#joel fluff

[mybworlds]

Chapter 2

Paring: Joel x F!Reader (NO Y/N)

Warnings: pre!outbreak and post!outbreak, AU (there will be some characters, Joel's backstory is different), no Sarah, no Ellie (maybe!), a lot of flashback (at least in the first chapters!), age gap (reader is approx. 10 yrs younger than Joel), slow burn, mutual pining, angst, SMUT, unprotected sex, creampie, oral sex (m and f), fingering, masturbation (m and f), language, attempted SA, trauma, death and violence.

Rating: M

Masterlist

Word count: 3.6k

Summary: You work in the Millers' company, you are their friend, you have a job you love, your coworkers esteem and love you. Your life is perfect. Suddenly, one day, you wake up in the hospital, you are alone surrounded by silence and strange noises, your door is barricaded, but what happened? And what happened to the world out there?

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Thanks @saradika for the divider and the banner. Thanks @vase-of-lilies for the banner.

JANUARY 2014

You suddenly wake up and turn toward him, toward Joel, facing a man you remember so different from the way he's now, he gives his back to you, you observe him intent on putting something in a backpack, you don't know what exactly it is, it's all still so confusing. You turn in a supine position and look up at the windows, it's almost dark and it's raining. The only light comes from the street, it is dim and flickers.

You observe the apartment for what you can and notice the flaking paint off the walls, the broken appliances, some of the tiles torn off, you remember that as soon as you stepped foot in this place, you fainted and the last thing you remember was Joel's strong arms grabbing you preventing you from hitting your head.

You really struggle to reconcile your memories with what you see today, coming here you walked at a brisk pace and Joel insisted over and over again to avoid the main roads because controlled by FEDRA, but more than anything you struggle to reconcile the memory you had about Joel with the man you are standing next to today.

"Hey," Joel says noticing that you are awake, you see him leave what he was doing and approach you, you furrow your brow as you look at him, he strokes your forehead, and you, in an almost unconscious gesture, close your eyes "I was scared to death when you fell into my arms," he adds, you open your eyes again and look at him. His brown eyes are still the same, but something in his expression is changed.

"What happened? What…? I'm so confused…" you say letting a moan escape your lips and closing your eyes, you touch your head and feel it getting bandaged, he takes your hand and squeezes it between his, you look into his eyes feeling a weird feeling. It's not fear, it's something you can't even quite define, you sigh and find yourself swallowing without stopping looking into his eyes.

You can't remember much, everything's hazy.

"I can only imagine how ya might feel right now," he tells you and you find yourself nodding, "however, ya have to trust me, what I tell ya, okay?" he adds.

You hesitate about your answer, you just look at him for a long time in his eyes, in those eyes that…

"I'm sorry," you say as you sit up, but your head hurts so much, "but I don't … I don't know…"

"Wait, ya need to stay down," he says placing a hand behind the back of your head and making you lean your head back against the pillow "I get ya a painkiller," he adds moving away from you for a moment, you see him crouched in front of what you imagine is his backpack and you see him intent on digging and pulling out a packet of painkillers "here it is," he says opening the packet and rolling a pill into the palm of his hand "take it," you look first at the tube and then at him, his eyes, "trust me."

"Trust me." this word run through your head like a distant echo of something already lived and that's what it gives you the confidence to open your mouth and take the pill, then with one hand he holds your head up and helps you drink some water from a bottle, "Trust me."

You lie there until you feel light-headed again, "What happened?" you ask him as you open and close your eyes, you hear your voice almost muffled to your own ears, you feel his hand squeeze yours tightly, they're so warm, so big, "I don't know exactly when or where it all started, but since that day everyone's life has gone downhill. Some say it was a fungus taking over the host, some say it's a virus created in a lab, some think it's a parasite found in some foods. In any case, many, millions of people from what I know turned into things they call runners, some call 'em clickers, some call 'em in different ways depending on the stage of infection. Don't know, but what matters is that a bite is fatal 'cause ya become one of 'em." you swallow, widening your eyes, Joel squeezes your hand just a little tighter "I know 's overwhealming." you nod looking at his face, he caresses you "want ya to know that as long as I'm around, I won't let anyone hurt ya."

You nod, "But will there be a cure? A vaccine that can be created, right?"

He looks up from your face to the window behind you, his eyes are sad "Scientists, doctors all over the world have already tried, but nothing seems to stop this."

A great eerie dread makes its way through you, you're afraid, you're cold, "Joel," you reach for his hand in the dark, he immediately grasps your hand turning his gaze toward you "is this your home?"

"No, my home was on the other side of town, too far from the hospital. I wanted to be there when..." he says, but then stops abruptly.

Your head gets lighter and lighter "Mhm, mhm," you mumble "Joel?" you say "Talk to me some more." you add, closing your eyes.

"'bout what?" he asks, you feel him so close, you can't open your eyes, you're so tired.

"What did we do before the hospital? We worked together, right?" he caresses your head, it's such a sweet gesture, so intimate in a way.

"Yes, we were a good team, and you were the most dogged and capable worker of all. You, Tommy and I were friends as well as colleagues..."

JANUARY 2012

"Please," Joel says holding the door open for you, you smile at him lowering your gaze for a moment and then look up to the venue, it's a very nice, refined, cozy place.

"It's a beautiful place," you say when he moves a chair to let you seat, you smile looking first at the warm colors of the venue and then you dwell on the beautiful man in front of you who finally invited you out, you are so excited that you are afraid to say or do something wrong that might ruin everything, he smiles at you and seems just as nervous as you. It's so different Joel away from work, the worker Joel is precise, even rigid and prickly at times; while the man in front of you is shy, sweet, actually he always has been with you, aided by the fact that you work well - those are not your words, but everyone starting with Katherine and your four department colleagues, and then including the executive and monitoring team and finally Joel and Tommy themselves apart from your mutual liking and affection.

Joel taps his fingers on the table, he should order something to drink, but he is too focused on watching how you arrange your hair on your shoulders, how you curl a strand of hair around one of your fingers, how you smile as you lower your gaze, he finds it so tender and sexy that he has to pull himself together, he always found you sweet and delicate, precise and decisive, strong and resolute, a fatal mix in his eyes. He has always found you beautiful since the first time he saw you in that alley, eyes full of fear, fearful of him and Tommy, and today inviting you was an achievement in his eyes.

"I'm glad ya accepted my invitation," he says, looking at you stealthily.

"If the boss calls!" you joke with a shy smile lighting up your eyes, and when that happens, Joel can't help but smile too.

"was hoping ya'd say ya were pleased to receive a friend's invitation, I mean…we met before work, right?" you nod nervously bringing your hands to the table "If it bothers ya…"

"Oh no, no, no." you interrupt him by settling better in your chair "Forgive me, I didn't mean to snap or be rude, it's just…"

"Afraid that someone from work might see us together? If there's a problem," he says interrupting you "Tell me and I'll set him straight." he adds, you know he would be capable of it, Joel would really do anything for the people he cares or loves. You smile shaking your head, "My door 's always open for ya, remember." he adds again taking your hand in his "Don't get me wrong, it's just that... I love ya and I want ya to be able to work as peacefully as possible and feel as comfortable as possible." you can't help but look at your joined hands, your hand clasped in his, at how big, warm and enveloping is, at how this gesture is so intimate and familiar.

Joel's heart beats fast in his chest, he takes great pleasure in seeing that you did not avoid his touch, that you are not bothered or said words full of annoyance.

"I love you too, Miller."

JANUARY 2014

"I don't remember," you tell him in a light voice, almost as if you were speaking to him in a dream. You feel his hands wrapping around yours, "Don't worry, it'll take time, but ya will remember," he says trying to soothe you about this your confusion.

"Do you know how I feel?" you say again, "Like I'm surrounded by thick clouds of fog, what you've told me is like I've lived it in a dream. I wish I could remember everything you are telling me, but..." he nods lowering his head, then he looks up again and kisses your forehead in a gentle gesture, you instinctively close your eyes savoring his soft lips on your forehead tickled at the same time by his beard.

"Ssshh, don't worry," he says still smiling at you weakly "If necessary, I'll tell ya everything since we met, ya don't have to worry about that."

"Joel..." you whisper "when, I had the accident? Was it before everything," you say looking around, "ended?"

"Happened on the second day, all of Seattle went crazy, stores besieged, pharmacies, people were out of control." he pauses squeezing your hand tighter between his "It was the end of the world, the cancer that hit us was spreading like wildfire, everywhere. Children, women, men, the elderly, no one could escape it." he adds.

"And how did we survive?" you ask again, your head getting lighter and lighter.

"It was ya, from the moment ya heard about these fevers and mysterious attacks, ya started stocking up on canned food, protein bars, water, medicine, anything that could be useful for survival. Ya immediately informed Tommy and me, but also other colleagues of yours. Only Tommy and I listened to ya though, the others thought ya were being influenced by the news from TV." he concludes "Now no more questions, rest. Let's continue later."

"Promise?" you ask, by now your voice a pale echo.

"Promise. Trust me." he says, caressing your head once more.

"Trust me..." you repeat and then give in to the drug-induced sleep.

Suddenly you wake up when you hear gunshots, "Joel!" you're in complete darkness, you feel your heart in your throat "Joel!" you cry out frightened and getting up suddenly, Joel reaches you "Hey, hey, hey," he takes you in his arms hugging you "ssh, quiet, baby, I'm here!" you hide your face in the crook of his neck, his hand in your hair "ssh, ssh, ssh, it's okay, I'm here, I'm here." he smoothly repeats, as outside the gunfire continues, you cling to him throwing your arms around his neck, shaking.

You hear inhuman screams and gasps, those same gasps you heard in the hospital, followed by gunshots and more human screams. "I don't understand…" you are going to say, but he shushes you again by holding you to him, you close your eyes feeling your heart beating hard in your chest "please take me away, I don't want to be here," you whisper in his ear.

"That was the plan," he also whispers in your ear "I was coming to you to get ya, everything was ready. I had even packed my backpacks," you feel his hand tighten just a little more in your hair "then Tommy called…"

"Tommy…" you repeat his name "He's… your brother, right?" you ask, pulling away from him by loosening your grip.

"Yes, the two of you were-- you are very close." he tells you "That morning, he was in a bar and I don't know what he was doing there, but the fact is that he got into a fight with a couple of drunks, or so he said. You as soon as ya heard that he was in danger, you rushed over."

"What about you? Were you with him? I called you, what happened?" you ask looking into his eyes for what is possible.

Joel caresses your cheek in a distracted gesture "No, but you told me on the phone what happened to my brother and I reached ya right away. Tommy was fighting with such fury, I'd never seen him like that…I didn't think twice about…" he swallows "killing that person, that one was growling, making non-human sounds." he looks you in the eye "It was hell in the city, people running, people screaming, people storming stores, violence. We were no longer us, none of us were anymore." he concludes.

You turn your head the other way to the window from which the screams came, now there is only the pelting rain and a few flashes of lightning lighting up the sky. Whatever happened, it's over. Joel follows you a half-step away "Don't look out the window, it's dangerous," you look at him or, rather, half-turn toward him "people, those who survived, are like crazy. Everyone is trying to survive as best they can," he adds again.

You have a headache again, but you do your best to push away that throbbing pain "And why didn't you leave? I mean, I could never wake up and you could have abandoned me in that hospital with those... those things and go away, why didn't you go away?"

He reaches out to you taking your head in his hands, "I could never, never leave ya. I came every day, I'm the one who at one point, when I saw that you were starting to wake up, I unplugged all the monitors because you were showing all the signs of healing. Before to do that, I did the crazy thing of documenting myself in the library. I couldn't leave you there, I would never allow that."

"But why?" you insist again.

"Because -- because we're friends, you and I, even though you don't remember."

You find yourself blinking, "How did I end up in the hospital? Was it in that bar you were telling me about?"

You can't see his expression clearly given the almost total darkness surrounding you, "There was a widespread confusion, inside that bar, outside, people were running, some people started showing signs of infection and attacking others, then there were pile-ups and a car smashed through the glazing of that place, you were ahead of us and it hit ya."

You lower your head, close your eyes, and for a few moments you feel pain, screaming, your light-headed, someone calling you repeatedly, someone shouting to take you to the emergency room right away, then it all fades.

"How long was I in that state?" you ask in a whisper.

"Almost four months." he replies "You were lucky, you broke your legs plus various bruises," he adds, caressing your head.

You step back and go back to sit on the couch, taking your head in your hands, "Tommy, why isn't he with you? You-- you said the three of us were friends, but then where is he?"

He sits next to you barely making the couch squeak, "We took ya to the hospital together, there they told us they would take care of you and for a while we stayed with ya, then the contagion spread there too. Tommy and I got separated there in the ER, he just yelled to me that he would do anything to join Maria in Jackson."

"Maria? Jackson?" you ask confused "Who is Maria? His, uh, wife? His fiancée? Do I know her?"

"No, no, he met her outside of work, I don't know if he ever introduced her to you. I don't know her. Let's just say I was very strict with him from that point of view," Joel replied, sighing loudly.

"He loved having good time, I guess," you state.

"Nice guess, baby." says Joel turning to you and gently stroking the back of your head "How's your head, rather? Do you still have pain?"

"No, pain no, but I feel slightly nauseous." you answer.

Joel stands up, "Listen, under normal circumstances, I'd take ya to a doctor. Chances are you weren't ready for everything you've already done or listened." he tells you "You hungry?" he gets up and takes a jar from his backpack "We could eat one of these Van Camp's Pork and Beans, what d' ya think?" you nod "For two? " you nod again, at that moment a first loud clap of thunder echoes along the city streets and in that dingy apartment, you and Joel find yourself silently eating from those tin cans, every now and then he glances your way perhaps to make sure you are all right and have no meltdowns of any kind. When you finish eating, Joel takes the tin cans and leaves them on a shelf in the kitchen, walks you to the bathroom door fearing you might fall or get dizzy; he leaves you a small flashlight advising you not to point at the window for any reason and then closes the door behind him giving you some privacy.

You almost feel like you're in a blender, all these events of the past and present swirling almost meaninglessly in your head, you have a lot of confusion: you, Joel and Tommy were friends, according to him, Tommy left, Joel stayed. Why did he stay? Joel did not answer your question yet. Also, Joel said the three of you worked together, but what did you do? Were you an engineer, an architect, a factory worker, a doctor, an astronaut, who were you?

FEBRUARY 2012

"I'm saying this for you, there's something between Charlotte and Joel!" Jane says again while the two of you are waiting for the bus "Think about it, Charlotte was very nervous last month after talking to Joel and he, who's not funny at all, treats her badly, but the worse he treats her the more she seeks him out!"

"I don't understand your reasoning, if a person treats another badly then it's not love!" you insist.

"Forget 'bout love, but what if just it's sex?" she continues, you feel a painful grip, luckily the bus arrives at that moment and you can hide your tears and that sense of inadequacy and inferiority that is making its way inside of you "Sorry, but I don't want you to get hurt. I'm glad I realized who Tommy was, a guy who likes to have good time! Unfortunately, I think it's a Millers characteristic..." by now you don't listen to her anymore, you can't nor you want to believe that the sweet and shy man you dated three weeks ago at the same time is dating someone else, no, you don't want to believe it, what you always believed you can well read are Joel's eyes, his words and actions may lie, but not his eyes. His eyes inspired and inspire you trust and affection, you can't believe he can pretend like that.

Your stop is only a few blocks away, you get off the bus and head towards the company building, you swipe your pass to get into the elevator and get on, Jane apologizes for being so direct with you, but you just tell her a don't worry, it's okay, but the your tone of voice is distant, she understands because she doesn't insist. When the doors open, Charlotte is the first person you see, and she is glowing that morning, handing you a coffee, and you don't know if Jane's words made you paranoid, but the fact is that the way she speaks and what she says seems to you an obvious allusion to you, to Joel, to Tommy, to your friendship. You try not to show yourself piqued by his tone and words, you don't want to have a case of hysteria and run to Joel to ask him if it is true that he dates Charlotte off of work, rather you focus on work and put all your thoughts on hold. On the other hand, you and Joel are just friends, he can see whoever he wants, it's you who have a big crush on him.

"Everyone's attention, please," Katherine says after almost five hours of hard work, "these are Kyle and Arnold, from now on they are part of the team, so I invite you to make 'em feel welcome right away, if you need anything," she says turning to the two men, "ask me or her," she says pointing at you and immediately mentioning your name, the two men look at you and you can't help but feel flattered and at the same time a little embarrassed, then Katherine invites them to settle at their desks and later she will explain to them the work they will have to do.

Kyle is a young man in his late thirties, he has blond hair, bright eyes, lean body, and a very simple look. Arnold is in his early forties, he's bald, brown eyes and a hint of a mustache and beard, broad shoulders and a athletic build. They all greet you with a handshake and a big smile. Well, that's the best way to start working together!

The day thankfully spends pleasantly and all of you spend your break together, you find out that your two new colleagues are very nice and friendly, Kyle is from Texas like the Millers - and that's a point to his favor - Arnold is from New York and told you many stories from his youth in the Big Apple, stories that made you laugh out loud, when you turn to the elevator, you see Joel who pretends to look at some papers he had in his hands and presses the elevator button and leaves.

JANUARY 2014

Joel doesn't know exactly why he remembered that very day when the two new interns arrived, perhaps he remembered about of your sweet smile and your loud laugh that made him smile and brighted his days in such a dark time when there is no reason to be cheerful.

He doesn't want to be intrusive, but he is genuinely concerned about you, maybe he should have been less direct about what is happening to all humankind, maybe you need a little more time, although time is precious in this reality and it may be short.

You open the door, your head and eyes down and your flashlight pointed at the cracked tiles, then you look up, "Tomorrow, if you want we can go, anywhere you want."

Joel finds himself nodding and smiling at you "I'll keep you safe, I promise. Trust me."

[tightjeansjavi]

⋆｡˚❆˚ ｡⋆ Tinsel ⋆｡˚❆˚ ｡⋆

A/N: all I gotta say is..WHEN IS IT MY TURN DAMMIT 🥲

joel deserves nice things™ ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

~word count: 4.9k~

pairing | boyfriend! Joel Miller x f! reader

Summary: it’s Christmas and we’re all in misery, but your Texas hunk of a boyfriend makes sure that this holiday season you feel loved.

Warnings: fluff, smut, angst, mommy issues for the reader, typical holiday angst, readers mother is a bitch, mentions of smoking and consuming alcohol, unprotected piv, dom/sub vibes, fingering, daddy kink, praise kink, orgasm denial, cock warming, light ass slapping, unconditional love, Sarah and Ellie exist in this universe (Ellie is adopted) best friend! Tommy, close family vibes, soft! Joel, protective! Joel, Tommy is like a big brother to the reader, reader has no physical descriptions, there is one scene where Joel picks the reader up, no age gap, Christmas traditions, +18, minors dni! Please let me know if I missed anything!

“Hey, babe?” You chimed from the living room. Both hands on your hips as you peered up at your beautifully decorated Christmas tree. “Do you think the tree could use some more tinsel?”

Your boyfriend, Joel Miller was in the kitchen with Sarah and Tommy who were on cookie duty, while Joel was crafting together the best goddamn gingerbread house your mother would ever see in her lifetime. (You hoped)

“Here she goes again with the tinsel.” Sarah giggled, gently nudging her uncle with her elbow.

Joel gave his daughter a playful warning glare before picking up a dusting of flour between his fingers and threw it at her with a grin. “Be nice, baby girl. Y’know how her mom is with this stuff. Everythin’ has gotta be perfect.”

“I’ll be there in just a sec, honey!” He called back, brushing his flour coated hands on his apron and retreated from the kitchen while Tommy and Sarah snickered.

“I still think we should add more tinsel, Joel. Maybe more ornaments? If she sees a single bald spot on the tree—” you’re caught off guard from bare, broad arms wrapping around your waist from behind. His aquiline nose brushes the exposed bit of skin along your neckline. He inhales deeply, smelling of cinnamon, clove, and ginger with a hint of Joel.

“Baby,” he rasps warm and deep, lips pressing to your warmed skin with affectionate sweetness. “The tree is gorgeous. I don’t see any bald spots.” A gentle squeeze to your hips, followed by another peck.

“But—” your voice falls short.

You melt back into his arms the way that marshmallows do in steaming hot chocolate. Pliant in his hold, suppressing a giggle when the scratchy bits of his patchy beard gently scrape your skin.

“But nothin’, baby. How about you help frost the cookies, hm? Get your mind off this damn tinsel.” You feel his lips curve into a smile along your skin. His chuckle vibrates up his chest and through your sweater covered spine. His hands drop from your hips, settling against the curve of your back, fingertips slipping into the denim pockets.

Cheeky.

A grumbled sigh from your lips, agreement, for the time being. The topic of tinsel would be brought up again. Your hand floated upwards towards his face, fingertips ghosting the patchy spots that you loved to press hidden kisses to. A finger hooks around his jaw, pulling him downwards to meet you in a kiss.

He obliges to your silent request. His nose brushes yours eliciting a sweet giggle to pass through your parted lips. The sounds of Santa Baby drowns out in the background. White noise compared to the steady thumping of yours and Joel’s synchronized hearts.

“I’ll be bringing up the tinsel again, Joel.” You murmur through the palpable warm tension.

“I know you will, darlin’” he tuts playfully, “But shh. Less talkin’, baby. Kiss me, doll.” He all but demands. The gap between you is closed. He kisses you sweetly, squeezing your flesh below the denim fabric. You swat playfully, melting once more when his tongue swipes your lower lip, testing—

“Ain’t hearin’ much talkin’ goin’ on in there!” Tommy remarks from the opening of the kitchen. Smirk plastered.

It’s Joel’s turn to grumble. A hint of annoyance on his breath. He breaks away from the kiss begrudgingly, but not before he can whisper just for your ears to hear, “we’ll finish this later.” Shortly followed by an encouraging pat to your jean clad ass, and a nudge towards the kitchen.

“These cookies ain’t gonna frost themselves!”

“Relax, brother. We’re coming!” Joel shoots you a wink with a suggestive tilt of his chin in your direction. The simple action alone sends a wave of arousal gushing through the thin fabric of your panties. A jolt, like a bolt of lighting.

4 years of dating your Texas hunk, and the sparks were still flying.

Sarah and Tommy both give you and Joel a cheeky little grin once you appear in the kitchen. An apron is tossed in your direction. Your eyes roll playfully with a shake of your head.

Joel returns to his gingerbread house making when you realizing that there’s one more member missing. “Is Ellie still asleep?” You ask while glancing at the clock along the wall.

“Must be. I’ll go and drag her out of bed.” Joel announced. He untied his apron and laid it flat across the table. He brushed past you on his way out of the kitchen.

Ellie Miller was in fact still dead asleep when he quietly pushed open her bedroom door. “Ohh Jelly Bean.” He cooed, using her least favorite nickname purposely.

