#hes a real yearner

[beybuniki]

pls could you share did bakugo get that anklet when he was still awake or was it put on his sleeping body 🙏 i’m trying to set the scene in my mind

asleep :D he wakes up with his and rolls his eyes, but he keeps it

[manchesterau]

dan is a real YEARNER he is a real LOVER and not everyone can handle that

[ghostly-fulcrum]

Bryannnnnnn😭😭😭

As if u didnt just spit on him recently shut up💀 The amount of time these two take to still be like ‘i like him:)’ is so funny like get off the pot the yearnin is CRAZYYY

[thegreatyin]

Oh wait did The Scoundrel change to she/her pronouns while I wasn't looking? Congrats on her (non bat kind) transition

the scoundrel uses any pronouns! always has ^w^ i just tend to default to it/its or they/them, just for simplicities sake

[chaoticdelinqueerwithglitter]

Mikey: I owe you one.

Sanzu: That’s ok. You can just date me and we’ll call it even.

[widowshill]

character bingo + roger collins IM SURE YOULL GET LOTS OF THEM BUT<3 YKNOW<3

you have spun the wheel of the many versions of roger collins and you get.. marilyn ross roger collins. who is kind of a plato's cave dickbag version of the True Roger but he has rights for things like having a really cool boat and also dancing with vicki and rescuing her from a well

[beomcoups]

here's to forever (the athlete)

summary: today is the day you finally marry your best friend

genre: fluff, suggestive, 18+ warnings: mentions of sex (hoshi wants to pump some babies into you), mentions of pregnancy words: 0.9k AN: Thank you, @horanghater, for looking over this for me. Every year on the anniversary of the OG fic, I always end up writing another part about their lives since they met. I'm becoming a real yearner. Anyhoo, I decided to go ahead and make a series master list because I am sure more will come, lol. -series masterlist

“I love you.” You rub Soonyoung’s hand with your thumb as he holds back tears, standing before the officiant, his football coach. You just married the love of your life and best friend in front of your family and friends on a large farm in the country. You exchanged heartfelt vows in front of one hundred people on the estate, with the birds singing in the sky and the geese swimming happily in the lake. So far, this day has been nothing short of magical, with those six little words sealing the deal. “You may now kiss the bride.”

Soonyoung pulls the veil over your face and kisses you with a fervent need that sets your nerves on fire. Everyone and everything disappears for a second, but it doesn’t matter; you got your dream guy. Your fingers intertwine with his as you finally break apart, met by the thunderous applause of your guests who watched you become one with your now husband, their approval and joy palpable in the atmosphere. Soonyoung waves your hands triumphantly in the air as you walk down the aisle, flashing your wedding rings with pride for everyone to see. You haven’t seen him this proud since he won his first Super Bowl. Two and a half years later, with two more championship rings added to his collection, his eyes have never shined brighter. Soonyoung leads you away from your guests, taking you down a short path to the lake's edge. When you looked at venues, you found this place while looking through Pinterest, falling in love with the green pastures of the farm and the shining crystal-like waters. Soonyoung didn’t care where you married as long as you were his wife by the end of it. But when you took a trip out here and looked at the place in person, you both knew this was where it was meant to be. With the sun shining through the ivory clouds, it was almost as if your dads were looking down and giving their blessing.  

“We did it, babe,” you revel at the scene. “It’s you and me officially.” 

“Darlin’, you and I were official from the day we met. You just didn’t know it yet.” 

You chuckle and lean into him because, honestly, he is right. You were interested in him the first time you met; you were in denial then. You always swore you wouldn’t be one of those journalists who mixes business with pleasure, yet here you are, marrying the said pleasure. Life works out funny that way. 

“You look so pretty, baby,” he murmurs as he pulls you close. “I can’t wait to get out of here and pump some babies into you.”

“Same here, baby,” you kiss his lips. “We might be a little late on the baby part, though.”

Soonyoung looks at you curiously as you reach into the secret pocket of your wedding dress. You had it sown in secret when it was tailored initially to keep your lipstick in if you needed to freshen up or had anything else in mind. But a couple of weeks ago, when you went for your routine check-up, you found out you were ten weeks pregnant. You and Soonyoung talked about kids, and you both want them; this will be earlier than you both planned. It explained why you felt lethargic lately and the smell of anything nauseated you. You weren’t sure how to tell him, so you carried it around just in case the opportunity arose. Now is the time. 

Holding up the ultrasound, you hand him the black-and-white photo of the baby growing inside of you. He studies the picture, then looks at you and your stomach, the dots connecting in his brain. You nod, confirming what he is thinking: you will be having his first child. 

“Aww baby,” he whispers. “You’re pregnant.” 

“Mmhmm,” you nod as you wipe his tears away. 

He kisses you again, this time sweeter, more tenderer, and full of emotion that he can’t convey in words. You naturally melt into him, feeling safe and secure that the future you two have will be bright. Soonyoung has always said he loved you more than anything, but that’s not true. You love him more. He made you believe in love again, protected you when you needed it, and showed up when you needed him the most. You never felt scared to share your thoughts with him, and even if he didn’t understand, he listened and tried anyway. He never tried to take your spotlight. He respected you and made sure others did, too. Soonyoung brings an array of colors to your mundane world that you hope never goes away. God, you love him so much that it hurts.  

“Well, it makes sense why you weren’t drinking the champagne last night,” he muses. “You love champagne.”

“Y-yeah,” you sniffle. 

A comfortable silence falls between you two, taking in the moment as you watch two geese embrace one another. If someone had told you over three years ago that you would be marrying thee Kwon Soonyoung and having his child, you would have laughed in their face. But clearly, the universe has a sense of humor. 

“I want to keep this between us,” you say suddenly. “It’s our first child, and I want to hold on to this a little bit longer before family, friends, and the media get a hold of it. You already know how it goes.”

“Of course, baby,” he readily agrees. “Whatever you want.”

He kisses your forehead, leading you back to the photographers so you can start taking pictures. Your makeup artist brushes up your makeup, and unbeknownst to you, Soonyoung gazes at you from afar, watching you with so much pride and love in his heart. The sun shines brighter as if it’s reflecting the future you will have with each other. 

Here is to forever.

[hyflix]

To stick it to Damian that Tim CAN appreciate literature, he picks up the newest published poetry book in his nearest Barnes and Noble. Tim was prepared to suck it up and painstakingly read through it when surprisingly, he finds himself not actually hating it? In fact, the poems were really good and tugs at his heartstrings. This poet, Todd Jameson, is a real yearner. Kind of like Hozier and Tim likes Hozier.

Some research shows that the book Tim picked up was Todd's more romantic anthology. Soon, Tim finds himself in possession of the poet's other 2 books.

When Tim finds out that Todd Jameson was gonna do a book signing in Gotham, he took the first book, the very first one he bought, and went. He was excited to see what the face behind the heart wrenching poems looked like.

So why the fuck was Jason Todd behind the table signing the books?

[vxnuslogy]

– to fall for the sun.

pairing: albedo x gn!reader

premise: albedo was not a poet, but for you, he could try to become one.

– warnings: fluff, yearner albedo, he sucks at poetry (he's trying his best), poor attempts in making poetry at the end

– author’s notes: this is a remake of my old albedo fic but instead of angst, its fluff so yippie!! art credits goes to @.Jotto75 on twitter. thank you to @lowkeyren for proofreading and creating the title <3 | ~1.4k words.

