𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐘 𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒
Summary: You're the Millers' new neighbor. And as you adapt to your new home, new friendships and feelings will emerge within you, uncontrollable feelings.
Warnings: MINORS DNI! +18. Explicit Content NSFW, Joel pre-outbreak x f!reader, Tommy pre-outbreak x f!reader, love triangle, possible sharing, SMUT, six p in v.
Author's notes: I recently started writing this series, and well, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I am enjoying writing it. This is just the first chapter of possibly a multi-chapter series.
Chapter notes: You recently moved into your father's house, and since you haven't had time to explore the city, your brother decides to help you with that. But at the end of the night, you end up bumping into the next-door neighbors.
Chapter warnings: Just conversations and introductions. Feeling quotes, relaxed conversation, Joel being Joel, no use of Y/N.
The day was sunny. Sunbeams flooded across the city, turning the streets orange. You had just moved to Austin to live with your dad and older brother. You lived with your mother in Atlanta, but you decided to try something new in your life, a new place, it didn't necessarily have to be permanent, but you knew it was, that's the great gift of having separated parents, constant changes. You were in college, studying anthropology and you had managed to transfer to the local University, it was lucky that they accepted you almost in the middle of the year.
In the last days of adaptation, you had been organizing your room and your things. Your brother had helped you a little, as your father didn't have much time because of his job at the technology company he worked for, but he would occasionally help you paint the walls or bring you some new furniture.
The neighbors, you hadn't fully known them, just a glimpse, but not a word was exchanged. The Millers seemed pretty busy, and Joel Miller didn't seem like a man who liked to make friends, just by seeing him in the backyard you could tell he was a reserved man, unlike his daughter Sarah and brother Tommy, who had welcomed you into the neighborhood with greetings of welcome.
You're not the type of girl who likes to stare at men one more way than necessary, but damn, the Miller brothers were really pretty in your eyes. Joel had a mysterious and enigmatic beauty, his reserved manner made him attractive in some way, Tommy – the younger brother – was more playful and extroverted, he had received you well and was completely kind to you in those few times that you talked.
"What do you think so much about, the asshole?"
His attention was caught when Aaron approached. His older brother, he was 24 years old, but oddly enough, he was still dependent on his father. Aaron had become unemployed some time ago, this prevented him from leaving home early and being able to start an independent life.
"Hey! Shut up, I'm not thinking about anything." You replied, your voice echoing off the porch. You were sitting on the wooden stairs, watching the house from the side while you were distracted by your own thoughts and illusions.
"Did you like Miller? Don't you think he's too old for you?" Aaron threw himself beside her, sitting on the ladder. Her hazel eyes narrowed to the streets as her brown hair blew in the cool morning wind.
"What? Where did you get that expensive idea?" you looked at him with curious eyes. Your brother had an instinct to piss you off whenever he saw you, so of course he would find some reason to tease you.
"You keep looking at their house, you have nothing else to think about."
You rolled your eyes, laughing at Aaron's teasing. This is something that, despite the fact that it irritated you, you missed when you were in Atlanta.
"This is completely irrelevant, Aaron. I barely know him! And I'm not thinking about that kind of thing. Besides, I have to stay in college remember?" you rolled your eyes again, feeling the heat of the sun on your skin, but the wind was cooling your face.
"Okay, okay, I get it. I'm just trying to be a good brother and give you advice. You know. But let's change the subject." Aaron stood up and stretched his arms in the air, stretching. "Let's go for a walk around town? Maybe you'll find other interesting guys to watch besides your neighbor."
You got up next to him and landed a light punch on Aaron's shoulder, making him chuckle.
"Oh, shut the fuck up." You laughed. You were adapting more and more. It was fun that new city, that new life you had now.
The two of you got up from the stairs and started walking down the sidewalk, side by side. As you explored the bustling two, you talked about new places you could visit and what your life in Austin would be like. And deep down, despite Aaron's provocations, you knew he only wanted the best for you, he knew how to play the big brother role well, you had missed it.
As the afternoon wore on, the sky began to lose its vibrant orange hue, gradually turning into shades of purple and dark blue. Aaron had shown you some corners of the city that you didn't have time to explore and get to know. You've discovered cozy cafes, antique shops and interesting cultural venues. The air was getting cooler as the sun went down, and you decided to return home.
On the way, you talked about your new job. You had gotten a job playing at a local bar, in addition to college. You were good with music, you played guitar and guitar perfectly well, so you were confident that you would do well in this job, despite the nervousness to start with.
As you approached the street where you lived, your eyes peeked out and saw Joel in the garden of the house next door. He was busy watering some plants, his serene features illuminated by the dim glow of the street light. You felt a slight acceleration of your heart, but quickly pushed that thought away, you didn't even know him well. But fuck, why did he have to be so attractive like that?
Aaron nudged you lightly, a mischievous smile on his face. Your eyes rolled back in your head, you knew his teasing was going to start again, and it completely pissed her off.
"Look who's over there. Your new boyfriend. Do you want to go say hello or do you prefer to avoid prying eyes?"
