#Dread Secrets WIP

[shay-creates]

Turmoil of Vengeance: A piece I made for the Secret Plotter of Dread Secrets.

[shay-the-maker]

And then we hold hands and cry because Ansellus remarries and actually gets a properly received heir he never got from Celesto~ :D

*distant sobbing

[koqabear]

been thinking about older step brother yeonjun who knows you're head over heels for him, who hears you moan his name through the thin walls when you masturbate at night, finally convinces you to have sex with him when you're watching a movie alone, and he knows it's wrong, and you know it's wrong, but it's too good to stop, even when you hear your parents getting home, so now you just have to keep quiet

tw: stepcest. dubcon, smut, mdni.

omfg i’ve been keeping this a secret for months but you literally managed to hit one of my wips right on the nose. who sent you here!!!! get out of my head !!!!

but oh dear... older stepbrother!yeonjun who is so quick to pick up on your attraction to him. thinks it's so cute that you try your hardest to hide it, play along with this whole "new family" thing every dinner-- listening intently as he talks about how life is while he's away at college, attending some big shot university while you chose to stay back home; it's what makes these moments with you all the better, knowing that despite barely being here, he still has you wrapped around his finger.

your parents having a romantic night out while the two of you stay at home, only to have yeonjun ask to watch a movie with you-- "I haven't hung out with you in so long," he'd say, "can't I just hang with my baby sis for a bit?"

smiles at the way you prickle at the term sis, knowing that you think of him as anything but family— he’s heard it, if those thin walls of yours are any proof— but you let him in your room anyway, letting him get comfortable in your bed as you settle down and leave space between the two of you; yeonjun makes sure that doesn't last.

it's so, so hard to resist; he's got you good, knows that you couldn't care less about the movie when he's hovering over you like this, whispering into your ear that "it's alright, no one has to know— just this once, hmm? please?" letting his hand wander between your thighs, feeling the way they open on instinct— warm cunt already dripping for him beneath that skirt you’re wearing, the one that you swore you wore because it was “comfortable”. no other reason.

he watches your eyes light up with shame, skin heated and flustered as you pretend to ignore his fingers that pump into you so nicely, his lips that press soft kisses on the column of your neck, whispering soft praises into your ear— but you can’t fool him, because your need is plastered all over your face; it shows in your hips that buck and grind against his palm, needy clit pressing against his hand and drawing soft whimpers from your lips— and he knows that you couldn’t care less about the movie. it’s not like you could even hear it over the wet, filthy squelches of his fingers slamming into your cunt.

you said you wouldn’t— you couldn’t, it was going too far— and yet you still find yourself pressed into the mattress, breathing helplessly against yeonjun’s pouty lips that make out with yours, sly tongue and teeth playing your mouth in ways you could never comprehend, head foggy and dazed as you take everything he gives you; hips rolling into you as his cock hits you so nice and deep, angling his hips to hit that spot that has you trembling and jolting against him, soft whimpers swallowed into his mouth, eating you up until he’s pulling away to mumble against your lips.

“so pretty— so cute, been wantin’ to have you like this for forever,” groaning at the way you wrap your leg around him, hands on his back pushing him forward so his body’s pressed against yours, “no one’s gonna know, okay? just between us— just for us to know…”

the dread and fear that paralyzes you when you hear the front door open downstairs isn’t matched by yeonjun— while you stiffen and press your hands against his chest, trying to push him away with frantic gasps and tears in your eyes— “oh my god, oh my god, get out!”— yeonjun merely shushes you and pulls you closer; his nails dig into your thigh and he wraps it tighter against him.

“it’s okay.”

“they’re gonna hear us—”

“no they’re not, it’s okay—”

“they’re gonna find out— please, go, i can’t, we can’t be seen like this—”

yeonjun puts his weight fully against you, pressing you into the mattress and flushing the air out your lungs— he places a hand on your mouth, dark eyes glaring sternly.

“be quiet, and they won’t find out.”

you stare at him with those wide, glistening eyes of yours, heart about to pound out of your chest— he gives you a fond smile.

“okay?”

a moment passes, and you gulp— you can feel his cock twitching desperately inside you, the commotion of your parents settling down in the living room downstairs—

and you nod.

[toomanystoriessolittletime]

time

Summary: Not wanting to face Joel after you found out that you're pregnant, you leave the Boston QZ to live with Bill and Frank. Almost four years pass before you can't hide from him anymore, letting him finally know why you ran from him all these years back.

Pairing: Joel Miller x fem. reader

Wordcount: 6.7k

Rating: E

Warnings: angst, unplanned pregnancy, secret pregnancy, secrets, fluff, trust issues, Joel being Joel, making up, kissing, age gap (not specified but it's around 15 years), smut (unprotected sex), mentions of alcohol, Joel really is bad at feelings, but he's trying, Girl Dad Joel Miller, happy end

A/N: if these two had a relationship status it would be "it's complicated" Another WiP done! So now I am allowed to think about Biker Raider Joel for a moment, right?

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Pedro Masterlist || Joel Masterlist || Main Masterlist

“You know you’ll have to face him at some point,” Frank had a fond smile on his lips as he sat in his wheelchair next to you. He was watching Bill who let himself chase across the yard of his picture perfect post apocalypse home. 

Nobody would expect that just down the street, outside of the fence the world as you knew it had ended. 

“I know,” you sighed. 

“He asks for you every time he’s here. If we had seen you, if we knew where you are. He’s gonna understand,” Frank said and you scoffed. 

“He’s not gonna care. He has Tess and… he’s not…” you shook your head, searching for the words, “he’s not the man I fell in love with.”

“We all can change,” Frank said, reaching over to squeeze your hand. 

“Bill is the best example for that. Could you have imagined him like that when you showed up here three years ago?”

You watched Bill play with your daughter, Ava, playing catch. 

“Joel is not like that. He was like that. Before. But that part of him died long ago.”

You sat in silence for a while, just watching Bill and Ava, trying to soak it all in. It would never be like that again and you were already dreading having to explain all of this to her. 

“I’m gonna miss you,” you whispered, fighting against the tears as you looked at Frank. He smiled softly at you before he came closer, kissing your forehead. 

Four years earlier

You knew he could tell when you were lying. He would know with one look at you that you were full of shit telling him that this was not working for you anymore. Whatever this between you was.

Joel and you had known each other since before the outbreak. You had started babysitting Sarah to earn some extra money while you were finishing you degree when she had just been nine years old and you had moved in next door.

You had been there on outbreak day. Next door, still living at home to take care of your sick father. You would never get the picture of his infected body lunging at you out of your head the night the world changed. 

You and Joel… You didn’t know what Joel and you were exactly. 

You loved Joel, you knew that. And you were pretty sure he loved you too. You just wanted… more. Most people did not allow themselves to love so openly anymore. And in Joel’s case? Losing Sarah had changed him. After fifteen years the man who had been Sarah’s father was gone, replaced by a man that still had his face, but was missing the warmth and comfort Joel Miller had once provided. 

You could see it in glimpses, whenever his hand would rest on your back when he passed by. When he fell asleep in your arms deep in the night. When he kissed your forehead before he headed out for work. 

Loving Joel Miller was easy. 

Being loved by him was close to impossible. 

You never really labelled your relationship, mostly because you did not think of it as important. You trusted him more than any other person on this planet. It’s why you ignored the way he had started looking at Tess. It’s why you did not question him when he stayed away at night. You ignored it all, opening your arms for him when he chose to come home to you, letting him in your bed just to feel close to him. To feel something. 

The jealousy was killing you slowly, making you reckless when you let him have his way with your body. 

But once you had missed your period the first month, and then the second, you knew that there was only one possible answer to your dilemma. You had never been late before. A ration card swapped for a twenty year old pregnancy test had your worst fears come true. 

You were pregnant with Joel Miller’s child. 

Fifteen years after you both buried his daughter. The daughter he never got over losing. 

You could already see his reaction. The eyes you loved so much empty before he would tell you to deal with it. 

You could not face his anger or disappointment, but mostly you could not face him not caring. So you packed your little belongings once he had left you in the morning, sneaking out of your bed without a word.

You did not leave a note, just fled the QZ, making your way over to Bill and Frank, hoping your friendship with Frank would make them take you in. 

Of course Bill hadn’t want to, but once he saw your stomach swell (and tasted the sweets you baked in his kitchen) he had put all his work into making the house next door into your home. 

“Mama, can we go get Strawbebbies?” you chuckled, holding her hand as you walked with her on your daily walk by the fence. 

“Strawberries, baby,” you tried to correct her. Ava pouted at you, her dark curls swinging in the wind, her brown eyes so much like her fathers. 

“That’s what I said!” she put her little hands on her hips and you smiled. 

She was definitely her father’s daughter.

“Okay, baby. Let’s get some Strawbebbies,” you picked her up, making her shriek with laughter. Once again you were glad you made the decision to come here. She could grow up like a child was supposed to. 

Even though now that Bill and Frank were gone it was getting kind of lonely. You had all enjoyed a last dinner together before Bill and Frank had tucked Ava in for one last time and read her a story. 

You had tried to keep the tears at bay as Bill had reminded you of the folder full of instructions of how to take care of things around here for you. 

After dinner you had walked them to the gate, opening the fence for them as they took their last walk. You had watched them until they had disappeared into the dark woods before you made your way back to their house. You had cleaned the dishes and tidied everything up, before with a heavy heart, you had turned off all the lights and closed the door behind you before you walked to your house, allowing yourself to cry yourself to sleep as you sat on the floor next to the bed of your daughter, watching her sleep. 

That night was almost three months ago. The days were getting shorter, the nights colder. You’d have enough firewood for this winter but come spring you would have to find a way to make more. 

You had just finished making breakfast for Ava when the motion detector alarmed you that someone was at the gate. You froze, telling Ava to eat her fruit salad before you made your way downstairs to check out what was happening. 

Your heart was pounding against your chest, once you noticed his face. 

Joel Miller. 

And a…. Teenage girl?

The gate swung open after he put in the code and you allowed yourself fifteen seconds to panic. You knew this day would come. The day after Bill and Frank had gone you had checked the basement, finding that Bill had put on 80’s music, the distress signal. 

Even though you had turned it off immediately deep down you knew he would show up at some point. 

You just did not think it would be that soon. 

You grabbed your gun, checking if it was loaded before you made your way back upstairs. You did not think you would need it, but it was better to be prepared. 

“Ava? Remember when Uncle Bill played hide and seek with you and showed you the best place to hide?” you asked, hiding the gun in the back of your jeans as you got to your kitchen. She nodded. 

“I want you to hide there until I come and get you,” you said. 

“Hide?” she asked. You nodded, kissing her cheek. 

“Take Sluggi with you,” you smiled. Sluggi was the stuffed plush slug Bill had gotten for her. She nodded and ran out of the kitchen and upstairs, You heard her door to her room close and took a deep breath, calming yourself. 

You knew this day would come. You knew one day you would have to face Joel Miller and you knew you would have to face his reaction. 

You never regretted your decision to leave. Life has definitely been better here. That did not mean you had just stopped loving him, no matter how much he had hurt you in the past. 

