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Short Days, Long Nights: 16

Joel Miller x f!Reader

Series Masterlist

Rating: Mature (some explicit mentions, tense situations, mentions of child starvation)

A/N: this chapter wouldn’t exist without @the-scandalorian and @bageldaddy , period. Literally walking me through it line by line, I could say a lot of really gushy things about them but I’ll refrain…just know, you two, that I could kiss you directly on the mouth. And will, when we meet someday. ❤️

—

A blanket hung to keep her in the shade, the sound of June’s babbling lifts into the air to join the soft give of roots snapping beneath the soil as you pull carrots from the garden. The distant splintering of dried out boards giving way occasionally cracks through the background, Joel grabbing another piece of rotted wood at the base of the shed and tearing it clean off, tossing it over with the rest he’s collected.

Brushing a drip of sweat away from your temple with your dirt-dried hand, you make a face at the gritty path you’ve left behind. 

“You wanna go for a swim?” you coo over at June, her cheeks plumping into a corresponding wet grin when you smile at her. 

Her bottom teeth coming in, drool pools around the carrot she’s gumming and slides down over her chubby grip, the edge of it glistening in her mouth. 

You make faces at her, her dark eyes fixed on your face in bright delight until her attention catches something behind you, and you turn when she starts to crawl towards it. 

“How are my girls doing?”

His shirt ringed with sweat and molded to his body, Joel blocks out the sun when you look up at him. His hand rakes through his dark curls, pushing the wet strands away from his forehead as his chest rises and falls with heavy breaths, the pulse in his throat thrumming fast under his flushed skin. Grabbing the hem of his shirt, he lifts it to swipe it over his face and your eyes flash down, where even his torso looks wet: the dark hair that collects in a swirl around his belly button to lead down matted and damp. 

He watches with amusement as June crawls over to his boot with unsteady movements, her face set with determination. 

“Hey, baby girl.” His tiredness transforms into something softer when he greets her, his eyes crinkling deeply around the edges. A dimple catching under his beard, he bends to scoop her up from the ground, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I think I got enough over there to do somethin’ with. Definitely enough to board up that broken window in her room this afternoon.”

The glass broke while you were cleaning it: old age and the elements and a warped frame all contributing, and with the mosquitos being thick at night, she’d been sleeping in your room for the time being. 

“I can fix that shelf in the pantry with one of ‘em,” he continues, “and if anything else, save the rest for burnin’ in the winter.”

A rotted shelf in the pantry breaking in half, the chair in the living room finally losing a leg, an area of the deck now off limits: exposed to the elements and after withstanding years of neglect, the cabin was having trouble standing up to the constant wear of its new inhabitants. Joel had been fixing things as they happened, but with a limited supply of resources, the plan to stay infinitely that you both made months ago was starting to fray. 

The garden was going better than you could have expected, but the rest…the rest worried you. Running out of material to cut up and make do with, June’s clothing situation was beyond scarce. With the repetitive washing that everything had to stand up against, it was always fast to fall apart. Lucky that it was summer and so hot that she didn’t really need much, you had started to piece together things for the winter but there was only so much thread you could pull out of things, only so much you could fix and repurpose. 

Joel felt the pinch too, in his own way. Voicing his frustration, he’d tell you how he would repair things if only he had the right materials, recounting to you the actual issue and the thought process behind fixing it. Even reminiscing about the hardware store days of past, he’d mentioned more than once the one right by his house that he liked to visit, the one with free popcorn for Sarah while he browsed. 

With every item that broke and with every growth milestone that June reached, you could feel the encroaching pressure to make a choice: leave this place for the dangerous unknown, or stay and attempt to survive the dangers of isolation. 

Either was a gamble, and so undecided, you kept fixing what you could, with what you had. 

You eye the shed, your eyebrow lifting as you study the now sizable hole in the side. 

“What?” he asks.

“Nothing. I was just thinking about how we don’t really need the shed for anything, so if we need more wood, we can just chop the whole thing down. Right?”

You stand and he nods, using his forearm to swipe at more sweat that’s gathered along his hairline. Streaks of dirt and dust are smeared along the bare skin, and when June reaches out to grab at his face, he catches her hand and gives it a kiss. 

You admire them for a moment: the taut muscle in his forearm underneath her bottom, the collection of gray hairs gathered at the edge of his jaw that she grabs at, his wayward curls that match her own. They smile at each other, her face diving into his chest just above the collar of his shirt, and he laughs, gently tickling her back. 

When he catches you watching him, you think you’d see a faint blush creep over his cheeks if they weren’t flushed from the heat already. 

“What?”

“Nothing,” you smile, turning to lead them down to the water. 

You’re still smiling as he lays her out on the bank to get her undressed, watching his thick fingers brush against her cheeks just to chuckle at the way she chases them with an open mouth. Standing up with a soft groan, he strips down to his underwear.

Bare chested and tanned in front of you, his body is formidable without his clothing. Marred with the scars of survival and so familiar to you by now, he appears even bigger in comparison when he lifts June up. His large hand completely covers her dimpled bottom as they prepare to wade in, and his back facing you, your eyes run appreciatively down the broad slope. 

Feeling your gaze, he smirks, and a glimmer of the confident, teasing Joel that’s been coaxed out of hiding peeks from beneath the surface. “See somethin’ you like?”

“There is something about when you hold her,” you admit. “You look so…big and strong.”

Rising on your tiptoes, you tuck your face into his neck to hide from the slight embarrassment you feel. Finding his sweat salt skin with your mouth, you give him a kiss and he hums in appreciation, the vibration of it felt against your lips when you give him another one. 

“You really like it, huh.” More a smug statement than a question, his expression matches his tone when you pull back to look at him. 

“I do,” you murmur, nosing along the edge of his jaw. “It makes me wanna have all your babies.”

Drunk on the heat of the afternoon sun and on your affection for him, you smile lazily up at him and he grins right back, winding his arm around your waist to keep you close. 

“S’that right,” he murmurs, low and gravely. His voice slips through you and your pulse picks up, his humid breath ghosting across your lips. “All of ‘em, huh?”

You nod, and with hooded eyes, he grins. 

“Don’t jinx us now, honey. Can’t be sayin’ that kinda stuff.”

His dark eyes make a slow, heated circuit down to your collarbones and back up, and arousal hooks behind your belly button fast and sharp. 

Dragging his gaze from you, he turns his attention to June. “Besides, I think this squirrely girl is all we can handle right now, anyway.”

His shoulders swathed in sunlight, Joel wades in as you strip to join them. The water is crisp and cool against your skin when you slip in, and you submerge yourself for a moment before resurfacing closer to them. 

Joel holds June around her back as he lets her float on the surface, water from her kicking legs flying up to cover his bare chest.

“You gonna be a swimmer? You gonna be a fish, baby?”

It’s easy to forget that the outside world exists when there is nothing but bird song and cicadas and the rippling water around you. No infection, no death, no fight for survival. Just Joel carefully scooping water to pour over June’s head, his soothing voice telling her to hold her breath as he ducks them under the surface, his practiced movements carefully transferring her into a one armed hold when you swim closer.

Tilting your chin up, you offer your wet mouth to him for a kiss. 

His body is firm and warm against yours, your hand reaching to cup the curve of his jaw to deepen the press of your mouths together and the kiss pulls you in just like the current that wraps and molds your body close to his. Slipping your arms around his neck, you savor his taste until June lets out a soft cry. 

Her wet fist rubbing at her eye, you reach to take her in for her afternoon nap.  Emerging from the water, you feel the awakened heat in his gaze trained on your body all the way up to the cabin. 

June is fast asleep in your room when he lays you out on the bed in the room next door, squeezing your bodies together on the twin-sized narrowness. His broad shoulders flex and shift under your knees, his river damp curls sliding through your hold as he licks you open, and when you arch into the wet heat of his mouth with a silent cry, he swallows everything you give him with a rumbled groan. 

His skin is dry and smooth against yours when he fits his solid body between your legs, reaching down to guide himself into a place reserved just for him with slick, filling stretch and he murmurs his secret wants directly into your skin, a push inside you for each one.  

“Wish you could have all my babies. Make you the prettiest momma.” 

He breathes against the valley of your breasts, into the hollow under your ear, and against your mouth, just before he captures it with a kiss. His words dripping with reverence, you keen underneath him, arching your back to force him deeper. 

“I wish I could too,” you softly moan. “I want it.” 

Blatant hunger slips into his movements, harsh, filling punches of his hips bringing you up and over the edge, and your mouths stay together in a humid press until you feel him come, his need spilling thick along the inside of your thigh.

Afterwards, his sated body relaxes on top of yours.

Your fingers collect his curls in a rhythmic, soothing motion, following the timing of your chest rising and falling beneath his cheek. His breath puffs across your skin, and your eyes flutter shut, the heat of the afternoon lulling you to sleep. 

Twitching lightly in his sleep, his hold on you tightens and the corner of your mouth lifts. His weighted body covering yours like a shield, a gentle breeze stirs the stagnant air around you, and a tendril of a thought slips through your sleepy mind.

Heaven. 

–

Your fingers dance along the produce in the pantry, your lips moving silently as you keep count in your head. More food than you could have ever dreamed of when you first broached the plan, the produce now crowds out the canned goods, and shifting in your crouch, you let the sun into the small space, narrowing your eyes in focus.

The back door to the cabin bangs open, startling you, and June launches into a responding cry seconds later, just as Joel rounds the doorway. Before you can stand, he hooks his hand around your elbow, tugging you up. 

“Go to the bedroom. Now.”

“What –”

“Someone’s comin’. I heard 'em’ in the woods. A couple of ‘em at least.”

Stomach bottoming out in immediate panic, you scramble up and head to your bedroom, scooping up June along the way. Bouncing her lightly in your arms to quell her cries, a cold sweat breaks out along your back, and crossing the hallway, you head for the predetermined snug spot in the corner next to the dresser, grabbing your gun from the top drawer. 

“You stay until I tell you it’s safe, okay? Don’t move from this spot. You got your gun? It loaded?”

The serious, frantic edge to his words has you answering him immediately, your back pressing against the wall as you slide down into place. Giving you both one last look to ensure you’re where you need to be, he rounds the corner and disappears from sight, and you have to fight the lurch your body involuntarily makes in an effort to follow him. 

You’ve practiced for this exact scenario multiple times, but it still doesn’t make it any easier. During practice, there is no cold terror at what could happen. During practice, it was easy to go through every movement with calm motions. 

Now,  you try to inhale deep, steady breaths in an attempt to slow down the pounding of your heart, knowing June will sense your unease.

“Shhh, baby. It’s okay. I know, I know. It’s okay.” Your voice comes out low and smooth, your shaking hand betraying your nerves as it rubs circles over her back. 

Straining to hear over her hiccuping whimpers, you try to listen outside the bedroom. 

Nothing, for what seems like ages, and then:

“STOP.” 

Flinching when Joel’s voice breaks through, you shut your eyes tight, reflexively tightening your hold on June’s small body. 

–

“Put your hands up.”

A lone woman emerging from the tree line halts mid step, reluctantly pulling her hand away from the pistol at her hip. 

Weathered and weary looking, she looks almost frail in her slight build and Joel scans her for any more visible weapons. His own gun gripped tight with the butt of it against his shoulder, he slowly advances, his finger resting alongside the trigger.

“What do you want?”

“I was just passing by and I saw your cabin,” she calls out. “Thought I might see if anyone was home.”

“Bullshit. You can’t see this place from the road.”

