#this has happened to me AT LEAST two times that i can specifically recall

[celiaelise]

... when a movie or TV show seems too depressing/stressful/gory/intense for me to enjoy, but the story really interests me, but then LUCKILY it's based on a book or comic... only for me to learn that everyone who has read the source material universally agrees it sucks ass, and the adaptation definitely improved the story.

[starfishinthedistance]

I talk to many people who say things like "oh I have trauma but I don't have PTSD", but then when I talk to them a little more I realize that they most likely do, they just can't recognize it as such due to how lacking PTSD awareness is, even beyond the whole "it's not just a veteran's disorder" thing.

The main reason they think they don't have PTSD usually has to do with flashbacks and nightmares, either they have one but not the other or have neither. But here's the thing, those are only two symptoms out of the 23-odd recognized symptoms. Flashbacks and nightmares are two of the five symptoms under Criterion B (Intrusion), which you only need one of for a diagnosis. The other three symptoms are unwanted upsetting memories, emotional distress after being reminded of trauma and physical reactivity after being reminded of trauma (i.e. shaking, sweating, heart racing, feeling sick, nauseous or faint, etc). Therefore you can have both flashbacks and nightmares, one but not the other, or neither and still have PTSD.

In fact, a lot of the reasons people give me for why they don't think they have PTSD are literally a part of the diagnostic criteria.

"Oh, I can barely remember most parts of my trauma anyway." Criterion D (Negative Alterations in Cognition and Mood) includes inability to recall key features of the trauma.

"Oh but I don't get upset about my trauma that often because I avoid thinking of it or being around things that remind me of it most of the time." Criterion C (Avoidance) includes avoiding trauma-related thoughts or feelings and avoiding trauma-related external reminders, and you literally cannot get diagnosed if you don't have at least one of those two symptoms.

"Oh I just have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, but I don't have nightmares." Criterion E (Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity) includes difficulting sleeping outside of nightmares.

"But I didn't have many/any trauma symptoms until a long time after the trauma happened." There's literally an entire specification for that.

Really it just shows how despite being one of the most well-known mental illnesses, people really don't know much about PTSD. If you have trauma, I ask you to at least look at the criteria before you decide you don't have PTSD. Hell, even if you don't have trauma, look at the criteria anyway because there are so many symptoms in there that just are not talked about.

PTSD awareness is not just about flashbacks and nightmares.

[whipped-for-kpop-fics]

When they misunderstand and kiss your cheek - svt 97z

💋Who; Seventeen 97z (individually) x reader 💋What; lil fluff reactions 💋Wordcount; 1.9k 💋Warnings; Very minor profanity.

Read the other versions here; 95z - 96z - Maknae3

-2024 Masterlist-

A/N- That's it! The last of the series! Ah, these were cute and fun to write, even if I wasn't always in the right headspace to write lil fluff pieces, I still enjoyed the process. Thank you to everyone who showed love to these, I appreciate every one of you 💖

💋Seokmin💋 For as long as you can remember, you've always wanted to go to a photo booth with someone important to you and take some fun and cute photos to get printed on a little strip and treasure them. You don't know why exactly you want to do it so much, nor why you've never done so before when the booths are pretty common, it's just never happened. And if there's anyone you know will do it with you without question, it's Lee Seokmin. So one day you send him a mood board with a few photosets on it and tell him you want to do that with him. As suspected, Seokmin doesn't even ask a question besides "when?" A few days later, the pair of you are excitedly rushing through the shopping centre to the booth he promises you has the best filter options as if he's some kind of photo booth expert. Though he does turn out to be correct, at least as far as you're aware because there are some really cute filter options which you're excited to try. It goes exactly how you expect for a while, the two of you grinning pressed together on the bench and making funny faces and dramatic poses for the camera. Clearly, Seokmin had really paid attention to the photosets you sent him because he's leading you into some of the poses you can recall. You don't remember them all because honestly, you hadn't paid that much attention to the specific photos and just the general vibe. So you really hadn't noticed that most of the sets you sent him included some kind of cute cheek kiss photo. Therefore, Seokmin really can't be blamed for thinking you want that particular pose seeing as it featured so much. A pose you hadn't even noticed. Unbeknownst to you, Seokmin has been working himself up to this the entire time, the whole morning really. It feels like a big move, to kiss your cheek even if he's most certainly kissed most of the guys' cheeks many times. But this feels pretty fucking monumental, honestly.

You're just about to ask him if he wants to add a filter when he starts to lean in after taking a quick inhale to steady his nerves, the clicker in his right hand ready. The photo he happens to take is frankly, hilarious. He hadn't expected you to turn to talk to him right then and you certainly had not expected him to kiss you so what he winds up capturing when he presses the clicker is both of you wide-eyed and lips touching. "Uh," Seokmin starts when he gathers himself and leans back rapidly, cheeks flaming red in a way that matches yours. "I didn't know you were turning." "I didn't know you were…leaning in?" You look genuinely bewildered. "What exactly were you doing?" "Kissing your cheek?" His statement curves up into a question as your expression only grows more puzzled by his words. "Like-like the photos!" "What?" "The photosets all have a cheek kiss photo!" "They do?" He nods rapidly. "Oh, I didn't even notice." He deflates a little, well a lot really, you can see the way his embarrassment rapidly turns to disappointment. "You didn't want me to kiss your cheek?" "Well, I mean, I'm not opposed if you want to." You shrug lightly, trying to play it off as you slide your gaze aside to look at the screen shyly, though you immediately start to laugh at the large photo of you two staring in shock at each other with your lips brushing. "What?" Seokmin looks at the screen and starts to laugh. "We have to print that one." He giggles. "Our first kiss." "First?" "Uh-" He looks at you with wide eyes in alarm, he really had not meant to say that. "It's not even a real kiss." You point out then reach out to gently tug him closer by the collar of his t-shirt. "How about a real kiss this time?" "Seriously?" You nod and then can't help but giggle when he enthusiastically cups your neck with his free hand to lean in quickly. "Don't laugh." He whines. You vaguely register the sound of the booth taking photos. He's looking at you adoringly despite his whine, not that you know that yet, but you will when you have the proof in your hand when Seokmin insists on printing all of the photos you've taken. "You're so eager, it's cute." "I've wanted to kiss you for so long, sweetheart, of course, I'm eager. don't you want to kiss me?" He pouts and you're not entirely convinced it's entirely an act. "Come here, idiot." You tug him in the remaining gap to press your lips to his. Seokmin doesn't forget to press the clicker to capture your first real kiss, though he does very quickly drop it to hold your face and put all of his focus into kissing you breathless.

💋Mingyu💋 A brand Mingyu has an advertisement deal with has sent him a package of their newest products and of course, he shares them with you as you have different skin types and the brand always sends him one of everything to try. So you're both sat on the floor in his living room, headbands on to keep your hair out of your faces and the collection on the coffee table in front of you with two little mirrors. A few minutes ago, he handed you the moisturiser that is apparently designed for your skin type, though you think something has gone very wrong with their formula as it has not dried well at all. Your skin feels all sticky and tacky to the touch, it's pretty gross and you certainly won't be using that again. Mingyu looks over when you mumble his name, his own skin shining with the drying moisturiser he has just finished diligently applying. And he finds you pouting while pressing your cheek slowly. To him, it looks like you want something and all he can think is that you want a kiss on the cheek. Although his stomach is fluttering with nerves at the sudden suggestion, he still shuffles a little closer so that he can lean over and press a kiss to the apple of your cheek. However, when he pulls back, he feels the tackiness on his lips and pulls a slightly disgusted expression while settling back into place and grabbing the packet of face wipes the company supplied. "You're sticky." He comments, tone as impressed as his face shows, which means, not at all. You stare at him for a second then nod slowly. "Yes, I am aware, that's what I was trying to tell you." Mingyu blinks at you dumbly, one hand raised to his mouth as he wipes the sticky residue from his lips. He lowers his hand a little to talk. "Not to kiss your cheek?" "Not to kiss my cheek." Immediately, Mingyu's cheeks flush with embarrassment and he directs his attention back to the mirror to wipe at his lips a little harder around a kind of muffled "oh, sorry." "It's okay," You mumble and hold your hand out. He glances at it and almost takes it into his own, momentarily assuming you want to hold hands but then he puts the packet of wipes on your palm and blushes darker. "I didn't mind." You assure softly as you turn to your own mirror and work on wiping away the product on your skin. "Oh." Mingyu tries not to grin dopily at what is essentially permission to kiss you again. As soon as you're done cleaning your skin, his lips find your cheek again, this time followed by a cute little shy giggle before he hands you a different product to try.

💋Minghao💋 Lately, when you both have a spare few hours, you and Minghao have been watching a fantasy drama full of cute romantic tension between the two main leads. Neither of you had realised just how romance-focused the show is when you started and at first thought it might be a bit weird to watch so many kissing and suggestive scenes together, but it's not been as bad as either of you assumed. In fact, you both find yourselves playfully mimicking the actors quite a lot, it helps to remove the tension that builds otherwise. A tension that has been growing thicker and more obvious over the past months between the pair of you, both of you are aware of it but aren't sure if making a move is wise. You both value your current relationship and ease far too much to want to risk it. Though it comes to a head one afternoon when you're both sat on his couch tucked up under the same blanket with your snacks and the AC on because it's not cold at all, the blanket just feels too cosy and you're used to sharing it from this routine starting in winter. Of all the scenes to cause something to happen between you, it's a very cute one, with no suggestive remarks, and no tension on screen. The main female lead skips up to the main male lead and silently asks for a kiss by cutely pouting and turning her cheek towards him. Of course, he kisses her cheek and that's that, they share an adoring smile and go about their business. Without even thinking about it, you copy her action, pouting and tilting your cheek, just because you think it's a cute action and are used to copying the actors at this point. You really hadn't expected Minghao to be paying you any attention and to follow along. But then his lips are on your cheek and you freeze momentarily. "I think you do it cuter." He informs smoothly as he leans back and gently turns you to face him with his long fingers pressed tenderly against your jaw. Your eyes lock and despite there having been so many chances before now, so many moments full of pure tension, this is the moment that changes everything. "Can we stop pretending that we're going to be able to be friends for the rest of our lives?" "We're not going to be friends?" You reply quietly, heart thumping and certain you know what this means but you don't want to skip any scenes of your own love story. "I still want to be friends, yes, I care about you too much and love being friends with you to not be friends. But I want to be more," "Best friends?" You can't help but tease. Minghao's face drops for a second into his trademark unimpressed expression but he quickly breaks and chuckles. "Best friends and romantic partners sounds perfect to me. What do you say?" "I say it's about time." "Then can I kiss you somewhere else this time?" "Xu Minghao!" You gasp scandalised in the most theatric of ways. "We've just started our relationship and you're already trying to get me in bed, what would-" He cuts you off by leaning in and slotting his lips against yours. You giggle happily and tilt into the kiss. "Are you going to be this dramatic our whole relationship?" He hums when the short kiss breaks, brushing his nose against yours with a fond smile on his lips. "I am. Regret this yet?" "I can never regret you." And to prove his point, he kisses you again with all the months of pent-up affection spilling out to seep through your parted lips and down into your chest, filling it entirely as your own affection fills his in return.

A/N- I think I have ruined myself with the Hao one, why did I make it so soft and sweet omg

[vi-as-in-violet]

i think the main feeling i have about this season so far is that i crave to see MORE, but not in a good way. i love the themes this season is working with, i love the conflicts, i love the characters but it feels like i don't see enough of the story playing out and it leaves me feeling like something is missing.

