#bunn watches

[bunnakit]

new's sleeves are paid actors

[spicyvampire]

4 MINUTES (2024) EP. 1

[mayathexpsychic]

every time you tag something with "dw" I see it first as "don't worry" then I see "Doctor Who" then I realize you mean Dallon Weekes

XHXHXHXHHXXH this reminds me of the person who sent an ask saying it reminds them of arthur’s little sister DW 😭😭😭😭😭

[basicallyjaywalker]

Hey, just a random question that I just happened to send now, but do you know what a Ninjago is? (ask game)

Uhhhh is that the show about the animals who have turf wars or smth? Or the other one where it's about a boy who has monkey dads? Or the one about the dream world ? IDK if I can't remember it it's probably lame

[hanthecannibal]

ahh yes, the inherent eroticism of breaking and entering together

[moechies]

toji n his bunny gf ૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა

thinkin’ abt toji’s bunnie gf that lies to him bc she doesn’t want him to be mad :(

your ears point down and your gaze lingers away from his, and he already knows his pretty baby is lying to him. but even after he knows, he likes watching you stutter over your own words, and creating fake scenarios on the spot when both you and him know never happened.

it’s almost comedic how your eyes visibly light up when you find something believable to say, just to be brought down with a condescending chuckle that leaves his lips.

“is that so?”

“mhm..”

“are you really telling the truth bunny? you know what happens when you lie, don’t you?”

“y-yes.. i..”

“you what?” your ear perks up at a sudden ‘clink,’ upon taking a look up, you see the man undoing his belt, slipping the leather rope out of the hooks of his denim pants.

“m-m tellin’ the truth..” your tail begins to flutter, a sign that you’re beginning to panic. he changes his hold on the belt so the ends are held in one hand, still a stoic expression spread across his face.

you can’t stand to look your lover in the eyes, knowing you’re lying directly to his face. after all he’s done to take care of you, pamper you, and love you, you still find it inside you to lie.. but it’s okay;

“look at me.”

you nervously peer up at the man, a slight shiver down your spine when his piercing cold eyes with a certain glint, stare directly back into yours.

“are you really telling your owner the truth?” he lifts your chin with a gentle finger,

and that’s when you begin to feel the tears weld in your eyes, your bottom lip quiver as you build the courage to reply to him.

“bunn-“

“m-m sorry..!” your arms flail out to wrap around his leg, small hands with a tight grip on his pants, as short tears fall down flushed cheeks.

“i-i lied ! i jus— didn’t wan’ you to get mad. pleasepleaseplease, d-don’t be angry, sir.. please—‘m sorry.!” you stammer in broken whines.

“there we go,” he whispers, followed with a grin. he brings his hand down to your head, short but sweet pets to your head and saddened ears.

“it’s okay bunny. i forgive you.”

“r-really..?” your head swiftly turns to his, eyes glossy, cheeks flushed, and your lips swollen with a slight shake. he groans at the sight, but says nothing to intrigue you.

“but..” his thumb runs over your cheek, using the same hand he holds his belt with,

“bad bunnies get punished. remember ?”

[chinzhilla]

WAIT NO I DID NOT EXPECT IT TO END SO SUDDENLY HELP

[basicallyjaywalker]

The read more function is also your friend!!

It's the icon right next to the option to put a poll, two horizontal parallel lines with a zigzagging line between them

From what I understand sometimes even blocking tags isn't a guarantee to not see something, so putting a read more after your header/title means that even if the tag filters don't catch it, the person whose dash it's on still has an extra layer before they're shown the image

Quick reminder to EVERYONE to tag spoilers as #ninjago spoilers and #dragons rising spoilers

I DO NOT care if you wanna be fancy or creative just at the MINIMUM include THESE TAGS

I hate to make a post like this but it feels like I gotta

THIS IS ESPECIALLY THE CASE WITH ART AND IMAGES!

Even WITH a header saying "Ninjago Spoilers" you can't just scroll past art or images and not "see it", you still can! The images on tumblr are HUGE and in the end, you're not gonna get more likes!

You know what you'll get not tagging your art properly?

People angry with you and tempted to block you

PLEASE I BEG OF YOU TAG YOUR STUFF! PROPERLY!!!

[patheticbabie]

The Feels - Dick Grayson x Reader

The Feels - Dick Grayson x Reader (fem reader)

A/N: I was listening to the feels by twice while writing this, so this is very self indulgent for me to write this. Yep I got carried away writing this, from 2am - 3am. But I had fun, cause I’ve had thots about Dick Grayson for two nights in a  row now. Anyways enjoy 💙

Warnings: best friends who are idiots, friends to eventual lovers, they did this whole thing backwards, smut 18+, NO MINORS OR AGELESS BLOGS, dirty talk, grinding, fingering, recording intimate acts, nipple play plus nipple piercings, oral (f receiving), caught in the act. Wow okay I think that’s all the warnings.

It’s finally the weekend, and it was the rare occurrence that everyone was at the Manor, to hang out or do their own thing. Dick had asked his best friend if she wanted to come along with him, and seeing as her weekend was free she thought why not.

“YOU CHEATED! You can’t do that, you can't gang up on me and put down +4’s.” Dick scoffed and pointed at Jason, Tim and his best friend with a scowl.

“House rules Dickiebird, so go on pick up the cards” Jason grinned

Everyone’s competitive streak comes out, with arguments about their stupid house rules, and ganging up on one another. The only players left were Jason and Dick. Both players glared at each other. They’re both down to one card, and Dick picked up a card and hid his grin.

Jason grumbling about how he didn’t have the correct colour was forced to draw a card. Dick laughing to himself, slammed the +4 into the pile. 

“Hey littlewing….uno bitch” 

***

Feeling bored hanging around downstairs, Dick made his way up to his old bedroom, and played something from his playlist, whilst going about tidying little bits and pieces.

She made her way upstairs, getting close to his bedroom, his bluetooth speakers blasting a familiar kpop song, by both of their favourite girl group.

“You have stolen my heart oh yeah, never let it go oh oh, no never let it go oh oh oh” she heard him sing loudly, and watched from the door as he did the choreo in front of his full length mirror without a care in the world.

Making her way into his room, she giggled seeing him and came closer to him and grabbed his hand with a smile and teasingly said the lyrics “you got my attention, so what’s your intention? Tell me baby, what’s the deal?’

He pulled her close to his chest, with a smirk and twinkle in his eyes as they danced lost in a world with just them. His finger gently pushed a stray hair behind her ear, as she watched him with a dreamy look. “Did you enjoy the little show? I do think I could be twices’ 10th member.”

Laughing softly, she loved hearing his little random thoughts. “Hm.. maybe, but there is that one problem, they’re a girl group and you’re a guy. Although I would love to see you perform TT or fancy, that would be amazing to watch.”

