snowwybear

[snowwybear]

ʙᴏɴᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴀɴᴇᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴘᴇꜱ | ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴡᴏ

summary: Coda and Nova face the reality of the complex nature of ape human relationships.

Feedback is always appreciated ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

Nova spotted Coda across the clearing, perched on a thick tree branch with his friends, their dark fur blending into the shadows of the canopy. Laughter rumbled from the group—low, guttural hoots and grunts that made her feel like an outsider before she even got close. But that had never stopped her before.

“Coda!” she called, waving as she stepped onto the damp earth beneath the tree.

The moment her voice carried; the laughter cut off. Coda’s friends exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from amusement to something colder. One of them—a lanky ape with a scar across his muzzle—tilted his head toward Coda and let out a dismissive grunt. The others followed, turning their backs in unison, their bodies forming a solid wall of fur.

Nova clenched her fists. Blanked. Again.

She knew what it meant. They wanted her to disappear.

Coda hesitated. His golden eyes flicked to Nova, then back to his friends. His fingers twitched against the bark, like he was caught between two worlds. For a moment, she thought he might climb down. That he might choose her.

Instead, he shifted his weight, adjusting his position so that his back was to her too.

The rejection hit harder than she expected, even though she should’ve seen it coming.

-

Nova sat by the riverbank, her bare feet buried in the cool, damp soil as she wrestled with a handful of stubborn sticks. She had seen the apes weave baskets before, their fingers moving with effortless precision, turning loose branches into something useful. It looked easy. But every time she tried, the sticks snapped back, scraping her palms and tangling into a mess of broken twigs.

She huffed in frustration, rubbing at the fresh scratches on her skin. Nova bit the inside of her cheek, blinking hard at the water’s surface, where ripples distorted her reflection.

A soft rustle of leaves behind her made her stiffen. She turned just as Maurice stepped into view, his massive frame moving with surprising gentleness. The old orangutan regarded her with wise, knowing eyes, his gaze flicking to the pile of ruined sticks in her lap before settling on her hands.

His lips curled slightly in amusement, and he reached out, taking her wrists carefully in his own large, leathery hands. With a light touch, he turned them over, inspecting the small scrapes and red marks crisscrossing her palms. He let out a soft, rumbling chuff—his version of a chuckle.

Soft, he signed, brushing his thick fingers against her skin. Not like ape.

Nova scowled, pulling her hands back with a huff, though there was no real anger behind it. Maurice was teasing, but not cruelly. He was reminding her—without words—that she wasn’t an ape, that things wouldn’t come as easily for her.

Maurice lowered himself beside her, the riverbank dipping slightly under his weight. His presence was calm, steady. Reassuring.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. The river gurgled between them, filling the silence. Then, with slow, deliberate movements, Maurice reached out and plucked a stick from the pile. He studied it, turning it in his long fingers, before selecting another.

He began to weave. No rush. No frustration. Just patience.

Nova watched closely as his fingers moved, folding one stick over the other, bending them at precise angles. He glanced at her, then tapped the space between them, inviting her to try again.

She hesitated, then picked up two fresh sticks, mimicking his movements as best she could. Maurice nodded approvingly, guiding her hands when she struggled, showing her how to hold the pieces so they wouldn’t snap back against her skin.

Patience, he signed simply.

Nova exhaled slowly, trying to copy the rhythm of his motions. It wasn’t perfect—not even close—but the sticks were starting to take shape, however clumsily.

For the first time that afternoon, Nova felt something other than frustration. She felt… okay.

-

The sun was starting to set, casting a warm golden glow through the open windows of the small, makeshift dining area. The light flickered through the trees outside, dappling the rough-hewn wooden walls with shadows. The table was a slab of thick, sturdy wood—unfinished, but solid—large enough to fit the family comfortably. Corneilus, Sarai, and Coda had already settled in, the sound of wooden plates and bowls clinking filling the air as they passed around bowls of food.

Nova sat across from Coda, her posture stiff and withdrawn, her gaze distant. The laughter and chatter from the others seemed to fade into the background. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, and her hands were folded in her lap as she stared down at her plate, barely touching the food. The roasted vegetables, steaming with a sweet, earthy aroma, and the rich, hearty root stew—normally something Nova would relish—barely registered in her mind. Her appetite had disappeared somewhere between the mess at the river and the unspoken tension that followed her everywhere.

The air was heavy with the familiar, comforting scent of the meal, but it only seemed to deepen the pit in Nova’s stomach. She absentmindedly poked at her food, pushing it around her plate in slow, methodical movements. Every few moments, her eyes flickered toward Coda, who was talking animatedly with his friends across the table, his face lighting up with laughter as they joked together. But as always, Nova felt like an outsider looking in.

"Nova..." Corneilus's voice broke through her thoughts. His deep, patient tone had a way of pulling her back into the moment. He signed again; his brow furrowed. What is wrong?

Nova tensed, her shoulders stiffening at the question. She tried to wave it off, a weak attempt at brushing him aside, but Corneilus wasn’t having it. His eyes softened with concern, though his posture held firm, not buying the act. His deep sigh filled the space between them, carrying with it an unspoken understanding. He knew something was bothering her.

She signed back in a fluid motion, though her words were heavy with hesitation. Coda’s friends, she said, her fingers flicking in the air. They hate me for what they see.

There was a tightness in her throat as she spoke, a bitterness she hadn’t realized was there until the words left her lips. The familiar sting of being other, of being unwanted, pressed in on her chest. She could still hear the mocking laughs, the dismissive glances. They didn’t say it outright, but she knew what they thought—what they all thought.

Nova swiped her fingers across her face in one quick motion—an exaggerated gesture meant to convey everything she couldn’t put into words. She was human.

Coda’s friends saw her as nothing more than an outsider. She wasn’t part of their world. She wasn’t part of his world.

Corneilus’s eyes softened, his gaze understanding but sorrowful. He reached across the table, placing his large hand gently on Nova’s. His fingers, rough and calloused from years of hard work, were comforting against her fragile, softer skin. It was a reminder that, no matter how different she felt, she was still part of this family—this small, imperfect, but fiercely protective family.

The relationship between ape and human had always been a complicated one, woven with history, strife, and moments of fragile understanding. Corneilus, deeply aware of this, carried the weight of his father Caesar’s legacy—a revered and emotional evolved chimpanzee, who was both a commanding leader and a compassionate soul. Caesar had led the apes through the most turbulent times, fighting against humanity’s cruelty and even confronting his own kind to ensure peace for the species. Yet, he never lost the ability to show compassion and sympathy for the humans, understanding the complexity of their existence.

Corneilus watched Nova carefully, his eyes softening as he reached out, gently running his finger along her face, tracing the lines of her features. "You may be human here," he spoke, his voice low and steady, "but you are ape here." He paused, then pointed to his chest, right over his heart, emphasizing the deep meaning of his words.

Nova looked up at him, confusion and longing in her gaze, but Corneilus didn’t waver. His expression was serious, yet filled with a tenderness that only someone who had witnessed the harshest realities could possess.

You are family, Nova, he signed slowly, his fingers moving deliberately through the air, emphasizing every word. The weight of his gesture was not lost on her. He had accepted her, not as something separate or different, but as part of the family—part of their tribe, bound by something greater than just their differences.

Corneilus nudged Nova's arm gently, a playful glint in his eyes as he urged her to confirm what he had just said. Say it, he signed, his fingers moving with teasing insistence. You are family.

Nova fought the smile that tugged at the corners of her lips, her expression a mix of amusement and reluctant affection. Her father’s persistence was always impossible to ignore, and despite herself, she felt a warmth spreading through her chest at the reminder of his unwavering support.

She stifled a laugh, raising her hand in a calming gesture, signaling for him to ease up for just a moment. Alright, alright, Nova signed back, her fingers quick and fluid. "I’m family."

Her voice trembled slightly with a mix of emotion and humor, and for a brief moment, the weight of everything else seemed to vanish. It was a simple truth, yet one she hadn't fully allowed herself to accept until now.

Corneilus grinned, satisfied with the response. His fingers brushed her arm in a gesture of affection before he leaned back, watching her with an expression that said more than words ever could.

[snowwybear]

ʙᴏɴᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴀɴᴇᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴘᴇꜱ | ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ

summary: Young ape Coda and young human Nova navigate the complexities of their sibling bond, experiencing moments of deep connection alongside inevitable conflicts. Through playful adventures and heartfelt interactions, they demonstrate their unwavering loyalty to each other, even as their differences sometimes lead to tension.

Feedback is always appreciated ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

Note: in this story 'Nova', is a completely new character.

Going on patrol was one of the greatest honours a young ape could achieve, and now that Coda was old enough, he felt elated every time he was given the opportunity. However, his sister Nova was not as fortunate. Being human, Corneilus and the other elder apes had decided it was safer for her to remain hidden, fearing that other humans might spot her.

The first light of dawn crept through the trees, casting a gentle glow across the forest floor. Coda, a young chimpanzee with a soft tuft of fur still damp from sleep, stirred from his cozy nest. His excitement bubbled beneath the surface as he glanced over at his sister, Nova, still nestled beneath her blanket.

With a quiet determination, Coda padded over to her, careful to keep his movements silent. He watched her for a moment, her peaceful expression contrasting sharply with the thrill that coursed through him. They had talked about this—about sneaking off to patrol together, just like he had seen the older apes do. He knew he had to wake her up.

Coda gently nudged Nova’s shoulder with his small, warm hand. He watched as she stirred slightly, her brow furrowing in sleepy confusion. “Nova,” he whispered, his voice barely above a hush, filled with anticipation.

Her eyelids fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light in the room. She was confused why her brother was waking so early, before remembering exactly what was planned for this morning. A smile crept across her face, one that mirrored Coda’s enthusiasm. She sat up slowly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and looked at him with a mix of admiration and mischief.

Coda felt a rush of joy as she stood, and together they quietly gathered their things, careful not to disturb anyone else in their makeshift home. With a swift glance toward the sleeping forms of their family, they slipped out into the cool morning air, hearts racing with the thrill of their secret adventure.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, Coda felt a sense of freedom wash over him. The morning sun filtered through the trees, creating a tapestry of light and shadow. He glanced back at Nova, her face illuminated with determination and excitement. Together, they would explore the world beyond their home, just like the brave patrols of the older apes.

-

Up there. Coda signed to Nova, pointing toward the cliff. He knew all the best spots to show her, eager to let her experience everything she couldn’t on her own.

Nova looked up at the top of the cliff, her eyes widening slightly with fear. How? I can’t climb, she signed back.

Coda pointed to his back, encouraging her to hop on. Nova’s panic deepened, and she shook her head fervently.

Why? Coda asked, his brow furrowing in concern.

What if I’m not strong enough? I won’t be able to hold on, she explained, anxiety evident in her gestures.

“Strength doesn’t just come from the body; it comes from the mind too,” Coda replied, gesturing to his head as he emphasized his point.

You sound like Father, Nova teased, huffing with a playful smile.