“mr. albedo, are you alright?” sucrose, his assistant, asked. worry etched in her eyes as she watches her mentor’s hunched figure throw away another crumpled piece of paper. 

“yes, yes, i’m quite alright. please don’t mind me.”

but albedo was anything but alright. he pushed his messy hair back with his hand and let out a tired sigh. albedo had ultimately underestimated your talent in making poetry–he had always assumed you just wrote whatever you felt on paper–no need for fancy words or metaphors. yet here he was, on the third day in a row, filling the small trash bin in his office with poorly written declarations of love.

albedo wonders how you do it. you, a traveler from fontaine, coming to visit mondstadt to explore the nation’s ballads and poetry, had easily captured the hearts of many by just walking down the cobblestone paths that lead inside its walls. you with your charming presence, felt like a character from an inazuman fairytale, had even captured the bard in green. but more than that, you had captured his attention—maybe even his heart—by simply existing.

with one glance you had enamored his chalky heart. suddenly, the paint brushes that were in his hand itched to be used on a blank canvas to paint your portrait, wanting to forever remember the smile that glowed under the afternoon sun. albedo could’ve sworn he saw fresh cecilias beneath your feet with every step you took inside the city. 

in one glance, you flashed him a knowing smile and gave him a bow. 

venti played his lyre and before the chalk prince knew, he was tugged into a dance near the city’s fountain. everyone laughed and danced and sang, but all albedo could see was the way you sat by the bard, a quill in your hand and a piece of parchment on the other. you cleared your throat, capturing everyone’s attention and started reciting your magnum opus.

albedo didn’t quite understand most of its content–a real shame he thinks–but there was one line that made his mind tick in interest.

“why does icarus continue to fly despite his impending doom?”

he was not a poet by any means, he was a researcher, a slave to finding the truth, but he found the mystery behind your words worth uncovering. 

so for the next few days you stayed in mondstadt, albedo had asked for your time to ask you questions. the two of you spent your time in dragonspine in his lab. he asked about your inspirations as you chatter about your love for words and asked him in return on why he paints. albedo concluded after your time together that you were simply born with poetry running through your veins and pumping metaphors and analogies to your beating heart. there was no sense of logic in your being–it wasn’t a bad thing, emotions seemed to transcend all logic to begin with–and he found that incredibly charming.

which leads to his predicament now: inside his office, trying to rack his brain on a verse that would evoke the same feeling you showed him when you first met.

he loved your poetic mind, the calluses from pens on your fingers, your ink-stained blouses and hands, the love letters hidden under the guise of friendly affections—he loved you. but he didn’t know how to showcase it. relationships were troublesome–hard to maintain. but he wanted to try. he didn’t fall in love easily–he didn’t even know he was capable of falling in love–but he felt his growing yearning for you deep in his chalk stained bones. for once in his life, albedo wanted his fixation and interest in you to last a lifetime, afraid of the lingering bittersweet sensation that you would leave him.

with one last sigh, he picked up his sketchbook and left his office. a change of pace would surely inspire him, he tried to convince himself, but not even a few steps later, he sees you by the entrance of the knight’s headquarters. and like the first time, you flashed him a smile with those eyes and his mind went blank. you tug at his hand–his heart–ever so gently, urging him to have a picnic with you under the afternoon sun.

“you seem to really love using icarus in your poems.” albedo randomly mentioned, taking a bite of the adventurer’s sandwich you bought. you only hum and continue to write in your journal. against his better judgment, albedo leaned into your space, trying to take a peek of your newest piece, but you quickly shut the journal and stuck your tongue at him.

“peeking is rather rude y’know?” you jest and his chuckle ringed out. 

“pardon my rudeness,” he said. “i was simply curious.”

albedo was sure there was something swimming in his chest–fondness, most probably–as you flash him a knowing smile. you take out something from your bag, a crown made out of cecilias and windwheel asters, and place it on the crown of his head, leaving him with a quiet but undeniable joy that he couldn’t quite name.

“i see myself as icarus, that’s my answer.”

“how so?” he asked, mindlessly flipped through his sketchbook and felt a growing smile tug at his lips when he saw your handwriting in the corners of a few pages. 

you don’t answer–you never do– but albedo never minded. he liked it whenever you left him guessing. for the rest of the afternoon, you both spend your time in each other’s presence as you eat your food. you talked about the new book lisa had given you to read in your spare time and he asked you what colors he should use on his next painting. “yellow because they remind me of you.” would always be your reply and he’d comply.

by the time he waved you goodbye and sat back down in his office, there was another letter pressed in his sketchbook. he could already feel his heart racing as he reached for it.

“to my dearest, albedo

you seem to really ponder over the last verse of my poem when i first arrived in mondstatd. i must say, i feel honored that i made your mind tick with curiosity. i found myself gravitating towards your presence more and more after you asked me if i could be the subject of your painting. that was the first time i’ve ever been the muse to someone’s creation. it sent my heart into a giddy fit you know. you are no poet, as i am no painter; i cannot paint the image i have of you on a canvas, but i can put my affections into words. after all, the verse ‘why does icarus continue to fly despite his impending doom.’ was always meant for you—to capture your attention.”

albedo sat down on his chair, a gloved covering half of his face to hide the pathetically infatuated smile on his face. he took out the second letter from the envelope, bracing his heart to whatever emotion you would stir inside him.

“like icarus, i found myself

flying straight into the pools of his eyes

with my wings made of wax, 

i soared straight into his guarded heart

and let his burning affections scorch me and melt my wings.

then i fell—or so i thought

my body did not meet the ground harshly,

for he caught me,

in all the gentleness known to mankind, 

he treated my scorched skin with care.

i was icarus and he is my sun,

with gold and glitter in all his glory.

icarus is a fool in love.

why does icarus continue to fly, despite his impending doom?

because the sun is icarus’s love.

in every lifetime, he will always choose to fall,

loving him despite it being too hot, too close.

icarus is a fool in love, for without the sun,

he would have no reason to live.

why would icarus fly if he had no sun to fly to?”

albedo’s eyes traced over the last line of your poem, his heart rattling with uncharacteristic tenderness and a gentle ache. your words had breathed life to the emotions he never knew he was capable of feeling.

he looked down on his sketchbook, then out the window to gaze at the setting sun. the warmth reminding him of your love for icarus—him. he was no poet, but for you, he could perhaps become one.

with careful hands like you described in your poem, he folded the parchment and placed it gently into his sketchbook, right beside the finished sketch of you under the afternoon sun, cecilias blooming right under your feet. a small smile tugged at his lips as he picked up his pencil.

for the first time in a long while, albedo finally understood what it meant to be inspired.

© vxnuslogy 2024. do not plagiarize, repost, or translate any of my works without my knowledge or consent in other platforms or websites.

