#useful wildflowers

[whatnext10]

It’s the Time of Year that Colorful Pickerel Weed is in Bloom

Coming Alive Even though spring is just getting underway in much of the northern hemisphere, here in the southern United States we are transitioning into summer. This is actually a great time of year because the weather isn’t unbearably hot yet, and we have both spring and early summer flowers blooming. One of our summer flowers that is flourishing this year is the pickerel weed (Pontederia…

[littlealienproducts]

Dried Organic Wildflowers by LuckyplantUS

[los-plantalones]

common yarrow.

[tightjeansjavi]

wildflowers

A/N: this was completely unplanned but after daydreaming about napping with Joel in a field of wildflowers, I decided to bring that to life 🥺 thank u to my bug @strang3lov3 for betaing 💗

~word count: 528~

Summary: you and Joel nap in a field of wildflowers

Pairing | joel x f!reader

Warnings: none, just some fluff and an unspecified age gap between Joel and the reader, language, secret love, +18 minors dni!

“If we get ambushed, or godforbid—” Joel, your long-term patrol partner, turned secret lover warned you as you dismounted from your horse, tossing the reins over the withers with ease.

You flashed him a grin, all teeth, bright and beaming like the sun above in high noon.

“A quick cat nap isn’t going to kill us, Joel.” You retorted playfully, eyes squinted through the harsh glare from the blinding sun.

“It jus’ might kill us, darlin.’” He let out a huff, swinging his thigh over the side of the saddle and dismounted. He kept the strap of his rifle over his shoulder, unable to completely let his guard down.

“It won’t, Joel. I promise.” You reassured him, reaching for his hand when you were close enough to make contact. It was rather reckless for you and Joel to have your rendezvous while patrolling, but despite the risks, you couldn’t stay away from one another.

And most of all, you made Joel Miller feel young and alive. Two distinct feelings that he had constantly chased for years and years.

With his large, warm, calloused palm in your grasp, you playfully pulled him down into the bright array of wildflowers. He let out a soft, oof, followed by a sneeze due to the pollen content invading his nostrils.

His whole face scrunched up, eyes crinkling in the corners, cursing under his breath at the sensation.

“Got the sneezies?” You asked in a playful tone.

He glowered, jaw ticking as he rubbed his nose. “Fuckin’ pollen content is a bitch.” He felt the smallest grin tug on the corner of his lips when he caught you staring at him, “quit your starin’, baby. You little creep.” He teased.

“Oh, shuddup. Can’t help that I think you’re so handsome, Joel.”

He blushes immediately, coughing into his bare shoulder to hide the redness flushing over his cheeks.

“Ain’t handsome, darlin’. M’old as shit.” He scoffs, reaching to pluck one of the many surrounding flowers. He twirls the stem between the pads of his fingers, admiring the subtle beauty of the delicate petals. He turns his head to the side, glancing over at you and begrudgingly holds the flower out in your direction, eyes casted downwards.

“For you.” His tone is soft, rasping at the end.

“For me?” You ask, fighting your grin from spilling over. “Well, ain’t ya a romantic, Miller.” Your fingers brush his as you take the flower from his grasp and carefully place it behind your ear.

“Don’t push it,” he warns you. “That’s my one token of kindness for the day.”

Once he was settled, he kept his rifle in arm's reach while he laid on his back, gazing up at the slow-rolling clouds up above. He listened to the harmonious birds chirping, the buzzards buzzing, a warm breeze kissing the apples of his cheeks.

This is Peace. He thought.

He had one arm crossed behind his head, bicep muscles bulging as he used it as a makeshift pillow. His other arm was wrapped around you, strong, yet soft—secure.

He dozed off with your cheek nuzzled against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat—his soft breaths, and little nasally snores.

This is Love. You thought.

Banners made by the lovely @saradika-graphics 💗

Please follow @tightjeansjaviupdates for fic updates and notifications

[purple-mushroom-cap]

wildflower and barley is like when you're standing on the edge of your life seeing your regrets lined up next to each other and then someone from the sunlight brushes their hand against your shoulder and and tells you that its okay and that you lived and you were worth all the love you've been given and gently coaxes you away

[noirandchocolate]

Guess WHAT!!!!

Your girl KidK just got proposed to by the BEST PERSON EVER, BAST, via a VACATION PICNIC at a SEASIDE PARK that was a SURPRISE and there was a PHOTOGRAPHER and EVERYTHING.

I’m eating a charcuterie board with my FIANCÉE!!

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - November 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles!

1. Los Angeles becomes a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ youth and immigrants as officials reject Project 2025

“The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to pass the “sanctuary city” ordinance, shielding queer youth who travel to the city to receive gender-affirming care from prosecution, as well as preventing city resources from being used in immigration enforcement[….]”

