#mini massage gun

[irelax1]

The best mini massage gun from Irelax is the perfect way to end up being deeply relaxed. These guns provide a deep massage to your muscles, easing tension and causing pain relief. We have an exclusive collection of massagers with state-of-the-art technology. So, buy now!

[roadreliefwellness]

Importance of Mini Massage Gun

For rehabilitation treatment, mini massage gun therapy is highly suggested because it can help avoid re-injury in addition to speeding recovery. Using a massage gun during recovery is an addition to the usual rehabilitation treatment techniques. This is accomplished through better muscle recovery and atrophies brought on by disease or trauma.        

[technicallyhappyarcade]

How to Choose the Best Massage Gun for Your Needs

Benefits of Using a Massage Gun for Muscle Recovery

Introduction

In recent years, the fitness and wellness industry has witnessed a surge in the popularity of massage guns. These handheld devices have gained recognition for their remarkable ability to aid in muscle recovery and alleviate soreness. Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even those seeking relief from everyday aches and pains have turned to massage guns as a convenient and effective solution. In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of using a massage gun for muscle recovery and overall well-being.

Understanding Muscle Recovery

Before delving into the advantages of massage guns, it's essential to comprehend the concept of muscle recovery. After intense physical activity or strenuous workouts, our muscles often experience micro-tears and inflammation. This is a natural part of the muscle-building process. However, to perform optimally and prevent injury, proper recovery is crucial.

Muscle recovery is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Whether you're an athlete striving for peak performance or someone who enjoys regular exercise, understanding how to aid your muscles in the recovery process is essential. One valuable tool that has gained significant attention in recent years for its role in muscle recovery is the massage gun.

Benefits of Using a Massage Gun

In the pursuit of physical fitness and overall well-being, recovery plays a pivotal role. Muscles, often subjected to rigorous workouts and daily activities, can experience soreness, stiffness, and fatigue. Fortunately, the evolution of recovery techniques has introduced an innovative tool into the fitness and wellness world: the massage gun. This article explores the numerous benefits of using a massage gun for muscle recovery and how it has become an indispensable asset for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Improved Blood Circulation

Massage guns work by delivering rapid percussive therapy to targeted muscle groups. This action helps increase blood flow to the treated areas, which is essential for muscle recovery. Improved circulation ensures that muscles receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen, expediting the healing process.

Reduction of Muscle Soreness

One of the primary reasons individuals turn to massage guns is to alleviate muscle soreness. The device's percussive movements effectively reduce muscle tension and stiffness, providing relief after intense workouts or strenuous activities.

Enhanced Range of Motion

Regular use of a massage gun can lead to improved flexibility and range of motion. By breaking down knots and adhesions in the muscles, these devices allow for better movement and reduce the risk of injuries.

Quick Recovery

Massage guns can significantly speed up the recovery process. With increased blood circulation and reduced muscle soreness, individuals can get back to their workouts or daily routines quicker, allowing for more consistent progress.

Pain Management

Aside from post-workout recovery, massage guns are also beneficial for managing chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. The deep tissue massage they provide can alleviate pain and discomfort.

Stress Reduction

The soothing sensation of a massage gun can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. This relaxation not only benefits muscle recovery but also contributes to overall mental well-being.

How to Use a Massage Gun Effectively

Massage guns have become a popular tool for muscle recovery and relaxation, but to reap their full benefits, it's crucial to know how to use them effectively. These percussive therapy devices offer a deep-tissue massage experience that can help alleviate muscle soreness, improve flexibility, and enhance overall well-being. In this guide, we'll explore the best practices for using a massage gun to achieve optimal results.

Choose the Right Attachment

Most massage guns come with a variety of attachment heads, each designed for specific purposes. Before you begin, select the attachment head that suits your needs:

Ball Attachment: Ideal for large muscle groups like the legs and back.

Flat Attachment: Suitable for all-around use and larger muscle groups.

Bullet Attachment: Targets specific trigger points or knots.

Fork Attachment: Designed for the neck and spine.

Air Cushion or Soft Attachment: Provides a gentler massage for sensitive areas.

Prepare Your Body

To maximize the effectiveness of the massage gun, it's essential to prepare your body:

Stay Hydrated: Drink water before and after your massage to stay hydrated.

Wear Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose or breathable clothing to allow easy access to the muscles you want to target.

Warm-Up: If possible, perform a light warm-up or stretching exercises to loosen up the muscles you plan to massage.

Proper Technique

Using the massage gun with the correct technique is crucial:

Start Slowly: Begin with the lowest speed setting and gradually increase it as your muscles become accustomed to the pressure.

Hold at the Right Angle: Maintain a 45-degree angle between the massage gun and the targeted muscle area.

Apply Pressure Gradually: Allow the massage gun's percussive motion to penetrate the muscle tissue rather than pressing too hard.

Conclusion

Massage guns have revolutionized the way we approach muscle recovery and pain management. Their ability to improve blood circulation, reduce soreness, enhance flexibility, and promote quick recovery makes them an indispensable tool for athletes and anyone seeking to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. With consistent use and proper technique, a massage gun can be a game-changer in your wellness journey.

FAQs

1. Can anyone use a massage gun?

Yes, massage guns are generally safe for most individuals. However, consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying medical conditions.

2. How often should I use a massage gun for muscle recovery?

It's advisable to use a massage gun as needed, but typically no more than once a day on specific muscle groups.

3. Are there any side effects of using a massage gun?

When used correctly, massage guns have minimal side effects. Overuse or excessive pressure may cause temporary soreness.

4. Can massage guns replace traditional massages?

While massage guns offer many benefits, they cannot completely replace the expertise of a trained massage therapist for certain conditions.

5. Are there any safety precautions to consider when using a massage gun?

Ensure that the device is clean and in good condition, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe usage.

[billygilhooleyphysio]

Top 5 best massage guns for 2024 in Australia: We Tested Them

Find The Perfect Massage Gun: A Buyer's Guide to the Best Options in Australia

In Australia looking for a massage gun near you that combines quality, efficiency, and value? You're in the right place.

Our selection of muscle guns offers everything from high-end professional massage guns to the best budget massage gun options.

Whether you need a post-workout muscle massager or a simple back massage gun for relaxation, our comprehensive reviews will guide you to the perfect fit.

Therabody Theragun Pro Handheld Massager - Our Top Pick: The Best Massage Gun for Most People

The WellBody Massage Gun with Heated Tip - WellBody 5 - Most innovative

RENPHO Active Massage Gun - Best Value

GOLEVITA MINI - Take It Anywhere: The Best Portable Massage Gun

Osmo ProLite Massage Gun ZXR - Worth a Mention

Why Choose a Massage Gun?

The benefits of a handheld massage gun are extensive. They offer a deep tissue experience akin to a percussion massager, targeting aches and stiffness with precision. Ideal for both pre-workout activation and post-workout recovery, these devices, often referred to as therapy guns or impact massagers, are your ticket to better muscle health.

Our Top Pick: The Best Massage Gun for Most People

After sifting through numerous massage gun reviews, our top pick is the Therabody Theragun Pro Handheld Massager. This muscle gun stands out for its balance of power, battery life, and ergonomic design. It's a percussion massage gun that rivals professional standards, delivering targeted relief exactly where you need it.

Most Innovative: The WellBody Massage Gun

The The WellBody Massage Gun with Heated Tip introduces novel features like a heat massage gun tip, enhancing the therapeutic experience. Its design caters especially to those seeking a massage gun for women or men, with adjustable settings that accommodate different preferences.

Best Value: RENPHO Active Massage Gun

If you're looking for a cheap massage gun that doesn’t skimp on quality, the RENPHO Active Massage Gun is your answer. It might not have the full feature set of a percussion gun like the Allure Pro Flex Massage Gun, but it delivers where it counts.