[gluion]

between steel and velvet ➵ park gunwook

knight!park gunwook x ruler!reader

although you and gunwook knew your respective duties to rule and protect the adrestian empire, the reality is that you two are only kids forced into such responsibilities.

general genre/warnings ➵ friends to lovers, royalty au, hurt/comfort, angst, gender neutral reader, theo of p1h & seungcheol of svt mention, use of names from fe3h because im unoriginal to be thinking of new names

word count ➵ 1.7k words

playlist ➵ the lakes by taylor swift // die with a smile by lady gaga & bruno mars

a/n ➵ this drabble is connected to my upcoming fic "prayers for a garden" :]] this can be read alone for the time being but it would be good if you check it out once it releases! for @shegotthewoobies who survived the gluion drought. thank you real yearner for supporting me. if you enjoyed reading, please do reblog & leave feedback!

want to be part of my taglist? send me an ask! masterlist

gunwook is all too familiar with the weight of steel; rattling with every step and causing his shoulders to ache. the coolness of a silver hilt doesn’t faze him. his balance rarely falters with every jab and his arms are accustomed to every swing. still, he finds himself muttering complaints when he retreats to the quarters after a long day of training.

maybe it helps that he grew up surrounded by knights. with his father leading them, gunwook always found his home filled with men in armor who swung their tankards as they sung out sorrows of what it means to be one. on most nights, they’d tell gunwook to find another job (like he had a choice). they’d joke to him about running away from the life of a knight, but all he would do was smile as he shook his head.

because if gunwook had to be honest, he always found himself gravitating towards steel and chain—the only thing he hates is the idea of fitting into his father’s shoes; a well-respected commander who has known of sacrifice from the start, even going as far as having his own portrait on a wall filled with a lineage of rulers. after all, every king and commander is marked into the adrestian empire’s history—a pair from every tenure.

the reality is that gunwook lacks the skills of what it takes to be a commander. he has yet to learn what it means to lead an army, let alone know how to strategize, but his father had expectations that gunwook had to fulfill before he retires (or much worse, dies on the battlefield). 

gunwook can bear the weight of steel on his shoulders—not the title of a commander.

but his world shifted when he learned of who would be his partner—the one who he would be going down in history with—and he found himself constantly faced with the question his father would throw at him: does he have what it takes to serve you?

perhaps gunwook has time to level his expectations on what it means to take over his father’s role. because when he comes across you, he realizes that you two are in the same boat.

the only difference is that he seemed to have more time; more days to train and more hours to study battle plans.

your life, however, turned upside down in one day.

gunwook was going to call it a day. something about today’s training drained him until his legs were cramping. whenever he had to move his arms, he muttered profanities over the soreness. he already denied theo’s invitation for a night out at the saloon, to which he received an earful of complaints for. it didn’t help that seungcheol was making use of his superiority over him, going as far as ridiculing him for his lack of endurance.

but gunwook is all too familiar with his comrades; he wasn’t going to fall for the same tricks.

regardless of the objections, gunwook managed to escape the barracks. he didn’t even think to strip off his heavy armor. but the breeze of the night hit his cheeks—that was enough to give him the last ounce of energy for him to march back to the quarters.

he takes the same path from the barracks to his room; through the garden of different-colored hydrangeas, past the entrance of the chapel where he offers reverence, all the way to the hall filled with portraits. every time gunwook passes through this hall, his steps always slow down as he takes in the same paintings.

tonight shouldn’t be different.

as gunwook’s eyes grace through the portraits, paint strokes capturing commanders’ similar stern expressions, he recalls their history: their journey into the royal army, the sweat it took to become commander, and the sacrifices they made as they led the knights.

and similar to other nights, he makes the same comment: despite the bloodshed, they stood tall—will gunwook be able to say the same for himself?

yet, tonight presents its first difference.

from a distance, gunwook spots someone sitting on a velvet bench. his eyes squint as he continues to walk through the hall, only to make out that it’s you

it’s not unusual to spot you outside of your chambers but you were always accompanied, either by gunwook or a maid. yet, your lonely figure has their eyes peeled to a portrait.

his steps hasten—his majesty cannot be left unattended. no one would allow it—until he hears your sniffles. gunwook watches you wipe away your tears, only for more to stream down your cheeks, and he understands why you’re alone tonight.

you were never the type to cry in front of others. gunwook first learned that when you were scolded by the king. and while he can’t recall for what reason, he remembers the tremble in your voice as you asked him to wait outside your door for a few minutes. you came out of the room with a red, runny rose.

and it’s during these moments where gunwook curses the rattling of his armor because the next steps he takes draws your attention. you glance at him before blinking back the tears. “gunwook, i didn’t know you were here,” you say as you clear your throat in between words.

“your majesty, i didn’t mean to intrude. i was only on my way back to my quarters.”

you wave your hand in reassurance. “it’s okay.” another cough. “did your training finish just now?” you ask without sparing him a glance.

“yes, your majesty.”

with one nod, you say, “okay. i don’t want to keep you from resting. i’m sure you’ve had a long day.”

but gunwook doesn’t care for the lack of sleep he got today or the countless hours he spent in the barracks. “your majesty, there is no trouble with me staying.” you look at him, and he takes in your bloodshot eyes and red nose. “i’ll accompany you until the very end.”

all it takes is one smile from you before he stations himself beside you. as he looks straight ahead, he realizes what you’ve been looking at this whole time: a portrait of the king. your father.

“why don’t you sit down beside me?”

“your majesty, i don’t think it would be proper for me to do so. i’m only allowed to—”

“gunwook.” as your tone shifts from curiosity into agony, he peers over towards you. your eyes are glossy once more. “would you sit down beside me? just this once?”

and gunwook realizes that you didn’t need your commander right now—so, he follows.

he looks at the same painting you’re staring at, respecting and offering your last ounces of privacy. regardless of your request for him to stay by your side, he knows to not look should you shed any more tears.

but then you ask, “do you think you’re ready to be commander?”

gunwook thinks this is a test. if he lies, he might find himself poorly delivering his duties—but to be honest would mean to be removed from his job. away from you.

so, he settles for an answer that held a bit of both. “i don’t know.”

a soft hum leaves you, then silence follows.

gunwook thinks he might’ve failed to give the answer you were looking for. he shouldn’t have kept his guard down. he’s meant to serve you, after all—

“you have time.” his heart beats twice. “time to train. time to learn.” he exhales. “time to figure out if you want to be commander or not.”

gunwook can’t find the right words to say, so he opts for no response.

“i wish i had the same amount of time as you.”

your voice crack causes gunwook to glance at you, only to see you hiding your face behind your hands, and he looks away as he scolds himself for not respecting your privacy. 

he remains frozen in his seat. he didn’t know what to act as: your right-hand man or your counselor. at this moment, the boundaries are blurred.

gunwook doesn’t know how to serve you—until your hand reaches out for his.

he looks down to your linked hands that rest on his thigh; his callous-covered fingers in between yours. you grip onto his hand like it’s the first and last thing you can reach for in this hall, like how you were taught to hold a scepter, and gunwook figures out what you need him to be: your comfort.

as he laces his fingers with yours, your sobs turn into wails.

“gunwook, i can’t be the ruler. i can’t.” he looks at you whose eyes remain stuck to the painting. “i’m not fit for it, and i can’t be the ruler the empire wants. i can’t be what the people need.”

for a second, gunwook thinks he should interject. out of all the commoners and royalty within this castle, he’s certain about you. after all the time you’ve spent together, sharing to him in secrecy about your own plans for reformations, he knows where your heart lies—and that’s enough to prove your entitlement to the throne.

but it’s one sentence that changes his way of thinking, and he mourns with you.