Coda laughed, shaking his head at Nova’s hesitation. After a moment of coaxing, she reluctantly climbed onto her brother's back, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. He could feel the slight tremor in her grip, but he also sensed her determination.

“Ready?” he asked, glancing back to gauge her comfort. She nodded, albeit nervously, and Coda took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her trust on his shoulders.

With a reassuring smile, he began to climb, using his strong arms and nimble feet to navigate the rocky terrain. Each movement was careful and deliberate, as he made sure not to jostle Nova too much. The thrill of adventure coursed through him, and he relished the challenge ahead.

As they ascended, Coda could hear the rustling leaves and distant calls of the forest waking up around them. Nova squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, her heart racing as they climbed higher, but she soon peeked out to see the breathtaking view unfolding before them.

“Look!” Coda encouraged, glancing back at her. “You can see everything from up here!”

With each step, Coda felt more confident, not just in his strength but in their bond as siblings. Nova’s grip tightened as they reached a particularly steep section, but Coda reassured her with a steady voice, “I’ve got you. Just hold on tight.”

Coda paused, nearly at the top of the cliff. The sun was beginning to rise, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape below. Noticing his sudden stop, Nova peeked her head up, her eyes widening as she took in the breathtaking view around them.

Feeling a surge of bravery, she removed one hand from around Coda's neck and stretched it up high, reaching toward the sun as if she could catch its rays. The light enveloped her hand in a warm, yellow glow, illuminating her delicate fingers as they reached for the sky.

Coda watched her, a smile spreading across his face at the sight of her exuberance. The beauty of the moment struck him; here they were, two siblings on the brink of discovery, united by their adventurous spirits.

With a final push, Coda climbed the last few rocks and pulled himself over the edge. He turned around, offering his hands to Nova as she prepared to join him at the top.

As Nova scrambled up beside him, they stood side by side, both of them breathless and wide-eyed. The view from the cliff was more magnificent than they had imagined. The forest stretched endlessly before them, the trees swaying gently in the morning breeze, and the sky transformed into a canvas of colours.

He nudged her gently with his hand, drawing Nova’s attention back to him. She blinked, her awe at the sunrise momentarily interrupted by Coda’s proud grin.

See? he signed, his movements confident and filled with warmth. I knew you could do it. Strong.

Nova smiled, her chest swelling with pride at his words. She lifted her hand and flexed her small arm playfully, as if showing off newfound strength. Maybe you’re right, she teased, her fingers signing the words with a light-hearted flick.

Coda chuckled softly and placed a hand on her shoulder, his dark eyes brimming with affection and admiration. Not maybe, he signed, emphasizing each movement with certainty. You are strong—here, he tapped his chest lightly, and here, he added, pointing to his head.

Nova’s smile widened, feeling the encouragement sink in. The fear she’d carried moments before seemed so distant now. She looked back at the horizon, the colours still shifting and glowing, and for the first time, she believed in the strength her brother saw in her. The strength wasn’t just in her ability to climb, but in her heart, her mind.

With the sun now fully risen, casting long shadows over the forest, Coda and Nova knew it was time to head back to the colony. The thrill of their early morning adventure still buzzed between them, but now came the tricky part—returning without being caught.

As they carefully retraced their steps through the dense foliage, they kept their pace quick but quiet, the adrenaline of their secret patrol keeping them alert. Nova glanced over at Coda with a mix of excitement and nervousness, while Coda's eyes scanned the treeline ahead, making sure they were in the clear.

Just as the colony’s familiar boundary came into view, Coda’s sharp eyes caught sight of the patrol group returning from their rounds. He grabbed Nova’s arm gently, pulling her close. The two siblings quickly shuffled behind the larger apes, falling in step as if they had been part of the group all along.

Nova’s heart raced, her eyes darting to Coda, who gave her a small, reassuring nod. They moved with practiced ease, blending in with the others as they approached the entrance to the colony, their secret adventure almost safe.

But just as they thought they had made it, a familiar voice rang out.

“Nova.”

Their mother’s voice carried through the air, firm and unmistakable. Coda froze for a split second, his breath catching in his throat. Nova stiffened beside him; the carefree joy of their adventure quickly replaced by the sinking feeling of being caught.

"Where have you been?" their mother asked, her sharp eyes locking onto Nova, arms crossed in a way that made her disapproval clear.

Nova stood there sheepishly, her fingers twitching at her sides. She glanced at Coda, who had wisely positioned himself behind their mother. Trying to help, Coda subtly gestured, rubbing his arms as if washing, suggesting an excuse.

Lake. I was at the lake, Nova signed, her hands moving cautiously as she tried to explain.

Their mother’s brow arched. "The lake? You go to the lake in dirty clothes?" she questioned, her suspicion growing as she eyed Nova’s muddied outfit.

Nova felt the pressure mounting under her mother’s scrutiny, her nerves on edge. Panicked, she pointed to Coda. Coda made me!

Coda barked in offense, a sharp, indignant sound—a threat bark—escaping him as Nova exposed their little escapade. He stepped forward, frantically signing, his hands moving in exaggerated gestures to defend himself.

I didn't! he protested, his barks now mixed with frantic signing. You wanted to!

Nova huffed, her face scrunching up in frustration, her fingers flying as she fired back. You said we should go!

The two siblings bickered, signing and gesturing wildly, each trying to outdo the other in their defense. Coda barked again, his irritation clear, while Nova rolled her eyes and scoffed, equally stubborn.

Their mother, watching the argument escalate, simply shook her head, clearly unimpressed. Their let out a loud growl, catching their attention.

Stables. Now, she gestured to stables, sending them off on their punishment - cleaning the horses.

The path ahead, once full of thrilling possibilities, now felt like a slow march toward their punishment. Nova kicked at the dirt with each step, glancing up at Coda with a mixture of guilt and annoyance. Coda, still irritated by the blame she'd thrown his way, walked in silence, his hands occasionally twitching as if ready to sign out another protest.

The stables came into view, the earthy scent of hay and the soft sounds of the horses filling the air. The sight of the animals grazing peacefully brought a sense of calm to the moment, though neither sibling was eager to begin the chore ahead.

Without a word, Coda grabbed the brushes and buckets from the storage shelf, tossing one over to Nova, who caught it with a resigned sigh. Together, they approached the horses, whose big, gentle eyes blinked curiously at their arrival.

As Nova started brushing one of the horses, her strokes a bit more aggressive than necessary, she shot a sideways glance at her brother. He was quietly working on another horse, his focus entirely on the task at hand. The silence between them grew, heavy with unspoken words.

Nova eyed the massive Shire horse warily as it stomped its hooves, shifting its weight with an air of impatience. The towering creature was easily the largest in the stable, its dark coat gleaming beneath the dim light, thick feathered hooves kicking up bits of dust with every movement. Coda, standing beside her, crossed his arms and grinned.

You take this one, he signed, nodding toward the horse.

Nova’s eyes widened. Me? No way, she signed back, shaking her head. I’ll take one of the smaller ones.

Coda scoffed, grabbing a brush and pushing it into her hands. You want to patrol with me? He gestured toward himself, then pointed at the Shire. Then handle this.

Nova huffed, rolling her shoulders as she hesitantly stepped closer. The horse snorted, its ears twitching, shifting again as if already aware she wasn’t confident. She shot a look at Coda. Why can’t you do it?

Coda smirked, leaning against the stall door. Because I always do it. And you? His brow lifted. You always get out of the hard stuff.

Nova glared at him before turning her focus back to the horse. Gritting her teeth, she reached out with the brush, pressing it firmly against its side. The horse flicked its ears but didn’t react otherwise. Encouraged, she started brushing in slow, deliberate strokes.

Coda watched with amusement before his smirk faltered. His fingers twitched, and then he signed, You got us caught.

Nova didn’t respond right away, her lips pressing into a thin line. The tension between them was thick, but she wasn’t going to apologize—not yet. Instead, she focused on the Shire, adjusting her grip on the brush and working more deliberately.

Coda exhaled sharply, pushing off the stall and walking to the next horse. Fine.

Neither of them said anything else, but the air between them was heavier than before. Nova kept her attention on the horse, ignoring the way Coda’s movements were sharper, more focused, as he worked.

She wasn’t ready to talk about it. And neither was he.

The rhythmic strokes of the brush against the Shire’s thick coat filled the silence between them. Nova focused on her task, trying to ignore the weight of Coda’s stare from the next stall over. But she could feel it—his frustration, the way his hands twitched at his sides like he was holding back words.

Finally, he couldn't anymore.

"Why?" Coda said. "Why say me?"

Nova winced, keeping her eyes on the horse. She knew he wasn’t going to let it go.

Mom— She paused, her hands fumbling before she tried again. Mom… believe if me say lake.

Coda's brow furrowed. "Mom believe?" He scoffed, shaking his head. "No. Mom not believe. You bad lie."

Nova sighed, setting the brush down and turning toward him, trying to piece together what she wanted to say. The words were there in her mind, but getting her hands to form them was another thing.

Not mean— She hesitated, her fingers twitching before she exhaled sharply, starting over. Not mean… make mad. Just… scared.

Coda tilted his head. "Scared?"

Nova struggled for the right signs, frustration clear on her face. She wasn’t as fast as him, wasn’t as fluid. Sometimes it felt like her hands couldn’t keep up with her thoughts.

Mom… she—Nova’s fingers stumbled. She… mad at me more. She grimaced, shaking her head and starting over. Mad at me… faster than mad at you.

Coda stared at her, processing that. His expression softened, but only a little.

Not fair. His movements were sharp again, his frustration returning. You want patrol. You want like me. But… still scared?

Nova’s jaw clenched. She looked down at her hands, signing slowly. Not scared patrol. Scared… losing it.

Coda blinked, his posture shifting slightly.

"I no get many chances," she continued, still signing carefully while speaking, still second-guessing each movement. "You mess up? You still… get next time." Her hands trembled slightly. "Me mess up? No next time."

For a moment, Coda said nothing. The sounds of the horses shifting in their stalls filled the space between them.

Then, finally, he spoke, "You think I not understand?" His expression was serious now, not teasing. "You think I not know… what it like? To prove, always prove?"

Nova swallowed, her hands tightening at her sides.

Coda stepped closer, tilting his head. "You not only one who scared."

Nova exhaled, shoulders slumping slightly. She didn’t sign anything back, but she met his gaze, really met it, and for the first time in the conversation, she let herself believe that maybe—just maybe—Coda understood more than she thought.

[snowwybear]

Mother Goose | chapter five

Summary: all you can do love despite the world filled with hate. For 3 years you have been dating your loving boyfriend Joel Miller, while also being a motherly figure to his teenage daughter Sarah. The two of you get separated the day of the outbreak never to see each other again. 20 years later the two of reunite.

➀ | ➁ | ➂ | ➃

warnings: spoilers for the hbo show and video game, fluff

“Ah, I see the problem,” you say, your eyes narrowing slightly as you examine Joel’s back muscles. The tension etched in his shoulders and the way he winces when you press a little harder tell you all you need to know.

Joel had come into the clinic today, which was always a bit odd. He was a stubborn old man, after all, and he more often than not refused to come in for check-ups. “You’re getting old,” you tease, your tone light as you try to ease the tension in the room.