I wanted to SEE and experience the underground resistance growing, i wanted to actually see how Jinx became a symbol and how that united the underground. I wanted to see the process of it and how it affected her! I feel like the writers really should've gone with the traditional show-don't-tell rule here instead of just showing us the aftermath which left me with exactly zero emotions about such crazy impressive and important events. The entire Underground got united (!!!!) but we saw zero of the unification process and got like two scenes before they were all arrested, released and then the entire revolution idea was completely forgotten and not addressed once in the rest of the act (as far as I recall).

Jinx was clearly struggling with the newfound worship, so much so she went into HIDING. how must've she felt knowing that so many people find hope in her when she sees herself as a literal jinx? how did she deal with becoming people's hope instead of their curse? I wanted to see her work through this so bad since that is what Arcane has always been good at, it's what season one did so well - it walked you through the emotions and motives and therefore, the conclusion to personal plot lines felt SATISFYING and left massive impression. this was completely missing for me this act for most plot lines

Same goes for pitfighter!Vi and her descent into self-destructive hell. We don't get to see the emotional fall out of her being fucking punched and left lying on the ground by the only person she thought she had left - we just got a montage showing the aftermath of her spiraling. which is cool but it left me with feeling pretty much nothing about it all because seeing the conclusion to her struggling without the build-up just fell flat for me. i was looking forward this specific internal conflict of the protector archetype with nothing left to protect and therefore completely losing themselves before finding their purpose again SO much and it ended up being completely brushed over. i wanted to be able to pick Vi's thoughts apart when she was at her lowest point in life since her time in the jail and see how her behaviour and relationship with people/alcohol/violence changes in the process. like later in act 2 when she punches Isha, she doesn't even react (holy shit?). that is SO far from the Vi we saw in act 1 of this season and it feels super out of character because we did not actually get to SEE her behaviour and priorities changing - we can obviously figure out the reason and understand why she ended up this way but since we weren't actually shown how it happened, it still initially felt like it came out of nowhere and majorly ooc for the character we've known so far

and don't even let me start with Cait and her dictator arc. I was getting ready for the emotional fall out and internal conflict and the political powerplay with Embessa but we got SO LITTLE of it. i could go on and on about this but i feel like a lot of people might agree her dictator arc was pretty underdeveloped so I am not going to discuss it further (plus the immediate switch when she met Vi again was just ??? because we can't really see how she feels about this entire thing with the exception of her thinking Embessa is too brutal and that it seems to be weighting on her. PLUS she has at least a situationship with that sunshine enforcer and even tho she is clearly mentally elsewhere, we have no reason to think she is still pinning after Vi?).

I'm not even going to address Jayce because What.

On a positive note, I think Victor's arc has been handled pretty damn well. But aside from that, this season just leaves me craving more and it is quite clear to me the writers absolutely did not have enough time (nine episodes is not a lot) to develop the story they wanted to portray in full.

Now, I watched the latest three episodes while on a plane and since the act is so plot heavy, i might have totally missed or misunderstood something, lemme know if that is the case

i am super interested in how's everyone feeling about this so feel free to add your thoughts!!!

[whoistartaglia]

catching genshin men wearing your sweatshirt

part two

wanderer

when you catch the wanderer wearing your sweatshirt, he knows it’s all over. whatever advantage he had in the realm of teasing you is lost and gone; you’re the one with the upperhand now.

“you look so cute!” you say, clasping your hands together. if you were in a cartoon, your eyes would have large red hearts over them.

“leave it alone,” the wanderer grumbles in response. he glares at you, but it’s not very effective considering the red on his cheeks.

“let me have this,” you insist. “you never do cute couple stuff with me.”

“this is not ‘cute couple stuff.’” he points at the sweatshirt. “i was just cold.”

you tilt your head and pretend to be confused. “but i thought you said you don’t get cold?“ you tap your finger on your chin. “yes, i do think i recall you telling me how much superior you are to mortals, so much so that—“

wanderer cuts you off with a sound that’s half groan, half disgusted ugh. he storms off and promises you’re never getting your sweatshirt back, not now, not ever. if you should call after him that just makes him wearing it cuter, you’ll here another loud groan. (but he still won’t take it off).

zhongli

you rarely see zhongli in sweats so happening upon him in your sweatshirt is like witnessing a double rainbow on the night of a blue moon. he acts so nonchalant about it—this is what mortals do when they’re in a relationship, they share clothes, right? he doesn’t see a problem with it, even though you might grumble that it was yours first, your most favorite sweatshirt.

“we can share it,” zhongli says when you not-so subtly hint that you would like it back. you glare at him, but he has that arch smile on his face that tells you he finds your annoyance more amusing than anything else.

“fine,” you say, giving in. you have to admit zhongli does look rather comfortable in it. “but i want it back later.”

zhongli smiles and nods his head in agreement, but little do you know that you won’t be getting it back for at least a couple days. a lesson learned—always be specific with dealing with the god of contracts.

kaeya

you’ll stumble upon kaeya wearing your sweatshirt while looking for the very thing.

“kaeya, have you seen my…” you round the corner and trail off. kaeya lounges on the couch in front of a large hearth, eyes trained on the winter snow falling outside.

“seen your what?” he asks.

“my sweatshirt,” you say, coming over to stand over him. he looks up at you so innocently and asks so sweetly, “what sweatshirt, dear?”

you point at him, trying not to let your amusement show. “the one you’re wearing, dear.”

“oh, this?” kaeya looks down, like he’s seeing what he’s wearing for the first time. “this is mine.”

you let out a shocked laugh. “wait—you’re not serious, are you?”

“i’m always serious.”

you roll your eyes. “okay, okay. now i know you’re joking. this has been fun, but i’m getting cold. can i please have it back?”

“then i’ll be cold.”

“you’re literally sitting next to the fire.”

“but i also have a cyro vision,” kaeya points out. “i need the extra warmth… unless you want to provide that instead?”

please tackle him for the sweatshirt. he deserves it.

[raspberrybesitos]

mistletoe kisses | joel miller x f!reader

Main masterlist

Rating: M - 18+ MDNI

Word count: ~2.6k

Summary: You decorate the Christmas tree with some help from Joel and Ellie.

Warnings: established relationship, post-outbreak, Jackson era, canon divergent bc nothing bad ever happens to them ever 😁, sickening fluff, pet names (honey, darlin’, baby, babydoll, etc), allusions to smut, no mention of hair type/skin color/body type, NO USE OF Y/N.

A/N: surprise!!! i know i said this would be up on the 22nd, but i’ve got something else that will be up on saturday 🤭 and i just couldn’t stop thinking about giving this man a happy ending, including healing and starting new traditions with his family 😔 i wish joel was real 💔 anyway, i hope y’all enjoy! not beta’d, all mistakes are my own. 🏃‍♀️

Divider by @/saradika

Grumbling, he treks behind you, snow crunching beneath his work boots as he cautiously lugs the saw in his hands.

You’re rambling about finding the perfect tree in front of him, Ellie asking a million questions about the tradition.

He hadn’t expected, intended, to find a partner in Jackson. That is until he saw you, lugging a heavy crate of harvested crops across the town, your wagon having been broken. Tommy had told him about you, how you were single.

“She’s sweet as pie, brother. She might be good for you. Real pretty too.” Joel recalls the conversation he had with Tommy before he stormed off to the barn.

His Southern hospitality lay dormant until he saw you struggling. The urge to help creeped up on him. His typical quite observant demeanor tossed out the window as he approached you.

“Need some help?” He asks.

You wipe your brow, huffing before laying your eyes on the broad, handsomely rugged man in front of you - it’s Tommy’s brother. His name escaping you briefly.

You beam. “Oh. Sure. Thank you…” you trail off, slightly off guard by his kind gesture. His large gloved hand extends out towards you.

“Joel,” he finishes your sentence. “Thank you, Joel,” your hand shaking his, giving him your name. It rolls off his tongue with a certain sweetness, sending a flurry of butterflies to swirl in your belly. You knew of him, but knew he was also not a man of many words. You had yet to make acquaintances with him and who you assume is his daughter.

“You’re Tommy’s brother right?” You curiously ask, attempting to make small talk as Joel grunts while picking up the crate.

“Yes ma’am.”

Smiling at his Southern drawl, you run to help him carry one side of the heavy crate, feeling bad letting him do all the work.

“Uh uh, what do you think you’re doin’?” He asks, brow raised as you both stop in your tracks. “Helping you,” you state. He chuckles, shaking his head as he begins to walk.

“I asked if you needed help, darlin’. ‘Sides, what kinda man would I be letting a pretty girl like you carry all this shit by herself? My momma would have me by the head, ‘s for damn sure.”

You open your mouth to detest the notion that women need any assistance from men, but he stops you before you can.

“‘N I know ya don’t need any help from any man. You women are tough as shit, met a lota you over the years. Jus’ wanna help, ‘s all.” He kindly explains. You don’t understand why he wants to help, why he’s approached you specifically.

You’re aware that he’s typically very reserved, not leaving his house if he doesn’t have to. You’ve heard things about his past, and Tommy having confided in you at times, but the world has gone to shit. Who are you to judge? Everyone’s done some horrible stuff to stay alive.

He’s also painfully handsome. Opting to not object to his help and company, you sigh.

“Well, at least let me take some of the vegetables,” you protest, grabbing bunches of carrots. He chuckles quietly.

“Sure thing, darlin’,” he mutters. The nickname catching you both by surprise as a sort of tension falls over you two.

Flashing him a grateful toothy grin, you gather the vegetables in your arms. He gives you a small smirk in return.

“So how are you liking Jackson? I don’t see you ‘round much,” you ask as you begin the trek to the dining hall.

“‘S good. Big change, learnin’ the ropes of patrol. Makin’ sure Ellie’s settlin’ in,” he states. “And Ellie’s…”

“My family,” he says firmly. You nod, internally assuming she’s not his biological daughter.

“Well, I hope you both settle in nicely.” He feels his heart soften at your kindness.

He thought you’d have shied away from him, that you’d have listened to what people are saying about him around town.

But you didn’t. You took to him kindly, warmly.

He’ll be damned if he told Tommy he was right about you, He’d never hear the end of it… but shit, was he right. You were so kind and open-minded, and so beautiful.

The both of you making small talk as you trek to the dining hall, Joel lugging the crate into the kitchen for prep as you follow behind. He places the crate on the floor with a grunt. You drop the carrots in the box afterwards.

Rising to his feet, he sighs as he wipes his hands on his jeans, you copying his actions.

“Thank you again, Joel. I really appreciate it,” you tell him again. “Ain’t no problem, darlin’.”

Silence fills the air, save for the clanging and clattering of utensils in the kitchen.

“Would you… would you like to have a drink sometime? As a, uh, form of repayment for helping me today,” you timidly ask. A small smile breaks out onto Joel’s face.

“You ain’t gotta repay me, darlin’. But I’d love to grab a drink with ya,” he says.

Smiling from ear to ear, you nod happily. “It’s a date,” you say, before slapping a hand over your mouth as your eyes go wide. “I-I’m sorry. It’s not a date, it doesn't have to be. I mean, u-unless you want-,” you nervously ramble before Joel cuts you off.

“‘S a date,” he rasps. A soft smile on both your faces. The rest is history.

He wouldn’t trade that moment for the world, as he’s got you by his side now. He just didn’t expect that drink to lead him to trudging through the woods in the freezing early morning to cut down a tree.

