#bug-eyed joel..

[tubbytarchia]

AND THE UNDERDOG YURI TAKES THE WIN WOOOOO ok but that was fun lol, all the ships are super neat and I really didn't expect GemPearl to win but good job guys!?

[jobean12-blog]

Love Bug

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x female reader (Mob Au)

Word Count: 1.5K

Summary: You and your very busy husband are on a rare weekend getaway to your beach house when an unexpected house guest causes some trouble.

Author’s Note: this is for Missy’s @saiyanprincessswanie writing challenge! I did a Mob AU and used the prompt, “I would move mountains for you.” Thank you so much for hosting Missy! Love and hugs my friend🩷 The Mob AU part is subtle but hopefully you’ll feel it! Also, I personally hate these fuckers and if you’re interested to see what they look like, click here. Thank you all so much for reading! Much love always!❤️❤️❤️Divider by the lovely @firefly-graphics thank you Daisy🥰

Warnings: soft fluff, fun, laughs, a scary bug, Bucky being sweet and cute, it’s mostly silly and domestic

PS this idea came about because I wrote THIS for Joel Miller the other day and I thought Bucky would be fun too! 🩷

You open your eyes and stare at the outstretched hand resting on your pillow. The simple gold band circling his left ring finger catches the light from the rising sun and it rivals the way the gold streaks along his metal arm shine and sparkle.

You reach up and place your hand in his and the firm bicep beneath your cheek flexes at your touch. He shifts behind you, tightening the arm at your waist and pressing the hardness between his legs against your back.

You really need to pee.

The steady in and out of his breathing warms the nape of your neck, every inch of his contoured chest rising and falling against your back, legs tangled together. It’s the most comfortable spot in the known Universe.

You still really need to pee.

But he rarely gets to sleep in, and you’re torn between the urge to close your eyes against the discomfort and trying to sneak off to the bathroom.

Worrying your bottom lip between your teeth, you make the painful decision to disentangle yourself from your husband and slide out of bed, releasing a breath when he grumbles in his throat. You grab his discarded button down from the floor and slide it over your shoulders.

He rolls over in a bare-chested sprawl and goes back to breathing evenly, the sheet tented where it rests between his legs.

It takes everything in you to leave the bed, but you manage to slip away and into your en-suite bathroom. The large windows by the bath frame a view of the ocean, letting in the thick rays of the sun and highlighting the beauty of the marble flooring.

You’re momentarily distracted by the view so when you walk toward the toilet at first you don’t notice the large insect sitting just below it.

Right as you step onto the rug it moves and you catch sight of it out of the corner of your eye, letting out a high-pitched scream that would wake the neighbors if they were any closer than a mile away.

Bucky is out of bed and in the bathroom before you can even call his name, sheets tangled in his legs, hair wild and mussed from both your hands last night and the sleep that followed and a large knife in his hand.

“Doll?” he croaks out, staring at you wide eyed, body poised and ready to fight.

“It’s…,” you start, backing away slowly toward your husband. “Buck it’s one of those things. With the legs. Hairy looking.”

He’s quiet for a moment, his heart starting to return to a normal beat and his head clearing, but he doesn’t lower the knife.

There’s silence other than the sound of his breathing and you squeeze yourself behind him, hanging on to his forearms with a death grip.

Finally, he lowers the knife and exhales.

“Hairy legs?” he asks as he runs a hand through his hair.

“It’s by the toilet!” you whisper.

“I don’t see anything!” he says, squinting now.

“See, right there!” you point, still safely tucked behind him.

“Whe…? Oh yeah. I see him.”

It moves again and you let out a squeal of terror, pressing yourself closer to him.

“Get it Buck!!! Get ittttt!” you whine.

Your eyes are squeezed shut and your face is hidden against his back so when he starts to laugh you feel his body shake.

“THIS IS SO NOT FUNNY!” you hiss.

“I’m sorry doll face,” he says, turning to you. “But I ran in here thinking I’d have to kill someone.”

“Don’t take your eyes off it! We could lose it and then it’ll be living in here forever and get even bigger and and…”

His nose scrunches up and his eyes crinkle at the corners, more laughter erupting from his chest.

When he finally calms down he gives you a sympathetic look. “It’s ok baby doll. I’ll handle it but you’re gonna have to let go.”

You blink several times, expression blank. You look down at your fingers that are digging into his skin.

“Oh! Right, but…”

You peek around him to see if the centipede is still there…and he is, staring at you menacingly.

“I can’t let go. What if it comes over here. I hate the way they move.”

“Then you’ll have to come with me,” he says carefully.

You shake your head no.

“Baby doll.”

“We have to move. You can just buy us a new beach house!”

“Sure, I can,” he says with a sideways smile. “But you love this house.”

You sigh in defeat and cling to him harder.

“I have an idea,” he says softly as he scoops you into his arms and skirts the wall until he reaches the tub.

He sets you down inside it, the high sides and four brass feet keeping you safely off the ground and away from the centipede.

“There,” he says.

You give him a small smile and watch as he searches the bathroom, his eyes lighting up when they land on the small hand towel neatly folded and hanging by the sink.

“YOU CAN’T KILL IT BUCK!” you screech.

He pins you with an incredulous look.

“What did you expect me to do doll?”

“I don’t know but if you squish it then I’ll never be able to use that toilet again.”

You cover your eyes with your hands but separate two fingers to peek through.

His hand falls to his side as he surveys the bathroom again, then, as if suddenly remembering he has a knife, he lifts it and starts to stalk toward the toilet.

“OH MY GOD Bucky, you can’t stab it!”

“I can stab anything,” he says quietly, his voice deadly.

“But I don’t want you to kill it,” you reply in an equally quiet but much softer tone.

He stops moving and turns toward you slowly, exasperation in his expression but when your bottom lip sticks out in a pout he softens and relents.

“Then what should I use?” he asks.

The both of you look around and then your eyes land on the stack of cups near the sink and they brighten.

“Cups Buck!”

He smiles and gets one and with calculated and careful steps, he approaches the centipede.

You duck lower into the tub and make squeaky noises every time you see the insect twitch.

“Be careful Bucky!” you whisper shout.

“Shhh,” he says softly, the muscles in his bare back tense with his cautious movements.

When he’s close enough he slowly lowers the cup over the centipede, letting out a loud exhale when it appears he has it trapped.

“Now what?” you ask.

He stands and shrugs.

“I didn’t think that far ahead.”

You slowly rise from the tub and move closer to him. “Can we just leave it there?”

“It will definitely die.”

“Oh.”

“I could just step on the cup?”

You grab his hand, holding it tightly and shaking your head. “No. I don’t want to hurt it I just want it to live somewhere else, far away.”

“We can slide something under the cup.”

“Good idea,” you agree.

“Get me a magazine doll. That should work.”

You run back into the bedroom and grab one, returning with it to your safe spot behind Bucky.

He bends down and carefully slides the magazine under the cup.

“You’re butt looks really good,” you say with a giggle.

“Good to know you’re ogling my ass during this life-or-death situation doll face.”

“It’s just a centipede Buck.”

He’s on you before you can react, caging you against the sink with his arms.

“Just…a centipede? Says the one who screamed bloody murder ten minutes ago and had to hide in the tub.”

“I was just trying to pee! It could have attacked me at my most vulnerable time.”

He tries to hold back his laughter, but the corners of his mouth turn up and he drops his head into your neck.

“You’re going to put it outside right?” you ask as your fingers smooth up and down his back. “Like all the way across the street? Maybe the next town over?”

When his eyes meet yours they still sparkle with mirth and he cups your cheek, brushing his thumb across your cheekbone.

“Of course I will.”

“Thank you.”

“I would move mountains for you doll.”

“I know.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too Buck.”

He kisses you softly, his lips lingering before moving to the corner of your mouth and then along your jaw to meet the shell of your ear.

You shiver in his arms.

“I’m gonna take care of his little fucker,” he murmurs. “And while I do that I want you to get naked and get back in bed.”

Without and answer you squeeze out of his hold and rush back toward the bedroom, squealing when his left-hand whips out and smacks your ass.

You can’t wait to get back into bed but not before making a stop at one of the other four bathrooms down the hall (hopefully bug free!).

[meteor752]

Hermitcraft Pokémon teams

Some based on builds aesthetics they’ve had, some based purely on vibes

If you’re confused about a choice I’m happy to explain it

Yay :)

Bdubs: Hoothoot, Mudsdale, Galarian Rapidash, Shroodle, Wormadam, Leafeon

Beef: Miltank, Smeargle, Wyrdeer, Pawniard, Taurus, Breloom

Cleo: Parasect, Alolan Marowak, Seviper, Leavanny, Female Meowstic, Phantump

Cubfan: Malamar, Cofagrigus, Shiinotic, Liepard, Heliolisk, Blacephalon

Docm77: Gogoat, Meadow Vivillion, Klingklang, Elektrode, Iron Jugulis, Drampa

Etho: Alolan Ninetails, Raboot, Mimikyu, Wishiwashi, Glaceon, Wyrdeer

False: Braviary, Hawlucha, Mienshao, Luvdisk, Gallade, Tsareena

Gem: Sawsbuck, Ceruledge, Houndstone, Gorebyss, Empoleon, Ursaring

Grian: Chatot, Zorua, Swablu, Shiinotic, Solrock, Dachsbun

Hypno: Hypno, Malamar, Zebstrika, Torracat, Dwebble, Poliwhirl

Impulse: Rotom, Morpeko, Alolan Golem, Pom Pom Oricorio, Throh, Impidimp

Jevin: Shiny Gulpin, Muk, Goodra, Quagsire, Solosis, Basculegion

Joe Hills: Shuppet, Ludicolo, Zigzagoon, Shedinja, Elgyem, Xatu

Joel: Wooper, Mudbray, Claydoll, Revavroom, Inkay, Sentret

Keralis: Conkeldurr, Timburr, Espurr, Mabosstiff, Meowth, Sableye

Mumbo: Thievul, Kricketune, Murkrow, Gourgeist, Gliscor, Male Jellicent

Pearl: Lunatone, Ursaluna, Rockruff, Pidove, Shiny Absol, Frosmoth

Ren: Lycanroc Midday form, Lycanroc Midnight form, Iron Valiant, Aegislash, Vivillion Archipelago, Sudowoodo

Scar: Decidueye, Meowscarada, Florges, Sandyghast, Delphox, Macargo

Skizz: Arcanine, Togekiss, Sawk, Sensu style Oricorio, Bewear, Hatterene

Tango: Infernape, Rotom, Baile Style Oricorio, Alolan Sandslash, Rapidash, Pansear

Wels: Corviknight, Escavalier, Armarouge, Aegislash, Bastiodon, Kingambit

xB: Huntail, Herdier, Lapras, Sandshrew, Darumaka, Bunnelby

Xisuma: Xerneas, Trevenant, Mandibuzz, Shiny Quagsire, Combee, Carracosta

Zedaph: Mareep, Wooloo, Pu’a style Oricorio, Kecleon, Orthworm, Audino

I made a rule to myself of no legendaries, mythical, or ultra beasts, but keen eyed readers may have noticed two exceptions to this rule. Xisuma gets a legendary because, well it’s literally the X Pokémon, and he’s the admin so he gets admit privileges

Cub has a Blacephalon because it’s the firework Pokémon, it pair well with his friendship with Scar since the poor guy doesn’t like clowns, and also Cub would open an ultra wormhole, catch a pokèmon, and then be so fucking casual about it later. He can handle an ultra beast

But yeah if you have any better suggestions I’d love to hear ‘em :)

Bonus, Hermitcraft type specialists:

Normal-Beef

Grass-Bdubs

Fire-Tango

Water-xB

Electric-Impulse

Flying-Grian

Fighting-False

Ice-Etho

Psychic-Hypno

Poison-Jevin

Ghost-Cleo

Rock-Pearl

Ground-Cub

Dragon-Doc

Bug-Xisuma

Steel-Wels

Dark-Mumbo

Fairy-Scar

Yay :)

[pedge-page]

How do you think Joel would react to Sarah just randomly going up to him and hitting him out of the blue then runs away?

Joel Dealing With Sarah : Slap Around and Find Out

- - - -

Joel would be taking a half nap, laid out on the couch and keeping one eye open checking on Sarah.  She's sitting in her diaper on the carpet putting colorful blocks into shaped containers. Each time it makes a satisfactory ka-thunk, she puts her hands together and claps once (it's a big deal for her to make solid contact with flesh, ok?)

Supposedly.

He grins and closes his eyes again, nesting his head against the worn armrest.

Sarah peers behind her at her "sleeping" daddy. With a mischievous grin, she forces herself to her knees, then crawls up hand by hand into a downward dog before balancing up to a stand.

As quietly as possible, she waddles over to the side of the couch.

