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x1un4rx · 28 days ago

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| A Night to Remember | (No Outbreak) |

Pairings: Bf!Joel Miller x Fem!Reader

Summary: A quiet night out with Joel turns into a meaningful and intimate experience for the reader. After a cozy dinner, the two of them escape to a peaceful spot to stargaze, enjoying each other’s company. It’s a night of connection, comfort, and a little bit of unexpected tension, all under the stars.

Warnings: mild language, fluff, jealousy, mild possessiveness, light romance.

A/N: I had fun (also suffered) writing this one! I wanted to make it sweet, soft, and a little steamy—because who doesn’t love a little romance, right? Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know what you think! <3 (I didn't proof-read this properly, so apologies if something sounds weird/doesn't make sense.)

Word Count: 2,8k+

Credits: @cafekitsune for the lovely dividers <33

(edit: I made changes with the dividers. Also for future references that I've forgotten to clarify, I edit my work ALL THE TIME, so my works when reblogged by others look different, sorryyy (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ ))

The house was unusually quiet tonight. No sounds of Ellie barging through the door with her usual energy, no music playing from her room, no chaos over something small that you both would inevitably laugh about later. It was just the two of you, alone for the evening, and it felt like a luxury. Sarah was in college now, juggling her studies and figuring out life away from home and Ellie was at a friend’s house for the night—a sleepover, her first in weeks, and the quiet was strangely comforting.

You were standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom, adjusting your hair for the third time. It wasn’t a special occasion or anything—just a romantic dinner date with Joel. But you’d been looking forward to it, especially after the week you’d both had. You were used to the small moments with him—the late-night talks, the quiet mornings—but tonight, you wanted to feel a little more… put together. The soft fabric of your dress hugged your figure just enough, nothing flashy, but enough to make you feel good about yourself. You didn’t need anything extravagant to remind you of how far you’d come with Joel. But maybe, just maybe, tonight felt different.

You caught your reflection in the mirror for a second too long and realized you were smiling at yourself. You could hear Joel’s low, familiar voice from behind the door.

“Everything alright in there?”

You rolled your eyes, still trying to get the perfect look. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just making sure I don’t look like a disaster.”

Joel’s chuckle came through the door, warm and teasing. “You can’t not look good, babe.”

You felt a smile tug at your lips. That’s Joel. The man who knew exactly how to make you feel like the most beautiful person in the room—even when you weren’t trying. His words were like a secret confidence boost you never asked for but always appreciated.

You gave up trying to get your hair perfect and called out to him. “You’re lucky you’re cute, Miller.”

There was another soft knock on the door, followed by the sound of the door creaking open. Joel’s face appeared, and you immediately had to suppress a laugh. There he was, looking like he’d just stepped out of a magazine. His jeans were perfectly worn in, his shirt a little more pressed than usual, sleeves rolled up, showcasing his forearms—those strong, calloused hands that always made you feel safe.

“You still gonna be in there forever, or what?” Joel grinned, crossing his arms, leaning against the doorframe with that cocky, laid-back expression you loved so much. “I was startin’ to think you were gonna leave me hangin’.”

You raised an eyebrow, eyes scanning him up and down. “Dramatic much?”

Joel smirked, pushing off the doorframe and stepping inside. His eyes didn’t leave you for a second. He always had this way of looking at you like you were the only thing in the room. It wasn’t like he had to try—it just happened.

“Yeah, yeah. Dramatic. You ready yet, or am I gonna have to keep waitin’ for you?” he asked, moving closer, wrapping him arms around your waist and his head on your shoulder, breathing on your neck.

You felt your chest flutter, and despite the teasing in his tone, you could tell there was something softer in his eyes. Something different tonight. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind your ear.

“You always know how to make everything look effortless, don’t you?” His voice was lower now, more sincere than teasing.

You laughed softly, feeling your cheeks heat up. “You’re just saying that.” Joel looked at you through the mirror, looking at you in utterly disbelief. "I would never lie to you, my love."