He’d much rather be sleeping right now on his day off, but he can never say no to his girls.

Making your way through the woods, you and Ellie wind through the path while Joel stands and watches. There aren’t many trees, but just enough to scour from.

Not seeing any you like, you continue to walk down the path. “What about this one?” Ellie asks, standing next to a fir no taller than Joel.

Your eyes light up, a sparkly smile illuminating your face.

“It’s perfect. Great find, Ellie!” You yelp, high fiving the girl who’s equally excited.

“Hey, Joel!” Ellie shouts through her hands, her cheeks rosy and nose frosted. He clambers through the trees, saw in hand with his signature scowl. “Find one?”

“Mhmm,” Ellie says while beaming, you nodding in agreement. Joel sighs as he begins to saw down the tree. The trunk’s not very thick, the branches skinny, but still full enough to mimick the times before.

It falls to the snow covered ground, you and Ellie taking a few steps back. Joel stomps over to it, hoisting it up over his shoulder.

“Thank you, honey,” you whisper against his ear before placing a kiss on his patchy beard. His body flushing hot red from heat despite the cold air.

“Sure thing, baby,” he says bashfully, smiling a smile only reserved for you. Lacing his fingers with yours, you walk hand-in-hand back to the house with Ellie rambling ahead of you, vibrating with excitement.

“Joel, could you move it a little to the left?” You ask, hands clasped together over your lips. Joel grunts, red in the face as he shoves the fir to the left.

“A little more, please?”

Another grunt.

“A liiiitttllleee more.”

With a sigh, he shoves it once more.

“Perfect!” You clap. Joel rises to his full height, groaning as his bones crack and ache. You stride to him, leaning in for a kiss.

He could never stay annoyed at you.

“Thank you, honey,” you mutter with a dopey grin. Joel mirrors your expression, wrapping his hands around your waist and pressing his lips against yours. A saccharine kiss, your fingers curling in his grays.

His heart flutters as you sigh into him, your contentment radiating through your chest and into his soul.

When the fuck did his heart ever flutter?

“You guys gonna do that all fucking day or what?!” Ellie shouts, cutting ribbon and twine for the decorations.

You both startle at the sound of her voice, jumping in Joel’s arms. Joel glares at Ellie as laughter bubbles over your lips.

“Sorry, Ellie,” you call out. “Seriously, thank you, honey,” you tell Joel with a pat on his broad chest.

“No problem, darlin’,” he says softly with a swift kiss to your forehead before releasing you from his grasp. Joel strides into the kitchen to heat up some milk, with you rushing over to Ellie who sits at the dining table with an array of supplies.

You’re so good with Ellie, so patient with her while gently explaining how to string the dried oranges on the twine. She gets the hang of it pretty easily, holding it up and beaming with pride. Your giddiness mirroring hers, praising her as you waltz into the kitchen with Joel.

Placing a chaste kiss to his cheek, you flit around him as you pop some kernels in a hot pan. Transforming them into popcorn to make more garlands, and working in comfortable silence alongside each other.

You dump the popcorn into a bowl, you place a tender kiss on his shoulder before returning to Ellie.

Joel feels warm, and it’s not from the heat of the stove.

He preps mugs of hot chocolate for all of you, the chocolate powder stale but still good - the novelty of the gesture still there and just as sweet.

Padding into the living room, the sight of you two making decorations at the table and placing them on the tree tugs at Joel’s heart strings. Remembering how he’d help Sarah decorate their tree every year. Swallowing his grief, he allows himself to enjoy this moment while remembering his daughter.

That’s something you’re teaching him - not to take moments, things, people for granted.

Despite the pain, he knows he’ll confide in you later tonight about it when you’re alone. He sets the mugs on the table, making you pop your head up to flash him a dazzling smile.

“Thank you, honey.”

“‘Course, baby,” he says with a wink. Your smile grows wider, Ellie looking up and rolling her eyes. She playfully gags, Joel smacking his lips as his smile morphs into a scowl.

“Knock it off, kid,” he scolds.

“You knock it off, old man. We’re working here, and you keep distracting my partner,” she retorts. He scoffs, rolling his eyes. You can’t help, but laugh at their banter.

“Sorry, Ellie. I promise I’m listening,” your laughter dissolving into giggles. Joel rolls his eyes before getting a fire going in the fireplace.

Standing back and taking in the scene playing out in front of him. Hot chocolate, a tree, decorations being strung upon it - how is this possible? What did he do to deserve this?

He shakes the thought from his head, not questioning the good thing – the very good thing – in front of him. Instead, he enjoys watching his girls flit around the tree.

Ellie excitedly attempts to place the makeshift star on the tree that she crafted out of some stray branches and extra paper she had in her sketch pad.

She can’t reach, being significantly shorter than the tree. Huffing in defeat, she shoots you a look - both of you thinking the same thing. She whips around, paper star in hand.

“Joel, wanna do the honors?” She asks, holding out the star. Joel swallows thickly, never having thought he’d be doing this again.

“Sure,” he softly says, taking the star from Ellie and setting it atop the tree. The three of you stand back, admiring your hard work in silence, as you tightly wrap your arms around Joel’s middle. He holds you tighter.

“Looks good,” he mumbles. You nod, soft smile on your face.

“Hell yeah, it does!” Ellie giddily yells before cutting off her next thought. “No way, is that hot chocolate?!” She shouts, rushing to the table to grab a mug.

“Yeah, careful kid, it’s still hot,” Joel warns, still wound up in your arms. Ellie blows caution to the wind as she gulps it down.

“Ellie, slow down! You’re gonna get a stomachache,” you scold lightly. “It’s hot chocolate! When the hell am I ever gonna come across this again?!”

“I’ll find some more, jus’ slow down! Gonna be all fuckin’ hopped up on sugar,” Joel begrudgingly says. Rolling her eyes, she glances at the clock. Her eyes bug out of her head.

“Shit! I told Cat I’d meet her at 6!” She shouts before gulping down the rest of her hot chocolate, slamming the mug on the table.

“Be back later!” She says, slinging her backpack over her shoulder.

“Be back by 9!” Joel shouts. “Mhmm,” her tone dismissive. “I mean it, Ellie,” he warns.

“Sure thing, old man!” She says before reaching for the doorknob. “Ellie, 9 o’clock, okay?” You chime in, asking.

She turns around, taking in the both of you. “Okay,” she says with another roll of her eyes and an exasperated sigh before heading out the door. It slams shut, making you and Joel wince.

Joel rolls his eyes. “Girl don’t listen,” rubbing his face as he grumbles.

“She’s just excited, can you blame her? Besides, she’s safe here, Joel,” you say, comfortingly rubbing your hands up and down his broad flannel-covered chest.

“I know. Just still getting used to all this,” he rasps. The two of you still stand in the doorway, wrapped up in one another before a grin breaks out on your face.

“Oh, could you help me with one more thing?” You beam at him. His brow quirks up in confusion. “‘Course, baby. What do ya need?”

You unravel yourself from his embrace, padding into the kitchen. He hears you clambering, his curiosity peaking. You return with something behind your back, smiling wider now.

Whipping the sprig of mistletoe from behind your back, you hold it above your head. His features softening.

Joel immediately recognizes what you’re holding, beaming at your antics.

“Could you help me hang this up please?” You ask, drawing out the last syllable, batting your lashes at him with a sly smirk.

“Y’know, if ya wanted a kiss, all ya gotta do is ask, babydoll,” he rasps as he takes it from you, not missing the chance to place a teasing kiss on your cheek. Waves of heat run through you from head to toe.

Joel hangs the mistletoe with ease on a nail that’s been conveniently placed above the kitchen entryway, right where you’re both standing.

You must’ve put it up there when he was on patrol a few days ago.

The red ribbon you tied around the plant stands out against the dark framing, the fire crackles in the background and illuminates the house.

“Well would ya look at that,” his voice low and husky as he locks his gaze with yours. A goofy grin on your face. “Huh. Guess you gotta kiss me now.”

“Don’t need mistletoe for that, babydoll,” he whispers. The two of you connect your lips with each other’s. Sighing into him, you finally have a moment alone with him today. You card your fingers through his hair, a satisfied groan escapes him.

You pull away breathlessly, both yours and Joel’s eyes heavy and glazed over.

“Ya know… Ellie won’t be back til 9. We’ve got some time left,” you teasingly whisper in his ear while he places a kiss to your neck.

“Lead the way, darlin,” he rasps, the two of you rushing upstairs.

just felt like writing some tooth rotting fluff for my Joely, i love him sm 😔

i hope y’all enjoyed! 🫶🏼 thank you for reading 🩷

tag list: @gracieheartspedro @sapphic-gardn @undrthelights @javierpena-inatacvest @nostalxgic @party-hearses @mandoisapunk @tinygarbage @bastardmandennis @janaispunk @persephone-girl @harriedandharassed @its-nebuleuse

[authorpanda15]

thinking about being denki kaminari’s tutor...

-> final exams are coming up, and denki unfortunately didn’t want to couldn’t find the time to study again. he begs his class vice representative to tutor him once again, but yaoyorozu’s got her hands full this week! all hope is lost for him... at least, it seems to be— fortunately, yaoyorozu has a solution!

“a student from the general studies department owes me a favor. if you’d like, I could set you two up,” she said, and denki happily agreed. the words “thank goodness for yaomomo!” circled his mind.

-> introducing, you— the general studies student who happens to have the highest marks in your class! judging by yaoyorozu’s praise, denki speculates you’re just as smart as her, īda and bakugō!

-> after a quick number swap, denki texts you. you reply fairly quickly, texting him your price and when you’re available. once again, thank goodness for yaomomo!!

-> the day of the first tutoring session comes, and denki finds himself heading to the school library instead of the dorms. he recalls your specifics on where you’ll be sitting, and finds you in a corner of the library with ease.

yaoyorozu didn’t mention you were cute... is what denki wanted to say when he caught a glimpse of your face, but he held his tongue. focus, denki! you can’t afford to goof off right now!

-> denki tried to focus on the practice problems on the sheet in front of him— he really did! but, every time you’d explain a certain solution or a particular method, he’d find his eyes wandering...

-> ...not towards your body! (c’mon, he’s not that bad! ...right?) but towards the subtle hints of personalization scattered throughout your belongings— like the buttons on your bookbag, and the charms that dangled from your phone case. and... okay, so maybe he found himself glancing at the subtle embellishments you’ve added to your uniform once or twice! can you blame him?! he also took note of the paper cup you placed off to the side, containing your choice of drink. (he’s seen that logo before, on the front of the cup... he’s gone to that cafe a few times himself. he wonders what you ordered. would you tell him if he asked? do you have a ‘usual’ that you always order? maybe, he could get it for you before his next session! he’d seem so cool, wouldn’t he?! “don’t mention it,” he’d say after you thanked him. “I just wanted to treat ya’, as a show of thanks...” would you think he’s cool? or would you think that’s creepy? or...)

“kaminari.” your voice snaps him out of his train of thought. oh, no... did he lose track again?! judging by your annoyed expression, the answer’s probably yes! “were you not paying attention?”

denki rubs the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “...no. sorry! but,” he tries to come up with an excuse, quickly, and the first thing that comes out of his mouth is, “you’re just so cute, that I lost focus!”

denki nearly slaps his hand over his mouth as he watches the way your expression shifts. shit! he didn’t mean to say that— not out loud! you probably think he’s a creep now! and a weirdo! you’re probably gonna cancel this session, block his number and avoid him for the rest of your lives—!

