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alloftheimagines · 2 years

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joel miller | don't let me drown

masterlist | taglist | ko-fi

words: 2.4k

warnings: drowning, hurt/comfort, angst, lil bit of nude cuddling for warmth reasons but nothing steamy, strong language, inspired by ep six but i changed it up so the bridge is unsteady for the purposes of *drama*. hint towards age-gap with reader in their thirties. they/them pronouns. no y/n.

synopsis: in which the reader falls into the river of death, and it's joel's job to save you and find shelter. featuring ellie. not requested!

You used to think snow was pretty. Magical, even. Now, you only think it’s a bitch to travel through, especially on foot with the harsh mountain winds blowing off the river.

Of course, you can’t complain because the fourteen-year-old and fifty-six-year-old aren’t, and you’re probably supposed to be fitter than the two of them put together. But inside… fuck. You’re exhausted, freezing, and desperate to get to your next destination so you can sleep on something other than ice and mud.

When the bridge comes into view, relief washes through you. If you can get away from the open water, maybe the winds won’t be so biting and you’ll finally be able to feel your cheeks again. You puff out a visible breath and glance at Joel, who is both pale and rosy-cheeked from the cold. Ellie follows behind, watchful as ever. You can’t imagine what it must be like for her, trekking so far from where she began. Seeing so much. It’s been rough on all of you, but you’ve made it through together. Whatever comes next should be a breeze.

“Keep a lookout,” Joel warns, poising his handgun and nodding at you to do the same. You’ve been warned that nothing good can be found by the river, and it’s left an unsettling silence between you since you started your journey.

You dip your head, preparing your own gun as Ellie does the same. But if anything is here, you don’t see it — not on this side of the bridge or the other. It’s a rickety old thing, but if it gets you across… it’ll do.

“C’mon,” he grunts. The bridge creaks beneath your feet, and you follow Joel’s footsteps to avoid any weak spots. Until gunshots sound somewhere in the distance. You all jump, but it’s you who loses your footing as a chunk of rotten wood disappears beneath your feet. Before you can find something to grab onto, you’re falling, screaming, clutching thin air. Joel yells your name with a fear you haven’t heard in a while, but his voice is lost as the rushing water swallows you up.

Freezing. So cold it makes you burn. The river turns your world grey and endless, as though you’re floating in a void. You thrash, trying to kick up to the surface, but the shock is jolting through you, making you numb, and you can’t remember how to use your limbs.

You cough and gulp down an unbearable amount of water, and that’s when you know. There’s no air, no way of making your lungs work. They just keep burning, squeezing for something that no longer exists. Your vision goes blurry and then disappears completely.

***

Joel watches it in slow motion. The splintering bridge. The fall. The ripple in the river as it chews you up and doesn’t spit you out. He doesn’t realise he’s screaming your name, doesn’t realise he’s even running, until he reaches the other side of the bridge.

“Stay there!” he orders Ellie with a warning finger, fear ricocheting through his voice, through the trees. You’re gone is all he can think. You’re gone, and he can’t fucking do this without you.

His knees ache as he half-sprints, half-slips down the embankment, kicking snow into the river. After shucking off his shotgun and placing it down, he takes off his jacket in a moment of clarity, knowing you’re going to need something warm. And then he’s plunging into the river, cursing at its low temperature. His teeth chatter as he shouts your name, searching for any sign in the steadily flowing water. But there’s nothing. He dives under when he gets closer to the bridge, skin becoming ice as he searches the murky depths.

He has to come up for air twice before he finds you sinking to the riverbed. He’s never moved so fast, snatching you up in both arms and pulling you to the surface. You’re deadweight in his arms, and panic lances through him when he finds you’re eyes closed.

He calls your name again, urgency sharpening his words as he pulls you to the embankment. Despite his orders, Ellie waits there, eyes wide and afraid. He doesn’t have time to scold her. He’s too busy carrying you out, water pooling at his feet as he staggers to solid ground and lays you down.

“Baby?” He shakes you, droplets falling from his face and onto yours as he kneels over you. “Come on. Come on, baby.”

He presses an ear to your chest: finds no sign of breathing.

“Shit.” He begins compressions then, counting to thirty before giving you mouth to mouth. Your lips are ice cold, and so are his, his knuckles reddening as he presses the heel of his hand down again and again and again. “Come on. Come on. Breathe.”

“Joel,” Ellie whispers, terror in her voice.

He squeezes his eyes closed, unable to face what it means. What might be happening. He isn’t losing you today. Not any day. “Come on. Come back to me. Come back to me, darlin’.”

Your breath gutters, and instinct has him rolling you onto your side as you cough up more water than any person should be able to.

“Fuck,” he’s saying, rubbing warmth into your shoulders. “Ellie, grab my coat.”

She does, and he wraps it around your quivering body before pulling you close. “I got you,” he’s whispering. “I got you, darlin’. I'm here."

More coughs leave you, and he brushes your hair off your forehead to look for any sign of injury. Your lips are blue, and it terrifies him. Cold water shock can kill, and the way you went under… Shit, it’s a miracle you’re here, upright.

You’re shivering so violently that he knows the worst isn’t over. Hypothermia. Pneumonia. Those are just some of the things he’ll have to watch for. He can’t take you anywhere like this, can’t protect Ellie or you, but you can’t stay here either. You need to warm up. You both do.

“We need to find shelter. Somewhere to light a fire and get warm.”

“I saw some rock overhangs deeper in the woods,” Ellie said.

“Can you grab the bags?”

“Yeah.” She slips a backpack on each shoulder and then props Joel’s shotgun under her arm. Not ideal, but he can’t think about that now either. Not when you’re barely opening your eyes.

He breathes your name and then: “Can you hear me, sweetheart?”

A faint nod.

“Good. That's good. We're gonna get you warm.” He pulls you into his chest, hooking an arm under your knee and the other around your back. You sink into his warmth, but you’re so limp that it terrifies him as he carries you up the embankment, following Ellie’s lead.

Sure enough, she guides you both to a deep overhang beneath snow-topped crags, and he dips his head to fit in the low space. He places you against the wall, already unravelling the bed rolls.

“Get a fire going,” he says. He’s certain that he had a few matches left last time he checked, and Ellie rifles through his bag before producing them. With shaky hands, she gathers a pile of sticks and surrounds them by rocks just like he taught her before lighting the match and letting it spread.

The twigs are damp and produce a lot of smoke, but sure enough, an amber glow lights the dark shelter a moment later.

“That’s it. Good,” he whispers.

Ellie glances at your hunched form warily. You’re so pale, so cold you’re practically convulsing. “Are they gonna be okay?”

“Have to be,” Joel mutters. He slips off your sopping wet coat and sweater, and Ellie turns away as he gets rid of the rest.

“You still with me?” he asks you.

You hum in response, folding into yourself in your nudity.

“Here.” Covering her eyes, Ellie hands him a spare long-sleeved shirt and a pair of sweats from her own pack, luckily from Bill’s stash of adult clothes.

“Thanks,” he replies, urging your arms up so he can slip on the shirt. It’s an uncomfortable ordeal with your clammy skin, but he needs you warm. Now. Even when you groan, skin no doubt stinging painfully. “I know. I know. I’m sorry.”

He has to pull you up for the sweatpants, and then he’s rolling thick thermal socks onto your feet and tucking you into blankets and bedrolls. “How’s that? Feel warmer?”

You shake your head, and he helps you shuffle closer to the fire.

“Now?”

A nod that has him relieved. He can’t help but place a kiss on your damp forehead, realising too late that he’s cold and shivering too. He only has another flannel in his backpack, though, and he can survive until he’s at least gotten you warm. Protecting you from his damp clothes using the bedroll, he wraps his arms around you to keep in the heat.

“Gave me a damn heart attack,” he mumbles into your hair, squeezing his eyes closed to chase away the darkness creeping in. The thought of losing you. All the other scenarios where you didn’t end up here with him after the fall. He should have been smarter. Shouldn’t have taken you across that damn bridge.

The ghost of a smile crosses your flame-lit face. “Sorry." And then: "You’re… cold too,” you rasp between shivers. “Get in here.”

He glances at Ellie. No way in hell is he going to strip off with her here. As though understanding, she raises her brows and shifts away. “I’m going to go find out if bears really do shit in the woods.”

“Don’t go away,” he orders. “Just… give us a couple minutes.”

“Yes, sir.” She disappears, and her crunching footfalls outside keep his concern at bay.

His concern for her, at least. Your face still lacks colour, your breaths sounding watery and wrong even now. He grinds his teeth, reluctant to pull away from you for even a minute. But if he dries off, he can give you his body heat, so he quickly tears off his clothes and replaces them with the one dry shirt he owns. He doesn’t bother buttoning it up, instead crawling into the bedroll with you and enveloping you in an unyielding hold. You lean against him, eyelids drooping but shivers finally beginning to ease.

He begins to warm up after a few minutes and can only hope you are too. When he notices your eyes closed, he stiffens. “You still with me, darlin?”

“Think so,” you murmur, your cool hands travelling across his bare chest. He tries not to flinch as he directs them up to his chest. His mouth. He kisses your knuckles before cupping his own hands around yours and blowing. Then, he rubs, generating friction.

“Keep talking to me,” he pleads.

“‘Bout what?”

“Anything.” Anything, as long as you don’t leave me. As long as you stay. “What was your favourite book growing up?”

You were barely fifteen when the pandemic hit all those years ago, but you smile as you remember that old bookshelf your dad put together full of worn paperbacks. “You don’t read, Joel. You wouldn’t know even if I told you.”

“So tell me about it.” He’s still using his hands, pushing feeling back into your body bit by bit.

“I’m okay,” you whisper finally. “I’m okay, Joel. I’m gonna be okay.”

“I know that.” But he won’t stop, won’t give up, even when your cheeks turn pink once more. God, he’s missed the way you glow like that, the way it looks brighter in the snow.

You take a ragged breath. “I liked Gulliver’s Travels.”

“Yeah? Who’s that by?”

“Joel…” Your eyes flutter shut. “Please. I’m tired. I’m warm. I’m okay.”

But he can’t trust it after he’s just put breath back into your lungs; can’t trust it to stay there. He holds you tighter, placing a gentle, terrified kiss into your hair, even if he’ll never admit that he is terrified. That he can’t breathe if you’re not breathing. He realised that the moment he jumped into the river without caring if it got him killed too.

You’re all he has to hold onto, and he could never let you drown.

“I just need… I need you to keep talking to me for a little longer, baby. Just until I know you’re okay,” he says.

“Okay.” So you tell him about your favourite book, drifting in and out of the conversation. Soon, you stop shivering against him and the bedroll warms with two sets of body heat, just as he’d hoped. The fire keeps up until Ellie finally comes back to refuel it with more sticks, offering Joel a smirk that he returns with a gentle glare. You barely seem to notice, still muttering.

“Sounds like a great story,” he says finally. “I think Sarah had that one.”

“Yeah.” You smile, cheeks swelling this time as you nestle into his chest. But then you cough, and he frowns. God, is this what it’s gonna be like now? One cough’ll leave him frozen with fear?

“I can read you guys a great book!” Ellie volunteers, and of course pulls out her pages of puns.

Joel groans. You chuckle, and his heart warms at the sound.

“Tell me the one with the penguins again,” you ask.

Ellie grins and flips through the pages, and you get a million more cheesy puns that make you laugh until you can no longer hold your head up. You’re certain Joel’s bare chest ripples with stifled amusement at some points.

“Joel?” you ask as Ellie turns the page.

“Yeah.”

“I’m so tired.”

Another wave of dread. He masks it clearly, examining your features. You look and feel warm, and you sound like you. If you need the rest, he can’t keep asking you not to take it for his own selfish reasons. For his own pathetic fear.

Finally, he surrenders. “Okay, darlin’. Get some sleep. We all need it.”

“Night,” Ellie says, getting comfortable in her sleeping bag.

Your eyes shut instantly and don’t open again, but your chest rises and falls smoothly against your interlocked hands. He listens to it as the shelter quietens, the fire getting lower. He listens all night just to make sure you’re still breathing. When light returns the next morning, he finds Ellie has done just the same, wide awake and unwilling to tear her gaze away from the two of you.

“They’re okay, right?” she asks.

Joel can only hope that it’s the truth when he says, “Yeah. They’re okay.”

“Good.” She nestles into her makeshift pillow — her backpack. “You’re a real grouch when they’re not around.”

He rolls his eyes, tempted to point out that he is always a grouch, though Ellie’s right. He needs you. He will always need you.

And god, he hopes he never comes close to losing you like that again.

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dontsh0vethesun · 1 year

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fire

masterlist

melissa schemmenti x reader

pure fluff, kissing, slightly suggestive comments

a/n - based on the ep of the same name because firefighter obsessed melissa is the cutest thing on the planet - wrote this as i rewatched it so hopefully it's not poopoo caca | wc: 1.5k

Maybe you shouldn’t be this smiley following a fire in the break room. It should probably be your main focus. But knowing that there’s a fire truck just outside the school has you buzzing with excitement. And seeing an equally as excited Melissa Schemmenti as you lead your class in a single file down the hallway just made you smile even more.