Pulling away from her, he laid down on his bed and patted the spot beside him. Laying next to him, he gathered her in his arms and played with her hair. The silence was comfortable, as both of their thoughts were filled with each other.

“Hey bunny, you heard they’re coming here for a concert?” she hummed as her answer

“Do you wanna go together, like…as in a date night thing?” he didn’t know he was holding his breath waiting for an answer.

Sitting up slightly, she looked down at him trying to hide her ever growing smitten smile. He had a sense of panic, it’s only been 10 seconds since he asked her out, but it felt like time was slow, “Bunn-” he didn’t finish the sentence as he suddenly felt a pair of soft lips pressed upon him. Holding her closer to him, his hand tangled in her hair, as they kissed. 

Pulling away slightly from his addictive lips, she whispered, “to quote twice; I got the feels for you. And yes to the date.”

He grinned, “a woman who knows the ways to my heart.” pulling her on top of him, so she was straddling, he didn’t think he could ever be tired of the view in front of him.

She laughed softly and winked at him, before leaning down to connect their lips. His hands roamed her body, as she moved her hips against his ever growing boner, moaning softly into the kiss as Dick softly pulled on her bottom lip. Her hands tugging on his shirt, he reluctantly pulled away from her lips to remove it and throw it on his bedroom floor.

Biting her lips as her eyes followed the hard lines of his body, watching him subtly flex. Unaware of the needy whimper that escaped her throat, and the slight grind of her hips on his cock. He chuckled softly

“Baby, I love how needy you are.” his smug smile got wider as he made sure to grind up against her hard, for her to feel his desire for her.

Tapping her thighs, he asked her to remove her shorts. Not ever being one to deny him of anything, she quickly removed her shorts, throwing it on the ground next to his shirt. Settling back down onto his lap to grind against his cock, she pouted “Why am I the only one in my underwear? Dick you’re such a perv.”

“Because I love this view, wait can I take a photo? I promise it’ll be for my eyes only.” With a nod, he reached to grab his phone, opening the camera, and grinned at the position they’re in. Her on top of him, her hands underneath her shirt and cupping her tits, wearing a blue thong which coincidentally was his nightwing suit colour. Tilting her head to the side with an innocent smile, She lifted her shirt and rested it on her collarbones, allowing him to see the matching lace bra. He smirked, and snapped multiple photos of her. 

“Hm..you know how they say videos are sometimes better? I have an idea, is that okay with you Dick? You know something for your spankbang when you’re away.

Groping her ass before giving it a smack, he smirked at her yelp “Of course bunny. I’ll hold the phone, and you do whatever you’re comfortable with.:

Phone focused on her body, lowering the cups of her bra, he growled seeing her nipple piercings. He had an inkling but never asked her about it. Now in front of him licking his lips as he watched through his phone as she played with her nipples. 

“Are they sensitive?”

“Hm…extra since my nipples have always been sensitive.” her voice airy as she moved the metal bar on her right nipple. Her free hand tilted his head up to watch her, and her smile was mischievous. 

“Do you wanna see what it’s like to suck on them? You know for curiosity's sake, and even better, I’ll record you doing it. What do you think babe?”

“Fuck yes” he handed her his phone, as she pressed record and a gasp escaped from her as his lips latched onto one nipple, as his tongue swirled around the metal bar. His hands are busy cupping and squeezing her tits, his fingers working on rolling her right nipple. Kisses made their way to her right nipple, as he gently sucked on the nipple making her moan loudly. The view she had from his phone was making her lose her mind. Stopping the recording, she threw his phone on the bed, before tugging on his hair and pulling him into a deep kiss.

“Need you, please. I want you” she panted in between breaths as his lips made their way down her neck. His fingers made their way to where she wanted him most. Fingers rubbing her pussy through her blue lace underwear, he felt how wet she was.

“Yeah baby? I can feel how wet you are. I’ll give you anything you want.” He growled against her neck as he bit hard enough to leave a mark. Sliding her panties to the side, his fingers ran through her lips, feeling how drenched she was. Slipping his fingers in her cunt, he cursed at the delicious feel of her velvety walls squeezing his fingers. 

He glanced down seeing how her pussy easily sucked his fingers in with how wet she was for him. Thumb rubbing her clit, he groaned addicted to watching his fingers becoming wetter with her desire. “Fuck baby, look down and see how your greedy cunt easily takes my fingers.” looking down she whimpered seeing his fingers work in and out of her cunt with a steady pace. 

“Looks so hot right princess? The way your cunt squeezes my fingers, not wanting to let go. And the sounds this pretty pussy makes? I’m addicted to it, I should make your moans and the pretty sounds your pussy makes my alarm.

“Dickie…can I record this pretty please?” she didn’t have to ask since she knew his answer, as she grabbed his phone, already having the camera ready to record. 

Removing her off his lap, he laid her down on the pillows, spreading her legs. He groaned seeing how wet she was. Looking up at her, he winked at her flustered face “let’s make that recording better, I’m gonna eat this pretty pussy like it’s my last meal.” 

With a nod, she pointed his phone down towards him, his hands holding her thighs apart, he knew how wet she was, but he couldn’t help himself as he spat on her pussy, and she gasped, behind his phone. Not wasting time, his tongue licked a long strip from her cunt to her clit, fingers gently working in and out of her. Lips sucking on her clit, she felt him making moves with his tongue as if he was spelling something. He was though, spelling his name on her clit, she whimpered as her hand tried to steady as it focused on him.

Moving away from her clit, to press kisses down to her opening, his eyes trained on the camera, giving a wink, finding her entrance his tongue replaced his fingers, and she let out a loud moan feeling his tongue in her pussy.

Her free hand rolling her nipple and playing with the metal bar, feeling weak watching him between her legs. Not knowing where to look, through his phone's camera, or watch the real thing. His groans wracking her body, he couldn’t get enough of how sweet her pussy tasted. 

Pulling away slightly, he panted to catch his breath, he looked at her flushed face and laughed softly, “your pussy is so sweet, so fucking tasty, gonna spend all my days eating your cunt out.”

“I-I won’t complain, getting eaten out everyday sounds like a dream” she whispered breathlessly

His lips wrapped around her clit before moving down, as his tongue entered her cunt. Using the zoom on his camera, she focused on how Dick was tongue fucking her as his thumb rubbed tight circles on her clit. Feeling her pussy tighten around his tongue, she panted and moaned his name loudly, knowing she was close.

“P-please. Fuck I’m so close.”

Groaning against her cunt, he worked his tongue as fast as he could, as his fingers worked on her clit in the same rhythm. Hearing her scream his name loudly, he felt her squirt on him. Groaning, he worked his tongue lazily against her pussy, groaning as he felt her squirt again.

