#hope you can forgive how rusty i am since i haven't had time to write anything in like 6 years 🤡

[angelapleasant]

And the chorus said to me Don't be unwise Soft feet skipping to the hum of a knife

Read (or on ao3) | Soundtrack | Story Index | Chapter Credits

[imagininghim]

Change my mind

A/N: I have had this storyline in my head since I first fell for Fez when watching Euphoria and I knew I had to come out of break to write it. I am extremely rusty so please forgive me and be nice, I haven't wrote anything in almost two years. If you have any suggestions or want to hear more, please let me know!

I do intend this to be multiple parts if it has enough interest.

I hope you all enjoy and let me know if you want to see more Nate and Fez stories.

As well, I am trying to write dialogue for Fez as best as I can, so please bear with me.

Pairing: Fez x reader. Nate x Reader.

DO NOT COPY MY STORIES WITHOUT MY PERMISSION!

Trigger warnings: drug use, drug abuse (I guess in a way), and swearing. All the warnings same warnings as Euphoria. MINORS DNI.

I do not own any characters in this story.

Part 1 Part 2

You and Fez have been best friends since you were young and you had come to live with him and his grandmother.

It all started out when you lived with your dad, he used to be a heavy addict and of course his dealer was the most known one in town.

Fezco's grandmother.

One day, while you were sitting in your childhood home. Your dad was pacing around your living room jonesing out because he owed his dealer quite a bit of money and didn't know how to pay it.

You watched quietly from the couch as he made different phone calls, getting more annoyed and panicky as he paced. Leaning down to the table, he began to snort some of the white powder that was laying there. You scrunched your nose at the display in front of you until you heard a pounding on the door.

"(Y/F/N) open this fucking door now!" A women shouted as she continued to bang on the door. Your father shot up from the table as panicked consumed his features. Immediately he began looking for a way out until you heard the sound of the door being kicked in.

The woman whom you had heard yelling, made her way into the living room with a gun in her hand. You cowered in fear as she spoke.

"(Y/F/N), you pathetic piece of shit! Where's my money?" She questioned waving the gun around. Your father backed in fear with his hands up.

"I-I don't have it." He stammered.

"You don't have it, what the fuck you mean you don't have it?" She questioned again.

"I-I just don't. I-I can get it though, just give me some time." He begged. The woman chuckled to herself before looking over at you.

"I've given you time." She said before turning back to you. "Come here sweetheart, you shouldn't have to witness this. Go sit in the car outside with my grandsons Fez and Ash." You stalled for a second before nodding your head and making your way to the door. The woman continued to yell as you walked out the door and to the car parked in the driveway.

In the car, were two young boys. The oldest who was in the front seat looked at you smiled.

"The lady told me to come out here and sit with you guys." You spoke as the older boy nodded before opening the car door and sliding over. You climbed in and closed the door behind you just as a few gunshots were fired. You cowered into the older boy as the woman walked out.

"You're gonna come live with me sweetheart, okay?" You just nodded your head in fear. The woman walked around the car and climbed in.

"What about my dad?" You questioned as she sighed.

"You don't need to worry, he won't be coming around anymore." You didn't know what she meant by that but you didn't question further. You looked up at the older boy as he smiled down at you.

You were now on your way to your new home.

~ Present ~

You were led on the couch with your head in Fez's lap scrolling through instagram. Fez was above you smoking a blunt, while Ashtray was on the opposite couch on his phone. Everyone was off in their own world while Fez was stuck in his own head.

Fez could not understand what you saw in Nate, he was nothing more than a manipulative sociopath with no remorse for others. You two had been best friends since you were young and ever since your father abandoned you, Fez had begun developing feelings he couldn't quite understand.

"You goin' wit Nate tonight?" Fez questioned.

"Yeah, I think I am. You don't need to wait up, I will probably be home late!" You answered as Ash let out a scoff.