“Mel, do you think there’s a chance you could use your skill of persuasion to get me a turn in the truck?” you asked her, smiling so innocently that she couldn’t help but mentally swoon.

“Right ahead of ya,” she returned before turning to her kids who were waiting to be let back into class. “Okay, now, everyone drop your bags. Zip those coats back up - we’re going on an excursion.”

“What’s an excursion?” one of them questioned.

“That’s where youse all work those puppy dog eyes to get the firefighters to let us play on the truck,” she answered, loving how you practically bounced your way outside beside her, two rows of children in tow. “I always wanted to be a firefighter - I didn’t realise you were into it all too.”

“Well, I’m not, exactly,” you began, slightly embarrassed at your real reason for rushing outside. “I’ve just always wanted one of those helmets. And to sit in a truck. And maybe put the sirens on.”

Melissa couldn’t help the way her smile seemed impossible to dampen, she stood opposite you as you held the doors open for the kids to follow you outside. She didn’t walk off without leaning in so closely you could smell her perfume though, with her breath against your cheek in a way that made your cheeks set alight.

“You in a firefighter uniform? I’d definitely buy that calendar.”

You accepted your infatuation with the older woman a while ago, as she had with you. But you both had your fears, dancing on that line between friends and lovers, at a stalemate waiting for the other to make a move.

“See, this is why I love fire trucks. I get older, they stay the same,” she mused, looking at the vehicle. “Nothing beats fire engine red.”

You’re sure she looked at you as she spoke, though you couldn’t return the gaze, too flustered by her as always. The way her jeans made your imagination run wild, how she had the most adorable ramblings for her interest. And, of course, you knew the statement was true. Fire engine red truly was sublime.

It seemed to only be the pair of you to find amusement in the loud blare from the horn when she pressed it but with a shared bubble of laughter, you couldn’t care less about looking ‘uncool’ in front of the kids.

“Want a go?” Melissa asked, laughing at your eagerness as you nodded and took her outstretched hand.

“As if I’d say no,” you answered, feeling bashful when she pulled you onto her lap. She’d claim there was nowhere else for you to sit, that sliding over to the driver’s seat would be too much hassle. She wouldn’t mention the smirk she hid from you when she rested her hands on your waist.

Again, the both of you received disapproving looks from the firefighters when the horn broke through all the noise, giggling to yourselves immaturely.

Before long, you’d gone your separate ways, with Melissa spewing knowledge about the topic and you making your way to a man scrolling through his phone.

“Hey,” you smiled.

“Hi,” he returned, already buying the bordering flirtatious smile you gave him. “You work here?”

“No, I just walked in off the street,” you returned, huffing a laugh at his concerned look. “Yeah, of course I work here. You a firefighter?”

“Touche,” he laughed, “So, what can I do for ya?”

You almost feel guilty for letting him down, but there’s only one Phillie-accented voice that can make your heart skip a beat.

“I noticed that there’s a spare jacket lyin’ around,” you uttered with a gesture towards the discarded clothing lying on the ground next to him. “And I was wondering if maybe there’s a hat to go along with it?”

You could tell he was disappointed. You could also tell he was about to deny your request but his words fell on deaf ears when you picked the coat up anyway, smiling largely as you pulled it onto your body.

“Mel!” you shouted, half jogging away from the owner of the jacket. “How do I look?”

You gave her a little twirl, the sleeves burying your hands in a way she thought was the most adorable thing she’d ever seen.

“Like a million bucks,” she smirked, admiring you fondly. “How’d you get ‘em to let you wear it?”

“She didn’t.” Neither of you had noticed him standing near you with a slightly annoyed look on his face. You almost shrunk under his stare but you were too pleased with yourself to care.

You also didn’t notice Barbara and Jacob asking the group of bored children what they were doing. They approached whilst you returned the jacket with a frown.

“You two are more immature than my kindergarteners,” Barbara tutted. “Now, come inside, we have a mandatory fire safety talk.”

You’d both been perfectly chastised and followed everybody in without argument.

–

Later on in the day, you’d found her doing what you were headed to do as well, bidding a final farewell to the gloriously red engine.

“Ma’am, we really need to get going,” one of them sighed. “There’s got to be a fire somewhere.”

“Jacob,” you whispered, nudging your elbow into his side. “Do something.”

“What do you want me to do? I can’t force them to stay here.”

“C’mon, put those improv classes to use.”

Of course, that was enough to get him striding towards them, muttering something about Frisbee and practically fighting the hands away from his cookies that were almost used as a way to fetch it down.

“Are you familiar with the Schemmentis of Southern Philidelphia?” you interrupted, breathing a sigh of relief when you saw the look of recognition you predicted to pass across his face.

Soon enough you were watching Melissa climb a ladder to the roof. Part of you was terrified of the sight of heeled boots making their way up metal rungs. But the other watched on blissfully at the complete happiness on her face. You’d give anything to have this sight on a never-ending loop.

“Thanks for lettin’ me do that,” she grinned once she’d climbed back down, still glowing from the excitement of the day. “Felt better than I could’ve imagined.”

You left her to her conversation, packing up your things from your classroom, cheeks aching from the glee you’ve felt today. You were stuck in your head, still reluctant to let go of the sight of Melissa in her own world. And maybe there were some less than wholesome ideations on your part, remembering the sight of the woman at the top of a ladder.

A clearing of a throat behind you brought you back to earth and the sight of the redhead made heat crawl up your neck, mentally scolding yourself at the way your mind was beginning to wander.

“Hey hot stuff,” she smirked; you rolled your eyes at her obvious pun but of course couldn’t help but return her smile. It was surprising how much your lips curl upwards when you’re in her presence, so effortless.

“Hey.”

“I got ya somethin’,” she spoke, bringing her arms out from behind her back to reveal the shining firefighter helmet in her grasp. She laughed happily at the way you gasped. “Had to pay you back for getting ‘em to let me up on the roof,” she shrugged before placing it atop your head, brushing your hair away from your cheek while you shivered at the feeling of her finger stroking across your skin.

“Thank you, Melissa,” you smiled, adjusting the way it sat on your head as she stepped closer to where you stood.

“Anything to see a sweet thing like you lookin’ all cute,” she returned, daring to cup your cheek in her palm. You leant into her touch despite the way you wanted to shy away; there’s something about her that crushes the fear of vulnerability, you could never be anything but perfectly comfortable around her.

“They wouldn’t let me try one on,” you pouted, which only made her eyes glint lovingly.

“Eh, screw ‘em,” she chuckled, “Now, please, let me kiss you.”

You pulled her into you as soon as the words fell from her mouth. You felt her smile against your lips; you could feel the softness of her lip gloss and the lick of her tongue into your mouth. Your knees could’ve buckled if not for the firm hold she’d taken of your hips and yet you feared they’d betray you anyway when she pulled away with pink flushed cheeks and a heated look in her eyes.

“Dinner at mine, tonight.” It wasn’t a question and her tone sent heat coursing through you; of course you nodded, unable to speak just yet as you tried to catch the breath she stole.

“How’d you get them to give you this, anyway?” you breathed, lips ghosting hers from how she couldn’t bring herself to pull away just yet.

“I’m Melissa Schemmenti,” she shrugged. “I always find a way to get what I want.”

#melissa schemmenti x fem!reader #melissa schemmenti x reader #melissa schemmenti #abbott elementary #abbott elementary fanfic

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wonwoosthetic · 1 year

Text

series masterlist

word count - 7.6k

A/N: there's the Wonnie part I mentioned in my form! ˙ᵕ˙ thank you for all the cute suggestions and ideas you guys have been sending me!! <3

turning every carat into a wonnie stan in 2023

[in brackets] – text in the video

italics – conversations that weren’t caught on camera, but are just for you (the readers ˙ᵕ˙)

[now]

[you know me]

[if there's one wonnie stan on this earth left, it's me]

[therefore, I have a mission. a mission i made myself]

[and that is to turn every (especially new) carat into a wonnie stand because these two have my heart and will forever have it]

[forever and ever🫣]

[so, pls enjoy this☺️]

[Going Seventeen] EP.89 Guess Who Left Secretly #1

Minnie was walking around in her small cubicle before sitting down on the white chair, crossing her legs to find a comfortable position. All of a sudden a piece of paper flew in from the top of the wall, making her eyes go wide.

"Oh?" She wondered, putting her feet down to reach down to the floor, snatching it up with her hands. Leaning her elbows on the edge of the table, she opened the message sent to her, reading over it before chuckling, and turning it around to show it to the camera.

'You're a dummy'

[love that that's the first thing that came to his mind to write down]

"Ya!" She shouted with a giggle. "Wonwoo! I'm next to you!"

[the way she recognized his handwriting so quickly?! goals]

The sound of his laughter could be heard, followed by a, "Oh, sorry, my bad."

The girl put the piece of paper down on the table, took the pen provided for her, and decided to write a reply back, showing it to the camera before she folded it again and walked over to the wall.

['dummies are only friends with dummies, so that makes you one too, idiot' i can't with her😭😂]

[i love this childish side of them together]

Realising that it was too high for her to just throw it over, she chuckled to herself, shaking her head and crouching down on the floor to try and create a paper aeroplane, hoping it would help.

[I JUST KNOW IF MINGYU OR SCOUPS SAW THAT, THEY WOULD BULLY THE HECK OUT OF HER😭😭😭😭]

She managed to get it over, sitting back down in her seat to wait for a reaction, which followed shortly. The chuckle of her boyfriend made her grin proudly.

[i love them]

"Minnie-ah!" Wonwoo's voice called out to the girl who was sitting calmly on the floor, her back against one of the walls. "Minnie-ah! Open my door, please."

"Huh?" With a grin, she pushed herself up. "Can't you open your own door?"

"It's locked. Did you lock it?" He continued to tease her.

"What? Noo, how could you think of me like that," she answered before sending a guilty facial expression to the camera with her lips pressed tightly together.

[it's such a short but cute interaction]

GAM3BO1 #9

[NOW THIS]

[y'all better hold onto your horses bc when i opened the live and saw minnie sitting next to him, i literally almost screamed🫣🫢]

[so much happened and i highly suggest watching the entire live bc they were abolutely just too cute]

[but i gathered some of my favourite moments, so have fun]

Minnie was straightening down her hair when the live started while Wonwoo was unpacking the the chopsticks, placing one pair in front of the girl while keeping the other pair to himself. She quietly thanked him while her hands were still busy fixing her hair from the ponytail she had worn before,

"Good morning, Carats!" She greeted them, "Good day or good evening," and grinned into the camera when a piece of Kimbap got closer to her lips, making her lean forward and open her mouth to let herself get fed by the older member next to her.

[him giving her the first piece of food?! MARRIAGE IN HAND RN💍]

[i know, i know... the bar is in hell😒]

[bla bla bla, bla bla, bla bla]

[but this was cute alright?!]

Wonwoo did his greeting too, before eating another piece himself.

"Today," he started after swallowing, "I have the next guest on Gameboy," and motioned with his hand towards Minnie, who waved into the camera.

"Hey, everyone," she smiled.

"The reason for doing this live early is that we have to go to practice after this, so we have a time limit today," the '96 Liner explained while the female member nodded along, putting another piece of Kimbap into her mouth, happily moving around in her seat.

[HER LITTLE HAPPY DANCE]

The rapper looked to his left, eyeing the girl with amusement, waiting for her to see his reaction.

[oh you're even more of a fan of hers than i am, Jesus Christ😶]

[alright mr jeon simp wonwoo]

Once their eyes met, Minnie immediately stopped in her tracks, covering her mouth as she chuckled.

[stop being so adorable together]

"The Kimbap is really good."

"Mm," Wonwoo nodded with a smile. "Yeah, the food they give me here is always good."

"Well," the girl shrugged with a sigh, looking down at the floor, "I wasn't invited before, so I didn't know."

[OH, now she's throwing the shade, damn]

"Heyyy," the older member teased her as he reached for the food with his chopsticks, "Don't be sulky now."

[hell yeah she should be sulky about that]

"I'm not," she shook her head and crossed her arms, closing her eyes as she turned her head away from Wonwoo, making him chuckle.

"Mh, sure," he hummed.

[MH SURE]

[bro istg i felt my laptop vibrate bc of how deep that MH SURE was😫😫]

The two decided to read out some comments and eat first before jumping into the game.

"Did you perm your hair?" Wonwoo read out a question by a fan. Minnie's eyes went to fix themselves on his head, her fingers reaching out to touch a strand.

[and she just gets to do that on a regularly? how is that fair?]

[why do i not have a wonwoo who's hair i can just randomly touch whenever?]

"I did perm my hair, but it's not noticeable since it's still short. And the perm... It's not something that is very noticeable."

"But you did have really permed hair a few years ago," Minnie mentioned, getting a hold of the drink in a cup provided for her. "Carats really liked that."

