This August, prepare yourselves for some shameless hoe shenanigans: Siriâs Birthday Bash: Favorite Things Edition đ¤
The event will be August 15-18, but I wanted to post info now so writing challenge participants have lots of time to work on their stories. Writing challenge submissions will be accepted starting August 15 and through the end of August (or later if needed; Iâm flexible and donât want you to stress â¤ď¸)
There are two ways to participate in my birthday bash (you can do both, or just one, whatever you want!):Â
The writing challenge
Submitting your Superior AI Custom OrderÂ
đ¤ Thatâs right, my good hoes, since the theme of my event is my favorite things, I wanted my âparty favorsâ to be inspired by one of my favorite verses to write! Please note that Superior AI Custom Orders are limited to one submission per person, and that submissions will only be accepted during the event dates noted.Â
All event details and the Superior AI Custom Order Form are beneath the cut. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! Thank you so much! Can't wait to have some birthday fun with you all â¤ď¸
GENERAL EVENT DETAILS
When: August 15-18
*Writing challenge submissions will be accepted through the end of August (or later if needed).
How to Participate:Â
đ Birthday Gifts aka the writing challenge
đ Party Favors aka Submit Your Superior AI Custom Order
đ BIRTHDAY GIFTS (AKA THE WRITING CHALLENGE) đ
Rules for Fic Entries:
500 word minimum, 5,000 word max. (Please put your story under a cut after 150 words.)
Original works only. If your story is part of a series, it must be able to be read as a standalone piece.
Please tag me @stargazingfangirl18 when posting your story.
Include the tag #happy birthday siri 2026 on the original post of your fic (not on reblogs or reblog replies, please.)
Any genre accepted! Can be fluff, angst, smut, comedy, AU, dark, soft!dark, whatever you want.
Please stick to the CE characters listed below, and no RPF.
Reader insert stories only. LGBTQ+, BIPOC, & interracial stories are welcome and encouraged!
No toilet stuff, no necrophilia, no snuff, or bestiality. Non-con and dub-con must fall within commonly posted dark fics. (FYI: I personally donât read daddy kink, mommy kink, spit kink, lactation kink, harsh degradation, dumbification, or anything focusing on health/illnesses/medical details/scenarios.)Â
Please include warnings as needed for explicit language, explicit sexual content, non-con, dub-con, dark fic, trigger warnings, 18+, etc.
Odds & Ends:
Each writer can submit a maximum of 3 stories.
Writers DO NOT need to claim prompts.
Smut writers and characters must be 18+.
Writers can also submit a Superior AI Custom Order but please keep it to one submission per person.
You do not need to write smut, I know itâs not everyoneâs jam.Â
I reserve the right to not read or reblog anything that makes me uncomfortable.
Writing Challenge Babes & Prompts
BABES
Andy Barber
Ari Levinson
Bryce Langley
Cole Turner
Curtis Everett
Frank Adler
Jake Jensen
Lloyd Hansen
Pete Brenner
Ransom Drysdale
Reverend Drew
Robert Pronge (aka Mr. Freezy)
Steve Rogers
PROMPTS
Pick at least 1 prompt. You can pick more than 1, and you donât need to claim prompts:
SCENARIOS:
Being a predatory babeâs prey (in a sexy way, not a hungry way lolll)
Sweet and/or Vulnerable!Reader x Scary!Hot!Babe
Being blackmailed by someone unlikelyÂ
Scary babe is only soft with you
Commitment phobe!babe is high key obsessed with you
A titillating encounter with a monster!babe
Youâre an actual human disaster, but soft!dark babe finds it charming
Emotional constipation
Making a deal with the devil
Meet!oops or fail
Sacrificing yourself to a dangerous babe to save someone else
Being betrayed by someone you trust
DIALOGUE:
âI was just going to punish you, but now? Now Iâm going to annihilate you.â
âOh my god, how can someone be so fucking oblivious?!â
âYou have no idea what your scent does to me.â
âThatâs it! Iâm done! No more adulting, no more responsibilities, no more anything! Weâre just going to lay here and cuddle and hide from the rest of the world.â
 âYou picked the wrong man to steal from.â
âI have no idea what the future holds, but what I do know is that I want you by my side for every second of it.â
âIâve never had someone so innocent, but by the time Iâm done with you, youâll be as corrupted as me.â
âDid you just⌠propose to me?â
âYou know I reward loyalty and good work, and I thought she would make such a sweet, pretty gift.â
âPlease, just give me one more chance. I know I can be better, for you. I would do anything for you.â
âThe only thing you have to offer thatâs of any interest to me is that sweet, warm place between your legs. So strip and show me just how badly you need my help.â
âI know Iâm the last person you want to see right now, but we really need to talk.âÂ
KINKS:
Breeding kink (non-pregnancy version)
Size kink
Praise kink
Somnophilia
Prone bone
Squirting
Manhandling
Oral sex (f receiving)
Anal play/sex
OverstimulationÂ
Monster fuckingÂ
Creampie
TROPES:
Omegaverse
Mob AU
Good girl x bad boy
Biker AU
Delulu babe or Reader
Mercenary AU
Human disaster!Reader or babe
Conqueror AU
Friends to lovers
Sugar daddy/baby AU
Guard dog!Babe
CEO AU
đ PARTY FAVORS (AKA SUBMIT YOUR SUPERIOR AI CUSTOM ORDER) đ
Rules for Submission:
Submissions will only be accepted during the event dates of August 15-18. Those sent before or after those dates will be discarded.Â
You must submit your order by sending me an ask that answers the questions below.
There is a limit of 1 submission per person (please respect this limit, even if you request on anon; I donât want to be overwhelmed or stressed).
Odds & Ends:
If youâre new to my Superior AI verse, you can check it out here.
Even if your babe of choice isnât an AI in my verse, you can still request them for your custom order. Think of these resulting drabbles as AU :)Â
I may not get to every submission within the event timeframe, but Iâll try my best to answer all of them eventually, so please be patient.
Submit Your Superior AI Custom Order Form
Send me an ask with the following info, and I will write a (likely AU) Superior AI verse drabble starring the CE!babe of your choice! Iâve written these questions in one paragraph to make it easier for you to copy/paste, but you can space them out when you send your ask. Thank you!Â
Superior AI Custom Order Request: 1) Your CE!babe of choice (If youâd rather I pick the babe for you, let me know). 2) What are the top 3 reasons why you are ordering an AI? 3) Soft, soft!dark, or dark? 4) Smut or no smut?
Thank youuu. But also, happy birthday to me đŤ lolll.
â
Tagging some fellow hoes who may be interested or want to signal boost the event, no pressure though! (Sorry if I forgot anyone, Iâm awful at tagging lol.) â¤ď¸
For anyone who hasn't seen the letter that Carter sent to Abby and wants to. Here it is. I found it years ago on some message board.
Dear Abby,
By the time you read this letter, Luka should be safe in America and you will probably be wondering why I'm not with him. Before you go blaming yourself let me just say, it's not you, it's me - and I know even as I write this that you're going to think that's a breakup clichĂŠ, but if you could just try and hold back your judgment - and your condemnation - for a minute, maybe you will actually be able to understand what I'm trying to say. Being here has changed me in ways I never imagined. It put everything in perspective. County, Gamma's death, you. Well, me and you. We just had to work so hard at everything. Too hard, you know? When I think back on our last year together, everything appears hazy, muddled. And in the Congo, everything is very clear. People are suffering. I can help them. They need me. In a way that you don't.
You're much stronger than you think. You don't need me, Abby, and I don't think you ever really did. We both know we would work better unfettered. I think that at one point you convinced yourself that I was the right guy for you - reliable and safe, and I don't know, stable - but I don't think that that's what you really want. When we were just friends, it was safe. Maybe we even put each other on pedestals, I don't know. And then when we were finally together, it didn't become what either of us thought it would be. I didn't end up being what you expected, and you didn't end up beingâŚsorry, I'm rambling.
I gave you as much as I could, but it wasn't enough. Clearly, there were a lot of things going on in your life that were more important, understandably. Eric's disease, your mother. Your life is complicated, and I didn't fit into that mix very well, did I? I tried to help, but then when I needed youâŚI don't know.
The light is dying. I don't want to waste any more kerosene.
I don't know how long I'm going to end up staying here. Don't wait for me.
I also want to say thank you. You are still one of the most amazing people I know.
summary. After Jack treats you at the emergency department, he learns that you're a camgirl â a very popular camgirl with a public SFW account. Curiosity has him subscribing and he finds himself falling into a very addicting trap of you.
word count. 16.5k (this got away from me)
content warnings. nsfw content, excessive use of 'bunny', medical inaccuracies (of literally almost everything, big shout out to healthline and mayoclinic for iud info), mentions of vaginal bleeding and pain, easter eggs/cameos of other readers from a previous robby fic (đ)
notes. so this was the most absolute fun to write !! i've got a few easter-eggs in here (including other readers from a previous robby fic (đ) and some of my lovely mutuals mentioned) so i hope you like it, my inbox is open for more blurb requests or ideas you have for the dolls-verse! photos above are from pinterest and @deathreverse made the amazing website mock up i included below! (thankyouthankyouiloveyourmassivebrain)
As someone who's made a living off of exposing every inch of your body to the world, you feel horribly exposed sitting on an exam table in just a hospital gown that you had changed into from the cliche trench coat and lacy negligee you had on earlier.
Despite the late hour, the waiting room had been packed and any glance your way felt like something intrusive and prodding. You had been fully ready to wait the whole night before you could be seen but after your vitals had been taken and triaged, the doctor had pushed you to the front of the line and into the next available room.
So here you sit, the paper beneath you crinkling every time you squirm and try to find a far more comfortable position before giving in entirely and leaning over to your side. You support yourself with your elbow and try to ignore the prodding pain in your backside.
"Good evening, I'm Dr. Abbot, what seems to be the problem?"
Your stomach drops; just your luck that the doctor assigned to help you fish out your newest toy is panty-dropping handsome. A silver fox through and through, he looks downright delectable with those large freckled arms that seem to be bursting through those black scrubs. If it had been any other day, you might've turned on the charm, flirt your way to a dinner date or more.
But it's 1:37 AM, you have a fuzzy, bunnytail plug stuck inside you and you're desperate to just get home without your asshole gaping.
"Um." You glance at the iPad in his hand, hoping that whoever saw you first recorded it in your chart so you wouldn't have to repeat yourself. But the handsome doctor is waiting patiently. "I have something⌠stuck inside me."
"Ah. I'll see what I can do. Roll over for me, sweetheart."
The night shift always brings on the weirdest cases that after all his years of working, nothing could phase him at this point. Seeing you, looking so uncomfortable and startled on the exam table, ranks so low on said weird cases that he misses the note Crus had left on your chart and went right in on the usual greeting.
"⌠what seems to be the problemâ?"
Butt plug lodged in anus, patient reports mild pain and heavy discomfort.
Jack rereads the sentence a few times before he looks up at you. Pretty albeit shy, your cheeks flushed and your gaze seemingly land anywhere but him. When you listen and roll over onto your stomach, he swallows the instinctive 'good girl' that threatens to spill from his lips.
He tugs on a fresh pair of gloves, strengthening his spine and fortifying the usual mask of professionalism he wears. You're laid out on your stomach now, the blankets of the exam table tugged down to right below your ass. Before he could ask you to lift your hips, you do so on your own, knees spread apart.
Face down, ass up.
He swallows thickly as he gently nudges the seam of the hospital gown apart at your spine. What greets him has heat boiling in his gut: a fuzzy pink, bunny cottontail buttplug nestled right in between your asscheeks.
"Alright, I'm gonna touch you back here, see how deep it's in there before we try extraction," he murmurs. You whimper when he gives an experimental but gentle tug. "Is there any stinging sensation?"
"Nuh-uh," you mumble into the pillow.
Jack swallows again as the cottontail plug gives beneath his grip, his other hand pushing your left asscheek aside. "Let me know if I pull too hard, alright?"
You nod and he sees the way your moves against the pillow.
"Words, please."
Your thighs clench as you fight off the simmering heat that your frustratingly hot doctor starts with those two simple words. "Yes, I will." An honorific sits behind your teeth (daddy? sir? whichever, it seems to fit him regardless of what you use) but you swallow it down.
Meanwhile, Jack tries to ignore the tell-tale sheen between your thighs, keeps his gloved hands where they need to be. His mind races through horrific, bloody accidents of the week prior to keep his other head from wandering. "Good," he mutters.
Silence falls between you two as Jack gently adds medical-grade lubricant, apologizing at the cool temperature of it against your heated skin. After a few rotations of the plug, you clamp your teeth around the hospital gown to stifle any wayward moans.
"Mmâ" You whimper anyways and Jack stills. "I'm okayâ! Just, uhâ is it almost out?"
Jack clears his throat; he's grateful you can't see him or the creeping blush up his neck. "Almost. I gotta take it slow to avoid any possible injuries."
The thought makes you lightheaded but you ground yourself back into reality before your mind can start jumping to worst case scenarios. "That makes sense."
He twists the plug and a flare of arousal blooms in your core, more pleasure than pain now. "So," he clears his throat again, an attempt at normalcy. "What do you do for work?" He mentally pats himself on the back at the inane question, hoping it'll be enough to distract you as he attempts at another tug.
You squeak anyways as your ring of muscles expand at the widest part of the plug. Jack adds more lubricant. "This," you manage to say.
Jack's dick gives a willfull throb but he forces it down with the degloving case from the night before. "O-Oh?"
"I⌠stream? I'm an adult streamer, oh fuckâ!"
Your ass is gaping slightly as Jack inadvertently tugs the whole plug out with little warning, an involuntary reaction from your reveal. "Shitâ sorry, sweetheart. Don't moveâ"
The silicone toy hits the metal tray beside you in a dull thud, the fluffy end of it peeking above the lip of the tray, while you feel his gloved digits gently probe around the ring. "Just making sure there aren't any abrasions, any cuts or irritation before we finish up here." He sees your head nod against the pillows so he continues on with his examination.
Your ass is firm beneath his touch. Pilates, maybe. Or strength training. His jaw clenches as he forces his mind to the present again, resumes the exam before carefully covering you up with the hospital gown again. "You're all good, sweetheart, you can turn onto your back now."
A part of him feels a sick sense of satisfaction at the way you squirm from the easy use of petnames. He's always been a natural flirt, that roguish charm that calms patients enough for him to diagnose, but it's a touch more fun when it works on someone as pretty as you.
"Thank you, Dr. Abbot."
But the gentle cadence of your voice cuts through him and shame trickles in like molasses. When did he turn out to be such a perv? Maybe the night shift is getting to him. He clears his throat, assuming his professional stance, but your smile turns wicked and there's something mischievous in your gaze that he can't quite place.
"Really, I can't thank you enough," you say as you carefully roll over to settle in an upright position. "But, um⌠is it possible if I can keep the toy?"
He lets out a little laugh and nods. With his hands still gloved, he retrieves a plastic bag from one of the cabinets and places the toy in before handing it to you. "'course you can. Just make sure you prep yourself better next time."
Jack nearly winces at the crass statement but you reward him with a bemused giggle. "Don't worry, I learned my lesson. It's a good thing I'm testing it out first before a stream. It'd be so embarrassing if I got it stuck inside me while I was live," you share and he tries not to look too eager as you share more about your unorthodox occupation.
"Do you⌠do that often?" The question falls flat and he makes up for it with an embarrassed chuckle, discarding his gloves in the nearby waste basket. "Jesus, tell me if I'm overstepping here."
You laugh again and Jack's positive he isn't as funny as you make him to be but he'd gladly make a fool of himself if he got to hear that sound again. "You're fine. Trust me, I've heard worse."
"What if I want to be the best you've heard?"
Your brow rises up in mild surprise. "Was that a line, Dr. Abbot?"
"Maybe."
"It's not very good."
"It's also 2 AM, sweetheart."
You cross your arms, tilt yout head to the side and it feels like he's being taken apart. "Do you make it a habit to flirt with your patients?"
"Just the pretty onesâ oh, yikes. Yeah, that one was bad," he concedes with a light laugh. "I may be a flirt, but you're trouble. Now⌠think you can behave while I go grab your discharge papers?"
Your smile is saccharine sweet. "Of course."
He chuckles and shakes his head, nudging the door open with his hip before he exits. The rest of the evening goes by routinely: you sign off on a few papers before changing back into your clothes. Dr. Abbot is nowhere to be seen until you're walking towards the exit, your gait a tad bit crooked, and he's leaning against the counter by the nurses' station.
"Thanks again, doctor."
The wink you give him nearly stops his heart, your easy demeanor returning now that you aren't battling the embarrassment of having a butt plug stuck inside you. When the door shuts behind you and the chaos of the emergency department resumes around him, Crus Henderson cackles behind his chart.
"What?" Jack frowns.
The smile Henderson gives him is downright sinister. "You're not slick, old man."
"It's fine." Shen materializes beside him with an obnoxiously loud slurp of his perpetually full iced coffee. "Technically, she isn't your patient anymore. And Crus and I won't tell."
"There's nothing to tellâ!"
The two share knowing grins before walking off. "Sure, Abbot. Sure. Wait 'til you're off to look her up though."
Jack splutters. "I'm not going to look her upâ"
In the quiet of his bedroom, Jack looks you up.
The sun's already filtering through his window blinds and it feels like some social transgression to be searching up porn during the day. But he's showered and clean with his prosthetic off, tucked under his covers and leaned against his headboard. The cursor's blinking up at him, taunting him. He doesn't even know where to begin but he's got your full name, wonders if it's enough to even catch a trace of you on social media.
He types your name in anyway on instagram and his breath leaves him in a rush when your profile sits at the top of the search results. Your profile pic is innocent enough, smiling brightly, but upon further inspection, your shoulders and collarbone is exposed right where the photo is cut off; an implication that you've got nothing on below the edge of your profile. Once he manages to tear his gaze away, his eyes snag onto the amount of followers you have. Four million. An impressed whistle escapes him as he starts to scroll.
Your photos are still pretty tame, nothing more risque than a bikini shot of you at the beach. To anyone that isn't regularly watching adult streamers, you look like any other influencer of the modern age. Wholesome photos of you are attached as well, displaying your interests and hobbies that has Jack falling deeper and deeper into your orbit.
It's nearly noon when he realized he may have spent the previous hours just looking up your social media sites. One thing that did stick out like a sore thumb (aside from your jaw-dropping photos) had been the lack of use of your real name. He understands the reasoning, knows its for safety especially with the kind of career you're in, but the affectionate nickname you use for yourself and what your subscribers use has a lick of jealousy flaring in his chest.
Dollface. Doll. Dolly.
He scrolls back up before the little monster in his chest grows and a nondescript url catches his eye, the hyperlink sitting pretty beneath your bio. Before he could secondguess himself, he taps it and his phone brings him out of instagram and into his browser app where your website loads on his screen.
While Jack isn't some tech-savvy genius, he's confident enough to say that your page must've been done by a professional. Summer pastels greet him, a variation of your profile pic on instagram (more skin, more sultryâ) sitting on the top left of the screen with 'DOLL'S CORNER' splashed on the top of the page and a drop down menu that he decides to explore later.
It's arranged like some sort of blog, your most recent status marked as eight hours ago where you're complaining about some ache. He bites back a smirk before he scrolls down your older posts. There's many videos, ranging from 'get ready with me!'s and 'shopping hauls' with pretty thumbnails, but the one that steals his attention are the ones that are grayed out â almost pixelated with a pink heart-lock graphic in the center.
[ UPGRADE YOUR TIER LEVEL TO ACCESS THIS VIDEO! ⥠]
His thumb hovers over the lock-graphic before he gives in.
The screen loads and he's taken to a new page, marked by different tiers and different price points.
BESTIES â free! access includes:
- get ready with me
- weekly vlogs
- shopping hauls
SWEETHEARTS â weekly subscription. ($)
- everything besties has to offer!
- short-form lewd content
- locked photos from the vault
- audios
LOVERS â monthly subscription. ($$$)
- everything sweethearts and besties has to offer!
- midnight live-streams
- personalized short-form videos
- personalized audios
Jack blinks twice. He continues to scroll before he catches a three-day free trial for all the paid tiers. He bypasses it and taps a single month purchase for access to the LOVERS' vault (after creating a profile and naming it simply with his initials). His dick stirs in his pajamas as the screen loads before it confirms his payment.
All the grayed-out videos are unlocked but rather than an aesthetic thumbnail with pretty collages like your free content, they're blurred out images of you within the video â enough to imply exactly what's going on in each one.
He scrolls on to see another video of you trying on outfits, specifically lingerie. Figuring this is as close as it'll get to dipping his toes in the metaphorical pond of your NSFW content for now, he hits play.
The video starts off with your pretty face adjusting the camera before you settle back on a white rug, surrounded by opened boxes. You greet the camera and it feels like a blow to the gut to see you in your element. If he thought you were pretty in the emergency room, under the garish lighting of the bright fluorescents, you're a goddamn bombshell with perfect makeup and flattering lighting.
As you address the camera, he begins to wonder how exactly you could be an adult streamer when you have content like this until you bring out the haul for the video. White ivory boxes detailed with cream ribbons, baby pink boxes wrapped nicely with ebony lace and tulle. He catches a name on one of the boxes: La Perla.
Jack shifts in his seat, bats away the creeping guilt of watching a young woman try on lingerie, but the charge was confirmed on his card already; it's too late for regret.
(He fears there isn't any regret in the first place.)
Fortunately for his heart (or unfortunately for his twitching cock), you had edited the videos to cut through the actual process of changing into them and rather just show off the full sets.
You didn't seem to have a preference for color, each piece ranging from a monochromatic black to butter yellow lace. Either way, you look gorgeous in all of them and Jack isn't ashamed to admit he's about to blow in his boxers, untouched, at just the sight of you in lingerie.
When the video ends, he replays it but makes it a point to keep his hands out of his pants for now. Instead, he drops a like and a simple comment:
@.swatdoc. â You're magnificent.
Confident in the anonymity of his profile, he puts his phone away to finally catch up on sleep.
Across the city, your phone buzzes with a new notification as you have breakfast on your island counter. Despite the waves of engagement you get on your content, you still keep the notifications on and the newest one brings forth a flutter in your stomach. Compliments are a nickel apiece when it comes to your career but the simplicity of this one and the lack of crudeness that follows steals your attention.
You take a bite of your food as you tap the notif, bringing on the new account profile. While most are kept blank, this man has a profile pic of his back facing a gorgeous sunset. Despite the fact his face is unseen, you recognize those salt and pepper curls.
In the following days, Jack begins to make it a habit to check on your daily statuses. You don't post daily on instagram but you post stories and he enjoys your little activities, likes how everyone seems to be so kind to you. It makes him wonder if your followers are aware of your evening activities, of your content tucked safely away behind a paywall.
Even in the comments section in both the SFW and NSFW side of your content, he realizes you've amassed a loyal following comprised of women that it nearly hides the lewd and desperate remarks from your male subscribers.
@deathreverse : that top is gorggggg!!! âĄ
@pearlessance : your makeup is stunning, drop a routine next babes!!
@enam3l: absolutely obsessed w you!! âĄ
@mariasont: that shade of pink suits you BEAUTIFULLY
In your last NSFW video, it's you in bed, a thin blanket draped loosely along your frame. There isn't an intro like your lingerie haul, just getting right into it as if the viewer catches you in the middle of the act: your hand sliding beneath the fabric, the camera shaking slightly as you rearrange your position to lay back against the mountain of pillows.
Jack's mimicking the position on his day off, his own back cushioned against his headboard as he watches in rapt attention. His readers are sliding off his nose but he adjusts them as he hits the volume increase button twice. He wants to hear you, addicted to the way you sound so sweet whimpering around your fingers.
Obsessed with the way your moans can sound so goddamn endearing.
He doesn't let the video play on, his hand still sitting obediently above the waist band of his sweatpants as he tries to catch his breath. He scrolls onward instead, stops at a tamer video of you shopping at a boutique.
@.swatdoc. â Gorgeous as always, bunny.
The cursor blinks as he secondguesses the petname. No one's called you anything other than 'doll' or 'dolly' or some iteration of baby or babe. Bunny's innocuous enough, Jack decides, and taps 'comment'. It'll be an inside joke for himself, for the evening you may as well tipped his world upside down when you'd come into the pitt for a stuck bunny buttplug. You get thousands of comments a day, the likelihood of you recognizing him is abysmally low.
The little pep talk he gives himself soothe the minor anxiety spike as he continues to scroll on, amusing himself with the way your bright personality seems to shine through even with the nasty videos that has his cock twitching to life.
He distracts himself with the comments section instead of exiting the video.
@.deathreverse â jesuuus christ, ur so fucking hot
@.deathreverse â let me rip that gorgeous top off you plsplspls
@.pearlessance â let me make your moans my ringtone and i'll never miss a call
The women commenting are far more entertaining to read through, the creativity of it all always taking him aback, despite the usual stab of jealousy. At this point, his parasocial streak of possessiveness is something he's learned to ignore, to let sit beneath a layer of faux indifference.
He's just a fan now among millions, he'll bask in the anonymity your popularity affords him.
You might be obsessed with your most latest subscriber. A Mr. Swatdoc with the silver curls.
Realistically, it may be the hot doctor that had seen you through the most mortifying ordeal of taking out a buttplug at two in the morning but the profile pic doesn't give you much and his profile is blank aside from his chosen screen name (swatdoc) and his age (48).
Regardless, your heart does a funny little twist whenever he appears in your notifications (only on your SFW posts, interestingly enough) whether it's a like or an extra tip but your stomach drops when his newest comment adds a new petname.
Bunny.
You sit up in bed when the notification comes through. Gorgeous as always, bunny. The fucking bunny, cotton-tail buttplug. The same one that Dr. Abbot had all but talked you through it as he gently removed it from your asshole. You glance up to see the damned toy sitting on your dresser right across from your bed, mocking you.
The bed dips beneath as you shift your weight, rolling around in bed as you reread that goddamn nickname over and over again. Bunny.
As your eyes bore into your screen, your phone buzzes.
[@.swatdoc liked your vlog!]
[@.swatdoc commented: Can't get enough of you, bunny.]
A sudden wave of confidence (or perhaps impulsiveness) washes through you and you tap his comment. And in quick succession, you like his comment and tap on his profile. Then his inbox. And finally:
doll : doctor abbot???
Jack drops his phone like it burned him. He sits up, nearly kicks off his blankets in his chaos as his heart falls right out of his ass. He didn't even know there was a messaging system on your website but there it is, that red notification bubble on the top right. He taps it and there's the chatbox.
