#d: december 21; year 1 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

justagalwhowrites · 1 year ago

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Yearling - Ch. 21: Holiday

You, Joel and Ellie celebrate Christmas in Jackson. A continuation of Yearling ch. 1-20 found on Tumblr here.

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader

Warnings: Smut :D. No use of Y/N. Minors DNI 18+ Only

Length: 7k

AO3 | Chapter One | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

December 24, 2026

“They really didn’t make Christmas music with dancing in mind, did they?”

Your head was on Joel’s shoulder, a pleasantly drunk haze falling over your mind and sinking into your limbs. You smiled at Tommy’s question, his arm around his wife’s shoulders.

“No they did not,” you said, even though you knew the question was rhetorical.

Half of Jackson was crowded into the Tipsy Bison. Christmas music was on the stereo, someone in the kitchen had made egg nog, the whole bar was draped in multi-colored Christmas lights casting everything in a a cheerful glow.

You’d been in Jackson for more than a year now, something that was hard to believe. Last year at this time you’d spent all your spare time at home alone - except when Ellie all but broke down your door, anyway. You’d missed all this without even knowing that you’d missed it.

Christmas hadn’t mattered much to you in years. The last real one you had before the world ended was really only special because you got to see your brothers again for the first time in months. The holiday itself hadn’t been what mattered.

But you’d felt an odd sense of anticipation this time, something you hadn’t felt since you were a kid. Being around other people who remembered the time before - who knew what it had been like when there were things like Christmas tree lots and mall Santas - made it feel exciting in way the holiday hadn’t in years past, even when you were a teenager.

It helped that Joel was recovered from the incident in August. He had returned to business as usual, going out on patrol with Tommy who had fully healed, too. But their first time out, you’d insisted on going, too.

“You really don’t need to worry about it, Sweetheart,” Joel said. “It’s just a day long patrol, not goin’ anywhere rough. Gonna be fine.”

“Then you shouldn’t have a problem with me going,” you shrugged. “Olivia can cover for me at the stables and I can cover you and Tommy’s asses.”

Joel laughed a little and sighed.

“Alright,” he kissed your temple. “If it’ll make you feel better, you can come out with us. This time.”

It had been an easy day, unseasonably warm for October. The three of you went to a small town that was about a five hour ride from Jackson, a town that happened to have a record store.

“Oh shit!” You said, flipping through CDs on the dank and rotting shelves. “They have the White Stripes!”

Joel frowned, looking over your shoulder.

“Who’s that?”

“I’ll play you something when we get back,” you said, turning the CD over to look at the track list. “They’re good and they have a girl drummer which automatically makes them even better. I was just thinking of them the other day, I think Ellie would like them…”

Joel smiled.

“Yeah,” he said. “She probably would.”

You stashed the CD and a few others in your pack, saving them to give Ellie at Christmas. They were wrapped and under a tree in Joel’s living room now and you were more excited about watching her open them and listening to them with her for the first time than you were to open what had your name on it under the tree.

“Think I can con you into a dance anyhow?” Joel asked, brushing your hairline with his nose.

“You know,” you smiled. “Think I’m just drunk enough for it to work.”

He took your hand and led you to the dance floor just as It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas came on the stereo. You smiled and draped your arms around Joel’s neck, your whole body pressed against the front of him, so different from the first time you’d danced with him.

“You sure are pretty,” he smiled, swaying gently, his hands at your back.

“You’re one to talk,” you replied, smiling too.

“Sure you don’t need glasses?” He teased and you rolled your eyes before tucking your head against his chest and shoulder, your nose brushing his neck.

“I’ve known you for a year now,” you said quietly after a minute of just moving gently with him.

“That all?” Joel said. “Seems like I’ve always known you.”

You smiled against him.

“I think I would have gone looking for you sooner, if I knew you existed,” you said. “Just didn’t know any better.”

Joel’s lips brushed your cheek.

“Would have definitely gotten my ass out of Boston a few decades earlier,” he said. “Lot I would’ve done different, had I known better.”

He held you a little tighter.

“Is it bad that I think I’m lookin’ forward to the day after Christmas more than Christmas?” He asked.

“What?” You laughed a little and pulled back from him enough to look at his face. “Why?”

“Two days just you n’me,” he smiled. “I know it’s patrol but… feels almost like a camping trip or vacation. Getting out of town, ridin’ through snow covered forest, ski lodge waiting at the end? Can’t think of much better than that.”

“Well when you put it that way,” you teased, tucking your head against him again. “But I get what you mean. Though I’m pretty excited for Christmas with Ellie. Haven’t had a real Christmas with trees and lights and shit with a kid in a long time. Almost feels like I should try to convince her Santa is real or something, just really make the whole experience happen for her.”

“I’m just glad she’s speakin’ to me this Christmas,” Joel said, giving you a squeeze, his voice thick. “Got you to thank for that.”

“She’d have come around eventually,” you said. “Kids… They’re smart. They see things, they know. She knows you love her. She’d understand it one day, even without my help.”

“Startin’ to feel like all the good things I got I got because of you,” he said softly.

You lifted your head to look him in the eye, his gaze gentle and deep, his eyes crinkling at the edges with his soft smile.

“Well you’ve saved my life enough times,” you said. “Seems like it’s only fair. I couldn’t have anything without you. Don’t think I’d want it without you.”

He pressed his forehead to yours, his eyes on your own and, for a moment, you were certain there was no one left inside the bar but him and you.

He took you home after, walking slow through the falling snow with the first coat Joel had ever given you wrapped around you. You closed the curtains on the front window before plugging in the lights on the tree, just looking at it twinkling in the dark as you curled against Joel’s side on the couch. But before too long, you kissed him all soft and needy, his tongue dipping into your mouth.

Joel undressed you gently and stretched you out beneath him on the couch. He covered your body with his, warm and hard as you rocked your hips against his length. He kissed you as he entered you, sinking into your tight heat until his body was flush with yours and he was buried within you. He pulled his lips away from you for a moment and your eyes met his, the lights reflected there as your heavy breaths matched his own. You reached up and traced the outline of him, your fingers brushing into his hair. You could feel his heartbeat in your own body, the life and warmth and vibrancy of him enveloping and consuming you. For a moment, you thought you might be able to know anything that crossed his mind, that he’d know anything that crossed your own. You were broken open and laid bare for him and all you wanted him to do was hold the pieces of you close and understand with a deep certainty how they fit together. You didn’t think you’d ever been this close to another person. You never wanted to be this close to someone who wasn’t Joel ever again.

Everything in you was drawn tight and desperate, the heat of want threatening to swallow you whole and you were sure you were going to burst with it.

“Joel,” you were almost squirming below him, needing the friction, needing more, eyes wide as you panted for breath. “Please…”

“Please what?” He sounded almost as desperate as you.

“Need you to move,” your eyes searched his. “Need to feel you, it’s too much, need…”

“Shh,” he brushed your hair back, his palm lingering on the crown of your head. You were suddenly aware of everywhere he was, how he was everything. He was around you and inside you and over you, the thick weight of his cock filling every hollow space of you. He dropped his forehead to yours and closed his eyes for a moment, like he was concentrating before opening them again. His pupils were blown and he was looking at you as though you were the only thing left in the world. “I’ve got you, Baby. Gonna take such good care of you.”

You just nodded against him and he pressed somehow deeper into you, his pubic bone pressing almost painfully against you before he pulled back, the slow drag of his hips making you moan as his the ridge of his head worked your channel. He pushed back into you firmly, tenderly, opening your body to him so he could reach parts of you that he seemed to have claimed for himself and you were happy to offer them.

Like this with him you could understand why it was called making love. There was a sense that feeling him like this, experiencing him like this, had to exist somewhere outside of just yourself. It was too big to contain within yourself, what the two of you created when he brought you to your peak with an aching and heady rhythm.

“You’re gettin’ close,” he panted, grinding his length deeper into you. You just nodded even though he hadn’t really asked. He knew. He didn’t need to ask. “Love feeling you like this. Want you to come for me, Baby. Want you to give in to it, want you to let go for me.”

You nodded again, past the point of being able to form words. Your back arched, closing whatever minuscule gap there was between your bodies. Joel took your hand, lacing his fingers with your own before putting it over your head and pressing it down into the couch, pulling a strangled moan from you as he did.

“Joel,” you managed. “Want… want to feel you…”

“Just let go,” he whispered. “Give you everything you want if you just come for me, Baby. Just come for me…” He pressed deep and you felt the building tension in you crest and overflow, your channel fluttering over him, working his thick shaft as you came with a broken cry.

“Oh there we go,” he held himself deep inside, dropping his head to your shoulder. “That’s it Baby, just keep coming, just keep…”

He moaned and you felt him throb inside of you, felt the heat of his come as he filled you. His hand tightened on yours and you instinctively tilted your hips to make sure he was as deep within you as he could possibly be.

You held each other like that for a while, Joel still buried inside you as his broad hand gently stroked your hair as you looked at him in the glow of the Christmas tree.

He must have carried you to bed at some point, and you woke up tangled with him, your head on his chest and his hand splayed wide on your back. The light pouring through the window was bright, the morning sun reflecting on the fresh snow and making his bedroom light and crisp. You kissed his chest and he sighed contentedly.

“Merry Christmas,” you smiled at him.

Joel smiled back.

“Ain’t you just the prettiest damn present.”

You laughed a little.

“Ellie say a time she was comin’ by?” Joel asked, hand sliding up your back to brush your cheek. “Or just that she was?”

“Just sometime in the morning,” you said. “Why?”

“Thinkin’ I really want to fuck you into this mattress before makin’ you breakfast,” he said. “But don’t want to be interrupted…”

As if on cue, you heard the bang of the front door against the wall downstairs. You laughed and pressed your face into Joel’s chest to muffle the sound.

“Where are you guys?” Ellie yelled. “Being gross?”

“Down in a minute, Kiddo!” Joel yelled back as you pulled your face from his chest to look at him again. He held your face and pulled you in for kiss.

“Later?” You asked quietly.

Joel groaned.

“Absolutely.”

You got dressed quickly and found Ellie sitting on the floor by the tree, turning the paper-wrapped packages over and examining them.

“Merry Christmas, Kiddo,” Joel smiled at her and she looked up from the gift in her hands.