“Watch who you’re calling old, sweetheart,” Joel huffs back, his voice laced with mock indignation. His lips twitch into a reluctant smirk, betraying the tough exterior he usually tried to maintain.

You chuckle at his response. "Nothing wrong with getting old".

"I didn’t come here to listen to your sass. I came because I thought I might be falling apart.”

You soften a bit at that, your fingers pausing on his back. “You’re not falling apart, Joel. You just need to take it easy. You’ve been carrying the weight of the world for too long.”

His expression shifts, the teasing glint in his eyes brightening the room. “You know Ellie’s going to see the movie playing tonight. You know what that means,” he says, a smirk playing on his lips.

You pause, momentarily taken aback, then chuckle lightly. “I think that would make your back worse, lovely,” you reply, arching an eyebrow as you move around to your nurse’s table, the warmth of your earlier conversation still lingering in the air.

He watches you, his gaze intent, a mix of admiration and mischief dancing in his eyes before he grabs your waist, pulling you effortlessly onto his lap. His hands grip your thighs, the warmth of his touch sending a delightful thrill through you. “Or maybe it’ll fix it. You know, put it back into place for me”. he counters, his voice low and teasing.

You chuckle, playfully rolling your eyes. Joel leans in, a mischievous grin playing on his lips as he closes the space between you. You meet him with a gentle kiss, and he hums into it, the sound vibrating through you, full of longing. When you finally pull away, the annoyance at the sudden absence of his lips lingers, leaving you both breathless.

It’s been a few months since the two of you reunited, and somehow it feels like no time has passed. You fell back into each other’s rhythm as if you hadn’t spent twenty long years apart, navigating the complexities of life and loss together, piece by piece.

“Ellie likes you; you know?” Joel admits, his tone shifting to something more sincere.

You smile softly at the mention of her name, your heart warming at the thought. “I like her too. She’s a good kid.”

He nods, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly, but then his expression turns serious. “She doesn’t trust people too easily, and it seems like she’s starting to trust you more now.”

The weight of his words settles in, filling you with a sense of responsibility and honour. “I'm glad she trusts me,” you reply, your voice soft but steady. “I want to be someone she can rely on".

"She'll get there, give her time".

-

~Summer~

The heat of the summer sun poured over Jackson County, making the fields shimmer like a mirage in the distance. You stood by the fence, leaning against the weathered wood as they watched Ellie in the pasture with Shimmer. Ellie’s excitement was palpable, her movements animated as she fumbled with the saddle straps on the young horse.

"Ellie, slow down," You called out gently. "Horses need patience, not just strength."

Ellie huffed, her brow furrowed in concentration, a streak of determination that reminded you of Joel. She was impulsive, rushing through the process, her frustration mounting as the straps wouldn’t cooperate.

"I got it," Ellie muttered under her breath, stubborn as always.

You walked over, calmly placing a hand on Ellie’s shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. "I know you can do it," you say softly, "but Shimmer can feel when you’re frustrated. She needs to trust you."

Ellie glanced up, her guarded expression softening just a little. She wanted so desperately to prove herself, but there was still an innocence there—a need for approval, for guidance she wouldn’t ask for outright.

"Here, let me show you," you offered, stepping beside her. "Watch how you loop the strap like this." They moved slowly, explaining each step. Ellie watched closely, biting her lip, her impatience simmering down as she followed your movements.

Shimmer stirred a little but remained calm, as if sensing the shift in Ellie's demeanor. The horse nudged Ellie’s shoulder with her nose, and a small, reluctant smile tugged at the corners of the teenager’s mouth.

"I think she likes you," you remarked, watching as Ellie gently patted Shimmer’s neck.

"Yeah, well, she’s not so bad," Ellie muttered, but you could see the way her face softened, the walls she usually kept up around her slowly crumbling as she began to bond with the animal.

For a while, they stood there in the summer heat, Ellie running her hands through Shimmer’s mane, while every now then then you offer quiet guidance. It was a small moment, but in a world that had taken so much from Ellie, these little victories were everything.

Later, as Ellie mounted Shimmer and trotted around the field, you couldn’t help but smile. Ellie was so full of life, her laughter ringing out as Shimmer galloped faster. Watching her like this, so carefree, you felt a warmth in your chest—a protectiveness, a love that had grown unexpectedly strong.

~Autumn~

The early morning fog hung low over Jackson, a chill in the air that clung to the wooden beams of the porch where you sat, cradling a warm mug of coffee. It was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves stirred by the breeze. The sun had barely begun to rise, casting the world in soft, muted tones of grey and amber. You loved this time of day, the stillness before the town fully awoke.

The front door creaked open, breaking the silence. Your eyes flicked toward it just in time to see Ellie—clad in Joel’s oversized jacket, which practically swallowed her whole—slinking through the doorway. Her movements were careful, almost comically exaggerated as she tiptoed across the porch, clearly not expecting anyone to be up this early.

"Going somewhere?" You asked, voice calm but amused, as they watched Ellie freeze mid-step.

Ellie’s head whipped around, her expression caught somewhere between surprise and annoyance. "Shit," she muttered under her breath, then straightened up, trying to play it cool. "Just… going for a walk," she said, nonchalantly stuffing her hands into the jacket pockets, though the sleeves were too long, and her fingers barely peeked out.

You raised an eyebrow, taking a sip from your mug. "A walk? At this hour? With your knife strapped to your belt?"

Ellie winced slightly, her hand reflexively reaching down to adjust the weapon, then gave a shrug, her usual bravado quickly returning. "You never know what’s out there," she said with a smirk. "I like to be prepared."

"Mmhmm." Your gaze softened as they leaned back in your chair. You knew exactly what was going on—Ellie was trying to sneak off on patrol. She’d been restless for weeks, constantly asking Joel about joining in, proving herself. But she was still just a bit too young, too impulsive, and Joel wasn’t having any of it. Ellie, being Ellie, had clearly decided to take matters into her own hands.

You watched her for a long moment, and despite the part of them that wanted to send her right back inside, something stopped them. There was a fire in Ellie, a need to prove she could pull her weight, and in this world, it wasn’t something you could easily snuff out. Maybe it was time to let her try.

"Well," you say slowly, "if you’re going to go, at least zip up that jacket. It’s too damn cold out there for you to be wandering around half dressed."

Ellie blinked, her expression shifting from suspicion to surprise. She hadn’t expected to get this far without being sent back inside. "Wait—you’re not gonna stop me?" she asked, clearly skeptical.

"Not this time," you replied, standing up and walking over to her. "But if Joel asks, I didn’t see anything, and you’d better stay close to the group. No heroics, understand?"

Ellie nodded quickly, a grin spreading across her face. "Got it," she said, already turning to head off before you could change your mind.

"Ellie," you call after her. Ellie paused, looking back over her shoulder. You reached out, fixing the zipper of her jacket, just like you had done so many times before. "Be careful, okay?"

Ellie’s grin softened, and for a brief moment, the tough exterior she always wore cracked. "Yeah," she muttered, almost shyly. "I will."

With that, she was off, disappearing into the misty morning with an excited bounce in her step. You stood on the porch, watching her go, a mix of pride and worry swirling in your chest. Joel was not going to be happy when he found out, but somehow, you knew this was the right choice. Ellie needed this, just as much as she needed someone to believe in her.

Later, when Joel inevitably came storming in, his voice gruff and full of concern, you would hold your ground. "She’s not a little kid anymore, Joel," they’d say calmly. "She needs to learn to stand on her own two feet, and we can’t shelter her forever."

~Winter~

The wind howled outside, rattling the windows and piling snow against the cabin’s walls. Inside, the fire crackled steadily, casting a soft glow that kept the room cozy and warm. Ellie was sprawled out on the rug in front of the hearth, staring into the flames. You sat nearby, a book in your lap, but your attention kept drifting toward the door.

Joel wasn’t home yet.

He’d been out on patrol, scheduled to return before the storm hit, but as the hours ticked by and the weather worsened, worry had begun to settle in. You could see it on Ellie’s face, too—though she hadn’t said anything, her usual restlessness was absent, replaced by a quiet tension that neither of them wanted to address.

"You cold?" you ask softly. "I can grab another blanket if you need."

Ellie shook her head, not looking away from the fire. "Nah, I’m fine," she muttered. Her voice was distant, and the flickering light reflected off her furrowed brow. She pulled Joel’s oversized jacket tighter around her, though, a subconscious gesture that you couldn’t help but notice.

You set down your and stood, crossing the room to sit beside Ellie. "You want me to read to you? Or we could play cards. Something to pass the time."

Ellie’s eyes flicked toward the door briefly before she forced her gaze back to the fire. "Joel’s fine, right?" she asked, her voice quieter now, almost hesitant. "He’s probably just… waiting out the storm or something."

"Yeah, he’s fine," you said quickly, though the knot in your own stomach made it harder to say the words with conviction. You reached out, placing a hand gently on Ellie’s shoulder. "He’s been out in worse, and he’s smart enough to know when to stay put. He’ll make it back once the storm calms down."

Ellie nodded, but the tension in her body didn’t ease. She sat up, pulling her knees to her chest and resting her chin on them. "It’s just… he should’ve been back by now."

You sighed softly, hating how powerless they both felt. "I know," you say, moving closer. "I’m worried too, but Joel’s tough. If anyone can handle themselves out there, it’s him."

Ellie was quiet for a moment, staring at the fire, her fingers nervously picking at the edge of the jacket. "What if…" she started, then trailed off, swallowing hard.

You felt your chest tighten. "Hey, look at me," you say gently. Ellie hesitated, then turned her head, her eyes meeting yours "Joel’s coming back. You know he wouldn’t leave us hanging like this. He’s probably hunkered down somewhere, waiting it out."

Ellie’s face softened, but the fear lingered in her eyes. You could see the walls she’d built around herself beginning to crack, the same walls that always went up whenever someone she cared about was in danger.

"Come on," you say, standing up and offering Ellie a hand. "Let’s do something. Waiting around and staring at the door isn’t going to help, right?"

Ellie looked at the outstretched hand, then reluctantly took it, letting you pull her to her feet. "Like what?" she asked, her tone still guarded.

"Well, we could finish that puzzle we started," you suggested, nodding toward the half-completed jigsaw on the table. "Or maybe you can teach me how to beat you at cards. You’re getting too good."

A faint smile tugged at Ellie’s lips, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "You’re terrible at cards," she said, her voice lightening just a bit. "But I guess I could give you another shot."

They moved over to the table, you sit down and pulling out the deck of cards, grateful for the small distraction. Ellie followed, sitting across from them, though her gaze still drifted toward the window every now and then.

"Alright," you say, shuffling the cards. "Let’s see if I’ve learned anything from all those times you’ve beaten me."

Ellie smirked, leaning forward. "Doubt it," she said, some of her usual sass returning. "I’ll probably still kick your ass."

"That’s the spirit," you replied with a smile, dealing out the cards. As they played, they kept the conversation light, telling Ellie stories from your past, anything to keep her mind off the storm and Joel’s absence.

