#jerz tag 🌻

[missameliep]

CAPY Birthday!!! 🥳

That's soooo adorable! I love him and his cute little face 🥰🥰🥰

Thank you so much, my dear friend 🩷

[missameliep]

My dear friend, I miss you too and all the geeking over Wtd and zombie stuff ❤️ Whenever I see a capybara I think of you too, and I just mentioned you today when I read someone here in Brazil had created a petition for the capy emoji (how can it be 2023 and we still lack a capy emoji is beyond me!)

Thank you so much for your words and I'm glad the fandom is still holding up, even if smaller, because nobody is holding me back when I'm finally free and able to write my silly little stories about my fav pixelated people 😂

Hello Everyone!

First, I want to say thank you to everyone because... we still have a fandom! When I participated in this event in 2021, many wondered if we'd still be here in 2022. Then, in 2022, I really didn't think we'd make it to 2023, but look at us! We may be small and imperfect, but I am happy to still have each of you to share my crazy hyperfixations with!

I always get stressed out with these events because I'm sure I'll leave someone out, and it's not my intent (I just have wicked ADHD!) I will have more shoutouts to make after work later today, but I didn't want to go to bed tonight without sharing a little love for some of my supporters throughout this past year. You have no idea how much I appreciate you taking the time to read, comment, and give feedback on my silly fics.

Some of us may talk more than others, but trust me, you're always seen and always appreciated. There are so many of you, but thanks to @differenttyphoonwerewolf, @onikalover, @tessa-liam, @sophxwithers, @kingliam2019, @custaroonie, @headoverheelsforramsey, @parisa-kh, @youlookappropriate, @kyra75, @delmissesryanandcassi, @renvconta19, @peonierose @trappedinfanfiction, @kyra75 your ongoing support means more than you know!

@quixoticdreamer16 - my baseball buddy and one of the most supportive people, I'm so glad you're here! So glad you're a friend!

@secretaryunpaid - thank you for your unbelievable support from day one. The way you go out of your way to comment and create beautiful gifs for me and others is a testament to how thoughtful you are. But as much as I appreciate your support, I appreciate your friendship and the laughs we've shared 1000 more (and the lusting over Jesse, but that's another story!) You're one in a million, and I'm so glad this place brought us together.

To @liaromancewriter, @potionsprefect, @coffeeheartaddict2, @cariantha @genevievemd @lucy-268 and @jamespotterthefirst... the OH DIEHARDS MAN lol Thank you for your friendship, for always showing love - to me and so many others. I'm so glad you're still here (even though some of you are a little less), and we're still on this crazy journey in this whacky place together. And, considering y'all are Ethan girlies, I feel like I need to promise to wrap 2 series up before year-end for ya! lol

@inlocusmads You bring something special to this place, and I hope you know that. Thank you for your support - I love that you love my crazy Tobias and Casey - and when I started writing CoP this year, your feedback and encouragement meant the world to me. You are the OG CoP master! I remember when you were convincing me I could handle reading it, and I should have listened to you sooner! Oh, and thank you for loving my Casey and Jessica! I know they are beyond unpopular, but I love them, and having someone else who does too is just...asdfddf! I have your ask, and I'll have that done by the week's end - thanks so much, Mads!

Speaking of CoP, it was a real gamble when I decided to write for the incomparable Trystan Thorne this year. Given that our fandom is not always... nice... it was so scary. But some of you provided such kind feedback. It really encouraged me to keep going, and I'm so glad I did. I love the story, and I love us sharing it together. Thank you @starsarewithinme @moominofthevalley @aces-and-angels @brycesgirl @ao719 and @shadyinternetblizzard , and OMG, I know I'm forgetting someone here, and when it's not 1:20 AM and I'm not exhausted I'll remember correct that! lol, But seriously, thank you!

To @missameliep - I miss you, my cappy friend - but thank you for always geeking out with me over WTD. I know you're not on much these days, but you're still appreciated, and I'll never see a capybara and not think of you! lol

To @mydemonsdrivealimo, OMG, the way you've inspired me with T/C this year. You have no idea. I appreciate your support for them and Casey and Jess so much. I hope you know that! Casey could not possibly have better besties - and I cannot wait to explore more with all of our little idiots - that ice skating thing MUST happen soon!

To @storyofmychoices and @lilyoffandoms, I have much more to say to you later, but for now, I just want to thank you for loving T&C and for the crazy little world we've created with our little nut jobs. Lily, when you wrote that first drabble, who knew it would lead to kidnapping my girl! lol But I'm so glad it did! I know Tobias wasn't even an LI (as many an anon has pointed out! lol), and it was never a popular pairing, that makes your love for those guys mean even more to me. THANK YOU!

OK now I do have a lot more love I want to give - and I will later today - because right now, if I don't show my pillow some love, my boss will have it out for me later! lol

Love to you all!

Elsa

@choicesfandomappreciation

[missameliep]

It's Mother's Day in the States - and it should be Mother's Day all over the world EVERY day! So I hope you have a wonderful day! 💗

Thank you, Elsa! This is so kind of you. I hope you had a wonderful day as well 💐🩷

[missameliep]

Happy Birthday!!!

I am sorry we are a little late!! I hope it was wonderful! ❤️🎂🥳

Thank you, my friend! For your lovely asks and these adorable capybaras ❤️❤️❤️

I hope you're having a great day ☺️

[missameliep]

OTP Asks for Troy and Malia ❤

3) Most common argument 7) What’s the first thing that changes when they realize they have feelings for the other? 17) Who says I love you first? 20) What do their family/friends think of their relationship?

Thank you! :)

Hi, dear! Thanks for the ask. ☺️

3) Most common argument

The most common and frequent arguments between Malia and Troy revolve around Malia wanting Troy to exercise and practice combat skills - all things that displeased him entirely since they lived at the Tower, if not for the opportunity of meeting Malia during trainings he wouldn't even be there at all. After losing her sister Brynn, Malia gets overprotective with people she cares about - Troy mostly but she also worries about May and their friends - and that can be overwhelming, especially for Troy, since there's a whole world worth exploring and he wants to try new things. It is hard for her to express in words that worry and that she needs to be sure he won't hurt himself or get killed. She is so scared of losing him that it physically hurts sometimes.

In spite of arguing, however, they never stay mad long at each other. And Troy has a very "special" way to convince Malia to forgive him when he makes her mad with his shenanigans.

7) What’s the first thing that changes when they realize they have feelings for the other? In the space of a few years, when they were teens, both realized they had more than the usual siblings' attachment and love for each other; but living after the world ended and in such a disturbing environment like the Tower was, where having a strong friendship like theirs was a privilege, neither wanted to risk it or bringing upon themselves Brynn's rage, since she was the elder sister and the one always looking after her younger sister and "adoptive" brother.

Malia realized the nature of her feelings first, by the time she was eleven, she felt a pang in her stomach whenever she knew Troy was spending quality time with older teenagers in kissing games around the Tower and since she wasn't in fact ill, like a few trips to the infirmary proved, she was probably smitten - which was much much worse in her point of view and a total bummer, since she had no interest in boys, dating and had no idea what falling in love actually meant in a world like that, where people constantly died and nothing lasts forever... So, to Malia, what actually changed was the way she dealt with her feelings for him and boys in general. She fought the feelings, which was a tough battle, specially the older she got and the more attractive Troy became, but with some effort, she managed to keep it cool and not let him know about the flutter in her stomach and the way her heart raced every time he moved too close... She stopped sharing a bed with him, for instance, and draw invisible lines to keep her personal space as far away from his as humanly possible, since she was sure there was no way they could ever be more than what they were. Being vocal about her feelings was never easy, so avoiding romantic subjects around him and hiding her attraction for other guys over the years was not that hard. Until she was eighteen, Troy believed she had never even kissed or felt attraction for anybody.

It took Troy a bit longer to be sure of what he actually felt for Malia. Like her, he had no idea what love and dating and all those Old-World concepts actually meant. He cared for her like the sister he wished and prayed for in many lonely nights at the Tower, but later, the hormones made him acutely aware that Malia did bring much more to the game than just being someone he could play tag, jest with, and challenge him in the most stupid and dangerous ways... she made his heart accelerate and his palms sweat even when they were not running around or practicing combat... and he wanted to kiss her so badly it ached! What changed? Troy became afraid of her realizing he liked her in a different way and hating the idea and hating him and shutting him out completely. How could he lose Malia and Brynn? That was too much. So he hid his feelings behind too many jokes, bad pickup lines that made her cackle in the way that he adored, and kept himself busy with other "prospects" too many a nights.

Losing their home, losing Brynn, would be a game-changing moment for both of them. Facing their mortality so crudely made it impossible to keep bottling up their feelings for longer.

17) Who says I love you first?

They never said they loved each other in a sibling/platonic way a not even as a joke/teasing over the years they knew each other. Saying "I love you" was a foreign concept... Malia never knew love outside her relationship with her sister - who rarely used the world herself -, she has no recollection of being loved by her fathers or anybody else, and the word love was so many times used in stratagems and deceiving ways by people who wanted to take advantage from you, keep you obedient or make you work harder, that sometimes she thought falling in love was an impossible thing in a world like theirs. Troy on the other hand, believed love was real, but not something he was worth of. He believed being in love a couple of times while coming down from his ecstasy and having a lover's arms wrapped around himself; but that feeling didn't quite stick afterwards. He appreciated kindness and good company, but he expected love to be accompanied by all those great gestures the elderly at the Tower sometimes talked about and overwhelming feelings that make you do crazy things... Curiously, being in love with Malia was nothing like that, not loud as fireworks, but soothing as lying on the grass and stargazing, like something that grew inside of him like those ivy's that cover some abandoned buildings until there was so much green and unexpected beauty inside and it was surprising in a way, but at the same time, it felt like, "hey, it's you. of course it's you. you made a home here." When they talked about their feelings many months after escaping the Tower, it became clear that Troy articulated the words inside of his mind first, however, the first time the words were said out loud in a non-platonic way with all the implications it carries was by an hesitant Malia, when she thought Troy had fell asleep and was not listening to her. But he heard, and he said it right back to her, and she punched him because he made her cry like a child.

20) What do their family/friends think of their relationship?

Even those who didn't knew them from back at the Tower thought they took their sweet time to come forward and do something about that. It was clear to those who observed them just a little more closely and knew what love looked like, like Shannon and Eli, that they were in love with capital L even before Malia or Troy were ready to admit that to themselves. The new friends and people at the colony think they are a perfect match and make each other better, which is something precious and to be treasured for as long as possible.