Through very slitted eyes, Joel can still see her eying him curiously, but she can't tell he's still awake.

He remains motionless, curious what she's gonna do. Maybe just play with the fabric of his shirt. Or study the changing colors of his beard. Her little chunky arm stretches high in the air, way behind her. He's so tempted to say biiiiig streeeetch in that sing song voice you always do when sue put her arms up after unwrapping in her baby swaddle...

Like a loaded spring, he is caught blindsided when a fat tiny palm whips down with a loud SLAP on his cheek.

His eyes shoot open and he winces in pain.

Like a torpedo, Sarah runs out the room screaming and smiling, her fat footsteps pattering off the hardwood floors.

A sharp sting still reverberate in his face. Yhe whiplash has him in shock for a few moments, before he's barreling up and running after her.

She laughs manically, but even despite her head start, Joel gains on her in 4 long, heavy strides.

Her ankles are snatched from below, hoisted into the air. With deafening squeals, Sarah watches at the world of the living room and kitchen and dad's feet are passing as she dangles helplessly upside down.

Little bug is having the time of her life swinging upside down and giggling, all fun being caught by grumpy daddy.... until he's slamming down the giant metal pot on the stove with one hand and dipping Sarah into the dark basin with the other.

Her once laughable squeals quickly turn to screeching of terror.

-

It's always a toss of the coin when opening the door coming home after work.

Today, you can only faintly hear Joel whistling some of his favorite 80s rock under your baby's horrified screaming and crying coming from the kitchen.

You rush over, wondering why Joel is so deaf and can't hear Sarah who's probably got herself stuck somewhere crying for help. But when you tumble towards the kitchen, Sarah is sitting in a pot on the cold stove, fat tears and pleading eyes making contact with you. She errupts into a raucous of high pitched shrieks, her face puffy red and scrunched up. She can barely huff in a breath before screeching again. All the while your husband--your very very very nonchalant husband Joel just goes about his business as if prepping the thanksgiving turkey. Eerily calm, and uncharacteristically chipper. As if he's also simmering into madness ready to blow. Holding the pot lid with one hand, he whistles without a care, his other hand pretending to dap salt (his thumb conveniently covering the holes) over top Sarah's noggin.

She shrinks in under her shoulders as if being seasoned and squeals louder.

"Wh--"

"We're having Sarah Stew tonight baby," he hums while smiling at you.

Sarah definitely does not like the sound of Sarah Stew, inhaling once with wide eyes and screaming at the top of her lungs she vigorously shakes her head nonononono. She's so red she might combust.

While Sarah deals with her end of life turmoil being turned into a baby stew, you notice the actual dinner of Mac and cheese with broccoli next to him, all wrapped up and just needing microwaved. Safe to assume he'd been cooking around her for the last 15 minutes and adding some "seasoning" here and there and pretending to turn turn knobs as if she's the main course. He even has her fake kiddie plastic toy vegetables sitting in there with her to really sell the whole thing.

You walk over and bend so Sarah's swollen eyes are level with you.

"Sarah... did you hit daddy again?"

She quickly shakes her head, sniffling and hiccuping through her tears.

Joel tsks and begins clanking his sheethed knife and it's sharpener behind you.

Sarah screams again, her whole body  trembling from thick cries.

You stomp Joel's foot and send a balled fist back at his crotch. He lets out a pained gasp and hunches away into the sink to catch his breath. You smile and soften at your poor traumatized baby sitting in her big pot, whos too teary eyed to see what happened to Daddy. "Ok well you sitting in the pot certainly LOOKs like you hit daddy."

She hiccups again, casting down sadly as her bitty fists wipe away at her swollen eyes.

You out reach and scoop her up from under her arms and out of the pot, cradling her close to your chest.

"Its ok baby, Daddy wasn't going to cook you," you coo, rubbing her baxk gently as she buries her face into your neck.

With your free hand, you slap the ever loving shit out of Joels arm, whisper shouting ans mouthing angrily: "SHE" -smack-"DOESNT" -smack- "KNOW" -smack- "BETTER," -smack- "SHES" -smack- "ONLY" -smack- "ONE!"smacksmacksmack

Joel equally, but morw softly, jabs a finger at your boob with each contact and whispers

"THIS" -poke- "IS" -poke- "WHERE" -poke- "SHE" -poke- "GETS" -poke- "IT" -poke- "FROM!"

- - - -

@harriedandharassed @lola8888673 @its-nebuleuse @zliteraturehoe @merz-8 @joeldjarin @pascalscoffin @pedroshotwifey @ghostslillady @innerpersonunknown @missladym1981 @mrsoharaxx @survivingandenduring @milla-frenchy @cockykookiee @fairytale07 @daddy-din @pedropascalsbbg @spookyxsam @somehopeatlast @millercontracting @pedrostories @mishala005 @theoraekenslover @animez96 @not-a-unique-snowflake-blog @puduvallee @cassiecasluciluce @loohoop @himboelover @callsignwidow

[joelswritingmistress]

Camp Crystal Lake: Chapter 1

Requested by @yellowjacketsbuzzbuzz

Joel Miller x f!reader (romance/horror)

Setting: Camp Crystal Lake

The reader is taking on the position of a camp counselor at the infamous Camp Crystal Lake. While she begins to enjoy her summer, even crushing on the camp director Joel, a killer lurks in the woods unbeknownst to anyone. 

Every town in North America has a ghost story. Some are well kept secrets, and others are so notorious that the sins of those tales have spread far and wide, to every dark corner of the earth. Crystal Lake was a sterling example of such a place. It had a typical sounding name, really, for a fresh body of water in the middle of the New England woods. But the stories surrounding the area were anything but typical.

As a young child, I remember hearing his name being said on the playgrounds at school. Jason. It didn’t take me long to insert myself into conversations in an attempt to hear the details of whatever version of the story the older kids were spreading. Back then it didn’t matter if they were fact or fiction. I stayed up late, wide eyed staring at every dark corner of my bedroom after hearing tales of Jason Voorhees. Now, at 22 years old and about to enter the summer as a counselor at Camp Crystal Lake, those distant, childish memories made me grin; though when my rusty, Jeep Wrangler bounced down the uneven road past the wooden Camp Crystal Lake sign, the hairs rose just a bit on the back of my neck.

“I thought you outgrew superstition,” I said quietly to myself as a song ended on my playlist, leaving me in a few extra seconds of silence to take in the wooded surroundings.

Jason Voorhees. The name still creeped everyone out. Yes, there had been a tragedy that happened decades earlier. Jason Voorhees was real; but after several attacks on counselors and residents alike, a boy named Tommy Jarvis managed to put Jason to rest permanently.

I shuddered and reminded myself that that was decades ago. I wasn’t even alive when it all happened. And this new camp wasn’t anywhere near the original location of the attacks on that Friday the 13th back in the 80’s.

I saw a pale yellow VW Bug parked up ahead next to a blue Ford pickup truck. On the opposite side of the truck was a Bronco with about as much rust as my Jeep. I began to wonder what my coworkers would be like. Would they be my age? Younger? Older? Local? I was about to find out.

I parked in the clearing beside the VW and stared out at the lake a few hundred yards away. There was a small beach with a towering, white lifeguard stand in the center and a wooden raft floating too not far from the patch of sand. If nothing else, it would be a great summer gig with a view. The campers wouldn’t be here for several weeks and I knew getting the place ready would call for some physical labor. I never minded hands-on work, and I was sure it would give us all time to bond.

When I exited the vehicle, a breeze hit me from the water and I shuddered, despite the temperatures nearing eighty degrees on the late June afternoon. My eyes scanned the trees on all sides and I suddenly wondered where everyone was. I let farfetched ‘what-ifs’ filter through my mind for a second before smirking to myself.

Grow up, I scolded myself lightheartedly. The imaginative part of me still enjoyed the folklore, no matter how juvenile it felt.

I popped open the back of the Jeep and reached in to grab my suitcase, an oversized gym bag and a backpack that housed the majority of my clothes. I had a few stray boxes with makeup and hair products, among other toiletries, though I decided I’d come back for them later.

Again, I took in my surroundings. For some reason I half-expected to see a group of young people out-and-about in the immediate area upon arrival. The silence was beginning to hit my psyche harder than I’d like to admit, and so I stared up at an oversized cabin with wooden paneling and headed in that direction.

A hammock swung empty on a giant front porch that was littered with chairs and small tables in between. Above them hung metal lighting fixtures, some of which were swinging in the summer breeze.

And then I heard a sound I could only compare to clicking. It was like a clock, almost. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.

I set my suitcase down near the bottom step and shrugged the gym bag off my shoulder so it rested beside it, leaving my backpack on. And then I followed the sound.

Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.

What is that?

I swallowed hard as the noise grew louder. It stopped for a second and then there was a louder noise. A faint bang. And then a pause. Another bang.

What the hell is that?

I rounded the side of the two-story cabin and peeked my head around to see if I could get a glimpse of whatever, or whoever, was responsible for the sound. Visions of Jason Voorhees and his menacing hockey mask left my mind immediately when the truth revealed itself.

A muscular man in a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up past his elbows swung an ax, connecting with a giant log of wood. It split into two, sending little shards flying into the air. He wiped his forehead with his arm and then reached for another.

I wasn’t sure if I should tiptoe back to the front porch or interrupt him, but my mind was made up by default when he slowly turned in my direction. When he smiled beneath a mustache, I blushed and glanced at the open area of his chest where a few buttons were undone.

“Hello.” He gave a wave and wiped sweat off his forehead again before removing a pair of work gloves.

I raised my hand and swallowed hard. “Hi.”

The man approached and extended an arm in my direction. I stared down at his hand for a second before joining mine to his in a handshake. Our eyes met and I felt my eyebrows raise unwillingly.

“I’m Joel Miller,” he introduced himself, slightly out of breath. “I did the phone interview with you back in March and a second one in April. (Y/N), right?”

“Yeah.” I nodded and cleared my throat with a smile.

“I’m the camp director,” he informed me with a nod.

“Nice to meet you.” My hand was still in his and finally they parted.

Joel nodded in agreement. “I’m just finishing up here. I think we have one more person to arrive today before the rest come in the middle of the week. You can get yourself settled in whatever room is still available and I’ll be in in a few minutes.”

“Okay.” I nodded, “Thank you.”

“Thank you.”

When he smiled again I might as well have turned to stone. Who knew my boss for the summer would be such a.. hunk.

Well shit. It’s thirty seconds into the summer and I’m already crushing on my boss. I added, what a lovely predicament.

CLICK HERE FOR CHAPTER

@cattt777 @gissellec1

[cowgurrrl]

Okayyy bear with me, this for our OFTM! What about a celeb who meets actress!reader at some awards or something or they’ve worked together and the pictures turn out so gorgeous and he uploads it with some cheesy lovey dovey caption and it kinda sets Joel off with jealousy and a bigggg green eyed monster. It doesn’t help that Tommy, Ellie, and Sarah start pulling his leg in their fam group chat saying oh wow look at mom with him or something and y’know tommy would pull his leg more to get a reaction out of Joel. And Joel is just alternating between fighting for his life in the chat and fighting for his wife with actress!reader and just comedy and fluffiness????

(also I have one more inspo that I dreamt of sending you in the next one)

OOOOOHHHH LOVE THIS I haven’t played around with jealous joel in SUCH A LONG TIME also I know you weren’t necessary referring them but I immediately thought of Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac because I MEAN

ANYWAYS HERE WE GO

Wildflower & Barley

Pairing: rockstar!joel miller x actress!reader

Summary: this ask

Warnings: ✨multi-media✨, jealousy, life stuff, literally just them being the sweetest couple

You sigh as you read the text. Joel is normally very comfortable in your relationship, unshaken by the various actors and actresses who’ve played your love interests and partners on screen. He shrugs off silly press comments, sits through love scenes remarkably well, and even goes as far as congratulating your costar on a job well done. “Not that it’s hard to pretend to be in love with her,” he said when asked about it in a red carpet interview a few years ago. But, once in a blue moon, he gets jealous and a little insecure. You figure Spencer’s post didn’t help with the little green monster sitting on his shoulder the past few months. 

With all your littles in school now, you’re extremely busy. You’re constantly running around from baseball practices, PTA meetings, recitals, doctor’s appointments, birthday parties, and more. Not to mention making time for all the Miller-Hernandez-Caradonna-Pierce grandkids, Isaac, Cecilia, and JJ. Joel’s working on a new album and getting his record label up and running while you’re not only directing and co-producing a smaller film while acting in a different one and getting ready to go on a (limited) press tour. You and Joel haven’t had the most time to catch up, and it feels like you’re passing ships. It’s temporary. You know it is, but it doesn’t feel good to see your costars more than you get to see your husband. You’re almost positive Joel’s jealousy stems from that. 