Joel then pulled away from you and just smiled, a quiet, affectionate smile, before extending his hand. “C’mon, let’s get outta here before I forget we actually have a reservation.”

The drive to the restaurant was easy, comfortable. The quiet between you was never awkward—just the gentle hum of the engine and the music playing softly on the radio, songs that you both recognized. You didn’t need to fill the silence with anything more.

But when you pulled up outside the restaurant, a new energy seemed to shift. Joel straightened in his seat, his fingers drumming absentmindedly on the steering wheel. It wasn’t just a dinner to him. He had been planning this for awhile, putting in the effort, and you could feel the anticipation coming off of him in waves.

“Ready?” he asked, eyes glinting as he turned to look at you.

You met his gaze, that familiar warmth spreading through your chest. He didn’t just ask if you were ready for the evening. He was asking if you were ready for the next few hours—just the two of you, away from everything.

He always had a way of making everything else disappear.

“I’m ready,” you said, leaning over and pressing a kiss against his cheek. It wasn’t big or showy—just a quiet, simple gesture—but you saw the way his grin grew in response.

“You’re too good lookin’,” Joel said, "You sure you don't want me to start the truck again, head home and have fun in bed instead?" his voice laced with fondness and teasingness.

You gave him a look, "No love, let's go have a lovely dinner, instead of being cooped up at home and eating leftovers."

He held your hand as soon as you both climbed out of the truck, keeping you close to him as you made your way toward the restaurant. There was a quiet protectiveness in the way he kept his hand around yours, like he didn’t want to let go, even for a second.

You raised an eyebrow, glancing at him. “You gonna hold my hand the whole night, or what?”

Joel flashed you an exaggerated pout, that teasing look never leaving his face. “What can I say? You’re way too good lookin’ to let go. Gotta keep you close just in case.”

You laughed softly, the warmth of his touch grounding you. You could tell that tonight—tonight, he wasn’t just the guy who looked out for you. He was all in, fully present, and it made your heart beat a little faster than usual.

Dinner passed in a blur of delicious food and even better conversation. Joel was as charming as ever, effortlessly making you laugh with his lovely, dry humor and his little sarcastic remarks. But it wasn’t just the jokes—it was the way he’d lean in a little closer when he spoke, the way his hand brushed against yours under the table, the quiet glances that spoke volumes more than words could.

It was comfortable, easy. The kind of night that made you feel like you were the only two people who mattered in the world.

And then, just as dessert was being served, Joel excused himself to the bathroom. You were left to your own thoughts for a moment, the buzz of the restaurant fading into the background.

That’s when the guy, whom seemed like he was from the bar across the road due to his wobbly footing, was walking up to you, had caught your eye.

Your not in the mood for this. You wanted a lovely dinner with your man, but this guy had to rock up... amazing.

“Hey, beautiful. Can I sit with you?” His voice was too smooth, too confident. He leaned against the edge of your table, his body angled just a little too close.

"I saw you from the bar across the road, thought I might take a chance with a pretty girl like you." He said, eyeing you up and down. You shifted uncomfortably in your seat.

You blinked, taken off guard. “Uh, I’m waiting for someone,” you said, trying to keep your voice steady.

The guy didn’t move, just smiled, and leaned in a little more. “Oh, come onn, we could share a drink or something. I’m sure the bloke you came with won’t mind.”

You raised an eyebrow, more uncomfortable now. “No, really. I’m fine.”

But he didn’t back off. He just kept smiling like it was all a joke, a game. “You sure? I think you’re missing your chance here pretty, you positive you wouldn't want a drink with lil' ol' me?” This man was gradually becoming more disgusting and annoying by the millisecond.

Your patience was wearing thin, and you didn’t want to make a scene, but his persistence was starting to piss you off. Just as you were about to speak again, you saw Joel coming back from the bathroom.

You felt the relief flood through you, but it was short-lived. Joel’s eyes scanned the room, landing on the guy standing far too close to you. He didn’t hesitate for a second.

“Everything okay here?” Joel’s voice was low, calm, but you could see the shift in his body, the protective stance he was taking.