Time passed slowly, but as they continued playing, the tension in the room gradually eased. Ellie’s competitive nature took over, and for a little while, they both managed to push the worry to the back of their minds.

There was a sound—faint at first, then louder—a knock at the door.

Ellie shot up immediately, throwing off the blanket as she rushed to the door. You followed close behind, heart pounding in your chest. Ellie yanked the door open, and there, standing in the blinding white of the storm, was Joel.

He was covered in snow, his face red from the cold, but alive. His eyes were sharp, scanning the room quickly before landing on Ellie. He stepped inside, brushing off the snow, and before he could even speak, Ellie launched herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.

"Jesus, kid," Joel muttered, though his voice was softer than usual, as if he wasn’t expecting the sudden embrace. His gloved hand came up to rest on her back, holding her close.

"You took too long," Ellie mumbled into his coat, her voice thick with emotion.

"Yeah, well, that storm’s a real bitch," Joel replied, his tone gruff, but there was an undeniable warmth beneath it. He looked over at you, his eyes meeting yours, and there was a brief moment of understanding between them. They both knew how close it had been, and how much this moment meant to Ellie.

You stepped forward, placing a gentle kiss on Joel's cold lips, before turning his attention back to Ellie.

"You’re all right?" Ellie asked, pulling back slightly but still clutching his coat.

Joel gave her a small, reassuring smile. "I’m fine. Just got held up. Didn’t mean to worry you."

Ellie huffed, wiping at her eyes quickly before stepping back and trying to regain her composure. "You didn’t worry me," she lied, her voice a little too loud. "I just didn’t want to have to explain to the town how you froze to death out there."

Joel chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Yeah, well, good thing I didn’t, huh?"

You smiled softly, watching the exchange. Ellie had Joel back, and for tonight, that was all that mattered. They stepped aside as Joel shed his snow-covered coat and stomped the snow off his boots, feeling a quiet relief settle in the warmth of the house once more.

As they all settled back in by the fire, the storm continued to rage outside, but inside, there was peace—a warmth that had nothing to do with the flames, but with the people who made it feel like home.

~Spring~

Spring had arrived in Jackson, infusing the town with a sense of renewal and warmth. The sun hung high in the sky, its rays filtering through the trees and casting dappled shadows on the ground. The air was fragrant with blooming flowers, and the sounds of life filled the town as people emerged from the confines of winter.

You and Ellie rode side by side on their horses—Shimmer and a sturdy bay mare—moving at a leisurely pace along a well-trodden path outside of town. The warmth of the day was a welcome embrace, and Ellie’s laughter danced on the breeze as they navigated the familiar trails.

"So, how was school this week?" You asked, glancing over at Ellie, who wore a broad grin despite her usual bravado.

Ellie rolled her eyes, her expression shifting from cheerful to reluctant. "Ugh, it was a total drag," she replied, her tone exaggerated. "We had to help out with the little kids again for some stupid assignment."

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Helping the younger kids? Sounds like a good chance to be a role model."

Ellie snorted. "Yeah, if ‘role model’ means making fairy gardens with a bunch of whiny six-year-olds." She huffed, her annoyance clear. "My friends got to help teach them how to fish or build stuff, but I got stuck with a garden project. I swear, it’s like they think I’m some kind of… of… gnome whisperer."

You smiled, nudging your horse closer to Shimmer. "You’d be surprised. Kids love that kind of thing. It’s their way of using their imagination. They might think you’re a rock star for helping them."

Ellie rolled her eyes again, but a hint of a smile broke through her pout. "Yeah, but what do I even know about fairies? I’m more about survival and, like, making weapons than about building little gardens."

"Maybe this is a chance to teach them something else," You suggested. "You could show them how to make their gardens tough. Talk about resilience and what it means to take care of something. It’s kind of like what we do out here, right? You’re nurturing the garden, just like we nurture our community."

Ellie considered that for a moment, her brow furrowing. "I guess… But it’s still not as fun as I imagined it would be. I mean, I’d rather be out here on patrol with you than stuck in a classroom digging in dirt."

You smiled at her enthusiasm for their ride. "And that’s exactly why it’s important to give back. You get to be a role model. Besides, think of all the funny stories you can tell them about your patrols."

"Yeah, I could totally tell them about the time I almost fell off Shimmer trying to scare off that deer," Ellie said, her voice brightening at the thought. "They’d probably love that. Maybe I can spin it into a fairy tale about bravery and stuff."

"See? You’re already turning it into something better," you encouraged, proud of how Ellie was beginning to see the potential in her task.

Ellie smiled, her eyes sparkling with newfound excitement. "Okay, I’ll try to make it more fun. Maybe I can convince them to put some rocks in there for gnome fortresses or something."

You laughed, picturing Ellie regaling a group of kids with tales of epic gnome battles. "Now that sounds like a project, I’d want to be part of."

As they continued their patrol, the world around them felt lighter, filled with the promise of spring. The trees were budding, and the air was fragrant with the scent of new blooms. The day stretched before them like an unwritten story, each moment a chance for Ellie to grow a little more into the person she was becoming.

"Thanks for listening, you know," Ellie said, her tone more genuine now. "It feels good to get it off my chest. I guess I was just frustrated about not doing what I wanted."

"Anytime, Ellie," you replied, your heart swelling at the connection between them. "I’m always here to listen. And I’m sure Joel would be proud of you for helping out the younger kids. He always talks about how important it is to look out for each other."

Ellie nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, I guess I can see that. Maybe I’ll surprise him with how cool I make this garden."

"You will," you assured her, your eyes shining with pride. "You’re capable of more than you think."

As they rode on, the weight of worry from the winter began to lift, replaced by the hope blossoming with the flowers around them. The bond they shared grew stronger with each passing moment, and Ellie’s spirit shone brighter than ever in the spring sun.

[snowwybear]

Mother Goose | chapter four

Summary: all you can do love despite the world filled with hate. For 3 years you have been dating your loving boyfriend Joel Miller, while also being a motherly figure to his teenage daughter Sarah. The two of you get separated the day of the outbreak never to see each other again. 20 years later the two of reunite.

➀ | ➁ | ➂

warnings: spoilers for the hbo show and video game, fluff, angst, mention of child death

You push open the heavy wooden door of the Tipsy Bison, the familiar creak announcing your arrival. The warm light spills from the hanging lamps, casting a golden glow over the rustic interior. The walls are lined with hunting trophies, deer heads mounted on the wooden beams, giving the place a rugged, cozy charm. The bar, polished from years of use, is lined with half-filled bottles of liquor, and a few stools are scattered in front of it.

As you step inside, the warmth of the fire in the corner wraps around you, a stark contrast to the biting cold outside. You glance around the room, your eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. The quiet murmur of conversation fills the air, a mix of laughter and soft chatter from the small crowd gathered for the evening. Jackets hang by the door, some dusted with snow from the frosty night.

And then you see him—Joel—sitting at the bar. His back is to you, but you’d recognize that posture anywhere. His shoulders are slightly hunched, as though weighed down by something unseen, yet his presence is unmistakable. He’s sipping from a glass, lost in thought.

The sight tugged at something deep inside you—a mixture of nostalgia and longing. Taking a deep breath, you made your way through the crowd, weaving between tables until you stood in front of him. His eyes flicked up when he noticed the movement, and for a second, he just stared at you like he was still processing the fact that you were really there, like he didn’t quite know how to act around you anymore.

“Hey,” you said softly, offering a small smile.

“Hey,” Joel replied, his voice rough, though there was a slight crack in it, a hint of something he was holding back. He gestured to the chair across from him. “Wanna sit?”

You nodded and slid into the chair, your knees brushing under the small table. For a few beats, there was silence. Not the comfortable kind you used to share, but the heavy, loaded kind, where the weight of all the years between you hung unspoken in the air.

“I wasn’t sure you’d come,” Joel finally said, breaking the quiet. His eyes met yours, a touch of vulnerability beneath the usual guarded expression.

You shrugged, trying to keep your voice light even though your heart was pounding. “Figured I might as well.”

Joel took a sip from his glass, his gaze never leaving yours. “It’s been... strange. Seeing you again.”

“Yeah,” you breathed out, glancing around the bar for a second, then back at him. “I know what you mean.”

Another silence fell, and you could feel the unasked questions hanging between you. You wondered if Joel was thinking the same thing, you were—about the life you could have had, about the moments you lost. About Sarah.

You both sat there in the dim light, the sounds of the bar fading into the background, sharing a drink and the quiet presence of each other. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for now.

“Joel, I—” you started, but he cut you off gently, shaking his head.

“Don’t”. he said quietly, his voice strained but firm.

"I'm sorry about Sarah," You didn't listen to his warning. "Tommy told me about what happened..."

Joel's jaw tightened at the mention of Sarah, his eyes dropping to his glass as if studying the amber liquid inside could drown out the ache that flared up at her name. You could see his knuckles whiten around the glass, the tension in his body rising like a wave.

“I said, don’t,” he muttered again, but this time it was softer, almost pleading. There was pain there, raw and barely contained, the kind that hadn't lessened even with the passing of two decades.

You swallowed, unsure if pushing further was the right thing to do. "I understand how hard it is for you, I really do".

Joel's gaze snapped to yours, sharp and filled with a mixture of pain and defiance. "You don’t get it," he hissed, his voice gruff and low, like he was trying to contain the flood of emotions threatening to break free. "I’ve lost more than you can even imagine".

Joel’s sudden outburst sliced through the air; his voice low but laced with anger that had been simmering beneath the surface. The intensity of his words hit you hard, the heat of his emotions palpable even in the warm, dimly lit bar. His grip on the glass tightened, knuckles white, and you could see the strain on his face, every line and scar etched deeper by the years and the grief he carried.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady the rush of emotions, but you didn’t back down. “I’ve lost too, Joel. This world took one of the most important things from me—” Your voice faltered, the grief rising in your chest like a tidal wave, threatening to pull you under. You stopped yourself before you said too much, the pain tightening your throat.

It wasn’t about Joel. Not even about Sarah. No, this wound ran deeper, a loss that still clawed at you, raw and unhealed. You understood grief—the kind that gnawed at your insides, hollowing you out slowly. You knew what it was like to carry that weight. But his hostility, his refusal to acknowledge that you, too, had suffered—it gnawed at you in a different way. It stung.

You swallowed the lump in your throat, forcing the emotion down even though it fought to surface. “You’re not the only one who’s lost everything.” Your voice came out sharper than you intended, frustration bubbling to the surface. You wanted him to see it—to see you—and not just dismiss your pain because it wasn’t his.

Joel’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. “Don’t compare,” he snapped, his voice low but cutting. “You don’t know what I’ve done, what I’ve had to do.”

“I’m not comparing,” you shot back, your voice steady now, fuelled by the frustration you’d been holding in. "I've done stuff too; we all have to survive".