“pfft, hahaha!”

...huh? was that giggling? you, giggling? he drags himself from his spiral back into this moment, and sees you covering your mouth with your hand. you were laughing! (at him?)

“nice save, blondie. now, let’s go back to work, yeah?”

denki sighs internally. nice save, indeed!

[bendyartistic]

Be aware of alexbstudios.

Over the course of what I believe a few months maybe, Alex has been harassing me with strange behavior and as of recent hurtful remarks too. He's been bothering other people as well from what I've seen. Probably going to say I should've just blocked him, but I wanted to keep an eye on things just in case. Today was the point in time after everything that I realized I should let people know about this kid.

I want to show from the beginning to present time of the interactions he's done with me. And maybe something can be done about getting him off the platform...

Firstly I want to say Alex has admitted to being 12 years old... apparently. I know this from this reblog. This already is a very large red flag. Considering the young age, no a callout doesn't seem right but I still want to warn people regardless since he's still active on the platform.

Though I am uncertain if this is true, he did not confirm nor deny my question about it.

Now lets get to the start of things. I don't like people reposting my art anywhere without credit, surely that can be said for everyone.

Randomly in May Alex reposted my art, no credit, mention of who made it, or where it came from. I should mention Alex had been following me well before this post, so he knew who I was. Rightfully I responded with a request to take it down as I didn't appreciate this.

Upon making this request he made a small complaint about it, which was unneeded. While he did "delete" the post, it still technically there, just edited. Therefore never officially removed like I had asked.

He also uploaded two other drawings I did, but he did not remove those ones.

Not too long ago on a post I made showcasing my Chris model, as it had been a while since I posted it, and I wanted to let people see it.

Alex later said some... questionable things about it. And it really made me uncomfortable to say the least.

For context in my AU, my Chris is 29. This has been stated before a few times.

I want to get to the biggest thing here however, as this is what drove me to make this post. The consistent weird and hateful DM's he has sent me.

I have told Alex to leave me alone on several different occasions and he has refused to do so. Again I know I should've blocked but as I said, just wanted to wait in case. Truth is I don't like blocking people, never have, I feel weird doing it. But anyways Alex made a poll a week ago if I recall correctly of whether or not he should keep or delete his account. The poll won on keep. No sooner did this happen, Alex was in my DM's bothering me about it after I again told him to leave me alone.

The DM's are as followed with context and info:

He responded with something along the lines of "Then my account would become lost media!" to which I only responded "No one really cares."

Next post is where Alex starts to mock me for being slow with my replies. I don't quite understand what speed he expects me to write my replies at, I guess 5 seconds?

So as you have noticed Alex is now making fun of my autism, and it's going to continue in this unfortunately. Bringing up a disability in an argument should not happen. However at some point Alex accused me of creating alts to vote against his poll, I have none.

I'm not sure why me specifically... and I hate how me being "slow" keeps getting brought up. Also racism is somehow brought into this as well.

He spammed me with the same image repeatedly, and it continued for a while. Passing that, he wanted me to run the same poll he did on if I should keep or delete my account. I obviously declined.

He then blocked me after this.

Alex in the past DM'd me, when he made those remarks about my Chris model. I wasn't happy then and I'm still not about it.

I'm still puzzled as to why he calls being blocked as banned. Besides that this comes to the end of the DM ark. Alex has done other things, such as suggest people to draw strange stuff, edited other peoples work, steal other peoples work, and tried to stir up drama at one point.

In conclusion,

Alex is immature. And should not be here, especially this fandom. But in general he should not be online, it is clear he has unlimited access to whatever he wants.

I am sorry to my friends and others who have had to deal with him. That is all I have to say.

Any questions or whatnot is fine. Reblogs are appreciated in order to spread the word.

[ellaa-writes]

Henlo!! I just saw ur doctor/medic reader story and i feel like they would all want to hear the absolute crazy cases and gossip from reader

Im a student and i work in a large hospital/shadowing some doctors aswell and someday’s these crazy things happen randomly. In the least expected ways. From getting a sudden code stroke to seeing 🪱🪱on body parts to hospital staffs gossips in the med room. Its so random sometimes.

Imagine doctor reader casually telling the time she caught so and so cheating in an empty room in between 2 codes. And shes so chill about it like shes seen and heard enough but the Kortac officers r eating it up like listening to Nurse John’s podcasts😂

Reader: yk this reminds me of the time i did my trauma rotation in—

Konig: wait! Let me get my snacks and tea👀☕️

Hello!! Thank you <3 This is so silly I love it. Decided to have fun with it. It's kinda gross but hey that's what happens. Lol.

It's going to be a rough day, you thought. Not even 2 hours into your shift you had two concussed idiots sitting in your waiting room. This is gonna be a long one, you started at noon and won't be done till 4am the next morning.

Clutching your coffee you prayed for a miracle, an alien ship or a metor. Either one would do.

Later that evening, specifically dinner time. You were the last to arrive, having to help hold down a patient as another medic stitched up a gash on his forehead.

"I know, I know." you said as you sat you lunch down in front of your chair. Running off to grab a much needed coffee. It was your turn for the over night shift. It wasn't a bad shift, just babysitting the wounded soldiers that are currently being held. Coming back and setting yourself into your spot, digging into your food without a cause to the wind.

"You guys won't believe my day." you started off, slurping down your heart spaghetti. "Some rookies decided to play chicken and now they both have a concussion. And one probably memory loss. Couldn't even tell me his name." you shook your head, recalling the incident. "Than Hutch came in, complaining that he can feel worms crawling in him. I had to explain four times to that dense mother fucker that worms can not survive stomach acid." you stopped to take a big gulp of coffee. "But he wouldn't listen, said it wasn't in his stomach but inside his skin. Ran some blood tests and no hallucinogenic. But he could have fooled me." you didn't realise you were blabbing until you looked up from your plate to see a few of your team members surpressing their laughs.

"What?" you asked, mouth full of spaghetti. "Why don't you chew a bit more." one of them offered. Making the other laugh, "Oh fuck off." you spat. "Anyways, had to give Hutch an xray just to prove there's no damn worms in him." you explained.

"An xray? Does that-" you cut them off. "No, not at all. But it shut him up." they all bursted out laughing. "It reminds me of a patient I had back at the ER. Complaining about his ass itching. The other nurses weren't taking him seriously. Just sent him to the bathroom with some baby wipes." you stopped abruptly, this might not be a good dinner story.

"Oh come on Katze, don't get all shy on us now." König said, you didn't even notice he was there. You also didn't notice the rest of the mess hall getting quiet to listen to your story.

"Oh, well we're eating." you tried to explain but was met with loud booing. "Fine, fine." you yelled back. Wiping your mouth, your food finished, you pushed the tray away from you.

"Ok, so they sent him to the bathroom and he came back later saying he can still feel them."

"Them?" Horangi interrupted, and was followed by shushing. "Damn, sorry. Continue." he slinked back into his chair.

" So they put him in a room, told him to strip from the waist down. Another trainee and myself were assigned to this case along with a RN. She had him lay on the side has she spread his ass cheeks. Like you would a child." you stopped from dramatic affect. Watching as your tream and the rest of mess hall looked on in anticipation.

"We saw nothing. So she took a swab, had me spread this grown man's cheeks as she inserted it into the recum, shoveling out what ever was in side. Still nothing." a few people got up and left and others choking back a gag.

"She wet had him pop a squat over the trash can and cough. Sure enough a worm came shooting out. So did some green chunks, thankfully they were just some cucumbers. Guess the guy stole a cucumber from his neighbors garden not knowing it was infested with worms. He shoved the thing right up and it broke. He was like that for 2 weeks, worms up the ass. Still not the craziest thing I experienced, let me tell your that." you reached for your tray, but König took it for your instead.

"A cucumber up the ass?" Horangi asked. "I've seen people shove all sorts of thing up their butt. Idk what it is or why but it's way to common." you threw your finished coffee cup in the trash.

"Sorry I gotta get back. The results for mister chicken should be in by now." you said you goodbyes and waved to others, rushing out of the lunch hall.

"What a women." König said, hearts in his eyes.

[thefirstknife]

re: ice breaker, i recall shayura speaking to sister faora in the trials glaive lore... perhaps that's her handler? (guy always looking for scraps of new mentioning the followers/brother vance)

ME. SAME. You've come to the right place.

I've been waiting for a follow-up on this for years, but more recently I've been losing my mind about Faora being in the City and specifically messing with Shayura. Like why. Why were we told this. And ever since Unexpected Resurgence, I wanted an update on Shayura and this whole thing, but there hasn't been anything. Every time a new Trials weapon released and it had no lore on it (no lore on the new one from this episode either), I would just start punching through my walls. They're killing me.

But Ice Breaker finally has an update about Shayura and I can't figure out why is she suddenly working for an unidentified "handler" and the only thing I can think of is Faora. Because that's the last person we saw her interacting with. But I also can't figure out why Faora would be looking for this information. On subsequent reads, I'm not even sure if Ice Breaker lore is entirely (or at all) connected to the dungeon location. Shayura appears to be located at a "derelict foundry," presumably Hakke one.

A piece of information that interests me particularly is that this... "handler" was apparently looking for a specific thing:

The door's surface is marked with a glyph unfamiliar to her. It looks like a fish hook, or perhaps an anchor. "Is this what we're looking for?" [[Confirmed. That's the same symbol on the weapon the Vanguard recovered from Seraph Station. Golden Age, possibly older.]]

The weapon recovered from Seraph Station is Revision Zero.

I believe the symbol they're referring to is the one on the grip of the gun. Revision Zero is a gun that was developed by Hakke and Braytech together from the research into the K1 anomaly from the Moon. This "handler" is looking for more information about Hakke and Braytech collaborations (which is why this symbol is significant; Revision Zero is the only known Hakke/Braytech collab) and for some reason Shayura was sent on this mission. Ice Breaker is also Hakke, but there do not appear to be connections to Braytech, at least not according to this lore tab.

And then there's a mention of how Hakke had offices in Chicago, which is also incidentally where Shayura's story starts; she and her fireteam being chased by something in Old Chicago. This Hakke office was also involved in development of "gravity-based weapons" which, I assume, is a reference to Graviton Lance, discovered in Old Chicago.

Since there's been no updates on Shayura since her meeting with Faora, I'm obviously connecting the dots here, but I also can't figure out what Faora could possibly want with this information. It doesn't seem like her. But I also don't like how this person is identified as a "handler" and is sending Shayura on some strange missions, looking for information on Hakke and Braytech research collaborations and specifically leading Shayura to think about Chicago, something that is traumatic to her. Why is she on this mission alone, where is Aisha? Why Shayura specifically? What happened in between her meeting with Faora and now?

And if this isn't related to Faora (I can't figure out how it would be), then why did we even get the Faora update in the first place, what was that meant for and where is she now? What's happening. I mentioned it before, but given Faora's complete and abrupt disappearance from the world, I just assumed she died. I don't see another reason why she would just hand the Cult over and just vanish from lore. But I also thought she just wasn't that important for us to know more; she's so niche that only three people know about her and that includes two of us. So why did we have to learn that she's in the City, in the present time, and also bothering Shayura in a really bizarre way?

And now that we finally got the Shayura update, it's this. Where is she. What is she doing. Under whose orders? What has she been doing since the last time we saw her? What even happened at the end of that conversation when we last saw her? Help.