Unaware of how loud her scream was, and unaware of someone standing by the doorway having witnessed Dick eating his best friend's pussy and making her squirt and her holding Dick’s phone towards the scene and recording everything? might be the hottest thing he’s witnessed.

Subtly adjusting his jeans, he awkwardly cleared his throat. Both heads snapped towards the door. Both of them quickly tried to cover up with the bed covers. “Jay…how long were you there for?” Dick asked breathless, chin shining and dripping with your essence.

“um…I guess…long enough to see you make her squirt twice. And you asked her to record it? Fuck that’s hot. Anyways, I came because I heard a scream so I wanted to see if things were okay, and I can see things are more than okay.” He smirked at both of them

“Hey princess, ask Dick to send me that video if you’re okay with it.” Winking at her flushed face, and he laughed as Dick threw a pillow at him telling him to get out and close the door.

Pulling her into his arms, both breathless from what had happened. “You know he was right, that video is the hottest thing on my phone…well until we fuck and I record us, with your consent of course bunny.”

“Hm…that sounds like fun. A close up of your cock going in and out of my pussy…sounds like a great movie night.” she grabbed his hand and placed it onto her wet pussy, sighing as he ran his fingers lightly through her.

“But not till after our date, because I”ve been looking forward to this concert.”

[tojisun]

kinktober — 16: humiliation/degradation

toji fushiguro x fem reader

!! smut - minors dni; d/s; pleasure and orgasm denial; power imbalance; age difference; pet play; ownership and daddy kink; toys; petnames; no penetration teehee; mean toji

kinktober masterlist

you whimper from your spot on the floor, your knees and shins screaming in agony as you continue to sit your whole weight on them. your swollen eyes continue to tear up, drenching your already-damp face and you are sure that nothing of your makeup is left at this point. it’s been more than fifteen minutes already, after all, but your lover – your daddy – is relentless, unwilling to give you any room for your satisfaction.

the sound of a wet slide from in front of you brings you back to reality and you shift your eyes up, whining when toji continues to refuse to meet your gaze. his head is thrown back to the cushions in pleasure, his scarred lips parted for raspy grunts, and his eyes screwed shut in pleasure. 

toji has always been beautiful. has always looked so hot when he is overtaken by his hunger, but not now. not like this!

his fist is wrapped around a fleshlight, the toy squelching with every pump that toji makes to his cock; you watch the way he drags it down until the head of his cock hits the base of the toy, the fleshlight not having been long enough to take the entirety of his length to the hilt. still, toji grunts in pleasure, his fist going erratic, chasing the tight heat created by the toy. 

toji’s lips quirk up at hearing your broken sob and, finally, he peels his eyes open to drag them to look at you. you don’t know what he sees but it makes him chuckle, the sound ripping from his throat, leaving you curling into yourself at hearing how mean he sounds. 

“oh so now y’can’t make eye contact, huh?” his voice is ragged from chasing his euphoria and as much as you’d like to bask in the drags of his syllables, you couldn’t help but flinch at his condescending tone.

he clicks his tongue. “this is why i’m not fuckin’ you, bunny. can’t even be a good girl.”

you gasp, startling from your position, your hands twitching from where they lay clenched into a fist on your lap. a denial sits on your tongue, dragging along your taste buds like a burning wire, but the words sizzle into nothing at the warning look that toji shoots you. 

your lips wobble, desperate tears leaking from your eyes, and toji’s face softens. “c’mere, bun.”

you jerk from your place, blinking up at him in surprise, and it takes toji’s quirked brow for you to move, surging towards him with frantic energy. your legs buckle at the sudden tension and a punched breath leaves your lungs when you almost slip. you feel shame slam into you when you hear toji’s barked laughter at seeing you desperately fumble, your cheeks thrumming with warmth.

still, with a languid glide, you finally manage to come and kneel before him, your body bracketed by his toned legs, the rough material of his work jeans dragging against your tender skin. 

that’s another thing that drives you crazy – how toji’s still so covered while you sit there in nothing but a skimpy lingerie set he asked you to wear. he had been desperate with restrained desire when he gave it to you, and while it was not really begging, there was a hint of plea in his actions. which is why you truly didn’t expect the night to tumble into this scene.

he cups your cheek with his free hand, his thumb swiping at the corner of your lips, and you peer up at him, ignoring the way he’s still warming the fleshlight, before jutting your lip out in a pout, hoping that maybe he’d reward you now. that he’d stop fucking that goddamn toy and choose to ruin you instead.

toji’s smile turns sharper like he’s caught on to what you’re thinking. “aww, why you poutin’? hate seein’ me fuck the toy so much?”

you nod shakily, still quiet just like he had wanted. toji grins, eyes blazing with pride at seeing your display of obedience.

“but i’m jus’ appreciatin’ the gift you gave me, bunny.” his hand leaves your face to sling it back on the chair’s arm before he begins fucking the fleshlight again.

your eyes rip from toji’s own to watch the obscene display of his thick cock disappearing from sight, being engulfed by the artificial tender walls of the toy. the sounds are near pornographic especially with toji’s appreciative grunts, the slick of his precum mingling with the squelch of the toy as he breaches it in – consistent pushing in and pulling out, before turning timed thrusts into shallow humping.

toji moans, the sound low and guttural before he stills, panting breaths slipping past through his gritted teeth. you watch, parched, as his head falls back to the headrest, his chest heaving with the consistent stimulation on his cock. 

your hands twitch from where they lay limp on your sides before tentatively, carefully, you bring them up to touch yourself. a hand comes up to tweak at your pebbled nipple, the other sliding between your legs to ghost at your already damp cunt. you bite your bottom lip to stifle the pleased sigh that you almost let out, thankful for finally breaking the tightly-wound edging that you were subjected to.

your palm is so warm and so good as it plays with your clothed clit, sending goosebumps rising along the expanse of your bare skin. your eyes slip close as your pleasure begins to peak over, reaching an apex that threatens to rip a scream from your throat. fuckfuckfu-

“keep touchin’ y’rself and y’r not cummin’ tonight, pet,” toji suddenly snarls as he yanks at your hair. his touch burns and you cry, clawing at his arm, apologies spilling from your swollen lips. belatedly, you realize that the fleshlight is gone – discarded by toji in his anger – and his cock now hidden again underneath his boxers. 

“i’m sorry, daddy! i’m sorry!” you weep, the fight escaping your body in ripples, leaving you on your knees, dangling awkwardly as you fight the sharp pain from where toji has your hair in his grip.

“are you really?” he pulls harder, making you crane your neck to blink wet eyes up at him. “y’ve kept bein’ a bad pet f’r me, kid. i’m tempted to just fuck the toy and leave you like this since you never listen.”

“no, please! please toji-san, don’t!” 

