#gnomes are so cute when they hop down from a high place they have to bounce down on their butt.

[skullmoss]

i ONLY play shorties

[khaleesitargaryenvoice]

Beyond Their Broken Shadows Chapter 17: Eddie Munson x Fem! Reader

TW: sexual harassment, eventual smut, sexual assault, mentions of death, mentions of self harm, drug use, underage drinking, bullying. Smoking. masturbation.

*Let me know if I missed anything.*

Warnings: Smut. PiV. Cum eating. Oral (F receiving). Cock warming. Semi public. Descriptions of Carvers injuries from the last chapter. 

A/N: Hello! I’m back from a long break. I’m sorry, the holiday season is insane. Plus I have had the worst writers block, but I’m back and hopping to have more amazing chapters for you all each week. (we’ll see how life goes). Anyways please enjoy some Halloween smut! 

Did i say Halloween--yes. 

will there be a thanksgiving and christmas special soon too--you bet! 

The roar of the cafeteria is deafening. The click of my knee high boots blends in with the manic conversations and party planning for the upcoming spooky holiday. My eyes lock with his. The socket still yellow and blue and a hint of purple bleeding towards the corner of his narrowing eye. His nose still has a thin strip, keeping it in place. His lip is swollen, puffier than normal. 

The gaze follows me as I head towards my new normal table. I catch the Hellfire group in mid-conversation about their big Halloween game tonight. Jeff notices me first. His lips curl up slightly. He’s sweet. Very friendly. Awkward. Unknowingly flirty. I give a small wave. That’s when his big puppy dog eyes meet mine. His smile reaches his ears. Before I can run into his arms, Eddie jumps onto his chair. His long legs strut onto the table. The rest of the group moving their trays so their leader can walk proudly. 

“The Queen of the Freaks is back! After her triumphant battle against a foolish gnome.” Eddie’s eyes lock with Jason’s. 

I hold back a snicker. The other members of Hellfire roar into a laughter, fist bumping and high fiving. Jason sneers, raising from his seat. Jeff helps me onto the table. My heels click towards Eddie’s side. I raise a brow, silently daring Carver to make a move. To say something. He clenches his fist and sits back down. Eddie wraps an arm around my waist. His doe eyes find mine. His lips ghost over mine for a moment before returning to his crowd. His eyes scan the room. 

“Long may she rein!” He cheers. The rest of his groups slams their cups and trays cheering. 

Eddie dips me, nearly exposing my laced cunt to the world. His lips crash against mine. We partially fall off the table and into his seat. Our lips never breaking, until we need air. 

“Thanks for the welcome wagon.” I smile against his plush lips. 

“My Queen deserves only the best.” He winks, cupping my cheek. 

I lean into his touch, cuddling closer. 

“Alright, we get it. Y’all are cute. Can we get back to tonight’s game?” Mike busts in. Dustin groans, avoid our affectionate display. 

We each send a threatening look to the younglings. 

“Shall we kill them first tonight, Master.” I tease. Giving a wolfish grin to either boy. 

Eddie shivers beneath me. A deep chuckle vibrates my whole body, nearly sending me into a frenzy. 

“And how do you propose we do that, My Queen.” Eddie teases back. His large ringed hands squeeze the thin black fabric of my tights. 

I lean forward, resting my chin in my hand.

“Slowly and painfully.” I lit, with a gentle tilt of my head and pop of my tongue. I lick my lips devilishly. Falling back against Eddie’s chest. 

His other hand grasps my neck lightly, turning my attention to him. 

“As you command.” He bites my nose. A small giggle erupts. 

“Dude,” Mike whispers to Dustin.

“I know.” Dustin and Mike are both disgusted and afraid. 

Eddie walks me to my car after school. Dustin is already waiting when we arrive. I lean up, kissing his plush lips one last time. 

“See you tonight, Master.” I wink. 

Eddie grins ear to ear. “Later, Princess.” 

I swat his chest. 

“Demoting me already?” I tease.

Eddie rolls to the ground, clutching his chest. 

“My apologizes, your majesty. Please have mercy, on your most loyal servant.” He rises to one knee. 

I giggle, smirking at his position. And I can’t help but feel butterflies growing in my stomach. 

“Fine, but only this once.” I lean down to his ear so Dustin can’t hear. 

“And only if you get back in this position tonight.” I kiss his cheek as I pull away. 

Eddie falls back to the grass and rolls. I roll my eyes, waving him off. 

“Love you Teddy!” 

He blows me a kiss. 

Eddie required all the players to wear costumes based on their character. He told me I could wear whatever I wanted. Little does Eddie know I’ve had this costume idea picked out since fall break. But I have to get creative. Don’t want to cause a scene. I throw on the outfit designed for Eddie’s eyes only.

I throw on a short black skirt that hits my mid thigh. The fabric, in the right light, is see through. Beneath the skirt is a black body suit. My breasts held up by a sweetheart neckline. The fabric hugs my curves. Despite the cooler temps I opt to not wear tights and just wear the black knee high boots that drive Eddie wild. Completing the look with a soft natural glow, dark eyeliner and a pop of pink lip stick. And of course, the necklace with Eddie’s ring on it. I never take it off. 

I grab the final piece, throwing it in my bag and heading down to meet Dustin who is dressed and once again impatiently waiting. 

Hellfire begins with everyone eyeing each other’s costumes. A bowl of candy and bottles of soda and a few beers are spread across a separate table. Dustin and I walk in. Eddie smiles, grasping my hands and spinning me round. 

“Gorgeous, my queen. But I don’t know if I’d call this a costume.” He smirks, ogling the curves of my outfit. 

I reach into my bag and pull out the final piece. 

“Almost forgot.” I coo. 

A headband with black silk ears fits beautifully on my head. I bite my lip and lean in closer to Eddie. 

“Figured you’d want your lucky bunny for tonight.” Our lips ghost over each other. 

Eddie laughs, gathering everyones attention. The older boys join in.

“Looks like Eddie’s bunny is back.” Garth says to Jeff. The two high fiving. 

“Surprised he isn’t dressed as a teddy bear.” Jeff jests, nudging Garth’s shoulder. 

Eddie spins, sending a death glare to the two. Instant silence falls. My nimble fingers curve along his tense shoulders. 

“Add ‘em to the list, Master.” I coo, leading him to his throne. I take my normal seat—against his hardening cock. 

Everyone takes their seats and the game is in fully swing before long. Carnage and cries of victory and defeat fill the small space. I bounce atop Eddie’s lap every so often. His large hands drape beautifully around my waist. His strength ever apparent. I blush at the feeling. His lips hovering above my neckline. His boom voice sending vibrating shivers down my spine. My cunt throughly soaking my body suit. Most likely dripping onto Eddie’s dark wash jeans. 

The boys are currently fighting three werewolves. Health is low. They convene trying to come up with a game plan. As they step away from the table, I lift off Eddie’s lap for a moment to stretch. I grasp the edge of the table, curving my back and shifting my legs up and down. The light above us catches just right. Eddie notices the sheer fabric. He notices what’s beneath the thin material. 

Hidden behind the veil is a round tone ass. A dark thin strap hiding between the crack. I hear his growl. I smirk. I peer behind me. His eyes are darker. His lips curled into a wicked grin. I stand table, arching my back in a new position. Eddie’s hands reach out, gently taking hold on my waist. He leads me back towards his lap. Before he puts me down, he peers over my shoulder. 

The group is still arguing about the best strategy. A quiet chuckle escapes. The soft sound of a zipper falls, a rustle of jeans. Before I can turn back and sneak a peek Eddie places me on his now exposed lap. The table, his divider and my body hide his near nudity. His fingers dip down, playing with the thin fabric beneath the skirt. Eddie’s lips find my ear. He nibbles, licks and whispers,

“Be a good girl,” his fingers pluck the fabric to the side, exposing my sopping cunt. “And keep my cock warm.” 