A pillow was tossed carelessly in his direction with the intent to hit him, but Joel was ready for it and ducked out of the way. “C’mon, baby girl. It’s half past 10 and we could really use your help downstairs.” Joel said while reaching for the comforter to yank back.

“Can’t the cookies frost themselves? Y’know how I feel about the holidays, Dad.” She grumbled with her face squished into her pillow.

“Mhm. I sure do. Just a buncha commercialized crap around a jolly big ole’ fat man that breaks into people's houses, steals their cookies, and leaves crap under the tree. The only cool part of Santa Claus is his reindeer.” Joel said monotonically.

“You’re forgetting the bit where Rudolph is the coolest because of—”

“His bright shinin’ red nose. See, I remember these things, kiddo. Now, please get on up and help us out. If you don’t wanna frost the cookies, then you can help me finish with the gingerbread houses. Fair deal?” Joel crossed his arms against his chest while he awaited her response.

Ellie let out a long, dramatic sigh before she slowly pulled herself up into a sitting position. “Yeah, yeah. Okay. I’ll come down and help out.” She grumbled.

“Thank you, grinchy.” He said teasingly while she shot him a playful glare. “There’s coffee downstairs too, if ya want any.”

Her nose turned upwards as she let out a disgusted sound. “Gross. Y’know how I feel about that stuff. It’s nasty. Smells like burnt shit. Don’t know how you drink that crap.” She grimaced.

“Hot chocolate?” He suggested with a warm grin.

“Now we’re talkin.’” She grinned.

Once the cookies were properly frosted, and the two gingerbread houses were fashioned, it was time for a well deserved break. Tommy volunteered to take Sarah and Ellie out sledding and then lunch while Joel stayed back to help you clean the kitchen.

Your boyfriend had his own idea of ‘cleaning’ and taking a break. You had just started the dishes when you felt his warm presence envelop and invade your senses. His strong arms were wrapped around you once more, and the tip of his broad nose was pressed into your neck, curls tickling your cheekbones.

“Have you come to help me with washing duty, baby?” You asked softly when his lips pressed an opened mouth kiss to your exposed skin. You learned very quickly early on in your relationship that Joel Miller was a lover, and a giver. He always needed to be close to you in some way.

“Mhm. I have, honey. But, I was hopin’ I could make you feel good first. I think the dishes can wait. Don’t you?” He nuzzled against you, thumbs slipping through the front pockets of your jeans.

“Joel..” you warned.

“Please, baby. I know the holiday season gets you all wound up. Let me help you relax, and then I will do the dishes and finish cleaning up here. Afterwards, you and I can settle in for a well deserved nap. How’s that sound?”

How did you get so lucky?

“You’re so good to me, baby. I suppose we can—” your words become lodged in your throat when his teeth graze your delicate skin. He nibbles playfully, knowing just how to get his girl going. His fingers toy with the button on your jeans before he pops it open.

“You’re my girl, ain’t ya? I live for makin’ you happy and feelin’ good. I love you very much, darlin.’ And I’ll be damned if this time of the year beats you down again.” He whispers while pulling down the zipper swiftly. His unoccupied hand slips under your sweater where he can feel your stomach clench inwards, the quickness of your breath while he splays his long, rugged fingers across your skin.

(If you ain’t dating a proper cowboy yet, then what the hell are you doin?’)

You allow yourself to indulge and melt into his grasp when his hand slips beneath the confines of your jeans, and below your panties. His broad fingers stroke gently between your folds, gathering up the slickness that has pooled there from this morning’s earlier interaction.

“Talkin’ of tinsel really gotcha goin,’ huh baby? Or was it the way that your handsome boyfriend was talkin’ to ya? Is that what got your pretty little pussy drippin?’” He purrs and your knees nearly buckle. Your Joel has never been shied away from dirty talk, and he knows how much you love it when filth drips from between his perfect lips.

You laugh, and it’s music to his ears whenever you let your guard down around him. Your head falls back ceremoniously against his shoulder, admiring his side profile through fluttered lashes. “It definitely wasn’t the damn tinsel, that’s for sure.”

“Thought so.” He mused with a rumbling deep chuckle. He’s acutely aware of your budding desperation taking the front and center stage when your hips buck upwards into his palm. “Someone’s a bit eager, hm? Want me to stretch this pretty pussy apart with my fingers, baby? S’that what my sweet girl wants?”

“Mhmm.” Is really all you’re able to get out because your mind is swirling, intoxicated with your boyfriend, and his goddamn hands that know how to play you to ruin. A flush rises to your cheeks, skin burning red hot like embers in a fire when his lips ghost the shell of your ear, sending a warm chill down every vertebrae in your spine.

“Can’t hear ya, honeybun. Gonna need ya to speak up for me.” His fingers dip down lower, teasing your tight wet hole that pulses around nothing, feeling empty and neglected thus far. His teeth bite down on your lobe, tugging it down playfully and elicit a desperate little mewl to slip past your lips.

“Fingers, daddy. Now. Please.” Your requests come out scrambled, misconstrued, but audible nonetheless. He seems pleased enough with your response and slowly sinks in two of his thick digits; ring and middle knuckle deep inside of your pulsing cunt. His hand encasing your entire mound while his thumb finds your clit with ease, curling his fingers inwards in a ‘come hither’ motion.

“Fuuck.” You moaned, wanton, depraved, love drunk on your Texas hunk.

His non-dominant hand that was presently resting along your stomach drops down. It takes him all of 5 seconds to tug your jeans down over your ass and thighs, exposing your bare skin to the room temperature air. His hand massages your supple flesh, curving against your spine before pulling back and returning with one firm smack to your left cheek that echoes through the expanse of the kitchen. “‘Atta girl.” He praises you lovingly, massaging the irritated skin before he delivers another smack, harder this time. It’s just enough to send you jolting forward into his hand, crying out his name.

The muscles in his bicep flex under the natural light flooding in through the kitchen windows. His fingers pump in and out, in and out. The mixed sounds of your pleasure, and your cunt squelching around his fingers sends blood flowing southwards to his hardening cock. You feel the press of him against your lower back when you reach around, fingers blindly searching till they find their home against the bulge in his jeans.

He grunts, lower lip taken harshly between his teeth, the speed of his wrist movements increase when you stroke him through the tight confines. You can feel all of him through the fabric, and you’re prideful that his desperately hard cock is just for you.

“Gonna fuck yourself against my fingers, baby? Gonna use me to get yourself off?” He questions hastily, breath shuddering when he finds himself grinding his hips in your hand with a need to satiate the building friction.

“Yes, daddy.” You whimper, mouth falling open in an ‘o’ shape when his fingers kiss that spongy spot that has you seeing stars. You’re so close, nearly at the edge when his fingers slip out, leaving you abandoned before his bending down and hoisting you over his shoulder like a rag doll.

His steps are calculated and precise carrying you up the stairs to your shared bedroom. He tosses you on the bed in a playful manner, lips finding yours in a chaste kiss while his hands tug your jeans down completely, followed by your panties. “Couldn’t wait any longer to be inside ya, baby” his words fall like whispers against your lips. You reach for his belt, undoing it with that sweet giggle that he loves so much.

He licks into your mouth like a man starved when you finally release him from his confines. His cock springs free, slapping against his stomach. His lips detach, a string of saliva connecting you to him before he plops down beside you on his back.

“We don’t even need to fuck, honey. Jus’ wanna be inside ya. Take a nap with my cock keepin’ you stuffed full.” He’s vulgar, greedy when he reaches for you. You melt like putty, sticky and sweet, and dripping.

“I love keeping your cock warm, daddy. Almost as much as I love it when you send me to a new dimension.” You murmur, settling against his chest. Your hand reaches down between your bodies, grasping his length and guiding it to your opening. A combined sweet sigh when he eases himself inside of you.

“So fuckin’ perfect for me. Warm, wet, huggin’ me s’tight.” He sounds drunk now too. His grin is lazily, placid when your eyes meet in a loving gaze. His hips shift beneath you, bottoming out, filling, stretching, while you pull him in.

His chin dips down, capturing your lips once more. It’s probably one of his favorite things to do, kissing you. Lips that he believes were made for him. A peck to your nose follows, teeth nibbling, giggles, sweet sounds.

“Joel?” You ask through the domestic calmness that shelters you both.

“Mhmm?” He rumbles, words rolling slowly against his tongue.

“I love you.”

His arms shift to wrap around you, holding you close. Heartbeats entwined. “I love you too, baby doll. And no matter what happens this Christmas, you’re perfect to me. No matter what your mother thinks, or says, you’re perfect.”

“Did you knit these ghastly things yourself?” Your mother criticizes the sweaters you knitted for yourself, Joel, Tommy, Ellie, and Sarah. It was your first big knitting project. A daunting task at first, but the old ladies at the senior center you volunteered at were both charming, and helpful.

“Yes, mother. I knitted them myself.” Her words hurt, but that’s what champagne spritzers are for. You take a hefty sip from your champagne flute.

“Well, the pattern is all wrong, dear.” She drops the sleeve of your sweater with a sigh. “Your home looks lovely, by the way, but your tree could use more tinsel. I noticed five bald spots when I first walked in.” She has no idea how many hours you spent decorating the tree in the living room, the mantles, outside in the front yard. You worked tirelessly with your family, and she still had the audacity to say something negative about it.

You fake a smile, catching a glance from your Texas hunk who is preoccupied in the kitchen with making sure that dinner is absolutely perfect.

“Thank you for the compliment, mother. Can I get you more champagne?” You ask, hoping that you can just take a breather finally.

“Oh, thank you dear, that would be lovely. Where’s that boyfriend of yours, Joe?” She waved her wrist carelessly, bracelets chiming in your ears. Even after four years, your mother still didn’t call your boyfriend by his real name.

“His name is Joel, mother. And he’s in the kitchen with his brother who is helping him with dinner.” You respond flatly.

“Joe. Joel, what’s the difference?” She doesn’t get it. She never does, and never will.

“Mother, it’s rude. He’s my boyfriend of almost five years, and you can’t even bother to remember his name?” You’re on the edge of snapping. It's not fair that your mother thinks that just because her husband divorced her that she gets to make everyone close to her miserable too.

“He’s still your boyfriend? Well, by now I surely would think that you’d be engaged and married. Who in their right mind plays house with a man for almost five years? Dear, have I taught you nothing?”

Tears prick the corner of your eyes from the blow of her words. You and Joel never felt like you needed to get married. It was just a piece of paper, shared finances, social status that neither of you cared for. You loved each other, you loved Sarah and Ellie, and viewed Tommy like a brother. Wasn’t that enough?

“Excuse me, mother, while I go top off your glass.”

She doesn’t see the glassy look in your eyes when you snatch the flute from her. Your footsteps carry you directly to the kitchen. For a brief moment you think about tossing the glass into the sink and letting the crystal shatter, but you opt to set it down on the counter.

Joel and Tommy are watching you closely from a distance. You’re visibly upset, and no fake smile can hide that.

I just need a breather.

The air is chilly, and the sky is clear with twinkling stars. Your tears glisten under the Christmas lights hanging above the front step when you hear the front door open and close. You move quickly to douse out the lit cigarette that is pursed between your painted lips, feeling a twinge of shame from a habit you couldn’t quite break.

“You don’t gotta hide that on my account, sweetheart.” Tommy said softly with his hands shoved in his jean pockets.

“I just..needed something to take the edge off.” You know that there’s no reason to explain yourself to him, or anyone for that matter. Tommy’s been your best friend for years, and he was the one that introduced you to Joel in the first place.

“I get it. Family can be real assholes sometimes, huh? It’s like that one scene in National Lampoon’s where the wife says, “it’s Christmas and we’re all in misery.” He chuckles.

“Yeah, and the misery is my mother.” You scoff and offer him your cigarette.

“Ah. What did she have to say this time around?” He asks while taking the cigarette between your fingers and bringing it against his lips.

“What didn’t she have to say?” You stifled a bitter laugh. “Five bald spots on the tree. The sweaters I knitted are ghastly, and she refuses to call Joel by his real name. Oh, and the cherry on top? She thinks I’m naive for ‘playing house with a man who isn’t even my husband.’”

“Bald spots? Where? The sweaters you made us are adorable, and what a bitch. I swear, that woman grows more callous every year. Who cares if you and Joel aren’t married? What’s it any of her business to do in your private life? You’re happy, aren’t you? She’s jus’ bein’ bitter cus’ you got a man that loves you unconditionally, and her husband left her.” Tommy finishes off what is left of the cigarette before he douses it out with the toe of his boot.

More tears begin to freely fall when you begin to fold in on yourself. “I love that man so fucking much, Tommy. He makes me so unbelievably happy and I just wish she could support me. To be my mother for once in her goddamn life and not this jealous..entity.” You sniffled.

“Oh, honey, it’s Christmas time and tears are not allowed!” Tommy attempted to joke, but when he saw just how upset you were, he switched gears and wrapped you up in his arms. “She’ll never understand, unfortunately. But that’s her loss. She could be real happy for you, and Joel, if she wanted to. But jealous people miss out on those happy moments I’m afraid. She refuses to be happy, and that ain’t have anythin’ to do with you, sweet pea.” He reassured you.

What Tommy really wanted to tell you, but couldn’t say, was that soon enough he’d be your brother in law, and your Texas hunk was going to ask you to marry him, to be his wife, at the stroke of midnight tonight when all the guests would retire home.

“You’re right, Tommy. You’re absolutely right. She’s choosing to be unhappy for me. That’s her choice, not mine. And you know what? Fuck her. She doesn’t get to hold this over me. I’m happy, and I refuse to let her ruin that for me.” You hug him back tightly.

“‘Atta girl. Now, let’s get back inside before my brother starts worryin’ more than he already has. I’ll entertain your mother so that you can have a break. How’s that sound?”

“Really? You’ll do that for me? Thank you, Tommy. I appreciate it.”

“Anytime, sweetheart. I’ll get her all liquored up.” He jokes with a playful wink.

Your lips peck his cheek in a non-romantic gesture. Tommy has always been your rock.

Dinner surprisingly runs smoothly, and you no longer have to deal with your mother because Tommy is talking up a storm with her, and she actually..smiles? Maybe it was just the champs.

Your Texas hunk is seated beside you with his hand resting along your thigh underneath the table. His thumb is rubbing reassuring circles against the silky fabric of your tights. He checks in with you between bites, silent glances, softened eyes. God, you loved this man.

Ellie, Sarah, and Joel helped you with the dishes while Tommy drove your cousin home. He had a crush on her for years, and finally grew a pair to make it known. Your mom, thankfully, went home with your aunts.

It was nearing midnight when Joel returned from upstairs after saying goodnight to the girls and wishing them sweet dreams. He found you curled up in the loveseat next to the fireplace, deep in thought with a half drunk glass of wine resting alongside the table. The rim of the glass was coated in a residue of your lipstick that had long since rubbed off.

“Is there room for me there?” He gestured to the loveseat with a small grin.

Your eyes met his in a soft gaze, and a subtle nod. And when you start to rise from the cushion, he stops you and instead lifts your thighs up gently before scooting in behind you so you’re draped across his lap comfortably.

“Are the girls asleep?” You ask as his hand rests around your hip.

“Mhm. Jus’ you and me, baby.” He replies with a swipe of his lips against your forehead. “Is everythin’ okay? You looked upset earlier..”

“Oh.” You sigh. “Yeah, everything is okay, Joel. It's just the holidays, and my mother, but I’m okay.” You reassure him while your hand drifts up towards the back of his head, threading your fingers through his hair with your nails gently scratching his scalp.

“Yeah, I reckon she had some shit to say? I’m sorry, baby doll. But remember what I said earlier? You’re perfect to me no matter what your mother thinks or says.” He murmured. His hand that wasn’t resting along your hip reaches up, his thumb brushes across your chin, eyes boring into yours with sincerity and pure love.

“I just..I hate her sometimes, and I know I shouldn’t because she’s my mother, but she’s a bitter woman, and I don’t want her in my life anymore, Joel. Not when she’s like this.” You nearly croak, and his face falls. His lips curved downwards into a deep set frown. He senses your tears before they even begin to fall.

“Hey, just because she’s your mother, doesn’t mean that she has a right to be in your life, baby. It’s your life, and you get to decide who you want to be a part of it.” He can feel the weight of the small box growing heavy in his pocket. “Darlin’, I love you, and I just want my girl to be happy.” He confessed.

“You’re right. It's my life and I get to make those choices, not her. I’m sorry, baby. I don’t mean to—”

He shushes you softly. His thumb gently presses down against your lower lip before he steals a quick kiss to reassure you, and himself. “Hey, you ain’t got nothin’ to be sorry for. You’re perfect. You’re amazing. Could give less of a fuck what your bitter mother has to say about it. I love you for you, and ain’t nothin’ gonna change that.”

He pauses, swallowing the lump that is growing in his throat. He releases your hip gently before reaching into his pocket. “I know I shoulda asked you this question a long time ago, but I had to be sure that..it was perfect. All my life I’ve found myself bein’ a hopeless romantic. Always giving, never receivin’ the same kinda love I put out there. Never thought that one person could make a man’s heart feel so full, so complete till I met you. Now, you know I ain’t one for cliches, but I love you with everything my heart has to offer, and I want nothin’ more than to spend the rest of my life with you, my beautiful, sweet, unconditionally lovin’, girl.”

“Joel..are you—oh my god.” You’re in disbelief, heart thumping rapidly out of your chest when he pulls out a small, forest green velvet encased box.

“I ain’t finished yet, darlin.’” He tuts playfully. “So, will you do me the honors of becoming my wife? And as your husband, I promise to never stop lovin’ you, t’never stop supportin’ you, no matter what life throws our way?” His eyes are glassy with freshly brewed tears. He doesn’t even have the chance to open the box and reveal the ring to you before you’re throwing your arms around his neck, nearly knocking the wind from his lungs from how tightly you’re hugging him.

“Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you! Oh my god, a million times, yes!” You’re so happy you can barely contain it.

“Dontcha wanna see the ring?” He laughed warmly, wrapping his arms around you. “Ellie and Sarah helped me pick it out.”

“Aren’t you supposed to get down on one knee and all that?” You ask teasingly while you pull back from the hug and hold out your left hand.

“Oh, shit! You’re right! I’m doin’ this all wrong.” He chuckled with a shake of his head.

“No, fuck the tradition. Let’s do it our way.” You suggest and he smiles brightly, dimples peeking through. You open the box together revealing the dainty ring that had you written all over the design. An oval shaped diamond in the center, a shiny gold band, and two smaller diamonds on either side.

“It’s beautiful, Joel. You and the girls have impeccable taste.” Your heart swells when his lips press to your ring finger before he carefully slips the ring into place.

“It’s beautiful, but it doesn’t compare to the woman who’s wearing it.” He comments thoughtfully while your hands come to rest along his cheeks. His face is held tenderly while I love you’s are whispered only for yours and his ears. It’s not long before you're chasing one another’s lips. He kisses you with the same amount of passion every single time.

“Keep the sweater on, baby.” You request between kisses while his hands make quick work of tearing your thin tights open for easy access.

“I’ll buy ya a million pairs. Jus’ wanna make love to my future wife fireside without any obstructions.” His hands rest upon either side of your hips when you straddle his lap.

“And I want my future husband to sit back and watch his future wife ride his cock.” You finalize your words with a searing kiss while your fingers work open the button on his jeans. You push the material down just enough that you can pull his cock free.

“M’so fuckin’ lucky. God, I am so lucky. All my life I’ve been waitin’ for someone like you, baby.” He grunts lovingly, unconditionally when you finally sink down around him. “I can’t fuckin’ wait to grow old with you.”

Your hips roll slowly against his while he pulls you in with gentle hands. There’s no teeth clashing, or skin slapping. It’s just good ole fashioned love making by the fire. Just you and your Texas hunk.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Miller. You’re the only man in this world that deserves my heart.

banners made by the lovely @saradika 🤍

follow @tightjeansjaviupdates for fic updates and notifications!

[alexsoenomel]

Random Joel Miller Headcanons:

Joel was an early bird, always had been, so naturally he would wake up before you to make breakfast and coffee.

He liked taking care of you. He was a man of a few words; didn't say much, but his actions spoke louder than words.

He liked when you would play with his hair whenever he couldn't sleep and you liked the way his soft gray locks felt between your fingers.

He was not the one to tell you what to do, but he would sometimes get very protective, like a guard dog, to the point where he would forget you were in fact an adult. He would try to control you, tell you what you can and can't do, but it never worked with you. It would always end with you telling him to fuck off.

Joel loved teaching you how to play guitar. He loved watching you as you would get lost and bit your lower lip as you tried to play a simple note. He thought you were cute whenever you would get frustrated.

Bickering, lots and lots of bickering. He was twice your age and you enjoyed reminding him of that.

"Not bad for a man in his 70s," you told him once, panting and covered in sweat after multiple orgasms he gave you.

"I'm 56, dumbass," he told you, trying to catch his breath.

"Perv," you teased.

"Oh, fuck off."

He would wake up in the morning because of you, he would try to live and not just survive because of you. Everything he would now do, he would do it because of you.

You loved to snuggle with him, especially during winter, because that man was a walking, taking heather.

Music. He loved sharing his favorite songs with you. You loved how excited he would get, when you actually knew the song.

Showering together; the purest form of intimacy. You loved washing his hair and he loved washing yours. He loved feeling your body under his rough fingertips.

Night drives. You loved watching him drive and the silence of the night, so every once in a while you would go on a drive in the middle of the night, listening to music, eating junk food under the stars, or you would pull over to the side of the road and fuck. Handprints all over foggy windows were a regular occurrence.

Animalistic sex. He loved making you scream in pleasure to the point where you couldn't take it anymore. He loved making you his in every position, location and at any given time. Biting, sucking, scratching -- he loved everything. Age was just a number in his ID; that man fucked like he was in his 20s.

He loved hearing you whimper and fall apart under him. He loved the way you would forget everything but the sound of his name whenever he would fuck you.

Slow sensual sex. Even though he loved fucking you senseless he also loved making love to you. He loved worshipping every inch of your body, taking his sweet time, teasing you until you couldn't take it anymore. He loved the way you would look at him. He was aware how much he was loved by you, but still thought he didn't deserve it.

Kissing. That man loved to kiss. Your neck was his favorite spot. You loved to bite his lower lip, just to tease him, since he would always get hard from it. He loved the way you would play with his lip between your teeth.

"Stop biting me, we are in public."

"Make me."

The first time he told you he loved you was in the bedroom. His guard was down, he was pounding in and out of you slowly as you were digging your nails into his shoulder blades. He still had no idea why he said it, but there was something about you that day. You were completely lost in him, telling him how good he was, how handsome he looked and how he made you feel so so good. He couldn't help himself. He whispered a soft I love you into your ear before you came, moaning his name over and over. "I love you too, handsome," you told him before kissing him. He would never forget it.