“s’all y’r good at, huh? beggin’ an’ cryin’. won’t listen to orders, touchin’ y’rself like y’got any right to.”

your body convulses at the force of his anger, the touch of gentleness that once teased his aged eyes now stripped into nothing but overarching dominance. he’s stopped playing and now you’re truly at his mercy.

amidst stuttered breaths, you feel your cunt leaking. 

fuck, it shouldn’t feel this good to be demeaned. 

“c’mon bun,” toji breathes out after your cries calmed down. “remind me again who owns y’r body?” his hand eases from your hair, no longer yanking. 

“you, daddy,” you hiccup. “jus’ you.”

it takes a heartbeat before he’s finally letting go, thick fingers sliding past the tresses of your hair to pat at your aching scalp, comforting you silently. you collapse on the floor, your body falling to rest on toji’s legs, your head pillowed by his thigh.

you catch your breath, blinking the tears away. your glossy eyes trace the chub underneath his boxers where a damp spot is now forming and you whine, wanting toji’s cock to fuck your throat. 

toji huffs a fond laugh. “wann get y’r throat stuffed, little bunny?”

you mewl, nodding, before shuffling on your knees to peer up at him. he continues to pet your hair, a wordless comfort, and his eyes narrow at seeing your desperation.

because you truly are desperate; you want to have your cunt fucked – want it to be leaking with his cum – but there is nothing better than being used by your daddy. being his little pet. his little toy.

toji coos, wiping away the beading tears in the corner of your eyes. “go ahead, baby.” his voice lulls back into its gentleness. “show me how good you can be.”

with a quiet giggle, you press your lips on the inside of his thigh before you shuffle close to mouth at his clothed cock. toji laughs at your happy little trill.

tags: @stargirlrchive @cursingtoji @plooto @liwooa

[bunnakit]

episode 8 sure is a journey huh

[bunnakit]

Fox of course I fucking saw this, I live in the mainframe of this little hellsite.

I love you so much buddy, you've become the brother I never got to have and I'm always so happy when you open up to me because I know how hard it is for you (for both of us, oops.) I'm so glad we've stayed so close even while my hyperfixation takes me to other horizons and I love that you encourage all my feral screaming and energy. I haven't made a real, solid, familial friendship like this in over ten years and it's so special to me you don't even know.

Smooching you and Kenna buddy, I hope you guys have a wonderful holiday and you know I'm always down to sit in VC anytime.

Teehee.

Another late night post. I wrenched my back reaching for my phone charger, and now I think I might sleep on the couch so I dont exacerbate it.

So I'm watching the McElroy brothers play Super Mario World, have a heating pad pushing on my ouchies. And with Christmas coming up, lets do a teensy thought bubble.

This year has been absolutely crazy. A year ago I was negotiating a ridiculous raise at my last company, as everything fell apart around us because they had just demoted the obly other project manager. Meanwhile, my boss and the owner of the company was in South America because he doesn't like cold weather.

Now I'm unemployed, Kenna has a job, and I've spent most of the year playing video games and napping. No job prospects as of now, but who knows what this week holds.

We used our tax return money to fund a dream trip to Japan. We got a whole house to ourselves, finally got passports, registered for the train pass, and planned so many things.

We skipped the trip because I couldn't hold my anxiety in check after opening up the Pandora's box of emotional mess that is me. And neither of us regrets it. We haven't complained that we missed out. Other than the loss of money (almost the whole fucking trip sadly) were good with it.

Now onto my all time favorite subject. My friends.

This year, I reaffirmed my love for many old friends, and got closer with a few. I lost a couple to differences of opinions, and I just can't bring myself to be broken hearted. They have hate in their heart, I just can't. Finally, I met people who changed my whole world.

Last year, I got to attend a friends wedding and meet him for the first time, and I thought I was going to die. We had a wonderful time, and the warmth of the hugs I got changed me forever.

Earlier this year, I befriended my beloved Oat. I have a friend that I can bullshit with, who can somehow get me talling about the deepest stuff, who makes me feel heard and felt. She helped me with so much, including my mental health, relationship help, self confidence, and my streaming. Oat, I think you'll see this. I need you on my stream again soon, I miss you! Forehead kisses!

Then in August, while streaming some batshit crazy stuff (encouraged as always by Oat! < 3) I got raided. I figured cool, another Zelda streamer, maybe we can help each other out. Tch, to underestimate something so drastically. Not only did she inspire me to up my streaming game, Rachine collabs with me, has brought me tons of followers, workshops streams and tech issues with me (sometimes live on air) and most importantly, become one of my closest, dearest friends. She pushed me to play some of her favorite games, and brought me back to FFXIV. She encourages me and inspires me to try new things. (And yes, you're always right).

She also let me join her FC, and opened up a whole new world of friends. I have befriended some of the warmest, kindest people who went out of their way to make me feel welcome. They run dungeons, they answered questions, they carried my ass.

Finally, Jengo (who is not online other than streaming. Purest of us.) Who is part of Rachine's FC. She was the first one to essentially insist I run a dungeon with her, she made time for me to walk me through my combos, has mentored my climbing skills, answers more questions than anyone.

All of them also sit in VC with me when I'm having anxiety or breakdowns, support me when I doubt, encourage me. They are my family and I just...

Look, I know I dont shut up about them. This isn't a grab for brownie points, it's not attention. Its me workshopping how to express my deep love and gratitude to them without making them uncomfortable or laying it on too thick. Maybe they never read this, maybe they never have to put up with it for the fifth time this week. How do you properly express it to them? Telling someone you love them only gets me so far. Even with Kenna. After 17 years, saying I love you doesnt feel like the proper way to tell her shes my world.

As I regularly talk about, I am not a brief person. I am almost pathologically incapable of keeping any kind of explanation short. After a certain point, a 60 paragraph diatribe on how important someone is gets tired. I love my friends.

Its been an up and down year, but I have to say I wouldnt trade it for anything. I need those people in my life, because I am a gigantic baby and the alternative is I have internet access and no friends. That would be worse than what you have to read now.

To my friends: thank you. I love you. Happy holidays. Thank you.

[lulublack90]

Prompt 25 - Explore

@jegulus-microfic August 25, Word count 714

CW - Little bit NSFW

Previous part First Wolfstar part

James was waiting for him on his bed when Regulus wandered through from his shower, dripping hair, bare-chested with a soft fluffy towel wrapped firmly around his waist as he searched for the pyjamas he’d worn last time. 

James let out a pained groan and Regulus’s eyes snapped up, concerned. But what he saw made his mouth go dry. James’s bottom lip was trapped between his teeth, his usually warm hazel eyes blotted out by the dark blackness of his pupils. Regulus gulped. James didn’t move though. He watched Regulus with a hunger that no one had ever looked at him with, but he stayed exactly where he was. His gaze flickered down to Regulus’s thin chest before returning to his eyes. 

