a🐾

🎱🩰🕯️🪩

[unclejeezysblog]

ੈ✩‧Welcome to unclejeezysblog ೃ࿔*

✎masterlist 𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋

→ guitar lessons

→ only threw this party for you

→ sea kisses

→ potion

→ period cramps

→ math tutor

→ I’m the right one

→ heated arguments

→ be mine

→ ovulating

→ gator coming home to you after a long shift

→ waking up next to Gator

→ Steve fixing your behaviour

• request’s are open 𐙚

[kassy-djomunson]

the feral urge to bite his bicep

[emqqx]

Hii i wanted to request a joe x reader fic where they’re at a Sabrina Carpenter concert and the last song of the concert is “House tour”. When Sabrina sings “I could take you to the first, second, third floor” Joe doesn’t know the meaning of it but reader points at her lips for first floor and at her chest for second floor and Joe asks whats the third floor is (its her vag) and she says you’ll found out later and back in the hotel room she shows him and it turns into smut😛

"house tour"

⋆⭒˚.⋆ Joe Keery x reader ⋆⭒˚.⋆

 english is not my language please be kind and sorry if i wrote wrong :) requests are open if you want!

summary: At a Sabrina Carpenter concert, you tease Joe during the song “House Tour”, back at the hotel, the “house tour” turns into sex

warnings: explicit sex, oral sex, fingering, PIV sex Multiple, dirty talk, teasing, fluff

The bass from the speakers still thrummed in your chest as the final lights of the arena dimmed. Sabrina Carpenter’s voice had wrapped around the crowd like silk one last time, the encore stretching into something electric and intimate. 

Joe stood beside you, his arm slung loosely around your waist, fingers tracing lazy circles against the bare skin where your top had ridden up, his tall frame curved protectively around yours, shielding you from the press of bodies slowly filtering toward the exits. The air smelled like sweat, perfume, and the faint sweetness of spilled drinks.

“That was insane,” he murmured against your ear, voice low and warm, the kind of rumble that always made your stomach flip, his hair was slightly damp from the heat of the venue, and his signature grin flashed in the flickering house lights.

 “She’s got pipes… and that stage setup? Wild.”

You tilted your head back to look at him, smiling. Joe had been surprisingly into the whole night, bopping along to the upbeat tracks, even attempting the choreography during “Espresso” with exaggerated, goofy moves that made you laugh until your sides hurt, but it was the last song that had shifted everything. 

Sabrina had introduced it as a playful, flirty deep cut from her setlist “House Tour,” she’d called it teasingly, though the lyrics danced right up to the edge.

As the chorus hit its peak, Sabrina had crooned, “I could take you to the first, second, third floor…” with that signature wink and sway. You’d felt Joe’s hand tighten on your hip, curious. In the moment, you’d turned toward him, heart racing with mischief. You pointed first to your glossy lips - first floor. Then, deliberately, you trailed your finger down to the swell of your chest, right above the neckline of your top-second floor. His eyebrows shot up, hazel eyes widening in that adorable, boyish confusion mixed with dawning heat.

“And the third floor?” he’d asked, voice husky even over the roar of the crowd, lips brushing your temple.

You’d just smirked, rising onto your toes to whisper,

 “You’ll find out later.”

Now, the promise hung between you like static electricity as you made your way out of the arena, hand in hand. The night was cool against your flushed skin, Joe’s driver had the car waiting, and the moment the door shut behind you, he pulled you into his lap, kissing you slow and deep, tasting like the overpriced beer he’d nursed during the opener.

“You’ve been driving me crazy since that song,” he admitted between kisses, hands sliding up your thighs under the hem of your skirt. “Those gestures… fuck, you’re trouble.”

You laughed softly, nipping at his bottom lip.

 “Good trouble?”

“The best kind.” His fingers flexed, possessive. “Hotel, now.”

The ride to the hotel was a blur of heated touches and whispered teases and by the time the elevator doors closed on your floor, Joe had you pressed against the mirrored wall, one hand cradling the back of your head as he kissed you like he’d been starving for it. The ding of your floor barely registered before he was guiding you down the hall, keycard fumbling in the lock while his mouth stayed on your neck.

The suite door clicked shut, and the world narrowed to just the two of you.

Joe kicked off his shoes, eyes dark and locked on yours. The city lights filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow over the king sized bed. 

“Alright, baby,” he said, voice rough with want. “Time for the house tour, start talking.”

You bit your lip, playing coy as you backed toward the bed.

 “First floor,” you murmured, pointing to your lips again, he closed the distance in two strides, capturing your mouth in a searing kiss, his tongue traced the seam of your lips before slipping inside, tasting, claiming. You melted into him, fingers threading through his messy hair, tugging just enough to draw a low groan from his throat.

He pulled back only when you were both breathless.

 “Second floor?” His hands were already sliding up your sides, thumbs brushing the undersides of your breasts through your top.

You nodded, guiding his hands higher, he peeled your top off slowly, reverently, exposing your lace bra, his mouth followed the path your finger had taken earlier, kissing down your collarbone, then lower. He nuzzled the valley between your breasts before tugging the bra cups down, freeing you, his tongue swirled around one nipple, then the other, sucking gently until you arched into him with a whimper.

 “Joe…”

“God, you’re perfect,” he whispered against your skin, teeth grazing lightly, his hands kneaded and caressed, building the ache between your legs. You could feel him hard against your thigh, straining through his jeans.

But you weren’t done teasing. You stepped back, shimmying out of your skirt and panties in one fluid motion, standing bare before him except for the bra still tangled around your ribs. His gaze dropped, hungry.

 “Third floor?” he asked, voice strained.

You took his hand, guiding it down your body, past your stomach, over the curve of your hip, until his fingers brushed the slick heat between your thighs.

 “Right here,” you breathed. “The best floor in the house.”

His breath hitched. 

“Fuck.”

He didn’t need more invitations, he dropped to his knees right there on the plush carpet, hands gripping your ass as he pulled you toward his mouth. 

The first stroke of his tongue, flat and broad against your clit, made your knees buckle. He held you steady, licking and sucking with focused intent, like he was memorizing every gasp and shiver. Two fingers slid inside you easily, curling just right, pumping in time with the flicks of his tongue.

“Oh god…Joe…”

 Your hands fisted in his hair, hips rocking against his face, he hummed in encouragement, the vibration sending sparks up your spine. 

The pressure built fast, coiling tight in your core, then he added a third finger, stretching you, thrusting deeper while his lips sealed around your clit and sucked.

You came hard, thighs trembling around his shoulders, a broken moan tearing from your throat. He worked you through it, gentling his movements until you were oversensitive and panting.

Joe rose, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

 “Third floor’s my favorite,” he said, voice wrecked.

 He shed his shirt, revealing the lean muscle and faint freckles you loved tracing with your tongue. Jeans and boxers followed, his cock springing free, thick, flushed, already leaking at the tip.

You reached for him, wrapping your hand around his length and stroking slowly, he groaned, head tipping back.

 “Bed. Now.”

He lifted you effortlessly, tossing you onto the mattress with a playful growl. You bounced once, laughing, before he crawled over you, caging you in with his arms. 

The kiss this time was slower, deeper, full of affection layered under the lust. His hand slipped between your legs again, fingers circling your clit lazily, keeping you on edge.

“Want you so bad,” he murmured against your lips. “Been thinking about this since you pointed at that pretty pussy during the song.”

Heat flooded your face, but you spread your legs wider in invitation.

 “Then take the full tour.”

Joe positioned himself at your entrance, rubbing the head of his cock through your folds, coating himself in your wetness, he pushed in slowly, inch by inch, stretching you open.

 The fullness was exquisite, burn and pleasure twisting together until he bottomed out with a shared groan. He stilled, forehead pressed to yours, breathing hard.

“Fuck, you feel incredible… so tight and so wet for me.”

You wrapped your legs around his waist, heels digging into his back.

 “Move, Joe. Please.”

and he did. Long, deep strokes at first, pulling almost all the way out before sliding back in, grinding against your clit with every thrust. The pace quickened, hips snapping harder, the wet slap of skin on skin filling the room alongside your moans. He hooked one of your legs over his shoulder, changing the angle, hitting that perfect spot inside you that made stars burst behind your eyelids.

“Yes…right there, don’t stop…”

His hand found your breast, pinching the nipple as he drove into you. Sweat slicked your bodies. You could feel another orgasm building, faster this time, coiling tighter with every powerful thrust. Joe’s rhythm faltered slightly, his own release approaching.

“Come with me,” he rasped, thumb finding your clit again, rubbing tight circles. “Want to feel you squeezing me.”

The command tipped you over, you cried out his name as pleasure crashed through you, walls pulsing around his cock. Joe followed seconds later, burying himself deep with a guttural moan, hips stuttering as he spilled inside you, hot and thick.

He collapsed half on top of you, careful not to crush you, face buried in your neck. 

For long minutes, the only sounds were your ragged breathing and the distant hum of the city below.

Eventually, he rolled to the side, pulling you against his chest, his fingers traced idle patterns on your back.

 “Best concert ever,” he said softly, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “We’re doing this again. Different artists, same house tour rules.”

You laughed, snuggling closer, already feeling the pleasant ache between your legs.

 “Deal.”

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, painting the hotel room in warm golds. You stirred first, blinking awake to the sight of Joe’s sleeping face, relaxed, hair wild against the pillow, one arm still draped possessively over your waist.

 Last night replayed in vivid detail: the concert energy, the teasing gestures during Sabrina’s song, the way he’d dropped to his knees like he couldn’t wait another second. Heat pooled low in your belly again just thinking about it.

You shifted carefully, intending to slip out for coffee, but his arm tightened.

“Morning, trouble,” he mumbled, voice gravelly with sleep, his eyes cracked open, hazel and warm, a lazy smile spreading across his lips. “Trying to sneak off before round two?”

“Round two?” You raised an eyebrow, but your body was already responding, nipples tightening under the sheet.

“Mmm. A full house tour requires multiple visits.”

 He rolled you beneath him in one smooth motion, kissing you deeply, his morning wood pressed insistently against your thigh.

 Unlike the frantic need of last night, this was slower, exploratory.

He took his time, mapping your body with hands and mouth. Kisses trailed from your jaw down your neck, pausing to suck a mark just below your collarbone-first floor revisited. Lower still, he lavished attention on your breasts, sucking one nipple into his mouth while rolling the other between his fingers until you were squirming and wet again.

“Joe…” You threaded your fingers through his hair, arching up.

He continued downward, nipping at your ribs, your stomach, until he settled between your thighs. This time his tongue was gentler, almost worshipful, long, slow licks that had you trembling, he slipped two fingers inside, scissoring gently, curling to stroke your inner walls while his mouth focused on your clit. 

The build was luxurious, wave after wave of pleasure without rushing the peak.

When you came, it was with a soft, shuddering sigh, thighs clamping around his head. He kissed his way back up, tasting like you, and slid inside you in one smooth thrust. You were still fluttering from your orgasm, making him groan.

“Love how you feel after you come,” he whispered, starting a slow grind. “All warm and pulsing around me.”

You met his thrusts, hands roaming his back, nails lightly scratching. 

The pace stayed unhurried,deep, rolling movements that let you feel every inch of him, he kissed you through it, swallowing your moans, one hand cupping your face like you were something precious.

Pressure built again, coiling tighter, you wrapped your legs higher around him, changing the angle until he was hitting that spot with every stroke.

 “Faster,” you gasped.

Joe obliged, hips snapping harder. The bed creaked beneath you, his free hand slipped between you, thumb on your clit, and that was it…you shattered again, clenching around him hard enough to pull him over the edge with you. He came with a low curse, pulsing deep inside.

Afterward, you lay tangled together, trading lazy kisses and quiet laughter.

“Third floor’s even better in daylight,” he teased, brushing a strand of hair from your face.

You swatted his chest playfully. “You’re insatiable.”

“Only for you.” His expression softened, the playful smirk fading into something more tender. “Last night was… perfect.I don’t want it to end.”

“It doesn’t have to,” you whispered, heart full. “We’ve got the whole day before we fly out.”

He grinned, already rolling you on top of him. “Then let’s keep touring”

You laughed, sinking down onto him again, taking control this time. 

The morning stretched into slow, sensual exploration, hands and mouths everywhere, bodies moving in sync and by the time you finally ordered room service hours later, you were both sore in the best way, skin marked with love bites and fingerprints, the sheets a tangled mess.

“Love you,” he murmured suddenly, watching you eat your breakfast 

You smiled, pressing a kiss on his lips. “Love you too, baby.”

Taglist: @watercolorskyy, @deviousfaye , @watercolorskyy , @l33nlikeacholo @ophirei @leahfaith @bluehexagon8 @unclejeezysblog@sweatydjoshoes

masterlist

[unclejeezysblog]

my honest reaction:

[unclejeezysblog]

: ̗̀➛Steve fixing your behaviour

warning: arguing, dry humping, kissing, teasing, praising, dirty talk, cumming, grammatical mistakes (maybe)

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

My friend dragged me to her boyfriend’s house, just to “see him for 20 minutes” and leave. Yeah we will leave my ass, because now shes cuddling with him on the couch while me and Steve are sitting on a 2 meter distance on the other couch. We never liked each other, always argued over the smallest things. My friend Caroline always tried to make us closer but that always failed.

Steve stood up and went to the bathroom. Leaving me alone on the couch, thank god.

Caroline stood up and went god knows where, until I heard heard her yell “Yall come here you have to see this”

I exchanged confused looks with her boyfriend, until we both stood up and went towards Caroline.

She’s standing in front of the bathroom door “Wait” she said

“Steve open the door please” she aggressively knocked on the bathroom door.

“Jeez whats going on you almost broke the door”

Caroline looks at me, grabs my wrist and pushes me in the bathroom, bumping a little in Steve.

I saw her steal the key and quickly closed the door and locked it.

“Caroline what are you doing unlock the door” I yelled from inside

“I will once you two get on good terms, for now we’re downstairs” I can hear the sounds from their footsteps disappearing.

Great.

“Whats going on” i annoyingly asked Steve

“Oh you think I know?”

“I was talking a piss, next thing I know Caroline is banging on the door and pushes you in here!”

“Oh Im sorry if i ruined your sweet time taking a piss”

“Okay no seriously what’s your problem” he asked stepping forward until my back hit the wall behind me.

“My problem? You’re the one always arguing”

“Huh me? Yeah and the sky is green”

“Im not here to joke around Harrington”

“Oh the last name, we’re serious aren’t we”

His face came closer to mine, i could feel his breath fan against my face

“Tell me you hate me”

“I hate you”

“Again”

“I hate you Harrington”

He started laughing, he’s starting to get so annoying

“Do you princess, because I can hear your heartbeat pounding in your chest”

I sarcastically smile at him

“You’re so full of yourself!”

“Oh am I?”

“Yes you are.”

“How come not even your little soccer boyfriend hasn’t put you in your place”

“He’s not my boyfriend”

“Sweetheart I can see the way he stares at your ass, for sure he sees you more than a friend”

“He can stare all he wants but he’s not my boyfriend”

He stood there quiet, i could tell he’s thinking something.

“Okay then I guess i’ll have to do it”

“Do what”

“Fix your behaviour” he said as he smashed his lips against mine, taking my hands in his and pinning them against the wall.

I didn’t have much time to think, I didn’t pull away from the kiss, I couldn’t. The way his mouth moved against mine, and when his tongue slid in my mouth, I couldn’t get enough. My mouth was spinning, I’ve never had anyone kiss me this deeply with so much passion. I instantly melted from his touch.

He places his knee between my legs, earning a whimper from me when i could feel his knee against my throbbing core.

“I bet you’re soaked” He smirked against my lips, his hands now on my hips, moving me back and forth against his knee.

“Yeah gonna ride me aren’t you?” He took my earlobe in his mouth, sucking.

“Cmon you can do it” His touch rough but also soft at the same time. My body was on fire, I couldn’t think of anything else but Steve.

“Are you close baby?”

“Mhm-m ye-s”

“Gosh I haven’t even touched you properly and - and you’re already at a loss of words” he sucked my neck, probably leaving a dark spot.

“Show me babygirl, show me how good im making you feel” he praised.

I felt a weird knot in my lower stomach as i could feel myself getting closer and closer. I couldn’t take it anymore as I came, squeezing my eyes shut and throwing my head backwards.

“I didn’t think I could make you finish that fast baby” he pressed his mouth next to my ear “Imagine how fast you’d finish if i fucked you properly” he smiled.

“Please” i begged him

“Not here princess, Im gonna take you home where we’re alone, so you can scream as loud as you want”

“Then take me” I see him smirk

“If you insist”

[jorkingtodjo]

Ain't nobody looking at that damn elephant😭✌🏽. I need to bite his biceps.

[unclejeezysblog]

10 people you’d like to get to know

@emqqx thank youu for tagging me🥰❤️

Last song - Climax by Djo

Currently watching - Fate the Winx Saga

Current obsession - probably playing my guitar? I think its more of an all time obsession tho🫣

Currently reading - The Deal by Elle Kennedy

Currently working on - nothing atm

Currently wearing - my pjs with Mickey Mouse

Last google search - Zara’s online store

Favourite flower - Hyacinth

Tags- @harringtonsdiaryxx @gaptooothsmile @saintlaurentdiva @gatorgirlie @digitalxcandle @djolemodel @harringtonkeerys @basssulaaa (dont feel pressured to respond)

[unclejeezysblog]

: ̗̀➛ Waking up next to Gator

warning: just kissing

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

I could feel soft strokes in my hair, as i slowly start to wake up from my sleep. The morning sun filters through the half closed blinds and the birds are chirping outside.

“G’morning baby” I hear a familiar voice say from behind me. Gator wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer.

This started to be a routine. Gator always woke up before me, and would always wake me up with either kisses or stokes in my hair.

“Morning” I turn around to face him.

His hair gel free, strands flying around everywhere from his sleep. A smile forms on his face as he sees me.

His hand brushes my hair from my face and gently cups my cheek. He pulled my face in for a soft lingering kiss. I wish I could stop the time in moments like these.

Crazy how Gator acts all tough in front of people, but the moment he is with me all of that is replaced by softness. He loves affection, just doesn’t want to admit it.

“You’re so beautiful” he mumbled between kisses.

“My beautiful girl”

“All mine”

His nose brushed against mine, staying like that for a couple seconds and looking deeply into my eyes.

He lowered himself and started kissing my neck. His nose brushing against my earlobe as he sucks a spot under my ear. He knows too well that that is one of my weakest spots.

I couldn’t help it as a moan slipped out of my mouth. I heard him chuckle, this is exactly what he wanted.

“Gates baby” i whimpered

“What is it doll?”

I didn’t answer as i grabbed his face and kissed him. He placed his hand on the back of my neck to pull me closer.

His kisses are always first slow, and then turn into harder and desperate. He kisses like he is starving.

We had to break the kiss because of the lack of air in our lungs.

He stared at my face for a long time “Why are you staring” i asked

“What I can’t admire my girl?”

A blush spread across my cheeks.

my girl.

“Love you babygirl”

“So so much”

At the beginning of our relationship he always struggled how to be affectionate with words. But now it seems like he has found his way, because this man is praising me every 5 minutes.

“I love you too” I said as I tucked my face in his neck, his arms wrapped around me to pull me even more tightly.

Every morning was like this, slow and not rushed. Shared kisses and cuddles that I never want to end.

[insomniacpen]

whoever made this gets me so seriously

[unclejeezysblog]

: ̗̀➛Gator coming home to you after a long shift

•warnings: bruise, swearing, kissing, fingering, oral (f receiving), praise

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

I heard his loud footsteps at the porch, knowing that Gator is home from work. I’m finishing up dinner, as i see him enter the kitchen, hair strands falling in front of his face, his cheekbone slightly bruised turning a purple color. Oh no.

“Gator baby what happened” I rushed towards him cup his face, his hands naturally wrap themselves around my waist.

“Fuckin’ theif tried fightin me” I brushed my thumb over the bruise and he flinched, poor thing.

I give him a kiss over the bruise and then on his lips.

“I made you dinner, your favourite”

“Screw the food, you’re my dinner” he picked me up and placed me on the countertop “Gates but-“

“Nuh huh no buts, we’ll worry bout that later” he said as he aggressively started kissing me.

“Mhm ya taste so good” he said between kisses. Standing between my legs as i could feel his hard on against my core.

His lips traveled to my neck as i could feel him take off my pants and panties.

He broke the contact and dropped to his knees “Holy shit babe you soaked” he chuckled “All of this f’me?”

“Y-yes”

He immediately started eating me out, sucking my folds. Then his tongue slid into my hole, the loudest moan leaving my mouth.

“G-gator”

“Cmon mama scream my name”

He slid two fingers in, my head started spinning as i saw stars. Back arching as I placed my hand in his hair, tugging it.

“Come for me, I know you can do it”

“So beautiful”

“Knew you would taste so good”

He continued on praising until i reached my orgasm. Coating his mouth and fingers with wetness, i hear him whimper. Yes Gator whimpering.

“Good job mama” he said as he stood up, wiping the cum from his chin with the back of his hand, smirking.

“So whats for dinner”

[munsonstorm]

thinking about… and i’m thinking about…. and when im thinking about….. how im thinking about…..

arm

[emqqx]

hi! can i request a VERY fluffy fic where joe and reader are making pizza and then they jokingly throw flour at eachother and make a mess and end up slow dancing in the kitchen thanks!

