Oh My Fucking God! This Series Was Worth The WAIT To Be Able To Binge It In Its Entirety You Have Such

Oh my fucking god! This series was worth the WAIT to be able to binge it in it’s entirety 😭😭😭 You have such a way with words it’s unreal!

sweet child o' mine | masterlist

neighbor!joel x f!reader | ao3 | playlist

joel miller has lived next door - since forever. you've been a pain in his ass - since forever. one drunken night changes everything - forever.

please check out individual chapter content warnings before reading!!! this series features adult content and themes which may be triggering.

series warnings: age gap (late 20s reader, late 40s joel), unplanned pregnancy, discussion of a car accident & dead parents, emotional cheating & some minor/one major instance of physical cheating, smut, angst, fluff.

main series

pt. i

pt. ii

pt. iii

pt. iv

bonus

➵ replaying the wedding night

features

➵ sweet child o' mine moodboard by @sawymredfox

➵ joel and duckie by @knopes-waffles

➵ duckie vs. tomato by @dundienominee

Oh this broke my heart with that ending 😩😭 But such a good story regardless!

ain't no rest for the wicked masterlist - COMPLETE

Tess Servopoulos x f!reader x Joel Miller

Rating: Explicit. 18+ only.

Status: complete

Series Summary: Joel would never complain about what he and Tess have. The only thing is that, sometimes, he’d like to be the one in control. Tess has a proposition: she’ll find a sub for Joel that they can both enjoy. It’s not an easy feat... until they stumble upon you in a dark alley. 

Series Warnings: dark-ish Joel and Tess, smuggler!Joel, smuggler!Tess, boston QZ, QZ life, author makes up stuff about how QZs work, stalking, breaking and entering, tess and joel are kind of creepy, d/s dynamics without calling it d/s, poorly negotiated scenes, poor communication, fully consensual, use of ma'am & sir, vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, strap-on, spanking, rough sex, impact play, bondage, canon-typical violence, teeny tiny plot but mostly pwp, canon compliant-ish, angst, bittersweet ending/no happily ever after, no y/n

playlist

I: ain't no rest for the wicked

II: trouble will find you

III: been sinnin' in this city

IV: no telling what tomorrow holds

V: way down below

Man, I guess this morning I’ve decided to pick fluff for my reads! 🤣 This is so cute!

The Kindness of Strangers - A Joel Miller one shot for ALL OF YOU

Neighbour!Joel x f!reader

Rating: Fluff, fluff, fluffiest fluff, gratuitous Jane Austen references

Summary: Let's fall madly in love with neighbour!Joel

Word count: 1,437 words

Content: Rom-com style fluff, Joel Miller AU but no ages mentioned (everyone is over 18 but they can be whatever you would wish), bit of alcohol reference, big swears, bad boyfriend mentioned, minimal descriptions of reader but just so you know, she is of course wearing A SUNDRESS even if I don't mention it. Always Fleabag coded.

A/N: I wanted to do a little something something for the @swiftiscruff friendship exchange, for all of those wonderful tumblr peeps out there who have been so kind to me, have read or shared my stories, or filled my dash with the most incredible fics of smut, angst and pure, delicious fluff. Thank you so much for being so welcoming and so utterly, utterly brilliant. You have all (honourable mention to Pedro of course for being the most delicious muse) made my life so much richer and I'm genuinely a happier person writing again and reading all your *amazing* fics.

This is also specially dedicated to @katareyoudrilling as she has been such a wonderful, supportive and fun friend to me on here and I know her love for Austen runs deep. I hope you enjoy my dear friend!

So what did I do?! WELL it's PURE JOEL MILLER FLUFF PALS! I wrote the original of this when I first starting thinking about writing again (5 whole months ago now) and I gave her a little glow up for you. It's not been beta'd so there will be mistakes, soz.

Note: All images from pinterest. Dividers by @saradika/@saradika-graphics

THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

You’ve been in Texas for a few days now and your Uncle has invited some of his ‘younger’ neighbours round for dinner and somehow, you’ve found yourself sitting outside on the porch next to Joel Miller. It happened so easily, you’re not even sure if you’d spoken to each other, a mutual understanding sliding between the two of you that led to being sat in companionable silence, watching the sun go down.

You let your eyes linger on this man, with a face so handsome it’s making you feel dizzy. The darkest, softest eyes, with the most disarming half grin aimed at you, you have to turn away before you start running your hands through that unkept hair, the hint of a natural curl feels like it’s begging to be smoothed by your fingers. You might need to resort to sitting on your hands. Jesus Christ. He’s making a heat rise to your cheeks just by looking at you. What a fucking look though.