Regulus took a tentative step forward. He had no idea what he was doing, and before he knew it, he was perched on James’s lap and James’s arms were wrapping around him greedily, his eyes running up and down Regulus’s body. 

He held James’s face in his hands and tilted his head so they were looking at each other again. He was nervous and didn’t know what to do now he was there. James’s face softened as if he could tell what was going through Regulus’s mind. James moved his arm under Regulus’s legs and lifted him into the air before turning them both towards the bed. 

“James, I,” Regulus stammered. 

“I’m just going to lie you down, love, that’s all, I promise,” And that’s exactly what he did. He ever so gently placed Regulus on the mattress and lifted the duvet to cover him before joining him on top of the covers. He waited patiently for Regulus to make the first move. 

Regulus extracted his hand from the duvet where it was trapped and stretched his fingers out to unbutton James's shirt. His fingers itching to touch James’s broad chest. He gasped at the heat emitting off James’s skin, like the sun he thought, and let his fingers explore in a way they hadn’t before, skimming across every dip and flat plane of James’s chest. They moved to his muscled arms. James flexed a bit, so Regulus could better feel the hard muscle beneath. His breathing was so shallow that he soon became out of breath as he took in the piece of art before him. “James,” He said before a loud pop filled the room. 

“Do not tell Flitsy that you are sleeping! Flitsy just made you a wonderful dinner. Up, up now. Does Flitsy need to get the spoon, Master James?” Flitsy complained, stamping her little foot. James groaned and rolled away from Regulus.

“No, Flitsy, we’ll be down in a second.” He replied with a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

“You’d better or else it’s going to get cold,” She snapped her fingers together and popped back out of the room. 

“Does she ever knock?” Regulus grumbled. He’d been quite enjoying the touching James was allowing him to do. 

“No, she comes and goes as she pleases,” James chuckled fondly. 

“Well, can’t you get her to stop coming in here at least,” Regulus grumbled from his spot on the bed. 

“I could,” James grinned mischievously at him, “But then I’d never know when food was ready,” He jumped up off the bed and pulled open the bottom drawer of his dresser. He dug around it for a second before pulling out a fresh pair of pyjamas. He threw them at Regulus along with a fluffy dressing gown off the back of the bedroom door and a pair of bunny slippers from the corner. Regulus pulled a face at the bunny slippers. “A gift from Remus, he thought they were funny. They’re actually really warm and comfy,” James told him before he left Regulus to get changed, closing the door behind him. 

Regulus quickly pulled the pyjamas on and tied the gown around himself. He picked up the slippers and glared at them. But as there was no one around, he slipped his cold feet into them and moaned. It was like stepping into a cloud. They were ridiculously soft and already his toes felt toastie warm. He walked across the room and went to find James, the bunny’s floppy ears bouncing with each step he took. 

Next part

[locobastaaa]

The fine line between what's real and what's not

Tighnari x Reader

Tw: suggestive at the end, Wanderer (Sora) slander (we love him), hybrid bunny! Reader

Word count: 1.4k

Your gaze felt heavy on him once he noticed, and you didn't take your eyes off him while he moved around in a frantic hurry. He didn't need to be so nervous under your stare, and he tried to seem unbothered by it, but his tail betrayed him, swaying around behind his back in rapid strokes. 

You chuckled at the sight, moving your palm to accommodate the curve of your cheek as you rested your head on the table, notes and ink splattered on the fair wood, your eyes following the dark spots, reminding you of the work undone. 

You sighed quietly, but your eyes found his figure again, following the droplets of rain curling at the ends of his hair and down the floor. He thought that maybe you'd taken Nahida's words too seriously, but shook his head. You were smarter than that, there was no way you believed that mushrooms would start growing on his head by some little rain that caught up to him when he finished up his daily routine of forest-watching. 

His ears flattened at the top of his head when he remembered the condition of the forest. The complaints of the citizens and wanderers about the increase of mechanical animals were getting irritating, even though he assured that none of the creatures were nearby the path that most (he wanted to say everyone but there were some that shook the recommendations of the forest guide off like it was a challenge to stay on the road, trying to make themselves brave by putting them and everyone around in danger just to prove guts) followed, the letters kept appearing on the mailbox, he even had to accompany some people down the path to see if he was missing something, if he saw what other people claimed he wasn't seeing (which he doubted, but better be safe than sorry), but as soon as they pointed out what seemed to be one of the monsters, forcing him to take out his bow, Tighnari had to restrain himself from shooting them on the head when he realized that the 'mechanical crab' was a deformed tree. 

"Tighnari?" Your voice took him out of his head, realizing his jaw was clenched and his nails had poked holes through his gloves. 

He spared you a glance just as quickly as he averted his gaze, falling down to the door in front of him to hide his flushing cheeks. 

Why were you this cute? He still didn't seem to find the answer, and he didn't find the answer as to how his name on your tongue felt electrifying either, but he'll eventually figure it out (or flat out admit it, since he already knew, Cyno's words, not his). 

"Yeah? Having trouble answering letters?" He spoke too softly for his taste, but you made no comment about it, spinning back to your desk as your hand picked up the abandoned pen from the desk. 

You shook your head, and even if he didn't see you, he heard your movements, he heard everything after all. This time the affirmation are his words, he grows tired of comments assuming his thoughts from his friends, specially if it involves his love life. 

Collei seemed to be on Cyno's side as well, even though she hadn't experienced any romance related situations (he and Cyno made sure of it, she's too young), she implored him to just confess his supposed feelings towards you. 

Unlike Cyno, he shook her off gently and said that there was no time for that sort of intimacy in his life, and that she should focus more on her studies rather than a fantasy of her own. 

Yet here he was, contradicting his own words, living in between reality and fantasy as he drew holes on the back of your head while you wrote, your long ears flapping with each stroke of the pen against paper, he wondered if your ears were as soft as they looked, or if his were softer (most likely not the case even though he took good care of them, they would never shine like yours, yet again, it's a different type of fur so who knows (he knows)). 

"Bunn- (Y/n)" the nickname that Cyno gave you (and that brought an unshakable ick on his chest) almost slipped up, but he caught himself just in time. "When you finish your papers let me know, I'll be in my office". 

He grabbed a few samples from a cabinet and began to walk away, but you wouldn't let him leave after his slip up. 

"You can call me Bunny, you know" 

His lips morphed into a line. 

"It's a thing between you and Cyno right? I wouldn't want to intervene" 

You cocked your head to the side in confusion, a thing between you and Cyno? 

"You know Sora gave me that nickname, right?" 

His eyes narrowed at that. That's even worse! 

"Never knew you and that man were so close". 