Take It Anywhere: The Best Portable Massage Gun

For those on the go, a portable massage gun is a must. The GOLEVITA MINI is lightweight, compact, and reliable. Whether it's for a sports massage gun requirement or simply for travel convenience, these models won't disappoint.

Worth a Mention: Find it on Sale

Keep an eye out for a massage gun Black Friday sale, where you can often find high-ticket items like the Osmo ProLite Massage Gun ZXR at a significantly reduced massage gun price.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best handheld massager or massage gun comes down to understanding your needs and preferences. Our clinic is dedicated to helping you find the right solution, and we invite you to check out our detailed massage gun reviews for more information.

Remember, when you're searching for massage gun near me, our clinic not only offers expert advice but also a range of options to suit every need, from the professional massage gun enthusiast to someone seeking a simple muscle massager for occasional use.

Ready to Make a Purchase?

Check out our options to find your ideal massage gun today. Our clinic is committed to providing you with not just a product but a wellness solution that makes a real impact on your health and comfort.

[jocelynscrazyideas]

dancing in the dark | Jack Hughes x Reader

Inspired by the song dancing in the dark by rhianna

~ memories ~

Summary: jhughes and y/n spend time together at the Michigan home when the rain cuts the power out.

Warnings: language, rain, power outages, drunk, strictly only kisses!

a/n: I met this guy, he def doesn’t like me, but I’m so delulu to the point I think I can change his mind.

💬: smut/nico of Luca Fantilli fic? Maybe an F1 blurb?

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Jacks shoulder has finally healed. I’ve been having to take care of him for the last week. Quinn and Luke have been out at concerts and Jack and I have been tagging along- but from a walking distance.

The two have been running around like little toddlers, often Jack has chosen to sit around or walk behind them and admire the fun.

The brothers had attended the Zach Bryan concert a few nights ago but I chose to stay home. I love ZB, but hearing people scream at 12:30 am, isn’t my thing.

Rain storms are common in Michigan, and since summer is finally here rain is expected. With my extra free time taht isn’t taken up from jack’s shoulder I have been cleaning.

Deep cleaning is my new favorite hobby. My room is spotless, and Jack’s room is de-cluttered. I’ve known the Hughes since Quinn and I were seven. I’m four days older than Quinn. I use rank everytime the brothers get in arguments, I use my wisdom of a few days to break up the fights they could get into.

~ memory pt.1 ~

About 15 years ago we were at the Toronto home during the summer. I flew up to Canada to spend time with the Hughes, I brought presents for them- being I missed Christmas and all of their birthdays. “Look at the water guns!” Luke screams at me. I drop the water guns and hug Luke.

Luke’s five year old body wraps around me and I find myself laughing. Quinn and I are matching at the age of nine, and Jack was around seven.

Jack picked up a big box that I filled with gift cards, a new mini stick, and a huge water blaster. He opened the box enough to see all of the prizes and he shuts it and sets it down. He hugs my shoulders as he towers over Luke’s body from under me.

Quinn takes me from behind, I remember feeling the warmth of the three boys. I’ve really known them forever, my mom is bestfriends with Ellen, so I’ve just naturally been born into the family.

I felt safe. Ensured and promised a warm, clean and welcoming home with the Hughes.

Quinn opens a box, it’s filled with cards and water guns, there are multiple water balloons. I purposely remember buying that bag full of balloons thinking in Quinn.

~ end of pt.1 ~

“Y/n! How you’ve been?” Jack walks into my room drunk. It’s summer I let him drink his body away.

“Nice beer belly.” I mock him as I get off of my bed and rub the tummy as if I were pregnant.

“Thanks, worked hard for it tonight.” He slurs out. “Jack let’s get you to bed okay?” Rain stars to put onto the house.

I have a balcony in my room. I immediately run over to the glass sliding door to close it. Rain gets in my face as I close the windows and the door in my room. “Nice rain.” Jack mocks me as he walks out of my room.

“Where’s the other two?” I yell out from the top of the stairs, Jack runs into the kitchen- he had ran down the stairs to stop talking to me.

“Jack!” I yell. I give up. So I close my door and run down the stairs. I see Jack in the fridge.

“You hungry? Where is Ellen?” I ask. “I dunno.” I responds. I hold his shoulders as I stand on my tip toes, in peering over his shoulders just enough to see what he’s looking for.

“Yummy in my tummy!” He chants, “Jack.” I massage his shoulders.

I strictly turn his head towards mine. He leans into my chest. He rests his head onto my collar bones as he mumbles a song.

“Come.” I motion his body. We walk to the stairs. I sit him in the first step and I run back to close the fridge and the pantry door he probably rummaged through.

I turn around to look for Jack and he’s disappeared. “Jack?” I look around for him. Lights go off. Thunder claps at me, lighting floods into the sky. “Jack?” I get more nervous.

~ memory pt.2 ~

We head for the hose, I fill up Luke’s nerf water gun and te water balloons. I take my shoes off to run freely around the backyard of the Hughes household. Jim is grilling on the deck outside. Ellen and my mom are talking in the kitchen inside watching us play. Quinn fills his gun up, and I take my gun I already filled from behind my back.

I shoot jack in the eye, Luke and I team up in the other two boys. Their backs facing us as they both re-fill their guns, Luke fires at them. Someone gets hurt.

Ugh.

“Hey!” I yell out over their arguments towards eachother. Quinn yells at them to listen to me. Jim looks over at us to make sure us says something smart and not stupid.

“It’s an accident! Luke and I took our chances, Jack if you’re going to get mad at Luke- you should get mad at me too. I told him to fire.”

And done. Problem solved.

~ end of pt.2 ~

I left my phone upstairs in my room. I don’t have a flashlight. “JACK!” I scream, I can’t see anything. It’s pitch black. I have no sense of human presence in the room. “Jack please, I’m scared.” I whisper as I walk silent towards the living room. I sit on the couch that faces away from the kitchen. The TV glimmers on. “What the fuck.” I whisper.

“Hey.” Jack taps my shoulder. I jump.

“WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU.” I yell at him. Jack laughs. “You wnat some?” He picks up a bottle of alcohol. “Where…” I start. I look over at the pantry I had closed.

The TV light shines and lights up the main floor of the home. Michigan storms terrify me.

The pantry door is open. The Hughes are rich, inside of the pantry full of snacks is a room full of liquor. “How were you so quiet?” I asked Jack.

“I dunno.” He takes his hand and places it onto my hip. He pulls me back to lay down with him. I ask him to dance. Drunk dancing is always the best. “Sure.” He gets up takes my hand and we slow dance to sound of rain.

“Do you have your phone?” I ask him. Jacks hair flips into my face as he looks down into his back pocket of his jeans. He takes it out and plays a random song.

Perfect.

He jump up and down. Side to side swaying, hips are shaking, Jack screams the songs out. He hugs me to stabilize himself. He smells of heavy cologne and beer.

We dance until his legs give out. “I’m tired” he says.

I help jack up the stairs as I hold onto the bottle of liquor he had taken. “Yeah, you’re definitely drunk.” I laugh. As we rest into my bed. “You can sleep in here for tonight okay?” Jack lays on my chest.

I would have gotten weirded out in how close we’ve gotten- especially because Jack and I have had something before, but my mom instincts had came out. I let him lay on me until he almost fell asleep.

I hold him onto of me so he doesn’t fall off my queen sized bed. I slide out under him, i take his shoes off and his hat off. I set them off into a bean bag I’ve had since we were kids. I’ve had this room for years, and I’ve kept it the same.

“I’m not drunk!” He giggles out again. His smile makes my stomach tingle. He keeps himself awake by talking to me.

We had a deep conversation, and he laughed out. “I’m not drunk y/n! We should check!” He laughs.

He holds my jawline. Connecting our lips together. He kisses me as if we were still in our relationship in 2017.

“I love you.” Jack laughs out after pulling away from our kiss.

