#joel miller x adopted!teenager!reader

[mariasabanahabanabana]

Wait... what?

Pairing: Joel Miller x Tess Servopoulos x Adopted!Daughter!Reader x Ellie Williams.

Summary: Your innocence and naivety almost ended up getting you and Ellie into serious trouble.

A/N: I know I've said it before, but, not all of my fics will follow the chronological order of the story, nor will they be as faithful to their origins, I mean, in certain aspects, but not all of them.

Warnings: Slight mention of topics such as stalking, farting, and kidnapping… (Don't worry, I won't go into them too much).

Spanish version available here

If there was something that kept surprising and at the same time disappointing (in an ironic way) both you and Ellie, it was the fact that despite being at the end of the hell of the world, schools still existed, it was mandatory to attend them, homework was still as or worse complicated and of course, taking classes that probably wouldn't help you at all, well, this would depend on what you would do in the future if there was one, to begin with.

A thought that deep inside Joel, as well as Tess, Tommy, Maria, or Marlene supported, but that none of them dared to admit out loud so as not to discourage you. With the exception of Tommy, who once when you called him for help with your trigonometry homework scoffed at the usefulness of the assignment. "I'll tell you something kiddo, in all this time I've been surviving the damn apocalypse I have never used tangents or anything like that and if I'm honest, I don't know how knowing that could help me defend myself against a clicker, anyway, where were we at?"

Yeah, maybe after that Joel "forbade" you girls from asking his younger brother for help with Homework.

Anyway, today was their first day of classes and both you and Ellie couldn't find yourselves more terrified and at the same time fascinated by the subjects to be studied in the following months.

Luckily for you, your classes were over, and possibly Ellie's too, you didn't have too much homework, and with the minimal homework that came to you or became complicated, you could help each other, although, thinking better of it, you couldn't. Since you and Ellie were not good at the practical part of the science, the best thing to do would be to go to Marlene or Tess.

Bored of waiting alone and standing in the middle of the hallway for Ellie, your friend and non-biology sister, you decided to go out to distract yourself for a while, a situation that would not be a problem given your extreme curiosity, naivety, which sometimes led you to peculiar situations, not to say problematic, just like right now.

When Ellie finally got out of her last class, the first thing she did was to look for you, not finding you in the library or in the cafeteria, she assumed you would be in the garden at the entrance, and so it was. There you were, standing there talking with a couple that clearly was twice your age, something that Ellie found strange at the time since the social circle of both was similar, simply put, and judging by how well she had known you, she knew that you were an orphan of parents and probably of a family as well. For all these reasons Ellie was surprised to see you talking so animatedly with those strangers.

As she got closer, something inside her told her that they were in danger and that they should get away from there and them now.

"Hey (Y/N), 'til I find you, Joel just called me and said not to be late, as we're on patrol today and making dinner." In a subtle and casual manner, she puts her arm around your arm in an attempt to get you to walk.

"What? Again? But we had to cook at this weekend… That old grumpy bastard".

"Yeah well, you know how old man is… we'd better hurry up." As Ellie said this, she could see the way that old couple was staring at you. It was a bit awkward and uncomfortable.

"'Kay…" You turned to your "new friends." "It was nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Weinsptein… I hope you manage to find your puppy…"

Before you could even take the first step, suddenly your hand was grabbed by The Husband, stopping you abruptly. "Don't you girls like us to take you home?

"Oh really? that would be fantastic…" Before you could even respond Ellie interrupted you.

"Don't worry, we'll be fine, besides our father is coming for us…"

Confused by your friend's recent attitude and words, you looked at her with a raised eyebrow, since Joel wasn't the kind of person who usually picked you up or dropped you off at school.

"Actually, I think he just got here… but thanks…" Without looking back, Ellie pulled you towards her, causing the old man's grip on your hands to loosen.

Even though you were far away from that couple and probably halfway back home, Ellie never let go of your hand, it was not a grip like the previous one that the man had given you, this was a soft, delicate touch, one that gave you a sense of confidence and security.

"So… How was your first day? Joel asked.

Again, Joel was not the kind of person who used to take too much interest in the lives of others, but as time went by his heart softened and opened up to the two of you.

"Oh it was definitely a day we won't forget" you replied with a smile as you took a bite of your food.

"And that? That bad was it?" Now it was Tess who was interested in the course of the conversation and your day.

"Not at all…or well, not as such since we're almost adopted."

"What." A dismayed Joel and Tees asked in unison, to which Ellie immediately corrected you.

"Actually we're almost kidnapped."

"Oh, okay…and how about the homew…? Wait, how?" For the second time in record time, Joel and Tess's reaction was once again simultaneous, the only difference being that Tess was half a mouthful of meat.

Spanish version available

[wildemaven]

life and loss | joel miller

pairing: dave york x f!reader / joel miller x f!reader word count: 1k content warnings: 18+ blog; death, grief/loss, major character death (no description of said death), AU and crossover universes, kind of fluffy, navigating loss, reader is non descriptive/blank slate. notes: this randomly came to me yesterday on my walk. It was meant to be just a moodboard and a small blurb to go along with it… and then this happened. Oops! Tried to pack a lot into a small thing so hopefully it makes sense.

Momentos of him, your late husband, have remained tucked away for the last year following his unexpected death. As you settle into your new widowed life and new home over a thousand miles away from the life you created with Dave, all the beautiful memories reside in cardboard boxes out of sight. 

Word travels quickly through the small neighborhood about your arrival and marital status— or lack thereof. Welcoming introductions turn into unannounced check-ins and flowers. Uncomfortable small talk on your front porch is sprinkled throughout the following weeks, a hand on your shoulder accentuates their let us know if you need anything. Sympathetic casseroles finally dwindle allowing you to finally ease into this new season of your life. 

The hammock left by the previous owners becomes your sanctuary most evenings. Searching for the brightest star in the night’s sky, then asking Dave how he’s doing before reading aloud to him the words from your latest book. 

It's days later when you’ve read the final word that a small voice from over the fence manifests as a quirky teenage girl sitting at a table you’ve set up on your back patio. She has a million and one questions about the book and is filled with theories about what happens beyond its ending. The side gate is never regularly latched closed now, eagerly awaiting Ellie’s return. She navigates most of your late night conversations that follow, including personal stories and the history of her life. My grump of an old man is in construction. He’s single by the way— not by choice, but life happens. 

His voice is calloused the first time he makes his presence known to you. Goddamn it, Ellie! I told you to leave her alone! They exchange brittle words back and forth through the shared barrier, before you insist he join the two of you. The crunch of his boots on the ground stall when he towers over where you’re still seated. His hand engulfing yours, warm and gentle as he tries to determine where his gaze should fall— you, the ground, the smirking teenager sitting across from you. Joel. Joel Miller. Uh, Ellie n’ I live next door. Not sure how long she’s been botherin’ you, but I’ll be sure it doesn’t happen again.

It’s weeks later when you run into Joel at the mailboxes. The clanking of keys and squeaky hinges fill the space between you before you’re both retreating back to your respective pathways. Your hands fidget and twist the bills and letters from your parents when you bravely initiate a conversation before he’s able to reach his front door. She’s the first person since moving here who wanted to talk to me about something other than the death of my husband. I don’t think I’ve laughed as much as I have with her in a long time. She’s welcome over here anytime. 

He reeks of nervousness as he stands on your doorstep the following evening. The ambered hue of his eyes absorb the warmth from the front porch light, adding a brightness to them that they seem to be commonly lacking. His words waver a bit as he begins to speak, starting and stopping, scrubbing his hand down his face before he attempts to start again. You offer him nothing but patience, sensing the mournful energy radiating off him— similar to the one you’ve been carrying. My wife and older daughter— they were both in an accident on their way to Sarah’s soccer game. I was pickin’ up Ellie from her counseling group for adopted kids. We were headin’ to the soccer field when I got the call. Some days are harder than others. And everyone wants to help, however that may be— lots of food as I’m sure you know. It doesn’t ever really get easier, but you learn to live with grief. Anyways, if you ever need anything or just want to talk— you know where I live.  

He accepts your impulsive invitation to join you for dinner, offering him the open seat across from you in the same spot as your timid first meeting. The crickets orchestrate the evening ambience as you share stories you’d tucked away, too painful to revisit until now. You find you laugh just as much, if not more, with Joel. Even among the tears shed, the conversation is filled with a hope and optimism that you longed for. 

You still feel his wholesome embrace long after you’ve called it a night to seek out much needed sleep. But much like the nights that ensued after Dave’s death, loneliness and the weight of your grief rear its head. 

The black ink glides over the surface of the paper. Line after line formulated a year’s worth of unsaid words that had been bottled up and blockaded by the rigid walls you’d built around them. Joel was right about the therapeutic effect of getting rid of the burdensome thoughts that come with loss, finding it’s hard to stop now that you’ve started. 

You convey the love that you still carry for Dave, something you’ll never willfully ignore or regret. It feels wrong but you touch on the hatred you feel towards his death; you hate him for leaving you, hate that you miss him, hate that some nights you forget the small details that you cherished about him. You tell him about Joel and the kindness he’s afforded you in a short time of knowing him and that there’s life beyond losing the love of your life. To look for the light even when shrouded by darkness. 

Pictures and trinkets find their way out of the cardboard confines Joel helped pull out from the guest room closet. The bare walls now filled with familiar faces and shelves adorn with colorful memories that you tried so hard to keep hidden. 

Joel and Ellie being a constant presence in your life allows you to see that life can surprise you when you least expect it and there’s room for new love. 

[justagalwhowrites]

The Savage and the Sanctuary - A TLOU Story Masterlist

After the death of his daughter, Joel Miller fell apart. But when searching for answers at the bottom of a bottle and within his own rage doesn't fix it, he resigns himself to working for his brother in private security. It's a job that starts him down the path to stability and a semblance of a life, even if it's not one he particularly wants. At least it does until you show up.

The biggest movie star in the world with your newly adopted niece in tow, you throw everything about Joel's life into flux. Is he capable of letting himself feel something again while protecting the only things left in the world that matter?

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader

A slow-burn, no outbreak, enemies to friends to lovers bodyguard fic.