“Did people really used to believe a fat old man came down their chimney and left them shit?”

You snorted and Joel laughed a little.

“Generally just the kids,” he said. “Gimme a minute to make some coffee, then you can rip into everything.”

You tucked yourself into a corner of the couch and smiled, watching Ellie rifle through the presents under the tree. It made your heart ache a bit to watch her. That she’d never had this as a girl hurt. That you hadn’t been able to do this in decades hurt, too. It felt like so much lost time, so many things that could have been better or different and they weren’t. So many things that you missed out on because you’d been holed up in the wilderness and hadn’t looked for a place like Jackson, hadn’t had the faith that a place like this could exist.

You tried not to think about it, fought to focus on anything but what could have been if you’d just tried to find this place years ago.

Joel pressed a warm mug into your hands and sat next to you on the couch, putting his arm over your shoulders, tugging you against him and kissing the top of your head. You took a sip and smiled a little at the taste of whiskey. He’d spiked it.

“Alright Old Man,” Ellie said, picking up one of the packages she brought and holding it out for him. “This one is for you.”

Ellie had made you each a charcoal drawing. Yours of Renaissance, Joel’s of you. Your eyes went a little wide at it. It’s not like you’d posed for her or anything, you hadn’t even noticed her doing it. It was strange to see yourself the way Ellie apparently did. You were pretty, the way she saw you, a softness in the drawing that you didn’t associate with yourself.

“This is amazing, Baby Girl,” Joel said quietly. “Thank you.”

“Figured I already drew you a horse,” she shrugged. “Thought you’d like something pretty to look at. And she’s got good taste, thought she’d want something better than your face on her wall.”

Joel laughed before you could protest.

“Got that right,” he said.

Joel got Ellie a stash of art supplies that you knew he must have been tracking down for the better part of the year, watercolors and pencils and full sketchpads and you gave her the CDs and a few comic books you’d found that you thought she’d like.

“Oh shit!” She yanked open the first comic. “Look at this guy, he’s got like… laser vision!”

You laughed and pressed closer to Joel and he kissed the crown of your head before he leaned forward and picked up something from below the tree, handing it to you.

You unwrapped it and opened the old shoe box. Inside was the carving of a horse, beautiful and intricate, delicate legs and a tail that looked like it was somehow in motion while being formed out of wood.

“Joel,” you gasped, running your finger over the smooth surface. “It’s beautiful…”

“Thought you needed somethin’ of your own in that house over there,” he said. “Or over here. When you want.”

You looked over at him and smiled, tears stinging at your eyes, and you wrapped your arms around him. You stretched and got your gifts for Joel next before you ended up fully crying on Christmas morning.

He opened the first one slowly and smiled at it, a holster you made from scrap leather for a knife he’d picked up the last time you were on patrol together.

“You act like you can’t do shit like this and then you make somethin’ great,” he smiled at you, running his thumb over where you’d burned his initials into the sheath just like you had with the guitar strap.

“Tell me that after it holds up for a few patrols,” you said, face getting hot. You took a sip of coffee.

He opened the next one as you gnawed on your lower lip. It was just a little box and he tugged the top off of it, revealing a slender chain with a piece of metal as a charm. He frowned, running his thumb over it.

“I made it from part of the bullet they pulled out of your leg,” you said, looking over his shoulder as he turned it in his palm. You’d cut “E + B” into one side of it. “Thought you should have a reminder that you’ve got people waiting for you. Next time you’re out for a few days.”

He took a shaky breath and kissed you tenderly, deeply, before putting it on, looking at it in his palm.

“I love it, Baby,” he said softly.

“Look at Bambi, being all sentimental,” Ellie teased from her spot on the floor, already using one of the new sketchpads from Joel. You glared at her, trying not to smile, and she laughed.

“One more,” you said before pressing your nose into Joel’s shoulder. For some reason, this made you anxious. Like the gifts were leaving you exposed. You dug your nails into your thigh to keep your leg from bouncing too much.

Joel unwrapped the cassette tape, looking at the label.

“Daylight,” he read from the tag. You’d tried to write it out in your best handwriting, the kind you hadn’t used in years but that your mother had drilled into you. “Don’t think I know this artist, who’s…”

You cut him off before he could read the name aloud.

First, middle, last.

“You do,” you said. “That’s… that’s me.”

His head whipped around to look at you, his eyes a little wide.

“I wrote it,” you nodded at the tape. “The quality is questionable - it’s just from an old audio recorder from my house - and I’ll play it for you if you want. But… Anyway, I wrote it for you and… well, felt like I should put my real name on it. No one’s really known it in a while but I wanted you to.”

“Baby…” he breathed, looking back at the tape. “This…”

“You can keep calling me Bambi,” you smiled a little. “Everyone else does. Which is still your fault, by the way.”

He laughed.

“This is amazing,” he said. “You’re amazing, I…”

“I’m going to need you guys to not be gross when I’m in the room,” Ellie groaned dramatically.

“Don’t worry, Kiddo,” Joel said. “Think we can keep it under control. Got a few more here…”

He picked up a small package and handed it to you.

You opened it, a CD inside, one you didn’t know. You looked at the back, frowning, only to find that it was an album of accompaniment tracks for violin.

“Oh, cool!” You said, looking over the track list. “I could definitely adapt these parts for guitar and…”

“Well, didn’t say you’d need to do that,” Joel said, clapping his hands on his knees before getting up. “Just a sec…”

Joel left and you frowned to Ellie, who just shrugged, her pencil frozen over the paper. He returned just a minute later, a violin in one hand and something you didn’t recognize in the other.

“Wasn’t sure how to wrap either of these so…”

You practically jumped off the couch, eyes wide, and took the instrument from him, holding it reverently.

“Where did you find this?” You asked, looking over the body. It looked to be in amazing condition.

Joel smiled.

“Been on the look out for one since you told me what instruments you played,” he said. “Got a bow and extra strings too, should be set for a bit.”

You threw the arm that wasn’t holding the violin around his neck and he laughed before giving you a squeeze. When you pulled away from him, he turned to Ellie.

“And this is for you,” he said, unfolding the bundle in his hand. Ellie got up, frowning at it for a second but watching as he did. “Figured since you’re gettin’ real good at your art, you should have all the tools…”

He finished putting it all together and set it down, an easel that was the perfect size for the largest sketchpad that Joel had gotten her.

“Oh shit!” Her face lit up. “This is like… real artist stuff!”

“Well yeah,” Joel shrugged, crossing his arms. “You’re a real artist, Kiddo. Need real artist stuff.”

Ellie practically hurled herself at him and he laughed, catching her out of the air. You smiled, watching them. They had become so much more like what you imagined them to have been before Ellie learned the truth about the hospital. It had taken a few months to get them there and you learned that giving them projects to work on together seemed to be the best way to move them along.

You started with shoeing the horses and quickly pinned down Tommy to come up with some more ideas for ways to get them progressing toward a common goal. They worked with him to build a new, larger pen for some of the livestock. You ended up concocting busy work that didn’t seem like busy work every other week or so until you noticed Ellie coming by the house of her own accord and Joel spending more than a few perfunctory minutes when he went to the outbuilding she called home. Every now and then, you still saw signs of Ellie being introspective. Sometimes she would go quiet, glancing at Joel with her brows drawn together and her eyes dark. But it was so much better than it was and you could clearly see the people they had become to each other as they survived crossing the United States.

The two of them were doing better than you’d ever really seen them by Christmas. You weren’t sure if it was the holiday or they had always been building to this point, but there was no sign of the tension that had been there as long as you’d known them both. It was hard to believe that the Ellie who was color swatching her new pencils and excitedly telling Joel about things like the saturation of the pigment was the same Ellie who had come over to your house, upset that you and Joel were together.

She left to exchange gifts with friends in the afternoon and you passed the time playing guitar with Joel while watching the snow drift down outside before holding each other on the couch, stretched out long and pressed close, something that earned you both an “Ugh I thought you were supposed to be adults, show some self control” when Ellie came back a few hours later.

After dinner with Tommy, Maria, William and the rest of Jackson, Ellie went home and Joel tried to put the cassette you’d made him in the boombox in his room but you begged him not to.

“Why not?” He frowned. “I’m excited to hear it…”

“I’ll make you a deal,” you said, putting your arms around his waist. “I will let you fuck me if you wait until I am not within earshot to listen to that. I can’t stand hearing my own stuff, makes me want to crawl out of my skin.”

Joel smiled and shook his head a little.

“You were gonna let me fuck you, anyway.”

“Moot point.”

He kissed you gently.

“Fine,” he said. “I’ll wait until you go home tomorrow to get your stuff for patrol. Think I’ve got the self control to hold off ’til then…”

You laughed and kissed him again, his hands growing eager against you. You rode him, your hands spread wide on his chest, memorizing the way the moonlight reflecting on the snow cast the shadows over his face, coming around him with a whimpering moan. As you fell asleep on his chest, his softening length still inside you as he held you close, you felt more at home than you had since you’d fled the home you’d made after the outbreak.

“I love you, Joel,” you said softly. You weren’t sure he was conscious enough to hear you but he held you a little tighter all the same.

***

Joel had always loved the outdoors but there was something about being in the woods after it snowed that was damn near magic.

It was like that now, out with you the day after Christmas. The snow hung heavy on the trees, boughs drooping toward the earth like they were covered in frosting, the crystalline layer catching the light and sending it shattering off the tree trunks.

The almost blinding light caught your eyes and hair and the snowflakes did, too, making you look like some otherworldly being. One that he should know better than to try to touch but was too selfish not to.

He’d listened to the tape when you left to head to your place to gather your things for patrol that morning. He just held the cassette for a moment, eyes tracing over the graceful lettering that spelled the title and your name.

You’d given him your name. You had told him why you didn’t like to share it, why you hadn’t shared it with anyone but the doctor here in decades. There was a power in it. So much of what you had and who you were had been weaponized against you since the outbreak. It made sense that you’d keep something close and for yourself and yourself alone. And he’d been content with that. He had more of you than he deserved, he wasn’t about to go and ask for more.

But you’d given him your name. First, middle, last. Because you wanted him to have that part of you, too.

