right?

With her being only 3ft away, she stepped on a thick piece of glass, causing it to crack beneath her weight. The sound caused the cordecyp’s host to stop clicking and stand up right from it’s hunched over posture. In that moment, she knew she fucked up.

‘Shit.’

The clicker turned to face her in record time, screeching in her face before knocking the dagger out of Roslyn’s hand.

‘Aah! FUCK!! WALKER!’ She exclaimed as the clicker found a grip on her and tried to sink its strangely structured teeth into her.

She pressed her hands into its chest, trying to combat that unnatural strength and fight back but it was unmatched!

But before it could take that fatal chomp, August shot it with his shotgun.

It didn’t kill the clicker, but August had all of it’s attention now.

‘Come get me you ugly son of a bitch!’

Flailing its arms and shrieking to hell, the Clicker limped over towards August before blowing its head to smithereens; pieces of Cordecyps growth, brain matter and blood splattered on anything that stood in a close proximity.

Once it had collapsed, it continued to click and twitch but not for long.

‘Fuck, I hate those fucking things.’ Roslyn grumbled as she glared down at the host’s lifeless body.

‘You alright?’

‘I’m OK.’ She said.

‘You bit?’

‘Not today.’ Ros sighed, ‘Thanks for the help.’

‘Yeah, anytime.’

Finally, when she felt like the air was circulating in her lungs she placed her hand over her chest, ‘Whoo! No matter how many times you do this shit, no matter how trained you are— every day is a different day with these fuckers.’

‘Ain’t that the truth.’

‘You get these bodies thrown in the ditch in the back. There’s some matches and lighter fluid on the grill out back. I’m gonna go get us signed in.’

‘Copy that!’

She gave him a firm nod before walking in the office and signing down their names. Then she jotted down how many infected she and August took down today.

Roslyn plopped down in the office chair and ran her hand over her face tiredly. ‘I’m getting too old for this shit.’

Pfft, poor girl ain’t even 27 yet.

***

13:49 (1:49PM)

The last 2 checkpoints were a breeze. A couple of stragglers here and there but nothing they couldn’t handle.

Roslyn and August sat in silence, feeling the weight of the day settling on their shoulders.

She was sitting on a milk crate looking down at her watch as he walked over and pulled his weight on top of the counter.

‘What time do we head back to the compound?’

Ros was filing her crooked fingernails, ‘We head back around 14:30. We’ve got to beat nightfall and the cold.’

No one ever really stayed the night in the mountains. The frigid cold was enough to literally kill someone, even at the end of summer. Plus, no one ever wanted to find out what lurked in the shadows of these woods.

‘Hey, can I ask you a question?’ Roslyn asked as she stopped filing.

‘Sure. Go head.’

‘What happened to you?’

August blinked at the question, trying to process it just like anybody else would in this time. This life was heavy and she didn’t know a lot about him. But he was open to tell her anything she was curious to know.

‘What happened to me meaninggggg?’ He scoffed.

Realizing that he could’ve possibly taken her question offensive, she waved her hands in disarray, ‘oh! No, no. That’s not what I meant…’ her face heated up in embarrassment.

‘I saw— the gunshot scars and the other one… I was just curious about the story behind them.’

‘Aaah.’ August said aloud, ‘You mean those.’

Roslyn nodded with a soft smile, ‘Yeah. But if you’re uncomfortable with sharing you—‘

‘Oh no! It’s fine. The gunshots I had gotten just a year ago with a run in with the Scars and that gash was from my dad.’

Her eyes grew in shock, a lump sitting in her throat. She couldn’t believe what she’d just heard.

‘Yo-your dad? As in your father?! How could he do such a thing?!’

August glanced off to the side and let out a heavy sigh, ‘I don’t know. He was drunk and he attacked my brother who was just 15 at the time. I guess I was beating his ass too badly, he had to take a knife to me.’

‘Wow. Holy shit August!’

‘Mmm. Sometimes bad things happen to good people.. I know I was doing the right thing.’

‘You were protecting your brother! Of course you were doing the right thing!’

‘Yeah, I know. I never doubt that. I’d just wished he wasn’t the man he was before he died.’

Roslyn’s brows tugged into one, her face showing all the signs of empathy and even feeling it in her heart.

And he was right. Bad things do happen to good people. But at least he was here and not with his father.

‘Wait!’ He exclaimed, sitting up straight; his face now beaming bright as the sun.

‘What?’

‘You just said my name! Looks like I’m warming up to you after all!’

She didn’t even realize it until he pointed it out. Maybe it was just a heartfelt moment with him being vulnerable and all, she didn’t need to keep it professional any longer.

Letting out a small giggle, Roslyn shook her head and shrugged, ‘Maybe I decided that I don’t need to address you as if I’m your boss or something but a friend instead.’

‘A friend huh?’ He repeated, his deep blue hues gentle and welcoming.

‘Yeah. A friend.’

.

Very important Side Note: From The River To the Sea, Palestine will be free. I’d like to make it clear that in no shape or form does this page support Israel or Zionism. The creator of the game, Neil Druckmann is a Zionist and I would like to make it very clear that this page stands in solidarity with the people of Palestine 🇵🇸. Boycott the game, boycott the show! CLICK HERE to find links to support and donate to Palestine & please continue to Boycott! Palestine will be free.

[cowgurrrl]

Heya. Love the work, could we please get some Joel with the twins?

Hi! Thanks for the sweet words!! I hope you like this!!

Beautiful Girls

Pairing: rockstar!joel miller x actress!reader

Author’s note: oh I love them

Summary: Your first night at home with your twins

Warnings: slight description of birth complications, NICU stay :(, new parent exhaustion, mention of Sarah’s husband!!, breastfeeding, idiots in love

When Sophia and Violet are born, they're small. Of course, you knew they would be. They're twins, and they were likely to be born earlier. Besides, Sammy was small too. You thought you had it handled. Sophia is born first at a whopping five pounds three ounces. Small but not too scary. She cried on your chest the second she entered the world, her little hands feeling your skin for the first time as she got acquainted with being outside your body. But Violet weighed four pounds eight ounces, and she didn't immediately cry. Your doctor put her on your chest, rubbing her back, as the nurses suctioned fluid out of her mouth, but she was silent. You looked at Joel, terrified, before looking down at her and watched those big brown eyes open and heard her wail. You sighed in relief and kissed her head, and you thought that was it.

To make a long story short, Violet spent a day and a half in the NICU because her lung function wasn't what it was supposed to be. Chump change compared to some of the babies that have been there for months, but seeing her hooked up to oxygen to stabilize her breathing ate you and Joel alive. Meanwhile, Sophia wouldn't breastfeed because she had a lip tie which made the entire process difficult for both of you and required intervention. You both cried for a long time, bouncing back and forth between the NICU and your recovery room as you scrambled to make the best decisions for your daughters. Needless to say, by the time you're discharged to go home a whole four days later, you're both exhausted.

Sammy falls in love with the girls and takes turns holding each of them even though he barely looks big enough to hold a baby. Daisy cautiously smells the girls' heads before giving them the gentlest kiss on the cheek and lying back down. She never was very interested in Sammy when he was this small. You give it six months before the three of them are partners in crime. Sarah, Ethan, Ellie, and Dina come home to meet the girls, which is no small feat considering how busy their own lives are. Hank and Lucia are scheduled to fly in later next week to help around the house and meet their newest granddaughters. Your house is a mess, and there's basically nothing in your fridge besides dinosaur chicken nuggets and apple sauce packets, and you would stress out about it if you didn't watch the love of your life interact with the lives you created.

After the older kids settle in their bedroom and Sammy begs to crawl into bed with Sarah and Ethan, you and Joel stay in the living room where you've sat since you came home from the hospital. He's holding Sophia on one knee and Violet on the other, and he just looks at them. You don't say anything because you're watching him watch them, but you wonder what he's thinking about. You wonder if he's memorizing their features to see if they're truly identical or not. You wonder if he's remembering when Sarah and Sam were babies. You wonder what he sees when he looks at them. Does he see the way their noses curve exactly like his? Or the way their cupid's bow bends like yours? Or the way that you can already see the wavy pattern in what little patch of dark hair they have?

He's gorgeous like this. His hair is a beast from all his worried tugging and playing, and the bags under his eyes are dark even though his frames cover them. He's wearing a loose flannel so he can unbutton and do skin-to-skin with the girls if he so chooses, and his soft smile is almost gentle enough to make you forget about the pain throbbing through your body.