He contemplates on lying, on playing dumb but he respects you far too much to lie to you. A heavy sigh escapes him as he resettles back into his bed and his cock sheepishly sits limp against his inner thigh.
swatdoc : How did you know it was me?
doll : i'd recognize those silver curls anywhere âĄ
Huh. The little heart emoticon blinks up at him, maybe even glows. His cock gives a hopeful twitch.
swatdoc : Let me get this right. You aren't weirded out by me finding your website?
doll : you pulled my buttplug out of my ass, doctor. i think we're even.
swatdoc : Sounds fair.
doll : i do want to ask, strictly as a survey yknow, just to make sure i'm reaching subscriber satisfaction expectations. but is my nsfw stuff not hot enough?
swatdoc : I don't know how to answer that.
doll : you aren't liking any of my nsfw videosâŚâŚ.. am i not your type?
He can imagine it, that wry little grin when you tease the camera, makes him want to fuck it out of youâ
swatdoc : Just trying to be respectful. Or as respectful as I can be given the circumstances, sweetheart.
doll : i think you're super respectful, i see the tips you've been leavingâŚ.. thank you btw âĄ
swatdoc : You're welcome, bunny.
doll liked your message!
The activity light near your name goes off and he figures you might've logged off. His thumb drags up the screen to exit the page, sets his phone down and attempt at sleeping. But in the midst of his dark bedroom, there's a stirring in his gut that he can't seem to shake. An itch he needs scratching.
Time fluctuates, slips through his fingers as he finds himself on a popular porn website, the light of his phone illuminating his hazel eyes. He scrolls and scrolls past countless videos, the thumbnails made to entice anyone in his position, and yet frustration starts to grow larger than the lust that's been simmering beneath his heated skin.
None of the actresses look like you.
The thought floors him and he pauses when he finds a woman with a similar body type as you, wears her hair the same way you do. Her moans are a bit too pitchy but he punches the volume down and when his hand slides beneath his sweatpants, he doesn't feel guilt. And when he cums, it's your name spilling from his lips.
"You seeing anyone?"
Jack doesn't look up from the iPad as Robby settles in beside him, ready to take over for day shift as night shift starts to filter out. "What are you talking about?"
"Y'know. Dating? Getting out there? 'cuz Peaches has someoneâ"
"Not interested, brother, but I thank you for your service." Jack smiles but it's forced, halfway towards a grimace, and places the iPad down with a little too much force. He stomps off to the locker room. Robby and Dana watch his retreating back before they share a look.
"What's his problem?" Dana mutters, her glasses sitting low on the slope of her nose.
Robby chuckles and shakes his head. "No idea."
The truth isâ Jack does have a problem. That problem is you.
He thought he'd been good, kept his hands to himself when he gets to his usual routine of stalking your website, and lets his fantasies run wild when he switches over to another porn site to find an actress that looks like you.
But then you had kept texting him, messaging him on your website that the line he's drawn between staying respectful and admiring you from afar against his baseless desire of wanting to fuck you 'til you cry is starting to blur. Of course you have no idea of this line, no clue of the existence of the boundaries Jack's made for himself.
You have no idea that Jack wants more than a physical interaction with you and he has no idea how to ask you out without coming off like a complete pervert.
doll: dr abbot??
swatdoc: You know you can call me Jack, sweetheart.
doll: take me out first then i'll feel comfortable enough to call you whatever you want.
Jack nearly shortcircuits at your reply and he fights the urge to hide his phone, shove it in his pocket to deal with later. It'd just look too suspicious and with Shen's eyes on him, he knows he'd blab straight to Lena who'd definitely gossip with Dana. While Dana's known to keep a secret, anything involving him and a potential partner is a surefire way for her to tell Robby.
swatdoc: You mean it, bunny?
doll: spending time with you? of course âĄ
Jack chuckles and swipes his palm across his stubbly mouth, absolutely incredulous at your gumption.
swatdoc: I meant a date. Not just one night. This old man isn't built for casual.
doll: okay old man. take me out to dinner then ⥠it'd give me a chance to redo the first impression you have of me
swatdoc: I think it was a perfect first impression, bunny.
doll: you saw my ass, of course you thought so!!!
swatdoc: I was actually enamored by your charming personality. Your ass was a bonus.
doll: ⌠flirt. you're smooth dr abbot.
doll: so when's our date?
swatdoc: My next day off is in a couple days. How's saturday night looking for you?
doll: i'm free !!! gonna come pick me up?
swatdoc: If you're comfortable with it, I'd love to. So, saturday at 7?
doll: i trust you ⥠and yes, i'll see you then.
He gets a text from you the following day (you'd admitted filching his number from the profile he's made on your website) and after a brief facetime call to prove your identity, he receives your address with a playful tag of: don't be late, dr. abbot.
Saturday's only a couple days away and yet he's fidgeting. He's got a night shift to get his mind off things but even Lena can see he's distracted. While he managed to wave away his colleagues' concerns, he wonders if he's the only one this anxious or nervous for the date.
A wave of notifications flood your phone despite the simple status update but you couldn't care lessâ not when you've got every possible combination of a date outfit laid out on your bed and nothing looks good. You have time, of course, there's nothing stopping you from going out shopping but the extra options might just exacerbate your indecision.
A pitiful whine escapes you as the paralysis of all your options land you flat on your back atop your mattress, clothing wrinkles be damned.
Whether or not the both of you are ready, Saturday evening arrives quickly.
The only information Jack had given you about the date aside from taking you out for a nice, classic dinner was to 'look nice'. As charming and handsome as he is, you resent the fact that he's like every other man his age: allergic to details. Somehow you manage to put on something simple but flattering, a black cocktail dress with a hemline that skims above your knee and a sweetheart neckline that teases your cleavage along with a bold, red pair of stilettos. Pairing it with a matching clutch, you deem yourself ready after a final swipe of lip gloss across your pouty lips.
"Here we goâŚ" you murmur to yourself. Just as you dab at your lower lip with the pad of your ring finger, your doorbell rings. Seven on the dot.
Your heels click against the floor as you open your door to be greeted with Jack in slacks and a navy blue button down⌠as well as a bouquet of your favorite flowers. You gasp first, greetings momentarily forgotten in favor of taking the offered bouquet for a sweet sniff. Jack's compliments die on his tongue when he truly sees you, nose buried in the petals.
"How'd you know these were my favorite?" You ask as you step back, head tipping to wordlessly invite him in as you seek out a vase.
"I watched your vlogs," he shrugs with a shameless little smile. "I picked up a few details."
Maybe he shouldn't be as stunned as he is now â he's seen you in various states of dressed and undressed at this point â but you've truly left him speechless when you had opened the door, wearing that little black dress that hugs your body perfectly.
He's grateful that you notice the flowers first, cooing and gasping at the curated arrangement rather than noticing his thunderstruck stupor. It gives him a moment to clear his throat, admire the way you smile at the bouquet.
"You look divine," he murmurs as he follows you inside, watches you putter around your open space kitchen to place the flowers in water. And maybe it's his ego that's got him this taken by you; knowing that perhaps only he alone gets to see this side of you, bashful and charming. When you blush at his compliment, he feels like the king of the world.
"You don't look so bad yourself," you tease with a playful wink, taking his offered hand as he leads you out the door.
Jack's a gentleman when he helps you into his car, glancing aside momentarily when your dress rides up upon seating. He's a gentleman when you make it to the fine-dining restaurant ("Heard the new executive chef just received two Michelin stars!" you share excitedly), opening doors for you and keeping a respecful hand at the small of your back. He pulls your chair out for you, too. Perhaps the bar is in hell but you're undoubtedly impressed and giddy, basking in his undivided attention as you wear your heart on your sleeve for the rest of the evening.
"⌠and they all looked at it like it was something alien. It was a fax machineâ!" Jack laughs, regaling you with the infamous July 4 analog nightmare from hell at the pitt. Dessert is lain between you two, half-eaten and momentarily forgotten as the two of you had been lost in conversation. He'd been worried that he might gross you out or bore you with his job as an ER physician but you had asked and prodded for more gory details, nose scrunching adorably when he explained what a degloving was.
"Okay, fax machines are basically obsolete," you counter with a giggle, lips parting as he feeds you a bite of cake. He waits patiently for you to chew before you continue on. "No one uses them anymore!"
Jack shakes his head in mock disappointment before you return the favor and feed him a bite from your own fork. "Sweetheart, these are vital skills!" Something warm flutters in his chest when you reach up to absentmindedly wipe away a bit of frosting from the corner of his lips, your painted nail skimming across his skin with the movement.
"How about this, I'll call you on the off chance I'll ever need to use a fax machine," you say dryly. A chuckle escapes Jack, low and grumbly that it has your thighs clenching together beneath the table.
"Sure. Or call me whenever, I'll always answer."
The ease of his flirting never fails to make you flustered and Jack capitalizes on it whenever he gets the chance. Like clockwork, you giggle and glance aside, a pretty blush on your cheeks as you look anywhere but his eyes. It's a wonderful side of you that he's steadily growing obsessed with. Yes, your online persona in your SFW space is charming and enchanting while you're essentially a succubus â sex incarnate â when the sun drops low.
But this is you, unabashedly you, and Jack can't get enough of it. He wants more than what you probably expect from him, a warm body to occupy his bed (judging from the stories you've shared about past experiences), and he's ready to go above and beyond to prove to you that he's willing to do whatever it takes so that he could call all of you his.
"Hey, how are we doing? Dessert's good?" The head-of-house manager of the restaurant cuts in seamlessly; he seems to have a good sense of when to enter a conversation.
You smile brightly and Jack nods. "It's delicious, thank you. Every dish has been fantastic," you gush.
"Wonderful, that's what I like to hear," the manager crows before he straightens out his tie. "You two are a beautiful couple. Are we celebrating an anniversary?"
Now it's Jack's turn to get bashful. "Uh, no, a first date, actually."
The manager looks taken aback but he bounces back with a low chuckle, two hands on his chest in subtle apology. "If it helps, the chemistry you two have is undeniable. Truly. But anyways, I came by to ask if you two would like to join us in the garden party out back or maybe a nice little kitchen tour?"
Your eyes shimmer with excitement and Jack gives a yes, offering his hand for you to take. The manager smiles and claps once. "Perfect, let me take you to where the magic happens."
After meeting the famed head chefs and even sampling a few of the desserts at the pastry station, you're positively glowing as the two of you step out to where a small get together of other guests mingle by picnic tables. A few guys that may be the line cooks are handing out beer and soda, giving off a more relaxed vibe than the one inside. It's pleasant and when you feel a chill, Jack's draping his jacket along your shoulders without a word.
"Thanks," you hum, eyes fluttering as you take in his warm and musky cologne that seeps in from the collar. He chuckles and places a hand on the bottom of your spine.
"Of course," he murmurs then tips his head to wear the drinks are being passed around. "Did you want anyâ?"
"No, I think I'm stuffed. Did you�"
Jack shakes his head and the nerves from before the date nearly come back in full force. You aren't naive, you know what kind of expectations your job gives people whenever you go on dates. While Jack's been a gentleman the entire evening, you can't deny the fact that him being a subscriber to your NSFW content does skew the way he must see you.
The drive back to your place is quiet and calm, your hand folded delicately in his as he drives. He walks you to your door but much to your surprise, he doesn't step past the threshold.
"I had an amazing time," he says first, his lined eyes crinkling as he gives you a warm smile. "I'd really like to see you again."
You nod, leaning against your doorway as you realize his hand has found yours again. Your joined fingers sway slightly. "Me too. I⌠I really liked tonight."
He smiles wider as if you've erased any doubts he's had. "Good. I'll, um. I'll let you get some rest. I'll call you when I get my next day off, alright?"
"Yeah, sounds good."
"Great." And with a smooth and unhurried motion, he leans in for a kiss to your cheek, chaste and sweet. "By the way, I want you to know I'm all in. I'm not trying to waste your time or make you think I'm here for the physical aspect. I like you, sweetheart. Truly."
And with a final pinch of your chin, he steps away and bids you good night before walking off. Later that night, you realize you haven't stopped smiling until you climb into bed, alone but completely content.
When morning comes, Jack sends you a good morning text before he cleans up around the house, settle in before his shift later that evening. He doesn't check his phone 'til noon and when he does, he sees a text back from you and a notification from your website.
[Doll just posted a video!] â 3 hours ago.
His stomach drops. While he truly has no issue with you continuing your camgirl career, something twists inside him at the thought of you getting off the night before without him. Is it that feeling of missing out or is it the fact that he hadn't been there to fulfill that need of yours?
Regardless, his heart is pounding when he taps the notification. The video loads and a breath of relief leaves him in a rush.
[New video!] Get un-ready with me! â Skincare Routine.
He chuckles and leans against the kitchen counter, turns his phone sideways to see you fill his screen in the same dress from the night before. You must be in your bathroom, he notes, as you relay your steps carefully to your audience.
"I know everyone will be asking but I just came back from a wonderful dinner. Food was absolutely divine, I'm already considering going back soon. ButâŚ" A bashful smile curls onto your lips and Jack's beaming. "The company was even better. Anywaysâ moving onto the foam cleanserâŚ"
Your routine ends after you apply your serums and creams, signing off on the camera. The comments section pop up immediately.
@.mariasont â your skin looks so good but you look GLOWINGGG
@.pearlessance â were you on a date?? that dress is fantastic!!
Jack chuckles when he sees that you've dropped a like on that commenter about a date but nothing more. Fan the rumors without confirming anything, looks like you're a tease in more ways than one.
Unable to help himself, he scrolls down his contacts and taps yours. The phone rings once, twice, thenâ
"Jack?"
"Hey, sweetheart. Is this a bad time?"
You sound a tad bit out of breath but you reassure him nonetheless. "No, no, you're fine. What's up?"
"Well, Iâ" He interrupts himself with a shy laugh. "I don't know if it's too soon but I'd like to take you out again. My next day off is next week on Friday."
"Oh!" You sound positively pleased and Jack can picture you biting your lower lip to hide that smile he's obsessed with. "Yeah, I can make that happen. Are we doing dinner?"
"No, I was thinking of visiting the aquarium this time around."
"The aquariumâŚ"
He bites back a grin, can picture the excitement simmering beneath the slight trepidation of your words. "That's right. Unless there's something elseâ"
"No, it's perfect!" You cut in with a little giggle. "Jack, did you watch all my vlogs?"
"Of course I did. And it truly can't be that much of a hardship to learn how much you love the place when you've got vlogs of you there nearly every month," he teases. "But if it's something you like to do on your ownâ"
"No, no, it's fine, Jack, I'd love to." He can hear the way your voice softens. "I can't wait."
"Alright, it's a date. I'll see you next Friday, sweetheart."
Friday doesn't come fast enough this time around. You've got an outfit bought and ready to go, a simple skirt with a blouse that you might've picked to match his eyes. Jack's on time yet again, two PM on the dot, and while he still keeps his hands to himself, he basks in the way your hand constantly seeks out the crook of his elbow.
You regale him with fish facts throughout each wing of the aquarium and he watches with besotted eyes when you basically glow at the sight of the jellyfish. Conversation ebbs and flows and he's pressing soft kisses into your hair like he can't quite help himself.
By the time you've both made it back to his car, he helps you in while placing the massive jellyfish plushy he bought you at the gift shop onto your lap. It's silly and absolutely wholesome.
It's made you undeniably horny for him.
You appreciate it though, you see how he's gone above and beyond to show you that he wants a relationship out of this. He doesn't expect you to be 'easier' because of your job as a camgirl nor does he think he's entitled to anything more than a kiss on the cheek because of what you show online.
And it's making you want him so bad that you feel like the pervert in this situation.
At your doorway, he's got a hand on your waist this time and your arms are draped loosely around his neck while still holding onto the jellyfish plush that's dangling behind his back.
"Today was lots of fun," you say first, nearly chest to chest with him. He nods, feeling the way you shiver when his thumb rubs circles against your hip bones. Above the fabric of your shirt.
"It was," he agrees as he basks in the sweet scent of your perfume. This close, you're practically intoxicating. "I enjoyed the little fish facts too, didn't know my date was a lovely encyclopediaâ"
Your eyes roll playfully at the teasing jab, exaggerating your movements as you unwind your arms to step out of his embrace. "If you hate me, just say soâ"
"Now hold on, I never said it was a bad thing," he chuckles and you let out a quiet squeal when his grip tightens, pulling you back into his arms. "Thought it was cute."
"Sure you do," you tease back and you realize he's pulled you even closer now. His voice is a rumble, low and gravelly as the distance between your lips is beginning to diminish.
"I do." He murmurs, his nose brushing against yours. "This okay?"
You nod, throat bobbing. "More than okay," you whisper.
His gaze drops from your eyes, back to your lips, before they close the distance. Your heart thunders in your chest as your arms tighten around his neck to pull him lower. He goes easily, smiling against your lips. He doesn't deepen it, though, just steals a handful of more feather-light kisses that elicits a string of giggles from you, your foot popping up and your back bending slightly backwards as he dips you and showers you in affection.
Eventually, he reluctantly pulls away but not without giving you one more kiss. "Have a good rest of your evening, sweetheart," he murmurs. "Make sure you lock the door behind you, yeah?"
You nod, sighing dramatically as you lean against the back of your door as he steps out to the hallway. "I will. Can I see you again soon, Jack?"
His poor little heart thunders wildly at your adorable expression, half-pleading and half-fond. "Of course, princess. Maybe we can do something like this again, maybe a museum or that fair?"
You perk up with a nod. "That sounds like fun."
"Good. I'll see you soon, darling."
You sigh dreamily and blow him a kiss before shutting the door. You lean against the paneling and groan into your hands.
In the silence of your apartment, you wailâ "Why won't he fuck me?!"
The time between your last date to the aquarium to your next one at the museum, you and Jack continue to text. Whether it's you giving him advice for a dish he's making or asking his opinion on which top would look well for a brunch you're attending with your girlfriends, the conversations never slow nor do they ever bore.
And in between those texts, Jack is happily gorging himself on your content while only getting off on actresses that hold resemblance to you. It's twisted and he knows it's wrong but he pictures your face in the shower sometimes, thinks of the way your teeth sink in your plush lower lip as his hand tugs at his cock.
You, however, hold no qualms as you drive the dildo deep in your cunt on late evenings, whimpering for the camera you've got set up. You always make it a habit to just plead, whine and beg more than you might naturally would with a partner, but when Jack's on your mind, you have nothing to exaggerate; you just get way more vocal as you think of his strong hands on your waist. The way he had commanded that kiss without being overbearing.
That kiss alone had wrung out three orgasms from you without the camera on.
Maybe it should've been enough to tide you over but as you start your usual midnight livestream the evening before your next date with Jack, a new title spills past your lips in the throes of your first climax. It shouldn't be a surprise at how easily the name comes to you, especially with how natural it seemed for Jack to take care of youâ
"'m cumming, daddyâ!"
The pings on your laptop nearby that you use for monitoring the chats go wild, the bell ringing that signified the amount of tips that just flooded your inbox from the title alone. You slump over as you catch your breath from where you've been riding your suction dildo, whining softly to yourself as the toy slides out of you. Your inner thighs are quivering as you lift your gaze to the laptop screen.
"Thanks for stopping by," you croon to the camera before shutting off the stream.
Across the city, Jack palms at his bulge, mouth slightly agape as he tries not to cum in his sweatpants like a teenager. "Fuck."
"I didn't really take you to be a museum kind of guy."
"I'm not. Not really⌠My friend's fiancÊe recommended it to us, thought we might like the new exhibit," Jack shrugs as he keeps you near with a hand around your waist. The new exhibit had garnered a sizable crowd and the last thing he wants is to lose you. Especially since you seem preoccupied with the information pamplet, both hands holding it open to read while relying heavily on Jack's firm hand. He likes it, the thought of you trusting him so readily.
You hum in acknowledgment before peering above the page. "The map says the new Caravaggio exhibit is that way⌠I think." Jack chuckles and peers over your shoulder, both of his hands firmly on your waist. You hold the pamphlet up higher for him.
"You aren't wrong," he muses as he reads over the map. You swallow nervously, you can feel the heat of his body seep against your backless top, the way his voice gets all low and gravelly when he's talking just to you. "It's past the abstract wing. Can you fold that up for me, sweetheart? I wouldn't want you to trip over your feet if you can't see where you're going."
You nod instinctively. "Yesâ" You swallow back that title that sits at the back of your throat whenever Jack gets so⌠passively dominant. "Yeah, of course."
He chuckles and lets his arm fall along your lower back, a hand at the dip of your waist as he leads you towards the exhibit. The entire time as you two parade around the wing, Jack keeps you close. It sparks a light in your core, your inner thighs clenching with need when he unwittingly turns on your desire to be taken care of. But he seems so unbothered by it, humming to himself as his thumb slips beneath your blouse to rub your skin while he reads the information beside the painting.
The two of you are admiring Caravaggio's Narcissus when something comes to mind. "Why'd you call me 'bunny'? In my comments?"
He glances down at you, taken aback by the sudden question. "I⌠thought it'd be nice to have a nickname of my own for you. It reminded me of our first meeting."
A fond smile curls upon your lips. "Why haven't you called me that since we started dating?"
Something fond crosses over Jack's face, leaves as quickly as it came. His hand squeezes your side. "I didn't think it was appropriate. Thought it might make you uncomfortable if I called you that in public."
"I liked it. Like it. I still do," you trip over your words with a flustered smile. "It's like our own little inside thing. Umâno pun intended."
Jack chuckles and that wide smile he gives you has you pushing against your toes to press your lips to his. He hums fondly, nips at your lower lip. "Alright, I'll keep that in mind, bunny."
You kiss him again.
For the next couple of months, you start to see Jack regularly. Dinner dates (whether it's at the first restaurant he's taken you to or he cooks for you at his place) or movie nights, or even him just coming over to unwind after a long shift. Your posting schedule doesn't shift, only rearranges itself to make room for Jack.
A month in, you'd sat him down and tentatively but firmly told him that you wouldn't be stopping just because of your dates. Jack had accepted it without question, took it as if it was what he expected in the first place.
So you continue your usual schedule. Vlogs and short-form content for your SFW socials and full streams for your NSFW audience. Suggestive photos to tide your subscribers over 'til the next full video.
Jack, on the other hand, looks positively giddy with himself. Sure, he's cumming in his fist nearly every night but he's determined to make sure you know that he wants more with you. Fuck. He sounds like a broken record but he's obsessed; the last thing he wants is his dick to ruin this for his heart.
But his good mood is translated into his night shifts, cracking jokes even with angry patients. It has Shen watching over in confused concern, always taking a double-take when he has the chance. Parker and Crus decide that it's just Jack going through a new wave, a new fixation that's probably tiding him over.
Or a girlâ but that's Robby's problem to mull over, not theirs.
They get their chance when Jack's scheduled for a double (something he makes up to you with another extravagant VIP dinner the day before), dropping a hint to their chief that their night-shift attending's been weird all week.
The ambulance bay doors slide open in a 'whoosh' for Dr. Robinavitch, passing by Javadi who's talking to Trinity about making mutuals with some big-shot on her Tiktok and Dennis catching up with Perlah about his weekend, to get to Jack in the locker room.
"So. Shen's said you've been weird."
Jack chuckles lightly, throws his stethescope around his neck, and shuts his locker. "I'm seeing someone."
"What, didn't think I'd admit it so quickly?" Jack grins and pats his shoulder as he steps around his friend.
"No, not really." Robby follows him out, tugging on both ends of his stethoscope. "I'm happy for you. What's her name?"
"Nah, that's all you're getting out of me, Robinavitch."
The sun's setting as Jack turns the page on the novel he's been reading to you. You're sitting between his legs and your back against his warm chest, stretching out on the gingham blanket you've brought as the two of you find cover beneath the large tree.
Today's date had been completely spontaneous. When his schedule had been unwittingly cleared up, he had driven straight to you to take you out for a late lunch picnic at the small fair that's set up for the weekend. With the sandwiches finished off and you'd run off to buy cotton candy for the both of you to share, Jack had fished out a novel in his back seat to pass the time and enjoy the nice weather.
His hand is absentmindedly rubbing your exposed thigh, the skirt of your sundress riding up just enough for him to explore the smooth skin. His cheek is pressed against the top of your hair while you absentmindedly trace shapes atop his jean-clad thighs.
"Feelin' restless, bunny?"
"Hm?" Jack's question draws you out of your stupor, so content in his arms that it takes him a few attempts to get your attention. "No, just⌠really cozy."
"Yeah?" He presses a line of kisses down your jaw and neck, eliciting a soft squeal from you. Jack would've continued showering you in kisses but he grunts, reluctantly pulling away to rub at his aching prosthesis.
You frown. He's mentioned losing a limb before, knows that he wears a prosthetic leg, but you've never seen him this uncomfortable. "Jack, we could head home if it's hurtingâ"
"I'm fineâ"
"Jack." He pauses and turns his attention to you, your brows furrowed and your lips in a line. "Come on, we can just take it easy at your place. You said you're more comfortable in your crutches, right?"
"Yeah." You can see when he finally gives in, his shoulders rounding out as he presses a kiss to your shoulder. "Yeah, alright. Let's go."
Once the both of you get to your feet, you hold out your hand. "Gimme the keys, I'll drive to give your leg a break."
"I don't think so."
"Jack."
"Bunny."
It takes a second but he concedes there too, pulling you in by the shoulders for a swift kiss to your lips. "You're lucky you're cute, sweetheart."
Jack's place is almost as familiar as yours now. He watches you saunter around his place, dropping his keys into the dish bowl on the table by the door, place your things on the loveseat before rummaging through his fridge for a beer.
When you reach him where he's seated on his couch, prosthesis set aside to hand him a beer, he gently tugs you onto his lap before popping the tab open for your can first. "Thanks," you hum, taking a sip while he opens his. His arm is strong around your waist and the easy strength he holds for you, the possessive touch he's got whenever you're near... it sparks a flicker of heat inside you and as you turn, straddling his lap to kiss along his jaw. His scruff is rough against your glossy lips but it only has you mewling.
"BunnyâŚ" he groans as his large hand splays along the expanse of your back, supporting your weight while you tip back just enough for him to place his beer behind you on the coffee table. His eyes flutter shut, basking in your sweet kisses, as temptation guides his hand lower to cup your perky ass. It's your moan, drawn out and desperate, that pulls him out of the heat that's settling thick in his head. Reluctantly, his hands rise back up and an indignant whine spills from your throatâ
"Jack, why won't you fuck me?"
He nearly chokes on his spit at your question and when he looks up, you look adorably put out, lower lip jutting out. Your gaze is glassy, lips kiss-swollen. His thumb comes up, presses against your mouth to drag down your lip slowly. "Bunny, why do you think I won't fuck you?"
"Youâ you've only ever kissed me. You've only liked my non-sexual content. Youâ"
"Baby," he shushes you gently, releases your lip to cradle your jaw. "It's not that I'm uninterested in you. Trust meâ I am. I just didn't want you to think this was all some ploy to just get you in bed with me."