Your frown deepened, Tighnari seemed to have a particular hostility towards Wanderer. Sure, he was a bit rough around the edges, but you knew the hybrid had dealt with worse and always kept his cool...Paimon for example-. So it seemed out of the ordinary for him to be so shaken up by a boy who he hadn't had the chance to talk to properly. 

"What's up with you and Sora? He's not that bad when you get to know him" 

His ears flattened at the top of his head again. 

"I don't want to get to know him, I think I've been around him enough to know he's bad news" 

You stood up from your seat and circled around his body like a hyena, trying to catch his eyes. Tighnari gritted his teeth at the thought of you trying to defend that man so uptight. 

When you didn't speak any further, he felt the need to rant as his gaze locked with yours. 

"I don't know why but-," a tingling feeling coursed through his back, as if electricity was running down his veins. "He's crude and vulgar, and he looks at you like you're a piece of meat, talk about a walking contradiction".  His nails sharpened when he pictured how Wanderer basically undressed you with his eyes, it disgusted him. 

You took some sort of offense by this. "He does not look at me like that," his glare stopped your tracks for some seconds before your eyebrows furrowed. "You talk as if you're jealous". 

He did not even imply something like that, you knew that, but testing his waters was something you didn't have the chance to do so frequently, specially since he seemed to have a never ending patience towards you. It was a bit cruel, but- 

"I am". 

Well, that, you didn't expect. 

It felt like all of the denying and hiding was slipping through the cracks of his pride, trying to hold down the water before the dam collapses and he ends up confessing. But he can't stop the flow of it, it's too much, the water had grown out of proportion through the years of silent pining, denying and glances. He especially can't now, your face is so pretty when it flushes red, and he also can't help his body moving before his mind can. 

Your lips are soft against him, and he almost groans like an animal when your fingers close around his forearms tightly, pawing at the fabric of his hoodie. He's waited years to feel you against him, and he pushes the thought aside that a small discussion of a hat guy could have ended up like this. 

Your back is now pressed against the wall and you can't breathe, not because you were out of air, but everything was so sudden that it made your knees tremble and your lungs contract. 

You fought to close your eyes, you had to see it to believe it after all, but his hands felt heavy on your hips, and his body pressed so deliciously against yours that if you couldn't see it, you could at least feel it. Feel him. Feel his tail wrapping around your lower back as he pushes you flush against the wall and his chest. Feel his palms lowering to your thighs as he pulls you up in the air and around his waist, feel his tongue flatten against yours and his fangs brush your lips. 

The line between reality and fantasy began to blur yet again, his hold tightening on your thighs as his ears brushed yours. You were pliant as giddy under his claws, and it made his body temperature rise. 

Maybe telling Collei to stop gushing over some silly fantasy ended up in the  materializing of said spectrum in the real world, because damn if this was a dream he never wanted to wake up.

[fandomsandfairytales]

Fic Recs for Elrond Week 2024

Hello! Here’s a last-minute handful of Elrond-centric fic recs to wrap up Elrond Week 2024. (Time got away from me this week!)

These fics are all rated G or T, and I’ve loosely categorized them into groups so it’s a bit easier to parse through them. I also noted ones I recc’d in my 2023 Fic Recs list, which I posted on my main blog, @awwyeah107. I'm tagging each author in this list once (if they have a Tumblr account), although there may be more than one story from an author in the list.

Also, to clarify, none of these were written *for* Elrond Week—these are all simply fics about our beloved peredhel that I've enjoyed and wanted to share/recommend.

Massive shoutout to @meluiloth for putting on Elrond Week! I’ve greatly enjoyed seeing all the posts this week cross my dash. Also, thank you to all of the fic authors, fan artists, and meta writers out there who celebrate Elrond ❤️

Elrond & [Biological or Married] Family

The Complexities of Avian Biology by @runawaymun Celebrían takes on a charity case. Elrond helps, because of course he does. Some Celrond fluff by request. (Oneshot, G, 776 words)

Without depth or bound by waitingfover Love is never an easy emotion to navigate, particularly if you also hate the other person's guts. or Elrond doesn’t like Celebrían’s attitude, Celebrían hates Elrond’s guts, Gil-Galad is determined to play matchmaker, and Celebrimbor just wants to be left out of this drama. (23 chapters, complete! T, 29k words)

Wealth Enough of Joy by @starspray Elladan and Elrohir are born at twilight in summer. (Oneshot, G, 1.6k words. Recc’d this in my 2023 Fic Recs list)

Athelas by erulisse_starchild Estel gets a lesson in herb-lore from Elrond. (Oneshot, G, 831 words)

Hiding Places by @sweetteaanddragons (Drag0nst0rm on AO3) It had been a long time since Elrond was last under a bed. The novelty was probably good for him. (Oneshot, G, 437 words)

Kind as Summer by @arofili (starlightwalking on AO3) Elrond and his family, after the First Age. A collection of ficlets from tumblr prompts, loosely related to one another. (8 chapters, complete! G, 2.1k words)

More than the Stars Above by sweetteaanddragons (Drag0nst0rm on AO3) Elrond had lived without his parents for this long. He could certainly continue to do so if they proved to be indifferent. That didn't stop his hand from shaking when he reached out to knock on the door. (2 chapters, complete! G, 5.6k words. Recc’d this in my 2023 Fic Recs list)

Blossoming Red by @bralesscommie Snapshots of Elrond throughout his life. A character study. Elrond dealing with his trauma, and finding his rare moments of joy. (Oneshot, T, 4.9k words)

Elrond & Friends

Demons by @theheirofashandfire (ScribeofArda on AO3) On a dark night in Imladris, with the Watchful Peace having come to a bloody end, one elf finds that the darkness brings back unwanted memories of flames and fear. And Glorfindel can remember all of the fall of Gondolin. (Oneshot, T, 4.5k words)

Old Swords by StarSpray Elrond and Gandalf chat about Glamdring. (Oneshot, G, 661 words)

Primary Sources by @cycas (bunn on AO3) Bilbo Baggins, now living in Rivendell is working on his Translations from the Elvish and needs some help. He learns a few things about Elven board games, plumbing and housework in Rivendell, a little bit about the War of Wrath, and something about Elrond's family. It might just be that making songs about Eärendil in the House of Elrond was not something that Elrond himself considered to be over Bilbo's head. (Oneshot, G, 4.4k words)

Kidnap Fam

Note: All of the Kidnap Fam fics here are Elrond-centric—either they are from his perspective, or they primarily focus on Elrond and Maglor and/or Maedhros.