Your words hung in the air like a challenge, one that Joel clearly wasn’t ready to face. His jaw clenched, his hand tightening around the glass again, knuckles white. But he didn’t respond, didn’t lash out like you half-expected. Instead, his eyes flickered—something dark, haunted, moving behind them. For a second, you thought he might actually say something, admit that you were right. But the moment passed, and the hardness in his face returned.

“I don’t need a lecture,” Joel muttered under his breath, staring down at the worn wood of the bar. “Not from you.”

The words stung, but you held your ground. “I’m not giving you one. I’m just saying that you’re not the only one who’s done things they regret.”

“I’ve done more than you can imagine,” he snapped, his voice low but full of venom. “Don’t act like you get it.”

You could feel your frustration boiling over now, the weight of his words pressing down on you. He always did this—shutting people out, acting like no one could possibly understand what he’d been through. And maybe that was true. Maybe no one could ever fully grasp the depth of his loss. But that didn’t give him the right to dismiss everyone else’s pain like it didn’t matter.

“Joel,” you began, your voice softer now, the anger draining away. “I’m not trying to fight with you. I just… I want you to know that you don’t have to carry it all alone.”

He flinched, just barely, but enough that you noticed. His shoulders slumped slightly, and for the first time, he looked away—not out of anger, but like he was struggling to keep it all together.

“Maybe I don’t want to let anyone in,” he murmured, his voice so low you almost missed it.

You bite your lip, watching him, the weight of his words settling over you. There was a part of you that wanted to push him, to demand that he let you in, that he stops closing himself off from everyone. But there was another part—a quieter part—that understood. Maybe he wasn’t ready. Maybe he never would be.

Not knowing what else to say, you stood up from you chair and left the Tipsy Bison. He was different, you were different. The world has changed you both so much, it felt foolish to expect the same Joel you had fallen in love with 20 years ago. It was foolish to hope you and Joel would pick up where you left off - there was so much time between you, too much that maybe it was hopeless trying to rebuild what you once had.

-

There was a knock at your door. Though it wasn’t uncommon for someone to come by in the middle of the night, it always caught you off guard. Your heart skipped a beat as you pushed yourself off the couch, the late-hour visit putting you on edge.

When you opened the door, you didn’t expect to see Joel Miller standing there—not after the tense conversation at the bar just a few hours ago. His silhouette was shadowed in the dim moonlight, but you could still make out the stiffness in his posture, the way he was gripping the brim of his jacket like it was the only thing keeping him steady.

“Joel?” you asked, your voice soft, unsure.

For a moment, he didn’t say anything. He just stood there, his expression unreadable, eyes dark and intense as they flicked between you and the ground. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, his voice rough and low, like he’d been wrestling with something the whole way over.

His gaze flicked up to meet yours, and for the first time that night, there was no anger, no walls. Just Joel. “Can I come in?”

You hesitated for only a second before stepping aside, holding the door open wider. “Yeah. Of course.”

Joel stepped into your home, the faint creak of the wooden floor beneath his boots breaking the silence. He hesitated as his eyes swept the room, his gaze lingering longer than necessary on the bare walls, the sparse furniture. The place was neat but stripped of anything that hinted at the person you once were. No photos, no personal touches—just a space that felt more like shelter than a home.

He'd expected... something. The warmth you used to exude, the little details that had always made your space feel alive. Instead, there was nothing. It was as if time and the harshness of the world had drained the life out of you, leaving behind only the essentials, just like everyone else in this broken world.

Joel shifted awkwardly, his hands still clutching the edges of his jacket. The absence of who you used to be weighed on him. Maybe you were right. Maybe he didn’t know what you’d gone through, didn’t have the full picture of the things you had faced and the person you’d become.

I'm sorry," Joel said, his voice barely above a whisper.

You blinked, stunned for a moment, not sure if you'd heard him right. Your eyes widened slightly as you met his gaze, searching for some sign that this was a mistake or that he hadn’t meant it. But there was no mistaking the look on his face—the quiet weight of sincerity that clung to his words. Joel wasn’t the kind of man to hand out apologies lightly.

For a second, the room felt too quiet, too still. The space between you both seemed to shrink, but not in the comforting way it once had. Now, it was thick with unspoken grief, pain, and maybe a little bit of regret.

“I’m sorry for what I said. For not understandin'—for... everything.”

You let out a shaky breath, the unexpectedness of it throwing you off balance. Joel wasn’t one to apologize, and yet here he was, standing in your empty house, offering you the one thing you never thought you’d hear from him.

“I—” You started to say something, but the words caught in your throat. What could you even say to that? You weren’t sure if an apology could erase all the things between you, all the hurt and time that had passed, but hearing it cracked something open inside you, something you didn’t realize had been locked away for so long.

The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable, not like before. It was heavy, yes, but it was also a little lighter now tinged with the possibility of something more, something like forgiveness.

Maybe Joel hadn’t changed completely. Maybe you hadn’t either. But this—this small act of humility, of Joel swallowing his pride and admitting he’d been wrong—felt like a step toward something. What, exactly, you didn’t know. But it was a start.

“I was supposed to protect her. I was her dad, and I—” He stopped, taking a moment to catch his breath, the weight of his words hanging in the air. “I failed. I was meant to keep her safe, and I failed…”

You knew that feeling all too well, the unbearable pain of losing a loved one—your own child, no less. The shared grief hung between you like a fragile thread, binding your wounds together in a way that felt both comforting and terrifying.

“We all carry something, Joel.” You stepped closer, feeling the distance between you shrink. “I thought I could handle it on my own. I thought that if I just kept pushing forward, I’d find a way to keep moving. But I was wrong.”

For a moment, silence enveloped you both, a sacred space where words weren’t necessary. The shadows of the room seemed to draw closer, cocooning you in a fragile bubble of understanding.

"I know," he says, the weight of his words heavy in the air. "It's just... seeing you reminds me of her. Of what life was like back when the world hadn’t ended."

His admission hung between you, thick with shared grief. You could see the flicker of memories in his eyes—glimpses of a time when laughter filled the air, when innocence still existed, unmarred by the harsh realities of survival. The mention of her name felt like a ghost haunting the space between you, an uninvited reminder of the past you both carried.

His eyes softened, and you could see the walls he had built around himself starting to crumble, piece by piece. “It makes me feel so damn helpless,” he admitted, his voice cracking. “I thought I could protect her, that I could keep her safe from the world. But in the end, I failed. And that guilt… it haunts me.”

“I know that guilt,” you said, stepping closer. “It’s like a weight you carry, always pressing down, reminding you of what you lost and what you could have done differently. The world we live in—it’s unforgiving. But the truth is, we can’t erase what happened. What we can do is learn to carry it with us. It doesn’t have to define us. It can be a part of us without consuming us.”

He looked up, his expression shifting as he processed your words. “How do you do that?”

“It was hard,” you admitted, the weight of your own journey pressing down on you. “Really hard. But in a strange way, it brought me here. If everything that happened hadn’t happened, I never would have reunited with Tommy, and I wouldn’t have found a place in Jackson. I had to learn to focus on the good, even when it felt like the bad was suffocating.”

Joel stepped closer, closing the gap between you, his eyes searching yours with an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. He cupped your cheek with one of his hands, his touch warm and grounding. “I don’t know what you went through,” he said softly, his voice low and steady, “and you don’t have to tell me that now".

You chuckle lightly, the tension in the air shifting just a bit. “You don’t have to be so strong all the time, you know?”

“I know,” he replies, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he rubs his thumb against the soft skin of your cheek. “I don’t know how, but I’m willing to try.”

“That’s all you need to do.” you whisper, your voice barely above a breath. You lean into his touch, feeling the warmth radiate from him, and for a moment, the weight of the world outside your walls fades away.

“I love you,” he whispers to you, his voice barely more than a breath, yet it carries the weight of a lifetime.

Your heart swells at his words, the gravity of those three simple words washing over you like a tidal wave. It had been twenty long years since you last heard them, and the impact is profound. Time seems to stand still, the world around you fading into a blur as you focus solely on him.

“I love you too.” The words slip from your lips, a sweet release that feels like both a promise and a renewal all at once. In that instant, the air around you thickens with unspoken emotions, the weight of your confessions lingering like a soft echo.

For a heartbeat, the world falls away. You find yourselves lost in each other’s eyes, a deep connection grounding you both in this moment of vulnerability and understanding. Everything else fades into the background—the chaos of the past, the uncertainty of the future—until all that exists is the two of you, suspended in this shared truth.

Joel’s gaze softens, his eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and longing, as if he’s finally found his way back home. He leans in, the space between you disappearing, his breath warm against your skin.

“I don’t want to wait any longer,” he murmurs, the urgency in his voice sending a rush of anticipation through you. Then, without hesitation, he brings you in for a kiss.

His lips find yours with a fervor that takes your breath away. In that moment, everything else melts away. The kiss is tentative at first, a gentle exploration as if you’re both testing the waters, but it quickly deepens, fueled by the years of longing and the weight of everything left unsaid.

You respond with equal passion, your hands finding their way to the back of his neck, fingers tangling in his hair as you pull him closer. The kiss ignites a spark within you, awakening feelings that had lain dormant for too long. You can feel the warmth radiating from his body, the strength of his presence enveloping you in a cocoon of safety and belonging.

His hands roam over your body, as if trying to jog his memory of you—tracing the curve of your waist, the gentle slope of your back, every touch igniting a thrill that sends waves of warmth through you. Each caress feels like a promise, a vow to cherish and protect, and you instinctively lean into him, craving more of this closeness.

In this moment, the years of separation dissolve, and the intimacy you once shared floods back, richer and deeper than before. It’s as if you’re rediscovering each other all over again, piecing together the fragments of your shared history and forging something new in their place.

The kiss deepens further, a mingling of breath and warmth, each shared heartbeat resonating with a rhythm that feels familiar and yet so excitingly new. You lose track of time, all that matters is the heat of his body against yours and the way his lips move with a tenderness that makes your heart race.

As you finally pull away, breathless and wide-eyed, the world comes rushing back in—a flood of emotions, memories, and a hopeful future. You rest your forehead against his, both of you panting softly, smiles breaking through the remnants of tension.

“I’ve missed you,” you admit, your voice a whisper as you lean in to steal another quick kiss, savoring the taste of him. But as you pull back, a surge of longing flares in Joel’s eyes. His hand moves to cradle your face, gently guiding your lips back to his.

He keeps his lips on yours, his kiss filled with an urgency that speaks of years lost and a hunger to make up for the time apart. He’s waited twenty long years to see you, to kiss you, to hold you again—and in this moment, he’s not letting anything get in the way of the two of you.

Every kiss deepens the connection, intertwining your souls, as if you’re stitching together the fabric of your shared lives. Time stretches, and the chaos of the world outside feels distant, irrelevant. You can taste the bittersweet essence of his longing, mixed with a fervent hope for the future.

With every kiss, you feel the barriers you had both built slowly crumbling, leaving only the truth of your feelings—raw, honest, and beautiful. You lose yourself in the moment, allowing the past to fade and the present to take hold, embracing the reality of the love that has always lingered beneath the surface.