2. Huge deforested areas in the tropics could regenerate naturally, study finds

“Cleared or degraded tropical forests around the world covering a combined area larger than Saudi Arabia could regrow on its own, according to new research published Oct. 30 in the journal Nature. [… T]he permanence of regrown forests is critically important to the benefits it can provide to biodiversity and the climate.”

3. Minnesota tribe could soon get a solar-powered resilience hub

“A pair of developers are working to build a microgrid at an elementary school and community center on the White Earth Reservation in northern Minnesota [… which would] provide about 12 hours worth of backup power for residents to be able to charge cell phones, power medical equipment, or stay warm in the event of a power outage.”

4. An exchange between Indonesia and Tanzania supports food security and ocean health

“Around the world, WWF helps manage […] both traditional sustainability-oriented management and science-based practices. This combination supports long-term food security and biodiversity goals. […] Local ownership and management are […] key to achieving stable fisheries and social and economic benefits.”

5. Spiky blue devils and chocolate lilies: Victorian grassland bursts with wildflowers after ecological ‘reset’

“About 70 native plant species could be found within the site, including […] four endangered species of orchid. […] Careful management, including an ecological burn in May and weed control measures to reduce pasture grasses, laid the groundwork for wildflowers to thrive.”

6. Vast forests, wetlands and lakes conserved [in Ontario]

“A vast 970-hectare area featuring thriving forests, wetlands and crystal-clear lakes northeast of Sault Ste. Marie is now protected[….] The intact forests, lakes, wetlands and shorelines support high biodiversity and are home to many threatened species[….]”

7. A New Era of Compassion: How Suncoast Humane Society is Changing Animal Welfare for Good

“Our campus includes outdoor play areas, trails, and even a small swimming pool to encourage animals to stay active, explore, and simply be themselves.”

8. Building climate resilient cocoa farming in West Africa

“[… A] promising new approach to improve climate resilience in cocoa agroforestry across West Africa […] focuses on the critical role of leaf "phenology"—the seasonal changes in leaf cycles—in trees providing shade in managing climate impacts. [… S]hade trees that lose their leaves entirely during the dry season proved especially beneficial in maintaining soil moisture[….]”

9. New Zealanders save more than 30 stranded whales by lifting them on sheets

“[The Department of Conservation] praised as “incredible” the efforts made by hundreds of people to help save the foundering pod. “It’s amazing to witness the genuine care and compassion people have shown toward these magnificent animals[….]””

10. 'A really sobering moment:' English zoo fights extinction of freshwater Boxer pupfish

“Whipsnade Zoo aquarists were recently told by conservation partners that that the world's last remaining Boxer pupfish was in their care, prompting the zoo to carry out the immediate transport of all the "precious" Boxer pupfish eggs to another local conservation and education charity in the name of species preservation.”

November 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[julykings]

summer’s end

[yrlocalghost]

Will there be weeds or wildflowers when you're done?

[violetsinyoureyesandguns]

She looked like a religious icon with flowers and stars growing from her rotting body,✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

like someone you would sacrifice your soul for˚ ཐི⋆ ⋆˚࿔𝜗𝜚˚⋆사랑 ⊹⋆ཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺⋆༄˖°.🪷

[whatnext10]

The American White Water Lily is Quite Beautiful

American White One of our most common flowers in central Florida is the water lily. There are several different types and many of those types have different colored flowers, but one of the prettiest ones is the American white water lily (Nymphaea odorata). It can be found in most of North America and parts of Central America, so it’s not surprising that it also has several other common names…

[little-blurry]

"𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈'𝐦 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧...𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐈 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞?"

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 - 𝐇𝐢𝐭 𝐌𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭

[sparklejumpropequeen1949]

Not to dick ride but Billie eilish deserves to get her pussy ate because I’ve been crying to wildflower for the past 3 days.

[coquettefawn]

i remember when i did my science project over lithium twice. i’m so lana coded 💌

[sinful-sonnet]

Whiskey & Wildflowers

Chapter 4

Prev | Next

Dbf!Joel miller x f!reader

W/C: 5.4k

Summary: you tell Sarah about Joel and she reacts in a way you didn’t expect. Joel drives you home, and the two of you share a quiet but emotionally charged moment. The comfort of his presence helps ease your worries, and you find yourself leaning on him in ways you didn’t expect. The evening ends on a tender note, offering a sense of peace in the midst of all the tension and uncertainty.

Content warnings: emotional vulnerability, intimacy, grief, dependency,

“Quiet Confessions”

Joel stepped into his house early that morning, the door closing softly behind him. The faint sound of Sarah rustling in the kitchen greeted him. She glanced up when she saw him, her brow furrowing in confusion.

“Where were you?” she asked, sipping her coffee. “I got home late, and you weren’t here.”

Joel hesitated, running a hand through his hair as he avoided her gaze for a moment. He cleared his throat before answering. “I was over at her place,” he said simply, his voice low.

Sarah tilted her head, curiosity and mild concern flashing across her face. “You spent the night?”