Enjoy me being delulu y 'all. Still struggling to write and feeling like shit. Hopefully it will pass soon, it's quite annoying.

[mermaidgirl30]

✨Take Me to Wonderland✨

A/N: Thank you so much @5oh5 for being my beta, I so appreciate it 🩷 This fic took over my mind last week and I just had to write it out. This one was super self-indulgent for me. I’ve always loved Alice in Wonderland and thought I could definitely pull Joel into the mix. I hope you enjoy going to Wonderland with Joel 🥹

Summary: You find yourself in Wonderland, but you think you’ve been here before. And the handsome stranger, Joel Miller, is someone that definitely seems familiar.

Pairing: Joel x fem! reader

Word Count: 14.7k

Rating: Explicit (18+ Only MDNI)

Tags: Soft Joel, soft dom! Joel, no outbreak, Alice in Wonderland AU, smut, creampie, unprotected p in v, oral receiving (fem), reader finds Wonderland, lots of fluff

Dividers by @saradika-graphics

 The bright lights from the lavish dinner party hall give you a blaring headache. This is the third one this week you’ve had to attend. It’s just the same routine. Another dinner, more socializing you don’t want to be a part of, putting on fake smiles to impress some higher up rich snobs just so you can make a good impression for your company. 

   You’re exhausted, so brutally tired that you could probably crawl up on one of the window sills and take a much needed cat nap with the way your body is lagging in your sparkly wedges. You drag your feet across the polished wooden floor and press your hands down firmly against your short sky blue dress, the fabric swishing around your soft thighs as you smooth the skirt out. 

   The smell of expensive wine and top brand steak lace through the air, the sound of soft classical music buzzing through your ears as you casually slide by important business men and women intermingling on the middle of the dance floor. 

   You pick up a glass of champagne and let the harsh taste slide down your parched throat, letting the liquid bubble inside you as you set it back down against the silky white table cloth. You want to go home, leave this fancy feast where talk of money and stocks fly through the air. If only there was some sort of distraction that could take you away from it all. 

   Suddenly, you see fast movements from the corner of your right eye. You shoot your head that direction and see what looks to be a white cotton tail jump through the sea of Coach shoes and fancy tailored suits. You move your head to see around a woman’s long silky coat and see flurries of hopping movements, the color of snow dancing through the crowd. 

   You take a few steps forward to see just what it is, your curiosity getting the best of you. You take one more step and stop the moment you see just what it is. A small white rabbit sits in the middle of the crowd. It has long white ears, probably as smooth as a feather, and big blue eyes that seem to look inside your soul. It holds up a golden watch and points straight at the hour hand and turns back around, running toward the long, empty hall outside of the ballroom. 

   A white rabbit? Did no one else see that? Are you just that tired that you’re hallucinating? 

   You look around to all the people in the crowd, but no one seems to notice the white rabbit that just leapt its way through the ballroom, and no one seems to notice your wide-eyed gaze. You turn to the brown wooden door and see the white rabbit point once more to its shiny watch, nodding its head as it runs outside of the room and disappears. 

   You take a step forward in the direction the rabbit went, but then stop a moment. Are you really going to chase after something that has to be an illusion? You look back to the sea of faces you don’t even know, watching as their fake laughter and imposter stances make you sick. You take one more look to the open door and nod. Hell yes you’re going to chase after a white rabbit. 

   You sprint to the door, careful not to trip over your high wedges as you chase after the rabbit. You see it at the end of the hall waiting for you, fluffy ears standing high as it holds the ticking watch in its hands as the shine of the watch reflects off the clear glass windows. It runs around the corner, not waiting for you as it keeps going. A clear game of tag as the rabbit seems amused at your clear exhaustion of trying to catch it. 

   “Wait!” you shout down the echoing halls, hoping the rabbit will hear you, but when you turn it’s disappearing yet again. This time, going through a small, dark hole in the wall as it drops the grand watch to the marble floor, not stopping to pick it up. 

   “Wait, you forgot this!” you shout frantically as you run over and bend down, picking up the watch as your fingers run idly over the golden watch. The watch strikes 7:30pm as its golden second hand spins in a cycle, the minutes ticking by as you hear the faint noise of the watch. 

   Tick, tick, tick. As the seconds pass by, the ticking seems to stir something in you as you look over to the dark hole in the wall, just big enough to crawl through. You could squeeze in, but should you? You don’t know what’s past the darkness of that wall. 

   You look back down the long hallway and hear the vacant laughs and chimes of silverware floating down the hall. You have a choice. You either go back in that loud, rambling room of rich pricks or you can go explore the darkness of the hole the white rabbit went through. 

   You only have one choice. Go chase a fantasy or walk back into a room of people you don’t care about. Your head turns quickly back toward the dark hole, and you decide then. 

   You choose the fantasy. 

   You hold tight to the golden watch and sink to your knees as you leave the crowded party down the hall and enter into a quiet, dark tunnel- like hole. The walls are hollow, damp corners filling your vision until you can see nothing but pitch black. You keep on pushing your way through, grunting with all your might as you squeeze through the narrowing walls. 

   The floor turns from marble flooring to thick, rich grass as you crawl and crawl and crawl until suddenly the opening of the room is large, towering above you. Deep green grass surrounds you, a lofty ceiling made of moss hangs freely from the darkness, and then you see a bright light. 

   You shift your way through the plushy grass and look through a little keyhole as warm light bursts through. You place your hands on the intricate pink doorway and look through the tiny hole. There, in the middle of a cobblestone path, stands the rabbit. It looks back at you, nodding its head as if to say “Come on now, you’re late.”

   You push on the heavy door, putting every ounce of strength into your arms as you can until you hear a locking sound click into place. You shove once more and then you’re falling forward as the doorway jars open. 

   You land with a thud on the concrete steps and take a minute to smooth out your dress as you stand up. Once you do, you watch the white rabbit speed off ahead of you, daring you to chase after it. You’re awfully sick of playing this game of tag, but you run after it into a sea of green as you enter into a maze of thick bushes. 

   The rabbit jumps through the green maze, zipping around tight corners as you huff to try to keep up. You nearly run straight into a tall, mangy bush as you slide amongst the slippery pebbled path. 

   “Wait!” you call out. “You’re going too fast, please!” 

   Just as the rabbit disappears around another corner and you follow after it, you wind up in a massive open area. You stop and gasp as you take in the tall, colorful wildflowers, the rush of the lilac scented breeze, the mist of a flowing river as a rushing waterfall tumbles into the clear, blue water. 

   What is this place?

   The rabbit hops up to you and grabs the golden watch from your hand, stealing it back as its furry paw flexes around it.   

   “You’re late.” The voice comes out deep, the sound of a male’s voice as he hops off into a thick, green forest. Before he disappears completely, he sticks his furry ears out behind a tree and curls a paw his way. “Well, don’t just stand there. Come on! He’s waiting,” he calls as he disappears behind a sea of thick trees. 

   He’s waiting? Who is waiting? And did that rabbit just talk? You must be losing your mind.

   You shake your head clear as you walk past a patch of colorful wildflowers. Lilies, tulips, and flowers you don’t know the names of all sprawl out in a thick patch of colors. Vibrant purples, blues, pinks, greens, yellows, and reds collide together in a row of lavish intricacy. 

   As you look across the patch of lush green grass you see white roses that drip red, mixing the colors together as if blood stains the pure white roses. You find it kind of odd to have a field of untouched, beautiful wildflowers and then a row of rose bushes that seem to be tainted by paint. 

   “Odd. This place is so odd,” you murmur as you move along the straight trail that will lead you to the trees where the rabbit disappeared. “Silly rabbit, what am I possibly late for? Who was he talking about when he said he’s waiting? Who is he?” 

   The questions swirl through your head as you pass through the flower field. You hear whispers, quiet and meek as they dance through the large, colorful field. She’s here. She’s finally here! Oh, finally. He’s been waiting for so long. 

   Are the flowers talking about you? Is that what you’re hearing? No. It can’t possibly be. This is too much. You have to be hallucinating or asleep. This isn’t real. None of this is real. 

   You push yourself further up the path, passing painted butterflies of orange, blue, and white colors as they flutter above your head. The area is so green, lush grass and vibrant plants every which way you look. Glowing mushrooms the color of hot pink line the way through the thick trees, and you follow. 

   You end up on a winding path, a soft, salmon colored dust path that splits off into four different directions. You turn to the left, to the right, looking all four ways as your mind races like a ticking clock. 

   A large white wooden sign sits to the left of the path, arrows pointing in all different directions as the signs read This Way, That Way, Up Here, Wrong Way, Down Here. There’s no rhyme or reason to any of this madness. How the fuck were you going to get out of this mess if the signs couldn’t even be read?!

   You stomp one of your shoes into the dirt and kick some pink dust up, feeling yourself losing your patience as this place isn’t making any sense. First, there was a white rabbit with a golden watch, then you crawled through a small hole that led you to some sort of fantasy land, then the rabbit accused you of being late, and now this. 

   You kick the edge of the wooden sign with your foot aggressively and let out a deep huff. “How do I get out of here?” you sigh as you cross your arms and furrow your eyebrows together. 

   “You want to get out of here? But you only just got here!” A slithery, deep voice slips down from one of the jacaranda trees and startles you as you jump back from the voice.

   “Who’s there?” you ask shakily as you look up into the big purple leaves of the massive trees. You search and search until a large cat comes out of the shadows and shows its face. You stop in your tracks and look up as a pair of big green eyes appear on a low hanging branch. Its body materializes next as thick lines of purple and pink paint its long-haired fur. 

   “Who is there is a good question, isn’t it? I know who you are, but you don’t know me. How intriguing,” he smiles as he hangs off the branch and twists his body to where his face is right in front of yours. His green eyes glow like fairy lanterns and his pearly white sharp incisors seem to go on for miles. 

   “How do you know who I am?” you ask nervously as you stare back into eyes that lock on yours. His smile widens as he drops his body further, seeming to float in space as he places his sharp paws underneath his chin. 

   “Oh, my dear. Everyone knows who you are here. It’s no secret. We’ve been waiting. Mostly he’s been waiting. And what a treat that’ll be. You’re even prettier than I imagined,” he chuckles deeply as he spins his body around yours, floating in thin air. 

   “Who is he that everyone seems to be talking about?” you ask annoyed as you cross your bare arms over your chest and turn to follow his floating body. You want answers and you want them now. 

   “You’ll find out soon, very soon,” he laughs as his fanned out tail glides against your shoulder, leaving a feather-like touch to your skin. 

   “Fine, if you won’t tell me then just tell me which way I’ll find him,” you demand as you place your hands on your hips, letting the soft material of your blue dress sink through you. 

   “This way,” he points to the left, his claws sharp like knives as he switches directions and points to the right. “No, this way. Actually, maybe it’s north of here,” he smiles as he points up from where he floats. 

   You purse your lips to try to keep yourself calm. “Please, just tell me where to go,” you plead, eyes burning red as you try to keep your composure together, but it’s slowly breaking the more this cat plays with you. 

   “You’re exactly where you need to be, my dear. Just hold tight,” he smiles as he disappears into thin air, his voice carrying through the wind as it slowly slips away. Vanishing just like that. 

   You look every which way while fisting your hands to your side and turn back toward the direction you first came, looking out into the wildflower fields that paint the ground a sea of rainbow colors. You close your eyes and take a deep breath, letting the cool breeze hit your skin as you inhale scents of fresh roses and lilty daisies. 

   “Home, I need to get back home,” you whisper silently. 

   Just as you take another deep breath, you hear the deep sound of a throat being cleared and then a rugged, gravelly voice break you free of your thoughts of home. 

   “You lost there, darlin?” 

   You turn back around, as quick as a bolt of crisp lightning, and you’re about to chew the cat back out until you realize it’s not him. It’s a man. Him. It has to be the one they were all talking about. 

   You watch as he leans up against the rough bark of a winding tree, his arms crossed over his broad chest as he leans and watches you closely, eyes trailing down your body as he takes you in nice and slow. Suddenly you’re completely nervous and forgetting your words as you take him in. 

   Tall. He’s so tall, a little over six feet if you had to guess. His eyes are like pools of honey. Deep, brown eyes that seem to have flecks of warmth sprinkled all around them. And his arms. God, his arms. Large, muscular as his biceps pull at the blue flannel button-up that wraps tightly around him. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, exposing large veins that seem to thread and skate down his arms as they end in massive hands. Hands that probably feel warm, safe. 

   His blue jeans cling to his thick thighs as clean leather boots lace up over his large feet. He smirks over at you, a flirtatious, playful look that says he’s trouble written all over that gorgeous face. A smooth, patchy beard and mustache cover his face with silver lining the edges. And his hair. Dark tousled curls that spill over the edges of his forehead, and you think they look soft to the touch, maybe even like velvet. 

   He looks like trouble to you. Warm, inviting, fun trouble. 

   God, he’s so handsome. 

   “Well?” he asks again, waiting for you to answer. 

   “I…I…” you stutter out, unable to even form a comprehensive sentence. What the fuck is wrong with you? 

   “Cat got your tongue?” he chuckles as the deep sound from his chest seems to reverberate right off the hollow tree barks, landing right into your own chest. It’s like you can feel his laugh. Warm, syrupy, infectious. He’s like a dream. A dream that doesn’t seem to be quite real.

   You shake your head, clearing the fog as you find your words again. “I was just looking for my way out of here. Back home,” you answer as you take a step forward and lace your fingers together as you hold them nervously behind your back. 

   “Back home? You already want to leave so soon?” he laughs as he pushes himself off the tree and takes a few steps forward, crunching his leather boots over the salmon colored dirt of the road. 

   “Of course she doesn’t. She hasn’t even seen all of Wonderland yet,” the cat replies as he comes out of thin air and rests on the handsome man’s shoulders, his lined purple tail curling around his long neck. “I think she wants you to show her Wonderland,” he says with mischief written all over those glowing green cat eyes. 

   “Wonderland?” you ask with your eyebrows knit together in concentration. “What’s Wonderland?” 

   The cat twists its flexible body over the man’s arm, floating off to his side as he smiles brightly up at him. “I’ll let you lead the way. Good luck,” he grins as a loud laugh carries through every path of the massive forest. “Goodbye, pretty girl,” he calls as he vanishes once again into thin air, only the glow of his jagged smile staying in the cotton clouds, high above the trees. 

   You shake your head and laugh under your breath. This place isn’t real. It can’t be. “Who was that?” you ask the man as he crosses his arms and looks over at you with a gleam in his shiny brown eyes.

  “That’s the Cheshire Cat. You can just call him Ches for short. That’s what we all call him,” he replies as he takes another step toward you, getting so close that you can smell him. Rich mahogany and the scent of deep pine needles. Intoxicating. 

   “And you? Who are you?” you ask as you flick your eyes over him, seeing just how large in stature he is. 

   “The name’s Joel. Joel Miller,” he nods as he sticks a large hand out to you, edging you to take it as he shoves it closer to you after you do nothing but stare at it. 

   You finally get the courage to reach your hand out and place it in his. You gasp as soon as he closes his strong grip on yours. His fingers are thick, calloused, warm as you slowly shake his hand. 

   His eyes lock on yours and it’s like you’re frozen in time, flecks of golden brown staring back at you as you quickly come back to reality. You drop his hand and take a step back, breaking the soft introduction as you stare at the small crevices in the ground. 

   “I know who you are.” He says your name softly as if he’s known you for years. And it sounds so good coming off his tongue, like a melody that sweeps past the breeze and lands right into a large bed of wildflowers. Gentle. He says your name so gently, soft. But how does he know your name? This doesn’t make any sense. 

   “How do you know my name?” you ask suspiciously as you watch him shift his weight back and forth against the firm ground. 

   He chuckles like this is all a game to him, like you know him already when in reality he’s a complete stranger. Someone you’ve never met. You would’ve remembered if you met someone like him before. 

   “There’s a lot I know about you, sweetheart,” he smirks, a devastatingly handsome smile that you can’t help but melt over.

   Sweetheart? Something shifts inside you as you take in his handsome face, his warm eyes that seem to drip like flowing honey. A gleam in his eye that tells you you do know him. But how? You want to stare into those entrancing eyes, want to walk over and trace your fingers against the starry flecks of warmth, but there’s no time for that. You need answers, now. 

   “What is this place? Wonderland is what Ches said. What’s Wonderland?” 

   Joel just laughs and shakes his head. “Wonderland has been here for a very long time. It’s been here waiting for you. It’s been so long, darlin’. So very long. We didn’t think you’d ever come,” he says quietly as he huffs a sigh of relief that you’re actually standing here in front of him. 

   “You’ve been waiting? What? I don’t understand. I’ve never been here before. This has got to be some sick fantasy. I must’ve fallen and bumped my head. None of this is real.” 

   “You sure about that, sweetheart?” he asks as one of his dark eyebrows raises high on his forehead, eyes staring at you as if he’s waiting for you to say something else. 

   You question his stance but quickly shake your head out of the daze. “Yes, this isn’t real. Now I’m going to close my eyes and pinch myself and then I’ll wake up back in the real world,” you confirm as you close your eyes tightly and dream of home. 

   Home. You mean back to your overwhelming, overworked life as you engage in endless meetings and parties with people that don’t matter. Is that what you really want to go back to? Is that what you want?

   You keep your eyes sealed closed as you grit your teeth together and think of home. Home. Back to your warm bed and back to your cat, Duchess. You feel a pinch sting your arm as you squeeze your fingertips together, but to no avail. It doesn’t seem to work.

   You hear the sounds of a deep chuckle rumbling in front of you, and then you peel your eyes open to see Joel standing a few paces away as he crosses his strong arms and shakes his head in dismissal. He’s laughing at you. 

   “What’s so funny?” you ask annoyed, huffing out as you see you’re still in Wonderland. It didn’t work. 

   “Didn’t work, did it?” he smirks, his large hand dragging  down his coarse beard as his penetrating gaze keeps you in place. 

   You gulp, catching your own breath as you answer quietly. “No. I guess it didn’t…”

   “That’s because this is real,” he confirms as he takes another step closer to you, boots scuffing against the dirt as he takes another and another and another until he’s standing right in front of you, wild brown eyes sinking down into yours. 

   You shake your head, unwilling to accept that this may very well be real. “This isn’t real. You’re not real.”

   “Not real, huh? Reach out and touch the trunk of the tree,” he instructs as his gentle voice carries through the crisp air. 

   “Why?”

   “Just do it, will ya?” he asks with more force in his rugged voice, the sound making you stand up straighter as it reverberates down your spine. 

   “You’re a stubborn one, ain’t ya?” he chuckles, a Southern drawl carrying through the wind as it lands straight through your ringing eardrums. 

   “Guess so,” you laugh. 

   You reach your arm out timidly and stroke the dark bark of the tree, feeling the rough edges snag against the palm of your hand. 

   “There ya go, just like that,” he praises as you feel his hot breath breathing down your neck, your skin suddenly boiling alive as you breathe in the scent of fresh bark and wood as it seems to cloud your racing mind. 

   You take a step back out of his reach and look nervously around you. It sure felt real, but it still didn’t explain how you were here. 

   As if he sees the wavering expression on your face, he speaks again. Low and gruff sounds falling off the tip of his tongue. “This place is real. Just as much as I am. Here, close your eyes for a second,” he says nicely as he takes another step forward. 

   You take a step back, and he holds his hands up to say he’s not going to hurt you. “Please, just for a second. Close ‘em. Need you to trust me, sweetheart.”

   As your mind caves to his request, you find yourself obeying. You close your eyes and twist your fingers around the hem of your dress, letting the nerves drift away as you try to relax. 

   “Now, take a deep breath. Focus on the sounds of the rushing water, the trees gently blowing through the wind, the air around you as it blows through your hair. Just listen, get lost in the sounds, in yourself,” he instructs with a lilty voice, the sounds instantly calming you as you follow his instructions. 

   You slow your breathing down, taking nice, deep breaths as you lose yourself to your surroundings. You hear the faint hum of honey bees dancing through the wildflowers, feel the rush of spring air as it blows gently through your flowing hair, hear the trickle of the river as the distant waterfall clashes against rocks and smooth water. 

   Focus. Deep breaths. This is real, this is real. 

   Before you can take another breath, a large palm slides against your cheek, and you almost jolt at the electric spark it ignites in your body. 

   “Does this feel real to you?” he asks quietly, the volume of his words coming off as composed, soft, warm. 

   You carefully place your hand over his as you feel the opposite textures of his skin. The back of his hand is soft, smooth as your fingers timidly graze along his tanned skin. His palm is rough, calloused fingers hovering over your jawline as his thick fingers stay right there on your face. 

   It feels strange how warm and inviting he feels, how vaguely familiar he seems as you breathe in the taste of mahogany and pinewood, letting the scent coat your lungs as you drink it down. You want to box it up, wrap it tightly in a jar so you can fill your surroundings with the smell of him. 

   “Open your eyes,” he whispers, his hand still grazing your jawline as you flutter your eyelids open. 

   Your eyes grow wide as you see him standing right in front of you, boots meeting the edges of your open wedge shoes as you see just how clear and coated his glossy brown eyes are now. 

   “This real enough for you?” he asks quietly as he slides his calloused thumb across your cheek once more, filling your insides with warmth and peace. A peace you’ve been craving for months. 

   “Yes,” you whisper out, voice deceiving you as he drops his hand and chuckles, taking a step back as he digs his fingers into the pocket of his dark jeans. You’re suddenly  aware that the warmth is gone from your face. It left the moment he dropped his fingers from your jawline. 

   You take a moment to breathe, letting the warm sunlight wash over your fair skin as you let the scent of lilies and forest scents bring you back to earth. You take one more deep breath and ask the question that haunts your mind.

   “What am I doing here, Joel? How am I? I just… I just don’t understand.” Your right hand grabs the edge of the satiny material of your light blue dress as your eyes wander back over to the man with broad shoulders and beautiful eyes. 

   He shrugs a little, but smiles underneath the hoods of his brown eyes. “You needed an escape, darlin’. You opened the door to Wonderland. You found it, with a little help from the white rabbit,” he responds with a deep chuckle. “But, ultimately, you found it on your own. It’s your fantasy land.”

   “My fantasy land? But I… I’ve never been here before. How could it be mine if I didn’t even know about it? And you. How could you possibly know I was coming?” you ask with your voice raised, endless questions brewing as if this was all impossible in the first place. 

   Impossible. This place is impossible. 

   “I wasn’t sure you would come. I only hoped you would,” he says softly as warm brown eyes look down into yours, feelings stirring inside you that you can’t quite decipher. Too twisted, too tied in knots, too risky to untangle. 

   “Why do I feel like I’ve known you for years? I only just met you…” you whisper vacantly, your voice hollowing out on the last syllable as something snaps inside you. A feeling of… tranquility. 

   “A funny feelin’, ain’t it? Those feelings are never really wrong though, are they?”