"Flour dusted dances"

⋆⭒˚.⋆ Joe Keery x reader ⋆⭒˚.⋆

english is not my language please be kind and sorry if i wrote wrong :) requests are open if you want!

summary: On a cozy night in, you and Joe turn a simple pizza date into a flour fight and end up slow dancing

warnings: fluff, domestic romance, established relationship

The kitchen smelled like yeast and anticipation, the kind of warm, lived in scent that made the apartment feel less like a temporary crash pad between Joe’s filming schedules and more like home. You stood at the counter in one of his old tees,soft gray, faded from too many washes and a pair of shorts, bare feet cool against the tile. Joe, all 6'feet something of him, was humming under his breath as he tied a ridiculous floral apron around his waist, the strings barely reaching.

“You sure you don’t want the plain black one?” you teased, watching him struggle with the bow.

“Nope, this one makes me feel fancy,” he said, grinning that crooked, boyish smile that still made your stomach flip even after two years together. “Besides, you said we were making pizza like real Italians. Real Italians wear floral aprons, right?”

You laughed and flicked a pinch of salt at him. “I’m pretty sure they don’t, but okay.”

It had been his idea, really.

 After a long week of you being buried in deadlines and him wrapped up in meetings about the next season, he’d declared tonight a “no screens, no plans, just us” kind of evening. You’d raided the pantry and come up with the basics: flour, yeast, canned tomatoes, fresh mozzarella you’d picked up on a whim. The rest would be whatever toppings survived in the fridge.

Joe rolled up his sleeves, revealing the lean forearms you loved to trace lazy patterns on during lazy mornings.

 “Alright, chef… dough first?”

You nodded, measuring out the warm water and yeast while he dumped flour into the big ceramic bowl you’d bought together at a flea market last summer. His hands were big, capable, hands that had wielded prop bats and guitars but right now were gently mixing the ingredients like it was the most important task in the world.

“Tell me if I’m doing this wrong,” he said, glancing at you with mock seriousness. “I don’t want to ruin our masterpiece.”

“You’re doing great,” you assured him, stepping closer to add the olive oil. Your shoulder brushed his, and he leaned into it automatically, a quiet little habit that always made you feel anchored.

The dough came together slowly, sticky at first, then smoother as you both kneaded it on the floured counter. Joe’s technique was enthusiastic rather than precise, he used his whole upper body, shoulders rolling, humming an off-key version of some 80s song you couldn’t quite place. Flour dusted his apron, his arms, even a streak across his cheekbone where he’d absentmindedly scratched an itch.

“You’ve got a little something,” you said, reaching up to brush it away with your thumb.

He caught your wrist gently, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh yeah? Well, so do you.” Before you could react, he swiped two fingers through the flour on the counter and booped your nose.

You gasped in delightfully fake outrage. “Joseph Keery, you did not just…”

But you were already retaliating, grabbing a handful of flour and flicking it at his chest, it exploded in a soft white cloud, settling across the floral apron like fresh snow. His laughter, deep and genuine, filled the kitchen.

“Oh, it’s on now,” he warned, voice playful.

What followed was pure chaos in the best way.

 You darted around the island, squealing as he chased you with a fistful of flour, he caught you easily around the waist, pulling you back against his chest, but you twisted and got him first, a dramatic puff right in the middle of his face. He sputtered, eyes squeezed shut, white powder clinging to his lashes and hair.

“You’re going to pay for that,” he growled, but there was nothing but affection in it.

He lifted you effortlessly onto the counter, dough forgotten, ingredients shoved aside and stepped between your knees. Flour rained down as you both grabbed more, smearing it across each other’s cheeks, necks, arms. Your laughter mixed with his until you were both breathless, foreheads pressed together, bodies shaking with giggles.

The kitchen was a disaster.

 Flour coated the counters, the floor, even the ceiling in faint patches where a particularly enthusiastic throw had gone wild. The pizza dough sat abandoned in its bowl, slightly over kneaded and dusted with extra evidence of your war, but neither of you cared.

 Joe’s hands settled on your hips, thumbs stroking slow circles through the thin fabric of his borrowed shirt.

“You’re a mess,” he murmured, voice softer now, eyes tracing the flour on your skin like it was something precious.

“Look who’s talking,” you whispered back, brushing a lock of his hair back and it left a fresh streak of white behind.

He smiled, slow and warm, and reached for his phone on the counter. A few taps later, soft music filled the kitchen, an old vinyl sounding song, something gentle with strings and a crooning voice. You recognized it instantly: one of the playlists he’d made for quiet nights like this.

“Dance with me?” he asked, offering his hand like you were at some fancy gala instead of standing in a flour bombed kitchen in your pajamas.

You took it without hesitation.

 “Here? Now?”

“Right here, right now.”

He helped you down from the counter, and then his arms were around you, one hand splayed across your lower back, the other holding yours close to his chest. You wrapped your free arm around his neck, fingers playing with the short hairs at his nape. 

The music wrapped around you both as you swayed, barely moving at first, just rocking side to side in the small clear space between the island and the stove.

Joe rested his chin on top of your head, humming along quietly, you could feel the steady thump of his heart against your cheek, the warmth of his body seeping through the thin layers of clothes.

 Flour still clung to both of you, but it only made the moment sweeter, more real.

“I love this,” he said after a while, voice low. “Just… us. Just you and me making a mess and dancing like idiots.”

You tilted your head up to look at him, his eyes were soft, that particular shade of warm brown that always felt like coming home. 

“I love it too, even when you start food fights.”

He chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest. “Hey, you started it with the salt, I was an innocent bystander.”

“Liar,” you said fondly, pressing a kiss to his jaw.

You danced through two more songs, steps slow and unhurried. Sometimes he’d spin you gently under his arm, laughing when you nearly slipped on a patch of flour. Other times he’d pull you impossibly closer, until there was no space left between you, his hand tracing lazy patterns on your back. The kitchen light cast long shadows across the mess, turning the scattered flour into something almost magical, like stardust.

“Remember that time…” he asked suddenly, lips brushing your temple. “The first time we cooked together, I burned the garlic bread so bad the smoke alarm went off.”

You smiled against his shirt. 

“And you tried to fan the smoke away with a towel like some kind of action hero.,, Nearly set the towel on fire too.”

“I was trying to impress you,” he admitted, a hint of sheepishness in his voice. “Didn’t realize ‘impress’ meant ‘nearly evacuate the building.’”

“You impressed me anyway,” you said quietly. “Still do, every day.”

He stopped swaying for a moment, just holding you.

 When he pulled back, his expression was open and vulnerable in that way he only ever was with you, then he leaned down and kissed you. His arms tightened around you as the music continued, a gentle melody underscoring the moment. When you broke apart, foreheads touching again, both of you were smiling.

“We should probably clean up,” you said, though neither of you moved.

“Later,” he decided, nuzzling into your neck. “Right now I’m busy dancing with the most beautiful, flour covered person in the world.”

You laughed softly and let him sway you again.

 The pizza dough could wait. The mess could wait. Everything could wait while you stayed wrapped up in him, moving together in the soft kitchen light.

The music from his phone had faded, but the rhythm of your heartbeats continued the dance, slow, steady, and utterly yours. In the quiet glow of the living room lamp you drifted off feeling like the luckiest person alive.

Because with Joe, even the messiest nights turned into something beautiful. Something worth remembering.

Taglist: @watercolorskyy, @deviousfaye , @watercolorskyy , @l33nlikeacholo @ophirei @leahfaith @bluehexagon8 @unclejeezysblog @sweatydjoshoes

masterlist

[unclejeezysblog]

: ̗̀➛Ovulating

summary: you’ve been ovulating the whole day, so when Joe comes home he takes care of you

warning: 18+ MDNI - smut, ovulation, making out, cussing, fingering, unprotected piv,

note: first time writing smut🥲 bare with me 🙏🏻

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Today was a lazy Sunday, nothing much to do. It’s raining heavily outside, water droplets sticking on the windows. I’m left home alone for a few hours, while Joe went to the studio to finish up some work.

And he decided to leave me on the worst day, not that he knows, but im ovulating - a lot. Ever since i woke up my body has been warm and sweating and my mind only on one thing - Joe.

I needed him so bad, I thought i could survive and wait for him. But i was wrong.

I was lost in my thoughts when a notification ringed from my phone.

JOE

Just finished in the studio, do you want me to grab some food?

ME

no come home. now.

JOE

is everything okay?

ME

nothing to worry about i just need you.

JOE

need me in what way?

ME

get your ass home and you’ll see

I think he knew exactly in what way i needed him, because the drive to the studio is 15 minutes and he arrived home for 8 minutes. The door opens and then closes and i see Joe walking into the living room. His hair messy from running his fingers through it, that black t-shirt i bought for him that fits his body perfectly, outlining the muscles. My core ached.

“Hey baby” he said making his way towards me.

I didn’t even say hi back, i grabbed him by his neck and smashed my lips against his. I can feel him smile from the unexpected kiss. His hands wrapped around my waist as he deepens into the kiss.

He pulled away to catch his breath “feeling needy today?” he asked as he sat down on the couch and pulled me to sit in his lap.

“Yes” i whisper placing my forehead against his, my breathing got heavier and heavier.

“Don’t worry i’ll make you feel good” He kissed my forehead, grabbed the back of my thighs and picked me up making his way towards the bedroom.

He quickly placed me on the bed and hovered over me, kissing me all over my face.

His hands traveled under my shirt as he slowly tugged it upwards, taking it off of me. And he is surprised with a baby blue lace bra (his favourite one). The moment he sees it his eyes lighten up.

“You wore this on purpose?” he asked

“What? no it was random”

“Mhm yeah, and now you’ll find it randomly on the floor” he said as he took off the bra too, completely exposing my breasts.

He started sucking them, leaving dark marks all over them. I couldn’t help it as whimpers came out of my mouth, he was just too good.

“Joe please” i begged. I don’t think I could take it anymore, i needed him. My core has been aching for him since this morning.

“M-mhm baby what do you need?” he stopped kissing me

“Touch me p-please”

“Yeah you want that?” he asked, i nodded with my head.

He quickly took off my sweatpants and stared at me only in my panties, by the look on his face I could tell he was pleased.

“Holy shit princess you’re soaked” he chuckled as he lowered himself between my legs.

He removed my panties and with no warning pushed one finger inside me. My back immediately arched from the pleasure.

He started pumping his finger fast and then adding another one. I swear I saw stars. This is what i needed.

“Oh mu g-god”

“That feels good yeah? You can do it cum around my fingers”

Im a moaning mess, hair sticking on my face from the sweat, wetness dripping between my legs.

You know what they say about guitarists? That they have fast fingers. I can confirm that is very true.

His fingers curl up inside me and i let out the loudest moan ever “you like that don’t you?” he asked as he continued curling his fingers.

“I need you inside me please fuck me” I begged

“You’ll get what you want baby” he said as he undressed himself. He was now only left in his boxers, i could see the outline of him, he was hard (and big).

He removed his boxers and for a minute I had to think how he is going to fit.

“Like the view?” He asked smirking

“How are you going to fit in me?” i asked

“Don’t you worry that’s my job here, you just relax” he said as he lined himself up in front of my entrance “If it gets too much tell me to stop okay?”

“Okay”

He pushed forward and oh my god. I was so tight around him, the stretch hurt but also felt really good.

“There you go sweetheart, taking me so good” he continued praising me.

The moment he fully went in he left out a loud moan. Then started thrusting i felt like I was levitating.

“Good girl, so good for me” he whispered against my ear and then started sucking a spot on my neck.

His hands interlaced with mine as he pinned them on the mattress, all of that while he was splitting me in half.

Both of our moans echoing in the bedroom, until I started clenching around him, thats when he knew that I was close.

“Are you close baby? Come on cum around me”

He could see himself giving me a belly bulge, that sight made him twitch inside me

“Holy shit baby i can see myself in your tummy”

He continued with his praises as i came, feeling a relief as i arched off the bed.

Joe continued thrusting in me and 2 minutes later he finished too. Filling me up as he left the loudest moan.

“You feel so good sweetheart” He kissed me on my lips. He stopped his movements still inside me.

He brushed the small pieces of hair that sticked on my face, looking at me with his eyes heavy lidded.

“My beautiful girl i love you so much, did such a good job”

He removed himself from me, walking to the bathroom and coming with a towel in his hands. He cleaned me up and then himself.

He opened the drawers and grabbed a pair of underwear for both of us, and one of his shirts for me.

He helped me get dressed as i couldn’t stand up from the soreness between my legs.

He pulled me against his chest and whispered sweet nothings until we both drifted to sleep.

[unclejeezysblog]

: ̗̀➛”Be mine”

•summary: You catch your boyfriend cheating and are devastated by the betrayal. With the help of your friends, especially Joe, you slowly heal and move on. As you grow closer, you both realize you’re in love.

•warning: there may be some grammatical mistakes, heartbreak, crying, making out, oral & fingering (f receiving)

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

One week ago. One week ago I caught my boyfriend cheating on me with some random girl, in my apartment!

I remember struggling to open the door, my eyes tired and begging for sleep after i finished with work. All i needed was my warm comfy bed and my boyfriend by my side. Well sometimes i ask for too much.

Because the moment I walked in, she was in the kitchen cooking while wearing his shirt, him on the other side scrolling through channels on the TV.

When i saw her first, I thought it was his sister but then i remembered that she’s on a work trip to Europe.

His face turned immediately pale, when he saw me enter the apartment. And then started begging me not to leave him and that this is all a mistake.

Within 10 minutes they were kicked out. I couldn’t believe it. Not only he cheated on me, but brought the girl in my apartment. Not our apartment. Mine. The apartment that i pay rent for.

After all of that happened, I started isolating myself. Trust issues grew bigger and bigger day by day. At first I didn’t tell my friends, needed that first week alone, with no one confronting me that “everything is going to be okay” because it wasn’t going to be, didn’t feel like it. Not when the person I loved and trusted the most betrayed me.

5 days later, my friends started noticing my behaviour. Missed calls, dry responses, saying “im busy” to planned dinners and hangouts.

I felt like i was burning alive. My chest tightening every time i thought about it. Something inside me convincing me that I’m not enough after all of this, that I need to do better or that maybe i’ll never be enough. What if I was a bad girlfriend? What if I was prettier like her? What if.

I could feel the dark circles underneath my eyes forming. Every morning my eyes were swollen from the constant crying at night, listening to sad breakup songs that made things even worse. I ate less, every time I tried to eat i felt like i was going to vomit.

Until 10 days after the breakup, my best friend Annabelle stated spam calling me. I ignored the first three calls, but she didn’t stop there. I decided to answer her.

“Hello”

“Okay no seriously where have you been and what’s happening. I know something happened and you aren’t telling me” she sounded pissed off and also worried at the same time.

“I- nothing, I’m fine” I say as I’m reminded again of what happened.

“No you’re not, I’m coming over and you’re telling me everything”

Before I could say anything she hung up the phone.

I looked at the apartment, a complete mess. Unwashed dishes in the sink, dust on the table, also me with unbrushed hair and pyjamas that made me look like Adam Slander.

I tried to clean up as much as I could, until the doorbell rang. Not only that she started aggressively knocking, oh she is pissed.

I open the door, the moment she sees me the expression on her face changes. Her eyes look at me like she’s trying to figure out what happened and why I look like this.

“Hey” I said as i stepped back to let her in.

“Babe what happened, you look like a vampire who hasn’t slept in months” she sounds so worried. I feel bad now.

My eyes start to fill up with tears, mouth wobbling as i reach my hands out to hug her. She hugs me immediately “Hey it’s okay i’ve got you” She hugged me tightly, stroking my back with her hand.

I pull away from the hug to look into her eyes “He c-cheated” i try to say between sobs.

“HE DID WHAT” she yelled. I hug her again, releasing all of those bottled up emotions from the past week. I feel my hands and knees go weak as i cling onto her.

“Cmere lets sit down” she guides me to the couch.

Between sobs, i tell her everything and how it happened. She had a disgusted face when she heard all of it.

“Honey why didn’t you call me? Or joe or anyone” she asked worryingly.

“I- i don’t know, I thought it would be better if i dealt with it on my own”

“No you’re making it worse by doing it on your own, isolating in your apartment wont fix things. It will only worsen them” she said

“Now you’re gonna go and take a nice warm shower, and make yourself a nice shower playlist. I know you love those. And then you’re gonna rest, you deserve it” she wiped the tears off my face.

I couldn’t say no, she always knew what’s best for me.

I do what she said, took a long steaming shower. I felt better, clean. I got changed into my pyjamas and once i left the bedroom i walked in on Annabelle cleaning the apartment.

“Hey what are you doing?” i asked her

She’s now washing the dishes, the dust is cleaned off the table. The thrown blankets that were on the couch are now neatly folded.

“Helping you out. Now go sleep, I’ll finish up here and make my way home. I will come over tomorrow again, and you are going leave the house with me”

“-I no I don’t need to”

“Nuh huh i don’t wanna hear any no’s. We’re grabbing dinner with out friends at 8”

I sigh, once it’s said i can’t say no to her.

“Okay fine”

*time skip to tomorrow*

I feel more fresh today, that shower really helped me calm down and have a good sleep. And also the apartment is cleaned, thanks to Annabelle. I feel like slight weight is lifted off my shoulders.

In 3 hours we are supposed to go to dinner. I haven’t seen my other friends in a long time. And what am I even going to wear.

I stare at my closet, almost overfilled with clothes. I wanted to wear a dress, to make myself look more alive. My eyes scanned the closet, until i saw a black dress. My favourite one. It’s a maxi dress, snatched at the waist with thin straps that rest on the shoulders. I decided to wear that one, because it always makes me feel good, like myself.

I applied some makeup, to make myself look better, covering up my dark circles with concealer.

Later Annabelle picked me up with her car, and drove to the restaurant.

When we walked inside, walking towards our table, everyones head turned towards me.

“There she is” Javi said

Everyone was here Javi, Emma, Wes and of course Joe. I was going to sit next to Emma, but Annabelle sat there, so the only place I could sit next to was Joe.

I made my way over there, I see him smiling, as i sat down i greeted him.

“Hey bunny” bunny, It never gets old. When I was a kid I was obsessed with bunnies, and ever since then Joe has been calling me bunny non stop.

We all chatted, catching up on things that happened. And of course i eventually told them what happened to me, all of their faces were in shock.

“Knew he was such an asshole” Joe mumbled.

“No he really is. I remember once I hugged her and he thought that i was flirting” Wes said.

“Okay can we change the subject now please” i asked, hearing them talk about him made me have a bad gut feeling.

We ended the night chatting and eating our favourite foods, I felt slightly better as he wasn’t on my mind.

Annabelle drove me home. I entered my apartment, and went to the bathroom to clean my makeup off and get dressed into pyjamas. Suddenly I heard a notification from my phone. It was Joe.

Joe

Hey do you want to join us tomorrow at the beach?

Me

I think i’ll skip, maybe next time

Joe

Are you sure?

Me

Yep 100%

He knew i was hurting, and hiding it all. I’ve always been there for my friends, when they had their though times. But when it came to me, i tend to lock up every feeling and pretend that everything is fine. But it’s not. Faking a smile in front of them, and then the moment I step in my apartment i break down.

*The next morning*

I heard the door bell ring, followed by 3 knocks on the door. It’s 9am who is it? No one announced that they were coming here. I look outside the window, rain pouring down whilst the sky lightened up, followed by a loud thunder.

I go to answer the door, and i see Joe standing there, completely soaked from the rain, his hair sticking to his face, and his white t-shirt almost clear, showing off his muscles and broad shoulders. Gosh focus.

“Joe? What are you doing here?”

“Well i thought I’d take a walk and them stop by but the weather had different plans” he said.

“Oh god cmon get inside”

“Get by the fire place i’ll light it up” we both walk towards it.

“I don’t have a spare t-shirt, do you want me to put yours in the dryer?” i asked him as i lit up the fire place.

“If you wanted me to take my shirt off you should’ve just asked” he said with a smirk on his face.

“Gosh no i just don’t want you to freeze”

“Kidding kidding here” he grabbed the bottom of his shirt and dragged it upwards, taking it off.

Seeing him like this shirtless made my breath hitch. He reaches out and gives me the t-shirt, as i take it from his hands i stood up and make my way to the dryer.

As i make my way back, i see him sitting by the fireplace, the fire giving his face a soft golden glow.

“Do you want anything to drink? tea maybe to warm up?” i asked him

“No thank you I’m good, come sit here” he said as he pat the floor next to him.

So i sat next to him, there was a short silence before he broke it

“How are you doing?” he asked looking at me with a look on his face that is trying to figure out the answer

“I- i don’t know good i guess”

“Hey now what did we say about lying” he said “ I know you’re hurting, and it’s okay. You’re human of course you will feel different kind of emotions” he confronted.

“I know you, every time you hurt you lock yourself up. Im not here to scold you for doing that but i just want to help you, make you feel better” i could feel my eyes slightly sting

“Thank you” i mumbled as he pulled me in for a hug. Despite the rain that was all over him when he arrived, he is surprisingly very warm. My head rested on his shoulder as one of his hands slid around my lower back and the other one around my shoulders.

“You deserve the world, seriously. That douchebag didn’t deserve you at all. I want you to step up and be yourself again. Don’t let him take you down”

One thing about Joe is that he will always be there for a loved one, and will always confront you. He has such a way with words, somehow always finds the right ones.