You rolled your eyes at Aaron's words, giving your brother a slight push.
"Stop fucking invent things. It's not like that."
Aaron chuckled in response, but before he could respond, Tommy's excited voice rang out from the porch. You watched Tommy's sturdy figure walk out the door. He had a gentle smile that lit up his face. You felt a slight vibration within you. Damn, the Miller brothers were really hot. And you couldn't think which one caught your attention the most.
"Hey you two! I finally found you."
Tommy walked over to you, he was wearing a relaxed T-shirt and jeans. You felt the pressure in your muscles, your stomach fluttered with nervousness.
"Guys, how was your day?"
"Hi Tommy!" Aaron answered first, a tiny smile appearing on his face. "It was cool, we got to know some interesting places."
Tommy looked at you and gave you a friendly wave. He had a glow on the bar and you could tell it. He seemed to be much more lively and outgoing than his brother – who was still distracted watering those plants in the middle of dusk.
"Hey, are you enjoying Texas?" Tommy asked. He looked silly next to you. He had found you beautiful, and had been delighted with you and your way.
"Yes, I'm adapting little by little." you replied, feeling a little more comfortable in Tommy's presence, he gave you a certain comfort that you couldn't explain. "Looks like a nice place."
As you talked, Joel looked up and noticed the lively conversation on the porch. He turned off the hose and walked over with a serene expression. Of course, Joel was still fidgeting and seemed more on his own.
"Tommy, are you bothering the neighbors?"
Tommy laughed, shaking his head.
"No, relax Joel. I was just saying hello to them. This is the new neighbor."
Joel looked in her direction, and for the briefest moment, their eyes met. Those brown irises had trapped you, they were like magnets that wouldn't let you get away from that gaze. You felt a blush rise on your cheeks, but you kept your face calm.
"Hello." you greeted, a little nervously.
Joel smiled subtly, giving you a nod of greeting. You didn't notice, but Joel was also feeling tense in your presence. His hands were shaking slightly, and all he could think about was what a beautiful girl you were.
"Welcome to the neighborhood. I'm Joel, and this is my brother Tommy."
"It's nice to meet you. We haven't had a chance to talk much." you replied, feeling a little less tense now, despite Joel's presence holding your attention.
Tommy intervened in his introverted way. He moved closer to you, touching your shoulder lightly in reassurance. Tommy's touch made her cheeks burn and her stomach churn even more. You didn't know what you were feeling right now, there were a lot of emotions.
"Come on, don't be nervous. My brother isn't as scary as he looks."
Joel threw Tommy a quick glance before looking back at you.
"Ignore him. He likes to crack jokes. He'd do well working in the circus."
You chuckled softly, feeling the tension ease. But still, Tommy's touch sent shivers down her skin. You feared he might sense your reactions and hoped to God he didn't notice the effect his touch was having on her.
"Alright, do not worry."
Tommy chuckled in response, pulling away from you again. It was impressive how the distance had also bothered you. They were feelings you didn't understand.
"We need to go inside now. We have to have dinner." Joel said again, his brown hair disheveled in the wind.
"You can have dinner here whenever you like. It will be nice to have your company." Tommy said, his light-hearted, easygoing voice making goose bumps rise up your arms.
"Oh...thanks Tommy, we can set it up sometime." your voice came out a little calmer than you thought, and you smiled slightly at him.
You felt grateful that Tommy had been so friendly. The conversation continued for a few more minutes, with Tommy sharing funny stories and you starting to loosen up even more in their presence. Joel on the other hand, continued to observe the conversation, his serious and deep gaze seemed to study every word that came out of his mouth. He couldn't stop looking at you, but always discreetly and you didn't even notice.
As time passed, the stars shone even brighter in the dark sky, and street lights began to light up the neighborhood. You felt a comforting sense of belonging that you didn't expect to feel so soon after the move. Aaron started to yawn, indicating that it was time to go home.
"I think it's about time we left. You have your first day of school tomorrow, don't you?"
You felt them, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness about the first classes at the local university.
"Yes... Fuck, you're right. I think I better get some rest."
"I'm sure you'll be fine. Good night!" Tommy smiled, looking excited for you.
"Thanks, Tommy. It was nice meeting you. We'll talk another time." You left with a shy smile on your lips.
Joel, who had kept to himself during the whole conversation, finally opened a light and discreet smile on his lips.
"Good night, see you around."
You waved at Joel, your eyes meeting for the briefest of moments, for the last time that night. Along with Aaron, you started walking towards your house. As you walked, Aaron didn't miss the chance to tease you again, it was a gift that only he had over you.
"Looks like you caught the attention of the Miller brothers, especially Tommy. But you kept an eye on Joel, didn't you?"
You rolled your eyes, but a smile played on your lips and denounced that that conversation had indeed awakened something in you.
You realized that, in some ways, that day had been an important step towards feeling more comfortable in Austin. With the Miller brothers as neighbors and possible new friends, you knew this move was turning out to be more interesting than you thought.