“i’m only but a child.”

because like you, gunwook thinks the same of himself. maybe his hesitation doesn’t only come from his lack of skills and experience.

maybe it stems from the fact that he is still a kid, too.

and like every kid who cries, they long for a hug—and he does that for you.

as he wraps his arms around you, your face finds its spot by the crevice of his collar. the steel armor against your cheek is cold, and you try to chase his warmth by nuzzling into his neck, but his suit prevents you from doing so.

the last thing gunwook wants is to make you feel any lonelier, so he holds you close. his hand rubs your back in circles as you continue to sob, hoping that its warmth is enough to suffice. without thinking, his free hand reaches for the back of your head.

he freezes. he should be more careful with you. it’s not right for a knight to hold you—

you nuzzle your face closer to his neck.

gunwook realizes that this is what you need.

even if it meant going against the king. going against the commander. going against the world.

he’ll do anything if it means to remain by your side.

(gunwook would never expect the same thing from you.)

(but you would give up the world for him.)

networks: @kflixnet @k-labels @blankjournal @zumblrnet

zb1 permanent tag list: @deinsleeps

[whateverisbeautiful]

♥️Reveling in Richonne - TOWL

#9: The 5 Pizzas & A Wedding Ring (1.01)

gif cred: @twdfranchise

The Greatest Yearner and Loverboy of All Time award goes to…Rick Grimes. 🏆

No one is doing it like him and it’s always a welcomed sight to see how utterly in love Rick is with Michonne. In Michonne, Rick found a rare gem that brings out the most romantic side of him to the point that he could have such a gorgeous proposal dream and in it give us six words that became iconic as soon as they were said...🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕💍😊

So first, I found the timing of these three dreams to be telling, especially the third and final one.

The first dream arrives after Rick is nearly on death's door after chopping off his hand and bleeding out. The second dream arrives after Rick has joined the CRM, forced to integrate into their uniformity as a potential getaway route.

And then the third dream arrives after Rick has chosen to die while still alive. Each time he comes close to losing himself, either literally or figuratively, a dream of Michonne arrives as his subconscious' last-ditch effort to hold onto who he really is and his other half.

While his mind tells him he’s dead now - his heart still seeks out the woman who made him feel most alive. Even Dead Rick can’t lose Michonne completely. They’re far too one. And every time he needs her, just like in real life, she shows up. 🥹

Here in this dream, she still shows up even after Rick declares he’s no longer alive and can’t see her anymore because, as Michonne says later, their love can’t be denied. 👌🏽

gif cred: @kimwexlersponytail

That’s why I really love that this gorgeous dream arrives after his last letter.

You’d think this dream scene would have been placed before the letter to show the last time he sees her and then he’d write the letter saying 'I don’t see you anymore.' But no - they have the dream arrive after the letter and I believe that is very much intentional and I love what it says about Richonne’s love.

Even if her memory is fading from him there is still a part of his mind that can always find her. That’s part of why it's so sweet that Dream Michonne told Rick that she eats lunch at that bench every day in the previous dream because it’s essentially telling him 'you know where to find me. If you need me I’ll always be here.' 

gif cred: @richardgrimes

And Rick takes that to heart, eagerly waiting at that bench for her to show up. And sure enough, even after choosing to live but die, even after saying I don’t see you anymore, Michonne still shows up looking like a vision in white and like the bride Rick views her as. (Also she has on some thigh-high boots because of course Rick’s brain was gonna add some heightened sex appeal to the look knowing how he views Michonne. 😋)

I like how in the first dream, Michonne was sitting on the bench and Rick was taken aback by her beautiful self. And now in this third dream, Rick is the one parked on the bench ready and anticipating her arrival. And of course, he comes bearing the gift of food because one; homeboy loves showing love through getting things for Michonne, especially food, and two; he was like 'I’m not showing up empty-handed to this surprise lunch date.' Just like he wasn’t gonna show up empty-handed from his run when Michonne asked for toothpaste in their canon ep. 😊

Regarding the stage-play-to-their-real-TWD-journey metaphor, one thing that made these already special dreams even more special once I saw episode 4 is realizing that Rick had lost the memory of Carl by this point, and that was when Michonne showed up. Similar to their real journey, Rick lost Carl but before he could sink into the depths of despair with no way out, Michonne was able to step in and be there for him and bring him back. And she’s still doing that years later by showing up in these dreams and being the motivating light he needs during this dark chapter of life. 

So Rick sits on the park bench on a nice quiet day as he cutely taps his fingers on the fresh pizza box and awaits that beautiful mystery woman’s return. And everything about the both of them is so adorable in this dream. Their outfits, smiles, and conversation is just perfection. Like y’all, I’m rewatching to write this post, and the way I am smiling so big cuz I can’t help it lol. 🤭 They just go together like no couple has ever gone together before, in any world. 

gif cred: @nerd4music

Rick hears footsteps and looks over to see Michonne approach in her elegant white outfit and she looks surprised but happy to see he’s here waiting for her. Of course, Rick would hear that she eats here everyday and make it a priority to be there early and ready to see her. Nothing else is more important than being with her.

And Rick immediately starts explaining what he’s up to acknowledging, “This is a pretty bold move but you said you believed in me.” One; I love that he’s boldly pursuing her and two; I especially love that he again recalls how much Michonne believes in him. Her belief clearly means so much to him in his dreams and in reality.

gif cred: @richardgrimes

Also, the pizza really does remind me of the canon ep mints in that it’s something Rick is using to make his move and find his moment with her. 😋

Then Rick says, “So if you want this bench to yourself, I can take this large pizza past the big blue building and eat it alone at my miserable desk at my miserable job.” First of all - the most charming man in existence. 🥰

But also this is why I think the “job” in these dreams is a symbol of the CRM. He did eventually go to wherever that map said but he’s miserable there and that would demonstrate how he’s accepted being stuck with the CRM and he’s miserable there too.

gif cred: @richardgrimes

I love seeing Rick have this playful energy with Michonne tho. In real life she also brought that side out of him. And I love it because it just goes to show how they got to know every part of each other. Like so many in the CRM know Rick as the scowler and so many back home know Rick as their fearless leader but Michonne knows he has a happy face too and a very playful flirty side as well. 

Michonne affirms, “I do believe in you.” Which I just love. It’s so true to who she is outside of these dreams too. Always believing so strongly in Rick and letting him know it.

It's so sweet that Rick's mind continually reminds him that Michonne believes in him.  And it’s also sad because I feel like it’s only in these dreams where Rick gets to experience the gentle compassionate tenderness of someone who loves and believes in him.

gif cred: @richardgrimes

And then she cutely adds, “And I do like pizza” while giving Rick such a sweet smile and sitting next to him on the bench as he turns to give her all his attention. 

gif cred: @lousolversons

As she sits down she tells Rick, “But shut up about your misery. You’re not stuck anywhere.” And I love that this shows how Rick loved the part of Michonne that could always call him out too. In TWD, Michonne never shied away from letting Rick know when he might need a shift in perspective.

That's part of why they're a perfect match - they can call each other out and call each other higher and it only makes the other respect them even more.

gif cred: @riickgrimes

Michonne was always so good at helping Rick see things from a fuller and more positive vantage point. It’s why Rick so assuredly told her she led him here in Say Yes. So I really appreciate that his mind recalls that side of Michonne and how it shows he loves everything about her including her direct honesty. 

Rick looks out for a second, looking like he still believes he’s stuck a bit, and then he says, “Well you said you’re not where you want to be” in a tone that’s just so gentle and tender it makes me melt.