“Thank you Joe, really” i pull away from the hug feeling slightly better.

He stayed until the weather calmed down, we had some breakfast and watched a movie. Then he had to leave to go to the studio.

Over the next three weeks, Joe non stop called me and came over my apartment. He’d even show unannounced, not that I mind. I really enjoy his company. Lately maybe a little bit too much.

He would cook for me, take me to his studio and show me new guitar riffs he created, organised a lot of hangouts with our friends. I feel way better now.

All thanks to him.

Today is his nieces birthday, and I’ve been invited since I’m really close to his family.

I decided to buy his niece a bunny jelly cat holding a birthday cake. Because apparently she is obsessed with jelly cats and is building her own collection.

I also bought her a white dress with pink flowers and bows on it.

The moment she saw the present she started screaming

“My favourite animal as a jelly cat” she yelled as she ran towards me to hug me.

“Thank you thank you thank you” She didn’t let go.

“No problem sweetie” i said.

“Uncle Joe look what I got” she showed him the bunny, when he saw it the biggest smile formed on his face.

“It’s really cute”

Then she ran off to the other kids playing with toys as Joe stood on my right side next to me “A bunny huh” he said

“I thought she’d really like it, since she is really into jelly cats”

“She reminds me of you” he said. What does he mean by that.

“What do you mean?”

“She’s just like you when you were a kid, always grateful for the things that she gets, giving everyone hugs all of the time, always smiling, and obsessed with bunnies” he looked at me, and stared for a long time.

“And maybe a little stubborn” he laughed. Okay that made me laugh too, and he is not wrong i am stubborn.

As the birthday party ended, Joe offered to drive me home, so i said yes. I don’t know if I’m overthinking it but Joe has been acting a little weird lately. I don’t know how to explain it, there’s something different.

He walked me to my apartment, keep in mind its on the 5th floor. It’s not late, it’s still 6pm i decided to invite him in

“Do you want to come in? I have cinnamon rolls with extra cinnamon”

“Now how could i say no to those” he smiled

I unlocked the door and we went in. He took off his shoes and sat on the couch as I went to grab the cinnamon rolls from the kitchen.

We sat on the couch and ate a bunch until we were full.

“You were really good with my niece today, thank you” he broke he silence, placing his plate on the table and turning towards me.

“No needed to thank me, i love that cutie” i smiled at him.

“But” i said

“But?” he repeated after me

“I think I’m supposed to thank you. You saw me almost losing myself, stepped up and helped me through the hardest time. I don’t think I would have done this without your help. Seriously I don’t know how to thank you” And I feel my eyes fill up.

“No hey no crying” he wiped the tears off of my cheeks, his palms cupping my face.

“Sorry- i just got a little emotional” i laugh throughout the tears.

My face is still in his hands, and I want to say it. I really have to get it out of my chest.

“Joe I- I think i fell in love with you”

I look into his eyes, he looks surprised. His pupils growing bigger.

“Say that again” he said

“What?”

“Say it again”

“I’m in love with yo-“

I didn’t get to finish my sentence as he smashed his lips against mine. Hard, like he has been waiting to do it for ages. His lips move slowly against mine, exploring, the kiss growing deeper and deeper. I feel butterflies in my stomach, that weight i felt in my body, finally lifted off of me. I feel like a bird that has escaped it’s cage.

He eventually broke the kiss, both of us searching for air. Our foreheads pressed against each other, breathing heavy.

“I love you too” he said. Oh my god.

“Are you serious?” i asked, not believing the words coming out of his mouth.

“Dead serious, wanna see?” he asked as he kissed me again, his hands now gripping my waist hardly, like he is scared that i will disappear.

His nose brushes against mine as his lips move, savouring the kiss. His tongue gliding against mine.

He breaks the kiss “I could get used to this” he smirks

His fingers tuck a strand of hair behind my ears “My beautiful girl” he mumbled as his lips brushed against mine.

“Wanted you for so long, thought i’d go crazy if i waited longer”

“I was so jealous when you got together with that asshole, knew he wasn’t the right one for you” he kissed me again and again.

He crushed his lips against my neck, then down at my collarbone. I was wearing a thin white thank top, with a red lacy bra underneath, so if you looked closely you could see the lace, which Joe did.

“Oh my god” He sucks a spot on my neck that makes me roll my head backwards.

“Yeah? Right there?” He continued even harder.

Then he picked me up in bridal style and carried me to my bedroom. He gently placed me onto the bed, and hovering over me.

He gripped my pants “Is this okay?” he asked for permission, i nodded.

He quickly took off my pants and lace panties, cursing under his breath when he saw them.

While Joe is staring at me like he has seen something unbelievable, he lowers himself until he’s between my legs.

I thought about the fact that he would make me come. When i was with my ex, i never got to come. Because he would always finish first and just leave me hanging there. I never knew how it’s like to be taken care in that way.

“I knew you’d be so beautiful” he whispered. His tongue slid between my folds a few times and then entered my hole. Which it made me arch my back and squeeze my thighs around his head, but he quickly held them open with his hands.

“Joe- please” Im a moaning mess, legs slowly starting to shake as i feel two fingers slide into me.

“Such a good girl. Gonna cream around my fingers yeah?” His praises making me lose my mind even more.

I clenched around his fingers and finally came. Heavy breathing feeling the liquid travel between my thighs, as Joe continues on fingering me.

“Yeah thats it. I bet he didn’t make you finish that fast” he said as he placed himself upwards and hovered over my head.

“He never made me finish” i mumbled quietly.

“What” he said with a confused look on his face

“Yeah, he would always finish first and then we would end”

“Oh baby” he kissed my lips. Noses brushing against each others. “I’ll make it up, and make you finish how many times you want, i’ll take real care of you”

“Be mine” he locked his eyes with mine.

“I think i’ve been yours for a long time already”

Later that night we both fell asleep, cuddling in my bedroom. My head pressed against his chest as his muscular arms were wrapped around me. I felt safe and happy.

[djolemodel]

Hi there!! i recently read your story “tangled cables and hearts” and as a reaaally big music fan i absolutely loved it. I play the guitar and bonding over the guitar with someone i find it quite intimate. And i was thinking maybe i could request a joe fic, he gives reader guitar lessons and trough out it they get really close, they both start crushing on eachother but are so not aware of it 🤭its like all of their friends can see it but not them, and they have a lot of cute moments with eachother 🥰

EXCUSES

Joe Keery x fem!reader

WORD COUNT: 2.1K

NIA'S NOTES: Thank you for this request!! I REALLY want to learn how to play potion on my guitar but I can't string pick for the life of me 💔 Enjoy my lovelies!! 💕

Your apartment is a little too chaotic for something as simple as waiting for Joe to come over. As soon as you woke up after sleeping past all your alarms that you had set ‘just in case’, your movements were frantic, rushing to get yourself busy instead of waiting around for him to arrive.

It all started out as a suggestion, something to keep the conversation going when you noticed it was dying down. He had been talking to you about his own music for hours at a mutual friend’s housewarming party.

You knew about Joe through endless conversations with your friends and old pictures from when he was a teenager. Surprisingly, he knew just as much about you. He recited everything that he remembered being told about you, and it came as a shock that he bothered to remember.

He knew about the time that you threw up five minutes into your eighteenth birthday party, and he even knew about the posters you had up on your walls when you were a tween. That alone felt like something special, because he remembered things that even you would have a hard time trying to remember.

The words came out without a second to think, because you wanted to drag out the conversation as long as you could. “I’d love to learn to play an instrument. I had trumpet lessons when I was younger, but it didn’t last long before I gave up.” You say with an amused laugh. “I feel like I don’t really have a hobby.”

“Yeah? What instrument would you want to learn?” He ask, sipping his coffee.

“Probably an acoustic guitar. Just anything with strings, honestly.” You say with a sweet smile, resting the side of your face on your hand.

He pauses for a moment, humming as he sips his coffee. “I could teach you.”

“What? Really?” You ask.

“Yeah, of course.” He nods. “Gives me something to do as well as you.”

“Are you not like, incredibly busy all the time?” You ask cluelessly.

He laughs, shaking his head. “Definitely not.”

“Right, right.” You nod.

“Do you know the basics of an acoustic guitar?” He asks, pushing his glasses up to rest on top of his head.

“Is it bad if I say no?” You say, trailing off.

“Not at all. I’m glad though, because I can teach you that.” He smiles.

For a moment, you just stare at him from across the kitchen island before nodding. “When could we start?” You ask.

“Whenever is best for you, no rush.” He says with that sweet voice.

“Sunday, maybe?” You ask, unsure.

“Sounds good.” He nods.

Now you’re stood in your apartment, pacing around your living room like it’s going to calm you down. No matter how much you knew about Joe, you had only met him once, and it was in a house with over thirty people, and now it’s going to be confined down to the two of you, more intimate.

You paused in the middle of your living room, going over in your head what you were going to say to him, giving yourself backup options if the conversations end up being cut off quickly. Two knocks at your door pull you back to reality, and you made your way over to the door, opening it with a shaky hand.

He’s stood in a brown leather jacket and dark wash jeans, looking way too good for a guitar lesson. You glance down to his hand and see the guitar in its case.

“Hey.” He grins.

Your lips twitch into a small smile, and you step to the side to let him in. “Hey.”

He follows you through the apartment, and you’re biting down on the inside of your cheek, trying your hardest not to mess up a few seconds in. You lead him into the living room and sit down on the sofa, curling your legs beneath yourself. He sits beside you, unzipping the case.

“I’ve had this guitar for years now. It’s been with me for every version of myself.” He laughs, settling it down on his lap to tune it. “Thought I’d bring this one along with me for you to practice on.”

You watch as he tunes the guitar. “What does that do?” You ask, referring to him tuning the guitar.

“In simple terms, it helps it sound better.” He says, earning a hum from you. “I trust that you’re going to be careful with this guitar.”

“Of course.” You nod.

He settles the guitar down on your lap, and you stare down at it, pulling a laugh from him.

“Don’t worry, you’ll know what to do in a second.” He laughs, shuffling closer to you. “Okay, we’re just going to start with basic guitar chords.”

“That sounds terrifying already.” You mumble.

“Personally, I don’t think it’s too hard.” He reassures, though that does nothing for you.

“Easy for you to say when it’s basically apart of your life.” You laugh. “I know nothing, and I probably should.”

“This is why I’m going to teach you. It may seem confusing at the start, but it’ll get easier.” He pauses. “Eventually.”

He starts off by explaining chords to you, showing you how they sound. You’re staring at him blankly, watching as his fingers brush against the strings. As soon as he asks you to play a chord, your fingers are all over the place, trying to put them in an uncomfortable angle.

His hand comes to yours, and he guides your fingers into the right places. “If it feels uncomfortable, then that’s a sign you’ve done something wrong.”

“This is more complicated than learning a new language.” You huff, looking down at your hand.

“My goal is to make playing a guitar sound easier than learning a new language then.” He laughs, guiding your other hand to the strings. “Now strum.”

You strum the guitar, once, then another time. “I’ve made music.”

“Let’s get you up on that stage.” He laughs, and you roll your eyes.

The next few times that you met up weren’t as nerve-wracking as the first time. Whatever wall you initially had up had completely disappeared, and your lessons were filled with laughter as you messed up chords or when you made up an entirely new chord.

It was like you had known each other for years instead of a few months, and anyone that doesn’t know you personally would think that you grew up together. You started to meet up with him outside of being taught to play the guitar, and you were suddenly being invited to parties. Meeting new people, finding out about Joe’s friends, and being welcomed into any event.

He invited you to come to the studio at one point to see the whole recording process, and the band didn’t say a word about it. Having you around all the time was the most normal thing to him, that normal that nobody was surprised if you would turn up beside him. His friends knew your name. They talked to you as if they knew you just as much as Joe did.

You’re walking around the studio as they set up, letting your eyes dart over all the glowing buttons in front of you. He comes up behind you, his hand brushing over your lower back.

“Hope you’re not thinking about pressing those buttons, you.” He grins.

You shake your head. “I wouldn’t know what any of these mean anyway.”

“It’s all to do with audio, frequences and volume. Nothing that I really have to bother about though.” He shrugs.

“Sounds like gibberish.” You hum, walking around the studio until your eyes land on a guitar. You pick it up and settle down on the nearest chair, resting it on your lap.

He raises his eyebrows. “Someone’s confident.”

“Conveniently placed guitar.” You mumble, brushing your fingers along the strings.

“You want to learn some more?” He asks.

“Possibly.” You hum.

He laughs, settling down beside you. “I think I have some time before we start recording.”

“How long do you think it’ll take before I can start learning songs instead of chords?” You ask.

“Hm. I think a few more lessons and you should be good to go.” He says with a warm, genuine smile.

“I don’t really want our lessons to stop, to be honest.” You laugh.

“They don’t need to. I can always teach you how to play songs.” He suggests.

You’re practically beaming now, frantically nodding your head. “Yes please.”

He grins. “Relax, your head’s gonna end up falling off.”

He spends the next twenty minutes teaching you more chords, his hand brushing over yours to guide them in the right place. This was about learning to play guitar, but it had ended up becoming something more personal, softer. You were trying to drag out these lessons as much as possible, but you couldn’t place why you didn’t want to stop.

His band walks towards you both, finished up with setting up, and they exchange knowing looks that you don’t miss. It was a familiar look that you had noticed for a while now, but you had shrugged it off as some inside joke they had with each other or something along those lines. You didn’t think about it too much.

The next time you meet with him, it’s at his apartment, away from socialising with others. His apartment was all too familiar to you now, and you could walk around blindfolded, knowing where everything is placed. He’s sat on his sofa, guitar on his lap as he strums the guitar, humming to himself.

You round the sofa, sitting down beside him with a sweet smile. “What’s this?” You ask.

“Just something that I’ve been working on in the studio, trying to work out what I want it to sound like.” He says, turning to face you.

“I’m not that great with music, but I think it sounds good already.” You whisper.

“Thank you. If you think learning chords is hard, wait until you’re writing a song and trying to work out how you want it to sound. Feels like I’m going insane.” He laughs.

“Don’t plan on doing that so soon.” You shrug.

An amused laugh leaves his lips. “Good. You’ve saved yourself trouble.”

For a moment, you sit in silence, listening to the soft hum from the air conditioning. “What chords do I need to learn today?” You ask.

“You’ve learned all the basic ones, so none.” He says with a proud look on his face. “It didn’t take you too long to learn everything.”

Your face drops. “No more?” You ask, disappointed.

“That’s a good thing, why do you sound so sad?” He laughs.

“I want to keep learning with you.” You sigh.

“You still can, but you’ve learned all the basics. We can keep going, but you’ll most likely end up learning songs which is a little more advanced.” He reassures, brushing his thumb over your shoulder.

That simple action has your heart thumping against your ribs, and you almost forget how to speak.

“I love learning to play guitar with you.” You pause, letting your eyes wander around the room before you continue. “I think I’ve been making all these excuses up.”

He squints at you like he’s trying to get you all figured out. “What does that mean?” He asks.

You sigh. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved these lessons, but I’ve mostly just enjoyed it because it has been with you.”

“We’re always meeting outside of the lessons anyway.” He says, confused.

“I know that.” You mumble. “These lessons have been an excuse for me to be around you more. I like that. I think that’s what it has been this whole time.”

“Why didn’t you say so?” He asks.

“I think I only started to realise recently. I tried to drag on the lessons as much as I could just so that I could stay with you for longer. That way you wouldn’t think much of it.” You admit.

“I’m glad you did that.” He says, settling the guitar down against the sofa. “You don’t need to drag on the lessons just to stay around me, though. That’s not the only way you can get me to stay. You know that.”

“Felt like the best thing to do.” You shrug. “What now?”

“Good question. What do you want?” He asks.

You go silent for a moment before speaking. “Me and you, hanging out outside of the guitar lessons.”

“A date.” He says, earning a nod from you. His hand comes to rest on your cheek, gently brushing his thumb under your eye. “Could’ve told me this at the start and I would’ve said yes right away.” He laughs.

“I don’t know. I think I liked the guitar lessons.” You grin.

Somehow, guitar lessons turned into a date. Maybe you were only in the guitar lessons for the sake of being around Joe, but it went exactly how you wanted it to go.

Thank you for reading!! 💕 Liking and reblogging is very much appreciated!! 💕💕 I need someone to send in a slow burn request, I'm in the mood to write some slow burn (just so I have an excuse to link it to a song really, I love song reqs too)

[fullofdelusionx]

I've Got You, Both Of You

Pairing: Joe Keery x You

W/C: 18.4k

Summary: The last thing you expect four weeks after giving birth is to be cheated on but when your friend group come together to help out, things start to take shape again. 3am wake up calls, bedtime routines and milestones are no longer something you have to do alone.

The silence was what got to you the most. Not the crying at 3am or the endless pile of laundry multiplying in the corner of every room. Not even the ache that still lingered through your body a month after giving birth, it was the silence.

For 6 years, your life had always been loud. Loud arguments, loud apologies, loud promises that things would be different this time. You'd met your now ex shortly after moving to New York. You were young, hopeful, and stubborn enough to believe love could fix almost anything, and for a while, you thought it had. The relationship had never been stable, your friends had pointed it out countless times over the years, usually after another breakup.

"You deserve better" "He keeps doing the same thing" "Why do you always take him back?"

The answer was always simple, because you loved him, or maybe because you loved the version of him he became for a few weeks after every fight. The version who brought flowers home, who kissed your forehead before going to work, who made you believe the bad times were finally behind you but the cycle would soon start again.

By your sixth year together, you were exhausted, but you also found out you were pregnant, and with that news somehow, for a little while, things actually seemed different. He would come to appointments, you spoke about names, he painted the nursery, he even held your hand during labour. For one moment, you thought maybe becoming parents had changed him, till 4 weeks after your son was born. You walked into your apartment and found another woman standing in your kitchen. You could still remember every detail. You had taken Jacob for his one month check up and to grab some groceries, you came home and saw the half finished wine glasses on the side, the panic on her face, the guilt on his and the baby carrier hanging from your shoulder while your newborn slept peacefully on your chest through the moment your entire relationship shattered.

You didn't scream, you didn't cry, you didn't throw anything, you simply looked at him and realised you were officially done. 6 years, finished. Within hours, his belongings were packed into trash bags and sitting outside the apartment door. He begged, he apologised, he promised but you'd heard it all before. This time, you closed the door and you never opened it again.

The first few weeks afterwards blurred together. Constant routine of feedings, diaper changes, cleaning bottles, changing his clothes, no sleep and repeat. You barely left the apartment, your phone buzzed constantly with texts from friends, missed calls, voicemails. All of them checking in and asking if you were okay, wanting to see Jacob, and why you'd disappeared. You answered one or two, but most of them were left on read because the truth was you weren't okay. You were tired, so unbelievably tired. You looked in the mirror and barely recognised yourself most days. Your hair was constantly tied up, greasy and looking almost matted. Dark circles lived beneath your eyes which you swore grew by the day. Your body felt foreign, all the excess skin, the stretch marks, you wasn't use to it. Your apartment looked like a tornado had passed through it on the best of days. Some days you forgot to eat until late afternoon and other days you remembered and simply didn't have the energy.

Meanwhile, your ex had vanished. Not a visit, not a phone call, not a text asking about his son, nothing. At first, you kept expecting him to show up but then you stopped expecting anything at all. That somehow hurt worse.

One rainy Thursday afternoon, Jacob finally fell asleep after nearly an hour of fussing. You carefully lowered him into his bassinet that was next to you in the living room, held your breath, waited, and when he stayed asleep, you sank onto the couch with a groan. The apartment was dim, illuminated only by the gap in the curtains and the TV. Your phone buzzed against the coffee table and you ignored it, just like you usually did. It buzzed again, and again, and again. With a sigh, you reached over. 3 missed calls and 6 texts all from Becca.

Becca had been your friend for years. One of the first people you'd met after moving to New York. She was persistent, loyal and completely incapable of taking a hint when she thought someone needed help. A new message appeared as you started at the screen.

Becca If you don't answer me, I'm coming over.

Becca And yes, that was a threat.

Becca Can't keep me from seeing my best friend and my mini best friend any longer

For the first time in weeks, a tiny smile tugged at your lips, then your phone rang. Becca. You considered ignoring it, instead, you answered.

"Hello?"

There was a dramatic gasp from the other end, "Oh my god she answers!".

You rolled your eyes, "Hi Becca".

"No, absolutely not. We're not doing that. I've been worried sick about you both"

Your gaze drifted toward the bassinet where your son slept peacefully, "I'm fine".

"You sound terrible, I won't lie"

"Thanks"

"You know what I mean" And you did. Becca sighed, "Can I come over?".

Part of you wanted to say no, the other part, the lonely part, wanted someone, anyone, to walk through that front door. After a long pause, you finally answered, "Okay".

Becca didn't hesitate, "Good. Be there in 20", then the call ended. You stared at the screen for a moment before setting it down. 20 minutes. 20 minutes until someone finally stepped back into your life. 20 minutes turned into 15. You barely had enough time to wipe your face before a knock sounded at the apartment door.

When you opened it, Becca immediately frowned, "Oh..."

You hated that look. The one people got when they saw you and realised you weren't actually doing okay.

"Hi" you mumbled.

Becca stepped inside, carrying two coffee cups and a paper bag, "You look awful".