And Love Repaid by sweetteaanddragons (Drag0nst0rm on AO3) It was never about owing. (Oneshot, G, 2.3k words)

See How They Grow by @grundyscribbling (Grundy on AO3) Elrond wasn't born a great healer. Some would have said living among Feanorians was an unlikely place to start that journey. (Maglor probably would have agreed with them.) (Oneshot, G, 11.7k words)

Rosemary, Fennel, & Rue by grundyscribbling (Grundy on AO3) Maedhros stumbles onto an unhealthy secret Elrond has been keeping. Elrond is surprised to find Maedhros has experience in these matters. (Oneshot, G, 5.7k words)

Once They Were Wolves by @elentarial (BaccaratBlack on AO3) After receiving an unexpected Midwinter gift, Elrond learns something new about one of his captors fathers. (2 chapters, complete! G, 2.4k words)

Quiet by sweetteaanddragons (Drag0nst0rm on AO3) Dust blanketed Maglor’s harp where it sat undisturbed in the corner. (Oneshot, G, 566 words)

Series

On Elrond Peredhel by @elvinye (leodesic on AO3) A series examining Elrond's kidnap-adoption [and Elrond himself] from a variety of different perspectives. (In-progress series of 13 works, each between 1-2 chapters, all rated T or G. Only AO3 users can read this fic.) (Note: For anyone who does not ship Russingon—like me—the series does contain it, but it is minor and can be skipped over fairly easily.)

Return to Aman by cycas (bunn on AO3) A series of stories about Elrond's return to Aman at the end of the Third Age. All these assume that Maglor son of Fëanor was one of the other unnamed Elves who accompanied Elrond, Galadriel, Gandalf, Frodo and Bilbo on the ship when they left Middle-earth. Point of view is usually either Maglor or Elrond, but occasionally someone else (Celebrian, Lalwen, Nerdanel...) (Complete series of 15 works, each between 1-5 chapters, all rated G. Recc’d this in my 2023 Fic Recs list)

AUs

The Last Homely Hostel by sweetteaanddragons (Drag0nst0rm on AO3) Barin was nearly entirely sure this hostel wasn't supposed to be here. It won't be the last unexpected appearance of the night. (Oneshot, G, 5k words)

we will make this place our home by @leucisticpuffin Elrond and Elros are sent to live with their distant cousins in a house that is crumbling slowly to pieces. They aren't especially happy about this. For Maedhros and Maglor, the twins are a rare chance to start living again. It will take a lot of work to turn a house full of ghosts into anything resembling a home. (70 chapters, in-progress! G, 259.5k words. Only AO3 users can read this fic. Recc’d this in my 2023 Fic Recs list)

-

-

-

@elrondweek

Other Fic Rec Lists: 2023 Fic Recs (on my main blog)

[hottpinkpenguin]

Joel Miller X Fem!Reader - Last of Us - Part 13 - The End

A/N: this is the last chapter of a series. read part 1 ! read part 2 ! read part 3 ! read part 4! read part 5! read part 6! read part 7! read part 8! read part 9! read part 10! read part 11! read part 12!

Taglist: @midgetpottermills @casssiopeia @flyingmushroomss @amethystwonders11 @hiphopdancer101universe @kiszkawagnerwhore @littleshadow17 @rh1nestonecowg1rl @alm0501 @ch4rcuterie @lodeddiperrodrick @amandalove1355 @laurathefahrradsattel @moshpot24x @middleof-thenight @kettlechips3 @happymakercollectorsworld @alainabooks143 @mikariell95 @superbreadsoull @twd-rocks-blog @livmadsen11 @sage-bunn @emmy626 @somenerdyuserr @vitavenio @yjnicks @littleshadow17 @honeybunzzzz @thenovelcarnival @shypositivitywritinghorse @kik51199 @lovelyygirl8 @adriennemichelle98 @imobbssed @sofsofsposts @axshadows @ipadkidsworld @dorck26 @somebodytookmyusername @bubblebuttwade @tartiflvtte @simplycomplicatedlifeofdenisa @zbeez-outlet @psychomanias

Warnings: dark themes; substance abuse; post-apocalyptic dystopia; death of reader's minor child; probably a lot of non-canon details since I've never played the game; not proofread; spoilers if you haven't seen the show/played the game Word Count: 1926 Abbreviations: QZ = quarantine zone; FDRA "Fedra" = Federal Disaster Response Agency

----

You watched Joel from the log you were resting on next to Ellie. He was smoothing the last mounds of dark soil over top of Tessa’s freshly dug grave with his hands. Aside from the rhythmic soft slap of Ellie’s switchblade smacking her palm as she tossed it up and caught it, all you could hear was a gentle brook babbling merrily in the woods behind you. 

“You think he’s gonna be ok?” Ellie asked bluntly after a few more tosses of her knife. You chewed on your lip thoughtfully as you considered her question.

“I don’t think ‘ok’ is much of a thing anymore,” you replied quietly, your mind inventorying all the things you’d lost in the twenty years since the outbreak. Joel had his own losses, things he’d probably never speak of out loud. Tessa was just the latest in a long line of grief. That was life in the world now.

“That’s fucking bleak.” 

You chuckled at Ellie’s irreverence. Gabriel used to say the same. He’d had such optimism, such a zest for life. He’d been born into a bleak world - like Ellie - and somehow they’d both found a way to still be kids. It was incredible to you, and one of the few things that gave you hope. As Joel laid a few wildflowers on top of the grave, a soft smile curled the edges of your lips. Joel Miller had recently made your list of things that gave you hope. 

“Tell you what else is bleak,” Ellie chimed in. You turned to her, raising an eyebrow in interest. “Watching you fall for a grouchy old fuck with graying hair. I mean, shit, are pickings really that slim in the QZ?”

You couldn’t help but let out a ripping, belly laugh. 

“There’s a lot to love about Joel,” you informed her once you’d stopped chuckling.

Ellie gave you a skeptical look as she continued flipping her knife in the air.

“Like what, his rich vocabulary?” 

You snorted again, shaking your head at her irreverence. You knew she was joking: she’d hardly left Joel’s side since the daycare. Although, neither had you for that matter. A comfortable, unspoken understanding had settled over the three of you. You were a unit now, a family of sorts. Where one went, you all went. 

“Certainly not his punctuality.” Ellie titled her head pointedly in Joel’s direction, where he was kneeling at the foot of the grave in a moment of quiet. She’d been itching to go for about an hour now, although you were unwilling to rush him in his grief.

“Soon, Ellie. Give him some time.” 

She huffed but let the issue drop for the moment. You watched the blade of her knife spin in lazy loops. You made a mental note to ask her to teach you how to do that one day.

After a few minutes, she flicked the switchblade closed and rose from the log in a huff of restless energy. 

“I’m gonna go talk to him,” she announced indignantly as she stalked off in Joel’s direction. 

“No, you’re not.” You rose from your own seat with a stiff, waddling-like motion to avoid bending your bruised ribs. 