[naffeclipse]

Hi, hi! I'm sure you are totally unaware of me going through your blog just now XD

But! I saw a bit of Humpback Y/N and I can't stop thinking about the small drabble you wrote way back! (Can't find it unfortunately, or don't know the specific tag to look for it hkfdg) But it was the one about how their relationship would advance and by the end of it y/n gets stuck on top of some thick ice. And it's so incredibly dangerous for someone the size of y/n for that to happen to of course! And I remember they were trapped up there for a good while, which weakened them considerably, even if they don't quite get to the actual size of a humpback whale. And I seem to recall that when Eclipse finds them they hear him teasing them for their situation (or perceive it that way at least), but they have no energy so they don't answer him at all.

And aaa I just can't stop thinking about that specific moment, because from Eclipse's perspective that must have rang every single alarm bell. This mer, who has been antagonizing him since they met, able to keep up with him in both snark and their little competition, who has grown on him so much and become a constant, physically capable of manhandling him and pettily blocking him from getting to his prey easily, who is large and majestic and physically imposing, and has always given him a challenge, they are now still and worryingly quite, still moving but having none of their usual spark, their energy, and suddenly he might realize that they've been there much longer that he perhaps thought, that time is ticking and they are weakening by the second. And then he breaks the ice and catches them, just as they are passing out!

And aaa I can't help but be curious of what happens next! Because god, if they're passed out he'd have to make sure they can remain breathing, but also try and check them to make sure they haven't been too damaged by having to support their own weight for so long, that they will be able to swim on their own when they wake. And if they need healing before they can move well again, likely he'd have to help them get food, at least until they can get back to their pod.

Would he try to stubbornly take care of them himself? Or when they seem well enough take them to their pod who can more easily take care of them the rest of the way, which might be for the best since they are so big? Aaaaa lots of questions! But I live for that hurt comfort haha XD

Anyways yes, just wanted to ramble a little about this two, because that last scene sure gave me a lot of feels gfkjhkhjds

I love each and every notif, babe <3

Ah, yes! It flips in Eclipse's head from playfully 'maybe they might need help' to 'oh no' the second they don't respond as they should, as they have during their time battling back and forth! He's immediately on it. When they do sink into his arms through the broken ice, he pulls them quickly to the open ocean and cradles their head on his chest, floating to let them breathe and rest. Y/N is okay, but they are exhausted and need a moment or two to regain their strength before swimming on their own again.

Eclipse doesn't want anyone to take Y/N from him when he needs to make sure they're okay, so he cares for them by himself, without alerting their pod. It would be wiser to let sirens their size attempt to keep them afloat while they rest but Eclipse is nothing if not determined (and a little frightened by finding his lovely, strong siren in such a weakened state).

Ahh, I'm glad you enjoy these two! <3

[jillsandwhichs]

Valenfield OneShots/AUs Collection, Chapter 21, Only fools rush in

Masterlist

Pairing: Jill Valentine & Chris Redfield

Summary: Jill is going through a breakup and Chris is there to help her

Status of their relationship in this one shot: Best friends

WC: 3.0k

Type: SFW

A/n: Hi! Hope you all enjoy. Please check out my masterlist, there's a lot of stuff there. You can get to know me, you can see the rules of my blog and then you can see all of my fanfictions. You'll be able to find the previous chapters to this fic and upcoming ones. You'll also be able to find my Wattpad & AO3. Comments, reblogs & likes are appreciated. Thank you

Art Creds: MAD

"I just can't believe it Chris! I thought we could work out, despite me moving to work here. Oh it's horrible." Jill sniffled over the phone. Jill couldn't believe it - Ernie left her. It was a tragedy. They have been together for a little over a year known and she truly loves him, at least she thinks she does. He promised he'd stick with her throughout her job in Raccoon City but he's a damn liar! Jill wishes she would've seen that much sooner.

"I'm sorry Jill, he's an asshole." Chris said softly over the phone. "You deserve a lot better." He comforted her, he tried to. Chris felt very bad for her. The way Jill speaks of Ernie, he can tell their relationship was serious to her. Although Ernie always seemed like a bit of a dickhead, a controlling man. He hated the fact Jill moved to R.C and the fact she wanted to be an officer. She can make her own choices and the man should be respected that.

Maybe it is for the best the two of them split.

"God." She mumbled through the phone, Chris's heart tearing at the sound of her sadness. "I just wanted it all to work out, you know? I liked him a lot." Jill went out, shuffling noises could be heard in the background. "I know you did but there's only so much you can do. Did Ernie say why he left you specifically?" "He just said everything! The fact we aren't together anymore physically, the fact I'm an officer and because he said he doesn't know how he feels for me. I can't even believe it." She rambled on.

Chris has absolutely no clue what he can really do for her. He feels bad, so bad. He can't believe that idiot dumped her, she's really one of a kind. Only a fool would drop a lady like Jill. Chris has never been in a serious relationship, it was never his thing. Of course, he's been on dates and partook in hookups but it was never so much so that he wanted to be with the same person consistently. He can't tell if that's changed or not, but he has a different feeling when it comes to Jill.

He's had to brush it off considering she is- was with Ernie, but now that bastard is out of the picture.

"That's a shame Jill. If you love someone, you shouldn't get in the way of what they want." "You'd think!" Jill cried, blowing her nose. She is an emotional girl at heart. "I am just in shock, honestly. Chris, can I ask you something?" "Anything." "Am I unloveable? Do you believe no man could truly have love for me?" Her words made him bite his lip. How could she even possibly think that? There would be men out there crawling to her, begging her for her love. She's a crazy girl to think otherwise.

"You're very loveable and so many people do love you." "You know I mean romantically." "Yeah, romantically too." Chris stated, trying to speak with demure, not wanting to seem uncomforting. He didn't expect this to happen at all.

There was silence over the line for a bit. She's still processing it all, as she should. Breakups are sucky from what Chris has seen. With Claire, she's usually the heartbreaker so he isn't used to this. He recalls one time Claire dumped a dude with no remorse, despite them dating for a while. Guess with her it's easier, she's in College, relationships come and go. Jill and Ernie is a bit different.

Jill didn't say anything at all, just the occasional sniffle or shaky breath could be made out.

"You with me still?" "Mhm." She mumbled, "Chris, can you come over? I just really need you right now." She coughed from how much she was crying. Such a poor soul. "You- you need me?" He double checked. Why him? Don't girls wanna be either alone or with other women during this kind of time? Then again, Jill doesn't have many female friends, she only moved two months ago to Raccoon City and there aren't any females on the team.

"Yes, you. You're my friend, my closest one. Please?" Jill begged. "Of course, be there shortly." Chris replied, "Bye Jill." "Goodbye, drive safe." Jill responded.

Jill set her phone back on the dresser. She felt empty. Ernie was an ass at times, definitely, but she loved him so much. Without him, what is even the point?

She doesn't feel as though she has people. She has lost friends and now her boyfriend all because she moved to Raccoon City. She's so grateful for the friends she's made recently, mainly Chris, but she still occasionally misses and needs her old people. Within time, she understands she'll get over the breakup, but it is so hard. To imagine her life without Ernire is the worst. But it isn't a tale anymore, it is reality.

Climbing back into bed, Jill nestled her head against the white, fluffy pillow, her tear streaming down her eye, nose and onto the pillow, marking a sense of blueness. She covered herself up, the warmth of the comforter bringing a sense of calmness to her. Before Chris arrives, she wants to be at least content. She already thinks she looks disgusting from her meltdown. She wants to look presentable.

She'll be okay.

-

Jill could feel her eyes becoming heavy and lethal, she needed to rest. All that crying wore her out completely. It's been about twenty minutes since her and Chris's call; Has he stood her up? It only takes about ten minutes to get to her apartment. Maybe the traffic is rough at this hour. She'd rather convince herself that Chris got caught up doing something rather than the fact he could've actually stood her up. Chris isn't like that. He's a kind man. He wouldn't, especially in a time like this.

It was as if she manifested him though.

Knock... Knock... Knock...

With an exhausted sigh, Jill leaped out of bed, quickly wiping her face and stroking her thin, slender fingers through her trimmed hair, knowing she looks atrocious. He'd understand, right? She's going through a terrible time. The last thing Chris would care about is Jill's appearance. Besides, he's seen her roughened up before, like during missions! He's too much of a gentleman to take into account that she's not the best looking currently.

"One moment." She announced, rushing to the door.

On the other side, Chris was holding two bags in his hand, full of goodies. He bought them some Chinese, knowing they both enjoy it. In times of need, food always is a cure of sorts.

Jill opened the door with a slight smile, looking at his divine face, then taking notice of the food. "Oh that smells great, come in." Jill stepped aside, clearing her throat. Chris nodded, walking into her small yet homey apartment. "Wow it smells good in here too." Chris chuckled, a deep wood scent hitting him smack dab in the face. "Is it too much? It's a candle I've had lit." "Not at all Jill." Chris established, "Where can I set these?" "Just right there." Jill pointed at her kitchen table, shutting the front door, locking it too.

"What did you get?" "Orange chicken, noodles and egg rolls, some of our favorites." "Aw Chris, you didn't have to." Jill stepped towards him, setting a hand on his arm. Chris breathed in deeply at her touch. "Yes I did. You deserve it. Let me make you a plate, yeah?" Chris hummed out. Jill felt so seen. So cared for. Chris is the best. Even though she feels like a bum, he makes her feel special.

"If you say so." She giggled, flashing some lovey eyes at him before wandering off. She sat on her bed, grabbing the remote and turning the TV on, they could watch a film while they eat. "How you feeling?" "Still crappy but better now that you're here." Jill replied, her eyes set on the television. "It'll all be okay, I promise." He added, the sound of containers being clicked closed and opened. "How many egg rolls do you want?" "Just two is fine, thanks." Jill said kindly, standing up and treading towards her VHS collection.

Over the years, she's collected so many. There are stacks upon stacks of VHS tapes. She spotted the film 'The Mask', it's a comedic classic that she assumes Chris would enjoy, or does enjoy if he's already seen it before. She grabbed the case, opening it and slipped it into the VHS player. Some Jim Carrey comedy will lift her spirits, make her feel better and maybe even laugh a little. Times like these, you just gotta let loose.

"Ahh, here we go." Chris walked into her bedroom/living room, two plates in his hands. Jill shot her head around with a yearning smile. "Looks great, thank you a lot." Jill cooed, taking her plate and plopping onto the bed; She patted a spot beside her, indicating to Chris that he can sit down. Chris chuckled, sitting down beside her, getting comfy so it wouldn't be awkward. "By the way, were watching 'The Mask', you've seen it?" "No, but I've heard it's great." "Then you've heard right." She tittered to him.

Using the chopsticks provided, Jill picked up some noodles, tasting them and immediately being in awe. The Chinese spot in town was a hit! Chris and Jill often order it together as work, it's their go-to. Jill's favorite food from there is the orange chicken, it's sauced and seasoned just right, not too tangy nor too spice filled. As for Chris, he's always said the crab raggoons were his thing.

The title card of the film appeared, making it known what movie they were watching. Each second that went by, a twinge of happiness filled her up inside. With Chris beside her, some tasty food in her lap and a silly movie on in the back, she was bound to feel better sooner or later.

Chris was eating too, he seemed to be enjoying his Chinese. Jill is a super self aware and observant person. She can tell if someone is uncomfortable or not in a decent mood - Chris is doing just fine. Chris has loosened up so much with her. He used to be pretty stoic and tended to only care for himself. Jill's been told she's the reasoning behind why he's softened and gotten easier to deal with. The pride that fills her with is present.