He slides me down onto his thick cock. My walls flutter around his girth. My eyes roll in the back of my head and a little moan escapes. Eddie places a hand along my neck, squeezing ever so slightly. 

“Shhh, we wouldn’t want to get caught.” He bites my neck. 

I nod, concealing another whimper. I feel full, warm. Eddie hides his little groans and whimpers as my walls contract around his cock. The boys finally join at the table, none the wiser. 

During the rest of the session Eddie is still animated as ever. While he does not jump up as much, he still bounces. Using my body as a shield and giving us a moment of friction. It is so hard to contain the moans. To not beg for more. I want nothing more than to rut against his cock and cum all over him. To take him out of my aching cunt and suck him dry, while he laps up my slick. 

The session never seems to end. I nearly combust as Eddie bounces one last time, laughing at the teams victory. Cheer roar and Eddie smirks against my skin, offering a kiss along my strained neck. 

“Meet back at my place after you drop off the kid?” Eddie whisper. 

I shake my head, my attention returning to Dustin for a moment. I wave him off as he walks off with Mike and Lucas. Eddie’s eyes narrow, brows furrow.

“Sleepover.” I kiss his cheek. 

He smirks, placing another kiss on my lips. The rest of the group leaves. Snickers and goodbyes echo as the room empties. 

“Well, that was fun.” Eddie says between kisses. 

I hum agreeing, but dying for friction.

“So, do I get a treat or was this another cruel trick?” I ask, bouncing a little on his cock. 

Eddie growls, attaching his lips to my neck. I bounce again, testing him. He moans against my skin. His cock rubs against the sensitive walls. His tip hits my g-spot every time. I cry out, throwing my head back against his shoulder. His hands fall onto my hips. One slides up grasping one of my breasts and releasing it. His ring fingers grope me, sending a chill down my spine. Huffs and pants fill the space. 

Little curses and pet names fall from both our lips. Pleads to each other and to God fall too. 

“God, fuck! Eddie!” I scream as my pace quickens. 

Eddie grinds against me. Meeting my thrusts half way. He growls— growing impatient perhaps. Without removing himself Eddie picks me up and throws my on the table. My face falls onto the battle field. His hand that was groping my boob falls to my skirt, lifting the sheer fabric. He flips it up exposing my ass. He roars, mumbling curses. His fingers knead the soft muscle as his pace quickens—deepens. Guttural groans fall from my lips. My tongue hanging out, drool falling onto the map beneath me. 

Eddie slaps my cheeks. One. Two. Then a ripping sound fills the room. My eyes widen. I peer back and see the thin black thong between Eddie’s teeth. So primal, so animalistic. 

“Ooo, Eddie!” I moan, dripping even more around his cock. My walls contract forcing him to growl again. 

Eddie ruts me into the table over and over. At one point Eddie moves me up the table so much that he joins me, kneeling behind me. Lifting my ass further into the air. My bunny ears fall off my head as he takes me harder and harder. His thrusts become erratic. His speed falters. I whimper begging him to cum. Asking to cum with him.

“Fuck! Cum all over my cock baby! I want this map to flood!” He spit, taking a bite of my shoulder. 

A scream and moan fall. A gush of slick coat his cock and half the map. Eddie isn’t far behind, growling and groaning as he cums. We ride out our highs. His lips fall, kissing every inch of my back all the way down to my ass. 

I coo, pant and giggle at his affection. I peer behind me, soft giggles and softer kisses leave his parted, plush lips. My eyes drift down to his map. 

“Gonna have to…add a…a river…to the next…next game.” I breathe out, giggling. 

His eyes fall onto the map. Little laughs escape, nodding in agreement. He’s still not able to form words. Eddie steadies himself. Perch on his knees, looking down at the carnage. Our cum mixing onto the table. My limp body searching for air. A stupid smile plastered on my face. 

Eddie gently lowers himself off the table. His fingers grasps my ankles, pulling me towards the edge of the table. Eddie adjust my legs, spreading them and putting me back on my knees. His hot tongue flattens against my clit and drags back all the way to my dripping entrance. I shutter, moaning. Words unable to form. 

Eddie’s lips and tongue clean my cunt. Eating our cum and overstimulating me. His arms hold my hips still, ensuring I don’t move. His tongue devours every inch, as if he were starved and I was the only food source available. His tongue dips into my hole. I rut against him, begging for friction. He’s already made me cum three times tonight. 

“Eddie!!! Ooo, baby please!” I beg, for release I suppose. I’m not really sure. 

Then Eddie does something I’m not expecting. His tongue slides further back, along the crack of my ass. His tongue circle my tight hole. I breath, unsure what he’s doing but moan because whatever it is feels so good. 

“Eddie.” I breathe. I arch my back, pushing back towards him. 

His tongue plunges into the tight entrance. My breath hitches and a string of moans and oh fucks escape. He buries his face and devours my ass. Two of Eddie’s ring cladded fingers dive into my cunt. His thumb works my clit. The new sensation. The overstimulation. It’s all too much I can barely hold myself up. I release all over his fingers once again, soaking a new part of the map. Eddie gives one final lick before coming up. 

He flips me onto my back. I lift myself onto my elbows. My eyes narrow, brows furrow. I pant harder. He smirks, shrugging. 

“I uh, saw it in a movie.” He chuckles, rubbing the nape of his neck. 

I slide off the table, and fall onto his chest. I kiss his cheek. I’m about to kiss his lips, but he stops me. 

“I think I should clean up before you do that.” He reaches into his bag and pulls out a toothbrush.

I eye the care bag. My eyes climb back up to his. 

“So we both had a plan for tonight huh?” I smirk. 

He shrugs, laughing and nodding in agreement. We clean up the room. We clean up ourselves. I fall into Eddie’s chest as we walk to his van. 

“So your place or mine?” He ask.

“Yours. You have the good stuff.” I wink, sliding into the passenger seat. 

“And,” he shakes a Family Video bag at my feet. “Some new movies for us to not watch.” He returns my wink. 

I laugh, allowing him to get in and start the van before I continue our conversation. 

“Any of them have more moves you wanna try?” I pry, giggling. 

Eddie blushes, giving a nervous laugh.

“Oh my God there is!” I laugh harder. I reach to rummage through the bag and see what he got, but he snatch it before I could see. 

“Ah, ah princess. It’s a surprise.” He laughs, giving a wolfish grin. He howls as we race down the road towards his trailer. 

[cankarmawrite]

11 for pikeleth, or 15 for beauyasha?

11. things you said when you were drunk (pikeleth) 

“Wow, you’re reeeeally cute…”

The gnome’s cheeks, already rosy from being out in the cold, darkened in response to Keyleth’s slightly slurred compliment. 

“Piiiike, you were right about needin’ mittens!” Grog lamented loudly, looking briefly at the small, well-bundled gnome perched atop right shoulder, the other shoulder was currently occupied by Keyleth’s lanky form as she’d had a little too much fun at the Winter’s Crest Market earlier and was now sporting a sore ankle. 

After indulging in one too many mugs of Vax’s Spiked Hot Cocoa, Keyleth started arguing with Percy about what tricks both of them could still land after years away from the skating world. Both of them had skated for a while during their childhood- though Keyleth skated well into high school- so the rest of Vox Machina watched amusedly as both of them took to the fairly empty ice rink in the center of the Winter’s Crest Market.

Despite the slightly wobbliness that came with being tipsy, Keyleth landed a surprisingly solid double lutz- though Pike wasn’t sure of the terminology- much to everyone’s surprise. However, the jump wasn’t the cause of her sprained ankle. No, it was what happened after she landed the jump. Keyleth had thrown her arms up victoriously after landing on a single skate, but she was a bit tipsy and wasn’t paying much attention to what might be behind her still gliding body.

Pike hadn’t even had time to shout a warning before she watched Keyleth hit the wall of the ice rink and flip backward in a wild flail of limbs before landing in a pile on the other side of the wall. 