"You still with that little bitch?" You rolled your eyes at his comment. You knew that Fez and Ash did not like the fact that you were dating Nate. After the whole incident with Maddy and Jules went down, Fez didn't trust him with you one bit.

"Yes I am and he is not a little bitch. Be nice when he comes over tonight, please." Fez and Ashtray exchanged looks before both nodding their head at your simple request. You stood up from the couch before looking back at Fez.

"I am going to hop into the shower and get ready for tonight, yell out if you need me!" You spoke as you walked down the hall to the bathroom before closing the door behind you.

Fez's POV:

I watched her walk away with a longing feeling lingering in the pit of my stomach. Ever since the day she had come to live with Ash and I, I began falling for her. (Y/N) had the sweetest smile that could light up a room, she was always there for us no matter what. When I had my accident with my grandmother, she took care of Ashtray. Making sure he was fed, clothed and bathed; she had even gone as far as to try to get him to attend school.

When my grandmother became ill, she was right by my side taking care of her and helping with the family business. (Y/N) had taken over running the legal side of it being that of the store while Ash and I dealt with the other side. (Y/N) always made sure there was a home cooked meal on the table and Ash was well looked after. There would be times when she would be cooking or working at the shop where I would just sit and stare at her, picturing this perfect little life with her and even going as far as to imagine having a family with her.

That was until the she brought home Nate Jacobs.

~ Flashback ~

It was late one night and Ash and I were working at the store. I noticed this silver pickup truck pull-up outside the shop and (Y/N) slide of the passenger side. My gut tightened at the sight when I seen Nate Jacobs walk around and slide his arm around her as they walked towards the shop.

I knew all about Nate Jacobs and what he did to Jules and Maddy, I didn't trust him one bit, especially near her. Ash watched through the coolers as they walked up to me.

"Nate, this is my best friend Fez. Fez this is -" I cut her off before she could continue with the introductions.

"I know who he is." I stated firmly. (Y/N) looked between Nate and I before nodding. "We're quite acquainted, aren't we Nate?" I questioned as he chuckled to himself.

"That we are." Nate responded. (Y/N) didn't question further as she continued.

"Well, I just wanted to bring Nate over to tell you that we're dating!" She exclaimed so happily as my heart sank. Leaning up she pressed a kiss to his cheek while his eyes and smirk never left me.

~ Flashback ends ~

Ever since that day, they have been seeing each other on again off again. Nate was toxic but she didn't see that, after everything he had done she still chose to stay by his side. My feelings for her never changed they had always stayed the same, I always hoped one day she would leave him for good but by the looks of it, I don't think that day was coming anytime soon.

~ Later that evening ~

It was around 8pm when you got the text from Nate stating that he was here. Finishing up with your makeup, you yelled out too Ash to let Nate in.

Ash walked up to the door and opened it without saying a word. Fez was sitting on the couch smoking a blunt as Nate walked in.

"Is she ready?" Nate questioned taking a look around the place before his eyes landed back on Fez. Taking another hit, he spoke up.

"Almost. Why don't you come have a seat?" Fez motioned to the couch adjacent from him. Nate nodded and began to walk over to it, Ash leaned against the wall watching his every move in a way to intimidate Nate.

Smirking to himself, he took the seat across from Fez.

“What is this some type of interrogation?” Nate questioned, motioning to Ash.

“No, it ain’t.” Fez began. “But just know if you hurt her, I will personally find you, and kill you.” He stated in his monotone voice. Nate scoffed at him before leaning back onto the couch.

“Listen, what is it? Fezco?” Nate questioned smugly. “I know you think your some kind of gangster shit because you sell drugs and you’re a high school dropout but I am not afraid of you. You see, I know you’re in love with (Y/N).” Fez kept staring at Nate with a straight face. “I’m not blind nor am I stupid. I watch the way you stare at her, how protective of her you are. How you would take your own life if it meant saving hers.”

“You don’t know shit, man. You think you own everything and everyone in sight because your daddy is a big shot but I see right through that and she will too when she decides to leave your pathetic ass.” Fez said taking a hit from his blunt.