[YES, YES WE DID]

[🤝🏼THANK YOU MINNIE FOR REMINDING HIM BC WE NEED THAT WONWOO BACK🤝🏼]

[THE CURLY BLACK HAIR WONWOO?! SIGN ME UP]

[i love minnie for being such a spokesperson for carats]

[i'm betting my ass she saw all the thirst tweets after he had just permed his hair]

"Oh yeah, that's true." Wonwoo agreed.

The girl chuckled, setting the cup down again. "When your hair's wet, it's really curly for some reason."

[oh right, yeah, thanks for reminding me that you get to see him with wet hair ON A REGULAR FUCKING BASIS]

[love getting reminded how lonely i am🥲]

"Mm," he hummed, chewing on his food. "But I don't know why it doesn't dry as curly."

[in the name of all carats: minnie, we would pls need a picture of wet curly hair wonwoo]

[for very important scientific reasons😬 thank you]

For a few seconds, they continued to look at the screen in front of them when another interesting question popped up.

"Is Minnie a fan of the Gameboy lives?" Wonwoo read out loud, leaning back to watch her as she answered with an excited nod, getting a grin to form on his lips.

"I've been there since day one. I've watched all of them."

[of course you have]

[wonwoo's biggest supporter, i'm telling you🤷🏼‍♀️]

[we've got the next simp right here]

"You've even watched some from over there," he mentioned and pointed to somewhere behind the camera.

[SEE]

[we love a supportive girlfriend]

She nodded, "Mh, I think... the first... two? Or maybe the first and third one?"

[this girl literally just sat in a room and watched him play games]

[you cannot tell me that they don't do that at home too]

[mingyu joins in sometimes probably too and they just oggle wonwoo together]

[who wouldn't though]

She eyed her boyfriend, but he just kept looking at her, not giving her an answer. "I don't remember," before turning back towards the camera. "But yes, I've watched a lot of them. Because I like them."

[like the game or like the player?👀👀]

[come on, minnie]

After discussing the pictures Wonwoo and Dokyeom took in Japan, and the collage he posted after their concert, Minnie found a comment she wanted to read out loud.

"Minnie should teach you how to edit collages," turning towards him with a proud smile on her lips.

"You can edit pictures very well, you make collages quite often," he told her, slightly chuckling at her facial expression.

[SIMP]

[he's so smithen and she's acting so cute around him wtf is in the air]

She nodded. "But," the female member pointed out, "the collages that you're talking about, Carats don't get to see."

[excu-the fuck-sez moi?]

[are we keeping secrets from each other now minnie?]

She looked back into the camera to continue. "I make collages with the members, so that at the end of each month, I can send them into the group chat and we can look back on what we did that month. Sometimes they take a bit longer, but I only send them to the members, I don't post them."

[AHA]

[alright]

[so that's how that is]

Wonwoo nodded, taking a sip from his own drink, "I forgot about that. But the other pictures you post are edited very well."

[jesus christ, alright, would you like to compliment her on her chopsticks skills as well?]

"But I don't think you should change your collage-making skills. It's very you. It's very Wonwoo."

[🥰🥰]

He grinned at the girl's comment. "Very Wonwoo?" She chuckled along with a nod. "Then you should like that, right?"

[WONWOO?!😳]

[you guys are still on a 🤨LIVE🤨 stream]

[i think bro thought it was just them two alone]

For a few seconds too long the girl looked at the older rapper stunned, who smiled at her.

['my dude, what did you just say in front of the camera'😳😅]

"W- Why...," she grinned before catching herself again, "I think, Carats should like it." Extending her arm to get a piece of chicken between her chopsticks. "They're the ones you should want to impress."

[what a quick save from our girly]

[but yeah, i mean... he's already impressed her enough probably]

"Oh, yeah, you're right," he smiled, looking back at the screen to read more comments, jolting slightly all of a sudden before both of them started chuckling.

[I'M TELLING YOU RIGHT NOW]

[this girl kicked him under the table🤣]

[you saw her smirk, and you saw his reaction]

[put two and two together]

The two of them explained that Minnie was the Animal Crossing expert and would be the first to tour a few islands. They got to work, put in the code and travelled to the first island made by a Carat.

The female member was moving the character around, taking in every corner and every little detail the fan had left for them, explaining everything along the way when they arrived at the beach.

"Oh my god!" She exclaimed with a happy smile on her face, "It's Raymond!"

[oh she's a REAL animal crossing fan]

She clicked on the right button to make the two characters interact, grinning at the screen while Wonwoo scrunched his eyebrows behind her.

"Raymond?"

"Yeah, he reminds me of you," she turned slightly to her left to look at the rapper next to her.

[all of caratland agress witht hat]

"That's why I have him on my island too."

[she has her own wonwoo in her little imaginary, fictional island]

[she's so cute]

[she's just like us]

Making the other member laugh out loud and even some of the staff members behind the camera chuckle. "What?" She smiled. "He doesn't talk much, he's very smart, he wears glasses and he's a cat. That's Wonwoo."

[that is wonwoo. can't argue with her about that]

"Yeah, I remember you telling me about him."

[can you pls just imagine an excited minnie skipping into his room, showing him this little animated cat and telling him it reminds her of him]

She nodded, "I have a lot of characters on my island because they remind me of the members."

[i need to see it]

Wonwoo took a sip of his iced tea before continuing, "Next time, you should bring your Nintendo Switch, and then we can look at your island."

[boyfriend supporting his girlfriend's little ficitonal fantady, love it]

Minnie smiled in agreement.

[THANK YOU]

[love how wonwoo wants to show of her achievements in a game haha]

"Oh, look! A puppy!" The female member smacked the rapper's chest, who had his right arm on the backrest of her chair, to make him turn his attention away from the screen with the comments.

[a lot to uncover here]

[first, the arm?! so casual?! literal butterflies from seeing his freaking arm around HER CHAIR]

[i need to see someone...😪]

He dramatically grunted, clutching the place she had just hit as she pointed at the computer screen in front of her. "It's Mingyu."

[how tf do they manage to include this man EVERYWHERE]

"How kind of them to even include Mingyu like that," Wonwoo chuckled.

[😭😭😭😭😭😭😭]

While the rapper had gone to the toilet, it was Minnie's turn to entertain Carats on her own, reading through their comments.

"Are you excited for the new Taylor Swift album? YES!" She shouted excitedly, "Yes I am! I already pre-ordered the vinyl. I'm happy. I'm more than happy."

[SWIFTIE CARATS UNITE]

[WE HAVE FOUND OUR LEADER]

[i love how she probably sees taylor the way we see her tbh]

[like just... UGH, i need them two to meet]

The smile never left her lips, giggling as she read the next comment, "Are you more excited about being on Gameboy or the Taylor Swift album?"

[that question was CRUEL]

[love it]

Minnie shook her head, "You guys... are really something. You can't compare those two. They're different types of happiness. But I'm also very very happy to be here. Although..."

[oh oh]

She ran a hand through her hair. "I'm kind of not happy about the fact that Coups was here before me. Wonwoo prefers the leader over his own roommate... I don't know how to feel about that..."

[damn, that hurt]

For the last few seconds of being alone, a Carat dared Minnie to spin in her chair and not get dizzy because she had said before that she doesn't get dizzy easily due to her ballerina training.

[just explain to me how this 25 year old woman can be so competitive with people she doesn't even know or see]

[like... she literally went 'oh, you don't think i can do it? watch me‘ MINNIE]

She was so focused on continuing to push herself with the help of the table, that she didn't notice the rapper coming back into the room. Not until the chair was suddenly stopped, scarring her as she looked up into the eyes of her boyfriend.

"Jesus! You scared me!"

[dude, you scared me, i thought you were gonna spin yourself out of that chair]

"What are you doing?" Wonwoo chuckled moving her slightly away to get to his chair, settling down as he kept his glance on the girl.

"A Carat dared me to spin and not get dizzy."

"And? Are you dizzy?"

She grinned at him. "Nope." Making him shake his head with a smile before turning his attention to the screen.

[i would've loved to see what the fuck was going on in his head when he saw her like this]

[THIS IS FR ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE MOMENTS OF THEM EVER]

[it's just so cute]

"No, you have to-"

"Like this?"

"No, tap th-"

"This one?"

"Yes."

"And then?"

"You have to put it down-"

"I can't."

"Yes, you c-"

"Look, I can't-"

"Wonwoo! You-"

"Like that?"

"No, g-"

"This?"

"No, please-"

"But look-"

"Wonwoo, Jesus, give me the controller," Minnie huffed out loud with a smile after a debate that went on for way longer than she wanted, snatching the controller out of the man's grip.

[THE BICKERING]

[who would've thought she'd bicker like that with anyone but mingyu]

[and then WONWOO of all people]

The rapper grinned to himself at the frustration of the female member, looking ahead at the screen filling up with comments while the girl's eyes were trained on the game.

[WHY DOES HE LOOK SO PROUD HAHAHAH]

"I never thought there would be another member better at gaming than Wonwoo," he read out loud, making both of them chuckle. "Yeah," the '96 Liner sighed, "Minnie is a lot better than me in these types of games. And Sims, and-"

[YES, tell us all about how great minnie is, LETS GO WONWOO]

"Fifa," she interjected, earning her a confused glance by him. At the sudden silence, she turned her head towards him, giggling. "What?"

"You're not better than me at Fifa."

She shrugged, "I could be."

['i could be‘ she's literally challenging him?!]

But Wonwoo continued to shake his head, his eyes back on the camera. "She's not better than me at Fifa."

[he's letting her be better in animal crossing and sims, but this guy draws the line at fifa HAHAHAHA]

"Awww," Minnie's eyes went wide as she looked at the screen. "♪ We're going to the chapel and we're... gonna get married... going to the chapel, and we're... going to get married-♫"

Wonwoo away from the screen, taking a quick glance at the girl next to him. "What are you singing?"

"A wedding song. I think my mum used to listen to it. It's kinda old, but I just remembered it," she explained, while Wonwoo made his character run around the room to look at every detail.

"Aah, because it's a wedding hall?" He wondered, getting a hum from her in return.

[smart guy🤓]

"They made it really pretty," Minnie commented. "It reminds me of the set where we filmed the special video for 'April Shower'."

"Oh, right," the rapper agreed, "Maybe that's what the Carat wanted to portray."

"Maybe," the girl nodded.

"Maybe we should get married here."

[sorry, i just choked on my water]

[WHAT?!😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳]

[he just threw that question into the room like that?!]

The sudden question threw Minnie off as her head snapped towards him, a nervous chuckle leaving her lips.

"What?"

[yeah same]

[what?!]

He turned to meet her eyes, only grinning at the female member.

[HEY]

[ya can't say sth like that and then just smirk this handsomely]

[minnie move, i gotta take this man to a wedding chapel]

"Eyy, you can't say stuff like that," she pushed his shoulder, making him laugh while she shook her head. "Sorry Carats, he's weird."

[OR IS HE?]

[her reaction was everything]

[yes girl... you played that off... so well...]

After they clicked off and made sure to save the game, the two idols turned towards the camera. Wonwoo did a big stretch, reaching back with his arms as the girl turned towards him.

[eyeing the biceps, i see]

[as if you don't get to see enough of him every day already HUH]

"When can I come the next time?" He read out loud from the screen. Wonwoo thought for a second before answering, then directed his attention to one of the staff members behind the camera to make sure he wasn't spreading false information, all while Minnie was still focused on the comments.

"And Minnie-" the deep voice made her glance at the man next to her, "Will you be here next time?"

"If you invite me," she grinned at him.

[mh, tell him minnie]

With a chuckle, he nodded, "Okay, then let's see. If there's time we could play 'Howling Abyss'."

[is he trying to scare her away?]

[like... request another game she has never mentioned before dude]

"Oh..." she commented with a grimace.

"What?"

"Is that the one you tried teaching me?" She wondered. His nod confirmed her concern.

"Why?" A slight chuckle tumbled from his lips.

"I'm not good at it," she whined, suddenly clutching onto his arm, "Wonwoo, you can't make me play games that I'm bad at. I'll look like an idiot."

[the hand of the biceps]

[girly just had to touch it]

[i don't blame her]

[i'd be touching him all day everyday if i could]

Her reaction made him laugh out loud as his hand came up to cover hers, "Then you'll get better until next time. Or maybe the time after the next one. Then we can play together."

[WHY IS THIS MAKING ME SQUEAL]

[HIM TRYING TO SUPPORT HER?!]

[just kiss already for fuck's sake, I see the look in your eyes, come on]

A big huff left Minnie's lips as she dropped her hands. "Why can't we just play Sims together..."

[dream team]

Wonwoo chuckled, "You said you can't play that in multiplayer."

Which received him a glaring side-eye from the female dancer. "We could find a way."

"Sure," he nodded with a smile.

[and there comes the supporting boyfriend yet once again]

Incheon Airport 231112

[idk what is in the air, but they've been so much closer i feel like?!]