And once again him repeating her words back to her is so true to the character. In real life and in his dreams, Rick will always take every word Michonne says to heart, so of course he remembers what she said from the other dreams and brings them up here.

gif cred: @riickgrimes

And the way he looks at her after he says this...There’s a couple moments in this one dream where Rick is the heart-eyed emoji personified and that was one of them. 😍

It’s interesting that he brings up how Michonne said she’s not where she wants to be. It’s like this is him saying, “Aren’t we both stuck?”

And while irl Rick and Michonne are in less-than-ideal situations because they’ve had to go so long without each other, Rick’s mind then accurately envisions how Michonne would approach their unfortunate circumstances. She acknowledges she's both not where she wants to be and not stuck, when she tells him, “I’m not. But I’m not stuck either.” 

gif cred: @riickgrimes

Going back to the metaphorical side of things, I think this is Rick’s mind telling him that while Michonne isn’t exactly where she wants to be because she’s not with him, she hasn’t been living life like she’s stuck. With raising kids, she can’t. She’s had to keep going even with a whole part of her heart missing and trapped with the CRM. 

Then signature to Michonne, she gives Rick a major motivating dose of encouragement when she confidently tells him, “We can make this whole damn world ours if we want to.” Love it. 🥰

gif cred: @twdfranchise

And Richonne really can conquer the world and save it and I love how Rick’s dreams are reminding him of the power of Richonne and how the two of them could do anything. I’ve always said Rick relishes and is fully aware that he and Michonne are a power couple, with eps like TWD 7.10 making that clear. 

Then Rick has another heart-eyed moment as he hears her say this. 😍 He looks at her with a smile, adoring yet another part of Michonne - the part of her that always believes in their ability to overcome, rise above, and make the world better.

gif cred: @alwaysthequietones

Rick irl didn’t have aspirations of being some world leader with giant world-conquering goals - he truly could be content building a thriving small community so long as he had his wife and kids every day. But he’s more than willing to take on the world with Michonne.

And this dream shows that she is the one who makes him feel like even when they feel stuck or miserable, they can still win and not let the world defeat them. 

After saying this, Michonne gives Rick the cutest playful smile and I adore it so much. 😊

gif cred: @twdfranchise

And honey, Rick adores her smile so much too because the way he looks at her and lets out a little laugh...I’m telling you right now that man is so aware that he's wrapped around her finger and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

It's clear Rick loves seeing Michonne like this. You can just feel how much he loves her, admires her, and enjoys her. And their chemistry just leaps off the screen. 

gif cred: @alwaysthequietones

This dream also reminds me of when we saw him hallucinate Michonne in his final TWD ep. There as well he just knew Michonne would be a presence that calms him and motivates him like no other.

And truly falling in love with Michonne is one of Rick's proudest achievements because even in his last full episode of TWD he hallucinates her talking about why she fell in love with him. By having this proposal dream after feeling he died a failure, it’s almost like his subconscious is recalling one of the biggest ways he succeeded, which is in landing the baddest chick in the game. 👌🏽

And I adore how each time we’ve ever seen Michonne in Rick’s mind she always has this radiant smile which shows it’s something Rick really loves about her. And where so many might know Michonne as more serious, Rick loves the smiley part of her that he knows so well. 

He also often imagines kissing her which is another thing he loves. 😋

So after Rick laughs in a way that makes it feel like Michonne’s love and beauty both center him and make him dizzy, he’s basically like 'before we make the world ours, I want to make you mine.' And he starts by asking, “What if I came here one day…”

gif cred: @riickgrimes

I love Michonne’s intrigued and encouraging “mm-hmm.” You can definitely see she's charmed by this handsome man and likes him a whole lot. 😊

gif cred: @twdfranchise

Then Rick continues in just the cutest and best way ever, saying, “with 5 pizzas…” 😊

gif cred: @riickgrimes

And Michonne gives a smitten laugh which makes Rick smile, happy to see that he could make her laugh. 😊

gif cred: @twdfranchise

I love that the five pizzas call back to Say Yes when Michonne had Rick giggling as she says she’s going to eat five more of those MREs. Seeing a Say Yes callback in the premiere had me elated. 🥰

Also, call me crazy, but I’m telling myself '5 pizzas' was a hint at Michonne ultimately ending up with 5 kids too - Andre, Carl, Judith, RJ, and the way Rick and Michonne were in TOWL, baby #5 might be otw sooner than later. 😋 (even though in my ideal scenario Rick also gets some time to really focus on RJ, Judith, and Michonne before a new kid is added to the Grimes family 👌🏽)

And just the idea that Rick would playfully be like 'since you like pizza let me come back with tons of boxes for you' is sweet and very him lol. --- But he also wants to come here one day not just with pizza boxes but a very special jewelry box. 🙌🏽

Cuz then y’all, this show tries to make me pass out because this heartwarming moment gets even better as Rick smiles and looks Michonne in her eyes to say, “…and a wedding ring.”  🫠

Won’t. He. Do. It. Y’all!!!!!!! 🥳 “5 pizzas and a wedding ring” is an instant classic. I adore it with everything in me. 🥹

gif cred: @riickgrimes

This is the moment where I literally stopped breathing on premiere day. 🤭 Like I was already just swooning over the 5 pizzas thing and then he said “and a wedding ring” and I was so gagged. It was and is everything. 🤩

I had been crossing my fingers for rings in TOWL and this ep made me feel confident it was gonna happen because Rick was already dreaming about it. (And then we'll find out in ep 5 he’d actually been dreaming about it long before he was taken from her on that bridge.🥲)

Of course, Rick would want to propose to her in these dreams even after just one time on a bench together. 😋 Homeboy said 'I’ll learn your name and everything later but first will you spend the rest of your life with me?' lol.

Rick might not know her first name in these dreams yet but he knows exactly what he wants her last name to be. 🤗

I think it’s so sweet that he’s trying to wife her up so quickly. I feel like it connects to how in their actual TWD journey once Rick and Michonne became a romantic couple in s6 they weren’t girlfriend and boyfriend they were husband and wife. Also, in any dimension, all Rick wants is to build a world with her because she is his world. 🥲

And then I absolutely love getting to see Michonne’s response to Rick revealing he wants to marry her. 🥹 It makes my heart so happy. She was all just tickled by him and the five pizzas thing and then she heard 'wedding ring' and paused and smiled, seeing how much Rick meant it in his eyes.

gif cred: @lousolversons

Michonne looks right into his eyes, tilts her head (and I notice Rick moves his head at the exact same time in the same way cuz magnets 🧲 ) and she gives a beautiful smile as she assuredly nods and tenderly says, “I think you should do that.” 😭

I love the delivery of that line. Like once again Danai slayed. And Andy too. Like this moment is the epitome of Richonne gold. 🙌🏽

gif cred: @twdfranchise

I so appreciate the way this dream confirmed that in any world Rick would make the proposal and in any world, Michonne would say yes. They both are so quickly on the same page about wanting forever with each other just like in their reality. 