“Hey, you ready to get back to it?” Your co-producer, Ava, asks, jolting you out of your thoughts, and you nod. 

“Let’s do it.” You say as you tuck your phone into your back pocket. The day goes relatively smoothly with only one broken prop and an impromptu refresher session with one of your actors and the armorer. You make it a point to end the day early so you can get home and talk to Joel before one of you can fall asleep on the couch (a bad habit you’ve both developed recently), and thank god you did. 

The second you open the door, you can smell the delicious dinner Joel is making in the kitchen and hear the music he’s blasting through the Alexa. “Mom!” Sammy yells as he and the girls run over in a flurry of overlapping stories and demands for hugs and kisses. Even though Sam is nine now and on the cusp of thinking he’s too cool for his parents, he’s still your little love bug. 

“Mommy, will you come draw with me?” Violet asks and you smile as you tuck a curl behind her ear.

“Of course, baby. Can I go say hi to Daddy first?” 

“Fine but hurry!” Violet whines, making you laugh. You hang up your purse by the front door and toe off your shoes, already feeling better with your heels off, and pad into the kitchen. Joel is wearing the apron you got him for Christmas last year that says “Caution: Hot Dad” and made the older girls groan in embarrassment. You laugh when you see it on him, and he quickly turns down the Bee Gees to hear you. 

“You’re home early.” He says as he leans down to peck your lips and wrap an arm around your waist. You chase his lips and kiss him again before pulling away to look at him.

“Wanted to catch you before bedtime,” you say, and he hums. “Plus, we’re making good time on production. We can afford to cut a little early.”

“Well, I‘m glad you did.” He says. You can hear the kids in the other room playing loudly and you know Violet is gonna burst in any moment and order you to draw with her so you savor the semi-private moment with him.

“Are we okay?” You ask quietly and he takes a deep breath. 

“We’re okay.” 

“It’s okay if we’re not.” 

“Baby,” he soothes, slipping a hand in your back pocket. “We’re okay, I promise. I just… had a moment.” 

“It’s fine to have a moment. I don’t want you to keep that from me just because we’re busy,” you say. “You don’t actually think I’d trade you in for someone else or whatever the fuck Tommy said, right?” He sighs and you raise your eyebrows at him.

“Just… please tell me this isn’t like a Mr. and Mrs. Smith thing.” He says. You would laugh if he didn’t seem as upset as he does just because of how bizarre the idea is. How could anyone ever compare to him? How could he even think that you’d leave him like that?

“This isn’t a Mr. and Mrs. Smith thing. Not even close to it. Spencer has been married to his wife longer than we’ve been married and they’re solid. I promise, he just posted that to get people excited about the movie.”

“You’re not wearing your ring in the picture.” He says. You pull the chain hiding under your collar out and show him.

“I was. You just couldn’t see it.” 

“How long have you had that?” 

“Since we got engaged. You’ve definitely seen it before.” You say, laughing a little at the surprised look on his face. 

“Yeah, but I didn’t know that’s why you wore it. I thought you got it as a wrap gift or somethin’.” He defends. It makes sense why he wouldn’t know. You only take the necklace off when it can’t be hidden under the costume, and even then, it’s normally tucked into your pocket or, at the very least, hidden safely in your trailer. It’s a part of your routine to put your ring back on at the end of a shooting day or between breaks to help you transition back into your real life, which means Joel only sees it after it’s returned to its rightful spot. Even the few times he’s been on set filming something with you, you’ve been so busy that he didn’t have time to notice it. 

“Good to know I can still surprise you all these years later,” you say. He only looks a little embarrassed when he reaches around you to turn off the stove. The kids are, thankfully, still occupied, and you take the opportunity before it can slip away. “Joel, I adore you. I am still as helplessly in love with you as I was when we were in New York for the first time. There isn’t anybody else for me, okay? It’s you. It’s always gonna be you. So you don’t need to worry about costars or living Brangelina or whatever because you are it for me.” He works at his jaw as he processes your words, and you wait. Joel’s mind has always been an elusive one, so you like watching his gears turn. 

“Okay,” he mumbles finally. “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry. You just have to tell me when you’re feeling this way,” you say, kissing his jaw. “Besides, if you’d said something earlier, I would’ve been able to tell you that you’re a much better kisser than Spencer.”

“I was just gettin’ over the post, and now I have to watch y’all kiss?!” He groans dramatically, and you laugh. 

“You’re the one who married an actor.” 

“And I’d do it again.” He says as he kisses you, crowding your space so you’re stuck between him and the counter. It’s broken between giggles and kitchen timers beeping but it isn’t until Violet tugs at your shirt do you fully break away from Joel.

“Mommy, you said you would come draw with me.” She pouts, and you immediately drop down to her level.

“I’m so sorry, baby. I did say that. Daddy just had a hard day so I was trying to cheer him up. I can come draw with you now.” You explain, and she gasps, looking between you and Joel.

“Daddy!” She exclaims, putting her hands on her hips. “Why didn’t you tell me you were having a bad day?” 

“Because it’s not your job to fix Daddy’s day.” 

“But I want to! Can I give you a kiss?”

“I wanna give Daddy a kiss!” Sophia runs in, launching herself into Joel’s arms. He scoops both girls up and kiss his cheeks simultaneously, making you both laugh. 

“Thank you, girls. You always make me feel better.” He says, and they giggle.

“What about Mom?” Sam asks. He’s too big and too tall for you to pick him up anymore, but he snuggles perfectly under your arm and squeezes you tight. 

“You’re so sweet, honey. Thank you.” You say, kissing his head. 

“Are you better now?”

“So much better.” 

“Daddy, are you better?” Violet asks. Joel meets your eyes over the heads of the kids and smiles. It’s sweet and just for you, and you can’t help but smile back. 

“I’m perfect.”

[joelalorian]

Wonder in Winterland - Part III

Hallmark!Joel x f!reader | wc: 4764 | masterlist

Series Summary: You, a city girl on a cross-country road trip a week before Christmas, find yourself stranded in a whimsical Christmas town. You soon discover there is more to life than big city dreams. Based on the Hallmark movie Love You Like Christmas.

Warnings: None (although the rest of this blog is 18+ mdni). This is utter fluff and whimsy, with a occasional foul language and lots of banter in the AU style of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Matchmaker!Sarah. Limited descriptions of reader and no use of y/n. Enjoy it with a cuppa hot cocoa and a warm blankie. Will post on Sundays throughout December.

Series Masterlist

Part III

True to his word, Joel and Sarah arrived at eight o’clock, sharp, with a truck bed full of firewood and a bag of breakfast sandwiches from Tess’s. Maria and Tommy had their hands full, the inn going from you as their only guest to every room being filled up by a large family. You were thrilled to see your newfound friends busy, happily catering to the guests, but part of you already missed the tranquility of the previously empty inn.

Within ten minutes, the firewood was unloaded, and a fresh pile was placed in each guest room and the main sitting room to keep the warm fires going for days. Maria promised to tend the fire in your room so that it would be cozily warm upon your return.

“Ready?” Joel asked, brushing his hands off on his well-worn jeans. “I left the truck running to keep the heat going.”

Zipping up your coat, you nodded. “I’m all set.” Sarah slid her hand into yours while Joel led the way out the door, each of you calling a soft farewell to Maria and Tommy as they served breakfast to the guests.

When you tried to open the front passenger door, Sarah shook her head and refused to let your hand go. “You’ll sit in the back with me,” the young girl insisted. Dropping her voice to a whisper, she added, “We have seat warmers back there! Isn’t that cool?”

Lips curling into an effortless smile at Sarah’s antics, you nodded. “That’s very cool. Are we making your dad be our chauffer?”

“What are you two conspiring about over there?” Joel called through rolled down the window to see what was taking you two so long.

“Oh, just a little girl talk,” you replied nonchalantly, smirking at Sarah, “nothing to concern yourself with”. Popping the rear door open, you helped Sarah climb into the big truck and quickly followed. Your playful gaze met Joel’s confused one in the rearview mirror as you strapped in.

“Is that what you two were talking about? Turning this into a spinoff of Driving Miss Daisy?” Joel asked, a teasing lilt to his deep voice. “I suppose you’ll want to eat your breakfast sandwiches while you’re back there, too. Get the full chauffer experience.”

You and Sarah shared a look before replying in unison, “Yes, please.”

“Uh huh, I see how it is.” With a chuckle, Joel pulled his sandwich from the brown paper bag before passing it back to you. “I got you these, too,” he added, handing over a Diet Coke and a small orange juice. The ride back to the farm was quiet as everyone ate their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches.

With pleasantly full bellies, you arrived at the farm, Barkley trotting over to greet you all as you exited the truck. “Well, what would you like to do first?”

“We have to show her the tree farm first, Daddy!” Sarah demanded.

With a sigh, Joel looked at his daughter. “Sarah, what did I tell you about being bossy?”

“You told me not to be. And Tommy told me I’m not bossy, I just have leadership skills!” she asserted, hands on her hips as she stared her father down. “Maria said all successful women have leadership skills, Daddy.” Joel stood there for a moment, uncertain how to respond to that.

Unable to contain it, a bubble of laughter burst from your chest. “That they do, little bug.”

Joel’s shot you a wide-eyed look and shook his head. “Don’t encourage her,” he grumbled. “Ok, let’s go see the tree farm.”

Sarah and Barkley led the way through the snow-covered fields, kicking up flurries with every enthusiastic leap as they bounded ahead. Joel walked beside you, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his thick Carhartt jacket, the snow crunching rhythmically beneath his boots with each step.

“This used to be my grandpa’s farm,” Joel explained, his deep voice low and steady. “He started with a handful of horses and a dream to make a living off the land. Now we’ve got a tree farm, board horses, and sell firewood in the winter. In the warmer months we offer horseback riding and ranch experiences. Keeps us busy.”

“It’s beautiful,” you replied, taking in the expanse of white fields framed by a horizon of towering pines, mountains visible in the distance. “I can see why you stayed to take it over.”

Joel’s gaze drifted across the landscape before settling on you. “Yeah. It’s not for everyone, but for some reason, I’ve always enjoyed the peace and quiet of farm life.”

Before you could respond, Sarah called out, “Come on! You’ve gotta see the tree farm!”

Joel shook his head at his daughter’s antics. “Your tour guide is very bossy, I’m sorry.”

“Whatever, Mister! She’s a girl with leadership skills!” you teased, swooping down to scoop up some snow and form it into a ball. Tossing it against Joel’s chest, you darted away to catch up to Sarah, calling over your shoulder, “Come on, slow poke!”

“What’s the rush? The trees aren’t going anywhere!” he shouted back, eliciting giggles from you and Sarah, Barkley chiming in with a few well-timed barks.

In a forested patch behind the barn sat the tree farm, its rows of evergreens dusted with snow, glittering faintly in the soft morning sunlight, nature’s Christmas lights. Sarah darted between the trees, pointing out her favorites and sharing how long it took for them to grow so big.

“This one’s perfect for a Christmas tree!” she exclaimed, gesturing to a tall, symmetrical fir. “But Dad says we’re keeping it for next year.”

“She’s already picked our tree for next Christmas and the one after,” Joel said, his voice full of affection. “I guess it’s true about those leadership skills. She’s always planning and thinking two steps ahead.”

“I like a girl with a vision,” you teased, earning a triumphant grin from Sarah.

As you walked deeper into the grove, Sarah paused, her gaze catching on the ground beneath the trees. Freshly fallen pinecones sat on top of the fresh layer of snow. “Dad! Look at all the pinecones!” She crouched to pick one up, brushing the powdery snow from its bottom. “Can we collect some? Auntie Maria showed me how to make them into decorations and said she always needs more.” Turning to you, Sarah added, “She gives them away to the guests when they leave. I’m sure you’ll get one!”

Joel scratched the back of his neck, glancing at you with a small smile. “What do you think, darlin’? You up for some scavenging and then sticking around to help us make decorations?”

“I’d love to!” you replied, crouching down to pick up a pinecone of your own. Its woody surface was cold and textured under your gloves, a perfect little symbol of the season. “Maria’ll love these.”

With that, the three of you set about gathering the scattered cones. Barkley trotted happily between you, occasionally sniffing at your finds before bounding off to chase the next falling flurry or occasional squirrel. Joel kept an eye on Sarah, intermittently calling out an instruction with warmth. “That one’s perfect – grab it.”

At one point, Joel knelt in the snow to pick up a particularly large cone beneath the tallest tree on the property. As he stood, he held it out to you with a playful grin. “This one’s got ‘centerpiece’ written all over it.”

You took it, your gloved fingers brushing against his briefly, warmth spreading beneath the extra layer. “You’ve got a good eye for these,” you teased, earning a deep chuckle.