------------------------------------------

Again, thank you so much for the ask and for allowing me to babble about this OTP of mine 😍

[missameliep]

Thank you for the mention, my dear ❤️

I appreciate you two, Elsa, and I'm happy we got to meet in this little corner of the internet ☺️

Have yourself a lovely day!

And sorry it took me ages to reply 🫥

sending you a 🌷 to share my appreciation to you and tag 12 people from this fandom you admire, you like or you missed a lot. you don't have to but it would be great to spread more appreciation. those who get tagged should continue the game. if you get tagged back (by them), then you're awesome.

Thank you anon, that is really sweet of you.

@farizrz @squid-princess-teach-swallow, @robintora, @penda-bear, @my-name-is-lumien, @clansayeed, @ladylamrian, @suoirallesalta, @surrenderronnie1, @the-unconquered-queen, @garrusknight, @masked-alien-lesbian, @aestheteasteria, @becca-davenqueer

[missameliep]

Elsa, thank you so much for the mention and your kind words! Your feedback and reblogs in Safe always make me smile so much! I'm really grateful wtd allowed our paths to finally cross in the fandom. 🩷

30-Day Writing Challenge - Day 23

Please answer in comments or via reblog. For a list of all previously posted questions, click here.

[missameliep]

OMG!!!! ELSAAAA!!! What do you mean you reread Safe?? 🥹😭 My heart is so full right now? What can I even say??? Thank you?? It doesn't seem enough, but I'm really grateful for all your lovely RB when I posted the series and your support to my writing, my dear!

Thank you so much for your kind words, my capy buddy! I haven't forgotten your asks ☺️

I hope you're having an amazing November, my amazingly talented friend❣️

Miniseries: Safe

Book: Wake the Dead

Summary: After two decades living in the New World and with major threats looming on the horizon, Troy Hassan reminisces about his childhood, life and what being safe means after the end of the world came, and about his relationship with the Jones' sisters, Malia and Brynn.

Chapters: 6

Series status: Completed

Chapter 1 - The end of the world

Chapter 2: The age of innocence is over

Chapter 3: Hold it in

Chapter 4: Hope is a weird thing

Chapter 5: Gazing at the stars

Chapter 6: I dare you to live

[missameliep]

Elsa, this last part has been on my drafts forever not only due to the lack of time but because I knew I had to be just in the right mood to truly appreciate your writing and the ending of this series.

How amazing to read the journal entries and to see Florence's perspective in all of this! The sparse entries and the refusal to acknowledge which day it was when she wrote them were great narrative choices and made it feel all the more realistic and painful...

I could quote so many passages back to you. It's a brutal reality and she's been struggling to survive and not give up for almost 2 decades 🥺

And at the same time, she allows herself to still believe there'll be a future, that humanity will carry on. May it be her sons or someone else, she understands writing the journal was essential to her and reading it might be what someone else needs... So it is absolutely beautiful to read the passages in which she allows herself to give some piece of advice or share what she has learned. I imagine the emotions it stirred in Eli when he got to read those pages. Specially this part right here. It warms my heart!

Wonderful writing just there. To me this captures the essence of what this mother represented to this family.

As a mother, I was flooded by so many thoughts of what it would be like to be a mother facing the apocalypse with my child, and not to give up (and one who also had to deal with mental health issues in such an adverse world 🥺)

Despite knowing the Sipes' fate and what was coming their way, it was amazing to see those glimpses of the happy days, of those moments when Florence found something to rely on, something to keep her going, the moments when she could gift her children and husband love and hope, even if she felt she was running out of it... And how she dealt with Eli's pain and the Joneses departure was proof of how much she cared. She acknowledged racism survived the apocalypse but she chooses not to inflict an unnecessary pain on Eli, shielding him from the cruelty of the world 🥺

I see how she feels guilty because of those thoughts, but that just screams human to me. And it's great that you managed to bring that up and those details made her so realistic and relatable. Because we got so little information on the Sipes' family but you fleshed them out amazingly and I love you for that.

And the entry when she talks about worrying. *Chef's kiss*

I'm so happy to have had the chance to ignore all my responsibilities and the things I have to do treat myself with this story today. Thank you for sharing your stories and talents with us, Elsa!

This will be forever one of my favorite series in the fandom. ❤️

A Mother's Journal - Part 4

Book: Wake the Dead (pre-series)

Characters: Eli Sipes; Jim, Florence & David Sipes (his family)

Rating: Mature

Words: Approx 3,200 (including journal entries / text)

Warnings: Loss, past deaths, depression, adult themes.

Summary: In the final segment of this series, Florence is learning to survive after she's lost something dear - hope. Recent challenges have left her surrendering to what she sees as a bleak horizon for her sons. But as she battles through depression and guilt to try to find meaning and a reason to carry on.... and she imparts that knowledge to her son.

A/N: A quick note, this covers over five years' time, but you'll notice there are large gaps in the timeline. That's done on purpose as the family's existence has become more mundane. There was little to define the differences in years, much less days. This will mention the disappearance of the Jones family. This is covered in the 3-part series Coming Up Blank which outlines Eli's first romantic relationship with his best friend, Nessa, and her disappearance.

When I started this, I knew it would be painful to become familiar with the Sipes family, knowing their ultimate canonical fate. As a mother, getting inside Florence's head as she does her best to provide for her family during the most difficult times has left me a little heartbroken to let her go. I know this has been a difficult series to read, but I hope you've found the glimmers of hope contained within it.... because that's its true message. Thanks for taking the journey with me. | @aprilchallenge | Family, Love

Series Masterlist WTD Masterlist Full Masterlist

Fall 2038

Florence stepped onto the small front porch, a basket of wet clothing under her arm. It was Tuesday, which meant laundry day. While David had largely taken over that task, Jim insisted their youngest accompany him as he hunted. 

“He has to get better at this,” Jim insisted. “We won’t be here forever, Florence, and if anything should happen to Eli, David will need this skill to survive.”

Florence smiled as she recalled how David decided they would begin to dry their clothes on the porch. A wayward drone was plodding on the perimeter of their property when it stumbled into their clothing line. After untangling its mangled limbs, it wandered down the path, dragging their clothing behind it.

Nothing came easily in their world, and clothing was no exception. So losing the items was bad enough, but David had an even stronger argument for changing the process.

“It’s bad enough I had a drone lurch at me, but to see Eli’s underwear on his head as it did? Well, that was downright horrifying!”

Jim and Florence weren’t even sure the change would make a difference, but they didn’t care. They were so amused they agreed to it. David was so proud. Her youngest boy, with a poet’s soul, wasn’t made for this world. Despite the family’s best efforts to show him it wasn’t true, he often felt inadequate compared to his older brother, who adapted so well. So Florence knew this little change meant so much to her boy, and it made her happy each time she helped on laundry day.

Looking out into the field, she spotted Eli. He sat with his knees pulled up his chest, staring into the distance. With the last of the wash hung, she walked over to join her oldest.

“Do you mind some company?” she asked as she approached.

Eli glanced up without expression. He was unhappy that his father asked him to sit out this hunt, even though he understood why. But Florence knew it was more to it.   Eli had changed. Losing the Joneses hit hard, and the mystery surrounding their disappearance made closure impossible. Then the horror of the surge… the fear instilled in them all. The rebuild Florence knew was ahead of her family was still a work in progress.

“There’s no need to ask, Ma,” he replied.

“Of course there is! You’re entitled to some privacy if you wish.”

He turned to her with a slight frown. “Mom, there are four of us… how much more privacy do I need?”

They sat in comfortable silence; Eli was picking at the grass beneath him when he finally spoke.

“What was it like, Mom?” He asked. “I was so young when the parasite hit; I hardly remember it anymore. I was just a kid, and I never even knew what it was like to be an adult during those times. But you did. How difficult was it for you to adjust?”

Florence signed deeply and moved closer to her son. “It wasn’t easy, Eli, and if I had stopped to dwell on it, it might have been too much to bear. But, we didn’t have the luxury of dwelling. In those early days, we spent every second struggling to stay alive and keep ourselves safe. After that, learning how to provide for us out here, that was more than a full-time job. We just did what we had to do.”

“Do you still miss it….the way things used to be?”

“Of course,” she breathed. “But not as much as I used to. Initially, I hoped a cure would be found, and maybe we’d be able to return to how things were. But it’s been so long….”

“So you don’t have hope anymore?” he interrupted.

Florence swallowed, taking time to choose her words wisely. The truth was, in many ways, hope died long ago, but who was she to rob her son of it? Even if he had only the slightest spark within him, she couldn’t extinguish it.   

“It’s not that… it’s just been this way for so long now that… I’m just trying to find the best way to live within our reality. It doesn’t help to dwell on how things were or what we’ve lost. All I can do is take little moments and make them the best they can be.”

“Moment like this?” he said, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.  

“Yes,” she clasped his hand. “Moments just like this. Where the sun is shining, and the autumn leaves are painting a canvas against the sky. Our clean clothes are drying on the porch, and, most importantly, I’m here with you. There is so much to be grateful for, even in this world, and that’s what I hold on to.”

“Do you ever…” he trailed.

“Ever what, son?”

“Do you ever wonder what happened to the Joneses?”

“I almost wish I didn’t, but I do.”

Eli felt tears welling in his eyes, wishing to hide them from his mother. He turned away and bit his cheek until they were held at bay. Only then did he respond.

“So do I,” he whispered.

A mother can tell what her child needs, and at that moment, Eli needed her presence and nothing more. Wrapping an arm around him, she held him tight and let him take the lead. They sat in silence for a long while before he spoke again.

“Mom, do you and Dad have any idea what happened to them… if you do… you’d tell us, right?”

Her breath hitched as she recalled the conversation she and Jim shared after their friends went missing. Jim was confident he knew why they left without so much as a goodbye. He believed Kenny took the family to a colony to give Nessa and Brady a chance to find better partners as they approached adulthood. “Better” than Eli or David. Despite the close bond the families had shared, in the end, the color of her son’s skin didn’t make them suitable partners for Kenny’s children.

Florence had promised her husband she would never utter a word of this to the boys; they had suffered enough. Florence agreed. While she didn’t like lying to her son and understood the agony of the unknown, she didn’t want to burden them with that load.