"Thanks for getting food, if you wouldn't have, I probably wouldn't have eaten for a while." "Trust me, I know. I know how you are." Chris snickered, biting into the chicken, loving it's bursting flavours. "Are you going to stay for the full movie?" "Do you want me too?" "Mhm." "Then of course." Chris whispered in response, feeling obligated to care for her. If Chris is taking care of her, being supportive of her, there's nothing she can't do. It helps her so much.

"If you're gonna stay, let me make it more comfortable since I uh, don't have any living room furniture." She giggled, setting her plate down momentarily and standing up. Chris bellowed at her joke and watched as she adjusted the pillows at the top end of her bed, making them sit differently. "There," She grunted, sitting back down and waiting for Chris to sit beside her, "We can sit like this." Jill voiced. "Sure." He made sure his plate was secure as he sat down beside her again.

For the first time in the past two hours, Jill was able to get a hold of her breathing patterns and was officially able to calm herself down. Her breathing went from rapid breaths of worry and disdain to peaceful and content. It felt good. She feels good. With Chris with her, it's just better this way. Gosh, now what would she do without him? And Ernie is a massive dick.

She's grateful the more she thinks about it - Grateful he left. If he would've stayed, their relationship would've only spiraled downwards even more. It was never healthy from the moment she moved away and that wasn't on her, only him. He didn't wanna make it work, she did. If only he would've been mature and smart about it all.

If only the love he had for her wasn't just conditional.

-

About thirty minutes into the film, Jill finished all of her food. She let out a chortle, seeing how she completely devoured the whole plate. She gets full easily so it's just a shock. Although, when you're sad, eating is a escape way. "I'm assuming it was good?" Chris laughed. "Very." She looked at him, a sweet smile forming on her face before she said, "Thank you again." With gentle eyes. Chris nodded quickly. "You deserve it." Chris made it known he was there for her and that she wasn't a burden at all.

"Here, I can take these." Chris snatched her plate, stacking one on top of the other. "Alright." Jill nodded, her eyes following his figure as he strolled off to her tiny kitchen, slipping both plastic plates into the empty sink. "At least you're caught up on your dishes. Back home, my sink looks like a bomb went off." He cracked a joke on his way back. "Cleaning clears my mind. Play some tunes in the background, or a show, you just get lost in it." "I get that."

Leaning down, Jill pulled her comforter up onto her and Chris, getting cozy beneath it as the movie kept on playing. She didn't think much of it. It was warm. It was nice, moreso since Chris is beside her. Chris on the other hand, could hardly breathe. Being this close to Jill, under a large blanket and in her very own bed, he felt a bit out of place but wanted to remain with her, she's a damsel in distress.

"Still feeling down?" "Yeah, I mean of course but what can you do? I'm understanding now that it was out of my control. Shit happens." Jill heaved deeply. Her back was resting against her head board, the position she was in was perfect, she felt relaxed. Chris was in the same one. Their bodies were only inches apart, maybe a foot. It felt different. Whatever Jill is currently feeling, it is new.

She just knows that if Chris wasn't here, she'd be a wreck. Another option other than Chris was Brad but the dumbo wouldn't have understood. He goes around flirting with every woman he sees, even Jill at one point. He's non commital, definitely wouldn't see eye to eye on the subject. Whereas Chris is yes, single and most likely sticks to flings, he is understanding and gets Jill, he's the best. "I just want you to be okay, Jill." Chris cooed, his puppy dog eyes trailing her pale face.

Jill gazed at him, her eyes locking with his but she looked away in an instant. "I'm gonna be okay, I promise." She beamed, appreciating his concern. "Do you plan to come into work tomorrow?" "Yes, don't worry. I'm not gonna let Ernies sudden loss bring me down from my own job. Work matters more." "I couldn't agree more." Chris stated, enjoying her state of mind. Chris would never let a relationship disturb his job. Careers come first, just how it is for some people.

"Why don't we just finish the movie, hm? Enough talk about my feelings, it'll only cause me to dwell further." "Oh sure, let's watch it." Chris shot her a grin, adjusting his body. He ended up sitting a tad bit closer to her than he was before. She didn't care.

-

When the movie ended, Jill let out a soft sigh when pulling out the VHS tape after it's rewind, Chris stood behind her, his buff arms crossed. She set the tape back into it's case and organized the pile of movies again. The last thing she needs is a messy house when she's already going through a messy yet very real breakup. Maybe it was the reality check she needed.

"I'm glad we got to hang out for a bit." Jill said kindly to Chris, her eyes meeting his. He has such gorgeous eyes - Like no other. Chris looked down as he chuckled. "Me too. I just wanna be there for you in times of need." Chris isn't necessarily used to being 'Mr. Nice guy' but rather just an ass. He seriously can't help himself with Jill. She's so bright and beautiful, evetything about her is worth knowing and taking into account. He can't let the 'one' get away.

They autonomsly headed into the kitchen together, Chris slipping his shoes back on and tossing his jacket back on. Jill knew he'd have to be home before it was too late, work tomorrow and he's on a strict schedule he's created for himself. "Do you wanna take any of the food home?" "Nah, my treat, it's yours now." Chris was so generous. "You absolutely sure?" "One hundred and ten percent." He cackled. Jill snorted.

"Well, I guess there's not much else to say other than thank you, again. You've made such a heartbreaking day a whole lot better. I dunno how I could ever repay you." "By being a smart girl and being safe and okay." Chris voiced sternly. Jill can't even deny the attraction she felt course through her when he bossed her around, despite him meaning well. "Definitely." Jill giggled, smiling as she opened the front door for him. "I'll see you tomorrow." "See ya, get some rest soon." "Will do, drive safe." "I'll try." He chuckled, walking out of her place.

With a hearty smile, she shut the door behind him, locking it too.

Jill hummed as she took notice of the food again. "Glad I got free food though." She snorted to herself, convoying over to the containers to put them away. Chris was great, such a great man. Now there's only one question roaming in Jill's mind.

What does she feel for him?

[klaprisun]

One Sunny Day

(Stardew Valley) (Haley x Female Farmer)

Epilogue

🌻 ~ One Year Later ~🌻

After living here in Pelican Town for over two years, I'm no stranger to this place anymore. I know all the ins and outs of how things roll here, and everyone knows who I am and what I'm like at this point, especially my wife, Haley. She knows me better than I know myself sometimes. She still surprises me sometimes like when she wakes up before me and waters all my plants, or feeds all of my animals for me. That Haley is not the same one I met two years ago, but to everyone's surprise, it sure is. Emily constantly wonders what I did to her or what kind of spell I put her under, but Haley has come to this conclusion on her own.

"Danny, darling, can you pick up some flour from Pierre's when you head over for your seeds?" Haley sings as she is bent over in the fridge, looking for a snack.

"Flour? Why flour? Do we not have enough? Why can't I just make it for you?" I fire out, all in one breath. Haley turns from the fridge, mid bite into a blueberry tart. She just stands there with her finger in the air telling me to wait, as she chews. I raise my eyebrow as I patiently wait for my answer.

"Cake," she mumbles as she chews.

"Cake?" I question.

"Yes."

"Why cake?"

Haley finally finishes her blueberry tart and takes a seat over on the couch, patting the cushion next to her to get me to sit. Without hesitation, I dash over to the couch and jump over the back, landing butt first on the cushion next to Haley. She takes one of my hands and starts tracing the lines on my palms, giving me goosebumps.

"Do you remember that day back at the Saloon? The day everyone was dancing and everything?" Haley begins.

"Haley, that happens often there. I think we've done that at least five times at the Saloon. You're gonna have to be a bit more specific," I reply, playing with a strand of her beautiful, golden hair.

"It was the first one you went to. The one where I cut in right at the end?"

"Oh. Yeah. I remember that. Why do you ask?"

"Well, just before I took over, you were dancing with Penny-"

"Oh my gosh. Haley are you JEALOUS? Over something from two years ago?!" I gasp teasingly. She gives me a playful smack on my hand but goes back to tracing my hand.

"No, I'm not jealous. It's just that...I remember what she was talking about and it has been bothering me ever since. I know, I know, it's been a long time since then but I finally have the perfect idea!" a small grin appears across her face as she recalls her plan.

"Love, you're gonna have to be more specific. A plan for what? What do you remember?"

"Penny was talking about her school books to you just as I walked up. She mentioned how they were in bad condition and falling apart in their hands. When I overheard that, it made me...upset. We don't have a school here in Pelican Town and Penny really took the young kids under her wing. These kids are getting a fantastic education thanks to her, but she deserves to have proper materials to work with. So I propose a Cake Walk! We just have to save up some money as a community and put it towards getting her new textbooks to work with!" Haley drops my hands and claps her hands together excitedly. She hops off the couch, pulling me up with her and starts tugging me around the edge of our rug.

"We just have to set up a really big mat with numbered squares on it and have the participants walk around to each of the squares. We also have to get a few people to bake cakes to enter as the prizes. That's why I was hoping to get flour right away so I can make my famous Pink Cake. Don't worry, I'm making you bring a chocolate cake so you can't get out of this one," she turns to accusingly wag her finger at me but proceeds to ramble on of her plan.

"Then whichever numbered square they land on when I blow a whistle..." Haley stops in her tracks, putting her hand out to stop me from walking any farther as well. "That's the numbered cake they receive!"

"Oh so does that mean I get your cake now then? Cause there are no numbers right now and I'm closest to you so..." I snake my arm around her waist, and slowly move my hand down to her butt. I wrap my other arm around her to grab a double handful, squeezing tightly with both hands.

"Well you kind of helped yourself there, no?" She teases.

"I couldn't help it," I guide her back down to the couch where she decides to sprawl out, stomach down, across the couch and me. I inch my fingers up the back of her shirt and start tracing my fingers along her spine.

"You realize I'm never going to get up now?" She hums.

"You are going to have to if you want to get this Cake Walk up and running," I respond as I unclip her bra- with one hand- so I have better access around her back.

"Now I'm really never going to leave."

"That's too bad because I have to. Up ya get," I immediately retract my hand and give her a couple light smacks on the butt. She whines and groans but reluctantly gets up.

"Remember when you asked me to get flour?" I tap my finger to her forehead. "I have to go before Pierre closes or else I'll be late getting my seeds as well. I want to plant them as soon as possible." I bend down to kiss her before heading out.

"I'll have dinner ready when you're back. I'm CRAVING an omelet right now. I also best start making the Cake Walk mat too so it's ready. I guess I also should call around to see if anyone wants to bake a cake to have as a prize too." Her face starts to drop as she realizes how much work she has cut out for herself.

I know she will feel accomplished as soon as she has it all established though. It will be totally worth it once she sees the look on Penny's face. I'm so proud of her for coming up with this plan and I know she will blow it out of the water.

"Anything else you may need before I head out?" I ask to make sure.

"I think I'm all set. Thank you though. See you soon!" She smiles at me as she makes her way to the kitchen as I walk out the door.

🌻 🌻 🌻

In two days time, Haley's Cake Walk was all set into motion. She had the mat with squares numbered up to 8 on it, she had participants, and she had 8 cakes. Well... soon to be 8. Haley and I are just about finished making ours. We wanted them to be nice and fresh for the winners today.

"Mine is done! Take yours from the oven and then come running once you've finished icing it. I have to make sure everything is set up," Haley had just finished placing the last little garnish on top of her Pink Cake. Me, on the other hand, is severely slacking on the cake making.