Sarah appeared between two smaller trees with her arms full, breath forming little cloud puffs in the cold. “We have so many! This is gonna look amazing at the inn. Auntie will be so happy!”

“She sure will,” Joel said, ruffling her red knit hat affectionately. “Now let’s head back before we freeze our fingers off.”

Joel’s house was warm and inviting, the scent of woodsmoke and cinnamon greeting you as you stepped inside and shucked your boots and coat. It was a scent, just like pine, that you were beginning to associate with Joel. The living area was a picture of rustic charm – wood-paneled walls, cozy plaid throws draped over a baseball glove leather couch, and a roaring fire crackling in the hearth. Sarah set the basket of pinecones on the coffee table with a triumphant grin, shedding her hat and gloves in the process.

Joel led you to a large, old mahogany table with an easy smile before moving toward the kitchen to make hot cocoa. Sarah ran straight to a hutch next to the table, pulling out a box full of jars of glitter, ribbons, and sprigs of holly. You helped Sarah arrange the items how she wanted them and divided up the pile of pinecones so all three of you had some to work on.

Handing you a steaming mug, Joel’s fingers brushed yours, sending a warm jolt through you. Those jolts were beginning to happen more frequently, you noted, and heat rushed to your cheeks.

“Here you go, little bug,” he said as he placed a mug in front of his daughter.

Sarah’s wide eyes darted from her mug to yours, a small frown creasing her brow. “She has more marshmallows than me!”

“No, she doesn’t, my sweet, petulant child,” Joel sighed and you barely stifled a laugh. “I gave all of us ten mini marshmallows, so we all have the same amount.”

You reached for a pinecone from your pile, trying to hide the curve of your lips. For as great a kid as Sarah was, she was still a child prone to typical childish behavior. The young girl was quickly appeased when she counted everyone’s marshmallows and deemed her father correct and you all settled in to make decorations.

As you tied a small red ribbon around the top of a pinecone, Sarah sprinkled glitter onto another, the sparkly dust catching the soft overhead light. Joel worked beside you; his large hands surprisingly nimble as he twisted small wire hangers onto some of the cones for placing on the tree at the inn. Barkley sat at your feet, thick fur warming your sock-covered toes, his tail occasionally thumping against the floor.

A comfortable silence, aside from the gentle melody of holiday music playing in the background, settled around the table as everyone worked on their creations until there were no pinecones left.

“Think Maria’ll like these?” Joel asked, holding up two of his creations. The gold ribbon on one was wildly crooked and the holly on the other was off-center, yet the imperfections made the ornaments even more charming.

“She’ll love them,” you said, smiling. “And if she doesn’t, I’ll take them, and it will be her loss.”

Joel’s laugh was low and warm, the kind that wrapped around you like a beloved blanket, and you knew at once that you would keep at least one of the ornaments they made.

Sarah held up one of her pinecones, the glitter thick and uneven, but shining with the same radiance as her proud smile. “What about mine?”

“It’s perfect,” Joel said, his voice rumbly and full of fatherly pride. “We’ll hang that one front and center at the inn.”

“She’ll like that one best, I think,” you added, watching the young girl’s smile light up impossibly brighter.

You leant back in your chair, watching father and daughter titter over each other’s creations, your heart full in a way you hadn’t expected when the day began – a way that you didn’t think it ever could be. Joel caught your eye across the table, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world had gone quiet, the flickering firelight casting soft shadows on his face.

“Thanks for helping out yesterday and today,” he said, voice low, ending the spell. “Maria and Tommy are lucky to have you around.”

The sincerity in his words warmed you more than the fire ever could. “I think I’m the lucky one,” you replied softly, the words carrying more truth than you intended.

Snow was falling again when Joel drove you back to the inn, Sarah and Barkley keeping each other warm in the back seat as he maneuvered the truck through the small town. The three of you arrived just in time for dinner, the inn bustling with chatter and merriment as the guests sat around the large table. Joel led you and Sarah to the sitting room to eat dinner in front of the fire, letting the guests enjoy their space. The dining room too crowded for his liking, anyway. Once everyone finished their meals, you helped all four Millers clean up while the other guests left to see the town square lit up at night.

Afterwards, Sarah presented the pinecone ornaments to Maria, explaining in great detail how the three of you collected and decorated them together at the farm. Maria’s smile glowed at the young girl’s excitement, shooting you a knowing look. Tommy lounged on the couch, teasing Barkley with a rope toy while Joel watched from the corner of the room, arms crossed and a quietly amused expression on his handsome face.

A cozy peacefulness settled over the inn with just the five of you and Barkley enjoying the warmth of the fire. The jangle of the landline phone shattered the quiet scene, and Maria moved to answer it.

“Hello, Winterland Inn, this is Maria. How may I help you?”

Your lips quirked up at how quickly she switched to professional mode, watching as she listened to whoever was on the other end of the line.

“Oh, hi Jimmy,” Maria replied, her voice brightening, and you perked up knowing it had to be about your truck. After a short exchange, she hung up and turned to you with a grin. “Good news! Jimmy said the parts for you truck should be here within the next two days.”

“That’s great!” you said, though the words felt unexpectedly bittersweet. As much as you needed to get back on the road to make it to the wedding in time, the thought of leaving Winterland – and the Millers – already tugged uncomfortably at your heart.

Sarah froze in the middle of arranging the pinecones on the tree, her wide eyes snapping to you. “What? You’re leaving?”

Your eyes darted to meet Joel’s warm gaze, before turning back to Sarah. “Well, yeah, little bug,” you said gently. “Once the truck’s fixed, I’ve got to get back on the road.”

“No!” Sarah jumped up and stamped her foot, her young face etched with determination. “You can’t leave yet! You have to stay, at least until Christmas! It’s the best part of living in Winterland.”

Joel remained silent, standing stonily in the corner, but Tommy snorted from his spot on the couch. “The kid’s got a point. There’s something magical about Christmas in Winterland. What’s a few more days?”

Maria chimed in then, an all-too-innocent grin on her pretty face. “Oh, absolutely. You haven’t really experienced the charm of Winterland until you stay for Christmas… and if you’re going to stay for Christmas, then you might as well stay for New Year’s. There’s nothing like a small-town celebration to ring in the new year!”

They were ganging up on you, yet Joel remained still, his dark eyes boring into you without a word.

“You guys aren’t playing fair!” you laughed. Part of you ached to never leave, yet the other part of you knew you had responsibilities to tend to.

Suddenly realizing that her dad hadn’t chimed in yet, Sarah bounced over to his side, tugging one arm from where he had them crossed against his chest. “Come on, Dad! Tell her she has to stay! You know you want her to just as much as we do.”

Joel’s brow lifted, but his dark eyes flicked towards you, warm and steady. “No pressure, darlin’. But… it wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“No, it wouldn’t,” Maria confirmed quietly.

His words sent a small thrill through you, even as you shook your head with a laugh. “Okay, okay,” you said, holding up your hands in surrender. “I’ll think about it, but no promises.”

Sarah grinned triumphantly, already skipping toward the kitchen. “I’ll go get cookies and cocoa to celebrate!”

“I’ll help her,” Tommy called out, quickly chasing after the giggling young girl to make sure she didn’t create a mess in the recently cleaned kitchen.

Maria hung back and gave Joel a nudge. “Why don’t you take a moment and sit with her on the back porch? The view might help her make up her mind.”

Joel’s expression said he knew exactly what Maria was up to, but he turned back to you and tipped his head toward the door anyway. “Care for some fresh air?”

The night air greeted you with a crisp bite as you stepped out onto the wraparound porch. Snow blanketed the stretch of land beyond the inn, glimmering faintly under the soft light of the moon. The view was breathtakingly still, and you held your breath in reverence.

Joel leant against the wooden railing; his hands tucked into the pockets of his flannel-lined jacket. He gazed at the scenery, expression thoughtful. With light steps on the creaking wood planks, you joined him, shoulders brushing.

“This place has a way of getting under your skin, doesn’t it?” Joel said, his voice low.

“It really does,” you admitted, gaze sweeping over the snow-covered expanse. “It’s so different from what I’m used to. Peaceful and quiet. Slower paced.”

Joel nodded, his eyes on the mountain peaks in the distance. “There was a time I thought it was too quiet. Moved away for a bit, tried livin’ in the city – not New York City, mind. But the older I got, the more I missed this – being able to breathe, take things slow. Sarah’s happiest here, so I guess I am, too.”

“I can’t picture you in the city.” Your eyes softened as you took in his profile, backlit by the moonlight. He really was breathtakingly handsome in a rugged, working man kind of way that set your blood on fire.

“Needless to say, I stood out like a sore thumb,” he chuckled before falling silent again.

“Do you think I could ever fit in a place like this?” You don’t know what came over you, asking such a question, but you suddenly longed to belong in such a place, with such a family. This place. This family.

Joel turned to face you fully, his dark eyes searching yours. “You already do, darlin’.”

His words hung in the air, weighty and warm. You felt the urge to look away, to deflect with a joke, but something in Joel’s gaze kept you rooted. “I don’t know that I’ve ever let myself think about settling down, staying anywhere other than the city,” you admitted. “But this… It makes me want to try.”

His eyes sparkled, smile deepening, as he nodded. “Then maybe you should stick around. At least long enough to celebrate Christmas with us, maybe even New Year’s.”

The door creaked open before you could respond, and Sarah popped her head out with a triumphant grin. “It’s cookie time! You comin?”

Joel chuckled, shaking his head. “We’ll be right in, kiddo.” As Sarah ducked back inside, Joel’s gaze lingered on you, the spell unbroken. “Think about it, darlin’,” he said softly. “Winterland’s got a way of surprising people.”

You nodded, the weight of his words settling over you like the snow-covered stillness of night. “I will,” you promised, knowing in your heart that your answer leant more toward yes with every passing moment.

The sun was just creeping over the mountaintops as you made your way down Main Street, the crisp morning air biting at your cheeks and nose. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted from Tess’s diner every time the door opened, and you noticed the new painted sign glinting under the pale sunlight as you approached.

Less than ten feet from the entrance, your phone buzzed in your pocket. Glancing at the screen, your stomach tightened at the familiar number. Of course, your boss would call you while technically on vacation. The man lacked boundaries.

“Hi,” you said, forcing a cheerful tone as you answered.

“Hey,” came the reply – brisk and businesslike as always. “How’s San Francisco?”

Glancing around at the picturesque snow-covered town that was not San Fran, you stumbled. “Funny story, actually. Had a little detour – car trouble, you know how it goes. Nothing I can’t handle.”

The sigh that came through the line had you rolling your eyes skyward. “Well, that’s… unfortunate. Are you going to make the wedding? You know how important—”

“Yes, I’m well aware. I’m doing my best with circumstances outside of my control.” Annoyed and frustrated, you didn’t back down. “Now, did you just call to bother me, or did you have a legitimate reason?”

Another sigh. Another eye roll. You weren’t the praying type, but right then you prayed to every holy being for patience.

“Listen, I know you’re technically on break, but…” your boss started. The sheer audacity of the man! “We need your help with something. One of our clients is asking for a last-minute campaign tweak, and you’re the only one I trust to handle it properly.”

Torn between a sense of pride in your work and the desire to launch the phone into the road and watch it be crushed beneath a snowplow; you counted to ten in your head. Deep down, you knew something like this was coming. It always did. He had a team full of very capable and intelligent people, but your boss insisted that you handle certain things.

“Sure,” you caved to the weight of obligation pressing down on you. “Send me what you have, and I’ll take a look. I’m not spending my whole trip working though. I’ll give you no more than a few hours today and that’s it.” You ended the call before he could reply, a gleeful smile alighting your face as you imagined the exasperation you knew marked his expression.

With a quick shake to clear your head, you pushed the door open, the little bell above it jingling cheerfully. Inside, the diner buzzed with a quiet energy. The changes you’d suggested on your first visit were everywhere – new chalkboard menus with fun, festive designs and creative names for the dishes, rearranged seating to maximize the cozy atmosphere, and small vases of fresh greenery on each table.

Stepping further inside, a grin spread wide across your face. “Tess! The place looks amazing!”

The woman of the hour bustled out from behind the counter, her face lighting up when she saw you. “Oh, there you are!” she said, throwing her hands out like she wanted to hug you but waited for consent before she went all in. You pulled her in, hugging her close and rocking side to side. “It’s all thanks to you, sweetheart! Your ideas really brought the place to life, and it really feels like mine now.”

“It was all you, Tess,” you insisted, laughing as Tess waved off your humility. “I just gave you a little nudge in the right direction.”

“You’re too modest for your own good,” Tess replied, grinning as she handed you a tall glass of diet cola. You winked at her remembering your preference. “And I hope you’ll stick around to see the results. We’re having a grand re-opening party on Christmas Eve – live music, good food, the works. You have to come!”