He said it out loud to himself, testing the words on his tongue, picturing you as he did, tying the person he knew to the name that belonged to you.

Joel put the tape in the stereo and pressed play, turning the volume down a little. Just in case someone was walking by outside. He didn’t want to share this with them in any way. This was just for him.

There was a few seconds of crackling almost silence before you spoke, the sound clearer than he’d really expected it to be.

“Hey Joel,” your voice sounded close and almost nervous. He smiled at that, that you’d be nervous playing for him even after all this time. “I’ve kind of been wishing I was better with words since I’ve known you. I’m not exactly a poet so it’s kind of hard for me to say what you mean to me. But… well, I do know music. This doesn’t quite say it right, either, but it does a better job than I could on my own. I love you, Joel. So much.”

He listened close, could hear the quiet sound of your breaths and the sound of you adjusting the guitar in your arms before you started playing.

The music made Joel’s heart ache, so beautiful it almost hurt to listen to it. It was slow and gentle and intricate and longing, made him think of what it was to look at you and feel you and have you consume so much of who he was because he wanted you to, didn’t want himself without you.

When the song ended, the final chord hanging on the air, there was a pinch of tears at the back of his throat. He sniffed and tried to blink them back as there was a rustling on the recording and he could picture you adjusting your guitar.

“I hope you liked it,” you laughed a little. “And I hope it makes sense. Hope you know how much I love you. Because I do. Always will.”

The tape ended and Joel rewound it, collecting himself before listening to it again.

You were already at the stables when Joel got there, strapping your things to Renaissance’s side and humming to yourself. Joel didn’t say anything, wasn’t sure he’d really be able to speak past the lump in his throat. Instead, he went to you and you frowned when you saw him.

“Everything OK?” You asked. He grabbed you roughly and pulled you into his chest, kissing the crown of your head and clutching you close. You paused a moment before wrapping your arms around his waist and giving him a squeeze. “Joel?”

“Love you,” he managed, not willing to let you go quite yet.

“Love you too,” you pulled back from him to look at him and laughed a little. “You alright?”

He kissed your forehead.

“Got you,” he said. “I’m great.”

The patrol had been quiet, just like Joel thought it would be. He hadn’t gone out with just you since snow started falling and he was ready for the kinds of patrols that came with winter. Last patrol with you had been in late October and the two of you had been caught up in a hoard of infected that was making its way south, migrating to survive the winter. You’d gotten pinned down at one point, Joel damn near panicking at the sight of it. He was able to get to you and knock the infected away, giving you enough space to raise your gun and fire. You’d made it out unscathed but with a lesson learned.

“Need shit I can use at close range,” you’d panted, dusting yourself off. “Baseball bat. Axe, maybe. Knife isn’t enough.”

Joel had found you an axe the second the two of you were back to Jackson and it was strapped to the side of your horse where you could easily free it to swing at anything headed your way.

But he didn’t think you’d need it today. This point in the season, the raiders were holed up to ride out the weather, not wanting to risk exposure by roaming much. Infected - with a few exceptions - had all fled the cold. These patrols were mostly to make sure anyone watching knew that Jackson was going to protect and maintain its territory, even when there wasn’t much to protect against.

The forest was quiet, you riding alongside Joel when the trail was wide enough to allow for it. You just looked around at the trees, enjoying nature for what it was, Joel taking advantage of the quiet to watch you do it. He’d be happy to watch you do just about anything.

“Almost like the end of the world never happened when you’re out here,” you said quietly, looking up at the snow-coated branches. “Like it’s a whole other world.”

The two of you saw no signs of anyone else when you made it to the lodge for the night, twilight on the horizon because days were short and nights were long this time of year. You settled the horses while Joel got a fire going in the fireplace inside. He set out your sleeping bags in front of the stone hearth, the setting sun casting the snow in shades of pink and orange from the wall of windows beyond. He pulled a small pot out of his bag and put some leftovers from the Christmas dinner the night before he’d managed to snag before they all got snapped up, turkey and stuffing and gravy warming as you came in from taking care of the horses.

“That smells incredible,” you said, putting your arms around Joel’s neck and pressing your body close. You were in his coat and his shirt, wrapping yourself up in him and he loved it, relished that he was what made you feel safe.

“Can’t take much credit,” he said, kissing you gently. “Just swiped it.”

“More than I managed,” you tangled your fingers in his hair, your soft gaze holding his. He sometimes thought the entire universe was contained in your eyes, like if he looked into them for long enough he’d find the answers to everything he’d ever questioned, the fulfillment of everything he’d ever longed for. “This was nice. Should talk them into letting me out of the stables more.”

“Won’t catch me arguin’,” he smiled, nuzzling against your cheek. “Not sure I can promise the more gourmet dinner options the rest of the year, though.”

You laughed and kissed him, soft and sweet, tongue dipping into his mouth.

“Think we’d be just fine with jerky,” you said, voice breathy.

He smiled back.

“Think so, too.”

You ate dinner close together, you tucked against his side. After, the two of you took turns playing guitar and singing, sticking close to the fire as it grew dark outside. Eventually, Joel set the guitar aside and took your face in his hands, kissing you deeply before smiling against your lips.

“What?” You teased.

“First kissed you up here,” he said. “Worried I wasn’t ever gonna get to again. Now I can kiss you whenever I want.”

“And it’s somehow not enough for me,” you kissed him again and he pulled you onto his lap before he undressed you slowly. You unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it down his arms until his skin was warm against your bare chest. You pressed yourself close and tight to him, rocking your clothed core over his hardening length.

“Want you,” you were damn near panting.

“Past wantin’ you,” he pulled you somehow closer. “Been far past it all day. Since I listened to your tape.”

You pulled back from him a little and he took advantage of the distance to look at your bared skin.

“You heard it?” You asked quietly. He nodded. “Did… did you like it?”

“Oh, Baby,” he cupped your cheek. “I loved it.”

You smiled and kissed him again and he held you close before maneuvering you onto your back on top of the sleeping bags, the heat from the fire warm on his skin. He tugged your jeans and panties off, casting them aside before removing his own. He ran his hands over your thighs, the softness of your skin in sharp contrast to the roughness of his own. His fingers reached your slit, all damp heat as he traced over you to your clit. You moaned, rocking your hips against him. He watched the muscle of your thighs tighten and shift and he took your ankle in his large hand, moving your foot to his shoulder so he could trail his lips over the supple flesh of the inside of your leg. He took his hand from your leg to grip his hardening cock as he toyed with your pussy as your back arched below him. He brushed his head against your swollen sex and all he could think about was opening you up to him, burying himself inside you until he couldn’t separate himself from you anymore.

His eyes traced over you, your pupils blown, your chest heaving as you panted for breath.

He lined himself up with your tight, grasping hole and lowered himself over you, his chest on yours, his lips inches from your own. He sank into you slowly, watched as his making space for himself inside you came over you, your eyes rolling back every so slightly before closing, the delicate moans from your parted lips. He breathed your name — your real name - as he reached the very end of you and you gasped, eyes opening to search his.

“Joel,” you whispered. He kissed you softly, sheathed within you. “Call me that again. Want… want to hear you say my name.”

He obeyed, pressing impossibly deeper before pulling out, slow but firm, before opening you up to him again, your name on his tongue as he did. Joel worked your body slow and steady, his orgasm building slowly alongside yours, your name falling from his lips again and again like a prayer in the night until your fluttering core made him spill into you.

Neither of you bothered putting clothes on before climbing into one sleeping bag, your bodies close and warm. He watched you sleep in his arms by the dying firelight and he wasn’t ready to let you go when you both woke up in the morning.

The warm glow of you left him optimistic as the two of you got underway again. It didn’t seem like anything could happen when he was with you like this. Like the two of you existed in a separate reality where people didn’t get hurt, where the evils of people couldn’t exist.

“Joel?” You said, a few hours into the journey on the return trail. He stopped his horse alongside yours and you nodded into the woods, a good 10 feet off the trail. It looked like a large animal had been making its way through the snow before turning around.

“Could be an elk or somethin’,” he said. “Might not be a horse…”

You didn’t respond. You just dismounted, grabbing your axe and patting Renaissance’s neck as you picked your way through the snow and the brush to the point off the trail. Joel sighed but followed you, catching up to you just as you froze, staring down at the snow. There were distinct signs that there was a person with the animal and Joel sighed before he realized exactly what you were staring at. Just the start of a footprint in the snow, it didn’t have the chance to sink low to the ground like they’d been stopped. Just shallow enough to easily make out the size of the foot. It was small, too small to belong to a grown man. It was either a child - maybe a teenager - or a small woman.

“Bambi…” he said cautiously, but you ignored him, turning on your heel, hooking your axe into its place on your saddle and mounting Renaissance.

“Those tracks are relatively fresh,” you said. “It was snowing until after midnight and they’re not covered.”

“We should go back and…”

“No,” you said sharply. “Then it might be too late. We have to try. Joel, please…”

He met your gaze, your eyes wide and desperate.

“Please,” you whispered.

He sighed but climbed back on his horse.

“Somethin’ goes bad,” he said. “You get back to Jackson, get help. Understand?”

You nodded and Joel led the way, trying to move as quickly as he could through the woods and the snow.

After going almost two hours out of the way, the two of you stumbled upon what had clearly been a campsite not all that long ago. There were signs of at least a dozen or so men, the campfires no longer warm but not snow-covered either.

You got off Renaissance again and started going around the area but Joel wasn’t sure what you were looking for. He dismounted, anyway, following close behind you as you picked through the signs of life that were here. Eventually, you whistled, something almost like a bird call but slightly off before going quiet.

“Bambi…”

“Shh.”

He obeyed and you gave another whistle the same way, holding your hand out to signal him to stay quiet. There was no response.

You visibly deflated before turning and pressing your face to Joel’s chest. He put his arms around you and held you gentle and close, feeling your warmth against him.

“You’re OK Love,” he said softly.

“Not me I’m worried about,” you sniffed, voice thick.

“I know,” he held you closer. “I know… I know you want to help people who are hurtin’ like you. But you can’t save everyone, Baby, you just can’t.”

You were silent and he just held you close.

“We’ll head back,” he said quietly. “Report it. Send a team out with enough guns and men to handle a group of this size, see what we can’t find.”