"I'll go as fast as I can. It won't look pretty though," I sigh as I start getting the icing set up.

"It's a good thing you're pretty. It makes up for the way the cake will look," Haley giggles as she places a lid on the cake tray. I roll my eyes her way but feel my cheeks heat up as I blush.

I begin icing the cake, trying to take my time to make it look neat, but I still rush a bit so I'm not late to my wife's special event. She would kill me if I showed up just over 5 minutes late, and I currently have about 15 minutes to icing this whole, triple tiered cake.

"I can do it," I breathe as I keep a steady pace with the icing knife, carefully spreading it around evenly on each of the three tiers.

In no time, I finished all of the icing and have already booked it out the door to town square, careful as to not topple the cake over as I speed walk.

I watch as Haley's face lights up as soon as she sees me rounding the corner. She immediately clears a place on the cake table for me to gently place down my amazing creation.

"It looks amazing, my dear!" She stretches up and plants a kiss on my cheek as a reward for a job well done.

"Let's get this show on the road everyone!" We chant to the crowd that's gathered for the event.

Jas, Vincent, Emily, Caroline, Marnie, Jodi, Pam, and Clint all take a square on the mat, ready to start. Haley blows the whistle and they begin walking clockwise around the square mat. Jas and Vincent seem very excited to be participating in this event, and it makes everyone smile as we watch them excitedly hopping into each numbered square.

"It was a really good turn out, huh?" Haley nudges me happily, admiring her work.

"You did a great job, love." Just as I begin to go in for a kiss, Marnie chimes in.

"Um...Haley? When do we stop? My legs are..." Marnie begins to pant as she continues to try to keep up with the rotation.

"Whoops! Forgot to blow the whistle!" Haley quickly puts the whistle to her lips and blows. Everyone freezes on the spot, and begins to look at the number they landed on. Haley begins to give out the designated cake prizes.

"Caroline, you get Mayor Lewis' cave carrot loaf, with extra fiber" Haley announces.

"Oh, joy" I hear her mumble.

"Emily, you get Pam's chocolate stout cupcakes with aged bourbon buttercream!" Haley announces again.

"You're in for a treat, kid," Pam chuckles to Emily.

"Jas... you get Clint's wild horseradish cobbler..." Haley's face goes a shade green as she could hardly get the sentence out of her mouth without gagging. The look on Jas' face is so heartbreaking.

"It's an old family recipe. I baked it right in the smelting oven. Oh and I might have burned the bottom a little... you may have to peel off a large amount of charred matter. But the rest should totally be edible!" Clint declares, causing everyone to have a disgusted look on their face.

"Next up is Vincent! We've got Robin's triple syrup n' cream strawberry log!" Haley holds up the next dish for everyone to see.

"Oh no..." Jodi's face goes pale. Vincent is already jumping up and down excitedly.

"Jodi, you get Emily's organic red velvet cake...colored with beets!" Haley says.

I hear Jodi reply with a soft "yum" from the mat.

"Last but not least...Pam! You are the lucky winner of my wife's deluxe chocolate cake!" Haley holds up my beautiful chocolate cake for everyone to see.

"Thanks, kid," Pam says to us. She nods her head my way as well as Haley's.

"Thanks everyone for joining in. We raised over 5000 coins!

"What's the money for anyway? You buyin' a new purse?" George scoffs from the sidelines.

"Actually... it's for Penny," Haley turns her attention towards a confused looking Penny.

"Penny, about two years ago I overheard you telling Danny about those school books you use for Jas and Vincent. It sounded like you could use some help and I couldn't think of the right thing to help until recently. I know I'm pretty late to this, but I hope you're okay with this?"

Penny's face lights up as she processes what Haley just said. "Did you hear that, kids? You're getting brand new school books!" she shouts, ecstatically. "I don't know what to say... Thank you so much to both of you!" Penny gives us both a big hug.

"Hey Lewis... since we're funding the education without touching the town's coffers, you'll be lowering our business tax, right?" Robin calls over to Mayor Lewis.

He starts looking around nervously at everyone, avoiding eye contact with Robin. I can see visible sweat drops fall from his forehead.

"We'll discuss that at a later date. I have...somewhere to be right now!" and with that he scurries off.

I swoop Haley into a big, celebratory hug, spinning us around a few times. Her feet come off the ground a bit from how far I pick her up.

"You did it! The Cake Walk was a success!" I exclaim.

"You helped, Danny. I couldn't have done it without you," Haley gushes.

"I hardly did anything. This was all you. It was such a thoughtful gesture, I love that you did this. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with such a kind and thoughtful person," I place little kisses all over her cheeks making her giggle and try to swat me away.

"You better be, because you are stuck with me Mrs. Danny," Haley swipes her finger down my nose and then tips my hat over my eyes. 

"I love you, Haley."

"I love you, Danny."

[turcott3]

worst behavior

cole sillinger x fem! reader

warnings?: cursing, arguing, smut: oral fem receiving, unprotected sex, hair pulling, overstimulation, slightest tiniest bit of fluff

positions fics masterlist

~this ain’t no game, won’t play with you. this time i know ill stay with you~

-

your eyes fluttered open to a room filled with sunlight. you stretched out and rolled over, running into something. you finally process what’s going on and look around the room, not recognizing a single piece of it.

“where am i?” you whisper, looking at the body next to you. an ohio state hockey player who’s name you vaguely recalled, but that didn’t matter because someone definitely saw you leave with him.

fuck.

“hmm.” you hear the boy groan next to you.

“good morning.” you say scooting away from him.

“morning beautiful.” he says opening his eyes and smiling at you, your heart almost fluttering at those words. cole never uttered them to you.

“sleep good?” you ask as he leans up on his elbow.

“i did, last night was incredible.” he says kissing you on the cheek. that’s when it all came flooding back. his gentlemanly gestures roped you in. he opened the car door for you, he was sweet, overall seemed like someone you’d actually want to be with. until you remembered that you had never betrayed your….. whatever it was, to cole.

“i’m gonna get a shower, you can stay here or raid the kitchen. my home is yours.” he says smiling at you.once the bathroom door shuts, you scramble to collect your clothes, putting them on, grabbing your phone, and sneaking out the door as quickly as possible. you had been fucking cole for a few months now and would never dare to betray your loyalty to him. he was like a drug to you, and you were addicted. not that he could say the same for you as much as you wished he would. you had no car and didn’t know where you were, but you couldn’t call cole, so you chose the next best option. adam.

“hello?”

“yes hey adam, so it’s a long story but can i send you my location? i don’t know where i am and i have no transportation.”

“yeah of course i can. are you okay?”

“yeah i just have a bad feeling that someone is gonna know about what happened and i really wanna just pretend it never happened. i’ll tell you in the car.”

“y/n it’s gonna be fine, don’t worry. send me your location and i’ll be there.”

“sent. thank you so much adam, seriously.”

“no problem, i don’t want you to get kidnapped or anything.” he laughs.

“thank you, bye adam.”

“bye.” he says and you hang up. what were you going to tell cole? you check and see only one missed call and two texts from him. everyday you hoped he would grow more desperate for your attention, but the day still never came. once adam arrived at your location, you get into his car and buckle without a word.

“so what happened?” he says putting the car back into drive and pulling off.

“i went to a party last night,”

“like the one some of the guys and i went to?”

“yes that one, and i guess i got drunk and came back with a fucking ohio state hockey player, but he was so sweet and nice and gentlemanly.”

“ohio state really?” adam asks.

“adam, that’s what you’re concerned about?” you say smacking him on the arm.

“hey that’s serious dude,”

“that is the least of my worries right now. what if cole finds out? someone had to have seen me leave with him.”

“has he called you?”

“yeah.”

“when?”

“like 2 hours ago.”

“he knows.” he simply states.

“i mean maybe he doesn’t.”

“check your voicemail.” he says going silent, you listened in and he didn’t go into specifics but he seemed angry.

“well shit, i’ll go see him tomorrow,” you say

“probably a good idea.” he replies, the rest of the drive was mostly silent. how were you supposed to make an excuse for this?

-

the next day came and you were terrified. once you arrive at his house, you step up to the door but before your knuckles could hit the wooden surface, it opens.

“look who finally decided to show up.” he says stepping out of the way so you could walk inside.

“look cole i-“

“i don’t wanna hear it.”

“what do you mean?”

“an excuse, so you’re gonna tell me what the fuck happened the other night.”

“well i-“

“spit it out.” he says stepping closer.

“why do you care so much?” you ask.

“just answer the fucking question.”

“fine. that night, i got drunk at the party, you would know bc you were there. you had girls surrounding you, this lovely guy came up to me. he was super sweet and respectful so i went home with him.”

“oh so you’re fucking him now too?”

“well i obviously haven’t gone back to him, nor do i have his number. is that what you want to hear?”

“no.”

“take me on a date, just once, and i’ll forget i even looked in his direction.” you begged. you didn’t want your time with cole to end. you never wanted it to if you could help it.

“i want you forget he ever even fucking existed y/n.”

“just take me out one time cole.” you beg, and his stance doesn’t change.

“did he fuck you good?” he says smirking, changing the topic.

“well it was okay, he was very sweet though. i love that in a guy, just pure sweetness.”

“so he didn’t fuck you like i do?”

“maybe he did.” you shrug, knowing it was a flat out lie.

“oh really?” he scoffs, grazing his hands around your waist, facing inching closer to yours.

“he could never come close to what i give you.” he says lowly, connecting your lips. instantly, you cave at his touch. your arms wrapping around the back of his neck. he bites your lip as he pulls away looking into your eyes. he picks you up, wrapping your legs around his waist and carries you to his room, shutting the door and locking it behind him. he tosses you on the bed, immediately pulling your shirt off over your head and throwing it as he does the same.

“i just really like when a guy is sweet, you don’t understand that?” you say interrupting the tangible silence in the room.

“no i do.”

“sure doesn��t seem like it.”

“well maybe i can be sweet.” he retorts.

“ha sure you can.” you scoff as he walks over to the bad, towering over you.

“you just don’t get to find out right now.” he smirks, crawling onto the bed and attaching his lips to your neck, nipping and sucking at the skin. your hands find their way into his hair, tugging on hit lightly as you grew more and more anxious for him to get the ball rolling. he unclasped your bra with one hand and helps you out of it, tossing it across the room. he hooks his fingers under the bands of your underwear and he slides them down you legs quickly before removing his own underwear.

“you want me to fuck you baby?”

“yes, please cole.” you say practically in a whisper as he bends down, his tongue making contact with your dripping core. his tongue working in circles on your clit, his sheets now clenched in your fists. suddenly sliding two fingers into you, curling them causing your back to arch, a loud moan ripping from your throat, already edging a climax. out of nowhere, he pulls his fingers out backing away from you, sucking your juices off his fingers before crawling over you and kissing you sloppily.

“no please why’d you stop?” you whine.

“just had to get you ready.” he smirks pulling away, running his leaking tip through your soaked folds.

“you gonna be good for me pretty girl?” he asks.

“i am.” you say quietly.

“good.” he smirks before pushing into you without warning, a galaxy forming behind your eyelids, your legs hooking around his hip.

“fuck.” you say gripping onto his arms. his thrusts were deep and hard.

“so good just for me.” he grunts out in broken up speech. you open your eyes and lock contact with his, moaning uncontrollably as he hit the sensitive spongey spot deep inside you with each thrust.

“fuck cole oh my god.” you say, the only words you could possibly muster up. you were overstimulated in the best way, sex with cole was always amazing but he was really outdoing himself this time. he leans down, attaching your lips to his to silence your moans as your climax creeped closer and closer.