Nate clenched his jaw as he began to speak again. “I know more than you think I do but it doesn’t matter when at the end of the night it’s my cock she’s taking. My name she’s screaming out. Not yours, it’ll never be yours. She sees you the same way the world does, a low life drug dealer who’s going know where in life. While her life moves forward, you’ll be stuck in the same place and eventually she will leave you behind. Just like your mommy did.” Just as Fez was about to jump off of the couch and lunge himself at Nate, (Y/N) walked out.

“Hey Nate, sorry for keeping you waiting. I hope the boys were nice!” She said glancing between Fez and Ash. Fez stood in the middle room with his fist clenched, staring daggers into Nate.

“Oh, they were great. Fezco and I were just having a wonderful conversation.” Nate said looking towards Fez with a smirk and a hint of sarcasm lacing his voice.

“That’s great! Well boys, I will be home late so don’t wait up!” (Y/N) said leaning down to give Ash a hug and walking towards Nate as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

“Okay, call me if you need anything.” Fez said through gritted teeth as he watched (Y/N) and Nate head for the door, his hand slowly sliding down to her ass before giving it a squeeze.

“I will!” She yelled out closing the door behind them.

“Fucking asshole.” Ash muttered before taking a seat on the couch Nate previously was.

(Y/N) POV:

Nate walked us out to his truck and opened the door for me before walking over to the driver's side and sliding in.

"I don't get why you hang out with them." Nate stated starting up the truck.

"Their grandmother practically raised me when my father abandoned me. They're family." Nate rolled his eyes as he took ahold of my hand.

"Well, I don't like the way Fez is with you, he's clearly in love with you." The thought of Fez being in love with you made your heat skip a beat.

"You're delusional, Fez is not in love with me."

"Whatever you say."

"Where are you taking me anyway?" You questioned trying to direct the conversation topic off of Fez.

With a smirk, Nate glanced in your direction. "That's for me to know and you to find out. This time it was your turn to roll your eyes with a smile.

After awhile of driving, Nate drove into a subdivision that looked like it was still being built.

"What are we doing here?" You glance at him.

"Well, my dad owns this subdivision and it is still being built which means there is no one around, which also means we have the whole place to ourselves." He said with a smirk, turning off the truck and unbuckling his seat belt. You followed suit as he began to climb out of the truck.

Nate began to walk towards one of the finished houses, opening the door with a key he had in his pocket. Just as you were about to walk in, your phone buzzed.

Fezzy ❤️ - 8:46

Yo, when you coming home?

Me - 8:47

I dunno, why is something wrong?

Fezzy ❤️ - 8:48

No, I was just hoping we could hang and smoke

You smiled at the text, unknowing that Nate was watching you.

Me - 8:50

Yes of course.

I'll be home soon:)

Putting your phone away, you looked back at Nate who was looking at you with narrowed eyes.

"Who was that?" He questioned.

"It was just Fez, he was wondering what time I was coming home." Nate nodded slightly before speaking up.

"Ah huh, and that made you smile?"

"Oh, well he asked if we could hang when I got home, nothing major." You said, sliding your phone into your back pocket. You glanced around the house, looking at the picture perfect setting in front of you. The inside of the house looked like it was taken from a magazine. "Wow, does anyone live here?" You questioned.

"No, my dad does up one of these houses for photos and then removes all the furniture afterwards." You nodded as Nate motioned for you to follow him before turning and beginning to walk up the stairs. Once you reached the top, he turned and took you by the hand and led you to one of the finished bedrooms.

Nate began to lead you to the bed before turning around and pulling you into him. With that, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to your lips, you smiled before pressing your lips to hs. Nate began to deepen the kiss, sliding his tongue in as you fought for dominance with him eventually winning. Leaning down, he grabbed onto your thighs before breaking this kiss to murmur "jump" onto them. You followed suit as he picked you up and began to walk you to the bed before laying you down.