The trance breaks when Violet fusses and wakes up Sophia. Like clockwork, you and Joel step into action. You take Violet in your arms, already unbuttoning your shirt to feed her, as he snuggles Sophia to his chest to get her back to sleep. There's a mess of tangled limbs and caught fabric, making Violet cry in that shaky newborn tone you were so used to when Sammy was born. You shush Vi and get her latched while Joel hums a song you can't make out. In seconds, both girls are content and quiet again, but Joel is still humming. You tune into the melody and try to place it, smiling when you can, even through the baby-shaped fog in your brain.

"Are you humming Van Halen to our daughter?" You ask, and he smiles, all bright and shy. You can't help but smile too.

"Gotta start 'em young, right?"

"Whatever you say, Miller."

Being a family of seven was never on your radar when you met Joel, but now that it's here and it's real, and you're each holding a perfect baby girl while your other three kids are sleeping upstairs, you can't imagine anything else. You're almost positive you would take this as sleep-deprived and pain-ridden as you are over anything someone could ever offer you. How could you not when Joel looks at you like you made the oceans and the stars while holding one of your newborns, his wedding band catching the lamplight as he hums Van Halen to her? And you're almost positive this is what love is meant to look like— not just perfect dates or surprise flowers but the long, hard nights spent rocking babies to sleep and still finding ways to hold each other even when you're on opposite sides of the couch.

[abbysleftbicepp]

The Thief And The Fairy

An Ellie Williams x Maleficent!Reader Au. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

An: I can’t lie i’ve been putting this off for so long, and for some reason i decided it would be a brilliant idea to start this at 4am. Considering it is very early in the morning, the quality may not be that great. Not proof read. Enjoy my loves!

|~~~|~~~|~~~|~~~|~~~|~~~|~~~|~~~|~~~|~~~|~~~|

Four months had past since Ellie had stolen the fairies wings, and Abby was checking in on activity at the castle. She saw the maids of the Queens making a fuss down in their quarters of the castle and knew she needed to find out what was going on.

“A girl! It’s a girl!” One of the maids announced, practically squealing with joy. Queen Dina had given birth to the prior kings baby.

Abby flew back to Y/N as soon as the news had landed upon her ears.

“Into a man.” Y/N spoke when she sensed Abby was close to her. “Well?” She asked impatiently.

“Well i saw nothing..but there’s been a, um…” Abby spoke nervously before Y/N interrupted her.

“What?”

“Child.” Abby spoke, “Queen Dina and Queen Ellie have had a child.” She finished.

“Oh.” Y/N spoke, not knowing what to say.

“There’ll be a christening, They say it’s to be a grand celebration.” Abby added, trying to break the silence.

“A grand celebration for a baby. How wonderful.” Evil tones laced the sound of Y/N’s voice.

At the castle, hundreds of people had traveled from far and wide to attend the newborns christening. It indeed was a grand celebration as Abby had said. There was so many people that they barely fit on the large staircases, let alone inside the throne room.

All Manor of folk came, even a trio of fairies, who sought to foster peace and goodwill.

“Oh look! There’s the baby!” Flittle spoke with excitement.

“I love babies!” Thistlewit responded with the same amount of joy.

“Can you just concentrate, please.” Knotgrass corrected them both. “Im not telling you again.” She finished.

The three fairies found themself hovering in front of the two Queens.

“Greetings, your Majesty. I am Knotgrass of the Moorland Fair Folk.” Knotgrass introduced herself.

“I’m Flittle, your Queenship.” Flittle did the same before Thistlewit.

“And i’m Thistlewit, your Royalnesses.”

“They bring gifts for our daughter.” Queen Dina spoke to Ellie as she saw the distaste in her wife’s face.

“These are not just any old gifts,” Flittle started, “For, you see,” Knotgrass continued before Flittle finished, “We’re magic!”

“And very good with children.” Knotgrass added.

“Very well.” Queen Ellie spoke before allowing the fairies to bestow their gifts upon her child.

Knotgrass flew towards the baby before announcing her magical gift.

“Sweet Aurora, I wish for you the gift of beauty.” She spoke softly before sprinkling magical flower petals over the baby.

“My wish is that you will never be blue, only haply for all the days of your life.” Flittle spoke as her magical blue butterflies fluttered around Aurora. One of them landed on her nose, causing her to sneeze.

“Sweet baby, my wish for you is that you find…” Thistlewit started before a large draft of wind blew throughout the throne room, causing the candle light to be blown out. The fairies looked to where it came from.

A shadow of a woman with curved horns and a sceptre appeared on one of the walls of the throne room as she walked in. People watched in fear as they made a path in the middle of the room for Y/N to walk through, as she made her way towards the monarchy.

She stopped walking and banged her sceptre onto the floor. “Well well.” She spoke mischievously, continuing her way towards her old friend.

“What a glittering assemblage, Queen Ellie.” She complimented before petting Abby in crow form.

“Royalty, Nobility, the gentry and..” she laughed, “how quaint. Even the rabble.” She spoke towards the fairy trio.

“I must say, i really felt quite distressed at not receiving an invitation.” Y/N said innocently.

“You’re not welcome here.” Ellie finally spoke.

Y/N started pouting, acting sad before laughing again. “Oh dear, what an awkward situation.”

“You’re not offended?” Queen Dina asked.

“Why no.” Y/N paused for a moment. “And to show i bear no ill will, i, too, shall bestow a gift on the child.” She said with her innocent tone.

“No! We don’t want your gift!” Ellie yelled, standing up.

Y/N ignored her, and started towards Aurora.

“Stay away from the princess!” knotgrass yelled, guarding the bassinet. “Yea, stay away!” Thistlewit joined her along with Flittle.

Y/N effortlessly used her magic to throw the fairy trio across the stage into a box.

“Hmm..” Y/N thought for a moment. “Mm.”

“Listen well, all of you,” She started, her green magic appearing in front of the newborn. “the princess shall indeed grown in grace and beauty, loved by all who meet her..” She continued before Queen Dina interrupted her. “That’s a lovely gift.”

Y/N turned her head to look at Dina, then Ellie who spoke, “Don’t do this..”

In response, Y/N put her pointer finger to her lips in a way to tell her to stay quiet. She turned around and saw a spinning wheel, the needle shining in the light that peeked through the window. She walked out to face the Royal family, raising her arms by her sides, her green magic growing around her.

“But..before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday, she will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a sleep like death! A sleep from which she will never awaken.” She yelled. Ellie watched in fear.

“Y/N please don’t do this..i’m begging you.” She spoke.

“I like you begging, do it again.” Y/N ordered.

Ellie got on her knees in front of the once winged girl. “I beg you.” She spoke again.

“Alright.” Y/N smiled.

“The princess can be woken from her death sleep..But only by…true loves kiss. This curse will last till the end of time! No power on earth can change it.” She yelled. Ellie’s heart felt like it had dropped to her stomach, she had made a grave mistake. Y/N walked out of the castle with an evil laugh.

Taglist (let me know if you wanna be added!): @seraphicsentences @hakandnsjoqmsn

[ask-the-good-creeps]

One word prompt: ancestor

Familiar features graced the unfamiliar face. The high cheek bones, small nose, and world-weary eyes framed by locks of dark hair that Dina had become accustomed to seeing in her partner every day now faced her on a completely different individual. She found it far from comforting – it was unsettling, if anything, considering who this man was and what he'd been doing.

"Such beauty...the eyes..." the man's raspy voice momentarily startled her, and she regarded him warily as he continued to ramble incoherently to himself. It was interesting, really, that the second person to ever compliment her eyes had so much physical resemblance to the first. Perhaps Helen and the Dollmaker had a common ancestor somewhere in their family histories to explain the coincidence.

She hadn't drawn her weapon yet. Maybe it was logic spawned from the information that had been passed around about this man; or maybe it was the feeling that he just seemed lost and almost...harmless, that caused her hesitation despite her own unease in his presence. She watched him continuing to mutter to himself across the room and hoped for Helen to arrive there soon. He'd know how to handle this. Dina wasn't well-versed in capturing people with minimal harm to them – quite the opposite, really. For now, all she could do was wait and keep an eye on him. If she let him leave this place, he'd disappear again and who knows how long it would be before someone caught up to him again.

There was a low creaking heard from above, as the old structure itself seemed to grow impatient right along with her. Waiting was not one of Dina's strong suits. She briefly considered engaging the Dollmaker in conversation, but he seemed to be quite engrossed in the words he was exchanging with his shadow. Besides that, Dina was well aware of her quick temper, and it seemed best not to open herself up to having her buttons pressed by the unsuspecting man. She started to fidget with her fingers while trying to tune out the insane ramblings of her prisoner. There were no windows in this old place, only a series of small skylights that let in some of the moonlight. She had no way of knowing what this building used to be – there were no signs out front, no furniture or divisions of space inside save for a stack of broken benches in the corner. It was just a large, empty, windowless space, and she was standing in front of the only exit.