As you finally part, both of you breathless, the air around you hums with promise. The world may still be a tumultuous place, but in this small corner of it, you’ve found each other again, and that makes all the difference.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Joel murmurs against your lips, a vow that echoes in the depths of your heart. “Not this time.”

You smile, the warmth of his words wrapping around you like a cherished blanket. “Good,” you reply, your heart swelling with hope. “Because I don’t want to let you go.”

In that moment, you know you’ve both chosen to embrace love again, ready to face whatever challenges come your way—together.

[snowwybear]

What are some things golden retriever vinnie what do that black cat gf find cringe? Asking for a friend… totally not another fic idea or anything…..

[snowwybear]

Mother Goose | chapter three

Summary: all you can do love despite the world filled with hate. For 3 years you have been dating your loving boyfriend Joel Miller, while also being a motherly figure to his teenage daughter Sarah. The two of you get separated the day of the outbreak never to see each other again. 20 years later the two of reunite.

➀|➁

Warnings: spoilers for the hbo show and video game, fluff, mentions of injuries

~2034~

"Hold still," you say, your voice firm as you press the cloth soaked in alcohol against Tommy's side. The sharp scent fills the air, mixing with the stale smell of sweat and blood.

"Ow!" Tommy flinches, his face scrunching up in pain. "Watch it, will ya? I’m not made of steel, you know."

You roll your eyes, continuing to clean the wound. "How many times have I told you—"

"Not to go down that trail, I know, I know," Tommy interrupts, raising his hands in mock surrender, though his grin never falters. "But what can I say? I got a knack for bad decisions."

"You’ve got a knack for reckless decisions," you mutter, pressing the cloth harder against the gash on his arm, earning a hiss from him.

"Hey!" Tommy flinches, trying to pull away, but you hold him steady, your grip firm. "I’m already bleedin’ here. Don’t gotta add insult to injury."

"Maybe if you listened for once, you wouldn’t be bleeding at all." When the outbreak happened, you ran blindly, fuelled by adrenaline and terror, desperate to get as far away from the infected as possible. It wasn’t just fear that drove you—it was survival.

For days—maybe even weeks—you searched, clinging to the fragile hope that you could find them again, that somehow, against all odds, you could reunite with your family. But as the world crumbled around you, as cities fell and society devolved into chaos, that hope began to dwindle. You wandered through broken cities, dodging infected and ruthless survivors alike, the weight of uncertainty gnawing at you every day. Eventually, the hope of finding your family faded into a dull ache—a distant dream you barely allowed yourself to think about. The days turned into years, and survival became your only focus.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that Tommy Miller stumbled upon you during one of his patrols. By then, you were a shell of your former self—tired, ragged, barely holding on. You had seen too much, lost too much. But Tommy recognised you instantly. Despite the layers of dirt and exhaustion on your face, he knew you. You could hardly believe it when he said your name, his voice filled with disbelief and relief. In that moment, all the time and distance that had separated you from your past seemed to collapse. For the first time in years, you felt a spark of something you hadn’t dared to feel in a long time—hope.

Tommy didn’t hesitate. He brought you back to the community in Jackson, where you were met with kindness, shelter, and safety—things you hadn’t felt in years. You had grown so used to looking over your shoulder, waiting for the next threat, that the warmth of the community felt almost unreal. But it was real. Tommy and the others nursed you back to health, offering you food, water, and a place to stay. For the first time in a long time, you felt a sense of belonging again.

In return, you offered your skills as a nurse to the community. You tended to the sick and injured, providing medical support in a world where such knowledge had become a rare and precious commodity. It wasn’t the life you had imagined for yourself, but it was something. And more than that—it was a purpose. You were able to help, to contribute, to be part of something larger than just surviving day to day.

"There, all done." You finished patching up Tommy, securing the final bandage around his side.

"Thanks, I appreciate it," Tommy said, his voice softer than usual as his fingers lightly grazed the bandages, wincing slightly.

You nodded, wiping your hands and beginning to clean up the supplies. "Try to stay out of trouble, alright?"

Tommy chuckled, though there was a sincerity in his eyes. "I’ll try... for you."

You gave him a small smile, packing away the medical kit. "I’ll hold you to that.

-

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden hue over Jackson as you locked up the clinic. The familiar sounds of the community—children laughing, adults chatting—felt oddly comforting, a reminder of how far you’d come since the chaos of the outbreak.

You took a deep breath, savouring the crisp evening air, and turned to head home when you caught a glimpse of a familiar figure atop it, his silhouette unmistakable. Joel. The years melted away in an instant, your mind flooded with memories of the man you had thought lost to time. He looked older, lines etched on his face, but that same protective intensity radiated from him.

Beside him was a girl—Ellie. Tommy had told you that Sarah had unfortunately passed on outbreak day, but he didn't tell you about this other girl. In fact, he didn't tell you when Joel and Ellie first turned up in Jackson.

Time seemed to freeze as you locked eyes with him. All the years apart, the worry and the longing, culminated in that single moment.

“Joel,” you breathed, stepping forward, almost hesitating. You had imagined this reunion countless times, but now that it was here, you felt a rush of emotion swell within you.

His expression shifted, a mix of surprise and relief washing over his features. “You’re here,” he said, his voice low and rough, as if he couldn’t quite believe it.

"Hi.." You whispered hesitant to make any moves. It has been a long, long time since you've seen Joel. You didn't even think he was still alive, but here he was standing in front of you. You didn't know what to do, how to react - do you run and jump into his arms? Or do you keep your distance? You had changed so much since you last saw each other.

You could see the tension in his shoulders ease as he took a tentative step toward you. The wind rustled the leaves overhead, and in that moment, it felt like the world had narrowed down to just the two of you.

“Is it really you?” he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

You nodded, swallowing hard, emotions bubbling just below the surface. “I thought- I didn't know if you were still alive. After everything…” Your voice trailed off, the memories of the chaos flooding back—fears of being alone, the uncertainty of survival, the ache of separation.

Joel took another step closer, and you noticed Ellie shifting slightly, glancing between the two of you. Her expression was curious, as if she could feel the weight of the moment but didn’t quite understand it.

“Ellie, this is—” Joel started, he paused not quite believing himself that you were standing in front of each other after so many years.

“I’m [Your Name]. It’s nice to meet you.”

Ellie offered a shy smile back, her eyes darting between you and Joel. “So, you two know each other?”

“Yeah, we go way back,” Joel replied, a softness creeping into his tone as he looked at you, momentarily ignoring the slight teasing glint in Ellie’s eyes. He stepped a little closer, the distance between you narrowing as if no years had passed at all.

Ellie tilted her head, clearly intrigued. “What do you mean ‘way back’?”

You chuckled lightly, the sound breaking the tension. Joel rolled his eyes, huffing, and sent Ellie a glare—silently telling her to mind her business.

The playfulness quickly faded into a heavy silence. It had been years since you’d been in Joel’s presence, and though the familiarity was there, the weight of time hung between you both like an invisible wall. You shifted on your feet, unsure of what to do or say.

Joel cleared his throat, his voice low and rough. “Tommy didn’t tell me you were in Jackson.”

“I didn't know you were still alive; I guess I just assumed... he didn't tell me you were here.” You rambled, trying to make sense of this sudden reunion. You had processed the possibility of Joel's death so long ago that when you arrived in Jackson, you didn't think to ask.

Joel's eyes softened, a mix of guilt and surprise in his gaze. His lips parted like he wanted to say something, but the words seemed to fail him.

Ellie stood beside him, glancing between you both, clearly curious but wisely staying quiet. Her presence made it even more awkward—another reminder of how much time had passed, how much had changed.

“You—uh—settled here then?” Joel finally asked, shifting uncomfortably, his hands gripping the strap of his pack.

You nodded. “Yeah. I help at the clinic.”

Joel looked down, nodding slowly. His silence said more than words ever could. The years apart had been brutal, and now, standing here together after so long, the air felt thick with everything left unsaid.

Ellie, still watching you with wide, curious eyes, finally broke the silence with a small smirk. “You guys really know each other, huh?”

You and Joel exchanged a glance. “Yeah,” you said, your voice soft. “We go way back.”

Joel let out a quiet, almost reluctant chuckle, but his gaze stayed fixed on you, the years of distance and loss etched in his expression. You swallowed hard, emotions bubbling just beneath the surface, unsure of how to bridge the gap that time had carved between you.

As the sun dipped lower behind the mountains, you both stood there, awkward and unsure, but undeniably connected, just as you had always been.

[snowwybear]

Mother Goose | chapter two

Summary: all you can do love despite the world filled with hate. For 3 years you have been dating your loving boyfriend Joel Miller, while also being a motherly figure to his teenage daughter Sarah. The two of you get separated the day of the outbreak never to see each other again. 20 years later the two of reunite.

chpt 1 Warnings: spoilers for the hbo show and video game, fluff, mentions of hospitals, descriptions of physical violence, imagery of blood, injuries, and infection-related symptoms.

~2012~

The morning had started out perfect, walking up in Joel's arms - naked bodied pressed together - kissing and loving up on each other as you procrastinated to get out of bed. When you finally did you bid your goodbye to Joel and peaked into Sarah's room on the way out - the young girl still fast asleep. It was a perfect morning, until it wasn't.

-

The PA system crackled to life, and the voice of a nurse came through, shaky. "All medical personnel to the ER—Code Red."

Your shift had started like any other. A couple of accidents, one broken arm, a case of food poisoning. Nothing unusual. But then they started coming in. First, a man in his forties, feverish and disoriented. His family had said he had been acting strange since dinner, mumbling and stumbling around the house. Then a young woman, her skin pale and clammy, brought in after collapsing at work. They had both complained of severe headaches and dizziness. By the time they arrived at the hospital, their symptoms had worsened—violent seizures, vomiting, and wild, feverish eyes.

"Get them to isolation," Dr. Harris had barked, but you could see the worry on her face. You’d never seen anything like this before.

Now, the isolation unit was full. Beds lined up, every one of them occupied by someone suffering the same strange illness—gasping for air, their limbs twitching uncontrollably. There wasn’t enough room for the patients still flooding through the doors.

"All medical personnel to the ER—Code Red."

You rushed down the hallway toward the emergency room just as the automatic doors slid open, revealing a scene straight out of a nightmare. A woman, covered in blood, stumbled in, clutching her arm. Behind her, two men in military uniforms struggled to hold down a man thrashing violently on a stretcher. His eyes were wide, almost feral, his teeth bared as he snarled, trying to bite at anyone who came close. His skin was pale, his veins dark and bulging, like something was growing beneath his skin.

"What the hell is going on?" you whispered, frozen in place.

A loud crash echoed from the hallway behind you, followed by a blood-curdling scream. The infected patients—they were getting out.

"Seal off the ER!" someone shouted, but it was too late. You saw them—patients who had been sedated, restrained, were now awake and furious. They moved fast, far too fast for how sick they had looked just moments before. One of them—a woman with half her face covered in blood—lunged at a nurse, her teeth sinking into the nurse's neck. The nurse’s scream was cut short, gurgling as she fell to the floor, clutching her throat.