“Yeah,” he admitted, setting his keys down on the counter. “She’s not doin’ great, Sarah. Someone needed to be there.”

Sarah nodded slowly, her expression softening. “That’s good of you, Dad. She needs someone right now.”

Joel didn’t reply immediately, instead looking down as if weighing something heavier than the conversation at hand. “She does,” he murmured finally, almost to himself.

Sarah watched him for a moment longer, but didn’t press further. “Well, I’m glad she’s got you,” she said simply, before turning back to her coffee. Joel’s shoulders relaxed a fraction, though his thoughts were anything but settled.

———•

The morning light streamed through your window as you stirred, your body aching slightly from the intensity of yesterday. Every movement reminded you of Joel—the way his hands had gripped you, the weight of his body against yours, the way he had looked at you as though you were the only person in the world.

You stretched, feeling the soreness in your muscles, a dull reminder of the connection you shared. It was bittersweet—an ache that made you smile faintly despite yourself. The events played in your mind like a vivid dream, making your cheeks flush.

Pulling yourself out of bed, you wrapped a robe around your frame and headed to the kitchen, your body tired but your mind restless. The house was silent, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions that had unfolded the day before. And though you were alone, you couldn’t help but feel his lingering presence, as if a part of him had stayed behind.

You wondered if he felt the same, if he was thinking about you right now, replaying everything the way you were. A pang of longing hit you—along with the question that wouldn’t leave your mind: What happens now?

You thought about stopping by maybe to see Sarah as an excuse but really to see what Joel was up to. Thought about apologizing to Sarah for being so distant. You had shower and dressed up nice and headed over to Joel’s place. Knocked on the door and Sarah was there opening it shortly after

Sarah pulled you inside, her excitement bubbling over as she held onto you. “You’ve been MIA for too long,” she said, pulling back to get a better look at you. “We need to fatten you up! Come on, let’s eat.”

You smiled sheepishly, feeling a pang of guilt for having avoided her. “I’m sorry, Sarah. I’ve just… had a lot going on.”

“It’s okay, but don’t disappear on me again, alright?” she said firmly, her hand squeezing yours before pulling you toward the kitchen.

The smell of butter and cheese hit you before you even saw him, but the sight of Joel at the stove stopped you in your tracks. He was focused on the pan, flipping sandwiches with practiced ease. When his gaze lifted and met yours, his expression softened.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he murmured, his voice low and warm.

Your heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, it felt like the rest of the room faded away. His presence was grounding, yet electric, and you couldn’t help the way your cheeks flushed under his gaze.

“Hi,” you replied softly, stepping closer but staying near Sarah, unsure how to navigate the tension building in the air.

Joel’s lips twitched into a faint smile before he turned back to the stove, but you noticed the way his shoulders tensed slightly.

Sarah, oblivious to the silent exchange, pulled out a chair for you at the table. “Sit! Let’s eat together. Dad’s grilled cheese is the best.”

You glanced at Joel as you sat down, your stomach fluttering as he plated the sandwiches and brought them over. As he set a plate in front of you, his fingers brushed against yours, sending a shiver down your spine.

“You need to eat, darlin’,” he said quietly, his tone firm but caring.

You nodded, feeling his concern and Sarah’s enthusiasm pulling you back into the moment. For the first time in weeks, you felt a sense of normalcy—though the undercurrent of unspoken feelings between you and Joel made everything feel far from ordinary.

As Joel set the last plate down, his hand lingered on your shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through you, but before you could say anything, he straightened up and stepped away.

“Gonna give you two some time to catch up,” he muttered, grabbing a half-full glass of whiskey from the counter on his way to the living room.

You watched him go, his broad frame disappearing around the corner. The sound of ice clinking in his glass followed, a subtle reminder of the tension still lingering in the air.

Sarah didn’t seem to notice, already digging into her grilled cheese with enthusiasm. “Dad’s got this down to a science,” she said between bites, gesturing toward your plate. “Eat up, girl. You need this.”

You smiled faintly, picking up your sandwich and taking a small bite. The buttery, cheesy goodness melted in your mouth, and for a moment, it felt comforting. But your thoughts kept drifting back to Joel—his distant yet heavy presence in the next room, the way his touch had lingered just a little too long.

“Seriously,” Sarah said, breaking you out of your thoughts. “You’ve got to stop being a stranger. Dad and I’ve been worried about you.”

You nodded, swallowing your bite and offering her a small smile. “I know. I’m sorry. I’m trying.”

Sarah reached across the table to squeeze your hand. “That’s all that matters.”

From the living room, you could hear the faint sound of Joel shifting in his seat, the ice in his glass clinking again. You tried to focus on Sarah, but your mind kept wandering to the man just out of sight and the unspoken pull between you.

You hesitated, the words slipping out before you could stop yourself. “Something happened with Joel yesterday, Sarah.”