Main Masterlist | AO3

Prologue

Chapter 1: Wrong Foot

Chapter 2: Teenagers

Chapter 3: Parents

Chapter 4: Past and Present

Oneshots:

The Campaign

Taglist: @christinamadsen @eff4freddie @brittmb115 @copperhalfcent @r3dheadedwitch @pedropascalsbbg @lovelyjess69 @yopossum @moel-jiller @picketniffler @lilyevanstan1325 @reluctanthalfwayoptimism @wintersquirrel @missladym1981 @mellymbee @canthinkof1user @inept-the-magnificent

[tightjeansjavi]

Slow Hands | Joel Miller x f! reader

Chapter 1 “Cuppa Love”

A/N: I breezed through this chapter in a matter of hours 🫠 I’m so beyond stoked for this little story and I hope it can end up providing all the soft Joel feels that we love ♡

~word count: 3.5k~

Summary: Joel Miller thinks that your coffee shop in Jackson is a bit too “frivolous” for his taste until Tommy tells him one day that it’s the best cup of coffee that he’ll ever have. Little does he know..he’s going to get more than just a cup of coffee when he finally meets you. You soon find out that the grumpy old man with a rambunctious teenager, is hiding sugar sweet softness under layers of hardness.

Warnings: some angst, Joel is struggling to adjust to living a domestic life, anxiety, feeling like an outcast, grumpy old man! Joel, shy! Joel, kinda mean! Joel, sunshine reader, flirting, fluff, awkward situations, reminiscing on the past, alluding to death/loss but no description, reader has no physical descriptions and is from Texas, reader has a nickname (beanie bc y’know coffee beans) no age gap, overall light chapter, vulgar language, +18 minors dni!

Joel Miller in your eyes was aloof, a tad bit on the grumpier side, never really smiling, always with a furrowed brow and a grunt under his breath. He was an old, grumpy man as Tommy Miller first described his older brother to you. That was the first time Joel Miller and his adopted kid, Ellie Williams rode into town one snowy afternoon.

You watched curiously from your coffee shop window at the sight of Tommy hugging his brother for his first time in years. It was a sight for sore eyes to say the least. By the time you gathered enough courage to introduce yourself, it was too late. Joel and Ellie were gone by the morning and you had missed your opportunity..or so you thought.

The following spring, Joel and Ellie had returned. From where? Well..that wasn’t disclosed to you. From spring to fall you’d catch Joel walking past your coffee shop every morning. His eyes would flit up to the old sign that swung calmly in a passing breeze. He’d shake his head, mutter under his breath before continuing down the street. You’d secretly hoped that he would stop in for a cup of coffee one of these days. Why? Well, you were curious. Curious about the old grumpy man that rarely shed a smile. You were curious on how he possibly took his coffee. (straight black) you imagined. No cream, or sugar as it didn’t seem like his cup of tea.

Presently, Joel was having a hard time adjusting to his new life. For over 20 years he was constantly living on the means to survive. There was no room for comfort or the little things in a post apocalyptic world; or so he had thought. Ellie was having a much smoother transition period into the domestic lifestyle. She was attending school now, working at the stables and she was making friends. Joel was happy for her, of course. After everything they had gone through together all he wanted was for his kid to be happy. Confusion would etch across his face anytime someone in town would smile in his direction or dare to even say good morning to him? He’d grunt out a goodmorning back followed by a painful forced smile.

Your little coffee shop in the middle of town absolutely plagued him. He’d walk by it every morning muttering under his breath about how frivolous your sign was. Cuppa Love how fucking cheesy was that? Not to mention, the sign above your shop had seen far better days, and the chipped wood, and peeling paint was grinding his gears to a painful level. Yet, despite the fresh and familiar scent of roasting coffee beans wafting through the cracked door, it was not enough to persuade him to take a peek inside.

Not yet at least.

“Have you met Beanie?” Tommy asked his brother in a casual conversation as they were riding back into town after being on patrol all morning.

“Who? N’What in the hell kinda name is that?” Joel gruffly asked as he looked over at his brother.

“She owns the ‘lil coffee shop tucked in the middle of town. She’s been here a few years, makes one mean cuppa joe. Honestly the best I’ve ever had since..well, you know.” He trailed off.

“That frivolous waste of space? Yeah, I walk past it every mornin.’ Doubt it’s the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had, Tommy. So, her name is Beanie? S’that like her nickname or somethin’?”

“It ain’t a waste of space! C’mon now. You gotta lighten up a little big brother. You don’t gotta be so up-tight all the goddamn time. How many times do I gotta say that you’n Ellie are safe. Y’know, I’ve had plenty of people come to me and say that you don’t even bother sayin’ goodmornin’ to them or nothin.’ There’s good people in this town, Joel. You can make friends if you—”

Joel cut him off with a low scoff under his breath. “Lighten up? I already told you, Tommy. It’s hard for me to go and adjust to..how I used to live because it ain’t even been all that long, and I still sleep with a goddamn shotgun under my bed, for Christ sakes. Sorry that your town folks don’t like the fact that I ain’t sayin’ goodmornin’ back. Didn’t realize it was such a crime.” He muttered the last bit with a heavy sigh.

Tommy reached his hand over and gently grasped his brother's shoulder, giving it a firm yet gentle squeeze. “Joel, I’m sorry if it’s comin’ across like I’m lecturin’ you or anythin’, it’s jus’ that I want you to feel comfortable n’happy here. I know that you and Ellie went through a lot, but there’s so many opportunities for you to start off fresh here, okay? Look, you don’t gotta go if you don’t want to, but just stop by Beanie’s shop and have a cup of coffee. I promise that you won’t regret it, and have I ever been wrong?”

Joel begrudgingly looked in his brother's direction. His brows furrowed, then softened as a sigh slipped past his parted lips. “I know you ain’t lecturin’ me. It’s just—it’s hard, Tommy. It’s hard tryin’ to jump into havin’ a normal life again. Ellie’s doin’ a hell of a lot better job than I am. Also think she may be avoidin’ me, but that’s a topic for another conversation. I guess there isn’t much harm n’me goin’ to this coffee shop. Can’t promise that I’m gonna like it.” His tone was softer now, nearly above a whisper because these were the genre of conversations that he dreaded having. Anything that had to do with feelings and emotions, Joel avoided like they were the plague. He had a hard enough time expressing himself as it is.

“I get it, Joel. Believe me. It took me months to not wake up on edge, to sleep without a rifle under my pillow. Maria was a big help of course, but I had to do a lot of growin’ on my own too. Baby steps, alright? You got me, Maria, and Ellie to help guide ya through this next chapter. You’re still my big brother after all.” He replied with a genuine smile smile on his face, one that had his eyes crinkle in the corners.

Joel found himself gently dropping his horse's reins around the withers before he was reaching over and pulling his brother into a one arm hug. “Yeah, you’re damn right that I’m your big brother, and you best not forget it.” Joel had cracked a hairline of a smile when Tommy had playfully pushed him away. “So, Beanie is uh..she’s nice I take it? Who the hell gave her that nickname?”

Tommy had an undeniable knowing smirk on his face as he lightly chuckled. “You’re lookin’ at him.” He stated proudly.

Joel rolled his eyes with an unenthusiastic shake of his head.

For the next week, Joel continued to stop right outside your shop’s door. He’d kick at the snow covered ground with the tip of his boot, look up directly at your sign, mutter under his breath and continue on his way. It wasn’t until one afternoon after coming back from patrol did Joel Miller finally make a proper appearance.

The bells that were tied to the side of the door jingled excitedly as Joel stepped inside. The first thing he noticed was the string lights glittering above and the rows and rows of handmade mugs just waiting for a customer to grab and cherish. The fire crackled calmly as Joel slipped his gloves off and nervously rubbed his hands together. “Uh—hello? Anyone in today?”

He thought about turning around and walking straight out the door until he heard the sounds of someone putzing around in the back area behind a curtain.

“Just a second honey and I’ll be right with ya!” You called from the back room. You had gotten yourself into quite a pickle with attempting to lift an god awful heavy bag of sugar onto the shelf above.

Honey?

Must be a southern thing. Was the first thing that popped into Joel’s head. Why else would you be calling a total stranger a pet name? Unless everyone around here had just truly gone completely soft in the head.

“Oh for fuck sakes! Who the hell decided that sugar was supposed to be THIS heavy!” You let out a frustrated grunt as the sack of sugar nearly tumbled out of your grip once more.

Joel raised a brow at the sound of your struggle. He glanced around, as if there was anyone else in your cozy little shop to help. He let out a frustrated sigh knowing that he was going to have to be the gentleman and help you out himself. “Y’need a hand back there? I got an extra pair.” No shit Sherlock.

“Congratulations.” You deadpanned.

Joel let out a quiet snort before stepping around the counter and pulled back the curtain to find your body nearly being crushed by the sack of sugar. Despite this, you had one hand outstretched in his direction for him to shake as your cheek was pressed against the burlap material. “Thank goodness someone decided to stroll in today. Pleased to meet you, I’m Beanie. Now, can you please give me a hand? You did say that you had an extra pair after all.”

Joel opted out on not shaking your hand. It wasn’t because he didn’t want to, it just looked like you were seconds from passing out and being murdered by a sack of sugar; so much for introductions.

The first thing you noticed about Joel Miller were his hands and how effortlessly he grasped the bag of sugar and lifted it onto the shelf above like it weighed nothing. You may, or may not have caught the way his broad muscles flexed from the motion, or the little stray curl that just simply wouldn’t stay put. He was handsome. Anyone with two working eyes could make that statement.

“Thank you kindly. Would have been an awful way to go..getting smothered by a sack of sugar was not on my bingo card for the afternoon.” You brightly smiled at your figurative savior.

Joel thought your smile was pretty. There was a certain lightness that was held within your eyes and—what? He just met you, and so far you were..quirky. As he nicely put it to his brother later that evening.

“S’no problem. I agree, it woulda been an awful fuckin’ way to go. It’s a miracle I was here to save ya.” He stifled a warm chuckle.

You wiped your hands along the colorful apron that you always wore as you ushered him back around the counter as you rested your elbows along the wooden surface. “So, coffees on the house just this once. Go on and grab any mug that you like honey, and then what’ll you be having?”

“Do you call all your customers honey?” He couldn’t help but ask as he observed the rows of handmade mugs dangling above him.

“Yeah! It’s kinda like my trademark. I’ve also found it makes people’s day around here when you call them something sweet. Y’know?”

“Ahh so it’s not just for your favorites or anythin’ like that?” He reached for the largest mug that had a brown tinted rim with an intricately painted owl on the front of the mug. Despite the size of the mug, Joel’s hands dwarfed it down immensely. His hands completely engulfed it as he set it along the counter.

“Everyone is worthy of a sweet nickname in my eyes. Oh, this is one of my favorites” You softly spoke as he set the mug down along the counter. “Forgot to mention that you’ll get to keep the mug as well. Just another token of kindness around here.”

Joel looked confused by your statement at first because well, he was still adjusting to strangers being kind for no other reason other than they just wanted to. “Well…wouldn’t you run out of ‘em?”