   His pondering questions make you feel crazy, mind boggling as you slowly shake your head. No. That can’t be true. Or is he just twisting your mind to make you believe whatever he says? But somehow you know he’s not lying to you. He wouldn’t. Somehow you know he’s not playing tricks on you. Deep down you know, he’s telling the truth.

   You run your fingers through your hair and let them fall back down to your sides unfaltering. “Am I mad? Have I lost my mind?” you ask distraughtly as you bite your lower lip and knit your eyebrows together in deep thought. 

   He takes a step forward, golden eyes shining in the sunlight as he laughs and shakes his head. “We’re all a little mad here, darlin’.” 

   You stifle a small laugh and shake your head knowingly. “Mmm,” you hum as you take in the madness of the words. 

   We’re all mad here. 

   He nods his head as a curl falls down against his forehead, leaning toward the winding path that’ll take you north into a forest of wonders. “C’mon. Follow me.”

   Follow me. The words twist off his tongue as they echo through your mind. Follow me. What will happen if you do follow him? 

   You turn back toward the way you came, eyes searching for a hidden door you can’t see anymore. Covered by twisting vines and a sea of green mazes that snake around the overflowing garden. No turning back now. 

   You feel Joel’s large presence behind you, drawing closer and closer until he’s right behind you as his dark shadow falls across the salmon colored pathway. You inhale a deep breath, but all you smell is pine needles and fresh wood and maybe a hint of fresh cut grass. You smell him. 

   “You’ve gotta stop lookin’ back from the way you came, sweetheart. I know that’s the last place you want to be right now. You want to be away from the noise, the stress, the fake smiles.” 

   His voice slides against the shell of your ear, reverberating down to your chest as his words sting your insides. Of course you don’t want to go back to that. So why are you looking back? 

   “What are you so scared of, sweetheart? Hmm?” he asks quietly, his fingertips grazing the edge of your arm as goosebumps form over the sensitive areas he touches. Wildfire burning in the thick brush of trees is what it feels like. Fiery, tempting, smoldering. You can almost taste the flames. Those stirring, enticing flames. 

   “Everything,” you whisper, pulling all the courage in your gut to answer his question. What are you so scared of? 

   “Everything, huh? Darlin’, you don’t have to be scared of me. You don’t have to fear this place. This is your safe haven, your sanctuary. Take a leap of faith. Come join me. Follow me through the trees. There’s nothin’ to fear. The only thing you should fear is time itself. So relax. Can you do that for me?” he asks, his hot breath blowing down your exposed neck as you feel his large hand slip down to your waist, barely grazing your light blue dress as his lips sit dangerously close to your jawline. 

   You don’t have to be scared of me. Relax. This is your safe haven. The words simmer in your mind as your heartbeat races in your blood. The only thing you should fear is time itself.

   “The only thing you should fear is time?” you repeat, the words leaving your lips as you feel his calloused fingers trace a flyaway hair behind your ear, tucking it back neatly as he lines his soft lips up to your earlobe and whispers. 

   “Time, darlin’. You can’t escape it, can’t run from it. But you can run with the madness, let your mind unwind just a little as you slip away into wonder. Let me show you the way,” he coaxes, a sweet melody that enchants your very soul, pulling you toward him, away from all the noise of the outside world, away from normalcy. 

   You feel him slip from your grasp as you open your eyes up and turn slowly in his direction, seeking his soft brown eyes and deft fingers again. He smirks over at you, a mischievous grin as he nods his head and holds out his hand. 

   “Follow me through Wonderland, sweetheart. Let me show you exactly what I’m talking about.”

   You look at his outstretched hand and look back behind you, back to the way you came in. No going back. This is your chance. Take a leap of faith. Follow him through Wonderland. 

   You turn once more and see him nod his head, a gentle smile curling up against the sides of his mouth as his warm eyes wade into yours. It’s like you hear his calming drawl as you look at his outstretched hand, calloused fingers reaching your way, convincing you to take it. 

   Follow me through Wonderland. Let me show you. 

   You lift your hand, curling your fingers as you think twice about it. His soft brown eyes relax, the crow’s feet pulling at the edges of his tanned skin as his crinkled eyes tell you it’s okay. You can take his hand. 

   “C’mon, sweetheart. You can trust me,” he says softly, his large palm reaching out a little more, coaxing you to take it. 

   It’s like you hear the swaying whispers of the wild flowers in the fields, their small trills of voices as they carry through the wind. Take his hand. He’s safe. He’s been waiting so long for you. Let him take you to Wonderland.

    You feel it inside your chest, the building breaths and  aching longing that leads you to him. Just one more glance at those brown flecks of warmth and that’s all it takes to convince you.

    You reach your hand out and press it slowly into his palm, letting his calloused fingers lace through yours as you gasp at the warmth that simmers there. Safe, he’s safe. 

    He leads you forward through the thick trees, passing peculiar species of birds and plants you’ve never seen before. All shades of the rainbow laid out like a colorful map for you to take in. As you look around in awe, Joel turns his head back and smiles at you. A warm, gentle smile that makes your insides melt with affection. 

   He continues leading you through this beautiful, strange world. Further, further, further until you’re almost to the end of the pink road, following Joel as he takes the lead. 

His hand presses into yours more, calloused fingers brushing over yours as comfort embeds your entire skin.    

   Familiar, he seems so familiar like you’ve been here before, like you’ve held his hand before, like you’ve known him for so long. And it’s strange, such a strange feeling that encompasses your whole being. 

   You reach the end of the path and then end up in a wide open space that looks like an enchanted forest. Rows of colorful tulips, marigolds, and lillies cover the area. Green hills in the far distance tower high in the sky, lush grass covers the ground, and a running river crashes lightly to the left of a cobblestone path.

   As you walk through the path of vivid flowers, you swear you hear them whispering, calling your name as your bare legs brush past them. And it sounds like they’re talking about you. 

   Joel chuckles quietly in front of you as he shakes his head, ruffling his tousled curls as he turns and looks back at you. 

   “Did I hear the flowers whisper my name? Or am I hearing things?” you ask as he looks at you with sun kissed lips and brown flecked eyes.

   “They uh… they were definitely talkin’ ‘bout ya. Don’t mind them. They like to gossip to each other,” he laughs, the infectious sound flowing through your ears as you can’t help but smile shyly back up at him. 

   He really is handsome. 

   “What are they saying?” you ask as he continues to lead you through the glowing sunshine of the glittering forest. 

   “They think you’re pretty,” he blushes as if he’s hiding something else, but you don’t push for more answers. 

   “Pretty, huh? That’s what they think?”

   “Mhm. Beautiful…” he whispers under his breath, making your cheeks blush crimson as you fight a growing smile on your glossy lips. 

   As you continue walking through patches of soft grass, past more whispering tulip fields, you can’t help but wonder if this is all a trick of the eye. Everything is so beautiful, so surreal like that it’s hard to wrap your head around this place. 

   Joel looks back your way and squeezes your hand, assessing your wandering gaze as you watch a bright blue butterfly land on Joel’s shoulder, the butterfly seeming to stare up at him as Joel smiles down and nods. “Hello, Absolem.”

   “Absolem?” you ask as the butterfly turns your way and crawls on the back of your hand, looking up at you as if he’s trying to talk to you. No words come out of his mouth, but you swear you see a tiny speck of a smile on his lips as he flies away and leaves you standing there watching in awe. 

   “Absolem,” Joel confirms. 

   “You talk to butterflies in your spare time?” you laugh as you casually tease him. He squeezes his hand around you and shakes his head. 

   “We’re in Wonderland, remember? You can pretty much talk to anything, even the trees. They’ll eventually answer you.”

   “Strange, this is so strange.”

   “Just wait till you see the mad tea party up ahead,” he responds as he pulls you deeper into a shaded area covered by big, purple leaves that fill the trees. 

   “Mad tea party?” you ask with a raised brow. 

   “You’ll see,” he smirks as he pulls you along. 

   You walk around a big, shaded tree and come to stand a few feet from a long, narrow table that has tall wooden chairs surrounding it. A lacy white table cloth hangs low over the edges as various icing topped cakes, intricate tea pots, fine china, and pastries litter the table in a heap.  

   You gasp as you see a mangy rabbit with discombobulated ears yelling about unbirthdays and tea sitting about the table. The white rabbit sits on the opposite side assessing his golden watch while arguing with the other rabbit, and the Cheshire Cat floats above the table as he curls his striped tail around his neck. But what wracks your brain a little is the tall, peculiar man that sits at the head of the table. 

   He has a large green top hat with a decorative pink ribbon around the rim of the hat. His clothes are odd. A red velvet jacket sits atop a purple frilly shirt with a large multicolored bow around his neck. His pants sit pressed against his legs as stripes fill the cotton material. 

   When he looks up, a large white smile fills his face as bright red hair sticks out underneath his top hat and flashy green eyes stare wildly your way. He drops his cup of tea and sprints over to you in a hurry, wide eyes staring your way in shock. 

   “It’s you! You finally found your way,” he says out of breath, voice elated with excitement as he looks over at Joel. “Joel, you found her. You brought her back!” he shouts as he jumps up and down in a crazed manner. 

   “Brought me back?” you ask confused. But you haven’t been here before. Have you?

   “She found Wonderland herself, hatter. I didn’t bring her here. She found it on her own.” He looks over at you, and you swear you see pride in his eyes, a fondness that could only be explained by looking into his eyes. 

   Safe. He’s safe. 

   “Darlin’, this is the mad hatter.” 

   The mad hatter takes your hand as he says your name and bows his head as he tips his oversized hat to you, making you feel like you belong here. Like you’re not a stranger to this world. 

   “Nice to meet you,” you say as you give him a courteous greeting. 

   He smiles up at you with a big Cheshire grin and asks you the most curious question you’ve ever heard before. “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” he asks with big green eyes as he leans forward with his hands clapping together in anticipation. 

   “Umm I’m not sure…” you say quizzically, eyebrows knit together as Joel just shakes his head. 

   “Hatter, she doesn’t have time for questions like that. Let her be. Her and Joel have places to go,” the white rabbit says as he holds up his ticking watch, the other rabbit just pointing and laughing at nothing in particular. 

   “Oh, right. Well you must come back for tea! We can celebrate your unbirthday and have lots of tea and cake,” he shouts loudly as he bows and skips back over to the table, joining the madness of the tea party again. 

   “Go on now,” the Cheshire Cat says as he waves you off with the flick of his purple paw. “Have fun with Joel.” He smiles a wide, bright smile at you as it curls into a devious smirk, pure trouble behind those blinding green eyes. 

   Joel chuckles under his breath and shakes his head. “C’mon, darlin’. Got a lot more to show you.” He grabs your wrist and pulls you the opposite way of the tea party as you hear the faint shouts and laughs from the ridiculousness of it all. 

   As you walk through a trail of wispy willows and white rose bushes, you ask him another question as you follow his lead. “You live here? In Wonderland?”

   “Mhm. Got a house right up that winding path.” He points to a cobblestone path that leads into a valley of tall, green trees that overlook the side of a flowing waterfall. 

   “It’s just you?” you ask, eyes fixed on the large veins in his neck as he purses his lips together and nods his head.

   “Jus’ me, darlin’.”

   “It must get lonely here. By yourself, I mean,” you say as you nip at your bottom lip, hoping you’re not overstretching your questions. 

   “It can be, I suppose.” At those words, his thick fingers wrap tighter around your wrist, almost as if he’s latching on to you, hoping you won’t leave too soon. You can almost hear the wallowing of his words as if he speaks them out loud to you. 

   Don't go away. Stay here with me. 

   You continue walking, the green grass catching on your shoes as you come across a large, glistening pond. Massive green lily pads with pink flowers that sit atop them wade in the water as they float gently in the breeze. Joel nods his head and takes a step forward, but you take a step back, fear coursing through you. 

   “You want me to cross that?” you ask all wide-eyed and mouth falling open as you see no other way across. “Wouldn’t the lily pads just sink?”

   “They’re solid, made for crossing by foot. It’s alright. I do it all the time.”

   He holds his hand out, his large palm facing up as he nods for you to take it. You weigh your options carefully. Either turn back to the mad tea party or take your chances here with Joel. You know which one you want to choose. 

   His brown eyes become warmer, golden flecks dancing in his irises as he spreads his fingers wider, taking a step in your direction as he asks you once more to put a little faith in him. 

   “C’mon, sweetheart. You trust me?” he asks as his eyebrows knit together in a tight line, his eyes searching yours as he waits for an answer. There’s that look again, the one you saw back at the entrance from where you came. You hear the words so carefully. 

   You can trust me. 

   “Yes,” you breathe, putting your hand in his as a smile curls up on his lips that forms a dimple against his cheek. 

   He’s so fucking handsome. 

   “Well, c’mon then, sweetheart. This way,” he responds as he carefully leads you across the floating lily pads. 

   Glowing coy fish glide under the water as sparkling dragonflies hover over the surface of the crystal clear water and dance around the green lily pads. The smell of spring and rose bushes fill the air as the glowing sun warms your soft skin. This place is so magical. 

   When you finally cross over to the other side of the pond, Joel leads you over to a sea of giant mushrooms. Pastel pinks, dark blues, violet purples, and shades of ember reds fill the area. And they look so soft to the touch, like velvet beds you can crawl up and take a cat nap on. 

   Joel turns you around, his eyes softening as those flecks of warmth sink deep into yours. He stands so close to you, so close that you can smell the pine wood and mahogany scent that drip off his very being. You want to inhale that scent, drown in it as it coats your insides, bottle it up so you remember exactly what he smells like. 

   And then he smiles. That deep, warm smile that seems to pull everything into place. It’s so warm, so calming, so soothing. You’ve seen it before, you know you have. But where? When? You don’t even know. All you know is you have seen him before. You must have. 

   You gulp and twist your fingers nervously through your skirt that blows gently in the wind, your lips parting open as you find your words. “Why do I feel like this isn’t the first time I’ve met you? I feel… I feel like I’ve known you for so long,” you murmur out carefully as your gears grind together in your brain. 

   He chuckles, a deep, sated sound that seems to fill your body up with a splash of warmth. “You think you’ve been here before?” he asks curiously, eyebrows raising as he places all his attention on you. 

   “I don’t… I don’t think so. I would’ve remembered this place. I would’ve remembered you,” you stammer out, your brain cells firing off as you try to remember. 

   Remember, remember, remember. But you can’t. You can’t. 

   Your brain starts to go foggy, all memories of this place nonexistent. If you’ve never been here before then why do you feel this way about Joel? Why is he clouding your entire mind with his warm eyes and gentle smile? 

   “Why do you think you’re here, darlin’? Why do you think you opened up that locked door to Wonderland?” he asks with a tilted head, eyebrows knitting together as he concentrates solely on you. 

   You gulp as his intense stare lingers on you. Your fingers grip the hem of your dress as you stutter out nonsense. “I… ummm I don’t know…”

   “No?” he asks as he crooks his head, a hand sitting deep in the pocket of his jeans as his eyebrows mold together in a tight line. “I think you do, sweetheart.”

   You take another breath as you blow it out through your mouth, letting it fall through the wind as you swallow back nerves. “You seem to know, Joel. So tell me. Tell me why I’m here.”

   He smirks before he starts to move forward, his broad form coming closer and closer until he’s standing right in front of you. Joel circles you slowly, calloused fingers trailing up your bare arms as he slides behind your tense shoulders. He drags his index finger along your collarbone gently, making you squeak as nerves pull through the pit of your stomach.

   “This is why you came here, remember? To let go, to lose yourself in this fantasy,” he purrs as his lips slide against the shell of your ear, breathing hot air down your neck as your body seems to still against the lull of his deep voice.

   His thick fingers trace your jawline, your chin, your neck as he courses down to the strap of your delicate sky blue dress and lingers there, slowly hooking a finger under as he whispers seductively into your ear, “So let go.”

   Your breath hitches as his sloped nose brushes against yours, his lips hanging inches above yours as you stare at them. Big, plush, enticing lips. Soft. They look so soft, like they’d fit perfectly over yours. 

   His forehead drops down to yours as you breathe him in deep. Pine trees, wood, sunlight, ecstasy. It’s all you smell, all you feel as his calloused fingers brush over your jawline, lingering under your chin as he brings your face up, up, up. Just enough to be able to brush his lips against yours as you feel hot warmth flood through your insides. Anticipation builds as you nearly moan his name out, your lips parting slightly as you gaze into his warm, starry eyes. And in that moment you want him, badly. 

   “Is this what you want, sweetheart? Wanna let go and lose yourself in me?” he blows over your lips, his fingers brushing a curl behind your ear as they tease your jawline, making you arch up more as your fingers dig into the soft material of his flannel. “Say yes, let me show you how to let go,” he coaxes. 

   Without thinking, you let your body take control as you slur the words out effortlessly. “Yes, show me. Show me how to let go,” you whisper. 

   He wastes no time and crashes into your lips, his large hands cupping your face as he presses deeper against your mouth. Soft. His lips are so fucking soft as they ravish yours deftly. 

   You part your lips for him, letting him slot his tongue inside your mouth as he glides the tip of it against yours. He dances around your mouth, meticulous circles as you breathe him in, tasting the honeysuckle flavor of his large tongue. You run your fingers through his tousled curls and feel the moan that catches in his mouth, making you burn like wildfire against the sound. 

   He starts pushing you back and you walk backwards and feel yourself stop as something hits the back of your thighs. He doesn’t let up, doesn’t stop as he takes and takes and takes. Continuing to twist his savory tongue around your mouth. 

   After a few more seconds of intense kissing and fingers twisting in hair, he breaks the kiss and leans his forehead against yours as his large hands run down your sides, landing on your hips as he starts to hike your dress slowly up. Your breathing is ragged, desperate as you want more. 

   Give me more, please.

   It’s like he senses your need as he asks, “You gonna let go for me, sweetheart? Let me give you what you need?”

   “Yes, yes,” you whisper rapidly as you hear him chuckle under his breath. 

   “Good, let me take care of you, baby. Sit back for me.”

   He pushes you back further as you land sitting on top of a dark blue mushroom. It’s big, soft, almost velvety as you lay your palms flat against it. It almost feels like a bed made of feathers. How strange. He puts a hand on your shoulder and gently shoves you back until you’re laying flat against the mushroom, the softness of it all taking over as your heart pounds in your chest. 

   You look up and see him stalking toward you like a starved dog, his smirk widening as his eyes darken and hound you. When he reaches the edge of the mushroom, he grabs your legs and slides you forward as you hear a small yelp escape your vocal cords. 

   “What are you… what are you doing?” you ask nervously as he slowly starts to part your legs while dragging his thick fingers up and down your thighs languidly. 

   “What’s it look like I’m doin’, hmm?” he asks, smirking as he cocks an eyebrow up and digs his nail beds into your flesh, making a coat of slick fall against your now sticky panties. 

   He moves up, up, up until he’s hovering over your clothed folds, brushing ever so gently against the damp material. Oh, fuck. He teases the waistband of the material and skims over the soft skin underneath, making you bite your bottom lip as you practically beg him with your needy eyes to keep going. 

   “You want me to keep goin’, baby? You gotta tell me what you want. Use your words, c’mon.”

   “I… yes, I…” you stutter out, unable to say anything else as he barely slides the waistband down, just enough to where you feel the gentle breeze blow against your nearly exposed pussy. 

   Oh, fuck. 

   “You want me to make you feel good? Want me to take all that stress and pent up energy away?” he asks as his eyes start to pulse into dark pits. “Hmm?” he hums as he brushes the heel of his palm into your dripping center, making you jump at the jolt of electricity. 

   “Please. Fuck, Joel. Please,” you beg as he hikes your light blue skirt over your hips and presses his thumb into your clothed folds that are already soaking for him. 

   “Goddamn, darlin’. Already so fuckin’ wet for me,” he hisses as he slips his thumb inside the lace material and brushes his thumb against your soft folds. 

   He groans as he feels just how wet you are for him. “You have no idea how good I’m gonna make you feel, baby. Just lay back and let me take care of this pretty pussy,” he smirks. 

   He grabs the edges of the material and slides them fluidly down your legs as he throws them to the ground. He stands back and rakes his hand painfully through his scruff as he knits his eyebrows together and groans at the sight of you. 

   “Goddamn it, you’re so pretty, baby. Fuck,” he groans as he pushes your knees apart and stares at your pulsing core, a look of pure pain crossing his tan face. 

   He falls to his knees on the bed of grass as he slowly starts to trail kisses up your legs. He starts at your ankle, slowly working his way up the side of your knee, then pressing sweet kisses to the inside of your thighs as he works you up nice and slow. 

   He slowly blows a wave of air across your exposed center and lavishly runs his hands up and down your thighs as you feel more slick start to form between your thighs. 

   “Oh, baby. Fuckin’ drippin’ for me. You look so sweet, just wanna eat you up,” he groans as he places a tender kiss into the crease of your thigh and then slowly, slowly reaches your center, right where you want him. 

   “Oh,” you breathe out, forgetting how to take even breaths as your body starts to shake. 

   “Eyes on me, darlin’. Want you to watch,” he purrs, his eyes dark pits as he hooks his meaty hands around your thighs and smirks up at you. “Eyes. On. Me.”

   He slowly licks a thick stripe from your dripping hole and glides it up against your soft folds as he repeats the action two more times. You let out a breathy moan as his tongue makes all your nerve endings come alive. Wildfire burning through your body, begging him to give you more. 

   “Joel,” you moan as he teases the tops of your folds with his large tongue, smirking as his drool runs down your pussy. 

   “You taste so fuckin’ sweet, darlin’,” he coos out. “Just hang on.”    

   He lifts his mouth and slowly lets saliva that’s pooling in his mouth drip over your throbbing pussy, letting the warm sensation cover you in bliss. He breathes in deep and then spits on you as he meticulously rubs the fluid around and around and around, rubbing his thumb in tight circles around your aching clit. 

   You writhe against him and part your lips open, knitting your eyebrows together as the sensation makes your head feel dizzy and light. You choke on another moan as he stares deeply into your eyes as he circles and circles and circles. Rubbing just the right areas as more slick drips down his calloused fingers. 

   “Joel,” you whine as his calloused thumb presses deeper against your clit. 

   “That’s right, baby. I’ve got you. Hang on, sweetheart. Not gonna stop till I have you coming on my tongue,” he growls.”

   He plunges his soft lips down on you as he parts your folds with his fingers and laps soft circles against your puffy clit. You moan as he devours you and tilt your head back in pure bliss as you stare up at the fluffy cotton candy clouds. 

   You flutter your eyelashes as you tilt your head to look down at him, his blown out pupils staring up at you wide-eyed as he feasts on you nice and slow. He pulls your throbbing bundle of nerves into his warm mouth, and it takes everything in you to keep from coming in that instant. 