“I’ll go,” you told her, using your best don’t-mess-with-me mom voice. She rolled her eyes but nodded sullenly, sinking down onto her haunches in front of a tree trunk where she started picking at the bark with her fingers. 

You wove your way through the trees to where Joel stood at the foot of the freshly dug grave. He was staring down at the grave, his eyes glassy and his face unreadable. You weren’t sure he’d even noticed you were there.

“This is a nice place to be buried,” you mused, taking as deep an inhale as your ribs would allow, drinking in the cool air. 

Joel nodded solemnly next to you. “As good as any.”

A few moments of easy quiet stretched between the two of you, nothing but the gentle sound of running water and spring birdsong to keep you company. You snuck a glance over at Joel, studying his profile as the shadows lengthened between the trees. His eyes still had the weight of grief, but there was something lighter about him. He caught you looking at him, catching your gaze with a crooked smirk.

“You know, we have a real knack for meeting up in shitty circumstances,” he said with a low chuckle. 

You smiled at the teasing tone in his voice.

“Not too many circumstances that aren’t shitty these days,” you countered. He nodded in agreement, his eyebrows knitting together as the light melted from his eyes into worry. He shot a glance over his shoulder in Ellie’s direction. You could see him falling into his own thoughts.

“I’m not sure I know how to do this,” he stammered awkwardly. When he looked at you, his eyes were swimming with something between fear and hope. “I mean… a teenager? Again? In this shit? And not just any teenager… this teenager.” 

You knew what he meant. Ellie wasn’t just another post-outbreak orphan. She was an answer, a signalfire. Not just for you two, but for the world, even if they didn’t know her yet. 

You followed Joel’s gaze toward Ellie. She’d become totally engrossed in de-barking the tree you’d left her in front of, now using her blade to remove thick slabs of it like she was performing surgery. She must have found a bug because at one point she yelped, tossing a piece of bark like it had burned her and frantically wiping her hands on the knees of her jeans. The sight of the world’s greatest hope frightened by a bug made you and Joel chuckle in unison. 

“Kids deserve to be kids, even in this fucked up world,” you told Joel. Eddie used to say that to you when you’d worry about Gabriel. “Best thing we can do is keep her safe and let her be a kid as long as we can.” 

Joel chewed on your reply for a moment before turning away, a bit of the tension fading from his face. You knew it would take Joel a while to adjust to the news of who Ellie was. You and Ellie had filled him in on the crucial details while you’d been restocking at the daycare. Joel hadn’t said much: he’d just taken it all in with reserved seriousness. After you’d all refilled your packs, Joel had used one the walkie talkies to get in touch with Marlene. He stayed up almost the entire night, arguing back and forth with her in hushed tones from the hall where he’d put himself on watch. You’d been so exhausted that you’d slept through most of it, along with Ellie, in one of the classrooms. By the time morning came, Joel told the two of you that going back to the QZ wasn’t an option, and that Marlene wasn’t healthy enough to rendezvous with you. It was up to you now to get Ellie to where she was going. The weight of that responsibility should have felt impossible, but knowing you had help to carry it eased the burden considerably. 

You sidled closer to Joel, your uninjured hand searching until your fingers intertwined with his. His hand was warm and strong. He squeezed yours gently, shooting you as close to a happy smile as you’d probably ever get out of Joel Miller.  The sight made your heart stutter a little in your chest. You laid your cheek against his shoulder, nuzzling the rough fabric. You felt Joel take an inhale next to you, exhaling as his shoulders relaxed slightly and his chin came to rest on top of your head. You closed your eyes, breathing deeply.

For a few moments, that was all there was. 

“If you two are done making eyes at each other, do you think we can get this show on the fucking road?” Ellie’s sarcastic voice cut the moment like ribbons. You jumped a little as you and Joel turned to face her, separating from each other reluctantly. She was leaning against a tree nearby with her arms crossed over her chest. 

“We weren’t making eyes at each other,” Joel chided. Ellie rolled her eyes dramatically in reply.

“Well, whatever you call that, it’s gross,” she announced. You caught Joel’s eye as he winked at you. 

“I figure we’re ready to head out,” you offered, letting go of the tender moment you and Joel had stolen. 

“We’ve got a stop to make first.” Joel gestured Ellie forward as he pulled a folded map out of the back pocket of his jeans. He handed one side of the map to you so he could gesture with his pointer finger to a small circle he’d drawn on its surface.

“Marlene mentioned a compound outside of Ottawa in an old government facility. In the early days, FDRA helped relocate a bunch of big-wig researchers up there. We don’t know what kind of shape it’s in, but that’s where she was angling to take you. It’ll take us… maybe four weeks on foot, three if we’re lucky.”

He traced the major highways inked onto the map between Boston and Ottawa with his finger.

“We won’t have to worry about snow, so that’s something at least,” you observed idly. Joel nodded in agreement. 

“If we move now, we can make it to Frank and Bill’s before it gets too dark.” Joel folded the map back into a neat square before tucking it into the back pocket of his jeans. He walked over to where he’d leaned his pack against a tree, lifting it with easy strength and settling the weight on his shoulders.

“Who’re Frank and Bill?” Ellie asked eagerly. 

“Friends.”

“No one has friends these days,” she observed incredulously, earning a laugh from you.

“I have friends these days.”

“Friends and a girlfriend, apparently.”

You felt a warm blush spread across your cheeks as you opened your mouth to argue. Before you could, you felt Joel wrap his arms around your neck and pepper your temple with exaggerated, loud kisses for Ellie’s benefit.

“Ugh! You’re gross, you know that? All this empty space in the world and I still have to watch your guys’ PDA!” 

Joel’s display had its intended effect. Ellie darted off into the woods, heading back towards the road the three of you had used to leave the city earlier that day. 

“Hey kid,” Joel called after her. His grip had loosened, but his arms still hung around your neck. You didn’t mind at all.

Ellie didn’t answer, throwing up a middle finger over her shoulder in response.

“You’re going the wrong way!”

You and Joel had to bite your lips to suppress giggles as Ellie did an abrupt about-face and came skulking back towards you. 

“I guess immunity from the infected doesn’t come with the ability to read a map, huh?” 

Joel released you from his arms, his fingers ghosting a trail across the back of your neck that sent shivers up and down your spine. He ruffled Ellie’s hair, earning another indignant complaint from her. 

You let the two of them walk a few steps ahead of you, enjoying the sounds of their teasing back and forth as you carved a path west towards the setting sun. Despite the unknown ahead, you felt a deep sense of calm settle over you. A soft smile turned up the corner of your lips, and for the first time in a long time, you felt completely alive...

thank you for reading!!!! i have been blown away by the positive reception on this series!! if you like my joel miller writing, feel free to shoot me a request <3