You nodded against him, clutching him close.

“We wouldn’t have been able to help ‘em,” he whispered. “There were too many of them, would have gotten us both killed. Better this way. They’ll have a chance now.”

You pulled away from him and dried your eyes.

“Should get back,” you said, tone serious. “Sooner we’re back to Jackson, sooner we can send help.”

“C’mon,” he put his arm around your shoulders and guided you back to the horses, turning to look back the way the two of you had come.

He stopped in his tracks.

Just like the sign you’d spotted months before, freshly carved into the trunks of the trees, were two large Xes, like they were waiting for him.

What scared him more was the thought that they might be waiting for you.

Next Chapter

A/N: Yay, soft Jackson Christmas!

...other stuff is happening too.

Really really really soon.

BUT I LOVE YOU!!!

Thank you so much for reading and for being here. I'm seriously so excited to share what's coming next, I hope you're excited to see what happens, too. All your kindness and support means the world, just thank you thank you thank you. Love you all!

Taglist: @ashleymsnodgrass@planet-marz1@kalea-bane @juneswonderlust@ilovepedro @h-annahayy @starstruckmusiciansartghost@beccerjune@mumma-moonchild@netonetoneto@mellymbee@purplelye@n7cje@flugazi@evyiione@randomhoex@aliengirl99@orcasoul@reds-ramblings@pedropascalsbbg @fupoola @tinypotatothing @knopes-waffles @lilmizmoz @ayamenimthiriel@jenispunk@panda-pascal@sarap-77@flugazi@your-slutty-gf@daniegraceg@partyofone3413@cumberpegg@noisynightmarepoetry.@fifia-writes@grumpygrumperton @srmacaroni @txlady37 @bigboiseason123

#fanfic #joel miller x female reader #yearling #joel miller x you #joel miller x reader #smut fic #joel miller x oc

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rotgsecretsanta · 16 days ago

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RotG Secret Santa 2024 Master List!

1. [Any ship or no ship] Jack being the "poster boy" of a "bloody show pony".

Art by calmboyl

2. [Any ship or No ship] Mermaid!Jack.

Art by ksclaw

4. [Jack/Pitch] Beauty and the Beast themed.

Art by nimohtar

5. [Jack/Pitch] Blackice gay titanic in space.

Fic by piratekingpitchblack

6. [Jack/Pitch] Blackice Pirates :D

Fic by birdbrainedinsomnia

7. [Jack/Pitch] Captain America/Winter Soldier Superhero AU. In which Jack is the Winter Soldier on the run that everyone thinks is a villain and Kozmotis is the golden boy superhero who won’t give up on his long time friend/crush/most important person even if that means being at odds with other supers and the general public. Doesn’t have to follow Marvel, happy ending please!

Fic by ChibisUnleashed

8. [Jack/Pitch] Decorating a tree is way easier when your partner is as tall as said tree. Even though you could have probably done it all by yourself. But where's the fun in that? :)

Art by nimohtar

9. [Jack/Pitch] Fluff, or a soft as possible moment between them.

Art by bunnimew

12. [Jack/Pitch] Love at first sight on the dance floor.

Fic by birdbrainedinsomnia

13. [Jack/Pitch] Neighbor AU. Jack and Pitch are next door neighbors. Pitch keeps his Halloween decorations up until January. Jack likes making an over the top winter wonderland for Christmas. Cue rival shenanigans of Pitch adding horror to Jack’s decorations and Jack adding Christmas cheer to Pitch’s. By the end of December they both have horror-Christmas lawns/houses and secretly love it because they’ve been crushing on each other for years and all the other neighbors on the street know it. Bonus points if Jack gets Pitch under the mistletoe.

Fic by birdbrainedinsomnia

14. [Jack/Pitch] Pitch's lair is all dark and gloomy, so Jack took it upon himself to 'redecorate' and bring some extra festive cheer!

Fic and moodboard by theawfuledges

16. [Jack/Pitch] Romantic gesture or marriage proposal.

Art by overmooneleven

18. [Jack/Pitch and No Jack/Any other Guardians] Guardian!Jack/Human!Pitch, with Pitch being as dour and prickly as he ever was as the Boogeyman and Jack, in turn, loving to annoy him. Notps: Jack with any of the other Guardians.

Fic by birdbrainedinsomnia

19. [Jack/Pitch and No Jack/Any other Guardians] Human AU exploring an age gap relationship between Jack and Pitch. Notps: Jack with any of the other Guardians.

Fic by askmyname

Fic by bunnimew

21. [Jack/Pitch and No Jack/Any other Guardians] Pitch meeting Jack the night he became Jack Frost. Notps: Jack with any of the other Guardians.

Fic and art by jaimistoryteller

25. [Jack/Pitch or No ship] Jack with wings. Blackice preferred.

Art by sherbet-powder

Art by nimohtar

26. [Jack/Pitch or No ship] Nightmare Before Christmas crossover with either Jack, Pitch, or both. Them as friends or together.

Art by bunnimew

27. [Jack/Pitch or No ship] Pitch, Jack, and Nightmare Foals. Blackice preferred.

Art by ksclaw

28. [Jack/Pitch or No ship] Pitch as a guardian, Jack as friend or relationship.

Fic by piratekingpitchblack

29. [Jack/Shadowbent] Old friends reconnect after the events of the movie, surprised about how quickly things develop.

Fic by askmyname

32. [Katherine/Nightlight] Kathrine and Nightlight (either as cutesy teenagers in love or as friends).

Art by ikathz

34. [Kozmotis/Lady Pitchiner] Lord and Lady Pitchiner, being absolute loveable dorks.

Art by calmboyl

Art by nimohtar

35. [North/Bunny] Post Christmas, having to deal with the fallout of the busiest day of the year.

Fic by stormingfrost

36. [North/Bunny] The rivalry between two holidays becomes something more.

Art by yourmajestybee

39. [North/Pitch] Interacting or just enjoying some time together (First Date, Slice of Life).

Art by ksclaw

41. [No ship] Bonding between the guardians, or the guardians and the kids. Pitch (maybe not redeemed, but not evil) can join in on the bonding, if you're up to it. Notps: anything between the kids and the guardians, or jack/north. I prefer no ships, but something in the background would be alright.

Fic by sylphidine

47. [No ship] Reverse AU - Guardians as villains, Pitch as a hero (feel free to add book characters).

Fic by blackbeeno3569

49. [No ship or Jack/Pitch] Pitch in his monster form. Go wild!

Art by blackbeeno3569

51. [Pitch/Pitchiner] Nightmare Dork Univeristy verse (masquerade, dancing, fear outing).

Fic by sylphidine

60. Black☆Rock Shooter-themed Katherine.

Art by goldenslumbersketchbook

65. Guardians inspired dessert. What would a dessert modeled after one of the guardians be like? (It doesn’t have to be real world food either, it can be something fantasy. Have fun!)

Art by winterswrathe

71. Jack and North camping together.

Fic by feanicks

74. Jack Frost and Nightlight fighting each other.

Art by ksclaw

75. Jack - ice skating.

Fic by askmyname

77. Jack understands what Pitch's center is. Fear can help save you or give a reason to save yourself.

Fic by blackbeeno3569

78. Jack waking up from a nightmare. Bonus points if he is being comforted by one (or several) of the Guardians.

Fic by lbigreyhound13

79. Jack with aro ace flag or aro ace theming in any way!

Art by fangirl530

81. Katherine in cute or cool 80s fashion.

Art by ikathz

Art by missguided-ghst

82. Katherine sitting on a suitcase reading a book while sipping on some tea.

Art by ksclaw

83. Muppets AU! Your choice of which guardian gets muppetized.

Art by yourmajestybee

86. North and Jack being found family father and son core.

Fic by lbigreyhound13

90. Pitch has a pond room in his lair where he keeps a flock of ducks. The Nightmares are very fond of them.

Art by blackbeeno3569

97. Seraphina failing her boat lessons.

Art by goldenslumbersketchbook

101. The Guardians baking cookies together.

Art by blackbeeno3569

107. Touch-starved!Jack getting used to physical affection from the other Guardians.

Art by nimohtar

108. Twiner getting a day off.

Art by calmboyl

111. Your own or your favourite RotG OC on Christmas.

Fic by sarsfe

Y'all made a total of 51 gifts this year! That's amazing!

Thanks again to everyone that participated and don't forget to thank the person that made your gift! :D

WE'LL SEE YOU NEXT TIME! ❄️❄️

#rise of the guardians #rotg #rotgsecretsanta #rotgsecretsanta2024 #rotg fandom events

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aalinaaaaaa · 1 month ago

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2024 Tumblr Top 10

1. 102 notes - Apr 12 2024

Earlier this year, I decided to renovate my introduction post (the other one was getting a bit old!). But honestly, April feels like an eternity ago, I forgot I posted it this year

2. 32 notes - Dec 24 2024

A year summary in a year summary... wrapped in a gift box, if you will ;)

(The linked one is more comprehensive, it goes over the major highlights of my year. This top 10 post seems to be October-December focused for the most part)

3. 32 notes - Dec 1 2024

This is the post where I announced my plans for December, in that I would be reblogging all my Flash Fiction Friday pieces with behind-the-scenes stuff and deleted snippets. Now that all my pieces for this year have been reblogged, I can say I enjoyed doing it this year and I will probably do it again in the future :D

4. 28 notes - Dec 17 2024

Lol, not an Arcane meme shooting its way into my top 10 posts in such a short space of time 👀 (pun not intended, lol)

Anyway, it’s spoilery for late season 1/early season 2, click with caution...

5. 27 notes - Feb 17 2024

Blue Moon — Callabiem finds cracks in the moon and takes it upon herself to investigate what’s going on before the moon shatters entirely.

6. 25 notes - Nov 29 2024

Pride of Lines Tag — For this tag game, I put in a snippet deriving from this piece I did for Flash Fiction Friday

7. 24 notes - Nov 19 2024

This is the height comparison tag I made for the cast of Obsidian Sapphires, I had fun making it :D

8. 23 notes - Oct 23 2024

WIP Wednesday — The snippet is part of the first things I wrote for Obsidian Sapphires after waking up one morning with the solution to a glaring plot-hole. One could say the acolyte is stuck between rocks and a hard place...