Stepping towards your front door you could see him walk towards Bill and Frank’s house. 

You closed your eyes, taking a calming breath before you opened the door and stepped out. 

His head snapped towards you once he heard the door opening, eyes widening for a split second before he pulled the girl that was with him behind his back. 

He was protecting her. 

“What are you doing here? Where are Bill and Frank?” he asked, his voice low. 

“They’re dead. Frank got worse and… he couldn’t…” you shook your head, lost of words. He just looked at you before he shook his head, trying to put in words what he wanted. 

“I just… We need some…” he took a deep breath, looking up at you, a million emotions playing over his face. 

“Are you hungry?” you asked the girl behind him. 

“Starving,” she replied and you smiled a little.

“There’s some fruit salad left on the kitchen counter if you want?” you asked. She stepped around Joel and he looked at her. 

“It’s safe. There’s… there’s no one there,” you lied. He gave her a nod before she walked past you into your home. 

It had been years since you’ve been alone with him. He did not really change. His hair maybe a little grayer, the lines around his mouth a little deeper, but he was still Joel Miller. 

“You left,” he said. 

“I did.”

“Why?”

You took a deep breath. You looked past him towards the house the girl had walked in, hoping your little girl continued to hide. Knowing her she had was working on her puzzle. She would be okay for a moment. 

You knew she was safe. You just needed a little moment alone. 

“You can have some fruit salad too. I am going to get some vegetables for dinner,“ you gave him a nod, before you turned around and walked towards your garden, ignoring him as he called after you. 

With a basket full of salad, cucumbers and some tomatoes you pushed the door of your house open. Joel was sitting on the stairs, across the door, already looking at you. 

The girl walked past the both of you towards the living room, an apple in her hand she was munching on. 

„This is so fucking weird,“ she shook her head and you snorted while Joel hissed at her. 

„What? It is weird,“ she said, her head turned towards him. 

You smiled a little as you looked at her, before you walked towards the kitchen, setting the basket down. You had to go up to check on Ava. 

And you had to talk to Joel.

You couldn’t hide her from him, even though you wanted to do nothing more than that. 

You took a deep breath when he walked into the kitchen. 

„Is it okay if Ellie takes a shower?“ He asked, knowing that there was warm water around town. 

„That’s her name. Ellie,“ he clarified.

„Oh. Of course, yeah,“ you nodded and Ellie walked in, snorting as she looked up at Joel. 

„You could use one too dude,“ she said and you had to fight hard against the grin as you watched the look on Joel’s face. 

You were about to offer her to show her to the bathroom when you heard a door upstairs click open, followed from little footsteps, your eyes widening. Joel frowned, his hand immediately searching for his gun, his arm putting Ellie behind himself. 

He raised his gun, taking a step forward as you ran around the counter, the knife you had put out to cut the salad now in your hand. 

„Gun down,“ you hissed and his head snapped to you, his eyes widening when he saw the knife in your hand. You stood in front of him. 

„I will not repeat myself, put the gun down, right now or I will put this knife in your thigh,“ you fingers flexed around the handle of the knife. The footsteps came closer as you kept eye contact with Joel until he slowly lowered his gun. You nodded at him once you saw him put the gun back to wherever it came from, then looked at Ellie who was looking at you with wide eyes, before you let the knife fall down to the floor just in time as Ava jumped the last step down, rounding the corner. 

„Potty?“ She whispered shyly, looking up at you with big eyes and you sighed, before you nodded, the people behind you forgotten as you picked your daughter up. You risked a glance at Joel as you turned towards the stairs, your daughter in your arms.

His lips parted as if he wanted to say something, before you practically ran up the stairs. 

„Who is the man mommy?“ Ava asked as she was finished, washing her hands like you taught her, making as many bubbles as possible as she rubbed her hands together. 

You sucked your bottom lip in as you watched her, your hand brushing over her soft hair. 

„That is an old Friend of mommy,“ you explained, and she nodded. 

„And the girl?“ She asked. 

„That is a friend of him, I think. I am not sure.“

She finished washing her hands and you handed her the towel, her little face full of concentration as she dried her hands, making you smile.

You got down on your knees in front of her, your hands on her shoulders. 

„Do you think she’s gonna play with me?“ She asked, hopeful.

„We can ask her,“ you said with a smile.

You weren’t prepared for the sight in your kitchen when you came downstairs. Joel was standing at the counter, the sleeves of his shirt rolled back as he cut the tomatoes with the knife you had threatened with him not only ten minutes ago. 

He didn’t look up as you entered the room, but Ellie did. You looked between them warily. 

„I’m Ava,“ your daughter chirped and you took a deep breath, Joel still not looking up. Ellie looked at him with a frown, before she sighed, rolling her eyes, and walked towards you.

„I’m Ellie,“ she said and smiled a little and bend down to her knees. Ava looked first at her, then at you. 

„Ellie, do you like sea turtles?“ You asked and the girl looked at you. 

„Uh…. I guess?“ She said and you smiled. 

„Because Ava loves them. Her whole room is full of them,“ you said and saw interest flicker in her eyes.

„Can I see?“ Ellie asked and you nodded. 

„You wanna show Ellie your sea turtles?“ You asked Ava and she nodded eagerly. 

„Awesome,“ Ellie said, taking Ava’s hand before you could offer to show them, the girls already walking upstairs towards Ava's room. 

Which left you alone in the kitchen with….

„How old is she?“ Joel asked, still not looking at you as you turned to face him. He grabbed the cucumber after he had used the knife to put the tomatoes in the bowl you had prepared for the salad, beginning to slice them. 

You took a deep breath. 

„She turned three last month,“ you said, watching him nod slowly, the knife hitting the cutting board the only noise in the room. 

„She has my eyes,“ he finally said and you sucked your bottom lip in, nervous. 

„Yeah she has,“ you agreed and he finally looked up at you, setting the knife down, his hands spread out on the counter, resting his whole weight on them. 

„Why didn’t you tell me?“ He asked, his voice quiet. 

„I didn’t know how. Joel…. You were barely acknowledging me outside of when you were inside of me. You spend all your time with Tess doing god knows what. How would you have reacted if I told you that I was pregnant? You never even acknowledged what we…“ you stoped yourself, shaking your head. 

„You should have told me. I could have…“ he stopped himself, searching for what to say and you looked at him, waiting. 

„I could have helped you. I would have….“ He shook his head, his hands shaking. 

„I’m gonna need a moment. Can you watch after Ellie?“ He asked and you nodded, confused and he nodded back before he walked past you and out of the house. 

You just didn’t think it would be almost two days before he got back. You were outside in Bill’s garden, letting the girls help you pick everything that was ready from the garden when you noticed him walk towards the house. 

You knew he was still inside the little locked up town Bill had made his safe haven. None of the alerts had went off, indicating he had left. And yeah you could have searched after him, but what good would it have done?

You’ve known him from almost twenty years, and you knew that he needed time to process certain things. 

He hadn’t talked to anyone in almost a year after the outbreak and what happened to Sarah. 

„Look what the cat dragged in,“ Ellie said as she spotted him and Ava perked up, her little head turning towards where Ellie was looking. 

Joel nodded at the girls before he looked at you. 

The sun was already setting and you had dinner prepared inside. 

„How about we have some dinner and then Ellie can read you some more of the story you started yesterday?“ You asked and both girl smiled at you. Ava ran past Joel who looked after her as she disappeared into the house, Ellie following her. 

„Next time you ditch me, at least tell me?“ She glared at him before she walked back into the house. He sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. 

„Can we talk?“ He asked. 

„After dinner?“ You said, getting up and grabbing the basked full of fresh vegetables. 

„Yeah. Yeah okay,“ he nodded and you walked towards the house, giving him a hesitant smile when he grabbed the basket from you and walked inside after you. 

It was two hours later that you found yourself on the left corner of your couch, your legs tucked under you, a glass of wine in your hand. 

Because this conversation needed some alcohol. 

And not only because of what you were about to talk about, but because of the man who was sitting on the other side of the couch, similar glass of wine in his hand. 

Because he looked so damn good.

He had showered while you put the girls to bed after dinner, the whole scene feeling so domestic. Like a dream you had many many times before when you were still dreaming. 

Dreaming of a normal future. 

Dreaming of a normal life. 

Dreaming about how it would feel like if Joel Miller loved you back. 

Because no matter how much he may have hurt you in the past, you just could not stop loving him. 

„I’m sorry,“ he whispered after a while and you turned your head to look at him, his eyes already on you. 

„I’m shit at talking about those things….“ He stopped.

„Those things meaning feelings?“ You helped and he groaned. 

„Yeah. Always sucked at it. Even before….“ 

He sighed. 

„Sarah would be so angry with me with how I treated you,“ he whispered and your eyes softened. You could count on one hand how often he had brought Sarah up ever since she died. 

And while you thought you could understand him in the past, you loved her like yours after all, now that you had Ava, you realised that loosing her would kill you. 

It would be something you could never come back from. 

But he did. 

„I never cheated on you. I know you thought I did, can’t blame your for it. Tess was just…. Fuck, how do I explain this?“ He sighed, his fingers rubbing over his chin. 

„I never deserved you. You’re too fucking good for me. For everyone really. Because even after the whole world went to shit, you still had some kindness left for everyone around you. I know how much you hated what we did in the beginning. And I hated myself for putting you through it. I hated myself for putting you through everything I did to you since the moment Sarah died…“ he said and you could see his eyes watering. 

„Can’t blame you for hating me and leaving. And not telling me about….“

„Joel….“ You said, setting your glass down and getting closer towards him, your hand reaching for his. Slowly he turned his hand so you could put yours in it, his fingers wrapping around your hand softly. 

„I’m not gonna lie and tell you that it’s okay. Cause I was hurting. You were hurting me. Every time you left in the morning without a word. Every time you passed out drunk and drugged after you came back. It was like living with a ghost and it was killing me. That was the reason I decided to leave when I found out. I could…. I couldn’t bring a child into this. And I knew I wanted her before I even met her. Even though it seems crazy to bring a child into this world. But… She was half you. And the thought that there was even the possibility that you didn’t wanted her….“ You took a deep breath. 

„Honestly? I can’t tell you how I would have reacted. I was… I was really fucked up in the weeks before you left. I was taking too many drugs. Drank too much. Got too fucking reckless. But that changed when you left,“ he said and squeezed your hand. 

„Not right away. It might have gotten worse first but… I got better. Not perfect, but better. And I… Fuck I even talked through some shit with someone. Made me realise I never even told you how much I love you,“ he said and you were pretty sure you stopped breathing as he looked at you, a small smile tilting his lips up. 

„Pretty sure I fell for you the first time you walked through my door wearing that pretty baby blue dress. Even though you were way too young for me. Still are. But…. I hope you knew, know. I really fucking love you,“ he said and you felt a tear running down your cheek. 

„Can you tell me about her? About Ava?“ He asked before you could form an answer to his confession. And so instead you told him. 

You told him about how you craved strawberries your whole pregnancy. How Bill traded one of his guns for the seeds from Tess.