A laugh escaped you despite yourself, "Good to see you too".

"I'm serious"

The apartment was quiet except for the soft hum of the TV. Jacob was asleep in the bassinet beside the couch, blissfully unaware of everything. Becca set the drinks down then she looked at you properly. The oversized sweatshirt, messy hair, dark circles, the clear top of your adult nappy poking through the top of your sweatpants. The way you seemed to be holding yourself together through sheer stubbornness, "Oh, honey".

That was all it took, and the tears came instantly. One second you were standing there and the next you were sobbing into her shoulder. Becca wrapped her arms around you without hesitation as months of emotions came pouring out. You told her everything, you'd been holding so much in that it all just spilled as soon as you started. About Jack, finding him cheating, kicking him out, how he hadn't come to see Jacob once, you cried harder when you said that. Then came how much you hated your body right now, how every stretch mark felt like another reminder of everything that had happened, none of your clothes fit, how you hadn't slept properly in months, the apartment feeling impossible to keep on top of, and finally "I just feel like I'm failing". The words came out broken.

Becca immediately pulled back, "No".

You shook your head, "I am".

"No, you're not"

"Becca..."

"You're keeping a tiny human alive by yourself after being cheated on 4 weeks postpartum. You're exhausted, heartbroken and running on no sleep. That's not failing" Fresh tears slipped down your cheeks and Becca squeezed your hand, "That's surviving". For a long moment neither of you spoke, then she glanced toward the sleeping baby, "Okay".

You sniffed, "Okay what?"

"Okay, here's what's happening, you're going to bed".

"What?"

"Bed"

"I can't just-"

"Yes, you can"

"The baby's asleep now but he'll wake up soon"

"I know how bottles work. I looked after my nieces and nephews"

"Becca-"

"Go. Now"

You stared at her, she stared back and eventually you lost. An hour later your head hit the pillow. For the first time in what felt like forever, you slept, like really slept. No half awake dozing off, or listening out for every tiny noise, just slept like the past few months never happened.

When you finally woke up, sunlight was pouring through the bedroom window and for a second you panicked. Jacob. How long had you been asleep? You shot upright before hearing his noises from the other room, your heart immediately calmed. Slowly, you got out of bed and wandered toward the doorway then stopped. The apartment looked completely different. Not perfect, or from some magazine article, but clean. The dishes were gone, laundry had been folded, empty bottles had been washed and in the steriliser, trash had been taken out, you could have cried. All whilst Jacob laid happily in his swing while Becca made faces at him from the couch.

She looked up, "Oh, sleeping beauty rises". You immediately burst into tears, again. "Oh, come on" Becca groaned affectionately.

"You cleaned"

"Little bit"

"You cleaned everything" You laughed through tears, then cried harder.

Becca stood and hugged you, "You don't have to thank me at all".

"Thank you"

She rolled her eyes and you looked around once more, noticing several grocery bags lined neatly along the kitchen counter, "You bought groceries?".

"I ordered groceries"

"You didn't have to do that"

"You had half a carton of VERY expired milk, ketchup and a questionable lettuce"

You wiped your eyes. At this point crying felt like your full time hobby.

Becca pointed toward the bathroom, "Right. Go shower".

You blinked, "What?".

"Go shower. Wash your hair. Put on clean clothes"

You looked down at yourself, she wasn't wrong, it was needed.

"I'll stay here. Look after him"

"You don't have to"

"I know I don't, but I'm going to"

The simple response made your chest ache because she genuinely didn't have to do any of this, yet she had done, all day, with no complaints.

An hour later, after the longest shower of your life, you stepped back into the living room feeling almost human again. Fresh clothes, clean hair, a full stomach thanks to the sandwich Becca and forced into you. For the first time in months, your shoulders didn't feel quite so heavy.

Becca grinned, "Tomorrow we're going to lunch. Our treat".

"We? Our? Becca..." You groaned.

She ignored you, "I've already arranged it".

"Of course you have"

"It's just everyone. You're fine"

Everyone. Your small little friend group. A few who had become family over the years. All which you hadn't seen properly since you came home with Jacob. The people you had accidentally shut out.

You glanced toward your sleeping son, then back to Becca, "I don't know".

"You need it"

"I'll probably spend the entire lunch talking about baby poop"

"Then we'll talk about baby poop"

You laughed. The first one that didn't feel forced. And surprisingly, the idea didn't sound terrible the more you thought about it. Getting out, seeing people, feeling like yourself again even if it's for a few hours. "Okay" you finally said.

Becca's face lit up, "Yeah?".

"Yeah"

She smiled, "Good".

You shook your head, "You planned this before even asking me, didn't you? I didn't have a choice".

"Absolutely I did. And so you don't have to relive the entire thing, I will tell them if you want. Everything that's happened, I can't have you crying again, we'll get you better".

You just smiled and nodded. And despite everything that had happened over the last few months, for the first time in a very long while, you found yourself actually looking forward to tomorrow, but that was all night dependant...and well, the night wasn't perfect. Jacob still woke every few hours demanding a bottle with the determination only babies seemed to have for their own schedule, but somehow it felt different. The apartment wasn't suffocatingly messy anymore, and when morning came, you realised something strange. You hadn't woken up crying for the first time in months. You just laid there for a moment, staring at the ceiling while Jacob laid staring from the bedside crib at you. You still felt heavily tired, but today it just felt somewhat manageable.

The walk to the brunch place wasn't far. A cool breeze drifted through the street while Jacob slept peacefully beneath the hood of the pram. Your stomach twisted the closer you got because it had been so long since you'd seen everyone that part of you was worried it would be awkward and that you'd somehow forgotten how to be around people. But when you reached the restaurant, through the front window you could already see them. Everybody waiting. The second you stepped through the door, conversations stopped, every head turned and immediately you were met with the kindest smiles imaginable. The sort that carried concern, relief, affection and understanding all at once. Your eyes instantly started stinging, "Oh no" you muttered to yourself.

Becca was already standing and before you could say anything, she wrapped her arms around you and hugged you tightly, "I'm so glad you came" followed by everyone else pulling you into warm embraces and giving Jacob a fuss. There wasn't one question or one awkward comment. Just genuine happiness that you were there. By the time you finally reached your seat, your eyes were already suspiciously glossy, Becca gently took the pram from you, "I've got him, you sit". You sat down and the familiar chatter you missed filled the table along with the smell of coffee, the sound of cutlery and the comforting normality of it all. You looked around, at your friends, your family. People who had spent years building a life beside you and never stopped checking in despite you disappearing, and suddenly the emotional dam within you broke, "Oh for god's sake" you laughed through tears, "I swear it's the hormones". Immediately everyone started smiling sympathetically. "I'm sorry" you said, wiping your face.

"No you're not" Sam said.

You laughed again while tears continued falling, "It's embarrassing".

"It isn't" Amanda said gently.

"It kind of is"

"You've cried three times in front of me this week" Becca pointed out from beside the pram.

"Only three? That's pretty good for me"

"Actually four"

"Great"

That earned a round of laughter from the table and the tension eased instantly. You rubbed at your eyes again, "Sorry".

"No apologising" Wes said.

"Yeah" Adam added, "We're implementing a no apology policy".

"That's not a thing"

"It is now"

Across the table, Joe had been quietly watching. Not judging or pitying, just watching to make sure you're okay. When your eyes finally met his, he offered a small smile, the kind that always seemed to calm people down. You attempted to return it even though your lip was wobbling, and Joe reached across the table, his hand settling gently over yours. The simple gesture nearly setting you off again, "Hey".

You swallowed hard, "Hey".

"Everything's gonna be okay you know?"

The words weren't dramatic or in the form of some grand speech, but they made you feel steady. Your eyes filled again, "Oh my god".

"See?" Joe laughed, "I can't say anything".

Everyone else joined in laughing with him. You covered your face, "I hate all of you".

"No you don't" Poppy said.

"No" you admitted, "I really don't".

Joe squeezed your hand gently, "You know where we all are".

You nodded.

"If you need help, call"

Another nod.

"If you need someone to hold him while you sleep, call"

You glanced toward the pram where Becca was gently rocking Jacob without a second thought.

"If you need groceries"

"Call"

"If you need food"

"Let me guess, call"

"If you need company"

"Call"

The lump in your throat that grew by the second became impossible to ignore. Because for months you'd convinced yourself you were alone, that asking for help would make you a burden and that everyone had their own lives to worry about, yet here they all were. Showing up again and again, waiting patiently for you to let them in.

You looked around the table once more. At Becca making silly faces towards Jacob, Adam and Wes arguing over something, Amanda and Sam already discussing what everyone should order, Poppy reaching over to hand you a napkin before you could even ask, at Joe, still sitting opposite, offering a reassuring smile. And for the first time since everything happened with Jack, you didn't feel abandoned, or alone, just loved. The realisation of it all made fresh tears roll down your cheeks and a groan escaped the entire table, "Oh, come on" Wes complained dramatically. You burst out laughing, and this time, when everyone laughed with you, it felt a little easier to breathe.

You were so determined not to spend the entire brunch talking about yourself. The support had been nice, more than nice, but the last thing you wanted was for the whole gathering to become some kind of intervention. So after answering a few questions and assuring everyone that yes, you were eating again, and yes, you had actually slept for more than two consecutive hours, you quickly waved a hand, "Enough about me please".

Becca raised an eyebrow.

"No, seriously" you laughed, "My life is currently bottles, diapers, myself included, and trying to remember whether I've brushed my teeth. Someone tell me something interesting".

Thankfully, everyone seemed happy to move on. Poppy immediately launched into a story about work that had the entire table laughing within minutes. Amanda followed with updates from her own life, sharing stories about coworkers, terrible meetings, and a recent disaster involving coffee and a very expensive laptop. You found yourself smiling more and more. It felt normal. For a little while you could just sit there and listen and not think about Jack, or bills, or sleepless nights. Eventually the conversation shifted toward the boys, you glanced between Joe, Sam, Wes and Adam.

"So" you said, "What have you lot been doing?".

Sam groaned dramatically, "Sleeping. A lot of it".

"That's literally it right now" Adam agreed.

Wes nodded, "We just finished tour".

"You say that like it was easy" Joe laughed.

"I think I slept for about 12 hours straight the first day back" Sam called.

"12?" Wes scoffed, "Amateur".

The group laughed and the conversation drifted toward stories from the road, crowds, travel, funny backstage moments and the exhaustion that came with weeks of performing. You listened quietly, genuinely enjoying hearing about something completely different from your own life.

"And now?" you asked.

Joe shrugged, "Rest, then eventually start writing again".

"Eventually?" Sam repeated, "You'll be texting ideas at 3am within a week".

"You aren't wrong. They've got to go somewhere"

You smiled into your coffee. It was strange, a year ago, this kind of conversation would've felt completely normal but now it felt like hearing stories from another world. Tour buses and concerts seemed impossibly far away from bottles and baby wipes. And as if reading your thoughts, a small noise came from the pram beside the table. Everyone instantly gathered to  look over as Jacob stretched, made an adorable sleepy face then settled right back down. The entire table collectively melted.

"Oh my god" Amanda whispered.

"He looks just like you" Poppy agreed.

"He's lucky he's cute" Becca added.

Joe leaned slightly to peek into the pram, the sight immediately softened his expression. And without thinking, you smiled, "You know" you said casually, "Jacob's first concert is definitely going to be one of yours".

Joe blinked, "What?"

You shrugged.

"I mean, obviously. How else is he going to believe the stories about how much of a fun life his uncles live?"

The table erupted instantly.

"Aww, Joe's going to cry" "Oh that's adorable" "Why is that actually really sweet"

Joe looked genuinely caught off guard. His cheeks turning slightly pink, "Seriously?".

"Yeah!" You looked over at Jacob, "Seems only fair".

Joe laughed quietly, "I feel weirdly honored by that".

"You should"

"I'll take that responsibility very seriously when it finally happens"

"You better"

"Little man deserves a good and memorable first concert"

"Exactly, so no pressure. From either of us"

Everyone laughed again. Joe shook his head, still smiling. He glanced toward Jacob sleeping peacefully, the expression on his face was unexpectedly fond, like he'd already decided he would protect this kid with his life. Honestly, most of your friends seemed to feel that way. Maybe you weren't doing this alone, maybe you never had been. 

The brunch stretched on for another hour before people gradually began gathering jackets, paying bills and making plans for the next time everyone would meet. For once, you didn't feel desperate to rush home. You actually felt... lighter. As everyone started saying their goodbyes, you stood with Jacob's pram beside you while the group slowly filtered out onto the sidewalk.

Amanda hugged you first, "Text me if you need literally anything, please"

"I will"

"You won't"

"I'll try" You laughed and hugged her tighter.

One by one everyone said goodbye until eventually it was just you, Becca, Joe, and a sleeping Jacob. Becca immediately crouched beside the pram, "Look at him".

"He slept through most of brunch which I'm glad" you silently huff.

Becca stood and turned to you, "Are you okay?".

You knew what she was really asking. Would you be okay alone tonight? Would the apartment feel overwhelming again? Would you disappear for another few weeks?

You smiled softly, "I'll be okay".

"You sure?"

"Yeah. Today's really helped"

She studied you for a second before nodding, "Alright", then she pointed at you, "But I'm coming over the day after tomorrow".

You laughed, "I don't doubt you for one minute".

Becca pulled you into another hug, "I'm serious. Call me if you need anything between now and then, no matter the time".

"I know"

"And eat, drink water".

"Okay mom"

"Sleep when he sleeps"

You groaned, "That one is impossible".

She laughed and kissed your cheek, finally stepping back, "Love you".

"Love you too"

A few moments later she disappeared down the street, leaving you standing beside Joe, he looked down at the pram, "Want some help getting home?".

You smiled, "You don't have to".

"I know I don't but I want to"

The exact same words Becca had used yesterday and something warm settled in your chest, "That'd be nice".

"No problem" And just like that, the two of you started the walk back. The journey wasn't long and Jacob remained asleep the entire time. Joe pushed the pram alongside you while the two of you walked at an easy pace, "I can't wait to see articles online tomorrow about how I have a kid now".

"Still happening huh? Fame really hasn't died down?"

"God no, worse if you ask me. I can't go get coffee without bumping into someone or someone taking a picture"

You always did feel sorry for him in that regard, unable to somewhat go out and live a normal life without anyone judging or criticising him. Nothing more was bought up about it, they just continued to walk and it was surprisingly comfortable. Talking about random things like the weather, movies, some restaurant they just passed, it was nice. By the time you reached your apartment building, you found yourself smiling more than you had in months. "Home sweet home" Joe announced and you rolled your eyes in response.

He held the front door open while you stepped inside, helping to carry the pram up the small flight of steps without even asking, "Joe".

"What?"

"You don't need to carry that"

"I know I don't" You shook your head at his stubborness.

When you unlocked the apartment door and stepped inside, a small sense of relief washed over you. For the first time in a long time, coming home didn't fill you with dread. The place was tidy, warm, feeling actually lived in and somewhere you didn't feel ashamed of bringing somebody else in to.

Joe wheeled the pram inside, "Wow".

You looked over, "What?"

"It looks nice. I haven't been over in a while"

You laughed, "Thanks to Becca".

"Remind me never to get on her bad side"

"Smart decision"

A few minutes later Jacob finally began stirring, right on cue. You glanced at the clock, "Food time".

Joe nodded, "Do you uh, need help?".

"I'll be okay, thank you though. You guys have done enough for me"

You moved automatically now and didn't think about what came next. Bottle, boiling water, formula, cooling, all a familiar routine. Joe appeared in the kitchen next to you, "What are you doing?".

"Making us coffee"

"You don't know where anything is"

"It's not the biggest place in the world, I am sure I can find things"

A few minutes later, Joe appeared in the living area where you had Jacob nestled against your chest, holding two cups of coffee. Jacob was already focused entirely on his bottle, his tiny hands curled around your fingers whilst he drank. Joe sat beside you on the sofa watching with genuine fascination. "You know" he said quietly, "I don't think I'll ever get over how small babies are".

You looked down, "He feels huge now".

"That's because you're with him every day. Last time I saw him he was like two days old" Joe shook his head, "He's tiny".

A laugh escaped you, Joe's soft side in full force. Jacob finished eating surprisingly quickly, then after a short burp and a brief protest about being moved, he settled into his moses basket and, miraculously stayed asleep.

You both stared, "Did we just witness a miracle?" Joe whispered.

"Don't say it too loud otherwise when he wakes, you'll be the one putting him down"

"Sorry" Joe immediately lowered his voice, "My mistake".

The apartment fell quiet, just the hum of the refrigerator and the occasional noise from outside drifting through the windows. You curled your hands around your coffee mug and for once, there wasn't anything demanding your attention. No bottles to be made, no diapers to change, no laundry waiting to be done, just living in a peaceful moment and Joe sitting comfortably beside you.

After a while he glanced over, "How are you really doing? Just us".

You considered it honestly. A few weeks ago the answer would've been terrible, and a few days ago probably not much better but now...you looked toward Jacob sleeping peacefully and around your apartment, "Tired, but coping somewhat. Didn't picture doing this all by myself so I'm still figuring things out, but better".

He nodded, "Yeah?"

"Yeah" And for the first time, you actually meant it.

Joe smiled into his coffee, "Good. You know, I've been worried about you".

The admission of it caught you off guard. You looked over, Joe was staring down into his mug, almost embarrassed he'd said it, "You have?".

"Of course" Joe looked up, "We all were".

You nodded slowly. Sitting there on the sofa, coffee growing cold in your hands while Jacob slept peacefully nearby, you realised how much you'd missed this. Not just the friendship or the company but just simply having someone there who wasn't asking anything from you, and wanted to sit beside you to make sure you were okay.

As the afternoon went on and the sunlight started to slip down into somewhat of a sunset, conversation drifted back to easier things for a while, mainly Jacob as Joe was curious. The fact that Jacob somehow managed to sleep through almost anything when out in public, yet seemed to possess a sixth sense for knowing the exact moment you sat down to relax at home.

Joe found that particularly amusing, "He waits until you're comfortable?"

"Every single time. Worse on a night"

"That's actually kind of impressive"

"You have him for 24 hours and get back to me on that"

Joe laughed into his coffee, the sound settling warmly through the apartment. You were staring into your mug when Joe spoke, "What happened with Jack? If I can ask...".

The question wasn't nosy, or him being judgmental which is what you kind of thought it would be, but he gave you room to answer or not. A few weeks ago you would've shut down immediately but today felt different. You looked toward Jacob's basket to see him still sound asleep, "I caught him cheating".

The words came out surprisingly easily, and Joe's expression immediately changed just as easily. It was more disappointed than shocked, I mean as much as your friends didn't like him, he still became part of the group at times on social occassions.

"When?"

"4 weeks after Jacob was born"

Joe blinked, the disappointment turning into disbelief, "Jesus..."

A humorless laugh escaped you, "Yeah".

For a moment, Joe just sat there, processing the answer that you gave him.

Then quietly asked, "How did you find out?"

The memory didn't hurt quite as sharply today, but it still hurt, just not enough to stop you talking. "I'd taken Jacob out for a check up appointment. When I came home there was another woman in the apartment". Joe swore softly under his breath, you couldn't even blame him. Looking back, the whole thing sounded ridiculous like something from a bad movie. "I remember thinking I'd walked into the wrong apartment for a second"

Joe shook his head slowly, "Your kidding?".

"No" You let out another small laugh, "I genuinely checked the apartment number".

His face somehow managed to look even sadder because that was probably the most heartbreaking part. Not the cheating, but the confusion and the complete inability to comprehend what you were seeing.

"I packed his stuff that same hour"

Joe looked up, "Seriously?"

"Yep"

"No second chance?"

"None" The answer came instantly.

Joe stared at you for a second, then nodded "Good. I'm sorry it happened". He leaned back against the sofa, "But I'm glad you didn't stay with him. You deserved better before Jacob". His gaze shifted briefly toward the sleeping baby, "You definitely deserved better after".

You looked away, focusing on the coffee mug in your hands, "He hasn't even seen him since he's been gone".

Joe went still, "What?".

Your voice came out quieter this time, "He hasn't seen him". The words hurt more than talking about the cheating. "He hasn't called, hasn't visited, nothing".

Joe's jaw tightened and the apartment suddenly felt very quiet, the only sound was Jacob's soft breathing nearby. Joe looked toward the basket, then back at you. His expression was impossible to miss. Anger. Not at you, but the situation, Jack, at someone choosing not to show up for their child. You found yourself rushing to soften it, "I mean, maybe it's for the best".

Joe immediately shook his head, "No. It's probably for the best that he's not around if he's going to hurt you".

You stared at him, "But that's not the same thing".

He glanced toward Jacob again, "Every kid deserves someone who wants to be there".

The words settled heavily between you, because they were true, painfully true. You'd spent months trying to convince yourself it didn't matter because Jacob was too young to know and that you could make up for it somehow.

Joe seemed to understand exactly what you were thinking, "You know what I see?".

You frowned, "What?".

He pointed toward the Moses basket, "I see a little guy who's got a mom that loves him more than anything". Your eyes immediately burned and Joe continued before you could interrupt, "I see someone who gets up every two hours to feed him, I see someone who's exhausted but still doing everything she can to provide the best life for him".

The tears were definitely coming back now.

"I'm serious" He smiled softly, "From where I'm sitting, he's doing pretty well".