Sarah froze mid-bite, her eyes widening slightly as she slowly set her sandwich down. “What do you mean ‘something happened’?” she asked, her tone cautious but curious.

Your stomach twisted as you avoided her gaze, suddenly unsure how to continue. “It’s… complicated,” you murmured, fidgeting with your hands.

Sarah leaned forward, her brows knitting together in concern. “Is everything okay? Did he say or do something to upset you?”

“No,” you said quickly, shaking your head. “Nothing like that. He’s been—he’s been really supportive, but…”

“But what?” she pressed, her voice soft but insistent.

You swallowed hard, glancing toward the living room where Joel sat, the faint clink of his glass echoing in the quiet. “I don’t know how to explain it. There’s just… tension. And yesterday, it got… intense.”

Sarah’s eyes narrowed slightly, her concern deepening. “Intense how?”

You opened your mouth to respond, but the weight of it all felt too heavy. Instead, you just shook your head again. “It’s nothing. Forget I said anything.”

Sarah stared at you for a moment, clearly unconvinced. “You’re my best friend. You can tell me anything, you know that, right?”

“I know,” you whispered, forcing a small smile. “I just need time to figure it out, that’s all.”

She nodded slowly, though the worry didn’t leave her face. “Alright. But if you need to talk, I’m here. And if my dad’s being… weird, let me know.”

You nodded back, grateful for her support but knowing this was something you couldn’t fully share—not yet. The tension between you and Joel was a secret that felt too fragile to expose, even to someone as close as Sarah.

Sarah’s fork clattered against her plate as she stared at you, her eyes wide with shock. “Don’t tell me you like… slept with him?”

Her words echoed in your head, and your heart sank into your stomach. You hesitated, your cheeks burning as the weight of her question settled between you.

“What if I did?” you whispered, barely audible, your voice trembling as you avoided her gaze.

Sarah’s jaw dropped slightly, and she leaned back in her chair, struggling to process what you’d just said. “Are you serious?” she finally asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and something you couldn’t quite place—hurt, maybe?

You bit your lip, nodding faintly as your hands fidgeted in your lap. “It just… happened,” you admitted, your voice still quiet.

She stared at you for what felt like an eternity, her expression shifting from shock to something softer, though still conflicted. “I mean, I knew he cared about you, but… this? How long has this been going on?”

“It’s not… it’s not like that,” you stammered. “It only happened once, and I—”

Sarah held up a hand, cutting you off. “Stop. I don’t need details.” She exhaled sharply, leaning forward to rub her temples. “This is so… weird.”

“I know,” you said quickly, your voice desperate. “I didn’t mean for it to happen, and I know it’s wrong, but…”

“But what?” she pressed, looking at you intently.

You swallowed hard, your eyes welling up with tears. “I think I might have feelings for him, Sarah.”

Her expression softened slightly at your confession, but she still looked conflicted. “This is so much to take in,” she admitted, shaking her head. “I don’t even know how to feel about this right now.”

“I’m sorry,” you said, your voice breaking. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I just… I don’t know what to do.”

Sarah sighed, leaning back in her chair again. “Look, I’m not mad at you,” she said finally. “But this is my dad we’re talking about. You need to figure out what you’re doing before this gets even more complicated.”

You nodded, wiping at your cheeks. “I will. I promise.”

Sarah took a deep breath, her fingers drumming on the table as she stared down at her plate. “I mean, I get that you’ve been through a lot lately. And I get that my dad’s been… there for you,” she said slowly, her voice steady but guarded. “But this? I don’t even know what to say.”

You nodded, your hands trembling slightly as you gripped the edge of the table. “I don’t expect you to understand,” you said softly. “I’m still trying to figure it out myself.”

“I’m not judging you,” Sarah said quickly, her gaze softening as she leaned forward. “I just… I didn’t see this coming. At all.”

“Neither did I,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

Sarah sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Does he… feel the same way?” she asked cautiously, her expression unreadable.

You hesitated, your mind flashing back to the moments you’d shared with Joel—the stolen glances, the way his touch lingered, the quiet vulnerability in his eyes. “I think he does,” you said finally, your voice uncertain. “But he’s been holding back. Probably because he knows how wrong this is.”

Sarah was silent for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the table as she processed everything. Finally, she looked up at you, her expression a mix of concern and resignation. “Look, I love you,” she said firmly. “You’re my best friend, and I want you to be happy. But this… this is complicated. And messy. And if you’re not careful, it could hurt a lot of people.”

“I know,” you said quickly, your heart sinking at the weight of her words. “I don’t want to ruin anything, especially not with you.”

Sarah nodded, her expression softening further. “Just… be careful, okay? My dad’s a good guy, but he’s also my dad. And you’re… you’re you. I don’t want to see either of you get hurt.”

“I’ll be careful,” you promised, your voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside you. “Thank you, Sarah. For understanding.”