Where is Helen?

She started tapping her foot now, and the sound echoed off the concrete floor and surrounded her – it even muted the Dollmaker's words. It couldn't cover up the sound of footsteps behind her. Dina turned around, expecting to see Helen walking up the steps; she was shocked to find nobody there. She walked closer to the doorless entryway and scanned the woods on either side. No sign of anyone. She drew her weapon then, silently, while she listened for movement. She didn't doubt her senses – somebody else was here and they were up to something. After at least five minutes of hearing nothing but the wind in the trees every so often, she suddenly realized that her captive had also gone silent. She turned back to the room to see where he was. Her eyes adjusted to the darker area rapidly, and she was horrified and confused to see that she was now alone.

How the Hell did he get out?!

She certainly would have noticed if he pushed past her out the door, and there was nothing to climb to reach the skylights, which she would've heard shatter if he'd somehow managed to go that route. She looked around the room in disbelief, trying desperately to find something she may have missed to explain the absurdity of the situation...to no avail. Her heart started to race and she wondered if the person she heard outside may have been an accomplice.

Almost as if on cue, she heard footsteps behind her again. This time she turned quickly with her blade poised to slice open the person's chest...and if Helen didn't know her well enough to read her body language and jump back, he would've been painfully bisected.

Her breath came in rapid shallow bursts as she froze, then slowly lowered her weapon. Helen looked at her with the barest hint of concern in his eyes as she slid the sword back into its sheath. Dina released a shaky sigh and ran both her hands through her hair.

"He got out. He got out, and I don't know how. I don't know who was out there, I don't know who would help him get away..." tears of frustration pricked at her eyes while she started to ramble. Helen approached her and held his arms open, and this was one of those times that she gladly embraced him.

"Who else was here?" Helen asked, and his calm tone helped her relax and think a little more clearly.

"I don't know. I heard someone walking outside, and I thought it was you, but it wasn't. I didn't see anyone, then I turned around and he was just...gone."

"Where was he when you last saw him?" Helen asked gently. He knew it wouldn't stop bothering her until they found out how he did it. She pointed to the corner where the Dollmaker had been muttering to himself. Helen pulled away from her and pulled out a flashlight. He shined it where she'd gestured, and she was the first to notice the footprints in the dirt. The beam of light followed the tracks.

"What the Hell...?" Dina said it, but they were both thinking it. The Dollmaker's footsteps stopped at the broken benches. The pile wasn't big enough for him to be hiding behind it, but they still approached with caution. The brighter light allowed them to notice the hole in the wall behind the scrap wood that was loosely cloaked by a dark tarp. Helen sighed, and Dina balled her hands into fists and gave a harsh kick to the broken furniture that had unintentionally assisted in the escape. The wood pieces gave way and clattered across the floor, and the noise of it startled a few birds that hastily flew away from the roof.

The couple left out the doorway and rounded the building, only to find that their escapee's footprints faded several steps from the building. It seemed someone had literally covered his tracks, which wasn't something the Dollmaker himself was known to do.

"He's clever, but he can't run forever. We'll find him again eventually." Helen reassured Dina, but she released a yell of anger.

"I had him! I had the bastard cornered and he has the nerve to do something so sneaky and underhanded? That damned dirty cheater! I had him fair and square!" Helen let her vent her rage without comment. Truth be told, he was a little frustrated by the situation himself. Everyone had been after the Dollmaker for months, and despite the increasing number of interactions that were had with him, the man always seemed to manage to slink away. This one severely mentally ill man was capable of what thousands of criminals had never been able to do, and Helen was sure he and Dina weren't the only ones getting tired of it.

"Why does he have to be so much like you?" Dina hissed, more to herself than Helen. It still caught his attention, and he prompted her for clarification.

"He looks like you, he thinks like you, and now he's smart like you," Dina huffed. It didn't really answer Helen's questions, but he didn't want to instigate another outburst. They reported their experience and sent it along...with the added insight that the Dollmaker may have found himself a silent partner somehow.

[stargazingellie]

lazarus is risen

chapter six: castor & pollux

(masterlist) (part 1) (part 2) (part 3) (part 4) (part 5)

hello beautiful people <3 here is chapter six !!

synopsis: After deciding to let Abby live, Ellie has returned to Jackson. But given everything she's lost, it no longer feels like home. She's sad, she's confused, and above all else, she is so, so very lonely. So when a group of strangers shows up and offers her a second chance, she might just take them up on that. Ellie must decide between staying in Jackson – and living with the ghosts of her past – or leaving in search of new meaning. Whatever she decides, her choice will have far-reaching consequences – not just for herself, or for Jackson, but for all of humanity.

Or,

Ellie saves the world, maybe?

(ellie williams x reader, post-tlou2, useless lesbians, slow burn, cross country road trip, lots of references to greek mythology, etc.)

Castor & Pollux: Legendary Greek twin brothers. Namesake of main stars in the Gemini constellation.

[Ellie]

Driving, driving, driving. Fields. Trees. More fields. More driving.

Though she loved being out in nature, Ellie decided that simply watching it was far less entertaining. Perhaps some of the more densely populated areas would be more interesting, but many long days on the road with only rural America outside had her eyes almost glazed over. Only the occasional old barn or run down farm equipment broke the monotony.

While her travel companions had thought to bring books, Ellie hadn’t had quite the same amount of forethought. While old CDs played and the others read quietly, Ellie tried making up little games in her head to pass the time – counting how many red cars they passed, trying to find shapes in the clouds. She was in the middle of counting fence posts when she felt something on her shoulder.

Without moving the rest of her body, Ellie turned her head to see what it was. To her surprise, she found herself almost nose to nose with Lucy, who had apparently fallen asleep and let her head fall to the side.. Lucy’s face was so close that Ellie could hear her soft, slow breathing as she slept. She looks so peaceful, Ellie thought to herself as she gazed at the girl next to her. Careful not to wake her up, Ellie slowly repositioned her shoulder so Lucy’s head wouldn’t droop at such a harsh angle. She smiled at the sight of the sleeping girl, then resumed counting fence posts.

Ellie had once again lost herself in thought when the truck hit a bump in the road, sending a jolt through the cabin. It was enough to stir Lucy out of her slumber and her eyes went wide when she realized where (or rather, on whom) she was lying. She immediately returned upright and covered her face with her hands.

“I – Oh my god, sorry,” she said quietly as a furious blush worked its way into her cheeks.

Ellie chuckled, amused by the embarrassment. “It’s okay,” she replied.

“You should have woken me up,” Lucy murmured, peering at Ellie through her fingers.

“You looked so comfortable, I didn’t want to wake you,” Ellie smiled. “Really, I don’t mind.”

Lucy sighed and lowered her hands in defeat. “Okay, well, you should still wake me up next time.” She returned to her reading and, perhaps subconsciously, scooted away from Ellie so they weren’t touching anymore. Ellie, unexpectedly, found herself disappointed by the separation.

By now, she had spent enough nights with these people to be familiar with their routine. Wake up, eat a quick breakfast, pack the truck, drive, drive some more, stop, set up camp, eat, sleep, repeat. She was so familiar, in fact, that she wasn’t surprised when the sun began to dip and Alvaro suggested they stop for the night at a farm house in the distance.

As they neared the property, more details came into view. It was a simple two-story house with aged white siding and a shaded front porch, not unlike the one Ellie had lived in with Dina. She felt a twinge of longing in her chest as she recalled the memories.

“We’ll make sure the inside is clear first, then we can bring stuff inside,” Alvaro announced as he and Jacobs hopped out of the cab. They were on the ground and inside the house so fast the other three didn’t even have time to think about following. 

As they stood idly outside, Lucy gazed up at the cloudless blue sky. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this much blue in my entire life,” she said.

Dr. Reynolds gazed upwards. “It really is a remarkable color, isn’t it? Completely clear too, should be some excellent stargazing tonight!” He clapped his hands together and grinned excitedly.

A distant memory tugged at Ellie’s brain. A smile crept onto her face as she said, “What’s like blue, but not as heavy?”

Lucy looked at her with a furrowed brow. “Is that… a real question?”

Ellie laughed. “Um, yes, obviously. Are you gonna answer?”

“Um… I don’t know, what?” Lucy replied cautiously.

With an impish grin, Ellie stated simply, “Light blue.”

Lucy looked at her with a flat expression. “That was…” She shook her head and broke into a smile, despite herself. “That was horrible.”