You looked away before he could see how emotional that made you, but unfortunately, Joe had known you long enough to notice anyway. A laugh escaped him, "Here we go again".

"Oh shut up" You wiped at your eyes.

The afternoon somehow started to slip away from you. One minute you and Joe were sitting on the sofa talking, the next Jacob was waking up, announcing his presence with a series of increasingly dramatic noises. "Uh oh" Joe said. You laughed, followed by another diaper chanage and a bottle. And then, for the first time all day, Jacob was actually awake enough to interact with the world, or at least stare at it very seriously. Joe ended up sitting on the floor while Jacob laid on a play mat between you. The sight alone nearly made you laugh. A grown man who had performed in front of thousands of people sitting on your living room rug making ridiculous noises at a 10 week old. The funniest part? Jacob seemed fascinated by him.

"Oh, so he likes you" You smile.

Joe looked offended, "Of course he likes me. Why wouldn't he?".

Jacob chose that exact moment to let out a happy little smile. Joe immediately pointed, "There, see!" followed by a huge grin.  The playtime continued until Jacob yawned which meant you knew what was coming. The evening fussiness, the refusal to sleep despite desperately needing sleep, the same battle you fought almost every night. Except tonight it never came, because after another bottle, Joe casually lifted him into his arms, "I've got him".

You watched from the sofa while he paced slowly around the living room. Talking quietly, rocking gently, and not even five minutes later, Jacob's eyes drifted shut and you couldn't believe the sight in front you, "He never does that...".

"What, sleep?"

"In 5 minutes"

Joe glanced at the sleeping baby, then back at you, "Maybe he likes my stories?".

"What stories?"

"I was telling him about Adam losing his suitcase in Mexico"

You laughed, "Thrilling".

"Well apparently so!" Carefully, Joe lowered Jacob into his cot, he barely stirred and the apartment felt at peace. Both of you just watching him sleep, then eventually Joe checked his phone, he sighed dramatically, "I should probably head home". Your face fell slightly before you could stop it, and Joe noticed immediately. "I'll see you again soon, promise" The smile he gave you was gentle.

Still, it was hard because today had been the first day in months that hadn't felt overwhelmingly lonely. The apartment was dim now, evening settling outside the windows, you walked Joe over to the door as he grabbed his jacket, "Thank you for today".

He shook his head, "You don't need to thank me".

"Yes, I do"

"You really don't. It's what friends are for"

The words caught slightly in your throat, "Today was..." You searched for the right phrase, "I really needed today".

Joe's expression softened, "You deserve days like this".

You looked down for a second before meeting his eyes again. The gratitude felt impossible to put into words. Not just for today, but for everything, checking in, showing up, helping with Jacob, helping carry some of the weight of everything without ever making you feel guilty for needing it.

Your eyes drifted toward the living room where Jacob slept peacefully, then back to Joe, "We're lucky".

Joe smiled, "You don't have to-"

"No" You cut him off softly, "We are, Jacob and I".

Something flickered across Joe's face, a mixture of warmth and emotion.

"You, Becca, everyone" You swallowed, "We're really lucky to have people like you".

The apartment suddenly felt very still. Joe's smile was smaller now but more genuine, reaching his eyes as he stared at you, "I think we're pretty lucky too".

"Yeah?"

"Yeah"

Your chest tightened, enough to remind you how long it had been since someone had made you feel valued and not like a burden. Joe stepped forward and pulled you into a hug and without thinking, you hugged him back immediately. You felt so safe, it was the kind of hug that said you're not doing this alone. When he finally pulled away, he smiled, "Text me if you need anything".

You laughed, "You've said".

A moment later he was gone. The apartment door clicked shut behind him and for the first time, the silence didn't feel so overwhelming. You wandered back into the living room and watch Jacob fast asleep through the monitor, the rise and fall of his chest immediately soothing you. You sat down on the sofa, pulling a blanket around yourself and caught up on some TV you had been meaning to do for weeks.

Your phone buzzed with a message from Joe.

Joe Made it home

Joe Tell Jacob I expect him at his first concert

You He's already your biggest fan

The next few months passed far quicker than you expected. Somehow, life found a rhythm. Not a perfect one but a good one. Jacob grew every single day that it felt impossible sometimes. One minute he was a tiny newborn who fit against your chest, and the next he was sitting up with support, grabbing anything within reach and babbling endlessly about absolutely nothing with next to no naps throughout the day. 6 months old. You still couldn't quite believe you survived 6 months. Some days were still hard. There were moments you caught your reflection and still struggled with the changes pregnancy had left behind like the softer stomach, the stretch marks, the body that felt different from the one you had before, but this time the hatred wasn't there, not like it had been because everytime you looked at Jacob, smiling up at you with those chubby cheeks, it became harder to resent the body that had brought him into the world.

You were learning, slowly, to be kinder to yourself and thankfully, you weren't doing it alone. The friend group became a constant with weekly dinners, weekend lunches, movie nights, coffee hangs. Your apartment somehow became everyone's unofficial meeting place. Not that you minded, it was easier whilst you got Jacob ready for the day instead of stressing you would be late showing up everywhere. Your apartment was full of laughter again, full of life, and Joe? Well, Joe somehow became one of the biggest part of your routine whilst he was still home and not out travelling. Every few days there'd be a knock on the door, sometimes with coffee, sometimes with food, sometimes with absolutely no reason whatsoever. He'd simply show up and announce go take a shower, or go nap, to which you usually responded with a glare than did exactly what he suggested. Not because he told you to, but you trusted him enough to leave Jacob in his hands, and whenever you came back, Jacob was the happiest baby you had ever seen. Usually laughing and becoming increasingly obsessed with Joe.

It soon became a running joke. The second Joe walked through the door, Jacob's entire face lit up. "Why don't you do that with me! That's rude!" you told him one afternoon. Joe looked very pleased with himself as Jacob wouldn't take his eyes off him. Today was another one of those afternoons, sunlight covered the apartment while Jacob sat in his highchair looking extremely confused about life. A bowl of baby food sat on the tray with Joe sat beside him armed with a tiny spoon and too much confidence, "I feel pressured to do this right".

"You should. You're feeding him his first taste of real food".

Joe looked at Jacob, Jacob looked at Joe, then immediately tried to eat the spoon.

You burst out laughing, "Good start".

Joe was laughing too, "I think he's a natural".

For the next 10 minutes, the two of them somehow made weaning look like the world's messiest activity. Food ended up everywhere. Jacob's face, Jacob's bib, Joe's shirt, the tray, the floor, possibly the ceiling, you genuinely weren't sure, you were just the cameraman today.

Eventually you handed Joe a cloth, "You've got carrot on your face".

"What?"

"Your cheek" Joe wiped the wrong side, "The other one". He wiped his forehead and you laughed harder, "How do you function independently?".

"I don't"

"That really explains a lot"

Jacob squealed happily, clearly enjoying the chaos. The sight of them together made something warm settle in your chest because Joe never looked like he was helping out of obligation. He genuinely enjoyed being here, enjoyed being around Jacob, and Jacob absolutely adored him.

As if sensing your thoughts, you smiled, "You know...".

Joe glanced up, "What?"

"You're really good with him"

His expression softened as he looked down at Jacob who was now attempting to grab Joe's fingers.

"I like him. He's a cool little guy"

You watched them together for a moment, then casually asked, "So are you seeing anyone?".

The question seemed to surprise him, but he laughed, "No. Haven't for a while".

"Really?"

"Really"

You frowned slightly and he leaned back slightly, "I think life just got busy". His gaze drifted toward Jacob, "Touring, making music, acting, everything else" He shrugged, "Guess I never met the right person".

The answer felt strangely honest, very truthful, and you found yourself asking the next question before thinking too much about it, "What about kids?".

Joe's eyes immediately moved back to Jacob who was now happily banging a spoon against the tray. The smile that appeared was impossible to miss, "Yeah i'd love kids". The answer came without any hesitation.

Something about that made your chest tighten unexpectedly, "Yeah?".

"Absolutely" Joe laughed quietly, "I always have".

You looked at him, then at Jacob, then back at him, "You'd be a good dad".

Joe blinked, clearly caught off guard, but smiled, "Thanks".

You meant it. Every word. Because over the last few months you'd watched him show up over and over again without being asked and without expecting anything, and just because he cared. And before you could say anything else, a knock sounded at the apartment door. 3 sharp knocks. Both of you looked up, Jacob immediately stopped hitting his spoon and the apartment fell silent.

Joe frowned, "Expecting someone?"

"No"

The knock came again, but louder this time and suddenly your stomach suddenly twisted. The group always texted first, nobody just turned up unless it was Joe, not after everything that happened. A strange feeling settled heavily in your chest and Joe must've noticed because he was already standing before you were because concern replaced the easy smile he'd worn moments ago, "Let me get it".

You swallowed as another knock echoed through the apartment, and suddenly you weren't sure you wanted to know who was standing on the other side of that door.

The moment you heard the voice through the door, your blood ran cold, "Can I just talk to her?".

Every muscle in your body locked. No. No. No.

For months, nothing. Not a text, a phone call, a birthday card, not a single attempt to see his son, and now he was standing outside your apartment. Jacob squealed happily beside you, completely unaware of the sudden storm that had swept through the room.

Your eyes immediately found Joe's as he was already looking back at you from the doorway, the colour draining from your face. You slowly shook your head. You didn't want this. You didn't want to see him. You didn't want to hear excuses. You didn't want apologies. You had fought too hard to get back to where you were now.

Joe nodded immediately with no questions asked. He turned back toward the door, "You need to leave".

There was a pause, "What?"

"She doesn't want to talk to you"

Jack scoffed from the other side, "That's not your decision".

"No" Joe replied calmly, "It's hers and she's said no".

Your hands tightened around the edge of the highchair as Jacob continued banging his spoon happily. The contrast felt surreal.

Then Joe spoke again, "You need to leave".

"I just want to talk"

"No"

"I deserve-"

"No" For the first time, Joe's voice carried an edge you'd never heard before, in a protective kind of way.

You could hear Jack's frustration growing, "That's my son in there".

Something dark flashed across Joe's face. The kind of anger that came from months of watching someone you cared about suffer, "Your son?".

The apartment suddenly felt very quiet. Jack didn't respond and Joe laughed once, "Interesting". You'd never seen him angry before. "Because from what I've heard, you've had months to be his father".

Joe continued, "Months. You didn't call, you didn't visit, you didn't show up, and now you decide to turn up at her door?"

"Stay out of it"

"No" The response was immediate, "Not a chance".

You could hear Jack shifting outside growing more irritated, "This has nothing to do with you".

Joe glanced over his shoulder at you and Jacob. At the life that had been rebuilt inside these walls, then he looked back at the door, "It does when I watched her pick herself up after what you did to her. I've been here almost everyday and you've what?". The words hit you unexpectedly because he was right, Joe had watched you. He'd seen the exhaustion, the crying, the loneliness, the days you barely functioned. "I've watched her do every feed, every sleepless night, raise him by herself".

The apartment blurred slightly, tears forming at his words.

"And now she's finally happy. So no, you don't get to show up here and demand anything".

A long pause followed, then Jack finally spoke. "What if I want to see him?"

You stopped breathing and Joe's expression didn't change. "Then you should've thought about that 6 months ago, have fun in court trying"

Jack swore. Loudly. Your entire body tensed and immediately Joe stepped slightly in front of the doorway as some form of barrier between your apartment and the chaos unfolding outside.

"You can't stop me" Jack raised his voice.

"No" Joe nodded, "But she can"

Then Jack tried one last time, "Tell her I just want 5 minutes".

Joe looked back at you, you shook your head again. You didn't owe him that. Not today, not ever. Not after everything.

"She said no"

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, seriously" The door shut. Hard. The lock sliding into place, and just like that it was over. A few muffled words echoed from the hallway before eventually fading into nothing. Joe stood there for a moment listening in to make sure he was actually gone, only when he was satisfied did he finally turn around.

Your eyes were already full of tears because truthfully, the entire thing had shaken you. Joe crossed the room immediately, "Hey".

You laughed shakily, "Of course today was going well". A watery laugh escaped you as Jacob chose that exact moment to squeal and throw his spoon onto the floor. Both of you looked at him, he looked extremely pleased with himself. The ridiculousness of it broke the tension instantly. A laugh escaped Joe, then one escaped you and soon the three of you were laughing. Joe picked up the spoon and Jacob immediately threw it again.

"You know" Joe said, watching it hit the floor. "I think he might be a menace".

"Definitely a menace, and it's not from me"

Joe looked over at you as the concern hadn't completely left his eyes, "You okay?".

You thought about it honestly. A few months ago, Jack showing up would've destroyed you. Today? Today felt different because you weren't alone anymore. You looked around your apartment, at the toys, the photos, the life you'd built, Jacob, Joe still standing there making sure you were alright.

You smiled softly, "Yeah".

Joe's shoulders visibly relaxed, "Good".

That night, after Joe left, the apartment felt quiet again. Jacob was asleep in his crib after a surprisingly easy bedtime, and you sat curled up on the sofa with a blanket over your legs, staring at a movie you weren't really watching. Your mind kept drifting back to the front door, Jack, his voice, the audacity of him showing up. At first you'd thought it had upset you because you still loved him, but the longer you sat there, the more you realised that wasn't it at all. You weren't heartbroken or longing for him. You were angry. For years you'd spent so much energy being sad. Sad he cheated, sad he left, sad Jacob didn't have the father you'd imagined, sad that things hadn't worked out. But now? Now you were angry. Angry he'd missed every sleepless night, every bottle, every doctor's appointment, every milestone. Angry he'd walked away from his son and then somehow expected to be welcomed back. For the first time, you weren't grieving the relationship. You were seeing it clearly.

The friend group found out the next morning. You'd barely finished your coffee before your phone exploded. Joe had mentioned it in the group chat.

Joe Jack showed up at her apartment yesterday.

That was all it took. Your phone became unusable.

Amanda HE DID WHAT?

Adam Absolutely not

Sam Address please. I just wanna talk.

Wes Sam no

Sam Sam yes

Poppy Is she okay??

Becca I'M ON MY WAY

Becca Actually 10 minutes because I can't find my keys.

The concern only got more ridiculous from there. Amanda arrived two days later with enough food to feed a family of 6. Adam checked your front door lock. Wes bought Jacob a stuffed dinosaur for emotional support, the dinosaur was almost as big as Jacob. And somehow the most ridiculous thing of all was the creation of a new group chat.

The title? Jacob Appreciation Society. The sole purpose? Photos. Hundreds of them. Sleeping, eating, laughing, wearing funky hats, looking confused, holding a banana. The group was obsessed, particularly Joe, which led to a very specific problem.

A week later, you were in the kitchen, Jacob on your hip when you heard a familiar knock, then the door opening, "Ooo, who is it Jacob?".

Without a single word being exchanged, you turned, Joe was kicking off his shoes and immediately made a beeline for Jacob. The routine had become second nature. You didn't even think about it anymore. Meanwhile Jacob had spotted Joe, the reaction was immediate. His entire face lit up and a delighted squeal echoed through the apartment.

"Oh wow. Someone has their big boy voice on today" You heard Joe laugh. Another squeal, you smiled to yourself.

With coffee mugs in hand freshly made, you walked back into the living room. Joe was already sitting on the floor and Jacob was trying to climb directly into his lap.

You handed him his coffee. He took one sip before complimenting it like he does everytime. The warmth that settled in your chest felt far too familiar these days. Before you could think about it too much, your phone buzzed.

Becca On my way!

You Door's open. Joe's here.

10 minutes later, Becca walked inside without knocking. "Hello-" She stopped. The scene in front of her clearly wasn't helping. Joe was carrying Jacob around the apartment with one arm, coffee in the other hand talking absolute nonsense to him.

"And this is the kitchen". Jacob giggled. "A very important room. Mama makes your food in here". More giggling.

Becca slowly looked at you, then at Joe, then back at you, "...No".

"What?" You were straight out confused.

"You two"

You groaned and Joe looked confused, "What about us?".

Becca stared at him, at Jacob in his arms, then at you holding his coffee mug because he'd handed it off while adjusting Jacob, then at the fact he was currently wearing one of the spare burp cloths over his shoulder because Jacob had spit up on him earlier.

Her eyes widened, "It's all very...homey" she gestured with her hands, "You know you're basically co-parenting at this point, right?".

Silence. Complete silence. Joe dropped the burp cloth, "What?"

You looked horrified, "No!"

"You so are"

"We aren't"

Joe shook his head immediately, "I'm not co-parenting"

"You know where the diapers are. You know his bedtime routine. You know what bottles he likes"

Joe opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again, "...that's still different".

The room fell silent. Becca looked between everyone in the room, then settled on Jacob who was currently sitting happily on Joe's hip like he'd lived there his entire life, "Oh, this is cute".

You buried your face in your hands, Joe looked equally horrified.

"We're friends"

"Best friends"

Becca laughed so hard she had to sit down. Neither of you were willing to admit it and the worst part? Nobody had a good explanation for why Jacob immediately started crying the second Joe handed him back, and why he instantly stopped when Joe picked him up again.

A few weeks after Becca's relentless teasing, life settled back into its usual rhythm. Jacob continued growing at an alarming rate. You continued pretending not to notice how much easier parenting felt when you had an entire army of people helping you and Joe continued showing up every few days like clockwork. Some mornings it was coffee, some afternoons it was lunch, some evenings he'd sit on your living room floor building towers out of soft blocks while Jacob destroyed them immediately. It was normal now which was probably why the news hit harder than you expected.

The whole group was at dinner when Joe mentioned it casually, "I've been offered something".

The table looked up.

"What kind of something?" Adam asked.

Joe shrugged, "A film project".

You smiled, "That's amazing".

"It is"

Something about the way he said it made you glance over. Joe wasn't smiling, at least not fully.

"What's wrong with it? Why don't you seem all in?" Becca asked.

Everyone immediately turned toward him, Joe rubbed the back of his neck, "It's long".

"How long?" Becca asked

"Few months. 4 to 5"

You just stared at him, "A few months?"

Joe nodded. Your smile stayed in place, mostly.

"That's incredible!" Amanda beamed.

"It is" He genuinely meant that.

"You deserve it" and you meant it when you said it. This was good news, a huge opportunity, something he'd worked incredibly hard for. So why did your chest suddenly feel weird?

The rest of the table quickly launched into questions. When? Where? What would he be doing?

You listened, smiled, joined the conversation, but a small part of you kept thinking the same thing. A few months of no visits, help with Jacob, no Joe. The realisation was uncomfortable and you didn't like how uncomfortable.

Later that night, after everyone had gone their seperate ways, you found yourself standing in the kitchen cleaning bottles. Joe came back to yours with you and Jacob, helped put him to sleep and was helping put things away after you in the kitchen. The two of you moving around each other with the ease that came from doing it a hundred times before.

"You're quiet tonight"

You glanced up, "So are you"

"Yeah..I guess you're not wrong"

You dried your hands, "So, when do you leave?"

Joe hesitated, "Couple of weeks"

The answer hit harder than it should have and you immediately hated that, "That's soon",

"Yeah..."

The apartment felt strangely heavy, silence broken by Jacob waking up and babbling through the monitor, you put the towel down, "I should go check on him", and Joe just nodded.

The moment passed, life moved on, but the thought remained. Days went by, Joe hadn't been round since the night of dinner, the mention of meetings and industry bits that need sorting before he left. You understood, it was his job at the end of the day, but then Jacob got sick.

Properly sick. Not just a cold or teething. Sick. It started with a fever, then came the crying non-stop, the clinginess, the refusal to eat, you spent the entire day worrying, the entire evening worrying and by 3am, after almost being up for 36 hours, you were exhausted. Jacob was burning up against your chest, enough to scare you and make every parental fear you've ever had come rushing to you at once. You'd already spoken to the doctor, you knew what to watch for and you knew he was likely okay but logic wasn't helping because this was your baby, and he was hurting.

Tears stung your eyes as you sat in the dark living room with Jacob whimpering softly against your shoulder. You felt completely helpless. Without even thinking, you grabbed your phone and called Joe. The second it started ringing you regretted it. It was 3am, what were you doing? He was probably asleep. You should hang up.

Then the call connected immediately, "Hey, what's up?" His voice sounded tired but instantly concerned at the same time.

"Sorry for calling"

"What happened?"

You looked down at Jacob, tears spilling again, "He's sick and I don't know what else to do so I just called"

"I'm coming over"

Your head snapped up, "What?"

"I'm coming over"

"Joe-"

"I'm already getting dressed"

"You don't have to"

"I'll be there soon" The call ended.

10 minutes later there was a knock at the door. You opened it to Joe standing there in a hoodie and baseball cap, clearly having left his apartment as quickly as humanly possible. The second he saw your face his expression softened, "Oh".

That was enough, the tears finally spilled over. You laughed through them immediately, "I'm sorry".

"Don't apologise"

"I woke you up"

"I don't care"

You stepped aside and Joe walked straight inside. His attention immediately shifting to Jacob, laying in his moses basket all red cheeked, sleepy and miserable. Joe's face fell, "Oh buddy...". The gentleness in his voice nearly made you cry harder. For the next hour, neither of you slept. Joe made coffee, you rocked Jacob, then Joe took over so you could sit down, you took him back and Joe sat beside you. There were no grand gestures, or solutions to anything, it was just the support and having someone there.