“Mom?” Eli asked, his eyes insisting upon an answer as Florence warred with herself over the right thing to do.

“No, Eli,” she insisted. “We don’t.”

“OK,” he nodded before turning away.  

The truth was, she didn’t know for sure, even if Jim’s suspicions seemed plausible. The only facts were that the Joneses disappeared without a trace. Her children’s only friends, their first loves, were stolen, now rendered to be no more than memories of the past. That was painful enough, and she wasn’t about to add the bitter sting of prejudice and racism to the mix.

Florence often felt contrite about the things she couldn’t give her children, so when presented with the opportunity to provide them with a precious gift, she gave it. She would allow Eli to remember Kenny Jones as the skilled archer who took an interest in him and helped make him the marksman he was today. She’d let him reminisce about the family who appeared to love him as one of their own. She wouldn’t allow the seeds of doubt that infested her mind, leading her to question every memory shared, to creep into her son’s. His present and future had been damaged, and she wouldn’t allow anything to corrupt his past too.

“You know it’s possible that we could see them again someday,” Eli muttered. “I know it’s not probable, but it’s not impossible.”

“No,” Florence half smiled, “it isn’t. I’ve seen a whole lot of bad things that seemed impossible come to be in my lifetime, so I’m holding on to hope that some of the good things that seem impossible will happen too. You know, you’re old for me to share this with now. There have been times over the years when it all seemed like too much. The burden and fears were too great, and I wanted to give up. But your father talked me through. He said the present was rough, but he refused to believe that’s all there would ever be. If there was even an inkling of hope for you or David to have some joy in your future, he would fight for it… and will I… and so should you.”

Eli smiled as he warmly embraced his mother, the two only coming apart when they heard voices in the distance. They turned to see David and Jim strolling down the path, though David seemed to be jogging more than strolling.

“Mom! Mom!” he beamed. “We’ve got dinner!”

“Oh, yeah?” Florence smiled. “What are we having?”

“Pheasant. Isn’t that one of your favorites?”

“It sure is,” she said, mussing up her youngest boy's hair.

“You’re getting good at this hunting thing?” Eli grinned.

“Do I have a choice?” David laughed.

His brother poked at his rib cage and chided him. “Not if you want to keep some meat on your bones.”

“Yeah, have to make sure I provide a good meal for the zombies,” David teased, earning a stern look from his mother.

“I joke! I joke!” David said contritely, holding up his hands in surrender.

“Well, thank God you don’t have to persist on being a comedian,” Florence laughed.

“Everyone good here?” Jim smiled as he reached the happy trio.

“We’re good,” his wife smiled. “We’re really good.”

“You know what we need,” Eli stated. “A family day at the lake, like old times.”

“Old times,” David mocked. “We went a few weeks ago!”

“I’m not that old,” Eli smirked. “So that’s old times to me.”

“I think we can manage one more trip before winter,” Jim nodded. “What do you say, Flor?”

“I say the boys should start planning the picnic!”

Eli and David rushed to the cabin, talking animatedly as they ran. Jim put his arm around Florence as they sauntered behind.

“They aren’t all bad days,” Jim said in his sweet baritone voice that melted Florence’s heart.

“No, they aren’t. They’re not all bad days at all.”

Thank you so much for sharing this journey. ❤️

Perma: @a-crepusculo @animesuck3r @annoyingmillenialnewbie @crazy-loca-blog @differenttyphoonwerewolf @doriopenheart @fayeswiftie @gryffindordaughterofathena @genevievemd @inlocusmads @kingliam2019 @liaromancewriter @lucy-268 @onikalover @openheartforeverinmyheart @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @secretaryunpaid @socalwriterbee @sophxwithers @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter @choicesficwriterscreations

WTD Only: @cariantha @kyra75 @lilyoffandoms @missameliep

[missameliep]

First, HOW PERFECT IS THIS ART!??!?!! So amazing and perfect! That light! That pose! Zoe's expression! Incredible!

Second, this fic was such a fun read! Elsa, you nailed both the tension between Eli and Zoe and the elements of humour. I loved so many things about this fic! I don't know if I can enumerated without quoting it all back to you 🫣🤭

Troy is the best. I loved that in the beginning he was just sitting back and enjoying the privileged view of Eli pacing and freaking out because he doesn't have anything to do and can't find Zoe; but then he asks if Eli is looking for something... He already knows but he just takes his time and it's so funny and so Troy! (And I wonder if sending Angel was part of his master plan to prove Eli his point and teach him a lesson 😂)

I love love love Eli and Zoe! ❤️ They are amazing together and you are building so well the tension and portraying the inner struggle Eli faces so vividly...

I loved that Eli was still trying to lie to himself, pretend to be cool and all... But we get to this point where's he's about to run to Zoe and that was just precious!

This is just how he walked, he tried to convince himself. There was nothing suspicious about it. He was headed to practice himself and wanted to get there before the sun went down. Of course, the sun wasn’t setting for another five hours… but still.

Troy knows. We know. Even he knows! And his inner monologues are just hilarious!

The heart hammering in his chest. Smiling because she's alone... Oh, Mr. Sipes, you know what that means.

Then the tables turn, and it's Eli who ends up with an arrow pointed at him. And Zoe just says this:

“Not so much fun to be on the other side. Is it, Mr. Sipes?”

This line, right there, perfect!!!

And Zoe feeling pleased to make him smile was adorable. Then Eli not shooting his shot, but instead coming that close to make sure she was in the correct position? That man knows what he's doing! And Zoe being aware that

If she relaxed her knees, she was quite confident she’d dissolve into a puddle at his feet.

Totally reasonable and understandable. Who wouldn't, really?

And then she just leans against him?

I knew they wouldn't kiss now. But I was still like.... Well... Maybe...

But then Angel gets there and the moment is gone. And I was laughing at Eli's reaction and just saying out loud he was gonna "handle Troy".

You are an amazing writer! It's absolutely amazing how you manage to craft different stories and deal with such a range of subjects and emotions so well. Thanks for sharing your stories with the fandom ❤️

Tension

This magnificent artwork was a commission from the incredible @/artbyainna. This left me breathless! Look at that lighting! Look at them! I love seeing my little people come to life!

I hope you enjoy this beautiful piece, and the accompanying story too! It's nice to take a little break from the angst in my WTD World.

Book:                Wake the Dead

Pairing:            Eli Sipes x F!MC (Zoe Rivera); feat. Troy Hassan

Rating:             Teen

Category:        Fluff / Friends to lovers / Pining

Summary:       On a rare afternoon of respite, the colonists all find a way to unwind... except for Eli and Zoe. Taking the opportunity to perfect their skills leaves them anything but relaxed.

Words:             2035

A/N:   I imagine this scene to take place just before the trip to the amusement park in Chapter 10. These two are fighting a hell of a lot more than zombies. :) Participating in @choicesjanuarychallenge - Day 17 - Relax

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It was an unusually quiet afternoon at the lodge. The colonist’s hard work had paid off: fortifications and watch crews were keeping the drones at bay, and the gardens and livestock left the pantry full. With daily chores out of the way,  most were free to enjoy a rare afternoon of tranquility.

Troy reclined on one of the couches, humming quietly as he took in the scene around him. Shannon sat nearby, gripping an old magazine she had found as if it were the holy grail. Published around the time of the outbreak’s start, she was adamant it could contain something to help her research. In a distant corner, Minna was setting up a table with May, who was eagerly prepping a tea party for her stuffed animals. Seeing his friends relaxed and experiencing joy… just as he was… brought a smile to his face. And then… there was Eli….

Troy fully expected to find him crouched in front of the fireplace, working on his bow or doing something else… productive. To Troy’s dismay, that’s how Eli defined “resting.” But today, Troy was amused, watching his friend surreptitiously as he hurriedly walked in and out of the room at least half a dozen times. Stretching his neck in every direction, Eli was definitely searching for something. Troy could have asked what he was looking for… as if he didn’t already know… but this was much more fun. Entertainment like this didn’t come along daily, and Troy wasn’t about to let it end too quickly. But on Eli’s sixth go-round, Troy took pity on him.

“Looking for something, Eli?”

Eli turned gruffly in his direction. “What makes you say that?”

“You’ve been in and out of here six times… you’re either looking for something or working up the nerve to ask me to take my night watch shift tonight… any chance on that?” Troy begged, using his best puppy-dog eyes. They might have worked on half of the colonists in Olympus but on Eli… not a chance.

“Keep dreaming, Hassan.”

“So then you are looking for something….” Troy winked. “Or better yet, someone….”

“I didn’t say I was. I….”

“She went outside… mentioned something about going to the range for target practice on the one afternoon we get some downtime!”  Troy shook his head with disgust and pointed a finger Eli’s way. “I hold you responsible for this! She used to be fun. Now, look at her!”

Eli did his best to suppress a smirk. Shrugging his shoulders, he strode past his lounging friend.

“I don’t know who you’re talking about,” he replied straight-faced.

“Yeah, my ass,” Troy yelled after him. 

“Troy… I will never be looking for your ass,” he mocked before heading out the front door.

The moment the fresh air hit him, his feet carried him swiftly in the direction of the range. He was moving at twice his normal speed, though there was no need to rush. No drones were on the property, and no one needed immediate protection. His chores were done, so he wasn’t completing a task. Still, just the slightest bit faster, the man would have been running. Even the elders from Sunflower Creek seated on the porch commented on it. Eli couldn’t help but overhear… then his mind went into overdrive.

This is just how he walked, he tried to convince himself. There was nothing suspicious about it. He was headed to practice himself and wanted to get there before the sun went down. Of course, the sun wasn’t setting for another five hours… but still. There was no reason to be suspect. None at all.

As he neared the range, he could hear the twang of her bow as an arrow released, then seconds later, the dull thud of a target being hit. He waited patiently for the next sound; there could only be one of two outcomes… and a smile crossed his lips when it was the one he had hoped for.

“Yes!” Zoe cheered. Followed but a string of happy little noises Eli couldn’t describe if he tried.

But another sound broadened his smile and made his heart race…. silence. She was alone, and while he’d reprimand her for being unsafe later, for now, he was delighted… Zoe all to himself. He almost surrendered to the rush that washed over him, but without warning, that voice was back in his head. 

What does it matter if she’s alone? She’s not why I’m here. I’m going to practice. Zoe being here is good because we can offer each other tips. If someone else was there, that would just be more input. This means nothing. Nothing at all. His head may have listened, but his heart hadn’t heard a word, and Eli cursed it for continuing to hammer in his chest. This. Meant. Nothing.