Nate's hands began to slide up your thighs and onto your bum which resulted in you letting out a small moan, little did you know that when he did so, he slid your phone out of your back pocket and into his.

Smirking to himself at his accomplishment.

Nate had big plans when it came to you and Fez.

[xpao-bearx]

《Original post here》

Part 2 HERE

SUMMARY: [Supernatural TWD AU] In which Negan is a kinky incubus, Rick Grimes is your secret guardian angel, and Daryl Dixon is a gruff monster/demon hunter. Three drastically different men who can only agree on one thing: making you theirs.

PAIRINGS: Reader x Negan, Reader x Rick Grimes, Reader x Daryl Dixon (Polyamorous Ships)

RATING: Mature/18+/Romance & Smut. Please be prepared and do NOT report.

NOTE: This is actually my first time ever writing an xReader story series as well as writing on Tumblr (I usually only write on Wattpad). As such, it probs won't be perfect though I would SERIOUSLY appreciate your *respectful* feedback and support!

I understand writing xReader content can get a lil tricky, so please just keep in mind that not everything Y/N says or does would be something that you'd do IRL or even approve of. Also, sometimes I may not help but put a teeny bit of myself in Y/N...

Lastly, I recently got back into the TWD fandom after a looong ass time and I'm taking a while re-watching the whole show. So I apologize in advance if my portrayal of any of the characters are rusty or I may not remember too much of the events from the show, but I promise to do my very best and hope y'all enjoy~!! \(^o^)/

DEDICATED TO: The wonderful @blccdyknuckles and @negans-attagirl 💖

"Heavenly Sins"

Part 1

The sounds of laughter and easygoing chatter filled your ears as you walked closer to the church, a light breeze blowing through your F/C floral dress and the sun blinding your eyes. It was Sunday, most residents of the small town of Alexandria having gathered for mass.

It was a day like any other; peaceful and happy, children giggling and chasing each other around as their parents socialized outside before church could start.

Your heels clacking rhythmically on the pavement, you were just about to enter the building before a familiar voice called out.

"Y/N!"

Spinning, a huge smile instantly reached your ears as you saw none other than Carl Grimes waving enthusiastically at you as he jumped out of a car. From the driver's seat, his father soon followed as he stepped out.

Rick Grimes--dedicated sheriff of this fine town. His usual uniform forgone, instead replaced with a casual navy coloured suit. His baby blues met your E/C, flashing you a bright smile of his own that rivalled the sun itself.

Carl was running towards you now, and once in front he gave you a big hug.

"Settle down, cowboy! It's as if you haven't seen me in forever." You chuckled, ruffling Carl's hair affectionately.

"That's 'cause it did feel like forever." Carl pouted, eventually letting go as he looked up at you.

Before you can reply, Rick patted Carl's head and greeted you. "Hey, Y/N. How are things?" He asked in that endearing Southern accent of his.

"Just fine." You nodded, grinning before you couldn't help but let your gaze wander around a bit. "No Judith?"

It was then that Rick's smile faltered, but just barely. You nearly didn't catch it. "No. She's with her mom."

Rick was divorced from his ex-wife, Lori, after he discovered her cheating on him with his also now ex-bestfriend Shane Walsh. After the divorce, Shane and Lori quickly moved to the neighbouring community of Woodbury together and agreed on joint custody of the kids.

It really made your blood boil; you've interacted with Lori only a few times before so you didn't really have much of an opinion on her...that is, until, you learned what had happened between her and Rick. You knew it wasn't any of your business, but you cared about Rick a lot and he sure as hell didn't deserve to get cheated on.

"Oh." Was all you could say, quite stupidly. Your cheeks reddened, mentally slapping yourself before clearing your throat. "Will I see her in the daycare tomorrow, though?" You were a daycare teacher and even though you loved all of the kids, Judith was your favourite. She was simply such a sweetheart.

Rick nodded, his smile softening. "You got it."