You hesitated, her words pulling at your heart. Your truck was supposed to be ready before then and you had the wedding to rush off to – you’d barely make it in time as it was. But then there were the Millers, each of them wanting you to stay.

Sensing your turmoil, Tess arched a brow. “You’re not planning on skipping town, are you? You’re practically one of us now. It’d break Joel’s heart if you left so soon.”

The thought of leaving Winterland crushed something inside you and your shoulders suddenly felt heavier. Plastering a smile onto your face, trying yet failing to make it reach your eyes. “I’ll see what I can do.” After a beat, you added, “You mind if I park myself in that corner booth and work for a bit?”

“Have at it!” Tess replied waving you off as she returned to work. “I’ll bring you something to eat in a bit.”

You spent the next hour scouring through the file your boss sent over, taking notes on areas to improve in between bites of a savory veggie omelet. Another hour was spent just redoing the entire thing, making it something you knew the client would approve. Finally, you sent off the finished product to your boss. Snapping your laptop shut with a sigh, you pinched the bridge of your nose.

Tess slid into the booth across from you, apron dusted with flour and a fresh glass of soda in her hand. “Here, have this. You look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders,” she said, tilting her head as she studied you. “What’s going on?”

You opened your mouth but hesitated, unsure what to say. Slipping your hands around the glass of soda, you let the icy dampness ground you. Tess’s sharp gaze remained fixed on you, making it impossible to avoid the question.

“I just…” You sighed, letting your shoulders slump. “I don’t know what I’m doing anymore.”

Leaning back against the vinyl seat, Tess raised her eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

Twirling the straw in your drink, you watched the ice cubes bob in the dark liquid before finally speaking again. “This place… it’s amazing. The people, the town. It’s everything I didn’t know I needed. I mean…” You paused, trying to find the right words. “I never knew what I was missing, you know? I thought my life was perfect back in the city. I have a job that pays really well and I’m good at, a nice apartment, friends.”

Tess’s eyes softened as she listened, quietly urging you to continue with a softly spoken, “But?”

You glanced out the window at the snowy street. “This place has me second guessing everything. But how can I just give all that up on a whim, for a man I hardly know, no less.”

She let your words hang in the air for a few moments before responding in a gentle but firm voice. “No one’s asking you to give up your life. Believe me, Joel would never ask that of you. But it sounds to me like maybe that life isn’t all that you want anymore.”

Her words struck a chord, and you blinked owlishly. “I’ve worked so hard to build my career,” you said. “I didn’t let anything stand in my way. I sacrificed a lot – relationships, free time, sleep, you name it. Now I can’t help but wonder if I’ve ben chasing the wrong things.”

Tess reached across the table, her hand warm and steady on yours. “That’s not something you have to figure out overnight or even in a week. And it sure as hell isn’t something to base on one guy and his sweet little girl, no matter how charming they might be.”

A weak laugh slipped past your lips, the sound tinged with a hint of guilt. “They are pretty damn charming.”

Tess grinned in response. “They are both smitten with you – and I’d dare to say the feeling is mutual – but this isn’t about them. It’s about what makes you happy.”

“I’m not even sure I know what that is anymore,” you admitted in a whisper.

Grip tightening on your hand, Tess kept her gaze steady. “Then maybe it’s time you find out. And if that means extending your unexpected stay here a little longer, figuring things out while you’re still here, then do it. The city isn’t going anywhere and you just proved you can do your job from anywhere. Plus, I think you’d regret it if you left now.”

Tess’s words stayed with you as you left the dinner a while later, but the knot in your chest wouldn’t undo itself, especially when Jimmy called from the garage to let you know the parts arrived and your truck would be ready in the morning.

Winterland and its people had a way of pulling at your heartstrings, but was it enough to change everything?

tbc

tag list (i included anyone who previously commented, requested, or I thought might like to be added, but please let me know if you'd like to be added or removed): @abirdsnest @brittmb115 @harrysrosetatto @carolineesnell @tuquoquebrute @inept-the-magnificent @lovely-vamp-princess @kyberblade @bluestar22x

[integra1127grimmreaper]

Put a Spell On Me (Joel Miller)

Joel Miller Masterlist

Warning: swearing, grumpy Joel, bit of fluff

Summary: Joel sees another side of you whilst the town prepare for Halloween. Inspired by - Nina Simone's - I Put a Spell On You.

You hated Joel Miller, and he hated you, everyone around town knew it. Only thing was no one exactly knew when and how it started, only thing they knew was that glares, scowls and heated words would be exchanged whenever the two of you were in proximity to each other. So, when word went around that the two of you were heading out to the nearest mall together for supplies for the upcoming Halloween celebration, to say everyone was worried would be putting it lightly.

Breathing a huge sigh of relief only when finding out that Tommy would be going with, he always had to play referee whenever a disagreement broke out between Joel and you, and was the best candidate to ensure both of you returned home alive.

"Not sure why she had to come with…", Joel grumbles out softly to Tommy as they rode side by side, his gaze narrowed on your back as you rode a short distance in front of the two.

Tommy's head drops with yet another heavy exhale at Joel's dislike of you. "Like I told ya, she knows this place… used to work there part-time as a teenager before the world went to shit. Whenever we need something from it, she goes with, makes it much easier than going in blind."

"Coulda drawn a map", was all Joel utters back in response.

"Would ya quit acting like a child", Tommy scolds him. "I know ya don't like her and believe me, the feeling's mutual. At least she's attemptin' to be civil."

"Civil, my ass…", Joel utters under his breathe, causing Tommy to shoot a side glare in warning. Letting out a disgusted scoff, silently raising his hands up in surrender as the rest of the trip moves on in total silence thereafter.

"Seriously?", Joel snarls after you went directly to a specific store when entering the mall. "This is why we're here, Halloween decorations and costumes...?"

Not wanting to attract any unwanted guests by having yet another shouting match with Joel, you choose to ignore him. "This is the first big celebration we're havin'", Tommy does his best to defuse the situation before Joel pushes you too far, utter out with a wince then, "shoulda seen the sorry excuse for costumes the past Halloweens..."

"Hey!", your head pops out from a corner with defensive scowl. "We were too busy building the town to properly enjoy it." Pointing a finger in warning at him, "don't knock it-"

"Ok, ok...", Tommy chuckles at you, whilst Joel's only reaction was silent glare. "Ya done?", Tommy finally sobers up from his laughter.

"Yup", you nod, quickly retreating behind the corner only to reappear seconds later with large witch's hat on your head and the last bag of supplies.

Tommy instantly bursts out with a loud laugh, whilst Joel goes all bug-eyed; sarcastically drawling, "always knew ya were a witch... finally found ya long lost hat I see..."

Eyes narrowed; you point a finger at him in warning as you walk pass. "Careful Miller... before I cast a hex on ya."

"Alright, aright...", Tommy steps in when Joel bares his teeth at you. "We still got two more stores to hit then we're out."

Joel lets out a grunt in response, and you roll your eyes at him as you walk away.

"Where ya been the whole day?", Joel enquires of Ellie when entering the house in the evening.

"Went to Y/N's after school", Ellie responds after dropping her bag at the front door and removing her shoes and coat.

Joel's brows shoot up in surprise, "the Wicked Witch of the West...?"

"Don't call her that!", Ellie scolds him.

"Ya right...", Joel nods, a grin pulling at his lips, "more like, the Wicked Witch of Jackson."

"Joel!", Ellie reprimands him with a scowl, "if you got to know her properly, you'd realize that she's a very nice person."

"I know enough about her to know that she's a pain in the ass...", Joel drawls out in response, throwing himself down on the couch with a heavy grown.

Frowning at his words, Ellie takes a seat beside him. "Look man, I know you hate and all... but she's been nothing but nice to me. Which she really didn't have to be", she reminds Joel. "Not with the way you've been treating her."

Joel silently stares into Ellie's eyes for a few seconds. "She was right. No matter how you and Joel bickered, you never once turned that negativity towards Ellie. He had warned her off from you in the beginning, but Ellie was stubborn, and the girl had naturally gravitated towards you as time went on. Ellie was right... you weren't such a bad person at all."

Head dropping down with shame and sighing in defeat, Joel finally admits, "I don't hate her... just don't like her, that's all."

"Oh, that's fine then...", Ellie snorts out in amusement, flashing him a toothy grin, "'cause she doesn't like ya either."

"I can live with that", Joel gives his own snorted response, sitting up straight then. "So, what ya two been up to?"

"She's helping me with my Halloween costume!", Ellie exclaims, excitedly catapulting up from the couch to get her backpack. Settling back on the couch and hastily opening her sketch book to show Joel the design.

"She's making this for you...?", Joel stares at the design in surprise.

"Yup", Ellie beams proudly at it, "got the idea from a few of my comics. It's going to be awesome!"

"Bet she's going to make it look like shit", Joel snorts under his breath, suddenly yelping out in pain when Ellie elbows him in the side.

"Fuckin' rude much?"

"Sorry...", Joel rubs at his side, sheepishly muttering, "ol' habit."

A lightbulb goes off for Ellie then as she knowingly smirks at him then. "The two remind me of something I read a while back about 'young crushes'..."

Joel's eyes go all bug-eyed at her words, "the fuck that supposed to mean?"

"You know...", Ellie flashes him a full-on grin then. "When the boy and girl like each other but are too shy to admit it, so they end up being mean to one another instead."

"Well, your deductions about us are completely wrong", Joel slaps his palms on his thighs matter-of-factly as he gets up from the couch. "She doesn't like me, and I don't like her and that's the end of it."

"We'll see, Old Man...", Ellie snorts her breath, "we'll see..."

It was the early evening of the Halloween party and Joel was just minding his own business in the comfort of home, when suddenly there was a knock at the door. "Howdy...", Tommy greets upon the door opening, a cowboy atop his head and what looked to be a plastic sherif badge pinned to his shirt.

"What the hell ya wearing?", Joel frown at him.

"I'm the sherif the town, see...", Tommy beams, proudly pointing to the badge of his chest.

"Can see that...", Joel drawls in response, his gaze narrowing on the arm Tommy was hiding behind his back. "Whatcha got behind ya back...?"

With a toothy grin, Tommy presents another cowboy hat with a plastic badge inside from behind his back. "Ya just been deputized."

"Oh, hell no...!", Joel shakes his head in displeasure. "Ain't fuckin happening."

Tommy's shoulders sag in disappointment at hearing his response. "Aw, c'mon man... don't be a party pooper. She went out of her way to get these for us."

Joel scoffs, eyes narrowing when something hits. "Who...?"

Rolling his eyes, Tommy, shoots Joel an arched brow then. "You know exactly who."

"Why am I not surprised...", Joel throws heads back with a heavy groan, palming his face.

"It's not so bad...", Tommy chuckles at him. "Ya might even enjoy it. I know Ellie would love for ya to be there."

Bringing his back down, Joel peers through his spread fingers at Tommy for a second, finally lowering the hand and sighing, "she's been talking about it none stop, specially about her costume."

Tommy grins at his words, pausing to look around the house then. "Where's the kid, by the way?"

Exhaling heavily, Joel places his hand on his hips with a dramatic eyeroll. "Stormed outta here early morning to go over to 'her' place to do some final touches on the kid's costume."

"See...!", Tommy exclaims satisfactorily, shoving the hat into Joel's arms before bolting off, "now ya have to come. See ya later..."

"Wait!", a dumbstruck Joel attempts to call him back but was he was gone in an instant. Letting out a sigh of defeat, Joel's gazed drops to the hat and badge in his hand, "the hell I'm supposed to do with this?"

An hour or so later, Ellie comes rushing in through the door like a gust of wind. "Joel! Come see my costume!"

"Hold ya horses...", Joel came lumbering down the stairs, stopping dead in his tracts when seeing Ellie in her costume. "Whoa."

"Fuckin' awesome, I know...", Ellie proudly smiles at his reaction, twirling around to show every detail of the costume. "She did a great job, didn't she...?"

"I- um...", Joel's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water for some time, finally clearing his throat and scratching the back of his head in embracement. "Yeah, she did."

"Told ya so...", Ellie flashes him a smug grin and he grunts in response. "So, ya comin' to the party?"

"Not sure", Joel shrugs, throwing himself onto the couch with a weary sigh.

A little sad at it, Ellie nods in understanding though. "If ya do. Please promise me you'll be nice to her."

"She's the one that needs to be nice", Joel snorts under his breath.

"Seriously, dude?!", Ellie scowls at him. "At least try... she went out of her way to make me this costume. Even though she was helping the other kids with their costumes, mine was the only one she made from scratch."

Joel's head violently snaps in Ellie's direction, "really...?"

Ellie confirms with a head nod, "and she didn't have to, yet she did anyway", she makes sure to stress the topic. "Just for tonight... please be nice."