Vox Machina and a few bystanders rushed to check on Keyleth, and a sigh of relief was heard all around when Keyleth sat up laughing heartily with twigs and leaves sticking out of her copper curls and her earmuffs acting more like an eye patch. The fall had just left a few sore spots here and there, but when Vex and Vax offered their hands to help Keyleth up she’d immediately walked forwards- forgetting she was wearing skates- and rolled her ankle after two steps. 

Despite Keyleth’s protests Pike found a first aid kit and spent a few minutes wrapping and splinting Keyleth’s bruising ankle, blushing the whole time as Keyleth babbled aimlessly about figure skating and how good of a doctor Pike was. She had always been prone to rambling, but when she was tipsy it was a whole new level of talkative. 

The rest of Vox Machina stuck around long enough for Pike to finish wrapping Keyleth’s ankle before they began saying their good-nights and heading back to their respective homes, it was getting late enough and some people unfortunately had work in the morning. Pike asked Grog to carry Keyleth back to her place, much to the delight of the giggly Keyleth, and the trio had set off down the quiet streets of Whitestone.

Logistically it made sense, seeing as Pike’s place was closer and Keyleth was in no shape to be hopping around her studio apartment trying to take care of herself, but of course those weren’t the only reasons Pike wanted to spend a little more time with Keyleth.

Unbeknownst to the rest of Vox Machina, Pike and Keyleth had technically been on their tenth date tonight. They weren’t necessarily trying to hide the fact that they were dating from their friends, rather that they wanted a chance to explore their feelings for each other before the rest of their found family started meddling. No one seemed to notice the gooey looks they shared, nor the way they reached for each other whenever they were together (everyone else had definitely noticed but continued to act as if they didn’t see the very poorly veiled affection). 

The sight of her apartment building pulled Pike from her recollection of the night and she rolled her eyes at Grog’s complaining. “I told you how cold it was gonna get this morning when you texted me,” Pike reminded gently, waving sheepishly at the front desk attendant who just chuckled at the sight of Keyleth thrown over Grog’s shoulder.

---

“Do you need another ice-pack?” 

Pike turned her attention from the movie playing on TV to where  Keyleth was now comfortably lounging on the couch with her foot propped up on an ottoman and a few pillows. 

The red-head scrunched her nose up in thought and wiggled her toes a few times before shaking her head, “No. Still nice and cold...but now everything else is cold.” Keyleth said with a pout. 

She was readying herself to get another blanket from the basket in the corner when she noticed that Keyleth was opening the blanket she was wrapped in and motioning for Pike to snuggle in. Baby-blue eyes widened in surprise and the gnome found herself frozen to the spot for a few seconds before she shuffled over to Keyleth’s side. The sudden grip of hands around her waist made Pike squeak in surprise, her rounded cheeks flushing a deeper pink when Keyleth set her down in her lap so she still faced the TV. 

“You’re warm Pikey…” Keyleth murmured as she wrapped the blanket back around both of them and snuggled further into the cushions.

Pike didn’t reply to that because she honestly felt like her brain was two seconds from melting like warm chocolate because it felt like she was being wrapped in a hug made of pure sunshine. 

Golly, she liked Keyleth so much. 

---

“I had sooo much fun tonight,” The red-head murmured a while later as the credits scrolled across the screen. Pike hummed in agreement before stiffening as Keyleth sleepily pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

The gnome was glad she wasn't facing Keyleth right now because her cheeks were a cherry red. Pike knew touch could be difficult for Keyleth and physical affection was usually very hit or miss, so right now felt even more precious to her. 

“I did too,” Pike said sweetly, turning to bury her face in the crook of Keyleth’s neck as she yawned. When her nose met the smooth and freckled skin there she paused and let the familiar scent of Keyleth’s favorite perfume- a simple one that smelled of vanilla with the soft background scent of campfire smoke- wash over her and soothe her nerves. This would be such a nice place to fall asleep.

“I like you so much,” Keyleth whispered conspiratorially, pulling back to look in the eye as she continued, “Do you like me, Pike?”

The gnome laughed lightly and cupped Keyleth’s cheek with a single hand, “I like you, Keyleth. Why don’t we get ready for bed? I have rounds at 8:30 and you have a hurt foot so we both need our sleep.” Keyleth grumbled indistinctly and let Pike slip out of her grasp. “I’ll grab the air-cast from the freezer so you can sleep more comfortably. I’m telling you, it’s the most genius invention! A splint and ice-pack at the same time?” 

There was a soft tug on Pike’s wrist and she turned back to see Keyleth bent over at the waist, her verdant eyes shining so brightly in the LED light of the television. 

“I don’t think I’m moving off this couch, Pikey. I can sleep here...Look, I’m already doing it…” Keyleth gradually laid herself across the couch- despite Pike’s protests- and opened the blanket again, beckoning Pike to join her open the couch. There was a dopey, sleepy smile on Keyleth’s face and a look in her eyes Pike had never seen before. 

She sighed heavily before holding up a single finger, telling Keyleth to wait as she retrieved the air-cast from the freezer. “Future Keyleth” of tomorrow morning would thank “Now Pike” for insisting on getting the air-cast, she just didn’t know it yet.

Keyleth let Pike fuss over her ankle again, wincing every now and again as she unwrapped the injured joint and slid on a compression sleeve before carefully adjusting the air-cast that now cradled her foot in gel ice packs and stiff plastic to immobilize it. 

When she could delay no longer, Pike flipped off the lights and shuffled back to the couch where a half-asleep Keyleth smiled and reached out with a single han. Pike let herself be led onto the couch, settling on her side and shutting her eyes so she wasn’t tempted to look at Keyleth’s face laying inches from her own. 

After a few moments of silence she heard rustling as Keyleth leaned forward and brushed the softest kiss against her cheek.

Before she had the chance to talk herself out of it, Pike turned her head so their lips met briefly, fleetingly. Keyleth looked like she was thinking about asking for another but after she had to pull back to yawn so widely her jaw cracked, she sighed and tucked her arm under head. “That doesn’t count, Pikey. ‘M too sleepy and tipsy to appreciate it.” 

“Well, then kiss me goodbye when I leave for work, and be here when I get back. We can have a do-over.” Pike explained, smiling in the dark as she turned over and tucked herself into the curve of Keyleth’s form. 

“Goodnight, Keyleth.” 

“G’night, Pike. Love you.” 

Keyleth wasn’t awake enough to notice how Pike’s breath hitched in her chest, and perhaps she wouldn’t even remember it in the morning, but the gnome gathered her courage and replied to the quiet room, “Love you too.”

[nataliedanovelist]

GF + OH - Fallen Owls pt.2

Summary: What happens when the milf of The Owl House meets the dilf of Gravity Falls? Find out in this multi-chapter crossover fic.