“No, you silly goose. I make them myself, and there’s plenty to go around I promise. I let all my customers take a mug home in hopes that they come back again for another cup of coffee whenever they’d like. They’re good conversation starters as well. Take this one for example, I painted this guy after seeing an owl in the stables one evening. He sat still for me the entire time, and it was almost as if he wanted me to paint him. Isn’t that so cool?”

“You make these yourself? Wow, you’re uh—you’re really talented, Beanie. I am quite fond of owls..that’s why I picked that one..” he nervously rubbed the back of his neck.

“Yeah, I make them all from scratch and then paint the details later. There’s one up there that I actually pressed flowers into the wet clay like a stencil and then painted in the petals and such after.”

“So, you’re like an artist then? I do a bit of wood workin’ myself. Ain’t all that good at it, but it’s a hobby that I guess I enjoy.” He wasn’t sure why he was finding it so easy to talk to you. The conversation just seemingly flowed between the two of you.

“Me? An artist? I suppose you could say that but I just do it for fun really..helps the time pass by and people seem to enjoy it so that’s just another bonus for me. I’m sure your wood sculptures are beautiful. It’s good to have a hobby like that.”

Joel nodded, clearing his throat. “Yeah, so uh—anyway I heard that this is the best..well, only place to get a cup of coffee in town. I’ve had a lot of coffee in my lifetime, so I am expectin’ the best. I’m a bit of a coffee snob, I'll admit it.”

“Well, you’ve come to the right place because I am a bit of a coffee snob myself. So, what’ll you be having? I can make just about anything, which is pretty fucking incredible considering we’re living in a post apocalyptic world and all that. Least I can do is make a damn good cup of coffee.”

“As long as it’s better than that Starbucks crap that every goddamn person I knew used to eat up like it was fuckin’ gold or somethin.’” He chuckled. “Uh—just a latte would be good. I know, I don’t look like much of a latte man, but ya did say you could make jus’ about anythin’ so i’ll put that to the test.”

“I never understood the whole Starbucks hype myself. Not when there were perfectly good local coffee shops around but hey, to each their own right? Anyway, one latte coming right up!” You grabbed the mug from the counter gingerly before starting on his drink. He was of course naturally curious on where the hell you sourced your coffee beans. You must have been reading his mind or at that exact moment because you were answering his question before it ever left his brain.

“It’s amazing what you can find at old plant nurseries and greenhouses. You cannot believe the excitement on my face when I found a couple coffee plants at a nursery in Colorado. Maria lets me use part of the greenhouse for the plants and they surprisingly hold up pretty well in the winter.”

“Are you a mind reader now too?” He jokingly asked as he casually leaned against the countertop. “So, who gave you the nickname Beanie if you don’t mind me askin’? Does it stand for somethin’ or did it just stick?”

“Nah, I just have an incredible sense of intuition. Your brother Tommy so happened to have given me this nickname. It started off as the “latte girl” and then he started calling me Beanie because well, coffee beans. Then it just sorta stuck and now everyone that comes in here calls me that.”

“Ahh. Of course my brother gave you that nickname. Why am I not surprised? How long have you known him? I take it, you know who I am then? He’s got an awful big fuckin’ mouth that one.”

You had your back towards Joel as you were finishing up on his latte. Back before outbreak day, you owned a little coffee shop much like this one, in Austin Texas. The name of your shop was Cuppa Smiles, and it was like your baby. You were known for your cute little latte art that had your customers feeling extra special, even on the toughest days. Well, not every customer appreciated it…

“I’ve known your brother for a few years now Joel. I was found just on the outskirts of town in pretty rough shape. I thought I was toast when Tommy and Maria found me. Little did I know that I was about to be brought into this little slice of heaven. He actually told me a couple weeks ago that you’d probably be stopping in sometime. I’m glad that you did.” You had just finished your latte art that consisted of a heart with two eyes and a smiley face.

You presented the mug to him with a soft smile and as he looked down at the heart smiling up at him through a sea of cream colored foam, the realization suddenly dawned upon him that he had met you before. Back before the cordyceps took everything from him that he knew. Back before he slept with a rifle under his bed. Back before—

“You were the reason that I was always fuckin’ late to work!” He blurted out suddenly as if he was having an aha! Moment where the lightbulb was going off and yelling, ‘ding ding ding! We have a winner ladies and gentlemen!’

Confusion washed over your features at his sudden outburst as you looked between the mug and the broad man standing before you, trying to pinpoint if you had met Joel Miller before but how was that even possible…right?

“I’m..sorry? I don’t believe I understand what you’re talking about?” You looked at him as if he had suddenly sprouted five heads.

“I know you, I swear I know you because back in Austin there was this one fuckin’ barista that always was insisting on doin’ some silly little latte art on my coffee, and every goddamn time I was late to work, It was because of you!” He didn’t know whether to laugh or grow angry at his newfound realization. One thing was for sure, his mind was absolutely turned to dust.

You blinked and opened your mouth like a blubbering fish as Joel solidified the truth that you did in fact know one another in some capacity. You couldn’t help the feeling of your heart stinging a little at his comment about your silly latte art.

“Oh my god, you were that man always saying he was in a rush! I remember you’d fly into the shop with—”

“My daughter.” He finished the sentence for you with flushed cheeks that were rosy at the peaks of his cheekbones. His heart was nearly hammering out of his chest as the past he forced himself to let go of was suddenly coming rushing back to him.

“She liked the strawberry jelly filled donuts that we always had on display.” You tone lowered, sounding more like a soft whisper.

“She didn’t just like them, she loved those fuckin’ donuts.” His head dropped slightly as he took a deep breath. “M’sorry for yellin’ at you like that. It’s jus’ that you’re the first person I’m seein’ in over 20 years that’s from my past that isn’t my brother. It’s just—it’s a lot to process.”

“Joel, it’s okay. You don’t have to apologize for reacting like that, okay? It was a normal human response. You did look familiar but I didn’t put two and two together till you brought up the latte art. I’m sorry I made you late for work all those times. I guess I just never picked up just how much in a rush you were..”

He was looking up at you now through thick lashes and warm espresso colored eyes that seemed to have flecks of gold in them, depending on the light they were in. “S’okay. I kept comin’ back because the coffee was that good, and cause Sarah loved those donuts..she thought your latte art was anythin’ but silly.”

“Well, I hope this cup lives up to what Cuppa Smiles used to deliver.”

“There’s only one way to find out.” Joel remarked as he wrapped his hands around the steaming mug. He took a small sip and instantly felt like he was back at home in Texas. It was an early Sunday morning, the mourning dove cooed outside the billowing curtains, Sarah called for her dad downstairs in the kitchen, stating that breakfast was ready. His favorite mug, and babygirl were waiting for him in the warm early morning light.

“Holy shit. This is delicious! How the hell did you get it to taste so good?” Joel asked as he took another sip.

“It just takes a bit of sugar, and lots and lots of love.” You responded with a soft smile gracing your features.

Tag List: @cupofjoel @morning-star-joy @thetriumphantpanda @sinsofsummers @dinsdjrn @cavillscurls @kirsteng42 @korynnekorynne @yazsos @amanitacowboy @ilovepedro @pedrostories

Please comment if you’d like to be added to the tag-list! ♡

Chapter 2:

[lincolndjarin]

my sister lives in the attic.

main masterlist

joel miller x reader

warnings : angst, death, child loss, grieving, denial

a/n : i've never written something like this but i'm in a weird place and this idea has been following me for quite some time now so i decided to take a few minutes and write it, i'd love some feedback on it since this style is kinda new to me !!

He didn’t like to talk about his children. 

“Do you have kids?”

“Two daughters.” Was all he said.

That’s what he had told you on your first date. He was so abrupt about it that you didn’t ask about them again, instead opting to wait until he told you on his own terms. 

On your fifth date he told you that Ellie got in trouble for cursing in gym class that day. 

On your seventh date he told you Sarah was away at college, and that he missed her terribly and wished she would visit. 

On your eighth date he told you that Ellie made him a card for his birthday. He even brought it over to your house to show you. It was a drawing of the two of them floating through space. The inside said:

i love our family to the moon and back!

You didn’t ask why Sarah wasn’t included in the crayon family portrait. 

On your ninth date he showed you the photos in his wallet. A baby girl with her curly dark hair up in two little buns sitting in the sand. The one below it was a girl who looked to be about five, giving the camera a toothy grin, standing next to Joel in a courthouse, holding up her adoption papers. 

On your twelfth date he finally invited you over for dinner, you happily accepted. 

Joel introduced you to an extremely energetic seven year old. He gave you a tour of the house (only the first floor.) and you smiled at every family photo hung on the walls.

“I invited Sarah but she couldn’t make it, she’s got midterms but I’m sure you’ll meet her soon.” He tells you before leaving you with Ellie, going to pick up a pizza for the three of you. 

Ellie tells you about school, about her best friend Riley, and about playing soccer in the backyard with her father. 

And then she says the strangest thing. 

“My sister lives in the attic.”

“Excuse me?” You had given her a confused smile but she carried on as if it was the most normal thing in the world. 

“My sister, Sarah, lives in the attic.” She said it so plainly. Taking your hand and dragging you up the stairs, pointing up at a staircase on the second story that led to a singular door, pink paint peeling from it with little wooden letters spelling out SARAH, the sight of it put you on edge. 

“We shouldn’t go up there honey, let’s wait until your father gets back.” You had put up a bit of resistance but she ran ahead of you, you watched helplessly from the bottom of the stairs as Ellie pushed open the door and ran inside. 

“It’s okay, dad says I can talk to Sarah whenever I want as long as I don’t touch her stuff.” She had shouted, already inside. Despite every nerve in your body singing for you to go back downstairs and wait, you knew better than to leave a child alone so you climbed the steps and entered the room. 

Nothing strange, nothing frightening, no secret nightmare. 

When you look around all you see is a room, albeit a child's room but a room nonetheless. 

Ellie sits in a love seat, suddenly repeating everything she told you about her day to seemingly no one as she stares at Sarah’s bookshelf. You walk around, trying to recall when Joel said she left for college. Everything is covered in a thick layer of dust but strangest of all this is clearly not a teenager's room. 

This is a childs room, for a girl about Ellie’s age. Every photo on her desk doesn’t show her older than what looks to be twelve. 

“Ellie, honey, when you said your sister lived in the atti-'' She doesn’t stop talking from behind you, ignoring you entirely but her words stop you dead in your tracks. 

“Dad keeps saying you’re coming home for Christmas but he also said you’d be home for his birthday, he keeps telling me how much we’re gonna get along but I just tell him we already get along fine.” 

It sends a chill up your spine, you aren’t superstitious but in a moment of weakness when you turn a part of you almost expects to see a ghost.

Of course that isn’t the case.  