Around 5am Jacob finally fell asleep, dosed up on medicine, the worst of the night seemingly behind you. You sat on the sofa looking completly exhausted, "Thank you".

Joe looked over, "You don't have to thank me"

"You were here in like 10 minutes"

A small smile appeared, "Traffic was good"

You laughed, "I hope so for that time of day"

You looked down at Jacob, back to Joe sitting there awake still making sure both of you were okay. A thought crossed your mind that was a little harder to ignore than before that you never thought would be on your mind at all. It wasn't because you needed him, you knew now that you could do this by yourself, but because somewhere along the way, he had become one of your favourite parts of life, and looking at him at 5am, half asleep after dropping everything the second you called, you had the feeling that maybe this wasn't as one sided as you thought.

A few weeks after that night when Jacob got sick, something shifted. It wasn't all at once, you didn't wake up one morning suddenly head over heels in love, it happened so slowly that you barely noticed it. At first it was just gratitude, the fact he'd shown up at 3am without hesitation, then it was noticing how naturally he fit into your life. How he'd arrive and automatically pick Jacob up, how he'd remember doctor's appointments, how he knew which stuffed toy Jacob wanted when he was tired. And somewhere along the way, you stopped looking forward to Joe visiting because you needed help. You started looking forward to it because it was Joe. The apartment felt brighter when he was in it, you found yourself smiling when his name appeared on your phone and seeing him with Jacob made your heart do things you were trying very hard not to think about, which was why the leaving dinner was proving to be a challenge.

The restaurant was busy and warm when you arrived. You'd actually made an effort which was something you hadn't done for a long time. Not because of Joe, definitely not because of Joe. You'd spent 10 minutes arguing with yourself in the mirror about that fact. The result was a dress you hadn't worn in over a year and your hair down instead of permanently tied back. You felt good, confident, even with your mom belly and chest. Jacob looked infinitely cooler than everyone else in the room, the checkerboard dungarees Joe had bought him fit perfectly combined with the tiny Vans on his feet, he looked like the world's coolest kid.

The second you arrived, Joe spotted him. He immediately crouched down beside the pram and Jacob's entire face lit up. The reaction made everyone laugh, "He doesn't even greet us like that" Wes complained.

"Because you're not me" Joe replied. The confidence was insufferable but unfortunately, he was right.

Dinner was genuinely going wonderful. Great food, stories, laughter, the entire table seemed determined to make the most of the evening. Luckily Jacob somehow managed to sleep through most of it with his pram tucked beside the table while conversations flowed around him. Occasionally he'd stir but Joe would immediately check on him and then he'd settle again.

At some point during dessert, Becca raised her glass, looking directly at Joe, "We're all incredibly proud of you as you know because we tell you everytime we see you. You're going to do great and we can't wait for you to come back home already".

Joe smiled at her words, slightly embarrassed which only encouraged her further, "We're also annoyed you're leaving, because that means you're going to miss little man's first birthday...".

The smile and embarassment vanished instantly and the entire table went quiet. Joe blinked, then looked toward the pram at Jacob who was peacefully asleep, then towards you. The realisation hit him visibly. Your chest tightened at his reaction, because somehow it genuinely hadn't occurred to him that he wouldn't be here. Not because he didn't care, but because he had become to used to being there and watching him grow, the thought of missing something important hadn't crossed his mind.

"Oh no" Sam laughed, "Look at his face".

Joe ignored him, still staring between you and Jacob. "You'll be gone?" you asked quietly.

Joe looked genuinely upset, "I...I think so". The answer seemed to bother him more than anyone else, but a moment later he shook his head, "No" He sat forward, "I'll be there".

Becca laughed, "You're going to teleport home mid shoot?"

"I'll figure it out" The determination in his voice surprised everyone, including you. "I'll make sure I'm there. I don't care what I have to do, count me in".

Something in your chest melted completely, because he meant it, every word. There wasn't a single trace of obligation in his voice, just certainty. You smiled softly at him, "Jacob would love that".

Joe returned the smile, "He better"

"He definitely will"

The conversation eventually moved on, but your heart never quite settled afterward.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, the kind you'd come to love but eventually the restaurant staff began clearing tables bringing the night to a close. One by one people stood with hugs, promises to text and promises not to disappear. Joe accepted every goodbye with a smile, trying very hard not to make it emotional and failing slightly. When your turn came, you were standing beside Jacob's pram. Everyone else was slowly making their way toward the door and for a second it was just you and him. Joe glanced down at Jacob who was still asleep, then back at you. A smile tugged at his mouth, "I'll come round tomorrow".

Your heart skipped, "Yeah, okay"

He nodded, "I want to see him awake before I leave"

You smiled, "He'll be happy about that"

Joe laughed quietly, "Good". There was a pause after, one that felt strangely difficult. Tomorrow, then he'd be gone. You knew it wasn't forever, but it was a while. Joe must have sensed it too because his smile softened, "I'll see you tomorrow".

You nodded, trying very hard not to let your emotions show, "See you tomorrow". Joe reached down, gently squeezed your shoulder and followed everyone else out of the restaurant. Leaving you standing beside a sleeping Jacob watching him disappear through the doors and for the first time since you'd known he was leaving, the reality of it truly hit. Tomorrow would be the last time you'd see him for months and that thought hurt far more than you wanted to admit.

The walk home felt much quieter than the evening itself. Jacob slept the entire way curled up beneath a blanket in his pram while the city lights reflected off the sidewalks. You should have been happy, the dinner had been wonderful, everyone had laughed, Joe was excited about the opportunity and everything was good. So why did your chest feel so heavy? You already knew the answer, you just weren't ready to say it out loud.

The next morning arrived far too quickly. Jacob, unfortunately, had no respect for emotion and woke up bright and early. By 10am you'd already been up for hours. He'd eaten his breakfast pancakes, had playtime, had a bottle, had half a banana that somehow ended everywhere except his mouth, it was a normal life. It was when the door knocked which made everything feel less normal, your stomach flipping. Jacob squealed because apparently he had recognised the knock too. "To say you're my child, you are one heck of a traitor Jacob", followed by another squeal. You opened the door to see Joe stood there holding a paper bag and coffees, "Morning" He held up the bag, "Coffee and pastries".

You smiled, "Come in".

Jacob's reaction was immediate. The second Joe stepped inside, tiny arms wiggled upwards demanding attention. Joe laughed, "Well good morning to you too!". Within seconds he had Jacob balanced comfortably on his hip like he always did.

The morning passed far too quickly and you found yourself trying to memorise it all. The sound of Joe laughing, the way Jacob kept stealing his baseball cap, the sight of them sitting on the floor together surrounded by toys. The ordinary little moments that had somehow become important.

Around lunchtime, Jacob finally started rubbing his eyes. "Is it time for somebody's nap?" You stared down at him from the floor.

Joe nodded, "I think so"

Together you got Jacob settled down after a cuddle and a short walk round the apartment, and within minutes he was asleep. Joe carefully lowered him into the crib, he soon rolled over and stayed asleep. The two of you practically tiptoed out and immediately celebrated in the kitchen.

"Professional parenting if I say so myself" Joe chuckled.

"We deserve medals"

"And the rest"

The words slipped out so naturally that neither of you noticed them at first, until you both did followed by a brief moment of silence and then laughter. The tension disappearing.

A couple of hours later the apartment looked exactly how it always did when Jacob napped. Peaceful and comfortable. You and Joe sat on the sofa, coffee mugs in hand, finally eating the pastries he had bought with him. You'd sat in this place together countless times before but today felt different, there was some form of countdown attached to it.

Eventually Joe glanced at the clock and your stomach sank immediately, "Already?"

Joe followed your gaze, "Yeah I'm afraid so"

You hated how disappointed you sounded.

His expression softened slightly, "Hey, it's not forever".

"I know"

"You sound unconvinced"

Because you were. Joe had become part of your life in a way you hadn't expected. Part of Jacob's life too, and the thought of months without him felt strange. The apartment would be quieter, lonelier, you had gotten used to him being there, maybe too used to it.

Joe seemed to be having a similar thought, his eyes drifting towards the hallway where Jacob was sleeping, "I'll miss him".

You smiled softly , "He'll miss you too"

Joe laughed, "You think so?"

"He literally waits by the door some mornings for you I swear. If not he plays with that giraffe teddy you bought him. Told you he's your number one fan"

Joe looked absurdly pleased by that, followed by guilt and sadness all in the space of 5 seconds. You watched the whole thing happen, and it somehow it made you love him even more. Damn it.

Eventually, there was no avoiding it. Joe stood and grabbed his jacket. The familiar sight suddenly felt awful. You walked him to the door, the two of you standing there, neither wanting to make the goodbye bigger than it needed to be.

"You'll call?" Joe asked.

"You mean when Jacob wants to show you every spoon he finds?"

"Exactly that"

You laughed, "Then yes"

"Good"

"I'll send photos"

"You'd better"

"Thousands"

"I expect nothing less"

Joe smiled, the one that always made your heart behave strangely, "Take care of yourself".

You swallowed, "Yeah, you too"

His eyes lingered for a moment like there was something else he wanted to say. Something both of you weren't ready for. He stepped forward, pulling you into a hug, this time lasting a little longer than usual. Long enough for you to realise exactly how much you were going to miss him and long enough for Joe to realise he wasn't particularly eager to let go either.

When you finally pulled apart, neither of you acknowledged it because acknowledging it would mean asking questions neither of you were ready to answer.

Joe smiled again, then stepped into the hallway, "See you soon". You nodded, "See you soon". And this time, as you watched him disappear around the corner, you knew something with absolute certainty. You weren't just going to miss your best friend, you were going to miss the person who had quietly become one of the most important people in your life. As terrifying as the realisation was, it wasn't something you wanted to run from.

The first few weeks without Joe were strange. You still had everyone else surrounding you for support and help where needed, but there was a noticable gap where Joe usually sat. You hated how much you noticed it.

Thankfully, the friend group seemed determined not to let you spiral. Becca appeared every other day like clockwork after work, most Saturdays became group days out for lunches, bbq's, days at Becca's, the kind of things that filled your calendar and kept loneliness from settling in. And Jacob certainly wasn't letting you sit around feeling sorry for yourself because at 9 months old he'd discovered movement and apparently decided to make up for lost time. The child was everywhere. Everywhere. One minute he'd be on the playmat, the next he'd somehow be halfway across the apartment attempting to pull himself upright using furniture he definitely shouldn't be climbing.

You spent most of your day saying

"Jacob" "No" "Jacob" "Get down" "Don't do that Jacob"

One of the evenings you found yourself sitting on the floor surrounded by pieces of baby gate that you were trying to construct together to try contain him into one room. Screws sat on your lap, a screwdriver between your teeth, and a very determined baby attempting to eat the instruction booklet, "Absolutely not Jacob, don't do that".

Jacob giggled, then crawled away at remarkable speed back towards your phone which sat propped against the coffee table with Joe's face filling the screen watching the entire disaster unfold.

"This is entertaining"

"It isn't"

"It is from here" Joe laughed, "You've put that piece on backwards".

You looked down, "...oh"

"How did you even manage that?"

"I don't know. I don't even know how you figured that out from there"

Jacob immediately pulled himself up using your shoulder and Joe's face softened instantly, "I can't believe how well he can move now, he'll be running after us soon" Jacob recognised his voice immediately, a huge smile spreading across his face. The reaction happened every single time no matter how many video calls they had. It never got old.

After another 20 minutes of struggling, swearing quietly under your breath, and rereading instructions you'd already read four times, one of the gates finally clicked into place, "Thank fuck".

Joe applauded dramatically, and Jacob smacked the gate. Testing its ability then looked furious that he couldn't get through. But eventually bedtime arrived and thankfully, Jacob was exhausted enough to go down without much protest. By the time you'd finished cleaning bottles and  picking toys up off the floor, it was almost 9pm.

You settled onto the sofa with your phone, Joe was still there leaning against a headboard somewhere in London looking noticeably tired.

You checked the time, "Joe"

"What?"

"It's like 2am for you"

"So?"

"Go to sleep"

He laughed, "No"

"Seriously"

"I'm fine"

"You have work"

Yet still, neither of you hung up. The conversation drifted naturally like the way it always did. Joe talked about filming, the long days, the strange locations, the endless waiting around between scenes. You told him about Jacob trying to climb literally everything, the fact he'd recently discovered how funny it was to throw food, group hangouts, just normal things.

Then eventually Joe asked, "So, has the birthday planning started?"

Your face immediately brightened, "Oh my GOD I'm in my element. The theme is amazing I can't wait".

"The theme is ridiculous" Joe laughed, "My first rodeo?"

You nodded proudly, "My first rodeo"

He shook his head, "I can't believe this is happening"

"Neither can I". The realisation hit every time you thought about it. One year. Your tiny newborn was almost one. "Becca offered her place".

Joe nodded, "You doing it in the garden?"

"Yeah, hopefully we get lucky with the weather"

"That'll be perfect"

It really was. Her place had space, grass, room for decorations, guests, movement, you could already picture it. Tiny cowboy hats, good food, music, Jacob crawling around trying to steal everyone's attention.

Then your thoughts drifted elsewhere, towards the future, the thing you'd been trying not to think about. "I'd really love somewhere with a garden one day".

Joe looked up, "What, a house?"

"Just somewhere with outdoor space" You glanced around your apartment, "I want him to have room and be able to play outside, build forts, kick a ball, get muddy" Joe listened quietly, "I just can't do it yet".

His expression softened.

You continued, "I've got to go back to work at the end of the year when my work's maternity benefit ends and I couldn't think of anything worse right now". The reality felt heavier every time you said it aloud.

"And childcare?"

You laughed a tired laugh, "Don't even". Because childcare costs were terrifying. Rent existed still, life was getting more expensive and suddenly every decision regarding anything revolved around another little person. For a moment you stared down at your hands trying not to feel overwhelmed.

Then Joe spoke, "You'll figure it out"

You smiled weakly, "Hopefully. Single parent life isn't for the weak"

"No it's not, which is why you'll figure it out" His voice was calm and certain in a way that you'll never forget. Joe was watching you with that same expression he'd worn so many times over the last year, the one that always seemed to say he believed in you more than you believed in yourself.

Eventually you glanced at the clock again after what felt like spacing out for hours, "You need to go to bed"

He groaned dramatically, "I don't want to go to sleep".

You laughed, "You're 34. You sound like a 9 year old. Go to bed".

Joe smile, but he didn't look annoyed. If anything, he looked reluctant like he genuinely didn't want the conversation to end, "Fine".

"Thank you"

"It was nice talking to you"

The simple statement made your chest tighten unexpectedly.

You smiled. For a moment neither of you said goodbye, neither seeming particularly eager to hang up. Even in different countries, with different time zones and thousands of miles apart, it still felt exactly like sitting together on your sofa after Jacob had gone to sleep.

Eventually Joe smiled, "Give him a hug from me".

"I will"

"And tell him I miss him loads"

You laughed, "He misses you too".

The grin that appeared on Joe's face was impossible to miss, then finally the call ended. The screen went dark and the apartment became quiet again. But as you sat there on the sofa, smiling to yourself like an idiot, one thing had become impossible to ignore. You weren't just counting down to Jacob's birthday anymore, you were counting down until Joe came home.

Three months passed faster than you thought was possible somehow. One minute Joe had been leaving for London, and the next, summer had arrived in full force with Jacob was almost 1. You still couldn't wrap your head around it. Every time somebody said it out loud you felt slightly emotional because it felt impossible because months ago you had been sitting in a dark apartment, exhausted, heartbroken, terrified and completely convinced you were failing. Now? Now Jacob was healthy, happy, crawling at alarming speeds, pulling himself up on furniture every chance he got and surrounded by people who loved him. A lot could change in a year.

The week before the party arrived, suddenly everything became real. The catering had been ordered, cake had been ordered, decorations had arrived, the tiny cowboy outfit hanging in Jacob's wardrobe nearly made you cry every time you saw it.

Most evenings were spent at Becca's house finalising plans with her garden becoming party headquarters. One afternoon you sat outside at her patio table surrounded by boxes of balloons, banners and party bags. Becca looked around, then looked at you, "I think we've lost our minds".

You laughed, "A little".

"A little?" She picked up a packet containing thirty miniature cowboy hats, "There's 30 hats here".

"They're cute" You couldn't stop smiling. The excitement kept bubbling up inside you, followed immediately by panic which followed immediately by excitement again.

"You okay?" Becca asked.

You glanced up, "Yeah".

The lie was terrible. She immediately narrowed her eyes, "You thinking about Joe?".

You groaned because she wasn't wrong. Not entirely. The closer the party got, the more you found yourself checking your phone and replaying that conversation from months ago where he said he'd be here, he'd sounded so certain. Yet since then? No updates or confirmation on anything.

Every time you spoke, the subject somehow never came up and you refused to ask because you didn't want to sound disappointed if he couldn't make it. Becca immediately picked up on all of that, "You know you could just ask him"

"No"

"Why?"

"Because...I just can't"

"He's literally paid for 80% of this party probably, and none of us had a choice in it. He wouldn't not come and see it"

You just nodded, I guess she was right.

The truth was that things had only gotten harder over the last couple months. Your feelings hadn't disappeared, if anything they'd grown. Every FaceTime, photo, late night conversation, video of Jacob taking his first steps whilst holding onto something, every moment Joe wanted to be included in. It all added up, until one day you found yourself staring at your phone after hanging up and realising you were completely, hopelessly in love with your best friend which was deeply inconvenient. Especially because you had no intention of doing anything about it. You'd worked too hard rebuilding your life to risk losing one of the most important people in it. So instead you did what any reasonable person would do, you ignored the problem to the very best of your ability.

Three nights before the party, you sat on your apartment floor surrounded by wrapping paper with Jacob crawling directly through the middle of it all whilst simultaneously trying to sort out extra party supplies whilst stopping him from chewing on cardboard. It was a loosing battle.

Your phone buzzed on the table, Joe. You smiled before you could stop yourself. The FaceTime connected, his face appeared looking tired, hair slicked back which you assume is from filming.

"Hey"

"Hey"

Jacob instantly abandoned everything, the second he heard Joe's voice he spun around and climbed onto your lap.

Joe laughed, "There's my favourite man, hi buddy".

The next 10 minutes consisted entirely of Joe talking to Jacob as usual, you barely got a word in but eventually got distracted by a balloon bobbing at the other side of the room and crawled away.

Joe finally looked back at you, "How's party planning?"

You groaned dramatically, "Please don't. I have cowboy themed stress. Do you know how many times i've said howdy at somebody and not hello this week?"

Joe laughed, "Sounds serious"

"It is serious" You held up a tiny bandana, "I own 20 of these".

Joe completely lost it, his laughter echoed through your apartment. And for a moment, everything felt normal again like he wasn't thousands of miles away and he'd still be showing up with coffee tomorrow morning.

Joe glanced away from the camera, then back like he was thinking about something. Your heart and mind racing at lightning speed, "How's the birthday girl doing?".

You blinked, "Birthday girl?"

"You"

You laughed, "It's Jacob's birthday, not mine. Are you that much of a friend?"

"It's your anniversary too" Joe smiled softly, "One year".

Your chest tightened because he was right. A year of being a mom, year of surviving, year of becoming somebody entirely different. Then Joe quietly added, "You've done a pretty incredible job".

The praise hit harder than it should have because it came from him. He'd seen it all. The ugly parts, difficult parts, the moments nobody else saw.

"Thanks..." you wasn't sure what else to say. "You've been there for most of it too, you deserve to celebrate also".

Joe smiled, there was something in his expression you couldn't quite place. Something fond, something that made looking at him difficult till Jacob returned and smacked the phone screen with his hand. The moment vanished with both of you laughing, and neither of you mentioning it again. But after the call ended, sitting alone in your apartment while Jacob crawled around your feet, one thought kept repeating itself.

Three days. Three days until Jacob's birthday. And you still had absolutely no idea whether Joe was coming home.

The thing that surprised you most wasn't that Jack hadn't shown up again. It was how little you cared. A year ago, that realisation would've broken your heart. Now? It barely registered.

After the day he'd shown up at your apartment and Joe had practically escorted him out of your life, Jack disappeared again. No calls, no texts, not even anyone in his family contacted you, but the silence was familiar now. Disappointing for Jacob but not surprising. You'd stopped expecting anything from him months ago. Maybe that was why, when Jacob's birthday invitations went out, you decided to send one anyway. Not because you wanted him there or you thought he'd come but because one day, if Jacob ever asked, you wanted to know you'd tried. That nobody could say you kept his father away.

So one evening, after staring at your phone for 10 minutes, you sent a simple message.

Jacob's first birthday party is next Saturday. You're welcome to come if you'd like.

That was it. No emotion or expectations. Just an invitation. A few hours later, your phone buzzed followed by a disbelieving laugh from yourself.

Can't make it. Have plans with Laura.

That was the entire message. No apology. No asking about Jacob. No asking what time the party was. Nothing.

Of course that was the response. You didn't even know who Laura was. Girlfriend? The woman he'd cheated with? Someone else entirely? You honestly couldn't bring yourself to care enough to figure it out. The ridiculousness outweighed any hurt. After a full year of missing absolutely everything, he was choosing not to attend his son's first birthday because he had plans. Amazing.

You sat there for another minute, took a screenshot, opened the group chat and sent it. No context. Just the screenshot.

Amanda ARE YOU KIDDING ME

Sam WHAT?????

Wes No way.