“god you’re so fucking hot.” he says locking eyes with you again, before you roll your eyes into the back of your head trying to hold off the orgasm that threatened to rip through your body.

“cole i-“

“do it. come for me.” he says and on queue you see stars, your body relaxing all the tightness it previously felt. he fucked you all the way through your high, thinking that was the end.

“you think we’re done here? i’m not done with you.” he says slowing down and pulling out of you, picking you up and tossing you onto your stomach. you raise yourself up in your hands and knees weakly, knowing exactly what he wanted. he places his calloused hand on your ass, using the other to help push himself into you swollen core.

“fuck.” you scream as his hips slam into you quickly.

“yeah you like that?”

“fuck yes i do.” you say, kicking back into high gear, his hips slamming into your ass, his thick cock somehow hitting deeper than before, stretching you out with each thrust. your arms give out and your chest hits the bed, arching your back to keep your position for him.

“god damn look at you.” he says, the smirk lining his voice. his hand reaches into your hair, gathering it around his hand as he pulls you back up, you arms barely holding your weight as he pulls your back closer to his chest until you’re flush against his front side, his other hand holding you up while his fingers found their way to your clit. you couldn’t conjure any words, your hand found the back of his neck as he grunts sweet nothings into your ear, feeling your orgasm approach once again.

“fuck cole i’m gonna come.” you force out. he lets go of your hair and you fall back onto your arms, your walls clenching around him.

“come for me, come baby.” he says and you do as you’re told once again, your arms shaking as he spills his seed deep into your cervix.

“oh my god.” you say as he pulls out of your overly stimulated core rolling you over, your legs shaking frantically. you’d never been fucked that good a day in your life and you were wishing you could feel it again already.

“so, does he fuck you like i can?” he asks again breathlessly and you shake your head quickly, not being able to speak up.

“use your words baby.” he smirks, climbing over you, his face a mere 4 inches from yours, his hair grazing your forehead lightly.

“he could never.” you say pulling his chain bringing him in for another kiss.

“let’s get you cleaned up.” he says smiling as you pull apart. typically, he says this and wipes you clean with a rag, sending you on your way so you didn’t expect much. he puts his boxers on and walks into the bathroom, soaking a rag with warm water before returning, wiping you clean gently. he tosses the rag into his hamper and hands you your lace thing off the floor and a blue jackets tshirt.

“cole wha-“

“no no, take it seriously.” he says and you take it from him hesitantly, pulling it over your head. careful, he removes your hair from the neck, and brushes it behind your shoulders.

“what’s all this?” you say, shocked that you were even still at his house.

“showing you that i can be sweet.” he smirks, pulling you by the shirt into a sweet kiss.

“i’m usually gone by now.”

“well maybe this time you should stay.”

“are you sure?”

“yeah why not.” he says leaning back on his head board, opening his arms for you to join him. you lay your head on his chest as your arm drapes over his body, his hand gently rubbing up and down your back.

“why have you never let me stay before?” you say looking up at him, breaking the silence.

“i didn’t know what you wanted from me, until today.”

“what do you mean?”

“i thought you just wanted to be around me for sex.” he shrugs, looking down at you.

“well maybe at first but it grew to much more than that. i don’t think i’ve ever regretted anything more than fucking that dude the other night but i mean to be fair i thought all you wanted from me was sex too.”

“it was for a while but feelings change you know.” he laughs slightly.

“so?”

“so what?” he asks obliviously.

“are you gonna take me out?” you say giving the man puppy dog eyes. he rolls his eyes laughing lightly.

“yes y/n, ill take you out.” he giggles, kissing you on the head. it brought you peace knowing that he had feelings for you too, but maybe you should be on your worst behavior more often…..

[postmail]

okay i cant help myself. lets talk about ishmael’s stepmother from the tidbit about sleep paralysis.

i find this tiny choice in characterization to be fascinating - with just one word, it implies so much, yet leaves so much vague, leaves so many unanswered questions at the same time.

like. stepmother? why does he have a stepmother? are his parents divorced? dead? just... missing?

lets lay the groundwork - ill admit, i have little clue how custody had worked back in the 1800s, but i did do some research into divorce of the time. no-fault divorce (divorce that you dont have to justify/ have a reason for) was not legal in the states until 1969. in order to receive a divorce, a spouse needed to abuse, cheat on, or in some way wrong their innocent spouse. innocent is notable - technically, if you both wronged eachother, then you did not have grounds for a divorce, because neither of you were the innocent victim in this scenario. this meant if you were in an unhappy marriage, you would just have to suck it up - or, lie to the court, which was a thing people did and got away with. apparently, most places didnt care enough to actually check your claims.

another thing - ishmael notes that she is his stepmother, but does not seem to think this needs any explanation. this, to me, could mean a few different things -

one, its likely that, whatever happened with his biological parents, he was old enough to remember it, or at least remember them, since the usage of ‘stepmother’ implies a need in his mind for a distinction, whereas if he never knew his parents, he wouldn’t feel the need for it. but, his lack of clarification also tells that he was probably still young enough for this to significantly set in as his new normal, to the point where he doesnt consider having to need to explain it. this last point is corroborated by the contents of the passage - though he does not state directly state his age, he does say he was a child, and through his actions in the passage, one would be reasonable to assume he is, at most, no older than twelve.

two is perhaps that whether or not he recalls his biological parents does not matter - his stepmother had specifically instructed him that she would only be addressed as ‘stepmother’, and nothing short of it. this, too, is not an unreasonable thought - the passage paints her as a strict and stern person, and ishmael himself refers to her as ‘conscientious’, implying the type of parent to be very firm and unwavering.

now, that aside, we might see divorce as the less dramatic answer to the question - until you consider that, because of the aforementioned way things were done, this meant that one parent had to be significantly irreparable for a divorce to be allowed. one could assume that this person might have been his mother - afterall, she would be unlikely to get custody if she was in the wrong, and so it would fall to his father, who very well could have remarried another woman. note that is a stepmother - if ishmael was under the custody of his mother, he would likely have a stepfather instead, if any stepparent at all. now, this must have been rather extreme circumstances - from my brief reading, it seemed that the 1800s courts tended to favor the mothers, rather than the fathers, as it was seen in the child's best interest to be with their mother.

in the passage, ishmael informs us that it was around 2 o'clock, midday - his stepmother is the only mentioned in the scene, but this does not mean he has no other parent/ guardian. if he does live with his father, then it is entirely likely that he is simply at work in the 'flashback'.

it may seem most obvious to take the route of divorce as the answer, as we understand 'stepmother' to be something allotted for the new spouses of divorced parents. but, one must consider - children can, and often do call their caretakers any manner of things, their applicability not withstanding. for instance, i once knew someone who referred to his grandmother (who was his primary caretaker) as mimi, because it was his brother's nickname for her. it is not impossible that, finding no other term, ishmael deemed this woman to be known as 'stepmother', whether or not she actually was not withstanding.

now! another potential answer here would be parental death - it was the 1800s, afterall, people simply died all the time (well, not all the time, but you know what i mean). as we've established, ishmael's stepmother does not actually have to be his father's new wife, and perhaps she isn't. if ishmael's parents were dead, it would explain why he is seemingly mostly in the care of his stepmother, at least from what we can see. while we can assume that perhaps his father is simply at work, it is also equally plausible through the context provided in the passage that ishmael's father is not in the picture, as he is not mentioned, or even alluded to. nor, of course, is ishmael's mother.

im not sure why, but the picture this paints in my mind feels a lot more true to ishmael himself than the option that his parents are simply divorced - here we have a man, an orphan in more than one way, whose only caretaker was his strict stepmother, who, as he says it, seemed to him to want to punish him for every little thing. its a very lonely childhood - one that suits our ishmael very well. no wonder he clove so tight to queequeg - did he ever even know love that came without punishment and restriction, before he met his harpooner?

... goddamnit, ive gone and made myself sad, now.

[utilitycaster]

Feel free to ignore if you don't want to talk about it (since I know folks have been super weird to you about gaming), but I'm really curious what build you went for in Disco Elysium, since, at least in my experience, it REALLY colors the information you get about the world (and also how the game flows).

Hey anon! I am happy to talk about it. I'll give you the build and then, honestly, I'm going to give a rundown of The Weirdnesses since talking around them is probably making shit more confusing. I may have even done this before or I may have drafted it and deleted it. I honestly do not recall, and it doesn't hurt to repeat.

I went with thinker, in a move surprising no one who has been subjected to my "never dump intelligence when you can dump wisdom" rants about D&D. I want to know what's going on; this has made progress slow in a few places due to the mediocre physical stats/horrifically bad psyche stats, and also it means my available health and morale are garbage, however, I do not care because I want to know what's going on. It does mean I haven't been able to get through several doors, however.

Anyway re: video games. This isn't unique to them but I think bc I am up to date on Critical Role this just doesn't happen much, but anyway two things are going on.

the overfamiliarity problem. I mean this so seriously: If we have not interacted recently and/or frequently (or uh. at all) saying shit like "I'm so excited for you to be playing this game!" is actually deeply off-putting to me. I am sure it is INTENDED to be friendly, and so I usually quietly delete comments or hide reblogs instead of blocking, but it really is like...this is a normal thing for casual acquaintances to say and it's fucking weird for strangers to say. like the posts if you like them! reblog them! Even "oh it's a fun game, enjoy yourself!" is fine by me. But like, something about "I'm excited for you" or talking about your own experience when I do not fucking know you makes my skin crawl.

Like many people I have a number of hangups about using leisure time for leisure instead of productivity, or even using leisure time for a leisure activity like video games specifically, which are both time consuming and, while very enjoyable and imo rewarding, do not have the same cultural cache as books nor the finished products as crafts, nor the ability to simultaneously clean your kitchen or crochet as podcasts or TV/movies. I've found from some conversations with friends that I have...more than average hangups, and that's a conversation I do genuinely intend to have in like. a therapy setting. and I'll leave it at that. But anyway to that point feeling like I am having demands put on me, even something as vague and well-intentioned as "I'm excited to hear your thoughts!" or "do you think you'll do another run" before I've independently formulated said thoughts/done another run kicks in a whole bunch of contrarian and also "why are you giving me a fucking TASK related to this when I already had to manually override seventeen warning lights to get to the point of doing something purely for fun and for myself" instincts. (This is also a factor in why I'm extremely sensitive to any spoilers; even "oh you'll have fun when you meet Bob" sets my brain into "well now you can't focus on anything until you meet Bob, obviously, all that matters is finding Bob" mode, which may fuck up my experience until I meet Bob. It's not all the time, depending on the nature of the spoiler and the work and my own ability to be like hey. brain. stop. But it is sometimes, and given that there's very valid reasons to avoid spoilers anyway, such as "random stranger on Tumblr usually does not reveal them in a way that feels nearly as rewarding as the work itself" I am spoiler averse.) Really, when it comes to me exploring video games, or life, one must treat me as a shelter cat or a toddler: I gotta do it myself, let me figure it out myself, only stop me if I'm going to like, fall down a flight of stairs or chew on a lamp cord. And honestly? I think this is a good way to treat everyone who is getting into something you like unless they ask you for advice.

ANYWAY mortifying ordeal of being very slightly known/lecture on how to welcome the independent to a fault and perhaps beyond that into your fandoms aside, asking about what I've already done? 100% ok, do not worry about doing this, just make sure from my posts it is indeed a thing I've already done.