She gave you a small, tentative smile, reaching across the table to squeeze your hand. “Always,” she said softly. “Just… don’t make me regret it.”

The room fell silent for a moment, the tension thick between you. Sarah glanced toward the living room, where Joel was still sitting, completely unaware of the conversation unfolding just a few feet away.

“I could be your new step-mom” you teased nudging her foot under the table

Sarah’s eyes widened at your comment, and she nearly choked on her drink. “Oh my god, don’t even joke about that!” she exclaimed, her face twisting between disbelief and reluctant amusement.

You grinned, nudging her foot under the table again. “What? I’d make a great step-mom. Imagine me bossing you around.”

She groaned, covering her face with her hands. “Stop. I’m already traumatized enough by this whole situation, and now you’re adding that image to my brain.”

“Come on, Sarah,” you teased, leaning forward with a playful smirk. “Think about it. Sunday family dinners, me and Joel holding hands at the table…”

She glared at you through her fingers, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. “You’re ridiculous,” she muttered.

“Ridiculously charming,” you shot back, leaning back in your chair with a laugh.

Sarah finally let out a chuckle, shaking her head. “I can’t believe I’m even laughing at this. You’re the worst.”

“Hey, someone’s gotta lighten the mood,” you said, shrugging. “But seriously, I’m sorry for dropping all this on you.”

She sighed, her smile fading slightly but her tone still gentle. “I get it. It’s just… weird. But I guess if anyone could survive this level of awkwardness, it’s us.”

“True,” you said with a grin, grateful for her ability to keep things light despite the situation.

—

From the other room, you heard the faint sound of Joel clearing his throat, and you felt your cheeks heat up again. Sarah gave you a knowing look but said nothing, letting the moment hang in the air.

Joel walked into the kitchen, his broad shoulders filling the doorway. He paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the scene in front of him. Sarah immediately stiffened, her back straightening as if she’d been caught doing something wrong.

“Everything okay in here?” Joel asked, his deep voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

“Yeah,” Sarah said quickly, her tone a little too bright. “Just catching up with her.” She gestured toward you, avoiding his gaze.

Joel’s eyes lingered on Sarah for a moment before shifting to you. His expression softened slightly, though there was still a guardedness in his demeanor. “Glad to see you out and about,” he muttered, his voice quieter now.

“Thanks,” you said, trying to sound casual even as your heart raced.

Joel walked over to the counter, refilling his glass of whiskey before turning back toward the two of you. Sarah’s discomfort was palpable, and you could feel the weight of her unspoken thoughts pressing down on the room.

“Well,” Joel said after a moment, breaking the silence, “don’t let me interrupt. Just wanted to grab this.” He raised his glass slightly, giving Sarah a quick nod before his gaze flicked to you again. “Good to see you, sweetheart.”

You nodded, swallowing hard as he turned and walked back toward the living room.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Sarah let out a breath she’d been holding. “Oh my god,” she whispered, leaning closer to you. “I can’t do this. That was so awkward.”

You bit your lip, trying not to laugh at her reaction. “It wasn’t that bad.”

Sarah gave you a pointed look. “It was so bad. He doesn’t know I know, does he?”

“No,” you admitted, glancing toward the living room. “And let’s keep it that way for now.”

“Agreed,” Sarah said, shaking her head. “This is officially the weirdest day of my life.”

•————

You hesitated before asking, trying to sound as casual as possible. “Hey, maybe I could crash here tonight? You know, like old times?”

Sarah froze, her fork mid-air, before setting it down and staring at you, her expression skeptical. “Uh… I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said slowly.

You blinked, taken aback by her sudden shift in tone. “Why not? It’s been forever since we hung out like that.”

She sighed, her face tinged with discomfort. “Look, it’s not that I don’t love you or anything. I just—” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “After what you told me… I don’t think I’d be able to sleep knowing… I mean, what if something happens?”

You felt your cheeks flush with embarrassment, but you tried to laugh it off. “Sarah, come on. Nothing’s going to happen.”

She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “Are you sure about that? Because the way you two have been acting lately… I don’t want to wake up and hear—or see—something I can’t unhear or unsee.”

“Sarah!” you exclaimed, mortified.

“Sorry, but I’m just being honest,” she said, her tone blunt but not unkind. “I need some time to process all this. You and my dad under the same roof right now? It’s… too much.”

You nodded slowly, feeling a knot form in your stomach. “I get it. I’ll head home.”

Sarah softened, reaching out to touch your hand. “It’s not that I don’t care about you. I just… I need to set some boundaries. For my sanity.”

“Yeah, I understand,” you murmured, forcing a small smile.

Sarah gave your hand a squeeze, her expression apologetic. “Thanks. And hey, let’s plan something soon. Just us, okay?”

“Okay,” you said, standing up to grab your things. But as you left, the uneasiness between you and Sarah lingered, leaving you to wonder if things would ever go back to how they used to be.