The entire group was making their way through their airport, each member walking at their own pace, next to each other, in a line, or by themselves as they waved to the cameras that were following them through the building. Wonwoo and Minnie were in the middle, the rapper carrying his roll suitcase while the female member only had a small shoulder bag casually by her side. Both covered in big coats due to the cold weather. With all the screaming, shouting, and camera clicking around them, the couple, as well as the rest of the group, was used to not talking to each other while in pace, only once they would come to a halt or find a quieter spot after making it through the security check.

[i don't even want to know how stressful this can be😖]

They had reached the passport checkpoint, making them form a somewhat ordered line, each member standing behind another one, their managers and bodyguards by their side. The couple, who had stood close to each other the entire time was facing each other, leaning in slightly to hear the other person better. As there were still people in front of them, they had some time to pass.

[idk if this is a coincidence or if they're each wearing just one airpot BUT the fact that minnie is only wearing a right one and wonwoo is only wearing a left one?!?!?!?👀👀👀]

[maybe not so much of a coincidence]

[sharing airpods?!?!?! stfu they're so adorable]

Minnie chuckled at something the '96 Liner had said, making her turn around to catch the lens of one of the cameras directly with her eye.

[i really want to know what he said hahaha]

[spill the tea about annoying paparazzi]

A quick smile was sent before she turned her direction back to the man in front of her, reaching up, thanks to his height, to adjust the bucket hat on his head, pulling it down just a tad bit more.

[she makes sure he stays covered bc that's how he feels comfortable]

[i'm gonna cry]

She let her left hand brush over his shoulder and to his back, giving him a few gentle and comforting pats.

[they really need each other omg]

The sound of his voice ringing through the one ear that didn't have an airpod in, made her lean in once again before nodding along to what the rapper was telling her.

[OH PLS just kiss already guyyyyssssss]

Once the people in front of them in line were done and their turn had come, Wonwoo's hand on her back now pushed her forward slowly to go first, letting her know by tapping his fingers against her.

[👀]

Minnie was quickly through, thanked the staff and moved further, coming to a halt behind the railing and taking the moment to turn to the cameras and fans one last time before they'd finally reached a more private area of the airport. The '96 Liner joined her, waving to the fans for a quick moment before turning around and following their manager with the female performer right by his side.

[i want someone to wait for me like that]

[INSIDE SEVENTEEN] SEVENTEEN ('FML' Promotions Sketch)

"Pre-recordings are usually always fun, but for some reason, the members are extra happy today," Minnie explained into the camera as they filmed a short interview in the hallway right before their Music Bank stage appearance.

[can we just real quick give a shoutout to her stylist?! the makeup?! The outfits?! I'm in LOVE]

"But I'm not gonna complain about that. I'm very happy that they're... so excited, early on in the morning."

[minnie... this isn't their fault... you're just a morning person that i will never understand]

For a second, she looked around the room, focusing on something behind the camera. "I already took my pictures. I'm gonna post them on Instagram later. Now it's Junnie's turn," motioning for the cameraman to focus on the Chinese member who had just waddled his way into the small gap by the railing.

[and the pictures were FIRE]

"You know," the camera shot back to her, "I'm really glad you always do these interviews before our performances," Minnie chuckled. "Because after them..." she pressed her lips into a tight line before continuing, "You... you really don't want to see us that gross and out of breath and sweaty."

[we do actually. we do.]

"I don't look good like that."

[yes you do, tf are you on about?!]

[this woman...]

"So thank you for always... showing us from our good side-" her demeanour changed within a second as her attention paced to someone next to the cameraman. "What are you doing?!" She whined. "You're making me nervous, looking at me like that."

Once the camera moved to the side, Wonwoo's figure was revealed.

[OF COURSE HE'S THERE]

[look at that grin]

[UGH]

[called me single just by smiling at her wtf]

He had his arms crossed and a smirk decorated his face as his eyes were fixed on the female member, who had gotten closer to him to push him away playfully. Thanks to his stature, the rapper only budged slightly, making the girl sigh out loud.

[big boy]

[i need him to put me in a headlock]

"He's been standing there the entire time," she told the camera.

The '96 Liner continued to look at her. "What? I'm not allowed to stand here?"

[DON'T DO HER LIKE THAT WONWOO]

[we know damn well why you were standing there]

[you little simp]

"I'm talking about being disgusting and sweating, and you're just standing there, laughing at me," she shook her head, crossing her arms as she gazed at him.

[*whispers* because he's secretly in love with you, but pssh]

Wonwoo chuckled at her comment, his nose scrunching up slightly. "I wasn't laughing AT you."

She rolled her eyes dramatically. "Whatever..."

Then, it was his turn to look into the camera. "Carats," he started, "I promise, I wasn't laughing at her. I was enjoying her interview just like you would."

[-... i'm gonna have a stroke]

Minnie's laugh echoed in the background before Wonwoo joined her, waving off the cameraman as he disappeared again.

[Going Seventeen] EP.91 Point of Omniscient Interfere Penalty #1

"If you get over 90 on that karaoke machine, I'll give you 10." Minnie overheard Woozi's voice as she was washing her hands by the sink in the kitchen.

Her ears perked up when DK continued. "Okay, if you give it your all, I'll give you 30 grapes." She quickly dried her hands and rushed over to where some of the other members were sitting, watching Hoshi standing by the karaoke machine.

Hoshi saw her excited facial expression. "Minnie, you wanna do it with me?" To which she eagerly nodded, getting a chuckle from Wonwoo and Minghao, who had joined to watch and listen.

[i LOVE hoshi and minnie interactions and i am begging for more]

"Okay," the leader of the performance unit spoke, "40 grapes for each, Minnie and I, and we will give you the best performance you have ever seen."

"20 each," Dokyeom tried to argue.

"30," the female member continued, raising her eyebrows at him as she accepted the microphone Hoshi was holding out for her.

[scoups taught her so well]

Her fellow '97 Liner nodded, "Alright, 30 for each of you if you get over 90 points and give a good performance."

Some of the other members joined in once they heard the start of the song, now very eager to see the two as they knew how dramatic they could get once given the opportunity.

"If your voices don't crack when we raise it up by two keys, you get ten," Mingyu offered loudly, making the girl turn around.

"Ten each!" She quickly interjected before focusing back on the song.

Hoshi and she continued, spinning each other around and truly giving the performance of their lifetime as theatrically and dramatically as possible as they sang their hearts out at the sad song they had chosen.

After the first verse was over, DK told them to cancel it and see what score they had gotten, but it didn't show, starting a small argument, that was quickly resolved.

Dokyeom took out the purple stickers, counting each one. "Okay, there's thirty for now, divide it by two, I can't be bothered to take out the other thirty."

"What? Wait, hold on," Minnie immediately argued.

[oooh... he fucked up]

"Mister Mediator! That's out of line! Isn't he out of line?" Hoshi immediately took her side.

Wonwoo raised his head to look at the trio.

"They only sang the first verse," DK tried to explain, but the female member pushed his hand away.

"Because you told us to cancel it after the first verse!"

"Wait, wait," the Mediator reached out, "Who said to cut it off?"

"He did!"

"Him!" Hoshi and Minnie pointed at their member at the same time, who raised his hands in defence.

[they're such siblings]

[imagine the reaction of hoshi and minnie if you had told them like 10 years go that they would one day be such a strong duo to go up against dk... they'd laugh in your face]

"I thought you could still see the score after the first verse," he explained.

The female performer took her leader's hand and made him sit down with her. Dokyeom copied their antics, and soon all four of them were sitting in a circle, trying to explain the situation to Wonwoo.

"Wonwoo, you have to explain to him that he can't do that! He has to keep his promise," Minnie whined at the older member, her hand unknowingly on his knee.

[i love her so much]

"He's Mister Mediator, not Wonwoo," the main singer warned her.

She sent him a glare in return, "I can call him Wonwoo if I want to. And you stop nagging me and keep your promise!"

[why do i feel like the '97 line is like constantly bickering haha]

[and wonwoo seems to always kinda be right in the middle😭😭]

"But I didn't know!"

"That doesn't matter!"

After a bit more discussing, the '96 Liner rapper made sure they got the extra thirty they were promised when Hoshi decided to add something.

"But I was also deeply emotionally hurt by Dokyeom."

"You were?" Wonwoo questioned, turning to Minnie. "You as well?" Who nodded with a pout,

"Very."

[gotta ask the girlfreind as well]

"Okay," he patted her hand. "Dokyeom, give them five each extra."

[gotta make sure they're happy]

[well done mister mediator]

The other members watched the four in amusement when Mingyu decided to comment,

"Woah, everyone's making good money."

"That's right," Woozi chuckled, "But the mediator keeps making odd decisions."

"The mediator's a little weird."

"I think he's a bit biased," the producer of the group smiled at the facial expression from the girl that she made as an answer to his comment.

[BRO GOT CALLED OUT]

[minnie's reaction killed me hahah]

She grinned. "And I think others just need to learn, how to be more kind."

[OH]

[Going Seventeen] EP.88 BOOmily Outing #4

"Ugh, we need someone that got it right," Jeonghan sighed out loud after getting sent back in line a third time, still not getting the song right they had to chant out to Seungkwan.

[i could feel their tiredness through the screen during this entire scene]

Wonwoo, who was right next to him, eyes still half closed from being sleep-deprived, looked around the garden, finding the person he was looking for lying on the wooden floor of the porch.

"Minnie!" He called out, catching her attention as she raised her head to look at the members.

[LOOK AT HER]

[how could you not be in love with her]

[she looks so cute without makeup]

"Can you come here for a second?"

"Why?" She asked back, sitting up straighter.

"We need someone to sing the song for us," the '95 Liner explained. Shortly after Woozi, the female member remembered the song correctly as well and was able to go back into the house. Too bad for her that after waking up in the morning, the girl is usually unable to go back to sleep, explaining why she had decided to lounge outside instead, not joining their producer inside.

With a smirk, she ran her fingers through her hair. "Then you have to come here."

Jeonghan slapped Wonwoo's shoulder gently nutdging towards the '97 Liner. "Go."

[sending the boyfriend, yes, we support]

[the way he didn't even start to argue but just went]

Before even starting to argue, the rapper made his way over to his girlfriend, who was already smiling at him.

"You really don't remember it after three rounds?" She wondered. Wonwoo took a seat right next to her, his hand gently grazing her knee, stopping to rest it right there as she was sitting with her legs crisscrossed.

[WE ARE ALL SEEING THIS I HOPE]

[listen here]

[when it comes to wonnie]

[it's the little things alright]

[JUST LIKE THIS]

*insert zoomed-in picture of the two and Wonwoo's hand*

[this is what this stan fandom is surviving on]

[we're in pain]

The older member yawned, his eyes trained on the rest of the group that was still getting hit on the head with the rubber hammer. "No one remembers the second verse correctly."

Minnie nodded. "It's 'Let's go to the market, the FUNNY market. Everything is there, the market's full of fun'. All of you are saying 'the fun market'."

With scrunched eyebrows, he turned his head, gazing at the girl who was grinning teasingly at him. "How long have you been listening to our struggle?"

"Ever since I finished," she couldn't help but giggle at his reaction, her forehead touching his shoulder affectionately.

[AAAAH BACKGROUND ACTION]

[AFFECTION FROM WONNIE]

Wonwoo chuckled, "And you didn't think to help us?"

"You never asked."

The rapper stood up with a shaking head, the smile still prominent on his face as he walked back to Jeonghan, who was already awaiting him, but not before he let his fingers tighten around Minnie's knee, making her jolt up and slap him out of reflex.

[i saw that wonwoo]

[he's so annyoing, i love him]

He laughed at her reaction - he knew how much she hated whenever someone did that to her.

[and i react just like her anytime someone does that to me]

[that shit hurts]

[INSIDE SEVENTEEN] ('Super' Choreography Practice Sketch)

The idol group had finished their final practice of the choreo to 'Super' and everyone was cleaning up to leave. Some decided to stand behind for a few more minutes, talking to the choreographers and dancers. The cameraman for this Inside Seventeen episode caught Dokyeom and Dino before they were able to head off, now standing in front of the camera, talking about the exhausting day they had just put behind.

[not wonnie related but can we talk about how fucking good they look, thank you]

In the background, Wonwoo, wearing a green puffer vest, was engulfed in a conversation with three of the 200 extra dancers they had brought in for that last day. Nodding along to whatever story they were telling, he got distracted when Minnie's familiar figure walked up next to him.

Without even thinking about it, he opened his left arm, welcoming the girl into a comforting side hug. A warm smile spread on her lips as she wrapped her arms around his torso, letting her cheek rest on his shoulder.

[NOT SO LITTLE, BUT STILL BACKGROUND]

[i don't even know if they realise the camera caught them]

[i love how the cameraman didn't even budge though]

[like they're clearly directly in the middle of the screen hahaha]

[inse editors are wonnie supporters <3]

For a quick minute, the rapper leaned down to whisper something into her ear, to which the girl nodded before getting included in the conversation by one of the female dancers who had been talking. As soon as the sound of the '96 Liner's deep voice rang through her ears, Minnie lifted her head to look at him.