Zoe was startled when she heard footsteps approaching through the brush, raising her bow in preparation.

“It’s me,” Eli hollered, “Don’t shoot.”

Her bright smile appeared naturally when she saw who it was, but she quickly turned it into a coy little smirk by her own design.

“Not so much fun to be on the other side. Is it, Mr. Sipes?”

“Are we ever going to stop talking about that?” he deadpanned, but Zoe was astute, and she didn’t miss the smile in his eyes.

“Absolutely never!”

He walked blithely past her and settled down on a large rock to prepare his bow. Zoe’s eyes trailed his every move, returning to shooting? It wasn’t even a thought. She didn’t flinch when he looked up, catching her in the act, and only a slight blush rose to her cheeks when he raised his eyebrows in question.

“Yes? Do you need something?”

“Oh… so, so many things,” she chirped, not missing a beat.

His lips twitched as he turned back to his bow, looking anyplace but at her. He tested the strings before standing.

“It sounded like you had a good shoot when I was walking down here.”

“Of course I did! I’m good!” she boasted, chest sticking out with pride… how he tried not to notice.

“Yes,” he chuckled, and now her heart was racing. She couldn’t describe how she felt when she made Mr. Grumpy laugh or smile, breaking that cold façade. All she knew was it was intoxicating, and each time it happened, she desperately craved more. “You are good,” he continued. “Very good. One day, you may even be great.”

“Oh,” she teased, slinking over in his direction. “And what’s standing between me and greatness?”

He all but lost his ability to think, though he knew he needed to come up with a response. He could just turn around and aim for the target, ignoring what she had just said, but at the moment… he had forgotten how.

“I.. uh… I mean… you…”

“Don’t worry,” Zoe laughed. “I know what I need… even if you don’t.”

“Oh, and what is it that you need?”

“I need to perfect my shot with a standard bow,” she offered immediately, “That’s why I’m here. Most of my training back at the tower was with a crossbow, and I rock the crossbow. But there are differences, and I want to improve there.”

“There are differences. And lucky for you, the traditional bow is my specialty.”

“Oh, I know,” she winked. “That’s why this is my lucky day.”

Her heart fluttered when he smiled again, she could tell he was trying to fight it, but he didn’t stand a chance. Again, she was left yearning.

“Come over here,” he demanded, and she quickly complied. “Now, get into stance. Remember, your feet need to be parallel to the shooting line.”

Zoe glanced over her shoulder and rolled her eyes. “I’m not a complete idiot, Eli.”

“I didn’t suggest… I’m just taking it from the top!”

“And I’m just teasing you,” she giggled.

“Zoe, if you want to perfect your shot, you should take it more seriously.”

For a split second, she almost felt embarrassed, but only for a second. Her sass was quick to return.

“And if you want me to perfect my shot, perhaps you should show me and just bark orders,” she goaded.

“Fine!”

She assumed he’d get into position, raise his bow, and pull the string with godlike precision. They’d watch his arrow fly through the air like the work of art it was until it hit his desired target… dead on. That’s what she thought would happen. Instead, she gasped silently when she felt his hands on her waist.

“Get into position,” he commanded, and her mind went numb.

Somehow, she managed to raise her bow. Her shirt rose a bit when she lifted her arms. Suddenly the sensation of the rough pads of his fingers brushing against the delicate skin took her breath away.

“Now, turn a little more. Just like this,” he instructed, twisting her the slightest bit to the side.

She wondered if he felt like she did right now, and if her heart wasn’t thumping, she would have felt his pounding against her back. For his part, being this close to her was doing things he hadn’t fully expected; the feeling was overwhelming. But Eli’s game face was unrivaled, and, despite the longing of every fiber of his being, he presented a somber, almost stone-like effect.

“Now, relax your knees….”

Was he kidding? If she relaxed her knees, she was quite confident she’d dissolve into a puddle at his feet.

“Right… relax…” she muttered. 

She was flustered, and he saw it. A chill ran throughout his body, and Eli was uncertain. Was he winning or losing?  

“Your shoulders should be a little more in line with your bow arm,” he began, “and you want to use your back muscles to aim….”

He hadn’t finished his sentence when her back muscles aimed for their intended target, lying flush against his chest. Neither of them could breathe, and if not for the sould of the gentle breeze rustling through the trees, they would have believed that time stood still. Each waiting, in silence….

“Try shooting,” he blurted. He had to say something.

And she did… instantly… without a single thought. The ping of her bow was followed by silence as her arrow flew through the air, ultimately falling to the ground. But Eli hadn’t moved at all, and neither had she.

“Well…” she stammered.  “That totally sucked.”

The two broke out into a fit of nervous laughter, still leaning in closer to one another when interrupted by an approaching voice.

“Eli! Zoe!” Angel called.

“Over here,” Zoe shot back. “What’s going on.”

“There’s a brawl breaking out in the kitchen,” Angel said breathlessly. “I don’t even know what it’s about. All I know is even Feather looked like he was ready to flip out.”

“Oh, that can’t be good,” Zoe chuckled.

“It’s not. That’s why Troy said I should go get you….”

“Oh, Troy sent you,” Eli sneered.

Angel scrunched her brow in confusion, “Uh.. yeah… I mean, is that a problem… or….”

“No, it’s not a problem at all,” Zoe said, gathering her things. “Let’s head back now.”

“Yeah,” Eli scoffed. “I’ll handle Troy later.”

The three made their way back to the lodge, with Angel running ahead. Trailing behind, Zoe looked up at Eli with a coquettish grin.

“Yes?” Eli acknowledged with a raised brow.

“I just think I was really getting it back there,” she grinned. “We’ll need to do it again soon. I think I’m perfecting my shot.”

“Really? I wouldn’t say that based on your last one,” he half-smiled.

“I don’t know,” she said, starting up the steps. “I think certain good things could be said about it.”

“Like what?

“Like….” Zoe opened the door, and they could hear the clamoring and chaos at once. “Oh, my….” She sighed.

“It’s probably best you tell me some other time…” he smiled. “It looks like you’re needed in the kitchen.”

“Me… needed in the kitchen,” she laughed. “Words I never thought I’d hear!”

“I’ve gotta admit,” he smirked. “Neither did I.  Perhaps I should join you.”

“Yeah, wouldn’t want any cooking breaking out with me unattended.”

“Lead the way,” he grinned, “then when I’m done… I’ll handle Troy.”

Permatags: @a-crepusculo @animesuck3r @annoyingmillenialnewbie @crazy-loca-blog @fayeswiftie @differenttyphoonwerewolf @doriopenheart @genevievemd @gryffindordaughterofathena @inlocusmads @jamespotterthefirst @jennieausten @kingliam2019 @liaromancewriter @lucy-268 @onikalover @openheartforeverinmyheart @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @secretaryunpaid @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter-reblogs-asks @choicesficwriterscreations

WTD: @cariantha @kyra75 @lilyoffandoms @missameliep

[missameliep]

Awww, Elsa! Thanks you so much for the mention and your kind words! I was really glad the Choices fandom and WTD let us finally cross paths and all our interactions were absolutely delightful 💗

Wishing you a great week!

Countdown to 2023 - Day 1

First, am I the only one that is in total denial that we are just days away from 2023? Excuse me, but I'm still trying to figure out how it's not 2010... and here we are in 2023. One thing is true, my friends, time is swift, and while days may seem long, years go by in the blink of an eye. Please keep that in mind, always.

Day 1 - 3 writers or stories that made this year bright

Well, I'm so grateful to Dani for providing this directive: The number is just for fun; you are welcome to include more or less than the daily "guide" number. Because 3 just will not cut it.

I'm often hesitant to do these things because I absolutely hate leaving anyone feeling left out, but then I also lose the opportunity to celebrate some who have really been special to me. So, in that spirit, please understand that there is no way today's post, or those that follow, could ever completely capture everyone who has been an important part of my fandom experience this year. If we have interacted in any way, big or small, I see you, and you matter.

So, without further ado... here are my definitely more than 3 mentions for 2023.

@a-crepusculo My sweet, sweet friend. Your poetic writing, which often leaves me with the greatest case of imposter syndrome, is made more special for me because I know the beautiful soul that lies behind it. It's a reflection of you and who you are, and that reflection is beautiful. How happy I am whenever I see a notification that you've posted, and I know it's not something you can focus on now, but just know it's missed - and I hope you'll grace us with your work again. You're amazing.

@alwaysmychoices

Writing that is always absolutely captivating. I still am enthralled with watching Ethan and Charlie's relationship grow, unfurl, and grow again. You've made me dissolve into tears more times than I can count, and for this angst-lover, that is SUCH a GOOD thing! I'm so glad you're still sharing with us!

@genevievemd

How fortunate are we all to still have the love that is Gen and Ethan to look forward to? I'm serious. The fandom has dwindled for sure, but we are so lucky to still have cornerstones that remain - and you, my friend - are among them. I know it's been a bumpy ass year, but I'm so glad you're still here!

@jamespotterthefirst

I mean - the fics are incredible - but they're almost secondary at this point. I don't think I'd still be here if not for you this year. Thank you. Sincerely. But that doesn't mean your fics get to be ignored. The Allende family forever has my heart, and I find it hard to determine what I love more: Your heartwarming fics about them that leave me a puddle on the floor or your Ethan/Lilac smuts that leave puddles in other ways. 😂 I'm sitting here trying to pick one or two fics to highlight, to say this is what I remember most this year, and I can't because there are too many to name. I am so, so grateful for you, for your talent, and for still being willing to share it with us. Adjust that crown, baby, if you must - but never take it off!

@julia-highstorms

This year I fell in love with a new Choices story for the first time in a very, very long time. I'm now an official Wake the Dead stan. But, how sad that factors have led to the fandom being almost non-existent for new Choices stories. So, you can only imagine my excitement when I discovered Julia's incredible stories about Kiera and Eli. My only regret, I've already read them all! But I anxiously look forward to more.