You were reaching for the doorknob when you felt a familiar warmth behind you, the faint scent of whiskey and aftershave letting you know exactly who it was.

“Heading out already?” Joel’s deep voice rumbled softly, making you pause.

You turned to find him standing close, his expression unreadable as his dark eyes searched yours. “Yeah,” you said quietly. “Sarah doesn’t think it’s a good idea for me to stay over.”

Joel’s jaw tightened slightly, and he glanced toward the living room, where Sarah was still sitting. He nodded, his gaze falling back to you. “I get it. She’s just lookin’ out for herself… and for you.”

You managed a small smile, though your chest felt heavy. “I know. It’s fine.”

Joel tilted his head, studying you for a moment before he stepped closer, his voice dropping lower. “You gonna be okay tonight?”

The sincerity in his question nearly broke you. You nodded, even though you weren’t entirely sure of the answer. “Yeah, I’ll be fine,” you lied.

His hand reached out, brushing lightly against your arm before he quickly pulled it back, his restraint evident. “If you need anything… you call me, alright? No matter the time.”

“Thanks, Joel,” you whispered, your voice trembling just enough for him to notice.

He stepped back, giving you space, but his presence still loomed as you opened the door and stepped outside. As the cool evening air hit your face, you glanced back one last time to see Joel watching you, his expression unreadable but his eyes filled with something that looked an awful lot like regret.

And then the door closed behind you, leaving you alone with your thoughts and the weight of everything unsaid.

-

Joel stood frozen by the door after it closed, staring at the spot where you had been just moments ago. His hand hovered near the doorknob, torn between his better judgment and the overwhelming urge to go after you.

He paced back and forth in the hallway, his fists clenching and unclenching as he wrestled with himself. What are you doing, Joel? he thought.

But the memory of the look on your face, that mix of vulnerability and longing, wouldn’t leave him. He hated the thought of you walking home alone, of you sitting in an empty house feeling the way you did.

He stopped pacing and stood still for a moment, running a hand over his face. This is wrong, he told himself, but his feet were already moving toward the door.

Joel’s hand gripped the knob, and he hesitated. He glanced back toward the living room, where Sarah was still distracted on her phone.

He sighed heavily, resting his forehead against the door. Dammit.

Finally, he turned the knob and stepped outside, scanning the street. You hadn’t gotten far—your figure was illuminated by the streetlight, walking slowly as if the weight of the world was on your shoulders.

“Wait,” Joel called, his voice low but urgent.

You stopped in your tracks, turning to see him striding toward you, his expression firm but his eyes soft.

“Joel?” you asked, confusion and a hint of hope lacing your voice.

He stopped just a few feet away from you, his hands resting on his hips as he exhaled sharply. “I couldn’t let you walk away like that,” he admitted, his voice gravelly. “Not after everything.”

You stared at him, unsure of what to say. The intensity of his gaze made your heart race, and for a moment, the world around you seemed to disappear.

Joel stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You shouldn’t be alone right now,” he said simply. “Let me drive you home.”

You hesitated, searching his face for answers. “Joel, you don’t have to—”

“I want to,” he interrupted firmly. “Let me do this.”

After a long pause, you nodded, the tension in your chest easing just slightly. Joel gestured toward his truck, and together, you walked in silence toward it, the quiet night holding unspoken words between you.

X

Joel started the engine, the quiet hum of the truck filling the air. He glanced at you, his lips curving into a shy smile when he caught you staring at him. “What?” he asked softly, his tone teasing.

You shook your head, a small smile tugging at your lips. “Nothing,” you murmured, settling back into your seat, though you couldn’t stop admiring him.

Joel chuckled, shifting the truck into gear and pulling away from the curb. “You always this quiet?” he asked, glancing at you again, his eyes warm.

“Maybe,” you replied playfully, letting the soft rhythm of the ride relax you.

Joel hummed in response, a faint smile still lingering on his face as he focused on the road. There was something comforting about the silence between you two—unspoken, but understood.

You rested your head against the window, stealing occasional glances at him as the streetlights cast fleeting shadows across his face. He looked so effortlessly handsome, so steady, and it warmed something deep inside you.

As the truck rolled through the quiet streets, Joel’s hand found its way to the console between you. Without thinking, you reached out, your fingers brushing against his. His hand shifted slightly, letting your touch linger, his warmth grounding you in the moment.

Neither of you said anything. There was no need. Whatever this was between you, it felt right. For now, that was enough.

•——

Joel drives you home in a comfortable silence, the sound of the radio filling the car. He glances over at you occasionally, his eyes lingering on your face for a moment before returning to the road.

As the drive continues, he can sense a change in the atmosphere. He notices the way you're looking at him, the hunger in your eyes that you're trying to hide.

He raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're looking at me like you want to devour me," he teases.