A beat of weighted silence fills the grassy space between them, and the woman changes her story. 

“Fine. We –”

“We? How many?”

Her eyebrow lifts, along with the corner of her mouth. Avoiding the question, she continues. “We saw your garden. Thought maybe we would help ourselves. Especially now, since it’s just you out here.” Direct and laced with the barest taunt, her tone implies the easy confidence of someone who has the upperhand. 

Reluctantly shifting his gaze from her, he scans the trees, searching. A branch cracks somewhere within the woods, something shifting in the distance, and when he steps in the direction of it, she brings his attention back to her. 

“It looked like you have enough to share.”

“We don’t.”

An instinctual reaction tied to his days as a raider, Joel’s mind digs deep for the old lines he used to say. Lie about your numbers. Lie. 

“Don’t think about tryin’ anything’ either,” he asserts. “Heard you the second you walked onto this land. We got eyes on you from all sides.”

She lets her head fall to the side, frowning in skepticism. “I think we both know that’s not true.”

She takes a step forward, and Joel’s heart pounds in his chest, his face outwardly calm as his finger shifts to rest over the trigger. 

“You got enough ammo to kill us all?” She tests the waters, taking another small step forward, but when Joel trains the barrel of his gun on her and presses forward, she stops. 

“Listen.” Her face steels, hardening. “We can do this the easy way, or the hard way.  You can let us take what we need and we’ll leave after that, or we can kill you and then take what we need. Your choice.”

His jaw ticks, anger rising in his chest. “You’re not takin’ a goddamn thing. Get the fuck out of here before –”

A faint cry pierces the air, and he freezes, the woman doing the same. Joel’s body goes rigid at the sound of June’s cry, the woman’s eyes widening, and she peers over his shoulder at the cabin. 

June’s cries stutter for a moment before picking up in volume, and he pictures the exact face he knows she’s making. He knows that cry: an upset one that won’t settle any time soon. His heart lurches, an instinctual pull flooding through him to leave and soothe her. 

He pulls up straight instead, adjusting his aim square at the woman’s face.

Her hands quickly raise higher, this time facing outwards in supplication. “Look, I didn’t know.” Gesturing towards the woods, her tone softens. “We have kids too. The food is for them.”

Before Joel can move, a horse emerges from between the trees. And then another, then another. Trying to keep them all in his sight, the group collects in the area in front of him; June’s cries growing louder in their pitch from inside the cabin.

“Please,” one of the riders says. A woman, with a small child seated in front of her in the saddle. “If you have anything –”

“I already said we don’t.”

The coldness in his statement dies as his eyes focus on the kid’s face. While the rest of the group has their eyes on Joel, the child isn’t paying attention to him and his gun. Their eyes are solely fixed around the back of the cabin and have been since they emerged from the woods. On the garden, just beyond. 

“Please,” the rider begs one more time, quieter this time. “Please. We’ll take anything.”

Joel’s eyes linger on the kid’s slight frame, on the sunken rings underneath their eyes. Their face looks haunted, as if resigned to their hunger, and scolding himself for even wavering this long, he’s still thinking when the group's collective gaze shifts to something behind him. 

A door opening, then closing. 

Hearing the crunch of footsteps behind him, he sighs deeply, frustration evident in his disappointed tone.

“Go back inside.”

–

June quieted and left in the cabin, he burns next to you when you come to join him. 

“I heard everything through the window,” you explain. “I figured if you haven’t shot by now, it would be safe to come out.” 

A tension thrumming between your bodies in the air, you ignore the heat of his scolding stare. 

“Kids, Joel.” The word is spoken to him like a plea, and his jaw ticks before you take a look at the group for yourself. 

The first people you’ve seen in over a year. 

Worse for the wear with the sallow features of the starved, they look less…intimidating than you expected them to be. None of them have that shifty, hardened edge that you’d come to recognize in the QZ, nor the menacing, cruel stare of the people you’d met on the road before. They don’t look like how you imagine the other intruder looked either, the one you still see in your nightmares sometimes. 

Instead, they just look…tired. Hungry. The children seem dirty, but cared for. The mothers protect them in their slouched hold, the men remaining frozen under Joel’s command to stay still, his gun trained on the woman closest to him.

You picture the garden you heard them ask for: the basket of carrots still sitting in the sun, the squash vines spilling over the fence. You know they could kill you right here on the spot - but they don’t. They could have come in with guns drawn because you know they have them, but Instead they wait, trying to protect their kids. 

“I’m not gonna say it again, honey,” Joel seethes, measured and low. “Go back inside.”

“We’ll trade you.” 

A voice comes from a woman, clearly the leader of the group with the way they all keep glancing her way in silent deference, waiting. For someone staring down the barrel of a gun, she appears calm, her expression a practiced blank slate. Her age hard to determine due to the dust covering her skin, her voice is clear and measured, like she’s used to negotiating. 

“You don’t look like you have anythin’ to trade,” Joel replies coolly.

Thinking of your dwindling supplies outside of food, you rest your hand on his arm. “What’ve you got?” 

“What do you need?” she replies. 

Joel’s head tilts in warning, his feet shifting to further solidify his stance. “Answer her question.”

Her eyes run down the length of you, taking in your measure for a moment. “Got some liquor if you want it.” She gestures towards a saddle bag with a tilt of her chin, but Joel is already shaking his head. 

“Already got some.”

She quirks her eyebrow up. “Fine. Some medicine?”

“What kind?” you ask. 

“Painkillers. Ibuprofen. Tylenol. Might help with –”

“Already got some of that too,” he cuts her off. 

Sighing, the woman appears to think. Glancing at a man to the left of her, they have a silent conversation for a moment before she looks over at the garden. Staring at it for a moment, she brings her eyes back to you. 

“What about a horse?”

Joel’s jaw tightens in distrust. “Like you’re just gonna give us a horse. How much food do you think you’re gonna get from us?”

She shrugs, ignoring his anger to focus directly on you. “It’s yours, if you give us enough food for all of us. Not just the kids. Respectfully, it looks like you have plenty. Certainly enough for two people and a baby.”

The assumption in her tone and the challenge in mentioning your true numbers makes Joel bristle, but the woman doesn’t back down. If anything, she straightens taller, rising to his unspoken challenge. 

Tough and firm, she waits. 

Leaning towards him, you lower your voice so only he can hear it. “I can give them some of the –” 

He cuts you off with an immediate glare. “We need that food. You know it.”

“Yea, but we don’t need all of it. We have some to spare.”

He stares at you in stern, silent disagreement, and you continue. “I was just in the pantry. We can’t eat it all, Joel. I know what’s in there. Trust me. Those kids need to eat. They can have those carrots that I just picked, and –”

His eyes flit quickly back and forth between the group and your face, not wanting to keep his attention from them for too long. 

“It’s a horse, Joel. A horse.”

He narrows his eyes at you, a war within them. You know he knows the value of what they are offering. Eventually, he relents.

“We ain’t givin’ up our fresh stuff. If we have anything – anything - it’s gonna be the old stuff.”

Thinking of the sallow child in the saddle, you silently challenge him, but he stays resolute in his expression. 

“Fine,” you back down. “The old stuff.”

“Some of the old stuff. Not all of it.”

In agreement, you face the group again. 

“Don’t move,” Joel instructs. Flicking his head in the direction of the cabin, he motions to you. “She can get you some things, and then you need to be on your way.”

“What about the horse?” the woman asks. “One of us has to move if you want it. Where should we tie it up?”

He thinks for a moment, keeping his gun trained on her. Picking a spot a ways away from the cabin, he jerks his chin towards it. 

“Leave ‘em over there.”

–

Two faded floral pillowcases in your grip filled with what you could spare, you approach the group with careful and cautious steps, Joel taking a couple of slow strides to the left to keep you in his sights. 

“Are you okay?” the woman murmurs quietly when you reach her, glancing at Joel. 

Looking at her up close, there is a softness to her that you couldn’t see from far away. Her skin is weathered but still youthful, her long brown hair tied in a loose knot at the nape of her neck and you recognize concern held in her gaze.

You frown, not understanding. 

“That man there,” she tilts her chin at Joel. “He seems like a hard one. Is he keeping you here?”

Right when you’re about to defend him, June cries again, making her displeasure at being left alone again known. 

Leveling you with a look, the woman repeats herself, this time more direct. “I mean it. Are you okay? Do you need us to help you?” 

The implication is all over her face: a hard, threatening man all alone in the woods with a young woman. Holding her captive, forcing himself on her. A grim reality you’d seen plenty of times before, you understand her concern. Still, your response is a cool one, protective in your own right. “I’m fine. He’s just protecting us, like you’re doing with your own people.”

She studies your face for the truth. “He hasn’t hurt you or the baby, has he?”

“Of course not.” You understand her questioning, you do. Softening the edge to your response, you add, “He’s - he’s mine. We’re together. That’s our daughter crying.”

Her body language seems to relax along with her frown and she nods. Taking the sacks from you, she turns to pack them into the saddle bag of the horse next to her. 

“Must have been scary, giving birth out here all alone.”

You huff, a small smile at the edge of your lips to disguise the way the memory makes you swallow hard. “Yea, it wasn’t ideal. We were lucky.”

“I helped her do the same a couple months ago.” The woman tilts her chin at another woman in the back of the group, and for the first time, you notice a small bundle wrapped tight to her chest. Hidden, protected from the elements. “You heal okay?”

“It was…rough, but I’m good now.”

Seeming satisfied in her questioning, she digs around in the pouch for a moment. Fishing out a jar, she hands it to you. 

“I’m not sure how old your daughter is, but…here. Just in case you need it.”

A bottle of infant Tylenol being pressed into your hand, you look up to ask if she’s sure, but she cuts you off. 

“Listen. We’re headed West. Towards Ja –”

“Jackson?” you interrupt, and her eyebrows raise. Joel’s impatience radiating from his position behind you, you ignore it. “Someone came by a couple of months ago and tried to take what we had. Joel took care of it. We found the map in his pocket.”

She smirks. “So he’s real protective of you then.”

“Is it real? Jackson?”

Unsure if you should be prolonging this conversation or even informing them you know the way they’re going, you can’t help the question spilling from your mouth. Curiosity pulled at you for months after you found that map, the destination now even more intriguing after seeing children in the saddle. 

“Far as we know,” she replies, stuffing the bags away. “We heard from someone that it's safe. Safer than a QZ, though that doesn’t say much. They’re trying to keep it quiet, so they aren’t overrun with people, but…” her eyes flick towards the cabin. “It’s supposed to be off the grid. A place for families.”

Joel grits out your name behind you, and keeping the children in the forefront of your mind, you rush to say goodbye, giving her a warning.  

“You can’t stay in the area or he will shoot you. I promise you, he will.” Clear and direct with your words, you think you see something of understanding laced with respect cross her features. Before you can stop yourself, you add in haste, “There is another cabin about two miles from here though. We’ve been in it, and it’s clean and safe for you all to stay the night. You can eat, get some rest.”

Her shrewd gaze takes you in for a moment, and you squeeze the medicine held in your grip, praying you won’t come to regret what you just said. 

The edge of her mouth lifts in a small smile, and you let out a breath just as Joel says your name again, this time in a stern clip.

“Tess,” she says. Acknowledging the way Joel just told her your name, she offers her own. “My name is Tess. And thank you.”

The two of you coming to a silent understanding, you take a step back as she swings up onto the horse next to her, joining a rider already in the saddle. Motioning to the group with her hand, they all start to move. 