Another whine rises up within you. "But it's been months, Jack."
"Sweetheart, I wanted to make sure you know I was serious. It wasn't just for you, but for me, too. Had to make it known to you that I'm here for the long haul," he murmurs and when you nod in understanding, his lips find yours for a kiss that's got you clenching your thighs. Your back arches back when he leans further in, lips parting to let his tongue probe against yours.
"Gonna⌠mmâ fuck me now?" You pant against his mouth, lashes kissing the tops of your cheeks when his lips drag down your neck to mark your collarbone with marks.
His chuckle is raspy against your skin. "I'm gonna make love to you, bunny. Come onâ"
"Why not here?" You whimper, giving your hips a slow roll against his. You can feel his bulge, stiff through his jeans, against your panties.
"I'm not having you on my couch, darling. Not for our first time. We can defile the rest of my house later."
You giggle as you reluctantly get to your feet, knees nearly knocking together while Jack goes for his crutches. "Do you promise?"
"I promise," he chuckles, following you into his bedroom. His mouth goes dry, easy dominance deflating momentarily when he watches you crawl onto the center of his bed, your sundress hemline rucked up to reveal the pretty white lace panties you've got on beneath. His eyes follow the fabric, disappearing in between your ass cheeks, before they flit back up when you turn and lean against his headboard.
You're in your doll mindset now, your hands dancing across your body to give him a show. But while your videos are choreographed, almost clinical to a certain degree to entertain an audience, Jack sees the way your hand trembles just before you drag the neckline of your dress down, tempting him to just rip the fabric off you.
But he's a patient man, understands that this is just as much for you as it is for him. He can see the way your arousal heightens with each teasing touch. "Take it off for me, bunny, just for me."
He must've said the right thing because a broken moan spills from your lips, nodding as you cross your arms and drag the hem of your dress up to reveal a matching bralette to your panties. The bed dips beneath his weight when he joins you, settling down onto the mattress just as you toss a leg over to straddle his waist again.
"Ah, shit," he hisses when he glances down, sees the way the fabric of your panties are nearly translucent with your slick. His hand creeps down to rub your swollen clit through the damp fabric, tilting his head back up to watch your reaction. He doesn't shut his eyes when your open mouth drags along his cheek, a poor approximation of a kiss as you shut your eyes to savor the way his fingers deftly tug the panties aside to dip within your folds. A pathetic moan escapes you. "This all for me, bunny?"
"Mhm, yesâ"
"She's drippin' just for me, fuck," he chuckles as his middle finger teases your entrance, enamored by the way your hips rock clumsily against your palm. "Mm, look at that."
It's filthy, the way Jack leans back against the headboard with his head ducked down to watch your cunt practically suck in his fingers, his other hand keeping your panties tugged aside for his viewing. "Please, I wanna feel you," you beg, voice hitching high in a way he's never heard before.
"You sound so sweet for me, bunny," he murmurs as he redraws his fingers from you, tasting you with a voracity that makes you even wetter. "You've been so good for me, pretty girl, don't worry⌠I'll give you what you want."
And while Jack sounds so benevolent, your lips finding his in a grateful kiss before you're scrambling off to lay on your back under his guidance while he undresses next, it's all a facade to conceal the way he's barely able to hold it together now that he's got you: heart, soul, and now body.
He settles on top of you, lips finding your shoulder for a brief moment of sweet affection despite the filth that's fallen from his lips from earlier, and makes a home between your thighs. You might've teased him for picking missionary as your first time, giggle at how insistent he is on keeping things old fashioned despite your unorthodox relationship, but then the tip of his cock prods against your entrance, mouth dropping slightly as your head falls back against the pillowsâ he's huge.
"Nghâ JackâŚ" you whimper as the stretch leans more towards pain than pleasure at first, eyes shut as you feel Jack's lips skim across the side of your neck. "S'too bigâŚ"
His chest rumbling, he chuckles in your ear, nips at your jugular. "Don't worry, bunny. I can make it fit."
Lust and adoration intertwine in your core as he pushes deeper, your walls adjusting for his girth while your nails dig into his freckled shoulders. After what feels like an eternity, Jack's fully sheathed in you, pressing kisses along your brow and temple.
"So fuckin' tightâ" he grunts, attempting a shallow thrust that has you two moaning in unison. "You ready for me, bunny? Gonna start movin'."
You feel absolutely full, can feel Jack in your gut, but you nod, legs hooking around his waist. "Ready," you manage to say, releasing one shoulder to cradle his jaw for a searing kiss. He pulls out and thrusts in without hesitation, his lips parting for his tongue to taste yours. The two of you make out like teenagers, sloppy and uncoordinated, while his cock drives into you slowly, your body shifting higher up the bed until his hand comes up to cradle the top of your head before it hits the headboard.
He swallows your moans with a grunt of his own, tasting your desperation with each rock of his hips. But when his lungs start to burn for oxygen, he reluctantly pulls back only to be rewarded with your vocal cries for more. He's heard your noises before, almost four million people have, but he's never witnessed you like this, so gorgeously needy on his cock, your moans more like broken whimpers and hiccups interlaced with his name. So unbelievably vulnerable, laid out just for him.
It has him driving his cock even deeper into you, eager to hear the way your mouth sounds around his name whenever he hits that specific spot.
"No, no, noâ don't get shy on me now, bunny," he coos, dropping a hand to cup your cheek to guide your eyes on him. "You sound so sweet for me, let me hear youâŚ"
His words elicit another gasp of his name as one particular thrust has you seeing stars, the coil in your core tightening as his hand comes down to rub your clit in time with each rock of his hips. He can feel his own climax but he keeps it at bay, laser focused on your own pleasure.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck⌠Jackâ!" You wail as the coil snaps, his cock buried to the hilt before he fucks you slow and deep to carry you through your climax. With you taken care of, he chases after his pleasure next, hips snapping against yours in a brutal pace that has your toes curling in sweet ecstasy.
His forehead drops to rest on yours, breaths mingling while his own moans pitch into a needier grunt, veering into whimpers while he talks you through it. "Feels so fuckin' good, bunny⌠s'like your pretty cunt was made just for me⌠oh fuckâ she's just sucking me in," he pants.
The string of dirty talk kickstarts something inside you and you feel that familiar tightness in your core, hiccuping moans bubbling past your kiss-swollen lips as he drives his cock deeper. "Jackâ 'm⌠hahâ gonna cumâ!"
"Yeah?" He huffs, a cocky half-grin in his lips as he drags his scruffy jaw along your cheek. "Gonna give me another, bunny? Come on⌠gimme one more," he coos while his pace starts to falter, losing its steady rhythm as he gets closer and closer to his own edge.
When you cum for the second time, he's quick to follow right after, your convulsing walls eliciting his own release right into your waiting cunt. A part of him panics â he didn't wear a condom nor did you say anything about being on any kind of contraceptive â but he feels your heels dig into his lower spine to keep him from moving. The concern still sits at the back of his mind but he lets himself get lost in the sensation of finishing inside you, his thrusts slowing to a halt before carefully laying on you.
"Holy shit," you breathe out, a blissful smile on your lips with your eyes fluttering shut. When Jack pulls out, you offer a slight wince but curl onto his chest as he rolls over onto his back. Your head nestles onto his pec, his arm winding around your bare shoulders. When you turn your head to kiss his freckled collarbone, he chuckles and squeezes you gently.
Jack hums wordlessly. Basking in the moment, he lets himself sink into the warmth of you beside him. There really isn't any need to talk for now and the both of you would've been content to let the moment settle inâŚ
Had it not been for your growling stomach.
His laughter cuts through your embarrased whine, rolling over to hide your face into his chest completely. "Don't laughâ" you pout but he just jostles you gently, gets you to look up at him where he can kiss your nose.
"Stay here, I'll clean you up first," he promises and rolls out of bed. Grabbing his crutches, he heads over to his attached bathroom for a warm, dampened towelette. He cleans you between the thighs, gentle and careful as he drops a kiss to your knee. "About earlierâ"
"I'm clean," you interject. "I don't have any partners and I'm on the pill."
He nods, relieved as he tosses the towelette into his laundry basket. "I'm clean, too. I haven't⌠not since my late wife."
Your smile is heartachingly tender. He's spoken about his late wife before, wears the ring on a chain close to his heart, and how he and his therapist have decided that he's in the right place to move on.
"We can both get tested if you want," you offer. "I don't want anyone else but you."
It's an invitation to a conversation he's been waiting on for a month now and he dives right in. The bed dips as he sits at the edge, a warm and calloused hand on your thigh. "I only want you, bunny. That's not ever gonna change." He cups your jaw, warm and possessive in a way that'll never fail to light a fire in your heart. "Can I be yours, sweetheart?"
You nod with a giggle bursting past your lips. "Yesâ! Of course, yes," you swoon with your arms around his neck, his hand releasing your jaw in favor to hug you 'round the waist.
"Yeah?" His pretty crows' feet deepen when he smiles at you, chuckling when you nod again with an eager bob of your head as you gently scratch at his scruffy jaw. "Gonna go steady with me, bunny?"
A laugh escapes you, nose scrunching up at his dated language. "Always and forever, old man."
Although the months you've spent with Jack before the both of you made it official had you feeling like cloud nine, the next following weeks could only be properly labeled as the honeymoon phase now that you're officially his girlfriend. With Jack's night shift schedule and your unorthodox posting timelines, the two of you manage to make it work.
Speaking of work, you had been adamant that because he's your boyfriend, you had no plans on stopping the camgirl site and told him so the morning after. Jack had blinked and nodded as if it'd been something he had already expected. His only caveat was that you'd at least make your new relationship status public knowledge to your subscribers whether it's as simple as a status post on your website. You went above and beyond by posting a selfie with Jack's arm around your neck, his bicep smushing your cheeks while you grinned dopily at the camera.
While your followers had fawned over your new man, occasionally posting faceless boyfriend pics of Jack, you made sure to keep his identity secret as your highest priority whenever he'd make some sort of cameo in your SFW videos.
"Babe, you gotta stop jumping in the frame, I'll have to edit you outâ!" You laugh in your most current video, holding out the camera high and up just enough to capture your hand crooked around Jack's arm as the two of you walk the aisles of the farmer's market.
He chuckles and dutifully stops ducking his head. "Just move the camera when I kiss your cheek, bunny. And even if my face shows, I thought you could just slap on an emoji or something on my face when your assistant edits them."
The camera captures the way you look up, a playfully deadpan expression on your features. "You wanna put more work on Francine?"
"You're right, I'll behave."
The clip ends there and the views skyrocket, nearly matching your most infamous videos on your NSFW side. It's gotten so popular that Victoria's talking about it during work hours, in awe of the fact that she's mutuals with you despite the fact that she's gone viral on Tiktok herself.
For once the pitt has a handle on chairs and triage, allowing Victoria to show Dennis her newest editing style, inspired by Doll's Corner. He perks up, recognizes the voice through the walls of the apartment he shares with Trinity.
"Oh, I think Santos is also subscribed to her," he grins.
Victoria frowns. "Subscribed� Her website's free, Dennis."
Trinity walks past before circling back. "What's free?"
"Oh, umâ Doll's corner." Victoria holds out her phone, displaying your instagram profile. "She has her own website but Dennis mentioned that you're subscribed to herâŚ?"
"She avoids her SFW content, probably because it'd feed the parasocialism since Doll seems to be exactly her type," he grins, always eager to have something over his lovable but prickly roommate.
"She's not my type, she's just hotâ"
"Hold on, what do you mean SFW content? Isn't all her stuff SFW�" Victoria cuts in, eyes wide as she scrolls up and down the webpage. Trinity snatches the phone and taps the top right menu button of the page, scrolls towards the 'PRICING' tab before offering the phone back.
Dennis interrupts. "She doesn't really advertise her adult content, it's more of a⌠if-you-know-you-know situation. You're cool with that, right?"
Victoria swallows, goes through the 'free' content of your camgirl side while her mind races with the blurred and suggestive content, before nodding with a wide-eyed grin. "'Course I'm cool with it. Justâ I didn't expect it. Yeah, I'm cool. Dennis, are you subscribedâ?"
"No, noâ" Dennis startles with a flustered laugh. "It's not really my thing, but I know Dr. Ellis had found her account too. She's popular."
The youngest MS4 merely nods and wanders off, looking very scandalized. Dennis and Trinity watch her go before shrugging, unaware that the true reason why Victoria's so shocked is that she had suspected Doll's newest boyfriend might be Dr. Jack Abbot.
Your SFW content views continue to skyrocket (especially the shortform video where you had Jack flex his bicep for the camera before placing a piece of dessert on top, eating right off his freckled arm before he's pulling you out of frame for a kiss).
There's already been a few questions asking if your boyfriend (lovingly dubbed as Mr. Doll by your subscribers) would ever participate in your content. You haven't gotten around to answering them, leaving them untouched as you post your usual photos and videos for your loyal subscribers.
The truth is, you aren't even sure how to bring up the topic to Jack nor would you know how to figure out the logistics of including your boyfriend without jeopardizing his identity. But the problem is solved a week later where you're in your bedroom, filming a toy haul with a new PR package from a sex toy company.
You're in the throes of your orgasm, nothing on but a bunny tail plug nestled in your ass while you ride a massive silicone pink dildo with some device that literally creampies you. You've got your back to the camera, the cute plug front and center, when your knees drop and you bottom out on the toy with a final moan.
You'd been so lost in your 'review' that you didn't realize Jack had come by early, leaning against the doorway with a dark little grin that you've come to associate with 'playtime'.
"Havin' fun, bunny?" he asks, the camera picking up on his voice sounding like velvet over gravel.
Your giggle is breathy and sweet. The camera captures the way your neck arches, looking over your shoulder to meet Jack's eyes who stays firmly out of the shot. "Mhm, I am."
"Did that thing⌠finish in you?" When you give him another resounding giggle and nod, he shakes his head with a fond chuckle. "I'll give you five minutes to catch your breath before it's my turn, sweetheart."
When you'd given the video to Francine, your assistant, to edit, she had sent over the last clip where Jack had come in and asked if you wanted it out. Deciding that it seems safe enough to keep since he's not even within the frame and that people have heard his voice before, you told Francine to keep it in.
Later that night, you receive an tsunami of positive comments, most of them fawning over the way Mr. Doll seems to adore you even while making content for the rest of your depraved audience.
@.pearlessance: holy shit HIS VOICE???
@.deathreverse: i bet he talks you through it omfg
@.mariasont: i just KNOW your man is fine
@.enam3l: give us one audio file of him cumming PLEASE
You're wrapped up in Jack's arms later that evening, your back settled against his chest as you read over the comments with him. He's got his strong arms around your middle, lazy kisses pressed to your bare shoulder as the cold edge of his readers bump along your jaw.
"You're stealing my fans, Jack."
"No, they like the way I make you flustered, bunny. There's a difference."
"Maybe," you hum as you swap apps to your instagram, scrolling mindlessly before you pause. "Jack?"
"Yeah, sweetheart?"
"Would you⌠want to be in my cam videos? Just as your voice," you clarify with a shy smile. The curve of his smile is pressed against your neck.
"I'd be honored," he croons. "Maybe you could play with yourself for the camera, let me talk you through your orgasms."
Your cheeks burn, thighs clenching as you rub them together. "Mhm."
"Use your words, bunny."
"I'd like that a lot, sir."
That had been a new revelation. You've called Jack 'daddy' jokingly outside of the bedroom before, just something to steal his attention whenever you're particularly needy (whether it's for something sexual or not). And while he liked it, judging by the fond and flustered grin on his lips, he had sat you down and told you what title actually does it for him.
Sir.
It never did anything for you, thought it might've been too simple or even too formal to ever be used in bed, but it fits Jack perfectly. An older man with his experience and status along with a natural inclination to dominance doesn't need something as desperate as 'daddy' to insert control in the bedroom.
"Good girl," he rasps and takes your chin to turn your head, planting a heated kiss onto your lips. "How about we pick a day for it, hm? Put it on your calendar."
When you nod again, he chuckles and nips at your lower lip. "Can we do it now?"
Despite your eagerness, you and Jack had decided on a Sunday evening the following week, opting for a pre-recorded video rather than a live show.
Like always, you've got your tripod set up at the foot of your bed with you front and center. You have mood lighting set up, nothing too garish and bright and classically 'porno' but rather something warm to get you comfortable. The only difference is Jack seated behind the camera, manspreading like it's his fucking job in those grey sweats you've moaned about a week ago.
"You ready, baby?" Jack's voice is caramel sweet but you know it'll dip lower when he hits the record button. When you give a nod, he reaches up to press the button.
The red light blinks at you but Jack clears his throat. "Eyes on me, bunny."
Your gaze is magnetized to your boyfriend's, feeling deliciously exposed with the way his eyes drink you in. Tonight, you've got on a lingerie set he had bought just for you: a babydoll pink bralette with a matching thong and garters. In the hollow of your neck is a delicate, cursive 'j' on a chain.
"You look gorgeous, sit up for me, sweetheart. Let the camera see your new outfit," he drawls lazily and your eyes drop down to his large hand, gripping his bulge through the sweats.
The camera captures the way you look behind it, your gaze unfocused and your cheeks flustered, but you never disobey sir's words as you sit up on your knees. Your hands dance along the lacy straps, brushing across the sheer panels that hold up your tits. Jack's attention is fixed on you, his teeth digging into his lower lip as he strokes himself through his sweatpants.
"That's it, bunny. Play with those pretty titties for the camera," Jack murmurs.
He continues to take the lead and it's almost alarming at how good he is, how easy it is for you to completely forget you're still filming. He eventually has you propped up against your mountain of pillows, knees bent and thighs spread out.
"Add another finger for me, bunny."
You've already got two in, your middle and your ring finger, while your other hand is groping at your exposed tit. "Sir, I can'tâ"
"Sure you can, pretty girl. You've taken my cock, haven't you?" Jack chuckles meanly, his hand tugging at his cock now. Your eyes are locked on his length and he capitalizes on it, rubbing his thumb across his tip.
"Yes, butâ"
"Come on, bunny, one more. You can do it."
The camera captures the way you whimper, gasping around nothing when you add your index finger into your sopping cunt. Even the lighting catches the shine of your slick against your inner thighs; Jack's got you edging yourself and you're ready to beg.
The stretch burns in the best way, not in the same breadth as Jack's cock, but enough that it has you plunging your fingers so fast that it sounds lewd against the camera.
"Can I cum, sir, pleaseâ" You choke out, hand beginning to cramp from the speed and angle you have that Jack notices it immediately. If you've been a bit less preoccupied with your own impending orgasm, you would've noticed that your boyfriend had been staving off his own climax, gripping the base of his length until he's finally given you permission.
Behind the camera, he continues to talk you through it but his voice isn't as measured, it's strained and a tad bit pitchy â his tell-tale sign that he's about to cum soon.
"Cum for me, bunny, let me see you make a mess on yourself," he coaxes and once you take the final fall, he's quick to follow, white ropes of his release painting his thighs and the floor beneath. "So fuckin' hot, Jesus Christâ"
Your cramping hand drops from between your legs as you slump against the pillows completely, legs splayed out for the camera to watch the way your clit throbs from the overstimulation. Jack tucks himself back in and takes the camera, detaches it from the tripod mount to approach your bedside.
"Let's see the mess you made, gorgeous," he murmurs, his voice wrecked as he props a knee up to hover above your overstimulated frame. You giggle up at the camera, taking his free hand (the same one that had been wrapped around his cock moments ago) and gently lick the traces of his release clean off his fingers. He curses under his breath before he affectionately pinches your chin. It elicits a soft laugh from you and the look you give him beyond the camera does something to his chest, a word that tastes something sticky sweet (and maybe starts with the letter 'L'), that he suddenly wishes this part is just for him.
But he moves lower, the camera panning down to where your panties are tugged loosely aside where your puffy, slick cunt is on display. It's lewd and nasty, the way his free hand strokes through your folds before he's bringing up his fingers for a taste. The satisfactory moan he lets out sends a thrill up your spine.
His hand travels to the swell of your thigh, to your hip where he tugs your panties off. The camera jostles as he shoves the soiled, lacy fabric into the back pocket of his pants, before he pulls away.
"I think your fans earned enough of you. Say goodbye, bunny, it's my turn for a taste."
The last thing the camera sees is a wave of your hand before it's set aside roughly, filming your ceiling and capturing the way your giggle melts into a breathy moan before the video and audio cuts.
â
"So when are we meeting the lucky lady?"
The sun sits high as Jack lounges on the roof on a chair that he's brought up a few months back. Robby had brought his own chair a week later, pleased to see his best friend behind the railing this time. The two are relaxing, stealing a few moments of solitude before handoffs are completed.
"Not yet," Jack grunts as he takes a sip of the pressed juice you've packed for him. You've been given a massive PR package of some health brand and he'd been willing to take half of the crate off your hands. "Soon."
Robby gives him a sidelong glance. "Are you ashamed of her or somethin'?"
"No. No, definitely not. I just want to keep her to myself a bit longer before you and Peaches poach her off me." Jack chuckles. "Relax, brother. I'll bring her around soon."
"Alright, I'm holding you to that," Robby chortles before he gets to his feet, back cracking while he stretches. "Go home, Abbot."
Before, Jack would've kneedled, maybe dragged his feet a bit longer to keep from returning to an empty house. He's always craved company, even moreso at the passing of his late wife. But this time, he grabs his backpack and rucks it over his shoulder, offering a casual wave of his hand.
"Ain't gotta tell me twice. I got a pretty girl waiting for me at home."
â
Later that evening, Victoria Javadi's sitting outside on the benches with the rest of day shift, drinking a beer she hopes would taste better after every sip. After turning twenty one, she still didn't see the appeal of drinking beer but after her sneaking suspicion that her night shift attending might be dating the influencer she's admired for so long, she realizes she might need it.
Her thumb punches the 'low' volume button on the side of her phone as she pulls up your tiktok account. Your account has only grown since you've started including your mystery man; the tiktok trends that center around playful pranks or cute videos snipped from longer vlogs with your partner are the ones that hit a million views first.
She takes a deep breath and taps your most recent one, a clip that looks like it had been cut from your last get-ready-with-me vlog, judging by the outfit you have on. You greet the camera as usual, holding out two different purses before leaning this way and that to get all angles of your outfit. Your attention is stolen, however, when the voice of 'Mr. Doll' cuts in from behind the camera.
"You ready, sweetheart?"
You pout, your gaze looking beyond the camera. "I don't know which bag to bring."
"What do you need a bag for?"
"My lip glossâŚ" you reply sheepishly and a throaty chuckle from Mr. Doll follows, soft and fond.
"The second one, bunny. Come on, let's go."
The video loops and Victoria lets it play before her thumb rewinds the video back herself, listening to that voice before her gasp gets caught in her throat.
Mr. Doll is Jack Abbot.
â
In another apartment across the city, Trinity takes advantage of the empty home and hunkers down in bed. It's a guilty pleasure, she knows, but with the stress of residency along with Garcia's emotional unavailability, she figures a bit of her wage going to one of the most hottest camgirls couldn't be the worst vice in the world.
She scrolls through the paid content of yours with a soft sigh, sinking deeper into her mattress before opting for one of the newer POV content. It's a new series you've started, something that kicked up in popularity from a couple weeks ago when your partner had taken the camera to film you himself after he talked you through your orgasm.
Trinity hasn't had the chance to check it out herself, a bit hesitant considering the POV shots may ick her out if she actually sees a penis when she's been thinking of inserting herself as the viewer on top of you. But curiosity kicks in as she plays the most recent one, heat simmering low in her core as it starts out with you undressing as always, straddling your partner this time as he films you from below.
"I can feel youâ" you gasp, your hands braced on the stomach beneath you as it pushes your tits together. Your hips roll, sinfully smooth while the strap of your sheer tanktop drops off one shoulder. It keeps falling, revealing a single breast, but you pay it no mind, too busy dry-humping the body beneath you.
"You're soaked for me, bunny⌠am I gonna feel you through my boxers?" The man grunts and something tugs at the back of Trinity's mind, a sick sense of deja vu or familiarity. She ignores it, eyes straining to try and focus only on you.
You giggle. "Maybe⌠can't help it, daddy gets me so wetâ" You pause, eyes wide at your little slip.
"'Daddy'?" The familiar male voice repeats and the camera catches the man's hands travel up, sliding between the valley of your breasts to curl around your throat possessively. A ditzy grin spreads across your lips, eyes nearly rolling back as you lean your neck forwards into his palm.. "Is that my name now, bunny? Want me to be your daddy?"
The video plays on but Trinity couldn't focus, not when horror sets in alongside disgust and mortification when her brain finally places where she's heard that voice before. Once it clicks, she gags and pauses the video, tosses her phone across the room as full-body shudders wrack her whole frame.
When Dennis comes home late, it's to find Trinity on the couch, spacing out with a security blanket swaddling her prone frame. Panic sets in and he rushes forward, his fist rubbing her chest out of habit tp see if there's any response to painâ
"Ow, fuckin' quit itâ!" Trinity snaps, smacking his hand away as she glares up at him.
He lets out a sigh of relief before crossing his arms. "What the hell happened to you? Was it Garciaâ"
"No." A haunted look passes over his roommate's eyes. "Worse. I think I found Dr. Abbot's girlfriend."
â
With your six-month-iversary fast approaching, you and Jack are running out of excuses to keep putting off the inevitable 'meeting of the friends' ceremony. Your own friends are eager to meet the older man that's been starring in most of your content and Robby's starting to threaten break-ins and impromptu dinners if he doesn't get to meet the woman that's made his best friend so happy.
It isn't that you're scared Jack's friends and colleagues won't like you or that he's ashamed of youâ it's just the fact that the two of you are becoming grossly codependent, refusing to let the other one out of each other's sight for too long. Inviting friends into your circle would only lessen the amount of time you two have for each other and the two of you would much rather prefer extending your honeymoon period first.
Unfortunately, the decision is taken out of yours and Jack's hands when you wake in the morning to an abnormal amount of bleeding. Your period's supposed to start soon but with the sudden heavy flow and the sharp pain in your abdominal, fear licks up your spine.
Something isn't right.
You carefully bring yourself out of Jack's bed, whimpering at the massive stain you've left, before hobbling over to your phone. What awful timingâ your actual doctor boyfriend isn't in to check you out himself but rather he's stuck at the ER working a double.
With the amount of time you've spent with Jack, he's ingrained it into you to always listen to your body, to get help rather than attempting to self-diagnose or to undermine your pain level, so you call 9-1-1 with a shaky voice.
When the operator confirms that an ambulance is on the way, you remember to add one final thing: "Can you take me to PTMC, please?"