The guy hesitated for a moment, his smirk faltering. He clearly hadn’t expected Joel to show up so quickly, and when he saw the way Joel was looking at him—there was no mistaking the intent. Joel wasn’t backing down.

“Yeah, yeah, no problem,” the guy muttered, giving you a final look before retreating.

Joel didn’t take his eyes off the guy until he was out of sight. Then, he turned to you, his expression softening as he reached for your hand.

“You okay? Did he do anything to you darlin'? ” His voice was quieter now, almost apologetic. He was the kind of guy who didn’t like confrontation, but when it came to you? He’d do anything to make sure you felt safe.

You smiled at him, grateful. “Yeah, just didn’t know what to do. Thanks for stepping in hun.”

Joel squeezed your hand, his thumb gently brushing against your skin. “Ain’t no one gonna mess with you when I’m around, sweetheart.”

After dinner, Joel’s truck rumbled down the quiet road, the noise of the city faded into the background, it was like stepping into another world altogether. The quiet of the woods wrapped around you like a blanket—peaceful, uninterrupted. Just the sound of your breaths and the rustle of leaves in the distance.

The air was cool, carrying the fresh scent of earth and pine, the kind of crisp evening breeze that settled into your bones, making everything feel clean and new. When Joel finally pulled off the main road, heading into a small, secluded patch of woods, you couldn’t help but feel your heart beat a little faster. There was something about the stillness of nature that always made you feel both small and incredibly alive, especially with Joel beside you.

He parked the truck at the edge of a grassy hill, surrounded by nothing but open land and a sky full of stars. It was perfect—just like he’d planned.

You stepped out of the truck, inhaling the cool air deeply, letting it fill your lungs. The night seemed to expand in every direction, endless and vast. You walked a few paces away, and then, for a moment, you simply stopped and tilted your head back. The sky was so clear, so wide, that it took your breath away. The stars shone like diamonds scattered across a velvet canvas, each one brighter and closer than you’d ever seen in the city.

You could see the Milky Way, a faint but beautiful streak across the sky, and the constellations you’d learned about as a kid suddenly seemed more real, more tangible. There was something magical about being here, so far from everything else. The stars felt almost like they were there just for you, like they were a secret shared only between you and the universe.

Joel’s voice broke through your thoughts, warm and close. “You alright?”

You turned toward him and smiled, already knowing he was watching you with that soft, caring expression. The kind that made you feel like you were the only person who mattered in the world to him. "Yeah, just... it’s amazing out here."

Joel chuckled lightly, walking over to you and placing a hand on your back, guiding you to the blanket he’d set out on the grass. “I thought you might like it,” he said, that grin of his tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You did mention it when we first met." You looked at him, smiling slightly. "You remembered it?" You were surprised he remembered something from 3 years ago.

You sat down on the blanket, and Joel followed, stretching out beside you. His hand brushed against yours, fingers intertwining, his warmth against your side, a steady presence that grounded you. You both lay back, the sky opening up above you, vast and endless, and for a moment, it was like everything else melted away. The truck, the world, everything. It was just the two of you, the stars, and the cool night air.

As you settled in, your head found its place against his shoulder, the steady rhythm of his breathing lulling you into a peaceful calm. Joel’s arm draped casually over your body, his fingers lightly brushing the skin of your arm, as if he wanted to be as close to you as possible without even trying. You could feel the gentle pulse of his heartbeat beneath the fabric of his shirt. It was a familiar sound, comforting and safe, and you let yourself sink into it.

“The stars look different out here,” Joel said, his voice a soft rasp in the stillness, like he was marveling at the view for the first time too. "They look...prettier."

You smiled, your eyes tracing the patterns above you. “Yeah,” you said, your voice quiet, almost in awe. “They’re... more alive. Like you can actually see them, y’know? The way they’re all scattered across the sky, like the universe just decided to let us in on its secret.”

Joel let out a soft hum of agreement, his fingers tracing lazy circles on your arm. “Guess there’s a whole lot more out there than we ever see, huh?”