“Thanks,” she says to Joel as she passes, but he stays silent.

Leveling her with a frown, he keeps his gun trained on her until they disappear into the trees. 

–

Backing into the cabin to ensure it stays clear,  Joel only lowers his weapon after the door is closed. You follow him cautiously into the bedroom, waiting for him to erupt. 

You can tell he wants to, a tight bundle of anger set between his shoulder blades. His body is stiff as he picks June up to make sure she’s okay, and all the while, he keeps his back to you, as if trying to stay calm in her presence. 

Her safety confirmed, he hands her to you before stalking back out to head straight for the traps and even after checking those, he stays on the front porch with his rifle, waiting. 

Busying yourself with calming June down and eventually feeding her dinner, his anger with you weighs heavily in the space. Peeking every so often at his stern profile through the window, you put June to bed for the night, avoiding him as long as possible. 

Afraid of the disappointment you’ll see on his face, you linger by June’s cradle long after she falls asleep, questioning your decisions over and over again in your mind. 

In the end, you keep coming back to her milk cheeked profile as she sleeps. 

The clothes you piece together for her. The lack of medicine should she get sick. The even worse situation she’d be in if either of you did. The people that came by today, the conflict that was avoided because they were reasonable. 

You were right to give those children food. You know you were. If that had been June in the saddle, you would have done anything to get her food — including making a promise not to come back, especially knowing another child was depending on that source for their survival. 

It required belief in people instead of immediate distrust, and though you couldn’t explain how you knew, you just knew they could be trusted. 

Leaving her to join him on the porch, you’re expecting a calmer discussion with the hours that have passed, but he is still angry. Angrier than you’ve seen him in a long time. 

Part nervous, part sorry, and part wanting to defend yourself, you tuck your arms around your torso and step outside to where his profile greets you. 

“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t just let them go, Joel. I couldn’t not give them anything. They were starving.”

He says nothing, keeping his eyes resolutely on the woods in front of him. 

“Please come inside. They aren’t coming back.”

He faces you, his voice cutting. “And how do you know that, huh?” 

You swallow hard, bracing yourself. “I told them about the other cabins. I told them they could stay the night there and get some rest if they needed – “

“What the hell is wrong with you?” His eyes flash in the darkness, his expression twisted with frustration. “We don’ want them to stay close. They need to move on, so we know they aren’t comin’ back for what we have.”

“They aren’t.”

“You think just because they said so, they won’t? You can’t just trust what people tell you. I know it’s been awhile, but I thought you woulda remembered that.”

Hurt cuts through you at his dismissive tone. This version of Joel is one you haven’t seen in a long time, a shadow of the man he was before he met you and it hurts, to be back where you were. To have him look at you the way he is. Blinking back tears, regret starts to seep into your mind, but you fight against it. 

You know he’s just protecting his own, and you are one of those people. His. 

“The woman said they are headed to Jackson.” 

At the mention of the town, he looks back at you. 

“Did you see the kids with them? One of the riders had a baby, around the same size as June. That woman – Tess? She helped deliver it.”

Chastened, he looks down at the ground at your mention of that time. 

“They wouldn’t start trouble with that many kids around. I know it.”

“They gotta feed them kids, don’t they?” He delivers his statement bluntly, looking up to hold eye contact with you. Weariness rings his eyes, his tone no less scolding for it. “You know just as much as I do that you would do anything for June. Anything. Including lyin’ to someone just to turn around and steal what they have.”

The truth in his words hangs heavy in the air between the two of you, and you press on. 

“I gave them ample food. They have no reason to come back. I even put some meat in there –”

At this, he stands, outraged. His jaw ticks as he glares at you for a long moment, eventually letting out a huff of disbelief. 

“Hell, why not some ammo too?”

Shaking his head, he glances away. 

Disappointment pours off his body, his back to you and a tear slips down over your cheek. All the words you practiced saying to him die on your tongue, every good point turning to ash under the heat of his anger. You understand his worry because it’s also your own worry, but…the way the woman looked at you, the way those women held their children, the hope held in the woman’s eyes as she talked about Jackson? 

They weren’t coming back. You knew they weren’t. 

You’d thought he’d at least be happy about the horse, but the thought of another mouth to feed keeps your own closed. 

Sitting back down, he flexes his hold on his rifle, resting it across his lap. His eyes won’t meet yours. 

“I’m gonna stay up and keep watch. Just in case they do decide to come back. You should just…go to bed.”

All of the fight sucked out of you, you nod at his dismissal and turn, going back inside. 

–

His disappointment in you eats at him.

Flares bright as he sits up all night, waiting for their shadowy figures to reappear. Simmers as he hears you soothe June back to sleep after feeding her. Lingers with a fade in his chest as the sun lightens the horizon, inky black turning into pinkish dawn. 

He knows you saw those children and gave without hesitation, thinking of June. He knows that. But he’s also thinking of June. Always. Equal parts impressed and frustrated by the hope that still exists inside you even after you’ve seen what the outside world is still capable of, he doesn’t know how you can still trust. You still give; you’re still kind. 

He appreciates those qualities in you, but to give away your rations and to take a gamble on them not coming back is more than letting your hope win. It’s dangerous, and he wishes you could see that. 

He knows now that this will happen again. Clearly a route marked on that map, it’ll be used in the coming months by other people. The fact that they could see your garden was bad enough, but the fact that it was a group of people was even worse. 

He can defend you against one man, but a group? There are limits to his skills; he knows more than anyone. 

You can’t stay here anymore. 

He fights against the knowledge, the memory of Sarah now woven in with the surroundings. So much more than a place for the three of you to stay hidden from the world, he sees it as a place where the four of you thrived: the ghost of Sarah visiting him freely here, as a welcomed presence. Finally not something he pushed to the darkest, safest corners of his mind as a means to keep her memory away from what the world turned into. 

Even in death, he protected her. 

He knows she’ll follow him wherever he goes, but that doesn’t solve the problem of wanting to be the father he’s got the chance to be with June as he is here — not as who he’d have to be, if you left. 

His palm running along the smooth barrel of the gun, he stares into the dark woods and keeps watch, his weary eyes ringed with the need for sleep. 

Jackson. 

Responsible for your safety and well being, does he take the gamble and bring you there? Does he find another spot hidden deeper in the woods, hoping that one won’t be discovered? One requires faith in the words of other people, the other requires faith only in his own skills. After everything he’s seen and done, he knows which way he wants to lean…but still, he thinks. 

Acknowledging the strength in numbers that you’ve been missing this whole time, a group encountering this place was a liability, but to be part of a group - that was a strength. Resources to help if June should get sick, other people around to take care of her if either of you should. Clothes, shoes, a shelter that isn’t slowing falling apart. 

Those were just the basics of human necessity, but other things worm their way into his mind. The things not needed to live, but needed to thrive. Socialization, a community. An image of  Sarah on the soccer field projects against the dark field in front of him; all grin and bright eyes at sleepovers, running around the park he used to bring her to when she wanted to play with her friends. 

Any QZ that he’s been in was never the suburb full of children that he raised Sarah in, but at least there were other kids. Other people. A means to provide more than what you could, here. And with Jackson being a place being off the grid…there was a possibility it was better than a QZ. The world-worn cynic in him knew it was a long shot, but still.

He pictures your shadowed face in the darkness, as you argued with him. The earnestness in your eyes, the words you used to try to make him understand your reasoning behind trusting them. He was too mad then to listen, but now…he understands why. 

Not only your belief in those people, but your belief in general. Understands that you’ve always needed to believe in something, in order for any of this to work. 

“No matter what, you keep finding something to fight for.” 

He said that to you in bed one night, speaking of you and June, and he thinks about how you’ve always believed it in the same thing your own way: your something to fight for was a future still possible. 

One that you’ve shown him to be true.

Rising stiff limbed from his position on the porch, it’s almost light when he wanders back into the silent cabin. 

He tries to be quiet in the kitchen as he digs through the drawer for the map, and finding it, places it on the counter. 

Making his way to the bedroom, he crawls into the space behind your curved spine and tucks himself around it, holding you close. 

In your sleep, you reach for him and grasping your hand in his, he fits the bridge of his nose into the soft nape of your neck and closes his eyes. 

[bowieandqueen11]

Moonlight Dalliance / Izzy Hands Imagine

Request: I wrote this a couple of weeks ago but I think I might have accidentally deleted it off Tumblr because I can’t find it now! Hope you enjoy and I’ll have another request out asap! 😘

Warning: spicy, implied sexual content, sword fighting, mentions of blood and some strong language!

(I do not own OFMD or it’s characters, all rights go to creators. Gif credit goes to @goodsirs.)

☆.。.:・°☆.。.:・°

Before you had even reached the deck, you could hear the clashing of steel reverberating through your bunk.

If it hadn't been for the pouring of sawdust through the cracks in the ceiling beams that rained down like ash over your nostrils: if it hadn't been for the graceful leaps of careful footsteps lightly stepping in box squares above your hammock, you might have chalked down the noise to Roach's snoring. In fact, as you swing your legs over to your side and try, as quietly as possible, to land on the floor of the recreation room without waking as many as your ship mates as possible, said cook was trying to do his best impression of what could only be called a foghorn mixed with an incredibly rusty blender.

'For God's sake-!' The sound of Lucius' voice disturbing you as you were trying to tip toe towards the door almost makes you jump out of your skin. Unravelling Black Pete's arm from around his waist, he gives a final groan into the side of his pillow before throwing it in a wide arch straight at Roach's head. 'If you don't stop snoring I'll stick my wooden thumb, splinters and all, straight up your ar-.'

Thankfully, the sound of you wincing as you grab onto the handle and inch the hinges slowly backwards is drowned out by a stout HMPH as Lucius' pillow lands on Button's stomach. You can't help but let out a snicker at the way the man shoots straight up from his slumber like a scarecrow being raised in a field. He arches one eyebrow and glanced around intently. 'Attack, we're under attack!' You take the opportunity of your fellow crewmates either lunging out of their hammocks, or being tipped out onto the floor during the frantic hustle and bustle that followed to escape out to the helm of the ship. In fact, Wee John seemed to take far too much pleasure out of twirling the Swede's hammock so that the man ended up a mess of tangled limbs, yelping like a fly caught up in a spider's web as Oluwande tried to grab his arm and pull him back out. You didn't mind the good natured jostle of your friends: you had spent so much of the evening tossing and turning, unable to get the thought of one arrogant prick in particular out of your mind, and so the excuse to leave your bunk and get some fresh air was more than welcome.

The sea air - god, the sea air felt so kind on your tired lungs.

The night seemed fragile, the moonlight tender as it spilt over the creaking boards of the ship and pooled in a warm puddle around your feet. It seemed to widen within your eyes, a fine mist spraying like a wicked phantasm from its shadows and coating the surrounding sea in thin tendrils of smoke. With a mind hazed with tiredness, you rubbed at the corners of your eyes and tried to chase away that dream-like glow only the late night could bring. The sails caught in the mild wind and groaned above you, masking out the sounds of Izzy's short pants as he wiped his forehead with the untucked end of his shirt. In fact, not realising yet that you were standing only a mere few metres away from him, he grabbed his shoulder and tugged his shirt off completely, discarding it with a frustrated throw at Stede's cabin doors.