“Nah, you loved it,” Ellie teased. Lucy rolled her eyes but continued to smile as she turned away. Ellie watched as Lucy kicked around in the hard, cracked clay beneath their feet and tucked a sliver of the reddish substance in her bag.

When the officers gave the all-clear, they all brought sleeping bags and food for the night into the house. There must have been some fuel left in the property’s propane tank, because they were happy to find the gas burners on the cooktop still functional. As they ate, the shadows in the room grew longer, indicating the sun was finally beginning to dip below the horizon. Through a back window, the colors of an approaching sunset were clearly visible.

Lucy made a small sound of delight and Ellie turned to see her gazing out the window with wide eyes. “C’mon, let’s go see it!” she practically squealed as she hurried out the back door. Ellie looked at the remaining three. Alvaro and Jacobs looked thoroughly unamused, while Dr. Reynolds sat smiling after his daughter.

“Every sunset feels important when you’re young,” he said.

“You wanna go see it?” she asked him.

“Maybe in a bit. You should go, though,” he replied, and Ellie could have sworn she saw a mischievous glint in his eye.

She smiled at him and followed the path Lucy had taken. As she walked out the back door, she spotted the other girl standing a few yards away, facing the expansive field of long grass behind the house. 

Lucy hadn’t noticed Ellie in the doorway yet, and Ellie took the opportunity to observe the girl in front of her. Backlit by the sun, only the outline of Lucy’s body was visible, and Ellie could tell from her posture that Lucy was completely relaxed. It reminded Ellie of how peaceful Lucy had looked when she had nodded off in the car earlier. Still unnoticed, Ellie found her eyes roaming along the soft edges of Lucy’s body. It only lasted a moment, though, before Ellie realized what she was doing and forced herself to stop.

I barely know this girl, she thought. And yet, this girl she “barely knew” made her feel seen, and understood, and comfortable, all in a way that people she had known for years never could.

“Hey,” Ellie said as she came to a stop in the grass.

Lucy briefly glanced over with a warm smile and softly replied, “Hey.” She gestured towards the colorful horizon. “Isn’t it amazing?” she asked.

Ellie shrugged her shoulders. “Eh, it’s alright,” she smirked.

“Shut up,” Lucy laughed, as she nudged Ellie’s shoulder. She paused, then said, “I think it’s the prettiest thing I’ve seen in a long time.”

Ellie looked at the girl beside her, now clearly visible. The rays of the setting sun cast a warm, golden glow over Lucy’s face, illuminating previously unseen flecks of gold in her brown eyes. Short pieces of blonde hair fluttered around her head. Ellie looked over her soft skin, her round cheeks, her full lips. Lucy stood with a gentle smile plastered on her face, entirely unaware of Ellie’s observations. The girl was completely, totally, utterly at ease, and she radiated joy.

“Me, too,” Ellie said softly. At this, Lucy turned and finally noticed Ellie looking at her. Time seemed to slow down. Their eyes met, and for a moment Ellie thought she saw Lucy’s gaze drift from her eyes down to her mouth. Ellie’s breath hitched in her throat. She felt her face get warm, and she knew it wasn’t from the sun.

“Hey, Luce!” Dr. Reynolds’ voice called from inside the house. “Can you come help me with something?”

Lucy turned away and called, “Y-Yeah, coming!” She hurried back inside the house, leaving Ellie standing in the field. Once Lucy disappeared through the doorway, Ellie felt like she could breathe again.

… What was that?

She heaved a deep sigh and looked around. Off to the side of the house, a long piece of fabric hung between two metal poles. She hadn’t seen many in real life, but an old word she’d heard before lit up in the back of her head – hammock.

 The fabric was old and weathered, but it seemed sturdy enough and she gingerly allowed her full body weight to collapse onto it. Despite some loud creaking, it supported her with no issue. She used one of her feet to propel herself back and forth as she watched the last remaining bands of color slowly fade into darkness.

She allowed her thoughts to wander, inevitably circling around to… whatever that was. To say she felt conflicted was the understatement of the century. Just a year ago, she was in domestic bliss with Dina, and had believed they’d spend the rest of their lives together. Fast forward to now, and Ellie knew she would probably never see Dina again. Despite knowing that, though, Ellie still felt a twinge of guilt when she thought about the life she could have had if she’d made different choices. But there was nothing she could do about it now; what’s done is done, there was no going back and changing it.

And – if she was being honest with herself – she wasn’t entirely sure she would change it, even if she could. If these people were going to show up either way, wasn’t it better to have a clean break? Ellie knew deep down she would have come with them no matter what, but maybe things with Dina being over made the decision easier. And Dina was very clear about things being over.

And then there was Lucy. She wasn’t hardened by life the way other people were. Though Ellie didn’t know the details, she could tell Lucy had been through more than she was letting on. The difference was Lucy was still excited about learning, and traveling, and being alive. When she smiled it looked easy, second-nature – not something that took effort. It was refreshing. 

It didn’t hurt that she was really pretty, too.

As Ellie sat in the falling twilight, a voice from behind her said softly, “Hey.”

Ellie craned her neck back to see Lucy standing above her. Speak of the devil.

“Hey,” Ellie replied shyly. “Everything okay in there?”

“Oh, yeah. They’re playing some card game and couldn’t remember the rules.” Lucy looked over the hammock and asked, “Can I join you?”

Ellie smiled and scooted over to make room as Lucy walked around to the other side of the hammock. She climbed onto the fabric and laid next to Ellie. Their combined mass weighed the fabric down in the middle, pressing the sides of their bodies together. Ellie felt her breathing become more difficult again.

They laid in silence together, the sounds of chirping crickets and a soft breeze surrounding them. A bright, full moon hung low in the sky, washing a soft, pale light over everything.

“What are you thinking about?” Ellie asked.

“Just… isn’t it crazy that this is the same moon everyone who’s ever existed looked up at?” Lucy replied.

“Yeah.” Ellie shook her head. “It’s even crazier that people have been there. Like, on it.” She noticed a small, bright dot next to the white orb and pointed. “Look, I think that’s Venus. And that other one –” she pointed a few inches away “ – I think that’s Mars.”

Lucy laughed in disbelief. “How the hell do you know that?”

“Well, this is the time of year those planets are brighter, and you can tell them apart since Mars is usually, like, reddish,” Ellie stated matter–of-factly.

Lucy turned to look at Ellie. “So what you’re saying is… you’re a giant nerd?”

“Wha– Hey! No… that’s, like, common knowledge,” Ellie retorted.

Lucy pursed her lips and nodded to herself. “Common among space nerds, maybe.”

Ellie rolled her eyes and laughed, giving Lucy’s leg a playful nudge with her own. “Shut up.”

“Hey, no judgment,” Lucy said. “It’s cute.”

Ellie felt her cheeks heat up at the comment, and found herself grateful for the darkness camouflaging the color.

“Okay, brains, what’s that?” Lucy pointed to a bright star to their right.

Ellie thought for a moment. “Probably Polaris, the North Star. It’s the tail of the big dipper,” she said, as she traced the rest of the constellation.

“Huh. What’s that?”

“That’s the moon.”

“No, smartass. To the left. That whole constellation.”

“Mmm… pisces, maybe? Yeah, look, you can see the two branches.” As Ellie recalled all she could about astronomy, something nagged at the back of her brain. Thinking about all these constellations, something seemed so familiar about them…

“Oh my god!” Ellie smacked her forehead with her palm. “I can’t believe I didn’t remember earlier. The tattoo on your wrist – it’s a constellation, right?”

Lucy lifted her left arm from where it lay between them and traced over the dotted ink. “Oh, yeah.” She smiled fondly.

“It’s Gemini, right?” Ellie asked. “The twins.”

“Mhm. We, uh… we had matching ones,” Lucy said softly.

Ellie gently reached up to touch Lucy’s wrist, idly tracing the pattern with her thumb. “I’m guessing there’s some old story behind it you’re itching to tell me about?”

“Uh, duh,” Lucy scoffed, which made Ellie laugh. Lucy continued, “So there were these twins, but they had different dads, so one was immortal and one wasn’t.”

“Hate when that happens.”

“Right, exactly. Anyway, they were these two brothers who were known for sports and sailing and general cool-guy stuff. So usually the constellation just represents brotherhood and all that. But since one of them couldn’t die, it’s also about the bond that connects two people after death.” She let out a small laugh. “I mean, we just got them done because we were twins, but…” Lucy paused for a moment, then continued, “It’s almost more accurate now that one of us is here and one… isn’t.”