pt.1

~~~~~~~~~~

Episode Placement: GF = after finale (S3?) OH = between S1E7 and E8 Mabel giggled at a funny meme Luz had texted her. Who doesn’t love pics of an angry-looking kitty and a toad sipping coffee? She texted Luz a bunch of laughing emojis and scratched Waddles. Luz, meanwhile, was sitting on the couch in the living room with King sleeping by his side. Or at least trying to. He was in the perfect spot, but Luz’s giggling was disturbing his slumber. Luz texted back: It’s so good to have someone appreciate these! Eda thinks their stupid and King never gets them. M: Memes are a rare language only teenagers and creepy forty-year-olds understand.

Luz texted a gif of a guy pointing and saying “you got me there” and she scratched King’s back. He rolled over in his sleep and Luz scratched his tummy. L: So whatcha doin’ today? M: Dipper wants to go investigate some new anomaly. L: Cool! What is it? M: … You know, why don’t I get him to tell you? Are you up for visitors today? L: YES! Yes, yes, YES! I’ll ask Eda! Luz hurried off the couch and ran up outside to find Eda drinking out of her 30 & Flirty mug in the warm sun. “Eda! Can Mabel come over and bring her brother Dipper?” “That human girl you met last week?” Eda asked and shrugged. “Sure, okay. Just make sure her uncle won’t be after my blood.” “Thanks Eda, you’re the best!” And Luz hurriedly texted Mabel back. ~~~~~~~~~~ Mabel’s phone made a dazzling noise, like sparkles, meaning she got a text. She squealed and Dipper then entered the bedroom, having been blackmailed into a shower by his own twin. He was shaking his hair dry, fully dressed, when Mabel said, “Dip-Dip, cancel your plans for today!” “What, but we were gonna investigate the graveyard for loose zombies, remember?” “Not anymore! You’re gonna see the Boiling Isles!” Dipper gasped and dropped his towel. “Are you serious?! The Boiling Isles! I’ve been wanting a chance to see it for myself and record it in my journal!” “Well, now you've got one.” Mabel hopped off the bed and said, “We just gotta make sure it’s okay with Grunkle Stan first.” Dipper slammed on his pinetree hat and hurried with Mabel downstairs. They found both of their great-uncles in front of the TV, Stan trying to explain some new show to Ford, but the old-school scientist just couldn’t see the appeal in a show about a bird and a raccoon terrorizing an amusement park. “Can we go see Luz at the Boiling Isles today, please please please?!” Mabel begged, using her cuteness as a weapon against her temporary-guardians. ‘You expect me to allow my kids into a dangerous world full of monsters and demons and some creepy witch?” Stan asked with a raised eyebrow, but then smiled. “Sounds like fun! Have at it.” Mabel and Dipper cheered and high-fived, then the hyperactive girl gave her Grunkle Stan a quick hug before running off into the kitchen with the sweaty teenage boy to text Luz. “Are you sure that is a good idea, Stanley?” Ford asked. The younger twin shrugged. “I trust her.” “Who? Mabel or Eda?” “Yes.” Ford snorted and gave his brother a sly look. Stan narrowed his eyes at him and grunted, “What?” “You like her, don’t you?” Ford asked. “Who? My niece or some creepy owl lady?” “Yes.” Stan laughed and punched Ford’s shoulder. “Yeah, right. Eda’s just a fun story to tell and a cool chick. She’s not my type.” “Right, because your type is gigantic man-eating spiders and deadly sirens.” Ford said sarcastically. “I saw the way you looked at her. I haven’t seen you smile quite like that since Carla McCorkle.” “That’s ancient history.” Stan said dryly. “I’m way over her. Besides, Eda and I’ve got our own lives. Sure, what we had was great back in the day, and yeah I’ll admit it, it was love at first sight, but love dies off, you know.” He didn’t at all sound a little bit bitter or hurt. Ford shrugged and stood up for another cup of coffee. “Maybe whatever you two had will come back. Look, I may have twelve PhDs, but I know next to nothing about girls and dating or whatever, but I do know my own brother, and I saw a side of you I haven’t seen in a long time: you looked truly, genuinely happy.” Stan stood so he could punch his twin’s shoulder softly. “I am happy, Sixer. I’ve got you and the kids. I don’t need anything else.” Ford smiled. “I can understand that logic. Still, try to keep an open mind, Knucklehead.” And he walked off to the kitchen for some more caffeine. ~~~~~~~~~~ Eda unlocked the door and soon a pair of Caucasian twins with brown hair and matching eyes ran through. The girl grinned at the sight of Luz and the boy smiled politely. Mabel ran up to Luz and the girls hugged and squealed in delight. “This’ll be so much fun!” Luz cheered. “I have so many things to show you! Tons of books filled with monsters, a real-life demon, I can even show you my light spell!” “Thanks for having us!” Mabel said to both Luz and Eda. “This is my brother, Dipper.” “Nice to meet you, kid.” Eda said with a wink. “The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Eda.” Dipper admired and immediately pulled out his notebook from his vest and was ready to take notes. “Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions about your kind and what it means to be a witch?” “Maybe later, kid.” Eda said casually. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m off to take a nap.” She walked behind her dresser and snapped her fingers, magically changing into her pajamas. She yawned into her hand and made her way up the stairs. “Stay as long as you want and just don’t make a mess and don’t wake me up unless you wanna die a slow and painful death. Oh. Luz.” Eda tossed her the key from the top of the stairs and the human caught it. “So you don’t have to wake me up to send the other humans home.” “Thanks, Eda.” Luz called and the door closed. “So, Dipper, Mabel says you two do a lot of exploring?” She asked. “Oh yeah,” Dipper acknowledged. “Gravity Falls is filled with tons of anomalies and weird stuff. We’ve faced eyebats, gremloblins, zombies, ghosts, an army of angry gnomes…” “Wow! That’s so cool!” Luz said and opened the front door. “You’ll definitely like it here! I’ll give you guys a quick tour.” “YES!” The twins cheered and hurried out the door, but were frozen with shock when the door spoke. “Finally! Company! I’ve been waiting for someone to hear my stories! Okay, so one time a bug crawled into my eye and… OW!” Hooty was interrupted by Dipper using his journal to smack the talking owl head on the - well, on the head. “Geez! Ow! Hoot!” “Sorry,” Dipper winced. “Aw!” Mabel squealed and reached up to scratch the top of her head. “He’s so cute! Who’s a good door, who’s a good door?” “I dunno, is it me?” Hooty cooed, putty in Mabel’s hands as she scratched him lovingly. “Alright, come on guys. Hooty’s gotta guard the house while Eda and King are napping.” Luz said and led the way into town. Dipper and Mabel grinned as one walked beside Luz to talk and the other wrote in his journal diligently. ~~~~~~~~~~ Gus was squealing where he stood with Willow by his side. She smiled and rolled her eyes affectionately at her close friend and said, “Gus, if you don’t calm down you’re going to faint again.” “I haven’t fainted in two years.” Gus defended. “I’m fine. I just wanna know what Luz’s surprise is!” “I wonder if it’s a new spell she learned, Or a gift from the human world.” Gus gasped loudly and shouted, “What if it’s a tiny clock for your wrist?! What if it’s a ball that can float on it’s own?! WHAT IF IT’S A SMALL ENTERTAINMENT RECTANGLE?!” “Look, there she is!” Willow pointed the human out and waved. Meanwhile, Luz was talking to the twins as she walked with them. “Now remember that it’s rude to stare, never trust a man in sandals, and always measure twice, cut once.” “Measure… twice… cut… once…” Dipper muttered as he wrote Luz’s tips in his journal. “Got it.” “Now, I want you two to meet… oh hey! There they are! Willow! Gus!” Luz called and approached her friends quickly with her visitors. Gus gasped loudly and was then speechless, completely stone-still with his mouth hanging open. Luz smiled at his reaction while Willow grinned happily. “Hey guys! This is Dipper and Mabel, humans from the human realm! Guys, this is Willow and Gus, they’re my best friends.” “Wow! Elves!” Mabel squealed, at once catching the pointy ears and holding out a hand to shake. “Hi! I’m Mabel! It’s so nice to meet you.” Willow giggled and shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you too, but we’re not elves; we’re witches. See,” And Willow made a circle at the dirt, making a pretty pink flower sprout and bloom. She plucked it and held it out to Mabel and said, “Welcome to the Boiling Isles.” “Oh, wowie zowie.” The human breathed and pinned the flower by her ear. “Thank you!” “Are you two really humans?” Willow asked. Dipper smiled as he pocketed his journal and pen in his vest; he