@liaromancewriter

While I am a lover of all things angst, I am always so grateful for a soft spot to land after my heart is ripped to shreds. When I need that respite, I always know where to go, and that's to Mal. Though I have to admit, this year, she got me with a few angstier pieces too. You Weren't Meant for Me, and Reflections and Renewals come to mind. Our fandom may be growing ever smaller, but I'm so happy you're still here creating! 💕

@lilyoffandoms

I have to thank you for the lovely surprise fic where you brought your Merida and Ethan, Dani's Bryce and Olivia, and my crazy little Tobias & Casey together. I was just giddy, and I love that these three couples now have a shared moment in fandom history. I just wanted you to know how special that was to me! 💕

@lucy-268

Girl, what would I do without my favorite fellow Tobias stan and her incredible creation of Tobias and Samantha? You know how much I simply adore these two, and I love getting the backstories behind them. The original Tobias queen, I will always bow to you! 💕

@missameliep

Continuing on my reasons to be grateful for Wake the Dead, it also led to me being introduced to Dani's work and Dani as a person. Both of those things were highlights of my fandom experience in 2023. I simply adore her writing, her strong, beautiful MC Malia, and the special relationship she has with Troy. Safe is an absolute masterpiece, and the only reason I have not finished reading it yet is that I truly don't want it to end! I love your work, I've loved our conversations, and I'm so glad we've gotten to know each other better.

@storyofmychoices

This year, I had the pleasure of being introduced to Bryce and Olivia, and my heart will always be grateful! The only bad thing is time has yet to allow me to go back and follow this absolutely lovely duo right from the start. But I will, I assure you I will. This heartwarming duo is delightful on their own or when they're engaging with the little firecracker that is Keiki. I simply adore them all!

@trappedinfanfiction

My lovely "Tif". 😊 When I think of fandom joy this year, you immediately come to mind. I'm always so excited to see a notification from you and since I can't get enough of Ethan and Celia, I'm now happy to be going back to the past to find more. You're such an important part of the fandom, and you made 2023 infinitely better.

@potionsprefect

Another lovely cornerstone of our community. We can always count on you to bring Ethan love to us and, more importantly, bring the beautiful, spunky Victoria along with him (you know I'd pick her over him. lol) I know we say we'll be doing this together until we're in the old-folks home (though I'll be there LONG before you lol) and I hope we keep to that! The fandom wouldn't be the same without you!

A special shout-out to the newcomers who have joined the fandom this year. Some are new to Tumblr, and some are just new to creating, but they helped breathe new life and creativity, and I know I'm not alone in being so grateful for their presence here. @cariantha @mydemonsdrivealimo @mysticalgalaxysstuff @ofmischiefandmedicine @openheartforeverinmyheart Thank you for being part of this craziness and bringing joy to my year - and I'm sure others.

I know they're not really here anymore, but that does not mean that they weren't appreciated this year, and if they check-in, I want them to know that they're thought of: @choiceskatie @lem-20 @bex-la-get

Honorable mentions to @alj4890 @ambraambrose @choicesfanaf @coffeeheartaddict2 @gutsfics @heauxplesslydevoted @headoverheelsforramsey @hopelessromantic1352 @inlocusmads @lsvdw-blog @parisa-kh @peonierose @secretaryunpaid @socalwriterbee @takeharryandgo @takemyopenheart @the-pale-goddess @utterlyinevitable Each of you has helped keep our little crazy thing going despite the odds, and I hope you know you're appreciated!

I am confident I've forgotten people, and I'm even more confident I'll feel like shit about it, but trust me, as I said, if we've interacted in any way, you've made 2023 better!

@choicesfandomappreciation

[missameliep]

I'm so glad you got to write the capybara fic 🤩

I loved everything about it starting with the title! It was so clever, Elsa, and it got me laughing so much 😂

The dialogues were so fun and I loved how Eli was so annoyed with Troy and momentarily had his triumph when Zoe sided with him and told Troy they needed to hunt. But the moment they find the capybara, it all changes and she's just siding with Troy. Yeah, we've got enough rations let's go back so I can bathe Carlos, little fellow deserves a bubble bath 😅

I can't even pick a favorite line of dialogue, they were all so good!

Troy's sarcasm here 🤣

“You know, Eli, I bet when you were in school, undead creatures that wanted to eat your face off weren’t indigenous to these parts either… but shit happens.”  

And Eli, idk if he was being serious, but this line was so so funny!

“If he answers you, I’m shooting it!” Eli yelled, and Zoe promptly shushed him.

30s after Zoe met Carlos and she's that Brooklin 99 meme:

“Be nice! You’re going to hurt Carlos’s feelings!”

Troy's banter and teasing Eli about Zoe was so funny 🤣🤣🤣

“It’s OK, Eli,” he needled. “I understand. I’d be pissed if that cute little guy was getting all the cuddle time with my girlfriend, too!”

And telling about the Ferris Wheel hehehe

And Eli immediately worrying about making a good impression to Carlos to be on Zoe's good side lol

“Hmph! And you wanted to make him dinner!”

“Zo!” Eli quickly covered Carlos’s ears. “You shouldn’t talk like that in front of him.”

This story was so fun to read. I loved it!

A Capy Ending

Book:                Wake the Dead

Pairing:            Eli Sipes x F!MC (Zoe Rivera), with Troy Hassan

Rating:             Teen

Category:        Fun Fluff

Summary:       Eli, Zoe & Troy set off for an afternoon of hunting and make a most unusual discovery. As the day continues, Troy reveals he's made some discoveries of his own.

Words:             1,677

A/N:   A while back, @missameliep and I were having a conversation about our mutual love of capybaras. It's not the most common obsession, so we were delighted that someone else shared it. As we were talking, this silly little idea was born. When I got this ask from @cariantha, I just knew how I wanted to use it. I hope you enjoy this! I write a lot of heavy stuff for WTD, so I love when I can give them little moments of levity too!

@choicesmonthlychallenge Propmts: Being Outside, Ferris Wheel, Friends, Slow Burn, Smile (Take your pick lol)

Despite their best attempts to keep quiet as they hunted one late afternoon, two things kept betraying Eli and Zoe. One: The massive amount of twigs that had fallen during a recent storm. No matter how much they watched where they walked, they still managed to crunch under their boots. 

But the second was the bigger offender, and it was becoming increasingly annoying to boot. The second thing? Troy Hassan.

Another loud sigh echoed from behind them. It had to be his tenth in as many minutes, and even though Zoe was walking behind Eli, she could feel him bristle each time the noise escaped her childhood friend. She looked haggardly between the two, knowing she’d be forced to mediate at any moment now. 

Troy was unamused. His feet were becoming more tender with each step. When he let out a groan of disapproval, Eli had reached his limit. He swiftly turned around with a scowl.

“Troy, I’m sorry. Are we keeping you from something important?”

And there it was...

“No. But I do think it's time we head back. We’ve been out here forever, and we’re coming up empty.”

“We’ve been out here for less than an hour!” Eli insisted.

“Yeah, but it’s a thirty-minute walk back to Olympus. So, we should get started!”

Zoe hated getting between the two when they bickered, but she had to agree with Eli this time. She gently tapped Troy’s shoulder, hoping she could talk some sense into him.

“Troy, Eli’s right. We need to give it a little longer.”

“Hunting sucks!” Troy whined.

“But you like eating?” Eli rebuked.

“And we will be eating! We have plenty of rations right now!”

“Right now,” Zoe stressed. “You know as well as I do that can change quickly, Troy.”

“But nothing’s biting today, Zo! And if we stay out here much longer, it will be the zombies biting us. Come on!” He smiled sweetly, employing his best puppy dog eyes to attempt to sway Zoe to his side. “Make it two out of three, and we can head back?”

“No,” she stated firmly. “You should know by now I’m immune to your tactics, my friend! We’re staying out here for at least another half hour.”

She caught the little smirk Eli shot in Troy’s direction from the corner of her eye, Troy sticking his tongue out at him in quick succession. Zoe rolled her eyes. Some days she felt more like the Colony’s preschool teacher than its leader.

About ten minutes later, they all heard rustling in the leaves, and their feet were not the culprits this time. They pointed their weapons in the direction of the noise, hoping that evening’s dinner would appear, and not a drone. That’s when the tuft of golden brown fur lurched out from behind the bushes. It stood in the center of a clearing, appearing to have a death wish or a desire to perform; either argument could be made.

“Quiet,” Eli whispered, barely audible. “I’ve got this one.”

But Troy ignored that directive entirely.

“Is that a freaking…” he exclaimed, compelling the creature to hop back into the bushes.

“What was that?” Zoe asked, perplexed. “It was too big to be a rat, but I’ve never seen anything like it?”

“It will be dinner if I can get it,” Eli stated bluntly. He nocked an arrow as the creature stepped out again. “Now, just be quiet while I….”

“STOP!” Zoe yelled as Eli dropped his bow.

“Zoe! What the…”

“Look at him!” She squealed. “He’s standing on his back legs! It almost looked like he was waving to us! Troy, do you know what kind of animal that is?”   

“It looks like a capybara,” he shrugged. “At least based on what I’ve seen in books.”

“A capybara?” Eli ridiculed. “I remember studying about them in school, but they’re not exactly native to this region.”

“You know, Eli, I bet when you were in school, undead creatures that wanted to eat your face off weren’t indigenous to these parts either… but shit happens.”  

For once, Zoe ignored squabbling. Instead, she tiptoed over to the furry creature, who didn’t seem frightened by her approach.

“Hey, little guy,” she whispered in a sing-song voice. “I’m Zoe; what’s your name.”

“If he answers you, I’m shooting it!” Eli yelled, and Zoe promptly shushed him.

The animal let Zoe rub his damp fur when she got closer, even rolling to his side with delight as she patted away.

“Oh my God, he’s so cute!” she beamed. “Carlos!”

“What?” Troy asked.

“His name is Carlos!”

“He told you that?” Eli asked with a raised brow.

“Of course not!” She laughed, “But that’s what I’m naming him.”

“Zoe…” Eli questioned. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you? It’s not a good idea to name your dinner.”

“I know that! But Carlos is not dinner!”

“That’s right, he’s not!” Troy agreed as he played with the animal by Zoe’s side. “He’s our new friend!”

Eli shut his eyes and shook his head. Zoe, too?

“Zoe,” he tried to reason. “We’re supposed to be hunting, and….”

“Eli! We have plenty of rations right now,” she insisted while Troy shot a smug grin Eli's way. “And he’s far too cute to be dinner! He’s not dinner… he’s… he’s our… our….”

“Our mascot!” Troy shouted.

“Our what?”

“Our mascot!” Troy repeated. “We can bring him back to Olympus, maybe make him some clothes! The kids will love him! He will help with morale.”