Adam That's actually unbelievable

Poppy oh i cba

Becca I need everyone to remain calm

Thirty seconds later

Becca I AM NOT CALM

You snorted so loudly that Jacob looked up from the floor.

Amanda Laura?

Sam Who the hell is Laura?

Wes Not the point, Sam.

Sam It's a little bit the point.

Adam And his excuse is plans?

The messages continued pouring in. Everyone somehow becoming more offended than you were which honestly felt a little validating because for a second you'd wondered if maybe you were overreacting.

Your phone buzzed again. A private message from Joe.

Joe You okay?

You looked across the room. Jacob was sitting surrounded by toys attempting to put a block in his mouth. Completely oblivious, happy, safe, loved.

You I think I'm more annoyed than upset

Joe That's probably healthy

A smile tugged at your lips because it was. Before you'd have cried, wondered what was wrong with you, why you weren't enough, why your little family wasn't enough. Now? Now you were mostly just embarrassed for him because who misses their son's first birthday? Who gets invited despite everything and still chooses not to show up? That wasn't your failure. It was his.

Joe For what it's worth. Jacob won't remember who didn't show up. He'll look at photos of who did.

You stared at the words. Because when you pictured Jacob's birthday, you didn't picture Jack. Not even a little. You pictured Becca hanging decorations, Amanda fussing over the cake, Sam and Adam arguing over something ridiculous, Poppy taking a hundred photos, Wes carrying boxes and hopefully Joe walking through the gate.

You You're getting emotional in your old age

Joe Don't tell anyone

Whatever happened, Jacob's first birthday was going to be full of people who genuinely loved him. That was what mattered.

The morning of the party was chaos. The good kind. The kind you'd secretly hoped for when you started planning all of this months ago. Becca's garden had been transformed overnight. Balloons swayed gently in the warm summer breeze, cowboy themed decorations hung from fences, some hay bales had somehow appeared from somewhere, Sam claimed he'd found them but nobody was quite sure about that one. And somehow, despite weeks of worrying, the weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. Just sunshine. You couldn't have ordered a better day if you'd tried. Most importantly, Jacob was having the time of his life. His tiny cowboy outfit had become the star attraction. A little denim shirt, tiny cowboy boots, his bandana, a hat he'd only kept on for 5 minutes before throwing it across the garden.

Everyone adored him. He spent the entire afternoon crawling from person to person accepting snacks, demanding attention and attempting to walk wherever he could grab on to something or someone. You couldn't stop smiling. Everywhere you looked there were people you loved. Friends and their partners, family, children, people talking, laughing, taking photos, celebrating, it felt surreal.

You found yourself standing near the drinks table for a moment just taking everything in and trying to remember it because days like this didn't happen often. Jacob would only have a first birthday once. The only thing missing was Joe. You checked your phone again and again but nothing. Your stomach twisted slightly at the thought but then you immediately scolded yourself. He definitely would have tried, and you knew he'd tried. It's work. You weren't angry, just disappointed, mostly for Jacob because Joe had wanted to be here with him so badly. Every now and then your eyes drifted toward the garden gate trying not to hope but failing.

"Smile"

You looked up, Amanda was holding her phone.

"What?"

"You're doing the thing"

"What thing?"

"The staring dramatically into the distance thing where you're thinking too hard" You rolled your eyes. "He's probably coming".

"He probably isn't" you turned back toward the party, trying to focus on what was actually in front of you. Jacob. Today was about Jacob.

A little while later everyone gathered near the tables. Food was being passed around, music drifted through the garden, Jacob was on the grass crawling around between everyone's feet living his best life. You were talking to Becca about cake timing when it happened. At first you didn't notice, just a sudden burst of noise behind you followed by a scream. Not a crying scream, an excited scream. The kind Jacob only made when something genuinely thrilled him. The entire garden seemed to turn, you looked over your shoulder and standing there was Joe. A huge backpack slung over one shoulder and holding a gift bag so absurdly large it looked bigger than the birthday boy himself sitting beside the gate. He looked exhausted, like he'd travelled forever but he was smiling, crouching down onto one knee waiting for Jacob.

The little boy was practically shrieking. Hands slapping excitedly against the grass, trying desperately to get moving faster.

"Joe!" Wes yelled.

The entire party erupted, but Joe wasn't looking at anyone else. Just Jacob, "Hey buddy!"

Your heart immediately melted. Jacob was moving as fast as humanly possible, which wasn't particularly fast but it was the effort that counted. Joe laughed as he held his arms open, "C'mon".

Everyone watched because the determination on Jacob's face was incredible. Half crawl, half wobble. Then finally, he reached Joe. The second he did, Joe scooped him up and Jacob immediately buried his face into his shoulder.

The entire garden collectively made the same noise, "Awwww".

Becca was already crying and Amanda wasn't far behind. Joe stood up with Jacob balanced comfortably on his hip looking exactly like where he belonged like he'd never been gone at all. Only then did he finally look up and find you. For a moment everything else disappeared. Joe smiled, and suddenly you couldn't breathe properly. Because he came, he actually came. For Jacob, for this, for you, and judging by the way everyone was looking between the two of you, you weren't doing a particularly good job of hiding how much that meant.

"Oh my god" You heard Becca mutter beside you but you didn't look away from Joe. Around the garden, several members of the friend group were trying, and failing, not to smile. Apparently everyone could see it, everyone except the two people involved. Meanwhile Joe remained completely oblivious, too busy listening to Jacob babble excitedly in his ear. As if trying to tell him every single thing that had happened over the last few months.

Joe nodded seriously, "Really?", Jacob babbled louder, "No way!", more babbling, "That's crazy".

The entire conversation was nonsense yet somehow they both seemed completely invested. Watching them together, standing in the middle of a garden full of people you loved, on a beautiful summer afternoon celebrating your son's first birthday, you couldn't remember the last time you'd felt this happy, grateful or lucky.

By the time the cake smash was over, Jacob was covered head to toe in frosting. Literally everywhere. At one point you'd found icing inside his ear and decided it was best not to ask questions. The second he'd been placed in front of the cake he looked confused, which turned to curiousity, then completely committed to destruction. Everyone had descended on him with phones immediately. The poor kid couldn't move without 6 different cameras documenting it.

"Look this way!" "Jacob!" "Buddy!" "Smile!"

He ignored everyone, instead choosing to repeatedly slap the cake with both hands which somehow made for even better photos. You couldn't stop laughing, especially when Joe ended up with frosting on his shirt after trying to stop Jacob from launching a handful across the garden.

"You did that to yourself" you said across from him.

"I was helping"

"You were encouraging him"

Joe looked down at Jacob and Jacob looked back. The two of them sharing a suspiciously similar expression, "Okay maybe a little".

The photos continued all afternoon. Family photos, friend photos, group photos, photos of Jacob, photos with Jacob. At one point Amanda physically dragged you and Joe together because apparently there weren't enough photos. You hadn't missed the look Becca gave her nor the look Amanda gave back. Neither of them were subtle. Joe remained blissfully unaware, or pretended to be. You honestly couldn't tell anymore.

The funniest part was Jacob, because after Joe arrived, he basically refused to acknowledge anybody else. The child had made his decision that Joe was his person for the day. Every time somebody picked him up, he'd immediately start looking around for Joe. If Joe disappeared for more than 5 minutes, Jacob would crawl after him. When Adam attempted to hold him? Immediate protest. When Wes tried? Same result. Even Becca only got about 3 minutes before Jacob was craning his neck looking elsewhere.

"Okay" Becca handed him back eventually, "I'm slightly offended".

The second Joe took him, Jacob relaxed, settling comfortably against his chest. Joe looked unbearably pleased and Jacob chose that exact moment to pat Joe's cheek affectionately.

As the sun slowly began dipping lower in the sky, guests started leaving. Family members hugged you goodbye, friends headed home, children were rounded up, leftover food was packed away. The noise gradually faded until eventually only your core group remained. You stood looking around Becca's garden now slightly messier and feeling unexpectedly emotional. One year. One whole year.

Jacob had finally crashed as they cleaned, completely exhausted and fast asleep against Joe's shoulder with his tiny cowboy boots still on and his hat still missing somewhere in the garden.

Joe gently adjusted him while everyone started clearing tables, and he glanced toward you, "I drove so we can put everything in there" nodding towards the mountain of party supplies.

You laughed, "There is so much stuff, you sure?"

"Yeah" A smile, "It'll save you carrying all of this and him home".

You smiled, "Thank you".

Eventually Becca clapped her hands together, "Right". Everyone looked over, "You three are leaving".

"What?" You questioned.

"No" Joe was just as confused.

You gestured around, "There's still stuff".

"There isn't"

"There is"

"There isn't"

You narrowed your eyes and Becca narrowed hers right back, then she pointed toward the gate, "Go home".

"Becca-"

"Nope" She pointed again, "You've been up since god knows what time and hosted a party all day"

"That's true"

"Your child is unconscious"

You glanced at Jacob who was still asleep on Joe.

Becca folded her arms, "I've got this". The rest of the group immediately nodded.

"We've got it" Adam corrected.

You looked around at all of them, your chest tightened because a year ago you felt completely alone. And now? You had this. These people, this family you'd somehow built. Then Joe gently grabbed your shoulder, "Come on".

You looked up, his smile was soft, "You need to leave before this turns into a whole thing".

"Go" "Leave" "Goodbye" "Love you"

You laughed despite yourself and Joe guided you towards the gate with Jacob sleeping peacefully against his chest and your friends waving dramatically behind you. Becca shooting the most obvious wink in human history. You rolled your eyes so hard it nearly hurt yet somehow, being beside Joe in the warm evening air while your son slept safely in his arms, your heart felt incredibly full.

The party was over. Jacob's first birthday had been perfect. And as you glanced over at Joe carrying him towards the car like it was the most natural thing in the world, you couldn't help thinking that this might end up being one of your favourite memories ever.

The second you walked through the apartment door, the exhaustion of the day finally started catching up with you. Not bad exhaustion, the kind that came after a genuinely happy day. Joe carried Jacob inside while you stayed outside for another trip to the car, then another, then one more because apparently your son had received enough presents to supply an entire daycare. By the time you finally nudged the apartment door shut with your foot, arms full of gift bags and decorations, you could already hear giggling coming from the living room.

You dumped everything on the kitchen counter, Tomorrow's problem then kicked off your shoes and followed the sound. Joe was sitting on the sofa with Jacob standing between his knees, wobbling dramatically while holding onto his hands. Both of them deep in conversation, or at least Jacob seemed convinced they were.

"Bababa mmm"

"No way"

"Lalalalala!"

"Seriously?"

A huge laugh, another babble.

Joe nodded thoughtfully, "I agree".

Jacob squealed.

You leaned against the doorway watching them. Your heart doing that annoying thing it did whenever the two of them were together.

Joe eventually looked up, "Hi".

You smiled, "What's the discussion?"

Joe glanced at Jacob, "Apparently today was a success"

"Wawawawa"

"Exactly, see"

The bedtime routine started shortly after. Jacob was still running entirely on excitement and birthday cake which meant he was somehow exhausted and hyperactive at the same time.

Joe stood up, "I'll help".

"You don't have to"

"I know I don't, but i'd like too" The familiar answer made you smile.

He helped get Jacob changed, helped find the missing pajama top he chucked and nobody could locate which somehow ended up beneath the sofa then followed you both into the nursery. Joe handed Jacob over, you settled into the rocking chair with his bottle already made. Jacob immediately snuggled into your chest, his eyelids heavy and his hand holding onto your shirt. Joe leaned quietly against the doorway watching, not wanting to disrupt. The bottle disappeared surprisingly quickly followed by a few sleepy blinks, a small burp, a yawn and within moments Jacob was asleep. Completely gone.

You couldn't help laughing, "That was easy".

Joe grinned, "He's exhausted".

"He's not the only one"

Together, you carefully lowered him into his crib. Jacob didn't even stir, the birthday excitement had finally catching up to him. You switched on the night light then quietly pulled the door closed behind you.

Back in the living room, you immediately collapsed onto the sofa. Joe laughed, "Comfortable?".

"Maybe"

"You look comfortable"

"I may never move again"

"You unfortunately have too"

A dramatic groan escaped you and Joe shook his head, "Coffee?"

You looked up immediately, "Please".

"Thought so" A few minutes later he returned carrying two mugs. The familiar smell filling the apartment. The baby monitor sat between you both on the coffee table with Jacob sleeping peacefully on the screen. The apartment was quiet. Quiet for the first time all day. No music, no guests, no chaos. It was nice. Joe handed you your mug, you wrapped both hands around it enjoying the warmth. For a few moments neither of you spoke, then before he could say anything, the words slipped out. "Thank you, like really thank you". His expression immediately shifted. You glanced toward the monitor, then back at him, "Thank you for coming. Thank you for all that you did for the party, for me, for him".

Joe opened his mouth but you continued, "I'm serious" Your throat tightened unexpectedly, "He spent the entire day looking for you".

Joe's eyes immediately flickered toward the monitor too. You laughed softly, "And then when you showed, he nearly launched himself across the garden".

Joe smiled, a small one. The kind that never quite reached full strength because he was trying to hide how much something meant to him.

"You didn't have to come all this way"

"I wanted to"

You looked down at your coffee trying to find the right words, "He adores you". The smile disappeared slightly, "He's the luckiest little boy in the world".

Joe immediately shook his head, "No"

"He is when he has people like you in his life"

"No" Your eyes met his, "That's all you. His dad doesn't show up" You shrugged slightly, "His dad doesn't call, but you do" You smiled sadly, "Every day".

Joe swallowed, looking down into his coffee.

You weren't trying to make him emotional, you were simply telling the truth. Something you weren't sure you'd ever said out loud before, "You've been there for everything and I'm glad if it's not his own dad, he has a male figure like you in his life".

Joe's jaw tightened slightly, the praise clearly making him uncomfortable. Not because he didn't like hearing it because he genuinely didn't think he deserved it. You reached across resting your hand lightly on his arm, "Thank you for loving him like he was your own".

Joe froze, your own words making your eyes immediately filled because you meant every word. He stared between the floor and the baby monitor for a while, his eyes looking glassy which immediately made yours worse. Then he smiled, "How could I not?".

Your heart absolutely shattered, in the best possible way, because there wasn't a single ounce of hesitation in his voice. And as the image of Jacob sleeping peacefully flickered softly on the monitor between you, something settled inside your chest. Something that felt like certainty. Nothing about romance, not even about the future, just the fact whatever happened next, Jacob would always know what it felt like to be loved. And sitting beside you on the sofa, coffee in hand after one very perfect birthday, was one of the biggest reasons why.

Suddenly, the emotions of the entire day and this conversation seemed to hit you all at once, tears slipping from you.

"Oh god no, no tears today" Joe laughed weakly.

"I'm sorry"

"No more crying"

"I can't help it"

Then before you could think better of it, you set your coffee mug down on the table. Joe barely had time to react before you leaned across the sofa and wrapped your arms around him. Immediately he hugged you back as you told him "Thank you" again. It was the kind of hug you'd shared countless times before but this one held on a little longer, neither of you in a hurry to let go. You buried your face against his shoulder, "Thank you".

Joe's arms tightened slightly, "You don't have to keep thanking me".

"I do, I will for a long time"

His chin rested briefly against your hair, "You don't owe me anything".

You pulled back slightly, just enough to look at him, "I appreciate you so much".

Joe's expression softened and for a second neither of you moved, neither of you looked away. You were suddenly very aware of how close he was, of how many times you'd imagined what it might feel like if- before your brain had a chance to catch up, you leaned forward and kissed him.

The moment it happened, time seemed to stop, and your brain immediately caught up. Oh God. You'd kissed your best friend.

You pulled back instantly, eyes wide and horrified, "Oh my god". Joe stared at you, equally stunned, "I didn-". You covered your face, "Oh my god". A nervous laugh escaped you, "I'm so sorry, I don't know why I did that".

Another apology immediately followed, "I'm sorry". Then another, "Really sorry".

You were halfway through another apology when Joe finally shook his head, a laugh escaping him, "Would you stop apologising?".

"What?"

"Seriously, stop" His smile was almost disbelieving, "You have got to stop apologising".

You stared at him completely lost. Joe looked at you for another second then slowly reached up brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. The gesture made your heart stop, "You really have no idea, do you?".

Your stomach flipped "Joe..."

The smile that appeared was equal parts fond and nervous, then he leaned forward and kissed you. This time there was no surprise. The kiss was gentle at first like he was giving you every opportunity to pull away. The hell you were. Instead, your hand found his shoulder and when he smiled against your lips, you couldn't help smiling too.

When the kiss finally broke, neither of you moved very far. Both laughing slightly from nerves, from relief, from how long it had taken. You buried your face in your hands from embarrassment, he laughed and gently pulled your hands away looking at you like you were something he'd been afraid to reach for, "I've wanted to do that for ages".

Your heart nearly stopped, "You have? Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because" His eyes drifted briefly toward the baby monitor, "You had enough going on".

The answer was so typically Joe that it almost made you cry again. Instead you smiled, leaning your head against his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around you immediately like it belonged there. For the first time in a very long time, the future didn't feel scary. It felt exciting. The best parts of your life had already been sitting beside you on that sofa all along.

He reached out again, his hand cupping the back of your head, fingers tangling in your hair, pulling you towards him. When his lips meet yours this time, it is twice as heavy, twice as desperate. It isn't a question anymore, now more of an answer. He kissed you with a force that pushed you backwards into the cushions of the sofa. You gasped against his mouth, taking the opportunity to deepen the kiss, one arm wrapping around your waist to haul you closer.

You responded straight away, your hands finding his shoulders again, pulling him down to you. His kisses became frantic, messy and perfect all in one. He moved his mouth from your lips to your jaw, trailing down your neck, arching your back in response to him. You couldn't tell if the room was spinning, or if it was the overwhelming realisation that this was actually happening.

"We should sleep" he muttered against your neck a few moments later, knowing the time was getting on.

"Yeah, we should. Are you uh, staying?"

"If you'll have me?"

A smile was all he needed. And after a long day of happiness, you both ended up moments later just enjoying each other's presence in the space of your bed. No sex, no kissing, just the sound of the monitor next to you and each other's breathing.

The first thing the next morning you became aware of was a voice. A soft, sleepy, amused voice. You frowned slightly against your pillow still half asleep, hearing it again. His voice. You smiled before your eyes had even opened.

The memories from the night before came flooding back immediately. The sofa, coffee, conversations, the kiss, or several kisses actually. The fact that somewhere between laughing and talking afterwards, you'd both eventually ended up in your bed and simply fallen asleep. The thought alone made you smile into your pillow.

Then another voice reached you, a much smaller one. An excited babble. Your eyes finally opened to see the sunlight filtering softly through, it felt like the whole world was at peace. You rolled onto your side to look at the baby monitor, Joe standing beside Jacob's crib, topless and in yesterday's jeans, hair sticking up slightly from sleep, leaning over the side talking quietly to Jacob. Jacob was standing, holding onto the rails absolutely delighted with the fact he's woken up to Joe.

"Wawawawa"

Joe nodded seriously, "No way, I had that dream too!"

Jacob laughed. "Bababa"

"Really?"

Another squeal. You couldn't help smiling. For several moments you simply watched, not wanting to interrupt because it was one of those little moments, the kind you'd want to remember forever. Then it happened.

"Dada"

You blinked at the monitor. Joe stood there frozen next to him, and Jacob was grinning.

"Dada!"

Your eyebrows immediately shot upward, on the monitor Joe looked equally surprised, "What did you say Jacob?".

Jacob bounced excitedly, "Dada!".

The room fell silent, then Joe laughed. A genuine surprised laugh, "Did you just call me dada?".

Jacob practically shrieked with excitement, "DADA!" Another laugh. Then "Dada dada dada dada".

You sat upright, completely awake now, part of you didn't know what to think. Because on one hand your heart was melting. On the other, the tiny traitor hadn't even said mama yet, and  apparently he'd decided Joe was getting dada. Good to know where everyone's loyalties lay.You shook your head, laughing despite yourself. Curiosity eventually won. You climbed out of bed and quietly made your way down the hallway, the nursery door sat slightly open. You stopped outside, peeking in. Joe hadn't noticed you yet, he was still beside the crib with Jacob standing proudly inside, "Dada!"

Joe laughed again, "You can't just say that".

Jacob thought this was the funniest thing he'd ever heard, "Dada!".

"Buddy..."

More laughter, "Dada".

You honestly couldn't tell which one of them looked happier. The floor creaked beneath your foot as you adjusted your step. Joe looked up, immediately smiling, "Morning".

A smile appeared before you could stop it, "Morning".

Joe glanced toward Jacob, "Mama's here look!"

Jacob turned to look at you, then immediately looked back at Joe, "Dada!"

You stared, Joe burst out laughing, "No Jacob, mama's here".

"Dada"

You placed a hand over your chest, "Wow. After all I put myself through for you kid".

Joe was struggling not to laugh, "That's rough".

"Dada", Joe laughed harder.

Eventually you stepped fully into the room standing beside them watching Jacob grin at both of you. You looked toward Joe, then toward Jacob and back again, "I hope you know you don't have to encourage that".

Joe's smile softened slightly immediately understanding what you meant. The joking had faded, "I know". Joe would never try to replace anyone, even after everything. He glanced back toward Jacob, then at you. "If it makes you uncomfortable, I don't have to play along".