[that, ladies and gentleman, is called lovey-dovey eyes]

[i have no fucking idea if you actually call it that but that's what it looks like to me, fight me]

When everyone started chuckling at something that was being said, she straightened her back and dropped the arm that was wrapped around his front - Wonwoo's stayed around her shoulders, gently rubbing up and down her upper arm.

[i love small cute domestic shit like that]

[they just look so comfortable like that]

[like imagine you're in a friend group with them and suddenly they do this shit]

[i'd start crying because of how cute it looks]

[but it's probably the most normal thing ever for them]

[UGH pls adopt me into this group]

[INSIDE SEVENTEEN] SEVENTEEN (The Game Caterers Shoot Sketch)

Just as Seungcheol was coming down the stairs, Wonwoo and Minnie arrived and made their way up, passing the cameraman who was filming for their new Inside Seventeen episode. The female member was behind the rapper, both of her hands on his back, playfully pushing him to move quicker as he was slow in his steps.

[pls]

With sleep still written all across his face, Wonwoo turned to his left to wave at the camera. "Hi," he simply said, continuing his walk up.

Minnie stopped in her tracks to look at the camera with a big smile, taking a step forward to get a bit closer. "Good morning!"

[again: everyone else is completely normal, and then we have minnie. the morning person]

Her voice held much more cheer than any of the other members.

But as quick as she was there, she jolted up the steps as the camera moved to show that Wonwoo had also stopped to wait on her. The two continued side by side.

[he waited for her...]

[he WAITED for her]

[what in the low expectations... why am i reacting like this]

[BUT LOOK AT THEM]

Incheon Airport 230515

Wonwoo had just gotten out of the car, coming to a halt right at the door. Next, and last, Minnie stepped out, revealing her figure. Over one shoulder, she had a dark backpack, that was swiftly taken off her by the '96 Liner, who threw it over his own shoulders in a quick move.

[he ain't letting her carry ANYTHING]

The girl put on her sunglasses right away as the flashing lights had already started to blind her, making the rapper react quickly. He tried to cover her as she turned around to use the car door as an emergency mirror, for just a moment.

[it's giving timothée chalamet and saoirse ronan and I'm so here for it]

When she was about to lean forward, wanting to get something out of the vehicle, Wonwoo beat her to it and pulled out a rolling suitcase. He let it hit the floor before pulling the handle up, ready to move forward and join the other members that had already gathered by the crosswalk.

[I TOLD YOU]

[princess treatment and nothing less👑]

The couple started to make their way past the cars, straight ahead, with Wonwoo at a slightly quicker pace due to his longer legs, making the girl have to almost jog to catch up with him as she reached out for the handle to take control over her luggage. The rapper's head, half of his face covered by a bucked hat, turned to her, looking down at where their hands met. He placed his free on on top of hers, pushing it away, only for her to repeat her action, still trying to claim her suitcase.

[if your man doesn't fight you wanting to carry your luggage, is he even your man?]

[never settle for less is what I'm learning here]

[thank you wonwoo for raising my standards yet once again]

Wonwoo stood his ground and just continued to carry it forward, making the girl shake her head as she stopped next to Dokyeom, turning to him with a smile that he returned.

[INSIDE SEVENTEEN] SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [BE THE SUN] NORTH AMERICA BEHIND #1

During one of their breaks in their concert, some of the members had gathered around right behind the stage, some having decided on sitting on the stairs, while others went for the possibly slightly more comfortable choice on one of the plastic chairs the staff had put up - Hoshi and Wonwoo were two of them. With a grin on his face, patted the rapper his own thigh as soon as Dino had approached him, a bottle of water in his grip. The maknae denied the proposal, only for the older to continue the action, his palm repeatedly hitting the silver fabric of his pants.

Minnie was right behind Minghao, appearing from one of the black doors, joining the members that were currently being filmed. She was still adjusting the microphone around her head as she saw the '96 and '99 Liners' interaction, giggling.

The corner of her lips curled up as she watched the youngest shaking his head each time Wonwoo motioned for him to sit down, giving her the opportunity to take his place. With only a few steps, she stopped right in front of the rapper, turning around and taking a seat on the thigh he had been patting only a second ago, getting a burst of laughter from him in return.

[girl took that like it was reserved for her]

[dang]

[so hot]

Dino, who now had his eyes on the couple almost choked on his water as he started laughing, putting down the bottle he was holding.

[HIS REACTION😂😂]

"If you won't, I'll gladly accept the seat," she grinned at the youngest, who saluted her, making her and Wonwoo chuckle.

[oh minnie same]

[same same same...]

The camera didn't miss the hand he had placed on her left thigh as he rested his forehead on her shoulder, his shoulders still shaking from laughing.

[MH, WE ALL CAUGHT THAT TOO]

[INSIDE SEVENTEEN] SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [BE THE SUN] NORTH AMERICA BEHIND #2

The couple hadn't yet realised they had gotten caught during the thumb wrestle they had started with each other while waiting to go back on stage in Fort Worth. Minnie was trying to free her hand from Wonwoo's tight grip, pulling away with the strength she had left, but he easily caught her thumb with his, making him laugh and her whine out loud.

[again, so cute for what]

[just get a room and get to it, jesus]

Only then, did she realise the camera had been on them, gazing at the cameraman with wide eyes and her lips pressed together as she mouthed, 'Did you just see me lose?' To which the camera moved up and down.

[GIRL]

[we've been watching you WINNING in life for quite a while]

[you get to do stuff like this on the regular]

[you are WINNING my friend, trust me]

The rapper turned his head in confusion, which got washed away as soon as he saw the light that was attached to the device.

With their hands still interlocked, the female member released her fingers and used her other hand for more strength as she held onto Wonwoo's, trying hard to curve his fingers, so they'd create the other half of her heart. The '96 Liner continued to laugh at her antics as he watched her struggle.

[HE'S A MENACE]

[let her live]

[let her do a godforsaken heart, JESUS😂😭]

For a second, the girl managed to get his fingers in the right position, making her quickly turn to the camera and smile before dropping his hand only a second later, getting another chuckle from the man in return. While she kept a disappointed look on her face, Wonwoo got a hold of her hand, patting it gently as he formed a finger heart with his free hand, getting a chuckle out of her.

[he's actually really cute, we all know that]

[he'd do anything for her, i just know it]

Minnie joined him and sent a wink in the camera's direction in addition.

[well... time to go find myself a wonwoo, brb]

Minnie x Members Content (open)

poly!mimiwon (open)

Taglist: @shrynkk @chaebb @lunarxsun @hoe4wonwoo @kimhyejin3108 @soobzao @billboard-singer @cosmicwintr @zwiehe @alixnsuperstxr @angie-x3 @smooore @allthings-fandoms

#minnie 🌷#seventeen #seventeen oc #seventeen 14th member #wonwoo #kpop oc #svt #imagines

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acesofspadess · 7 months

Text

Rewind

I definitely published this a bit out of order but bare with me

“Hello Team Niall.” Niall introduced as they all waved and greeted him back. “Well, I've got a bit of news for you. Because of my concert schedule, I actually won't be in town for knockout rehearsals.” Everyone was shocked… and rightfully so. “Because I won't be there, I've chosen another coach to come in and mentor you guys for rehearsal.” Everyone started to freak out wondering who on earth it might be.

“And they have been in your place before so I think they’ve got exactly what you need.”

The scene changed to the all too familiar practice room with an empty directors chairs. The sounds of steps progressively got louder until the special person appeared.

“I'M BACK!”

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's rewind a bit.

~~~~~~

A day or two after The Voice Finale

“Hi I’m Maia Quinn, and I'm the Season 23 winner of The Voice, and we're hanging out with Rob on Front Row Live.”

“Go with me.” Niall moaned into your mouth as you straddled him. “Where?” you question kissing down his neck. “Boston. I know it's last minute and we’d leave in the morning-” you shut him up with a kiss and a roll of your hips, his hands tightening against your thighs. “Just wake me up an hour before we leave.”

Sitting at the desk of you and Niall’s shared hotel room the morning of May 26th you had early interviews to get through before you were meant to go to the festival. You looked over the camera to see Niall already looking at you.

“Maia congratulations. What a night you had a few nights ago.” Rob praised and you smiled adjusting your airpod. “I am super excited for you and your career and your future. Especially because you're starting so young. You have enough time to kind of like, continue to evolve, and understand your voice; learn a lot more about yourself throughout this process. Talk to me about this process of your experience here on the voice and how you've evolved as a vocalist and a performer.” The interview was more than you could ever imagine.

“Now your relationship with Niall this season has had fans going crazy. From the after performance hugs to the duet, and the after party, what can you tell us about that?”

You saw Nialls face peak over the laptop screen and stayed neutral. “Niall has been the most supportive and very encouraging. He has become one of my best friends through this whole journey. I lost a lot of my confidence during the pandemic unfortunately. It made me think that I would never be able to do things that I certainly could do and Niall- all these years later- has been there to remind me that I probably can do them, and then make me do it. So our friendship and relationship has been so important to me. He is my best friend across the charts and he’d hate me for saying this, but I wouldn't be here without him.”

“Last question before we go. Is there anything we can look forward to seeing soon? Maybe another EP?”

You smiled glad you were able to share some information on what was coming next. “All I'll say now is, look for me on stage back home.” you winked dramatically knowing those who would get it would get it.”

“That's amazing, I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled. It was so great having you on. I hope to see you in person soon.”

“Bye!”

``````````````

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User10 i'm actually really happy she won

User2 wait…Slane is in Ireland…..

User6 I just learned she had an EP…. what?!?!?!?

Being at Boston Calling with him

“Boston, Massachusetts, how you doing?” he asked the crowd after he finished ‘Heaven’. The loud response made him smile excitedly. “Holy shit! This is crazy.” you face palmed knowing he was going to slip up sooner or later. “Thank you all so much for coming out to see me. I really appreciate it.” they cheered again as he sipped his water. You watched as he looked at the amount of people and a smile formed on your face.

“This is uhm- this is actually my first ever Festival.” he let out a breath at the realisation. “I've definitely been drunk at a few.” you laughed at him with the rest of the crowd. “But I've never played at any and for that reason I'm absolutely shitting myself.” he said looking at you knowing you would calm him, and him seeing you laugh did just the trick.

“But thank you for being here. I know some of you guys have been queuing for years.” he looked around at the signs “My girlfriend showed me this earlier ‘i travelled four thousand miles to be here from Brazil’ your eyes went wide at the declaration and the deafening screams were present. He subtly looked in your direction and saw your reaction, his worry diminished as he saw you smiling making him smile. “Makes you feel bad from coming just down the road doesn't it? ‘I came from round New York’.” he mocked, “awe who cares.” he laughed with them and you hid a big smile behind your hands.

~~~~

You walked the same route you came flashing your pass when you reached the gate and made your way in to see Niall. When you saw him you squealed and ran over to him. He turned when he heard you and caught you in his arms as you wrapped your legs around his waist and he spun you both around hands on the swell of your bum.

“I'm so proud of you!” you screamed and he laughed before he was kissing you passionately. It was quick as many more pecks through giggles followed. “I can not explain to you how happy i am.” he whispered in shock as you were sitting in the trailer behind the stage and he was getting changed. “You should be so happy, my love. That was incredible, and I am so so proud of you.” he smiled at you before grabbing your hand and kissing the ring on it. “You make me so happy, baby girl.” you melted at his words and stood up to kiss him softly. “And you make me the happiest girl, Ni.”

You surprising Niall at his Zane Lowe interview and him outing you

You knew Niall was disappointed when you told him you wouldn't be able to make it to his Zane Lowe interview today. He was really excited for this one and wanted you to be there. It was only a few days later that you flew from Boston down to LA for the interview. You were working on last minute stuff for the announcement today and you were nowhere close to done when he was getting ready to leave.

“I'm sorry love.” you kissed his pout away as you both stood by the door of his LA house. “I know, it’s okay. I know why you can’t make it, and for that I am so very proud.” he melted his lips against yours as your hands went to the curls on the back of his neck and he wrapped his went straight to your bum.

~~~

Niall was watching Zane play his songs and the guitar with a big smile a few hours after he left. “There are some pretty songs on this record bro.” Zane complimented as he switched playing from ‘The Show’ to ‘You could start a cult’. You who had just made it into the studio to surprise Niall were standing behind the glass watching him, waiting for him to notice.