When you look Ellie remains in the loveseat, seemingly the only thing that isn’t covered in dust up here. Her eyes trained on the highest shelf, when you follow her line of sight all of it starts to make sense. The shelf is covered in books and toys and trinkets, all of which are showing signs of age and disuse but the top shelf is neat and tidy, it even looks recently dusted. 

Only two things are on the top shelf. 

A beer bottle with the label ripped off, a lilac sits within it, a few stray petals lay in a halo around the makeshift vase. 

And a dark purple urn. 

You struggle to swallow the lump in your throat, unable to tear your eyes from it. 

“One time Uncle Tommy told me she was an angel.” She whispers when you stare in silence for far too long. “Dad got so mad we didn’t see Tommy for like a month after that and when we did see him again everything went back to normal.”

“What happened to her?” You can’t stop yourself from asking, she only shrugs in response.

“It was before I lived here, I never ask, I’m worried he’ll send me to live with Uncle Tommy if I do.” 

“Oh, honey.” You crouch down beside her, she hugs her knees to her chest. “He wouldn’t do that.” 

“I’m still not gonna ask. He doesn’t talk about her that much, only when someone else brings it up or if I ask to come up here to see her.” You nod slowly before holding your arms out to her, she wraps herself around you and you carry her to the door, eager to leave the tomb you’ve stumbled upon. “Bye Sarah.” She mumbled against your shoulder as you closed the door, the sentiment sent shivers down your spine. 

When Joel returns with the food it’s as if you never were in the attic at all.

Ellie runs to him, wrapping herself around his leg as he laughs, trying to kick her loose. 

When the three of you sit down for dinner she never says a thing to him about any of it. 

She asks if she can go to her friends house after dinner, their mom is going to take them to the arcade, Joel grins at you, asking if she was good while he was gone and you put on a smile, nodding. 

“Then you can go.” He ruffled her hair before she ran off to get her backpack. When it was just the two of you he took your hand, mentioning something about catching a movie while she’s gone, you nodded absentmindedly when he gave your hand a gentle squeeze you finally looked him in the eye. 

You’d never noticed it before but there is a permanent sorrow behind the dark expanse of his irises, as if he’s never really happy, he’s sometimes just less sad. “Everything okay?” He asked. 

“Yeah, everything’s fine.” 

You don’t bring up the attic at the dinner table.

Or in the car.

Or at the movies. 

He just needs time, you tell yourself. Maybe he’ll tell you on your thirteenth date, maybe it won’t be until your hundredth date. Until then you won’t tell him that you know who lives in the attic and you’ll nod with faux disappointment when he says that his eldest won’t be home for the holidays this year. 

And you’ll take extra care of him on days when he comes home with fresh lilacs.

a/n : yeah so uhhhhhhhhhh tell me how y'all liked this haha idk if i'll write anything like this again it was just sort of something for me to vent with, hope everyones having a good day and thank y'all for reading <3

[cowgurrrl]

Hi! Love the writing. Could I please request Joel with teenage twins. I just think him being caught in the middle of two teenagers fighting about who stole who’s shirt and being scared for his life is hilarious and kind of sweet.

Holy shit i love this

Salad Days

Pairing: rockstar!joel miller x actress!reader

Author's note: you know that video of Dave Grohl where he's talking about being a dad and the best part and he goes, "Having children that don't fucking care that you're a rockstar. My kids don't give a shit if I'm in the Foo Fighters. They're like 'Daddy, I need a smoothie 🙄 NOW." That's what this gives.

Summary: The T-Shirt Coup [1.2k]

Warnings: the girls are sixteen in this, that's literally it

"Sophia Parker and Violet Isabelle Miller! If you're not down here in five minutes, I'm leavin' without you!" You yell up the stairs. Joel chuckles from his place at the kitchen counter, shoveling cereal into his mouth like it's his last meal, and you give him a look. "What?"

"You had an accent when you yelled at them." He says. You scoff and walk over to him, stealing a sip of coffee from his mug. 

"I did not."

"You totally did."

"Even if I did, which I didn't, you should take it as a compliment." You say, busying yourself with some mail left on the counter. You feel him raise his eyebrows before you see it, and he puts down his bowl to wrap an arm around your waist and pull you into his chest until your shoulder presses into his sternum. You ignore him and his stupid Laker's shirt he knows you love and read the same letter from the girls' school over and over again.

"Yeah? Why's that?" 

"I've been married to you for twenty-two years, and you're just now finally rubbing off on me. It's something to celebrate, really." You snark, and he laughs. It's one of his big, full laughs that makes him throw his head back. The sight makes your heart shine.

"You're an asshole." He says lovingly, taking the mail he knows you don't care about out of your hand and turning you so he can have your full attention.

"Yeah, yeah," you laugh as you lock your arms around his shoulders. "What do you have planned for today, Mr. Miller?" You ask, and he sighs.

"I gotta go into the studio. We just signed a new band, and we're havin' a meeting to talk about the next album," he says. Despite the annoyed tone he's adopted, you can see how excited he is about this new venture. He loves allowing new, young bands to make something fresh. He says it keeps him young. You know it's what he was meant to do all along. "What bout you? What're you doin' today, Mrs. Miller?"

"One of my old students has a project they want to pitch for me to produce. She's brilliant and an amazing writer, so I'm sure I'll say yes and shell out all our money."

"For the children," he says dramatically, and you laugh. "She's lucky to have you in her corner. I'm sure it'll be great." His words hit right where they need to, and you press yourself closer to him.

"You're a sap." Your words ghost over his lips, and his hand slides into your back pocket like always.

"Yeah, yeah." He breathes. You're less than an inch apart, and it wouldn't take much movement to actually kiss him, but you like being this close to him. You like counting all his freckles and watching him try to decide who will be the first to break. His lips barely graze yours when suddenly stomping feet and a loud argument make their way down the stairs and into the kitchen. You take a deep breath as you and Joel turn to look at the girls, who barely acknowledge how you're wrapped up in each other because they always see you being affectionate with each other. Joel Miller has not gotten more subtle about his PDA in his old age.

"Mom, please tell Violet this is my shirt!" Sophia demands, tugging on the fabric of a worn UT shirt. 

"I literally wore it last week! You commented on it and everything!" Violet looks to you. "Do you remember, Mom? I was wearing it when we went to Trader Joe's on Thursday."

"That's true. You were," you say, making Sophia's jaw drop. Of the two, Sophia has always had a little more flair for the dramatics, something she definitely gets from you. On more than one occasion, Sophia has done or said something ridiculous, and Joel bursts out laughing because he thinks it's something you would do or say. "But Vi, I told you last week that you stole my shirt from my closet, and I wanted it back. I thought you were gonna, at least, wash it first."

"Ew! You didn't wash it?!" Sophia screeches.

"Of course, I did, dipshit! I just... forgot Mom wanted it back." 

"Wait a second," Joel says, finally catching up with the argument. He looks between the shirt and the three of you before tilting his head to give you an are-you-fucking-serious-right-now look. "I've been lookin' for that for weeks! That's my shirt." He says. Suddenly, it all connects. You stole it from Joel. Violet stole it from you. Sophia stole it from Violet. As the realization settles over the room, Sophia walks over to Joel, puts her hand on his shoulder, and squeezes like a disappointed teacher.

"Our shirt." 

"Communism shirt!" Violet yells, making you laugh so hard that you stumble against Joel.

"You can't just yell 'communism shirt' and expect me to not want my shirt back." He tries to argue.

"Dad! You're not listening. It's a community shirt. Get with the times, old man." 

"Old man?!" 

"Hey, I happen to think he's a very hot and sexy old man." You jump in, and the girls groan.

"Thank you, baby," Joel says as he kisses you firmly. The girls boo and pretend to cover their eyes in disgust, making you all laugh. You pull away from Joel, but he chases your lips for a few quick kisses until he finally lets you go.

"We're gonna be late if we keep talking about the communism shirt. Girls get in the car, please," you say, stealing one more sip of coffee from Joel's cup, and the girls groan in protest as they slip on their backpacks and walk to the front door. You smile as you look at Joel, alone again for just a second. "You gotta start hiding your shirts better otherwise, they're all gonna become Marxist property." 

"This is somethin' they should really put in the parenting books," he says, and you laugh. He grabs your purse from the kitchen table for you and kisses you again as he slides it up your arm. "Love you."

"Love you, too. Let me know how the album meeting goes."

"Let me know how the pitch goes." He echoes. This is how much of your life has been together: letting each other go and make creative decisions while supporting them no matter how they play out. Many Hollywood couples get divorced because they can't learn how to give their partner the support and patience they need to create art. You and Joel have always been good about making sure the other feels supported and heard but not weighed down by differing artistic opinions or thoughts. He has his work, and you have yours, and you make it work. It's one of the reasons you love him so much. That and the fact that he still walks you to your car and opens the door for you after more than twenty years together. Granted, he smacks your ass in front of your daughters while you're climbing into the car, but that's par for the course. 

He blows kisses to his teenage daughters in the backseat and waves as you roll down the driveway, standing there until you disappear around the corner. His cologne is imprinted on your shirt collar, and you can still feel his lips on yours when Sophia sits up in her seat.

"I can't believe Dad didn't know about communism shirt."

[agxxb]

Girl Problems .𖥔 ݁ ˖

joel miller x f!reader (x adopted daughter!ellie)

summary: when ellie faces some girl problems, she needs reassurance. luckily, you’re always there for her.

warnings: fluff. use of pet names (sweetheart, els). talks/mentions of periods. [391]

When Joel had mentioned about Ellie wanting to speak to you privately, your first thought was she wanted to gossip. Having you as someone she classed as both a mother figure and a best friend, Ellie often came to you when she wanted to talk shit or get something off her chest.

However, once you saw her, you knew that wasn’t the case. She seemed nervous, which was rare for the young girl. You were stood in the kitchen, making a hot chocolate for Ellie and a tea for yourself.

“You okay, Els?” you asked in a soft tone, turning around and placing the hot drink in front of her.

“Yeah, I just…” The teenager took a deep breath, eyes focused on the swirls of the cream that sat atop the hot chocolate. “It is natural, to miss a… period?”

The last word was spoken a lot quieter, your ears only just picking up on it. You smiled gently, bringing your own drink to your lips for a quick sip.

“It is natural. Why, is that what’s happened?”

Ellie nodded in reply. “I got it the month before, but it never came last month.”

“Sometimes, our cycle can get a bit messed up because of our hormones being disrupted. Like, stress or too much exercise.”

Ellie nodded again, taking a deep breath. “I just got worried… it’s never happened before and I didn’t know what to do.”

“You can always come to me, Sweetheart. No matter what it is.” You reached a crossed the table and placed your hand on top of hers, a comforting gesture.