Ellie considered what to say, knowing from personal experience that I’m sorry usually felt insufficient for everyone involved. Deciding not to say anything, she brought Lucy’s wrist to her mouth and placed a gentle kiss on the tattoo. Lucy watched her with wide eyes, but didn’t pull away. Instead, time slowed down again as Ellie watched Lucy slowly interlace their fingers together.

They had touched before, but never like this, never with this much intention. Ellie felt warmth radiate through her whole body. She smiled and gave Lucy’s hand a gentle squeeze, stroking the back of the other girl’s hand with her thumb.

Ellie looked down. “Can I um… can I ask you a question?”

“You’re scaring me, brains.” Lucy smiled softly. “Go ahead, then.”

“What happened to him?”

Lucy opened her mouth to reply, but no words came out.

Ellie’s eyes went wide. “Oh, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. It’s okay if you don’t. I was just… I was just wondering.”

Lucy shook her head and sighed. “No, no, it’s okay. He, uh… he was bitten. There were some wall breaches a couple years ago, and it just… appeared out of nowhere. I, uh…” Her voice caught in her throat and her eyes glistened. “I was the one who had to… y’know. End it.” She cleared her throat. “Anyway, after he died that’s when I really got into my dad’s research. I guess I wanted to keep that from happening to anyone else if I could, y’know?”

“Yeah, I get it.” Ellie held up her own tattooed forearm. “Something similar happened to me. It wasn’t a sibling or anything, but it was someone I… cared a lot about.”

Lucy unlatched their hands and trailed her fingers down Ellie’s inked-over bite. Ellie watched as the other girl gently traced the arc of the old scar. With anyone else, she’d never call attention to the wound. But with Lucy, it felt safe. Important, even. Lucy pulled Ellie’s arm down to give the tattoo a kiss of her own.

“I don’t know if there’s a reason for any of this, or if it was all just chance,” Lucy said, interlacing their fingers once again and turning to look at Ellie. “But I’m glad you exist, and I’m glad I got to meet you.”

Ellie felt her chest swell with gratitude. She nuzzled her cheek into Lucy’s shoulder and whispered, “Me, too.”

Sounds of playful arguing inside made their way into the night air. Lucy sighed and stood up from the hammock, still holding Ellie’s hand. “We better go check on them, make sure they don’t kill each other.” The moonlight made her look almost ethereal. She smiled and nodded towards the house. “C’mon, brains.”

Ellie smiled and let herself be pulled up to standing. She followed Lucy inside, hand-in-hand, grinning the whole way.

[theotherackerman]

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Any recognizable elements belong to Attack on Titan, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, A Song of Ice and Fire

NOTES: Oh hey. Here's come the plot. It only took 12 chapters to get here.

TRIGGER WARNING: Discussion of attempted suicide

CHAPTER TWELVE: ALL THESE MINUTES PASSING

Walking the castle, late at night with her two guards following her, Carla’s mind was busy.

Before she had been Carla Jaeger, she had been just Carla. No last name, no one of any real importance. Unless you asked her mother.

“There’s old magic that run in our veins. They think it’s gone but we have it,” her mother had always said.

Carla never asked what she meant, she figured it was just her mother being craven. But Carla had never hoped, never dreamed to be much. She lived in the North, her father owned a small tavern that the Ackerman, the Jaegers, and the Arlert would frequent. All young, all beautiful, and all far above her station. 

Most people paid her no mind. She was just working the tavern, doing what needed to be done. 

But she heard things.

She heard the gossip. She saw things. Husbands cheating on their wives. Wives cheating on their husbands. Lovers planning to run away and marry. Deals being made. But did she say anything? 

Unless someone’s life was in danger, she didn’t. She stuck to her job. 

When her father died, Carla inherited the tavern. It changed nothing. 

She met and befriended Kuchel, Dina, and even Yui. 

A Lady, a Queen, and a Princess.

She kept Yui’s secrets. Just like the things she heard at the bar. 

Carla watched the moon as she thought of her now deceased friend. She had kept Yui’s secret, Mikasa’s birth. 

“Kiyomi can never know how she came into this world, where she came into this world,” Yui had warned as she handed Carla the baby. 

Carla nodded, pregnant herself with Eren. 

She had been no one then too. She was some woman Grisha had been with, lucky enough to become pregnant with a King’s bastard. 

Yui hadn’t wanted to leave Mikasa but she could not risk it. Carla thought it was awful. Hearing how Mikasa was dealing with the deaths of her family, Carla found herself not thinking kindly of her now dead friend. Carla had always assumed that Yui had talked to Mikasa, and told her why she left. It was disgraceful.

Making her way back to her room, Carla wondered if she should tell Mikasa what she knew. Maybe that would give the girl some peace. 

——-

A dragon roared as it flew over.

The hair on the back of Mikasa’s neck stood up. Something was behind her. A shadow cast over her. Slowly, Mikasa turned around to see the largest dragon she had ever seen. It was at least twice the size of Seaflames. Black scales covered the body of the dragon while gold eyes stared down at her. 

“Zaldrīzo ānogar,” a deep voice rumbled. Deeper than the one Mikasa had heard when she had been attacked, when she erupted into fire and ice, and when Rhaena had been hatched. It shook the ground.

“Aegon, I know you can speak common. The rest of us here aren’t blessed with the knowledge of Valyrian,” a man walked up to the two of them. He had dark brown hair and haunting hazel eyes. He seemed familiar.

“It is not his fault you are ignorant in your mother tongue. You’ve spent too much time with the First Men, Dōron,” a man with black hair and Mikasa’s gray eyes grinned. 

Dōron rolled his eyes. “What did he say?” 

“He called you the blood of the dragon. You are lucky Visenya is not here. She would have burnt you by now and I would be speaking to a pile of ash,” the second man teased. 

“I’m not the blood of the dragon. I told you. I will not take a dragon to ride. I do not need a target on my house. We are no one.”

The second man scoffed, “you’ll never be no one. They’ll know. They always know.” 

“No longer will I be Dōron. I will become something else, someone else.” 

The dragon told a step towards Dōron, smoke coming out of his nose. The dragon huffed. 

“Aegon, dohaerās,” the other man called. “You cannot fool a dragon.”

The dragon roared and released a plume of dragon fire directly onto  Dōron. The other man jumped dodge out of the way just in time.

A pile of ash lay where Dōron had been standing. 

“Aegon!” the other man scolded. 

“Ziry istan daor zaldrīzes. Perzys zaldrīzi sēnagon kostos daor,” the rumbling voice answered.

He was no dragon. Fire cannot kill a dragon. The same words Mikasa had heard that night, at least the last part was.

The dragon took a step towards Mikasa. 

The other man disappeared with the landscape of the North. Alone in some black void was Mikasa and this dragon. 

“Kivio dārilaros,” the rumbling voice said as the dragon stepped closer. 

From that memory, Mikasa was ripped into another. 

Ice and fire exploded through the castle of the Ten Kingdoms.

—------------

Mikasa sat up on the chaise,breathing heavily. 

Eren was asleep across from her.

Nightmares.

Again. 

There was no point in trying to go back to sleep.

She would just have another nightmare

Every night was the same, nightmare after nightmare. The attack. Her mother and her aunt.  Over and over again. 

Is this how the rest of her life was going to be? Haunted by things she had no control over. 

“Dohaerās,” Eren muttered in his sleep as he turned over.

Mikasa frowned. Why was Eren saying serve in Valyrian?

“Dohaerās,” he repeated.

Teach him valyrian, especially dohaerās . He’ll need it. 

The memory came to her. Her mother had said that to her in that….dream? Was that what it had been? 

Well, it seemed that Mikasa didn’t need to teach him that.

“Dohaerās,” he repeated yet again. 

Why would he need that word? 

Who would he be telling to serve? 

“Dohaerās,zaldrīzes,” Eren muttered.

“Serve dragon? What dragon?” Mikasa asked.

Eren didn’t answer. He simply rolled over again. 

Mikasa frowned. 

How would Eren even get a dragon serve?

Tiring of questions, Mikasa left the room, Rhaena trailing behind her. The library would be empty this time of night. It was better to be there than sitting in this room.

—-----------------

Sitting up, Eren realized he was alone in Mikasa’s sitting room.

“She’s in the library,” Levi’s voice made Eren jump. 

“I’m sorry!” Eren said as he jumped up, throwing the blanket off.

“Relax, Prince. I was the one who covered you up. I’m not worried about you doing anything inappropriate with my cousin right now. I am worried about her well being,” Levi said as he stood from Mikasa’s table. 