You told him that she only slept through the night in the beginning, when Bill put her to sleep. 

You told her how much she reminded you of Sarah when she smiled at you. 

You told her how every time you looked at her you saw him. 

Hours went by where you two talked, you ending up leaning against Joel’s side, his arm around you. His fingers brushing over your arm, his other hand still holding yours. His lips brushing over your skin when he told you about how Ellie ended up at in his care. 

How he wanted to take her to Wyoming to search for his brother who might know how to find the fireflies. 

„Do you know where he is?“ You asked and he shrugged. 

„Not exactly. I know he messaged me from the Cody tower, so that’s where we’ll be going,“ he mumbled and you nodded. 

„We could take Bill’s truck,“ you said and he stilled. You looked up at him. 

„We?“ He asked and you chuckled, sitting yourself up so you were facing him, your hand now on his cheek. 

„You really think I’m gonna let you go now?“ You asked with a smile. 

And then you finally kissed him. 

It was decided that you would leave within the next 5 days, giving you enough time to make a list (You always made lists) of everything you had to pack. 

Which was a lot. Getting four people across the country on a trip that hopefully would be just like you remembered road trips to be, took a lot of supplies. 

And while you were preoccupied deciding which food was best to take, Joel had asked you if he could spend some time with Ava. He wanted to get to know her. And of course, you agreed. Watching him, Ellie and Ava walk towards the garage where they spend hours doing god knows what. 

It was almost dark outside when they walked back in, your heart melting as you watched Joel carry a very sleepy Ava inside who told you all about how seatbelts where very scary, something you would make sure to ask Joel about as you took her upstairs, putting her to bed. 

The days went by quickly like that.

Joel quickly became Ava’s favourite person which could have to do with the fact, that she was always allowed to sit on his shoulders. Ellie had been confused, yet delighted at the change in the grumpy man she had left the QZ with. 

He even got his Dad jokes out, making the teenager groan in mock annoyance throughout the day. Ellie also spend a lot of time with you, wanting to learn everything you offered to teach her. Starting from making protein bars for the trip down to how to properly braid her hair. 

Even though she preferred you doing it. 

You got the impression that she never really had anyone how just… listened to her or wanted to spend time with her. She told you she grew up in FEDRA School and that her mother had died while giving birth. 

She had no family and her best friend (though you got the impression Riley had been more than just a friend) had died not that long ago. 

That the only thing she had left in life was her purpose to save the world. Joel had told you that she was immune, Ellie showing you the healed scars to confirm it. 

„You know that that’s not the only thing you have left, right?“ You asked her, sitting on the porch next to her, enjoying one last sunset, watching Joel and Ava play soccer. Her little feet chasing after Joel with happy squeals. 

„What do you mean?“ Ellie asked and you looked at her with a smile. 

„You have us, Ellie. You think we just gonna let you go?“ You asked and she stubbornly shook her head. 

„I have to do this. It’s my purpose. I have to save the world,“ she said and looked away from you. 

„Are you saying this because you feel that way, or because someone told you so?“ You asked and she looked at you. 

„Because it should be your decision what to do and what not. And… think about it, even if they are somehow able to make a cure out of your blood, do you really think they will be able to make enough to make a vaccine for everyone? Who will decide who gets it? And if they end up deciding on giving it to everyone…. There are so many bad people out there. Do they deserve to be saved too?“ You asked and you could see her thinking about your words and you smiled softly at her. 

„Even if you don’t like hearing it, your a kid Ellie. You should grow up and live first before you make a decision like that. You don’t even know how they would get whatever they needed from your blood. If I remember correctly Cordyceps grow in the brain, what if they have to get into your brain to get out whatever they need?“ You said and her eyes widened. 

„But Marlene….“ She whispered and you reached over her, taking her hand. 

„I don’t know how well you know Marlene, but I’ve known her for more than ten years. I know how she manipulates people to get what she wants. You wouldn’t even notice it,“ you said and she sighed. 

„I’m gonna think about it,“ she said finally and you gave her a small smile. 

„That’s all I ask about. Now how about you get upstairs and take one last long hot shower before we are on the road for days?“ You asked and she nodded, standing up and turning away from you to walk inside the house before she turned back to you and hugged you quickly.

After saying good night to Ellie later you walked towards your daughters room, her little suitcase for her toys laying open next to her bed, waiting for Sluggi to be put into the next morning. She was already in bed, Joel sitting on the floor next to her, reading to her. 

You wished you could take a picture of this. Unfortunately the Polaroid camera had broken earlier this year. 

„Mommy!“ A tired Ava smiled as she saw you, her arms raised towards you. Joel looked up and smiled at you as you walked over, climbing into the bed behind your daughter, pulling her into your arms. 

„What story is Joel reading you?“ You asked. 

„The little mermaid,“ she said and you found Joel’s eyes. You had been thinking about it for the last days now. Telling her who Joel really is. He slipped into your life like the missing piece, the man you had fallen in love with all these years back seemingly falling right back into his role as being the best father there ever could be. 

So before you could talk yourself out of it you said

„Your sister loved that one too.“

Joel gulped, his eyes growing sad for a moment, before he looked at Ava. 

„I have a sister?“ She asked you, her eyes big.

„Mmmh…. Her name was Sarah. She watched the movie every single night before she went to bed,“ you explained and Ava pursed her lips in an ooooh motion. 

„There was a movie?“ She asked in awe.

„Oh yeah there was. And a cassette with the music. Can’t remember how often she made me listen to it“ Joel said and smiled softly. 

„Where is Sarah?“ Ava asked and your smile went sad. 

„She’s where Uncle Bill and Uncle Frank are. Watching over us,“ you explained and she hummed. 

„I wish I could hug her,“ she whispered and you nodded, tears in your eyes, squeezing her against your chest, your hand reaching out Joel’s hand finding yours as you kissed her forehead, looking at him who had tears in his eyes. 

„Me too baby. Me too,“ you whispered before taking a deep breath.

„You know Joel is her daddy,“ you finally said and she looked at you. 

„He is?“ She asked and you nodded. 

„I bet he is the best daddy,“ she sighed and you chuckled at Joel’s cheeks turning pink. 

„Yeah he is. What would you say if I tell you that Joel is your daddy too?“ You asked and her big eyes looked at you first and then her head turned towards Joel. 

„My daddy?“ She asked and both you and Joel nodded with a smile, her smile getting wider, before she jawned.

„I always wanted a daddy,“ she whispered before her eyes dropped close. 

You were walking down the stairs to Bill's basement after you showered, finding Joel checking if he could manage to take any more guns. The supplies had all been packed into the truck already, but he just couldn’t bring himself to leave anything of value behind. 

He looked up when he heard your footsteps, giving you a small smile. 

Walking over to him you were surprised when he reached for you, pulling you into his lap, one of his arms looped around you, his other hand on your cheek, his fingers brushing over your skin. 

„I didn’t know you were gonna tell her,“ he whispered and you smiled. 

„She deserves to know. I’m sorry I didn’t tell her sooner. If I would have stayed you wouldn’t have missed so much…“ he stopped you by kissing you softly. 

„None of that. We both know I would have fucked this up. I would have said some really fucked up things and hurt you even more. So, there’s nothing you have to be sorry for, okay?“ He looked at you, his eyes pleading. 

You released a long breath, bringing both of your arms up to cross behind his neck. 

„Have I told you lately that I love you, Joel Miller?“ You whispered with a small smile that he mirrored. 

„Don’t think so. But I don’t blame you, I gotta say it a lot more often than you to make up for all the years I didn’t tell you. I do love hearing it though. Love you,“ he mumbled before he kissed you again. His lips moving on top of yours slowly, his hand tilting your head up a little so he could deepen the kiss. 

With a little sigh you parted your lips for him, his tongue dipping into your mouth, a deep moan coming from him, his arm pulling you closer against him. 

There had been lots of making out in the last days, stolen kisses when the girls weren’t in the room, secret touches under the table while you had dinner. 

But you haven’t slept together. 

And you were ready. 

„Joel,“ you mumbled, parting from his lips. He hummed, his lips running down your jaw. 

„We aren’t gonna be alone for a while,“ you whimpered, your head tilting up to give his wandering lips some more space. 

„What are you proposing?“ He asked, playfully nibbling on your neck. 

„I’m proposing that you fuck me, Miller. Right here,“ you gasped when you felt his other hand slip between your legs. 

„Right here?“ He asked, his fingers over the seam of your slick panties. 

„Mmmmhh….“ You closed your eyes, biting your lip when he pushed the fabric to the side, his fingers dipping between you slick folds, lazily teasing you. 

„All that for me?“ He asked and you opened your eyes, crashing your lips against his. 

„It’s been almost four years Joel. Please don’t tease me,“ you whined and his eyes softened before he picked you up and set you down on the table behind him. Within the next minutes you were both naked, your hands in his hair as you kissed him as he stood between your parted legs, the heavy weight of his cock resting against your stomach. 

„Gonna need to prepare you,“ he hummed, his hands on your ass. You shook your head. 

„Please just fuck me. You know I can take it,“ you whined, one of your hands wrapping around his cock, making him hiss. He groaned, sucking your bottom lip between his before he slapped your hand away, his dark eyes fixed on yours as he held his hand out to you. Waiting. 

Feeling your whole body heat up you spit in his hand and the left corner of his mouth twitched. 

„My good girl,“ he praised you and you couldn’t stop whimpering. 

He brought his hand down to wrap it around his cock, coating it in your saliva, before he lined himself up. You had dripped on the table you were sitting on, more than ready to take him. 

„I love you,“ he whispered and you looked at him with a soft smile, your lips parting when he slowly pushed his cock into you. Filling you inch by inch, both of you starring into each others eyes. 

„Missed this,“ you moaned. 

„Missed you,“ you crossed your legs behind him, giving him a little push, his cock finally filing you up completely. 

„Fucking Perfect,“ he groaned kissing you again before he began to move, pumping into you slowly. 

You let yourself fall back down against the table, stretching your arms over your head, your back arching, your tits moving every time Joel fucked into you. 

He licked his fingers, bringing it down between your legs, his thrusts getting harder as he rubbed your clit, your pussy clenching around him. 

„Yes… Baby… Just like that….“ You moaned, your hands coming down to play with your tits. 

„You gonna be a good girl and cum for me?“ He asked, moving faster, his skin slapping against yours every time he moved.

Nodding, you moaned, your eyes rolling back as you came, your whole body shaking as he fucked you through it. 

„Shit….“ He groaned, both of his hands now coming to rest on either side of you as he leaned down, fucking into you deeply, chasing his own orgasm. 

„Want you to cum again,“ he grunted, kissing you, drilling his cock into you, the whole table moving over the floor. 

„Want you to cum inside me. Let me feel you,“ you whimpered, your hands in his hair, trying to meet his thrusts. 

„Fuck that is…. Not a good idea….“ He laughed and you grinned. 

„I don’t care. Wanna feel you. Cum for me, Joel. Cum inside me,“ you whispered and he groaned, fucking into you a half dozen times more before you felt him twitch inside of you, filling you, making you cum for a second time. 

Both out of breath you looked at each other before Joel leant down and kissed you. 