   He slips two fingers inside your dripping hole as he plunges deep inside you, curling his fingers up to hit that spot that makes you see stars in your blurry vision. You twist your fingers into his tousled curls as he moans against you, pulling your clit back into his mouth as he sucks you down, down, down. 

   You hear the squelching noises of his fingers plunging in and out of you, feel the pressure building in your spine as he licks and sucks your glistening clit. You feel like you’re on cloud nine, feel as if it’s just you and Joel in this fantasy land, feel as if you could come undone at any moment as the wet noises seem to echo through the blowing breeze. 

   You feel your walls start to clench up as he quickens his pace of his fingers inside you, licking long stripes up your core as you moan out his name again and again and again. You’re so close, so close to spilling yourself all over him as you tighten your fingers through his curls and arch your back off the matte blue mushroom. 

   “C’mon, baby. Come for me. Let me see you let go,” he coaxes as he presses against your spongy walls and pulls your clit into his mouth as he sucks you deep. That’s what does it for you. 

   “Fuck, Joel. I… I’m coming,” you moan as you feel your walls clench up one more time and then release, white hot liquid spilling down as he laps you up nice and slow. 

   Your vision goes black as you tilt your head to the sky and let your body ease into a relaxed state as you come down from your orgasm. You feel your breath come in rapid waves as you fight for air to build back in your lungs, your core still on fire for Joel as he laps up all your slick in between your legs. 

   He stands tall as his large body leans over you, your legs straddling around him as he stands in between your thighs. Your slick glistens on his patchy scruff and mustache, and it makes you that much wetter as your eyes trail over his ravenous features. 

   “Did so good, baby. So good,” he praises as he brings one hand to caress your cheek affectionately, making you tingle all over at the fondness of the touch. 

   “That was… that was incredible,” you gasp out as he smirks down at you, the warm flecks of his eyes shining down on you like a golden ray of sunshine. 

   Warm. He’s so warm. 

   “Glad I could indulge in your fantasies,” he chuckles as he brings his hand back down your side, his fingers tracing delicately down your hip as he makes his way over your thigh, slowly trailing up and down in slow motions. 

   “You’re gonna give me another one,” he smirks, his pupils expanding into black pits as he brushes against your sensitive folds.

   “Another one? But I’m so sensitive, Joel. I don’t know if I can…” you whine, panting between breaths as you think about him giving you another mind blowing orgasm. 

   “Oh, trust me. You can and you will,” he growls between his teeth as he starts to move his fingers up and down your folds again, starting a fire down in the pits of your core. “Tell me yes, sweetheart. Tell me it’s okay.”

   Your mind fogs over as you nod your head and whisper out, “Okay. Okay.”

   “You trust me?” he asks with a cocked brow, his fingers slowly gliding up and down your center, already building slick against his thick fingers. 

   “I trust you,” you nod, biting your lip as you hold back a moan. 

   “Yeah ya do,” he smirks. “Don’t hold back now, baby. Wanna hear those loud moans.”

   He presses his calloused fingers deeper against your center, spreading your folds as he starts to circle his slick coated fingers against your puffy clit. He spits down again on your pussy and gathers the spit on his fingers, making you more soaked as you hear the sticky, wet sounds of thick fingers against drenched skin. 

   He hovers over you, leaning against his arm as he stares intensely down at you with those big black pits of his. Your mouth drops open as he flicks against your clit faster, faster, faster until your eyes start to roll back as you feel the blood rushing between your legs. 

   “That’s a good girl,” he praises as you moan at the sweet words, nearly blacking out as the intense sensations wash over your entire body. You grab onto his flannel shirt as you fight for your life, your second orgasm so close to breaking that you feel like you’re about to lose control. 

   “C’mon, give it to me. Let me see you come again, baby,” he coos as he presses down harder onto your throbbing clit, his hand moving side to side faster and faster as you feel your back arch off the velvet mushroom. 

   It all happens so fast. You let the vibrations buzz through your body, starting at your head that slips slowly down your body as you curl your toes and roll your eyes back. You feel the hot heat start to slide out of you as you release for him, more come pouring out than last time as you feel the ecstasy encase your entire body. 

   “Oh, that’s a good fuckin’ girl. Goddamn,” he moans as he slows his fingers to gentle strokes and makes sure he works you through your orgasm entirely. 

   You lay there with half hooded eyes, your fingers still curled around his flannel as you slowly release and drop them down next to you. You feel satiated, satisfied, but yet you still want more. 

   When he starts to back away, you grab his wrist and prevent him from moving out of your range. “Wait, Joel. I need… want more,” you gasp out, your breath winded and tired as you fight to stay completely in one piece. 

   He knits his eyebrows together and turns your head to face him, his large fingers cupping your chin as he stares down at you with intense eyes. “You want more?” he asks softly. 

   “Yes, yes,” you whine out, almost embarrassed by how needy you sound. 

   He chuckles and shakes his head back and forth. “Think you can handle it, sweetheart? Not too tired?” he asks with a sly smirk as the crow’s feet pull at the corners of his eyes. 

   He’s so fucking perfect. 

   “Mm-mm,” you shake your head, your hand reaching for his flannel as he lets you grasp on to him. 

   “Alright, but you asked for it, darlin’. Gonna give ya what you need,” he smirks as he slowly unbuckles his leather belt, unzipping the zipper of his denim jeans as he slides them and his black briefs down, letting his leaking cock press against his soft tummy. 

   You gasp at how massive he is, the precum spilling over as you wonder what it tastes like, what it feels like inside you.

   He crawls on top of your body, crowding your space as you feel overwhelmed by the smell of his woodsy, pine scent. It intoxicates you, drives you mad as you fist at his flannel shirt, desperate to get him as close as humanly possible without completely jumping into your skin. 

   “Joel,” you whine, pawing at the flannel material as you beg him to take you. 

   He cups your chin in his large palm and looks you deep in the eyes. “Relax, sweetheart. Let me give you what you need,” he coos. 

   He lines up with your entrance as he teases you, sliding the tip of his cock up and down your folds as he collects your slick and his spit, already starting a fire in your core as he brushes past your sensitive clit. 

   “Fuck,” you hiss as his teasing torments you. 

   “Mmm, that’s right, gorgeous. Gonna take ya now, gonna make all your worries disappear,” he whispers as he hooks your legs over his shoulders and slides his slippery cock inside you. 

   Your mind goes numb, your brain stilling as the air seems to shift colorfully around you. It’s like the clouds turn pink, misty blue as colors swirl around your vision, making it look like you’re inside a make believe dream. Ecstasy, blinding pleasure erupts through your body every time he ruts up deeper inside you. His cock thrusting, thrusting, thrusting, so deep that it hits that spot that has your ears ringing with white noise. 

   He gives, gives, gives himself to you, making you cry out with blissful moans as he bends your knees to your chest and fucks into you deeper, harder than before. The sensation builds, your third orgasm right on the edge every time he gives more of himself to you, ravaging you until you can barely take it anymore. 

   “You’re so fucking beautiful moaning my name, sweetheart. Squeezin’ me so tight,” he breathes out raggedly as sweat builds against his forehead, making his curls stick together as he breaks the distance and crashes his lips down on top of yours. 

   The kiss is hungry, needy, starving as your tongue collides with his; his hips rocking back and forth between yours. You taste yourself on him, let the salty, sweet flavor run down your glossy lips as your moans twist together in unison. A sweet melody that fills the air as you get lost in each other’s ecstasy. 

   He bottoms out in you, thrusting faster and faster until you’re on the verge of tears. You’re so sensitive, your body on the edge of spilling again as you hear the slick slap of skin on skin through the air. 

   “Joel, I’m gonna… I’m about to…” you cry out as a tear licks at the corner of your eye. You’re not going to last any longer. 

   “Come for me, baby. Let me feel you,” he coaxes against your lips, his forehead leaning on yours as he speeds up his thrusts. He hits your spongy spot one more time, and that has you clawing the back of his neck as your hands tangle in the hair at the scruff of his neck. 

   You clench up around his thick cock and then spill all over him, milky hot come leaking down your thighs as he groans against your lips as you echo a low moan back to him. 

   “Fuck, that’s a good girl,” he praises as he thrusts deeper, deeper, deeper until he’s bottom out time and time again. You’re on cloud nine as you feel his cock drive into you, feel your body go numb against his hold on you as you feel him start to lose control. 

   “Gonna-fuck, I’m gonna come. I’m gonna-” His mouth drops open and his eyebrows furrow together as he moans out your name, thick ropes of come painting your insides as your eyes roll back at the warm sensation. 

   He ruts up once more in you, spilling his entire seed as you both breathe in foggy, dense air. Arousal and the smell of sex envelop the wind, blowing down your body as you smell nothing but you and him mixing together to paint the skies red. He takes a minute of just keeping his cock inside you as he runs a hand down your cheek affectionately, warm eyes sinking into yours as his lips curl into the most beautiful smile you’ve ever seen. 

   “Did so good for me, my girl. So good,” he praises as he cups your cheek and plants a gentle kiss across your lips. You drink him down, wanting to remember how he tastes like honeysuckle and sugar cookies. He tastes like something you want to imprint in your memory. 

   When he releases, he slowly slides out of you. You moan at the loss of him, but he scoops you up in his arms when he lays flat on his back. He feels warm, secure, safe. He feels like someplace you want to stay forever. Your eyelids start to flutter closed, your body unable to stay awake any longer. You’re so tired, so worn out from the sex. You just need to rest a little, let your mind enter into the thick fog. 

   “Joel, I’m so tired,” you slur as your words start mixing together, your eyelids growing heavy against your eyes.

   “Go to sleep, baby. I’ve got you. I’ve got you,” he hums out, his strong arms pulling you closer into his chest as you let your mind fade into the darkness. Your vision goes black as you fall asleep instantly, knowing you’re safe in Joel’s arms. 

-

   When you start to wake up from your nap, you smell the scent of fresh roses lingering in the air and hear the sounds of cheerful birds chirping in the distance. As you start to shift your body and start to flutter your eyes open, you feel movement underneath you. You feel the broad chest underneath you as he slowly breathes in and out, feeling how warm he is with your fingers tangled in his soft flannel. 

   When your eyes finally open, he smiles up as you as his fingers rake down your scalp. “There you are, darlin’. Was starting to wonder when you’d wake up. You were out for a couple hours,” he says with a deep, sleepy edge to his voice. He must’ve fallen asleep at some point, too. 

   You hum out against his chest, your chin laying on his chest as you look up at his warm eyes, those eyes that make you melt with longing. “You just wore me out so much that I couldn’t stay awake any longer. You really know how to get a girl to fall asleep, huh?” you ask with a smile widening on your face. 

   He laughs and hugs you tighter to him. “Just givin’ ya what you needed, sweetheart. Happy to oblige anytime,” he smirks as you laugh again and shake your head. 

   You relax against his body as his hand runs gently up and down your scalp, sending you into a trance-like state as you rest your hands under your chin and stare up at him. His eyes are so warm, the smile that’s curled at the corners of his mouth sending sparks down your body. He feels so familiar, like you’ve known him for much longer than a day. 

   Your eyebrows knit together as you study his features, tracing the lines on his forehead with your eyes as you look deep into those golden brown irises. And something like a flash of lightning hits your mind, a distant memory flashing before your eyes as you go wide-eyed. You do know him. You’ve seen him before. You’ve been here before. 

   “You… this isn’t the first time I’ve seen you before, is it?” you whisper as your throat runs dry. “I’ve been here before, haven’t I?” You know him. You know him. 

   He sighs, a held in breath leaving his lips as he smiles affectionately at you. “Yes. You’ve been here before, sweetheart. This isn’t the first time.” It’s like all the weight is emptied from his body as his face relaxes and his chest feels less tense now. 

   “I knew you all along…” you whisper out incredulously. 

   “You did, baby. Welcome back. Didn’t know if you’d ever find your way again,” he says sadly as his eye color changes to a somber brown. 

   “But how did I… how did I even get here?” 

   “You were drowning, sweetheart. You needed an escape. You unlocked the door. You found us again. We’ve been waiting so long, so very long,” he whispers as he hooks a loose curl behind your ear, his eyes slipping into yours as he rests his forehead on yours, a form of intimacy that feels like home. He feels like home. 

   You lay there breathing each other’s air like oxygen, your lips tangling against each other as you lap up his honeysuckle taste, burning the taste into your memory as if it’s the most important thing in the world. 

   After a few minutes of getting lost in each other, he helps you up as you stand firm against the lush green grass. He helps you slide the lace panties back into place, covering your sticky center as you fall back into his chest, wrapping your arms around his broad back. 

   You hear a faint buzzing a few feet away from you, the sound like white noise in your ears. When you turn, you see an open doorway as painted red roses spill over the dark entryway. Your eyebrows crease together as you look at it carefully. It’s calling to you, almost like it wants you to follow. 

   Joel sighs, a defeated sound rasping from his throat as he looks at you with sad eyes. “Think it’s time for you to go back, sweetheart,” he huffs, his calloused fingers twisting around yours as he holds you close. 

   “Go back? But I just got here,” you say with wide eyes, feeling your stomach drop as you take in the meaning of his words. 

   “I know, darlin’, I know.” His face contorts with agony, his eyes on the verge of falling apart, but he puts himself back together as he cups your chin. “You’re needed back at the party. They’re waiting for you,” he says as you hear the distant noise of champagne glasses and classic music floating through the air. The party, it was still happening?

   “But I’ve been here for hours, how is it still going on?” you ask with your nose scrunched up in question. 

   “Time is different here, it moves slower, much slower than the outside world,” he says as his honey eyes flick to the open door. “Wonderland moves on its own time. Funny thing isn’t it? How time works.”

   “Yeah, very strange,” you say with your words drifting off as you stare at the door. The door that’ll take you back to reality, to a place you don’t want to go back to. 

   He sees your distant glance and pulls your face back to him as he looks distinctly into your glistening eyes. “You need to go back, baby. Go finish the party.” He’s telling you that you need to go, but his hollow words are drifting into the void. He doesn’t want you to go, not really. 

   “But what if I don’t want to go back…” you say quietly with a locked jaw, tears pricking at the backs of your eyes. 

   Let me stay. Please, let me stay. 

   “The door is open, sweetheart. It won’t close again till you go through,” he says with a pained expression, his calloused fingers burning your skin as he glides his fingers over your jawline delicately. 

   You nod your head slowly, telling him you understand. Your eyes wade into the painted door, but your eyes snap back up to his. “What if I want to come back? How do I come back?”

   He smiles down at you as he pulls a chain out of his back pocket, a glistening necklace shining brightly in the sun as he opens up your palm and closes your fingers over it. “With this. This is the key that opens Wonderland. It’s yours now. Anytime you want to come back, all you have to do is ask. Think of me, think of Wonderland and hold the key. The door will open for you. All you have to do is ask.”

   You open your palm and trace the edges of the golden key with your fingers, letting the cool metal stain your skin as you see the intricate letters carved into the gold. Wonderland is written in cursive letters on the side as they reflect against the sunlight. Wonderland. The key that’ll take you back to wildflowers, twisting paths, and Joel. 

   He takes the necklace from your open palm and unlatches it as he circles behind you and places the necklace against your chest. “Hair up for me, sweetheart,” he asks as you quickly oblige. You lift your hair and let him latch the necklace into place as the cool metal key sears into your skin. You lift the key and smile, your whole world now in your hands. 

   He steps in front of you and cups your chin, letting his thumb trace your bottom lip as his eyes sink deep into your own. “Well, I guess this is goodbye, for now,” you say sadly as you let your hand linger on his flannel, hoping you can stay like this forever instead of going back to your boring dinner party. 

   “Hey,” he says as he brings your face closer to his, leveling his eyes with yours, “this isn’t goodbye, sweetheart. Not even close.” He leans down and kisses you deeply as you latch onto his flannel, promising yourself that you’ll be back. This isn’t goodbye, it couldn’t be. 

   He releases your lips and walks you to the door. As you look in, you see the long, lit up hallway that you came from earlier. You can hear the music, hear the muffled voices down the hall as you see fluorescent lights from the ballroom. This was it, you had to go. 

   Before you step through, Joel grabs your wrist and turns you around to face him. “I had the most perfect day with you, sweetheart. I can’t wait to see those beautiful eyes of yours again,” he says with a curled smile on his lips. 

   “Yeah?” 

   “Yeah.”

   You run your fingers through his tousled curls and hold his gaze just a little longer, memorizing every single golden fleck in his irises as you take in his chocolate eyes. “Thank you for showing me Wonderland again. I can’t believe I forgot. How could I have forgotten you,” you say wide-eyed. You’d never forget him, how did you forget in the first place when he was your favorite thing in the entire world. 

   “Guess you got lost in the outside world. I’m so glad you found your way back to me, my love.”

   My love. The words crash into you like a colliding car crash, hitting your insides with those familiar words that sound like music to your ears. My love. 

   Before you can question his words, he kisses you gently on the forehead and shoves you through the door as it closes behind you. You end up back in the long hallway as the sound of faded music seeps down the corridor. When you turn back around, there’s no door, only the painted white wall that burns into your eyes. You sigh and turn back around. 

   When you turn, your breath hitches. In the center of the hanging mirror with gold coated around the winding edges, you see Joel staring back at you. Your eyes widen as you walk up to the clear mirror. He looks like he’s standing right there, as if you can reach him with your mind.

   You reach your arm up and place your palm flat against the glass, his hand mirroring yours as you wish with all your might you could just feel his calloused fingers again pressed against your skin. You can’t feel him through the mirror though, he’s only a reflection in the glass that you so want to slip into. 

   He gives you a small smile as nods his head in the direction of the party. You turn toward the end of the hall, your eyes flicking toward the crowded room as you hear laughs and loud voices carry down the corridor. When you look back to the mirror, you only see your reflection. Joel’s gone. You hold back a tear as you sigh out heavily and turn back around. You guess you have to go back in there. 

   When you turn from the mirror and start to head down the hall, you gasp as you see a small blue butterfly fluttering its wings on the back of your hand. You take a closer look and go wide-eyed. 

   “Absolem?” you ask. You see what looks to be a gleam in his eye as he suddenly flies off and disappears into a dark corner of the room. You smile, feeling your insides calm down a bit as a piece of Wonderland slips into the real world. It’s a sign, a promise that you will be back to Wonderland. 

   You head down the long hallway as your click of your heels echo down the corridor, keeping your wide grin stretched across your face. When you turn into the sea of jewel cladded necks and pressed suits, you can’t help but think of painted roses and honey brown eyes. And it’s then you know you can get through the rest of the evening because you went to Wonderland. Your escape, your dream, your sanctuary. 

   Wonderland. You’d be back, you just know it. 

   

When you walk back into your cozy apartment and shut the door, you flick on the dim lights and start to walk to your room. You play with the golden key that’s latched around your neck, tracing the smooth edges as your thumb glides across the word Wonderland. 

   Wonderland. God, you wish you could go back right now. You want to, you need to. 

   Suddenly, a thousand feelings crash into you all at once. It’s like you get struck by lightning, zapping your brain into a dense fog as if you suddenly wake up from a deep sleep. You remember, you remember it all. 

   You close your eyes and the vivid pictures paint your mind. You can see you and Joel back in Wonderland painting pictures by the pond, can see yourself tumbling in the wildflowers with him, can taste his sugar coated lips after he fed you a piece of cake, can smell the rose scented air as he told you he loved you that first time in a bed of white and crimson red roses. It wasn’t all a dream. It was real, he is real. 

   Joel, your love. How could you forget?

   When you open your eyes, you jump as you see exactly what you were pining for all evening. Joel. Joel’s leaning against your cream colored walls, his arms crossed over his chest as he smirks up at you with those honey glazed eyes that you can’t get enough of. 

   “Joel?” you breathe out, your voice cracking as you can’t believe he’s in your room at this very moment. 

   “Miss me already, darlin’?” he chuckles, his lips coated in warmth as the door to Wonderland stands wide open behind him, different shades of roses and flying butterflies leaking into your dimly lit bedroom. 

   “How are you here?” you ask amazed as your eyes go wide. 

   He’s here. He’s here. 

   “You were calling to me,” he says as he nods to your key hooked around your neck that your finger is still sliding against. “You haven’t even been gone a couple of hours, baby. You missed me that much?” he teases as his laugh fills the room. 

   “Yes.” You let the key fall back against your chest and run over to him, slamming your body against him as you wrap your arms around him. 

   “I remember, Joel. I remember it all,” you say out of breath as a tear falls down your cheek. “How could I forget. How could I fucking forget?” you ask wildly as another hot tear runs down your face. You feel his calloused thumb wipe the tears away as he lifts your face up to his. 

   “It’s alright, baby. It’s all okay now. You just got lost inside the chaos of the outside world. I’m so happy you made it back, my love. I’ve missed you so so much,” he coos as he pulls you into his chest and runs a hand soothingly up and down your back, calming the storm that swirled inside you just seconds ago. 

   “Take me home,” you beg as you run your fingers through the edge of his scruff, causing him to groan in response. 

   “C’mon, sweetheart. Let’s go home.” He grabs your hand and pulls you through the wide open door, watching it close tightly behind you as it locks in place and disappears behind a bed of painted white roses. 

   Joel smiles and pulls you to his chest as he hooks his hands around your hips. “Sweetheart,” he coos as he gently cups the sides of your face and brings his forehead down against yours, “please tell me you’re never leaving again. Stay, stay with me. Stay in Wonderland where you belong. We’ve all missed you so much, but especially me. I’ve waited for your return for so long. I can’t bear to lose you again.”

   You smile up at him as you brush your lips over his, breathing in his honeysuckle taste as you nod your head slowly. “I’m never leaving again. Never ever. I’m staying here with the white rabbit, with the Cheshire Cat, with everyone. But most importantly I’m staying with you, my love.” You echo his words of my love back to him as he smiles down at you. 

   “Welcome home, my love. I’m never letting you go again.”

   He crashes his lips down to yours as you melt into his touch, his taste, his scent. You feel the warm air encase you as you get lost in him, in all of him. And you know now that this is where you belong. You belong in Wonderland with Joel. 

   And so you begin your lifetime full of adventures with the best way you know possible, getting lost in Joel, in your favorite Wonderland.   

Tags in case you want to read 🩷: @littlevenicebitch69 @lotusbxtch @keylimebeag @blueseastorm @akah565 @r3dheadedwitch @laurrrra @burntheedges @msjarvis @dugiioh @pedrostories @vee-bees-blog @forgetmenotsexy @copiasghoulfriend @vividispunk @strawberri-blonde @thischarmingmandalorian @sawymredfox @reddedmiller @tuquoquebrute @joelalorian @ozarkthedog @casa-boiardi @morallyinept @kirsteng42 @amyispxnk

[sweetercalypso]

Can I request a fic where reader is dating Joel and Ellie is a little skittish and shy around reader at first but Joel assures her that Ellie likes her and eventually Ellie comes around at the end

It Takes Time || Joel Miller

word count: 0.6k

When Joel returns from patrol, he finds himself headed in the direction of the Tipsy Bison as soon as he’s cleared through the city gates.