knew these witches were probably just as excited to meet humans as these humans were excited to meet witches. “Yup. I gotta admit, I’ve seen lots of weird stuff but this place is even more weird and mysterious than anything I’ve ever saw.” “I’m glad you like it here.” Willow then noticed how little Gus was speaking and gently elbowed him. “Gus, say something.” She whispered softly. “Ack… ah…” The young witch gasped, the nerd in him overtaking his logic, his brain slower than a snail on a turtle’s back to the overwhelming fantasy coming true. “Ears... wire… teeth… round…” “Uh, is he okay?” Mabel asked. “He’s fine.” Luz said calmly. “He’s the president of the Human Appreciation Society at school.” “Oh, cool.” Dipper said. “So this would be like me meeting the author for him.” He added to his sister, who giggled, and then she asked, “So, what do you guys like to do for fun?” Luz, Willow, and Gus all grinned excitedly as they exchanged looks and they happily grabbed the twins’ hands and took them on an adventure into the unknown. ~~~~~~~~~~ Vexing off some frustrations and hoping to forget her worries for a moment with a successful evening of winning bets and making money, Eda counted her bills one more time. It was enough to slap a man like it was a glove. With her flaming orange hair everywhere, her shiny gold tooth sparkling alongside her excited eyes, and comfortable in casual human attire, it felt good to leave behind the Boiling Isles for a while and be somewhere new. Not that she intended to stay; she didn’t quite belong here. Eda reached for a slot machine handle and pulled. One strawberry, two strawberries, and a banana. The hidden witch frowned and growled in her throat, determined to outwit this thing. She decided to give it one more try before incorporating some magic. She reached for the handle only to have her hand touch someone else’s hand. Her golden eyes landed on a buff man around her age. He wore a red Hawaiian shirt, his buttons a little low to showcase a gold chain and a bit of chest hair. Scars littered his knuckles and he had a five o’clock shadow on his square chin, his shaggy brown hair nearly long enough to be a mullet. His brown eyes sparked with excitement and he immediately put on a sly grin that made Eda smirk in return. Instantly she knew this guy was going to give her a good time. He let go of the slot machine, shrugged and gestured to the machine, and said, “Good luck.” Eda smiled, pulled the lever, and decided to perform a small spell behind her back with her free hand. One strawberry, two strawberries, three strawberries. Blinking lights and spitting money clarified Eda’s victory and she punched the air several times. “Yes yes yes yes yes!” She scooped up her loot into her bag and challenged, “Let’s see if you can do any better, Muscles.” The guy smiled cockily and gave it a shot, rubbing his hands together and popping his knuckles. To Eda’s pleasant surprise, the guy got three bananas, earning four times the amount the witch won, and he gave a barking laugh that Eda found pleasant and full-hearted. “Eat it, toots!” Stan bragged as he pocketed the winnings and pulled out a big stack of cash to flaunt. “Sorry to break it to you, sweetheart, but looks like Lady Luck’s on my side tonight.” “You wish,” Eda snorted. “Tell you what, buster, let’s make this night even more interesting.” The guy raised an eyebrow at her. “Oh?” “You and I play against each other for the rest of the evening. Whoever wins the most from this point forward… I don’t know, the winner lives in glory and the loser wallows in eternal shame.” The guy leaned across the machine, still as cocky as ever with a smile as sly as a fox. “How about loser treats winner out to breakfast?” Eda crackled a laugh and held out a hand to shake. “You've got a deal.” The guy took her hand, shook it, and said, “Name’s Stan by the way.” Eda said the first back-up name that came to mind. “Marilyn.” She would be an idiot to give away her real name in a dodgy place like Las Vegas. And so the competitive game of betting at the club began. From poker to blackjack to straight-up dice rolling and slot machines, the two spirited and care-free adults roamed the casino with one goal: to kick the other’s butt. All the while they talked like they were old friends. It was crazy ridiculous how easy their talks were. Everything just worked. Between cocktails and anything with a buzz, the two were foul cheaters, one brilliantly street-smart and the other crafty and gifted with a certain set of skills. One time Stan tried to leave a table and fell on his face to find his shoelaces tied, even though he could have sworn Eda never had a chance to prank him. Eda quickly liked this guy a lot; he was fun! She could poke fun at him without worrying about hurting his wittle feewings, rather he would poke back and make her laugh. Even as she threw dice at his head once in order to swipe his winnings, he grabbed her wrist, tickled her ribs, and swiped some of her gold; Eda retaliated by pouncing on him like a bird after her prey and they wrestled for a moment before Stan threw her down and laughed. Eda grinned, impressed he could fight, and they high-fived before moving on. It was a close call, but by three in the morning Stan was richer by five bucks, so Eda shrugged and said she was only passing through and wondered if he knew a place with edible food. Stan, who had been living in town for about a month, took her in the Stanmobile and drove her to a cheap 24-hour diner by the interstate. The whole time they chatted pleasantly, making fun of the other and telling stories and generally having a good time. As Stan drove and his hair became a wild mess, Eda smiled at him; she had never felt this way about anyone. No one challenged her or made her feel this important. And so Eda found herself eating pancakes with tons of strawberries and strawberry syrup, sipping a mug of black coffee. Stan was telling another story in between bites of pancake with eggs and plenty of bacon, his coffee also as black as the night. Eda listened, entertained, and held her mug with both of her pale hands to keep them warm. “... so I said to the bouncer, ‘where’s your idea, ugly?’ And that’s how I got this scar.” And Stan rolled back his sleeve to show off the proof of his story. Eda laughed and tilted her head up to show a tiny scar under her chin. “I got this one from playing with my sister. She tricked me and I ran after her and tripped over a tree root and landed on a rock. Blood was everywhere, Mother was furious at her, which was all the payback I needed; she almost never got into trouble.” “Ah, got a goody-two-shoes sibling, huh?” Stan asked, leaned back in his booth as he ate another piece of bacon. “Can you relate?” Stan laughed. “Yeah, my older brother Shermie’s a total square. He’s an okay guy, though. Made me an uncle.” “That’s nice.” Eda said. “Lily will never make me an aunt; she’s already married to the law.” She groaned, adding a gagging noise for comedic effect, and she sipped her coffee. “Ugh, are you related to a cop?” Stan groaned and held his forehead as he smiled. “More like a detective.” “Hey, I had an uncle who was a detective.” Stan remembered. “Cool guy; smoked a pack a day, but he had this bachelor's apartment in New York City and cracked tons of cases. He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, good ole Uncle Jack. So, do you still talk to your sister, or…” Eda shrugged. “Not really. She decided I wasn’t good enough for her and I decided she wasn’t worth it, so we kinda went our separate ways.” Stan nodded solemnly, his eyes elsewhere. “It happens. I don’t really talk to my family anymore.” “Sorry.” She said sympathetically, her eyes anywhere but her date. “Meh. I’m not.” Stan lied easily. “If the guy wants to go to some smarty-pants school and live a boring life, always knowing what’s gonna happen, that’s his mistake.” Eda smiled and chuckled under her throat. “My thoughts exactly. Life isn’t proper; it’s wild and unpredictable, but that’s what makes it so beautiful.” Stan smiled and pointed at her. “I like your philosophy, babe.” “Your’s isn’t so bad, handsome.” Eda replied in her mug. “Could use some polishing, but hey what do I know?” Stan smiled and the conversation shifted. That drunken state a lack of sleep will give you, but neither were willing to turn in just yet. Eda still had a goal she wanted to reach before leaving town; if she wanted to more than double her winnings, she would have to be slippery, but she couldn’t help but have an amazing time and actually feel something beyond an excitement for trouble. About an hour later, now only snacking on coffee and water and probably pissing off their waiter, Eda asked, “Hey Stan, wanna marry me?” Stan stared at her, breathing in water, and needing a minute to clear his windpipes before answering. “I don’t