Two hands grip tighter on the wood, willing its body to relax. The tang of salt could do nothing to burn away the fizzling want banging against your ribcage, nor could the cool pinch of the helm railings distract you from the fact that you had spent every second of that day restless; as if on repeat, every time you closed your eyes, or had your thoughts distracted away from repairing the helm, or talking to Lucius, or exploring the islands Stede had insisted you all stop at so he could take Edward off on some grand adventure, you were taken back to that afternoon. The feel of Izzy Hands, the soft ache in his eyes, so desolate, so hopeful: when he had been congratulating you on a job well done fighting off some remote Englishman who had tried to ambush your crew once you had docked, and behind the thrum of his beating heart he hadn't the wit to stop his arm from reaching out and brushing the back of his knuckles against the droplets of blood splattered on your cheek.

His smile had dropped almost immediately of course, and he had run like a gun was being unloaded against his heels back into his quarters and hid there for the night, but the look in his eyes when he had touched you... god, if it wasn't enough to make Davy Jones repent his sins, for even his adoration for Calypso would seem like hatred in comparison.

Yet only the smoky gleam of the moon melting over the champagne waves kept your aching head company. The moon, being a sneaky temptress, was in fact the one thing that drew you to the cause of your distraction; squinting down onto the deck, it took you a minute to remember the reason you had come up here in the first place.

Izzy Hands. In the flesh. And lots of it, if the sweaty gleam of his bare chest was anything to go by.

It takes a moment for your mind to shape the shifting umbra into a perceptible form: he looks angry, furious, even, as his sword slices the misty air like swiss cheese and gives lashes to the main mast. The cherry wood cracks easily under the weight of his blows, the poor shaved shards that land by his feet obviously taking the brunt of the walloping you can only assume is meant for your captain.

Swallowing your nerves, you call out to the fickle shape. 'What are you doing wandering about at a time like this?'

He startles as you wander across the ship towards him, perching back against the side of the mast he was currently tearing to shreds. Incredulously, he looks you up and down before bowing his sword. Your laughter sweetens the edge of his blade, and for a moment Izzy's step falters at the sound.

‘I could ask you the very same thing. Don't you know that all the horrifying creatures slink out from the depths after the full moon rises.' He tilts his head at you, pushing his tongue up against his teeth to stop a smile from breaking like welcome dawn across his face. 'Would hate to see you get dragged away by something... wanton.'

You scratch your cheek, trying your best to hide how you were growing flustered at his words. 'Well, at least if I get dragged away I'll be going with clothes on.’

He flushed at that, head tilting down as he crossed his arms gruffly over his abdomen and blinked languidly.

'What are you actually still doing awake?', you ask, crossing your arms and doing your best not to fantasize about leaping forward and ripping the rest of his trousers straight off with one tear.

'I couldn't sleep.' What he didn't tell you, was that he couldn't sleep because he was so in love with you his heart felt like it was going to bleed out of his fucking chest any time he tried to distract himself from thoughts of you.

'Yeah, neither could I.' What you didn't tell him, was that you couldn't sleep because you were dreaming of grabbing Izzy by that scruffy collar and kissing him silly.

A tense silence suffocated the two of you, sliced only by Izzy shooting his sword through the air with one last precise carve through the freshly hollowed mast. Izzy whips out his wrist, clenching his fingers into a tight fist to try and alleviate some of the burning tension running through his joints at the desperation to touch you.

‘You did well today. As much as I hate to admit it, you can fight better than any of those other morons.’

‘A compliment? From Izzy Hands? Pinch me, I must still be dream-‘

‘Your footwork is a little rusty, though. Could use some work, so you don’t trip over and fall on your own bloody sword.’

‘There we go. There’s always a but with you, isn’t there? You can’t just give the compliment and leave it hanging.’

'I'm just saying... it would be a real shame to pierce such a breast.' Your breath hitches as his eyes dip down to contemplate the sliver of skin still on show between the free flowing buttons of your dress shirt. He sniffles, fingers almost indiscernibly tightening around the metal of the hilt as he did his best to stifle the overflowing shiver that was running up and down his legs. He keeps a tight watch on you for a moment, before biting his bottom lip with his top teeth and darting his eyes out towards the ocean, both incredibly aroused and also incredibly sheepish from having shown such weakness.

'And to ruin such a fine blade.'

He runs his hand across his beard, motion tired yet calculated. Too jolted to speak, let alone run away back down to your bunk and hide your head underneath Oluwande's arm for the rest of time, you leave Izzy the perfect opportunity to pounce.

’Here… come here’, his knuckles fold as he beckons you forward with one hand, his other still resting on the hilt of his rapier as he jabbed it into the floor and let it drop after a moment. If he had let it go just then, as he watched the swish of your hips approach him, he had a pretty good feeling his knees would buckle underneath him. ‘I have far more experience than you do. You ought to learn from a real pirate. Not the hoity toity arsehole that runs around this ship like a headless chicken.’

‘If I remember correctly’, you say sharply with a growing smile, ‘you lost against that headless chicken.’

‘Don’t.’ Before you have time to realise what’s happening, Izzy has grabbed you by the waist and rugged you back. He prays you didn’t hear the hoarse groan that jilted from the back of his throat as your buttocks bounced back against the tensed muscles of his lower abdomen. His voice is gruff and warm against the shell of your ear, but his fingertips burn with the ferociousness of a thousand lantern fires as he snakes his free hand around your shoulders and grips onto the bottom of your chin.

'Don't tease me. It won't end well for you.' His thumb digs into your jaw as he tilts your head back, and you can feel his smirk branding it’s way into the bare strip of skin between the nape or your neck and the hollow of your earlobe. Your head is fully resting back against his forehead now, and his vice on you only lessens once he’s content that you’re too far gone to step away from him.

'Put your foot... here', he guides your right foot forward with the toe of his boot, almost sinfully slowly so he could feel every twitch and tense of your quadriceps against the inside of his thigh. 'There you go, lean your weight forward-'.

He tips you then, doubling you over so your back is pushed down against his groin. You swear you can feel the curls of his hair fall in loose curls down against the small of your back, gathering that his head must be hovering just above your tailbone. For your own sake, to stop your legs from turning into jelly and letting your full weight fall so easily into Izzy's grip, you pretend the haunting moaning sound you hear must be from the hinges of the sails as they turn through the night sky.

'Perfect form', he breathes out in a short gasp against the shell of your ear once he's collected himself, his arm tightening around your stomach as he places you. His right hand drags down your arm, teasingly burning a trail right down over the back of your hand and onto your fingers as he entraps them with his own. He turns your hand, his own clenching so they fold over your own. 'That's it, now jut forward and strike.'

His knee pushes against the side of your buttocks as he jumps the two of you forward; he shoves a little too harshly, though, and just before your feet nearly trip backwards over the rotund exterior of a rogue barrel, Izzy's hand has shot out like a viper to latch its teeth around your wrist. His fingers squeeze as he tilts you upright again, a sharp exhale whistling out of his nose at how close you come to falling into his chest.

'You're not a bad teacher', you manage to laugh out between gasps, 'but unless you're packing... who doesn't bring a weapon to a sword fight?' Straddling to the side, you manage to slide down and grab onto his discarded sword, sweeping the tip through the air until it landed just below his chin. Tilting the skin up, you gaze down at him through dropped eyelids, his fingers now nearly convulsing against your wrist.

You manage to break free of his hold, grabbing onto his bare arm and pulling him so now he was the one caught in your trap. Your bicep holds around his stomach, moving with each tremble of his breath as you graze the sharp edge of his rapier down across his face and jut it under his jaw.

The bastard only smiles as you hold the edge of his blade against his throat.

'Did you really think you could win this fight?', he asks between the tight lips of a knowing smile, and it takes you a second to realise that his free hand has wrapped round to hold onto yours on top of the handle. He shoves the blade away, kicking out with his foot so you trip backwards. He easily catches you before you hit the ground.

You dance your fingers up his chest as he holds you tight against him, dipped down like lovers do during the first dance. All the stars burn deep within the depths of his soul, pouring out like razing destruction from his eyes as he keeps darting a path between your nose, and back down to your lips.

'I don't think you won this either, Izzy Hands. In fact, I think we both lost something here.' You spread your fingers out over the bare skin across his pec, feeling the flittering thud of his heart pound out against your fingertips.

By god, if he had ever been so delighted to lose.

His lips ravish you like a man shrivelled under the island sun, desperate to drown; before your gasp can fully deflate from your lungs, your legs have been kicked out from underneath you by a swift and skilled kick from the side of his boot.

Oh, he had been planning this for a long time. Had been thinking of nothing but this since he had boarded this vessel. The tightness of his arm as it snakes around your back and stops your shoulders from taking the brunt of the bounce off the boards: the way he throws his rapier behind his back without a second care, instead replacing his clenched fingers with the reddened meat of your hip as he levers you down was far too precise and meticulous to be a mere spur of the moment, subconscious thought.

An uncomfortable heat shivers over your torso and settles as an anchor weight in the pit of your stomach as Izzy grazes his right hand over the top of your thigh. Plop. Plop. Plop. His leather gloves ball as he taps his finger one by one, teasingly, against your inner thigh, using them to shove your legs wider apart. His lips pull away with a sickeningly sweet pop from your neck only for a second, as he breathlessly glances his eyes in a jagged path across your face.

He looks wonderstruck.

You can't help but reach out to touch the tough muscle of his left peck, swirling your finger across the short strands of his chest hair. The soft scrape of your fingernail soon turns into your fingers fully spreading out like the tendrils of a swift current once you feel him bury his head into the curve of your neck; his chin juts into your pulse point and the bastard has the audacity to whimper at the feel of your palm brushing over the hardened tip of his nipple.

If he wasn't living out all of his deepest, darkest dreams, the man nearly collapsed on top of you may have felt embarrassed at the way his pelvis began to buck down and brush the tightening leather over the rising line of skin underneath your belly button. In your turn to be bashful, you can feel a flush crawl over your cheeks as Izzy grabs onto the bottom of your thigh and tugs you closer, fist clenching over your ankle as he throws your right leg up and over the side of his hip bone. His hands are surprisingly soft, surprisingly gentle as he claws and kneads and mewls into you, his lips dragging down and over to the side of your jaw now with quick, tempered nicks.

You're scared his skin is going to melt off at the bone with how it burns against your hip: it holds tightly to the side of your pelvis, his thumb toying with the tassels hanging from the band of your trousers as he impetuously grinds down against you again. You can feel his shit eating smirk as the flat edge of his tongue licks a hot streak up to the shell of your ear; he bites down, tugging at your earlobe and clenching his fingernails so tightly into the soft skin at the side of your buttocks that you were amazed he didn't draw blood.

‘What on earth was that noise?! What’s going on up here! Which hooligan is up making a ruckus on my ship? And so late! I know you wanted another bedtime story, but I told you, we all need our beauty sleep!’

The glim flicker of a handheld candle illuminated out from the stairway as the ruffled hair of your captain peered out past the door like a startled meerkat. With wide eyes, he mustered the courage to lift up the skirts of his nightshirt and take a step out onto the deck, away from the safety of Ed's gentle snores as they billowed out through the crack.

Before your captain can spot the two of you caught in such an awkward position: Izzy grinding against you like a needy dog, your hand bunched into a tight fist in his hair and your legs wrapped tightly around his taut waist, he shoves a gloved finger to your lips. Annoyed at being disturbed, you tilt the hand gripping his hair backwards and smirk to yourself as Izzy dips his head down to land between your breast bone to try and hide his groans.