â
"Female, mid to late 20s, heavy vaginal bleeding and sharp abdominal pain. Reports of nausea and vomiting with a fever of 102 degrees," the EMT barks out, pushing your gurney through the ambulance bay as the cacophany of the emergency department greets you. When the ambulance had arrived at Jack's place, you'd been barely able to stand upright, chills racking your frame.
Your mind is fuzzy, the fluorescent lights above you spinning like soup while you're pushed into an available room. A couple of nurses trail after a doctor, a penlight flashing in your eyes as said doctor introduces herself.
"Hi, I'm Dr. King, are you taking any kind of birth control orâ"
"My IUD," you whimper, eyes squeezing shut as you try to fight through the pain that seems to steadily increase with each passing moment. "Is itâI heard it can be displaced?"
Fast paced conversation erupts around you, swapping differentials and possible diagnoses before scissors are cutting through your pajamas to reveal your bloody panties. A hand presses against your upper abdomen, a gentle palpating movement that tears out a cry of pain from you.
"Order a CT," a doctor barks. "Can't do much until we see what's going on in there."
Dr. King nods and promises to take care of you after you've been pushed some painkillers to tide you over until it's your turn. As you get wheeled off, she notices a delicate cursive 'j' tattooed right above your hip bone.
â
After some time, you're dressed in a hospital gown, waiting for your CT results as the painkillers they've given you keep the pain at bay for the meantime. Your phone sits in your lap, screen on to your text thread with Jack. You know he's somewhere in the department, most likely saving lives, but your texts are unread and it's gnawing at the pit of your stomach.
"Hi," a voice calls out and it's a sweet looking young man, around your age as he rubs in the hand sanitizer. "I'm Dr. Whitaker. We have your CT results and it looks like a displaced IUD. Did anything happen recently or�"
Your cheeks burn bright red. "Um. Rough sex, I guess?"
Dr. Whitaker's face colors red as well. "Ohâ! Um, well, yeah. That'll do it. The CT scans revealed some slight perforation in your uterine lining so we'll go ahead and get that out for you, it'd be a minor procedure so you'll be up and walking in just a few hours."
"Great, thank you," you sigh in quiet relief but as you ponder something, Whitaker sticks around, like he knows you've got a request. "Um, is there a Dr. Abbot in?"
He nods. "Yeah, he's one of my attendings. Has he treated you before?"
"No, actuallyâ"
"Bunnyâ?!" The curtains slide open and Jack rushes in, concern choking up his syllables when he sees you looking slightly gaunt and exhausted in a hospital gown. Dennis' eyes widen as he steps aside; he's never seen his attending look so disheveled and unkempt. "What happened?"
"Jack, I'm fine, it was my IUD," you explain, looking up while he checks over your vitals. "It⌠got displaced. I wonder whose fault is that." Your dry tone has Jack looking sheepish and Whitaker looking everywhere but the both of you. It's already taken all of his professionalism to keep from reacting when he recognized you as Trinity's past obsession. She still wouldn't say why she unsubscribed until he realizes the secret boyfriend is Dr. Abbot.
"Sorry, sweetheart," Jack murmurs into your hair as he kisses your forehead. "I'll make sure they'll bump you forward so you can get out of here faster."
You nod and your lower lip juts out, slipping into that sweet mindset that Jack can't get enough of; cotton candy delicate and adorably delectable. "Promise?"
"Yeah, I promise, bunny." His voice takes on that gravelly tone that you've become obsessed with and when you tip your head up, he closes the distance and kisses you briefly.
At that moment, the curtain slides open again. "Whoaâ sorry for interrupting, folks." You pull away, fiery cheeks on display, to see another taller doctor enter. "Dr. Whitaker, can you go help Dr. Santos in Central 13? I'm Dr. Robinavitch, you can call me Dr. Robby. You must be the infamous 'Bunny'."
Jack groans and playfully hides his face into the top of your hair as the name registers as your boyfriend's best friend. You smile prettily and offer your hand to shake when Dr. Robby approaches, giving your name instead. The man seems nice but only Jack has the privilege of calling you 'bunny'. "It's nice to meet you, Dr. Robby."
"Just Robby," he insists before he flips through your chart. "Looks like you're up next for the laparascopy. Do I wanna know what happened?"
Your blush deepens. "No, not really. This is an awful first impression."
Robby chuckles, scratches the back of his head. "It's not so bad, all things considered. But now that I finally have both of you here, what do you say to dinner with my partner and I? She's been eager to meet you."
You give Jack a sidelong glance. "Who else did you tell about me?"
"Nearly everyone," Robby cuts in while Jack gives a shrug.
"I didn't give details. I just liked talking about you, sweetheart. That so bad?"
A pleased smile curves upon your lips. "Not at all. I love how obsessed you are with me," you tease. Your boyfriend's eyes roll before patting his friend's chest.
"Alright, come on. Let's get her rolled into the OR so I can take my girl home."
â
As promised, recovery goes by swiftly and a new IUD is put in place. Discharge is expedited when you're dating one of the attendings and soon, Jack's coming into your room with a fresh set of clothes from his locker.
"I liked those panties," you huff as you step into Jack's black sweatpants, leaning against the bed as he kneels down to roll the legs up for you.
When he stands to full height, he helps you into the faded 'ARMY' sweater. "I'll buy you more, bunny." He tugs you in by the waist to steal a few more kisses. "Just glad you're okay. You almost gave me a heart attack when I saw your name on the board."
"Sorry," you pout as Jack sweeps a thumb across your cheekbone. "I tried texting but Iâ"
"No, baby, you're fine." He hushes you with another soft kiss. "It's good you came in when you did. Come on, I'll take you home."
His arm is thrown around your shoulder as he guides you out through the ambulance bay. The both of you are lost in your own little world, exchanging soft laughter and playful kisses, that you don't see the haunted look in Santos' eyes as she scurries out of the way or Javadi watching in the way someone can't look away from a car crash.
When the ambulance doors shut, Dana leans over the counter to address Robby.
"That the girlfriend?"
"Sure is."
An amused grin curls onto the nurse's lips. "I think I remember her. I see where the nickname 'bunny' comes from."
"What's it mean?"
"I'm not saying a damn thing, Robinavitch."
thank you so much for reading! likes / reblogs / comments are highly appreciated! if you guys want to see more of bunny!reader in this dolly-verse, my inbox is open for blurb requests and ideas! âĄ
Summary: Nick wants to go out with Jake and Bradley but that can't happen.
Word Count: 5,923
Warnings: slight angst
Tags: fluff
Author Notes: Hey y'all! I'm so sorry for the extremely long wait. I hit a bit of writing block and then when I was finally able to write I was having trouble with my computer. But I'm back and I'm going to try and not leave y'all hanging again. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter and that it was worth the wait.
Jake and Bradley were in the kitchen, loading the last of the dishes into the dishwasher. The soft clatter of plates and the low hum of the machine filled the quiet, comfortable space, the kind of domestic rhythm theyâd all fallen into without ever really talking about it.
Nick took the final sip of her soda, the ice shifting in the cup as she set it down on the counter. She watched them for a momentâJake wiping his hands on a dish towel, Bradley nudging the dishwasher door closed with his hipâbefore a spark of spontaneity bubbled up in her chest.
âYou know,â she said, brightening a little, âitâs still early. How about we go catch a movie? I heard the place we go to offers alcohol now. We could get drinks, popcorn, watch the latest action flick. My treat.â
Both men pausedânot in a way that was meant to shut her down, but in that subtle, shared glance they exchanged whenever they were silently checking in with each other. It was the kind of look theyâd perfected over the last several months, ever since they had started dating Nick.
Bradley was the first to turn toward her fully, his expression softening. âSweetieâŚâ he started gently, rubbing the back of his neck. âI donât know if thatâs the best idea tonight.â
Jake stepped in beside him, leaning his hip against the counter. âYeah,â he added, voice warm but careful. âIt sounds fun, but⌠you know how it is right now. Going out like that? It might not be the safest move.â
He wasnât scolding her. He wasnât shutting her down. He was reminding herâkindly, quietlyâof the reality they were all still learning to navigate. A reality that hadnât existed until Phoenix decided to open her mouth.
Nickâs smile faltered just a little, the excitement dimming behind her eyes. âRight.â She tried to keep the disappointment from her voice, but it lingered there anyway, a small pebble of frustration settling in her stomach.
The truth hit her again, sharp and unwelcome:
Before Phoenix, they could go out.
Not everywhere, not recklesslyâbut they could go to the movies if they were careful. They could grab groceries together. They could drive out of town for a day trip. They could exist in the world without feeling like they were being hunted.
Now? Now everything felt like a risk.
What had seemed like a simple, spontaneous suggestion suddenly felt foolish. Of course, they couldnât just stroll into a movie theater together, looking like⌠well, like what they were. A polyamorous couple.
But tonight, sheâd just wanted to be normal. To sit in a dark theater between the two men she cared about, maybe hold hands beneath a shared bucket of popcorn, laugh at the same funny parts from the movie. To feel like the world wasnât closing in on them.
Jake crossed to her, his fingers brushing her arm. âHey,â he said, voice dropping to that register that always made her heart tighten. âWhat if we do something special here instead?â His voice was honey-warm, a gentle alternative rather than a dismissal. âI noticed you got champagne in the fridge. We could make chocolate-covered strawberries, drink some bubbly, and sit in the hot tub and watch the stars.â
Nickâs gaze lingered on Jakeâs face, taking in the earnestness in his expression. She knew what he was doingâoffering her something special, something private, trying to cushion the blow of reality. The hot tub under the stars did sound nice. Romantic, even. But it wasnât the same as being able to go out together, to exist in public as⌠whatever they were.
âYeah, okay,â she relented, summoning a smile that didnât quite reach her eyes. âThe hot tub sounds good.â
Bradley moved closer, his hand coming to rest at the small of her back. The warmth of his palm seeped through the thin fabric of her shirt. âWeâll make it worth staying in,â he promised, his voice low and rich with suggestion.
Nick felt a flutter in her stomach despite her disappointment. The way Bradley looked at herâlike she was the only woman in the worldâstill made her feel like she was falling. Even now, when frustration and disappointment clouded her thoughts.
âIâll get the champagne,â Jake said, pressing a quick kiss to her temple before heading to the refrigerator.
Nick watched him move across the kitchen with that easy confidence that had first caught her attention at the Hard Deck. She tried to let go of the movie idea, to embrace the alternative plan. Because unless Phoenix promised to keep her mouth shutâor they decided to come clean to her dadâthis was their reality now. Being extra careful and secretive. More than they had been before.
She swallowed past the tightness in her throat. She wasnât being fair, and she knew it. They were tryingâboth of them were trying so hard to make this work. To make her happy within the confines they had to operate in.
âIâll get us some towels,â she offered.
Bradley followed her with his gaze, concern etched across his features. âIâll get working on the chocolate covered strawberries,â he added, moving to the fridge.
As Nick walked toward the linen closet in the hallway, she felt the frustration settling deeper in her chest. This wasnât what sheâd typically sign up forâsneaking around, always hiding, never being able to do normal couple things. Except they werenât even a normal couple. They were⌠something else entirely. And as hard as it felt sometimes, she wouldnât change their relationship for the world.
She just wished Phoenix could accept them for who they were. Could let them be without the worry of her blowing their relationship sky-high.
But that wasnât how things were. And because of that, they couldnât even go to the movies.
She yanked open the closet door with more force than necessary, the hinges protesting with a sharp squeak. Grabbing three plush towels from the middle shelf, she buried her face in them for a moment, breathing in the clean scent of fabric softener. It was stupid to be upset over something as trivial as missing a movie. But it wasnât really about the movie, was it?
It was about freedom.
About normalcy.
About wanting to exist with them without fear.
When she returned to the kitchen, Bradley was already shirtless, his dog tags catching the light as he moved to finish dipping the strawberries. Jake was pouring champagne into three flutes, his movements precise and confident. The sight of them bothâso at ease in her kitchen, so beautiful in their casual intimacyâmade her heart ache. Not with regret, but with the bittersweet realization that this was enough. It had to be.
âYou okay?â Jake asked, his eyes finding hers as he handed her a champagne flute.
Nick nodded, forcing another smile. âYeah, Iâm fine.â She took a sip, letting the bubbles dance on her tongue.
The guys werenât convinced, but they decided to let it go.
âWell then,â Jake said, hopeful, âare we ready for the hot tub?â
Nick tipped her glass back for another swallow and set it down before she could change her mind again.
âYeah,â she said, lifting the towels a little. âLetâs go.â
Jake took the tray of strawberries, Bradley gathered the glasses, and the three of them drifted out the sliding glass door to the balcony and into the warm night. The air hit her bare arms soft and damp, carrying the faint scent of chlorine and salt from the ocean somewhere beyond the building.
String lights ran along the balcony railing, throwing a low amber glow over the deck and the hot tub beyond it. The water churned gently, steam curling up into the dark. It should have looked perfect. It did look perfect. That was almost the problem.
Jake set the strawberries on the little side table beside the tub while Bradley put the champagne flutes down with careful hands. For a second, neither of them said anything. They were giving her room. She knew they were. Which, annoyingly, only made the lump in her throat worse.
Bradley straightened and looked at her. âYou want us to go in first?â
The question was soft, easy. No pressure.
Nick huffed out a breath that was almost a laugh. âIâm not being that much of a brat.â
Jakeâs mouth kicked up at one corner. âDidnât say you were, darlinâ.â
âNo, but you thought it.â
âIâwas thinking you were cute when you got all mutiny on us,â Jake finished.
Nick rolled her eyes, but it took effort to keep her mouth from softening. âThatâs not better.â
Bradleyâs hand brushed the small of her back, warm and grounding. âYou donât have to pretend with us.â
That landed a little too cleanly.
She looked away toward the tub, steam ghosting up into the night, and set the towels on one of the lounge chairs. The champagne buzz had only barely started, but she could already feel the edge of the evening inside herâraw, restless, wanting more than she was allowed to have.
âThen Iâm annoyed,â she said, crossing her arms. âI know why we canât go. I know youâre right. But Iâm still annoyed.â
Jake didnât rush to smooth it over. He just watched her for a second, expression gentler than his usual grin. âThat,â he said, âis completely fair.â
Bradley nodded. âDoesnât mean you have to swallow it and smile,â he said.
Nick looked back at them. Jake had his hands hooked at his hips, easy and solid in the amber light. Bradley stood a little closer, chest bare, dog tags glinting against his skin. Between them, with the steam rising and the ocean air brushing damply over her shoulders, she felt absurdly seen.
That was the problem, maybe. They saw too much.
âI just hate that she gets to decide how small we have to be,â Nick said. The words came out sharper than she meant, but once they were out she couldnât stop. âI hate that one person opens her mouth, and suddenly I canât go to a damn movie with myâŚâ She broke off, jaw tightening.
With my boyfriends.
The word sat in her throat, hot and impossible.
Jakeâs expression shifted at that pause, not mocking this time. Just intent. âYour what, sweetheart?â
Nick gave him a look. âDonât start.â
âYour boyfriends. The loves of your life?â He smirked.
Bradley made a quiet sound that might have been a laugh, and Nickâs face went hot.
âOh my God,â she muttered.
Jake looked entirely too pleased with himself. âJust helping you out.â
âYouâre insufferable.â
âAnd yet,â he said.
She pointed at him. âDonât.â
His grin widened. âStill picked me.â
Bradley stepped in before she could lunge at Jake with one of the towels. âCâmere,â he said, low and warm.
That tone did unfair things to her. The fight leaked out of her in a slow exhale. She let him draw her in by the wrist until she was standing against his chest, the heat of his skin cutting through the damp night air. His hand settled at her waist, broad and steady, and when he dipped his head to kiss her forehead it wasnât flashy or teasing. It was soft enough to hurt.
âWe know this is hard, but we have to do it to protect what we have.â he murmured.
Nick closed her eyes for a second.
Protect what we have.
The words should have settled her. Instead, they pressed right against the bruise. Because he was right. Damn him, he was right, and Jake was right, and that was half the reason she wanted to scream.
Her fingers curled lightly into Bradleyâs sides. âI know,â she said, voice muffled against his chest. âI know youâre right.â
Jake stepped closer until his warmth bracketed her from the other side. She felt his knuckles skim her jaw, tipping her face up just enough that she had to look at him. His expression had lost most of its smugness now. Good. She didnât think she could handle smug and sweet at the same time without short-circuiting.
âYouâre allowed to be pissed anyway,â he said.
She let out a breath through her nose. âThank you for your generous permission.â
His mouth twitched. âAnytime.â
Bradleyâs hand moved in a slow pass up and down her back. âCome on, letâs get in the hot tub and have some chocolate covered strawberries hmm?â
She nodded. âOkay.â
Bradley reached for the hem of her shirt.
He didnât tug right away. Just let his fingers hook there, giving her every chance to stop him if she wanted to. The simple courtesy of it made her chest squeeze. She lifted her arms without a word.
The shirt peeled up and over her head, cool air brushing over her skin. Jakeâs gaze slid over her, hot and unhurried, and then he reached past her to take the shirt from Bradley and toss it onto the lounge chair with the towels.
âShorts too, sweetheart,â he said, low enough that it felt like a hand down her spine.
She gave him a look that had no real heat in it and pushed her shorts down her legs, stepping out of them. Her underwear was a simple black silk that felt comfortable against her skin.
Jakeâs attention dipped over the black silk and came back up to her face, slow enough to make heat bloom under her skin. Not crude. Worse, honestly. Appreciative in that intent way of his that made her feel pinned without him laying a hand on her.
She slipped out of her last bit of clothing now standing before her men completely naked.
Bradley stripped out of his jeans and briefs with the same easy lack of fuss he did everything with, then stepped down into the steaming water first. The tub lights painted his skin gold-blue beneath the surface. He held out a hand to her.
Nick took it and let him guide her down the steps. Heat closed over her calves, then her thighs, then her hips, and a soft groan escaped before she could help it. The water was almost too hot at first, all at once against skin still cool from the night air.
âJesus,â she muttered.
Jake laughed under his breath behind her. âGood âJesusâ or bad âJesusâ?â
She glanced back as he shucked the rest of his clothing. âVery good Jesus,â she said, and his grin flashed white in the low light before he climbed in after her.
The water shifted around them as he stepped down, heat and motion curling around her legs. Then he was there, all that long, lean warmth sliding in behind and beside her until the tub suddenly felt smaller in the best possible way. Steam clung to his skin. Droplets tracked down his chest. Nick took one look at him and had to drag her gaze back up before her brain fully shorted out.
Jake smiled. âBradley why donât you grab our girl a chocolate covered strawberry.â He asked as he pulled Nick into his lap.
Bradley reached for the plate without comment, like this was the most natural request in the world. Like Jake hauling her into his lap naked in the hot tub while Bradley fed her strawberries was just another Tuesday night.
Honestly, at this point, maybe it was.
Nick let out a breath that came out softer than she meant it to as Jake settled her more securely against him, one arm banding around her waist beneath the water. The heat of the tub soaked into her muscles while the harder heat of him at her back made her skin feel too tight. His chest was slick and warm against her shoulders. Every shift of the water pressed her a little more firmly into him.
Bradley leaned in with a strawberry between his fingers, dark chocolate glistening in the amber light from the balcony.
âFor the brave girl who didnât start a riot because we said no to the movies,â he said.
Nick snorted. âThe night is young.â
âMm.â Jakeâs mouth brushed the side of her neck as he brought his hands to her shoulders. Starting to gently massage them.
The pressure of his hands made a helpless sound catch in her throat. Not a full moan. Barely even a breath. Enough that Jakeâs chuckle warmed the damp skin just below her ear.
Bradley lifted the strawberry to her mouth, and she leaned forward to take a bite. The chocolate cracked softly between her teeth, followed by the burst of sweet fruit. She chewed, swallowed, and closed her eyes for half a second because between the hot water, the champagne still fizzing lightly in her blood, and Jakeâs thumbs working into the knots at the tops of her shoulders, it was getting harder to hold onto the sharp edges sheâd brought out here with her.
âBetter?â Bradley asked.
Nick opened her eyes again and looked at him. Steam curled between them, blurring him for a second before it drifted away. âAnnoyingly, yes.â
His mouth tipped up. âGood.â
Jakeâs hands slid from her shoulders down her upper arms, slow and firm, then back up again. He knew exactly how to touch her when she was wound too tightâlike he could feel the strain in her before she even admitted it.
When she finished the strawberry Bradley moved his hands down to her legs. His hands glided down till they landed on her feet.
Nick jolted a little, a laugh catching her off guard as Bradleyâs fingers closed around one ankle beneath the water.
âThat tickles Bradley!â
"Sorry beautiful. Is this better?â He asked, moving his hand slightly.
Nick let her head tip back against Jakeâs shoulder, letting the water lap at her ribs while Bradley adjusted his grip.
âOh,â she said, softer this time, because yesâactually, yes. âYeah. Better.â
His thumb pressed into the arch of her foot in a slow, firm stroke that made her toes curl under the water. Heat rushed up her calf in a way that had absolutely nothing to do with the hot tub.
Jake made a low, pleased sound against her neck. âGood.â
Bradley worked his thumb into the arch of her foot again, and the sound that left her was embarrassingly close to a sigh. She pressed her lips together, but it was too late. Both of them had heard it.
Jakeâs fingers trailed up her arm, light and lazy, before settling at her collarbone. âThere she is.â
âShut up,â she muttered, but there was no bite to it. The words came out warm and soft, buoyed by the heat of the water and the champagne and Bradleyâs hands on her feet.
Jakeâs hands drifted up to her shoulders again, his thumbs pressing in firm, knowing circles at the base of her neck. She couldnât help the groan that escaped her lips as tension she hadnât even realized she was carrying began to melt away beneath his touch.
Bradleyâs fingers continued their expert work on her feet while Jakeâs hands moved in slow circles across her shoulders. Nick felt herself sinking deeper into the pleasure of their attention, the earlier frustration dissolving like the steam rising from the waterâs surface.
âThatâs it,â Jake murmured against her ear. âLet it all go.â
She wanted to resist, to hold onto that edge of annoyance, but her body had other ideas. Her muscles went soft and pliant under their hands, tension sheâd been carrying for days finally releasing.
Bradley looked up at her, his eyes dark and warm in the low light. âFeel good?â
âMmm,â she hummed, beyond forming actual words now.
Jakeâs hands drifted lower, thumbs tracing the inner edges of her shoulder blades. âYouâre so tense here, darlinâ. When was the last time someone gave you a proper massage?â
Nickâs mind went blank for a moment as his fingers found a particularly tight knot. âI don't remember.â
âWell I guess Bradley and I aren't doing our job.â Jake said to her.
âThatâs not what I meant,â Nick said, but the words came out breathy as Jakeâs hands worked another tight spot.
Bradleyâs fingers continued their gentle exploration of her feet, finding every point of tension with deliberate care. âWeâll have to make sure this happens more often,â he said, his voice low enough that the sound seemed to vibrate through the water between them.
The champagne flute was still sitting on the edge of the tub, catching the amber light. Nick reached for it, taking a sip as Jakeâs hands moved lower down her back, thumbs tracing the curve of her spine beneath the water.
Bradleyâs fingers worked magic along her arches, pressing deep into the tension spots with a skill that had her melting like the chocolate on those strawberries. Jakeâs hands moved down her spine, his fingertips tracing each vertebra as the water lapped gently at her skin.
Nick let her head fall back against Jakeâs shoulder, her eyes drifting closed as she surrendered to the dual sensation of both menâs hands on her body. The champagne bubbles danced on her tongue when she took another sip, and she felt herself floating between pleasure and consciousness.
âThatâs my girl,â Jake murmured, his breath hot against her ear. His hands slid around to her hips, thumbs pressing into the muscles there.
Nick felt herself melting as Jakeâs skilled fingers worked her muscles. The water lapped gently against her skin, and she was vaguely aware of the champagne flute slipping from her fingers. It made a soft clink as Bradley caught it before it could tumble in.
âCareful there,â he murmured, setting the glass safely aside.
âSorry,â Nick giggled.
Jakeâs hands didnât stop their movement, continuing to knead the tension from her muscles with expert precision.
âAre we going to have to take the champagne away from you?â Jake smirked.
Nick shook her head. âI'm fine I promise.â
The moment hung suspended in the warm night air, her laughter still lingering between them, when the silence cracked open.
A low growl rumbled from somewhere beyond the ocean, deep and distant. The sound vibrated through the water, making the champagne glass tremble slightly where Bradley had set it. Nickâs eyes flew open in surprise, looking towards the night sky.
âDid either of you check the weather today?â Nick asked.
Both men shook their heads' no.
The first drop hit her forehead.
Small, cool, unexpected. She blinked up at the sky just as the second one caught the string lights and scattered them into a brief amber halo before landing on Jakeâs bare shoulder.
Then a third. A fourth.
Within seconds, the sky opened up properly, and drizzle came down around them in a fine, warm curtain, dimpling the surface of the hot tub and pattering against the steam in soft, uneven music. The amber light caught every drop, turning them into tiny falling sparks.
Nick laughed, tipping her face up into it. The rain was warmâCalifornia rain, the kind that felt more like being breathed on by the ocean than being caught in a storm. It gathered along her collarbone and trailed down between her breasts and she didnât try to catch any of it.
Jakeâs hands stilled at her hips. âWell,â he said, voice low enough that she felt it in her back more than heard it over the rain drop. âI guess that's our cue to head inside.â
Bradley was already rising, water sluicing down his chest as he reached for the towels.When he was out of the hot tub, he opened one of the huge towels wide, arms spread like he was waiting to catch something precious, and looked back at her.
âCome on,â Bradley said. Raindrops caught in his hair and ran down his jaw. âBefore you get cold.â
Nick didnât want to move. The water was still perfect, and Jakeâs body was still warm and solid behind her, and the rain was hitting the surface of the tub in a soft, scattered rhythm that made her want to stay here forever. But Bradley was standing there with the towel held open, rain darkening the cotton along his forearms, and something about the sight of him made her chest feel too full.
She shifted in Jakeâs lap, and his hands settled at her hips to help her up.
âUp you go, sweetheart,â he murmured.
Nick rose slowly, water streaming down her body in warm rivulets as she climbed the steps. The night air hit her skin, cooler than the water, and she felt Bradleyâs towel wrap around her, warm and soft against her damp body. He drew her close, sheltering her from the rain.
âYouâre shivering,â Bradley murmured, his arms tightening around her as he guided her toward the sliding glass door.
Nick wasnât sure if it was from the cool night air or the way he was looking at herâlike she was something precious he needed to protect. She pressed closer to his warmth, her body fitting perfectly against his as they moved inside.