think you wanna do that, Marilyn. You hardly know me.” He said darkly, leaning forward and looking down. Eda took the hand that was lying on the table and squeezed it gently. “I know enough.” She stood, leaned over the table, and kissed Stan. It was actually really nice. Like, really nice. Sure she could do without the taste of coffee and the sticky syrup on his lips, but when he kissed back and had a hand in her wild hair Eda’s heart was pounding faster, excitement and adrenaline being the witch’s favorite drug. When they parted and Eda had a knee on the table, Stan nodded. “Okay. I’ll marry you.” Half an hour later, they both stood in front of Cupid with brush hair and teeth and Eda had a bundle of roses Stan had shoplifted for her. After a quick exchange of “I do”s and speeding back to Stan’s motel room, they both quickly undressed and reaped from the benefits of being a couple. ~~~~~~~~~~ Hungover and tired from an all-nighter, Eda slept in Stan’s arms nearly all day, finally waking up around three in the afternoon with Stan still asleep. She laid there and smiled, eyes closed and enjoying having such warm and strong arms wrapped around her. After spending so many years alone, it was nice to sleep with someone she loved. Heck, she may love him but he didn’t need a witch criminal in her life. And Eda’s life was too unpredictable to risk being tied down. So she went over her plan and was confident it would work. It might hurt for a minute, but soon Stan would look back on this and laugh. He was just that kind of guy. After coffee and some bananas to help with the headaches, Stan got in the shower, leaving Eda alone. Perfect. Even all of their winnings from last night were on the table. Quickly re-dressing with a snap of her fingers, the cunning witch quietly scooped up the cash into her bag and hung it over her shoulder. She looked around the room and considered taking a souvenir, a human artifact to sell, but while Stan had many things she liked (many things others saw as garbage), Eda decided to go easy on her husband; she owed him that. In her neon pink shirt, blue-jean skirt, and heeled boots, Eda quietly opened the door and tip-toed out of the room. But then she suddenly heard the sounds of the shower being turned off and the curtains being drawn back. Right, males took shorter showers. Eda quickly left and let the door make a loud-ish click noise. Let’s give Stan a warning. Let him fight for it, maybe. The red Diablo was right in front of her, giving her an idea. Rather than running away to then later duck through a door, Eda changed her plan; she was going to give Stan one hell of an adventure. She made circles on the door and it unlocked, then used circles on the engine and the cluttered car roared to life. She grinned, her golden tooth sparkling and her eyes ablaze like her hair, and just as Stan stood at the motel’s door in a maroon bathrobe and a towel held by his wet hair, Eda stepped on the gas and happily let the tires screech her farewell. “HEY!” Eda cackled and snorted all the way out of the motel’s parking lot and down the street. She relaxed and even rolled down the window to lean out and enjoy some fresh air. Not the same as flying, but close enough. Eda was going over her escape plan in her head when she noticed something behind her. She even turned her head back surprisingly far and saw Stan - still in his bathrobe - chasing after her in a stolen motorcycle. Eda grinned. “I knew I married that guy for more than one reason.” She sped up and happily dodged traffic and pedestrians. In fact, one or two things in her way may or may not have floated above her and then safely come back down, but who knows? First the lights, then the sirens. The witch knew what that meant: the guards of the human realm. She glanced back at her mirror and saw Stan being followed by three cop-cars. One cop even called to her on the radio, but she ignored it and headed for the interstate out of Las Vegas. Time to make history. Just as she merged, Stan did the same, but the cops were forced to wait for an opening. Stan somehow managed to speed up next to Eda. “What the hell, Marilyn?!” He yelled. “Sorry, handsome, gotta keep you on your toes.” Eda said coolly, leaning on her elbow on the window. “Gotta keep life unpredictable, y’know?” She added with a wink and sped up, leaving Stan behind. He sped up a bit, slowly catching up, and Eda could see that the cops were on the interstate. Time for the grand escape. The Stanmobile was brought off the busy road and down into the sandy desert. Down into the mouth of a canyon Eda sped, with the bike still closely behind her. Eda grinned, swerved behind a sharp rock, and jumped out with her bag on her shoulder. She dug through the pocket of her skirt for her key and pressed the eye. Just as Stan swerved around the sharp rock, she blew him a kiss with a foxy wink and disappeared. Stan stared, red-faced and still in his bathrobe, as the doorway disappeared. The cops finally caught up as Stan tried to wrap his head around whatever happened, and the one in charge asked him, ”Where did she go?!” The conman quickly collected his thoughts. “Dunno, car was like this when I caught up. She’s probably somewhere in this canyon.” While the police searched the canyon for a runaway newlywed, Stan smiled, impressed with her work, and checked his still-running car. It looked like she had hot-wired his baby and hadn’t taken any of his junk, but what was really weird was there was a feather in the driver’s seat. Huh. ~~~~~~~~~~ Episode Placement: GF = after finale (S3?) OH = between S1E9 and E10 After finally being accepted into Hexside, not only did Luz become more invested in learning about the historical wizarding school, she became even more invested in learning about her mentor. Those permanent records giving tid-bits of Eda’s childhood really made Luz more curious about her, and she figured a good place to keep on searching was the old boxes in a storage closet. Luz had come across it when she had put away the not-witchy broom after completing a chore. Her eyes landed on a box on a top shelf and she grinned, wondering if old photos were in it. She grabbed it and sat in on the floor, on her knees as she rubbed her hands together and took off the lid to reveal a mix-match of assorted items. There were some pictures and photographs, but it was mostly filled with old clothes. Luz picked up an old “Over 30 and Very Flirty” t-shirt and giggled at it. Something fell out from the folds of the shirt and Luz picked it up. She squinted at the old picture and gasped loudly when she realized what she was looking at. “Is that…?”

[layce2015]

The Last of Us (Joel x Reader)

Chapter 5: Bill's Town

Chapter 1/ Chapter 2/ Chapter 3/ Chapter 4

We walk along the highway until I see Lincoln's water tower in the distance. "Now there we go..." I said as I pointed at the tower. We walked over to the railing and looked down at the woods. "Yeah, it'll be faster to go through here." Joel said and he hops over the railing then Ellie and I follow suit.

"Man..." Ellie whispers as she looks around at the environment. "What?" Joel and I said. "Nothing. It's just...I've never seen anything like this, that's all." She replied. "You mean the woods?" I asked her. "Yeah. Never walked through the woods. It's kinda cool." She said as we continue to walks.

"Why don't you guys just take me back to Marlene?" Ellie asked us. "If she was up to the task, why'd she drop you off on us?" I asked her. "Well, maybe she's better now." She replied, shrugging. "Kid, I don't mean to upset you, but your friend's chances of survival weren't too high to begin with." Joel said to her. "She's a lot tougher than you think." Ellie retorts. "It don't matter. 'Cause I doubt (y/n) and I could get either of us back into the city in one piece. Trust me. I wish there was some other option." Joel said as we made it through the woods and up to a gate.

Joel goes to open it but it was locked. "Well shit." He mutters. "Should we climb it?" Ellie asked and I look up to see barbed wires all along the top. "No, wire on top of it. We gotta find a way to go around." I said as I pointed it out to her. We go over to the side until Ellie said. "Whoa, look." We turn around and see that she was surrounded by the firefly bugs. "Fireflies. I mean, real fireflies." She said, in awe. "Yeah, we see that." Joel said as a small smile appears on my face. She looks over at us then said. "Sorry, I...I lost myself for a sec." 

The smile disappears off my face then I turn to see a small building in front of us. I run up to the air conditioner and climb on top of it then up the roof. Joel and Ellie follow as I found a wooden plank leaning against the side of the building. I pick it up then brought it over to lay across the gap between the building we were on to the building that was on the other side of the fence.