The answer from you came honestly and without hesitation, "No" You smiled softly, "As long as you're okay with it".

Something shifted in Joe's expression. Surprised mixed with emotion because he knew what you were really saying. Not that Jacob thought he was his father, because at one year old, Jacob didn't understand titles. What he understood was love, consistency, who showed up for him, who stayed and whether he meant to or not, Joe had become one of those people.

You looked down at Jacob still holding onto the crib, "Dada".

Joe laughed quietly. The sound almost emotional, then reached down and scooped him up. Jacob immediately settling against him happy and content. Your heart swelled so much it almost hurt because standing there in the nursery doorway, watching the man you loved holding the little boy you loved most in the world, you suddenly imagined for the first time in a very long time, a future and wondering if you'd be okay. But you already were.

Joe had to fly back a few days later, but the few weeks passed surprisingly quickly. Not because you didn't miss Joe, you absolutely did, so did Jacob. Days were filled with confused looks toward the apartment door every time a knock sounded somewhere in the building. A lot of dada, FaceTime calls, Joe making ridiculous noises through a phone screen to keep a one year old entertained. But this time felt different, the anxiety wasn't there because you knew he wasn't leaving, he was coming back to you.

Then one Thursday afternoon your phone buzzed as you was folding laundry on the floor of Jacob's nursery as he played in his crib.

Joe Landed.

A smile immediately spread across your face.

You Welcome home :)

Joe Can I come see my favorite little guy?

You Sure. I'm sure Mr Martin from across the hall really wants to see you too

Joe I was talking about Jacob.

You Liar.

Less than an hour later there was a knock at your door. Jacob looked up immediately, his head turning toward the sound. You laughed, "Oh my god, how do you do that?" The child somehow knew. You picked him up and walked towards the door, opening it to see Joe stood there smiling. Hair slightly longer than before and looking tired from travel.

"Where are your bags?"

"Dropped them at home"

"Haven't you just landed?"

"Speed" Joe shrugged. "I wanted to see you" and he looked at Jacob, "And him".

Jacob had already tried to climb out of your arms and towards Joe, "DADA".

Joe laughed instantly, "Hi buddy, I missed you" grabbing him from you. The apartment somehow started feeling complete again.

That evening, after dinner and playtime and enough laughter to make your cheeks hurt, Jacob finally surrendered to sleep. By the time you returned to the living room, Joe was sitting on the sofa exactly where he'd sat a hundred times before but things felt different. You sat beside him, enjoying the quiet for a while till eventually Joe spoke, "I've been thinking".

You immediately laughed, "Okay..."

His smile appeared, "What do you want?"

You blinked, "What?"

Joe looked at you, "The future"

You thought about it, then smiled, "A garden"

Joe laughed, "I'm serious"

"So am I" You smiled, "I want somewhere bigger. Eventually a place big enough with extra room for Jacob, maybe outside of the city, maybe a dog". Joe immediately nodded, "Good choice"

Then your expression softened, "I just want Jacob to grow up happy".

Joe smiled, "That's already happening"

Your eyes drifted toward the baby monitor. The little boy who had changed your entire world. Then you looked back at Joe, "I want stability".

For so long you'd lived without it and Joe understood immediately, "You deserve that".

You smiled, "What about you?"

Joe leaned back slightly thinking, "Honestly?". You nodded. He looked toward the hallway, towards the nursery, then back at you and smiled, "This. Not exactly this apartment".

You laughed, "Good"

"No offense"

"Only a little taken"

He grinned, "I mean..." His eyes met yours. "I like having people to come home to. Especially you and Jacob".

Joe had spent years traveling, working, living out of suitcases, different hotel rooms, just always moving. It made sense.

"I don't know exactly what everything looks like yet" he admitted. "But I know I want you both in it. If you'll have me" Joe smiled nervously.

"As a package deal?"

He laughed, "Definitely a package deal". Joe reached for your hand, intertwining your fingers, "We take it one day at a time".

You nodded, "One day at a time"

"I'll do everything I can to give him the best life possible, and you" Joe smiled and squeezed your hand gently, "And I do know one thing".

"What?"

His eyes drifted toward the monitor again, at the child who'd unknowingly changed both of your lives, "I'm not going anywhere".

And for the first time since moving to New York all those years ago, you believed him completely. Not because he promised or because he said the perfect thing, but because he'd already spent the last year proving it time and time again. Loving both of you without ever asking for recognition for it.

You leaned against him, his arm immediately wrapping around your shoulders and together you sat there on the sofa watching the baby monitor. Talking quietly about houses, gardens, dogs, birthdays and all the little things that make up a life. The future still wasn't fully written. There would be challenges, questions, messy moments just like any family. But as the night stretched on around you, one thing felt certain. This was love.

He pulled you in tighter as you spoke, placing a kiss on the top of your head, "I've got you, both of you".

[unclejeezysblog]

“HEATED ARGUMENTS”

•summary: after countless arguments with Steve, he finally puts you into your place

•warnings: making out, fingering (f receiving), arguing, teasing, praise (lmk if there’s anything i’ve missed!)

Im sprawled across one side of Robin’s couch while shes on the other, and of course the one and only - Steve on the armchair. When Robin invited me to her house to watch a movie, i thought we were gonna have a girls night. But i was wrong, apparently Steve “invited himself” to come over, which I know that’s not true. Robin knows that we hate each other and always tries to find a way to fix that. So far for the last two years, none of that has changed.

I don’t usually hate people, but Steve’s ego thats higher than the Eiffel Tower and his cockiness makes me his biggest hater. I used to have a crush on him, before Robin introduced us. Well maybe i still do a little, but i’m not letting that get in the way. Every single time i hang out with Robin, Steve has to come. The amount of times we have argued over stupid things, it’s ridiculous.

Now we’re watching some random action movie, Robin borrowed from her workplace. Steve would always give unnecessary comments about the movie, it’s making my blood boil. Its really annoying. That man really can not keep his mouth shut, even for five minutes.

The moment he saw the gorgeous actress on the screen he immediately said “Only if she lived here, i would’ve pulled her in one day”

“Yeah yeah whatever makes you happy” i mumbled

“Right, what’s your problem?” he asked, turning his head towards me.

“What? Nothing” I said as he rolled his eyes.

“Can you two just stop arguing for once?” Robin asked us “y’all act like kids”

We both stay quiet. We really are like kids, arguing over the smallest and stupidest things. And not only that, we’re both stubborn.

Once the movie ended, i started getting ready to head home, until Steve stops me

“I can drive you if you want, y’know it’s late at night” When Robin hears Steves suggestion i see her smiling from ear to ear.

I hesitate for a second, but when i thought about the fact that there is barely any street lights towards my way home i decided to agree “I mean okay”

As we leave Robin’s house, she says, “Drive safely and please try not to bite each other’s heads off.”

Im about to open the passenger door from Steve’s car, but suddenly he shoves my hand to the side and opens the door for me “Oh wow I didn’t know Steve was such a gentleman”

“Yeah don’t get too excited” he says as i sit “Oh you don’t know about it i’m gonna burst of excitement” i respond sarcastically.

He closes the door and makes his way to the drivers side. The first 5 minutes it was a complete silence until Steve broke it “That movie was ass, i mean what even was that last scene? That’s not how you give a girl an orgasm”

“Oh so there’s a wrong and right way to do that? i asked

“I- well maybe but that guy was doing it so wrong”

“Yeah coming from the expert for orgasms Steve Harrington” i tease him

“No okay but seriously it was horrible, i mean don’t you agree with me? You’d know how it’s like to get one, and that was not one of the ways” why is he so obsessed about it.

And no, i don’t know how it is like to get one. I’ve never been with anyone. And Steve doesn’t know that.

“Yeah yeah” i mumble as i stare out of the window, i want this conversation over.

“Wait have you ever had a boyfriend?” he asked. Now what do i say? Do I lie or tell him the truth

“No” i say quietly, fidgeting with my fingers

“That means you’ve never had any intimacy with anyone?” Why is he so concerned about that.

“And why are you asking me that? Jesus Harrington mind your own business” i scoff

“So that means no”

“No it means that it is none of your business”

“Damn sorry don’t get mad I was just asking”

As i thought that he was done, he continued-

“Okay just one question” he never stops.

“What.” i respond

“Have you ever had an orgasm?” he asked, i wanna rip his hair out and give it into his hands

“OH MY GOD NO! IS THAT WHAT YOU WANTED TO KNOW?” I yell at him, he gets all quiet. I regret yelling.

We arrive at my house, he stops the car and before i leave he asks “are your parents home?” the tone of his voice is really deep and serious.

“no and good night” i leave the car, but 3 seconds later i hear his car door open and shut. I turn around and see him walking towards me

“Where are you going?” I ask him, now he grabs my arm and drags me towards the front door.

“Get your ass inside”

I reach my back pocket for the keys and he steals the keys from my hand and unlocks the door, then pulls me inside. He kicks the door shut and locks it, and as he did that he pinned me against the door.

“WHAT are you doing” i stare at him

“Someone needs to put you in your place, I don’t think I can keep up with your bratty ass anymore” he responds as he smashes his lips against mine.

He kisses me so hard like he is starving. His hands slide up around my waist and pushes me flush against him. I can feel something hard against my stomach.

His tongue glides against mine, then he starts to suck it. I cannot help it as a moan slips out of my mouth, once Steve heard that he groans against my mouth.

He picks me up by my legs, and i wrap them around his waist, never breaking the kiss. If this happened two years ago i’d be screaming.

Steve sits down on the couch, as he places me on his lap. I can feel his hand travel down, unbuttoning my jean shorts.

“Jesus do you know what you do to me with these on?” his mouth latches on my neck as he removes the shorts. His fingers brushed against my lace panties, now soaking wet from all of the action.

“Are you sure that you hate me sweetheart? Cause your body says otherwise” he chuckles.

Sweetheart. Oh god. I can feel myself getting wetter and he still hasn’t touched me.

“Im gonna go slow, if you don’t like anything just tell me to stop, okay baby?” I nod. I cannot get words out of my mouth. The nicknames are doing things to me. His gaze drops to my neck, all red and bruised with hickeys from his sucking.

He drags my panties to the left side, and starts slowly massaging me with two fingers. I throw my head back from pleasure when i felt his touch.

“Yeah that feels good?” he asked looking up at me

“Mhm-y -yes”

He then pushes one finger in and a loud moan escapes my lips. It feels so good, i cannot explain it. It’s like im in heaven.

“Yes there you go”

It feels good i want more. I need more.

“S-Steve one m-more” i beg him. And he listens and slips another finger in me.

And i see stars.

“There you go honey, cmon squeeze my fingers” And i do, as i feel a weird, unfamiliar feeling in my stomach.

“Good girl, are you close?” I try to nod. My eyes squeezed shut. Im a mess. Moaning every 10 seconds, as his fingers slip in and out of me. His fingers curl inside me as my eyes roll back.

“Cmon you can do it, cum around my fingers” he praises me, and thats all it took, i saw stars as thick ropes of cum stick to his fingers. He slows down his pace.

“Good girl, so good f’me” he said as he kissed me deeply. He removed his fingers from me, and he placed them against his mouth and licked them clean, while looking deeply into my eyes.

“Oh god i knew you’d taste so sweet” he kisses my neck, then sucking the sweet spot under my ear “my beautiful girl, did such a good job”

I can feel sweat around my forehead and neck, heavy breathing as i try to calm myself down. Steve continued on whispering sweet nothings in my ear and giving me soft featherlight kisses.

“Do you know how much i want you?” he asked “Well after this i think i do” i respond as he smiles.

He pulls me into a tight hug, and nuzzles his face in my hair.

“I always thought you hated me and didn’t want me. After two years i think i’ve had enough” he sigs “I’ve always wanted you, I kind of lost control tonight, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t do it anymore” he admitted quietly

“No I- thank you for tonight. It was really nice” i pull out of the hug staring deeply into his eyes.

“Im really glad it was with you” The moment he hears that his eyes lit up. We end the night in my room, cuddling, his arms around my waist and our legs tangled. Soft light from the moon entering my room. We both drift to sleep, close to each other.

Years after heated arguments, they’ve come to an end, a really nice end. Where i get to live my life with Steve and not hiding my feelings.

[emqqx]

hii can i request one where joe and reader got into a relationship recently, and they sleep together cuddling, he loves whispering sweet nothings to her. Joe wakes her up by giving her small kisses all over her face its just so cute and they’re so in love

"Lazy morning love"

⋆⭒˚.⋆ Joe Keery x reader ⋆⭒˚.⋆

english is not my language please be kind and sorry if i wrote wrong :) requests are open if you want!

summary: honeymoon phase with Joe

warnings: fluff

The soft glow of the city lights filtered through the half-drawn curtains of Joe's apartment, casting gentle shadows across the king-sized bed where you and he lay tangled together.

 It had only been four months since you officially became a couple, but it felt like the universe had been aligning for this moment your entire lives. The kind of love that snuck up quietly, then hit with force and impossible to ignore.

You'd met Joe at a mutual friend's birthday party in a cozy Brooklyn brownstone, he was the guy in the corner with the easy smile and the laugh that made everyone turn their heads. You were the one nursing a cup of beer, debating whether to slip out early. 

He noticed you first, offered a genuine compliment on the vintage band tee you were wearing, and the conversation flowed like it had been waiting years to happen. By the end of the night, numbers were exchanged and by the second date, you knew this was different, by the fourth, you were spending nights at his place, and he at yours.

Now, here you were, deeply, stupidly, wonderfully in love.

Joe's arm was draped heavily over your waist, his chest pressed firmly against your back in a perfect spoon, his breath was warm and steady against the nape of your neck, ruffling the loose strands of hair that had escaped your messy bun. 

The room smelled like him and the faint trace of the Thai takeout you'd shared earlier, your legs were intertwined, one of his knees slotted between yours, anchoring you to him even in sleep.

 The duvet was kicked down to your hips, but neither of you minded the slight chill because the warmth between your bodies was enough.

He had whispered to you as you drifted off, like he always did. 

Joe loved sweet nothings, they weren't performative or scripted, they poured out of him naturally, like he couldn't contain the affection bubbling inside his chest.

"You know," he'd murmured earlier that night, his lips brushing the shell of your ear as his fingers traced lazy circles on your hip under your oversized sleep shirt, "I used to think falling in love was this big, dramatic thing. Like in movies but with you... it's quiet. It's waking up and already smiling because I know you're next to me. It's the way my heart does this stupid flip every time you laugh at my terrible jokes."

You'd hummed contentedly, pressing back into him, feeling the solid strength of his body. "You're such a sap, Joe."

"Only for you," he'd replied, kissing the spot just below your ear. 

"My beautiful girl, my favorite person in the whole damn world. I love the way you crinkle your nose when you're thinking hard. I love how you steal my hoodies and pretend you didn't. I love that you make me want to be better every single day."

His voice had grown softer, slower, until it blended with the rhythm of his breathing. You'd fallen asleep to the sound of it, cocooned in safety and adoration.

Now, in the hazy early morning hours, the first hints of dawn were creeping in. 

Joe woke first, as he often did, he didn't move right away. 

Instead, he lay there for long minutes, simply holding you, his eyes traced the curve of your shoulder, the way your lashes fanned against your cheeks, the soft parting of your lips.

 Love swelled in his chest until it felt almost too big to contain. 

How had he gotten so lucky? four months, and he already couldn't imagine a morning without this.

Carefully, so as not to startle you, he shifted, he propped himself up on one elbow, his free hand coming to rest lightly on your waist. 

Then he began.

The kisses started feather-light, barely there. First on your forehead, right at the center, lingering for a heartbeat, then the bridge of your nose. He smiled against your skin when you made a tiny, sleepy sound. Next came your left eyebrow, then the right, each kiss deliberate and tender. He moved to your temple, pressing his lips there like he was sealing in a secret promise.

"Mmm," you stirred slightly, but didn't wake fully.

Joe's heart melted as he continued his gentle assault: a kiss on your cheekbone, then the apple of your cheek. He nuzzled there for a moment, inhaling the faint scent of your lotion. "Wake up, my love," he whispered, voice husky from sleep. "The world's been waiting fro you" he said, plressing another kiss, this one on the tip of your nose.

 You scrunched it instinctively, and he chuckled low in his throat, a warm, rumbling sound that vibrated through his chest into yours.

"That's it," he encouraged softly. "Come back to me, baby."

He kissed your other cheek, then along your jawline, slow and reverent.

Your eyelids fluttered, consciousness returned in soft waves, the feeling of his mouth on your skin, the solid warmth of him beside you, the deep affection in his tone. When his lips finally found yours in the gentlest of kisses, you smiled into it.

"Joe..." you murmured, voice thick with sleep.

"There she is," he said, pulling back just enough to look at you, his eyes were bright, even in the dim light, crinkled at the corners with pure joy. "Good morning, beautiful. Did you dream about me?"

You stretched lazily, your body arching against his, and wrapped your arms around his neck. "Maybe, or maybe I didn't need to dream because the real thing is better."

He groaned happily and rolled you both so you were half-draped over his chest, his hands roamed your back in soothing strokes, slipping under the hem of your shirt to trace your spine. 

"God, I love you."

The two of you stayed like that for what felt like hours but was probably closer to thirty minutes, cuddling, trading lazy kisses, whispering.

 Joe told you about the dream he'd had: the two of you on a beach somewhere warm, no responsibilities, just sun and salt air and each other. You shared how safe you felt with him, how the rapid pace of your new relationship didn't scare you because it felt right.

"I keep thinking it's too good to be true," you admitted, tracing patterns on his collarbone with your fingertip. "We've only been together a little while, but it feels like I've known you forever."

"Because we fit," he said simply as he captured your hand and brought it to his lips, kissing each knuckle. “I love the way you challenge me to think deeper, and how patient you are when I ramble about my work projects. I love your voice first thing in the morning, all raspy and soft. I love…"

You cut him off with a kiss, deeper this time, pouring your own feelings into it. When you pulled away, both of you were breathing a little heavier.

 "I love you too, Joe, so much it makes me feel a little crazy sometimes."

He grinned, that boyish smile that made your stomach flip.

 "Crazy is good, I want all your crazy."

Eventually, hunger won out. 

Joe reluctantly untangled himself but not before stealing a few more kisses across your face, quick, playful ones that made you giggle.

 "Stay here," he ordered gently. "I'll make breakfast."

You watched him pad out of the bedroom in just his boxers, admiring the lean muscles of his back and the way his hair stuck up adorably. 

The kitchen sounds drifted in: clinking pans, the hum of the coffee maker, his off-key humming of some indie song you'd played on your last date.

When he returned, he carried a tray loaded with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and two steaming mugs of coffee. You sat up against the headboard, and he joined you, setting the tray between you.

 Breakfast in bed turned into an extended conversation about everything and nothing; your plans for the weekend, a funny story from his friends, how you wanted to redecorate your living room. All the while, his hand never left yours or your thigh, like he needed the constant physical reminder that you were real and his.

After eating, you curled up again, this time, you were the one initiating the cuddles, resting your head on his chest and listening to his heartbeat. It was steady, strong, and completely tuned to you.

"I could stay like this all day," Joe said, his fingers combing through your hair.

"Then let's," you replied. "The world can wait."

He laughed softly and tilted your chin up for another kiss, this one lingered, full of promise and depth. When it broke, he rested his forehead against yours.

 "You make every ordinary moment feel extraordinary… I never want to lose this feeling."

The morning stretched on with more of the same, sweet whispers, stolen kisses, laughter that echoed off the walls. Joe recounted the exact moment he knew he was falling for you: it was during your third date, when you'd reached across the table to wipe a bit of sauce from his lip without thinking, and the casual intimacy of it had floored him.

"You weren't trying to impress me or anything," he said. "You were just... taking care of me. In that tiny way and I thought, 'Yeah. This is someone I want to build a life with.'"

Tears pricked your eyes at the sincerity in his voice, you kissed him hard, then softer, then not at all, just holding him close.

 "I felt it too, that same night, when you walked me home and didn't try to come up. You respected my pace. It made me trust you completely."

Hours passed in a blissful bubble. You talked about future dates: a weekend getaway upstate, trying that new Italian place downtown, maybe even a trip abroad someday.

The love between you wasn't just words or gestures, it was in the way he instinctively knew when you needed space or closeness. It was how you could communicate with just a look, it was the quiet comfort of shared silences and the electric joy of shared laughter.

By afternoon, you'd migrated to the living room couch, still in your sleep clothes, wrapped in a blanket together. A movie played in the background, but neither of you paid much attention, Joe had you pulled onto his lap, facing him, your knees on either side of his hips and his hands rested on your lower back, thumbs stroking soothingly.

"I love whispering to you," he said, leaning in so his lips were at your ear again. "Because when I do,it's just us, and I get to tell you all the things my heart's been saving up."

He proceeded to do exactly that, listing a hundred tiny reasons he adored you. On and on, until you were both laughing and emotional and kissing again.

This was the honeymoon phase, yes, but it felt deeper,like the beginning of something that could last.

As the sun dipped lower, painting the room in golden hues, Joe pulled you even closer. "Thank you for choosing me," he whispered.

"Thank you for making it easy to," you replied.

You fell asleep again that evening, cuddling on the couch this time, his arms around you like a shield and when night came fully, he carried you back to bed, kissing sofly your forehead, tenderly and full of wonder.

 Because this was your new normal, alove story written in soft touches, murmured words and closeness… and it was only just beginning.

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