Jake stayed behind, she realized, when Bradleyâs warmth was all that guided her through the sliding door. She glanced back over her shoulder just as Jake hefted the hot tub cover up with a soft grunt, the rain darkening his hair and tracking down his shoulders as he dragged it across the churning surface.
âGo on,â he called, without looking up. âIâve got it.â
Bradleyâs hand settled at the small of her back, nudging her gently toward the bedroom. She went, because her skin was starting to prickle and Bradleyâs towel was warm and Jake would be right behind them.
Bradley led her through the dim hallway, his hand a steady presence at the small of her back. The rain pattered against the windows, a soothing backdrop to their quiet movements. When they reached the bedroom, he turned her gently to face him, his eyes dark and warm in the low light.
âStill cold?â he asked, his voice a low rumble.
Nick shook her head, though goosebumps still prickled along her arms. The towel had slipped, revealing one bare shoulder, and Bradleyâs gaze dropped there for just a moment before meeting her eyes again.
âLetâs get you dry,â he murmured, reaching for the towel.
He unwrapped it with careful hands, using it to gently pat her skin dry. The cotton was soft against her body, and Nick closed her eyes as Bradley worked, his touch methodical but tender. When he reached her arms, he pressed a kiss to the inside of her wrist, his lips warm against her pulse point.
âI think I heard the dryer go off while we were on the balcony. How about I grab you some fresh warm clothes?â
Nick nodded. âThat would be great.â
Bradley pressed a kiss to her forehead before turning toward the hallway. The towel slipped lower around her body as she watched him leave, her eyes lingering on his broad shoulders until he disappeared from view.
The rain had picked up outside, drumming against the windows in a steady rhythm that made the bedroom feel like a cocoon. Nick sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for her boyfriend's to return when she heard her phone vibrate on the nightstand.
Nick reached for it, the screen lighting up with a notification. It was from Instagram letting her know that Emily made a post.
Nick clicked on the notification, a small smile forming as Emilyâs post loaded. Her friend had posted a series of photos: Emily laughing with a bowling ball cradled against her hip, Bob looking endearingly awkward in bowling shoes, a split screen showing Emilyâs strike and Bobâs gutter ball. Emily giving Bob's cheek a big wet kiss as he was trying to eat nachos. The caption read: âDate night at Fightertown Bowl with the best bowler I know! 10/10 would get beat by @bobfloyd again.
đłâĽď¸ #couplesgoalsâ
A wave of something wistful washed over her. Emily and Bob could do thatâwalk into a bowling alley together, take silly photos, post them for the world to see. No hiding. No calculating who might be watching. Just two people in love, having a perfectly normal Friday night.
Nickâs thumb hovered over the like button. She wanted to be happy for themâand she was, genuinely. But the longing that twisted in her chest was harder to ignore here, alone in her bedroom
And just like that she was annoyed again.
Nick stared at the screen until it dimmed, the light fading slowly like her patience. She tossed the phone onto the bed, face down, as if that could erase the image of Emilyâs carefree smile. The rain continued its steady percussion against the windows, adding to her poor mood.
âHere we go,â Bradley said, returning with an armful of fresh laundry. He dropped a soft, warm towel over her head, ruffling her hair gently.
Nick clutched the towel, inhaling the clean scent of fabric softener. âThanks.â
Jake appeared in the doorway, water still beading on his chest and running down his stomach in thin rivulets. Heâd wrapped a towel around his hips, but it hung dangerously low. âStormâs really coming down out there,â he said, running a hand through his wet hair.
Nick glanced between themâBradley now searching through the laundry pile for something to wear, Jake leaning casually against the door frame like he owned the space.
âHere.â Bradley said as he pulled out a Dodgers t-shirt and a pair of soft sleep shorts.
Nick took the clothes from Bradley, her fingers brushing against his as she accepted the warm fabric. The Dodgers t-shirt was the same one she got for her birthday. Not quite worn in but still comfy.
âThanks,â she murmured, sliding the shirt over her head.
Bradley found a pair of boxers and pulled them on, then a t-shirt. Jake disappeared for a moment, to brush his teeth returning minutes later with boxers on.
Nick stood and pulled the shorts up her legs, her mind still stuck on Emilyâs post. The cotton was soft against her skin, still warm from the dryer. She tried to focus on thatâon being here, safe and warmâinstead of the hollow feeling in her chest.
âYou cold Darlin'?â Jake asked, his voice casual as he crossed to the bed.
She shook her head.
Jake settled on the edge of the bed, his weight making the mattress dip slightly. His hand found hers, fingers intertwining with a gentleness that contrasted with his usual cocky demeanor.
Jake was sitting on the edge of the bed when she turned around, one foot propped up on the mattress, elbow resting on his knee. He watched her with that lookâthe one that wasnât quite a smirk, wasnât quite anything she had a name for. Just intent. Patient.
His hands caught her hips and pulled her in, settling her between his thighs with a quiet certainty that made her breath catch. Then his mouth was on hers.
The kiss was soft at first, Jakeâs lips moving gently against hers. Then his hand slid to the back of her neck, pulling her closer, deepening the contact until he was sure she was breathless.
She pulled back from Jake, shaking her head slightly. His hands still rested at her waist, warm and steady, but the hollow feeling in her chest had only grown.
âI'm sorry could we-Iâm just tried. Can we go to bed?â She said, her voice quiet in the dim bedroom.
Jake studied her face for a moment, his hands still at her waist. The dim light caught the concern in his expression before he nodded, his thumbs making small circles against her skin.
âOf course,â he said softly. âWhatever you want.
Nick pulled away and crawled across the mattress, the sheets cool against her knees as she reached for the remote on the nightstand. She clicked the TV on without looking at either of them, letting the blue glow flood the room before cycling through channels until she landed on something with a laugh track. She didnât care what it was. She just needed the noise.
The mattress shifted behind her as Bradley climbed in on the other side, settling against the headboard with a soft creak of springs. Jake followed, stretching out beside her, close but not crowding. Neither of them tried to touch her yet. They were giving her space in that maddening, perceptive way they always did when she needed it.
On screen, a sitcom couple argued over something trivialâwho invented the lawn. Nick stared at it without watching, the canned laughter washing over her in waves that didnât quite reach the knot behind her sternum.
Normally she would have rolled into Jakeâs chest, or tucked herself against Bradleyâs side, pulling one of their arms around her like a blanket. Normally sheâd have found their warmth and burrowed into it until the world outside this room didnât matter anymore. But tonight she didnât. She stayed where she was, in the middle of the bed.
Her arms stayed folded across her stomach, elbows pointed at the ceiling, and she stared at the TV like it had answers written in the laugh track. The Dodgers shirt was soft against her skin. The shorts were soft. The sheets were soft. Everything was soft and warm and exactly where she should want to be, and she couldnât make her body move.
Bradley shifted beside her. She could feel the mattress dip as he turned his head, could feel the weight of his gaze on the side of her face without needing to look.
âWe love you Sweetie.â
Bradley's words landed in Nickâs chest like a stone in still water, ripples spreading outward. She kept her eyes fixed on the TV, where the sitcom couple had stopped arguing and were now laughing about something sheâd missed entirely.
âMhmm.â She hummed in acknowledgment, not trusting herself to say more. The word felt hollow, insufficient, but her throat was too tight for anything else.
Jake didnât try to say anything. He just nodded once, like he understood even if he didnât like it, and moved back to his side of the bed. Bradley shifted too, giving her space without making a big deal out of it.
The sitcom kept playing, bright and loud in a room that suddenly felt too quiet.
Nick pulled the blanket up to her chest and kept her eyes on the screen. She wasnât really watching, but it gave her something to look at that wasnât either of them.
Jake stretched out beside her, hands behind his head. Bradley lay on his stomach, scrolling through something on his phone. Neither of them said anything else. They didnât touch her. They didnât ask what was wrong. They just⌠stayed.
It shouldâve felt comforting. It usually did. Tonight it only made the knot in her chest feel tighter.
After a few minutes, Bradley clicked the lamp off, leaving the room lit only by the TVâs glow. âGoodnight, Sweetie,â he said softly.
âNight,â Jake added.
Nick swallowed, still staring straight ahead. âNight.â
She didnât move toward them. They didnât reach for her.
The three of them lay there, close enough to feel each other breathe, far enough that the space between them felt like its own separate thing.
Eventually, Nick closed her eyes letting the room settle into complete darkness.
Summary: Jake should have never eaten food off of Fanboy's plate.
Word Count: 6,787
Warnings: Sickness
Tags: fluff
Author Notes: Hey y'all! Sorry for the wait for the next chapter. At one point someone suggested they would like to see Jake hurt and Nick and Bradley taking care of him. Based on what I already had planned for the story I couldn't do anything too dramatic. So that's where this chapter idea was born! To the person that suggested the original idea, I hope it's everything you hoped for! As always don't forget to reblog and comment with your thoughts on the story. Enjoy!
The Dagger Squad had finally gotten their food and were settling into their usual spot in the base cafeteria â the long table near the windows where they always gathered, half out of habit and half because no one else dared to sit there. The room buzzed with the usual lunchtime chaos: clattering trays, shouted orders, the hum of pilots swapping stories loud enough to drown out the overhead fans.
Jake set down the container heâd brought from home â mashed potatoes Nick made the night before. He almost never touched cafeteria food unless he had absolutely no choice. Too many questionable meals. Too many horror stories. Too many âmystery meats.â
âWhereâs Emily?â Coyote asked Bob as he slid into his seat. âThought sheâd be joining us.â
Bob shook his head. âThey got busy in the lab. She couldnât make it.â
Bradley and Jake exchanged a look â subtle, but meaningful. Theyâd both been hoping Emily would show up, because if she did, sheâd almost certainly drag Nick along with her. And any excuse to see their girl in the middle of the workday was a good one.
Jake stabbed at his mashed potatoes with a little more force than necessary. âDamn shame.â
Bradley leaned in, lowering his voice so only Jake and Coyote could hear. âYou just wanted to see Nick.â
Jake didnât deny it. He didnât have to. Coyoteâs knowing smirk said enough, and Bradleyâs whisper kept the comment safely contained.
Before either of them could say more, Coyote recoiled dramatically, nearly dropping his fork. âFanboy, what the hell is that supposed to be?â
Fanboy looked up proudly. âSpicy fish tacos. The base is trying something new.â
Coyote leaned back like the tray might explode. âThey look ridiculous and smell worse. Why are they that color?â
âYou should try it,â Fanboy insisted, pushing the plate toward him. âItâs actually pretty good. The kitchen finally got something right for once.â
Javy shook his head immediately. âNot a chance in hell. I value my taste buds.â
Fanboy rolled his eyes. âCome on, someoneâs gotta be brave enough to try this culinary masterpiece.â His gaze swept the table before landing on Jake. âHangman? You up for a little adventure? Or are you only brave in the cockpit?â
Jake raised an eyebrow, the challenge lighting up his face. âYou questioning my courage, Fanboy?â
âMaybe I am,â Fanboy said with a grin, sliding the tray closer. âOne bite. Unless youâre scared like the rest of the squad.â
Jake locked eyes with him, smirk spreading. He picked up one of the questionable tacos with confident fingers.
âYou call this a challenge?â he scoffed. âIâve eaten gas station food that looked worse than this.â
Bradley leaned in slightly, voice low and serious. âJake⌠seriously. I wouldnât do that if I were you.â
Jake shot him a look. âWhy not?â
Bradley gestured vaguely at the taco. âBecause that thing looks like itâs been left out since last week. And because every time you say âIâve got an iron stomach,â you end up regretting it. Remember the chili cookâoff? The expired protein bar? The gas station sushi? Theââ
âOkay, okay,â Jake cut in, rolling his eyes. âThose were isolated incidents.â
Coyote barked a laugh. âMan, those were not isolated. That was a whole saga.â
Bradley nodded. âExactly. And Iâm telling you â if you eat that, youâre gonna regret it. And when you do, Iâm gonna say âI told you soâ so loud the tower hears it.â
Jake smirked. âRelax, Rooster. One bite isnât gonna kill me.â
Bradley muttered, âFamous last words,â under his breath.
But Jake was already lifting the taco.
The table fell silent as he took a substantial bite. He chewed slowly, expression unreadable. Fanboy leaned forward like he was watching a highâstakes poker game. Coyote covered his nose with his sleeve. Payback looked ready to call 911. And Bob looked like he was going to throw up.
After a long moment, Jake swallowed and shrugged. âNot bad.â
Fanboy pumped a fist triumphantly.
Jake wiped his mouth. âBut I wouldnât recommend it.â
The table erupted in laughter.
Bob shook his head. âJust wait till later when your stomach revolts. That looks like food poisoning waiting to happen.â
Jake waved him off. âIâve got an iron stomach. Nothing upsets me.â
Bradley raised an eyebrow. âYou keep saying that, but Iâm telling you â if you start puking your guts out later, Iâm not helping you. Iâll just stand there and say âI told you soâ while you suffer.â
Jake smirked. âYou wonât get the chance.â
Coyote snorted. âWeâll see.â
Jake ignored them â but Bradley didnât miss the faint tightening around his eyes. A small, almost imperceptible shift. Something he wouldnât have noticed if he didnât know Jake as well as he did.
And Bradley had a sinking feeling he was absolutely going to get that âI told you soâ moment.
Hours later, after drills, briefings, and paperwork, Jake and Bradley finally made it back to Nickâs apartment. The sun had dipped low, painting the parking lot in warm orange light as they climbed the stairs.
Jake was quieter than usual.
Not dramatically â just enough that Bradley noticed. His steps were slower, his jaw tighter, his hand drifting toward his stomach every so often like he was trying to hide the gesture.
âYou good?â Bradley murmured as they reached the door.
Jake straightened, forcing ease into his posture. âIâm fine.â
Bradley didnât believe him â but he let it go. Jake could be stubborn as hell, and pushing him now would only make him dig in deeper.
Nick was standing over a pot of pasta when they walked in, the smell of garlic and butter filling the apartment. She turned toward them with a bright smile.
âHey, you two. How was work?â
Bradley smiled back.
Jake tried to â but the moment the smell hit him, his stomach twisted sharply. He swallowed hard, forcing his expression to stay neutral.
Nick didnât notice yet. She was humming softly, plating the pasta.
Bradley shot Jake a look â the kind that said, I knew it.
Jake glared back, but the edge wasnât there.
Nick set the plates on the counter. âDinnerâs almost done. I made extra garlic bread.â
Jakeâs stomach rolled again. He gripped the back of a chair, steadying himself.
Bradleyâs eyes flicked to the movement. âYou sure youâre okay?â
Jake forced a smirk. âJust tired.â
Bradley didnât buy it â but he recognized the stubborn set of Jakeâs jaw. Fine. If Jake wanted to pretend, Bradley would let him⌠for now.
Nick turned with three plates in hand. âOkay, dinner isâJake?â
He was too pale. Too stiff. A sheen of sweat glistened at his hairline.
But Jake plastered on a grin. âDinner smells great, darlinâ.â
Nick frowned. âYou sure youâre okay?â
âFine,â Jake said quickly.
Bradley stepped in smoothly. âLong day. Heâs wiped.â
Jake shot him a grateful look â but the relief lasted only seconds before another wave of nausea hit him. He clenched his jaw, breathing shallowly.
Nick set the plates down. âCome sit.â
Jake moved carefully, lowering himself into the chair like sudden movement might betray him. Bradley sat across from him, watching every microâexpression.
Nick nudged Jakeâs shoulder. âYou look like you got hit by a truck.â
Jake forced a laugh. âJust tired.â
But his hand drifted to his stomach again â unconsciously this time.
Nick noticed.
âJakeâŚâ
He cut her off. âI told you Iâm fine.â
Bradley exhaled sharply. âThis wouldnât have anything to do with the mystery tacos, would it?â
Jake shot him a warning look. âRooster.â
Nick blinked. âMystery tacos?â
Bradley grimaced. âHe ate something that looked like it crawled out of the ocean and died twice.â
Nick turned slowly toward Jake. âYou ate what?â
Jake lifted his fork, trying to look casual. âIt wasnât that bad.â
Nick stared. âJake. You donât even like the food on base.â
âDidnât want to back down from a challenge.â
Bradley snorted. âAnd now youâre paying for it.â
Jake ignored him and lifted the fork â but the smell hit him again, stronger. His stomach lurched violently. He set the fork down too fast.
Nickâs eyes widened. âJakeâŚâ
He waved her off, but his hand trembled. âJust⌠not hungry.â
Bradley leaned forward. âYouâre sweating.â
Jake wiped his forehead. âItâs warm in here.â
âItâs sixtyâfive degrees,â Nick said flatly.
Jake didnât respond. Another wave of nausea rolled through him, and he gripped the table edge.
Nick placed a hand on his arm. âJake. Look at me.â
He did â reluctantly.
His face was pale. His eyes glassy. His jaw clenched like he was holding himself together by sheer force of will.
Nickâs expression softened. âBaby⌠youâre not okay.â
Jake swallowed. âIâmââ
Bradley cut him off. âDonât. Youâre clearly not fine.â
Jake shot him a weak glare.
Nick moved behind him, placing a hand on his back. He flinched â not from pain, but from the effort of keeping his stomach under control.
âJake,â she whispered, âyouâre burning up.â
He shook his head. âJust tired like I said.â
Bradley scoffed. âTired people donât look like theyâre about to pass out.â
Jake leaned forward, elbows on the table, breathing shallowly. His stomach clenched again, harder, and he sucked in a sharp breath.
Nick knelt in front of him, taking his hands. âJake. Talk to me.â
He didnât answer at first â too busy fighting the rising nausea.
Finally, he managed, voice strained, âMy stomach⌠feels off.â
Bradley huffed. âOff? You look like death.â
Jake tried to glare but didnât have the strength.
Nick rubbed slow circles on his back. âWhen did it start?â
Jake swallowed. âCouple hours after lunch. Got worse in the car.â
Bradley nodded. âHe was quiet the whole drive.â
Nickâs worry deepened. âWhy didnât you say anything?â
Jake closed his eyes. âDidnât want to worry you.â
Nick squeezed his hands. âYouâre allowed to worry me.â
Another wave rolled through him, sharp and sudden. He tightened his grip on her hands, breath catching.
âNickâŚâ he whispered. âI donât⌠feel good.â
Nick nodded, already moving toward him. âLetâs get you to the couch.â
Jake shook his head. âI can walk.â
He pushed himself up too quickly. The room lurched, tilting hard to the side. His vision blurred, and he swayed, grabbing the back of the chair with a startled, instinctive gasp.
Nick was at his side in an instant. âEasyâJake, slow down.â
He tried to steady himself, jaw clenched. âIâm fine.â
But the words came out thin and breathless.
Nick and Bradley exchanged a look â the kind that didnât need words.
Heâs not fine.
Not even close.
Jake opened his mouth to insist again, but his stomach surged violently. Heat shot up his throat. He gagged, clamping a hand over his mouth, eyes widening in panic.
The warning heâd been fighting for hours finally broke through.
âBathroom,â he choked, voice strangled. âNowââ
He didnât wait. He pushed past Nick with desperate urgency, stumbling down the hallway. One hand dragged along the wall to keep himself upright, the other pressed tightly over his mouth as his body spasmed again.
âJake!â Nick called, hurrying after him.
Bradley followed, muttering under his breath, âI knew it. I knew it.â
The bathroom door felt impossibly far. Every step sent another nauseating twist through his gut. His vision tunneled, breath coming in shallow, panicked bursts.
He barely made it inside before dropping to his knees in front of the toilet.
The first heave tore out of him violently â a fullâbody convulsion that left him shaking. Everything heâd eaten that day came up in brutal, burning waves. The taco, lunch, breakfast â all of it hit the water with a sickening splash.
Nick knelt beside him without hesitation.
Jake barely registered her at first. His world had narrowed to the violent spasms wracking his body, the burn in his throat, the cold sweat dripping down his temples. He gripped the toilet bowl so hard his knuckles blanched.
Nickâs hand found his back, gentle and steady. âItâs okay,â she murmured, her voice soft against the harsh sounds of his retching. âJust breathe, baby. Let it out.â
Another wave hit him, harder than the first. His whole body jerked forward, a strangled sound ripping from his chest. Tears blurred his vision. His throat felt shredded. His stomach muscles screamed.
Humiliation washed over him almost as strongly as the nausea.
This wasnât how he wanted Nick to see him â weak, shaking, miserable, paying the price for his own stubborn pride.
Footsteps approached â Bradley.
He froze in the doorway, taking in the scene: Jake hunched over the toilet, Nick holding him steady, the retching echoing off the tile.
âJesus, manâŚâ Bradley muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. âDidnât I tell you not to eat those damn tacos?â
âBradley!â Nick snapped, shooting him a sharp look. âNot now.â
She softened immediately as she turned back to Jake, rubbing slow circles between his shoulder blades. âIgnore him, honey bear. Youâre okay. Iâve got you.â
Jake tried to respond â to defend himself, to tell Bradley to shut up, to reassure Nick â but another brutal heave cut him off. His body convulsed again, emptying what little was left.
âNot⌠helpingâŚâ he gasped between heaves.
Bradleyâs expression shifted, the teasing fading. He stepped inside, crouching slightly as if ready to catch Jake if he collapsed.
âAlright, alright,â he said quietly. âIâll get some water. And a towel.â
He disappeared down the hallway.
Jake slumped forward, chest heaving. His stomach continued to spasm even though there was nothing left. Dry heaves wracked him, violent and painful.
Nick brushed his damp hair back from his forehead. âShhh⌠youâre okay. Iâm right here.â
Jake squeezed his eyes shut, humiliation burning hotter than the fever creeping through him. âIâm⌠sorry,â he rasped, voice raw.
Nick shook her head immediately. âNo. Donât apologize. Youâre sick. Thatâs all.â
He let his head hang, breathing hard. The cool porcelain against his feverish skin offered the smallest bit of relief. Nickâs hand never stopped moving â steady, grounding, gentle.
Another dry heave hit him, weaker but still enough to make him groan. Nick tightened her hold on him, supporting his weight as his arms trembled.
âEasy,â she whispered. âItâs almost over.â
Jake didnât trust himself to speak. His throat felt like heâd swallowed glass. His stomach ached from the force of the vomiting. His whole body shook with exhaustion.
Bradley returned with a glass of water and a cool washcloth. His expression had softened completely â worry etched into every line of his face.
He set everything down quietly. âHere. For when heâs ready.â
Nick nodded gratefully.
Jake didnât lift his head. He couldnât. He felt wrung out, hollowed, barely holding himself upright.
Nick shifted closer, letting him lean against her. She wrapped an arm around him, her other hand still stroking his hair.
âYouâre okay,â she whispered again.
âIâve got you.â
Jake let out a shaky breath, eyes fluttering shut as the last dry heave left him trembling. His forehead rested against Nickâs shoulder, his entire body sagging with exhaustion.
âShould I text Fanboy and see if heâs sick too?â Bradley asked from the doorway, voice softer now.
Jake didnât respond at first â just swallowed, throat raw, and gave the smallest nod he could manage.
Nickâs fingers threaded gently through his damp hair as he leaned against her. The bathroom smelled sharply of sickness, bleach, and the faint vanilla wallflower plugged into the outlet. Every breath scraped like sandpaper against his raw throat.
âIâll be back,â Bradley said, heading out to grab Jakeâs phone.
Jake barely registered the sound of his footsteps retreating. His world had shrunk to the cold tile, the burning in his throat, and Nickâs steady presence anchoring him. He wanted to lift his head, to reassure her, to pretend he was fine â but his muscles refused to cooperate.
Nick pressed a kiss to the top of his head. âThink youâre done?â she murmured.
Jake swallowed painfully. âMaybe,â he croaked.
She reached for the washcloth Bradley had brought, the cool dampness a blessing against his feverish skin as she wiped his face. Jake closed his eyes, surrendering to her care.
âCan you take a sip of water?â she asked gently.
He shook his head weakly. âNot yet.â
âJust a small sip,â Nick coaxed. âTo rinse your mouth. You donât have to swallow.â
Jake hesitated, then gave a tiny nod. The taste in his mouth was unbearable. Nick held the glass to his lips, tipping it carefully. The water felt like ice against his burning throat. He swished it weakly and spat it into the toilet.
âGood,â Nick whispered, setting the glass aside and resuming her gentle strokes.
Jake let out a shaky sigh, leaning more heavily into her. His body felt too hot and too cold at the same time â fever prickling under his skin while cold sweat dripped down his spine.
Bradley returned with Jakeâs phone.
âAlright,â he said, crouching beside them. âI texted Fanboy.â
Jake cracked one eye open. âWhatâd you say?â
Bradley cleared his throat dramatically. âI said: âHey man, how you feeling after lunch? My stomachâs killing me.ââ
Jake groaned. âYou didnât have to make me sound pathetic.â
Bradley shrugged.
âYou are pathetic right now.â
Nick shot him a look, but Bradley softened it with a small smile.
âAnyway,â he continued, âFanboy says heâs fine. The bastard. He thinks itâs the potatoes you ate.â
Jake let out a weak, incredulous laugh that quickly turned into a wince. âTell him heâs a dead man.â
Bradley smirked. âWant me to send him a picture of you like this? Really sell the drama?â
Jakeâs head jerked up half an inch â pure horror. âDonât you dare.â
Nick rolled her eyes, but a tiny smile tugged at her lips. She knew exactly what Bradley was doing â trying to lighten the mood, trying to distract Jake from the misery, trying to make him feel less embarrassed.
Jake sagged again, resting his head against Nickâs chest. âI canât believe I let him talk me into that.â
âYou let your pride talk you into it,â Bradley corrected. âYou and your damn competitive streak.â
Nick pressed the cool washcloth to the back of Jakeâs neck. He leaned into the sensation with a small, grateful sigh. His fever was climbing now â she could feel the heat radiating off him.
âYouâre burning up,â she whispered, worry tightening her voice.
Jake didnât answer. His eyes were halfâlidded, unfocused, his breathing shallow. The adrenaline from vomiting had worn off, leaving him shaky and drained.
Bradley noticed too. His teasing faded. âHey,â he said quietly, âyou still with us?â
Jake nodded faintly.
Nick adjusted her hold so he could lean more comfortably against her. âWe should get him off the floor,â she murmured. âHeâs freezing.â
âAnd sweating,â Bradley added. âThatâs a great combo.â
Nick shot him a look. âBradley.â
He held up his hands. âIâm just saying.â
Jake let out a weak groan, the sound muffled against Nickâs shirt. âCanât⌠move yet.â
âI know,â she soothed, brushing her thumb along his cheek. âWeâre not rushing you.â
Bradley sat down fully on the floor now, settling in. âFanboy texted again,â he said, glancing at the phone. âHe wants to know if you need anything.â
Jake didnât lift his head. âTell him⌠yeah. A new stomach.â
Bradley snorted. âOn it.â
He typed quickly.