“I won’t hurt her. I haven’t done….I haven’t been good to her in the past, I know. I’m sorry for that. I know that's the last thing she wants to hear right now as well.”

“You think you can manage being her friend for a bit? I can’t be with her all the time. Relations between her and her ladies are strained. With time, they’ll repair. But someone needs to make sure she doesn’t destroy herself.” 

Eren nodded, “she told me what happened.”

“Good. Niccolo is preparing breakfast for her in the kitchen. Go get it and take it to her. Change your clothes first.”

Eren threw the blanket off and stood, Fenrir stood as soon as he realized Eren was up and moving.

As Eren went to exit the room, Levi called to him.

“And Eren? If you ever pull that shit on my cousin again, it’s not me you will have to worry about. It’s the dragons. They don’t forgive easily. The only reason they haven’t made you into a meal yet is because they sense something inside you is good. You wouldn’t want them to change their mind.” 

Eren gulped. 

Should Levi be threatening him as Eren was a prince? 

No. 

Would that stop Levi? 

No. 

Levi had a dragon and he let Eren live in his castle. He’d agreed to the princes coming to the North. 

“Understood,” Eren replied before he nodded and exited the sitting room. 

Zeke was still asleep when Eren slipped into his own room. There was little need for guards outside their room on this floor. There was only one entrance where the guard was stationed. So Eren, his brother, and friends had free reign over the floor. No one got in, not even servants without approval from Levi. If any of the knights wished to bed anyone, they would have to do so in the other person’s room as they would not be allowed in here. It gave an illusion of freedom.

After getting dressed, Eren checked on Armin. The knight was already up when Eren knocked on his door. Holding his head, Armin walked with Eren to the kitchen. 

“You have anything to tell me?” Armin asked him as they made their way to the staircase.

“When there are not, ears, yes. How are you?” 

“Whiskey is much stronger than I remember,” Armin muttered as they walked.

Eren snorted a laugh.

“Just because you can drink the whole town under the table doesn’t mean the rest of us can. Where are we off to?” Armin asked as they made their way to the first floor.

“We’re having breakfast with the Princess in the library.” 

“Oh? Are we?” 

Eren nodded. 

Fenrir let out a bark in response. 

“Well I suppose that settles that,” Armin laughed as they walked into the kitchen. 

“Niccolo!” Eren called out, the servants parting as Eren and Armin walked through. 

“Over here, Prince!” Niccolo called out, waving from the other side. “What do you need?” 

“Breakfast. Princess Mikasa, Armin, and I will be taking it to the library.” 

“About time,” Niccolo beamed. 

“What do you mean about time?”

“Levi told me you’d be coming. I was worried the food would get cold. Better hurry up,” Niccolo grinned.

—-------------

Levi wasn’t surprised to see all the books that surrounded Mikasa in the library. He was here before Eren. 

“You know you’re going to have to start training again soon. You’ll get rusty,” Levi said as he pulled out the chair across from her. 

“I will,” Mikasa answered without looking up from the book she was reading. 

“You need to eat and sleep.” He placed his hand on the book, blocking her vision. 

Mikasa finally looked up at him. “I’m fine.”

“You look like shit.”

Mikasa rolled her eyes. “Didn’t realize my appearance was so important to you.”

“You know what I mean. You don’t sleep. You take all your meals alone. Your flights with Kayda aren’t that long. I am worried about you.”

“There’s no reason for you to be. I’m fine. I took care of everything while you were gone. I made sure to be the perfect heir.”

So that was what this was about. 

Mikasa was still in the same state of mind she had been when Kiyomi had been alive. Kiyomi had set unrealistic standards of what Mikasa was to do, say, act, and simply be. It was unachievable. Even if Mikasa did everything perfectly, it wasn’t enough. 

There was a large amount of rage inside Mikasa. Levi could feel it. He had never seen her act like this. 

Sliding his hand off the book, Levi leaned back in his chair. 

“Mikasa, you cannot continue to live like this.” 

“I am fine, Levi. I’ll be fine.” She waved her hand, like none of it mattered as she returned to reading. 

Levi stood and walked away. 

He was over his head. 

—--------- 

The princess was sitting at a table, books stacked around here. Armin had seen Hange and Erwin look like this far too many times. They had just passed Levi in the hallway. The Head of the Ackerman House just shook his head.

Eren placed the tray in front of Mikasa and snatched the book out of her hand. 

“Eren!” Mikasa called as she reached for the book. 

Eren chunked the book across the room. 

Armin just stared at both of them. 

“Eat,” Eren commanded as he sat down across from her. 

“I’ll eat when I feel like it,” Mikasa replied as she pushed the tray away. 

“When was the last time you ate? You’ve lost weight. Too much. I’d be surprised if you could pick up a sword.”

“I can still pick up a sword,” Mikasa muttered. 

“Will you just eat? You left early this morning,” Eren said as he picked up an oatcake from the tray. 

“So that’s where you were last night,” Armin smiled as Eren pulled out the chair next to him. 

“It was innocent. I was speaking to the princess and fell asleep on her chaise,” Eren replied.

Armin didn’t miss the blush on Mikasa’s cheeks. The mere suggestion of it not being innocent seemed to have warmed her cheeks.

“I wouldn’t say anything if it wasn’t. I know both of you kept my actions quiet,” Armin replied.

Eren was shoving biscuits onto a plate along with jams for Armin. He handed the plate to Armin. 

Armin took it and sat it in front of him. 

“I’m going to eat all of these oatcakes if you don’t eat them,” Eren said as he took the plate off of the tray and sat it directly in front of Mikasa.

Mikasa rolled her eyes as she lifted one of the oatcakes to her mouth.Armin and Eren both stared at her until she ate. 

“Where’s the hatchling?” Eren asked. 

“She’s running around here somewhere,” Mikasa replied as she took another bite of the oatcake.

“Fenrir, go find Rhaena,” Eren ordered the wolf.

Fenrir wandered off.

“What hatchling are you speaking of?” Armin asked.

“I hatched my brother’s dragon egg. Levi doesn’t want to introduce her to the court yet,” Mikasa explained.

“Understood,” Armin nodded. He was used to being told things that no one else knew. It was one of the perks of being both Eren’s best friend and the former squire of Erwin. “What are you researching?” 

Mikasa sighed before she took another bite of her oatcake.

“I’ll tell him. Eat your oatcakes,” Eren said before he launched into telling Armin everything.

Armin was surprised to hear about Mikasa’s explosion of magic, not to mention the memories and how the dragon had come to be hatch. Fenrir came with Rhaena running behind him. The dragon jumped onto the table and eyed Armin’s biscuits. 

“She wants a biscuit,” Mikasa remarked, interrupting Eren telling Armin what had happened the night before. 

“Can she eat it?” Armin asked.

“Kayda eats apples. Just watch your fingers,” Mikasa shrugged.

Armin picked up a biscuit and held it out.

Rhaena stepped closer to Armin. 

“Throw it at her. She can catch it.”

Armin did as Mikasa instructed. 

Rhaena blew fire, burning the biscuit before catching it in her mouth. The fire went out as Rhaena dropped it onto the table. Putting her feet on the burnt biscuit, she began to rip the biscuit apart and eat it. 

“Imagine if that were you,” Armin smirked as he elbowed Eren in the side. 

The prince glared at his friend.

Armin just laughed before looking at Mikasa. “If you want help with your searching for answers, I can help. I still have some of Erwin’s research.” 

“If you wish to,” Mikasa shrugged. 

“Might as well. My time isn’t being used for anything else,” Armin muttered before he bit into a biscuit. 

“If it helps, she’s mad at me as well,” Mikasa replied.

“She’s too busy taking walks with Bertolt,” Armin spat. He hadn’t meant for it to come out so angry. It wasn’t as if she was betraying him. They were nothing. They would always be nothing. Because Annie would never stand up to her father. “What’s the story of her father?” Armin asked as he leaned back, his arms crossed across his chest. “He seems more….annoying lately.”

“He’s always been annoying. He rarely spoke to me in the meetings. He doesn’t care for me much. He didn’t want Annie to be one of my ladies. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tries to petition Levi to have Annie released from her duties once I marry Eren. I doubt her walks with Bertolt mean anything,” Mikasa reassured him. 

Eren frowned, “why would you dismiss your ladies? Especially if we’re staying in the North.”

Mikasa just stared at him. “We’re staying in the North?” 

Eren nodded, “of course. You can add who you like from your household but these are the knights and court I’ve brought with me. I imagine Zeke will return to the capitol once we marry. We can stay in this castle if you wish or go to the castle that once belonged to the Jaeger family. The upkeep has been kept up by the Arlert so it is still in good condition. It’s up to you.” 