You feel your cheeks flush at his words, but you don’t look away. Instead, a small smile plays on your lips as you respond softly, “Maybe I do.”

Joel chuckles, his grip tightening slightly on the steering wheel. “Careful, darlin’. Don’t start somethin’ you’re not ready to finish,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough.

The tension between you grows, thick and almost tangible in the confined space of the truck. You glance away, trying to focus on the passing scenery, but your thoughts are consumed by him—his voice, his presence, the way he fills every corner of your mind.

When he pulls up in front of your house, the engine quiets, leaving the two of you in a charged silence. Joel turns to you, his eyes dark and searching. “You alright?”

You nod, but your hesitation betrays you. “I’m fine,” you whisper, though your voice is shaky.

Joel leans back, studying you for a moment longer before reaching over to gently brush a strand of hair from your face. “You’re a terrible liar,” he says softly, his fingers lingering for just a moment too long.

Your heart races, and you struggle to find the right words. Instead, you lean into his touch, your eyes meeting his. The pull between you feels magnetic, undeniable.

But Joel clears his throat, pulling his hand back and glancing toward the house. “You should go on inside,” he says, though his voice carries a note of reluctance.

“I don’t want to be alone” you mumble

Joel’s eyes soften at your words, his jaw tightening as if he’s battling some internal struggle. He looks at you for a long moment, the weight of your vulnerability hanging between you.

“You don’t have to be,” he says finally, his voice low but steady.

You watch as he shuts off the engine, a silent decision made. He steps out of the truck and walks around to your side, opening your door for you. His hand extends, waiting for yours, and when you take it, his grip is firm but warm, grounding you.

He walks you to your front door, his presence solid and reassuring beside you. Once inside, the quiet of the house feels almost too loud, the emptiness pressing down on you. Joel seems to sense it, his hand brushing against the small of your back as if to remind you that he’s there.

You turn to him, your eyes searching his. “Stay. Just for a little while,” you say softly, your voice barely above a whisper.

Joel hesitates, his gaze flickering over your face. “This ain’t a good idea,” he mutters, but there’s no conviction in his words.

“Please,” you say, stepping closer. “Just… stay.”

His shoulders drop in defeat, and he sighs. “Alright, darlin’. Just for a little while,” he says, his voice gentle but firm.

You lead him to the couch, and he sits down beside you, the warmth of his body a comforting presence. For a while, neither of you speaks, the silence filled with the unspoken tension and the quiet hum of the night.

When you finally lean your head against his shoulder, he doesn’t pull away. Instead, his arm comes around you, holding you close as if to shield you from the weight of the world.

“Do you think my dad will ever come back?”

Joel’s arm tightens around you slightly, a heavy sigh escaping him. He’s quiet for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. “I don’t know, sweetheart,” he finally says, his voice soft but honest. “He’s got a lot he’s dealin’ with right now.”

You nod against his shoulder, your throat tightening as the weight of his words sinks in. “I keep telling myself he won’t. That it’s easier to just… accept it,” you admit, your voice trembling.

Joel’s hand moves to your arm, his touch gentle as he rubs slow circles. “It ain’t easy, darlin’. Losing someone, even if they’re still out there, it hurts just as much.”

A lump forms in your throat, and you blink back the sting of tears. “I don’t know if I can handle losing him, Joel,” you whisper. “Not after losing my mom.”

Joel turns slightly, his other hand lifting to tilt your chin up so you’re looking at him. His eyes are full of understanding, of a pain that mirrors your own. “You’re stronger than you think,” he says, his voice firm but kind. “And you ain’t alone. You’ve got me. You’ve got Sarah. We’re not goin’ anywhere.”

His words hit something deep inside you, and for a moment, the dam holding back your emotions threatens to break. “Thank you,” you manage to whisper, your voice cracking.

Joel leans his forehead against yours, his presence grounding you. “Anytime, darlin’. Always.”

Joel leans in slowly, his face inches from yours, giving you a moment to pull away if you wanted. But you don’t. Instead, you close the distance, your lips meeting his in a soft, gentle kiss. The world seems to fade around you, the only thing that matters is the warmth of his touch and the comfort in his embrace.

He pulls back just slightly, his eyes searching yours, as if asking if it’s okay to go further. You don’t say anything, but the way you look at him answers the question.

Joel’s hand cups your cheek, his thumb brushing across your skin as he leans in again, this time deeper, with more intention. The kiss is tender, but there’s an undeniable spark between you two, a connection that’s impossible to ignore.

The tension between you two is palpable, the unspoken words heavy in the air. Joel's hand moves to your waist, pulling you closer, his touch both comforting and electrifying.

You don't pull away, leaning into him instead, craving the closeness and connection.

His lips trail down to your neck, sending a shiver through your body, and you gasp softly, your hands reaching up to tangle in his hair. It's clear that neither of you are willing to let go of this moment.