“Clo… clothes?” Eli astounded. “Did you say make him clothes?”

“I did,” Troy nodded.

“That mouth of yours does nothing but talk dumb shit, does it?” Eli asked.

“Eli!” Zoe scolded. “Be nice! You’re going to hurt Carlos’s feelings!”

Eli dragged a hand down the front of his face. “Not you too, Zoe?”

But he knew fighting this was futile; Zoe had already scooped the animal up in her arms, he was coming home with them, and not as supper. 

“Hunting’s over!” She announced. “Let’s return to Olympus and bathe Carlos before introducing him to everyone.”

“This isn’t happening….” Eli groaned. 

“Oh,” Troy smiled as he clapped his friend on the back. “It most certainly is.”

“We should have brought  Angel and Shannon along,” Eli lamented. “We need other opinions!”

“Oh, sure!” Troy laughed. “They would have been on your side! Angel would already be teaching it tricks, and Shannon would have burst into tears at the mere suggestion of making Carlos dinner.”

“He’s making sense,” Zoe shrugged.

“And that alone should convince you this is a bad idea!” Eli groaned, but he just followed behind in defeat.

~~~~~ 

Several hours later, Eli sat in the corner of the great room, still shaking his head in astonishment. The rest of the colonists had gathered, and it seemed everyone was fussing and cooing over Carlos. What's worse, the rodent simply reveled in the adoration. He returned to repairing his bow, muttering unintelligible words under his breath. But when the crowd thinned as people began to retire for the evening, Eli addressed Zoe.

“Where is that thing going to sleep?” he asked.

“Carlos is going to sleep in my room tonight,” Zoe replied, snuggling beside the little guy on the couch. “Walt and Mina said they’d build him a new pen in the morning, but he’ll be with me tonight.”

Troy, who had since joined Eli in the corner, made a poor attempt to conceal his amusement.

“I’d try to make friends with Carlos if I were you, Eli,” he jibed. “Because it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere.”

Troy's laughter intensified as more garbled words fell from his friend's lips, but that didn’t mean he was about to let up on him.

“It’s OK, Eli,” he needled. “I understand. I’d be pissed if that cute little guy was getting all the cuddle time with my girlfriend, too!”

Eli turned to him slackjawed, with his eyes bulged wide.

“She’s not my girlfriend!”

“Riiiiight,” Troy hummed. “Keep telling yourself that.”

“Troy! How many times have I told you….”

“What? She’s your friend? Right? And she’s a girl? So…..”

“Does that make her your girlfriend, too?” Eli shot back.

“No, because I don’t get that stupid look that you do whenever she walks in the room. Also, I’ve never been spotted sucking face with her on top of a Ferris wheel.”

“TROY!” Eli hollered, causing the others to turn their way.

“Is everything OK?” Zoe asked.

“Peachy!” Troy saluted before smirking at Eli. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me,” he whispered, “but I’m not above bribery. So, get over there and introduce yourself to Carlos properly.”

“Troy… are you freaking kidding me?”

“Come on, Eli,” Troy winked. “It’s for the good of the colony.”

“Oh, for Christ's sake!” Eli stood up and walked to the couch, where Zoe remained snuggled with their new mascot.

“Yes,” she beamed at Eli.

He wouldn’t admit it, even to himself, but seeing her so happy filled him with a warmth he didn’t quite understand, and it took all he had to keep from grinning.

“I’ve been advised that Carlos is probably staying.”

“He most certainly is.”

“Then I guess we should become better acquainted.”

“Yey!!!” Zoe enthused, gently clapping her hands. She sat up straight and held Carlos out to Eli. “Come! Sit with us.”

“You’re not going to make me hold him, are you?” Eli groaned. 

“Mmmm… we’ll build up to it,” she smiled, “baby steps.”

Eli patted the capybara’s head, and a trace of a smile appeared on his lips when the creature nuzzled against his hand. 

“See!” Zoe squealed. “He likes you!”

“He… he is kind of cute,” Eli surrendered.

“Hmph! And you wanted to make him dinner!”

“Zo!” Eli quickly covered Carlos’s ears. “You shouldn’t talk like that in front of him.”

Zoe chuckled as the most enchanting grin appeared on her face. 

“Did he win you over?” She asked. “Or are you afraid he’ll come for you in your sleep if you aren’t nice to him?”

Eli was about to answer when a hand clapped him on the shoulder. “None of the above,” Troy laughed, then quickly headed toward the door. "Option number three. It’s definitely option three.”

Permatags: @a-crepusculo @animesuck3r @annoyingmillenialnewbie @crazy-loca-blog @differenttyphoonwerewolf @doriopenheart @fayeswiftie @gryffindordaughterofathena @genevievemd @inlocusmads @jamespotterthefirst @jennieausten @kingliam2019 @liaromancewriter @lucy-268 @onikalover @openheartforeverinmyheart @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @secretaryunpaid @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter-reblogs-asks @choicesficwriterscreations

WTD Only: @kyra75 @cariantha @lilyoffandoms @missameliep

[missameliep]

Elsa!!! 🥺😭😭😭

Why do I have a bad feeling about this one? It'll end up in heartbreak isn't it? 🥺🫣

Sunday Six 04.16.2023

I've been trying to avoid Sunday Sixes. I'm trying to follow the creative process where it leads, which means I'm not on a "regular" schedule, and sometimes certain stories take a backseat if the "feeling" isn't there. So if things don't get written as soon as I like, I feel bad, and it messes with the process more. But there are some fics that will be out this week. Here's a sneak peek, I hope you enjoy!

A Different Fate Part 2: Ethan's POV | OH- Ethan x Kaycee:

Ethan slipped into his navy blue blazer as he entered the foyer, taking one last look in the mirror before he left. It was unseasonably warm in Boston tonight, so a blazer was unnecessary. But Kaycee liked it. She commented on how it brought out the blue in his eyes each time he wore it, and while he was unsure about that, he knew he loved the way her eyes raked over him whenever he wore it. So the blazer was joining him tonight, even if he didn’t consciously understand why.

And Baby Makes 3 | OH - Tobias x Casey:

Casey clenched Sienna's hand, letting out a guttural scream as another contraction hit. Sienna was doing her best not to scream herself, no longer fully confident that one of her fingers hadn't broken, and that's when Jackie walked in. "Fuck!" Sienna grimaced. "Happy to see you, too, Si!" "It's not that! I was hoping you were Tobias. Where the fuck is he!"

Tobias frantically rounded the corner, practicing Lamaze breathing himself to keep from hyperventilating. Grabbing the counter, he came to an abrupt halt at the nurses' station. "Where... where is she!" He demanded. "My wife! Where is she?" "Dr. Carrick, I believe she's in L&D number 3." He didn't wait to hear more. Flying in the direction of the room, he burst through the door without knocking. "Baby, I'm sorry I took so long. I came... Jennifer?" "Tobias," a very pregnant brunette gasped. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

Untitled WTD Fic | Eli Sipes & the Sipes family:

"Dad..." David entered the room with a lopsided grin, and a head that was dripping wet. Not something that should have happened indoors." "Oh, fuck," Jim growled. "The roof again?" "Yep!" "You boys will need to sleep in the main room tonight," his mother jumped in. "That's too much of a leak. How bad is it? Could a drone breakthrough?" "Nah," Eli answered, drying his own head with a towel when he entered the room. "I took a look at it; it's deep cracks but no holes. We should be safe through the night, but if you want, I can sit watch in there." Jim looked up from his reading and shook his head. "It's not necessary, son. We can patch it up in the morning. I'm afraid we can't put it off with the weather we've been having." "But we need to hunt," Florence reminded. "We're very low on food, and that roof is a four-person job." "It could be," Jim shrugged, "but we can make do with three. Eli," he shouted in his son's direction. "You OK with going hunting alone?" "No," Florence interrupted. "Not at this time of year! It's not safe. We'll hunt the day after tomorrow." "Ma, it's no big deal," Eli assured. "I'm in the woods alone quite often." Florence wrung her hands, worry lines becoming more pronounced on her brow. "I'm falling into old patterns again, aren't I?" she asked with a weak smile. Eli leaned over and kissed the top of his mother's head. "I'm lucky to have a mother who cares about me," he grinned. "But I'm a big boy, and I promise I'll be ok."

Perma tags: @a-crepusculo @animesuck3r @annoyingmillenialnewbie @crazy-loca-blog @differenttyphoonwerewolf @doriopenheart @fayeswiftie @genevievemd @gryffindordaughterofathena @inlocusmads @jamespotterthefirst @jennieausten @kingliam2019 @liaromancewriter @lucy-268 @onikalover @openheartforeverinmyheart @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @secretaryunpaid @socalwriterbee @sophxwithers @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter-reblogs-asks @choicesficwriterscreations

More tags on reblog.

[missameliep]

The last episode left me wanting for more and I remembered your fic, Elsa, and OMG! They were all that mattered 😭😭😭

Everything about this was so perfect, and it was so amazing to see Joel's realization about his feelings for Ellie and to understand where he was coming from...

Thank you for sharing this fic!

All That Matters

Fandom: The Last of Us Characters: Joel Miller, Ellie Williams, other cameos Word count: 2.4k Rating: Mature(ish) Warnings: Cursing, injury, hurt/comfort, mentions of death, general post-apocalyptic vibe Summary: Mortally wounded, Joel forces Ellie to leave him behind. As soon as she is gone, Joel finds himself on a journey he had no expectations of taking... where would it lead?

A/N: Well, I'm trying a TLOU fic. I said I'd only do it if I felt there was something I wished I could add, and after episode 7, I wanted to add this. It's out of my wheelhouse, so I hope it's enjoyable to someone out there. NOTE: This is based on the HBO Serious TLOU, not the game. I have some, but limited knowledge, of the game. There are some spoilers for episode 7, you've been warned. Looking at you, @icecoffee90, 2.4k is short for me lol :) I'm only tagging those on my list who I know are watching TLOU. If you want to be tagged in any more TLOU works (if I do any lol) let me know.

The basement was frigid. If it were another time, Ellie would have found it too cold to do anything at all, but that wasn’t a luxury often afforded in her world, and it certainly wasn’t possible now. Her fingers were all but frozen, and every breath she took surrounded her in a cold cloud of vapor, but these things were unimportant. Joel. Joel was what mattered. There was no way she could bear losing him, too. 

Her mind and heart raced as an internal war waged inside her. Frantic. As the color seeped away from his face, and each labored breath he took became more shallow, she became more frantic. She wanted to scream, break something, cry… to run away from the utter helplessness she felt, but she couldn’t give in. Saving him would require getting her shit together to a level she never had before, and she had to save him. It wasn’t an option. She had to.