Before you can tease him anymore, he's gripped onto your wrist and is tugging you up; he's near carrying you bridle style in his arms as he slips past the railings of the ship, mingling in with the shadows. His hand covers your mouth to stop your giggles, carrying you off down to the bunk of his room so the two of you can carry on your midnight dalliance where your poor, confused captain wouldn't be able to hear the pounding of the bed as its frame shudders against the wall and your screams echo out against the silent moonlight.

[shiningqueen]

silvertongue, hawk eyes part 2 / mihawk x fem!oc

genre: slice of life, relationship growth, slow burn. rating: sfw / e for everyone warnings: none for this part. characters: dracule mihawk + fay (a female oc) summary: a storm brings a castaway to kuraigana and with his interest midly piqued, mihawk allows fay to stay with him temporarily. after sleeping for two days, fay and mihawk have a proper sort-of conversation.

author's note: fay does not speak the common/english tongue of the one piece world very well. she can read and write it adeptly, and understand it spoken just as adequately but she struggles with speaking in complex sentences. that explains why her speech seems a bit off.

When Fay awoke to the dismal gray of pre-dawn, she felt heavy and sluggish, like a weight is pressing upon her chest and made breathing difficult. She couldnt remember where she was or how she got here, disorientated that there wasn't the open sky above and the steady rocking of her boat beneath. The events of the past several days trickled in like water beading through hairline cracks in glass.

A narrow escape from pirates that damaged her boat beyond capable repair, then the maelstrom roaring in to sweep her in its chaotic currents for two whole days. She hadn't slept for at least four. Fay rubbed her eyes as the remainder of her memories flooded in; her vessel capsized and sinking, she'd swam to the shore of an island her Log Pose had latched onto. She'd been too exhausted to properly digest anything at the time but now? Now, she rolled over and wheezed hysterical laughter into her pillow. Of all the places to end up in, she'd come to the doorstep of a Shichibukai! There must be irony in that stroke of fate.

Her emotions are turbulent and nauseating, mirth dissolving into sobs as her experiences sharpened into focus and what she had ultimately lost with her boat sinking carves a hole into her chest.

She did not have many tears to shed in the scheme of things, a headache beginning to throb behind her eyes from being dehydrated and that forces her out of bed. Thick blankets pooling around her waist and the bitter cold of the huge room, in an even larger castle, makes her shiver violently. Her discarded clothing from when she'd stripped down before passing out is at least dry, yet sea stained; not that she had anything else to wear. Fay numbly pulls on her long sleeved shirt and trousers, shaking as she rubs warmth into her arms and tackles the absolute disaster of her hair.

Only when her hair is tamed and braided into order does she paw through the remainder of her belongings; a small journal and pencil, her log pose and a necklace weighed by trinkets are fished out of her belt pouches. Toeing feet into her deck shoes, the early dawn light creeps into the room through a series of windows on the east wall. The chamber is spacious and only had the bed as its sole furnishing, there's a connecting door into an adjacent room she peeks into curiously. It's dark and filled with things, probably more furniture, stashed under dusty and moth-bitten sheets.

Fay leaves it, the need for water scratching at her throat like she'd swallowed thorns. Stepping out into the gray stone hallway has her pausing outside the door - she was in Dracule Mihaw's home. The man lived in a castle, by himself, on a gloomy island with weird shaped hills.

She bites down on the impulse to laugh again. Priorities. Fidgeting with a trinket on her necklace, she retraces the path Hawkeye had shown her last until the stairwell came into view. Her eyes wander over every inch of the fortress, deducing that the clean places were what she ought to look for. She doubted the warlord would bother to dust the whole building when he likely only needed to use a dozen or so rooms for himself.

Ten minutes wandering that results in discovering a library and a sitting room, both of which are filed away in her memory, Fay finds the kitchen and is relieved there is no sign of her infamous host. The ambience is still gray but the hum of electric lights washes the space in a white-yellow halo, her hands wandering over cold marble counters as she explores. There are some modern amenities like a coffee press, kettle, a fridge and stovetop.

In a polished wood cabinet, she finds a clean glass and fills it with tap water rather than be presumptuous and make herself tea or coffee. The island countertop also serves as a place to sit and that is where she settles after drinking two full glasses of water, a third time filled and she sets it down to partake more slowly.

Fay still feels sluggish and drowsy but the worst of her exhaustion has abated, she just ignores the gnawing grief (or is that hunger?) churning somewhere in her guts. There just wasnt time to wallow when she had to figure out how to move forward from here. The mere notion of asking for anything beyond the generous hospitality Hawkeye afforded her is off the table instantly. She loathed the idea of owing anyone anything and she doubted the Warlord would care to have a favor from a nobody like her. The most logical step was to pen a letter to her younger sister, whom had mostly free reign and connections that could prove useful.

At least owing her sibling didnt come with weighty strings attached. Fay thumbs through her journal for empty pages and rips out four, deciding she'd also write to her older sister to keep everyone informed of her situation. Between sips of water, she scrawled messages out and hoped a NewsCoo visited regularly.

-x-

It is some unmarked hour past dawn when Mihawk rises from slumber and lazes through his morning routine, being home meant he could dawdle as he pleased throughout the day. Not that he didnt keep some semblance of structure but there was no reason for haste in any capacity. There is an absent awareness that the presence of his guest is still dormant - wait - she was decidedly not in the upper east hall anymore. Yoru humming in his grasp as he sauntered down to the main floor and into the kitchen, wherein he discovered Fay seated at the island and asleep.

Her head is pillowed on her folded arms and she is slumped onto the countertop, which he takes a moment to just observe her. He cannot see the whole of her face but he notes her tidied hair and the absence of her over-shirt, leaving her dressed in all black. There is too a bulbous Log Pose resting against her arm and the shaking needle reminded him it would be a few days yet until it settles.

Mihawk walks forward to rest Yoru against the island and that is when he realizes his guest is not fully asleep. He is not certain if it was his movement or proximity but her face shifts and a single gray eye opens to settle on him. He keeps his face impassive and holds her stare, seeing the drowsy appraisal in her eye before it slides closed again and she luffs out a muted sigh. It made no sense to him that she could be so relaxed enough to doze. No words are exchanged between them whatsoever as Mihawk decides to not give a fuck right now and make himself coffee. It was too damn early for anything.

By the whimsy of being courteous, he does make a second mug of coffee and sets it down in front of the napping brunette. He considers taking his own elsewhere but ends up seating himself at the opposite end of the island, hands warmed around ceramic and the comforting resonance of his sword nearby.

Fay stirs and he's watching her again as she rouses, a red imprint on her face from where she'd been resting against her arms, which stretch out and up as her posture straightens. Her eyes dart from him to the mug he'd placed before her and in lieu of speaking, she Signs her gratitude before pulling the coffee into her grasp.

"Are you not well rested enough to speak?" Mihawk breaks the disconcerting quiet, recalling how she'd forgone speech earlier due to her exhaustion.

She peers up at him from nursing her coffee, dark brows crinkled in a perplexed manner, "Sleep fine, just words hard in your tongue." The lilt of her accent is more pronounced now and he doesnt recognize it, but the fact she cant speak the common language well enough is just another layer of intrigue unto his guest.

The warlord makes a pondering sound, "Where are you from? You seem to understand me adequately." His tone is kept neutral so as not to betray his idle curiosity.

"Farore," she annunciates carefully and sets her mug down to take up Sign again, 'It is three weeks or so from here, and it gets travelers from all over. I just am not used to your language.'

He vaguely recognizes the name of her island but nothing specific comes to mind, so he doesnt dwell on it too much. Though he intended on inquiring further, the rustle of wings swooping through the halls signals the arrival of a NewsCoo. Mihawk tilts his head to regard the seabird as it swoops down and lands primly before him, dropping a newspaper with all serious aplomb. He wordlessly pays the bird but before it goes to take off, Fay makes a noise.

She croons at it. A soft and melodious sound that makes his ears tingle. The NewsCoo hops around to face her attentively, head bobbing with an answering coo. Mihawk is baffled at whatever he had sensed in that brief vocalization she had made to garner the bird's focus.

Now his gaze is fixed intently on the brunette as she reveals two envelopes and offers them to the courier, and it hops obligingly closer so she could tuck them into its carrier bag. Fay makes a slightly different pitched croon, again tingling at his senses, and the NewsCoo takes off for its next delivery.

"What was that?" Now he dared to let a trickle of his intrigue show.

Her lips twitch and there's something secret in her eyes, she Signs, 'I wrote to family, asking for help. NewsCoo will carry letters if you ask nice.' A pause and she gestures to her Log Pose, 'How long until it settles?'

Ah, so she had picked up on certain vocal cues to persuade NewsCoo and that certainly could prove handy for someone traveling alone on the seas. Furthermore her proactiveness around her situation lend further to the notion she's reasonably competent. Good. He couldnt stand people who wallowed in their problems.

"Another three days, how long do you expect to wait for a reply from your family?"

'A week at most?' Fay's hands twist and fidget in a pensive way, her posture going from relaxed to ridged with anxiety as she Signs, 'Hope is my sister is near to collect me.'

Mihawk drops his gaze thoughtfully and mulls over assumptions of just how long he might be hosting the wayward sailor, he picked up on her reluctance to ask him directly for any further involvement beyond offering her a roof over her head. It didnt really matter to him her reasoning behind the anxiety though, "There are spare boats here, if your plans fall through." That is all he says on the matter, permission she stay to await replies to her letters.

Fay's hands drop, one to her mug and the other to the log pose that is rolled into her palm and vanishes from sight. She says nothing else and neither does Mihawk for that matter. He contents himself with perusing the newspaper, thumbing through new bounty posters without vested interest in who was who or what crimes they were accused of.

-x-

In the ensuing stretch of silence, Fay drinks her coffee and contemplates the chances of making it back to the beach she'd landed on. Would any of her belongings have drifted to shore? Some of them had been equipped to be borne on currents for a few days in the event of disaster. Was there any dangerous wildlife to consider? Was it worth asking her host about?

She eyed the scowling Shichibukai briefly and decided against it. Trying to indulge in more conversation this early in the morning felt like a chore, even with caffeine simmering low in her veins. Fay slipped off her stool and stifled a yawn, taking time to rinse and wash both of her dishes just like she'd do at home.

Well, not much point in idling around in the vaguely uncomfortable company of Dracule Mihawk. She looped the island with the intent to head towards the foyer and venture outdoors, but is stalled when the swordsman speaks up again.

"Where are you going?"

Fay turns back to regard him properly, "Outside, to the beach." Absent hands toying with a trinket on her necklace again, rather than use Sign.

"Why for? It's dangerous to wander here without a weapon." He doesnt sound concerned, just bored. The glint of his sharp gaze settling on her, again though she doesnt flinch from it.

"Eh, was fine before. May be things of mine to find." She stumbled over a few words and grimaced at how awkward the language sounded to her own ears.

Mihawk sort of scoffs at her, she bristles a bit at the snideness of it, "You may get killed for being unwary."

Fay weighs her options on the warning but ultimately shrugs, "Not unwary, I will take care." She turns away and adds, "Can come if you like."

It's as she reaches the threshold of the kitchen that she hears the swordsman sigh, "Wait for me."

She thinks him quite contrarian for that.

[concretecanberra]

Concrete Contractors – What Types of Concrete Are Available?

Concrete is a strong and versatile building material that can be used in a variety of ways. It’s great for creating driveways, garden paths and slabs for garages and extensions.

Find a concreting contractor that specialises in the type of work you need done. The best concreters have up to date training and knowledge of the latest concreting techniques.