“Thank you very much.'' He cut through Zanes music. “This one kills me.” Zane admitted as Niall caught on to what he was playing. “Yeah.” he cheered Zane on softly, finally noticing you. You saw his smile widened and you waved softly. “You Could Start A Cult.” he named distractedly, still looking at you as if he looked away you would disappear.

~~~

“Kingdoms fighting over you,” Niall continued. “I think that like they’re the ones- that could have very easily been, ‘ i like waking up beside you and you're my favourite person.” he joked easily. “But ‘you could start a war’.” you shook your head at his lyrical genius. “Do you ever crack yourself up with it?”

‘Yeah it was something silly at first but now everyone's obsessed with it. It started with me and my girlfriend now, when we met we would watch crime shows together over facetime,” he exposed and you chuckled at his laugh.

‘You say girlfriend now, sorry if i'm over stepping but..” zane trailed off

“No,” he shrugged off looking at you, who nodded, “she was not my girlfriend at the time, she is now, is what that meant.”

“So did she not know the song was for her?”

“She didn't know any song was for her- or about her I should say. The road from when we met to now has been a very dark windy tunnel, but we made it to the other end.”

“That's beautiful Niall, truly.” You smiled at him agreeing with Zane.

“This was the last song on the record that we wrote.” Niall confessed, and you wondered why. “Why, what was missing?” and without hesitation he pointed to you, “her.” Zane looked to where he was pointing and you waved happily at him. He waved back to you just as happy before turning to Niall with a face of shock. “No?” he gasped and Niall laughed, throwing his head back. “Yeah, I know. Way out of my league.” he watched you shake your head with an eye roll and he couldn't stop the smile from gracing his face.

“I could’ve gone and did what I did with the rest of the record and put BV’s all over it and strings and that was my plan - and John just said to me- because we we were not talking at the time…” he pointed between you and him, “...this is your message to,” he paused, ‘“ her’ keep it that way. Just you and your guitar and your feelings.”

And while there's much much more… you’ll see that soon

#nialler #cute niall #niall horan x reader #niall horan fluff #niall horan fanfiction #niall horan #niall horan smut #niall fanfic #niall one shot #one direction #solo niall #niall 1d #niall james horan #niall horan fic #niall the show #niall horan x y/n #niall imagine #niall horan x you #the show 2024

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watchingblsnowandforever · 2 months

Text

Ep. 16: The Happily Ever After

Hello! =D

I can't believe this is my last We Are post wow- It feels like just yesterday I was here typing out my first one because I had one too many Thoughts about it. Anyways, not to get too sentimental on main, here you go:

Warning: not a very long post, actually 😊😅

The result of long-term exposure to his boyfriend and his extreme levels of cheesiness hehe

Seriously though, I love how Fang is slowly but surely opening up to loud gestures of love (I think previously, he just wasn't used to loving loudly, he was used to loving with his whole heart but keeping it to himself because he never felt safe enough to express it).

I love how they're from absolutely different faculties and are still studying together like yess go besties who are in love with each other but are too oblivious to realise it!

Peem with Phum usually: *swats at Phum at the slightest sign of PDA even though he really enjoys it*

Peem when others say something about their relationship: So, Phum, what do you say, want me to kiss you senseless right here right now?

(And we all know what Phum's answer is gonna be hehe)

Hasn't even been two minutes in the room and they're already breaking into the bed 😭😭

(I really love this scene btw, the simple fun of it, and even though it's not sensual, it's intimate and very them.)

This pair of besties is gonna kill me istg

They keep hitting me with banger after banger of emotional lines and my heart is already weak don't do this to me 😭😭

Frankly though, I like this scene very much, the "I loved you no matter who i knew you as" and "I have always loved you" of it all really got to me.

Poor Tan 😭

That's why you never brag about something before it gets over Tan-

I love how Fang not only lets him lie on his lap but also scratches his hair hehe

And how Peem doesn't hesitate one bit to give Tan a good smack upside the head 😭

AND THE SCENE WITH TAN "ACCIDENTALLY" LETTING OUT THAT CHAIN HAS A CRUSH ON PUN AND PUN STILL BEING SO DAMN OBLIVIOUS I'M DYING 😭😂😭

I adore this scene a ridiculous amount, but I love even more that it was Phum who planned it like yess he's been wingman-ing his phi and friend since Day 1 and he never stopped.

Others have gaydars, PhumPeem have faen-dars: they know when their faen is looking at them or coming towards them.

Not a bad power to have, honestly. I approve.

THIS SCENE.

THE FRIENDSHIP. THE PAST, PRESENT AND THE FUTURE OF IT.

THE OG 5 (note how Peem is sitting at the centre? It's indicative of how he's the centre of the group and if I had to make an educational guess, probably the reason why they're all together in the first place).

This made me cry.

I have nothing else to say about this except this is one of the best damn shots of this show, which is saying something cause the cinemtaography up till this has been ridiculously good.

Of course. <33

And I'll be writing about how they spill the tea about their respective faens

😳

Tan: *tries to be slow and sexy*

Fang: no. We're doing this now.

Honestly though, this kiss was amazing, as were all their other kisses. Hats off to AouBoom, they absolutely slayed.

Et tu, Toey? T~T

Also another very nice scene.

I knew where this was going (how could anyone not after all those 15 eps) and I think Phum would have definitely gone over to sit on Peem's lap (@Peach thank you for that mental image btw 😭) if not for the structural instability of boats on land (I did sit on once with and trust me, those things maybe super sturdy or whatever in water, but they do NOT belong on land, especially not on the beach).

I-

I'll be right there in the corner sobbing my eyes out if you need me.

The way he kept saying his name, like he was actually tasting it, trying out all the different tones, and the way Phum kept replying, all smiles and soft voice, I-

I can't with these two. They're too damn much for my poor heart.

This also inspired another smut fic but SHUSH

No, nope, not doing this-

SIGH.

Okay, so see how Phum says "Thank you for being a good story in my life?" For Phum, having Peem in his life really does feel like a story, something out of the books he read (headcanon) and something too good to be true. But he's starting to realize that this is true, that Peem is here to stay.

Peem says "Thank you for letting me step into your life" because he knows all the issues Phum has, that it's hard for him to really let people in. But he let Peem in to love him, and Peem is grateful because it gave him someone to love and be the comfort zone for, but also gave him someone who loved him.

In this essay, I will-

BROTHERS-IN-LAW.

Also, no kidding, I got a mental image of Fang and Peem sitting and sipping at their drinks while Phum and Tan argue and compete like children, and when they go too far, Fang and Peem let out this long suffering sigh while they try to pull apart their husbands.

Did I say husbands? Oops-

HEHEHE

I didn't see you denying anything, Fang~

got another fic idea but we don't talk about those

🥺🥺🫶🏼

Okay, about that dinner scene. I actually kinda liked it. The awkwardness of it, the halted conversation, the prompted actions. As with the rest of the series, they kept it real, and I'm glad for it.

A lot of BLs, especially Thai BLs forgive the parents too soon too fast, and I really like they did not do that here.

Phum just (sorta) started on this path of being on talking terms with his dad (not forgiveness, or forgetting what he's done, mind you) and I'm going to be carefully neutral about it. If Phum likes it, well and good. If the father does something Phum doesn't like well *looks at two of my wips specifically* I always keep back-ups.

Peem is never letting that go hehe

(I don't think Phum minds all that much now, because he did end up with Peem, fuck you Kluen)

Also I'm two eps behind on Wandee Goodday and I hear Title finally got a nice boyfriend role? Good for him!

FOREHEAD KISS MY BELOVED.

(...should I change my header again? Nah, I'm happy with what it is rn)

I love how even if it was never explicitly shown beyond Tan, literally everyone and their pets know about Chain and Pun except Chain and Pun 😭😭👍🏼

We Are probably has the most kisses out of all the BLs I've watched and somehow the very last kiss gets the Best Kiss award. Surprising, but well-deserved. The kissed like they were dying and Chain tried to climb Pun like a tree, and I was gleefully watching and cheering them on.

You're covering his eyes, when you've literally made out with him naked, that's some hypocrisy there, Q *raises eyebrows*

One word: roses.

(Did Peem ever tell him? Did Phum figure it out? Does Phum give him roses for every single occasion now? Hm... guess we'll never know... Fic writers, this is your cue-)

'HAPPY' has it's special place 🥺🥺

I now know for sure that the simplicity and boldness of this painting was absolutely on purpose. The other paintings in the gallery are stunning.

Friends. <33

Also, due to Tumblr's restrictions, I couldn't add the last pic, but Peem's/Phuwin's face looks hilarious in the very last shot 😭😂

That's all! See you ne- oh, right. Well, see you the next time I get brainrot so bad about a BL I have to write smut about it hehe.

If you got this far, thank you so much for reading! 😊

Here, have 🍛 (imagine it's your favourite dish)

All my We Are posts.

#we are #we are series #we are the series #phumpeem #tanfang #qtoey #chainpun #thai bl #watching bls: we are #let's talk bl

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upslapmeal · 10 months

Text

Notes from the Taskmaster 16x10 recording

The last two episode recordings I went to, I meant to make comprehensive notes when I got home afterwards that I would be able to look back at and post when the episode aired. I did not, in fact, end up doing that. So this time I was determined to have lots of notes, and made them on the go in the breaks in recording. However. They were made in a rush and I never went back through them to pad them out (you'd really think I would have learned by now). So instead of just having to rely on my memory, I ended up with an almost coded list of words and phrases that it's taken me pretty much 2 weeks to sit down and decipher lol. So with that said:

the pre-episode Greg-Alex entertainment was Greg getting Alex to sing a song about a recent news story to the tune of a song suggested by the audience - in this case it was Trump's lawsuit (the one in May 2023 since there are...a few) to the tune of Wuthering Heights

Alex really went for the whole live thing, and was constantly referring to it throughout the episode

when the contestants came onstage, I obviously first saw Sam in his bright colours and blond hair

we were right on the back balcony and my first impression from that distance was that he kinda looked like Jamie Laing lol

Greg made a passing comment about how he's been dressing in grey but I was completely taken by surprise when the vt rolled and he looked completely different!

I had assumed he'd actually buzzed his hair and didn't realise it was a wig until the ep aired

Sue made comments throughout the episode about how Sam looked like Dahmer

Lucy's prize task story, unsurprisingly, went on for ages and included a whole story about the holiday they went on that I tragically cannot remember

I was so glad they didn't cut 'untaffled' because I looked through my notes before again before watching the episode and couldn't for the life of me remember what she'd said

Greg's said that his immediate response to naked Alex in the prize task was that he was 'smooth like an eel'

After Julian's prize task there was a discussion about how people wanted to be buried, and at one point (I wish I could remember the conversation leading up to this) either Greg or Alex said they would be buried 'together forever in the Victoria monument'

There was a whole long debate about whether Sam intended to use nature as part of his doughnut task, and whether the bird toppling Ms Doughnut to her death should be counted

Greg told Sam to 'convince me to give you 3 points'

Sam went on talking about how amazing nature is and how we're all connected and at one point said 'consider the statistics.....3000' (I'm 99% sure this is what he said and I didn't just forget the rest of the quote)

Julian's exercise name was absolutely not a one-off, to the point they started running a 'cunt count' for the episode

Sue talked about how she had recently had an ADHD diagnosis, and that she kept viewing tasks holistically rather than paying attention to the details. This was specifically in relation to the exercise where she just did the same thing 4 times

I'm not sure if we saw the full extended version of Hotel Taskmaster, but we definitely saw a cut that included more than the aired version (though tbh I think they do that for most tasks and I just noticed this one bc we got the extended version)

We got an 'I put it to you' from Greg that Alex-as-Qrs looked genuinely cool

Lucy described Alex as having 'tight metallic buns' which Greg later referred to as his 'robot arse'

I cannot stress how much of a breakdown Susan had in the studio about the forks and marbles - you get a glimpse in the episode but that was nothing!

Susan also took AGES to do her throw in the live task - she kept on being about to throw before being interrupted, or saying her arms were too short, or that she needed a wee, or having a fit of giggles, and the longer it went the worse it got lol

Greg and Alex also had a go at it, and Sue wanted another go without the pressure. Greg and Sue got the ball in but Alex didn't

Don't ask me to remember the context, but at one point during the record, Greg told a story about someone he knew (whose name he said he would tell the others backstage) who would have sex in a cow mask and would demand 'LOOK AT ME!!!'. Anyway that was referred back to a few times in the ep

When Sam was given the trophy he just stood near-motionless with it for what felt like ages before we got to the hugs and everything

And now we enter the magical world of ~what on earth was this note referring to~ where I just hope someone else who was there (@politicalprocrastinator how's your memory?) sees this and can fill me in on what I've forgotten:

At some point around the prize / first task I wrote 'correct dog guess'. Whose dog? What was being guessed? Absolutely no idea

At some point there was a joke about the 'former Prime Minister', I think the idea being that by the time the episode aired we'd inevitably have a new PM? but I honestly can't remember