You couldn't continue the conversation as the bells rang, making you jump out of your skin. Carl, noticing this, laughed which made you playfully roll your eyes before slinging an arm around him as all of you went inside.

♡♡♡

You took your place near the back of the church with Carl and Rick. Once everyone was settled and done singing, the service began and Father Gabriel stood on top of the podium. A few minutes into his sermon, the interruption of a motorcycle revving loudly outside sliced through the air. Gabriel flinched in surprise, and it was obvious he was desperately trying to keep his cool. Finally, when it was silent again, you found yourself biting back a smile knowing all too well who had caused the ruckus.

It seems Rick knew, too, judging from how his jaw clenched and his hands turned into tight fists.

The doors were thrown open, making Gabriel flinch once more and some of the congregation turning in the pews to look. But poor Gabriel quickly fumbled with his Bible, raising his voice just a tad to regain their attention.

There was a low whistle accompanying the approaching footsteps, but the congregation did their damn hardest to ignore the latest visitor.

"Damn... I assumed the church would be a lot more welcoming than this." A husky voice whispered, and you at last couldn't hold back as a smile broke through.

"Negan." You whispered back, turning slightly in your seat to see he has taken the spot behind you. His leather clad arms lackadaisically resting on your chair, the musky scent of his cologne invading your senses oh so wonderfully. "Fancy seeing you here."

"What? Is it really that surprising, darlin'?" He grinned, presenting a row of perfectly straight white teeth. "I go to church."

"Not all the time." You pointed out.

"Ah..." He chuckled softly, hazel eyes twinkling. "That's 'cause Father Creepy McGee over there is just that. Creepy. As. Shit."

You bit the inside of your cheeks, suppressing your laughter. True, Gabriel did have his moments, but he wasn't that bad. That didn't change the fact that Negan knew exactly how to tickle your funny bone, though.

He was new to Alexandria. It was a lovely town, but since it was relatively small not a lot of people want to move here not unless it was families looking for their children to grow up in a safe environment. Which was why it was quite a shock to find out that a single man like Negan chose this destination, and even more so when he took everyone aback with his infamous pottymouth and rather inappropriate charisma.

He had moved just a couple of houses down from yours, and you made it your mission to befriend him. Right from the get-go, he had piqued your interest and curiousity. He was different from everyone else--even possessing an air of mystery about him--and that definitely intrigued you. And also, perhaps you were just too nice and didn't want him to feel outcasted. Although, that didn't seem like an issue to him at all.

"Want one?" You were brought back to reality when you saw Negan's hand outstretched with a pack of cigarettes.

"Dude, we're in church." You reprimanded, frowning.

Negan didn't say anything, only cocking a brow and still with that same shit-eating grin. You sighed, finally giving in as you swiftly grabbed one and stashed it away in your purse for later.

"Y/N." You turned to the left, Rick's icy gaze piercing you. "Pay attention."

"R-Right. Sorry..." You mumbled sheepishly.

Carl, who was sitting in the middle of you and Rick, had dozed off. Rick nudged him, but the brunette only groaned softly and snuggled into Rick's chest. Defeated, the sheriff sighed and was just about to listen again to Gabriel before Negan cut in.

"Rick!" Negan purposely raised his voice, knowing it would get a rise out of the other man. "Didn't even see ya there. Howdy, cowboy!"

Rick grimaced, and it looked like he was just going to ignore Negan though he knew that if he did that then Negan would just irritate him even further. "Good to see you, Negan." He forced himself to say.

"Only you can say that while giving me such a deadly side eye, Grimes." Negan snickered. "How have you been? How's the wife?"

Rick flushed, his fists in a tight ball again and it looked like his nails would be digging into his skin. You abruptly swung into action, placing a hand on Rick's own.

"Rick..." You said gently. "It's okay. Calm down."

Rick did, his shoulders drooping as if a heavy weight had been lifted. He can barely pay any attention to Gabriel now, then you suddenly stood up and grabbed Negan's arm.