You nodded, unable to look away from the stars. “It’s... it’s incredible. Sometimes I forget how big the world is, how much of it we don’t even know about.”

For a long time, neither of you spoke. There was something peaceful about that silence, a comfortable kind of quiet that wasn’t awkward but full of understanding. Just the gentle rustle of the grass beneath you, the breeze moving the trees in the distance, and the faint hum of insects.

“I used to come out here a lot,” you murmured, your voice soft but steady, as if the night made you want to share more than you usually did. “When things were rough, I’d just lie on my back and look up at the stars. It always made me feel like... like I wasn’t as alone as I thought I was.”

Joel’s fingers paused in their movement, and you could feel him turn his head toward you, his gaze soft in the darkness. “You were never alone darlin',” he said quietly, his voice firm but gentle, like he wanted to reassure you that you were never carrying the weight of the world by yourself.

You met his gaze, finding the sincerity in his eyes. It made your heart skip a beat.

“Yeah, but... it’s different now,” you whispered. “I have you. And I’m not just looking at the stars alone anymore.”

Joel smiled at that, a little crooked grin that made your chest feel warm. “Well, we got a hell of a view tonight, don’t we?” He nudged you gently with his elbow, his voice laced with affection.

You laughed softly, leaning closer to him, your fingers brushing his again. “We do. It’s perfect.”

His arm tightened around you slightly, pulling you just a little closer, as if he couldn’t help himself. “Yeah… it’s just right.” His voice dropped, almost to a whisper, like he was speaking to you alone, like the night itself was a secret between just the two of you. “Just us. Right here.”

You nestled your head a little deeper into his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his body against yours and the steady, comforting beat of his heart. The stars seemed to shine even brighter when you thought about how far you’d come, how much you’d shared and how much more you still had ahead of you.

For a few moments, you let yourself drift, your eyes closed, breathing in the night air. You didn’t need words. You didn’t need anything more than this—the quiet company of someone who understood you, the peaceful presence of the stars above, and the promise that no matter what, you’d always have this moment to hold on to.

In that moment, it wasn’t just about the stars or the quiet, but about everything that had led up to this. How far you’d come. How much you had, just right here, with him.

- lunar <3

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x1un4rx · 1 month ago

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| Home Is Wherever You Are | (No Outbreak) |

Pairings: Husband!Joel Miller x Fem!Reader

Summary: After a rough day full of unexpected challenges, you come home to find a quiet comfort waiting for you. With the weight of the world still on your shoulders, your partner knows exactly how to turn it all around, offering a kind of comfort you never knew you needed. In the midst of exhaustion and stress, it's the simple, thoughtful gestures that remind you what truly makes a place feel like home.

Warnings: Emotional themes, mild language, fluff, relationship dynamics, and comfort. <3

A/N: Hey starlights! 💕 I wrote this as a little escape for anyone who's had one of those days where it feels like everything’s going wrong. Sometimes all you really need is someone who gets you, right? A huge thank you to anyone who’s reading this, I hope it brings a little warmth to your day. If you liked it, feel free to drop a comment, like, etc. Enjoy! 🫶 <333 (I do apologize if something doesn’t sound quite right—this took me about 5 hours (and maybe a whole day to make sure it sounded okay) to fully complete! Plus, I’m only 15, after all and this is my first story, so please bear with me as I am trying to get the hang of writing more better. lmao)

Word Count: 1,9k+

Credits: @enchanthings for these lovely dividers <3

(edit: I tweaked the format a little lot, so if you see this reblogged by others and it looks different, it’s just me making things a bit easier to read, lol.)

You grab your work bag and step out of the car, closing the door behind you. Pressing the lock button on the key fob, you hear the car beep as it locks. You walk toward the front door of your shared home, feeling absolutely drained, like every ounce of energy has been stripped from you—as if you'd just been hit by a damn bus. All you wanted was to be curled up with your husband in your shared bed.

Today just wasn’t your day.

Your boss had called you in on your day off—because, naturally, half the office was either sick or with family for the holiday, so being the good person you are, you went in— that had left you buried under a mountain of paperwork you never signed up for.