9. 23 notes - Nov 14 2024

Proud of Tag — One of the fragments of what I have affectionately dubbed ‘the angsty pining scene’. I love this scene to bits (call me biased, lmao), especially the last line Cerigo says in this particular fragment.

10. 21 notes - Oct 22 2024

Out of Context Line Tag — I have come to realise that Eshani gets a bunch of snappy lines throughout Obsidian Sapphires. I love that for her <3

Created by TumblrTop10

Seeing as most of this is tag games, I’m going to make this into a tag game too! To all those tagged here, plus anyone reading this who wants to give it a go (here’s your open tag), click the link in ‘tumblrtop10′ and share your top 10 posts for the year!

@bardic-tales @honeybewrites @thebookishkiwi @seastarblue @thepeculiarbird @the-golden-comet @space-writes @mysticstarlightduck @winterandwords @finickyfelix @wintherlywords @ruvastuon @cljordan-imperium @druidx @avrablake @flock-from-the-void @angelfevr @thatndginger @anyablackwood

#tumblrtop10 #half of this seems to be tag games lol #and the other half is a nice mix #I like that blue moon ended up here #and that most of this is some sort of writing

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flowers-of-io · 2 months ago

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End of the year fic asks

This time around I figured I'd make my own end of the year fic asks list (inspired by this one) because this game is of my favourite thing about December :D Feel free to reblog, and ask away!!

1. A fic you wrote this year that you consider your best

2. A fic you wrote this year that you consider your worst

3. A fic you wrote this year that was most challenging to write

4. A fic you wrote this year that was most fun to write

5. Weirdest fic you wrote this year

6. Angstiest fic you wrote this year

7. Softest/most comforting fic you wrote this year

8. Silliest/most whimsical fic you wrote this year

9. A fic you didn't expect to write

10. A fic you wrote this year that was different from what you usually write

11. Longest fic of the year

12. Shortest fic of the year

13. Two things this year has taught you about writing

14. Two things you want to learn/practice next year

15. Two things you've achieved this year that you're most proud of

16. Two goals for next year

17. Two favourite lines/paragraphs/scenes from this year's fics

18. Two songs from your writing playlist(s)

19. A fic you didn't expect to get this popular

20. A fic you wish was more popular

21. Most memorable comment/review/praise you received this year

22. Favourite ship/character/trope to write about this year

23. A ship/character/trope you wrote about for the first time this year

24. Five ideas to work on next year

25. Wip(s) you wanted to finish this year but didn't

26. One thing that had the biggest influence on your writing this year

27. Favourite event/trade/zine you took part in this year

28. Most inspiring fic you read this year

29. Two pieces of media other than fics (books, songs, artworks, etc.) that inspired you this year

30. Five fics you read this year that you'd like to recommend

#ask game #writing #end of the year asks

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ms-m-astrologer · 2 months ago

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The Week Ahead: December 16-22, 2024

Lunar Phases

Wednesday, December 18, 22:30 UTC - Disseminating Moon, 12°30’ Leo

The key phrases for the Disseminating lunar phase are “teach, share, communicate;” and “ease up on efforts with our intentions.” We’re sharing in creative ways, maybe a little overly dramatic. Very performative vibes. Women remain pissed off.

Sunday, December 22, 22:18 UTC - Last Quarter Moon, 1°34’ Libra

The key phrases for the Last Quarter lunar phase are “turn away,” and “tear down old structures that no longer serve us well.” Some of those old structures may be the way we celebrate the holidays. There’s temptation to “gloss over” things we oughtn’t, for the sake of family harmony.

Void of Course Moon

Tuesday, December 17, 18:33 UTC (Cancer) - 23:39 UTC (Leo)

Friday, December 20, 05:19 UTC (Leo) - 07:37 UTC (Virgo)

Sunday, December 22, 13:27 UTC (Virgo) - 19:08 UTC (Libra)

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Pre-retrograde shadow: Juno/Scorpio (starting Sunday the 22nd)

Retrograde: Mars/Leo, Jupiter/Gemini, Chiron/Aries, Uranus/Taurus, Eris/Aries

Post-retrograde shadow: Mercury/Sagittarius, Saturn/Pisces

Transiting Mercury exits its Storm on Saturday, December 21, now moving faster than 40’ or arc per day. Until then, forward progress is minimal - it feels like we’re still struggling, even though we know we’re moving on.

Transiting Juno enters her pre-retrograde shadow on Sunday, December 22, 14:45 UTC, at 16°15’ Scorpio. Well, we’re in for it now - it’s about time - a lot of toxicity in/of/with relationships to sort through and purge.

Ingress

Saturday, December 21, 09:21 UTC - transiting Sun enters Capricorn

Aka the Capricorn Solstice - Merry Yule up here, Merry Litha down there! I think we have a general feeling that we’ve wept and howled long enough - it’s time to begin to plan for the future, not only the immediate reality but where we wish it to go.

Et Cetera

There are three Opportunity Periods this week:

Sunday, December 15, 19:21 UTC - Tuesday, December 17, 23:39 UTC. “With Mercury just turning direct, this is a good time for setting lofty goals and inspiration.”

Thursday, December 19, 20:04 UTC - Friday, December 20, 05:19 UTC. “Good for creativity and also healthy connections and relationships, aided by the Venus-Jupiter trine.”

Sunday, December 22, 22:18 UTC - Tuesday, December 24, 10:44 UTC. “This great OP ends with the Moon enclosed between benefics (Venus and Jupiter), forming a grand trine, which is awesome for everything joyous, just in time for the holidays.”

A different feel, as Mercury is direct but sluggish - and it’s now a waning Moon. We have the dreaded “Holidays” ahead of us, too; it’s finals time in schools and colleges. The “most wonderful time of the year,” my eye. There are rewards for hanging in there, though.

While the Moon is in Cancer (Sunday the 15th - Tuesday the 17th), use that Opportunity Period to come to terms with your feelings. How do you feel about “the holidays” this year, and what can/will you do about celebrating them or not?

While the Moon is in Leo (Tuesday the 17th to Friday the 20th), it’s a little bit of a respite with some partying, abetted by a trine between Venus/Aquarius and Jupiter Rx/Gemini. Great for socializing.

While the Moon is in Virgo (Friday the 20th to Sunday the 22nd), it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Probably lots of distractions - take a tip from a sexagenarian and write everything down as it occurs to you. Having plans B, C, and D, as well as Plan A, will be useful.

While the Moon is in Libra (Sunday the 22nd - Wednesday the 25th), we have another chiefly social time. It ends with a very long void Moon, from 09:44 UTC the 24th, to 08:06 UTC the 25th. Try to get everything done before this, so you can relax and chill out on Christmas Eve.

#Astrology #Weekly astrological forecast #16-22 December 2024 #Ms M astrologer

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thefundiemuseum · 1 month ago

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2024 Wrap-Up: Babies

Duggar Family

Shockingly, we had just 1 Duggar grandbaby this year!

Brielle Grace was born to Jeremiah + Hannah (Wissmann) Duggar in late February. She is already slated to become a big sister.

Bates Family

The Bateses welcomed 5 grandkids this year, all of them boys. It's worth noting that we didn't see a grandBates from Jackson + Emerson, who had the rare experience of hitting their first anniversary without getting pregnant.

Miles Kelton was born to Josie + Kelton on February 21.

Weston Slade was born to Tori + Bobby on May 29.

William Daniel was born to Lawson + Tiffany on July 19.

Harvey Gray was born to Katie + Travis on September 29.

Graham Alan was born to Nathan + Esther on October 4.

Wissmann Family

There were 2 Wissmann grandkids this year, both girls.

The aforementioned Brielle Grace Duggar

Lila Ann Jerred was born to Susanna + Drew on April 1.

Keller Family

You know I love me some shitty baby names, and the Keller family delivers. It seems the Keller Reber family is doing an E theme, and we finally got an answer to how the Waller Keller family picks their names (D for girls, P for boys).

Josiah was born to Esther + John on January 17. (Here's hoping this is the last--though I wish we could see what wild choice they'd have made for another girl. Agatha? Eirene?)

Edelweiss Miracle was born to David + Hannah on March 16. What a mouthful. I love how bad this is.

Naomi Christine was born to Nathan + Nurie on July 14. "Naomi" was very predictable, but "Christine" was a pleasant surprise. I had been betting on "Naomi Jill." "Naomi Christine" is, in retrospect, much more pleasant.

Desiree Hope was born to Priscilla + David on July 19.

Maxwell-Bontrager-Bowers-Helferich Clan

Early in the year, Marlin Bontrager announced that he had 3 grandkids on the way. It looks like there were actually 5! Not everyone posts actively on socials, so I don't have names and birthdays for everyone.

Baby #1 was born to Taylor + Susanna (Helferich) Bontrager. Judging by the baby's age, it looks like a honeymoon baby.

Baby #4 was born to Mitchell + Bryn Bontrager in the spring.

Baby #4 was born to Carson + Carolina (Bowers) Bontrager. After Jubilee, Jemima, and Spurgeon, I am dying to know what they named their next kid.

Amelia Marie was born to Jeremiah + Allison (Bontrager) Helferich on August 28.

Watson Joe was born to John + Chelsy (Bontrager) Maxwell on December 3.

Morton Family

The Mortons are on their way to 60 grandkids.

Gabriel Lorenzo was born to Wesley + Rachael Morton on April 24.

Ezra Michael was born to Adeline + Michael Holloway on April 24.

Baby #2 was born to Edwin + Francesca in April.

Baby #5 was born to Andrew + Kennedy in August.

Thomas Ezekiel was born to Cleve + Lise on November 26.

Other Fundie Babies

Deitrich Johannes was born to Isaac + Arti Anderson on August 17.

Arrow Chosen was born to Karissa + Mandrae Collins on August 17.

Briggs Maverick was born to Sierra + Mark Dominguez.

#rodrigues family #duggar family #bates family #morton family

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lonestarflight · 1 year ago

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The complete Shuttle Fleet AU

This is just my thoughts about how things might align for Enterprise to be refitted into an operational shuttle. This comes after reading a lot of the behind the scenes decisions and abandoned plans NASA had over the last 40 years. I only listed major events.