You grabbed the nearest person—a young doctor—and pulled him behind you as you raced toward the back exits. Your mind raced, trying to make sense of the horror around you. The infection wasn’t just making people sick—it was turning them into something else. Something violent. Something monstrous.

The hospital's power flickered, and the sterile overhead lights began to blink out, plunging parts of the building into darkness. The sound of glass shattering, people screaming, and the growls of the infected filled the air. You glanced over your shoulder and saw more of them—people who had been patients just hours ago—now sprinting down the hallways, blood dripping from their mouths.

You and the doctor burst through a set of double doors, locking them behind you just in time. Your breath came out in ragged gasps as you backed away from the door, the sound of fists pounding on the other side.

"What do we do?" the doctor asked, his voice trembling. His white coat was stained with blood—whether his own or someone else’s, you didn’t know.

The pounding on the door grew louder, more frantic. The infected were relentless, their screams guttural and animalistic.

Suddenly, the door hinges started to give way, bending under the pressure. You grabbed a metal chair and wedged it under the handle, praying it would hold long enough for you to figure out a way out of this nightmare. The doctor beside you was hyperventilating, his eyes wide with fear.

The sound of a helicopter flying overhead briefly caught your attention, followed by the unmistakable crackle of gunfire outside. The military was mobilizing, trying to contain the outbreak, but the infection was spreading too fast. The city was falling apart.

You needed to get out.

The doctor grabbed your arm, snapping you back to the present. "We have to go," he urged. You nodded, your heart pounding in your chest. You could hear the infected clawing at the door, their growls echoing through the small room.

"Come on," you said, pulling him along as you headed for the stairwell. You didn’t know where you were going, but you couldn’t stay here. Not with the infection spreading so fast, not with those things breaking through every barrier.

As you reached the stairwell door, you hesitated, glancing back one last time. The hospital—a place meant for healing, for safety—had turned into a death trap. And outside, you knew, the city wasn’t faring any better.

[snowwybear]

Mother Goose | chapter one

Summary: all you can do love despite the world filled with hate. For 3 years you have been dating your loving boyfriend Joel Miller, while also being a motherly figure to his teenage daughter Sarah. The two of you get separated the day of the outbreak never to see each other again. 20 years later the two of reunite.

Warnings: pre-outbreak Joel Miller (in this part), spoilers for the hbo show and video game, fluff, use of y/n, mentions of hospitals and stitches

~2012~

The Texas sun shone brightly into your car, the warmth kissing your fingers which were gripped onto the steering wheel. The aircon was on full blast to counteract the heat of the sun, the aircon blaring over the radio. Driving down the street you finally spotted a girl with a blond bob standing on the sidewalk - Sarah - you pulled up next to her, putting the car in park. The car door opened, and Sarah jumped in the passenger seat. Once you heard the click of a seatbelt and the thud of the car door, you placed the car back into drive and drove off.

"How did you go?" You asked the girl.

"Good". She said turning the watch towards you. 'All nice and fixed up".

You quickly peered at the watch. Sarah had suggested getting her Dad's watch fixed, as his birthday present this year. You thought that was great idea and gave her the money to go get it fixed.

"It looks great Sarah, just like it's brand new".

"What if", She paused for a moment. "What if he doesn't like it?"

You felt a little upset at her worry. You had met Sarah's dad - Joel - in the hospital. His younger brother Tommy had got into a drunken fight at a bar and needed to go the hospital for stiches. Fortunately for you, you were his nurse. While Tommy casually flirted with you, Joel was either silent or apologising for his brother's behaviour. You could tell in that moment how angry Joel was at this brother, he sat arms folded and had a cold stare for the whole night. So, you were surprised to find the next day Joel with a bouquet of flowers and a thank you for helping his brother. You ran into each other again, a week later, at a bar. The two of you talked the whole night, you found out he worked in construction and had a daughter named Sarah. The night was cut short once by Tommy, who once again got into another bar fight. Luckily it was as bad as the first and you were able to help him. Joel thanked you for taking care of his brother for a second time, and as a thank you took you to dinner. Ever since then the two of have been madly in love.

"Oh, Sarah honey, of course he'll will. It came from you, and he'll love it". You tried reassuring her. Sarah kept looking down at the watch. You swiftly changed the subject and asked her about her day for the rest of the ride home.

---------------------------------------------------

"Can you help bring in the groceries for me please?".

"Sure". Sarah responded. The two of dragged bags of groceries into the kitchen, setting them on the kitchen counter.

"What's all this for?"

"I thought I would make your dad dinner, since I won't be here for you dad's birthday tomorrow". You explained while unloading the groceries.

“You’re not gonna be here tomorrow?” Sarah had a sad look on her face.

You stopped unloading and gave her a sympathetic look back. Sarah had Joel’s birthday tomorrow, breakfast pancakes in the morning followed the three of you by eating birthday cake and watching Joel’s favourite movie in the evening.

“I know, I’m sorry. They only told me a few days ago that they wanted me to go to the city and help train the new residents there”. You said sympathetically. You loved your job, but at the same time you hated the long demanding hours that came with it. This was the first time in a few days you got spend time with Joel and Sarah and by tomorrow morning you would leave again.

"I'm sorry honey".

"It's okay, can I help?" You smiled at Sarah.

"Of course, always happy to have an extra hand in the kitchen". You started moving and shifting stuff around, making extra room for Sarah.

----------------------------------------------------

A few hours later you heard the Joel's truck pull into the garage, then the sound of the front door closing.

"Hey dad". Sarah greeted her father

"Hey babygirl". Joel made his way over to Sarah, pulled her into a side hug and gave her a kiss on the head.

Joel made his way over to you, Sarah moving out the way before making her way upstairs.

"Hey cowboy". You said before placing you hand on Joel's cheek and leaning in for a long kiss. Joel hummed into the kiss.

"Long day?"

"Very long day". Joel added. "What's all this for?" He gestured to the mess in the kitchen.

"Well since I won't be here for the big day tomorrow, I thought I would have a makeup dinner".

A makeup dinner?" Joel wrapped his arms around your waist, placing his head onto your shoulder. "You didn't need to do that for me".

You leaned into his arms. His arms pulled you closer into his body and his lips placed gentle kisses on your neck. You were enjoying a moment of piece, before hearing Sarah thumbing down the stairs. Joel unlatched from you as Sarah entered the room. homework in hands.

"Need help?" Joel asked, nodding towards her homework and leaning on the kitchen counter.

"Yeah, it's math". Sarah said, sitting up at the counter.

"She's all yours, I ain't any good at math". Joel looked towards you.

You gave Joel a confused looked and placed a hand on your hip. "You do construction, you can do math".

Joel placed his hands in the air and made his way over to have a look. He took one glance at the piece of homework and saw the letters and numbers mixed together.

"Yeah, no," Joel said, scratching the back of his head. "This ain't the kind of math we use on the job, darlin'."

You chuckled as Sarah looked up at him with a raised brow. "It's algebra, Dad. It's not that hard."

Joel pulled up a stool next to her and gave her a playful nudge. "Maybe not for you, smarty pants, but your old man likes to stick to hammers and nails."

You shook your head, smiling at their banter. It was moments like these that made you feel at home with them—a sense of warmth and love that was impossible to miss.

"Well, while you two figure that out," you said, picking up a spoon to stir the pot on the stove, "dinner’s almost ready."

As the evening went on, laughter filled the room. Sarah and Joel worked through her homework together, and every once in a while, you'd hear Joel mutter something about how things "didn't make sense back in his day," which only made Sarah laugh harder.

Dinner was a quiet affair but full of contentment. The three of you sat at the table, passing dishes and sharing stories. You found yourself glancing at Joel, catching him staring back at you with that soft, appreciative smile he always wore when he was truly at peace.

When the meal was done, Sarah excused herself to go finish up her work, leaving you and Joel in the quiet kitchen. He stretched out, yawning as he stood up from the table.

"Thank you for tonight," he said softly, leaning down to press a kiss on the top of your head. "I know you've got to leave tomorrow, but this... this means a lot."

You reached up, taking his hand in yours. "You deserve it, Joel. Besides, I’ll be back before you know it."

His eyes softened as he pulled you into a hug. "You better. I don’t think I can survive another one of Tommy’s bar fights without you."

You laughed, leaning into his chest. "I’ll make sure to be back just in time for that."

Joel squeezed you tighter, and for a moment, the world outside the small kitchen disappeared. Tomorrow would come soon enough, but tonight—tonight was yours. The quiet moments, the laughter, the warmth of family—it all made the looming absence feel a little less heavy.

And in Joel's arms, you knew you'd always find your way back home.

[snowwybear]

Where to find my updates

Hey cuties ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

As you can see, I'm currently working on two non-Vinnie Hacker fics currently and hope to update them as often as I can.

For my Vinnie Hacker girlies. I will still be writing any requests (when given) for Vinnie Hacker; however, I currently have no plans for any new Vinnie Hacker fics.

Any updates to requests or writing updates can be found here ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ ✯, so if you're unsure have a look or ask if you need further clarification. There you'll be able to find out who I'm taking requests for and any other information about requests and my works.

Chat to you later ༊彡.𖥔 ݁ ˖

Snowwy

[snowwybear]

ᴮᵒⁿᵈ ᶠᵒʳ ᵗʰᵉ ᴾˡᵃⁿᵉᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ᴬᵖᵉˢ

▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ 0% █▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ 10%

[snowwybear]

​🇧​​🇴​​🇳​​🇩​ ​🇫​​🇴​​🇷​ ​🇹​​🇭​​🇪​ ​🇵​​🇱​​🇦​​🇳​​🇪​​🇹​ ​🇴​​🇫​ ​🇹​​🇭​​🇪​ ​🇦​​🇵​​🇪​​🇸​|​🇵​​🇷​​🇴​​🇱​​🇴​​🇬​​🇺​​🇪​

summary: Cornelius, the son of the great ape Caesar, embodies his father's legacy while navigating the aftermath of the Human-Ape war. While exploring the forest his curious son, Coda, and mate Sarai discovers an abandoned human baby, sparking an unexpected bond between the two children.

Note: This story is set after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes.

-

The world didn't know what it lost when the great ape Caesar died. The noble tragedy of Caesar's death was mourned by his fellow apes but his legacy lives on - he will not be forgotten. His memory lives on in his closet friends, but most importantly his son Corneilus. While only a juvenile Cornielus was taught of this father's legacy, his beliefs, values, strengthens, weaknesses and hope for all of ape kind.

While too young to take over, Caesar's closest apes - most notably Rocket, Maurice and, sometime even Bad Ape in the rare occasion - banded together, creating a council, as they built the colony. Once Cornielius was old enough, he too joined the Council of Apes. Corneilus was strong like his father as well as gentle and wise like his older brother, Blue Eye. It was the great orangutang, Maurice that taught Corneilus not only about his father but the rest of his family.

Corneilus had lost his mother and older brother during the Human and Ape war; the loss of his family made him ferociously protective not wanting the rest of his family and colony to experience the same loss he did. Corneilous would go onto have a son of his own, Coda a very curious baby, with his mate Sarai.