“Thanks. Joel can be a bit awkward sometimes, it’s nice to have you here.”

You almost teared up at her words. You had always wanted a daughter, someone to care for and love with your entire being. When you had met Joel, it wasn’t long after the outbreak; He was still heartbroken by the loss of Sarah and was adamant on never having another kid.

Then you met Ellie.

Sure, she was a little troublemaker, but you cared for her the moment you were introduced. A young girl with no family, no one to trust, and nowhere to call home. Ellie made you feel like you truly had that family you had always dreamed of: you, her, and Joel.

“And I’m always gonna be here.”

[lady-bess]

Birthday Wishes

Joel Miller x F!Reader Teen/ 13+ (References to sex - all implied) 1.7k words Notable tags: Fluff, Birthday Fluff, Birthday Surprise, Kisses, Soft Joel, Reader is Joel's wife, Use of Pet Names.

A/N: For my dear friend, Mrs. Miller herself, @joels-darlin 💕 I hope you have a wonderful birthday 🥰 Consider this just a small thank you for putting up with me!

Lots of love,

LadyBess xox

Tumblr Masterlist | A03 Link

“Darlin’?” Joel called out into your bedroom, the light from the hallway shining through as he gently cracked open the door.

You stirred in bed, rousing yourself from slumber slowly, letting the warm glow from the hallway lamp gently seep in behind heavy eyelids. Inhaling sharply, you grunted softly as you rubbed your eyes with the heel of your hand, ridding them of sleep.

“Joel?” you questioned, not awake enough to know if you were actually conscious, or if you were just dreaming about your husband. But the chuckle that emanated from the tall, broad figure which strode towards you helped you see that you were very much awake.

“It’s only me, sweet thing. Woke you from quite a slumber here, haven’t I?” he said, heading towards the bed so that he could perch on the edge of it. You smiled up at him, your vision now focusing in on him at last. His dark brown hair, curled towards the end of his locks, was still mussed up from sleep. His facial hair, patchy in parts, was slowly starting to grow back in and take form as a proper beard rather than the usual scruff he donned. But his eyes - warm, golden brown, and shining in the light - they were what you focused on the most.

“Yeah, I was out cold,” you chuckled, “What time is it, anyway?”.

“Time the birthday girl woke up,” Joel teased, leaning forward and catching your lips in a tender kiss. You smiled against his lips as you kissed him back, but whined playfully when he pulled away.

“Joel, you know I said I don’t want you making a fuss about my birthday,” you said. You’d hated your birthday for years, seeing it as nothing more than a reminder that you were getting older, and that it had been another year since the world went to shit. But, in spite of all what could get you down if you chose to lament on it, Joel was one bright spark in everything. Life in Jackson was entirely different with him by your side - and for all the best reasons.

“Yeah, I know whatcha said; but that don’t mean I’m gonna listen now, does it?” he said, chuckling to himself as he got to his feet. He turned on his heels, facing you to lean down, his arm outstretched towards you. With a hand open, you grinned, and decided you’d indulge in whatever Joel had insisted on spoiling you with.

“Fine,” you giggled, taking his hand and letting him guide you out of bed.

“Good girl,” he said, squeezing your hand as you rose to stand by his side. You shuddered slightly at the praise, the phrase usually being something only reserved for when the two of you would get caught up with each other in the sheets - something that did not pass Joel by, as he smirked at the visible redness you felt creep onto your cheeks.

“Come on now,” he said, and with that he led you out the bedroom and downstairs towards your lounge.

“Where’s Ellie?” you asked, somewhat suspicious that there was a distinct silence in the house. She’d inadvertently become your adopted daughter since you and Joel had begun dating, but you took to each other almost overnight. For as much as you’d curse her the mornings she had you up early even after a late night on patrol, you loved her to the end of the earth, and with a single sweet smile she could undo any annoyance you held.

“Never you mind that,” Joel chuckled, “Gosh darn it, you are just so impatient aren’t ya?” he asked.

“It’s not that! I’m just not used to a quiet house,” you giggled.

“Alright, you got me there. I ain’t never met a teenager who can be so rowdy,” he said, still clutching your hand as the two of you reached the bottom of your staircase.

“Should have met me in my hay-day,” you teased, smirking at Joel. His eyes went wide at you, a childish grin creeping onto his face.

“Oh, sugar, I can imagine you causing all sortsa trouble,” he said, stopping in his tracks briefly to pull you in for a kiss. You smiled as you wrapped your arms around his torso, holding his broad frame close to yours, enveloping yourself in his warmth as your lips melded together. His tongue gently lapped at the seam of your lips, almost begging for entry. But before you could grant it, he pulled away.

“How about you be on your best behaviour today, and as a little birthday treat I’ll let you misbehave with me tonight, yeah?” he murmured between your lips, his breath hot against your skin, his words sending another shiver down your spine. All you could do was purse your lips together, nodding slowly as arousal surged through you.

“Atta girl,” he said, landing a gentle spank to your ass before going back to take your hand.

This man, you thought to yourself.

“Come on, onwards we go!” he said, starting to walk you along the hallway and down towards the lounge.

“Alright, alright, I’m coming!” you said, ignoring the playful eyebrow raise Joel gave you for the euphemism.

You both reached the door to your lounge, and Joel stopped in his tracks. He let go of your hand but turned to face you.

“Okay, close your eyes,” he said.

“What?” you asked.

“I said close your eyes, fool!” he chuckled, then moved to stand behind you. He pulled your body flush into his, his hands landing on your hips and a kiss planted itself on your earlobe.

“What if I don’t want to?” you teased. Joel groaned to himself, squeezing your hips gently as he rested his head on your shoulder.

“It’s a good job I love you some days,” he chuckled, then raised his hands up towards your head by skimming them up your body. The rough pads of calloused fingers, evidence of a life lived hard, now gently caressed the material of your nightwear, a stark contrast to the man you first met. What was once a stoic, rough outer shell, had given way to a soft and tender core.

“I’m gonna cover your eyes, sugar. Got a surprise waiting for you in there,” he said. You were about to protest, tell him how unnecessary this all was, and that you could just walk straight in. But it was like Joel somehow knew those cogs were whirring away in your head, and with a soft kiss to your jaw, the thoughts ceased entirely.

“And I won’t take no for an answer. Got it?” he asked. You nodded, deciding you were going to allow him this one.

Joel raised his hands and gently covered your eyes with the palms of his hands. You smiled as he did, reaching up to hold his wrists for a little stability now that you were essentially blinded.

“Okay, take two steps forward, then the door handle is on the left,” he said, and the two of you shuffled forward closer to the door. You reached forward to find the cold metal of the handle, smiling to yourself as you did.

“I know where the handle is to my own lounge door, Joel,” you teased, sarcasm laced in your voice. But before he could quip back, the metal clunk of the handle sounded, and slowly the door began to creak open in front of you.

“Alright, smart ass, just a few more steps for me,” Joel said, and you both continued to gently step forward, his body still firmly pressing into yours. Even without sight, Joel’s presence behind you gave you a stability you so adored - something he had provided since your first meeting, without even realising it.

“Okay, I’m gonna take my hands off now. Are you ready?” he asked.

“I’m ready,” you said, letting go of Joel’s wrists.

“Alright. Three, two, one,” he began, and light flooded through behind your eyes as Joel’s hands lifted off your eyes. You opened them slowly, only to be greeted with a sea of smiling faces.

“Happy birthday!” was cheered from the voices of all those in Jackson you loved the most. Joel, Tommy, and Ellie were the loudest, as to be expected. But there were also your friends and neighbours, notably Elizabeth and Brianna, whom you’d worked alongside since arriving in Jackson.

Your heart swelled with love and adoration as you looked out at everyone in the room, all happily together in a room filled with handmade presents wrapped in brown paper, and platters of delicious looking food out on the table in front of you. A small tear crept into the corner of your eye, taken back by the kindness and selflessness of all these people you loved so dearly. Joel’s hands on your waist was the only thing that brought you hurtling back to reality.

“You alright, doll?” he said. You nodded, smiling out at everyone before turning to him.

“I am, yes,” you said. “Thank you for this, Joel.”

“Don’t thank me. You’ve got Ellie, Bess, and Bri to thank for this,” he said, “I was just the ring leader who told everyone what time you slept in until,” he chuckled.

“Hey, no fair! This was my idea!” Ellie proudly exclaimed, folding her arms over her puffed out chest, pleased as punch for how this morning had turned out. You laughed with her, stepping away from Joel and heading over to her, pulling her in for a hug.

“Thank you, Ellie. Thank you, everyone,” you said.

The day was spent unwrapping delicately made gifts, eating an ungodly amount of food, and laughing and joking with everyone you loved most in the world. You’d had such a good time that you’d almost forgotten that today was meant to be for your birthday, a day you often resented. But, just as with most things in your life, Joel had found a way to bring some sunshine into it.

Even at the end of the world, there was hope littered throughout, in moments like these. On days like today, it was easy to forget the torment you’d all endured, and that you’d had to fight tooth and nail just to survive for this long. In a way, this felt like a well deserved reward for making it so long.

But for you, the real prize was the man who took you to bed that night, keeping to his promise to let you misbehave, and keeping you up until the early morning seeing stars.

Tumblr Masterlist | A03 Profile

[pagesfromthevoid]

Safe & Sound | j.m. | 4

Joel Miller x fem!reader

Word Count: 2.3k

Warnings: Canon levels of violence. Murder.

Author's Note: Listen. All I want is a man who is soft for me and our adopted child, but is also willing to straight up murder someone for me.

Series Masterlist | Talk to Me!

Something shifted between the two of them after Joel admitted what he’d really done to the man beyond the fence. It was an unspoken change; something that she didn’t quite understand because she realized she didn’t quite understand Joel overall. But it was within this change that she realized he cared. 

Joel Miller cared about her. 

He always had. 

The cold, jaded smuggler —who made it clear to her the second time he’d kissed her, for her 25th birthday, that what they were doing was a favor and nothing more. Who told her that he wouldn’t touch her beyond hands in her hair or on her hips. Who insisted that every kiss was careless and simply to give her some semblance of experience. To experience intimacy without strings attached —fucking cared about her. Enough so that he did terrible things to the man that tricked her and got her to leave the safety of her uncle’s fence. 

It wasn’t that she thought he didn’t. She always assumed he kind of cared, just a little bit. If anything, she hoped he had simply because it made kissing him feel less impersonal. But after what happened, with the man from the QZ, she had stopped stealing kisses from Joel. Stopped wanting to feel any kind of intimacy, because it had been ripped away from her.