It wasn't meant to be this long but I hyperfocused too much on it one morning. Anyways, I hope you enjoy it.

• 1972: NASA started the Space Shuttle Program.

• OV-101 Enterprise: same rollout and testing as our timeline in 1976-77

•STA-099: delivered to Lockheed for structural load tests to simulate the launch and re-entry of an operational orbiter in February 1978.

• Point of divergent: The decision to use STA-099 instead of OV-101 as the second operational orbiter came too late as the frame was already tested to 90% stress load. At this point, it would be too costly to repair and bring it back inline. It was decided to continue testing to destruction (as was originally planned in our timeline), although some parts are removed to be refurbished for OV-103.

• OV-102 Columbia completed and rolled out in March 1980. (NASA doesn't relocate Columbia to KSC in March 1979 in an attempt to speed up her tile installation, which only delayed her completion).

•STS-1 is launched in December 1980 (instead of April 1981)

• NASA gives the go ahead to add Enterprise to the fleet and have her rebuilt after Congress increases their budget, but the work would start once OV-104 is completed.

• 1981: long led items for Enterprise's rebuild are started. This includes a new crew pressure vessel and a new aft-fuselage.

• OV-103, starts earlier and it's production is accelerated with parts salvaged from STA-099 (such as the forward fuselage upper section, elevons and vertical stabilizer). Construction completed in 1982 and christened Challenger.

source

• 1983: STS-7 is Challenger's maiden mission. Onboard is Sally Ride.

• 1983: OV-104 is competed and christened Discovery.

source

• STS-12 is Discovery's first mission.

Note: NASA never uses the STS-41-D format. Where the first digit indicating the federal fiscal year, second digit indicating the launch site (1 was Kennedy Space Center and 2 was Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base), and the letter indicating scheduling sequence. This was due NASA Administrator James M. Beggs's triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13). In this timeline, the assistant admins were able to talk him out of it and simply skip STS-13.

• 1983: Enterprise is returned to Palmdale for her disassembled and rebuild. As a weight saving measure her mid-fuselage is returned to Convair for a complete rebuild to bring it inline with OV-103 and OV-104.

source

• 1985: at long last, Enterprise is rolled out and joins the fleet. She weighs about the same as Columbia despite weight saving implemented during her rebuild.

• 1985: Columbia is returned to Palmdale for refurbishment and to remove testing equipment (most notable is the ejection seats). This sees her thermal protection system revised and her 32,000 tiles reduced to 24,300. Most are replaced by Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation blankets which was used on the other three orbiters.

• September 1985: STS-21 is Enterprise's first mission

• STS-25 (STS-51-L in our timeline) launches at a later date due to NASA management listening to the Engineers about icy conditions on January 26, 1986. NASA quietly orders the complete redesign of the Solid Rocket Boosters.

• May 1986: tragedy strikes OV-103 Challenger during STS-27, when the attempted launch of the Centaur carrying the Ulysses probe explodes killing all those onboard. (A real fear in our timeline.)

source

• The Shuttle fleet is grounded for a year, during the investigation. Ultimately the Investigation board concluds NASA was trying to do too much with too limited a system/funding and is used by the administration to demand a bigger budget. (It has less of an impact on the American psyche since it wasn't televised).

• The USAF cancels all Shuttle missions from Vandeberg Air Force Base. (Same as our timeline)

• With an increased budget, NASA agrees to Rockwell's offer to build two new orbiters for the price of one offer.

• 1986: Columbia is returned to NASA after her refurbishment. However, he is placed into storage with the rest of the fleet.

• 1987: return to flight with STS-28 with Discovery. Also first launch with the redesigned SRBs.

• 1988: NASA launches the Shuttle-C program (or Cargo Transportation System), an expendable unmanned cargo pod, using the existing shuttle hardware. The goal is to increase the number of launches by augmenting the Orbiters and reduce the risks to human lives.

•1988: STS-29 Atlantis suffers a foam strike during launch. Post flight analysis determines the foam came from the bipod connected the ET near the top to the front underside of the orbiter. The orbiter was nearly lost during re-entry if it weren't for the fact the strike happened to a tile that was over less critical areas and the missing tile was over a steel patch for an antenna, which gave extra protection to the spacecraft structure. NASA removes the foam from the bipod connection on all missions going forward.

• OV-105 is built from spares from Challenger and Discovery. Completed in 1990 and christened Atlantis. Her design is the first to include a glass cockpit and other improvements.

• 1991: STS-45 is Atlantis's first mission

• OV-106 is a complete to an slightly improved design, making her lighter and stronger than her sisters. Externally she looks the same. Completed in 1992 and is christened Endeavour.

source

- Structural spares are built to replace the ones used in Atlantis's construction and are designated OV-107.

• 1992: first launch of the Shuttle-C (CTS-1). Mission was a success, carrying a DoD payload.

Shuttle-C render by Nathan Koga for Space Flight Insider: link, link

• CTS-3: launches the Ulysses II probe

NASA image: link

• 1993: STS-59 is Endeavour's first mission

• Rockwell International merges with Lockheed to become Lockheed-Rockwell.

• December 1993: OV-101 Enterprise is retired due to being the oldest in the fleet. Endeavour takes her place in the fleet. Enterprise is given to the Smithsonian with the option of being recalled by NASA if needed.

• 1994: NASA launches the X-33 program to compliment the shuttle as an unmanned reusable launch vehicle (RLV) and replace the Shuttle-C.

• 1996: CTS-5 carries the first component of the International Space Station.

Artwork by okan170: link

•1996: the Shuttle-C program is cancelled to divert funds to the X-33 program.

• 1998: Lockheed-Rockwell design is selected over proposals from McDonnell-Douglas and Northrop-Grumman/Boeing

SDASM Archives: 08_00991

• 1998: NASA begins the X-38 CRV (Crew Return Vehicle) program. The CRV is designed to be a lifeboat for the ISS.

• 2001: X-33 RLV program is shelved due to technical challenges and budget cuts.

• 2003: STS-118, Columbia conducts her first (and only) mission to the International Space Station. While docked, it was discovered an ice strike damaged her reinforced carbon–carbon leading wing edge panel. The crew stays in the ISS a week while waiting for rescue from STS-119 Atlantis. NASA jerry-riggs an autopilot system to have Columbia re-enter the atmosphere unmanned after her leading edge was temporarily repaired. It was expected for her to burn up in the atmosphere and what remained to land in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. However, against all odds Columbia survives and lands at Edwards Air Force Base. Although her port land gear collapsed during breaking after tough down and caused additional damage to the batter shuttle.

• The crew of STS-118 ride back on STS-119 Atlantis and land in Kennedy Space Center.

• Unfortunately, the damage to Columbia is too extensive and she is retired. She is placed in storage at Palmdale, California.

• In the wake, NASA begins Project Constellation, with the goal being to complete the original space transportation system (STS) mission. Which was a reusable system to carry astronauts to the moon and beyond. NASA and the US calls on the international community to fund and build the components.

NASA ID: MSFC-70-PD-4085 B

• The ET is modified with a half shell to remove the risks of form/ice strikes and the Shuttle TPS is upgraded with the materials from the shelved X-33 program.

• OV-101 Enterprise is recalled by NASA to be the prototype of an unmanned shuttle and is given a thorough rebuild with newer and lighter wings and other components but entirely unmanned. Some joking refer to her as Enterprise-A, as a reference to Star Trek.

• NASA funds Lockheed-Rockwell to build OV-107, another uncrewed version, to augment Enterprise.

• The ISS construction continues but becomes a research/launching platform for missions to the moon and ultimately beyond

• 2004: the X-38 is launched on a liftover Shuttle-C, modified for lifting body, to the ISS (CTS-10).

source

Artwork by SpacePozzolo: link

• 2005: return to flight with STS-121 Discovery.

• 2008: first flight of Enterprise-A (CTS-11).

• 2008: the ISS is completed

Artwork by NanoRacks: link

• 2009: OV-107 construction is completed and christened Constitution. Her first flight happens later that year (CTS-16).

• 2009: NASA announces the rocket that will carry the components of the Constellation programs beyond Earth orbit will be called the SLS (Space Launch System). Boeing was selected to build the core stage. The SLS will used SSME at the end of their life's and newly constructed expendable versions. A third launch, pad 39C, will be constructed for the SLS.

• 2009: Lunar Transfer Vehicle (LTV, later renamed Orion) is used to transfer crews from LEO to Lunar orbit. Two components make up the vehicle. The crew section is to be built by NASA/CSA and the fuel/propulsion section built by the ESA. The SLS will be used to launch the fuel/propulsion section of the LTV.

- OV-101 and OV-107 are used to launch the crew section of the LTV. Which will rendezvous with the ISS.

- SLS Block II, an upgraded version, is use to launch the Gateway components. Gateway components will be built in the ESA and Japan.

- A Lunar space station, Gateway, launched and constructed in lunar orbit for Orion to rendezvous and house the Altair lunar lander. Three Orions are kept in orbit, one at each station in case of an emergency and a third in use.

• The first is find locations with abundant raw materials for fuel the future moonbase.

• 2010: NASA announces the X-50 SSTO Program and the Commercial Crew Program, with the goal of replacing the Shuttle (including the Enterprise and Constitution). The X-50 is the successor to the X-33.

• 2012: Lockheed-Rockwell is selected to build the X-50

• 2014: SpaceX Dragon and Sierra Space Dreamchaser are selected as part of the Commercial Crew Program.

• 2017: OV-104, OV-105 & OV-106 are retired when th Dreamchaser and SpaceX Dragon are brought online. List of each shuttle's last mission:

- STS-203 Discovery

- STS-204 Endeavour

- STS-205 Atlantis

• 2018: the maiden flight (CTS-70) of the X-50 Starlight (OV-201 Constellation)

• 2019: OV-101 is retired for the final time when the X-50 Starlight shuttles are brought online. OV-107 is kept in standby but eventually is turned over to a museum. List of their missions:

- CTS-74 Enterprise

- CTS-75 Constitution

• NASA has three operational Starlights. Spares are construction, OV-204.