Quinn walks into the house. “Y/n! Luke and i are home! Where is Jack his shoes aren’t down here!” Quinn yells out from downstairs.

[nohoney]

“aah it’s so cute!! no one steal this from me, okay!” you proclaim jokingly as you push off the rest of the wrapping paper off the cute kuromi squishmallow. although you say it with a laugh and a smile on your face, you genuinely do hope that no one else playing white elephant won’t decide to steal it from you. “katsuki look! so cute, right?”

bakugou nods his head, briefly patting the head of the squishmallow before getting up and picking up a gift from the pile. he’s not as enthusiastic to play but he doesn’t want to get ragged on either for not participating. he unwraps the gift he picked out and frowns when he sees the front of the box. “it’s a fridge?”

“a skincare fridge!” one of the girls corrects him.

“ooh that’s a good one!”

“aw, i could use that!!”

bakugou figures that if no one steals it, he can just pass it on to you. maybe it will help organize your side of the counter space in the bathroom.

it goes down a few more people and there’s only two gifts left in the center. but a hand is pointed your way, people making a small ruckus whenever a ‘steal’ is taking place. although you smile along, you’re actually a little sad to have to give up the squishmallow for just a massage gun.

it’s just a game after all so there’s no need to get any personal feelings involved.

“alright bakugou, you’re up next. you gonna steal or just keep what you got?”

“you kiddin’ me? i’m stealing, gimme that!”

bakugou goes straight to the person who had taken the squishmallow from you, giving them the mini fridge and effectively locking it down from anyone else from stealing it since everyone agreed on the rule of only being able to steal a present twice. the rest of the white elephant continues on, most people having fun and being satisfied with what they received.

“katsuki, gimme her!” you reach for the kuromi only to be playfully pushed back by your boyfriend. “hey!”

“the hell? this is mine, you keep yours!” bakugou holds up the squishmallow over his head, entertained to see you jumping and trying to swipe the plushie from his hand. but he trades you, watching happily hug the new addition you’ll add to the couch while he unboxes the massage gun.

[subbiehoney]

Bio

I go by Honey

I'm 34

Pansexual

Nonbinary (ftm) he/they

I AM NOT A GIRL,

Please don't call me a girl or sissy

I don't want to argue this and blocking will happen if you come at me with transphobia.

I'm a sub and into a lot of fun things :)

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

Transphobes, homophobes, racists, and ableists, do not interact!

This is an 18+ blog exclusively!

Kinks:

doms, (especially pleasure doms),

breath play,

pinning,

bondage,

biting,

aftercare,

forced orgasm,

forced toys,

hair pulling,

overstimulation!!!!

bound to fucking machines or vibrators,

slave training,

orgasm punishment, needing permission to cum,

getting shared with a group (gangbangs),

tentacles

hot wax,

crotch rope,

spit roast,

forced to ride a dildo,

crops and whips,

In Public secret vibrator

Cockwarming dildos

Soft limit: I have found I don't really like much degradation without praise. It's not a hard limit but I'm probably not getting anything out of it.

Limits: age play, piss, scat, vomit , Incest including feuxcest, tickling, bestiality, detrans and transphobia, anything physically dirty like toilet seats, fat phobia or any weight sort of insults, anything that will make me risk my marriage

Toys available:

Clothespins (plastic and wooden)

Binder clips

Nipple clamps with weights and chain

Clover clamps with chain

Spring loaded clamps

5 of the 5 Oz weights to add to the chain of clamps

5 in double knotted dildo (suction cup)

6 inch knotted and textured dildo

9 inch suction

5 inch attachment for massage gun

Hitachi wand

Mini wand (otw)

Suction vibe (otw)

Bullet (need to find the charger though)

G spot vibe with clit suction (broken, a new one otw)

App controlled egg vibrator

App controlled thrusting small dildo

Anal hook with handle

Anal dilating toy (can't fit it yet)

Large glass dildo for anal

[scary-lasagna]

Requests of the Manor Info Board

Duct tape for Jeff’s mouth

A coffin for Toby (he ruined Ben’s favorite hoodie by spilling soda on it)

Surplus of sterile equipment

An vacation day for all the proxies

A box of legos

More scented candles around the manor (this one is continuously denied because of how easily everything could go wrong)

Body pillow with Slender on it because we miss him when he goes away

Surplus of phone chargers

Blueberry planting seeds

Grammarly premium subscription

A dictionary to beat people with

~ Please refrain from making joke requests. This board is for serious inquiries only ~

Shut up Brian

Yeah shut up Brian

A box to cry in - Brian

A box crusher

~ Stop fighting on the Information Board or face repercussions. - SLENDER ~

More blankets for the rec room.

a foosball table

Non-chipped tea cups

Bubble wrap

Coasters

A mini fridge on every floor

A hair salon chair

New basketballs

Street Hockey supplies

Taylor Swift concert tickets for everybody

Massage gun because Toby broke it again

Animal Crossing cooking utensils

Surplus of baby hand finger caps

Surplus of mini plastic babies

Something to help me be less sad

Something to help me be more fucking cool and swag

Something that will help Jeff be less of an asshole to me

Rizz for Toby

A cottagecore lesbian I can marry

Cottagecore lesbian supplies

[lady-charinette]

Forever obsessed with the fact that Kyu-chan had most likely taken care of the medical aspect of Rei's recovery after he shot himself in the arm and Kazuki and Miri being there for him every step of the way.

Kazuki explaining to Miri that Papa Rei had a bad accident at work and wouldn't really be able to use his arm the way he used to.

Miri being sad at first bc that meant Papa Rei won't be able to play video games with her anymore or hold her. Miri brightening herself up by saying Papa Rei is still Papa Rei, with two functional arms or just one, so she would do everything she could to help him recover.

Kazuki tearing up and hugging his girl and whispering what a good and sweet child she is, that both he and Rei are lucky to be able to call her their daughter. Miri hugging her papa & kissing his cheek.

Rei eavesdropping overhearing from his room, his jaw clenching in an effort to try and keep the tears at bay. They still roll down his cheeks and he quietly wipes them away.

Months of occupational therapy, Kazuki trying to find honest work, Miri going to daycare and trying to cheer up Rei and help him in the house. They're staying at another safe house of Kyu-chan's until they're able to rent their own place.

Miri sometimes rubbing and poking Rei's arm to see if he has any reaction, she grows sad when he doesn't but he just smiles and ruffles her hair, telling her he was fine as long as they all stayed together.

The quiet, tender moments in the evening when Miri is already sound asleep, safe in her bed from any threats. Where Rei is trying to change for bed but his shirt gets stuck on his head with only one arm pulling at it in one direction. Feeling two helping hands pull his shirt off the rest of the way.

Kazuki is holding out his Rei's PJ's to him, at first he refuses to accept help to get dressed, it was embarrassing, he was a grown man.

Kazuki just swats his hands away, all the while snarling what a stubborn bastard he was, but his touch was gentle and careful as he guided Rei's arms into the shirt sleeves and helped him pull up sleeping pants. Rei vehemently insisted on being able to go to the toilet ALONE, but Kazuki still hovered over the closed door from the other side just in case "Rei fell over, hit his head on the tile floor and someone had to fucking call the ambulance".

Kazuki changing for bed himself before he brushes teeth together with Rei. They grow comfortably silent, marveling at how they managed to escape with their lives, how peaceful things were (for now).

They still tense at the slightest sound, Rei reflexively tries to reach for the knife at his night desk, but he forgets he can't use his left arm and makes a mental note to move his knife to the other side for easier access.

Kazuki has multiple weapons; a short knife in the top drawer, a baseball bat under the bed and a small handgun tucked in his underwear drawer (he knew that was the safest place where Miri wouldn't look and couldn't reach). Since Rei was no longer a human weapon, he had to step up and protect both him and Miri in case Rei's father changes his mind and goes after them.