"We need to talk. Now."

"What, we going for a quickie?" Negan smirked, but that soon faded when he saw your serious expression. He sighed dramatically, reaching his full height as he towered over you before following you out.

At this point, you didn't care if people saw what transpired or would even start gossiping. No one, not even Negan, was allowed to harass Rick. He has helped you through so much shit--more than you'd like to admit--and you at least owed him this much.

Once outside, next to where Negan parked his motorcycle, you exploded. "What the fuck is with you?! You leave Rick alone, or I swear to fucking Christ I will--"

"Woah, woah, woah! Hold your horses, missy!" Negan guffawed, his hands up in mock surrender. "I mean, I like 'em feisty, but goddamn! Watch your fucking language."

"Tch. You're one to talk."

"Did you just scoff at me?" He raised his brows, putting his hands in his pockets as he slowly drew closer to you. A devilish grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, tilting his head slightly. "No one's ever fucking scoffed at me and didn't regret it soon after."

You frowned, letting out a huff as you met his gaze challengingly. "As if you'd do anything to me."

He was silent for several moments before chuckling, leaning back against his motorcycle. "You're right. I have too much of a soft spot for ya." He pulled out a cigarette, lighting it then taking a drag. He drew his head upwards, puffing out the smoke. "Whaddya say we just forgive and forget? I truly am sorry. You can even tell Rick that I am metaphorically down on my goddamn knees begging for forgiveness~"

"I'm not forgiving or forgetting anything until you actually face Rick and apologize yourself." You muttered. And without another word, you spun on your heel and strutted back inside the church with your head held high.

Negan's intent stare lingered where your ass had just been, taking another long drag and letting out a small laugh to himself.

His eyes suddenly glowed a crimson red, a smirk playing on his lips.

Oh, he really did pick a GREAT one.

[going2go-away4-awhile]

This isn’t What I Wanted: Chapter 1-Arrival

Summary:

Waking up in a hospital is always alarming, waking up in Hope County Hospital is terrifying. Suddenly thrust into a body that isn't hers and knowing nuclear fallout is on the horizon. Adaine must gather supplies while she can before the big day happens, and trying to stay clear of a radical cult is easier said than done.

Hi and thank you for clicking! I'm very nervous to be writing again, I haven't written fanticion since 2013. So please be patient with me if things don't seem right or if there are mistakes. I hope you enjoy reading!

    Also, I do know there is no real hospital in Hope County, but I’ve based this in Faith’s region near the jail.

FInd the story also on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/25543036/chapters/61978045#workskin

TW: Anxiety, Anxiety Attacks, Death, Description of dying, Car crash, Slight body Dysphoria.

Her name is Adaine. She loves her mom, likes animals and gardening, hasn’t found a real spot in life to settle into, and relaxes with a good game night with her friends.

(Adaine dies but at the same time she doesn’t. Nothing could have prepared her for this. Nothing in the world.)

_______________________________________________

Blearily waking to the sounds of quiet machines, voices murmuring faintly out of ear shot, and faint alarms going off in the distance. Her thoughts were slow, her whole being ached with a dull pain. Opening her sleep crusted eyes to a hospital room was surprising, given she knew the probability of her surviving a 50 foot drop off was astronomically low. But she needed answers, ‘How did you find me? Is my family coming? Where am I?’ Reaching for the call button was painful, but so worth the relief of seeing another person.

_______________________________________________

    Adaine had been out for 3 days, massive head trauma, a cracked rib and a broken foot. The Doctor had joked that she was lucky to survive the crash, but she didn’t survive a car crash. Last thing Adaine remembers was hiking and taking a tumble down a drop off, explaining this too the staff was met with gentle pitying tones of “Oh honey, your mind is blocking out the crash, it was a traumatic accident.”