-OV-201 Constellation

-OV-202 Columbia II

-OV-203 Adventure

• 2019: the first launch of the SLS was a success

Artwork by okan170: link

• 2020: the Space Shuttles are displayed in the following cities:

- OV-101 Enterprise: Space Center Houston

- OV-102 Columbia: California Science Center in Los Angeles, California (volunteers at Lockheed-Rockwell repair her enough to be put on display)

- OV-104 Discovery: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Smithsonian, in Washington DC

- OV-105 Atlantis: Kennedy Space Center, Florida

- OV-106 Endeavour: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, New York

- OV-107 Constitution: National Museum of the US Air Force in Riverside, Ohio

• 2022: the first Orion (LTV-101: Pathfinder) is launched into orbital aboard SLS-2. It conducts tests over several orbits and docks with the ISS.

• 2023: OV-202 Columbia II launches and fuels up the Pathfinder. Four crewmen board the spacecraft and depart from the moon...

Artwork by Seth Pritchard: link

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wispstalk · 2 months ago

Note

1 10 11 20 21 for book asks :)

wahey thanks for sharing the ask game :D

1. How many books did you read this year?

32! Better than I thought.

10. What was your favorite new release of the year?

Life Ceremony by Murata Sakaya (or so i thought-- i just looked it up and it came out in 2019? i got an ad for it this year that made it look like a new release). Still workin on it but I love her writing in general

11. What was your favorite book that has been out for a while, but you just now read?

I read Great Expectations which was a really funny place to start for someone who has never read any Dickens. Last December I read Barbara Kingsolver's appalachian AU dickens fanfic and really enjoyed it, but I've always struggled to parse the language in anything written before like, 1930.

20. What was your most anticipated release? Did it meet your expectations?

I mentioned how I lost momentum with Exordia by Seth Dickinson in an ask below, and I think that one applies here. Without saying too much for anyone who might want to read it, there's a significant shift in the setting and I think it just threw me off, but otherwise I was enjoying it. I'll probably start it over again this coming year.

21. Did you participate in or watch any booklr, booktube, or book twitter drama?

Probably the closest I came was reading Big Fiction as a step in trying to understand what the hell is going on with booktok and this weird new "bisexual space draculas enemies to lovers" ad copy that we get in place of genres and summaries.

#asks #ty! <3 <3

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inevitably-johnlocked · 1 year ago

Text

Five Fics Friday: Year Four Masterpost

Hurrah!! I've made it FOUR YEARS OF UNINTERRUPTED FIC RECS every SINGLE Friday!! It's something I'm super proud of for this blog, and I couldn't do it without you guys!!

For anyone who is new to my blog, every SINGLE Friday I post up 5 fics recently added to either my Marked for Later list or my Bookmarks, or as a way to promote new fics suggested to me by authors as a Signal Boosted fic! I haven't missed a single Friday since its inception in 2019, and it's still going strong!! It's the ONLY guaranteed weekly list on this blog, since YOU GUYS provide me the content!! :D I love doing it, and it makes authors feel loved :)

So, as we begin YEAR FIVE for 5FF on September 29, 2023, let's look back on ALL the fics that got us here! Everyone please go give every fic on these lists some love, and I hope that you will stick with me for another year of Fic Recs!

There are over ONE THOUSAND (1,000) fics on the lists below, and that DOESN'T count the bonus extended lists I do once in awhile!!!

So do enjoy! Should keep y'all busy for the long haul!

PREVIOUS YEARS (2019 to 2022):

YEAR ONE MASTERPOST (Sept 29/19 to Sept 25/20)

YEAR TWO MASTERPOST (Sept 25/20 to Sept 24/21)

YEAR THREE MASTERPOST (Oct 1/21 to Sept 23/22)

YEAR 4 OF FIVE FICS FRIDAY:

September 30/22

October 7/22

October 14/22

October 21/22

October 28/22

November 4/22

November 11/22

November 18/22

November 25/22

December 2/22

December 9/22

December 16/22

December 23/22

December 30/22

January 6/23

January 13/23

January 20/23

January 27/23

February 3/23

February 10/23

February 17/23

February 24/23

March 3/23

March 10/23

March 17/23

March 24/23

March 31/23

April 7/23

April 14/23

April 21/23

April 28/23

May 5/23

May 12/23

May 19/23

May 26/23

June 2/23

June 9/23

June 16/23

June 23/23

June 30/23

July 7/23

July 14/23

July 21/23

July 28/23

August 4/23

August 11/23

August 18/23

August 25/23

September 1/23

September 8/23

September 15/23

September 22/23

#johnlock fic recs #five fics friday #fic masterlist #my fic recs

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emo-gremlin · 1 year ago

Text

Hey, you're cool! *hands you more MFN as memes/vines*

🎬

Lenard: what's cooler than being cool?

Gordon: financial stability

🎬

Lilianna: an octopus is just a wet spider

Ricky: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE

🎬

Lenard: SOMEBODY ONCE TOLD ME THE WORLD WAS GONNA-

George: end on December 21, 2012. I bought all this fucking pasta as a way to celebrate the end of the world and now I'm $10,000 in debt, my taxi got towed and I have wet pasta everywhere in my house

Lenard: ...I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed

🎬

Ricky: swear words are illegal now, say one and you'll be fined

Handy: heck

Ricky: you're on thin fucking ice

Ricky: oh no

🎬

Lenard: what if mayonnaise came in cans?

Lilianna: that would suck because you can't microwave metal...

Noir: *walking by drinking coffee* good morning to everyone except you people

🎬

Noir: anyone wanna get into an argument with me?

Ricky: ok cream cheese isn't that good

Noir: I was kidding but you know what fuck you for real

🎬

Unfriendly Lenard: I hate being high, why I hear footsteps?

Craig: are you walking?

Unfriendly Lenard: oh shit

🎬

Junebug: vanilla soy latte is just 3 bean soup

Gordon: why must you do this at 5am

🎬

George: a haiku for the bus drive who deliberately cut me off

George: *clears throat*

George: I swear to God bruh, let me catch you in the streets, bruh I swear to God

🎬

Unfriendly Lilianna: I find the fact I will never experience a sword fight in my entire life terribly tragic

🎬

Lenard: sorry, liberals, there's only 0 genders

Junebug: there's one gender ad we have to share

Craig: Gordon said its my turn on the gender

🎬

Norman: I wanna jump off a building and not die. Just relieve stress by slamming into the sidewalk and then get up and go get a slurpee or something

Ricky: Norman are you ok

Norman: no ❤️

🎬

Norman: *screams into jar* everything is fine :)

🎬

Gordon: I saw your last report card

Noir: *not even looking up from his phone* congrats you can see

Gordon: oh so you wanna be smart?

Noir: that's why I go to school

🎬

Gordon: hey Junebug how are you today?

Junebug: I swallowed a golf ball!

Gordon: uh- are you ok?

Junebug: I can't poop! :D

🎬

Ricky: hey Lillianna

Lillianna: can you get in the oven and clean it?

Ricky: bye Lillianna

🎬

Junebug: if it weren't illegal I would eat cereal for every meal of the day

Gordon: I have some wonderful news for you

🎬

Gordon: Noir asked everyone at dinner what color Norman's new shirt was. After we all said grey, he turned to him and said, "Now tell them what color you think it is." And Norman just quietly replied, "Dark white."

🎬

Lilianna: Lasagna is just spaghetti flavored cake

Fritz: I will pay you money to never speak again

🎬

George: fellas is it gay to fall in love with another man and spend your life with him

Gordon: that is the literal definition of gay

George: :0

🎬

Gordon: *texting the puppets* At airport! Bye guys! Love ya to the moon and back, you're the best! Bust a nut!

Noir: I'm not sure Gordon knows what that means

Tax: I Physically cannot breathe

🎬

Lilianna: God released me into the wild and now he's hunting me for sport

🎬

Fritz: where can I order a pretty face

George: from your mirror

Tax: WHEN DID EVERYONE IN THIS HELL STUDIO BECOME SMOOTH AF

Lenard: 2023: the year the Neighborhood learned how to flirt

Norman: oh my

🎬

Noir: 1 universe, 9 planets, 7 seas, 7 continents, 809 islands, 204 countries, and I had the unfortunate luck of meeting you

Tax: THERE ARE 8 PLANETS YOU UNCULTURED SWINE

Noir: VIVA LA PLUTO FUCK YOU

Gordon: I'm pretty sure 'viva la Pluto fuck you' is the best sentence I've ever heard

🎬

Craig, Fritz and UF Fritz belong to: @gayfraggle

#norman mfn #mfn gordon #mfn junebug #mfn norman #mfn lenard #mfn #mfn game #mfn george #the unfriendly neighborhood #mfn tax #tax mfn #mfn noir #noir mfn #my friendly neighborhood george #my friendly neighborhood ricky #my friendly neighborhood game #my friendly neighborhood norman

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spicykaraage · 1 year ago

Text

Tenipuri Complete Character Profile - Ryoma Echizen

[PROFILE]

Birthday: December 24th (Capricorn)

Blood Type: O

Birthplace: Los Angeles

Relatives: Father (Nanjirou Echizen), mother (Rinko Echizen), cousin (Nanako Meino), cat (Karupin)

Father’s Occupation: Temple priest (local)

Elementary School: Los Angeles Saint Youth Elementary School

Middle School: Seishun Academy Junior High School

Grade & Class: First Year | Class 1-2 | Seat 3

Club: Tennis Club (regular)

Committee: Library Committee

Strong Subjects: English, chemistry

Weak Subjects: Science experiments, Japanese

Most Visited Spot at School: Under the big tree behind the school building

World Cup Team: U-17 World Cup USA Representatives ➜ U-17 World Cup Japanese Representatives

Favorite Motto: “All or Nothing.”

Daily Routines: Playing with Karupin

Hobbies: Bathing with bath salts from Japan’s famous hot springs ➜ Clearing games he’s borrowed, watching cat videos [23.5]

Favorite Color: Silver

Favorite Music: J-Pop

Favorite Movie: Any kind of Hollywood film

Favorite Book: Monthly Pro Tennis ➜ TENNIS LIFE (an American tennis magazine) [23.5]

Favorite Food: Grilled fish (with little bones), chawanmushi, local confections [23.5], shrimp senbei (plum and kimchi flavor) [removed]

Favorite Anniversary: Any day he can play tennis

Preferred Type: A girl that looks good with a ponytail

Ideal Date Spot: Santa Montica Third Street Promenade ➜ Santa Monica Pier Pacific Park [23.5]

His Gift for a Special Person: “Just tell me what you want.”