They still need time to fall asleep, Rei feels the phantom pain of the gun wound on his arm, the spot grows tense and spasms randomly throughout the day.

As if sensing his discomfort, Kazuki would reach over and gently massage Rei's arm.

"You don't have to-"

"I want to."

They fall silent again, Rei exhaling at the way his muscles relax again thanks to Kazuki's ministrations. He sinks further into the soft bed, no longer sleeping in the cold hard bathtub. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it. You want an ice-pack?"

"No."

Kazuki had argued the mini fridge in their bedroom was purchased for the sole purpose of storing ice packs for Rei, but it looked suspiciously full of pudding and other sweets for Kazuki to munch on at random intervals during the night.

They fall into a comfortable silence again, until Rei quietly whispers into the darkness. "How is job hunting going?"

Kazuki snorted. "They ask all sorts of questions. What does it matter if can't handle accounting stuff when I work as a waiter? Someone else should count the money after work! Sheesh, they drive me crazy with all those extra questions too! 'What do you like to do in your free time?', 'Why did you leave your previous workplace?', 'Why would you like to work for us?'. Duh, to make money. Besides, it's not like I can just say my previous line of work got a little too dangerous and we almost got killed infiltrating my partner's mafia family mansion."

Rei chuckled quietly. "I don't think that would be a good answer."

Kazuki mirrored his chuckle. "Yeah, neither do I. But...I should find work soon. I will find work soon. So that I can support you and Miri properly and you can rest up well."

Rei tensed again beside him and Kazuki's hand shot out to caress his arm. "Tense, again?"

Rei didn't answer. "Rei?"

A muffled sob filled the silence and Kazuki's lips stretched into a small smile in understanding.

Rei tried to silence any sounds that might escape him, but the overwhelming emotion crushing his chest like a vice had him struggling to keep his composure.

This time, Kazuki's hand touched him again but instead of massaging his arm, he moved to tenderly grab Rei's head and pull him into a hug.

Rei tried to struggle at first, but just sunk into his embrace without much fight after a few seconds.

Kazuki held him close, fingers tenderly running through his messy black hair. He knew what Rei wanted to convey without him uttering any words.

Thank you, Kazuki.

They were safe and together and that was all that mattered.

[nethhiri]

Marooned: Chapter 3

Kid x FemReader x Killer

Warnings: None I think

Bull-headed

The wild, red hair that sprouted from the man's head unmistakably belonged to Eustass Kid. Orange eyes aflame with rage glared at you as the man snatched the goggles you had discarded from the ground and placed them on his head. It was all coming together in your head. Of course you didn't recognize Killer. His face was normally hidden behind a shield of blue and white. The thing you had initially identified as a stupid looking colander was what remained of Killer's mask. It, along with Kid's goggles, must have been ripped from the two men in the tumultuous sea. 

You took a step back to put some distance between you and he. This wasn't the first time you had met these two particular pirates. The first time had been a very long time ago, when they were just starting out as pirates and you were just a cadet. For a moment you were nervous that he might recognize you, though with the right half of your face being disfigured since then, it was unlikely. In that brief meeting years ago, you had the upper hand. Sizing him up now though... If you were at your best, you still weren't sure you could take him. He was much smaller the last time you saw him. Well, as small as one Eustass Kid could be. Currently though, he was back up on his feet at his full height of 6'9" and he had a murderous aura about him, which snapped you to the present.

"Wait," you had your hands up in the universal gesture for 'I mean no harm' and I'm stalling for time.  "Without me, he'll die," you said, nodding your head in the direction of the Kid Pirates' first mate. It was sort of a lie. The truth was that he would probably be fine as long as he didn't get an infection and someone sewed him up soon. 

Kid looked at his crewmate and looked back to you. He looked like he was contemplating how true that really was. 

You continued, "I was going to get my first-aid kit when you..." There was a dull ache in your neck. "...pretty rudely attacked me for no reason."

Kid's lip curled. "FI-. Fine." He winced as his voice cracked. Kid massaged his Adam's apple and cleared his throat. "But if he dies, then you die." You could tell he kept his voice low to avoid another crack, but his demeanor didn't change. 

Turning, you wondered if he would use this opportunity to attack you again, but he must have believed you because you weren't being tackled or choked out. You could feel his smirk burning into your back, though, as you went to fetch your things. Wish I still had seastone bullets. What use is an emergency gun if the threat is a magnetic son of a bitch? It was your turn to glare. With narrowed eyes, you gave the middle finger in Mini's general direction. "Thanks for helping, you ass," you muttered. Some twigs snapped in response. 

It only took a minute to grab the things you needed and within 15 minutes you were back. The Red Menace was sitting next to Killer, cross-legged, with a jar tipped back into his mouth. Y/C/E flicked to the other empty jars on the ground next to him and your temper flared. "HEY! What in the hell do you think you're doing, helping yourself to my food?" For just a second, he looked like a boy who got caught with his hands in the cookie jar. 

A look of guilt flashed across his face before it was replaced with a scowl. "I was fucking hungry." 

Tossing your things to the ground next to Killer, you flopped down with a huff. "Yeah well. You better get used to it." Orange eyes watched you intently as you took out some sinew and a needle made from a tiny rib bones. Expertly, you threaded your needle and decided to start on the leg wound. It was still nice and clean under the cloth from earlier. You repositioned the flesh to properly plan your stitches. It was a little jagged, but it wouldn't be difficult. Plenty of time had passed on the island, you had your fair share of injuries with only yourself to fix them. Probably good thing he's out because this is gonna hurt a little. With deft hands, you worked at closing the gash. Your eyes flicked between what you were doing and Kid. His knuckles were white and he was craning his neck to watch what you were doing. "Can you do something other than hover? Something productive?" His scowl deepened at that so you were taking it as a "no". He wasn't making you nervous. Actually he was kind of annoying you. You finished stitching Killer's leg within the next few minutes and bit the excess off. Examining the finished product, you nodded, satisfied. 

A deep sigh left the captain across from you. Was he holding his breath? Is he really that worried? That's actually... Not what you expected. Cute even. Cute wasn't the right word. Refreshing, that even the ruthless Captain Kid seemed to care this much over his partner. For the first time, you noticed that along with the empty food jars, Kid had grabbed his first mate's broken mask too.

You shifted over to move behind Killer's head, gently lifting it to be propped up on your crossed legs and trying to sort through the blond mane to map the entirety of the laceration. God there's so much hair. "I think I might have to cut some of it away." You were talking to yourself, but you felt the giant next to you bristle.

"ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT." 

"I am right next to you. You don't have to yell." If your hands weren't occupied separating Killer's hair, you might have thrown them. You looked him up and down, with a scowl to match his own. "Seriously, go make yourself useful. Find something to eat, since you ruined my dinner." Naturally, your voice had authority in it. You did used to have a crew of your own after all. 

Kid must have picked up on it. "Oh? You know who I am and you still think you can give me an order?" His head was cocked to the side. 

You got your needle ready again, only briefly considering stabbing him, before starting to mend Killer's head. So he wants to play this game...  You planning on being nice and helping him, helping them both, by showing him what he could and could not eat. You weren't going to waste precious calories arguing. "Sorry... you're right." You sighed. "I'll finish up here and leave you to it." This island was lush, no doubt, but it took you a long time to figure out which things you could eat without shitting yourself silly the next day. It'll build character to let Eustass Kid struggle. You ignored him until you were done with the last stitches. "All set." 

You stood up and brushed yourself off. "I'll find you later so I can check on him. I don't need you hunting me down because his wounds got infected." You gathered your things into the sled that was still waiting from your excursion this morning. "Not to give you an order or anything, but you can put his clothes back on. I cleaned them." The wet clothes that Kid had been in earlier had long since dried with a thin, salty crust. 

"WHATEVER."

________________

Next

Since this story is based on my OC, here she is so you can have an idea of what reader's scars look like.