Concrete Slabs

Concrete slabs are an essential part of any building project. They create solid foundations and offer stable support for structures like houses, sheds, carports and more. They also provide termite proofing and thermal properties for homes.

Almost every construction site needs concrete slabs, but there are many different types of slabs to choose from. Some are flat while others have a waffle design or are designed for specific uses.

Slabs are usually poured using reinforced concrete. This type of concrete is mixed with things like steel bars or welded wire fabric to give it extra strength. This gives the concrete tensile and compressive strength to handle the heavy load of a house or shed. It also makes the structure termite-proof and able to withstand the scorching Australian summers.

Stamped Concrete

Concrete stamping allows homeowners to choose from a wide variety of colours and designs. They can be used for patios, driveways and pool decks. Besides being durable, stamped concrete is also nonslip and resistant to humidity.

The pattern is created by pressing a rubber or polyurethane stamp against wet concrete to create the desired texture. The concrete contractor then adds a colour or pigment to the concrete before it sets, creating an appealing finish.

Many homeowners choose natural earth tones, such as grays or earthy browns. Others opt for brick, cobblestone or wood patterns. In addition, the concrete can be antiqued with stains or tints. The options are endless! This gives the homeowner a unique look that blends into the natural environment. It is also an economical choice compared to other paving materials like stone, granite or pavers.

Concrete Flooring

Concrete floor resurfacing can offer an attractive, functional and affordable flooring solution for your home or business. It is durable and easy to maintain, and it comes in a wide variety of textures, surfaces and colours.

The price of your concrete floors depends on several factors, including the size of the project and any custom work that is required. For example, a small area may cost more than a larger one because it requires more detail work and set-up time. The condition of the current floor also affects costs, as damaged areas will require repair before new concrete can be laid.

Look for a concrete contractor that specializes in the type of work you need. You wouldn’t want a general contractor to install concrete in your industrial warehouse, for instance.

Concrete Stenciling

Concrete stenciling is one of the latest trends in decorative concrete. It can make plain concrete look like brick, stone pavers, tile, or natural rock. It is also a great way to add texture and design to walkways, patios, kitchens, or living rooms.

Stenciling can be done on new concrete or over existing concrete. If the existing concrete is going to be resurfaced, it must be repaired first. If the surface is cracked, it will need to be fixed with concrete repair products that will be discussed with your concreter.

The best concreters are hard-working, innovative, and work to the highest safety standards. They offer a wide range of services and can help you with your concrete project. They can create beautiful driveways, patios, and garden paths. They can even do a slab for your garage or home extension.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Exposed aggregate concrete is an attractive and low maintenance style of decorative concreting that can add character to your driveway, patio or walkway. It is a mix of concrete and pebbles or other rock materials that can be chosen for their shape, size, texture and colour.

This type of concrete is poured into forms and smoothed with a bull float before the surface is covered with plastic and allowed to cure. The top layer of cement paste is then removed using a power washer or garden hose to expose the stones or pebbles in the concrete.

This technique can be done with new concrete or as a facelift to existing concrete surfaces. A Canberra concrete contractor can recommend the best way to achieve the desired effect.

source https://concretecanberra.wordpress.com/2023/07/24/concrete-contractors-what-types-of-concrete-are-available/

[ahtwaterproof]

Waterproofing Your Deck: Essential Tips for Durability

Your deck is an extension of your living space, a place where you can relax, entertain guests, and enjoy the outdoors. However, exposure to rain, snow, and sunlight can take a toll on its durability. Waterproofing your deck is crucial to protect it from damage, extend its lifespan, and keep it looking great for years. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about waterproofing your deck, from choosing the right products to applying them effectively.

Why Waterproofing Your Deck is Essential

Preventing Water Damage and Rot

Water is one of the biggest threats to a deck. When moisture seeps into wood or other materials, it can lead to rotting, weakening the structure and making it unsafe.

Avoiding Mold and Mildew Growth

Damp conditions create the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which not only cause structural issues but also pose health risks.

Extending the Lifespan of Your Deck

Proper waterproofing helps prevent premature wear and tear, saving you money on repairs and replacements in the long run.

Understanding Different Deck Materials

Wood Decks

Wood decks require regular waterproofing to protect against rot and warping. Common woods include cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated lumber.

Composite Decks

Though more resistant to moisture, composite decks can still benefit from waterproof sealers to prevent surface damage.

Concrete Decks

Concrete decks absorb water over time, leading to cracks and structural weaknesses if not sealed properly.

Common Waterproofing Challenges

Climate-Related Issues

Weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or intense sun exposure can deteriorate waterproofing solutions faster.

Poor Drainage Problems

Without proper drainage, water can pool on your deck, increasing the risk of water damage.

Frequent Foot Traffic and Wear

High foot traffic can wear down waterproof coatings, making regular maintenance essential.

Types of Deck Waterproofing Solutions

Waterproof Sealers and Coatings

Sealers penetrate the deck material to repel water, while coatings create a protective layer on the surface.

Membranes and Underlayment Systems

Waterproof membranes act as a barrier under the deck surface, preventing water from seeping through.

Waterproof Deck Tiles

These interlocking tiles provide both aesthetic appeal and waterproof protection.

Choosing the Right Waterproofing Product

When selecting a waterproofing solution, consider factors like climate, deck material, and budget. Popular brands include:

Thompson’s WaterSeal

Behr Premium Waterproofing

Olympic Stain Waterproofing Sealant

Step-by-Step Guide to Waterproofing Your Deck

Clean the Deck: Remove dirt, debris, and old coatings.

Prepare the Surface: Sand rough areas and fix any cracks.

Apply Waterproofing Solution: Use a brush, roller, or sprayer for even coverage.

Let it Dry: Follow manufacturer’s instructions for drying time.

Perform Regular Maintenance: Reapply as needed to maintain effectiveness.

DIY vs. Professional Waterproofing

Pros and Cons of DIY Waterproofing

Pros: Cost-effective, convenient for small decks.

Cons: Requires time and effort, risk of improper application.

When to Hire a Professional

For large decks or complex waterproofing needs, hiring an expert ensures durability and effectiveness.

How to Maintain a Waterproofed Deck

Sweep regularly to remove debris.

Inspect for cracks or worn areas.

Reapply waterproofing solutions every 1-3 years.

Eco-Friendly Waterproofing Options

Low-VOC, biodegradable sealers

Natural oil-based waterproofing products

Recycled waterproofing membranes

Cost of Waterproofing Your Deck

Budget-friendly options start at $50-$100.

High-end solutions and professional services can cost $500-$2000.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Waterproofing

Skipping surface preparation

Choosing the wrong product for your deck type

Neglecting regular maintenance

Innovative Waterproofing Technologies

Smart Coatings: Adapt to temperature changes and repel water effectively.

Self-Repairing Membranes: Automatically seal minor cracks and damages.

Waterproofing for Different Climates

Humid Regions: Use mold-resistant waterproofing solutions.

Snowy Areas: Opt for products that withstand freeze-thaw cycles.

Hot Climates: Choose UV-resistant sealers to prevent sun damage.

Conclusion

Waterproofing your deck is a crucial step in preserving its beauty and structural integrity. By selecting the right products, applying them correctly, and maintaining your deck regularly, you can ensure it remains durable for years to come. Whether you opt for a DIY approach or hire a professional, investing in proper waterproofing will save you time, money, and effort in the long run.

[bookmakring12]

Top 5 Signs Your Roof Needs Repair: Don't Ignore These Warning Signals

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It shields your family, belongings, and property from the elements. But roofs don't last forever, and wear and tear over time can lead to serious issues. To help homeowners in Greenwood, MO, identify problems early, we've compiled the top five signs that your roof may need repair. Ignoring these warning signals could lead to costly repairs or even a complete roof replacement.

1. Leaking or Water Damage

Water marks on ceilings or walls, running water, or moisture patches in your attic show the presence of a leak. A leak can occur due to faulty shingles, faulty flashing, or clogged gutters. When you identify water damage, get in touch with a roofing company in Greenwood, MO, as soon as possible. It can help prevent massive repairs.

2. Missing, Cracked, or Curling Shingles

Your shingles are the first line of defense against weather elements. Missing, cracked, or curling shingles indicate compromised integrity in your roof. Asphalt shingle roof services in Greenwood, MO, are available from a shingle roofing company that specializes in repair and replacement. Maintenance inspections prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

3. Sagging Roof

This is a serious structural issue that requires attention immediately. This could be the sign of water damage, weakened decking, or poor construction. When you find your roof sagging, the time to call the roof repair company in Greenwood, MO, has come. Delayed repair could bring a total fall of your roof.

4. Damaged Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters play a vital role in directing water away from your home. If you’re noticing sagging, leaking, or clogged gutters, it’s time for action. Aluminum gutter installation in Greenwood, MO, or gutter cleaning services can help keep your roof and foundation safe from water damage. Damaged gutters can also lead to water pooling on your roof, exacerbating issues.

5. Storm Damage

Greenwood, MO, knows storms, and your roof would often receive the impact. Storm damage indicators are dented shingles, torn flashing, and debris-strewn conditions. Local roofing services in Greenwood, MO, offer storm damage repair for you, ensuring your home remains secure and safe post extreme weathering events.

Why Storm Damage Repairs Require Immediate Attention

Delaying roof repairs can lead to costly consequences, such as structural damage, mold growth, and increased energy bills. A professional roofing contractor in Greenwood, MO, can inspect your roof and recommend necessary repairs to extend its lifespan and keep your home protected.

Choosing the Right Roofing Services in Greenwood, MO

When choosing a roofing company in Greenwood, MO, it is very important to hire a reliable and experienced provider. Whether you require TPO roofing service, skylight repair, or residential roof replacement, finding the right contractor ensures quality results. TK Roofing Contractor offers a wide range of services, including:

Residential roofing in Greenwood, MO

Roof replacement and repair Aluminum gutter installation

Skylight and storm damage repair

Final Thoughts

The state of your roof is a major determinant of whether your home will be safe and valuable. This is because early detection of warning signs can avoid extensive damage and costly repairs. For reliable residential roof repair services in Greenwood, MO, contact TK Roofing Contractor today. For more information and to schedule a consultation.

Do not let petty problems blossom into big headaches; protect your home with the best roofing services in Greenwood, MO!

[jamesvince9898]

Transforming Spaces with Precision: Your Trusted Concrete Contractor in Fort Walton

Introduction At I Am Concrete LLC, we specialize in creating durable, visually appealing, and expertly crafted concrete solutions for residential and commercial spaces. As a trusted concrete contractor in Fort Walton, our goal is to enhance your property’s value and functionality with innovative and tailored services. Whether you need a new driveway, patio, or walkway, our experienced team ensures excellence at every stage of the process.

Why Choose I Am Concrete LLC for Your Concrete Needs?

Expertise You Can Rely On With years of experience, we’ve mastered the art of concrete construction. From simple installations to intricate designs, our skilled professionals are committed to delivering top-tier results.

Local Expertise in Fort Walton We understand the specific environmental and aesthetic requirements of Fort Walton, ensuring our solutions blend seamlessly into the local landscape.

Customized Solutions Every project is unique, and we take pride in tailoring our services to your specific needs. From custom patterns to colored concrete, we offer options that align with your vision.

Commitment to Quality Using high-grade materials and advanced techniques, we guarantee durability and longevity in every project.