    But it was all wrong, she had gone for a nice day walk on the Appalachian Trail in Kentucky and taken a nasty fall. How she ended up in bumfuck Montana after a car crash was nerve wracking. The staff had at least managed to get her phone, but everything in her phone was wrong. Her mother’s number was wrong, she didn’t have her best friend's contact info and all of her pictures told a different life than the one she led. Her social media timeline was off, her job wasn’t her job. Her mother’s number didn’t work. Having a major panic attack made the doctors take her phone rights away, sighting it was “detrimental to her health for the time being, we should focus on rehab for now.”

    Being stuck in a hospital for weeks was awful. The food was bland, the local accents were different, she didn’t have anyone here. She felt as though she was in a horror movie, when she looked in the mirror something was just off; her hair was longer, the mole she’s had all her life was gone. She was missing scars or the scars had simply moved a inch or so in another way. She had a million questions and no answers, ‘Where did the old Adaine go? Had her and her counterpart swap bodies? Why was this Adaine going to Montana?

When she tried contacting her family there was no answer and when she tried with friends, most claimed they had only met once or had never known her. The loneliness of the situation finally hit, Adaine didn’t get a good night's sleep for the rest of that week.

_____________________________________________________________

        Adaine had finally found the reason the old Adaine was in Montana. Apparently her great aunt had died and left her property and possessions to Adaine, the only family member she deemed “Smart enough to know what was really going on”. Whatever the fuck that meant. But, she felt a spark of love when she thought about the old woman, either from the old Adaine’s consciousness or the gratefulness she felt because this meant she wasn’t homeless and had a source of income for the time being. The property was 40 acres which had a house, river access at the back of the property, and a fallout bunker. Adaine felt a great sense of loss looking over the paperwork sent to her by her great aunt’s lawyer.

Hospital got marginally a little better every Friday, a small group from a local church would drop by and bring well wishes to those who were sick, and most importantly for Adaine, a chance of company. Adaine sometimes invited them in, but other times the thought of company was too overwhelming. She even met the Pastor of the church, Jerome Jeffries, a nice man who sat with her and talked about his own experiences in the hospital. However, every time he left, Adaine had a small voice ringing in her head.

You know him 

_____________________________________________________________

        Adaine could have jumped for joy, if she didn’t have boot on her foot, when she was cleared to leave the hospital. On the count she didn’t currently have a vehicle or that there wasn't any taxi service in such a rural area, Pastor Jeffries had offered to drive her to her new home.

“Pastor, I honestly can’t thank you enough.” Her voice breaking the quiet interior of the old pick up truck. She’s so nervous and excited, her stomach now housed butterflies and her heart had moved to her throat. Peering into the bed of the truck, where her measly belongings that survived the crash were stashed, she looked back at the normally soft spoken man driving.

Turning his expressive dark eyes to glance at her for a brief moment before he spoke, “Think nothing of it Adaine, I’m always happy to lend a hand to those in need.” His lips turned into a warm comforting smile, but warmth of the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. His hands tightened on the worn steering wheel, before relaxing once more. Feeling as though she had misspoke or had bothered him, she turned her head to look out the window. She could understand why her great aunt had moved out here, it was beautiful. Tall evergreen trees covered the landscape, roaming hills and valleys that were cut by crystal clear water of slow rolling rivers. She rested her head against the glass and let her mind wander.

_____________________________________________________________

    Her thoughts were broken when Pastor Jeffries spoke, “I’m sorry for your loss, I personally didn’t know your Aunt very well. Most folks who live up here tend to keep to themselves, hell I’m pretty sure there’s a good chance that i’ll never meet 15% of the population who lives here.” He waved at a passing car on the small dirt road they had taken, his attention once again back on Adaine. “Do you plan on living here? If you don’t mind me asking.”

    “No I don’t mind, I’m planning on staying here for a while at least. I’ve got to clean the house and the bunker before I’ll make a decision.” He nodded and hummed in understanding, before gesturing to her broken foot.