You’re the only thing on his mind as he walks through the empty streets, nose turned into the collar of his jacket to hide his face from the brisk night air. He doesn’t even bother to stop and check the time – he knows this routine better than he knows himself.

After twenty minutes of loitering outside the bar and rubbing his hands together to stave off the bitter chill of October, the door swings open and he’s greeted by your tired smile as you shrug your coat on over your uniform.

“Hey,” you say softly, shuddering at the sudden change in temperature. “Missed you today.”

He offers to walk you home with his usual dose of Southern charm and you accept with a grin, slipping your fingers between his and telling him all about your day.

“Why don’t you come over for dinner tomorrow?” He says as you’re passing through the center of town. “I’ll introduce you to Ellie – properly this time.”

Cool wind wraps around the two of you, and you shiver beneath your heavy, woolen coat. “I hope she likes me.”

Joel glances sideways in your direction, offering a look of bemusement. “She already likes you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” he nods, thumb rubbing over your knuckles in slow circles. “Says you’re good for me.”

“D’you think she’s right?”

“She’s not usually wrong.”

The rustling of autumn leaves fills the comfortable silence that stretches after his words. Soon, there’d be snow on the ground, and your walks would be cut short by Wyoming’s inclement weather. Your shoes scuff against the sidewalk and you think about trading for a pair of snow boots just to have an excuse to visit Joel during the winter months.

You think back to the first time you’d been invited to Joel’s house, and Ellie had scurried off to her room without so much as a ‘hello’. Or the time you’d run into her outside the stables, and she’d ducked down an alleyway to avoid making conversation. Had you been too quick in judging her actions as animosity?

“Ellie just takes a while to warm up to new people,” he says in a pensive tone, thinking back on all the questionable first impressions she’d made in their time together. “Part of growing up in a FEDRA school, I guess.”

You nod in understanding, though the corners of your mouth dip into a frown at the thought of how the world must seem for a girl like Ellie, born too late to remember the best parts of humanity.

“I can be patient,” you promise with a newfound conviction. “Whenever she’s ready, I’ll be there.”

A pleasant warmth blooms in Joel's chest as he pictures the three of you building a future together. Before he has a chance to comment on the sentiment, the sound of his name grabs his attention.

“Hey- Joel!”

Ellie stands on the other side of the street, huddled together with a couple friends that Joel had yet to learn the names of, the apples of their cheeks dusted similar shades of pink from the cold, autumn air.

“Hey, kiddo,” he greets her, offering polite nods to the kids standing by her side. He watches raptly as Ellie turns her gaze towards you and hesitantly raises her hand, a sheepish grin pulling at her features.

You wave back at her with enough animation that your coat sleeves swish from the force of your movement, and Joel swallows his laughter as Ellie’s smile turns into an amused, lighthearted grimace.

After a brief exchange, he says his goodbyes and takes your hand again, turning to continue the trek home.

“See?” He says once they’re out of earshot, knocking his shoulder gently into yours. “Best friends already.”

[sublimecatgalaxy]

Can I has a Joel x reader request where he ends up picking her up along the way(saving her) and she just kinda sticks around. She's good at medicinal herbs and foraging. speaking of WHY ARE THERE NO CHARACTERS LIKE THAT IN ANY POST APOCALYPTIC SHOW/MOVIE like that should be a course. Idk I want it to be fluffy like a clicker or an infected is running at her and he gets rid of it

I love this idea for sure, I hope you like it :)

"You're a fucking botanist?"

That was the first thing Joel asked me when he found me stranded in the country side of Wyoming, a young girl attached to his side when he looked down at the botany book in my hands and the array of flowers and twigs around me.

He almost shot me. Of course he didn't tell me that till weeks later, when we were finally settled in with his brother and the rest of civilization back in Jackson. He claimed that he thought I was infected by how much I was shaking but my claim was that it was nearly negative five degrees and my anxiety was skyrocketing as soon as I heard him step on a twig twenty feet away from me.

He saved me from freezing to death and getting mauled by a clicker and insulted my career in the same five minutes.

"Well botany was useless until the end of the world, huh?"

"I like to think that we were always useful, just not in obvious ways."

"Are you alone out here?" The girl asks with a kinder smile than the expression the mystery man is giving me, his eyes drooping low to look over me and my backpack to my left. She steps past the frightening man to step between the two of us, giving the man a hesitant but kind look before turning back to me.

"Yeah, just little old me." I shiver, teeth chattering as another blow of wind sweeps right through my bones, chilling me to my core. She frowns and pulls her jacket tightly around her chin before reaching into her pack to pull out a small blanket, tossing it onto the ground in front of me.

"Joel, can we keep her?" She asks as I scramble to wrap the blanket around my shoulders, already feeling ten times better than I did before.

"I'm not a stray dog." I giggle, looking at her with a teasing look and she nods bashfully, understanding how she came off.

"You practically look like it." The man mutters and I frown, heart panging as I lean down to smell my shirt and I have to be honest, it does resemble that of a wet dog.

"Ouch, when was the last time you showered, old man." I tease but his stoic expression sticks as his shoulders lift in a brief shrug.

"A week ago." He adds matter-of-factly and I feel envy swim in my belly at the thought of a snarky, unkind man like him deserving a hot shower, a shower that I would kill someone for.

"You guys are mean." I huff before looking to the girl with a smirk. "I like you." Before anyone else can say a word, Joel's eyes flicker past me and to the tree line and I feel my stomach drop at the frightened look on his face.

"Joel-" The young girl starts but Joel holds a hand up to her, taking a step towards me and I let him push me behind him and into the arms of the girl with a huff.

"I got it, Ellie." He mutters, holding the knife carefully in the air as the clicker approaches us and I look away in time as I hear the sound of the knife sheath itself into the skull of the monster in a split second. I take a breath, trying to regain my balance as I wobble a bit.

Between being scared by them and then the clicker, my heart needs a full restart.

"Jesus." Ellie whispers, head whipping in my direction as my butt hits the snow, head lolling between my knees while I try to catch my breath. Joel is in front of me in a moments notice with my backpack at his side, his hand carefully reaching out to rest on my shoulder, catching my attention.

"You okay?"

"She should come with us." Ellie whispers to him and he nods, reaching up to rub at his jaw as I feel my head start to spin, nausea bubbling in my throat.

"Yeah, she should." He whispers, pressing the back of his hand to my forehead before clicking his tongue, looking to the kid. "C'mon kid. Show her the ropes."

Ellie's laugh snaps me out of my thoughts, the fond smile on my lips returning to a normal thin line and I feel eyes on me as my head turns. Ellie and Joel are looking at me, forks in the air as they share a careful look and a laugh.

"What're you thinking about?" Joel asks with a curious, calm smile, a completely different expression than what he gave off when we first met. He's no longer stern and guarded around me, instead softening a bit and he's finally allowed himself to laugh around me.

"When we met." I shrug, nudging him with my elbow as I take a loud slurp of my soup, but the mellow tone is torn to shreds by Ellie's crude laugh, her spoon slapping down on the table while she looks between the two of us.

"You mean when you guys fell madly in love?" I feel my cheeks warm at her observation, an honest one at that, and I feel the butterflies return to my stomach as I sneak a glance at Joel who's blushing as red as a fire truck.

"Shut it, Ellie." He mutters and her eyes roll, hands raising in surrender.

"Oh I'm sorry for calling out the elephant in the room."

[xmissrogersx]

“Sweet crazy girl” | Joel Miller

tags: Post-Outbreak, Jackson. A lot of fluff. Coffe Coffe Coffe.

a note from pris: a little short because i writed this last night wathing gilmore girls. In my mind, is a perfect scene in Jackson. Enjoy baby girls!

my writing is entirely my own. Any adaptation and/or copy is forbidden.

i hope you are enjoying my stories! U help me a lot if you give me a ♡! All the love.

priscila’ masterlist

The cool breeze blew in through the half-open bedroom window, causing the air to send a slight shiver through my body. I sighed happily, finally autumn had arrived.

Instantly, the alarm clocks began to chime marking 7 o'clock.

-You ‘re hilarious! -I threw off the covers and walked out of the room and down the stairs.

-Look, when I told you last night "tomorrow, no matter what happens, try to wake me up at 7:00", what I really meant was "tomorrow, no matter what happens, try to give me the option of waking up at 7:00, just in case I don't want to do it". Which, in the end, was the case.

-Did you break the alarm clocks, darlin'? —he said, raising an eyebrow as he prepared breakfast.

-Very funny, cowboy —I kissed his cheek. I grabbed the pot of coffee and sniffed it, stopping short.-It's decaf.

-What are you talking about? —he looks disinterested.

-You came back to change my coffee.

-I'm a busy man, baby. I don't have time to change your coffee on the sly, I have to work construction and patrols —I began to search the kitchen with him at my back. My sense of smell never failed.

-Will you stop doing that?

-Ha! —I pulled the bag under the sink and watched as Joel raised both arms and covered his head.-Very clever, mister, but not clever enough.

-All right, you know what? I give up —I smell the inside of the bag as I turn on the coffee pot.

-Nop, you don't give up —I laughed victoriously, jumping up and down, then put my hands on his face and joined our lips in a kiss. I slid my right hand to the buttons of his shirt to touch his strong chest and start distributing kisses on his neck.

-Please,baby, don't do that. You know I have to go to work —he placed his warm hand under my nightgown sending a shock down my spine. I pouted my lips a little.

-Do you have to go? —he nodded and tucked my hair behind my ear, then turned and handed me a plate of fruit and blueberry pancakes.

-My strong big man, always feeding me.

-You're welcome, darlin'. You're awake, you've got food. I'm leaving, but I'll try to be back early. Do you want me to get you anything?

-Mmm, maybe a chocolate with almonds, a Vogue magazine, some chips and cheese...

He silences me by kissing me, making the outside cease to exist and the desire to stay stronger.

-Goodbye, sweet crazy girl —then he put his hand on my hip and kissed my bulging stomach.-Goodbye to you too, little princess.

-How do you know it's a girl?

-Intuition, darlin'.

-Ellie is begging all the time for a boy.

-Well, she’s wrong, because i say so.

-Por dios, you're a daddy's girl —i coiffed his salt-and-pepper hair strands.-Have a nice day. I love you, my big old softie man.

-I love you too, sweet girl.

[fanficbarbie]

❝sweetest pie❞

posting on weekends, other joel fics

─⋆♡ summary: Gordon Ramsey has nothing on Joel Miller. The owner and head chef of a Michelin Star-worthy restaurant couldn't have predicted anyone would give him a bad review. But, the baker who hates his food saw a perfect opportunity to bring him down a notch.

─⋆♡ main tropes: Pre-outbreak!Joel Miller x Fem!Reader, Chef!Joel x Baker! Original Character, Chef x Baker, Grumpy x Sunshine, Joel x Black FMC

─⋆♡ series warnings: smut, fluff, angst, 18+ black!writer, language, mentions of death of parents, fighting, alcohol, physical descriptors (brief), rip sarah, characters affected by symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Faceclaims ෆ Spotify Playlist.

Tracklist:

prelude I II III IV V VI

VII - coming soon VIII IX X

Singles:

Joel and Imogen's first date - between III and IV

some of my characters are clearly affected by symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. because i want y'all to be healthy and take care of yourselves while reading, here are some resources

take care of yourselves, plz. xoxo, liv ⋆˙ᵕ˙

[7seas-of-ryy]

Friendly Neighbors

Author’s Note: Reader is in her twenties, this is set pre-outbreak. I’ve always loved Pedro Pascal and I’m so glad he’s getting his attention :)))

Pairing: Pre-Outbreak!Joel Miller x Reader

Summary: You’re neighbors with Joel and Sarah. She adores you and little do you know, he does too <3

Warnings: some kissing, let me know if there’s anything I missed :)

“Hey look what I found at the book store!” Sarah yelled out to you as she let herself into your house.

“Ooooo show me!” You responded. 

You had moved into the house next to hers a couple months ago and she quickly latched onto you, claiming you had to be her friend because all of her other neighbors were too old. You knew she probably needed some girl time occasionally because she lived with her dad, so you always allowed her to stop by. 

“I remember you telling me your favorite book was Pride and Prejudice, and I found a copy of it at the book store, so now I can read it!” The young girl exclaimed. 

“Oh yeah? And where did you get the money for that?” You asked her with a grin on your face, knowing she took it from Joel’s dresser drawer. 

“...alright I took it from my dad’s drawer. But I really wanted to read this book, I want to know why its your favorite!” She admitted

As if on cue, Joel knocked on the door.

“Hey is Sarah here? She never came home after school.” He asked you, looking worried.

You looked back at Sarah and she had a sheepish smile. “Yes, I’m so sorry she’s right in here. If I knew she didn’t tell you, I would’ve let you know” You said feeling guilty. You already felt as though he didn’t like you and you did not want to add onto that feeling.

“Dad, give her your number so she can text you if I’m over here” Sarah said smugly, with a huge grin on her face. She knew her dad liked you and she assumed you liked him because of how flustered you got every time you talked to him.

“oh uh... um ok is that...ok?” Joel stuttered over his words.

“Oh, uh yeah that... would be ok” You responded, also stumbling over your words.

Sarah stood in between you both watching and trying to not laugh.

“Ok anyways, I was just showing (Y/N) the book I bought.” She giggled

“Pride and Prejudice...” Joel said reading the cover “Never read it”

You gasped and playfully grasped at your chest, making both of them laugh. You always made them both smile. Joel loved you but he really loved how much Sarah loved you. He couldn’t remember the last time she had a mother figure in her life. 

“I can NOT believe you. Now I understand why Sarah never read it so she gets a pass. But Joel, that is unforgivable” you smiled

“Yeah, and I wanna read it before I watch the movie.” Sarah added

“There’s a movie? See I’ll watch that but I aint reading no book” Joel spoke.

“It’s my favorite movie too!” You exclaimed

“Hmmm well this actually works out perfect...” Sarah stated as you and Joel eyed her “My friend just messaged me and she wants to study together”

“And why is that perfect?” You asked

“I don’t wanna watch the movie yet, my dad said he’ll watch it and it’s your favorite so I’ll go study and you guys can hang out here and watch it together” She responded

“Well I don’t want to interrupt (Y/N)’s night” Joel said

“She’s not doing anything tonight, she said all she was gonna do was drink wine anyways” Sarah responded just as fast

You immediately got embarrassed at the information that was just exposed. 

Joel hesitated and then responded “Ok lets watch it” 

Sarah said her goodbyes and headed to her friends to study. You’re rarely alone with Joel so you weren’t sure how well this was going to go. 

Joel was the first to break the silence, “If you still want to drink some wine, I have a bottle at my house that I’ve been waiting to open. I could go grab it for us” he offered

“Yeah actually, that would be really nice” you smiled at him

He went and grabbed the wine and you got everything ready for the movie. Before you knew it, you were both sitting on your couch about to start the movie. There was an awkward space between you both. You could tell he was thinking the same thing as you and you both made eye contact.

“You can scoot closer to me if you need some more space” He spoke

You smiled and with as much courage as you had, scooted closer to him till your sides were almost touching. Once you got that close, he put his arm around you and pulled you into his side. You laid your head on his shoulder and you both watched the movie.

You could feel his eyes on you throughout the movie and it was driving you insane. You didn’t think your cheeks could get any redder at this point and all you wanted to do was grab him and kiss him.

“Did you know you smile at this movie a lot” he asked in the middle of the it.

You looked at up at him with big eyes, feeling embarrassed.

“I can definitely tell it’s your favorite, it’s really cute...” He whispered easily to you “You’re really cute, actually... you’re very beautiful”

You thought you might combust. You couldn’t believe your ears. THE Joel Miller was calling you beautiful??

“You’re very beautiful too” you told him

“Thank you darlin” He laughed and put a piece of your hair behind your ear

You subconsciously moved closer to him. Your eyes never left each others as you both leaned in. He kissed you softly as if you were made of glass and one wrong move would break you. He pulled away and you pulled him right back to you in a much more heated kiss. Once you both stopped due to your need for oxygen, you couldn’t stop smiling.

“I don’t think Sarah had to study” You whispered

He laughed “She definitely just wanted us alone”

“I wanted us alone” You admitted

“I did too” He agreed as you both continued laughing and kissing like teenagers in love.

[lovesclinic]

Haaaaiii!!!! I have a pretty personal request for our one and only Joel Miller 🤭 Sooo fem!reader is EXTREMELY sensitive. The smallest amount of pain or blood can bring her to tears. Someone looks at her for too long and she starts to over think it. Oh also veryyyyy sensitive to yelling, someone raising their voice at them. I would love for you to write a sensitive!sunshine!reader x grumpy!overprotective!joel. Where he's an absolute protective softie for her <333

This is my second time requesting and you didn't disappoint the first time since your fics are absolutely perfecto! 👌🏻

Mwah! 💋

my hero

꒱preoutbreakgrumpy!overprotective!joel x sensitive!sunshine!reader

꒱ in which joel loves his sensitive girl, and defends her no matter what

꒱ hi anon i love this concept sososo much! i just want him to protect me pls.. also this is kind of a series so checkout my other posts like this muah

"You can't just walk around the place.." the plump, balding man berated you,

"stompin' all over my gardenias like they dont mean a thing, you incosiderate.. idiot!" you could only sniffle in reply, hoping joel would be late to meet you at the park. you had only really started going out with joel recently, and you weren't ready for him to see you like this, weak and teary eyed.

but of course, like the gentleman he is, joel arrived right on time, not a minute late.

he did say he'd never leave a pretty lady waiting.

but you had just thought it to be one of those lies men said here and there, ill never leave you, ill love you forever, one of them.

''scuse me sir," joel drawled with that signature accent of his that made you weak in the knees, but not for the right reasons today.

wiping red hot face in the hood of your jacket, you quickly turn to bury your head in joel's chest, unable to handle him seeing your messy, snot covered, tear stained face.

you could only hear muffled words through the thick hood covering your face, and additionally your ears. however your hiding was short lived as the talking quickly came to a stop, as you heard what you assumed to be the agry man, stomping off.

"y'okay baby?" joel had to gently tug on your hood to grab your attention, and even then you refused to let him see your face.

you wished you could have been strong and just walked off from the man. you had heard somewhere that confident, attractive men should like confident women, who they can support. and joel is confident.. and attractive. but that just didnt feel like you.

"how 'bout we just head on down to that little bakery you love s'much.. yeah?" hearing the hesitation in joel's voice, you peeked your eyes out, just a tad, over your hood. seeing him looking a tad nervous pver your response.

he cared so much, just as much as you. so, maybe joel wasn't confiedent all the time. and you didn't have to be either.

"my hero.."

[mushrubes]

You

Masterlist | The last of us masterlist

Requested : No!

Prompt 15 “this song reminds me of you.” + 42. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Pairing : Joel Miller x (she/her) reader (No use of Y/n)

Type : fluff!

Contents : Age gap, mutual feelings, grumpy x sunshine, swearing!

Word count : 1.6k

You're loved :)

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"Sooo..." Ellie spoke up, walking alongside Joel as you walked ahead of the pair, just out of earshot. He raised his eyebrow, not turning to face her and waiting for whatever comment to come out. "When are you going to tell her?" she asked, a smirk on her face as she watched in amusement, seeing his face change through multiple emotions. "Tell her what?" he asked, trying to stay calm as he gathered she was most likely just messing with him - after all, it wasn't that obvious was it?

"You like her!" she huffed, rolling her eyes at the male as he shook his head vigorously, coming out with excuses. "I absolutely do not, Ellie. She's closer to your age than she is to me!" he half lied. It was true, you were younger, but Joel was so oblivious to the constant hints you had sent. Unknown to you, she had picked up almost instantly, as well as Tommy who had agreed to help her plan in getting the pair of you together. "God, you are so stupid sometimes! She doesn’t care about age!" she groaned, scratching her forehead. 

Joel bit his tongue as he looked ahead, his eyes settled on you. It was lightly snowing on your way back to Jackson, soft snowflakes falling. He watched as you looked around, taking in the scene around you. Despite the world having gone to shit, you still managed to find good in everything - perhaps that was the reason he kept you around. You saw the good in him, the side he couldn't even see himself anymore. He found comfort in you, seeking you out when he needed it the most. You listened to him and his doubts, always managing to assure him that he was doing the right thing and he was protecting you and Ellie. You told him how much you appreciated him daily. Showing him things he never thought he'd ever see again. 

You had one of his spare coats on, your's currently being fixed by Maria as it got torn on the last patrol you and Joel took. It almost drowned you, due to Joel being bigger built but it kept you way warmer than your own did, making you thankful for the fence that had ripped it. "See! You're oogling at her!" Ellie pointed out, earning a frustrated groan that was loud enough for you to hear, evident as you turned out in concern, switching between the two. "Is everything okay?" you asked softly, Ellie smirking as he glared at her. A small smile was plastered on your face as you watched the pair of them act like children. 

"It's fine sunshine, she was just telling me those stupid puns." he lied, glaring at the girl one more time before he carried on walking, now in front of you. "What did you do?" you asked, sighing as he only got into these moods when he was frustrated. She put her hands in the air, shrugging. "I'm innocent, he's just being a moody old man." she attacked, earning a snicker from you. "Don't be mean Ellie." you warned, a playful smile on your face as she grinned back, letting you pull her into a side hug. "Hurry up, unless you want to freeze out here!" Joel called, a stern look on his face. 

"Coming!"

----

You walked into the room, immediately gasping as you set your eyes on the familiar piece in front of you. "Ellie!" you called, gaining the girl's attention. She gasped as well, watching as you opened the draw underneath, seeing the multiple types of vinyl. The labels on them had been worn away, leaving the band and songs on them a surprise. "Woah!" she whispered, pulling them out. "What'd you find?" Joel asked, still focusing on the food he was cooking in front of him. It wasn't a fancy meal, but it was enough to fill you all up for tonight until you got your next load of food. "Vinyl player." you breathed out, grinning at the male who hummed. 

"How do you play it?" Ellie spoke up making you panic as you saw what she was doing, about to break it. "Hey, hey, hey, wait." you gushed, walking over and taking it out of her hands, placing it on properly as it played. "Dinner's ready." Joel announced, letting you take Ellie's arm and bringing her to the table to sit with you and him, leaving the music playing

----

"Come on, time for bed." you ushered, squeezing her arm. Unlike most nights, you knew you'd have no issue with persuading her tonight due to how tired she was from today - she was already practically asleep on your shoulder anyway. "I'll carry her up." Joel assured, already picking her up as you went to move, sending him a small smile. "Okay." you said softly, getting up and walking to the vinyl player to change the record. 