AO3 link

[charlotteee013]

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[irelax1]

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[roadreliefwellness]

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[adoredandruined]

Sly Little Tease

Simon Riley (Ghost) x F Reader

Simon is home after months away and you've missed him; you plan on making the most of your time together ;)

Content Warnings: smut (of course) so MDNI, consensual, oral sex (f receiving), fingering, p in v, slight choking, manhandling, mating press, degradation, names (use of slut, princess, cocktease etc.), praise, slight spanking, mentions of birth control (be safe out there!) Do let me know if I've forgotten anything :) Word Count: 3K

Heaving a deep sigh and running a hand across the back of his neck, Ghost stared across the living room into the kitchen, you standing at the counter. Lost in the soulful music playing from the speaker, you swayed your hips slowly to the beat whilst preparing dinner for you both.

It was Ghost’s first couple of days back from a tough mission, having been apart for months, and you wanted to do something special for him, a welcome home present. You , of course, had a more devious plan than just dinner for the night. Perhaps dessert for the weary soldier. Ghost was always pent up when he returned from his missions, but his affections were unusually absent these past few days. He had even kept his mask on. 

You had chosen to wear a mini skirt for the evening, the hem barely scraping the curve of your pert butt, your knee length checkered apron only highlighting the skimpy length. You made sure to roll your hips around as the beat echoed off the small kitchen, ensuring Ghost’s eyes lingered on your shapely thighs as you practically ground against the counter and hum along to the song. A quick glance over confirmed his calculating gaze was fixed on you. 

Ghost tried to focus on cleaning the gun on the table in front of him. He really did. But it was becoming increasingly difficult with the way you moved, the sway of your hips catching his eye. He forced himself to look away, back to the task at hand, his peripheral vision betraying him as your form was still fully visible. It was driving him insane. He knew what you were trying to achieve with this sensual little act, and the increasing hardness between his legs was becoming difficult to contain. He adjusted himself in his cargos, the fabric becoming tight and uncomfortable for the solider. 

With a final glance up at you, the tease of your upper thighs and the crest of your ass peeking out of the skirt, he gave in to the desire rushing through him with a muttered ‘fuck’. He approached quietly, gripping your waist with one hand as the other snaked up your front to your neck. A gentle yet firm grip on your throat had you pausing, attempting to hide the smirk that adorned your face. Your plan had worked. 

He tilted your chin up to face him, your size difference apparent in how he shadowed your small frame. 

“You sly little tease” he growled. “Is this the little surprise you told me to prepare for?”

The heat radiating from his body pressed so closely to yours made your cheeks flush and your breath quicken. You felt him pull your hips closer to his, feeling the hardness of his cock pushing against you. Ghost groaned at the contact, the friction only serving to tease him further with the barrier of his cargos keeping him from your soft skin. He tightened his grip on your throat, a gasp leaving you at the intensity in his gaze. 

“You treat me so well, darling” he whispered, “Presenting this beautiful body just for me, for me to stare at, for me to imagine all the ways I want to fuck you senseless princess” 

You moaned at his words as he began to massage the spot on your waist he was gripping, rubbing small circles into your exposed skin. 

Suddenly, he spun you around to face him, gripping the backs of your thighs in his calloused hands and hoisting you onto the counter top, dinner long forgotten. He spread your legs with strong hands and stood between them to get as close to you as possible, caging you in with his arms. Sizzling loudly beside you, your eyes darted to the saucepan on the stove top warily. Ghost gripped your chin in his hands, turning you back to him. 

“Eyes on me, darling” he growled as he reached over, switching off the heat. He kept his eyes fixed on yours, never breaking the tension between you. Leaning down, he lifted the bottom of his mask as his lips connected with yours in a heated, passionate and possessive kiss, parting your lips with his tongue to deepen it. You moaned into the kiss, tingles erupting on your body everywhere his skilled hands touched. His fingers teased the hem of your top, lifting it slowly, higher, parting from your lips only to hoist the material over your head and discard it behind him on the floor. 

“Mask. On or off, love?” He asked between kisses, becoming just as breathless as you. You bit your lip as you thought, weighing up your options. 

“Keep it on?” you questioned, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him closer. “But not because I don’t love your face, I-” 

Ghost silenced your thoughts with a finger to your lips, his lips quirking into a smirk before he brought his own down onto you. A hand slid up your body to grip your bra-clad breast, squeezing in rhythm with his deep kisses. He reached behind you and unclasped your bra with quick fingers, a gasp leaving you, allowing him further access to devour your moans and whimpers, wicked tongue tangling with yours. That hand returned to your now bare breast and massaged it, rolling your nipple between his deft fingers, your back arching with need as it stiffened beneath his touch. 

His other hand traveled lower to the edge of your skirt, playing with the hem before lifting it to move his hand slowly up your thigh with the gentlest of touches. Your whole body felt like it was on fire the closer he got to your core, where you wanted him the most. Time slowed as he worked small circles into the skin of your thigh, you felt impatient with his teasing. As his hand finally reached your hip and smoothed upwards without hindrance, his kiss paused. He pulled away from your mouth, a smirk pulling at his mouth once more. 

“No panties to match?” He smirked, “my dirty little princess planned this further than I thought” 

“I don’t know what you mean, I was just making dinner for my wonderful soldier” you grinned, a teasing lilt to your voice underneath the innocent façade. 

“Oh that’s how you wanna play this?” He gripped your chin tightly, “that none of this was planned you little slut? I’m not buying it” 

He grasped your thigh in a tight grip, spreading you even further on the counter top, and pulled you to the edge. His fingers slipped lower, the lightest of brushes across your clit made you arch into him as they slid further down between your folds, coated in the evidence of your excitement.  

“Well, well, well, just as I thought. My dirty little cocktease is soaking wet for me” his fingers circled your clit purposefully, eliciting another gasp as you whimper against him, hands clutched to his shirt. His firm grip on your chin ensured you couldn’t look away from the burning lust in his gaze, daring you to look away. 

“I guess I should fix that, would you like that?” His fingers circled your clit again and another whimper slipped free, your body so pent up you were desperate for release. You nodded, more whimpers slipping past your lips, your core burning with the need for him to apply just a little more pressure. 

“Use your words, princess” he growled, “or I leave you here dripping on this counter, empty and aching”

“Yes, yes” you gasped out, begging him to stop teasing. 

“Yes, what?” He quirked a brow, the edges of his eyes crinkling under his mask, a feral grin on his lips. You groaned, your body feeling like an elastic band pulled too tight, ready to snap at any moment. 

“Yes, sir” you moaned, your eyes conveying the lust, desire and love you felt for the man in front of you. You begged him with that simple look.

“Much better” he smirked. 

You sighed in relief, but it was short lived. Ghost removed his fingers from circling your clit, causing you to whine at the loss of sensation. So damn close. Just as quickly as the sound of disappointment left your throat, he dropped to his knees in front of you, mask pulled away from his mouth. He hooked your legs over his broad shoulders and pulled your hips to his awaiting mouth. 

The cry that came from you echoed around the room as his expert tongue dove into you, fucking you with the sleek muscle as his thumb came to circle your clit in quick circles. Your hands grabbed hold of the counter top to steady yourself as Ghost ate you out like you were his last meal. The slurping sounds coming from his lips as he made a mess of you were sinful. You were sure your neighbours wouldn’t be pleased with the noises coming from your apartment, but you’d be lying if you said you cared. In this moment, it was all about the man worshipping you with his tongue. 

“Fuck, Ghost” 

Moans and whimpers were the extent you could manage between strokes of his tongue, his fingers moving faster and working you into a frenzy, pulling you closer to that edge you were begging to crest. 

“I want you to cum for me, darling” his words vibrated against your pussy as his fingers kept their pace. “Right here, right now, cum for me”

Your body followed his orders on instinct, the coil in your stomach snapping as your orgasm crashed over you, hard. You grabbed the back of Ghost’s head, pulling him closer to your core as you gripped the counter with your other hand with a tight fist. 