But now that she knew what he’d done —for her —things had shifted. Frank had always warned her that Joel was not a good person; neither was Tess for that matter. She always knew that neither of them were good people. But knowing that Joel did something genuinely sadistic because someone had hurt her…

It excited her. Made her feel desired, and looked after. But it made her excited to think that Joel —who had insisted that kissing her meant nothing. That he didn’t care if she talked to anyone else because they weren’t anything —hurt someone for her. 

Killed someone for her. 

The end of the world really fucked a person’s perspective up.

The shift in their behavior wasn’t all that noticeable –not really, at least. Joel was still stubborn and annoyed with both her and Ellie whenever they spoke too much. And there was still a semi-permanent scowl on his face as they drove. But occasionally –when he thought she wasn’t looking –he’d glance at her. Glance at her lips, then her hands. And just barely –she could see the tug at the corner of his lips. And it made her heart pound in her ears.

But any moment of normalcy was stripped away when they stopped in the middle of a graveyard of cars, just outside Kansas City. 

“We’re gonna have to go through the city,” Joel huffed, hands on his hips as they looked up at the blocked highway tunnel.

She climbed on top of a car, peering through the rubble the best she could. “It’s clear on the other side. Isn’t there another exit we could go back to?”

Joel glanced at Ellie, who held the map in her hands. “Don’t look at me,” Ellie started, putting her hands up. “FEDRA didn’t teach me to read maps, remember?”

“God, you’re lucky you’re funny,” she teased, hopping off the car she stood on and walking back to the teenager to take the map from her. “Because you’re kind of useless otherwise.”

“Wow, fuck you too.”

“I’m only joking,” she reassured, elbowing Ellie with a grin. The girl still mumbled under her breath, but peered over her shoulder. “There’s an exit like two miles back we can go back to.”

“Might still be quicker to get through the city,” Joel argued, taking the map from her to look it over himself. Their fingers brushed against one another, and she glanced up to see if he even noticed.

“And run the risk of infected? Or raiders?” 

“Runnin’ that risk regardless,” he reminded her, giving her a pointed look as he returned the map to her and made his way back to the truck. 

Ellie and her shared a look, before following after him. The teenager peered into cars, but she grabbed Ellie’s backpack and tugged her along. There were plenty of dead bodies in these cars, and she wasn’t sure what Ellie had seen in her life –but she would rather the teenager not see more than necessary. 

“Okay mom,” Ellie groaned, pulling her arms out of her backpack straps and letting the weight drop. 

“We need one of those leashes parents used to put on their kids,” she mused, adjusting her hold on the backpack before she tossed it into the backseat of the truck. “You remember those?”

Joel chuckled, earning a smile from her as she looked up at him. “Oh, I remember. Had one for my –,”

But he stopped, and the smile he had given her dropped. For a moment, she considered reassuring him –telling him that it was okay to talk about his kid. But she knew better than to try; not right now anyway. Her brow furrowed as Ellie climbed into the backseat, not noticing the sudden shift in Joel. As far as Ellie was concerned, Joel was always like that –it didn’t mean much.

She hopped into the front seat, keeping her eyes on the road in front of them as Joel backed away and moved to find them a better route.

*****

“Where the fuck is the highway?” Joel snapped, looking around the streets. “It’s gotta be right –it’s gotta be –,”

“Joel!” Ellie exclaimed, hitting both her and Joel to point out the window. “Isn’t that the QZ?”

“Where’s FEDRA?” She asked, looking up at Joel in confusion. 

He gripped the steering wheel tighter, realizing what had happened there. As he was about to explain, however, someone started crying out for help. She turned to face the cries, reaching out to grab his arm but he pushed her away.

“Put your seatbelts on,” he ordered, looking back at Ellie to make sure she was following orders.

“Aren’t we going to help him?” Ellie asked, but Joel shook his head as the tires squealed against the pavement and he took off.

The man cursed at them, jumping out of the way, but she grabbed his arm and yelled out, pointing just too late as a cinder block crashed into the windshield. Ellie ducked behind him, and she dug through her bag to pull out her gun as shots rang out around them. Joel cursed angrily, whipping around a turn –only to have nails tear apart the tires. She held the gun out the window, shooting blindly at their attackers, as a barrage of bullets ripped through the windows. He pushed her down, forcing her to duck, as he drove into a storefront. 

Gunfire rang out around them, but he turned to look over Ellie, making sure she was okay. Confirming she was, he turned to the passenger seat, where she was holding a bloody hand covered in glass. But she didn’t seem phased, shoving the door open and sliding to the ground. Ellie followed close behind and she wrapped her arms around the teenager, keeping her close, as Joel joined them outside the truck.

“You see that hole?” He demanded, pulling his shotgun from the backseat and cocking it. Ellie nodded, breathing heavily as a shot shattered another window of the truck. “When I tell you, both of you, get through that hole. Do not come out ‘til I tell you to –understand me?”

Ellie nodded frantically, trying to pull away from her to get closer to Joel. She, however, shook her head. “You’re not taking them on alone,” she snapped at him, reloading her gun and cocking it. 

“Yes, I fuckin’ am,” he snapped at her, pushing her towards Ellie. “You’re hurt, and I need someone to –go,”

The gunfire ceased, just momentarily, and Joel shoved her towards the hole in the wall. Ellie was ahead of her, slipping through the drywall with ease. She hesitated, looking back at him with weary eyes, before finally squeezing through with a bit more effort. He kept his eyes on that spot for a moment, before finally moving to take aim at their attackers.

One shot hit, and silence followed for a moment before the other shooter started screaming at him. Joel moved to reload, ducking back down against the truck, only for the gun to jam in his hands. He made a sound of anger, trying to fix it. Just in time, the other hostile came after him —but a gunshot rang out and his would-be attacker dropped. 

He looked to the hole in the wall, where she was perched with her aim at the hostile on the floor. Chest tightening at the sight, he took a breath as she pulled back, no doubt to check on Ellie. When he went to retrieve his gun, however, someone grabbed him from behind and threw him to the ground. 

Joel kicked out, trying to pry the gun from his throat, to catch his breath. But he couldn’t get a firm grip, and could feel the oxygen rapidly leaving his lungs. Vaguely, he could hear Ellie’s voice, arguing with her about something, before his vision started to get spotty. 

But another gunshot rang through his ears, and the air flooded Joel’s lungs again as he watched through blurry eyes as his attacker was swung at with a pipe and dropped to the ground. Ellie clutched the gun in her hands as she gripped the bloody pipe like a lifeline. 

She stood there, grasping the lead pipe in her hands like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. Blood dripped off the end of the weapon, and a closer eye would notice it was trembling. Joel was pushing onto his hands and knees, trying to regain his breath, though his eyes were glued to her. When he managed to push himself from the ground, he turned to both of his girls.

“Why did that feel so much worse than shooting him?” She whispered, as Joel pried the pipe from her grip. 

“Because it was more violent,” he explained softly, though his voice was hoarse from being choked out. Ellie held the gun out to him to take, but he just stared at her for a moment before tossing the pipe to the side. 

“Oh, yeah,” she managed to say, and he could hear the shock that laced her voice. “That…that makes sense.”

“We need to get outta here before more come,” he commanded, taking Ellie’s arm in his hand to haul her with him. “We need to get higher up; find out how to get outta here.”

Ellie nodded once, reaching out to take her hand. The touch seemed to bring her back to reality, and Joel watched as she turned to look down at the teenager with a glassy eyed stare. Joel let Ellie go, letting the two cling to one another as he motioned them forward and towards the back door of the store. 

*****

It took several hours, but they did eventually get to the tallest building they could find. Joel had spent several of those hours trying to apologize to both Ellie and her for having to shoot and kill people —but Ellie finally managed to get him to stop by telling him it wasn’t the first time she’d killed someone. 

The admission seemed to surprise both her and Joel, but Ellie blew off the concerns and started trekking up the stairs of the building. Ellie, in trying to avoid talking about her first time killing someone, asked if she had ever killed someone. To which she simply said no, and moved on to climb the stairs ahead of them. Ellie wondered if Joel was going to bug her later, when he thought the teenager was asleep. 

In hindsight, having Joel climb forty something flights of stairs was stupid. However, it was his idea and Ellie was quick to remind him of that after they finally made it to the top and he fell against the wall, trying to catch his breath. 

“Finally showing your age, cowboy,” she suddenly joked —the first thing she’d said in hours —as she leaned against the wall next to him. 

Ellie waited for him to scold her for the cowboy comment but it never came. Pretending to not listen to them, Ellie peered into a handful of opened doors, looking around. However, she kept a close ear and eye on what they were saying and doing, even as she moved through the hallway. 

“Guess we’re even now,” she was saying, looking down at Joel. 

“Don’t say shit like that,” he warned, shaking his head as he ran his hands over his face. “You shouldn’t’ve —you didn’t need to —,”

“You were being strangled to death,” she reminded him, and her voice was suddenly shaking; Ellie could hear it clear as day as Joel finally stood up again. “I couldn’t —Ellie needs you, and I…I need you, Joel.”

Ellie’s hand froze on a door knob, listening closely as she realized what was happening. From the corner of her eye, Ellie could see her offering her hand to Joel, who was looking up at her with the nicest fucking look he's had ever and Ellie was genuinely just shocked. She was telling Joel she had a thing for him! In the middle of the fucking apocalypse, while they were being hunted down! 

“Holy shit,” Ellie whispered to herself, and it must have caught their attention because they stepped away from one another and towards her. 

“Find anything?” She asked, hauling her backpack over her shoulder as she joined Ellie at the door. 

“Cleanest room I could find,” Ellie offered with a grin. “Must have been like, a honeymoon suite or something.”

She gave Ellie a weird look as Joel approached, pushing past them and into the room. Ellie gave her a thumbs up, smiling at her knowingly before following after Joel into the room. 

From behind her, Ellie heard Frank’s niece simply ask herself, “What the fuck?”

———

Taglist (OPEN): @aheadfullofsteverogers @jasminedragoon @buzzing-honeybee @garbo-lesbo @pedr0swh0r3 @boofy1998 @taraiell @mymindfuckery @starkleila

[bumblesimagines]

I've spent days trying to figure out what to do first so....

I've been flipflopping between all of these unable to choose which one to complete and post for you all. Some of these will be longer than others (such as the SE one) while others will likely be decently short (FAF one until a new movie comes out).

The Last Of Us - Our Flickering Light

Joel Miller x M!Reader (TW/CW: Violence, zombies, big age gap in a romantic relationship (Y/N is in his late twenties fyi))

Following the adoptive son of Frank and Bill, (Y/N) will set off to help Joel on his mission to get Ellie to the fireflies and find a cure to save the world. Along this journey, (Y/N) will develop a good friendship with Ellie and eventually a romantic relationship with Joel. Depending on how they approach season 2, this fic may be contained to just season 1 and a part or two that take place between seasons.