„Sleep in bed with me?“ You hummed against his lips. 

„As long as you let me,“ he answered against your lips before you both sneaked upstairs. 

Against all odds after six days of a rather boring trip across the country you reached the radio tower in Cody. And two days later a group patrol of people on horses found you, asking you all kinds of questions before a man pulled the bandana that had been covering his face down, revealing Tommy Miller in the flesh. 

By now you were living in Jackson for almost a year. 

Ellie had decided to stay and live her life, the constant threat of someone looking for her still on the horizon, but it was decided that the town was not in immediate danger. Patrols kept an eye out for fireflies, but they haven’t spotted anyone. 

You were living a happy life all things considered. 

Ava went to pre school, Ellie went to normal school. They really became sisters in the last year, spending a lot of time together. 

Even though Ellie started to spend more and more time with a girl called Dina you suspected was more than just a friend. 

Joel was always working on improving the house. 

He had changed the most, back to the man he had been before the outbreak. Yes, he still was the protector when he needed to be, but most of the time he was just Joel. Your husband. 

„Yellow?“ He asked, holding the can of paint up.

You walked over to him with a smile, nodding.

„It’s a happy colour. I like happy colours,“ you shrugged and he chuckled, setting the can down on the floor before he put his arms around you, pulling you against his chest.

One of his hands came to rest on your growing belly, the baby inside kicking up a storm as if it could sense their dads hand, making you both smile. 

„Still think it’s gonna be a girl?“ You asked and he nodded, before he kissed you softly. 

„Think I’m meant to be surrounded by beautiful girls,“ he hummed before he kissed you again. 

[shay-creates]

Oh! Thanks for the tag!

The first thing people tend to notice about her is either the mask she's wearing (she's always wearing a mask that covers most of her face 24/7) or her unnatural, bright yellow eyes. At least appearance-wise.

Personality-wise: She often disregards personal space and has an unnerving disposition because of it that isn't helped by her piercing yellow eyes and hobby of staring unblinkingly into other people's eyes. In the Golden Palace of Wisea, she's nicknamed the king's shadow (her father) for rarely being far from him if not clinging directly to him.

Blorbo Blursday #1

Welcome to the first of the new generation of Blorbo Blursday, brought to you by @athenswrites! Reblog this post or tag this in your responses, however long or short they may be!

What is the first thing others tend to notice about your character? What makes them stand out in a crowd?

Taglist (DM me to be added or removed): Taglist (DM me to be added or removed): @interroblog @muumysworld @afusiek @the-ravens-requiem @sender-paulson @everthewip @bluberimufim @amaiguri @akiwitch @thetruearchmagos @autumnalwalker @gracehosborn @cljordan-imperium @aether-wasteland-s @saintedseraph @deanwax @berristrawberri @owlbearwrites @the-down-upside-finch @stridingwriter @dandelion-jester @johnmurphysgirl @ghostsofchernobyl @alexsidereus @innocenthedgehog @oh-for-a-dream @unmellowyellowfellow @oh-no-another-idea @druidx @ibuprofen-exe @shay-creates @aquadestinyswriting @loopyhoopywrites @n1ghtcrwler @writingonmymind @wardenred @void-botanist @dyrewrites @sm-writes-chaos @iishmael @romances-not-tragedies @inscrutable-shadow @athenswrites @uraniumwriting @pigeonwhumps @stesierra

[djarins-cyare]

WIP Weekend

I haven’t done a WIP post since December because I’ve been suffering through the dreaded writer’s block 😓, but thank you to everyone who has tagged me in WIP games since then. I do keep track, so big hugs to these gracious people for not forgetting I exist while I’ve been stagnating in writer’s hell 💚:

@the-mandawhor1an @myownwholewildworld @burntheedges @ace-turned-confused @quinnnfabrgay-writes

@evolnoomym @djarinmuse @almostfoxglove @bergamote-catsandbooks @sawymredfox

I’ve been really struggling with the concluding chapter of my (now over six months late!) secret relationship fic for last summer’s Roll-A-Trope Writing Challenge, and I couldn’t figure out why. It’s a massive smutfest, and yeah, smut usually takes me longer to write, but I’ve never had this much trouble before.

After stepping away for a while, when I came back to it, I realised I was trying to make my characters do things that were out of character. It wasn’t working because it didn’t make sense in the context of the 70k words that had come before!

So I decided to write that into the smut, and today I’m giving you a peek at the moment the characters realise they aren’t entirely on the same page…

Please check out my previous WIP posts for additional snippets from earlier in the fic, here, here, here and here.

He groans his approval, shifting his hips until his blunt tip notches at your entrance. And just like during your last encounter in this room, he throttles time to a near standstill, pushing into you at a sublimely slow pace. Each second drips by like molten metal, searing and stretching in burning bliss as he fills you deeper and deeper until he can go no further and you can take no more. Yet still he pushes – as if he wants to root himself inside you – and his tongue finds its way back into your mouth, locking you together at both ends. You whine against him, crushed by a weight in your chest that has nothing to do with the heavy man atop you. It’s a hunger, a need, a desperation. You’re teetering on the cusp of fulfilment – it’s close enough to taste but not enough to sate. Yet you can’t move with his heavy pelvis immobilising your hips and a mouthful of his tongue preventing you from encouraging the friction you crave. A growl of urgency rumbles in your throat, and you drag your nails down his naked back, landing a goading slap on his ass. It has the desired result, and he eases off the kiss, nipping your lip in retribution but continuing to pin your hips in place. “Fuck me.” It tumbles out like a challenge, so you appeal to his dominance by making it a request. “Gedet’ye!” You feel him bury his face in your neck, where he releases a heavy breath before picking back up and quietly confessing the reason for delaying your pleasure. “Do you have any idea how fucking magnificent it feels to be inside you again? I will fuck you, senaar’ika, I’ll give you everything you want… but let me savour this first. Gedet’ye.”

gedet'ye = please

Sorry it’s a little shorter than usual. This being a final chapter snippet already makes it a smidge spoilery, so it’s all I can offer.

I can assure you, though, that the final smutfest will be... let’s say, ‘multifaceted’, so Din slowing things down here is not indicative of the ongoing mood. 😈

As usual, if you’d like me to tag you when I (finally) release the chapters, please raise your hand or communicate your wish however you see fit. You can also join my tag list if you like.

(Including this GIF simply because I’m obsessed with the “attentively receiving instructions before ravishing you” vibe + extremely biteable neck combo 🧛🏼‍♀️, which I find very Din-esque)

Sending no pressure WIP whatevs/whenevs tags to the following wonderful writers 💚:

@604to647 @ak-vintage @almostempty @beefrobeefcal @bluestar22x

@captainredspade @cas-readsandwrites @drewharrisonwriter @guiltyasdave @handspunyarns

@hauntedhowlett-writes @hellishjoel @iamsherlocked-1998 @itsjuststardust @jennaispunk

@joelalorian @kedsandtubesocks @lotusbxtch @mandaloriankait @mermaidgirl30

@mrs-hardy-hunnam-butler-pascal @mushgloomz @mysterious-moonstruck-musings @novemberrain-writes @peepawispunk

@penvisions @probablyreadinsmut @prolix-yuy @schnarfer @secretelephanttattoo

@sin-djarin @stellamarielu @the-blind-assassin-12 @thischarmingmandalorian @tightjeansjavi

@two-birds-alone-together @whocaresstillthelouvre @whxtedreams @xdaddysprincessxx @yopossum

[tojisun]

WIP: still your passenger (re: deftones)

simon ghost riley x gn reader

!! angst; canon-compliant // i rlly loved this one but writers block hit me bad every time i try completing it :< might pick it up one day (hopefully!!)

there’s a new medic in the base – a pretty girl with a pretty smile, pretty eyes, pretty laugh. she’s beautiful, perfect with her auburn hair and her chestnut eyes; striking with her trimmed waist and sloping curves. 

you’ve only met her once when you needed an aspirin for your fever and never more after that, after all, there’s really not much of a reason for a base assistant like you to visit the station. so all that you’ve heard about her came from privates and base operators, greedy in the way they took in the sight she makes and how darling she looks. you can’t really blame them, not after seeing her; seeing how she is a beam of something soft and tender amidst their chaotic group.

it had been soap who started giving you the specifics.

her name’s erin, a lass hailing from yorkshire. the only family she’s got is a younger sister, anna, who is in university for astrophysics. 

“they’re a family of smart nuts,” johnny mused as he spun his shot of whiskey. “can you believe it? she’s pretty and wise.”

you oohed and aahed before telling him to remember to keep it in his pants because erin, beautiful and darling and gentle erin, is an important member of the squad. that she is necessary in the base; having been sought out for the very reasons that got johnny acting like a fool.

“of course i’ll keep it in!” johnny whined, bumping his head on the counter. “i don’t want to anger LT, y’know?”

cold dread washed over you upon hearing what he said, the quiet thrum of the alcohol being chased away by the slice of his words. you felt like bleeding, like you’ve been cut open and doused with ice, blistering chill creeping up from the softness of your lungs to your stuttering heart. 

“oh?” you remember asking, your voice startlingly void of emotions. “why would he be angry now?” your hands trembled and so you hid them from view, clenching them on your lap instead. 

johnny turned to you and quirked up a secretive smile. “why else?”

the weight of your grief pressed onto your chest, threatening to crack the columns of your ribs. you felt afloat, untethered, and you blinked back the sudden prickling you feel in the back of your eyes. 

you laughed with johnny, trying to smother the ache. trying not to drown in the harsh pools of your heartbreak.

because of course.

of course. 

you and simon are friends, but nothing more. nothing beyond the hushed voices and whispered ‘i’m glad you’re safe’ pressed onto each other’s cheeks because neither of you made things official anyway. no risks were taken, no promises to break. 

everything with him was just physical – chasing the cold nights away with the warmth of each other’s bodies pressed onto each other, fighting nightmares with each other's touches. 

sure simon cradled you in his tender embrace but that was all. just a temporary passion despite your everlasting yearning. 

“y’ready to go back to the base?” johnny asked and you said yes, another lie that dribbled from your trembling lips. because after that night, you knew that things were never going to be the same.

—————

ignoring simon was easy. it’s not like you needed to do much to avoid him, anyway, not with the way he was gravitating around erin. any other day it would have been laughable how simon followed her around like she’s got a bear of a man for her shadow but, well. seeing him be so taken by her makes you ache. 

the sparse moments he has that were sometimes spent with you were now overwritten by his visits to the facility where erin usually is. everyone who didn’t know that ghost was smitten over the new medic certainly knew now; he had long stopped making it a secret and instead, began to posture over those who tried pursuing erin. 

he was never a jealous man. that was until her, you guess.

and it’s not like you can fault erin for how simon acts, because could you blame him? could you blame anyone for that matter?

erin was, is, beautiful. she had a laugh that sounded like wind chimes and had a sparkle that perpetually made her eyes look brighter. she was soft even after seeing everyone’s troubles or their anger, always a beacon of tenderness amidst their bleeding wounds. but she was also fierce, a fighter with a bite that no one expected, but maybe you all should have because no one would ever survive being out in combat if one isn’t strong, anyway.

erin was, well, she was someone you knew simon needed in his life.

so, again, could you really blame him?

you have always known simon. you have always understood past his pretences – he wanted to settle. he wanted a life beyond the fight; wanted a family to come home to. 

he’s told you this so many times, hasn't he? murmured his wishes and desires at the top of your head as he cradled you in his arms, letting the exhaustion of the day bleed away from your pores as you shared a breath with him; he had waxed poetries for a distant future, one you have always thought you would have been a part of. 

one you thought you would have shared with him.

but you knew. despite your self-reassurances that you meant something to simon, you knew that when he envisioned his life, his future, it was one that did not include you.

it hurts, you thought to yourself as you pressed the back of your palms over your eyes. it hurts.

but how could it? how could you hurt over losing something that you never even had in the first place?