Ghost gave you no reprieve as he stood and gripped your hips. You assumed he would lift you down from the counter. Wrong. He hoisted you up over his shoulder in one quick move, your skirt bunching around your waist and exposing everything to him. 

“Ghost what the hell! Put me down!” You slapped his shoulder. You received a harsh smack on your ass cheek in response. You only hoped he didn’t notice how you clenched at the strike. 

“After all your teasing in the kitchen, I think it’s my turn to have a little fun” he rubbed his hand soothingly over your behind on the imprint of his hand. As he neared your bedroom, he gripped the waistband of the skirt and slid it down your smooth legs, leaving it in the hallway.

Ghost lifted you off his shoulder onto the bed, your body bouncing as you hit the soft duvet and pillows of your King size. He paused, staring down at you for an age, eyes running over your form with a deep desire in his gaze. He sighed deeply, eyes coming to settle on yours. 

“So beautiful” he whispered. You suddenly felt shy as his words hit you, more naked than you already were. This was not the lust filled Ghost talking, this was Simon. Your Simon. 

He quickly removed his shirt, tossing it into the corner and unbuckling his belt. Slowly, with you watching, he unbuttoned the cargos, sliding the zip lower before pulling them off and climbing onto the bed with you. He brought his lips to yours as his body settled over you, taking care not to crush you with his giant frame. Hands caressed your body and lifted your hips towards his, grinding himself against you to pull more sweet sounds from your mouth. Ghost reached over you, pulling a pillow from behind your head, carefully sliding it under your hips. You quirked a brow at his actions in question. 

“Better angle darling, trust me you’ll love it” he winked before continuing his deep kisses and light caresses of your body. You slid your hands along his chest and torso, marvelling at the tight corded muscles of his back and arms, the protruding veins of his forearms and hands. You loved all of him. You slid your hands lower, your hand ghosting around where he wanted you to touch the most. 

“I need you, please” you whispered against his ear, watching a shiver run over him, his eyes closing at your words. 

“Say it again” he groaned, grinding against you again. 

“I need you” 

Your hand finally settled on his hard cock, the tip red and leaking pre cum as  you pumped your hand slowly, a deep groan spilling from his gritted teeth. 

“You been keeping up with your pills or do I need a jacket tonight, baby?” He inquired, already starting to reach for the cabinet beside your bed. You grabbed his hand, steering him away from the cabinet and back towards you on the bed. 

“I’m all set, tonight I want all of you” you whispered, squeezing your hand on his cock to punctuate your point. His breath stuttered at the contact and a deep growl rumbled in his chest. He pushed you back onto the bed and positioned himself between your thighs, aligning himself between your legs. His hands caressed your skin, gaze locked on your eyes. His whole body vibrated with need for you. Need to be with you and around you always, and need to be inside of you. Right now.

Seeing the wordless thoughts in his gaze, you wrapped your legs around his waist, pulling him closer to where you needed him. Gliding his tip through your folds, gathering the wetness there, he continued to tease as you whimpered and squirmed. 

“You ready? Ready for me to fuck you, just like you’ve been begging me all night? Is that what my dirty girl wants?” He growled, dipping the tip of his cock inside of you as his fingers circled your clit slowly again, building you back up to that peak. 

“Yes, please” you moaned out. You whimpered as he pinched your clit, your back arching off the bed. A pointed look told you what he wanted. 

“Yes sir” 

Ghost groaned low in his throat as he slowly pushed into your pussy, your tight walls squeezing and pulsing around him, driving him to want to quit the gentle love making and cut straight to fucking you. Hard. 

He pushed inch after inch into you, your walls fluttering at the stretch and full feeling. When he was fully seated inside you, hips pressed to yours, it felt like he was in your throat. His girth and size stretched you deliciously every time you were together. You always longed for these days when he was away, the need for him mounting as you’d count down the days until his return. 

You wrapped your arms around his neck and tightened your legs around his waist, trying to pull him closer. He was going painfully slow and gentle with you, but you needed him to properly fuck you. To take you rough and hard. 

“Please, I need you to fuck me. Or is all that talk of taking me earlier just for show?” You smirked, a devilish glint in your eye. You knew what to say to rile him up, to push him over the edge. 

Ghost said nothing in response as his eyes darkened. He pulled out agonisingly slow; you thought maybe your tease hadn’t worked. The breath was sapped from your lungs as he snapped his hips, his entire length entering you in one hard thrust. You cried out as he furiously slammed into you, skin slapping skin as Ghost pounded you into the bed, indecipherable moans leaving your mouth. He leaned down to your ear, hand on your throat, whispering filthy things and punctuating each praise and pet name with a harsh thrust. 

“You tease and you taunt, but all you need is a big cock to shut you up? You dirty little slut. I’ll fuck you as hard as you want, darling” he snarled, biting into your neck, your back arching into him, eyes rolling back with the mix of pain and pleasure. 

He suddenly stopped, pulled out of you with a deep groan and grabbed your legs, pushing them up over his shoulders and thrusting back into you in one stroke. This new position had him feeling even deeper within you and you screamed in pleasure. The tight coil of your second orgasm of the night began to form, building to a quick crescendo. Ghost felt you tighten around him and deepened his strokes to press against that spot that had you crying out for him. 

“You gonna cum, princess? Cum, do it, now” he demanded, maintaining his thunderous pace of snapping his hips into you. 

That tight coil in your stomach snapped, causing you to see stars as your vision blackened and your body buzzed with energy, toes curling and fingers gripping anywhere you could. Your breath stopped as your heart pounded wildly in your chest from the intensity. Ghost continued to thrust into you, pushing you into overstimulation as you rode out your high. 

With your tight walls clamping down on him, he followed shortly after, thrusting his hips into you and spilling deep inside you with a final groan. 

He slowly pulled out of you and sat back on his heels, removing the pillow from under your hips and carefully lowering you back down to the soft duvet. He rolled himself over onto the bed next to you, huffing a long breath as he came down from his own high. You rolled your tired body to face him, the masked man smiling at you already. He pulled you closer into his side, tucking your body protectively into your side. You reached up to the edge of his mask, slowly lifting it up his face and pulling it off. You ran your hands across his cheek and jaw, the rough lines of his face, lifting up to plant a soft kiss to his lips. You placed your head underneath his, cuddling into him and wrapping your arms tightly around him. 

“I love you, Simon. All of you” you nuzzled your flushed face into his warm chest. 

“I love you too, darling” he whispered, kissing the top of your head and squeezing you against him.  

“So, dinner?” You asked, turning your gaze up to his. A deep chuckle rumbled through his chest, vibrating through your own body. 

“As long as I get dessert after” he grinned with a wink before pulling you in for another kiss. 

[gamergirlbonestaskforce141riot]

Please ignore this one if you mention this detail anywhere in your story. How does Riot handle beauty procedures after the incident in Transistria? Is she ok with a hairdresser going behind her back and touching her head from behind? Did anything change in her beauty routine?

Short answer: Badly :D

Long answer:

She was never a girly girl exactly, but she visited the hairdresser ocasionally, got her nails done when on leave, sometimes went to get a facial, got a massage or had waxing done. Little things that she slowly started doing for herself, to feel pampered, usually after being nagged by Soap, Mini, or their mother. Even Laswell from time to time surprised her with a spa voucher, or plainly ordered to 'go to X' and X was something cosmetical for her.

So by the time when she was more comfortable doing those things for herself, dressing up, wearing makeup, buying cute clothes, Transnistria. And as Soap would put it, all the steps she took forward, now she stumbled down the stairs.

There are better days than others, of course, but she can't have anyone approaching her from behind if she's not expecting it or is warned about it. The most likely reaction would be being decked in the face or worse, or she'll just plainly freeze and have a panic attack.