Someone called someone else submissive in a way notable enough for me to have written 'submissive' as a one-word bullet point, but not notable enough for me to actually remember

And now three bullet points which I will present in their original form:

Birthday

Bum hole in back

Get in bath

#posted on reddit so I thought I'd put it here too #taskmaster #ramblings

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she-posts-nerdy-stuff · 5 months

Note

Do you ever think about the like ... intimacy implications(?) of Inej wearing Kaz's gloves to climb the incinerator? Like she gets inside of a part of him, a part no one else has seen. She understands him better because of it, sees just how the gloves are made. She can't touch him but touches the thing that's closest and most intimate to him. She finds what keeps him sane and returns it to him. It's nearly erotic without being sexual, don't you think?

Hello and welcome to episode 4 of DK Finally Gets It Together And Answers Her Asks Because It's About Damn Time (the title's growing on me)

Ep One - Ep Two - Ep Three

As always sorry for how long it had taken me to get to this ask but thank you very much for sending it, let's talk!

YES

Y E S

I in fact think about this an awful lot. For me, there are two specific details about Inej putting Kaz's gloves on that feel very intimate and the first is her own hesitance to do so. She talks about how she knows that Kaz would tell her to just get on with it but that she feels as though she's violating his privacy by taking them - I don't have my book on me but I'm pretty sure she says it feels like going into his rooms and rifling through his belongings without permission. The second thing that feels incredibly intimate to me when I read this scene is that when Inej notices that the gloves are unlined and have thin slashes in the fingertips she realises that this is so he can maintain contact with cards or coins or so on when pickpocketing and performing slight of hand and she describes it as "touch without touch". TOUCH WITHOUT TOUCH.

INEJ WEARING KAZ'S GLOVES IS TOUCH WITHOUT TOUCH. THEY ARE SO CLOSE AND YET THEY ARE SO FAR AWAY FROM EACH OTHER and I'm pretty sure that it's after this scene once they're on the roof together that Inej says it's the first time they've touched skin on skin (though please correct me if I'm wrong) so this is the closest they've ever got to touching before!!!!!!!!!!

I may simply melt into a puddle thinking about them

#dk finally gets it together and answers her asks because it's about damn time #kanej #kanej supremacy #six of crows #grishaverse #crooked kingdom #leigh bardugo #kaz brekker #inej ghafa #kaz x inej #jesper fahey #wylan van eck #nina zenik #matthias helvar #kanej my beloved #*cries in kanej*#dk's grishaverse asks answered

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sideblogdotjpeg · 4 months

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feeling like. ep 60 was such a fantastic arc finale battle ep. and auugh. like so many things. LIKE .

the slow build up of tension over the ep felt really good and perfect, as it escalates from alexandrite being silly and goofy to. gargantuan cyberflesh horror. and how the dice were UNCANNILY perfect for it all. like. the nat 1 vs nat 20 roll for the town and suddenly the entire mood shifts and the stakes are so much realer, and personal. followed up by the nat 20 for the town! followed up by TWO callie crits and her dealing 130 DAMAGE like each turn!!!! like!!!!! AUGH... the. just the beats of it all was soo good and.

tying to that .. the character moments for this ep were so good !!! every character got their moment to shine in the battle. already discussed callie absolutely whomping fucking ass, but of course the smaller moments as well. offering to go and defend calders town. seeing the faewild sky and "i think i needed to leave to become worthy of it" - like and as the culmination of callies arc. from someone who was so scared and running away to. staying, standing, fighting, protecting. AND ITS GOOD.

then of course theres calder. i mean also the . ARC. of the only thing he wanted was not to be overprotected. wanting to be useful - like his brothers, people who had strength and value in the eyes of their people, big enough to defend their town. and he has come all the way here. he changes the tides of the battlefield in the town - and he does it with the attachments of his friends and the love of his family. and like... god. really crystalising his ethos in a way that is foiled so well against gowan. gowan who was too proud to ask for help. vs "i cant do it without you" "but damn does it feel good when your friends have your back" ... !!!! AYYEARGH. like. hes becoming the protector of his home! but maybe now, his home is so much bigger than the ice knife, and hes not fighting alone .... YOU KNOW.

AND SOL!!!!! sol to my knowledge only deals 30 damage this battle but. as a resident sol enjoyer i !!! am VERY MUCH CLAPPING AND CHEERING!! at the deeply supportive role he took on for this fight. like hes the first to get the ice knife away from alexandrite, he gives callie an extra smite, silvery barbs.... ! like the short rest realisation of how different the battle wouldve gone without that silvery barbs is .... ! SO ITS GOOD. and at the end that he was the one to get the final blow on alexandrite and it was for swag is ...

and! that part was obviously a joke! as is the entire "keep em guessing haha alexandrite cant predict what were doing!!!" thing. HOWEVER. relistening to the ezry arc, and their first interaction w alexandrite as we now know her ... i just. REALLY feel like this is the spiritual successor to "were duck team and were messy and were friends and we do everything together and we absolutely suck shit all day long and all night baby". theyre so fucking stupid is the thing. and theyre messy and stupid and constantly saying things that are weird and make no sense and completely and utterly baffling .... and thats DUCK TEAM!!! (theres also a point here where im overreading somewhat. but the part about Keepin em Guessin... one could POSSIBLY argue it interacts in a MAYBE DEEPLY INTERESTIGN WAY with . the idea of the calculated certainty of the AI, the calm and cold prediction of the diviners, and the wild freedom of the peregrines. idk!!! maybe!!! maybe you cld even say that what lies at the heart of duck team is their messiness and outofplaceness and love and care and refusal of the tragedy!!! even!! maybe!! but YEAH. lol random XD ! keep em guessin!)

also the thing that made me write all this which is like. ! the final victory lap scene is just. so wonderfully cathartic, esp with how tense this entire arc has been. its just. fuck yeah we won and all our friends and family are here and safe and riding on mammoths!!! i mean. FUCKING ALBINS BACK!!!! GREGORS HERE AND KICKIN ASS!!! THE MA GOBLIN BRIGADE!!! A WIN. and ... that bit of callie just sitting on the roof playing a guitar as she stares into the fae wild sky is ... its good.. its good..

and all that is maybe. half the reasons why ep 60 is so good. i didnt even get around to talking about the fucking EMILY AXFORD SONG WHICH IVE BEEN PLAYING NONSTOP ALL DAY SO. yeah. so i like this ep i guess

#naddpod #ba2mia #ba2umia #ramble tag #naddpod spoilers #< im bad at tagging spoilers but this is. ALL spoilers so

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foundfam2754 · 3 months

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S17e5 live reactions!

Spoilers…obviously

- yeah Elias don’t murder anyone if you wanna be an informant

- lol he has a whole receiving parade

- oh my fucking god Elias is messing w our papa pasta :(

- oh I just realised it has been ages since he’s actually spoken to him not in his mind - you got this bud ❤️

- car sex is just not it man

- OH DEBBY RYAN LOOKALIKE AND DAMIAN I see

- the girl reminds me of cat adams - revenge murder and maybe the most brutal bc of so much hurt in the past - in fact this whole thing gives me dirty dozen vibes

- “you’ve been taking to to yourself” “I’ve been talking to myself for years” idk why that made me laugh hard

- AM I ONLY THE ONE WHO SEES THE SPENCER REID PLAQUE COMING UP A LOT??? Pls let mgg come back oh my god

- hehe garvez is standing together 🥰

- protective luke 🥹

- “no!” “Everyone’s a comedian” HAHAHA

-“hands-off asshole” yeah give me more protective lukey pleaseeeee; also gives vibes of ‘don’t touch my girls stuff asshole’ which I LOVE

- “what’s up with you two…cause there’s a vibe” OH MY FUCKING GOD PENELOPE EVEN SICARIUS SEES IT. OPEN YOUR EYES AND LET HIM LOVE YOU

- couples who bully sicarius about his hygiene together stay together 🥺 🤝

- I kinda love how they’re filming this - they’re profiling together in the bull pen and workshopping - Elias has a weird chemistry w them

- lol pen with the handkerchief

- DONT TOUCH HER

- this is too easy; I’m so suspicious: I feel like he’s gonna do the same with Bailey - say something code-wordy to hint to him

- also why does it feel like Elias is being too helpful? like I think maybe he’s so invested bc 1) he gets to mess with Dave by being part of his team 2) Damian is a loose end and has some evidence to tie him to sicarius offficially

- I TOLD U HE WAS GONNA CODE WORD IT. I KNEW THE TIPPY TAP MEANT SOMETHING

- I love smart strategic confident Em and she and Dave plotting to fuck Elias over together

- is he finally gonna shower??

- “dave” like they’re besties

- LOVE THIS SHOT

- EW THEY HAD VOIT SAY OUR PRECIOUS PHRASE - but okay no that was so impactful

- oh my god he’s fucking with them so hard oh my god

- JJ SAID FUCK!!

- OH MY GODDDDDDD they’re talking about jealous Luke they’re talking about Penelope and Tyler they’re SAYING IT OUTRIGHT I CANT TALK I CANT TYPE I AM SCREAMING I LITERALLY GOT OFF MY COUCH AND JUMPED ACROSS MY APT

- ew tynelope is so gross greencia is so much better

- Luke you didn’t say nooo?! we all know it drives you crazy agent alvez

- so chaotic Elias is so funny man; kudos to Zach Gilford

- PAPA PASTA PROTECTING HIS FAMILY. You mess with Pen, Rossi brings the heat

- isn’t “locking you in a shipping container” a confession?? why are they not more interested in that?

- oh my god Brian’s gaslighting her - falling into the conspiracy thing again - everyone’s vulnerable and only hearing what they want too

- haha lukey doing yoga

- oh my god how do they do anything without Penelope

- hey kiddos - voit is leaving?? Pls pay attention to him

- is Rossi gonna let him run??

- oh my god they’re profiling each other

- OH MY GOD DAMIAN. I KNEW ELIAS WAS GONNA CODE WORD IT.

- “Teresa is in trouble”!??

- TYLER I SWEAR TO GOD IF YOU KEEP MORE SECRETS

- oh my god the sicarius smile

- aw tebecca!

- EM :(( be vulnerable babe we’re here for you

OH MY GOD THIS EP WAS SO GOOD

#criminal minds #garvez #criminal minds evolution #luke alvez #jennifer jareau #garvez fanfiction #penelope garcia #emily prentiss #greencia #david rossi #elias voit

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ohmyglobwhatthefrickamievendoing · 11 months

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So I know some people are complaining that ep 6 & 7 were too rushed and while I do agree that the pacing was much faster and while I would kill for more time to spend with characters (not just ep 9 & 10 hell bring back 24 episode seasons. Let's bring back beach episodes and episodes purely about exploring backstories. Hell make ofmd a community style show where each episode is about the characters' shenanigans in different genres)

pls tell me I'm not the only one who actually really liked how fast ep 6 & 7 were? Because (and I have a logical reason for this):

While I do 100% agree that the decisions Ed & Stede made in those episodes were very in-character,

The fact that (starting from ned low's torture) these two episodes happened within a span of 24 hours makes their decisions much more believable

Because sometimes when things happen (bad, good and overwhelming things) they tend to pile up on you without giving you a chance to even breathe and it's in those moments you make some of your rash and stupid decisions

When things happen so fast you don't even get a minute to process any of it and it feels...well it feels like you're lost at sea and you grab on with both hands to the first solid decision you see even though objectively it's a bad one, just so your mind will get some reprieve and a moment of clarity so you can say "okay this is the direction I'm working towards now" and through that direction you can, even briefly, settle yourself

The last time things happened like this, one big life changing thing after another, Stede ran back home to his ex-wife & kids

But when he got the opportunity to talk it through and sit with himself and process everything that had happened, he realised he was in love with Ed

it probably wasn't initially planned like that, it's probably Max being assholes and making as many cuts and restrictions as they can, but the insane chaos of the end result & the mounting anxiety as you wait for the other shoe to drop was actually, imo, very effective

#(still tho they better give us a s3 with 10eps 🔪)#ofmd #our flag means death #ofmd s2 #our flag means death s2 #ofmd season 2 #our flag means death season 2 #ofmd spoilers #our flag means death spoilers #ofmd stede #ofmd edward teach #ofmd ed teach #stede bonnet #edward teach #blackbonnet #gentlebeard

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alloftheimagines · 2 years

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joel miller | left behind

masterlist | taglist | ko-fi

words: 2.9k

warnings: angst, angst, angst. so much angst. ep two spoilers. tess's death. grief. loss. infected stuff. reader is tess's younger sister. age gap. more angst. so much angst. slightly violent reader.

synopsis: in which joel honours a promise he made to tess that means he must force reader to leave your infected sister behind in boston. resentment and a bit of hurt/comfort ensues as you head to frank and bill's.

sibling!tess x reader, reader x joel, little bit of reader x ellie

tags: @sweetbabygirlsworld

“Holy shit. She’s infected.”

You didn’t think the world could fall apart twice, but you look at Tess as Ellie's words settle in and realise you were wrong. Here you are again, losing everything. This time, you don’t know if you can survive.

“Tess…” you whisper, shaking your head slowly. “No. No. No.”

Beside you, Joel is deadly still. He looks at your sister with such detachment that you want to scream. This is Tess. Fucking Tess.

But you know him. You know he’s good at switching off when things get tough. Not like you. You wear your heart on your damn sleeve, and you can’t fucking do this. You look at her again, heart breaking. You feel every tear, every shard slipping through your ribcage. Tess is motionless — resigned. She wears sadness, but no fear. None anybody but you can see, anyway. You grew up with her. You can see the fading light in her eyes in a way the others won’t.

And you don’t know what to do.

“Let me see it,” Joel orders quietly.