Throwing a hand of his face, Joel learns backward with a defeat sigh, "I'll be nice."

Joel silently stared at the hat in his hand, Ellie had left half an hour ago for the party and he was debating with himself about whether he should go or not. "It wouldn't hurt to show his face for an hour or so to show his support for Ellie. The kid was excited for her first ever Halloween party and he'd be asshole if he didn't go. Besides, he could take it as an opportunity to thank you for helping Ellie."

Releasing a tense breath, Joel anxiously straightens his cowboy hat when entering the Autumn theme decorated town hall. Children were excitedly running round in their costumes whilst adults were happily mingling amongst themselves. Silently studying the scene from the doorway, Joel's gaze finally lands on you; all dressed up and with the witch's hat on that you had found at the mall. Your back was toward him but instantly knew it was you.

"See ya dusted ya old uniform off to wear tonight", Joel tauntingly remarks from behind you.

Turning around with a hoity arched brow, you slowly scan him from head to toe and flashing him a syrupy smile then. "Fancy seeing you here, Officer..."

The smug smile on Joel's face instantly disappears, "don't start..."

Placing your hands on your hips, you glare at him, "ditto."

Realizing that this could potentially turn into another argument, Joel changes the topic. "About Ellie-"

"I know ya told me to stay away from ya kid...", you interrupt him midsentence. "She approached me though, and besides that, I was in charge of the kids' costumes, so I obviously couldn't turn her away."

You anxiously wait for a sarcastic remark or something in response as Joel silently frowned at your words, finally giving a head nod, moments later and just as he's about to open his mouth to say something, someone calls out for your help. "Excuse me", you comment, turning around and walking off. You don't make it far though, when Joel finally speaks up.

"Wait!"

Halting in your tracks, you turn back towards him. "Your costume looks nice", Joel manages to awkwardly utter out, causing your eyes to widen in shock.

"I- Um...", your words stumble over each other. "Thank you...?", your response finally comes out as a question instead due to being caught off-guard by Joel's compliment. "I-I... have to go...", you awkwardly point over your shoulders, dumbstruck by the entire situation.

A faint smirk crosses Joel's lips as he nods. "Bye...", you manage to stammer out before hightailing it.

The smirk turns into a full-on grin as Joel watched you rush away. "Maybe you weren't as bad as he thought, you were actually quite adorable when shy. Maybe there was a good side to you that he just never really bothered to get to know. Maybe Ellie was right... maybe he should start being nicer to you. Or... maybe you really did put a hex on him...?"

I put a spell on you

Because you're mine Duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-n-duh-duh-uah You better stop the things you do

I ain't lying No, I ain't lying

You know I can't stand it You're running around You know better, daddy I can't stand it 'Cause you put me down Yeah, yeah

I put a spell on you

Because you're mine

You're mine

Yeah, yeah Oh yeah

I put a spell on you

Because... you're mine...

NXT

[messitydepressity]

I'd love to hear about your Tommy introspection and Maria oneshot please!

I'm back with the Tommy introspection as promised!

This fic is very 'what you see is what you get'. It's all the feels and emotions that Tommy experiences when Joel and Ellie pop up in Jackson for the first time, and the understanding that takes root when they return after finding the fireflies.

Admittedly it is a little AU because in the fic Ellie and Joel spend months at the hospital in Salt Lake letting those damn bugs do their experiments (no straight to brain cutting in this fic).

I wanted to explore the shock he undoubtedly experienced when Joel showed up out of the blue after years apart, and the fact that there was an obvious difference in his brother.

And I think we all deserve a little peek into what Tommy taking Ellie on as a niece would have truly looked like.

Disclaimer: it is more based off of the show with little call backs to the game.

-

Familiar warmth, broad and tall, wraps around his middle and thuds into his back.

It's brief, the smacking hug.

But the seconds slow to a crawl, like ants trudging through the maple syrup they boil and process every spring after it's been left in one of the cellars during winter.

Little legs stuck in the cool sticky sugar.

Suddenly, Tommy’s pushing both fifty and five, gripped tight in his brother's embrace.

His arms tremble around the wide berth of Joel’s shoulders; disbelief, sorrow, and joy meshing together in an emotional flurry that leaves him teary eyed and laughing.

Cautiously giddy.

When he’d left Boston with the fireflies almost eight years ago, He’d grieved his big brother.

Finally learned how to accept that his brother was gone, that his brother had been gone for a very long time, and that he wasn’t coming back.

The Joel that had taught him how to read, how to throw a football, and how a woman was meant to be treated had been left in a shallow grave back in Austin under a yellowing sycamore tree that had stood tall and imposing behind a strip mall.

It’s where his baby niece lies in a permanent rest, her grave unmarked but not lost.

He’d gone back for her, just to reassure himself that he remembered where he’d placed her body wrapped in his overshirt, her head cushioned by a bed of leaves.

Joel had been afraid that she’d get cold, or that her neck might get a crick if left unsupported.

Tommy had been more terrified that predators would get her, the plot he’d spent hours digging while joel had sung her an endless loop of their mothers favorite lullaby only a few feet deep.

Pulling back, he finds Joel's eyes crinkling in a way they haven't done since that gangly girl with a bright smile had still breathed.

They ain’t carved as deep as they once were, the happy lines now replaced by angry ones that cut far deeper into his age-spotted skin, but they’re there.

-

Tommy-boy is a little shooketh to see his brother slowly come back to life, and he's unendingly grateful to the girl who's responsible for it.

He falls a little in love with her, just like Joel.

Thanks for the ask and I hope this satisfies a little of the curiosity! 🖤

[creepling]

✒️ — “sharing a bed and you haven’t even bought me dinner first, isn’t that just scandalous?” + joel miller please and tysm, congrats on 1k!! <3

i was thinking on this concept all day bc this is my first time writing for joel n i wanted to do it justice. tysm for your request and congrats<33

tags: gn!reader. use of a gun (joel pointing it at you). enemies to crushing. bed sharing. swearing.

“I am not sleeping on the floor,” You declare, staring daggers at the man pointing a gun at you, your hands bound behind your back. 

“Thieves don’t deserve luxury,” Joel remarked. He looked like a mean motherfucker, staring right through you. He didn’t like your attitude, but it made toying with him all the more fun.

Joel’s job was to deliver you back to the QZ after you stole supplies and ran for it. Hell knows why they wanted you back alive. Joel would have shot you on the spot, but he figured you’d have a more agonising punishment when he returned you. And the bounty was a pretty penny for a job so simple. He’d be stupid to turn it down.

“You call that luxury? Dude, we’re gonna get bed bugs either way,” You scoff, cocking your head towards the dusty bed.

“Fine, you sleep in the fucking bed. If I catch you off it, you’re dead,” This guy was so mean, so threatening. You laughed him off, hopping onto the bed and finding a comfy spot in your bounds.

“Why you gotta hate me so much?” You sighed, “If you knew why I stole them, I think you’d think twice about shooting me.”

Joel gritted his teeth, not appreciating you playing with his emotions. He sat up on the bed, finger hovering over the trigger. “It doesn’t matter. You know people are starving in there, and you went ahead and made it harder for everyone.”

“And you should also know the QZ denies resources to needy people. I’m not dumb, you work for those asshole guards. Don’t you notice them getting fatter – eating all the food? Gimmie a fucking break,” You bite back.

Joel looked at you, reading the genuine annoyance on your face. Maybe you were as noble as you sound. And perhaps you were talking sense, and Joel agreed with you. Or maybe you were a firefly or another vigilante on the rise. Complying with you meant he was putting his life at risk.

“So fucking honourable,” Joel mumbled, “I’d get some rest. We’ll arrive by noon, and they’ll want you all perked up before they have it with you.”

You ignored his words, eying his body next to yours, a smirk arriving on your sly face. “You’re not sleeping in the bed, too, are you?”

Joel pressed his gun firmer against your back. “I said get some rest.”

You couldn’t hold in your laughter. This guy was ridiculous. “Sharing a bed and you haven’t even bought me dinner first, isn’t that just scandalous?”

He fought the urge to beat the shit out of you. He turned away, holding the gun against his chest. He cursed himself from the blush creeping up his neck.

“I don’t have to worry, do I? You’re not like a perv or anything?” You said half-jokingly.

“No, I’m not,” Joel began to get irritated, wishing you’d drop it and sleep.

“I’ll take your word for it,” You sighed, closing your eyes. You were the first to wake up, your eyes greeted by the rising sun through the misty window. You feel an unidentified weight from over you, cringing at the impact. Instead of the big, intimidating man smothering you in your sleep, his arm was wrapped around you, cuddling you like a teddy bear. Before you woke him up to his embarrassment, you gaze at the warmth of his skin, his crow eyes, the peaceful expression on his face. Damn, he’s pretty handsome, you thought, beginning to smile.

[punkassfrance]

Mare Nostrum Mediterranean Grill - Chapter 4 - Joel/Tess/Reader

This is explicit! Minors, DNI!

Contains drug and alcohol use, polyamory, swearing, sleazy flirting, age gap, and an HR nightmare brewing. This chapter does not have any specific content warnings. This chapter contains mild mommy kink, voyeurism/exhibitionism, and semi-public sex.

Summary:

Your first job would have been stressful enough if you didn't have to deal with mind games from Joel and Tess. But god, you couldn't bring yourself to complain. - Joel and Tess are line cooks who really, really like flirting with the innocent newhires. Or maybe it's just you. The working relationship shifts ever so slightly. Previous Chapter - Entire Work

You don’t remember how you got back to your dorm, that night. You don’t remember much of that evening at all- Tess slept as you drove her home, the radio humming something you tuned out.

If you remembered anything, it was the image of Tess, head tilted against the car window, hair draped over her face. She cradled her hand in her lap, bandaged and sterilized, still numb after stitches. At red lights, you eyed the red speckles across her neck, stiffening every time.

As she spoke of Joel, there he was- standing in the doorway, kitchen towel tossed over his shoulder. It’s dark, but you can see the outline of his arms from the light in the house. He looked tense.

When you pulled up to her home, she shifted, slowly lifting her head and rolling it around. “God, my neck…” After a moment, she looked over to you, eyes half-lidded. “...thanks for the ride.”

You nodded, focused on watching your knees through the steering wheel. “Yeah, anytime. You going to be okay?”

Looking over to the beaten pickup truck in the driveway, she nodded. “Joel’s home. He’ll make sure I’m alright.”

Right. They’re together.

“...I’ll see you Thursday, kid.”

The reminder made your stomach sink. They were partners, maybe even married, and you were too wrapped up in your swooning to respect that. It didn’t matter how Joel’s arms flexed when he carried something, or how Tess pulled her hair back. It didn’t matter how they both looked at you as you worked, muttering to each other. Tess’ half-hearted laugh when you joked with her. Joel’s hand lingering when it touched yours.

Doesn’t matter.

“Yep- see you then.”

She got out of the car and walked up to the door, free hand brushing her hair back. When she passed Joel, his hand grabbed her ass, squeezing a handful before she smacked him away.

The last thing you saw as the door closed was his eyes on you.

-

You didn’t get to interact much, the next time you worked with Tess. Two catering orders and a massive rush kept both of you moving, only terse words from the kitchen to the front. Even the close kept you both occupied to the end, Tess stuck on the dish pit as you count the registers.

You didn’t work with both of them again until Saturday. It’s surprisingly slow, and you were lucky enough to have a solid team.

As things died down, you leaned against the counter with a deep sigh.

“No, I don’t think so- hey, rookie, come here a sec.” Dina beckoned you over to the kitchen window.

Tess was pinching the bridge of her nose, leaning on the counter. “Dina, don’t bug ‘em, this isn’t worth-”

“No no, we need a tiebreaker.” She folded her hands together, turning to face you. “Next month is the fall employee party. Pizza or a taco bar?”

Tess scoffed, turning away from the window to wipe down one of her counters. “I spend forty hours a week assembling food, I’m not interested in doing it on what’s meant to be a day off.”

“Pizza’s so boring, though! Everyone has a pizza party!”

“Because it’s a classic. Don’t fuck with tradition.”

You cut in, leaning on the wall beside the kitchen window. “Employee party?”

Dina looked back to you. “Yep! Couple times a year, Tommy and Maria give us a paid day off! Board games, food, karaoke if we want it, just a fun little party.”

Tess shrugged, glancing at you over her shoulder. “It’s a good time. No booze allowed, but nobody will say anything if you show up sauced.” The last part is quiet, conspiratorial. Pulling away from the stove, she leaned into the kitchen window and met your eyes. “You gonna be there?”

“Oh- yeah, I can…probably make it. I can skip class if I gotta.”

She winked. “Good.”