To make matters worse, on your way in, you stopped for coffee, and, of course, they got your order completely wrong. As if the universe already knew how the day would go. And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, you were walking outside your work building and on your way in… is when a bird decided it was the perfect moment to shit on you. It was the kind of morning that made you feel like the universe had it out for you, and you knew it was going to be one hell of a shitty day.

And, of course, you were right. Customers called nonstop, one after another, the chaos blurring together. Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, your boss barged in, his voice sharp, yelling at you for ‘not trying hard enough.’ You could’ve… would’ve punched him. But you still needed the paycheck, after all, and the job… even if it was slowly driving you insane.

You fumble through your keys, exhaustion sinking deep into your bones as you search for the right one. After what feels like an eternity, you finally find it and push the door open, the familiar scent of your shared home wrapping around you. Stepping inside, you close the door with a heavy sigh, leaning back against it for support. You groan, the tension of the day weighing heavy on your shoulders as you drop the workbag on the floor with a thud.

From the kitchen, you hear Joel moving around and the smell of his lovely cooking fills the air, the comforting rhythm of his presence (and the smell of food) surrounding you.

You kick off your shoes, the relief instant as your feet hit the cool hardwood floor. You nudge them aside, placing them next to Joel's boots, the two of them forming a quiet, familiar mess by the door. You shrugged off your coat, letting it fall from your shoulders before hanging it up, the fabric settling softly against the hook. The quiet warmth of the house wrapped around you, and for the first time all day, you allowed yourself to breath. It was these small, comforting rituals—his boots, your coat, the space you shared—that made everything feel just a little bit more like home.

You headed towards the kitchen, each step lighter now that you were home. As you walked through the doorway, the air seemed to shift, and you were hit with a delicious aroma that instantly made your stomach rumble. The familiar scent of your favourite food filled the space, rich and savory, a warmth that made everything else fade away for a moment. It was the kind of comfort only Joel could create, and you felt your shoulders relax, the tension from the day starting to melt. You couldn’t help but smile, knowing that, as always, he had managed to make everything feel a little more like home.

And then your gaze landed on him, and you couldn’t help but giggle. There he was, wearing that ridiculous apron you’d gotten him as a joke on Christmas, the one with bold pink letters that read, "Kiss the Cook". It was so out of character for him, but seeing it now, you couldn’t help but laugh. He caught your eye and gave you that small, amused grin of his, the one that made your heart flutter every time. The apron might’ve been silly, but in that moment, it made you feel happy he was wearing something you got him, even if it was a joke gift.

He walked towards you with that easy confidence of his, a soft smile tugging at his lips. Without a word, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead, the warmth of his lips grounding you in the moment. “How was your day, love?” he asked, his voice low and soothing, as he pulled you into a big, comforting hug.

For a second, you let yourself melt into him, feeling the weight of the day’s chaos lift just from being in his arms. But then, like a wave crashing back into you, all the frustration, exhaustion, and little annoyances came rushing back—customers, work, the mess of it all. It made your chest tighten slightly, a dull ache that lingered as you leaned against him.

You didn’t want to dump all of that on him right now, not when he’d gone out of his way to make dinner and create a sense of home, but it was hard to hide the weariness in your soul.

You stay silent, absorbing the quiet warmth of him, the exhaustion from your day hanging heavy on your shoulders. With a soft sigh, you whisper, “It was… a long day.” The words feel heavy, but his presence lightens them, just a little. He held you tighter, sensing the change in your mood without needing to ask.

He then pulled away.

He looked at you for a few moments, his brow furrowed in thought, before a spark of realization seemed to hit him. “How about I make it up to you?” he suggested softly, his thumb brushing your cheek before he leaned in to give you a gentle peck on the lips. “I’ll set up a warm bath for you to relax in, and I’ll fix something up for you… how’s that sound, hm?”

You felt the tension in your chest start to loosen, just hearing the thoughtfulness in his voice. He smiled at you, eyes full of love, as if he already knew exactly what you needed—something soothing, something simple, something you.