She can deal with being in a lift/elevator, but if she can use the stairs she prefers that. Anything to not be trapped in a room too small.

She can't deal with male presenting people in a medical setting. In Moldova Laswell had to threaten bodily harm to make male medics leave the room because she was freaking out so hard that she thought she'd pass out. Laswell had to swear she'd be inside the surgery room with a gun, and that she'd use it if any of them tried to touch her wrongly. (And she did)

So, about what you actually asked (I always babble off topic)

At first it was an absolutely nope. No one touching her. Cutting her own hair and all. The first time she consented into being touched was when she got the tattoo in Taipei when Laswell had her in hiding. And because it was a female tattoo artist.

Slowly, choosing carefully the interactions, she is more open to have things done. But, with subterfuge.

She'd wait for any of the Lastochkas to mention going to the hairdresser to tag along. Reasoning that if they're in the same room and they see something weird going on, they'd say something. But in reality, is just the need to being with someone.

Laswell tried to gift her a massage voucher again, she counter attacked by buying another and booking the same time for both, so they'd go together.

Soap tried to book her a facial, she dragged him too to have another. He loved it but had to suffer the teasing of the rest of the guys for looking so fresh.

[jedifarmerr]

Pepper Sprout (mini-series)

Pairing: Joel Miller x F!Reader/OFC (no physical description, established backstory & personality.)

Premise: Set after the events of the Last of Us Part 1, Joel befriends, then slowly falls in love with Ellie’s teacher.

Rating: E for future chapters (18+ blog)

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings: some violence at the beginning (guns and blood), language, a tiny amount of drinking, and ambiguous age gap. This is pretty tame...for now.

A/N: Hello! I thought of this series a few months ago while playing the game and I am seriously so excited to finally be sharing it. Currently, this is shaping up to be around 5 or 6 parts? This will include some spoilers (the ending) of The Last of Us Part 1. Reader is related to a character from the Last of Us Part 2, but it's a faceless NPC.

Part 1

The air stunk of dry-rot wood, spoiled food, and flesh. He could practically taste it as if it was sitting on his tongue like a wet fuzzy sock. 

Joel was hanging back by the host stand, scanning from salad bar to sundae bar. Finger hovering over the trigger. This fight wasn’t over. 

Not yet, anyway. 

He’d dealt with enough infected over the years to know that in a horde of this size there would always be an aftershock. Just waiting and watching; somewhere out there - lingering. 

But where? 

This Golden Corral was a buffet of Cordyceps. A goddamn petri dish. The floor was covered almost entirely in torpor corpses; a dusty gray with sprinkles of crimson from those freshly slain. Florid fungus cobwebbed itself to the walls. 

A crack of glass – a screech – echoed throughout the restaurant. 

Joel whirled around. Just as the kitchen doors burst open and out flung a spider-crawling stalker. Bingo. Joel jerked his gun, aiming right between its jaundice eyes. The barrel kicked back with a bang, and blew straight through its moldy brain. 

Splat. 

Its head broke into tiny bits and pieces; blood gushing from the severed neck. 

Never one to be too careful, Joel waited a long minute before slinging the shotgun around his back, calling it. 

He took a step and immediately winced. His knees were inflamed to the point he could hardly walk. Hobbling to the nearest chair that wasn’t wrapped up in bone-dry veins, he slumped down. 

“That was too damn close,” he grumbled at Tommy as he went on massaging his achy joints. Despite the cool weather, he was drenched in sweat. His shirt was completely ruined – soaked through and through with guts. 

So much for a day off, and one he could’ve really used. He was completely exhausted. Running on pure adrenaline, and one too many shitty cups of coffee. 

The last three weeks had been intense with fall officially here, and the infected beginning their official migration north for winter. 

Tommy swaggered over. “11…12…13. 13 of those fuckers, and look at that - barely a scratch. Shit, that’s gotta be some kinda record.” He brought a hand down on Joel’s shoulder and squeezed. 

Even with blood smeared along his brow and sweat-greased back hair, Tommy looked unfazed. He actually appeared elated, reveling at the carnage and their ultimate victory. 

And fine. Joel could at least admit this was a pretty solid win. 

Too bad the bodies still needed to be searched, and god - he was so desperate to get out of here. He gave himself ten second of rest before forcing himself back onto his feet. 

“Mike’s gonna be sorry he missed it.” Tommy crouched beside a clicker with a shiv sticking out of its neck. He wiggled the handle loose, and blood oozed from the wound. 

But hey - at least the blade was still intact. 

“Yeah, right,” Joel scoffed. “That guy owes us big time - that’s for damn sure,” he reiterated for the dozenth time that day. 

It was a Tuesday, meaning the on duty patrol for this route was Mike and Eugene. Now, Eugene was actually sick with a nasty case of the flu. So, he could slide, but Mike. Hell no. His excuse was, now get this - his ankle was bothering him. 

His goddamn ankle. 

While it was probably an old injury flaring up from days of chilly rain, the guy decided it exempted him from the patrol, reciting some bullshit he’d memorized from the handbook. 

Seriously, who wastes their time reading that? 

Section four of protocol states…blah blah blah. What a fucking nerd. Joel couldn’t stand him before, and this definitely didn’t help. 

“Lucky for you, he won’t be joining us for dinner,” Tommy said, as he jingled a few shotgun shells loose from the last in his pile. “Ellie did tell you who’s coming, right?” 

Joel flicked his tongue over his lips, and chuckled under his breath. Man, he really should’ve seen that one coming because knowing Tommy: he’d been waiting all day for the chance to slip her in. 

Maria and Tommy had been playing cupid, and recently landed on a new target. 

Mike’s younger sister, who just so happened to be Ellie’s teacher, and also, a family-friend of Maria’s. It was all a very twisty hodunk small town over here. 

“She sure did,” Joel stated. Matter-of-fact. He couldn’t feed the beast, or else it would never end. 

Joel checked over the last runner, and pocketed a travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer. Some good that did them. 

“And you’re cool with that?” Tommy trailed over to the busted window they came in from. His eyes wide and bright and full of ulterior-motives. 

Joel curtly nodded befor climbing on through. 

“Guessin’ you would be.” Tommy tapped his fingers against the gun at his side. Joel stared down the end of the street at the McDonald’s; the horses were safely holed up in the Playplace: tied to a support beam for the windy slide. “Thought I remember, you saying you liked her, like as a person.” 

“I barely know her,” Joel shot the conversation dead. 

He was just telling the truth. The bulk of what he knew came from Tommy and Ellie and whatever people around town said. Always good things. She was like this patron saint of Jackson. Mother fucking Teresa.

And who knows? Maybe she was. Joel had hung out with her a whopping three times: two of which ended up being a complete mess. The first one had ended with her doubled over and hurling outside the Tipsy Bison, choking and gagging out apology after apology. She was a lightweight and supposedly, too much sugar made her sick.

Anyway – 

Then, came meet-the-teacher night where he took his turn making a complete ass of himself. It’d been fine until Ellie upped and left to use the bathroom and alone – it was painfully awkward. He’d take the piss for that one. Small talk and pleasantries were never really his forte. 

“Well, I’m not gonna say she would be interested, but-”

“Okay, Tommy,” Joel scrubbed a hand down his face and sighed. “I know where you’re going with this, so before you go on and get any ideas. It’s still a no.” 

Tommy’s expression dipped into a frown. “But what about -” 

Joel held up his hand. “I appreciate it, but I’m just not interested,” Joel let him down easily, but the assurance in his tone left little room for an argument. 

Tommy opened his mouth, but quickly clamped it shut. He huffed – defeated. Once again. That was his fifth reject; one for every month Joel had lived here. 

Despite the outcome always being the same, Tommy just kept trying. No. No. No. Not even a maybe. Not once. Joel had made his stance pretty clear. Scratch that - translucent. Dating was out; marriage was a hell no. It’s not like his first go-around had been anything to write home about, clearly. 