-

After a dinner rush strong enough to knock you all off your feet, Joel and Tess walked out looking like zombies. They were sent out a little sooner after they finished their tasks, both dead on their feet as they waved you goodbye.

“Alright, rookie- you’re good to go. I’ll lock up.”

“Thanks, Dina. See you Monday.”

The air was cold as you stepped outside. The lights were off in the restaurant, sidewalks empty, the stores around you dim- and for once, you swore you could see some of the stars above you.

There were two cars in the parking lot. Yours sat under a streetlamp, a few yards away from an old black sedan. As you fumbled with your keys in the low light, something thumped in the distance behind you. Jerking back, you surveyed the parking lot, heart pounding in your ears.

Once the figures turned back into shadows, your eyes landed on the sedan a short walk away. The cabin light was burning on the ceiling, lighting up a broad expanse of pale, freckled skin. She was hunched over, head curled around a man’s neck as his tan hands came up to undo the clasp on her bra. As the fabric fell and was thrown into the backseat, his hand skirted across her side, mapping out her skin before taking her breast in his hand.

You heard a breathy moan and realized you should look away- your face was burning once again, simmering in the cold night air. This was ethically dodgy at best, fully illegal at worst- but god, there was no looking away now. No looking away from rough hands groping across this woman’s body, her back curved to the sky.

One of his hands ran through her graying brown hair, pulling it over her shoulder as she sat up. Even with the seat leaned back, you could see dark red marks across his neck, bitten tender and raw.

Pale, shapely breasts sloped into chewed-up skin, across a hard jawline…

Tess.

There was no mistaking it, now. No denying what you were doing. Spying on your coworkers fucking. Fucking?

No denying that, either. There they sat, reclined in the dark parking lot, stripping down in the cabin light. Joel’s hand was squeezing her ass as she rose at the touch, bucking her hips forward. God, she’s practically writhing in his lap- if you didn’t know better, you’d think she was a professional.

You couldn’t bring yourself to move. A step back would offer plausible deniability; no, you just glanced over, you were just about to get in the car behind you and drive off. You were just startled, in shock, frantically backing away as your mind processed what you’d stumbled on. A step back was a way out.

But a step forward would give you a better look at Tess’ hands fumbling with Joel’s zipper.

When he ran his hands over her back, tanned biceps tensing, she pressed into the touch and you heard another stifled moan.

“Fuck, momma…”

The deep drawl carried out of the car- it felt infinite, rolling across the asphalt, loud enough for the world to hear.

Your heart stopped right as her head turned to look out the sedan window.

For five long seconds, her hips stilled as she met your eye. Your eyes wandered down to her hands at Joel’s zipper, his stiffening cock in her palm.

Five long seconds.

A coy grin took its place. Her hand pushed down to the base of Joel’s cock, hips rolling forward.

“So good for me.”

That was all you could take. Spinning around, your keys almost fell out of your hand twice as you unlocked the door and started the car. Eyes firmly on the asphalt, you pulled away, chest heaving.

Pulsing.

-

Monday morning, exhausted and weary, you walked into work with coffee in hand.

Joel looked up from his kitchen window, grinning when he saw you.

“Mornin’, kid.”

Dark red splotches line the columns of his throat.

Thank you for reading! Comments are always appreciated, check me out or subscribe to the story on AO3!

[fountainpenguin]

"She's into superstitions: black cats and voodoo dolls... I feel a premonition- that girl's gonna make me fall..." (x)

---

New Dog's Life chapter today! ~ 3rd Life series fan-season

Chapter 23 - “Cooldown (Pearl, Lizzie, Mumbo, Scott)”

❤️ Read on AO3

💛 Start from Chapter 1

💚 More Pixels Imperfect fics

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Pearl puts research into camera accounts and brings home books for her nonexistent roommate, EthoCam… Er, Rhetoric. Lizzie and Joel enjoy date night. Mumbo collapses in bed after an exhausting break-up. Scott puts on his ambassador hat, entertains the Fox Dragon, and reviews a fey contract with a peculiar white-eyed man.

(First 1,000 words under the cut)

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PearlescentMoon - Bat

Status: Reflective

Venue manager, event coordinator, and seasonal business owner

💙  🧡  💚

When Pearl lets herself through the door, the whole flat is quiet. From the pale smell, nothing's cooking in the furnace. But then, he can't, can he? Then he'd be burning my charcoal. She dropped by the library tonight and borrowed a book on soul twins who never became official camera accounts. That should subtly break down the Yes and Nos of what Rhetoric can do. All the librarian villagers were happy to help. She even ran into Gem, which was a surprise. Gem's eyes lit straight up.

"You're back! Hope you had a good time. And how's Impulse? Is he better than he was after last week?"

"He's all right, I think. Had a rough go of it mid-session, but he said he'd share the story on movie night."

"Oh, that's good. I've been worried more than I need to be; I want to smack him. Hey, I'm on snacks tomorrow, right? I'm thinking popcorn balls."

"Popcorn balls sound amazing, actually. I'll make sure I'm stocked up on butter."

"How d'you feel about two movies back to back? I found one I'm DYING to show you guys."

Now the soul-twin book rests in the bag at her waist, hidden by the black cloak that marks her uninterested in the courtship events of the night. Pearl moves through the flat's entryway, glancing left and right. All the lights are off. Can Rhetoric turn on lights?

I didn't even think about that when I went out. Oh, this is a toughie… She didn't bring back any treats on purpose, not wanting to offend him. She did pick up a random book on folk tales and another on hybrid biology. These, she leaves on the kitchen counter. As a museum curator, maybe Rhetoric considers himself a historian and potential expert on both these subjects.

Maybe he'll scoff. But according to the patient librarians, account-less soul-twins can hold books and turn their pages just fine. They just can't write in them because it would update the book, and they can't rip out the pages because it would create paper. If you're account-less, you can't update blocks.

That's the word, by the way. Soul-twins… She never actually knew that. She's always just called them "cameras." Did you know you can be account-less as the player, and it can be the camera twin who gets most of the creator bleed and activity levels?

It's not common, but apparently true. It happens on occasion if the same creator is juggling three or more accounts at a time and largely uses that third one for spectating right at the start in those early days. Traditionally, the first account to sync goes to the player soul. The second sync goes to their soul-twin, whether they're often on spectator mode or not. The third can be a coin-flip as a completely new pair of souls is spawned in, syncing up to an already established Minecraft player who may actually prefer spectating this time around.

Food for thought. I wonder if Moo's ever been bugged when I've called her a camera. Maybe I should ask if I can meet up with some of her friends. Maybe we can all do a Q&A night. You could write a paper on this stuff.

… or a book, evidently. Pearl checks the signed name again. Pixlriffs. Of course it is.

If this is insightful, I'll have to drop something off to thank him. But she'll wait until the full moon's faded out so he won't get the wrong idea.

Pearl leaves the books she got for Rhetoric at the end of the counter, next to the bar stool she drapes her Not Courting cloak over. She'll hang it properly some other time. For now, she wants to set the scene: I'm not trying to come on too strong. I just happened to leave a few books here, that are mine, and when I'm away, nothing's stopping you from taking a little looksie at them.

When she turns around, she catches her new roommate standing out on the balcony, one elbow on the rail. Did he open that door? Did she leave it open? He gazes into the courtyard below, swishing his tail back and forth against his heels. It stiffens when she creaks the door open. "Don't talk to me," he mutters, not turning around.

"Right, I won't- Not for no reason, now. Still, I have some housekeeping things we should go over."

Rhetoric's tail twitches again. "No. That can wait. Literally, don't talk to me. I was getting fresh air. As fresh as you can get under bedrock, anyway. Now that you've returned, I'll stay in my room and keep my head down, but it's a full moon tonight. I don't technically exist, but I'm still a hybrid. Give me space."

"Okay," Pearl concedes. There are seven fox ambiance defaults: burrowing, hunting, napping, courtship, marking territory, playing, and stealing. On top of that, the urge to flee from players is a legit part of their coding. Rhetoric's maybe or maybe not feeling courtship tugs, and neither of them wants to deal with that. If it's not courtship, that urge to find his own private space is probably gnawing at his spine. She's not giving up on him, but she'll wait until he's less prickly.

Pearl returns to the kitchen and starts prepping a mixing bowl. Rhetoric's ears snap up. He turns his head. He has gray eyes. They're dull from lack of color, but almost puzzled or wary when he studies her from across the room. He says, "You're an anivore, right?"

"Just a little bit- I'm a partial anivore. I need code to keep my energy up, but I actually can eat other foods without feeling sick. My diet's still restricted." He doesn't look away, so she doesn't stop talking. She barely looks at him, though. "I know fox hybrids can change color between white and ginger when they respawn. My friend Grian's a parrot and they're the same way- the soul spawner might spit them out with different feather colors than what they had before, based on RNG. We bats are like that. Right now, I'm a vampire bat. I used to be a fruit bat when I was first spawned. The type of food that actually refills my hunger meter shifts between respawns, but my stomach can digest all of them."

"So you're an omnivore."

"Well. Yeah, I guess so."

Rhetoric folds his ears flat against his night-black hair. "I don't have proper code. I'm not real."

"Nah, I don't nip much off other people. I barely need any, see; I nip my own code." Pearl lifts her arm, gesturing to the space between her sleeve hem and her hand for emphasis. "Tastes like macaroni and marshmallow right here at the edge." For the sake of it, she doesn't ask if he's ever tasted code before. Probably not. She pauses for breath anyway so he can have his chance to speak.

"That's… disgusting." Rhetoric waves his tail for a second, keeping it low, then almost rotates full around to talk to her. "I had a visitor today."

"What?"

"Some phantom wearing green. Yellow hair. Black bandana. He didn't give his name, but I found him rather rude. I'm half tempted to report him for harassment."

Martyn. Pearl's instinct is to volunteer the name, though she catches herself and hesitates just before she can. "Oh. I'm sorry he bothered you. Was he hunting? Maybe he clocked you as not having slept… ever."

Rhetoric shrugs, dismissing her thin attempt at comfort. "He broke in. I'd talk to Scott about upgrading your security, if I were you."

[Full chapter on AO3 - Link at top]

[toointojoelmiller]

play something new: a last of us one-shot

Sarah and Joel have a sweet domestic moment together in th backyard... just before his birthday :( gosh I love them.

1k words

read on ao3 here

----

The screen door slams behind him, and he jumps - drops the bike chain, lubricant smearing up his forearm. He cranks his head around to see - Sarah in her hoodie and track pants, barefoot on the patio.

It isn’t every day that she wants him to play for her - so when he registers that she’s holding onto his guitar, he raises an eyebrow.

“Hey kiddo,” he says. He sets down what he’s holding and tries to wipe some of the grease off his hands and arms - smudging dark stains onto his nearly worn to death jeans.

She flops onto their bench swing, laying the guitar down next to her. “Hey. What are you doing?”

He walks over, stretching out his back. “Just - getting our bikes tuned up a bit - thought we might go out this weekend, if you’re up for it. As a birthday present for me?”

She laughs at him. “Dad - I’ll go for a bike ride with you - you don’t have to extort me.”

He flashes her a grin as he moves the guitar aside, leaning it against the wall, and sits down next to her - “Alright, good to know. I’ll cash it in for somethin’ else then.”

She rolls her eyes and rocks the swing back and forth a little bit with her toes - they sit in the quiet for a few moments, listening to the bugs humming.

“You want me to see if Uncle Tommy can come with us?” He asks eventually.

She nods - “Sure. Sounds fun. Then I won’t feel bad when I leave both of you in the dust - you can keep each other company.”

He snorts as he thinks about the last time the three of them went biking - the split chin Tommy had to get stitched up after a poorly thought out race home with Sarah and a way too enthusiastic attempt to jump a curb - “I’ll ask him."

“Speaking of -” she says, “Your birthday breakfast - we decided we’re gonna have pancakes. I don’t think we have any stuff though.”

“Alright, pancake mix - on it,” he says. “You two plottin’ anythin’ else about my birthday?” 

She shakes her head. “Nah - not yet anyway.” 

“Well, you got a couple days,” he says as he scratches his chin, looking at her. “You all done playin’ for the night?”

She shakes her head - “Just needed some air.” Chews her lip a bit, a furrow in her brow that makes Joel frown.

“Everything alright?”

“I can’t get it,” she groans in dismay, throwing her head back dramatically - he almost laughs, but knows she won’t appreciate it - “I’ve been trying for hours - and I just - it’s like my fingers won’t do what I want ‘em to. I’m no good at it.”

“You’ll get it, kiddo - just takes time. You’re plenty good. Ke -"

“Keep practicing, I know,” she grumbles, cutting him off. “Uuuugh. Practicing sucks.”

He can’t hold in a chuckle -

“And now you’re laughing at me, too,” she says, tossing a hand over her eyes. But her shoulders are shaking too as she laughs along.