Nick watched him. âWhat did you actually say?â
Bradley smirked. âI said: âStill alive. Barely. Might need you to write my will.ââ
Jake let out a weak huff of laughter. âYouâre an idiot.â
âYeah,â Bradley said softly, âbut Iâm your idiot.â
Nickâs heart squeezed at that â the tenderness buried under the banter.
Jakeâs body sagged again, heavier this time. His breathing slowed, but not in a peaceful way â more like he was fighting to stay present.
Nick cupped his cheek. âHey. Look at me.â
Jake forced his eyes open, pupils unfocused.
âYouâre okay,â she whispered. âYouâre safe. Weâve got you.â
Bradley nodded. âAnd weâre not leaving this bathroom until youâre steady enough to move.â
Jake exhaled weakly, his body loosening as exhaustion pulled at him. His hand twitched against Nickâs thigh, the closest he could get to grounding himself.
Nick brushed her thumb along his cheekbone. âHeâs burning up,â she murmured.
Jakeâs eyes drifted shut again.
Nick leaned closer, her lips near Bradleyâs ear. âBradley⌠should we⌠does he need a hospital?â
She said it quietly â but Jake still heard. His eyes fluttered open, hazy.
Bradley shook his head gently. âNick⌠I know itâs scary. But Jakeâs tough. This is just food poisoning. Heâll get through it.â
Nick swallowed, her breath trembling.
âHeâs so pale. And heâs shaking.â
Bradley softened. âI know. But he just needs time. And rest. And enough strength to get up so we can get him to bed.â
Jake let out a faint groan. ââM not⌠that bad,â he whispered. âDonât⌠take me anywhere.â
Nickâs breath hitched. âBaby, I wasnâtââ
âYou were,â he murmured. âI heard you.â
Bradley huffed a quiet laugh. âManâs half-dead and still listening in.â
Jake tried to glare at him but didnât have the strength.
Nick stroked his hair. âI just⌠you scared me. You still are.â
Jake swallowed, throat burning. âJust⌠need a minute.â
Bradley nodded. âHeâs right. He needs a minute to get his bearings. Then weâll help him up.â
Jake made a weak noise of agreement.
Nick pressed her forehead gently to his. âOkay. But if you get worse, weâre going. No arguments.â
Jake didnât argue.
Bradley rewet the washcloth and pressed it to the back of Jakeâs neck. âHere. Thisâll help cool him down.â
Jake let out a soft, grateful sigh.
Nick looked up at Bradley, eyes glassy. âThank you.â
Bradley shrugged. âHey. Weâre a team. When one of us goes down, the other two pick him up.â
Jake made a faint sound â something between a groan and a laugh. âDidnât⌠go down.â
Bradley smirked. âBuddy, youâre literally on the bathroom floor.â
Jake didnât have the energy to argue.
Nick kissed the top of his head. âJust rest. Weâre right here.â
Jakeâs breathing slowed, his body finally relaxing as the worst of the nausea ebbed. His muscles trembled with the aftershocks, each breath a shaky, uneven pull. Sweat cooled on his skin, leaving him chilled and feverish all at once.
Nick kept one arm wrapped around him, the other stroking gently through his hair. She didnât speak. She didnât rush him. She just held him, grounding him with her warmth and steady presence.
Bradley stayed close on the floor beside them, elbows resting on his knees, watching Jake with a steady, protective focus.
Jakeâs breathing slowed, his body finally relaxingâjust easingâagainst her as the worst of the nausea ebbed. His muscles trembled with the aftershocks, each breath a shaky, uneven pull. Sweat cooled on his skin, leaving him chilled and feverish all at once.
Nick kept one arm wrapped around him, the other stroking gently through his hair. She didnât speak. She didnât rush him. She just held him, grounding him with her warmth and steady presence.
Bradley still sat on the floor beside them, back against the tub, watching Jake with a mixture of worry and that familiar I told you so simmering behind his eyes. But he kept it to himself now.
âDo you need anything else?â Bradley asked quietly.
Jake didnât answer right away. His throat felt shredded, his stomach hollow and aching. He drew in a slow breath, trying to steady himself.
Nick shifted slightly, brushing another damp strand of hair off his forehead. âAnything at all?â she murmured. âJust tell us.â
Jakeâs eyes fluttered open, unfocused and glassy. He tried to speak, but the words caught in his raw throat. He swallowed again, grimacing.
Nick hesitated before adding softly, âI have something I take for nausea. It might help you feel better.â
Jake didnât react at first. He was too tired, too wrung out, too overwhelmed by the lingering waves of sickness rolling through him. But he heard the tremor in her voice â the fear she was trying so hard to hide.
He hated that heâd put it there.
His muscles felt like liquid, his bones hollowed out. The fever made everything distant and dreamlike, except for the sharp pangs still twisting through his gut.
âI donât know if I could swallow anythingâŚâ he rasped.
Nick shook her head gently. âYou donât have to swallow it. It dissolves under your tongue.â
Jake closed his eyes again, breathing shallowly. The idea of putting anything in his mouth made his stomach clench in warning.
Bradley noticed the tension ripple through him. âHey,â he said softly, âyou donât have to take anything right now.â
Jake let out a shaky exhale, grateful for the out.
Nick didnât push. She just kept stroking his hair, her touch soft and rhythmic. âIt doesnât taste great,â she admitted quietly. âBut it works. It really does.â
Jake didnât respond. He wasnât ready. His body was still too raw, too reactive. Even the thought of shifting his weight made his stomach flutter uneasily.
A long moment passed â quiet except for Jakeâs uneven breaths and the faint hum of the bathroom fan.
Bradley reached for the washcloth again, rewetting it and pressing it gently to the back of Jakeâs neck. âYouâre cooling down a little,â he murmured. âThatâs good.â
Jake didnât lift his head, but he leaned slightly into the coolness.
Nick brushed her thumb along his cheek. âHowâs your stomach now?â
Jake swallowed, grimacing. âStill⌠bad,â he whispered.
âBad like youâre gonna be sick again?â Bradley asked.
Jake hesitated, then shook his head weakly. âJust⌠feels wrong.â
Nickâs heart clenched. âBabyâŚâ
Jake forced his eyes open, meeting hers for a moment. âYouâre sure this medicine will help.â
She nodded immediately. âI do.â
He swallowed again, wincing at the burn. âWhat⌠what does it taste like?â
Nick smiled softly. âArtificial cherries. So not the best flavor.â
Jake groaned. âGreat.â
âBut,â she added gently, âit works fast. And you donât have to swallow it. Just let it sit there.â
Jakeâs stomach twisted again â not violently, but enough to make him clench his jaw.
Nick nodded, relief softening her features. âOkay. Bradley could you grab the medicine? It's in my nightstand.â
Bradley pushed himself up from the floor, moving quickly. âBe right back.â
Nick shifted slightly, adjusting her hold on Jake. âYouâre doing great,â she whispered, pressing her lips against his temple.
âThink⌠think I can move now,â he murmured, though he wasnât entirely sure. The bathroom had stopped spinning at least, which seemed like progress.
âLetâs get you up, then,â Nick said, her voice laced with concern.
Jake nodded weakly, bracing himself. This would be the first time heâd tried to stand since dropping to his knees in front of the toilet. Nick shifted, sliding her arm around his waist to support his weight. He placed one trembling hand against the cool tile wall, drawing in a shaky breath.
âOn three,â she murmured. âOne⌠two⌠three.â
Jake pushed upward. His legs quivered like overcooked noodles beneath him. The bathroom tilted alarmingly for a moment, and his stomach gave a weak protest â not the same lurch from earlier, but a deep, raw twist that reminded him just how thoroughly heâd emptied himself. He made it halfway before his knees buckled. His weight slumped heavily against Nick, nearly dragging her down with him.
âWhoa,â she gasped, struggling to keep them both upright. He was boneless with exhaustion, far too heavy for her alone. âBradley!â she called, her voice sharp with urgency. âI need you in here!â
Bradley appeared almost instantly, the foil packet already in one hand. He shoved it toward Nick as he caught Jake under the other arm, his grip steady and sure. âGot him.â
The extra support kept Jake from collapsing back onto the tile. He sagged between them, breath hitching as a fresh wave of dizziness rolled through. His knees felt useless, shaky as a newborn coltâs, and the humiliation burned even through the fog. But he wasnât alone â Nickâs hand stayed firm at his side, Bradleyâs warm and solid around his bicep, her cooler fingers splayed against his ribs through the damp shirt. Their presence was the only thing anchoring him upright.
âEasy,â Nick murmured, taking the medicine from Bradley without letting go of him for long. âEasy, baby.â
Jake let his head fall forward, forehead nearly brushing Bradleyâs shoulder. âIâm gonna kill Fanboy,â he muttered hoarsely.
Bradley gave a short huff that mightâve been a laugh. âGet in line.â
They held him steady until the room stopped pitching quite so violently. Jake could feel the difference already â the sharpest edge of the nausea had backed off half a step, leaving behind a heavy, bruised ache instead of something trying to claw its way free.
âDonât move,â Bradley said.
âWasnât planning on tap dancing,â Jake rasped. His own voice sounded wrecked, scraped raw from everything heâd brought up earlier.
Nick tore open the foil packet. âCan you lift your tongue for me?â
Jake managed a miserable look in her direction. âYou make everything sound so sexy, darlinâ.â
âShut up,â she said, but her mouth twitched with the hint of a smile. âOpen.â
He did, barely. She slid the little tablet under his tongue with careful fingers. The artificial cherry taste hit almost immediately â too sweet, too fake, clinging to the back of his throat in a chalky, grainy film that made his stomach twitch faintly.
He grimaced. âThatâs vile.â
âYouâre welcome,â Nick murmured, her breath brushing warm against his cheek.
They stayed like that for another long minute while he breathed through the lingering dizziness. The tablet dissolved slowly, leaving that unpleasant sweetness behind. Jake swallowed on instinct and immediately regretted it as his throat flared with a fresh burn. âJesus.â
âSmall breaths,â Nick said softly. âJust let it work.â
Bradley kept his grip firm and unshakable. âThink you can make it to the bed now, or are we setting up camp in the bathroom?â
Jake shut his eyes for a second. The tile was cool under his bare feet, the air thick with the faint smell of soap and lingering sickness. His stomach still sat heavy inside him, completely empty now, but the medicine was already dulling the worst of the threats. âBed,â he muttered. âDefinitely bed.â
âAlright,â Bradley said. âBut you lean on us, got it? None of that macho bullshit.â
Jake wouldâve told him off if heâd had any strength left. Instead, he gave the tiniest nod.
They moved in slow, awkward shuffles out of the bathroom and straight into the bedroom, the distance only a few short feet. Bradley had one arm hooked solidly around him, and Nick stayed close on his other side, her hand warm and steady against his ribs. Jake kept his gaze fixed on the floor because looking anywhere else still made the room sway gently. It should have been embarrassing â needing both of them just for those few steps â and it was. But every time he tried to take more of his own weight, his knees threatened to fold again. His pride could sit down and shut up for once.
They guided him around to the side of the bed he usually slept on. The bedroom was dim, lit mostly by the last golden wash of evening pushing through the curtains. The mattress looked absurdly inviting after the cold tile.
âAlmost there,â Nick murmured.
âI know where the bed is,â Jake muttered.
âCongratulations,â Bradley said, a teasing lilt in his voice. âStill walking like Bambi on ice, though.â
Jake would have flipped him off if either hand had been free. Instead, he focused on putting one foot in front of the other until the backs of his legs finally brushed the mattress. Relief washed through him, soft and bone-deep.
âSit,â Nick said gently.
âWas already planning on it, sweetheart.â
The smart answer came out thin and rough, nowhere near his usual confident drawl. He let himself drop the last few inches onto the bed, catching himself with one shaky hand. The room tipped briefly, then settled into a slow, manageable sway.
Bradley crouched in front of him, hands hovering near Jakeâs knees like he still didnât quite trust gravity. âStay put.â
Jake looked down at him through half-lidded eyes. âYou always this bossy?â
âOnly when you poison yourself for fun.â
Jake let his head bow for a moment, too tired to fire back properly. The mattress dipped as Nick moved around him, pulling the covers back with quick, efficient movements. A drawer opened. Fabric rustled. The low hum of the air conditioner filled the quiet, its cool breeze welcome against his damp, overheated skin.
âYou need to get out of this shirt,â she said.
Jake lifted his head enough to squint at her. âYou trying to cop a feel while Iâm dying, Mitchell?â
His voice was scraped raw, but it earned him exactly what he wanted â a soft huff of laughter from her.
âTragic that youâre still flirting,â she said, eyes warm with affection. âCan you lift your arms?â
He glanced down at the damp collar clinging uncomfortably to his back. He felt grimy, overheated, and vaguely poisoned from the inside out. âYeah.â
That turned out to be a lie.
He got one arm halfway up before his stomach gave a faint clench and the room shifted sideways again. Bradleyâs hand landed on his shoulder immediately, steadying him. âLiar,â Bradley said, already reaching in to help.
Jake didnât have the energy to argue. He let them work together â Bradley easing one sleeve off while Nick carefully worked the hem over his head. The movement pulled a muted protest from his stomach, but it was dulled now, just an ugly echo rather than something clawing up his throat. The tabletâs nasty cherry film still lingered, grainy and sweet in the worst way, but the violent spinning had eased into a heavy, foggy drift.
Cooler air hit his bare skin. He shivered anyway.
Nick was in front of him again, holding a soft, clean T-shirt. âHere. This way you donât get the bed all sticky.â
They helped him into it, the fabric blessedly gentle against his clammy skin. Once he was settled back against the propped pillows, Nick disappeared for a moment and returned with a fresh cool washcloth and a glass of water.
âSmall sips,â she said, pressing the straw to his lips first. âJust enough to wash that taste away.â
Jake took a tentative sip. The water was cool and clean. It soothed his raw throat and rinsed some of the chalky cherry film from his mouth. A second small sip followed, and his stomach accepted it without much complaint â empty now, but no longer threatening rebellion. He sighed as Nick laid the refreshed washcloth across his forehead, the chill seeping in like a quiet promise of relief.
âThatâs better,â he whispered, eyes already drifting shut. The exhaustion tugged at him harder now, heavy and insistent, the kind that followed emptying everything out and finally feeling the medicine start to take hold.
Nick brushed damp strands of hair from his temple. Bradley settled on one side of the bed, solid and present, while she took the other.
âStay?â Jake mumbled, half-gone already.
âWeâre not going anywhere,â Bradley answered softly.
âI was talking to our girl Bradley not you,â he groaned as he reached for Nick's hand.
Nickâs fingers slid into his, squeezing once. âI know who you were talking to,â she murmured.
Bradley made a rough sound that might have been a laugh. âUnbelievable.â
âBut I also know that you want Bradley here. Because you realize I can't sleep without either of you,â she said.
Jake cracked one eye open.
Nick sat beside him in the dim light, her hand wrapped around his, her dark hair falling over one shoulder. Bradley was already climbing onto the other side of the bed, muttering under his breath like he had complaints, but he was still there, still staying. That was the thing. Bradley could gripe all night and never once leave.
Jake let his eyes fall shut again.
âYeah,â he mumbled, voice wrecked. âFine. Both of you.â
Nick gave his hand another squeeze, then glanced toward the nightstand. âYou want a little more water? I can grab it.â
Jake made a faint sound that was probably supposed to be yes. His throat still felt flayed open, and the couple of sips heâd managed had only reminded him how dry his mouth was.
âIâve got it,â Bradley said.
Nick was already moving. âIâm closer.â
The mattress shifted as she leaned away, reaching for the glass. Ice clicked softly. Jake tracked the sound more than the motion, too tired to lift his head much. When she slid back beside him, the straw touched his lower lip.
âJust a bit,â she murmured.
He obeyed this time without any smart answer, taking two careful sips. Cool water washed away the stale acid taste still clinging to the back of his tongue. His stomach gave a weak, suspicious twist, then settled again.
âThere you go,â Nick said softly. âNow how about we go to bed?â
Jake made a tired sound in the back of his throat and gave the smallest nod he could manage. âYeah. Bed sounds real good.â
Nickâs mouth softened into something that looked like relief. âOkay.â She brushed her knuckles over his cheek once. âIâm gonna change first. Two minutes.â
âTake your time,â Bradley said from the other side, already shoving his own legs farther under the covers.
Jake wanted to tell them both to stop fussing.
What came out instead was a hoarse, useless, âMm.â
Nick leaned over him long enough to kiss his temple, then slipped off the bed. He heard the soft shuffle of her steps crossing the room, the rustle of fabric, a drawer sliding open. Bradley, meanwhile, settled in beside him with all the weight and heat of a man making it very clear he was staying put.
The mattress dipped further. A hand brushed lightly over Jakeâs ribs through the shirt, checking, grounding, probably both.
âYou still with me?â Bradley asked quietly.
Jake cracked an eye open. Bradleyâs face was a little blurred at the edges in the low light, mustache and all, but close enough to make out the line between his brows. âUnfortunately.â
That earned him a faint snort. âGood. Means youâre not dead.â
âDisappointed?â
âDevastated.â
âHey! Be nice to him. He doesnât feel well,â Nick chastised.
Jake let his head roll a fraction toward Nickâs voice.
She stood by the dresser in one of his old shirts and a pair of sleep shorts, hair falling loose now around her shoulders, looking soft and warm and entirely too good for a man currently recovering from losing a fight with a fish taco.
Bradley lifted both hands in surrender, though one of them stayed braced on Jakeâs side. âI am being nice.â
âYouâre being you,â Nick said, climbing back onto the bed.
âWhich is a public service.â
Jake shut his eyes again. âPlease,â he muttered, voice frayed to hell, âsave the flirting till Iâm less poisoned.â
That got him a quiet laugh from both of them, low and familiar and close enough to settle something in his chest.
The bed shifted as Nick slid in between them. Cool fingers touched his forehead, then his cheek, checking. Making sure he was okay. âYou-.â
âIâm fine Darlinâ. Lets go to sleep kay?â He softly murmured.
Nick made a soft sound like she didnât believe him for a second, but she didnât argue. Instead she shifted closer, slid down carefully beside him, and spread one hand over the center of his chest. Then the other. A second later she tucked herself in against him and laid her cheek there too, right over his heartbeat, her hair spilling warm across his shoulder and throat.
The weight of her wasnât much, but it grounded him all the same.
Jake let out a long breath through his nose. Her palms were cool against the fever heat still trapped under his skin, and the steady press of her ear over his chest made something in him unclench. He could feel each weak thud of his heart against her cheek. Feel her breathing too, slow and even, syncing up around him like she was trying to coax his body into following suit.
âThere,â she murmured, voice muffled against his shirt. âNow go to sleep.â
He hummed as Bradley wrapped his arms around Nick, sandwiching her in between them.
Are you ok? I noticed there wasn't an update and wanted to check in
Awe!!!! Thank you for checking in! I'm okay.
I didn't get much writing done this week so I ended up not posting. I'm unfortunately starting to run out of finished chapters for She's Theirs and struggling to write anything new. I know what I want to happen going forward but it's writing the in-between and filler chapters that connect to major ones that are giving me trouble. Plus I still have major chapters to write. đŹ
That being said if you have any ideas for filler chapters let me know! I'd be happy to try and use them!
I also may or may not be looking for costume ideas for Jake, Nick and Bradley. So if you or anyone else has good Halloween costume ideas hit me up please!
Author Notes: Hey everyone here is the next chapter! I decided to throw a little angst/drama in this one so please don't hate me! As always please don't forget to reblog or comment with your thoughts! Enjoy!
Phoenix sat in the narrow waiting area outside Cycloneâs office, elbows on her knees, hands clasped so tightly her knuckles had gone pale. The hallway was quiet in that way that made every sound feel too loud â the hum of the overhead lights, the distant echo of boots on tile, the soft click of someone typing behind the reception desk. Every noise pressed against her nerves like static.
She kept her eyes fixed on the floor, on a scuffed patch of linoleum between her boots. Looking anywhere else meant letting her mind wander, and wandering meant remembering. Remembering meant feeling â and she couldnât afford that. Not here. Not now.
Her leg bounced once. She forced it still. Her fingers twitched. She laced them together tighter. She needed to look composed. Professional. Unbothered. She needed to be the version of herself everyone expected â the one who didnât break, didnât flinch, didnât let anything slip through the cracks.
But her chest felt tight, like something inside her was splintering.
The office door opened with a soft click.
âLieutenant Trace,â Cyclone said from the doorway, his voice steady and unreadable. âCome in.â
Phoenix stood immediately, smoothing her palms down her thighs before following him inside. The door shut behind her with a quiet thud that felt louder than it should have.
Cyclone didnât sit right away. He moved behind his desk, sorting through a few papers, tapping something on his tablet, giving her just enough silence to make her pulse spike. Phoenix hovered for a moment, unsure if she should wait to be told â then finally lowered herself into the chair across from him.
He still didnât look at her.
The seconds stretched. The room felt too still, too controlled, like he was letting the quiet do the work for him. Phoenix stared straight ahead, jaw tight, trying not to fidget, trying not to let the tension show. She could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her, the expectation, the scrutiny, the unspoken question of what exactly had happened in that hangar.
Cyclone finally set the tablet down and met her eyes.
âI heard there was an incident.â
No tone. No judgment. Just calm. Too calm. The kind of calm that made her stomach twist.
Phoenix swallowed hard. She could lie. She was good at lying. Sheâd been doing it for years â to her friends, to her squad, to herself. She could give Cyclone the bare minimum, keep everything vague, keep the truth buried where it belonged.
And for a split second â just one â the thought flickered through her mind:
She could tell him.
She could say the words. She could hand the whole situation over to someone else, let the fallout land where it may. She could make it his problem instead of hers.
It would be easy. One sentence. One truth. And everything would change.
But the image of their faces â Nickâs shock, Jakeâs hurt, Bradleyâs anger â hit her like a punch. If she said anything, if she exposed them, that would be it. Whatever was left of their friendship would be gone. Burned to ash. And she wasnât willing to lose them. Not like that. Not because of her.
It wasnât her place. It wasnât her secret. And no matter how twisted up she felt inside, she wasnât going to be the one who destroyed them.
So she did what she always did. She compartmentalized. She sealed it away.
âI had a disagreement with Seresin and Bradshaw,â she said, her voice steadier than she felt. âIt got heated. Weâve handled it.â
Cyclone studied her, his face giving nothing away. âHeated enough that Lieutenant Machado felt the need to intervene?â
Her throat tightened. So he already knew. Of course he knew. Rumors spread faster than fire through dry grass.
âYes, sir,â she said quietly. âI said some things I shouldnât have.â
Cyclone leaned back slightly, not relaxed but measured, the way someone did when they were choosing their next words carefully. âAbout?â
Phoenix met his gaze without flinching. âNothing important.â
A beat of silence. Not accusatory â just patient. Waiting.
Cycloneâs expression didnât shift, but something in his posture softened by a fraction. Not leniency. Not indulgence. Something closer to concern, buried under layers of command presence.
âYou know the Dagger squad is the most cohesive unit on this base,â he said. âAnd cohesion like that only exists when thereâs real trust holding it together.â
Phoenix kept her breathing even. âIt wonât affect operations.â
âThat wasnât my question.â
She felt the words like a pressure against her ribs. Cyclone wasnât pushing â not exactly. He wasnât interrogating her. He wasnât demanding answers. He was giving her space to speak, space to offer something, space to trust him.
And she couldnât. Not with this. Not with the thing clawing at her insides, the thing sheâd spent years burying, the thing that had erupted the moment she saw the three of them together and realized how close she was to losing it over something she thought sheâd long since buried.
âIt was personal,â she said finally, choosing each word with care. âSomething from before. It came up unexpectedly. I didnât handle it well.â
Cycloneâs eyes sharpened, but his voice stayed level. âIs it something that compromises your ability to fly?â
âNo, sir.â
âYour ability to work with your team?â
She hesitated â just long enough for him to notice â then shook her head. âNo, sir.â
Another long moment of silence. Cyclone didnât look away. He didnât press. He didnât demand more. He simply watched her with the kind of quiet, steady attention that made her feel seen in a way she didnât want to be.
âLieutenant,â he said finally, âyouâre one of the strongest pilots Iâve ever trained. But strength doesnât mean pretending nothing affects you.â
Phoenixâs jaw tightened. She didnât respond.
âIâm not asking for details,â Cyclone continued. âIâm asking if youâre all right.â
The question hit harder than anything else heâd said. Not because of the words â but because of the way he said them. Calm. Direct. Without judgment. Without expectation. With something that felt dangerously close to care.
Phoenix forced herself to nod. âI will be.â
Cyclone studied her for another moment, then gave a single, accepting nod. âIf this⌠situation resurfaces, you come to me. Understood?â
âYes, sir.â
His tone shifted â still professional, but gentler at the edges. âIntentions matter, Trace. And so does trust. Whatever this is, make sure it doesnât erode what your team relies on.â
âIâll do my best, sir.â
âGood.â He picked up his tablet again, signaling the conversation was over. âYouâre dismissed.â
Phoenix stood, her movements controlled, precise. She turned toward the door, her heartbeat still uneven, her thoughts still a tangled mess she couldnât begin to unravel.
But sheâd survived the conversation. Sheâd kept the truth buried. Sheâd held the line.
For now.
Nick hadnât even made it to her lab yet. Sheâd barely stepped off the elevator when she decided she needed caffeine before diving into her morning. The small cafĂŠ near the engineering wing was already open, and the smell of fresh coffee drifting into the hallway was enough to pull her in.
She ordered her usual â and without really thinking about it, she ordered her dadâs too.
Heâd been on base during the earthquake yesterday. Heâd had to of seen her leave with Jake and Bradley, pale and shaken, and even though sheâd settled quickly once she was with them, she knew Maverick. He worried quietly, in that way only he could. He wouldnât bring it up unless she did, but she could feel the question hanging in the air between them.
So stopping by his office didnât feel like a detour.
It felt⌠right.
Normal.
Comforting, even.
Two coffees in hand, she headed down the familiar hallway toward the flight instructorsâ offices. The morning bustle was starting to pick up â distant voices, the clatter of someone rolling a toolbox, the faint hum of jets being prepped outside. It was the kind of background noise sheâd grown up with, the kind that always made her feel grounded.
Her dadâs door was cracked open, a sliver of warm light spilling into the hall. She paused just long enough to shift the cups in her hands, then lifted her knuckles and tapped lightly on the frame.
âHey, Dad,â she said, leaning in with a small smile. âBrought you some coffee.â
Maverick looked up from his desk, a flicker of surprise crossing his weathered features before it softened into a smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. âKiddo,â he said, pushing his chair back slightly. âYouâre a sight for sore eyes. Wasnât expecting you this morning.â
âFigured you could use the caffeine,â she replied, stepping fully into the office and handing him his cup.