We walk across it when I look up to see smoke rising up in the far distance. "That you, Bill?" Joel mutters. "Where do you guys usually meet him?" Ellie asked us. "Different places." I replied as we walk along the rooftop. "You guys never been here, have you?" She asked. "We know this is where he lives, but...no, we've never been here personally." Joel replied to her as we jump down.

"And that smoke, you think that's him?" She asked. "Sure as hell better be." I said. "Well, let's go check it out then." Ellie said. "Alright, come on." Joel sid as we jump down from the roof and walked down a steep hill. "Down here. Watch your step; it's a good drop." I warned her as the hill leads us to another rooftop. 

Then we head down and come upon a gate. "Oh, shit. It's jammed from the other side." Joel mutters and I look up to see a gap at the top. "Here, boost me up." I said and he turns around and cups his hands. I place my foot on his hands then he boosts me up to the gap, I climb up and jump over it then land in front of the door and pull the pipe off of the handle, opening the door.

"Easy as pie." I said and Joel rolls his eyes at me as he and Ellie walk through the door. "So, let's say we get a car from this buddy of yours. Then what?" Ellie asked us as we continue through the empty street. "Well, then we go find Tommy." Joel replied.

"Marlene said he's your brother." Ellie said and Joel nods. "And more importantly he was a Firefly. He'd know where to take you." He said. "Oh, okay." Ellie murmurs. "He lives far from here which is why we need the car." I said as we come up to a yard and see a bunch of garden gnomes.

"Hey, look. Gnomes." She said as she walks up to them. "Yeah. Those are gnomes." Joel mutters. "Man, I had an art book filled with these. I always thought they were super cute. Not fairies though. They creep me out." Ellie said and I let out a small chuckle. "Alright, then." Joel grumbles and we continue with our walk.

*****

As we walk along main street, we see a large sign sitting in the middle of the road. "Mandatory evacuation." Ellie reads as she walks up to it, then she looks over at us. "Evacuate to where?" She asked. "Where you think? Quarantine zone. See, some places got a head's up before the infection showed up. Most didn't." Joel replied. "Man, must be hard. Just...leaving all your stuff behind like that." said Ellie. I frown and fold my arms across my chest as I gave a heavy sigh. "That ain't the hard part." I told her and she gives me a slightly confused look before I start to walk again, Joel follows.

***

Eventually, we come up to an alleyway, but Joel stops me as we heard a clicker. It comes running at the end of the alley and starts to head towards us until something explodes, killing it, and making us all jump in fright.

"Jesus!" Joel exclaimed.

"Holy shit!" I said at the same time.

"Whoa, Nelly. Wha--? What the hell was that?" Ellie asked. "That...would be one of Bill's traps." Joel replied to her as we slowly make our way through the alleyway. "Your friend a bit paranoid, maybe?" Ellie said. "Now that's putting it lightly." I said, chuckling.

"What's the deal with this guy?" Ellie asked us as we climb up a building and walk along the rooftops. "Well, he helped us smuggle stuff into the city. He's...He knows how to find things." replied Joel as we come upon a plank that was already laid across to the other building. "Well let's hope we don't blow up trying to find him." Ellie said, snarky. "Just watch your step. You'll be fine." I told her just as we come upon a corpse full with arrows.

"Hey, looks like these are still usable." I said as I take the arrows and put them in my backpack. "You good with a bow?" Ellie asked me. Before I could answer, we heard a clicker nearby. We slowly walk and see it just standing up against a wall. I pull out my bow and an arrow, then load the arrow on the string and pull back. I take a few steady breathes as I aim the arrow at the clicker's head then I let it go, causing a headshot.

"Oh fuck." Ellie exclaimed, a mix between shock and awe. I smiled as Joel said. "Nice shot." I look up at him and said. "Thank you, darlin'." He and I stare at each other for a few seconds before I, quickly, look away then head over to the clicker and pulled out the still intact arrow.

"Now, listen. Bill ain't exactly the most stable of individuals. So when we get there, you let (y/n) and I do the talkin'. You understand?" Joel said to Ellie as I put up the bow. "I understand." Ellie said. "We gotta be clear on this. He...He don't take too kindly to strangers." I informed her. "Alright." Ellie replied. "Bill's a good guy, he just definitely needs some time warming up to you, that's all." Joel told her and she nods as we go onwards.

****

After going through some buildings, finding some supplies and tripping off some of Bill's traps just so we can get through, we come upon a door. Joel goes to open it but as he looks down at the floor, he suddenly was jerked in the room, rather quickly. "Oh, shit!" I heard him yell as Ellie and I run to the door. "Joel!" We exclaimed as I see that was hanging upside down by his feet. "God..." he mutters as I go over to him. 

"Here...I got you." I said as I go and steady him, stopping him from swaying. "Dammit, Bill..." he grumbles. "What just happened?" Ellie asked us. "It's another one of Bill's stupid traps!" Joel replied, annoyed. I look around and saw the cause of this trap. "There, that fridge. It looks like that's the counterweight." I said, pointing at it.

"Okay!" Ellie said as she runs over to the fridge. "Cut that rope and it'll bring me down!" Joel yells at her. "On it!" She yells as she jumps on the fridge and starts to cut the rope. "Don't worry, honey. We'll get you down." I whispered to him until we heard some screams and growls.

I turn around and could see some infected coming our way. "Guys?!" Ellie calls out as she sees this. "Shit, here they come!" Joel exclaimed. "Guys!!" Ellie said as I pull out my gun. "Just tend to the rope, Ellie!" I yelled as I raise my gun and began to shoot at the oncoming threat.

As I fired at some of the infected, I heard another set of gunshots. I look over my shoulder and saw Joel, the badass that he is, was shooting at the infected while hanging upside. 

"Ellie, how's it looking?" I asked her as Joel and I continue to fire at the infected. "I'm going as fast as I can!" She exclaims as she finally cuts the counterweight, dropping Joel. "Joel, watch out!" Ellie shouts and I turn to see Joel was fighting off an infected until I see an armored up, and masked, Bill come up and machetes the attacker's head off. "Get off your ass and on your feet!" Bill yells as he helps Joel up then leads us out of the garage.

"Which way?" Joel asked Bill as we get cornered. "Alright -- we'll ah...We'll cut through. C'mon, here!" Bill said towards an old laundromat. "Don't slow down! This place ain't secure!" Bill yells as we run through the laundromat and out back into the street then through a semi truck until we take refuge in an old bar.

****

"Man...that was close. Uh...thanks for the heroics and all." Ellie said to Bill as he locks the door then removes his mask. He turns to her as she offers him a handshake. "Uh, Ellie." She introduced but, suddenly, He puts handcuffs on her.

"Hey, what are you--guys!?" Ellie said, confused.

"Bill." Joel said.

"What are you doing?" Ellie asked Bill again. 

"Bill!" I shout at him as he handcuffs Ellie to a pipe. "Let me go!" Ellie screams as Bill turns his gun on me and Joel. "Turn around and get on your knees." He ordered us. "Just calm down a second." I said to him, calmly. "Turn around and get on your knees!" He yells. 

"Alright!" Joel said as we turn around and he knees Joel then me. Both of us fall to our knees as he searches us. "Don't test me!" He exclaims. "Just...ah, take it easy." Joel said as we raise our hands up.

"You got any bites?" He asked us.

"No." I replied to him.

"Anything sprouting?" Bill asked.

"No, dammit, we're clean!" Joel yells at Bill, annoyed.

"Well, I see so much as a twitch--" Bill started to say until we heard a thud and Bill exclaims in pain. We turn around to see that Ellie was free and she started hitting Bill on the arm with the pipe she was handcuff to.

"Stop!" Joel said to her as he stands up, runs over to her and pulls the pipe out of her hands. "Son of a bitch!" Bill shouts as he holds his arm. "You done?" I asked Bill as I stand up and face him.

"Am I done...? You come into my house, you set off all my traps, you damn near break my shootin' arm. Who the fuck is this punk and what's she doing here?" Bill asked, angrily. "I am none of your damn business, and we're here because you owe Joel and (y/n) some favors. And you can start by taking these off." Ellie snaps at him as she holds up her handcuffed arm.