And Rick has just the sincerest smile and joy radiating on his face upon hearing Michonne say she does want him like he wants her. 🥹

I love that his mind knows Michonne would be so receptive had he formally proposed. Also, I adore this eye-acting moment as Rick beams and then has this realization that he’s finally going to get the honor of kissing her.

gif cred: @nat111love

They slowly lean in and have just the most precious kiss. Like they're so good at making a kiss equally sweet and sexy. It was a joy to see the first Richonne kiss in years 🙌🏽 - and little did we know we were in for literally over 100 more in this miniseries lol. Love that for us. 😋

gif cred: @nat111love

The first Richonne kiss in TOWL is so pretty and passionate...and it's also the tamest one of the miniseries. 😅 Because once those two reunite their hunger for each other really knows no bounds. 👌🏽

It’s great that through these dreams they found a way for Richonne to kiss in every ep, even before Richonne officially reunited. Also, I always love those Richonne kisses where they can’t help but smile during it and this was one of those. The joy Richonne brings each other brings me joy.

I also really like how it’s filmed similar to their first kiss on the couch in their canon ep, both with the framing from behind the bench and the way Rick looks at her before leaning in.

And I also love seeing Michonne definitely being eager too as she's the one to subtly lean in for that second kiss. 😋

gif cred: @nat111love

Ep 1 really came out the gate letting us know that when they said TOWL was an epic love story oh they meant that. This was such a top tier moment of Rick living his best Hallmark life with his wife. 😌

There’s also a shade of sadness to this moment because it’s almost like Rick has had to give up on ever seeing Real Michonne and so this is him locking down Dream Michonne, almost accepting that this is the closest he’ll ever get to having her in his life and giving her that ring he’s longed to give her for years.

It's like now his mind is prepared to live forever with the dream version of her instead. 🥲

gif cred: @msanonships

So after that kiss which is really a thing of beauty, the lovely moment is sadly fleeting as the kiss is quickly interrupted by more depressing images such as a burning walker, burning crops, and, the saddest of all, a burning Michonne as she becomes enveloped in flames on the bench. 😢

gif cred: @nat111love

Dissecting those images, I think the corpse is Rick being reminded of the fact that he’s had to die, the burning crops is Rick being reminded of why he had to die - it was to save his family like his dad saved his - and then seeing Michonne in the flames is a reminder of who he’s had to die for.

Losing the image of those he loves is such a tragic side effect of the trauma he's endured. 😢 And it’s intentional for Michonne to burn away rather than just disappear or fade away because again fire has this dual meaning - it saves and destroys. And it's like that’s what Rick‘s subconscious does with this vision of Michonne - destroys it to save her.

As she’s wrapped in flames the one thing Rick still knows for certain is his wife believes in him as Michonne says one last time, “I believe in you.” before vanishing from his mind.

Rick tries to speak to her repeating, “l think…” but he can’t get any words out. 🥺 I wonder what he was about to say. (At the pace they were moving in these dreams he might’ve been about to say “I think we should have a baby” 🤭) But fr, it breaks my heart seeing him so badly want to express something but becoming overwhelmed and putting his hand out wanting to touch her but he can’t anymore.

It’s so sad to see his moment of pure bliss with Michonne burn away and see him stutter at a loss for words as all he can do is just watch her be taken from him again and the moment be replaced with things he mentioned in his letter like blood and metal rotors. He really had to lose Michonne and Carl twice. 😥

So then Rick sees his house burning, the windmills outside his apartment, and helicopters and walker-kills from his lifeless shifts as a consignee as he’s plucked back to reality. However, even in that montage he still sees Michonne in the flames one more time. I’d like to think that shows that she is still within him somewhere. She still can show up even if just for a millisecond now. 

gif cred: @nat111love

And then most devastating of all is the final moment of this dream when the montage concludes with the bridge explosion and Rick being startled awake by the memory of Real Michonne screaming his name in agony. Oh this breaks my heart for real. 💔

So when breaking down the first dream of this premiere I mentioned how Rick hears himself call out to Michonne and then recalls the bridge moment when Michonne calls out to him, which is clearly a memory that still torments Rick all these years later. But then to cope with that painful bridge memory at the top of the episode his mind immediately took him and Michonne to this serene park bench. 

I think it’s very telling and intentional that rather than go from the reality of the bridge to the tranquility of the dream - this time around he goes from the tranquility of his dream to the reality of the bridge. It’s like he can’t use these peaceful dreams to run from the reality of how he and Michonne’s story actually left off anymore.

And it pains me so much that a dream that joyous between them now leaves Rick just with the visceral tragic memory of Michonne hurting and screaming out for him.

I know it haunts him so much that he can’t call back out to her. That he can’t comfort her when he knows she’s in pain. To know she saw him on that bridge and had to think the love of her life died right in front of her eyes. That is such a heavy thing that weighs on Rick and now that he can’t see her face anymore, it’s like all he has left is her voice - her anguished voice as they both went through the unbearable and lost each other. 

gif cred: @andy-clutterbuck

Rick startles awake upon hearing his wife scream his name and he appears to have a heavy heart from that dream-turned-nightmare. It’s terrible that a dream so good ended so bad, especially when these dreams were quite literally what was keeping Rick alive.

A line from Carl to Michonne in his final s8 episode always comes to mind when I see this. It's when Carl tells Michonne, “Don’t carry this. Not this part.” It makes me think about how most of the time when something or someone you love comes to an end there’s so much grief surrounding the ending that it can make the sad ending louder than all the good memories.

For Richonne, there was such an abundance of good in their relationship and it’s devastating that it came to an abrupt tragic end that day on the bridge. That’s not the type of final note a one-of-a-kind soul mate pairing like that should have. And so in some ways, Rick had been trying not to carry that part by taking his mind to those idyllic dreams. And then it’s heartbreaking to see even the dream get burned to ashes as he starts to lose a core part of himself in losing the image of her.

It’s painful for us to see the last dream before Rick couldn’t see her face anymore. The trauma inflicted by the CRM has just stripped away the faces of two of the most important people in Rick’s life. That’s bound to make one lose themselves completely. 😔

gif cred: @andy-clutterbuck

And in the last few minutes of the episode, Rick does seem like now he’s ready to lose himself in Okafor’s mission.

But fortunately, none of that will be happening. Because just when Rick thought he’d be stuck with the CRM for good…Michonne and her genius bestie had other plans. 😏👌🏽

[lxmelle]

Sometimes people interpret Gojo’s “chasing after Geto” and the theme of “love” adopted from Yorozu as signs of Gojo trying to find love with Sukuna.

It is true they had fun and Gojo had an all-out battle, I think it was more of Gojo being true to Gojo: It was an extension of chasing Geto.

I say this with moderately reserved conviction because his Character Book pretty much confirms that there is no one particularly significant besides Geto. There is literally Geto everywhere. Everywhere. Some people on X were joking that Geto’s position in the relationship chart is comparable to a “wife’s position” and asking, “is this a Geto Suguru character book?”

In terms of preferences, too:

Even the preference for dogs - seems to point towards being due to Geto. Not a dog from Megumi’s ten shadows’ divine dogs. The picture shown was a dog Gojo never even canonically met. Linked to a person he also did not canonically meet.

I was probably slow on the uptake, but I only recently realised that Takeru (the dog) in that scene was actually Geto - mistakenly assumed by the old man, leading to his easy defeat.

What sorcery it was, we have no idea. The only best friend thing also seemed like a Gojo & Geto parallel.

Anyway. In this sense, Geto was Gojo’s Takeru. Seeing Geto got him sealed in the prison realm. Uhm, yeah. And it’s true that Gojo is said by Gege to seem more cat-like, being “pretty” and a little solitary, but is someone who likely prefers dogs, Gege thinks, so we can see how he has changed to become more of a dog person - even in characteristics, after Geto’s influence who had lived for others rather than for itself (as what a cat might do). Or, it could be that he just prefers dogs because Geto was once mistaken as a dog. Lol.