The familiar space wrapped around her like a wornâin jacket â paperwork stacked in uneven piles, the faint smell of jet fuel clinging to his leather jacket hanging by the door, framed photos arranged in that casual, instinctive way her dad always did things. It wasnât neat, but it was unmistakably him. And somehow, it felt like home.
Maverick took the cup from her, his fingers brushing hers briefly. âAh, so thatâs what brings my favorite daughter by.â
Nick rolled her eyes, but the smile tugging at her mouth was impossible to hide. âDad, Iâm your only daughter.â
âStill my favorite,â he said, lifting the cup in a small toast before taking a sip. His shoulders eased â the way they always did when she walked in. âThanks, kiddo. This is exactly what I needed.â
He looked at her, his eyes sharp but kind beneath bushy eyebrows. âHow are you feeling this morning?â
The question wasnât unexpected. Nick took a sip of her coffee, buying time as she settled into the chair opposite his desk. âBetter,â she said, and it was mostly true. The immediate panic from yesterday had faded, replaced by a bone-deep weariness that clung to her muscles like honey.
Maverick nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. âDid I see you leaving with Bradley yesterday?â
She nodded. âYeah. We happened to be near each other when the earthquake happened. He offered to walk me to my car to make sure I got there okay.â
âI'm glad. Bradley is a good kid.â
Maverick said it with a small nod, but his eyes lingered on her a moment longer â really taking her in. The relief there was subtle, but unmistakable. It had been weeks, since theyâd actually sat in the same room, and yesterdayâs chaos had only made that distance feel sharper.
âYou know,â he said quietly, âwhen the quake hit⌠my first instinct was to go find you.â
Nickâs breath caught. She hadnât expected him to say it so plainly.
âBut I couldnât,â he went on, rubbing a hand over his jaw. âWe had jets on the tarmac, alarms going off, people needing direction. I had a job to do.â
Nick swallowed, her fingers tightening around her cup. âI figured youâd be worried. Thatâs⌠why I came by.â
Maverickâs expression warmed instantly â that familiar, quiet affection that always made her feel steadier. âI was. You hate earthquakes. Always have.â
She let out a shaky breath. âYeah. Yesterday wasnât great.â
âI know,â he said, his voice softening. âI remember that day too. You were so brave.â
Nickâs throat tightened. She took another sip of coffee to hide the emotion welling up. âI wasnât brave. I was terrified.â
âNo you were brave, kiddo. Being scared but still pushing through.â His eyes crinkled at the corners. âLike father, like daughter.â
Nick felt warmth spread through her chest at his words.
âYou really think so?â Nick asked, her voice small but hopeful.
Maverick leaned forward, his eyes softening. âI do.â He leaned back in his chair. His fingers drummed gently on the desk, a subtle tell that he was thinking of something else. âYouâve always had that Mitchell spirit, even when youâre scared.â
She looked down at her coffee, suddenly finding the lid intensely interesting. The weight of everythingâPhoenixâs threats, the earthquake, her complicated relationshipâfelt like it was pressing down on her chest. Part of her wanted to tell him everything right then, to let the truth spill out and deal with the consequences.
But the moment passed. She wasnât ready to shatter this peaceful moment between them.
âI appreciate that, Dad,â she said instead, her voice soft.
Maverick nodded. âPenny tells me she went shopping with you so you could buy a dress for your high school reunion. How did that go?â
Nick smiled a little, the memory softer than she expected. âIt was good. The reunion was⌠actually nice. Better than I thought it would be.â
âYeah?â Maverick leaned back, giving her his full attention. âWhoâd you end up catching, up with?â
âRachel, mostly.â Nickâs smile warmed. âWe spent a lot of time talking. It was really good to see her.â
Maverickâs expression softened. âHowâs she doing? And her husband?â
âTheyâre good. Busy, but good. Sheâs still the same Rachel.â
âThatâs good to hear.â He nodded, a quiet fondness in his voice. âYou two were always thick as thieves.â
Nick huffed a small laugh. âPretty much.â
Maverick watched her for a moment â really watched her â and something eased in his shoulders, like hearing her talk about something good was its own kind of relief. âSounds like it was a good night for you.â
âIt was,â she admitted. âIâm glad I went.â
He smiled â small, warm, like she was used to. âIâm glad too.â
A beat passed, comfortable and easy in a way they hadnât shared in a while.
Then Maverick glanced at her over the rim of his cup, something soft settling in his expression. âHey⌠since Iâve actually got you in one place for more than five minutes, how about you come over for dinner this week?â
Nick blinked. âDinner?â
âYeah.â He shrugged, casual but hopeful. âMe, Penny, Amelia. Itâs been too long since weâve all sat down together. And after yesterday⌠Iâd like to have you close for a bit.â
Nickâs chest tightened in that warm, familiar way. âYeah. Iâd like that.â
Maverick smiled â small, relieved, unmistakably dad. âGood. Penny will be thrilled.â
âDo you know why heâs calling us into his office?â Bradley asked as he and Jake walked in lockstep down the corridor.
âNo but I can venture a guess.â He replied as they walked up to a small desk. âHi, Lieutenant Seresin and Lieutenant Bradshaw for Admiral Simpson.â
Without looking up from her computer she replied. âDoors unlocked. Heâs waiting for you.â
Jakeâs hand froze on the door handle. He exchanged a glance with Bradleyâa silent conversation that passed between them in the space of a heartbeat. The weight of what Cyclone might want settled over them like a heavy blanket.
âAfter you,â Jake said, his voice low as he pushed the door open.
The admiralâs office was exactly as Jake remembered itâsparse, functional, commanding. Cyclone sat behind his desk, hands folded, his expression unreadable. He didnât look up immediately, instead finishing a note on the tablet before him.
âGentlemen,â he said finally, gesturing to the two chairs across from him. âHave a seat.â
Jake lowered himself into one, back straight, shoulders squared. This wasnât the posture of Hangmanâthis was the posture of Lieutenant Seresin, the one who knew when to shelve the swagger. Bradley mirrored him, their movements synchronized in a way that felt almost rehearsed.
Cyclone leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied the two men before him. The silence stretched like taffy, pulling taut until Jake could feel it press against his temples.
âDo you gentleman know why I asked you.â
Jake gave him a small nod. âWe have an idea sir.â
âI already spoke with Phoenix and got her side of things,â he said as he clasped his hands together. âNow I want to get yours.â
Bradley shifted in his seat, his back straightening as he met Cycloneâs gaze directly. âWhat exactly did Phoenix tell you, sir?â
The question hung in the air between them, sharp and deliberate. Bradley kept his expression neutral, but Jake could feel the tension radiating from him in waves.
Cyclone studied them both for a moment, his expression giving nothing away. âShe said she had a disagreement with you both. That things got heated.â His tone remained neutral, carefully measured. âShe indicated it was personal in nature and assured me it wouldnât affect operations.â
Jakeâs jaw tightened. So Phoenix had kept their secret after all. Relief mingled with confusionâwhy protect them after everything sheâd said?
âDid she mention what the disagreement was about sir?â Jake asked, keeping his voice even.
âNo,â Cyclone said, his gaze shifting between the two of them. âShe was deliberately vague. But the fact that Lieutenant Machado felt compelled to intervene suggests this wasnât a simple disagreement.â
Bradleyâs shoulders tensed beside Jake, the subtle shift barely noticeable to anyone who didnât know him as well as Jake did.
âThatâs true. The disagreement was personal in nature, sir,â Bradley said, his voice steady despite the tension Jake could feel radiating from him. âBut as Lieutenant Trace said, it wonât affect our ability to work together.â
Cycloneâs expression didnât change, but something in his eyes sharpened. âPersonal disagreements have a way of spilling over into professional situations.â He leaned forward, elbows on his desk. âEspecially when they involve members of the same squad who are close outside of work.â
Jake kept his expression neutral, though his pulse kicked up a notch. This wasnât an interrogationânot exactlyâbut it felt dangerously close.
Cyclone didnât immediately respond. His eyes shifted from Jake to Bradley, then back again, measuring them both with that cool, assessing gaze that had earned him his callsign. Jake forced himself to keep breathing evenly, to maintain his neutral expression despite the tightness in his chest.
âIâm not interested in the specifics of your personal lives,â Cyclone said finally, his voice level. âWhat concerns me is cohesion. The Dagger squad functions at its highest level because of the trust you all have for one another. If that trust erodes, the entire unit suffers.â
Bradley nodded. âWe understand, sir.â
âPhoenixâhas been with us for a long time,â Cyclone continued, his voice carrying a weight that made Jakeâs stomach tighten. âYou two have been here just as long. Whatever this disagreement is about, I expect you to make sure it doesnât happen again. Whatever it takes.â
Jake nodded, keeping his expression carefully neutral. âWe intend to, sir.â
Cyclone leaned back, his chair creaking softly. âGood. Because I canât have my best pilots at each otherâs throats.â His gaze shifted between them, something calculating in his expression. âYouâve both come a long way from the hotshots who showed up at Top Gun. Donât throw that away over personal drama.â
âYes, sir,â Bradley answered, his voice steady despite the tension Jake could feel radiating from him.
Cyclone studied them for a moment longer, then nodded once. âDismissed.â
Jake stood, relief washing through him as they made their way to the door. They were almost free when Cyclone spoke again, stopping them in their tracks.
âOne more thing,â Cyclone said, his voice casual but pointed.âI know youâre all friends. But this job has to come before that. Remember that.â
They gave him a nod and then exited his office.
âClose call,â Jake muttered as they rounded the corner away from Cycloneâs office.
Bradley nodded, his jaw tight. âToo close.â He glanced around to ensure they were alone before continuing, âWhy do you think Phoenix didnât tell him?â
Jake shook his head, running a hand through his hair. âI donât know. After everything she said, threatening to tell Maverick...â He trailed off, the weight of that particular threat still heavy on his mind. âMaybe what Coyote said to her yesterday got through to her after all.â
Bradleyâs expression darkened. âOr maybe sheâs just biding her time.â
They walked in silence for a moment, the tension between them palpable despite the brief reprieve from Cycloneâs scrutiny.
âWhat do we do now?â Jake asked quietly. âAbout Phoenix, I mean.â
Bradley sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets. âI donât know. Maybe we need to think about lying low for a while.â He paused. âJust till things calm down.â
He shook his head. âNick's probably not going to like that.â
âI know, but what are our other options?â
The sun was already low and bleeding orange through the blinds when Nick finally made it back to the apartment, her keys scraping twice against the lock before catching.
Jake was leaning against the counter with his arms crossed while Bradley was on a stool, and between them sat an extra large pizza box, still steaming faintly at the corners.
âHey you two? How was work?â She asked as she placed her purse down by the door.
âGood. We brought dinner,â Jake said, gesturing toward the pizza box on the counter. His usual cocky grin was tempered with something softer as he watched her.
Nickâs stomach growled at the sight, reminding her sheâd skipped lunch. The day had been longâbetween catching up on work sheâd missed yesterday and the lingering anxiety from the earthquake.
âHow are you feeling today?â Bradley asked, hopping off the stool and moving towards her to brush his fingers against her arm.
âIâm okay,â she said, leaning into his touch. âBetter than yesterday, for sure.â
The three of them settled around the small kitchen table, the pizza open between them. For a few minutes, they ate in comfortable silence, the only sounds the occasional clink of a plate or glass.
âCyclone called us in today,â Bradley said casually, but Nick noticed the slight tension in his shoulders.
She froze with a slice halfway to her mouth. âWhat happened?â
âNothing serious,â Jake interjected quickly. âHe wanted to ask about what happened with Phoenix.â
Nick lowered the pizza slice back to her plate, her appetite suddenly vanishing. âWhat did he ask?â
âJust about the argument,â Bradley said, his voice careful. âHeâd already spoken to Phoenix, but wanted to hear our side.â
Jake took a sip of water, watching her over the rim of his glass. âShe didnât tell him about us.â
The words hung in the air between them. Nick felt a strange mixture of relief and confusion flood through her.
âShe didnât?â Nick asked, unable to keep the surprise from her voice.
Bradley shook his head. âShe told him it was a personal disagreement that got heated. Nothing about... this.â He gestured between the three of them.
Nick sat back in her chair, trying to process this unexpected turn. After everything Phoenix had said, after her threats about telling her dad...
âWhy wouldnât she tell him?â she asked, voicing the question that had immediately formed in her mind.
Jake and Bradley exchanged a look, both seeming to consider the question.
âMaybe sheâs having second thoughts,â Jake suggested, though his tone suggested he didnât fully believe it. âOr maybe sheâs worried about the consequences for herself if she admits to snooping.â
Nickâs fingers traced the edge of her plate, her appetite still gone despite the appealing aroma of the pizza. âOr maybe sheâs planning something else.â
Bradleyâs expression darkened. âWe thought about that too. Which is whyââ he hesitated, glancing at Jake before continuing, âwe think we should maybe... lie low for a while.â
âLie low?â Nick repeated, her voice rising slightly. âWhat does that mean exactly?â
âIt means we should be careful,â Jake explained, reaching across the table to take her hand. âNo more nights together at the Hard Deck. No more obvious displays when weâre on base. We need to keep our relationship under wraps until things settle down with Phoenix.â
Nick pulled her hand away from Jakeâs, anger flashing in her eyes.
âSo weâre supposed to hide? To pretend weâre not together?â Nickâs voice sharpened, her green eyes flashing. âAfter everything, weâre just going to let Phoenix dictate our lives?â
Bradley sighed, running a hand through his hair. âItâs not about letting her dictate anything. Itâs about being smart, Nick. About protecting all of us.â
âProtecting us from what?â Nick stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. âShe already threatened to tell my father. What more could she possibly do?â
Jakeâs jaw tightened. âShe could make things difficult for us at work. She could go to Cyclone. She couldââ
âShe could what?â Nick interrupted, her voice rising. âDestroy our careers? Is that what youâre afraid of?â
âNo,â Jake said firmly, standing to face her. âWeâre afraid of losing you. Of this thing we have falling apart.â
Nickâs anger faltered at the raw emotion in Jakeâs voice. Her eyes flickered between the two men, seeing the genuine fear there. The kitchen suddenly felt too small, too cramped with all of them standing.
âThatâs not going to happen,â she said, her voice quieter now but no less determined. âNot because of Phoenix. Not because of anyone.â
Bradley stepped closer, his voice gentle but firm. âWe know that, Nick. But we still need to be careful.â
âIâm tired of being careful,â she admitted, arms crossing tightly over her chest. âIâm tired of hiding what we have. We already have a secret relationship. What else is there to do?â
Jake reached for her hand again, voice gentle. âJust⌠be more discreet.â
Nick pulled away before he could touch her. She paced the small kitchen, frustration simmering under her skin. âI donât want to be discreet. I want to live my life without hiding who I love.â
Bradley stepped in front of her path, hands settling lightly on her shoulders. âWe all want that, Nick. But we have to be smart about this. Phoenix is volatile right now. If we give her some time, Iâm sure things will blow over.â
Nick slipped out of his grasp, shaking her head. âIâm sorry, but I just⌠I need a minute.â
She turned and walked out of the kitchen before either of them could respond. Her footsteps were soft, but the tension in the air was loud. She headed straight for the bedroom, closing the door behind her with a quiet, deliberate click â somehow more painful than a slam.
Inside, she pressed her back to the door, eyes squeezed shut as she tried to steady her breathing. The weight of everything â the secrecy, the fear, the constant pressure to pretend she was fine â pressed down on her all at once.
Her chest tightened. Her throat burned.
And then the tears came.
Silent at first, then harder, until she slid down the door and sat on the floor, knees pulled to her chest, trying to muffle the sound of her own sobs.
Jake ran a hand through his hair in the kitchen. âShit.â
Bradley exhaled slowly, leaning his hands on the counter. âYeah.â
They stood there for a moment, listening to the quiet house â too quiet. The kind of quiet that meant Nick wasnât okay.
Jakeâs voice softened. âWe should go make sure she's okay.â
Bradley nodded. âYeah. Come on.â
They walked down the hall together, their footsteps careful and quiet against the hardwood, stopping outside the closed bedroom door. Jake raised his knuckles and knockedâsoft, tentative, barely more than a tap.
âNick? Sweetheart?â
No answer.
Bradley tried next, voice low and steady. âSweetie, can you open the door?â
Still nothing.
Jake tried the handle. The mechanism gave a small, dull resistance â not the soft catch of a door simply shut, but the firm, definitive stop of something intentionally closed. He let go of it slowly.
He exchanged a worried look with Bradley. âShe never locks the door.â
Bradley pressed his forehead lightly to the wood. âNick⌠please talk to us.â
Silence.
Jake softened his voice even more. âWeâre not mad. You didnât do anything wrong. We just want to make sure youâre okay.â
A faint, shaky breath sounded from the other side â barely audible, but enough to break both their hearts.
She was crying. They made her cry.
Bradley tried again, gentle but firm. âBaby⌠let us in. You donât have to go through this alone.â
Another pause.
Then, slowly, the lock clicked.
Jake turned the handle slowly, easing the door open an inch at a time, one hand braced against the frame.
Nick sat on the floor, back against the door frame, eyes red and cheeks wet. She looked up at them, embarrassed, exhausted, overwhelmed.
âIâm sorry,â she whispered, wiping at her face. âI just⌠I needed a minute.â
Jake immediately crouched beside her, brushing a tear from her cheek. âYou donât have to apologize for that darlinâ.â
Bradley knelt on her other side, his hand warm on her back. âNever be sorry for how you feel,â he added softly.
Nick looked up at them through her tears, embarrassed by her outburst but unable to stop the flood of emotions. Their concerned faces blurred through her wet lashes.
âI donât want to hide,â she said, her voice breaking. âI donât want us to be something that has to stay secret.â
Jake sat down fully, pulling her against his chest. âWe know, darlinâ.â
She curled into him, soaking his shirt with her tears. âItâs not fair. Weâve done nothing wrong.â
Bradley settled closer on her other side, his hand tracing gentle circles on her back. âYouâre right. Itâs not fair.â
The three of them sat there on the bedroom floor, the tension from the kitchen slowly dissolving as Nickâs tears subsided. She felt drained, emotionally and physically, after the earthquake, the confrontation with Phoenix, and now this argument with her boyfriend's.
Jakeâs arm tightened around her shoulders. âWe just want to protect you, darlinâ. Thatâs all.â
âI know,â she whispered, leaning into his embrace. âI just hate that our relationship has become something we need to protect.â
Bradley shifted closer, his warmth seeping through her clothes where his leg pressed against hers. âWe all do.â
Jakeâs fingers brushed through her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. âHey,â he said softly. âI know we still have things to figure out, but how about we take a break? I think I saw some ice cream in the freezer.â
Nick looked up, surprised by the sudden shift. Her tears had left her feeling raw and vulnerable, but the mention of ice cream brought a watery smile to her face.
âChocolate chip?â she asked hopefully, wiping at her cheeks with the back of her hand.
âThe one with the cookie dough chunks,â Bradley confirmed, a gentle smile warming his face as he stood and extended his hand to her. âWe canât solve all our problems tonight, but we can at least have dessert.â
Nick accepted his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. She was wrung out, hollowedâbut ice cream, somehow, sounded like exactly the right thing.
Bradley kept her hand in his as they stepped into the hallway, Jake close behind them. The house felt quieter than it had earlier, the tension from the kitchen replaced by something gentler, something tired but still intact. Nick let out a slow breath, the kind that didnât fix anything but made the weight on her chest a little easier to carry.
âOkay,â she murmured, more to herself than to them. âIce cream sounds good.â
Jake brushed his thumb along her shoulder as they walked toward the kitchen. âGood. Then thatâs what weâll do.â
There was no grand solution waiting for them, no perfect answer to the mess they were in. But the three of them moved together anyway, step for step, like they always did. And for tonight, that was enough.
Summary: Jake and Bradley take care of Nick after a traumatic moment.
Word Count: 6,628
Warnings: Angst and a panic attack.
Tags: Angst
Author Notes: Hey y'all! The wait is finally over! I'm sure you all knew what was coming, so what happens this chapter shouldn't be a surprise. Anyways I hope you enjoy this chapter. And don't forget to comment or reblog your thoughts!
A low rumble, like the growl of some ancient beast, echoed through the hangar. Nick froze, her entire body going rigid as the tremors intensified. The wrench slipped from her fingers and clattered to the ground. Her breaths became shallow, panicked gasps.
âNoâŚnoâŚplease, no,â she whispered, tears already spilling down her cheeks. Her hands shot to her ears as the sound of metal clanging and tools crashing down filled the space. The earthquake grew stronger, the walls groaning under the pressure.
âNick, look at me!â Jakeâs voice cut through the chaos, firm yet soothing. He stepped toward her, his hands reaching out, though his movements were cautious as the ground bucked beneath them.
But Nick didnâtâor couldnâtârespond. Her panic erupted in a piercing scream, raw and desperate, the kind of sound that sent chills down the spine. She dropped to her knees, trembling violently as sobs racked her frame.
âNick!â Bradleyâs voice joined Jakeâs as he rushed to her side. Both men moved in unison, Jake reaching her first and guiding her toward a stack of crates in the corner. âCome on, weâve got you,â he said, his tone filled with urgency but laced with tenderness.
Nick stumbled, her legs barely able to support her, but Jake held her firmly, his arm encircling her waist. Bradley followed immediately, wrapping both protective arms around her shoulders. Together, they shielded her, their bodies forming a barrier as the hangar continued to shake.
Above them, a heavy piece of machinery teetered dangerously before giving way. It plummeted toward them, slamming into the ground mere inches from Jake. The impact sent a cloud of debris into the air, but Jake didnât flinch. He tightened his hold on Nick, his arms wrapping firmly around her.
Nick let out another scream, her hands clutching Jakeâs jacket as though it were the only thing grounding her. âI canâtâoh GodâI canât,â she stammered between sobs, her voice cracking.
âNick, breathe,â Jake said, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. He crouched lower, shielding her with his larger frame. âYouâre safe. Weâve got you. Just breathe for me.â
âI canâtâI canâtâits too much!â she sobbed louder.
âBreathe with me,â Jake urged gently, leaning closer to her ear. His tone was calm but firm, designed to guide her back. âIn, out. Just focus on my voice.â
âItâs okay, weâre right here,â Bradley added, his voice softer but no less reassuring. He tightened his hold on her, his arms fully enveloping her from behind.
Moments later, the tremors subsided, leaving only the sound of Nickâs quiet sobs and the scattered debris around them, her body still wracked with uncontrollable shivers. Jake and Bradley didnât let go. They stayed close, their expressions etched with concern, the memory of her fear from years ago fresh in their minds. They knew how deeply this shook herânot just the ground beneath her feet, but the trauma etched deep inside her being. They continued holding her tightly, until the distant sound of running footsteps reached their ears.
âIs everyone okay? We heard screaming!â Coyoteâs voice echoed through the hangar as he burst inside, Bob right on his heels. Their eyes darted around the scene, scanning for any signs of injury.
When their gazes landed on the three figures, they froze for a moment. Dust still hung in the air, and Nick was cradled between Jake and Bradley, her tear-streaked face buried against Jakeâs chest. The two men looked equally shaken, their expressions a mix of fierce protectiveness and unwavering concern.
Phoenix entered a beat later, stopping just inside the doorway. Her usual sharp demeanor softened slightly as she took in the scene. Her gaze lingered on Nick, then shifted to Jake and Bradley, their arms still wrapped protectively around her. For a brief moment, something flickered in Phoenixâs eyesâempathy, perhaps, or recognition of the bond between them. she took a small step forward, making sure to keep her distance.
Coyote knelt beside them, his voice gentle now. âIs everyone okay in here? We felt the quakes and then heard screamingâŚâ
âWeâre okay,â Jake replied, his voice quieter now but still steady. His arms remained around Nick as Bradley nodded in agreement. âSheâs just⌠shaken up.â
Phoenix didnât say a word. Instead, she lingered at the edge of the group, her eyes lingering on Nick for a heartbeat longer before shifting back to the scattered debris. She stood there, her posture unusually relaxed, as though waiting for something she wasnât quite ready to say.
Nickâs sobs wracked her body, her hands gripping Jakeâs jacket like a lifeline. Bradley and Jake stayed close, their arms still wrapped protectively around her. The hangar was quiet now except for her panicked gasps and the faint creak of settling metal.
Bradley shifted slightly, his lips pressing together as he glanced down at her trembling form. He tightened his hold, lowering his head closer to hers. His voice, soft and steady, broke the tension in the air.
âYou never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lipsâŚâ he began to sing, his tone rich and warm despite the circumstances. His voice wasnât perfectâit cracked slightly at the startâbut it carried the weight of comfort and familiarity.
Nickâs sobs faltered for a moment, her breaths hitching as she registered the melody. She turned her face slightly toward him, her tear-filled eyes widening in recognition.
âAnd thereâs no tenderness like before in your fingertipsâŚâ Bradley continued, his tone growing steadier with each word. His gaze met hers, and the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Jake raised an eyebrow, but he didnât interrupt. Instead, he adjusted his hold on Nick, glancing between her and Bradley with a look of quiet understanding.
Nick let out a shaky laugh between sobs, her memories pulling her back to the times sheâd sung this song with her father. For a moment, the fear receded, replaced by the warmth of nostalgia.
By the time Bradley reached the chorus, her breathing had slowed, the soothing rhythm of the song wrapping around her like a blanket. Even Jake joined in softly, his low voice blending with Bradleyâs as they sang the familiar tune together.
Coyote and Bob, standing nearby, exchanged a look but didnât say anything. Phoenix still lingered at the edge of the scene, her expression unreadable as she watched the bond between the three.
Nick's breathing gradually steadied as Bradley's song faded away. The terror that had seized her began to loosen its grip, though she still trembled between the two men. Jake's arms remained firm around her waist while Bradley's steady presence at her back kept her anchored to reality.
"You're safe," Jake murmured against her hair, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "We've got you, Nick. We've got you."
She nodded weakly, her fingers still clutching Jake's jacket as her tears subsided to occasional hiccups. The hangar had fallen silent except for the distant sound of activity outsideâvoices calling out, checking for damage after the quake.
Coyote cleared his throat softly. "Medics are checking everyone on base. Should I send one your way?"
Jake looked down at Nick, his eyes questioning. She shook her head immediately, panic flaring in her eyes at the thought of being separated from Jake and Bradley. "No," she whispered hoarsely. "I'm okay. I just⌠I just need a minute."
Jake nodded at Coyote, his expression brooking no argument. "We've got her."
Phoenix took a tentative step forward, her usual sharp demeanor softened by something that looked almost like concern. "Is there anything I can do?" she asked, her voice uncharacteristically gentle.