“Nah - really, though, baby - I’m sorry. I know the feelin’ - it ain’t fun,” he says, putting an arm around her and giving her a squeeze. “Which one are you tryin’?”

“The - you know the one that’s like,” she mimics a little tune - “Duh-nuh nuh nuh nuh -" and he’s fighting not to laugh again - can’t help it, sometimes she’s just so damn cute.

“Right - “ he says, no clue at all what song she’s talking about - “Halican Drops?”

It’s a safe guess and it pays off as she nods.

“Well - you’ll get it baby. Maybe just need a break. Sometimes if you try for too long you can end up getting worked up about it and - just makes it harder. Maybe better to start fresh another time.”

“Yeah,” she mumbles. “I guess.” It’s quiet for another minute. He moves the hand around her shoulder up, playing with her hair a bit.

And then she looks at him, doe eyed. “Will you play something for me?”

A question he’s never said no to. He can’t help the grin that spreads cross his face, that she’ll still ask - growing so fast it makes him dizzy - a full-blooded teenager now, and still sitting out back with her dad, wanting to hear him play. Special, sweet - not a day goes by he isn’t floored by how lucky he is. 

“Of course,” he says, trying not to gloat over it - his heart swelling in his chest. “Any special requests?” He gets the strap slung over his head, takes a second to adjust the tuning -

Sarah shrugs, tucking her feet up on the bench, wrapping her arms around her knees. “Something new. What were you playing last night?”

He’s suddenly a bit sheepish - almost blushes. “Ah - you heard that? Thought I was bein’ quiet - sorry.”

She shakes her head at him -“No, I liked it - it sounded nice. The little bit I heard, anyway. What was it?”

He opens his mouth, but she gets a sly smile as she cuts him off to say - “Wait, wait - let me guess - more Pearl Jam?”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” he says with a scoff as she throws her head back and cackles.

“Oh my god, Dad - you seriously need to branch out.”

He’s laughing, too - can’t help it, she’s contagious - “You want me to play or you want to tease me about my taste in music some more?”

She wiggles a bit to get comfortable, tucks some of her hair behind her ears. “Play, play! Can you - do you mind doin’ the one from last night? It sounded cool. There was a part I really liked.”

“Anythin’ for you, kiddo,” he says seriously, and she beams that smile at him that makes everything in the world ok. “Fair warning, though - I don’t have it nearly figured out, yet. Just came out - only played it through a few times. Was gonna play it for you, eventually, just - don’t be surprised if you hear me fillin’ in a lot -”

She nods eagerly. He takes a minute to run his eyes over her face - hopes she never stops looking at him like this - before he clears his throat, strums the first few bars - breath in -

“If I ever were to lose you -”

[vinylspinning]

Billy Joel: Piano Man (1973)

Billy Joel has been a household name for almost half a century now, thanks to the release of his sophomore solo album, Piano Man, in 1973, and the title track that became his signature tune, but his was a long and arduous road out of obscurity.

In fact, the Long Island native had already been paying his dues for the better part of a decade: first in semi-professional outfits like The Echoes, Emeralds, Lost Souls, and The Hassles, before partaking of the infamous proto-metal duo, Attila.

And when he finally scored a solo deal with Family Productions, Billy suffered the indignity of seeing his 1971 debut, Cold Spring Harbor, issued with a pressing error: a sped-up master that turned his voice into, in his own words, "an inebriated chipmunk"! (*)

Traumatized by the experience and locked in a legal dispute with his incompetent label, Joel packed his bags and moved cross-country to L.A., where he picked up work as a lounge singer at a long-defunct dive called the Executive Room.

But it was there that he inadvertently accumulated the abundant source-material with which to paint the vivid characters and relatable scenarios depicted in "Piano Man", including personal favorite stanzas like:

"Now John at the bar is a friend of mine; He gets me my drinks for free; And he's quick with a joke, or to light up your smoke; But there's some place that he'd rather be;

He says, 'Bill, I believe this is killing me'; As a smile ran away from his face; 'Well, I'm sure that I could be a movie star; If I could get out of this place.'

And the waitress is practicing politics; As the businessmen slowly get stoned; Yes, they're sharing a drink they call loneliness; But it's better than drinkin' alone. And the piano, it sounds like a carnival; And the microphone smells like a beer; And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar; And say 'man what are you doin' here?'"

Even that forlorn, Dylan-esque harmonica works wonders!

But the resulting LP -- his first for Columbia -- was ironically introduced by the country-fried banjo and fiddle of "Travelin' Prayer," which consigned the piano to a supporting role and was the first sign that Joel had yet to flesh out his musical persona.

Sure enough, the soulful "Ain't no Crime" owes a lot to Leon Russell, "The Ballad of the Billy the Kid," with its Old West themes and symphonic sweep, recalls Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection, and the sardonic wah-wah of "Worse Comes to Worst" sounds like Steely Dan.

But glimpses of Billy's personal style do crop up in love songs like "You're My Home" and the especially well-realized "If I Only Had the Words (To Tell You)," both of which were inspired by his wife ... who would one day ALSO take him to the cleaners!

Finally, for a guy who scored near perfection on "Piano Man" (and also does himself proud on "Stop in Nevada" and the gospel-like "Somewhere Along the Line"), Joel showed a colossal lack of tact and good taste on "Captain Jack" -- an epic, seven-minute ode to masturbation.

Plus, he kinda looks like Andy Serkis' bug-eyed Gollum on the album sleeve (see above), but now I'm just being impolite.

Although it wasn't perfect, Piano Man was exactly what Billy Joel needed to put all those career false starts behind him; it was the fresh start needed to position himself for stardom in the '70s, and obviously for the next 50 years.

* Of course the botched version is available on YouTube.

More Billy Joel: Streetlife Serenade, Turnstiles, The Stranger, 52nd Street, Glass Houses, Songs in the Attic, The Nylon Curtain, An Innocent Man, Greatest Hits - Volume I & Volume II, plus Attila’s Attila.

[rejectory]

@ohsunshine: “how many times do i have to save your ass?”

been wondering that, kid.

whatever the fuck is wrong with him better get shook out before some sick motherfucker gets his hands on ellie and—and

joel’s drizzling into his mouth. he doesn’t give blood for free. the price here is a misty-eyed pressure that’ll crystallize into nothin’ pretty. his nose is gnarled off-center, and something’s awful wrong with it, he can tell. it ain’t taste like it used to.

the meatsack in the dirt comes to in twitches; goes nerve to nerve, starting with the three-fingered hand knuckling at downstream mulch or a fist, until the whole christmas tree’s lit back up. joel splashes over. one leg he can’t feel. he crawls heavy, dragged down, and saddles up on the backache low of his spine.

joel’s knees bug-pin, feeling ribs spike. a black clot on a string slings out of his mouth down to the squirmer— boy, sarah’s age now if she——-the back of his head where ellie hit him good.

joel strangles him face-down. the squeeze bulges, softens, splinters like a dry stem when his throat comes loose.

there are more comin’.

❛move.❜

[mothinked]

Jack did in fact dig up worms. Beetles, too. Ellie squinted at a small, brown slimy thing glistening under the sun and soon identified it as a slug and when the dog tried to eat it, she elbowed him away with a disgusted noise. "Now I know you're not that hungry." He barked at the reproof, like she offended him, and nipped at her cargos. His forced sneezing upon letting go of the material was dog language to express that he was only playing with her. His accompanying growls were love growls; he did it the loudest for Rudy. "I'll give you the biggest fish I catch," she bargained, holding him by the snout and affectionately giving it a shake.

Worms of various lengths were collected, wriggling in her loosely closed fist. They were cold against her skin but it did not gross her out; they were kind of neat actually. Lev eyed her skeptically when she approached with her hand held out to him and facing down. "I promise it's not a spider," she laughed. It was human instinct to be suspicious if someone held a closed hand out like this because what if it was a bug? JJ had done this with Dina when he was three, wanting to show off a cool spider he found on the porch, and Ellie could hear her shriek of horror all the way out to the barn.

"Worms are invertebrate animals," she explained. Lev watched as she took his hand and gently placed them in his palm. "Invertebrate?" he repeated, the word foreign to him but peaking his curiosity. "It means they don't have a backbone. Snails, lobsters, insects."

Sharing animal facts was fun—Ellie was full of them. "It's where the saying 'spineless as a jellyfish' comes from." He blinked then asked, "Know anything cool about sharks...?" Ellie brushed her hands off on the sides of her pants. She folded her arms across her chest as she gave it some thought. "The largest shark to ever exist was the megalodon. Their teeth were measured to be over seven inches. Oh, and they were like eighteen meters long while the great white only reaches maybe five meters. How fuckin' cool is that?" She began walking the shoreline to show him approximately how long eighteen meters was. "Gotta say I'm glad we don't have anything bigger than whales in the ocean," she called out before walking back.

After grabbing the second rod she intended to use and giving it to him, she pointed in the direction of the pier. "Go on ahead, I'll meet you there." He didn't ask why she was hanging back and simply flashed her a thumbs up. Ellie took a small canister from her pack and was holding it under an arm when she walked up to Abby. Her footsteps were dampened by the grass but she was sure the other woman was aware of her presence anyway. She glanced at the firewood and then the supplies recovered from inside the cabin. Abby had been busy this whole time. A hand lifted from Ellie's side, reaching hesitantly toward Abby with the intention of placing it on her shoulder.

There was a long lapse of silence, a warring internal debate. Ellie frowned to herself before she slowly and carefully made contact. It was brief, the moth-inked hand short two digits lingering for a second then lifting away. "You alright?" She shifted her weight from one leg to the other, clearing her throat and unwilling to let her question sit too long before she mumbled something about coffee. The canister was placed on the arm of the chair. There was still a good amount of ground coffee left she'd been carrying since Jackson. A compartment sectioned at the bottom of the canister contained sugar. She didn't have cream or ice cubes to make iced coffee but sugar alone was much better than nothing.

It tastes like bitter shit.

Ha, she'd eaten (or drank?) her own words when she tried coffee with the proper ingredients instead of how Joel preferred his coffee: black.

Jack had since trotted over and settled to lie down at Abby's feet. His tongue lolled out, his blaze-marked chest moving in steady pants. He played with Lev often while he liked to spend quieter moments with Abby either nosing her legs or whining softly until she petted him. There was a brush tucked away inside his vest (Ellie had it off for the rest of the day) she offered to Abby once so she could brush him. It was something both Abby and Lev were welcomed to do if they wanted without the need to ask Ellie. He was kind of everyone's emotional support dog at this point.

Between chops, the sound of laugher permeated the air and she found herself looking in the direction of the parties responsible. It’s nice to hear the laugher, particularly from Lev. He wasn’t solemn but admittedly some of Abby’s serious nature had rubbed off on him at points so when he could cut loose, it was nice to know that he was still capable of enjoying himself. It was no secret he had been forced to grow up far too fast. The shit he’d seen, the shit he’d been through. No thirteen year old should have been subjected to the things he was, especially at the hands of the Seraphites. The fact that he’d made it out of there was remarkable. There were days where his wisdom far outweighed not only her self, but the majority of folks she knew.

There may have been the slightest hint of a smile as she watched the three of them for a moment. Moments like these felt far and few between but to be in an area where they could briefly let their guard down was refreshing. Shaking her head with a quiet laugh, she resumed the task at hand. Before long, she had a solid pile of split logs that she would be able to build up in the firepit to get something good going. Only thing left to do was to find some cookware.

Before she forgot, she placed the hatchet to rest up against the side of the fire pit in case Ellie found herself in need of it. A couple long strides up the steps and she had disappeared back into the cabin and found her way to the kitchen. Allegedly, per Ellie, there was some good stuff still in here. All they needed were a couple pans to cook the fish on and if she could find a pot to start boiling water for purifying, they would be good to go. Now it was just a matter of finding them and while she was at it, scavenging for anything else that may have been salvageable.

Cabinet after cabinet she searched, drawer after drawer until she had compiled a collection of a couple pots of varying sizes, a couple of drinking glasses, and two frying pans. One of them was small enough to stash away in her pack once they were ready to leave. Outside of that, the place was long stripped of anything of use. No big deal, they had what they needed and would make due.

With the items in arm, she made her way outside and over to the firepit, carefully laying the collected items out on one of the lounge chairs that was nearby. She disappeared once more into the cabin before emerging with a pack of coffee filters, something she always carried in her bag. They were a bitch to come by but Catalina had built up quite the stock that when she left, she was able to take what was needed. By no means a perfect filtration method but it had worked on their journey so far. Everything was ready for whenever Lev and Ellie were ready. For now? Abby plopped herself down in another one of the lawn chairs and let her eyes fall shut, taking in a deep breath of the cooling air.