Where He Wants to Travel: A snow-viewing hot spring

What He Wants Most Right Now: Nintendo DS ➜ Nintendo 3DS [10.5 II] ➜ A smart watch [23.5]

Dislikes: Waking up early, cleaning the temple floors [removed], paparazzi [23.5]

Skills Outside of Tennis: Animals take a liking to him for some reason, can cleanly peel fruit [23.5], horseback riding(?) [TP]

Spends Allowance On: Fanta/Ponta

Routine During the World Cup: Soaking in an open-air bath

[DATA]

Height: 151cm | 4’11�� ➜ 152.5cm | 5’0” [23.5]

Weight: 50kg | 110 lbs ➜ 47kg | 103 lbs [23.5]

Shoe Size: 24cm

Dominant Arm: Left

Vision: 1.5 Left & Right

Play Style: All-Rounder

Signature Moves: Twist Serve, Drive A, Drive B, Drive C, Drive D, Cool Drive, Selfless State, Pinnacle of Perfection, Samurai Drive, Hope [23.5]

Number of Times His Friends Visited Him in the US: 7.8 times a month

Equipment Brands:

Hats: FILA

Clothing: FILA

Racket: BRIDGESTONE (DYNABEAM GRANDEA)

Shoes: FILA (Mark Philippoussis Mid)

Fitness Test Results:

Side Steps: 71

Shuttle Run: 119

Back Strength: 102kg

Grip Strength: 42.3kg (left)

Backbend: 59.5cm

Seated Forward Bend: 39cm

50m Run: 6.1 seconds

Standing Long Jump: 237cm

Handball Throw: 28m

Endurance Run (1500m): 4:46

Overall Rating: Speed: 4 / Power: 3 / Stamina: 4 / Mental: 5 / Technique: 5 / Total: 21

Kurobe Memo: “Even though many areas already have a high degree of perfection, I suspect it’s highly likely he’ll continue to grow and improve. I would like to see him work on building his body without sacrificing balance.” <Official Description>

[POSSESSIONS]

What’s in His Bedroom [10.5]:

Trophies from past competitions: They’re randomly placed on top of his dresser since he doesn’t really care for them

Alarm clock on his bed: The alarm doesn’t necessarily wake him up…

TV and game consoles: He has several types of game consoles but keeps the one he uses the most (Nintendo 64) connected to the TV

Closet: Where his school uniforms are stored. His mother will put them away if they’re left out

His pajamas he had left out: Left strewn on his bed. He’s always in a rush when he gets ready for school

Karupin’s favorite cat toy: A fluffy cat tail toy

What’s in His Bag [10.5]:

A beginner’s guide to doubles: A guide he bought after playing doubles with Momoshiro. He forgot it was still in there…

Notebook: His math notebook that he forgot to take out

Photos of Karupin: He insists that he didn’t put them in there

Notepad: He’s written down emergency phone numbers since he’s always late

Pen case: His pen case he always uses for school. He left it in his bag

Game Boy Advance: Bought for him as a starting school gift, he plays it during his free time

Senbei: He likes drinking Fanta/Ponta when eating senbei

What’s in His Locker at the U-17 Training Camp [10.5 II]:

Game console: A PlayStation PSP. He’s absorbed in video games when he’s not playing tennis and was seen playing a tennis game before practice

Photo of Karupin: One of his favorite photos of Karupin that’s been framed. He takes it with him on trips and expeditions

Fanta/Ponta: Grape flavor, his favorite

Senbei: His favorite snack. Having Fanta and senbei together is a must for him

What’s in His Travel Bag [23.5]:

Shio senbei from Okinawa: Gifted to him by Tanishi to celebrate his return to team Japan

[TRIVIA]

The Prince of Tennis 10.5 Fanbook | Publication Date: 11/02/2001

Although he’s lived in the USA, he still prefers Japanese food and isn’t fond of Western food

People tend to be aggravated by him due to his abrasive personality, but he means no ill-intent by it

He gained his arrogant and abrasive personality from growing up in the USA

He will speak his mind regardless of how it sounds as he believes it’s a way of being kind

His first name is written in katakana rather than kanji. It’s alluded that it may be due to his mother being another nationality besides Japanese

Konomi had Ryoma wear a hat since he thought it was cool, and wanted people to associate his FILA hat with him

He is called “Shorty” by Kikumaru but does not mind it since he states height doesn’t matter in tennis

He likes grape-flavored Fanta/Ponta

He keeps everything he needs for school in his tennis bag, hence why he gets confused when some items are still in it

He is described as pessimistic, but shy, gentle, and always striving for improvement

Konomi originally did not intend for him to be the protagonist. The role was originally going to be given to Kintarou, with Ryoma being his rival. He initially thought Ryoma would be difficult to portray as a protagonist, be better as a side character, and that making him the protagonist would dampen the mood of the series. He eventually decided on Ryoma and built the other characters around him

Konomi describes him as a “bad guy,” and that him defeating people who are even worse is a focal point of the series

The Prince of Tennis 20.5 Fanbook | Publication Date: 12/04/2003

He is described to easily get engaged in a single subject and then excel in that area

When he concentrates, he will become so absorbed in what he’s doing that he will not pay attention to his surroundings

He is described to be suited for professions that require special skills, such as a pilot or astronaut

He is very susceptible to change and has an insatiable desire to become stronger

One of his favorite subjects is chemistry since the science behind the substances changing, combining, and gaining different properties reminds him of tennis

He does not remember when he started playing tennis, and states he thinks he’s been playing it since he was born

His secondary sport would be soccer

The Prince of Tennis 40.5 Fanbook | Publication Date: 12/04/2007

He is described to be sociable and lively, but doesn’t get too involved in his personal relationships and tends to be reserved

His friends and schoolmates often visited his house when he lived in the US

He did not know what “Old Maid” was until he played it at the joint training camp with Rokkaku

In Genius 305, when he had won his match against Atobe and everyone huddled around him, someone had quietly handed him the shaver, but it’s a mystery on who it was

He considers Kintarou to be quite strong, and wouldn’t mind having an official match with him someday

He is the character Konomi states he has the least in common with, the second being Tezuka

The Prince of Tennis II Official Character Guide: PairPuri Vol. 1 | Publication Date: 11/04/2009

He, Krauser, Atobe, and Yagyuu were heard having a conversation together in English

The Prince of Tennis II Official Character Guide: PairPuri Vol. 2 | Publication Date: 12/04/2009

He takes naps around the training camp along with Jirou

The Prince of Tennis II Official Character Guide: PairPuri Vol. 4 | Publication Date: 02/04/2010

He had gotten his hat mixed up with Sanada’s

The Prince of Tennis II Official Character Guide: PairPuri Vol. 5 | Publication Date: 03/04/2010

He likes his grilled fish with not many bones and finds removing them to be annoying

The person he currently dislikes the most is his father

If he had a long vacation, he would go play tennis on the western side of Japan since he states they have strong opponents

He wants to win all four major world tennis championships

When asked what kind of plant or animal he is like, he replies with a cat since they’re free-spirited

When asked what his current goals are, he replies that he wants to fight more stronger opponents and win against them

He is named after Ooka Echizen, also known as Ooka Tadasuke

Konomi came up with his “Selfless State” technique since he wanted to write a story where the main character’s dormant power would awaken when faced against an unbeatable enemy. And since Ryoma was a returnee, he had him speak in English to surprise the audience and give his scenes a fantasy-like feel

Konomi corrects his statement that Ryoma didn’t win national USA junior tournaments four years in a row, he had meant that when Ryoma started tennis, he had competed and won in regular USA junior tournaments four times in a row

Konomi states he has tried drawing Ryoma more mature as the series progresses and draws Ryoma’s shoes and racket bigger to make him appear smaller

One of His School Days:

6:30am - Woken up by his cousin

6:45am - Eats breakfast while half-asleep, then goes to school

7:30am - Late for morning practice, does thirty laps

8:40am - 1st Period: Math, half-asleep and dozing off

9:40am - 2nd Period: English (grammar), is half-asleep and dozing off)

11:00am - 3rd Period: PE (bar exercises)

12:00pm - 4th Period: Geography (quiz)

12:50pm - Lunch, buys bread at the school store after eating

1:10pm - Gives in, buys and drinks milk

1:20pm - 5th Period: Science I (physics), is sleepy from eating

2:20pm - 6th Period: Japanese (classic literature), thinks of ideas for volleys

3:20pm - Library committee meeting, wasn’t listening

4:00pm - Club activities, earnestly practices volleys

5:30pm - Stops by Momoshiro and a CD shop, then returns home

6:00pm - Dinner, bathes (with bath salts from Beppu Onsen)

6:30pm - Rallies with his father

10:30pm - Plays with Karupin while listening to music

11:00pm - Falls asleep while playing games on his bed

The Prince of Tennis II Official Character Guide: PairPuri Vol. 9 | Publication Date: 09/02/2011

Mifune’s eagles are shown to be fond and gentle towards him

The Prince of Tennis II 10.5 Fanbook | Publication Date: 09/04/2013

He texts his mother everyday asking her to send him pictures of Karupin

He quickly became friends with the dogs at the training camp

The Prince of Tennis II 23.5 Fanbook | Publication Date: 05/02/2018

When he and Ryoga were younger, they went out to play and had gotten lost for three days. They eventually managed to hitchhike home

Konomi had originally intended to show him being anxious about joining team USA, and then being helped by them to join team Japan again

Konomi states he may continue Ryoma and Fuji’s match in the rain

The items Horio had brought to the camp for him were Fanta/Ponta

The Prince of Tennis 20th Anniversary Book: Tenipuri Party | Publication Date: 08/02/2019

He did not mind playing for team USA and states the country doesn’t matter as long as he can play tennis

He did not care about being on the same team as Ryoga and had actually wanted to play against him

He states he felt some changes when viewing team Japan from an outside perspective

He returned to team Japan because he had thought of the people who made him stronger and wanted to fight alongside them

#tenipuri #tenirabi #profile #my post #seigaku

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