What a crapshoot. 

Joel viewed relationships differently than Tommy. His little brother was sickly in love, and good for him, but Joel thought the whole thing was nothing more than another liability. 

Why would he risk it? 

If he’d never been any good at them in the first place. It always seemed to be the wrong place or wrong time or too late. He’d never been able to get it right, so it was just better off this way. 

He was better off this way

---

Cleaned up and rested; later that evening, the five of them gathered at Maria and Tommy’s for dinner: roasted meat and rosemary potatoes. Served family-style, just like her mother used to do. 

Rory wasn’t here to babble away like usual as he was staying the night at his grandpa’s. 

The conversation was otherwise nothing special, mostly centered around the newbies in town. Some whispers about Jackson had spread south, and what had once been three hundred had steadily grown to around four or five. More would probably come spring.

Joel slugged back his beer, and stole a glance at the woman beside him.

She was attractive, and being this close, in this light, he could appreciate her features even more. She was inches from him, and he could smell her perfume? Soap? It was real nice. Fresh and clean and soft and as sweet as her famous nickname. 

Lolly. 

A childhood nickname that stuck to her like glue. 

When he’d first heard it, he’d expected some young girl, barely 18 to be sitting at the bar top. 

Not…her; a full-fledged woman. 

Sure, she was younger than him, but not by enough to make his stomach curl with cradle-robber shame whenever his gaze lingered for just a moment too long. 

Like now. 

Joel shook his head, and focused on Ellie, talking about school, and her extreme dislike for their most recent unit. 

While school wasn’t mandatory, all the kids enjoyed going. It was only three times a week, and half-days with all age groups coming together on Friday. Younger kids still learned how to read and do basic math, but at Ellie’s age, it was mostly job and life skills. Sometimes people would come and speak about their occupation, other days they learned how to read a map and purify water or currently – sewing. 

“Laugh all you want, I almost lost a finger.” Ellie flashed the band-aid on her pointer as proof. Lolly looked slightly guilty, even as she giggled. 

“Well, not everyone can be as talented as Lolly over here,” Maria boasted, pointing to Lolly’s little dress. “Let me guess, you made that yourself?” 

Lolly’s chewing slowed as she squinted at Maria. She was no dummy; it’d taken her all but a few seconds to sniff out the set up. 

She swallowed. “No, actually. This is one Mike brought back from that boutique in the square. I just added a little material here and there, so it would fit.”

Joel’s gaze traveled over the dress, following the flick of her wrist. It was a rusty orange number with big sleeves that reminded him of the 70’s. Even though it was completely impractical, it was also hauntingly cute. 

“Still impressive,” Maria insisted, and Lolly clicked her tongue - not playing along. 

A moment of silence followed: amplified by the scratch of silverware on porcelain. 

“Joel and I had a pretty eventful day, ain’t that right?” Tommy perked up, spearing a cherry tomato on his fork, and popping it into his mouth.

Great, now it was his turn to be buttered up. 

“Oh. Trust me, I’ve heard. Everyone in town won’t shut up about it. They keep saying you might be the best patrol we’ve ever had.” A teensy smile teased her lips, and Joel’s tongue immediately became dry toast. 

 Joel gulped, and waved off her minuscule praise. “Oh, no. It was nothing-”

“Nothing?” Ellie snorted. “Psssh. Sure smelled like something to me.” Ellie wrinkled her nose and shooed away the residual stench. 

Goddamn kids and their honesty. At least, Ellie didn’t mention finding him sprawled out on the couch with enough ice packs to drown each leg. 

Joel leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “Really now? You think you can do better, kiddo?” Joel challenged – light-hearted. 

Ellie shrugged – a cocky maybe. 

“Guess we’ll be finding out soon enough - 8 months?” Tommy pointed his fork at her. 

“9.” Ellie glanced at Joel. 

He’d snuck her a few times, and taken her up to the pond for those swimming lessons he promised her. He would surely do it again once it warmed up. 

Ellie looked at Lolly, and her brows wrangled up with some sudden thought. “Have you ever been on patrol?” 

Maria’s head whipped up as fast as a sucker punch. Lolly eye’s widened, but Joel wasn’t sure if it was Maria’s reaction or the seemingly innocent question itself that caused her to react, but then neither of them said a word. 

Joel wasn’t sure what the fuck was going on. He looked at Ellie, then his brother, but Tommy looked just as confused as them. 

Lolly must’ve noticed the regret creeping up on Ellie’s face, since she immediately offered her a small grin. 

“Believe it or not,” she said, “I used to go all the time.” 

Joel blinked back. What? When? 

He’d never seen her name listed in a single log book, and those dated back almost 10 years. Give or take. 

While Joel had only been here around six months, he’d never heard anyone talk about it, or anyone ever stopping patrol so young. Most people kept going until they either couldn’t or died. Eugene was like, 70? And he was still out there a couple times a week. 

Nobody said anything for a long minute; the silence sat heavy and tense and uncomfortable. 

Maria clapped her hands, “Anyone want dessert?” 

---

Fluffy chocolate mousse was the answer as the conversation returned to idle nothingness until it was time to go. 

While putting on their coats, Tommy offered they walk her home because the streets of Jackson were crawling with crime and all. She’d brushed it off at first, but Ellie insisted.

Turns out, Lolly knew a thing or two hundred on constellations and Ellie used the walk to pick her brain. Joel trailed a step behind them, watching Lolly’s finger trace the blanket of stars. 

Lyra. The W – named for some vain queen in Greece. Cassie something or other. Next to it, was her husband. Another C name. Supposedly it looked like a stick figure house, but Joel didn’t see it. 

Still, he listened to the sound of her voice; there was something soothing about it.

Sadly, that peace couldn’t last as Mike was out on the front porch. He was chilling on the small swing, downing a beer as if he knew Joel would end up walking her home. 

“I was wonderin’ when you’d get back.” 

Lolly jumped at the sound of his voice. She’d been so engrossed with Ellie that she’d yet to spot him. 

“Ellie. Joel.” Mike spit his name out like a jagged piece of glass. Oh yeah, the dislike was mutual. 

Joel drawled out Mike’s name; a little friendlier than usual, just to irk him. “How’s the ankle?” He pointed to the hack job wrapping. 

Mike sneered. “Better. Thanks for asking.” 

“What’re you doing out here?” Lolly butted in; the words spoken through a tight, nervous-looking smile. She refused to look directly at him or even Ellie for that matter. 

“It’s a nice night, don’t ya think? Guessin’ it’ll be the last one for a while, so thought I’d enjoy it. By the looks of it, seems as if you two thought the same.” 

Mike glared at Joel with a threat in his eyes: think about touching her and I’ll knock your teeth in. Joel would love to see him try. 

Joel wondered if Mike was always this suffocating. If so, maybe that’s why she was still single because who would want to deal with him? Mike was about to square up with a middle-aged man and a 15-year-old girl for what? Walking his sister home?

His adult sister. Nonetheless. 

Joel didn’t try to understand it. 

Lolly held Mike’s gaze for a moment before turning around with a word. She forced a smile, and it actually looked believable which was slightly concerning.

“Well, uh. Thank you both for walking me home. Ellie, I will see you tomorrow. Joel-” 

Mike cleared his throat and the anger seethed from her pores. She squeezed her eyes shut, so tight she nearly burst. Taking a deep breath, she peered back up at Joel. “It was nice seeing you again.” 

With that, she spun around and bolted up the steps. Mike didn’t seem to give a fuck, rocking back and forth so slow that the rusty screws gave into a haunting squeal. 

“Let’s get the fuck out of here,” Ellie spoke out of the side of her mouth, waving at Mike while taking a step back, then another. 

“You read my mind.” 

Joel and Ellie booked it down the road. 

Fuck, if he would ever go back there again.