The beach - this is also something related to Geto. (The sheltered Gojo probably didn’t have much time to do leisurely stuff. We end up liking places based on experiences we had, and the best experiences he had were with Geto. Naturally, he loves the beach due to Okinawa.)

And the last Q pictured in the image above says Gojo changed after Geto left in that he became more responsible for the next generation. Killing the higher-ups was also related especially after what happened during his time in the prison realm. Not killing them before was related to Geto - he had committed to not killing without a strong meaning/purpose. So when strategy and meaning/purpose aligned, Gojo “chased after” Geto who had “left him behind” because he couldn’t afford to walk that moral path any longer - for the future generation of sorcerers that he and Geto fought so hard to protect with their literal blood sweat and tears. And Gojo never had a real moral issue with killing.

So yes. Doesn’t it just make sense that Gojo approached Sukuna’s fight with two motives - one for himself and one for Geto? To have an all out brawl that his monstrous side desires (I’ve said it before: it would be soooo unfulfilling to never ever find someone you can go all out with. Like, forced to walk when you were born to sprint?!?) and to reach him with compassion/empathy as was shown to him by no other than Geto (who was very much a part of him)? Gojo was far too single-minded to want a new lover. C’mon. Give the yearner some credit. Gojo really was loyal to the core… he felt left behind for years and the character song for Geto was literally Gojo saying he wanted Geto to return to him somehow before it was too late.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again... the place of a partner, cannot be replaced by that of others who are in the category of children, students, or even friends - especially if you have shared a connection so deep that you consider that person a special, “one and only” irreplaceable being.

Megumi has also mutually not placed Gojo as someone particularly special to him. It is really a relationship that is not more than their sensei. I’d be highly disturbed if my sensei or teacher of any capacity loved me to the degree of some of the headcanons out there. Sorry to say. If that is your fantasy, or a form of an AU - that’s ok - I just see it as not canon. That is all. The facts, signs and evidence just … plain & simply are not there. Gojo cared in the capacity of being a teacher. That is it. Some of the unfinished business he had in 236 was carried over from the HI arc and regarding his personal philosophy over death.

So yes, Gojo understood Sukuna as a monster who knew strength & isolation. But his battle and other desire to teach / reach him was another extension of catching up.

So, rather than trying to find a new “love” with Sukuna, I see it as an ultimate form of growth & character development for Gojo - he was changed and felt the empathy that Geto showed him & tried to teach it to someone else who was similarly, stronger than him (as Gojo was to Geto).

And of course Gojo did get a kick out of the battle and to be acknowledged by a peer (as a monster). Imagine you’re Serena Williams and you have to accept just being fulfilled by your husband and never play tennis? Some things are just separate. The fulfilment Gojo gained was not necessarily related to Geto. Just like how following his principles down his dark path had to be done on his own for Geto. It had no bearing on his love for Gojo. And vice versa.

Nevertheless, it seems apt that it was within Gojo to find the desire to resolve two halves of himself through the battle. His loneliness wasn’t quite the same as Sukuna’s I think. Especially since Gojo knew love and companionship.

I think Gojo matured rather well. Or at least, I headcanon that Geto would say so.

The lesson that Sukuna needed to learn is not comparable to that between Gojo & Geto, therefore it wasn’t something Gojo could teach alone. Sukuna had no backstory tied to Gojo and it wasn’t like Gojo was trying to do that with him. Otherwise Gojo would have that afterlife “talk” with Sukuna, rather than his soul heading straight for Geto. Even if it was a delusion, are you telling me that him dreaming of Geto to comfort himself isn’t significant enough to tell us something? Sob 😭

The rest is for Yuji & everyone to forge the revision of the jujutsu world. Yuji is the one with the relationship with both Sukuna and his vessel, Megumi.

Keep calm and carry on the good work, Yuji... Hang in there Megumi.

[yeonbam]

me back to watching my favourite episode ever because look at his face right after all the bullshit he pulls in front of his xiaobao to make him learn Yangzhouman.

Look at this yearner who yearns for a man he has in the palm of his hand (the man actually Walked into the palm of his hands and Will Not Move)

Good God the way he talks is like he's taking some kind of oath in front of his new wife.

"it's the same if i can" what a way to say u are one and the same.

And the way this is right after Li Lianhuahua "secretly" passed him down his Yangzhouman... a secret oath of protection in itself too. what a way to be one and the same indeed. Episode went from death to marriage real quick.

[oonajaeadira]

For the Love of Fic Joel Miller

It's been a time in my world. Busyness and writer's block has been troubling. I think a lot of it stems from just feeling behind in general, so I thought I might launch into a catch-up campaign for myself ... in reading fic.

And I had a lot of this fella to catch up on.

So hold onto your butts, my friends, because herein lies the fics I loved in my several weeks of just. reading. Joel. <3

Spinner by @insomniamamma Joel has such a caretaker streak in him that being observant and taking to a neuro-divergent reader rings so true. I love a huddling-for-warmth tale--I do so enjoy a good cuddle with a gruff broad man.

The Reason for the Season by @prolix-yuy Now here's a fun idiots-to-lovers take where one of the yearners is our Joel. When Ellie has questions about old traditions, he takes her to the other idiot--a school teacher with a warm smile and some yearns of her own. Aka you. I very much enjoyed this tale of finding the many varied and true meanings for the Holiday in all its forms.

Please Mister Please by @grogusmum Hazel imagines Joel as a kindred lovely soul, one that has a song of his own that brings sorrow, just like yours does you. But is seems he has a better song in mind....

Carpe Diem by @boliv-jenta I love that fic writers want nothing ore in the world than to tell Joel he's going to get taken care of and doesn't have a choice in the matter. I'm so glad this one afforded him the chance to actually speak and grab the moment...even with a little help from a friendly weed...

Year of Small Joys: A Quiet Night In by @keldabe-kriff I'm in love with this little slice of post-apocalypse life. It gives me hope that even if the world falls apart, there will still be the chance to find the quiet somewhere, and with someone...

Simple Pleasures by @julesonrecord Listen. i don't care if the info trail goes cold or not. If it means getting off with Joel--even this cranky, somber version of him--I already consider my self lucky.

Able by @ladamedusoif I have no doubt that a cane would come in handy during an apocalypse, and for many reasons. It's fun to watch Joel realize it too, and to walk the reader through one of the things he knows--a full-blown panic attack. Disabled reader represent!

Snooze by @tightjeansjavi Short. Sweet. Quiet. A soft drabble of everything I want--now that Joel is safe and sinking into a domestic life, he loves him some naps. And with naps comes warmth and lazy days, and a big ol' bear of a man to cuddle with.

Mine by @secretelephanttattoo I really really love this beautifully written meditation on Joel and Tess' relationship; how they share intimacy and how they won't. It's heartbreaking and beautiful and so very real.

When His Eyes Open by @undercoverpena A beautiful train of thought from Joel as he opens his eyes to find you awake next to him, thankful for what you represent in his life. It's so soft and wonderful. It's a drabble, but I could read a whole multi-chapter fic of this.

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BY @something-tofightfor

Birthday Kiss #7: Joel Miller If I was stuck at the end of the world, I'd be thankful to have a Joel Miller to find me in the early hours, knowing exactly where I'd be and exactly what day it was, just to sing me a Happy Birthday.