    “That's going to be a problem for you, I can give you a number to call for some help. He’s a good kid, his family is-was part of my congregation, name is Jackson Wilson. I would like to help but… there are some problems I need to deal with.” His lips tightened into a small frown as he talked, and when he finished his brow had furrowed. She couldn’t tell if his mood was downed talking about the family, his inability to help her, or the problems within his own life. 

Adiane offered a small grateful smile to him. “I would love to have some help around the house. Thank you again for helping me out, it really means a lot. And, if you ever need any help please let me know.” He nodded and smiled as they pulled onto a small dirt road with a rusty mailbox at the end. 

“Well this is the address.” A little ways from the main road sat a large old white house, the flowers her Aunt had planted were being strangled by tall weeds, paint chipping off the window shutters, and a rusty old pick up truck sat in the driveway. 

….It was a fixer upper for sure.

Carefully stepping out of the truck, Adaine took in a deep breath, her ribs twinged at the notion, but the smell of the forest surrounding her senses was worth it. Helping the Pastor Jeffries take her stuff out the back of the truck and lugged it to the front door, she fished out her keys and slotted it into the door. It opened with a small click, and she released a sigh of air she’d subconsciously been holding in. They placed her things in the foyer and took in the sight of her new home. Books, magazines, and mail were pilled here and there, dust covered the majority of the windows and end tables, and an old ratty blue rug greeted them.

    Coughing into his elbow, Pastor Jeffries took a step back out the door. “Well, it's a diamond in the rough.” His eyes darted from the overgrown garden to the inside of the dusty house. “A lot of rough.” He pulled out a cellphone from his back pocket, “Here let me give Jackson’s number.”

    Exchanging numbers with Pastor Jeffries and an introductory text from Pastor Jeffries for her, and an exchange in goodbyes. He moved to walk back to his truck, but stopped and took a few steps back toward her. The same frown he had had before on the car ride was back on his face.

    “I don’t want to seem rude, or God forgive me if I’m just being petty, but I think you should know something about Hope County.” He took in a deep troubled breath, “Recently there have been...disturbing allegations about a local religious group. It’s called Eden’s Gate, and I just want you to be careful around these people. It's run by a man named Joseph Seed and his brothers, I just don’t want you walking in blind, but I'm sure it’s nothing. I need to be heading back now, hope to see you later Ms. Adaine.” Adaine stood in stunned silence as Jermone Jeffries drove off. Ice cold fear shot through her body, she could feel her heartbeat in her ears like a rapid pace drum.

Eden’s Gate.

Project Eden’s Gate.

The Seeds.

Far Cry.

How could she be so oblivious, the familiarity of Pastor Jermone Jeffries, Hope County a name that she should have known. God she was so stupid.  Shaking hands grabbed the door frame to support her body from collapsing. The bombs, there was going to be a nuclear fallout and she was stuck in place that would become ravaged by a lunatic cult. Adaine sucked in a deep breath before her knees collapsed under her and her mind was overcome with fear.

_______________________________________________

    His body was slammed into rapidly passing trees, he clawed at the steep rocky ground. He had to stop. Why wasn’t he stopping? As he tumbled, he got a fleeting glance of a large piece of wood jutting out of his abdomen. Fear gripped his heart as his head came crashing down on a rock.

    A jolt of movement and suddenly he was driving a car swerving into a large forest. Fuck, fuck, fuck, turn the wheel! Jerking the wheel, caused the car to flip and the last thing he knows is his head slamming into the steering wheel.

    Jolting awake clutching his head, Joseph stumbles out of bed, barely making it to the bathroom before he vomited violently into the toilet. Resting his face against the cool floor tile, Joseph gets the last bits of the vision.

    Groggily waking up in an unknown place. Pain. His body is Pain. This isn’t right. Nothing is right. Sadness. Loneliness. Why doesn’t someone come for him? All alone. 

    Flashes of a face not his own in the mirror. Wrong. Things are wrong. 

    Strength. This will not break me, move on you must move on. 

    A trembling smile comes onto his face, finally you were here. He’s waited so long.