Our Services

1. Driveway Installation and Repairs

As a top-rated concrete contractor for driveways, we provide sleek, durable, and functional driveways that elevate curb appeal. Whether you need a new installation or repairs, our team ensures a smooth and strong surface built to last.

Benefits of Our Driveways:

Enhanced durability to withstand heavy usage.

Custom designs and finishes for aesthetic appeal.

Expert sealing to protect against weathering.

2. Decorative Concrete

Transform your outdoor spaces with decorative concrete that combines style and function. Stamped, stained, or polished, our decorative solutions are perfect for patios, pool decks, and more.

Popular Decorative Options Include:

Stamped Concrete for textured finishes.

Colored Concrete to match your design preferences.

Exposed Aggregate for a natural look.

3. Sidewalks and Walkways

Our expertly crafted sidewalks and walkways ensure safety, durability, and aesthetic harmony with your property.

4. Concrete Repairs

Over time, concrete surfaces can develop cracks or wear. Our professional repair services restore the integrity and appearance of your concrete structures, saving you from costly replacements.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional Concrete Contractor Near You

Hiring a local concrete contractor ensures timely services, better communication, and compliance with regional building codes. At I Am Concrete LLC, we pride ourselves on being a dependable partner for Fort Walton residents.

Why Local Matters:

Quick Response Times: Local expertise ensures rapid project completion.

Compliance: Familiarity with local codes guarantees your project meets all requirements.

Community-Centered Approach: As a Fort Walton-based company, we are invested in serving our community.

Environmental Benefits of Concrete Solutions

Concrete is not only durable but also eco-friendly. By choosing concrete, you’re investing in a sustainable material that reduces energy use and minimizes waste.

Key Benefits:

Long lifespan reduces resource consumption.

Reflective surfaces lower energy costs by minimizing heat absorption.

Recyclable material contributes to reduced landfill waste.

Our Commitment to Fort Walton Concrete Excellence

As a leading name in concrete services, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in Fort Walton and surrounding areas. Our dedication to customer satisfaction has earned us a reputation as the go-to concrete contractor near me.

Steps in Our Concrete Project Process

Initial Consultation We begin by understanding your needs and preferences, ensuring a clear vision for the project.

Design and Planning Our team collaborates with you to develop a design that aligns with your goals and budget.

Site Preparation Proper preparation ensures the foundation is ready for a flawless finish.

Installation Using advanced techniques and tools, we complete installations with precision and efficiency.

Final Touches and Cleanup We finish each project with attention to detail, leaving you with a polished and pristine result.

Enhance Your Property with I Am Concrete LLC

From driveways to decorative finishes, our concrete solutions add value and functionality to your space. Trust our expertise to create long-lasting, visually stunning structures that withstand the test of time.

[dubaimovies]

Best Swimming Pool Contractors in Dubai, UAE

Swimming Pool Contractor In Dubai

Green Creation Landscaping is a leading expert in the design and construction of high-quality indoor and outdoor swimming pools throughout the UAE. We offer affordable rates without compromising on the exceptional quality of our work. Whether you're looking to add a pool to your garden for family enjoyment, fitness, or relaxation, we provide customized solutions to meet your needs. Our team specializes in creating stunning outdoor swimming pools and installing glazed pool enclosures and poolside structures like summer houses. We begin each project with a detailed site survey and in-depth discussions to understand your preferences regarding pool size, depth, and finishes. We also take into account your lifestyle, whether you're interested in using the pool for morning exercise or simply as a way to unwind on hot days, ensuring we provide the most suitable solution for you. From simple lap pools to complex designs such as infinity edges, linear deck slots, and letterbox surface flows, Green Creation offers a wide range of pool designs, all of which require specialized surface distribution channels and balance tank controls to ensure optimal performance.

Swimming Pool Construction Company In Dubai

With over a decade of experience in the swimming pool industry, Green Creation Landscaping has built a strong reputation for delivering custom-designed pools of exceptional quality. We pride ourselves on working closely with clients to bring their "dream pool" to life, ensuring every project is tailored to meet individual needs and desires. From the initial consultation to the final build, our process is goal-oriented, focused on delivering both functional and aesthetically pleasing pool designs while adhering to your budget. Our design team works diligently to create plans that fulfill your vision, while our experienced construction teams ensure these plans are executed with precision and care. We are flexible and responsive, making adjustments as needed to meet your requirements. Our goal is simple: to create a stress-free experience for our clients while delivering a personalized backyard pool that perfectly complements your family’s lifestyle. With a clear commitment to transparency and honesty, we stick to the agreed budget and provide a smooth, seamless project from start to finish.

Swimming Pool Repair / Renovation / Maintenance Company In Dubai

Maintaining your swimming pool is essential for ensuring it remains a safe, functional, and beautiful feature of your property. Green Creation Landscaping provides expert repair, maintenance, and renovation services to keep your pool in optimal condition. Our experienced technicians are skilled at identifying potential issues, such as leaks, equipment malfunctions, surface flaws, and tile damage, helping you address minor problems before they escalate into larger, costlier issues. We offer the following specialized repair services:

Rust & Rebar Stains – Our team will cut out steel rebar stains and refill the area with plaster, preventing future rust issues. Cracked Tiles – Tiles that have cracked due to earth movement may signal underlying structural problems. We resolve these by either opening the crack to fill it with plaster and bonding material or injecting it with durable epoxy. Surface Cracks – These often spiderweb-like cracks occur when a pool is left empty for long periods or when plaster ages. We address these cracks during our sandblasting or stripping process, which does not indicate any major structural concerns. Green Creation Landscaping is staffed with a team of highly trained technicians who specialize in the identification and repair of all pool-related issues. We use advanced techniques to spot potential problems that are not immediately obvious, extending the life of your pool while saving you time and money. Our dedicated team ensures that every pool is maintained to the highest standards, offering expert solutions from start to finish.

[mariam0309]

The Ultimate Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring: Refresh and Renew

ServicePlus - Total Home Warranty Service. Spring is the perfect time to inspect and prepare your home for the warmer months.

    HVAC System: Schedule a professional tune-up and replace air filters.

    Roof Inspection: Check for damage caused by winter weather and clear debris from gutters.

    Plumbing Checks: Inspect faucets and outdoor spigots for leaks or cracks caused by freezing temperatures.

    Appliance Cleaning: Clean your refrigerator coils and run your dishwasher through a cleaning cycle.

A comprehensive Home Warranty Plan from ServicePlus can cover many of these systems and appliances, giving you confidence in their performance year-round.

Service Plus Home Warranty Plans Here!

Summer: Stay Cool and Secure

The summer months bring unique challenges like higher energy use and outdoor maintenance demands.

    Air Conditioning: Ensure your AC unit is functioning efficiently to avoid high energy bills.

    Pest Prevention: Seal cracks and repair screens to keep pests out of your home.

    Deck and Patio Maintenance: Check for loose boards, clean surfaces, and apply a protective sealant if necessary.

    Pool Care: Regularly check chemical levels and inspect pool equipment for wear and tear.

With a home warranty service, unexpected breakdowns during peak seasons are less of a financial burden. Learn more at ServicePlus.

Fall: Prepare for Cooler Days

Fall is the time to prepare your home for the coming winter.

    Heating System: Schedule an inspection and replace filters to ensure your furnace is ready.

    Chimney and Fireplace: Clean and inspect to prevent hazards.

    Weatherproofing: Check windows and doors for drafts, and apply weather stripping as needed.

    Outdoor Cleanup: Rake leaves, clean gutters, and drain outdoor faucets.

Many of these essential systems are covered by Home Warranty Plans, offering financial protection as the seasons change.

Winter: Protect and Preserve

Winter brings cold weather and potential challenges for your home.

    Insulation Check: Ensure your home is properly insulated to prevent energy loss.

    Plumbing Protection: Insulate pipes in vulnerable areas to prevent freezing.

    Emergency Kits: Stock up on supplies in case of power outages or severe weather.

    Snow Removal Tools: Check that shovels and snow blowers are in working order.

Home Warranty Companies Here!

A Total Home Warranty Service can cover heating and plumbing repairs, helping you avoid costly surprises. Explore plans tailored to your needs at ServicePlus.

By following this seasonal maintenance checklist, you can keep your home in top shape all year long. Pair these efforts with a Total Home Warranty Service to protect your systems and appliances, saving you time, money, and stress. Visit ServicePlus to find the perfect plan for your home.

[southernrnr]

The Benefits of Professional Roof Maintenance for Your Home

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, protecting you from the elements and keeping your property safe. However, many homeowners in Jonesboro, AR, neglect regular roof maintenance until a problem arises—leading to costly repairs or even a full replacement. At Southern Roofing and Renovations, we emphasize the importance of professional roof maintenance to extend the lifespan of your roof, prevent expensive damage, and ensure your home remains in top condition. In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of professional roof maintenance and why hiring expert roofers in Jonesboro, AR is a smart investment.

1. Extends the Lifespan of Your Roof

Your roof endures harsh weather conditions year-round, from intense summer heat to heavy storms. Without proper maintenance, minor issues like cracked shingles or clogged gutters can escalate, reducing your roof’s longevity.

Professional roof maintenance helps:

Identify potential issues early

Prevent leaks and structural damage

Keep shingles, flashing, and underlayment in good condition

With routine inspections and timely repairs, your roof can last 10-15 years longer, saving you money in the long run.

2. Prevents Costly Repairs and Unexpected Expenses

Small roofing problems, like missing shingles or small leaks, may not seem urgent. However, these minor issues can quickly turn into major structural damage, leading to:

Water damage inside your home

Mold and mildew growth

Rotting roof decking and framing

By scheduling regular roof inspections, you can catch these problems early—before they become expensive to fix. Professional maintenance costs far less than a full roof replacement, making it a wise financial decision.

3. Improves Energy Efficiency & Reduces Utility Bills

Did you know that a damaged or poorly maintained roof can lead to higher energy bills? A compromised roof allows air to escape, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Professional roofers ensure that your:

Roof insulation is intact

Ventilation system is working efficiently

Shingles are not allowing heat or cold air to seep through

This helps regulate your home’s temperature, lowering energy costs and improving overall efficiency.

4. Protects Against Weather Damage

Jonesboro experiences severe weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rain, and hailstorms. If your roof isn’t properly maintained, it’s more vulnerable to:

Wind-lifted shingles that expose the underlayment

Water pooling leading to leaks and rot

Hail damage that weakens roofing materials

Regular inspections ensure your roof can withstand extreme weather, protecting your home and preventing emergency repairs.

5. Helps With Insurance Claims & Home Value

If your roof suffers damage due to storms, having a maintenance record can help with insurance claims. Insurers often request proof that your roof was properly maintained before approving repairs or replacements.

Additionally, if you plan to sell your home, a well-maintained roof:

Increases property value

Attracts buyers by reducing concerns about future repairs

Ensures a smoother home inspection process

A roof in excellent condition can boost your home’s resale price, making maintenance a worthwhile investment.

6. Prevents Health Hazards Like Mold and Mildew

Leaks and moisture buildup from a neglected roof create the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. This can lead to serious health issues, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Professional roofers check for:

Leaks that may lead to mold growth

Proper attic ventilation to prevent humidity buildup

Moisture damage in roofing materials

By keeping your roof in top shape, you protect your family’s health and avoid expensive mold remediation costs.