“Joel…” Tess pleads.

“Show me,” he growls.

Bitterly, she tears down the collar of her shirt, revealing the infection blossoming across bruised veins. Your knees threaten to buckle, nausea rising in your throat.

“No.” Tears slip down your cheeks, and you’re already searching the room again for some hint the Fireflies might have left, some sign that it won’t end like this. “No. The girl is a cure. If we can just—”

Tess is saying your name. You’re not listening. If you listen, it will be real. If you listen, you will have to say goodbye to the only family you have left.

“Joel,” she’s saying now. “This kid… this kid is real, okay? You gotta get her, get them both, to Tommy’s. He’ll know where to go, what to do.”

“No. No, I’m not doing that,” he replies.

You’re still rattling around, searching old papers and nooks for something, anything; as though you’ll find a miracle in the shadows.

“If not for the kid then for her.” Tess’s voice rises. You squeeze your eyes shut, your back turned to her. “She needs you, Joel. This is the end of the road for me, but you need to keep going. Promise me."

“I’m not leaving you here!” you shout, throwing the first thing you find against the wall. It smashes to dust. “We’ll find a way out of this, Tess. We always fucking do. Let’s just stop and figure it out!”

“There is no figuring it out.” Tess marches over to you, gripping your face in her hands. You try so hard to fight it, so hard to stay in denial, but you look at her drawn face and know she’s already half-gone. You know the worry furrowing her brows isn’t for herself, but for you. For what will happen to you now. She practically raised you, toughening you up or else cradling you through the bad nights, never any in between. It made you both strong and so unbearably weak. Not like Joel, who has never let anything touch him.

You choke on a sob and close your eyes. “Please, Tess. Please. This can’t be it. I need you.”

“I need you. I need you to be safe. I need you to keep going. Please, sweetheart.” She softens, brushing the tears from your eyes. “Please. For me.”

“No—”

The sound of moans and the shuffling of uneven footsteps interrupt your protest. Joel goes to the window and curses, readying his gun. “Infected. Shit tonne of ‘em. We gotta go.”

You grab Tess’s wrist without thinking. “Come on.”

But she slips out of your grasp, stepping away from all of you. Ellie has tears in her eyes, but she says nothing, looking for the first time not to Tess or Joel, but to you.

“I can buy you some time, but you have to run. You have to go,” Tess whispers.

You shake your head again, ferociously this time. “No. No, I’m not leaving. If you stay, I stay.”

She snaps her head away. “Joel. Get her out of here.”

You fight back a bitter scoff, fists curling at your sides — but then hands lock around your arms, nudging you away. “Come on," Joel grunts. "We have to go. Now.”

The betrayal stings. This is fucking Tess. Of all people, he should want to help her. He shouldn’t be giving up on her.

You snarl, “Fuck you if you think I’m going anywhere!”

He doesn’t let up, face carved from stone. “We can’t stay,” he hisses, ducking his head to meet your eye. “You want us all to die?”

“You go! I’m not—”

“Now, Joel!” Tess is yelling. “Get her the fuck out of here now!”

He swears under his breath again and then his arms are like a vice around your waist, your feet lifting from the floor as he drags you away, kicking and screaming.

“No!” You’re shrieking now, vocal cords ripping apart as you try to reach for your sister. "Tess!"

But she doesn’t reach back. She turns away, and you know with certainty it’s the last time you’ll see her face.

“Tess, please!” Sobs erupt from you, and you fight harder now, but Joel is too strong, too broad, too heavy-handed to let you go. “Please! Please! Let me go! Let me stay with her! She's my fucking sister, Joel!”

The fresh air hits you all at once. One moment you’re there, watching your sister get smaller and smaller as infected scratch and rattle the doors, and then you’re back in the rubble of the drab city, the gold dome of Massachusetts State House dwindling.

And then exploding.

As your feet finally hit the floor and you try to nudge Joel away, the earth cracks with black smoke and you’re thrown to the ground. Joel’s warmth shields you, and you feel Ellie trembling at your side.

Silence blankets you like ash. It takes a moment for your brain to comprehend it. Any of it.

You shove Joel to look back at the State House. The building that is no longer a building, just debris and fire.

The building where your sister was standing not a moment ago.

“No.” You say the word differently now. Softer. Devastation pierces through it, through you. She’s gone. Tess is gone.

“Darlin’...” Joel puts his hand on your shoulder and squeezes, and fury sparks through you.

“You did this!” you scream, hitting his chest again, and again and again. “You took away my choice!” Because the truth is, you would sooner have died in there with Tess than carry on without her. “You took away my fucking sister!” Because he’d gotten her into the jobs, the smuggling. He’d done all of this.

Joel doesn’t react, barely even budging as you slam into him. His jaw is set, trembling, throat bobbing, and finally he catches your hands and locks his fingers around your wrists. “Look at me.”

You can’t. You can’t look at him, or anywhere else. You want to vomit. You want to disappear.

Instead, your chin wobbles and your ribcage opens up and everything pours out of you as you wail.

He catches you as you sink to the ground, pulling you to his chest, and you’re too weak to push him away now.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers into your hair, rocking you gently. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, sweetheart. There was nothing else we could do. Nothing else I could do. But look at me. Please look at me.” He grips your jaw just as Tess had, and you flinch. You hate him. You fist his shirt between your fingers and you want to destroy it, destroy everything around him.

Except you don’t. He’s all you have left, and the realisation makes you numb. Joel fucking Miller is the only goddamn person you have.

You do as he asks. You look at him.

“She bought us time," he says. "We can’t waste it now. Do you understand? We can grieve her later, but right now, we gotta go. We have to get up and keep going. For Tess.”

You hate that he’s right most of all. As you begin to shut down, shock taking over, you look back at the smoking State House and stand. And then you clutch Joel’s collar and bare your teeth.

Ellie stumbles towards you, eyes round with fear, but you’ve lost the will to care about her presence. You’ve lost everything today.

“Don’t you fucking say her name again,” you snap. “You lost that right. I blame you. I blame you for who she became, who we’ve all become.”

Anguish curls across Joel’s features, but you refuse to feel guilty. You let him go roughly and grab your backpack off the floor, the same one you’d clutched during the outbreak just after you’d watched your parents get savaged by your infected neighbours, Tess dragging you to safety. You’d been thirteen years old, and your sister had gotten you through hell and back, that night and every other one that came after.

“It shouldn’t have ended like this,” you whisper into the wind, swallowing your own tears.

It’s the last moment you allow yourself to have, and then you wipe your damp cheeks and glare down at Joel again.

“Get up. Let’s go.”

He does, looking winded as he rises from his knees to his feet. You allow him to lead the way only because he knows the city, knows his way around, far better than you did. Tess rarely let you do jobs out of the QZ, protective until the bitter fucking end.

You wish more than anything you could have protected her.

***

You don’t get the chance to catch your breath again until you get to Bill and Frank’s — which is empty. You never met them yourself, but you know Tess warmed to them, so to find them dead too… it feels like the last piece of good in the world is truly gone. You slump onto their couch still wrapped in numbness as Joel and Ellie gather supplies, reluctant to so much as look at you. Later, you hear them talking about showering, and Ellie thumps up the stairs, leaving the place quiet. You should wash, too. You should eat, drink, prepare for whatever comes next, but you can’t move. Can’t do anything.

After minutes, or perhaps hours, of silence, Joel kneels in front of you with a plate of food. “You need to eat, darlin'. I know it’s hard, but you have to.”

You hate him calling you that. He never used to call you that. He barely addressed you at all, stubborn, grumpy old man he is. But he’s been family for a long time, and the three of you…

You got by together. Until now.

You glance down at the food and your stomach turns.

“Please,” he whispers, voice cracking. It surprises you, that vulnerability bleeding into his words — and it seems to surprise him too, by the look on his face. You’ve never seen him like this. Not once.

You take a bite for that alone. It’s dry in your mouth, and you find it hard to swallow, so you push the rest away. He sighs and puts it down on the coffee table, swapping the plate for his flask. You take a swig, whiskey burning like vinegar in your throat.

“If I talk,” he asks, “will you listen?”

“No,” you answer honestly. “No, I don’t feel much like listenin’, Joel.”

Still, he takes your hand. You glare at your intertwined fingers but make no move to pull away. Perhaps part of you still needs to be coddled, taken care of the way Tess might have.

And maybe you need to know you’re not alone. That he isn’t going to give up on you the way he so easily did with Tess. Which is sick, you know, but you’ve never much been able to help the way you feel about him. The way you have always wanted to peel away his layers and understand him. Tear away his self-hatred, guilt, grief, for whatever horrors he faced before.

“I didn’t want this. Not for Tess and sure as hell not for you.”

“I told you,” you bit. “I told you not to say her name.”

“I made a promise to her a long time ago.” He continued as though you hadn’t spoken, his brown eyes pleading. “I promised that if something happened to her, I would always protect you. That’s what I did today. I was honouring that promise, and honouring your sister. If you need someone to blame, someone to hate, if that makes it easier, go ahead. But don’t think for a second that this was a choice I wanted to make. I cared about her. I care about you. And even if I have to drag you kickin’ and screamin’, I’m getting you to Wyoming, to Tommy. You and I still have a job to do.” Slowly, as though unsure how you’ll react, he tucks your hair behind your ear. “That kid needs us, but we need her a hell of a lot more if the cure is real. And I… I need you. I need you here with me, safe. I ain’t losing another…”

He bows his head, words thickening. “I ain’t going back on my promise to Tess, so you can make it difficult as you like. You can never lay your damn eyes on me again. But I’m getting you through this.”

A tear drips down your cheek, your entire body trembling as the sorrow, the grief, finally takes over.

“Oh, baby,” Joel whispers, voice full of the same loss, the same pain.

A whimper escapes you as you put your head in your hands. You can’t even hate him now, because you can imagine your martyr of a sister asking Joel to do just that. To protect you above all else. Still, you despise it — despise that your choices were taken away, your voice ignored.

“I should have been with her,” you say. “She shouldn’t have died alone.”

“She died knowing you were being taken care of.” He squeezes your knee with rough hands. “She died knowing she saved us. It’s the best anyone could’a done. I wish it could have been different.”

“I don’t know how to do this without her,” you admit, because how can you keep it all in? All the love you had for her, all that grief… where will you put it when it’s spilling out of you without warning?

“That’s something we’ll figure out,” Joel responds. He’s drawing circles into your lower thigh now, the pad of his thumb wearing down your denim jeans slowly. Wearing you down slowly. “You should take a shower then see about finishing your food. That hot water… it’ll help. And I won’t be mad if you use it all before I get my turn.” He offers you a small smile.

But you can’t imagine anything ever helping. You close your eyes, sinking back into the couch. “In a minute. I just need…” You don’t know what you need. If you’re being honest, you need Tess.

As though knowing it, Joel rises, the couch cushions dipping with his weight beside you. He lets out a soft sigh, fidgeting with his fingers. You feel the weight of his gaze on the side of your face.

A moment later, he’s draping a blanket over you, and your lids flutter open again in confusion.

“S’okay,” Joel says. “Get some rest. I’ll wake you when it’s time to go.”

You don’t need to be told twice. But when you try to nod off, you only see Tess burned on the inside of your eyelids. Her face the last time you saw it. The bite. Her pleas for you to go.

You give up quickly, aware Joel is still beside you, unmoving. It isn’t like him to not be moving.

Rubbing your face, you sit up, pushing the blanket off. “Joel…”

“Hmm?”

“Blaming you... it doesn't make it fucking easier. I understand why you did what you did, even if I don’t like it. But if you ever take away my choice again… I won’t go on with you. I can’t. I know you and Tess still see me… saw me,” you correct with a wince, “as a kid, but I’m not. Not anymore. And I sure as hell ain’t your responsibility.”

“I don’t see you as a kid,” he says quietly. “And I don’t see you as my responsibility, either. Honestly?” He purses his lips, tapping on the arm of the couch before he continues, “I see you as the only damn thing worth going out of my way to protect. Make of that what you will. Just… don’t expect me to let you die if that’s your choice. I can’t do that. I won’t do that. I won’t apologise for it, either.”

You’re not sure what to say to that; what it means. Why Joel, of all people, is the one to say it. You always thought he and Tess…

“Why? That promise mean so fucking much?”

“Yeah." He looks at you as though for the first time. "Yeah, it does."

You don’t have the energy to wonder what it means anymore. Instead, you pull yourself up on unsteady feet. Your mind is racing, and that shower is sounding better as reality sets in. Just in time, Ellie returns with damp hair and fresh clothes. She offers a small, reassuring smile, and you ruffle her hair, feeling guilty that a fourteen-year-old was subjected to everything you went through in Boston. Whoever she is, whatever purpose people want her to serve… she’s just a kid, and you couldn’t hold it together for her today. That makes you a shitty chaperone.

“My turn,” you mumble, glancing at Joel a final, wary time before heading upstairs. His expression doesn’t change, but you see something new in it now. Something strange.

Something that looks an awful lot like care.

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