[dramioneasks]

Christmas Fics (2024) (Part 1):

Last Christmas by cleotheo - T, 8 chapters - When Ron, Lavender and Ginny get a chance to spend Christmas at the launch event of a fancy new hotel, there are festive surprises and shock reunions in store for the trio. Reunion style Christmas story.

All the Way by augustaoctavia - E, 12 chapters - Two Parents. One Toy. No Prisoners. When Draco Malfoy makes a promise to his son to buy him the holiday season's hottest toy, he didn't anticipate that every store in Wizarding Britain would be sold out. Worse still, the last thing he would have expected was becoming a reluctant ally to Hermione Granger in their mutual quest to do what ever it takes to give their sons a Merry Christmas.

Dramione Christmas Advent Calendar 2024 by Hyemi_28 - E - Hi everyone! ⭐ It’s December, and I’m thrilled to share my little Dramione Christmas Advent Calendar with you! 🎄 Every day until 24th December, we’ll open one door on the calendar, and behind each one, you’ll find a delightful Dramione drabble filled with festive magic, romance, and Christmas cheer. Whether it’s a cosy moment by the fire, a snowy adventure, or a romantic celebration, there’s a little something special waiting for you each day. 🎄Let’s celebrate this advent season together and count down to Christmas with our favourite pairing! 🎁 Wishing you a joyful Advent and a very Merry Christmas! Hyemi

The Binding Charm by yourstruly_quin - E, 6 chapters - Ginny grinned, eyes lighting up. “We made some plans tonight.” Hermione’s skepticism was evident on her face. “Plans?” “We won’t hear any excuses, Granger. Theo Nott opened a pub a few weeks ago. Very exclusive. He reserved a private area, just for us.” Pansy leaned in, a conspiratorial look on her face. “And we may have invited a few old friends. One of whom might be interested in… helping you move on.” Hermione narrowed her eyes. “Helping me move on?” Ginny placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “Just humor us for one night. If you hate it, you can leave.” Hermione pretended to consider for a few moments. In all honesty, she was ready to have a night of fun, to stop moping around feeling sorry for herself while Ron was out traipsing the world with his mistress. She could have just as much fun as him. “Fine,” she conceded. “But he better not be a Weasley—no offense Gin. Or a quidditch player.” Pansy and Ginny exchanged another look. “Maybe just… recreationally a quidditch player,” Ginny mumbled. Or a cutesy holiday special where Draco and Hermione agree to help each other move on.

Nott A Typical Slytherin Holiday by QuinnSnow37 - M, WIP - It's the holiday break and Hermione is dreading spending her eighth- and final Christmas at Hogwarts- alone, until Theodore Nott invites her on a ski trip to France with the Slytherins. This is a cozy fluffy smutty story about second chances and the magic of Christmas.

Charm Offensive by karma_cookie - G, one-shot - Draco Malfoy is having a bad week. His magic seems to be going out of its way to embarrass him in front of his boss, who he is still trying to impress, and who he's got more than just a little crush on.

gifts to be given by coldbrewcalico, virgo_puff - E, 6 chapters - Hermione convinces the gang to play Secret Santa for their first Christmas together after graduating from eighth year at Hogwarts. Everything does not go according to plan.

Cold Moon by maraudersaffair - E, WIP - It’s Christmastime, and Malfoy wants to court Hermione. In fact, he seems rather insistent about it, even though they are virtually strangers. What Hermione doesn’t know is that Malfoy is a werewolf in need of a mate. And the wolf chose her.

Dreomione christmas advent calendar or how Hermione survived living with two Slytherins by Nottromi - E, WIP - Hermione’s life was peaceful—until she started dating Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott. Now, chaos is her constant companion, with her friends inevitably dragged into the madness. Or how her boys are using their animagus skills to annoy her endlessly. [Draco x Hermione x Theo]

Under the Mistletoe by angeadhglas - E, WIP - At a Hogwarts Faculty Solstice Party, Draco and Hermione accidentally find themselves trapped under enchanted mistletoe. The spell only breaks when they kiss, but it leaves both of them wanting more than just one kiss.

Smaller Acts by Molivier - M, one-shot - “You know,” she says, her voice a little too tender, a little too honest, “I’ll allow you to be rude to me. Just once. Tell me how you really feel.” He hesitates, his gaze dropping to her lips and then back to her eyes. “I don’t think you’d like it.” “Try me.”

thread of silk by euphrasie_pont - E, one-shot - “You’re just…dating her,” Narcissa said slowly, her face contorting around the word as if she had never spoken it in her life. “That is…fine.” “But marriage isn’t, right?” Draco retorted. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. She seemed to catalog him with new eyes, as if she had never noticed all the tiny ways in which he had become a man. “Draco…is it really like that?” she asked quietly. Draco shrugged and glanced back to the tapestry, eyes unseeing as he recalled a memory of wayward curls blowing across Hermione’s face, her lips curving into an unrestrained laugh. “I love her,” he whispered plainly, feeling like he was revealing his most treasured secret. ~ Draco lives two discrete lives: the one in which he’s in love with Hermione Granger, and the one in which he’s his mother’s perfect son. He keeps them separate because he’s bone-shakingly afraid that if they ever meet, he’ll lose one or both of them. They end up meeting anyway.

Happy Christmas, Granger by allofthelights11  - E, one-shot - She nestles her head back in the pillows and resigns herself to being patient. She ought to have known this would be part of it – not the blindfold, which is a new element, but Draco making her wait. Wait for the surprise he told her about over a week ago, and wait for him to gradually work his way through it step by step. Her anticipation about what else he might make her wait for swells. She wouldn’t have initiated this herself, which Draco knows. He also knows exactly how to please her, if she just relaxes enough to let him show her. Draco prefers to show, not tell. He pulls her bra cup beneath one breast so he can tease the nipple with his finger, and surely he can see her heart beating, the skin of her chest rising and falling. Draco traces his fingers down her stomach, playing with the hemline of her knickers, which he’s left on her – for now. She’s thrumming with want, now, and she wrestles with a desire to spread her legs for him or let him manoeuvre her however he likes. Hermione breathes in deeply. Her breast meets his mouth and she’s never been good at being this patient.

[shay-creates]

Writblr Intro?

I have never done a writblr intro, so here we go.

Hello! You can call me Shay. I'm a writer and artist living in the US. Welcome to my art and writing blog!

About me: I'm 25, asexual, transmasc, nonbinary (he/they/it), and unsure where I fall on the romantic spectrum. Tag and Ask game friendly! Asks and conversation encouraged. I'm more scared of you than you are of me, so it may take me a bit to respond. I never know what I'm doing at any given time, so I'm very sporadic in talking about or making anything related to stories or art. I follow/follow back using Shay-Puppity (my main account).

I'm creating my world "Exalos" through stories and art, filling the world with my beloved characters (distant sobbing and screaming). I mainly write in the genre of fantasy with a smattering of mystery, horror, romance, and slice of life. Many of my characters are LGBT+ and the world they live in has no drama surrounding that.

I'm currently focused on my WIP titled "Dread Secrets," but I have several other stories in various stages of development. Dread Secrets is my first time planning with the intent of actually writing and finishing the story. Volume of projects not indicative of me being put together, it is quite the opposite.

Characters tagged by using- OC: Character name (Ex- OC: Celesto)

WIPs tagged by using- Shay WIP: Story title (Ex- Shay WIP: Dread Secrets)

Art tagged by using- Shay's Art

~My WIPs~

This part will be edited as I work on these stories, so there'll eventually be more information to read here.

Dread Secrets (current main project):

Genre/Rating: Medieval Fantasy, mystery, action, romance, adventure, not young adult

TWs: blood, gore, violence, mental/psychological/emotional abuse mentions/vague depictions, slight body horror, war, war refugees mentions/depictions, deaths, murder,

POV: Xiang, Neph, King Ansellus Kestrel, Celesto, Mystery Plotter

Summary: (WIP intro link)

Fifteen years ago, King Ansellus Kestrel of the kingdom Wisea made a last stand against the Dread Queen Celesto, his first love, as the benevolent kingdoms banded together to lay siege to the aptly named, Dread Kingdom. Against all odds, Celesto was beaten. Turned against by the Ancient of the Dread Forest, an unstable Celesto's final moments saw her body transform into a dark and twisted tree that screamed angrily into nothingness without a sound.

They had been in love, Ansellus willing to give Celesto anything he could give her. In four short years, their perfect life together fell to shambles as Celesto betrayed not only Ansellus, but friends and even her own goddaughter, Hibiki, who, even now, clings to her father to feel safe.

Xiang, a student of Prophis, attempts to aid a friend who is cursed to sleep with Grim Twilight Ivy growing around and from his body. His good intentions are rewarded by having a similar curse placed on Xiang himself. A strange mark over his heart and plagued by nightmares of being hunted by the Dread Queen Celesto in the ruins of the Dread Kingdom, Xiang leaves the ancient towers of Prophis to find a way to break the curse before succumbing to it himself. He is given a protector in the form of Malianna Ash, a half-immortal from the fiery Kingdom of Rosha.

Neph, a half-immortal in their early twenties, lives comfortably in the independent city of Rudrian with caretakers Sasha and Bryn Creek and their soft-spoken friend, Celine. Neph longs to gain recognition so they may ascend to immortality in the hopes of reuniting with their immortal mother in Elorial, the realm of immortals. They seize their chance after rescuing Xiang after the Prophis student is separated from Malianna by the crowds. Through the use of incessant nagging and a sprinkle of charisma, Neph manages to join the two strangers on their quest. Celine, who has always been at Neph's side, joins the group to aid them as both a healer and strong nature magic user.

What secrets hide in the past? Will Xiang be able to lift the curse from himself before it's too late? What dreadful secrets hide within the ruins of the Dread Kingdom? Did Celesto find some way to survive and lay low all those years ago, or is the curse the doing of someone else?