Joel trembled on the basement floor. The freezing cold, blood loss, and pain left him floating in a state of suspension; he could no longer decipher what was real. But reality came crashing back in the form of an agonizing bolt of pain in his side. His eyes shot open to find Ellie, flushed and panicked, placing pressure on his wound, desperately trying to save him.

“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” She cursed as his hands gripped her arm, attempting to pull her away.

“You gotta help me,” she begged, then her voice became more commanding. “Come on!”

“Leave….” Joel whispered through a strained breath. “Leave.”

“Shut up, Joel.”

“You go…”

“Joel, shut the FUCK UP!” she screamed, fighting against him to keep her hands in place. 

He conjured up a strength he didn’t have to grasp her by the collar. Her eyes, filled with desperation, fury, and rage, met his as a pain she refused to experience again helped her fight to stay in control.  

“Go… you go… you go North,” he breathed. “You go to Tom,” he nodded. Ignoring the searing pain, he pushed her away with all his might. 

Dazed, Ellie sat up, and their eyes met again. She saw the tear resting in the corner of his eye, and utter anguish washed over her face. She knew better than to argue with him, but she sure as hell wasn’t giving in. Jumping to her feet, she grabbed his coat and gently tucked it around him. His eyes never left her face as fear, hope, and pride welled inside him. Ellie turned and walked away, stopping to look back one last time. They stared at each other for a moment that felt like an eternity, their expressions speaking more than words ever could, then she was gone.

Joel let out a breath he’d been holding in when he heard her footsteps disappear up the stairs. He knew this could be the end for him, but that was unimportant. Ellie. Ellie was what mattered. There was no way he could bear failing her, too.

A sharp pain jolted throughout his body, turning his vision turned white. Nausea and chills gripped him as the room turned hazy around him. He could no longer see and refused to fight it when his eyes began to close. The feeling of warmth and serenity was seductive… welcoming as he started to drift away. It had been decades since he felt anything close to this.    

Then suddenly, he was pulled in, finding himself in the core of an unending cyclone where there were only shades of white and grey. Tommy’s face appeared before him as he descended further down, a line of worry creased between his brother’s brow. 

“Come on, Joel.” He ordered. “Get up!”

But Joel continued falling, catching only a glimpse of his Tommy when he looked up. Now Maria stood beside him, an expression of disappointment he had become too familiar with in her eyes. It was better this way, Joel thought; better to just keep falling.

The world was gone now and the misty haze surrounding him was a welcoming reprieve. He wondered why he hadn’t succumbed to it long ago. Weightless and free, he would be fine floating in this neverending purgatory for the rest of time. But the sounds of a young girl weeping ripped away his peace. Troubled, he looked desperately around when the spinning stopped, hurling him to the ground below.

His eyes were open, but there was nothing to see… just white light and an ethereal haze. He struggled to get to his feet, and just when he thought he was getting his bearings…  

“Look at you,” a smokey voice chided from behind. “I always said you wouldn’t survive more than a few months without me, but I was joking… and I certainly didn’t want you to prove me right.”

Joel’s body went rigid. He spun around aimlessly, searching for the source of the voice but found nothing but fog. He knew that voice. It just couldn’t… it couldn’t be?

“Tess?” He cried out. 

An area to his right turned brighter, and then she appeared. Casually leaning back on a kitchen chair, looking more serene than he had ever seen her. She reached over the table with a nod and poured herself a bourbon.

“Impressive! You haven’t forgotten my voice,” she teased as she raised her glass in his direction. “I’m proud of you, Joel.”

Speechless and mouth agape, he stared in her direction. Tess shook her head with a sarcastic snicker.

“I’ve never seen you so dumbfounded,” she chided. “I’d offer you a drink to settle your nerves… but I can’t. You’re not quite dead yet, and this stuff is reserved for those of us who have taken that final leap. You’ll have to wait your turn.”

“Tess…you’re… you’re here?”

“Never could get one past you!” She laughed. “Yes, I’m here… and so are you… but you shouldn’t be. Not yet.”

“You’re… you’re OK,” he gasped, an unfamiliar feeling of relief enveloped him.

“Define OK,” she chuckled. “I’m good. It’s not so bad here, and shockingly enough, I’ve learned that we were already in hell. So I was let off on time served.”

“You’re not in the other place?” He smirked, eliciting a smile from his dear friend.

“It’s not exactly like we were told it would be. St. Peter won’t greet you, and there won’t be any assignments. It’s just a place where we… exist. It’s not too awful.” She took a long sip of her drink and grinned. “And the booze ain’t all that bad either.”

“So heaven has its perks.”

“What did I just tell you?” she exasperated. “There is no heaven, Joel. It’s just… here.”

Joel turned away, a feeling of overwhelming shame overtaking him. “Tess,” he grumbled. “I’m so sorry…  I failed you.”

“Stop,” she held up a hand. “You didn’t fail me. My number was up. It’s gonna happen to everyone in time. It’ll happen to you… but it shouldn’t be today.”

“Why? If it’s so great here, why don’t you want me to stay?”

“Because you still have work to do,” she shrugged. “I told you to get Ellie where she needed to go. Did you do it yet?”

“We ran into some issues along the way. We were in Salt Lake City, and I….”

Tess was growing impatient. “It’s a yes or no answer, Joel. Did you do it?”

“No.”

“Then, your work isn’t done. Besides, is this how you want to go out? Come on, you need something more dramatic than this. After all we went through? I mean, I went out in a blaze of glory! Yeah, got stuck sucking face with some clicker bastard before I left, but I took care of him good on this side,” a satisfied grin spread on her lips. “That won’t be happening again!”

“Wait… what?” Joel squinted.

“It’s a long story, and I’ll happily share it with you one day, but not today. Go back, Joel. You can’t save everyone. It’s not your job, but … save who you can.”

“But, Tess…I….”

“Joel! Go back!” She demanded as a shadowy figure approached her from behind. It placed a plate of appetizing food in front of her before turning its attention to Joel.

“I always told you he was dense. You were the goddamn brains of the operation.”  Bill looked at Joel sternly, his patience already worn thin. “What are you waiting for? Get the hell out of here. I’m in no rush to see you.”

“Bill?” Joel started. “Is this….”

But he didn’t get to complete his sentence as the vortex sucked him back in. Faster this time, it spun at speeds unimaginable to man. Joel wasn’t sure where it was delivering him, but he was confident it was pushing him back to that basement floor, and he wouldn’t have it. Fighting it with all his strength, the spiral became more dizzying until a loud crash hurled him toward the ground once more, then there was silence. Emptiness. A grey void where there was nothing to hear, nothing to see. His body lay motionless as his hands gripped at the ground beneath him, and he could feel grass growing from the cold pavement below him. How could that even be?

“Dad?” A delicate voice trembled. 

A bright ray of sunshine appeared as she approached, so blinding it was all he could see. Then, she emerged, her dark, soulful eyes, the delicate smile, the same beautiful face that left him over two decades ago. He knew the smile, he remembered her scent, and as her presence surrounded him, for a moment, it felt like it had never been lost at all. His little girl…

“Sarah?” He gasped, voice broken with emotion.

He tried to jump up, desperate to take her in his arms, but his body was immobile, frozen to the ground underneath him. Fate couldn’t be this cruel.

“It’s me, Dad,” she smiled, sensing his distress. “Don’t worry, you’re going to be fine.”

She sat down beside him, the grey emptiness turning into golden light around her. With a delicate touch of her hand, Joel was able to move, instantly taking her in his arms for an embrace he never wanted to end.

“Sarah,” his voice creaked, tears unabashedly running down his ashen face. “Baby girl… it’s you… I can’t… I can’t believe it’s you!”

“Well, it is,” she chirped. “Dad, you have no idea how good it feels to hold you again.”

Joel barked out a little laugh. “Oh, trust me, baby, I have an idea. I have an….” He pulled back and ran his hands over her face, not trusting his eyes to know the truth. “You’re here…” he cried. “You’re here.”

“I am,” she smiled, a placid look of pure contentment on her face. “But I wasn’t expecting you yet. What are you doing here?”

“I… I don’t know,” he sputtered. “But I’m so glad I am. Sarah…,” he breathed… “my angel….” Overwhelmed with emotion, he couldn’t will himself to speak. Sensing this, Sarah held him close, tenderly placing kisses on atop his head.  

“I know you’re happy,” she teased, “but you need to get it together, Dad. I’m not used to seeing you like this.”

“It’s just… I never thought….” He pulled back and looked at her again; this time, she could see the pain in his eyes. “Sarah, I’m so sorry,” he wailed, pleading with her for forgiveness. “I wish it would have been me, baby. I would have done anything for it to have been me and not you… I’m so sorry….”

“Dad, stop,” she implored. “It wasn’t your fault. I know you would do anything to protect me, but you can’t control everything. It wasn’t up to you.”

“But I’m your father, Sarah! It was my duty… my obligation… to keep you safe, and I failed you.”

“Oh, Dad,” she smiled, taking his face in her hands. “You never let me down, not once. You never could. I can always feel your love, even here, but I can also feel your pain, and Dad, I want you to let that go. For both of us.”

“How can I? How can I when you should have still been here… there… I don’t know… with me.”

“That wasn’t your choice. You have to accept that you can’t control everything, but you should control what you can, and you can control this… you have to go back, Dad.”

“No!”

“Yes! I’m fine, I miss you, but I don’t need you right now. I can wait for you, but Ellie… she can’t.”

“Ellie? You know about Ellie?”

“Oh, we know lots of things here. You have no idea how smart I am now… so much smarter than you’ve ever been, I assure you of that.”

A snort shot from his nose and a genuine smile Sarah rarely saw took over her father’s face. 

“I think that was true, even back in Texas.”

“Oh, I know it was true,” she smiled. “But, Dad, if you believe that… trust me. Go back… and don’t push her away. You don’t have to do it all alone… let her help you. She needs you as much as you need her right now.”