7. Ensures Compliance with Building Codes & Safety Standards

If you plan on making renovations or selling your home, your roof must comply with local building codes in Jonesboro, AR. Regular maintenance ensures your roof:

Meets safety regulations

Is free from structural weaknesses

Won’t cause issues during a home inspection

Hiring professional roofers in Jonesboro, AR like Southern Roofing and Renovations ensures your home stays up to code, preventing legal or financial headaches down the road.

How Often Should You Schedule Roof Maintenance?

At Southern Roofing and Renovations, we recommend scheduling a professional roof inspection at least once a year, preferably in spring or fall. You should also check your roof:

After a severe storm (hail, strong winds, heavy rain)

If you notice water stains on your ceiling

If shingles appear loose, missing, or curling

Regular maintenance keeps your home safe, efficient, and valuable while preventing unexpected issues.

Trust Southern RNR for Professional Roof Maintenance in Jonesboro, AR

If you want to extend the life of your roof and avoid costly repairs, Southern RNR is here to help! Our expert roofers in Jonesboro, AR provide:

Comprehensive roof inspections

Preventative maintenance and minor repairs

Emergency storm damage assessments

Professional advice on extending your roof’s lifespan

Don’t wait for a major roofing issue—schedule your professional roof maintenance today and protect your home for years to come!

By investing in professional roof maintenance, you’re ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your home. Contact Southern Roofing and Renovations today and let us take care of your roof! 

[riverrose523]

Reliable Pool Deck Repair Services | Restore & Protect Your Pool Area

Prevent pool deck cracks or damage from spoiling the charm of your pool deck! The professional pool deck repair services address everything, from structural conditions to cosmetic flaws. High-quality materials are used to restore your pool area's safety, durability, and beauty. Minor fixes or a complete overhaul, we've got efficient cost-effective solutions for you! Call us today to schedule your pool deck repair and ensure that your outdoor space remains safe and inviting.

[kvnportlandpoofing]

Roof Inspection in Portland, OR: Safeguarding Your Home from Potential Damage

In a city like Portland, OR, where rain is a regular occurrence and weather conditions can vary significantly throughout the year, routine roof inspections are essential to maintaining the integrity of your home. A roof inspection is not just about identifying visible issues—it’s about detecting potential problems before they escalate into costly repairs or structural damage.

The primary goal of a roof inspection is to assess the condition of the roofing materials and identify any signs of wear and tear. Common issues in Portland include loose or missing shingles, deteriorated flashing around chimneys and vents, and moss or algae buildup due to the moist environment. Over time, small cracks or gaps can form, allowing water to seep in and cause leaks, mold growth, and damage to the interior of the home.

Professional roof inspections typically involve both an exterior and interior assessment. Externally, inspectors check for damage to shingles, flashing, gutters, and downspouts. They also look for pooling water and inspect roof edges to ensure proper drainage. Internally, they examine the attic space for signs of water penetration, such as stains, damp insulation, or mold, which can indicate hidden leaks. Early detection of these issues can prevent further deterioration and extend the life of the roof.

In Portland, moss growth is a frequent concern. If left untreated, moss can lift shingles and allow water to infiltrate the roof deck. Inspectors often recommend preventative treatments or cleaning to prevent moss from taking hold, helping homeowners avoid unnecessary repairs.

Scheduling regular roof inspections is especially important after severe weather events. High winds, heavy rains, and hail can cause damage that isn’t immediately apparent. A professional inspection after a storm can identify hidden vulnerabilities, ensuring that your roof remains sound and capable of withstanding Portland’s climate.

Moreover, a roof inspection is a valuable tool when buying or selling a home. For buyers, it ensures they are making a sound investment, while for sellers, working with trusted professionals like KVN Portland Roofing provides proof that the roof is in good condition, increasing the home’s market value. Visit their website

Ultimately, roof inspections in Portland are about proactive care. By partnering with a trusted local roofing contractor for regular inspections, homeowners can catch small issues early, maintain a healthy roof, and ensure their home remains protected from Portland’s ever-changing weather for years to come.

KVN Portland Roofing 5832 SE 85th Ave, Portland, OR 97266 (503) 438-7767

[excelhomeinnovations]

Why Choose Composite Decking for Your Melbourne Home

When it comes to creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces, composite decking Melbourne is a top choice. It’s stylish, durable, and eco-friendly, making it ideal for Melbourne homeowners who love spending time outdoors. Whether you’re building a new deck or upgrading an old one, composite decking can enhance the beauty and value of your home.

Let’s explore why composite decking Melbourne is a great option and where to find the best materials, like at a trusted Home Improvement Store Craigieburn.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics. This combination creates a durable and low-maintenance material that mimics the look of natural timber. Unlike traditional wood decking, composite decking resists rot, splintering, and fading, making it a long-lasting solution for outdoor spaces.

Benefits of Composite Decking for Your Melbourne Home

1. Durability in Melbourne’s Weather

Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable, with hot summers and rainy winters. Composite decking is designed to withstand extreme conditions without warping, cracking, or fading. Its resilience makes it a perfect fit for the region’s climate.

2. Low Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of composite decking Melbourne is its low maintenance. Unlike timber, composite decks don’t need regular sanding, staining, or sealing. A simple wash with soap and water keeps them looking fresh and clean.

3. Eco-Friendly Choice

Composite decking is made from recycled materials, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. By choosing it, you’re contributing to a greener planet while enjoying a beautiful outdoor space.

4. Stylish and Versatile

Composite decking comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look or a rustic timber appearance, there’s an option to suit your style.

5. Safe and Comfortable

Composite decking is splinter-free and slip-resistant, making it a safe choice for families with kids and pets. It also stays cool underfoot, even on hot days, ensuring comfort while walking barefoot.

6. Long-Term Cost Savings

While the initial cost of composite decking may be higher than traditional wood, it saves you money in the long run. Its durability and low maintenance mean fewer repairs and replacements over time.

Why Buy Composite Decking from a Home Improvement Store Craigieburn?

If you’re planning to install composite decking, visiting a Home Improvement Store Craigieburn is a smart move. These stores offer a variety of high-quality decking options and expert advice.

Wide Range of Products: Find composite decking in various styles and finishes to match your home.

Competitive Prices: Get value for your money with affordable and durable materials.

Expert Guidance: Staff can help you choose the best decking for your needs and provide tips for installation.

How to Use Composite Decking in Your Melbourne Home

1. Outdoor Entertainment Areas

Create a stunning outdoor entertainment space with composite decking. Add furniture, lighting, and plants to make it cozy and inviting.

2. Pool Decks

Composite decking is water-resistant, making it ideal for poolside areas. Its slip-resistant surface adds extra safety.

3. Rooftop Decks

If you live in the city, use composite decking to build a rooftop deck. Enjoy Melbourne’s skyline from a comfortable and stylish spot.

4. Garden Pathways

Enhance your garden with composite decking pathways. They’re durable and blend beautifully with natural surroundings.

FAQs About Composite Decking

Q: How long does composite decking last?A: Composite decking can last 20–30 years with proper care, significantly longer than traditional timber.

Q: Can composite decking be recycled?A: Yes, composite decking is recyclable, making it an eco-friendly option for homeowners.

Q: Is composite decking more expensive than wood?A: While the upfront cost is higher, the low maintenance and durability of composite decking make it more cost-effective in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Choosing composite decking Melbourne is a smart decision for anyone looking to create a stylish and durable outdoor space. It’s low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and built to withstand Melbourne’s weather.

For the best results, visit a Home Improvement Store Craigieburn to find high-quality composite decking materials and expert advice. Your dream outdoor space is just a step away!

[geotermitetreatment]

Four Suggestions For Practical Kissimmee Termite Treatment

Pests are actually a major trouble for house owners in Kissimmee, Fla, and also across much of the Southeast USA. These harmful parasites can create considerable harm to wood frameworks, commonly prior to any type of obvious indications of invasion appear. If you believe you possess pests or wish to protect against an invasion, it's crucial to recognize exactly how to take care of the problem quickly and also successfully. Listed below are 4 handy recommendations for termite treatment in Kissimmee:

1. Schedule Regular Evaluations along with a Specialist

The 1st step in efficient Kissimmee termite treatment is actually to pinpoint the problem early. Termites are evasive animals that can stay hidden for months or perhaps years just before resulting in recognizable harm. In Kissimmee, where the warm, sweltering climate delivers an optimal atmosphere for pests, regular assessments through a specialist bug control provider are crucial.

Working with an approved pest control expert makes sure that your home is actually inspected thoroughly, including regions like the foundation, attic room, creep spaces, as well as some other sites where pests could hide. These examinations can help locate very early signs of infestation, including dirt pipes, disposed of airfoils, or even hollowed-out lumber. Through identifying the problem early, you may stop further harm and also stay clear of pricey repair services in the future.

2. Select the Right Treatment Strategy

Once pests are actually sensed, it is vital to pick the necessary Kissimmee termite treatment strategy for your home. There are many effective termite control choices on call, each matched to various sorts of problems and also building constructs:

Liquid Termiticide Treatments: This entails administering liquid chemicals around the boundary of your home to produce a barricade that termites may not cross. This approach is especially successful at protecting against brand-new attacks.

Baiting Equipments: Termite lure terminals attract pests, which at that point bring the poisonous substance back to the nest, inevitably removing the whole entire group. Enticing units are actually a good choice for continuous surveillance and avoidance.

Fumigation: In the event of intense problem, tenting and also fumigating your home might be essential. This treatment guarantees that pests throughout the structure are actually removed, though it needs leaving your home for numerous days during the procedure.

Talk to an expert pest control operator in Kissimmee to analyze the sort of termite attack and also find out the greatest treatment service for your certain circumstance.

3. Carry Out Safety Net to Decrease the Danger of Infestation

Termite treatment does not finish when the infestation is dealt with. Ongoing prevention is actually vital to keeping termites away. Right here are actually some safety nets you can need to safeguard your building:

Reduce Humidity Around the Home: Pests grow in wet settings. Repair dripping pipelines, taps, and also roofings to stop moisture coming from building up around your home's groundwork. Additionally, ensure proper drain in order that water does not pool near our home.

Maintain an Obstacle In Between Lumber as well as Soil: If there are any wooden constructs, such as decks or fences, near the dirt, make certain they are not in direct exchange the ground. This reduces gain access to for pests and various other wood-destroying insects.

Seal Cracks and Gaps: Pests may enter into by means of also the smallest fractures in walls, doors, and home windows. Tape any kind of voids and guarantee that all external vents, home windows, and doors are actually adequately gotten.

4. Take Into Consideration Ongoing Surveillance as well as Routine Maintenance Tactics

Even after treatment, termite control must be a continuous concern. Several insect control companies in Kissimmee use routine maintenance plannings that include frequent inspections and treatments. These strategies give calmness of thoughts by making certain that your home is continually shielded from termites and also other pests.

Continuous monitoring can also help identify any sort of brand-new problems at an onset, preventing major harm. Some firms also deliver guarantee strategies that provide cost-free re-treatment if pests return within a particular period, further securing your assets.

Conclusion

Termite invasions are actually a significant danger for homeowners in Kissimmee, however with the appropriate strategy, they can easily be effectively dealt with and also stopped. Through scheduling frequent qualified inspections, deciding on the right Kissimmee termite treatment strategy, applying safety nets, as well as choosing continuous surveillance, you can easily shield your home coming from the costly harm pests can induce. Taking these positive steps ensures your property stays secure from these detrimental bugs and protects its market value for a long times ahead.

All American Pest Control

1101 Miranda Lane, Suite 131

Kissimmee, FL 34741

(321) 337-0919

Kissimmee Termite Treatment