He carefully carried Ellie up, making sure to avoid any creaks in the stairs he knew were there and pushed her bedroom door open with his foot. She had managed to make it her own since you and Joel had agreed on moving to Jackson permanently. The cracked walls were repainted with a blush red she had asked for, lights strung around as well as a pinboard, polaroid pictures pinned to it thanks to the camera Joel had managed to find on a patrol with Tommy one day. 

"Joel?" she called softly as he pulled the covers over her, Ellie already having gotten changed into her pyjamas earlier. "Hm?" he responded, letting her know he had heard you. "Thank you." she stated, knowing she didn't have to expand and he would understand. He took a deep breath, kneeling beside her as he brushed the hair off of her face, illuminated by the lamp next to her bed. "It's okay." he mumbled, a weird feeling of nostalgia growing in his stomach as it reminded him of Sarah. He got up, reaching to turn the lamp off as they shared a smile. As he walked over to the door, ready to walk out she spoke up again. "I'm no longer cargo, right?" she asked, her voice wavering slightly causing him to feel guilty. 

Ellie was similar to Joel in many ways - the one way you were able to point out was overthinking. It was a natural thing to do, all humans do it even you, but she rarely spoke up about it. She would decide to keep quiet than confront it and bottle it up. This was one of the very rare moments she'd let it show, especially since she was now slightly older. She was determined to be independent, to show she didn't need any help with anything, just to prove herself. "No, kiddo. You haven't been for ages. We see you as family." he comforted, trying his best to word it. 

We. The word rang in her head, making her grin as she realised that not only was she sure Joel saw her as family but so did you. You saw her as part of your family. Her stomach filled with butterflies as well as a fuzzy feeling, getting rid of her doubts and certain she was where she belonged. "Now get some sleep, Kiddo." Joel told as she nodded before realising he couldn't see. "Goodnight Joel." she bid, snuggling up to the plush you had given her ages ago. "Goodnight baby girl." he smiled, pulling the door gently. 

Carefully, he made his way down the stairs, coming back into the living room where you were still sitting. When you saw him, you gestured for him to sit next to you, his arm instinctively wrapping around you as you laid your head on his shoulder. The gentle, familiar tune filled the room as you smiled. "Dance with me." you questioned, looking up and feeling your cheeks heat up as you saw him already looking at you. His face changed; uncertainty obvious as he doubted the idea. "I don't know..." he sighed, looking at you as you stood up, frowning at him. He didn't say anything else, instead standing up and wrapping his arms around your waist as your arms were around his neck. 

Your head was pressed against his chest as his head rested on top of yours, swaying you softly along to the song. "This song reminds me of you." you admitted, catching the man off guard. He thought to himself for a few minutes before responding. "How?" he asked, curious as to what to respond. You scoffed as if it was the most obvious thing ever. "Because I know you'd give up everything just to be me and El." you spoke up, answering as if it was easy. The comment put a smile on his face, making him happy that you were somewhat aware of the extent he'd go for you two - his girls (admittedly he'd go further than you probably think, but he wasn't going to tell you that).

His eyes welled up slightly as he thought how lucky he had gotten. It was a living hell, yet he'd found two people who didn't see him like the others. They didn't see the ruthless, cold-hearted killer that he'd lost his brother over for a bit. He was safe with you two like you were with him. Even though he was the protector, you two helped him feel safe from everything. Able to forget about the current state of the world when he was with you two, giving him a place to rest - like a sanctuary. "I don't know what I'd do without you," he admitted, seeing you had pulled away and wiped the tears he hadn't even noticed were falling. You rubbed his tears away with your thumbs, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"Well, thankfully you'll never have to know. "

[lovrre]

Statue of Liberty~

Joel x fem reader

Word count:3k

Summary: Ellie plays wing man for Joel hoping to set you guys up, only to find out all Joel needed was a little advice and some glue.

Warnings:Reader is a little Bit of a mother figure to Ellie , fluff, curse words, smut, unprotected sex, squirting 🌝…idk probably some other stuff

You sit in the passenger seat of Joel’s truck, carving out a little figurine of the Statue of Liberty into wood with your knife. You realize Ellie woken up from her nap when you hear her start moving around restlessly in the back seat. She sits still for a while before resting her chin on the edge of the passenger seat’s headrest. “How long has it been, it’s hot as shit in this car!” Ellie says, turning to you, letting out a frustrated sigh. “About 30 minutes” you saying not breaking concentration “UHGG” Ellie grunts “I don’t understand why we can’t just all go in with Joel” Ellie says moving closer to look at what you’re doing.

“It’s better one person go then all of us be in danger” you say, not looking up from your carving. “Bull shit! it’s dangerous everywhere” Ellie says, rolling her eyes. “It’s funny to me that you know all these cuss words but probably can’t even spell the word beverage” you say, flicking off a chunk of wood with your knife.

Ellie goes quietly for a second before speaking “B. E. V. A-“ you quickly cut her off “stop you’re embarrassing me” you say, letting out a small laugh, Ellie mumbles crossing her arms “not my fault they didn’t teach me shit at that dumb ass school”

Ellie tries to stay quiet, but her boredom gets the best of her. “Is that supposed to be the Statue of Liberty?” Ellie asks, pointing to your carving. “Yeah, it’s from memory though, so it’s not that good”

“ No it’s good, It looks a lot like it” Ellie says, leaning over to get a closer look. “You’ve seen it in person?” You ask, finally looking away from the carving and up at Ellie. “Only in books and stuff, you?” Ellie asks, your face drops for a second, “yeah I lived in New York when I was younger ”. Ellie sees it hit a soft spot for you and changes the subject, “you’re not like the other old people” Ellie says plainly.

You scrunch up your face confused and look at Ellie, “Old??? I’m like 30, if that ” you scoff, returning your focus to your carving, trying not to think about the fact that this was the first time you’ve ever been called old. “ thirty’s not old?” Ellie asks Genuinely.

“ No it’s not, it’s a perfectly fine age” you say, partially trying to convince yourself. “

“if that” How don’t you know your own age?” Ellie asks, plopping back down on the seat. “ It’s not like I have a calendar. You lose track of time after a while you know… you could be actually 12 , you sure act like it” you say, wiping the pile of wood Shavings off your lap. “Hey!” Ellie laughs, hitting your shoulder. You shrug, “Just saying, how do you know someone didn’t just round up when you were a toddler?” .

“Haha hilarious” Ellie says sarcastically before going quiet actually thinking about it for a second. “ Back to what I was saying, I wasn’t trying to say it like you’re old, I just meant you’re not like the other OLDER people, you’re not all grumpy like-“ you both speak at the same time “Joel” you two laugh “well that’s because Joel is Actually old” you say bringing your focus back on your carving. “ How old is Joel anyway ?” Ellie asks, it takes you a minute to remember, “in his fifties I think” you say, focusing on the arm part of your carving. “DAMN…that’s old” Ellie says Dramatically. “ I know right” You laugh.

Something comes across Ellie’s face, like she remembers something. She leans in closer, placing her elbow on the center console and leaning her head on her hands like a kid daydreaming in class. “ Joel doesn’t look too bad for a fifty-something, right? ” Ellie says, raising her eyebrow. You’re to focus on your sculpture to realize what she’s doing.

“ No he doesn’t, he doesn’t look young, but he still looks good…you know sliver fox think” you say, unfazed, still carving at the mini Statue of Liberty. Ellie scrunches her face up in disgust for a second before speaking, “No, I don’t…” know”. You guys sit in silence for a second while You continue working on your carving. “Would you ever date someone that old?” Ellie questions hinting as something that you don’t get right away. “ Depends on- wait” you stop in realization and look up at Ellie. She gives you a tight lip smile, raising her eyebrows up and down. “No” you state plainly, “c’mon why not, he’s lonely, you’re lonely perfect match”

You roll your eyes, “wow, that’s all we have in common really?” You say, wiping more shavings off your pants. “Well you’re both old but If I say that you’re gonna get mad” you don’t even say anything, just stare at her from the corner of your eye. “ listen I would I just I don’t-“ just as you’re about to finish your sentence, Joel opens the door to the truck. He gets in the driver seat and Ellie smiles, “will finish this conversation later” Ellie says, giving you a wink. “We won’t” you say, giving her a tight smile. “We will~” Ellie whispers in a very quiet whimsical tone, you scrunch up your face at her odd behavior, “what conversation?” Joel asks, looking between the two of you. “Nothing you need to worry about right now, old man,” Ellie says, patting him on the shoulder. “Weird kid” Joel mumbles before starting the car.

After finding a remote place to in the woods to sleep for the night, you and Ellie sit in the bed of the pickup, your feet dangling off the edge. “ I need to go collect some fire wood, I’ll stay close by, scream if you need me” Joel says, walking towards the forest. “I’ll come with!” Ellie says, jumping off the bed off the truck to catch up with Joel. You watch Ellie run after him, “and I’ll just…stay here” you say, tapping on the side of the truck with your finger.

~~~

Ellie walks side by side with Joel, smiling ear to ear. “What the hell are you smiling bout?” Joel asks looking down at her “Only that I’m the best wing man ever,” Ellie says, giving him a cocky shrug. “What are you talking about?” Joel asked a bit worried, “I was talking to y/n about if she would date- ”. Joel interrupts her “-Ellie you didn’t” a mischievous smile creeps on her lips. “ I did”

~~~~

You sit in the bed of the truck, wondering how long Joel and Ellie would be gone for. You tried to combat it, but for some reason, the thought of what would it be like to be with Joel kept creeping up in the back of your mind. Not only that, but you didn’t hate it, but it just felt like something that was off-limits, but that also made it intriguing.

~~~~

“ I mean she basically said you were hot, and she would date you ” Ellie says optimistic, Joel takes a few breaths in before speaking. “ What did you say to her exactly” Joel asks, a little irritated. “I just asked her if she would date someone in there fifties”

“-Ellie” Joel sighs, wiping his face in frustration. “ Calm down…she basically said she would, and she said something about gray foxes?” Ellie say confused, “silver fox?” Joel says, “yeah that, she said you had that going on, whatever that means…more old people shit” Ellie mumbles the last part. Joel stays quiet for a second, enjoying the thought of you finding him any bit attractive, gave him. “ Don’t do that again. I can handle my own personal life, hear me”?

Ellie doesn’t say anything, kicking the stones under her feet. “ Do you Hear me?” Joel asks again for sternly . “Yeah, yeah, yeah whatever, I’m just saying do something nice show her you care ”

~~~~~

A day later, you proudly show Ellie your finished wood carving of the Statue of Liberty, and she is amazed by the level of detail you were able to achieve. “Bro, this is awesome where did you learn how to do this?” You really think for a second before answering , “I don’t even remember, I just Do it.” You say proudly, “Wow” she says as she runs her fingers along the curves of the figure. “Can you teach me?” Ellie asks, taking her eyes off the carving to look at you.

“ Yeah, I taught my sister, so it should be easy to teach you,” you say, for a second thinking about your old life. “ I used to make them in art class, and I’d go home and teach them, the carvings were a lot less details though because I was like 10” you say jokingly but a bit of sadness at the fact that your sisters Aren’t here anymore.

Ellie let out a small laugh and “I bet I could do better than 10-year-old you” Ellie Says, shrugging her shoulders confidently. “I’d like to see you try,” you laugh, pushing her shoulder. Joel overhears your conversation and even though you don’t outright say it he makes a mental note that he's not alone in his suffering—that you've lost people too.

~~~~

Joel and Ellie were walking alongside you while searching for supplies. You guys needed to look for some more food , so you drove into a presumably empty town. The streets were eerily quiet as you guys made your way through the abandoned streets. Suddenly, a group emerged from an alleyway at the end of the street. A mix of clickers and runners. Fear spread quickly amongst them, but Joel was determined to protect you and Ellie.

“GET INSIDE!” He yells, gesturing you guys inside the abandoned store. You get inside, but quickly realize the door was broken off its hinges and wouldn’t close. Just when you were about to panic, Joel calls out. “Help me push!” He yells, gesturing you to the large cabinet. You run over to Joel's side, helping him push down the cabinet. It makes a loud thud when it falls causing dust to pollute the air. It only blocking off the majority of the opening, leaving the top bit still exposed. “Shit shit shit shit shit” you curse, look for something to block the top.

As soon as you turn your back , a clicker slithers through the small opening. There was no hesitation, Joel swiftly grabbed a nearby shovel and stepped forward to face off with the monster, one hard hit and it stumbles back. A gun shot rings through the air and the clicker falls back with a thud. You look back to see Ellie holding her gun. Ellie lowering the gun a smiles proudly. “Good shot” you huff out, Joel looks around the room quickly for an Exit. “Out that way” he says, pointing to a small back door. Just before turning to the exit, you see your Statue of Liberty carving broken in three pieces on the ground. Your heart breaks a little at the sight, you move towards it for a second, debating whether you should grab it or not.

“FUCKING GO!” Joel yells, making you jump, you and Ellie run out the back door. After you guys are gone, Joel looks around once before slowly bending down, picking up the large fragment pieces of your carving and stuffing them in his pocket.

somehow you guys all managed to make it out unscathed. However, during the scuffle your wood carving broke, it shouldn’t have been a big deal, it was just wood. But it reminded you of home, not the QZ, home…life before everything, your sculpture breaking felt like a metaphor for never going to feel at home again. Ellie looked down at your empty hand, “where’s your sculpture thingy?” She asks, gesturing to your hand “It broke” you say, giving a sad tight smile.

You guys find and a pretty secure building to spend the night. There were two rooms right next to each other, connected by an entryway that you guys decided to hunker down in. You and Ellie found tents for all of you guys while scavenging. You and Joel start putting up your tents, and Ellie follows behind. “You don’t have to set up all the pieces if you don’t want to, you can stay in mine” you say, watching Ellie slightly struggling with the zipper on the bag. “No thanks I’m good, I actually want to sleep tonight” Ellie says, pulling out a rod from the back, looking at it confused.

“I’ll do it” Joel say walking over towards Ellie, “pay attention, so you can do it on your own next time”

~~~~

Ellie ended up sleeping in your tent, her head laying snug on your chest. During the night, you move uncomfortably, the hard floor still very present under the tent's thin fabric. You look down, realizing Ellie had slithered her way onto your chest, you slowly sit up, moving her gently back to her side. You rubbed your eyes annoyed, your back was hurting from the floor and your throat was dry. You knew you had some water in your bag right outside the tent, so you slowly unzipped it, careful not to make too much noise. Just as you're about to step on the ground, you look down to see your small Statue of Liberty perfectly intact. Your first thought was that Ellie must of went back and fixed it or something. You bend down to pick it up and see a small note made from ripped pieces of paper.

The note reads “I shouldn’t have yelled- j” you smile at the words before examining the carving. He really did a good job, there wasn’t even any glue residue, you almost couldn’t tell it had even been broken. You hear a rustling sound coming from Joel's tent, you walk through the entrance that separated the two rooms and stood infront his tent. “Joel you up?” You whisper looking at his tent for movement, “yeah, you alright?” he asked, voice sounding groggy from sleep. You hear him move and a second later he unzips the tent door, “sorry I didn’t mean to wake you I just wanted to say thanks for fixing my thing, sorry I thought you were already up.”

“ you're good, I know it’s not perfect, but it should last,” he says, wiping his face with his hand. You look over a bit in his tent that’s lit up by a little oil lamp and see an old can labelled “canned cake” with a fork stuck in it. “Eeew what is that” you say, climbing into his tent to examine the can. Joel sighs at your action, “did you eat this shit” you ask, picking up the fork and smelling it. “ Unfortunately” he sighs again, adjusting himself to make more room in the tent for you. “That bad?” You say, giving it another sniff, “definitely not good” he says, grimacing at the can. You take a small bite off the fork, really tasting it before coming to a conclusion.

“ I mean…for twenty years old it’s kinda good” Joel makes a face that shows his disagreement. Silence fills the air for a second before you speak, “Well… I just came in here to tell you thanks for” you lean outside the tent to grab your sculpture off the floor

”-this” you say, showing off your sculpture. “ You did good” you say, seeing the details better in good lighting. “ You’re welcome, by the way you reacted I guessed it meant a lot to you” he says watching your every movement. you stay silent for a second, really thinking before talking. “ Can I tell you something it’s a little off topic … I wanted to tell Ellie, but I didn’t think she’d get it, it’s deep, so prepare yourself.” Joel nods, and you zip up the tent for more privacy.

“ Before everything, before the infected and all that shit. I had a family two sisters, a mom and dad, a cat, the whole shebang. I used to make my sister carvings just like this all the time” you say, gesturing to the carving in your hand. “And well as you probably are guessed, she died, they all did actually… in front of me at that” you say, the familiar feeling of guilt bubbling in your stomach. “But you know I was so young… I know I couldn’t have done anything, I know I couldn’t…but it’s this feeling that I could have, it’s this feeling of knowing how the world used to be. It hurts… so bad, something about knowing that your favorite teacher is most likely dead. Or your childhood friends, cousins, uncles etc. do you feel that?”

You ask, fidgeting with your nails a tears welling in your eyes threat

” more than you know“ Joel says, pain lacing his voice. You look up to see the same sadden expression and glossy eyes as your own. Suddenly, as if something comes over you, you grab his face and kiss him. He returns the kiss, leading into it. You quickly pull away in realization. “ Oh my god I’m so sorry, I don’t know wh-“ Joel quickly cuts in, shaking his head. “ it’s ok, I get it, you needed some to talk to and-“ Joel cuts himself off when he sees you still staring at his lips longingly.

Joel watches you slowly bite your lip, trying to suppress the memory of the feeling of his own yours. “Fuck it” he whispers under his breath before quickly grabbing your face and pulling you into a kiss. You deepen the kiss my sinking your have into his hair and pulling him closer to your mouth. You let out a breathy moan and Joel grabs your back, pulling you towards him in a way that tells you to straddle him. You do, grind yourself against the hard bulge in his pants. “You wanna do this” he asks his thick country accent mixed with his groggy sleep voice making your core tighten.

“Yeah” you breathe out “Really bad” you whisper, kiss the corner of his mouth. “ We gotta keep quiet” Joel whispers, pulling by your waist, so you’re closer to him. “I’ll try, ” you whisper, pulling your shirt over your head exposing your breasts. Joel lets out a low growl from deep in his chest at the sight, quickly sinking his hand between the two of you work at his belt. He takes it off, throwing it to the side and shimming down his pants just enough so pull his dick out. It’s big, but you expect that you didn’t expect him to be so thick. “ Shit I don’t know if it’ll fit, you laugh while unbuttoning your pants.

“ I know you can take it” Joel says, a smile creeping up on his face. Standing up for a second, pulling off your pants and your underwear completely before returning to your position on Joel's lap. Your warm cunt rubbing against his shaft, causing his breath to become rugged. You start rubbing yourself against his cock back and forth, your wetness making it easy to slide along his length . “ I need it” Joel huffs out, he doesn’t say exactly, but you know. You sit up a little, so you can guide him into your entrance, your left hand keeping you balanced. Joel helps you, line himself up with you before grabbing your waist and pushing you down.

He stretched you out, the sensation making your legs shake on top of him. He doesn’t wait for you to adjust, he guides you by your waist up and down on his dick. He lays back completely when you start moving on your own, bliss talking over his body. The lewd sounds of your juices and the slapping of skin filled his ears. Your legs began getting tired and your movements slowed. “ Ride me” Joel demanded his tone, deep and serious. You obey riding him with all your might, trying to keep moans at bey by biting the insides of your cheek.

“I’m about to cum” you whine, your legs shaking onto of him. Joel gets up a switches positions, so he’s on to of you missionary, his hand rests on your thigh pushing you leg back, so he has a better view of his dick entering your cunt. “Ohh god” you moan, the new angle hitting you deeper than before. You try to push Joel away, the sensation too much to bear.” take that shit” he groans, plunging deeper into your scratch at his arms as you feel the tight knot in your stomach breaking. “Take this dick baby” he groans again