But even with the heat building between you, Joel pulls back just slightly, his gaze searching yours once more, as if making sure you're still certain. His voice is a low murmur, filled with a mix of desire and concern. "Are you sure about this?".

You meet his eyes, your own filled with a mixture of vulnerability and yearning. You don't need to say anything-your eyes speak the truth of what you want.

Joel studies your expression for a moment longer, his breath coming a little heavier as he takes in the silent affirmation in your eyes. Then, with a deep breath, he leans in again, his lips capturing yours with a softness that belies the intensity of the emotions simmering beneath the surface. His hands move to your back, pulling you closer as his kiss deepens, slow and careful.

He's gentle, making sure you're comfortable, but you can feel the heat building between you two as the moments stretch on. Every touch, every brush of his lips, every movement feels like it's pushing you both toward something inevitable, yet neither of you is rushing.

His fingers trace along your jawline, and you respond in kind, letting your hands roam to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath your fingertips. The world outside the moment fades away, and for a while, it's just the two of you, lost in the feeling of connection.

You pull away from the kiss, your chest rising and falling as you take in a shaky breath. For a moment, you just stare at Joel, the weight of everything hanging between you, but then something shifts in your mind. You don’t need anything else right now. Not answers, not promises—just this closeness, this comfort.

You shift in his arms, settling against his chest, and let out a soft sigh as you rest your head there. His arms come around you, pulling you into a secure, warm embrace. You can feel his heartbeat beneath you, steady and calming, and it lulls you into a sense of peace you haven’t felt in a long time.

You don’t say anything else. Words feel unnecessary now. Instead, you let the silence settle between you, the quiet hum of the world outside only serving to make the moment feel more intimate.

As you drift off to sleep, Joel’s steady breathing is the last thing you hear, and for the first time in what feels like forever, you feel safe.

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - November 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles! (sorry it's slightly late, the links didn't wanna work and I couldn't figure it out all day)

1. Wyoming's abortion ban has been overturned, including its ban on abortion medication

“Wyoming is the second state to have its near-total abortion ban overturned this month[…. Seven other states] also approved amendments protecting the right to an abortion. A lawsuit seeking to challenge the [FDA]’s approval of abortion medication recently failed when the Supreme Court refused to hear it[….]”

2. Patches of wildflowers in cities can be just as good for insects as natural meadows – study

“This study confirmed that small areas of urban wildflowers have a high concentration of pollinating insects, and are as valuable to many pollinators as larger areas of natural meadow that you would typically find rurally.”

3. Paris could offer new parents anti-pollution baby 'gift bags' to combat 'forever chemicals'

“The bag includes a stainless steel baby cup, a wooden toy, reusable cotton wipes, and non-toxic cleaning supplies as part of a "green prescription". […] The city will also have 44 centres for protecting mothers and infants that will be without any pollutants[….]”

4. Indigenous guardians embark on a sacred pact to protect the lowland tapir in Colombia

“The tapir is now the focus of an Indigenous-led conservation project[… A proposed “biocultural corridor”] will protect not only the populations and movements of wildlife such as tapirs, but also the cultural traditions and spirituality of the Inga and other neighboring Indigenous peoples[….]”

5. Denmark will plant 1 billion trees and convert 10% of farmland into forest

“[…] 43 billion kroner ($6.1 billion) have been earmarked to acquire land from farmers over the next two decades[.… In addition,] livestock farmers will be taxed for the greenhouse gases emitted by their cows, sheep and pigs from 2030, the first country to do so[….]”

6. The biggest grid storage project using old batteries is online in Texas

“[Element operates “used EV battery packs” with software that can] fine-tune commands at the cell level, instead of treating all the batteries as a monolithic whole. This enables the system to get more use out of each cell without stressing any so much that they break down[….]””

7. Durable supramolecular plastic is fully ocean-degradable and doesn't generate microplastics

“The new material is as strong as conventional plastics and biodegradable, [… and] is therefore expected to help reduce harmful microplastic pollution that accumulates in oceans and soil and eventually enters the food chain.”

8. Big Oil Tax Could Boost Global Loss and Damage Fund by 2000%

“[… A] tax on fossil fuel extraction, which would increase each year, combined with additional taxes on excess profits would […] generate hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the decade to assist poor and vulnerable communities with the impact of the climate crisis[….]”

9. Rooftop solar meets 107.5 pct of South Australia’s demand, no emergency measures needed

“[T]he state was able to export around 658 MW of capacity to Victoria at the time[….] The export capacity is expected to increase significantly as the new transmission link to NSW[…] should be able to allow an extra 150 MW to be transferred in either direction by Christmas.”

10. Light-altering paint for greenhouses could help lengthen the fruit growing season in less sunny countries

“[Scientists] have developed a spray coating for greenhouses that could help UK farmers to produce more crops in the future using the same or less energy[… by optimising] the wavelength of light shining onto the plants, improving their growth and yield.”

November 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)