Progress: semi-complete timeline, Character illustrations done

Cast: Xiang, Malianna Ash, Neph, Scy Drakenscale, Phelan Noctus, Lorne, Kubo Hibiki, No Eiko, Celine, Scorch (Malianna's unicorn), Flit (Malianna's magic pigeon), Celesto Krone/Kestrel (Dread Queen), Felix Kestrel, King Ansellus Kestrel, Queen Tianna Kestrel, Artos Oak, Kubo Mai, Ling Yazhu, Bao Mingmei, Bao Yating, King Snydus Ash, Silas Ash, Draco, Dissonantia, Bryn Creek, Sasha Creek, Leandra Ash, Xaver Ash, Ferna Krone, Obelus Krone, Imposa Kestrel, Mightrus Kestrel, Ling Chao, Bessarion Thorne, Characters

Gods/Ancients/Primordials of note: God of Memories, God of Sanctuary, God of Guardians, God of Passion, God of Vengeance, God of Lore (Lorne), Ancient of Wisdom, Ancient of Knowledge, God of Dreams, The 11 Immortal Villains (See: Corruption of Heroes), Ancient of the Dread Forest/Forests, Primordial of Death, Primordial of Life

Song association: Guns For Hire by Woodkid + What Could Have Been by Sting and Ray Chen.

Excerpt: Nothing written yet. :3

Tinnitus:

Moodboard Goes Here

Genre/Rating: fantasy, modern setting, dimension hopping, coming of age, suspense, adventure, series, not young adult

POV: Gong Jiahao, Soul Warren, Maddox High, Taeil, Fable Book, Kace Asher, Zhang Remy, Nym Cardinal

Summary: something goes here. Idk if each character gets a book or if characters share a book or whatever, but they do all get some POV. There will be some angst. Also there's a mysterious person who is trying to make a deal or contract with each of the characters. Idk what contracts yet, but there's shenanigans. Also a dumb and campy fight scene because it's dumb and makes me laugh. (They're using the power of dance and music to fight and distract a fucking dragon, it's so dumb. Dumb fight scene go brr.)

Progress: vibes and vague ideas, character concepts concepted

Characters: Primordial of Chaos, Gong Jiahao, Zhang Remy, Soul Warren, Fable Book, Nym Cardinal, Maddox High, Kace Asher, Ace Siren, Mirroh, Pavel Nox, Jung Taeil, Rune Siren, Neph, Xiang, Runais, Xadrian, Phelan, Mirroh Characters

Song association: Illusion by Ateez

Excerpt: Nothing written yet. :3

Heir of Chaos:

Moodboard Goes Here

Genre/Rating: fantasy, modern setting?, medieval setting?, dimension hopping, mystery, series, not young adult

POV: Deimos Muse, Song Kwan, Adriel Sky, Warrick Red, Zhang Remy

Summary: Something goes here. You read that right! Remy is a POV here too. This story and Tinnitus are intertwined with reoccurring characters and that mysterious person is here too. Don't ask me how I plan to write these two stories, I just know they are intertwined.

Progress: vibes and vague ideas

Characters: Deimos Muse, Zhang Remy, Warrick Red, Song Kwan, Adriel Sky, Primordial of Chaos, Lucas String, Mirroh, Shen Saint, Gong Jiahao, Soul Warren, Fable Book, Nym Cardinal, Maddox High, Kace Asher Characters

Song association: Frost or Crown by Tomorrow X Together

Excerpt: Nothing written yet :3

Corruption of Heroes:

Moodboard Goes Here

Genre/Rating: medieval fantasy, mystery, action, not young adult

POV: Kallista and/or Shysie

Summary: A fantasy story that follows the formation and eventual fall from grace of the Eleven Immortal Villains of the Dread Forest. A time when the citizens of Rusa and Centuros were ruled by Dissonantia Krone and her husband Draco Krone, before the two rulers became God of Chaos and Discord respectively. When Rusa and Centuros were constantly in a closely tied battle without bloodshed or animosity. Before the Dread Forest gained its name and the Ancient of Forests was worshiped by both Rusa and Centuros. When the Primordial of Life had curved horns upon its head and Immortals walked the same earth as mortals. How the mighty fall. How the Eleven Immortal Villains came to be (they're mentioned and may cameo in Dread Secrets). We've got Kallista, Shysie, twins Faraph and Gwin, brothers Leucis and Valrus, sapphic throuple Echo/Nyssa/and Whisper, sapphic couple Vasha and Eilla, and Lux as characters.

Progress: vibes and vague ideas, character concepts concepted

Characters: Lux, Shysie Crimson, Kallista Rose, Gwin Snow, Faraph Snow, Echo Song, Vasha Alice, Eilla Alice, Whisper Song, Nyssa Song, Leucis Bard, Valrus Bard, Dissonantia Krone, Draco Krone, Anarvale, Thronk, (more characters to come) Characters

Song association: It Seemed the Better Way by Leonard Cohen or Hunt You Down by The Hit House and Ruby Friedman

Excerpt: Nothing written yet :3

Finding Family:

Moodboard Goes Here

Genre/Rating: slice of life, medieval fantasy, comedy?, pg/pg 13

POV: Pangari, Fintan, Demarcus, Amphon, and/or Yvonna

Summary: A fantasy, slice of life story about a family of Gods in the Immortal Realm. Amphon, God of Blacksmiths, and Yvonna, God of Seamsters, adopted three young Immortals who’ve ascended to godhood. Fintan, God of Flames, is often sleeping in Amphon’s smelter, his blonde hair and skin stained with soot and ash, and he only leaves the home if it’s for his twin sister, Pangari, or adopted brother, Demarcus. Pangari, God of Shadows, is a bubbly and kind-hearted young woman with bright eyes and light blonde waves. She spends as much time as she can with her family, often dragging Fintan out of the smelter to go on walks. Demarcus, God of Artisans, is dutiful and is often working hard on a new blueprint or helping his adopted father design a new sword or gift for Yvonna. This is a story about found family and the bonds that are formed by accepting each other and protecting each other.

Cast: Amphon, Yvonna, Pangari, Demarcus, Fintan, Bunsom, Lorne

Progress: vibes and vague ideas, some characters concepted

Characters

Song association: Family by Mother Mother

Excerpt: Nothing written yet :3

Shadow of Doubt:

Moodboard Goes Here

Genre/Rating: Mystery, thriller, psychological thriller, horror, Crime, mature

POV: Kit Tong

Summary: something goes here. There's a single part that I will legitimately cry while writing, it's the only thing I know will happen and it makes me sad. Great character moment though. Kit has a cat named Milo and I love their cat, it's the beacon of light in the bloody dark. That's all I've got so far. One scene and the MC has a cute cat. That's all you really need though...right?

Progress: vibes and vague ideas

Characters: Kit Tong, Kim Jae-soon, Ito Genji, Sunnie Lee, Zander Blight, Freddie Smith, Mik Forest, (more characters to come) Characters

Song association: You'd Be Paranoid Too by Waterparks or Saints by Echos

Excerpt: Nothing written yet :3

Background of Love:

Moodboard Goes Here

Genre/Rating: romance, comedy, slice of life, BL, GL, fantasy, modern setting, series, not young adult

POV: Elio, Tia, Season, Wins, Rowan, Mingi, Jun

Summary: something goes here. One of the MCs is probably the main MC because he's aro/ace and everyone around them is falling in love left, right, and center so it's like he's in the background if that makes sense? I haven't decided if that character is going to be called Season or Elio. This is the story with the most gay focus of any of my stories.

(old summary for some context: This story follows three couples as they pursue love. Elio has had feelings for his childhood friend Rowan for five years with the other not noticing and soon developing a crush on someone else. Elio decides to stop his feelings for Rowan, no matter how difficult, and allows his friends Dom and Dai to set him up with a temporary boyfriend Mingi. Once Elio decides to move on, Rowan soon discovers how much Elio has done for him over the years and abandons his crush to pursue Elio. Tia, friend of Elio and Dom and Dai has caught herself pining after her neighbor across the street named Mian. Despite all of her bravado and confident air, she can’t bring herself to talk coherently around Mian. No longer being pursued by Rowan, Wins begins to spend more time with Jun since they have many of the same interests. Jun stops spending time with Wins, putting Mingi first as the latter might have developed feelings for his temporary boyfriend. Can Amais, God of Love, help his heartless or will the God have them figure it out for themselves?)

Progress: vibes and vague ideas

Characters: Elio Santiago, Rowan Winters, Kim Mingi, Huang Jun, Xu Mian, Tia Amor, Season Light, Takara Haru, Dom Wong, Dai Angsan, Wins Michaels, God of Soulmates (Amais) Characters

Song association: Fake Protagonist by Getsunova or Lose (english version) by Wonho

Excerpt: Nothing written yet :3

Misfortune:

Moodboard Goes Here

Genre/Rating: fantasy, medieval fantasy?, mystery, suspense, comedy, romance, not young adult

POV: Runais, Xadrian, and/or Lykos (maybe Mirroh?)

Summary: something goes here. Everyone else is having a bad time but Runais and Xadrian are just chaotic dumb and chaotic dumber and I love that for them. This story kind of absorbed another WIP idea I had called "Deja Vu" and I'm not mad about it. I like this story a bit more.

Progress: vibes and vague ideas, some characters concepted

Characters: Xiang, Neph, Runais, Xadrian, Lykos, Mirroh, Primordial of Chaos, Malianna Ash, Scorch, Flit, Phelan, (more characters to come?) Characters

Song association: Seraph by DPR Ian or Who Are You by Sam Kim

Excerpt: Nothing written yet :3

Love Afterlife:

Moodboard Goes Here

Genre/Rating: medieval fantasy, romance, GL, not young adult

POV: Tahari or Nocturne/Aqualise

Summary: something goes here, but I know it's sapphic. The location is the afterlife and I do think I'm clever. Because...they...they find love...in the afterlife....so...love...afterlife.... A sapphic tale between the God of Death and an Immortal Spirit.

Progress: vibes

Characters: Tahari, Nocturne/Aqualise, (more characters to come) Characters

Song association: ???

Excerpt: Nothing written yet :3

Demon Eye:

Moodboard Goes Here

Genre/Rating: fantasy, action, dark fantasy, romance, not young adult

POV: ??? I don't have any characters thought up yet, no names or anything. RIP

Summary: something goes here. It feels really cool in my brain, cool fight scenes go brrr. Cool character concept vibes go brr too.

Progress: vibes

Characters

Song association: ???

Excerpt: Nothing written yet :3

Deja Vu:

Moodboard Goes here

Genre/Rating: fantasy, modern setting?, dimension hopping, mystery, not young adult

POV: Pavel Night

Summary: (technically scrapped) A fantasy, mystery, suspense. Living under the same roof to save money with his six friends, Pavel has had the luxury of having a room to himself thanks to winning a long game of rock, paper, scissors. His ideal world is flipped when one of his friends, Lucas, asks if a friend of his could move in. Though Pavel doesn’t know the friend well, he trusts Lucas’ judgement of character and agrees to let the friend share a room with himself since it’d be easier than Malia moving her things out of one room and into another. As soon as this friend, Mirroh, arrives, Pavel feels a strange distrust of the stranger. Mirroh keeps to himself unless he’s with Lucas, and seems to settle in well enough. But when an accident leaves his friend Shen dead and Ambrose in critical condition, strange things begin to happen. Mirroh’s personality becomes stranger and he seems to know when something bad is about to happen, though he doesn’t seem to lift a finger to stop it. What’s stranger is Pavel wakes up to find himself back to the day of the first accident that began it all. What can Pavel do to prevent the accidents? Does Mirroh know something and is keeping it a secret? Who is the stranger that confirms that Pavel should not trust Mirroh? Should he listen to the stranger?