You cum with what would be a loud cry if Joel hadn’t used his free had to cover your mouth. His other still holding your leg up, You moan into his had as you feel yourself coming around his dick. You squirt all over him, the loud sound of your juices intensify. “Fuck just like that” he says, his thrust becoming rugged. “Shit I’m gonna cum” Joel mumbles finale uncovering your mouth. “In me baby, cum in me” you moan squeezing your walls tight around him. Before he could even react, he was cumming inside you. “Shit-“

~~~

The morning came and you and Joel made breakfast with what whatever you food he had in his bag. You sit in comfortable silents watching Joel stir around the food with a fork over his makeshift fire. “I’m usually gentler than that in bed ”Joel says awkwardly, looking up from the pan and at you. “It’s ok, I liked it” you say, smiling. A loud voice interrupts your conversation “smells good” Ellie says, stepping out of the tent stretching out her arms. She walked over to where you and Joel were sitting and plops down next to him.

She leans over and whispers so only Joel can hear her. “Y/n didn’t come back to the tent last night…wonder where she was” Ellie smiles, elbowing him in his side. “Don’t” Joel replies sternly “best wing man” Ellie laughs

Author note : GUYS FEEL FREE TO COMMENT I LOVE READING COMMENTS 🤭

[alexsoenomel]

Random Joel Miller headcanons:

Joel liked when you wore his clothes. He would get annoyed when he couldn't find his shirts though. 

“Where's my green flannel?”  He asked you one morning, rummaging through his closet.

“Turn around handsome,” you told him, sipping your morning black coffee. 

He turned around, rolled his eyes.

“Stop stealing my clothes!”

“Make me.” 

Silent mornings because you both hated waking up early

You would share the bathroom whenever you were in a hurry or late for work 

Lazy weekends: breakfast in bed, watching movies and just existing…lots of sex

Cooking was your love language, but that didn't stop Joel from making something for you every once in a while. Especially when you were on your period, he would make you whatever you wanted. 

“You ate pancakes yesterday.” 

“Yes, but without ice cream.”

He kissed your cheek, while you were lying in bed in a fetal position. “Which flavor?”

“Chocolate.” 

He liked calling you his sunshine, sweetheart, honey, darling, doll, sugar, angel

Your favorite was darling because you could hear his thick Texan accent coming through

You would call him handsome, grumpy,baby, sometimes even dickhead if he was pissing you off

And cutie pie just to annoy him (he hated that nickname for some reason)

“You're such a cutie pie when you're pissed.”

“Stop calling me that I'm not 10.”

Diner dates 

Stealing his food

“Stop that.”

“I wanna bite.”

Joel being the handyman of the house and you drooling every time he would be fixing something

“I can feel your eyes on my ass, sugar,” he told you one time when he was fixing the kitchen sink.

“Shhh, just work on the sink, Joel.”

Random road trips just to get out of Austin 

Joel loved seeing you in dresses during summer but he loved even more taking them off 

Movie nights that would end with you being under him

He loved pleasing you over and over and over until you couldn't take it anymore

He loved the way you would moan his name like a prayer

He liked biting your shoulder whenever he would feel himself falling apart

He would whisper how good you were, how good you felt, how you were his and only his 

Aftercare was very important for him; he would clean you up, cuddle you, remind you how much you mean to him 

“You really know how to take care of your lady,” you would tell him, panting and covered in sweat.

He would just smile and lazily kiss you

[mybworlds]

Chapter 1

Paring: Joel x F!Reader (NO Y/N)

Warnings: pre!outbreak and post!outbreak, AU (there will be some characters, Joel's backstory is different), no Sarah, no Ellie (maybe!), a lot of flashback (at least in the first chapters!), age gap (reader is approx. 10 yrs younger than Joel), slow burn, mutual pining, angst, SMUT, unprotected sex, creampie, oral sex (m and f), fingering, masturbation (m and f), language, attempted SA, trauma, death and violence.

Rating: M

Masterlist

Word count: 4k

Summary: You work in the Millers' company, you are their friend, you have a job you love, your coworkers esteem and love you. Your life is perfect. Suddenly, one day, you wake up in the hospital, you are alone surrounded by silence and strange noises, your door is barricaded, but what happened? And what happened to the world out there?

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JANUARY 2014

You open your eyes suddenly breathing deeply as if you had just surfaced after a long and tiring dive, your head aches and in a spontaneous gesture you bring your hand to your head which you discover is bandaged.

You feel so cold.

"What the…?" you wrinkle your forehead as you close your eyes, you look at your hands and discover that your red nail polish, the one you like to put on so much, is gone except for a few pale traces, you are surprised to see your hands full of cuts, but more importantly to be wearing what looks very much like a hospital gown. You look around and notice the white walls around you, to your right there's an open window which lets in a biting breeze into the room and closer to you unlit monitors and a medicine cart. There's another empty unmade crib, a night-blue cabinet, a small sink with a mirror to your left, but what strikes you most is the stretcher in front of the door. You sit down, a little groan escapes from your lips, and you bring your hands to your head, feeling it heavy.

How long have you been lying there? Hours? Days? Weeks? Months?

You don't remember.

What are you doing here? Did you come to the hospital for a checkup? Did you have an accident?

You uncover your legs and sit in the middle of the stretcher, your legs hurt so bad, perhaps truly you've been there for days - at least a week, you think!

You place your feet on the ground, but the muscles of your legs don't hold you up and you fall forward, you groan from fatigue and pain, you look around, and only then you notice a chair on which there are women's clothes. You reach the chair with great effort and you wear light-colored jeans that turn out to be very loose, a pink turtleneck sweater and a black jacket. All very loose.

You barely reach the sink and turn on the tap, but not a drop of water comes out. They turned off the water, maybe there are problems with the system or they've suspended the water supply for work, they've been doing a lot of work lately. But how much is lately? You have the answer to your question when you raise your face and gaze into the mirror and look at the reflection of a person who, has your eyes, but whom you don't recognize. Your eyes are hollowed out, your face is extremely pale and pinched, your hair you always wore in a tail and wasn't particularly long, today it reaches your breasts, "But how long have I been here?" it's a whisper.

You look at the stretcher standing there in front of the door, you are about to move it and open the door, but then you hear some noises coming from the hallway. It's certainly the nurses going up and down from room to room in case patients call or maybe it's the doctors who are about to start their rounds and will be coming to you shortly.

The noises though you hear, you realize after a few minutes, aren't normal sounds of footsteps, it's like a slow and crawling step, as if someone is dragging their feet on the ground. You think at first that maybe it's a patient who is walking slowly, but it's the next noise that puzzles you, a gasp, a chilling cry, something that makes your skin crawl and silently back away from there. What the hell is that?!

It must be a nightmare everything you are experiencing, yes it must be. Now you wake up and-- that sound again, you curl up in the corner of the room being careful not to bump into anything. You are still deeply stunned, in pain and now scared.

JANUARY 2012

The alarm clock rings incessantly and you totally stunned turn off that infernal contraption by throwing it across the room causing a big noise, but you still sleepy turn away and go back to sleep.

After what seems like minutes to you, someone knocks on the intercom, repeatedly. He knocks once, twice, three times. You get up with a yawn and barefoot you reach the intercom answering in a sleepy voice.

"G' morning, sleeping beauty, I brought you coffee, will you let me in?"

"Yes, come in." you answer yawning and opening the door to one of your few close friends here in Seattle, you open the door and look in the mirror observing your hair which is a total mess, you run your hand through it and yawn sonorously.

"Here she is my beautiful princess," Tommy greets you by handing you your coffee and giving you a kiss on the cheek.

"You are the best," you say as you pass an arm around his neck and return the kiss on the cheek.

"I know," he replies with a big smile, "if only you could talk to Jane," he adds walking toward the kitchen with his coffee in hand. You follow him by running a hand through your hair and adjusting the top and shorts you are wearing as pajamas. Tommy is home and so you don't get too upset if he finds you like this or if he makes himself at home.

SEPTEMBER 2010

You, Tommy and his brother met one evening a few months ago when you agreed to meet a guy you met online, the evening would have been nice if he hadn't spent it just talking about his mom and how important she is to him; after an hour and a half and after two drinks you were already bored so you made up an excuse and left the club. The car wouldn't start and at that moment you were approached by three young men who looked like they were drunk and looking for a good time; they were making some rather explicit advances when two men - the Miller brothers - approached you and the small group. The two men both had dark hair, the older a string of beard and mustache, and, in the dim area you were in, appeared to be the more muscular of the two. The two invited the young men to go elsewhere to find what they wanted. You didn't know if it was the tone used or if it was Miller senior and his grim look that frightened the three young men the most, fact is that they left you alone. The younger Miller gave you a friendly look and asked if you were all right and what the problem was, you explained to him, also casting fleeting glances at the other man, that the car didn't start. That's when Miller senior, Joel, opened the front hood and started tinkering, while Miller jr. introduced himself and indirectly his brother, you didn't feel very comfortable at that moment since you didn't know exactly what the man was doing to your car, was he really fixing it?

And was the other one - Tommy - trying to talk to you to distract you? What was the intention of both of them?

"I'm sorry, but ya have to leave it here," Joel says, closing the hood, "I'll call a friend tomorrow and get it fixed for ya." he adds, reaching out and only then you find yourself swallowing in fright.

"Don't worry, my brother looks scary, but he's a gentle giant!" he exclaimed patting his brother who grunted as he rolled his eyes "What's your name? You haven't told us yet," the younger asked.

"What are your intentions?" you asked making your frightened gaze wander from Tommy to Joel.

The two brothers exchange glances, "Look," Joel said advancing toward you and causing you to back away just barely, "d' ya think that if we had any bad intentions, we would have rescued ya from those three drunks?" you shook your head lowering your gaze for a moment and then planting it in the eyes of the man in front of you "Well, honey, I know the night hasn't been the best, but I assure ya we won't hurt ya, we are two serious people with a serious job, so we would never do anything stupid. Trust me."

He sounded sincere and his eyes convinced you to trust him, you were right.

JANUARY 2012

"You had a fun night out?" Tommy asks sipping his coffee as you sit down at the kitchen table and place your espresso on the table, you shake your head and reply "No, I was in front of the computer all night trying to get a project done for our next meeting. I wanted to be ready for today, but I'm afraid I won't be able to make it." you sip your coffee, narrowing your eyes "Where did you get this coffee?"

"Max's bar was closed, so I've fallen back on one across the street," he replies "It sucks, doesn't it?"

"Indeed." you answer, drinking it all in one gulp "Anyway," you say crumpling up the glass and tossing it in the trash "I didn't like what the program I use was proposing so I started messing around with it and result? The computer froze and if it doesn't turn back on today, I'll have to take it to Frank and your brother will rightly get pissed off and say..."

"Hey, hey, hey," Tommy says kneeling in front of you and taking you by the shoulders, "breathe, Joel you know how he is, he has that gruff look, but with you he's sweet and understanding." your stomach contracts in a strange grip, Tommy has noticed your reaction and so to soften your nervousness he grabs you by the chin making you smile "Besides, why don't you talk to Jane and convince her to forgive me?"

You roll your eyes, "Tommy, Jane is a smart girl and she keeps her distance from you. Unfortunately, you have this bad fault: you can't keep a girl. You're a womaniser," you reply to him.

He sighs loudly and then stands up, "Okay, sweety, I tried. Can I watch TV while I wait for you?" he asks you.

"Okay." you reply as you get up as well, "Make yourself at home." you add as you go toward the bedroom where you grab your stuff and then head for the bathroom and take a shower.

When you come out of the bathroom, you are ready to face a new day. You join Tommy in the living room where you find him lounging on the couch watching the news where you see and hear the usual bad news. When he realizes you are next to him, he smiles at you "My favorite girl is ready!" he exclaims turning off the TV and getting up "Bring the house key?"

"Yep!" you reply by dangling them in your left hand "Shall we go?"

"After you." he says spreading his arm making you go forward.

DECEMBER 2011

Tommy was the first to notice your interest in Joel, at first he made little jokes about your distraction, your blushing, but then he thought you were in awe of him although he used pet names with you - when it was just the two of you or the three of you together - and only later he realized. When he clearly asked you if you liked Joel, you remember exactly where and how you and Miller jr. were: you just got off work and Tommy was giving you credits on how you came up with the solution for building a spa, when you were flanked by Joel who greeted you fleetingly and then increased his pace by moving away from you, you were totally dumbfounded, your cheeks turned red and you found yourself with a dry throat, Tommy had to snap his fingers in front of your eyes a couple of times before you regained your words.

"You're not into my brother, are ya?" he asked jokingly, thinking you would answer no; instead, you lowered your gaze, biting your lower lip, and shrugging your shoulders "No! Really? Oh!" he exclaimed noticing your silence "Cool…"

"Please don't tell him. Don't tell anyone." you said looking nervously into his eyes, he smiled sweetly as he placed a hand on your shoulder "I would never," he looked at you and you at that moment could barely hold his gaze, you felt so ashamed "I'd love to have you as my sister-in-law," he added with a smile.

JANUARY 2012

You and Tommy enter the elevator of the Millers' company building, it's one of the most beautiful downtown buildings with panoramic windows, the interior in beech wood, all studied in detail. You go to the fourth floor, he goes to headquarters. You greet him with a small smile, he raises his hand with a smile, then the doors close and you turn your back to the elevator.

"Good morning," you greet Barbara, Paula, Jane and Charlotte, your fellow architects like you engaged in other projects for the company, who greet you warmly as soon as they see you. Barbara is a woman in her thirties, blond curtained hair, blue eyes, impeccable outfit, 12 heel shoes, she always reminded you of one of those cover models, precise and methodical character, if something is not in place she panics; Paula also in her thirties, has red hair and green eyes, a sprinkling of freckles on her cheekbones and is a sweet and smiling woman, ready to give you good advices or to address you words full of thoughtfulness; Charlotte, in her forties, sly eyes and sensual smile, likes to dress provocatively especially if she has meetings with Joel; Jane, the last girl Tommy has his eye on, is in her late thirties and is the most reserved girl you have ever met, discreet, never a comment out of place, never one gesture too many, the least suitable person for Tommy who in contrast is so exuberant at times.

Charlotte calls your name by waving a hand, "Did you manage to finish the project?"

"Not yet, the computer crashed. I'll have to take it to Frank, I'm afraid." you answer by turning on your computer and entering your password.

"Isn't Frank a Tommy Miller's friend?" she asks again without stopping looking at you, you look up at her and find her face resting between the palms of her hands, you nod then return to looking at the screen and start the programs to work "Tommy Miller is a good-looking guy, I'm amazed how he didn't hit on you! " she exclaims, when you look up again you discover that she's no longer looking at you, but at poor Jane who you think had even had a thought about Tommy, but then learning of the young man's not-so-rosy name, desisted.

"We're just friends." you simply answer her without giving her too much rope, luckily her flood of questions is interrupted by Katherine your Head of Sector who reminds you of the next meeting with the Miller brothers and your deadlines which must be before Friday; thus, before the Millers go to New York. Immediately everyone's attention is focused on the jobs assigned via company email, you actually have two projects on your hands, the former and the project.

You have to complete the previous project first and then you can think about this new construction site as your next job, you settle down in your chair and style your hair into a tail, you are about to open the program, when Katherine approaches you calling you by name, you look up questioningly, "There's also an executive summary to prepare, for Friday."

"Uhm… Katherine, I already have two works, I'll never make it!" you exclaim, widening your eyes and looking toward your computer "I don't know if I can do it, I'll make a mess!" you add, abandoning yourself against the back of the chair.

Katherine gives you a sympathetic look, lays a hand on your shoulder "You're the best here, you work twelve hours a day and I've never heard Miller senior complain about your performance, if you need an executive summary check send it to me and I'll take a look, but you've always done a great job so far."

"Thanks for your encouragement." you say with a smile, she tightens her grip on your shoulder just a little more and then lets you work.

Katherine is a wonderful woman, not only physically, but also character-wise, at first glance she seems stern and gruff, but she cares about her job and want that all her work is done in the best possible way.

And you can't blame her, you also care about your work and want it to be done properly. You love it and wish everyone would care of every detail exactly as you do.

Three hours later you send the work to Katherine, your eyes are burning and your fingers are numb, but luckily you've completed the first project, the one you were working on the night before but couldn't complete, you yawn conspicuously covering your mouth, and then get up to go to the machine to get a well-earned cup of coffee.

You were so engrossed in your work that you didn't even realize that your colleague - Charlotte - had wandered away from her desk. In fact, you see her coming out of the elevator doors looking annoyed. She's about to return to her desk, when she sees you and with furious eyes walks up to you and blurts out, "Since you're such good friends with the Millers, tell 'em to put on fewer airs!" she's about to turn her back on you, you don't know what happened, but frankly you don't care, the fact remains that you reply with a "No."

"I beg your pardon?" she asks, reaching out to you again.

"Precisely because I'm their friend, I'm not going to tell 'em such a thing," you reply wrinkling your forehead while keeping a calm tone "I don't know what was done or said to you, but I'm not going to deliver this your message, if you have something to say, talk to the person concerned." you add, even though you imagine who she is referring to.

Charlotte is about to retort, but then reconsiders and walks away mumbling something unintelligible. You start the coffee maker, the machine is faulty, therefore, you must be the one to stop the coffee brewing. At that moment, the doors open revealing Miller senior. You find him looking handsome in his blue suit, the one Tommy once told you Joel uses for important meetings or for meetings with his staff, which matches with his dark hair and eyes. He looks up giving you a fleeting smile, then enters your room where you see him talking to Katherine, you notice that several times they turn to you and it causes you to lower your eyes for a moment and then look back at them. You're curious about what they're saying about you, it's obvious they're talking about you or they wouldn't be looking at you, you think.

Joel nods again toward Katherine and comes out holding in his hands a small folder on which is written your draft, you see him intent on looking at the folder and with one hand massaging his chin, then he looks up at you and you raise an eyebrow caught in the act.

"Ya like long coffee, I see." he says, you look at him puzzled, then he turns his gaze towards the machine and you notice that the coffee has almost reached the brim of the plastic cup, you immediately stop the coffee brewing and then turn a guilty look towards him "No, um…I got distracted…I was thinking about the next project I want to complete in the evening and so…um, the machine is broken. " now you're babbling, but those sweet dark eyes confuses you "Sorry, I'm - the truth is I'm a bit tired." you admit, scratching the nape of your neck in an embarrassed gesture. "S' okay, honey, got it," he says in a soft tone reaching out his hand toward your cheek, you open in your eyes in amazement that he would indulge in such an intimate gesture in the workplace, he must have thought the same since he thinks again clearing his throat by putting his hands in his pockets "later…um, I'll let Katherine know what I think 'bout the project." he says by turning his back on you "Ah, um…was wondering," he says turning back to you and zigzagging his gaze from your eyes to the floor "if by any chance…I mean, yes if ya were free. After-- after work." you find yourself swallowing hard and nodding "Yes, yes." you answer trying not to sound too weird. He smiles at you and you can't help but smile back.

JANUARY 2014

When you open your eyes, you hope it's just a nightmare, you in that hospital, alone, surrounded by those creepy sounds, but unfortunately it's reality. You stagger to your feet, barely staggering, and you look out the window, you shudder from the cold but not only widening your eyes at that disturbing and unsettling sight: the world you knew, everything you knew has vanished, the houses, the buildings, the many buildings you planned, designed, the schools in the metropolis, the parks, there is nothing left. Cars are a pile of wreckage on the streets, shards of glass are scattered everywhere on the street in front of the hospital, two ambulances are overturned and seem to be burned.

You feel as if you have plunged into a nightmare, an extremely real nightmare. At that moment you hear a metallic noise coming from outside, you even seem to catch a glimpse of someone coming up, you back away and hide under the bed, maybe it's an obvious and stupid hiding place, but it's the only one you have.

That's when something starts banging against the door, you hear the stretcher squeak, once, twice, three, four times, until it moves completely and someone comes in: you can clearly see his work shoes and lab coat, it's a doctor, you think about the explanation you're going to give the doctor when you get out from under there and he looks at you strangely, but the sound that comes out of his mouth stops you. It's an eerie verse, your skin crawls and you hope he doesn't see you, you try to regulate your breathing and not let him hear you. Something making the same cry enters your room, it seems to be a nurse or whatever it is. Fear is about to take over when a noise catches your and their attention, something has entered through the window drawing the two people towards the other presence which turns out to be very fast and soon those two creepy creatures stop making those sounds staggering and falling backwards. What you thought to be a doctor and a nurse turn out to be two repulsive faceless monsters, you don't know what happened to them, but it's horrible. The third presence has stabbed them in the head and now copious streams of blood flow from their heads.

You turn your head to the other side and at that moment you hear someone calling by your name, whispering your name and only at that moment you come out from under the bed, the presence turns out to be a man who, as soon as he sees you, grabs you firmly by the arms and then lays his hands on your cheeks "You okay?" he asks you in a whisper.

You blink several times to focus on the person in front of you, his eyes are the same, but his beard is longer and slightly thicker than last time, he's wearing dirty clothes, in some places his jacket is even torn, "Joel..." you whisper, widening your eyes.

"S' me," he whispers "Did they bite ya?" he asks again, you just shake your head, too shocked to be able to answer "G', now follow me, don't make a sound, I'll help ya. Come." he goes on going to the window and slowly climbing over, you see him come out and wait for you there on what appears to be a roof "Put one leg in first," he says tapping with his palm on the window frame, you swallow and then do as he says "come, lean toward me" and you obey by laying your hands on his shoulders as he lays his hands on your waist and you climb over.

You are outside, the air is chilly and the wind bothers you, but you don't focus so much on that as on Joel grabbing your hand and telling you where to put your feet so you don't fall down.

He sits you down on another roof that makes an eerie noise and then slides you down until you hit the ground. He follows you around, your head is spinning, you're confused and scared, you don't know what happened or what's going on, all you know is that you're with a version of Joel you don't remember, you don't know how long it's been since you've seen him, how long you were in the hospital and what happened to land you there, but this is not question time, you must leave now. He grabs and squeezes your hand and confusingly you return the squeeze looking first at your hand and then at him returning a long, worried look, then together you walk away from the hospital.

[mermaidgirl30]

✨Enchant Me Masterlist✨

A/N: I saw that picture of the purple house and had the cutest idea ever for a cute little love story. I hope you enjoy this fluffy series as much as I do 🥰 Let me know if you would like to be tagged! It’s the beginning of an early spring, so I just had the itch to write this cute little love story. I love soft Joel so much 🥹 I have three chapters mapped out so far, but I will most likely add on.

Summary: Joel delivers a custom built table to a little house out in the middle of the woods, but he doesn’t realize he’s going to fall for the girl behind the doors of that small purple house. He falls head over heels for her special herbal tea, tarot card readings, and talks of nature and plants as he keeps going back to see her.

Rating: Explicit (18+ ONLY MDNI)

Pairing: Joel x fem! reader (Fic is in both reader and Joel’s POV)

Tags: Soft Joel, lots of fluff, Joel falling in love, witchy reader, eventual smut, soft dom! Joel, plant and animal lover reader, lots of cute nicknames for reader, reader is 29 and Joel is 43

Chapter 1: I Was Enchanted to Meet You

Chapter 2: The First Date

Chapter 3: Take My Hand (Coming Soon!)

Chapter 4

[sweetercalypso]

🫐 decorating the Christmas tree with Joel

Home for Christmas || Joel Miller

word count: 0.5k

The Millers’ house has never been this busy.

Boxes full of seasonal decor lie scattered around the room, gold and silver tinsel peeking out of the mess like twinkling lights against the cluttered backdrop. The nativity set Joel had inherited from his parents sits half-finished in the foyer, chipped figures added to the scene as Sarah pulls them from their delicate newspaper wrappings.

In the kitchen, Tommy pours himself a homemade concoction of peppermint something and hums along with the cheery hymn ringing through the house. The radio plays exclusively Christmas music this time of year, and as much as the Millers like to complain about others’ excessive Christmas spirit, they can’t deny their love for the season.

The fresh-cut tree in the corner of the living room is tall enough that it skims the ceiling, still smelling of fir and camphor, dropping a ring of pine needles on the hardwood floor.

Tommy and Joel had insisted on cutting their own tree this year, but it was Sarah who’d picked the oversized winner from the lot, proud to have found the perfect fit for the house. When you’d brought the tree home, it’d barely fit through the front door.

A constellation of lights and shiny garland decorate the many branches, twisting around the tree in an awkward spiral that you’d given up on keeping straight halfway down. It looks nicer this way, you tell yourself. More personal.

“Careful with this one, it’s seen better days.”

Joel hands you a thin paper mâché ornament in the shape of a snowflake, one of the many school crafts he’d kept from Sarah’s elementary years. Her handywork covers half the face of the tree, along with a handful of ornaments from Tommy and Joel’s youth that had somehow stayed intact long enough to continue this tradition.

You accept the ornament and find a place for it between a faded plastic reindeer and an angel dusted with white glitter. All of the Millers’ ornaments have a story behind them, each a sentimental piece of their combined history. You hope your future additions are handled with as much care as the ones cradled in Joel’s loving grasp.

He hands you the last of the ornaments and takes a step back to admire the whole picture, nodding to himself with one hand tucked in the pocket of his jeans. When you’re satisfied with the arrangement, he motions you over to join him and wraps an arm around your waist.

This is exactly how holidays are meant to be spent. Not a big display of wealth or flashy celebrations, but cherished moments with the people you care about most.

Joel’s still admiring the tree when you turn to face him, eyes lit with the glow of the room.

“Hey, you still haven’t told me what you want for Christmas.”

Joel purses his lips in thought, patting your hand that rests comfortably on his chest. He’s too content to think about presents right now; there’s not a single thing he needs.

He shrugs and presses a kiss to the side of your head. “You’re here. Sarah’s here. Tommy’s here. Nothing could make me happier.”