Nick tensed at the sound of Phoenix's voice, her fingers digging harder into Jake's jacket. The memory of Natasha's confrontations with Bradley and Jake from earlier flashed through her mind. Mingling with the lingering panic from the earthquake.
Bradley noticed her reaction immediately and shifted slightly, positioning himself more protectively between Nick and Phoenix. "I think you've done enough," he said firmly, his tone making it clear that Phoenix's help wasn't welcome.
Phoenix's eyes flickered with something like understanding, and she took a step back. "Right," she said quietly, her gaze lingering on Nick for just a moment longer before she turned away.
"I'll let Mav know his daughter's okay," Coyote offered, already backing toward the door. "And I'll make sure no one disturbs you three for a bit."
Jake nodded gratefully, his attention never leaving Nick. As the others filed out, he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. "Hey," he murmured, his voice uncommonly tender. "You with us now?"
Nick took a shuddering breath, finally loosening her death grip on Jake's jacket. "I'm sorry," she whispered, embarrassment coloring her cheeks as the panic began to recede. "I didn't mean toâ"
"Don't," Jake's voice was firm but gentle. "You have nothing to apologize for."
Nick swallowed hard, her eyes still wet with tears as she looked between them. "I thought I was past this. I thought I could handleâ"
"Trauma doesn't work like that," Bradley said softly, his hand moving in soothing circles against her back. "It comes in waves. Sometimes when you least expect it."
Nick nodded, drawing in another shaky breath. The trembling in her limbs had subsided somewhat, though her body still felt weak, drained by the intensity of her panic.
"Can we get out of here?" she asked quietly, glancing around at the debris-strewn hangar. "I don't⌠I don't want to be here anymore."
Jake and Bradley exchanged a quick look, communicating silently in that way they'd developed since being with her.
âOf course. We should probably check out our apartments anyway. See if there's damage.â Bradley said.
âJust let me text Coyote that we're leaving so he can pass it on.â
Nick nodded. âCan we stay at Bradleyâs tonight? I'd love to sit in front of the fire place with you both.â
Jake and Bradley exchanged a quick look, both of them noting the fragility in Nick's voice. The request was simple but loaded with meaningâshe needed their closeness, their protection, the safety of their combined presence.
"Absolutely," Bradley said, his voice gentle as he helped her to her feet. "My place it is."
Jake kept his arm firmly around her waist, stabilizing her as she stood on still-shaky legs. "I'll drive," he offered, his usual cocky demeanor subdued by concern. "You're in no shape to get behind a wheel right now."
Nick didn't argue, which told them both just how rattled she still was. Normally, she'd have shot back some quip about being perfectly capable, but now she just nodded, leaning into Jake's solid frame.
"We should grab some things from your apartment first," Bradley suggested, his hand not leaving the small of her back.
âWhy? I have clothes and toiletries at your place.â
âThat's true but what we don't have is Lieutenant Goose. And I bet he's worried about you.â He said, referring to her stuffed animal goose.
Nick's eyes softened at the mention of her stuffed animal. "You're right," she whispered, a hint of vulnerability in her voice that only these two men ever witnessed. "He's probably under the bed. That's where he goes when he's scared."
Jake's lips quirked in a soft smile, his thumb brushing away a lingering tear on her cheek. "Then we'll rescue the Lieutenant first. No man left behind, right?"
That earned a small, watery laugh from Nick, the sound warming both men's hearts. Bradley's hand remained steady at the small of her back as they guided her toward the hanger exit.
âHave I told you both how much I love you?â She looked between them.
Jake's expression softened immediately, the tension in his shoulders easing as he gazed down at Nick. His usual cocky smirk transformed into something more tender, more genuine as he brushed his thumb across her cheek.
"You might have mentioned it once or twice," he murmured, his voice low and rough with emotion. "But I never get tired of hearing it."
Bradley moved closer, his chest pressing against her back as his arms encircled her waist from behind. His chin rested gently on her shoulder, and she could feel the warmth of his breath against her neck.
"We love you too," he said quietly, his words simple but weighted with meaning. "Both of us."
Nick closed her eyes for a moment, letting their presence wash over herâJake's steadfast strength in front, Bradley's unwavering support behind. The earthquake had shattered her composure, dragging her back to place she never wanted to go back too.
Nick leaned back in Bradley's arms, her trembling finally subsiding as she looked at Jake. "Can we just go? I need to get out of here." Her voice was barely above a whisper, the vulnerability in her tone cutting through the dusty air of the hangar.
"Of course," Jake said, brushing his thumb over her tear-stained cheek one last time. "Let's go home."
As they made their way toward the door, Bradley kept his arm firmly around Nick's waist, supporting her still-shaky steps. The three moved as one unit, their bodies instinctively aligned to protect Nick between them.
When they stepped outside, the base was in controlled chaosâpersonnel checking structures, others tending to minor injuries. Maverick was across the tarmac, directing a team near one of the damaged buildings. His eyes found Nick immediately, concern flashing across his weathered features. She flashed him a smile to let him know she was okay before picking up her pace. She didn't want to explain why she was with both men. Luckily they were out of his sight rather quickly and near the parking lot.
They walked toward Jake's truck in silence, Bradley's arm still protectively around Nick while Jake fished for his keys. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the base, glinting off the scattered debris from the earthquake. Nick kept her gaze fixed on the ground, still battling the remnants of panic that threatened to resurface.
As they reached the truck, Jake opened the passenger door, his movements gentle as he helped Nick inside. Bradley slid in beside her, maintaining contact as if afraid she might shatter if he let go. Jake rounded the hood and settled behind the wheel, casting a concerned glance at Nick's pale face.
"Lieutenant Goose first, then my place," Bradley confirmed softly, his hand finding hers in the middle seat. Her fingers intertwined with his immediately, seeking anchor.
Jake started the engine and pulled away from the curb, driving more carefully than he ever had. The silence in the cab wasn't uncomfortable, but heavy with unspoken emotions. Nick sat between them, her breathing still slightly uneven, though the worst of her panic had subsided. Bradley's thumb traced gentle circles on the back of her hand while Jake navigated the streets with uncommon care, occasionally glancing at her from the corner of his eye.
"I hate that you both saw me like that," Nick finally whispered, breaking the silence. She kept her gaze fixed on their joined hands, unable to meet either man's eyes. "I thought I was over it. It's been years since the last time IâŚ"
"Hey," Jake's voice was soft as he reached over to squeeze her knee. "You don't need to explain anything to us."
"Jake's right," Bradley added, his voice a low, comforting rumble. "We all have our demons, Nick. There's no shame in that. Besides, you were out east for school and work for a lot of years. This is your first earthquake in a long time. No wonder you reacted the way you did.â
âI was fifteen when that big earthquake hit. I was all alone in the house. I was scared to death. But this timeâŚâ
âThis time you had us.â Jake finished.
âI had you.â she nodded. "I know it's stupid," she continued. "I'm an engineer. I understand structural integrity, seismic patterns. I know the science. But when the ground starts shakingâ" Her voice cracked.
"It's not stupid," Bradley said firmly. "It's trauma. And trauma doesn't care about logic or science."
Jake nodded in agreement as he turned onto Nick's street. "What Bradley said. Besides, you think we don't have our own shit? When I hear the loud sirens at work I sometimes half expect to get a notice on my phone about a tornado touching down nearby.â
Nick glanced at Jake, surprise momentarily replacing the lingering fear in her eyes. "Tornados? I didn't know that bothered you."
Jake kept his eyes on the road, his jaw tightening slightly. "Yeah, well⌠when I was eight, one ripped through our area. I was with my aunt and cousin coming back from baseball practice when the sirens went off. We had to get out of the car and lie low in a ditch."
His admission hung in the air between them. It wasn't often Jake shared pieces of his past, especially the vulnerable ones.
"You never told us that," Bradley said quietly from Nick's other side.
Jake shrugged, his typical nonchalance slipping back into place like armor. "Never came up. Point is, we've all got our things. Yours is earthquakes. And that's okay."
Nick leaned against Jake's shoulder, her body finally loosening its tension as the truck pulled up to her apartment complex. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the pavement. Jake cut the engine but didn't make any move to get out, instead turning slightly in his seat to face her.
"You don't have to go up if you don't want to," he said softly. "I can grab Lieutenant Goose and whatever else you need."
Nick shook her head, a determined glint returning to her eyes despite their redness. "No, I need to check for damage anyway. I can't hide from this forever."
"You're not hiding," Bradley said firmly, his hand still wrapped around hers. "There's a difference between avoiding trauma and pacing yourself."
Nick squeezed his hand gratefully as Bradley pushed the door open. "I know. But I want to go in. Just⌠don't let go of me, okay?"
Jake and Bradley exchanged a quick glance over her head, their silent communication seamless after months together.
"Never," Jake promised, his usual swagger softened by genuine tenderness.
The three of them made their way up to Nick's apartment, Jake and Bradley flanking her on either side. When they reached her door, Nick's hands trembled slightly as she fumbled with her keys. Without a word, Bradley gently took them from her, unlocking the door with steady hands.
Inside, the apartment showed small signs of the earthquake's impactâa few books tumbled from one of her shelves, some of her work journals had slid off the coffee table, picture frames askew. Nick inhaled sharply at the sight, memories threatening to resurface. Jake's arm tightened around her waist, grounding her in the present.
"It's okay," he murmured close to her.
Bradley's arm slid around Nick's shoulder, his large hand resting against her collarbone in a gesture that was both protective and grounding. "Let's get what you need and go," he said softly, understanding in his eyes. "Lieutenant Goose first, then whatever else you want."
Nick nodded, grateful for their steadying presence as she moved through her apartment.
Her bedroom was relatively untouched, save for a few items that had fallen from her nightstand. When she looked at her bed there was her stuffed goose, sitting right next to the stuffed rooster and fighter jet Jake got her.
Nick moved toward the bed, her steps steadier but still cautious. She reached for the stuffed goose, its familiar softness bringing immediate comfort as she gathered it against her chest.
âI can't possibly forget Goose's son Lieutenant Rooster,â she pointed out.
Jake chuckled, the sound warming the room as he moved to grab the stuffed rooster. "Can't break up the family," he said, handing it and the jet plushie to Nick with a gentleness that belied his usual cocky demeanor. âAnd while we're at your lieutenant Hangman should come too.â
Nick clutched all three plushies to her chest, her fingers digging into the soft fabric. Something about holding themâthese silly tokens of comfortâsteadied her more than she expected. The trembling in her hands subsided slightly as she looked between Jake and Bradley.
Jake's eyes softened as he watched Nick clutch stuffies to her chest. "You know, I still think Lieutenant Rooster outranks Lieutenant Goose. Just saying."
âHow there the same rank?â She countered.
Bradley watched this exchange with quiet affection, recognizing what Jake was doingâusing their familiar banter to anchor Nick in the present, pulling her away from the edge of panic.
He chuckled softly, his hand still resting on the small of Nick's back. "You're right. So I guess technically Rooster would be junior to Goose. Seniority and all that."
"Exactly," Nick said, her voice steadier as she hugged the plushies closer. "Besides, Lieutenant Goose has been with me since I was six. He's practically a Commander by now."
Jake's lips quirked in a half-smile. "Fair enough. Can't argue with time in service." His eyes softened as he watched her, relief evident in his expression as some of the color returned to her cheeks.
Nick took another deep breath, the worst of her panic finally subsiding as she stood between the two men, surrounded by their unwavering support. "I think I'm ready to go now," she said quietly.
Bradley nodded, his hand never leaving her back as they moved toward the living room.
Nick followed Bradley and Jake into the living room of her apartment. Her eyes swept over the space one final time, noting the fallen books and cockeyed picture frames. Her breathing remained steady, though her arms tightened around the stuffed animals.
Everything was okay.
"Anything else you need?" Jake asked softly, his hand resting at the small of her back.
Nick shook her head. "No, I have everything I need at Bradley's already." Her voice grew steadier with each word. "Let's just go."
As they turned to leave, Nick's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her expression immediately tensing as she read the screen.
"It's my dad," she said, her voice suddenly tight. "He wants to know if I'm okay."
Bradley and Jake exchanged a quick glance, both aware of the complexity of the situation. Maverick still had no idea about their relationship, and after the
confrontations with Phoenix, the threat of him finding out loomed larger than ever.
"You should answer him," Bradley said gently. "He's just worried about you."
Nick nodded, tapping out a quick reply. "I told him I'm fine. Said a friend brought me home." She looked up at them, vulnerability flashing in her eyes. "I didn't specify which friend."
Jake's jaw tightened slightly, but he nodded. "That's probably for the best right now."
The three of them made their way out of Nick's apartment, Jake locking the door behind them.
The drive to Bradley's place was quiet, Nick nestled between them in the truck, her stuffed animals clutched to her chest. The tension from earlier had mostly faded, replaced by a weary sort of calm.
Bradley's apartment was a welcome sightâ aside from some mail that had fallen to the floor and a few crooked pictures on the wall everything looked fine.
She immediately plopped down on the couch.
âSo what would you like to do? Whatever you want we'll do it,â Bradley offered.
Nick looked up at him with expectant eyes. âCan we do a fire, and you read to me?â
Bradley's eyes softened as he looked down at Nick, her vulnerability so rarely displayed but always treasured when she allowed it to show. "Of course," he said, his voice a gentle rumble. "Any requests?"
Nick settled deeper into the couch, her stuffed animals still clutched to her chest. "Something familiar. Something that feels safe."
Jake moved to the fireplace, expertly arranging logs and kindling. "How about that dog-eared Hemingway you started reading?" he suggested, glancing over his shoulder. "The one about the old man and the fish. You read it to her at the beach."
"The Old Man and the Sea," Bradley corrected with a small smile, already moving toward his bookshelf. His fingers trailed over the spines until he found the well-worn volume. "Good memory, Hangman."
Jake smirked as he struck a match. "I pay attention sometimes."
âYes that one. I liked laying in your arms as you read it to me at the beach.â
Bradley settled onto the couch, one arm extending in invitation. Nick immediately curled against him, her head finding the perfect spot on his chest as she clutched her stuffed animals. Jake finished with the fire, flames now dancing in the hearth, casting a warm glow throughout the room.
âHow about we make you something to eat before we read. When's the last time you got something in your stomach?â He asked.
âI ate breakfastâŚâ She trailed off. Her stomach chose that moment to give a quiet, hollow rumble, betraying her.
Bradleyâs expression softened. âThatâs what I thought. Letâs get some food in you first.â He shifted as if to stand, but Nickâs hand on his arm stopped him.
âStay,â she murmured, not wanting to break the warm cocoon theyâd created on the couch.
âHow about Bradley stay with you and I make you something?â Jake offered her.
âOkay,â Nick murmured, her voice still carrying the ghost of a tremor. The plushies were still pressed tight against her body, their softness a small shield against the world. âGrilled cheese?â
Jakeâs smile was immediate and genuine, a flash of his usual charm that felt like a balm. âGrilled cheese it is, Darlinâ. Your wish is my command.â He headed for the kitchen, the familiar, confident swagger in his step a comforting sight.
The couch dipped further as Bradley settled back beside her, his larger frame a solid, warm presence.
âCan we wait for Jake to read?â She gave her best puppy dog eyes.
Bradleyâs expression softened, the corners of his eyes crinkling with affection. âOf course we can wait for Jake.â His thumb stroked her arm in a slow, comforting rhythm. âWhatever you want tonight sweetie we want to give you.â
The scent of butter hitting a hot pan wafted in from the kitchen, followed by the familiar, comforting sound of Jake moving efficiently around the space. The crackle of the fire and the soft rustle of Bradleyâs shirt as she breathed against him began to truly soothe the last, frayed edges of her nerves. The plushies in her arms were soft against her skin, their familiar shapes a silent promise of safety.
She heard the scrape of a spatula and the gentle sizzle of cheese melting, sounds that were so ordinary, so wonderfully normal, that they acted as an anchor, pulling her firmly back into the present and away from the shaking ground.
Jake appeared a few minutes later, carrying a plate with three perfectly golden-brown grilled cheese sandwiches. Each one was cut diagonally, just the way Nick preferred, with melted cheese peeking out from the edges. The sight made her stomach growl more insistently.
âOne Mitchell special,â Jake announced, setting the plate on the coffee table. âMuenster cheese, perfectly toasted.â
Nick released her grip on the stuffed animals, setting them carefully beside her as she reached for a sandwich. The warm bread felt reassuring against her fingers, and the first bite sent a wave of comfort through her. Cheese stretched in gooey strands as she pulled the sandwich away from her mouth.
âThis is perfect,â she murmured, the simple pleasure of food momentarily overshadowing the dayâs trauma.
Jake settled on her other side, the couch dipping beneath his weight. The three of them ate in comfortable silence, the crackling fire and occasional clink of the plate punctuating the silence. Nick found herself settling deeper between them, her shoulders finally relaxing as the immediate fear dissipated completely. The sandwich was perfectâcrispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, exactly what she needed.
"Better?" Bradley asked softly, his fingers already absently stroking through Nick's hair.
She nodded, her body relaxing incrementally between them. "Much."
Bradley opened the book to the last page they left on the last time they read, the spine cracked in a way that spoke of countless readings. His deep voice filled the room as he began to read, the familiar words washing over Nick like a balm.
As he began reading, his voice low and soothing, Nick felt herself continuing to relax. The weight of Jake pressed against one side, the solid warmth of Bradley on the other, created a cocoon of safety that kept any lingering tremors away from her body. She closed her eyes, letting Hemingway's words wash over her, carried by Bradley's steady baritone.
Jake's fingers found their way to the nape of her neck, gently massaging the tense muscles there. His touch was very tender, none of his typical cockiness present as he worked silent comfort into her skin. The fire crackled softly in the background, its warm glow dancing across their faces.
"âŚThe old man looked at him with his sun-burned, confident loving eyesâŚ" Bradley read, his voice a soothing rumble against Nick's ear where it pressed against his chest.
Nick felt herself drifting, Bradley's voice and the warmth of both men lulling her into a peaceful state.
The earthquake felt like something that had happened to someone else, in another life entirely.
Jake's fingers continued their gentle massage at the nape of her neck, his touch grounding her in the present.
"You falling asleep on us, darlinâ?" Jake murmured, his lips brushing against her temple.
"Mmm, maybe," she admitted, not bothering to open her eyes. "Keep reading, Bradley."
Bradley's chest rumbled with a soft chuckle as he turned the page. His voice continued, steady and soothing, wrapping around her like a blanket. Jake shifted slightly, his arm sliding from the back of the couch to wrap more securely around her shoulders, drawing her closer against his side.
The three of them stayed like that, the outside world temporarily forgotten. Bradley's voice washed over them, steady and comforting as the story unfolded. Nick felt herself drifting deeper into that space between wakefulness and sleep, her body finally releasing the last remnants of tension from the earthquake.
Jake's fingers continued their gentle massage at the base of her neck, occasionally sliding up to trace patterns against her scalp. His fingers moved slowly, deliberately, finding the places where tension gathered and coaxing them looseâthe way you handle something you're afraid of breaking, or something you're afraid of losing.
"âŚand the boy was sorry for the old manâŚ" Bradley's voice rumbled, the vibrations from his chest resonating against Nick's ear where she rested against him.
Nick's breathing had slowed to a steady rhythm, her eyes closed, though she wasn't fully asleep.
"I think she's out," Jake whispered, his fingers still gently stroking the nape of her neck.
Bradley paused in his reading, looking down at Nick's relaxed form nestled against him. Her face had softened in her sleepy state, the fear and tension from earlier completely melted away.
"Not quite," Nick murmured, her voice thick with approaching sleep. "Still listening."
Jake's lips curved into a soft smile as he brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Stubborn as always.â
Nick's lips quirked into a sleepy half-smile. "You wouldn't want me any other way."
Bradley chuckled softly, the sound rumbling through his chest against her ear. "True enough," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head before returning to the book. His voice dropped even lower, the words becoming a soothing lullaby.
Jake's hand continued its gentle ministrations at the nape of her neck, his touch feather-light yet grounding. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across the walls as the sun started dip in the sky.
At this moment, the earthquake seemed distant, Phoenix's threats faded to background noise.
"I love you both," Nick whispered, her voice barely audible, weighted with sleep and emotion. "So much."
Jake pressed his lips to her temple, lingering there for a moment. "We know," he murmured.
Bradley and Jake exchanged looks over Nick's head, their silent communication seamless after months together. Nick's breathing had slowed, her body relaxing further between them as exhaustion from her panic attack finally caught up with her.
"We should probably move her to bed," Jake whispered, his fingers still gently stroking her hair.
Bradley nodded, carefully closing the book and setting it aside. "She's completely drained. That panic attack and the earthquake took everything out of her."
Jake's expression darkened slightly. "Let's not forget everything that went on today with Nat. I still can't believe Phoenix would threaten to tell Maverick about us. Especially after seeing Nick like thisâŚ"
"I know," Bradley agreed, his voice low to avoid waking Nick. "It's cruel. An unfair to her."
They sat in silence for a moment, the only sounds the soft crackling of the fire and Nick's steady breathing. The weight of Phoenix's threat hung in the air between them, but even in the face of uncertainty, there was a steadiness to their connection, a resolve that hadn't been there before.
"We'll figure it out," Jake said finally, his voice quiet but determined. "Whatever happens with Phoenix, whatever happens with Maverickâwe'll deal with it together."
Bradley nodded, his eyes reflecting the dancing flames from the fireplace. "Together," he agreed, his gaze dropping to Nick's sleeping form. "But right now, we need to focus on our girlfriend. And she needs rest."
Jake nodded in agreement âThen let's get her to bed where she's more comfortable.â
With practiced care, Bradley shifted his position, sliding one arm under Nick's knees while supporting her back with the other. He lifted her effortlessly, cradling her against his chest as he stood. Jake rose with them, ensuring the stuffed animals remained tucked in Nick's arms.
"I've got her," Bradley whispered, moving toward the bedroom. Jake followed, pausing only to bank the fire before joining them.
In the bedroom, Bradley gently laid Nick down on the bed, careful not to disturb her sleep. She stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent as her fingers tightened around her stuffed animals. Jake moved to pull back the covers while Bradley supported her, their movements synchronized through months of practice.
"She's still in her jeans," Jake whispered, his brow furrowing in concern.
Bradley nodded, hesitating for a moment. "She'll be uncomfortable if we leave her like this."
They exchanged another glance, both men weighing Nick's comfort against disturbing her much-needed rest. Finally, Jake moved to the dresser, retrieving a pair of soft sleep shorts Nick kept at Bradley's place.
"I'll do it," he said quietly, returning to the bed. "You keep her steady."
With practiced gentleness, they worked togetherâBradley supporting Nick's upper body while Jake carefully removed her jeans, replacing them with soft sleep shorts. Nick stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open for just a moment.
"Hey," Nick mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. "What're you doing?"
"Just making you comfortable," Jake murmured, brushing her hair back from her face. His touch was gentle, almost reverent. "Go back to sleep, Darlinâ."
Her eyes looked up to meet his. "Sleep with me?"
Jake's lips curved into a soft smile, the kind that graced his face only for her. He exchanged a glance with Bradley, who nodded. "Of course we will," Jake said, his voice quieter than anyone outside this room would ever hear. "Just let us get changed first."
Nick's eyes drifted closed again, her exhaustion pulling her under as she clutched Lieutenant Goose, Lieutenant Rooster, and Lieutenant Hangman tightly to her chest. The earthquake had drained her completely, leaving her vulnerable in a way neither man had seen before.
Bradley tucked the blanket around her with care, his movements deliberate and tender. He crossed the room to retrieve sleep clothes for himself and Jake, the two of them changing in silence, their unspoken bond guiding them.
Jake was the first to return to the bed, sliding in beside Nick and gently pulling her against his chest. She instinctively curled into him, her body seeking his warmth even in sleep. Bradley joined them moments later, settling on Nick's other side. He completed the embrace, his chest pressing against her back as he draped his arm over her waist, his hand resting lightly on Jake's side.
The three of them fit together seamlessly, their bodies finding the familiar configuration that brought comfort to them all.
"Do you think she'll be okay?" Jake whispered, his usual bravado absent as he gazed down at Nick's peaceful face.
Bradley was quiet for a moment, his fingers brushing lightly against Nick's side. "Eventually," he said softly. "Today brought back a lot for her. The earthquake, Phoenix's threats⌠it's more than anyone should have to handle."
Jake's jaw tightened at the mention of Phoenix. "I should've walked away. I knew better than to engage with her, but when she started saying those things about NickâŚ"
Bradley's hand settled on Jake's arm, grounding him. "You did what anyone who cares about her would've done. I nearly lost it with her too, remember?"
The room fell silent, the only sound Nick's steady breathing between them. The weight of Phoenix's threat lingered, but for now, they focused on the woman between themâtheir anchor in the storm.
Jake's fingers brushed through Nick's hair, his touch soothing. "I've never seen her like that before," he murmured. "Completely terrified. It was likeâŚ"
"Like she was back there again," Bradley finished, his hand resting protectively on Nick's hip. "When she was fifteen."
Jake nodded, his jaw tightening. "And now with Phoenix threatening to tell Maverick about us⌠the timing couldn't be worse."
Bradley's expression darkened. "I still can't believe what she said about Nick. About the video." His fingers tensed slightly against Nick's side before relaxing again. "The way she twisted everything into something ugly."
Jake's gaze remained fixed on Nick's face, his voice barely above a whisper. "The worst part is, she actually believes it. She really thinks what we have is wrong."
Bradley's voice was steady, though his conviction wavered. "That's her problem, not ours. I wanted so badly to give her the benefit of the doubt, but she blew it."
Nick shifted slightly, cuddling up closer to Jake's body before settling again. Both men instinctively adjusted their positions, their movements synchronized as if choreographed.
The quiet hum of the early evening settled around them, the tremors of the day's chaos slowly fading into the background. Nick's breathing deepened, steady and rhythmic, as if the presence of the two men at her sides anchored her in a safe harbor.
Jake glanced at Bradley, their eyes meeting across the soft moonlight filtering through the curtains. Without a word, they shared a small, fleeting nodâan unspoken agreement that reaffirmed whatever storms lay ahead, they'd weather them together. For her.
The weight of the world might have been pressing down on them, but here, at this moment, there was peace. A fragile, fleeting kind of peace. But it was enough.
Jake shifted slightly, his hand resting gently against Nick's hair as he murmured, almost to himself, "No matter what happens, weâve got her."
Bradleyâs voice was low, steady. "And sheâs got us."
With that, silence enveloped the room once more, a quiet testament to the bond they sharedâa connection forged in turbulence but rooted in something unshakable. As the night deepened, the three of them remained as they were, tangled together in a sanctuary of warmth, love, and unwavering trust.