Progress: Technically scrapped, vibes, vague ideas, 5 chapters written

Cast: ???, Lucas String, Mirroh, Shen Saint, Ambrose Saint, Malia Shield, Pavel Nox, Rune Siren, Ace Siren, Pavel Night

Song Association: ???

Excerpt: ):

[shay-the-maker]

Introducing~!!!!! MY favorite couple~! No one is safe~! Exalos' most wanted~! Gods of Chaos/Fury (Dissonantia) and Discord/Deception/Cunning (Drakon)~! The chaos gremlins of the pantheon~!

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Five Fics Friday: January 10/25

Happy Friday everyone!! I hope you all had a wonderful week, and will enjoy today's selection of fics on my radar this week... PLUS Make sure to give the boosted fics some extra love as well!!! Enjoy!!

SIGNAL BOOSTING

There's nothing in the rulebook by avalanching effect (G, 6,218 w., 1 Ch. || Magical Realism AU || Familiars, Fluff, Humour, Alternating POV, Dogs, Urban Fantasy, Medical Inaccuracies) – In which Lestrade rolls with the metaphorical punches, Sherlock's body betrays him, and John is completely normal :)

Mimetidae by avalanching effect (T, 20,222 w., 5 Ch. || Magical Realism AU || Pre and Post TRF, POV Alternating, Urban Fantasy, Unreliable Narrators, Hurt/Comfort, Developing Relationship) – Magic has to make everything so complicated, doesn't it?

So Much Wine by halfwayup (M, 25,646 w., 6 Ch. || S2 Divergence / No TRF, Five and One, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, PTSD, Alcoholism, Fluff and Angst, Dysfunctional Family, Protective Sherlock, Child Abuse, John Whump, Developing Relationship, Alcoholism, Blood and Injury, Hospitals, Mental Health Issues, Panic Attacks, Christmas, Domestic Violence, Happy Ending) – For John Watson, Christmas has always come with the familiar dread of loneliness. Leaving behind a house filled with anger and wine-stained memories, he finds himself in a present still haunted by the ghosts of his past. But then Sherlock Holmes falls into his life - brilliant, chaotic, turning his whole world upside down - and for the first time, there’s a chance that things might finally be alright. Well, if only it could be that easy, for once. Or: Five times John has a terrible Christmas, and one time he finally has a great one.

RECENT MFLs

Irresistible Temptation by Lock_John_Silver (T, 4,352 w., 6 Ch. || Mrs Hudson's Backstory, Undercover Missions, Spies and Secret Agents, Idiots in Love, Developing Relationship, Purple Shirt of Sex, Dancing, Reminiscing, POV First Person Mrs Hudson) – Nobody but one in her close circle of friends and acquaintances knows about her past. She wouldn't put it past Sherlock to have deduced fragments of it, but Martha Hudson is far too proficient at hiding the true nature of her former professional life. Even the world's only consulting detective is helpless when it comes to solving this puzzle. Part 5 of Mrs. Hudson's diary

Unthinkable by BakerTumblings (M, 19,586+ w., 5/7 Ch. || WiP || Post S4, Teen Rosie, Hurt/Comfort, Rosie Whump, Co-Parenting / Parentlock, Domestic Life, Pre-Relationship, Friends To Lovers, Medical Trauma, Head Injury, Happy Ending) – When Rosie is injured in a motor vehicle accident, John and Sherlock navigate a crisis that changes things.

[fictfrenzy]

ROBIN!STEPH TIME LOOP AU (wip, but i’ll reblog it every time i update it so)

tagging my steph bestie @thegremlininyourcloset , calling for the right to @thebestusernamepossible's life as i was promised per your reblog , and annexing my bf to flex @girlbossodysseus

Steph is written as Me When I Was 12-14 thought-wise so um (doodle of a guy with a thumbs up here)

Stephanie was a little late to patrol.

Really, only a little late! So when she skipped into the cave, she was really hoping Batman wouldn’t go all mopey about it– maybe he didn’t even notice, ‘cause Steph’s all spooky and secretive like that—

"Stephanie." Welp. She can basically see all her dreams wilt. Wow, that’s morbid. But accurate. Oh, fuck, wait, he’s talking. "—not be late again. I expected better of you."

"I knooow, B-Man," Steph rocks on her heels, hands on her hips– frankly because she couldn’t care less, crime’s happening all the time either way. It’s Gotham. Well, that’s not really what she thinks, she understands the importance of—

"Why were you late?" —but the technicalities alone– oh, wait.

This is where she’d come up with an excuse so ridiculous Batman couldn’t possibly want to endure interrogating her any further. But she feels weirdly... she feels dread, kind of. Like, when you think something’s gonna go really, really wrong, because of a small mistake you barely made? Butterfly effect and all?

"Robin," wow, Batman put his entire age and life into the sigh that followed that, "are you sure you should be.. patrolling right now?"

"Yeah! Yeah, ‘course, why not?" Stephanie says that rhetorically, because she barrels on before Batman gets the chance to tell her to go home again or something– "I’m just a little too ready for ass-kickin’. You know how it is, gotta get all those pesky, wuh- criminals, ‘n all," she smiles wobbly. Batman is quiet for a bit too long and all of Stephanie’s nerves turn to ice– she can’t go home again, she can’t go home at all, there’s nothing waiting there for her except for– and, well, really, she shouldn’t think like that, it’s fine. Everything’s... fine.

"Alright," Batman nods briefly, turning away from her finally, and she allows herself a second of relaxing. See? It’s fine. It’s. Fine.

[rhodophoria]

🩸Sanguinary🩸(WIP)

I've been working on this little beauty in (somewhat) secret for a while now and I'm so excited to finally share some of it. Here's an excerpt from the first chapter, "Hallowed". 1,319 words.

CW - Dub-Con Themes (alcohol consumption, impairment, implied compulsion, fear/danger kink)

Merriment is not what drove you to this seedy tavern by the riverside. 

Your life would be much easier if it was. Unfortunately for you, it was recklessness. A dreadful mix of apathy and despair.

The sun has long since settled below the horizon, giving way to a waxing gibbous moon. The run-down buildings of the Riverwalk District cast crooked shadows over empty, winding streets. A little darkness does wonders to mask the grime caked onto the old cobblestones. The entire city is like this, in one way or another. Struggling against the encroaching decay. Some areas are just better at hiding it than others.

This is the environment you seek escape from, ducking inside out of the light drizzling rain. The interior of this tavern isn't much better than the outside… but it’s warm and dry. At this point, you can't ask for much more than that. 

Street mud slops away from your boots as you wipe them on the filthy entry mat. Useless. Just like every other attempt at normalcy you've made lately. You pull your cap from your head with a heavy sigh, carelessly stuffing it into the pocket of your coat. The promise of liquid oblivion draws you towards an open barstool, sobriety a concept you don’t care for at present. Signaling for a drink, you grit your teeth against the urge to cry. You can feel yourself teetering on the verge of a breakdown. So many things have gone wrong for you… today really was just the last straw. 

So here you are, intent on making decisions you'll regret come morning. The shifty bartender is more than happy to oblige you on your mission of self-destruction.

So long as the coin flows, of course.

You have just enough time to get a nice buzz going before your mood takes another nose-dive. Without anyone to talk to, boredom is quick to overtake you. Loneliness feeds the very misery you were trying to escape from in the first place. Drinking alone doesn't feel nearly as good as you'd hoped, and the alcohol in your belly doesn't even begin to chase away that horrible, itchy restlessness—!

Enough.

Your eyes flick desperately around the room, casting about for something—or someone—to distract you from your thoughts. Several figures manage to stand out amongst the crowd, and you throw yourself into studying each in turn. 

A group of muscular, scruffy-looking bunny monsters have claimed a table several feet away, absorbed in an intense game of cards. The smallest one wears a smile so wide it could crack their face in two, making some sort of gesture with a paw. The other two growl, reaching into their coats, and—you move on before you can get caught up in whatever that is. 

Who knew Lepan monsters could make those kinds of sounds? 

To your left, an incredibly drenched human sits unmoving, their head face-down on the bar. You can actually hear the drip-drip of water onto the floor beneath their stool. They look like they've had a worse day than you—and that's saying something. You don't think they would appreciate conversation at the moment. 

Near the back door, a hooded figure throws knucklebone dice. A harpy monster sits across from them, feathers askew as it watches on with hopeful eyes. Busy— Asleep— Uninterested— Too interested— Too creepy—

And then… there's him. 

Through the smoke and faint lamplight, an unnatural void draws your gaze.

The skeleton sits alone in the far corner of the room, stretched out over a plush chair like he was poured onto it. One leg propped over an armrest, with the other braced on the floor. He might have been smartly dressed earlier in the evening. But that ship, it seems, has long-since sailed. 

The top two buttons on his crimson dress shirt have been popped, baring an off-white, scarred collarbone. An embroidered black vest hangs open over his midsection, mirroring the strip of ribbon hanging limp around his neck. Impressive, to be sure… but clearly out of place in an environment like this. It stokes your curiosity. You sit up straighter for a better look.

Your eyes slide down the shining satin of his sleeves—rolled up to expose his forearms—and stick on the black leather gloves covering his hands. Even from here, you can see that the reinforced material hides a set of sharpened claws. You pause on that detail, your heart taking up a fluttering rhythm within your chest. The implication of danger carried in those hands… is incredibly appealing to you. 

Unbidden, you start to imagine how those gloves might feel, sweeping over your skin. Your mind flashes with images of scratch marks on your hips, a picture so clear and visceral you could almost believe it's real. Could almost see those fingers hooking into the seat of your underwear, slowly dragging the fabric to the side. Leaving you exposed and deliciously vulnerable and ready for… for his… A bolt of heat races down the back of your neck. You manage to break away from the grip of your fantasy, glancing back at his face—only to suck in a surprised breath.

The stranger is eyeing you in return. 

Even without visible pupils, you can tell he's watching. Curiosity shows in the slight tilt of his skull. Amusement in the lopsided pull of his grin. His empty sockets remain fixed on you, even as his head turns to sip from the glass in his hand—a deeply crimson liquid you can only guess is wine. 

Swallowing thickly, you reign in the last of your thoughts and turn back to your drink. To be caught watching him while your mind was so deep in the gutter… Embarrassment draws your shoulders up to your ears. Hopefully your desires weren’t plastered all over your face. 

From the way he was looking at you? You know you aren't that lucky.

Maybe you should talk to him? And what, explain in graphic detail what you were picturing while staring at those gloves?? You scoff at yourself, tossing the idea as quickly as it forms. The last thing you need right now is an embarrassing rejection on top of everything else. You don't know anything about this skeleton monster. He could be eyeing you because of your obvious, open-mouthed ogling. Stars, that’s definitely why. You'll just save him the trouble and resign yourself to your misery. 