-

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the dense canopy of trees. The air was thick with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant calls of wildlife, a serene backdrop for the small family exploring the forest. Coda, a bundle of energy with a soft tuft of fur and bright, inquisitive eyes, scampered ahead, his little hands brushing against the leaves and branches as he ventured deeper into the thicket.

Sarai followed closely, her maternal instincts sharp as she watched her son play. She admired his boundless curiosity, a trait she cherished in him, yet she couldn't shake the lingering sense of protectiveness. Coda darted between trees, his laughter echoing like music in the stillness, an innocent sound that reminded Sarai of the peace they had fought so hard to achieve.

As they continued their journey, the underbrush began to thicken, and a soft rustling caught Sarai’s attention. Her instincts heightened, she paused, scanning the surroundings. Coda, oblivious to her sudden caution, pressed on, peeking beneath a cluster of ferns. Then he stopped, his small body frozen in place.

Sarai moved closer, her heart pounding as she followed her son’s gaze. What lay before them was unexpected—an abandoned human baby, swaddled in a tattered, pink rose blanket, nestled among the roots of a large tree. The child was small and vulnerable, its face scrunched up in sleep, innocent and unknowing of the world around it.

Coda stepped forward, his curiosity overcoming his hesitation, kneeling beside the tiny human. He reached out a hand, brushing his fingers against the soft, delicate skin. Sarai felt a rush of emotions; a wave of protectiveness surged through her as she knelt beside Coda, instinctively wrapping her arm around him.

The baby stirred, its eyelids fluttering open, revealing bright, wide eyes that locked onto Coda’s. For a brief moment, the two creatures—one ape, one human—shared a silent connection. In that gaze, Sarai saw the potential for something new, something that could transcend the boundaries that had so long divided their species.

As Coda and the human child exchanged curious glances, a whirlwind of thoughts surged through Sarai’s mind, contemplating the profound implications of this unexpected discovery. Her grip on Coda instinctively loosened, and in a heartbeat, he broke free, kneeling down beside the baby once more, his wide eyes full of wonder.

The baby returned Coda's gaze, its face lighting up with a big, gummy grin that radiated pure joy. Coda couldn’t help but let out a delighted laugh, thrilled by the baby’s reaction. The human child reached out a tiny hand, its fingers wiggling with excitement, and Coda instinctively mirrored the gesture, holding out his own hand.

As their hands met, the warmth of connection surged between them—a moment of innocent unity that transcended the boundaries of their worlds. In that simple touch, the possibility of friendship blossomed, a silent promise of shared understanding and discovery.

Sarai watched the unfolding moment with a mixture of awe and emotion swelling within her. Her heart raced as she took in the sight of Coda and the baby, their hands delicately touching, a bridge being formed between two worlds. The innocence and wonder radiating from both children stirred something deep inside her, a flicker of hope that began to overshadow her concerns.

In that moment, Sarai felt a deep sense of responsibility, not just for her son but for this tiny human as well. The fear that had lingered in the back of her mind began to dissolve, replaced by a fierce determination to nurture this bond.

As the sun dipped lower, casting gentle shadows across the forest floor, Coda, feeling safe and content, snuggled closer to the baby, his small body curling up beside the child. The tattered pink rose blanket, soft and worn, became their shared nest. Sarai watched as Coda’s eyelids grew heavy, the excitement of the day finally catching up to him.

The baby, still reaching out with tiny fingers, instinctively grasped a corner of the blanket, as if sensing the comfort of companionship. Coda sighed softly, nestled against the baby, and within moments, he drifted off to sleep, his breathing steady and peaceful. Sarai felt a wave of emotion wash over her, the sight of her son and the human child side by side, united in their innocence, filling her with hope.

In that quiet moment, she realized that their world had shifted. They were no longer defined by past divisions but were on the cusp of creating a new legacy—one that would embrace both apes and humans. She sat beside them, watching the two children peacefully asleep together, and let the tranquil stillness of the forest envelop her, knowing that this bond, however fragile, held the promise of a brighter future.

[snowwybear]

𝘔𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 | 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵

▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ 0% █▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ 10% ██▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ 20% ███▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ 30% ████▒▒▒▒▒▒ 40% - coming soon █████▒▒▒▒▒ 50% - coming soon ██████▒▒▒▒ 60% - coming soon ███████▒▒▒ 70% - coming soon ████████▒▒ 80% - coming soon █████████▒ 90% - coming soon ██████████ 100% - coming soon

[snowwybear]

Hi can you do a vinnie hacker x actress reader plss and thank you

here you are cutie ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ⭐

[snowwybear]

𝗣𝗢𝗩: 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿

warnings: slight angst, fluff

It's hard, between his work and your work it was hard to keep the relationship alive. Always filming, sometimes even in another part of the world, then there was press tours and red-carpet premiers. Even when you were home it was checking emails, recording audition tapes or rehearsing lines. Then there was Vinnie, either off doing modelling shoots, away for whatever fashion week was currently on and of course Twitch streams. It was hard, exhausting work both of you had to do - but you loved it, there was nothing you'd rather be doing.

"When are you back home?" Vinnie asked over the phone.

"Soon" You yawn as a response. "We have a few more weeks of press then I'm back. When do you leave for London?"

"2 weeks, so we might miss each other again".

The silence on the other end of the phone stretched for a few beats too long, the weight of it settling heavily between you both. This was how it always went—quick check-ins, same questions, same answers, the same longing neither of you could properly voice.

"Maybe we’ll figure something out," you said, trying to inject some hope into your voice, but even you could hear how tired you sounded.

Vinnie let out a soft sigh, and you could picture him running a hand through his hair, that familiar crease forming between his brows. "Yeah, maybe."

You pulled the covers tighter around yourself, staring blankly at the hotel room ceiling. You loved your job—loved the chaos, the constant whirlwind of activity—but right now, it felt suffocating. You were on the verge of something great in your career, and so was Vinnie, but at what cost?

"Do you ever feel like…" you hesitated, unsure if you wanted to say it. Vinnie’s always been the optimist between the two of you, the one who kept things light, who filled the gaps with his infectious energy and easy laughter. But even he sounded tired lately, worn down by the distance.

"Like what?" he asked softly.

"Like we’re slipping away from each other."

Another pause, this one heavier, more loaded. You held your breath, waiting for his answer, a part of you scared of what he might say.

"I don’t want that," Vinnie finally responded, his voice firm. "I don’t want to lose you, us. But I don't know how to fix it either."

The admission hit you harder than you expected. You hadn’t realized how much you’d been holding in until that moment, how much you’d been pretending everything was fine when it clearly wasn’t.

"Me neither," you whispered. "But I don’t want to lose us either."

There was a rustling sound on the other end, and then Vinnie’s voice, softer now, but determined. "Okay, then we won’t."

You smiled faintly despite yourself. "That easy, huh?"

Vinnie chuckled, a low, comforting sound that made your heart ache with how much you missed him. "Maybe not easy, but we’ve made it this far, haven’t we? Look, let’s make a deal."

"A deal?"

"Yeah," he said, sounding a little more like himself now. "I don’t care where you are or where I am. Next time we both have a free day, no matter what, we’re seeing each other. I’ll fly to wherever you are, or you can come to me. Doesn’t matter. We’ll make it happen."

You thought about it for a second, picturing the ridiculousness of Vinnie showing up at some far-flung location, just for a day or two. But then again, wasn't that what made you fall for him in the first place? His spontaneity, the way he never let things feel impossible, no matter how busy or chaotic life got.

"Deal," you agreed, feeling a flicker of hope stir inside you. "Next free day, no matter where we are."

"Good," he said, and you could almost hear the grin in his voice. "And maybe next time we’ll actually plan a proper vacation or something. Somewhere with no Wi-Fi, no work, just you, me, and whatever beach we end up on."

You laughed softly at the thought. "That sounds perfect."

For the first time in weeks, the exhaustion weighing on you felt a little lighter. Maybe the timing was never right, and maybe things were messy and unpredictable, but you’d figure it out. After all, if there was one thing you and Vinnie were good at, it was finding your way back to each other—no matter how far apart you were.

[snowwybear]

no because they way my character ai chats could be whole fics is literally insane.

[snowwybear]

hey my love, couple ideas for Black Cat/Golden Retriever <3

- how did Vin actually manage to get her to go out with him? i feel like she would’ve been so reluctant to go on a date/be his gf to begin with haha

- she deffo bites him as a form of expressing affection lmao

- V doing something cringey/cute like kissing her nose and her just being utterly repulsed but secretly loving it

here you are cutie ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ⭐

[snowwybear]

𝔟𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔨 𝔠𝔞𝔱 𝑔𝑜𝓁𝒹𝑒𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝓉𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 | 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗲

warnings: fluff

vinnehacker sent you a message on Instagram

It had been a while since you messaged Vinnie, ever since the party you occasionally message him back and forth, but it had been a while since your last text exchange.

9:30 AM

vinnehacker: hey, did you know that a dog’s tail wagging is like their personal “good morning” song?

10:00 AM

yourusername

oh really? and I suppose you have a “good morning” song for every occasion?

10:05 AM

vinnehacker

well, only the ones that matter!

speaking of occasions, how about a coffee date this weekend?

~

A coffee date? How bold. You wouldn't admit this, but Vinnie was probably- no THE - most perfect guy you've ever talked to. Looks can be deceiving, Vinnie is a Greek God, but he has the heart of an angel.

10:15 AM

yourusername

A coffee date, huh?

what exactly makes you think I’d be up for that?

10:20 AM

vinnehacker

I have a feeling that my irresistible charm and a perfectly brewed cup of coffee might just do the trick.

plus, I think we'd make a pretty dynamic duo.

10:25 AM

yourusername

flattery and caffeine, is it? you might be onto something.

but tell me, what’s your strategy if I decide to bring a book instead of a chat?

10:30 AM

vinnehacker

I’ll just have to charm you, and if that fails, I’ll let you enjoy your book while I offer you the world’s comfiest shoulder to lean on.

10:35 AM

yourusername

I suppose I could be tempted by that.

How about we meet at that new café on Elm Street? I’ve heard they have excellent pastries.

10:40 AM

vinnehacker

deal!

I’ll bring my best “I’m a great date” smile.

can’t wait to see you! 💕

~

Your face is resting in your hand as you read over the message. There's something about this enthusiasm that you loath but also admire.

10:45 AM

yourusername

and if I order the entire pastry menu?

10:50 AM

vinnehacker

I’ll just have to up my game to match your sweet tooth.

10:55 AM

yourusername:

oh, now you’re talking my language.

but be warned, I might challenge you to a pastry-eating contest.

11:00 AM

vinnehacker

challenge accepted

but just so you know, I’m pretty competitive when it comes to pastries.

bring your A-game!

11:05 AM

yourusername

we’ll see about that.

I’m looking forward to it, Vinnie.

I’m not so easily impressed soo.....

11:10 AM

vinnehacker:

noted can't wait to impress you

I have a few tricks up my sleeve so should be a piece of cake

11:15 AM

yourusername:

oh, this should be interesting.

see you on Saturday, then.

11:20AM

vinnehacker:

see you there!