"I owe them some favors, is this some kind of joke?" Bill asked. "I'll cut to the chase. We need a car." Joel told him, calmly. "Well, it is a joke. Joel and (y/n) need a car. Well, if I had one that works, which I sure as hell don't, what makes you think I'd just give it to you? Huh? Yeah, sure Joel, go ahead, take my car. Take all my food too while you're at it." Bill said, angry and annoyed.

"By the looks of it, you could lose some of that food." Ellie sneered and Bill turns and aims his machete at her. "You listen to me, you little shit--" he growls. "No, fuck you! You handcuffed me--" Ellie screams as I run over to her and pushed her away from Bill before she or Bill could do anything to each other. "We need you to shut up. Alright?" I said and she looks up at me then gives a quick nod.

"Whatever favors you guys think I owe ya, it ain't worth that much." Bill said as he sets his machete on the bar and sharpen it. "Actually, Bill, they are." Joel told him. "Well, it don't matter 'cause I don't have a car that works." Bill grumbles.

"But there is one in this town." I said as I turn to the men. "Parts. There are parts in this town." Bill scowls. "Meaning that you could fix one up." Joel said as Bill looks at him for a moment then let's out  sigh. "Alright. If I'm gonna do this, there's some gear I'm gonna need." He said. "Alright." Joel said as Bill pulls out a map full of annotations and margin scrawlings.

"It's on the other side of town. Now you help me go gather it, and maybe, I can put something together that runs. But after this, I owe you two nothin'." He said. "That's fine." I said as Bill puts the handcuff key on the table. "Couple days from now, we'll probably be dead anyway." Joel mutters as he grabs the key and uncuffs Ellie. "Good. Follow me. Whole damn town's booby-trapped, best stay right on my ass." Bill said as he heads towards another door in the back.

"Can't miss it." Ellie mutters and Joel turns to her. "Knock it off." He growls at her as we follow Bill. "We have to cross to the other building. Up the stairs. Let's move it." Bill said and we do just that.

"Psh." Ellie scoffs.

"Just stay with us." I muttered to her as we get to the other building and climb up the stairs.

"Can't believe you agreed to this bullshit, Bill. What you shoulda done was just left them back there." Bill mutters to himself and I just shake my head at this. "You guys weren't kidding about him." Ellie muttered to Joel and I. "Yeah, he's one of a kind." Joel said.

"So what kind of trouble are you guys in? Where the hell's Tess?" Bill asked and Joel sighs while I bite my lips. "It's a job. A simple drop-off." I replied. "What are you delivering? That little brat?" Bill asked as he gestures to Ellie.

"Haha. Fuck you, too." Ellie said, humorously, and Bill let's out a loud laugh. "Y'know, I hope you guys know what you're doin'." Bill said to Joel and I as we jumped out of the window of the building, walked along a small walkway and into another building. "Are you kidding me with this guy?" Ellie asked, annoyed.

"So, where we goin', Bill?" Joel asked Bill. "My other safehouse. It's more of an armory." Bill replied. "Wait, I thought we were gonna fix up a car?" Ellie asked him. "We? You know how to fix a--" Bill said, confused. "Bill, just..." I said to him, exasperated. "It's like I said, what I need is on the other side of town. Now, that side I don't ever go to 'cause it's filled with infected. So, we're gonna need more guns." Bill said as we came into back storage area and hear a muffled noise. 

"Shh. There's one inside." Joel said as we slowly approach the door. "Oh...I've been meaning to take care of that. Relax, it's nothin'." Bill said, waving towards a trapped runner that was pinned down on an broken window. "You guys didn't answer my question about Tess." Bill said as he goes over to the runner. "She's busy." Joel replied. "Yeah, sure....busy." Bill mutters as he goes and chops the runners head off then towards the front door.

"Alright....here we go." He said as he opens the door. We walk outside and see a bunch of abandoned cars out on the street. "So....why don't you fix one of these cars?" Ellie asked Bill, pointing at all of the cars. "Oh my God, you're a genius. I mean the whole time, why on earth hadn't I thought about fixin' one of these cars?" Bill said, sarcastically. "Okay...don't be a dick." Ellie grumbles, annoyed.

"Their tires are rotted and their batteries are dead." Bill explains, also annoyed. "Are you done?" Ellie asked him. "Can't even begin to think what the inside of the engine blocks look like. Only ones making new car batteries are the military." Bill explains just as we heard a cry in the distance.

"Dammit." I muttered as Ellie exclaimed. "Infected!"

Bill, Joel and I pulled out our guns and started firing and taking out more runners and Clickers, all the while Ellie had to hide behind cars. 

"Alright..." Bill said, loudly, after we finished then he starts walking towards a gate. "You gotta check the barricades again. You neglect the simple shit and now you're paying for it. You know what that means...taking all the supplies from the warehouse and lugging it to the east fence...again. Then it'll take you--" Bill mutters to himself. "Okay, well now he's talking to himself." Ellie said. "Yeah..." I said, shaking my head. "Bill?" Joel calls out to him then Bill turns to him. "Joel? This way. And up we go." He said as he opens the gate and let us through.

"You picked a hell of a place to hole up, didn't ya?" Joel asked Bill. "You know, as bad as those things are, at least they're predictable. It's the normal people that scare me. You and your wife of all people should understand that." Bill said as we head up a set of cobbled steps. "What does that mean?" Ellie asked, looking between us. "Nothin'." Joel replied, quietly, as I turn to Bill and point at the gate we just went through.

"You sure that gate's gonna hold 'em?" I asked him. "Well, I locked it. They don't have a key." He said as we come up to a backyard of a church. "So, which way?" Joel asked. "We're here. It's in the cellar." Bill said as he points at the cellar door. Joel goes and opens it to Bill go through. "Alright, down here." He said and the four of us enter the cellar.

****

"Well, here we are." Bill said then he turns to Ellie. "You. Don't touch anything." Then he points at Joel. "And you close the door." Joel turns around and shuts it as Bill turns on a lantern. "Let's gear up." He said and we start to walk over the workbenches until Joel stops Ellie from following us. "Uh-uh." He said, shaking his head. "What? I need a gun." Ellie said. "No you don't." I said to her. "Joel...(y/n), I can handle myself." She said to us, firmly. "No. Just...stay here." Joel told her as he and I walk over to Bill.

"Fine. I'll just wait around for you three to get me killed." Ellie said, angrily and annoyed, as she walks over to a different shelf. "This goes on record as the worst fucking job you two've ever taken." Bill said to us. "It's up there." I said.

"How in the hell is Tess okay with this suicide mission?" Bill asked us. "It's actually her idea." Joel informed him. "Really? Well, the broad's not as smart as I thought she was. But...fuck her. Seriously, you guys gotta take that kid back to where ya found her." Bill said as he starts to load his gun and Joel goes to sit on the edge of the table, I go and stand next to Joel and placed my left hand on his shoulder.

"Bill, we can't just take her back." I said to him. "Then send her packing, let her find her own way. Let me tell you two a story. Once upon a time I had someone I cared about." He said and both of us look at him, confused and shocked. "It was a partner. Somebody I had to look after." He replied after he finished loading his gun. "And in this world that sort of shit's good for one thing: gettin' ya killed. So, you know what I did? I wisened the fuck up. And I realized it's gotta be just me." 

"Bill, it...it ain't like that. It's--" Joel starts to explain but Bill looks at him. "Bullshit. It is just like that." He said but then he stops as he looks over at Ellie. "Hey! What did I say to you when we walked down the steps? What did I say?" He yelled at her and I look over to see that she was messing with a pile of stuff on a shelf. "I'm just fixing your stupid pile." She yelled back at him as she backs away from the shelf. 

"Don't touch!" He yells, sternly. She scoffs at him then flips him off. "Damnit." Bill growls while I bite my lips, trying real hard to hold back a laugh. "You two keep babysitting long enough and eventually it's gonna blow up in your faces." Bill said as he loads up another gun. "Bill. Can we please just get on with it?" Joel said, exasperated. "Here. Let's get on with it." Bill said as he tosses Joel the shotgun then he looks over to see an extra shotgun and tosses it to me.