That's that, you think… until you feel goosebumps break out over the skin of your arms.

Your voice is stolen before you can even fully register the presence at your back. Those black-clad claws are now spread out in front of you—their owner's hand braced on the bartop next to your arm. You blink, caught off guard by the bold gesture.

“you look like you need something.” 

His voice is husky, with an attractive vocal fry to it that practically buzzes against your spine. The words cut easily through the din of the other patrons’ chatter, crystal clear and enthralling. For a brief, heart-stopping moment, you forget every other person in this room. 

“...want to find out what it is?”

Warm breath puffs against the shell of your ear, the sensation close enough to a physical caress. A smokey scent wafts over you, your eyelids fluttering as you breathe in deeply. It's rich—like incense and spiced wine—with an undercurrent of something metallic and sharp. It's intoxicating.

He walks a perfect line, this monster. Crowding your space without getting too close. Dancing right along the boundary of your comfort. Your body is tense, locked up in a deep, instinctual reaction to his presence. Your hands tremble around your cup. Your heart races, and it's not… entirely from excitement alone. But the alcohol in your system gives you courage, as does the thrill of this mysterious stranger's apparent interest in you.

His open palm hangs in the air between your bodies. An offering. 

Your hand reaches out to take it.

[fauville]

wip wednesday

thank you for tagging me dear @lalizah mwaahhhhhh

tagging: @nat-seal-well, @thee-morrigan, @agentnatesewell, @agentark, @ava-du-mortain, @l-llavellans, @itsmistyeyedbi and @carriehobbs

my writing this past week has been very dragon age centric again, but wanted to share it anyway! also i have a shiny new writing blog @goldennug where i will reblog all of my writing too, so feel free to follow. 🥰

under a read more bc this is long!!!!

anyway this first one is from my varric/hawke fakedating fic (of pestering mothers, secret girlfriends and unwanted marriage proposals), where they pretend to be married, so hawke's mom doesn't marry her off.

The house is a shack on a beach.

It's ugly. And very small. There’s a hole in the roof and it’s overgrown with weeds. Definitely in need of some good TLC. 

“It's a shack,” Hawke says, “on a beach.”

She's shading her hazel eyes against the sun with her hand. The ugly (fake) wedding ring is glimmering in the shine, the lyrium stone mirroring the light of the afternoon in an eye-catching way. For some reason Varric can't stop staring at it and feeling funny.

He sighs. “Look, it was the best I could do in two weeks. It was this or the slums.”

“It's uglier than the arseholes of some of the worst looking men I’ve slept with,” Isabela comments helpfully before drinking a sip of her bottle of rotgut.

Varric doesn't really know what she's doing here. She just appeared as if from thin air.

“Yeah,” Varric says, scratching the back of his sweaty neck.

“Well, I think it's charming,” says Hawke — ever the optimist.

Isabela scoffs. Varric is pretty sure she’s already drunk.

the second one is from a future chapter of my arranged marriage solavellan fantasy AU. fantasy AU sounds funny bc dragon age is already fantasy but idk how else to describe it, lol. it's an original verse, i guess, lol.

After those two months of doing basically nothing, Merrill started giving her lessons on the theory of magic.

Apparently Fen'Harel had ordered that too for a reason she could not fathom. She still had not exchanged any words with him after her first prophetic dream. It was starting to make her seriously angry. He clearly thought she had no other uses than her visions and did not even pretend otherwise. It was infuriating.

“So,” Merrill said, stretching the word for a few seconds, her fingers linked together under her chin, “in theory magic has no theory.”

She blinked, and Merrill giggled at the expression on her face.

“Magic is wild,” Merrill explained. “Free. It's completely unpredictable like a dog mother with rabies. It can bite. It can tear. But it still knows how to nurture, how to grow something from a small seed into a beautiful tree.” She paused. “Dogs aren't trees, though. Dogs are dogs. But magic isn’t.”

She blinked again. “So magic can't be controlled?” she asked and Merrill shook her head.

“It can. In small amounts. Blood makes it easier.”

She thought about the time he saw her husband train in the courtyard. “The Dread Wolf doesn’t use blood.”

Merrill smiled. “Magic is attracted to power. Solas has more than most.”

“Solas?”

Merrill looked horrified. “I shouldn't have said that,” she said. “Pretend I didn't say that.”

[simplegenius042]

WIP Wednesday & Last Lines

Tagged by @imogenkol @socially-awkward-skeleton @adelaidedrubman and @josephslittledeputy

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WIP Wednesday for The Silver Chronicles (FC5 Harbinger AU & Coroner AU) and Last Lines for my FO4 WIP A Symbol For A Better World from A Radioactive Calamity of Love, Bombs & Gore. Read below the cut:

First WIP snippet is for my FC5 Harbinger AU, where Elsa Omar and Ezekiel are alive during the Reaping but Silva went missing some time ago. Starring Mary May Fairgrave, as she processes the dreadful return of the menace that is Elsa Omar during an active war with a cult. Of all the times she could have possibly shown up, Mary May will be adamant that this is the worst. Read below:

When Ma was still alive, she always had a kind of sixth sense to her. Like she'd know something foreboding was coming way before it occurred.

Whether it be checking on Mary herself before she came down with a nasty cold as a child, taking old Littlebit to the local vet months before she passed, waiting outside with arms crossed as Drew staggered home after he snuck out for a party and was forced on bed rest to recover, or most strange of all, bursting into tears a little over an hour when Pa was usually supposed to be home with the Widowmaker, on the night he died.

Mary chalked it up to Ma just having a better intuition than most people she knew (like her brother-), and didn't think much else on it, and definitely didn't entertain the notion of Casey's suggestion that Ma was "intertwined with the spirits" or something similar to that after mentioning that fact to him during a sad drunken ramble.

Mary scoffed at the idea even now; Ma was no where close to being as "spiritually adept" as Casey claimed to be. She was no-nonsense, tough and fair to all of them. And above all else, she had a realistic, if sometimes pessimistic, view of the world.

The fact Pa mentioned once that when he met Ma, she had been in some kind of goth stage, and was apart of a "coven" of "sisters" whom she had still been in contact with by the time Mary and Drew were around and went out for fortnightly "secret catch-ups" of "reading" and "candle-making" were entirely irrelevant outliers.

Mary shook her head from that trail of thought as she tried to focus on stocking a select few alcohol bottles she'd been tasked with making molotovs of for the Resistance. The dark cloud that hung over head only grew, demanding her attention as a bad feeling stirred in her gut.

Sometimes, she pondered, I wonder if this is what it felt like for Ma.

Perhaps she inherited that sixth sense. That knowing dread that something sincerely bad, or at least something that was going to suck, was about to occur.

She considered it to be the cult's rampant terrorism and kidnapping; after years of buying off and stealing properties, bullying Fall's End, and destroying the bonds of countless families and neighbors while the local law enforcement did nothing, they finally showed their true colors.

Mary May could still feel the faint painful itch of the tattoo that fucking psycho, John Seed, gave to her before the clinic got it removed.

She frowned as her head began to hurt; the dark cloud now giving her a goddamn headache.

Something bad was coming. Mary May eyed behind her, blue eyes landing on the shotgun stashed under her counter. Ready to send any one of those filthy fuckers to their awaiting vacant seat in Hell.

What else could it be but the Peggies? she'd thought to herself as the dark cloud seemed to knock harder at her mind, Not like there could be anything worse than them, right?

Oh, how she could be so, so wrong.

When she heard the doors of the Spread Eagle open, the dark cloud disappeared. She heard no commotion from the other tenants in her bar, no guns rattling off outside, no tires screeching announcing the arrival of Eden's Gate. In just a moment, her nerves relaxed.

Until she heard her speak.

"Oh, Mary May~!"

Her heart dropped to her stomach. No. Dread recoiled into her intestines. No! The bottle she was inspecting slipped from her hand, landing on the wooden planks. Not breaking, but rolling, contents wasted in a growing spillage. No, no, no!

The brunette slowly glimpsed behind her, until she was staring at the fiend herself.

Elsa Omar.

Her blonde hair wasn't as wild as she remembered it to be, neatly braided into a menagerie of dreadlocks that must have taken a ridiculous number of hours to tend to. Her teal eyes gleaned her environment like a viper, her lips quirked up into a smirk - not a smile.

She was dressed in a blue celeste dress complimented by a white long-sleeved shirt, contrasting her deep olive complexion. Not the most practical choice of clothing, especially for the Reaping, but Mary knew Elsa to not be the most practical person.

Unless it's to fuck over someone, she reminded herself, glaring daggers at her ex-lover.

From the door frame, she spotted another figure who poked his head from behind Elsa and sent a genuine smile over Mary's way.

"Hey Mary May," the man greeted, a companion of Elsa's that the bartender was all too familiar with.

"Hi, Ezekiel," she returned the greeting, though not as enthused as his had been. Unlike Elsa, Mary held no ill-will towards Ezekiel, nor had she any for Elsa's reclusive older sister.

Elsa was the one who hurt her, and Mary was sure-fire to not allow Elsa to hurt her again.

Last Lines snippet is for my Coroner!Silva AU (this is just a general AU during the Reaping and not my WIP No Snake, Only A Boa In The Garden which is set in a No Reaping AU), where Silva is tasked by Whitehorse to work with Charles Lindsey as they are the closest qualified individuals who have the knowledge and experience to either work on a human body or keep something living alive, in the least qualified scenario. Read more below:

Earl looked to them with tired eyes, gaze seeking confirmation from the two of them.

"Can I count that you both will do as best as you can with tending to our wounded through this whole thing?" he asked of them.

Silva gave a glance to Lindsey, who shared it. Neither were qualified to be medical professionals; at least towards people. Lindsey being a veterinarian and Silva being a coroner were further from the most ideal circumstances given the situation.

A proper medic would have been better than them.

But that's not to say neither Silva nor Lindsey weren't unfit for the task; Silva had a great grasp on the human body and she was sure Lindsey knew how to keep a living being alive, or at least functional.

They turned their gazes back to the sheriff and gave an affirming nod in response.

Satisfied, Earl left them in the makeshift medical wing as he went off to find Tracey or Virgil.

Both Silva and Lindsey turned to each other, standing in awkward silence.

Lindsey coughed, gesturing to the Cougar fighters in the wings beds, all suffering varying states of consciousness and pain, asking, "Shall we?"

Silva glanced to the large number of wounded there were. She could feel an ache pound inside her skull, reminding her she was too sober for this. She let out a sigh, "Let's get to work."

Another last line snippet for my FO4 WIP A Symbol For A Better World, where the Sole Survivor of Vault 111, Nate Gust Sarid, has the worst fucking luck upon reaching the surface of his vault, as he found himself at the mercy of a Deathclaw. Read below:

Oh God, Nate came to the dreadful realization, I'm going to die.

He struggled to squirm in the frightening grip of the beast... this monster. His legs tried to kick up against the horned creature's muscular arm, though he knew his efforts were futile.

I can't die like this. I have to save Shaun, Nate desperately plead in silence, his ribs straining against the compressing weight of the beast's claws.

His plea fell on mute ears, the world continuing the events playing through his mind now.