“Will you be a part of our court then?” Mikasa asked as she looked towards Armin.

Armin nodded.

“Will it be strange if Annie is as well?” Mikasa questioned.

Armin stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. Mikasa cared. Sure, she was a friend. She had always been kind to him but he had never imagined her considering such a thing about him. Mikasa cared about his feelings. She wanted to make sure he was comfortable. Mikasa may have thought herself not worthy of being an heir or a leader, nothing could be further from the truth. She was the most worthy of them all. 

“We could always betroth them to one another.That seems to be working well for us,” Eren smirked. 

“Oh yes. That's a grand idea. Then he can scar her and proceed to ignore her for how many moons?” Mikasa rolled her eyes.

Armin snorted which made Mikasa laugh.

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Autumn bonfires were a tradition that were started by…..

No one really knows who started them. They had always been a large part of the culture of the North. The changing of the seasons always required some sort of celebration. It was also believed that the veil between the dead and living was thinnest, leading to strange occurrences. It was said that magic could be conjured on this night, even though most magic in the Seven Kingdoms was dead.

There would be two large bonfires this year. 

One in the North at the Ackerman’s castle and one in the capitol. Both would be lit by dragons. It would be Rhaena’s introduction to the court. Some of the minor houses would always have bonfires with their own celebrations. There would be feasts and dancing. 

It was a few days away now. 

There were smaller attacks in the capitol. Thankfully, there had been no more in the North. Eren and Zeke both found it very easy to be in the North. Eren looped his brother into what had happened to Mikasa. Of course he couldn’t be expected to keep this information from Pieck who had to tell Jean. Jean surely couldn’t keep a secret from Connie and on and on the information went until those from the capitol and Mikasa’s ladies knew everything. Then Eren made sure everyone knew of the War Hammer. Answers had not been found, not even with all of them looking.

So now Levi stood in his study, pinching the bridge of his nose. He trusted them. He had tested them enough. 

That wasn’t the issue.

The issue was the man who was now loudly complaining in his study about his daughter remaining Mikasa’s lady. 

“So my daughter is to put her future on hold indefinitely because your cousin cannot be bothered to find someone else,” Lord Leonhart went on.

The man who was pacing a hole into the floor of Levi’s study did not know how lucky he was that Vulcan could not find into the castle. Levi would have fed him to the dragon. 

“When is your uncle back? I want to speak to him.” 

Levi’s eyes snapped to Lord Leonhart. “I am the head of this House. My uncle has nothing to do with it.”

“Come on, boy. We both know…”

The thought was not finished. 

Something in Levi snapped. Lord Leonhart was thrown into the wall, a dagger at his throat.

“Choose your next words very carefully because they may be your last. I am not your boy. I am Lord in the North. I am the blood of the dragon and you will respect me. Kenny stepped down years ago and appointed me. So from now on you will refer to me as Lord Ackerman. The next time you don’t, I will remove your tongue. If you interfere or attempt to interfere with my house, your life will be forfeit. Do you understand me?” Levi threatened, the dagger biting into Lord Leonhart’s throat.

“Yes,” the older man choked out.

“Yes what?” 

“Yes, Lord Ackerman.”

Levi stepped back, releasing Annie’s father from his spot. “Get the fuck out of my study.” 

The older man straightened his tunic’s collar and exited. 

Levi collapsed into the chair at desk. 

“Bad time?” Mikasa asked as she stepped into the study. 

“What do you need?” Levi sighed as he sat up straightener. 

“Finalizing the menu with Niccolo. Care to take a look?” Mikasa held a piece of parchment out. 

Levi shook his head. “I trust you. That’s why I put you in charge of all things autumn. Just promise you’re not going to try anything stupid like try to connect through the veil with your deceased parents.”

Mikasa glared at him. “I can’t even summon fire yet you think I would attempt that.”

“It’s bloodmagic. You can go craven from that.”

“I don’t even know how to use bloodmagic. I just saw my mother do it! It was horrible! Besides, I doubt she would come if I called for her. She likes her secrets too much,” Mikasa scoffed.

“There’s color in your cheeks again,” Levi noted.

“Because Eren Jaeger has decided to track me down every time there is a meal. I don’t doubt that you had something to do with that.”

“Me? I would never. Is he staying in your room at night?” 

Mikasa shook her head. “Not since the first night they were here. I don’t see him much outside of meals. He’s trying to find information about the war hammer.” 

“How’s that going?” 

“There’s nothing except the war hammer the Tyburs have. You also gave me the responsibility of organizing the feast and the bonfire if you have forgotten.” 

“I’m worried something more is happening in the capitol.” 

Mikasa raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Kenny and Kuchel are not coming back. If they were safe….then there would be no problem.” 

“Is it meant to be a surprise that we are having information held back from us?” 

“No, I suppose not. I just…..feel something.” 

“Can you conjure fire?” Mikasa asked quietly.

Levi shook his head. He had never called upon fire or been able to. He hadn’t even tried, he hadn’t even thought to try. It was the Ackerman blood that caused Mikasa to be able to use it, that much was clear. 

“Have you tried?” 

“I haven’t,” Levi replied.

Mikasa sighed. “Maybe you should.”

“Your mother told you that Eren had raw magic. Maybe you should look towards that. See if he can conjure fire.”

“I doubt he can wield fire. He's not an Ackerman.” 

“See if he can do anything else. Check on Annie while you’re at it. Her father wants her dismissed. See if she wants that too.”

“She’s still angry with me.”

“Do it anyway. Now get out. I have to speak with Lord Braus in a moment,” Levi commanded.

Mikasa rolled her eyes as she left, closing the door behind her.

Levi leaned back in his chair again.

—---------------

Logs and limbs were being stacked for the bonfire.

Annie sat in the forge while Sasha was hard at work on more armor to go to the capitol. They were still catching up from what had been stolen.

Annie was hiding from her father. He was spending far too much time here. If she was being honest, she was hiding from Bertolt too. Their walks around the garden had been just that. The man hadn’t even tried to hold her hand or speak about if she could marry. Annie spent most of that time wishing he was Armin. 

Armin was no more upfront than Bertolt but….

She needed to not think about that. 

Men needed to be the last thought on her mind. She knew she needed to talk to Mikasa but Mikasa had pissed her off. It wasn’t just the attempt, it was that she lied to her. The fact that Mikasa thought that Annie would be mad or look at her differently because Yui was a kinslayer showed Annie that Mikasa didn’t value her. Mikasa didn’t know Annie at all. It enraged her. 

Now Mikasa seemed to spend all her meals with Armin and Eren. Mikasa sitting at the same table at meals, just talking with both of them. 

As if summoned by her thoughts, Mikasa turned up in the forge. She was dressed in black breeches and a tunic, covered with little flying dragons embroidery in red thread. Her hair down told Annie that the dragon was under there. 

“Your father wants you dismissed,” Mikasa said as her eyes met Annie’s. “Do you want to be dismissed?” 

Sasha stopped banging on the sword she had been working on. “You want to be dismissed? I knew you were mad but I didn’t think…”

Annie stood up. “I don’t want to be dismissed! I never said that. He knows I’m getting too old to be a squire. He wants me to go to the capital.”

“You’ll end up dead in the capital. Why do you think the Jaegers sent Eren and Zeke here?” Sasha asked.

“You’re not dismissed. Levi just wanted me to make sure it wasn’t something you wanted,” Mikasa answered. 

Annie nodded, “thank you.” 

Mikasa nodded. “I plan on keeping my same court when I marry Eren. If you wish to leave, you need only ask. I hope, however, you will stay. At least until the wedding.” 

“Have you set the date?” Sasha asked.

Mikasa shook her head. “Too many rumors. We’re not sure what’s going on in the capital. Of course the king and queens will have to be there. Then we have to work out where we will live…now is not the time to do such things.” 

“Niccolo was told not to deliver to the capital for the time being. There’s been reports of bandits. My father is speaking to Levi right now about it,” Sasha informed them. 

“Really?” Annie asked.

Sasha nodded, “yes. Levi told Niccolo this morning when I was getting a snack. They’ve slaughtered several people along the road from the North to the capitol.”

“That’s horrible,” Mikasa gasped.

“I know. It's why the bonfire tomorrow is going to have so many guards and knights. You should arm yourself as well,” Sasha informed.

“I’ll be with the dragons.”

“Still. It would make me feel better if you would at least take your daggers. I finished everything in valyrian steel. We’ll arm ourselves with ours if you do,” Sasha grabbed a rolled up piece of leather. “You don’t want the sword yet, fine. Please, take these.” 