Daisy Jones and The Six - Money and Glory

Camila Dunne/Alvarez x M!Reader (TW/CW: Infidelity, mentions of addictions, drug mention)

Following Teddy Price's adoptive-but-not-adopted son, (Y/N) is a rockstar at the peak of his career. With adoring fans and undeniable talent, his producer and father figure, Teddy Price, wants him to take a chance on a fresh band named The Six. However, turbulent friendships and rivalries are formed, and it isn't long before he finds himself in a sticky and complicated love square between a married couple and a certain impulsive redhead.

Sex Education - As You Like It

Maeve Wiley x M!Reader (TW/CW: Vulgar language, sex talk obviously, drug mention, SA mention, mature topics, teenage angst)

After being forced to leave America and follow his mother to the United Kingdom, (Y/N) enrolls in Moordale Secondary School where he quickly becomes acquainted with the school's 'bad girl', Maeve Wiley. Similar humor and opinions lead them to forming a close friendship, but platonic feelings soon become romantic and they're forced to navigate the unknown world of love and trust.

Bridgerton - Peonies and Camellias

Daphne Bridgerton x M!Reader (TW/CW: Enforced traditional gender roles/opinions, men being men, missed signals and mixed signals)

Nobody's surprised when the known hopeless romantic, Daphne Bridgerton, falls in love with her childhood friend, (Y/N). After years of quietly pining and envisioning a future together, Daphne finally sees her dream come close enough to touch when she finally enters the social season as a proper woman. But, it seems destiny's playing tricks on her and she's left frustrated when her friend can't seem to take the hint. So, she enlists the help of the Duke to help win the heart of her beloved.

Fast and Furious - Thicker Than Water

Fast Crew x M!Reader (TW/CW: Gun mention, war crimes being done ngl, lotta cars, familial issues, angst)

When Jakob Toretto emerges from the shadows and puts himself on the radar of the Fast Crew, Dom is forced to join the fight and put an end to his brother's mayhem. But Jakob's not alone. Working with him is a younger, quicker, and equally as ruthless young man and the two become a formidable duo. Amidst the chaos and fighting, Letty is forced to confront a secret she'd long buried: the son she abandoned who's back and on the side of the enemy.

I have other fic series in mind but their lengths are unknown thus I can't add them to this poll as I don't want to accidentally do a really long fic without doing the promised Sansa Stark one first. This list includes Alicent Hightower x M!Targaryen!Reader (HOTD), a Artemis Crock x M!Reader (Young Justice), a Rosalie Hale x M!Reader x Emmett Cullen (Twilight), Tommy Shelby x M!Reader (Peaky Blinders), Cassie Howard x M!Reader x Maddy Perez (Euphoria, Double Trouble remake), and Hargreeves x M!Hargreeve!Reader (The Umbrella Academy).

[mariasabanahabanabana]

Espera... que?

Relacion Joel Miller x Lectora!Hija!Adoptiva! x Ellie Williams.

Summary: Tu inocencia e ingenuidad casi termina por meterte a ti y a Ellie en serios problemas

A/N: Sé que ya lo he dicho antes, pero, no todos mis fics irán acorde al orden cronológico de la historia, ni tampoco serán tan fieles a sus orígenes, o sea, si en ciertos aspectos, más no en todos.

Advertencias: Leve mención de temas como acoso, pedo!l!a, secuestro... (Descuiden, no abordare mucho en ellos)

Version en ingles disponible aqui

Si había algo que les seguía sorprendiendo y a la vez decepcionado (en una manera irónica) tanto a ti como Ellie, era el hecho de que a pesar de encontrarse en el maldito fin del mundo, todavía existían las escuelas, era obligatorio asistir a ellas, las tarea seguía siendo igual o peor de complicadas y claro, tomar clases que probablemente no te ayudarían en nada, bueno, esto dependería según a lo que te dedicaras en un futuro, si es que llegaba haber uno para empezar.

Pensamiento que muy dentro de si tanto Joel, como Tess, Tommy, María o Marlene apoyaban, pero que ninguno de ellos se atrevía admitir en voz alta para no desalentarlas. Con excepción de Tommy, que en una ocasión cuando le llamaste para pedirle ayuda con tu tarea de trigonometría se burló de la utilidad de esta última. "Te diré algo pulga, en todo este tiempo que llevo sobreviviendo al maldito apocalipsis en ninguna ocasión he usado las tangentes ni nada de eso y si te soy honesto, no sé cómo saber aquello podría ayudar a defenderme de un chasqueador, pero bueno, ¿en que estábamos...?"

Si, puede que después de eso Joel les “prohibiera” pedirle ayuda a su hermano menor con sus tareas.

En fin, hoy fue su primer día de clases y tanto como tú como Ellie no podían encontrarse más aterradas y a la vez fascinadas por los temas a estudiar en los siguientes meses.

Para tu suerte tus clases habían terminado y posiblemente las de Ellie también, no tenías demasiada tarea y la poca que te llegara o les llegara a resultar complicada podrían ayudarse mutuamente, aunque pensándolo mejor, no. Dado que Ellie y tú no eran buenas en la parte práctica o en las ciencias exactas, lo mejor sería acudir con Marlene o Tess.

Aburrida de seguir esperando sola y parada a mitad del pasillo a Ellie, tu amiga y hermana no biología, decidiste salir a distraerte un rato, situación que no sería problema ante tu extrema curiosidad, ingenuidad, misma que en ocasiones te llevaban a situaciones peculiares, por no decir problemáticas, justo como ahora mismo.

Ellie al por fin salir de su última clase lo primero que hizo fue buscarte, al no encontarte en la bibliotecani en la cafetería supuso que estarías en el jardín que se encontraba en la entrada y así fue. Ahí estabas, parada hablando con una pareja que claramente te doblaban la edad, algo que a Ellie en su momento le extraño, ya que, el circulo social de ambas eran similares, limitado en pocas plabras y por lo poco o mucho que te llevaba conociendo sabia que eras alguien huérfana de padres y probablemente de familia tambien. Por todo ello a Ellie le extrañó el verte hablar tan animada con aquellos desconocidos.

Conforme más se acercaba, algo dentro de ella le decía que se encontraban en peligro y que debían alejarse de ahi y ellos ahora.

"Hey (Y/N), hasta que te encuentro, Joel me acaba de marcar y dice que no nos tardemos, pues hoy nos toca patrullaje y hacer la cena ". De una manera sutil y casual rodeo tu brazo con el ella, eto en un intento de hacerte caminar.

"¿Que? De nuevo? Pero si a nosotras nos toco cocinar el fin de smeana… Maldito viejo cascarrabias"

"Si bueno, ya sabes como se pone… lo mejor sera darnos prisa". Al decir esto ultimo Ellie pudo ver la manera en aquella pareja de ancianos se les quedaban viendo. Era un tanto pesada e incomoda.

"Vale…" Te giraste hacia tus "nuevos amigos." "Fue un gusto conocerlos Señor y Señora Weinsptein… Espero y logren encontrar a su charroro…"

Antes de que siquiera pudieras dar el primer paso, de repente tu mano fue agarrada por el esposo, deteniendote abruptamente. "No gustan que las llevemos a casa niñas?

"Oh de verdad? eso seria fantastico…" Antes de que siquiera pudieses responder Ellie te habia interrumpido.

"Descuide, estaremos bien, a parte nuestro Padre ya viene or nosotras…"

Confundida por la reciente actitud y palabras de tu amiga, la miraste con una ceja encarnadas, ya que Joel no era la clase de persona que solia pasar a recogerlas o dejarlas a la escuela.

"De hecho, creo que acaba de llegar… pero gracias…" Sin mirar atras, Ellie te jalo hacia ella, provocando que el agarre que tenia aquel anciano con tu manos se soltara.

A pesar de encontrarse lejos de aquella pareja y probablemente a mitad de camino de regreso a casa, Ellie en ningun momento solto tu mano, no era un agarre como al anterior que aquel sujeto te habia dado, este era uno suave, delicado, uno que te trasmitia confianza y seguridad.

"Y bien... ¿que tal su primer dia? Pregunto Joel.

De nuevo, Joel no era el tipo de persona que solia interesarse demasido en la vida de los demas, pero tras pasar el tiempo su corazon se fue ablandando y abriendo con ustedes.

"Oh en definitiva fue un dia que no olvidaremos" respondiste con una sonrisa mientras le dabas un bocado a tu comida

"¿Y eso? Tan malo fue?." Ahora fue Tess quien se interesaba por el rumbo de la conversacion y de su dia.

"No para nada... o bueno, no como tal pues casi somos adoptadas"

"Que". Unos consternados Joel y Tees preguntaron al unisonido, por lo que Ellie de inmediato te corrigio.

"En realidad casi somos secuestradas"

"Oh, de acuerdo... y que tal la tare... Espera, como?. Por segunda ocasion y en tiempo record, la reaccion de Joel y Tess volvio a ser simultanea, con la unica diferencia que Tess se quedo a medio bocado de carne.

Version en ingles disponible aqui

[josephquinnswhore]

I’ve decided mid-crisis I need to take a small break from the two series I’m writing. Din Djarin X Reader Mini Series + Oberyn Martell X Reader Series. I’m so exhausted and one shot fics are all I can manage right now! I’m so sorry, I’m having writers block and nothings coming together & I don’t wanna produce something I don’t like. My mental health is so shit at the moment!

I’m currently working on a few one shot fics to get my head in the right place and get myself motivated.

Currently Working on;

-Joel Miller X teenage reader. Caregiver/child trope. A dad and his unlegally adopted child.

[emmikmil]

wiaww Day 18

Pairing: Joel Miller x GN!Reader

Prompts: Dressing Up / Nutcracker  / Candy

Warnings: alcohol mentioned briefly

Word Count: 735

A/N: Kinda late, I had issues with the queue today! @cyantomatos made this challenge! 

You smooth out your shirt as you wait patiently at Joel’s door. You’ve spent the morning and early afternoon setting up for the town's holiday party tonight, making sure the minimal decorations were perfect. You ran to your place to get dressed, opting for your “fancier” clothes and now you wait for Joel so you two could walk together out to the dance hall. 

Once upon a time when you first arrived in Jackson, you thought it was silly to do shit like this. You saw no need to celebrate the holidays at the end of the world. How could you possibly celebrate another year of this hellscape, fighting for your life every day. Tommy said it was for normalcy, a sense of nostalgia for those old enough to remember. It was also a good bonding experience for the townsfolk and fun for the kids. You understood, but still didn’t see the point so you didn't participate the first couple years.