Without waiting for a response, he kissed your forehead, then turned toward the bathroom. You watched him go, already feeling lighter just from the way he handled things. It was as if he could read your mind, and somehow, that made everything better.

A few moments later, you could hear the sound of the bathroom faucet running, the warm steam filling the air. He came back to you with an armful of your softest, coziest clothes—your favourite oversized hoodie (which was 100% his), and those worn-in sweatpants you loved. “Put these on when you’re done,” he said, his voice tender. You didn’t realize how much you needed it, but just the thought of sinking into the softness of those clothes made you feel a little more human again.

You made your way to the bathroom, the scent of bath salts floating into the hallway, a quiet invitation to unwind in the warmth he’d prepared for you. The bathroom was bathed in a soft glow from the candles he had set up on the counter, flickering gently as they cast a calming light. You could already feel the heat of the water sinking into your muscles, easing the tension with each step you took toward the tub.

As you slipped into the bath, the hot water enveloping you like a hug, you closed your eyes and let out a deep sigh, allowing yourself to relax for the first time all day. You could hear Joel moving around in the other room, probably gathering the last few things for his plan, but you didn’t need to worry about any of that now. This was your time.

When you stepped out of the bath, the scent of lavender lingered on your skin, leaving you wrapped in warmth. You slipped into the cozy clothes Joel had picked out, the softness a welcome relief, and made your way back to the living room.

The scene before you made your heart swell. Joel had set up your shared bed like it was a little safe haven—tons of pillows piled high, the blankets draped just perfectly, inviting you to sink in. On the nightstand, there were snacks—your favourite chips, a bowl of popcorn, and even some of that sweet dessert you’d been craving. The best part? A steaming plate of your favourite food, still warm, waiting for you. He’d thought of everything, as always.

Joel, always attentive to the little things that made you feel loved, gave you a soft smile as he stepped aside. "All set," he said, his eyes holding that quiet, steady warmth you cherished. "You deserve this. I might not know what happened today, but I’ll take care of you—always."

You couldn’t help but smile, feeling the warmth of his affection settle around you like the blankets. You reached out for him, pulling him in close as you both nestled into the cozy cocoon he’d made for you.

“You really know how to make everything better,” you murmured, your voice full of gratitude and comfort.

He chuckled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from your face. “Anything for you, love.”

You nestled deeper into the blankets, feeling the weight of the day slowly slip away as you sank into the comfort that Joel had created. The warmth of the food, the cozy clothes, the soft hum of the movie starting in the background—it all wrapped around you like a protective cocoon. You could hear Joel’s steady breathing beside you, his hand brushing against yours as he settled in, his presence grounding you in the best way.

For a moment, the world outside your little bubble didn’t exist. It was just you, Joel, and the quiet, comforting rhythm of the evening. You reached for the plate of food, savoring each bite as if it was the first real taste you’d had in hours. You couldn’t help but smile at how effortlessly he made you feel cared for, how he could turn a shitty day into something so… perfect.

Joel, noticing your smile, leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on your forehead, throwing his arm over your shoulder, his voice low and tender as he whispered, “You’re everything to me, you know that?” His words were simple, but they hit you in all the right places, like a soft sigh that echoed in your chest.

You nodded, heart full, as you snuggled closer to him. “I know,” you whispered back, “And you’re everything to me, too.”

The movie played softly in the background, the glow from the screen flickering gently, but it was the quiet moments—the ones where you felt completely at peace, completely loved—that really stayed with you. You could feel the weight of the world slowly melting away, the stress of the day fading into nothingness.

You looked up at him, feeling the weight of the day dissolve in his gaze. Your heart was full, but the words didn’t come easily—"I love you, Joel," you whispered, your voice a quiet confession. He paused, eyes softening as they locked with yours, before he pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead. "I love you too," he murmured, his words (and arms) wrapping around you like a promise.

For the first time all day, you finally felt at peace.

a/n: I will edit this if something doesn't sound right or make sense, but I hope you enjoyed <3

- lunar <3

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