Smutsgiving Feast 2023: Turkey - Joel Miller It's Thanksgiving in Jackson and Joel's been helping you get settled in after a traumatic past. Everything you need is here--family, an invitation, Joel carving a perfect turkey with his sleeves all rolled up...and perhaps there's more going on upstairs later....

Snow and Mistletoe (series) Rachael loves Christmas and I always look forward to her holiday fics since the coziness always comes through so strong in them. This series is no exception by far. A no-outbreak fic where you own a music store and Ellie's your niece and Sarah's her best friend and the two girls pull a parent trap on you and Joel in the very best way. It all unfolds against a backdrop of different holiday gatherings--social, work, family--and all of them sweet and beautiful and enticing in their own way. The season may be over, but this zinged me back in time a couple of months and I'm not mad about it. In fact, I'm thankful for it.

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BY @missredherring

Wrong Until You Make it Right A yearning Joel is always good in my book, but the earnest way he years after his plus-sized coworker here is so very juicy and sweet. I love to see him watch a lady do what she does best.

J.M. + "Tell me what you like" I think if I was stuck at the end of the world and asked Joel Miller to read to me because I had no glasses and he said yes, I might die of happiness on the spot.

Warming Up Joel deserves a good teasing, which is a little of what he gets for sleeping in while you go outside to shovel and then return to his furry, heated body to warm up. and, of course, maybe get a little recreational. After all, nothing warms up cold hands like all the bits and pieces of a Joel Miller.

A Flower in February I really love this story. Rachel does a good job of placing you firmly in the QZ with all of its bleakness, giving you one spot of color--a crocus in the snow. After a spot of bad luck with some bad people, Joel's there to set things right--well, as right as it can be. And I'll take it, because in the world of TLOU, it's everything.

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BY @ezrasbirdie

Observations This is so so sweet. Neuro-D reader is so observant about not being accepted or invited to be part of groups, it breaks my heart. But Joel sees her. Worries about her. Likes her. And he's getting better at pasta.

Sticky This one left me a mess. Maybe not as messy as the toy reader gives him to play with while she's gone or while she's on the phone, but I may have had to wipe the drool off my chin...

Crystal Now this one was made for me. Here we have a witchy reader and Joel has a lot of thoughts about her. Surprise though, because none of them are negative. They're curious and wondrous and endearing. He's bewildered by the hanging herbs and the rocks and oils, but they make her happy and that's all he asks. Sweet man.

Sparks Fly Two words: eating ass. That's what falls out of reader's mouth under the influence and perhaps that's a good slip because there's gonna be plenty going in her mouth--and Joel's--later on. And it's gonna be hot like fire.

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BY @blueeyesatnight

There's a Word for It As Blue says in her notes, this is where she lives. As in, it's what she does best. This here is a no nonsense meditation on Joel and Tess and how they met and how they functioned. There may or may not have been a word for what they had...it was many words. And they're all here in order, comprising this fic.

Trimmed This fic hit something deep in me, the way it uses memory is really lovely and really feels steeped in canon. The little things we share with someone, not worth mentioning to anyone else, hard to put into words how meaningful it is to you personally or maybe you don't know until they're gone...or until a familiarity with someone else triggers it...

Trouble This is a masterclass in examining Ellie and Joel after they return to Jackson. It weaves in and out of their shared POVs, examining their feelings about who they've become, how they justify Joel's actions and words, who they are to each other, how far they can trust one another, and maybe how tainted that love is. But it's still love all the same. It's amazing and packs a really good punch.

Honest Mistake A short and sweet trope reversal where Joel makes an honest mistake and instead of retrieving Tommy from a situation, kidnaps a boss instead. I love the way the brothers' relationship comes out in the dialogue.

Trying This fic broke my heart a couple of times. Blue imagines the Joel of beforetimes and then bridges the gap to Tess. The man just keeps at it, over and over....because its' what he knows. It makes his arrangement with Tess and actual heaven and I thank her for it.

I Like My Girls A Little Bit Older - (Over the Hill pair) And I like that Joel likes it. He certainly has a type and the reader in this fic has a real sassy, no-nonsense attitude that can meet Joel's in a pretty good dance. And that last sentence may be a spoiler for this story...maybe...

I Know Just What You're Saying - (Over the Hill pair) I love that when Joel is having trouble understanding a teenage girl, he has the foresight to go talk to someone what WAS one once. And that he cares enough to ask for the biiggest favor...and that the reader has no choice but to give it to him.

I Thought I Could Be Someone - (Over the Hill pair) There are so many forms of grief and some of them come out of nowhere from sources you never even knew. Blue does beautiful job in finding that moment here, all wrapped up in an unexpected softness from Joel. This is my favorite of the series yet.

Just Like Heaven - (Over the Hill pair) This brought me back to being a teenager, that "does he like me or want to keep me at arm's length" feeling, that "should I kiss him or is he gonna kiss me" feeling. Of course I get the ending I'm hoping for though! Blue is not gonna leave us hanging when it comes to Joel Miller.

That Summer Seemed to Last Forever - (Over the Hill pair) I still don't forgive Blue for this one. How dare she make me love so bittersweet? That's not to say it isn't beautiful and artfully done. Grab yer hankies, all.

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BY @morallyinept

O' Christmas Tree by @morallyinept This is a precious, delicate story, one in which Joel loves so deeply and hurts so much that the thought of losing you--a real possibility since you've been very ill. But he'd do pretty much anything to see you smile, even if it means facing down a day int he cold to bringyou something to warm your heart.

Northern Lights Imagine camping with Joel. Sharing a sleeping bag. Under the aurora. Hand stuff in the wild has never been so sweet and hot.

Saviour Harsh and heartbreaking and real, this Joel is almost beyond help and I love the way Jett so beautifully details the many little deaths of a survivor. Angst to spare here, but true to character all the way.

Adoration Imagine you are married to no-outbreak, breast-man Joel. Happy. Loved. With a lump. I'm so awed by this fic, that Jett takes a very common nightmare and examines it, never sugar-coating, never denying the difficulties. It's a hard process and maybe I cried. But then there's Joel and his beautiful, steady consistency. I've never been more in love.

Home I can't imagine the love of my life just disappearing one day...but Jett can. Don't worry though, there's a happy ending waiting for you.

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BY @maggiemayhemnj

Happy Tuesday There's no need for Valentine's Day if there's a Happy Tuesday. I love this take on a couple who know how sappy they are for each other but make a joke of subverting the sap. A no-outbreak Joel who's still 20 years on, 20 years in love, and 20 years loving it. Which is exactly how long I'll be loving these two.

A mini Happy Tuesday interlude (Spring prompt: Bees) - (Happy Tuesday pair) Maggie's damn good with a drabble, but even better with a good ending line. I smile every time.

He Sees You - (Happy Tuesday pair) If this is what goes through Joel's head as he watches you assess yourself in the mirror, then that man is in L O V E love.

Breakfast Is Served - (Happy Tuesday pair) I would do anything to be able to cook well, if only to be able to make biscuits for Joel Miller so we can sit at the table with messy bed head and use breakfast as Sunday foreplay.

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[overlyexcitedgeek]

a real yearner. he's just like me fr.

[dionysism]

rereading odysseus' return in my emily wilson translation and thinking once again about how athena literally extended the night so he and penelope could have more time together... these real yearners