Mikasa tentatively took it. “Thank you.”

Sasha waved her hand, brushing the comment off. “I should get back to work.” 

Mikasa nodded towards Sasha then she looked over towards Annie. “I’ll see you around?” 

Annie gave a nod.

Mikasa did the same before walking away. 

It was a start. 

—---------------------

There had been no plans to keep Niccolo in the Ackerman’s kitchen but the Arlerts were still here. So there was no need for Niccolo to go back. Not to mention he couldn’t deliver messages currently either. He met with Mikasa to go over the menu for the autumn bonfire. It was going to be a much smaller affair than normal. It made sense. Food would still be delivered to the smallfolk so no one would go without food. Small bonfires would take place as well. 

Bandits were the last thing they needed. 

Connie was often found trying to steal food from the kitchens. Sasha stopped by often to get a snack. However, it was the princess who confused him the most. She was often stealing raw meat. 

Well, it wasn’t stealing as it was her family’s. 

He wondered what the princess was doing with it. 

—---------------------------

“So are you going to dance with the princess at the feast after the bonfire or will cry to me about it all that night?” Zeke asked as he flipped through a book from the Ackerman’s library. 

Eren looked up from the book he had been reading to glare. “I spend every meal with her.”

“So? You messed up everything the last time you danced with her. Now is the time to fix it,” Zeke replied. 

Eren rolled his eyes. “I’m trying to be friends with her now. That’s what I’m focusing on currently. I’m getting to know her.”

“That is rather smart,” Pieck replied from her seat next to Zeke in the library. 

“Thank you,” Eren nodded before returning to his book. 

“I don’t think there’s anything about a war hammer in this book,” Pieck said as she turned the page. “When can I try and lift it?” 

“You can lift it in a box but you can’t lift it out. I’ve tried,” Zeke explained.

“Alright. Well let me try then.”

“Maybe we should learn what it is before people go and try to pick it up.”

Pieck rolled her eyes, “you’re becoming rather boring as you’re getting older.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll just let the war hammer suck out your soul or burn you alive.”

“Nothing happened when you tried to lifted it.”

“That we know of.” 

“What’s the stone deceiver?” Eren asked.

“No idea. Hange has been working on that so if that book mentions it, make sure they get it,” Zeke told Eren. “What does it say?”

“Just that magic ceased to exist once the stone deceiver was placed.”

“Placed? Does that mean it’s an object then?” Pieck asked.

“I don’t know. It’s not very clear,” Eren handed the book over to Pieck and Zeke. 

Both looked at the page, reading exactly what Eren had said. 

“I’ll make a pile for books for Hange,” Zeke said as he picked the book and sat it to the side. 

Eren nodded as he wandered over to the stacks, Fenrir trailing behind him.

“Do you think the hammer is the stone deceiver?” Pieck asked Zeke. 

Zeke shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. I think the war hammer is something different. Something we don’t know about.”

“And we’re sure it’s not the Tyburs’?”  

“I’m not sure of anything. If it is the Tyburs’, why did they give up? Why would they bury it in the keep? A place they’ve never occupied. There’s no description of their war hammer. It always just says it is a war hammer that can control The Others,” Zeke stated. 

“Eren, did you feel like you could control The Others?” Pieck shouted. 

Eren came out into the main aisle. “No. It just ices up and has lightning on the handle.”

“That’s interesting,” Pieck replied as she looked down at the book she was reading.

“Do we know for a fact that the Tyburs’ war hammer can control the Others?” Zeke asked.

“That was almost how many thousand of years ago? I don’t think anyone knows anything about that time for a fact.”

“You have a point, Pieck,” Zeke sighed. 

Mikasa walked into the library. Immediately, the dragon hatchling on her shoulder flew off and into the stacks. 

“Was that the dragon hatchling?” Zeke asked. 

Fenrir came running out of the stacks, the dragon hatchling sitting on his back. Vivica got up from her spot under the table. She slinked out and walked over to smell the dragon hatchling.

Mikasa nodded, “that is Rhaena. She enjoys Fenrir’s company.”

“I hope she lets Fenrir ride on her back once she is larger. It seems only fair,” Pieck grinned.

“That would be a sight,” Eren laughed as he came over to the table. “Princess.” 

Mikasa smiled as she looked down. 

“Any luck conjuring fire?” Zeke asked.

“You’ve been speaking to Levi. No. I haven’t,” Mikasa answered. “I came to see if you two are attending the bonfire tomorrow.” 

“I will be there. I always enjoy watching things burn,” Zeke grinned.

“There is something wrong with you,” Pieck mumbled under her breath. 

“I will be there as well. Kayda won’t be angry with me, will she?” Eren asked.

“No. My emotions are not negative towards you. She shouldn’t feel anything negative towards you,” Mikasa said. 

“Interesting. Does Meadow feel your emotions as well?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think he and I are bonded. I think….I can’t explain it. I never told him dohaerās. I don’t think I’m his true rider. I think he is waiting for them.” 

“That’s the word you say in your sleep all the time!” Zeke yelled at Eren. “What does it mean?” Zeke asked as he turned back to Mikasa.

“It means serve. When we bond with a dragon, we give that command. I did so with Kayda and Rhaena. I won’t with Meadow. If I’m not his true rider, it’ll end poorly,” Mikasa explained. 

“But you said a voice said the dragon must have three heads. So if you’re not Meadow’s true rider, then what does that mean?” Eren asked.

Mikasa shrugged, “I haven’t the slightest idea.” 

“Can one of these things be straightforward? This is ridiculous. We’re all running around looking for answers we can’t find due to everything being in some sort of strange code. The dragon must have three heads. The stone deceiver. The promised heir. A song of ice and fire. Can someone please just say what they mean?” Eren groaned.““Then who is Meadow’s real rider?” 

“Now that is the real question,” Zeke leaned back in his chair. 

“Great. More questions we don’t have answers to,” Eren said under his breath. 

There was no shortage of those, Zeke thought to himself.

—-----------------------------

All the major and minor houses of the North gathered around the large pyre of wood.

Mikasa and Levi were nowhere to be seen. 

Sasha, Annie, Eren, and Zeke were in the middle of all their friends. Eren had his valyrian sword in his scabbard at his side while Zeke had the valyrian axe strapped to his back. Both wore the jewelry made for them by the Ackerman family. Their wolves were on high alert at their side.  All of the knights had their weapons on display. 

Sasha and Annie wore their Ackerman leather armor. The dragon blazing in the middle of their tops. Two valyrian daggers were on their belt. Annie’s daggers had a pommel shaped like a lion head roaring while Sasha’s pommel was shaped like a rose. 

Drums began to play as a roar echoed overhead.

The dragons were coming. 

Vulcan flew over the crowd first, Levi standing up on his back. Circling the crowd from the air, the dragon let out a screech. If there was anyone who didn’t belong, Vulcan would sense them. 

After his circle was done, Vulcan landed with a roar that shook the ground. Levi sat down on the dragon's back.

The roar was echoed by two dragons.

Meadow and Kayda came into view with a small hatchling between the two of them. Mikasa was standing on Kayda’s back.

The crowd gasped when they saw them get closer. The dragons circled around like Vulcan had before landing on opposite sides of the pyre. 

The drums slowed. 

“Winter will come soon enough. Let us use this bonfire to burn away conflicts before the darkness comes. Any worries, any hatred, give it to the fire,” Levi spoke. “Let us be thankful for what we have. Let us have a joyous winter and bountiful harvest.”

Mikasa nodded as she looked at her cousin.

Levi returned her nod.

Then at the same time they gave the command, “dracarys!”

All three dragons released their dragonfire onto the pyre.

The drums began again.

The people cheered. 

Mikasa dismounted from Kayda 

The knights and Zeke began to wander towards the castle. Eren waved them off as Mikasa and Levi were still out here. He would be safe with them. 

The dragon Meadow turned towards Eren. 

Eren swore the dragon saw right through his soul. 

“Rytsas, zokla,” a deep rumbling voice said. 

Eren’s stomach twisted as the dragon continued to stare at him. 

Mikasa was walking towards him but he couldn’t look away from the green dragon. 

“Eren? Are you alright?” Mikasa asked as she touched his arm. “You’re pale.” 

“What does zokla mean?” Eren asked in a broken voice.

“Zokla? It means wolf. Why?” 

“Just…heard that word. I think the thinning of the veil is making me hear things.”

“Don’t you know not to answer any voices you hear at this time of year?” Mikasa teased him before she dropped her hand. “Sorry. I was just…”

“Don’t worry about it. Ready to head inside?” 

Mikasa nodded.