“But you’re my daughter, Sarah, she’s… she’s not….”

Sarah raised a brow and smirked knowingly at Joel. “Really, Dad? It’s all right. You can love her, too. I want you to. Hell, I always wanted a sibling. Do you think it was fun dealing with you and Uncle Tommy on my own all the time? Cause it wasn’t. One day you’ll all be here again, and I could use an assist.”

“But you need me!”

“Not here. I’m safe, Dad. I’m safe, but Ellie’s not. You need to go.”

She gently nudged her father back, pushing his shoulders until he was flush against the ground again. She took his hands, gently lacing her fingers with his, and the grass beneath him receded, leaving Joel on the basement floor once more.  

“I love you, Dad. I love you.”

As Sarah’s voice receded, Joel's body shivered once again. Everything felt different, except there were still delicate fingers laced within his own. He forced his eyes open and found Ellie looking lovingly down at him. She hadn’t left. She hadn’t given up, and with the bit of strength he had left in him, he squeezed her fingers in appreciation. He didn’t have the capacity for words, but words were unnecessary. Ellie clasped his hand tighter, content confidence in her eyes. She knew what had to be done, and she wouldn’t fail him.

They needed each other. They would get through this. They were all that mattered.

@a-crepusculo @bex-la-get @danijimenezv @annoyingmillenialnewbie @annfg8 @icecoffee90 @missameliep

[missameliep]

Wow! This sneak peek of A Mother's Journal is amazing. I can't wait to read it! 🤩

Sunday Six 3.26.2023

Haven't done one of these in a while. Below is a sneak peek of several projects I'm working on. Hope you enjoy them.

Reset | OH | Ethan Ramsey x F!OC, Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Past)

What Happened in Vegas | OH | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Crash | OH | Tobias Carrick x F!MC

What's Forever For? AU - Miranda | OH | Tobias Carrick, F!MC

A Mother's Journal: Part 4 | WTD | Eli Sipes, F!OC (Florence Sipes, Mother)

Reset | Ethan Ramsey x F!OC, Ethan Ramsey x MC (past) This scene is Tobias, Kaycee (MC)

Tobias slunk back in his chair, slowly swiveling to the side. He studied her resume with such intensity she'd never had a clue that the decision to accept her had been made long before she entered the door. But this was a golden opportunity to learn more, and Dr. Carrick never passed up an opportunity.

"I'm still not understanding this," he practically scowled as he tossed the paper back onto his desk. "I'm not here to belittle my program. It's top-ranked, but... it's not Edenbrook. Why are you here?"

Kaycee did her best not to squirm, but something inside her knew the steely eyes fixed on her could see right through her, and that almost made her want to tell the truth... almost.

"I, uh, didn't seek you out. I was recruited."

He shrugged with an air of annoyance and nonchalance. "I'm recruited by places that are beneath me every day. But I know my worth enough to not give them the time of day. Now, I'm not suggesting Kenmore is beneath you. It's not. In fact, you have yet to sell me on the fact that you'd survive the program. But before I render my decision... I need some more honesty from you. Otherwise, we're wasting our time."

What Happened in Vegas, Part 6 | Ethan Ramsey x MC

Ethan placed two cups of coffee on the desk, one for him and one for Naveen, who was uncharacteristically late. He checked anxiously checked his watch. He was almost as eager to catch his mentor and friend up on his Vegas happenings as Naveen was to hear them, but he had been away for days, and he had work to do. He pulled out his phone to text him when he heard the door open.

"It's about time. I was getting ready to inform you that I was leaving your office," Ethan chided, but his face turned ashen when he spun around and found who was standing before him.

"Casey? What are you doing here... I... I thought you were on rounds?"

"I was," she shrugged. "But I got a text from Naveen saying I needed to come to see him right away. Do you think this could be about... about us?"

"That's impossible... I mean, I think it is. How would he know?"

Crash | Tobias Carrick x F!MC

The lab had grown eerily quiet, everyone hyperfocused on their task at hand, speaking only when absolutely necessary, and the lingering silence only meant one thing. They weren't making progress.

Tobias was overheating, feeling like he would combust, but he had to play it cool... he had to do it for Casey. She couldn't die. Especially since Farrugia wouldn't even be here if not... His head jerked toward the door as Baz and June rushed inside.

"Any good news?" Sienna asked nervously.

Baz shook his head with a sigh. "No. We had to remove Raf from the room. He's failing quickly... "

"And Casey?" Tobias injected without a single thought.

June turned to him, her face a mix of emotions.

"And Casey?" He asked, louder and more directed this time.

"There's no... no change. Nothing's better, but it's not getting worse." June answered.

"That's not entirely true," Baz faltered. "Her oxygen levels are down a bit, and it Raf's turn is any indication, that means she has...."

Tobias was halfway to the door. "I'm going to see her...."

June reached for his arm. "You can't just go up there, Tobias. It's on an approved basis, and..."

"Try to stop me."

What's Forever For? AU: Miranda | Tobias Carrick, F!MC This scene is between Vivian Carrick and Dr. Miranda Covington

She knew there was no reason that she couldn't stay. She was perfectly free to be there. Nevertheless, Miranda felt it was best to let them work this out without her there. She didn't even stop for her coat before stepping out into the frigid Boston night; fortunately, Tobias's heavy sweatshirt would be enough to hold her over until her Uber arrived.

She sprung out of the front door and let out a cleansing breath. She'd have to deal with the aftermath at a later time, but for now... she was free.

"And what exactly is that sigh of relief for, my dear?"

Miranda's face fell, and she stood frozen in place as an elegantly dressed woman approached her. She had only met Vivian Carrick a few times before, in large groups, where she was one of many of Tobias's friends. She knew his mother was a formidable force and vowed to never get on her wrong side, and now, she prayed that wasn't where she had found herself.

A Mother's Journal: Part 4 | Eli Sipes, Florence Sipes, etc.

... and that's the thing about the world ending. We talked about it before it happened... 'It's not the end of the world?', we'd say. But maybe it was. Not for everyone but for the person in pain, it very well may have been. Now, we all know the day the world ended. Those of us who lived through it have it permanently etched in our minds. Those who have come since have been taught about it as lore. But they cannot be spared. Their worlds will end, too. It happens when we lose the thing most dear to us. When we lose the one thing that makes our world whole...

Permatags: @a-crepusculo @animesuck3r @annoyingmillenialnewbie @crazy-loca-blog @doriopenheart @differenttyphoonwerewolf @fayeswiftie @gryffindordaughterofathena @genevievemd @inlocusmads @jamespotterthefirst @jennieausten @kingliam2019 @liaromancewriter @lucy-268 @onikalover @openheartforeverinmyheart @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @secretaryunpaid @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter-reblogs-asks @choicesficwriterscreations

Tagging others separately.

[missameliep]

This reminds me I have to catch up with your fics 😊

February 2023

✍🏼 Fanfic 🎨 Artwork 📷 Edit 📱 Text Fic Ⓜ️ 18+ Content 🛸AU

A monthly summary of my fanfics, art commissions, and some of my favorite content from other fandom creators.

Categories are in alpha order of character names. Fics underneath are in order of date posted.

Eli Sipes x Zoe

An Ordinary Day ✍🏼 Friends conspire to give Zoe and Eli a little downtime together, and Eli is determined to make it special.

Ethan Ramsey x Casey (AU)

What Happened in Vegas (AU Series) Part 5: And That's a Promise ✍🏼🛸

Ethan Ramsey x Kaycee

Abundance ✍🏼 It’s Valentine’s Day, and things are a little different this year. It’s their first Valentine’s Day together, but they still have to keep things secret… and Ethan isn’t helping.

Picture This ✍🏼🎨Ethan and Kaycee are off to take engagement photos, but Ethan’s reluctance is putting a damper on the mood.

Joel Miller, Ellie Williams (The Last of Us - HBO)

All That Matters ✍🏼Mortally wounded, Joel forces Ellie to leave him behind. As soon as she is gone, Joel finds himself on a journey he had no expectations of taking… where would it lead?

More Below...

OH Gang

The Very Best View 📷 Just a little fun with the OH gang participating in an Instagram challenge to post a photo of the best view they’ve ever seen.

Tobias Carrick x F!OC, F!MC

A Mixed-Up Valentine ✍🏼They hadn’t met yet… but what happened on Casey & Tobias’s last Valentine’s Day without each other?

No One Else ✍🏼 An unexpected message disrupts Tobias & Casey’s blissful morning together. But just when Tobias assumes all is well, there’s another surprise… and then another.

Simple Pleasures ✍🏼🎨(Art by @/artbyainna) Tobias is driving himself crazy trying to create the perfect Valentine’s Day for his new wife and momma-to-be. Meanwhile, Casey forgot about it until the last moment, then worried she couldn’t make it special. Luckily, they heeded good advice from friends and went on to enjoy a beautiful evening together.

Ground Rules 📱Not long after they finally made it official, Casey just wants to set some things straight. Can Tobias wear her down?

In The Middle of the Night ✍🏼  Casey’s now in her third trimester, and she can’t sleep through the night, and that means Tobias isn’t either. Luckily, they make the best of it together.

Rafael Aveiro x F!MC (Carrie Valentine)

An Unexpected Valentine ✍🏼 It’s Raf and Carrie’s first Valentine’s Day together, and he has planned a perfect day for them, but nothing ever goes according to plan. But by the end of the day, Raf is sure of one thing, it’s the perfect Valentine’s Day, and he has the only Valentine he’ll ever need.

Ethan & Kaycee Valentine's Masterlist Tobias & Casey Valentine's Masterlist

Simple Pleasures [Open Heart - Tobias x Casey Carrick] 🎨 by @/artbyainna IG

Picture This [Open Heart - Ethan Ramsey x Kaycee MacCLennan] 🎨 by @/artbyainna IG

Casey MacTavish Valentine's Edit 📷 - @the-pale-goddess

Character Quotes 📷 - @aallotarenunelma

Tobias/Casey Gif - @peonierose

Tobias Sketch - @storyofmychoices

Character Quotes 📷 - @missameliep

MC Edits 📷 - @inlocusmads

Some of my favorite things from other creators during the month of February!

Bryce x Jensen 🎨OH - Commission by @lilyoffandoms for @mydemonsdrivealimo created by @weetlebeetle

Date Night 🎨 OH - Commission by @/artbyainna created for @jamespotterthefirst

Flowers ✍🏼 @jamespotterthefirst OH - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Lilac)

Interrupted Plans ✍🏼 OH - Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @alj4890