Then Joel Miller rolled into town. 

You were instantly smitten with Tommy’s older brother, something Tommy teased you relentlessly for at first. When Joel and Ellie arrived in the spring you helped show them around town, bridge the gap for Ellie and the other teens and went on a few patrols with Joel. You even helped him with a birthday gift for Ellie, searching and clearing out the museum so it was safe for them. Your friendship with him blossomed and eventually a romantic one began.

Your first town event was the annual harvest feast, you didn't plan on attending but when Joel asked you personally to be his date you didn’t want to turn him down. That event is what changed your mind. You saw Joel fully relax for the first time. He ate, got a little tipsy on the piss poor homemade beer, and played poker with a group of people. He easily told your group stories from before, even detailed one particularly disastrous dinner with Sarah when she was 6. {Their newly adopted dog ate the entire turkey that Joel spent hours prepping} You saw Joel laugh more in that day than you had the handful of months you knew him.

Now you listen eagerly as his footsteps near the door, hearing the muffled shouts of him and Ellie talking across the house to each other. He opens the door and a waft of heat from his house sweeps over you. Another warmth fills you as you stare awestruck at him for a moment. Joel is dressed in his usual jeans and boots, but everything else? He’s wearing a long sleeved button down shirt in a lovely dark blue color. He’s also wearing a dusty grey tie and a warm grey fleece vest. This is the post apocalyptic version of a modern day three piece suit. Nicer clothes have zero use these days, but here in Jackson it’s nice to make and wear them for events like this. 

“You look beautiful darlin'’” His voice is as warm as a crackling fire and you smile brightly and blush. His beard is trimmed and his hair combed back. His eyes are warm but lingering as they assess your outfit. You lean in and wrap him in a hug, he responds by holding you tight. He shuffles you two inside and shuts the door as you cling to him. He smells of woodsmoke and handmade rosemary soap; the combination is a divine scent that fits Joel perfectly. “Ellie, come on now, we’re about ready to go.” The teenager comes bouncing in, looking just as nice with her hair up and a cute sweater. She bounds up to you and wraps you in a hug just as tight as Joel’s. You hug her back and glance up when you feel eyes on you. Joel has this easy soft smile upon his wind-chapped lips, you reach up and peck them when you and Ellie part.

“Ugh, gross you two. Come on my friends are gonna be waiting!” You take pity on the impatient teen and walk out, you on one side holding Joel’s hand and Ellie on the other side of him, talking away about her excitement for the festivities. For the first time since coming to Jackson, your feelings match Ellie’s excitement to see the joy on Joel and Ellie’s face. You get why Tommy loves these things now. 

**I have not set up any sort of taglist just yet but if you would like to be tagged in this month’s challenge/ other writings please shoot me a message!

[cowgurrrl]

I’m sorry. I am simply obsessed with rockstar!joel with crackhead twins. There is something about this hot dude in his 50s with a bad back having to raise two wild gremlins who like to gnaw on the table leg!? You know what I mean. Could I please request a cute fic where Joel is just super exhausted and feels like he is maybe not up tot he task, I don’t know maybe the girls are like in their chaos 2 year old stage. After a long day of them not being interested in him at all and him just feeling super insecure he resorts to strumming my girl on his guitar and they are just mesmerized by their dad?! Idk like the music is the moment the turn into sweet little mushy angels again? Sorry that was super long, anyway love yah.

Thank you for the request 🥺🥺 ily2 and I love that a general consensus has been reached that the twins are batshit crazy as toddlers and Sam is just a Perfect Baby Angel

My Girls

Pairing: rockstar!joel miller x fem!reader

Summary: Joel braves the first of many Sophia and Violet days [1.6k]

Warnings: mentions of pregnancy and the foster care system, Joel being a DILF, that’s it

It's debated on what's harder: going from no kids to one kid or one kid to two kids. You honestly don't have a lot of skin in the game when it comes to the question because Sarah and Ellie were teenagers when you met Joel. Even then, Sarah was fourteen when Ellie came into their lives and sixteen by the time the adoption paperwork was approved. You thought going from two to three with the birth of Sam would be hard, and it was, but Sam was an amazing baby. He always wanted to cuddle, followed the rules almost to a fault, and rarely threw tantrums. He's the kid that made you think, "Oh, yeah. We could totally do this again." Sophia and Violet, however, have given you a run for your money from the moment you found out you were having twins, and two years later, they haven't stopped. 

True to form, once the girls turn two, you go back to work. Joel is accommodating because, of course, he is. He realizes you put your career on pause for almost two and a half years (if you count the mandated bed rest your doctor put you on at 32 weeks) and is more than happy to let you go and do your thing. He'd been a single dad with no help to a kid before. What's thirty years and a couple extra littles running around? As it turns out, a lot.

The day you return to set, this time as a director instead of an actor, the girls spend the first hour without you crying. Sam, being six and used to his parents' routine, is seemingly unfazed and continues watching Bluey and munching on his breakfast. Sophia and Violet bang on the door, scream and refuse to let Joel even talk to them, let alone pick them up to comfort them. They fight him the entire way to the car to get Sammy to school on time and then cry even harder because "Bammy's going to school." Joel can normally soothe his girls without any issue, but they didn't sleep well the night before and have been wound up all morning. 

When he got home with them, they demanded a snack, but they had to be different because twins. Then, Sophia collapsed in a heap on the floor because Joel peeled her banana for her instead of letting her do it (rookie mistake). The toddler dramatics sent Daisy into action to remedy the situation, which made Violet scream in protest because she suddenly decided she hates when Daisy licks her or anybody for that matter. Poor Daisy didn't know what to do besides scamper off to her bed and watch Joel struggle with big, sad eyes. Then came the drama of what game to play: Princess Tea Party or Princess Dinosaurs, which caused another explosion of unregulated emotions. By the time noon rolls around, he's staring at his phone as he tries to decide whether or not to call you. 

If there's one thing Joel Miller hates more than admitting defeat, it's seeing his kids upset. Everything he tries to do only upsets the girls more and makes him question his parenting skills. How the fuck did you do this for two years? Sure, the kids had their days, but the only time you ever sent him an SOS at work was when Violet had an asthma attack and ended up in the emergency room. Even then, you got all three kids in the car and to the hospital without help. You're a fucking force when it comes to taking care of the kids, and right now, he feels like the worst dad on the planet. After a quick cry in the pantry, while the girls watched Encanto for the umpteenth time and ate lunch, he takes a deep breath and decides he can handle a few more hours. 

With a little more fuss and frustration, he gets Daisy on a leash and the girls in a stroller and walks them down to the neighborhood playground. The change of scenery and the sunshine put the girls in a much better mood. For a blissful hour, the girls run around and play and giggle without a care in the world. Joel does everything from pushing them on the swings to going down the slide with them to letting them play with Daisy off-leash. They have fun until the dreaded hour of nap time creeps up on them. 

Thankfully, the girls (Daisy included) are tired from their adventures on the playground and start the journey home reluctantly. It's getting them to actually go to sleep that's the issue. Every time he tries to leave their room, one of them calls out the saddest "Daddy" he's ever heard in his entire life, and he turns right back around. And it would be fine if his presence wasn't enough to keep the girls awake. He knows that if the girls don't nap, it will only make the day longer and worse for everyone. He sits on the floor between their two beds and tucks a curl behind Violet's ear.

"C'mon Vi Pie, you guys gotta close your eyes and nap," he says quietly. "What can I do to get you to sleep?"

"Call Mommy?" Violet suggests, and he tsks. 

"Honey, you know Mommy's working, but she loves you, and she's gonna be home real soon, okay?" As he speaks, he can see the tears welling in Violet's big brown eyes and turns to see the same tears in Sophia's identical ones. "No. No, please don't cry. Please. You're gonna break my heart." He begs. "What can I do to get you to stop cryin', huh? Y'know, when you two were babies, I used to just hold the both of you and sway and sing to ya and…" he trails off as his eyes land on Ellie's old guitar resting against the wall of the girls' room. She gave it to them when she got her new one and told them they could use it to practice. They don't really do much more than pull at the strings and turn the tuning knobs, but they'll learn. 

He pulls himself up, his knees cracking as he does, and walks over to where the guitar sits. After some tuning and quiet adjustments, he sits on the edge of Sophia's bed and smiles at the two little girls staring at him with sleepy eyes. "Now, I haven't played this one in a while, so you be nice to your old man, but I used to play this for Sarah all the time when she was y'all's age." He says as his fingers find the chords. The girls are enraptured as Joel plays a quiet rendition of My Girl by The Temptations. He changes the lyrics to "My girls/talkin' bout my girls," and they smile as his southern drawl fills the room with warmth and serenity. 

He notices their eyes getting heavier and their blinks getting a little longer each time, so he continues. "I don't need no money/ fortune or fame/ I got all the riches baby/ one man can claim/ well I guess you'd say/'What can make me feel this way?'/ my girls." He sings softly, his own eyes getting heavy with emotion as he thinks a little too hard about the lyrics. It doesn't help that the girls look just like you when they fall asleep. Joel has to cut himself off with a guitar riff to keep his voice from cracking and disrupting the girls. 

He plays another song or two just to make sure they're fully asleep before he carefully puts the guitar down and tucks his girls in. "Love you, Soph a Loaf," he whispers as he kisses Sophia's head. He repeats his actions at the other bed with a gentle, "Love you, Vi Pie," before tiptoeing out of the room. On the other side of the scribbled-on door sits Daisy with a smile on her face as she looks up at Joel. He smiles back and pets her head. 

"My girls." He sings to her, too, making her lean into his touch lovingly and stick close to him even when he goes back downstairs to let the girls rest. 

"Did you write a new song?" You ask that weekend when all the kids are down for the night, and Joel gives you a confused look.

"Not that I know of. Why?" He asks, and you shrug. 

"The girls asked if they could listen to 'Daddy's new song.'” You say. He chuckles and shakes his head. 

"D'you remember the song I used to sing when you were pregnant with the girls?" 

"Of course I do. It was the only way they'd settle down…" You extend your vowels as the connection sparks in your brain. 

"It was the only way I could get 'em to nap earlier this week. Played it on Ellie's guitar and everythin'." He says simply, and you take a deep breath as you stare at him. He's wearing a shirt Ellie helped design to raise money for kids in foster care, but it's stained with nail polish from when the girls decided he needed a manicure before he could play baseball with Sam in the backyard. He took it all in stride and didn't flinch at any of the insane requests your kids threw at him. You sigh and peel your eyes away from him. 

"It's really not fair how good of a dad you are," you sigh. "It's annoyingly hot." He smiles and kisses your cheek smugly. 

"Sorry." 

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