You swallow thickly, try to regain some composure, “My Uncle is attempting to teach me how to drink red wine, so I can finally be a proper grown-up. Got to conquer that and then olives next.” You take a small sip, it tastes better already.

Joel nods at you simply and gestures for you to share a taste, his tongue running down the seam of his lip. Instead of handing the glass over, you realise you’re holding it to his now glistening pout and tipping gently, not breaking eye contact as you dare not breath.  

Hot. God, it’s so hot.

It’s beyond intimate, you can feel your pulse thrumming in your ears as you watch a tiny bit of red wine escape from his lips onto his scruff. You have to physically stop yourself reaching over and licking it right off him. Jesus wept. He pulls a lazy hand across his chin to wipe the drip away, shaking his head appreciatively as you sit almost dumbstruck.

“S’good.”

You take another sip, exactly where his lips have just been and let your tongue brush against the warmth he’s left on the glass, certain he’s watching your every move under hooded, darkening eyes.

There’s a wave of energy cascading through you; both a heat and a coolness that’s leaving you a mess of contradictions. It feels intoxicating. Yet, weirdly comfortable, like you could just climb up onto his lap and it would be the most natural thing in the world. You don’t obviously. Obviously? Obviously.

How is it possible to feel this much chemistry with someone? An almost stranger you’ve barely met? Is this how other people feel about their crushes? Is it, in fact, normal? Are you the odd one for being slightly detached from the boys you’ve dated before, almost like it was happening to someone else?

You’ve never felt like this before, nostalgic for something as it’s happening; snapshots of sensations becoming a scrapbook you know you’ll keep revisiting forever. The feeling of the sun warm on your skin, the deep taste of the wine, the intensity of Joel’s gaze.

He clears his throat, looking down at the beer bottle in his hands and you bristle, preparing to hear something you don’t want to. “I know you’ve got a boyfriend… but, I’m trying to find the right words. This feels good. We feel good together.

Words are getting stuck, you sort of choke out, “I know.”

It’s making you dizzy again. It physically aches to look at him. You’re sitting as close as two people can be without actually touching, an energy vibrating in the space between you and what feels like a high-pitched  scream in your head every time Joel moves to take a drink of his beer and his thick thigh brushes against yours. You hope he can’t see it playing out across your face and you let out a little sigh, which he misinterprets for sadness.

“You finding this hard? I don’t want to mess anything up for you.”

You shake your head slowly, “My boyfriend, he’s very controlled… when everything is on his agenda it’s fine, but he can’t deal with things that aren’t exactly as planned. I spend a lot of time trying to fit myself around him and I’m thinking… maybe I shouldn’t be ok with that. Maybe I should want more.”

Joel nods, lets you talk, and he’s listening, really listening. You continue nervously, “I get this feeling in the pit of my stomach when I’m around him that I thought was butterflies, but now… now I’m thinking it didn’t feel good.”

You don’t say it’s because now you know what those butterflies people talk about actually feel like.

“It felt bad. Like, anxiety. I wasn’t excited to be around him, I think I was nervous.” You sit with it for a moment, “Thanks for listening to me.”

A warm smile passes between you both, Joel shrugs those heavenly broad shoulders, “I’m not one to tell anyone how to live their life, but… this boyfriend sounds like kind of an asshole?”

He looks so genuinely bemused, you laugh instantly, and it’s funny because it’s true. Stupidly true.

“Yeah maybe, but then maybe I deserve him?” You scrunch your face up, you’re thinking of how you’re sitting here talking shit about your boyfriend with a man who you desperately want to touch you, desperately want to kiss your idiot boyfriend’s name right out of your mouth.

“Can’t imagine that for a minute darlin’. Might not be as innocent as you look, but that’s something else entirely.” He smirks at you, brings his beer bottle up to cheers your glass. A wolfish grin slips your way and you feel a guilty smile tug at your lips.

“What you reading?” He drops his shoulder, gently bumps against you, raises an eyebrow at the book propped up next to you, cover curled from so many re-reads.

“Oh. My favourite Jane Austen, Persuasion. They make you read Austen any in school?”

“I didn’t do much reading of anything in school… too busy chasing girls and listening to music.”

You tilt your head at him, “Steinbeck or nothing kind of guy, ey?”

“Somethin’ like that…” He lets out a low chuckle, “Nah, I liked the plays, really. Always enjoyed a bit of Tennessee Williams.”

“Fuck’s sake Joel, stop trying to break my heart on purpose.”

“What? Marlon Brando in Streetcar had a profound effect on a young man who was trying to get laid.”

“I bet he did, I bet he did. He had quite the ‘profound’ effect on me and my friends too.”

You can’t help but think Joel would look pretty damn fine in a dirty white tank top and Baker Boy hat.   

“Ever get you laid?” He leans in, a mischievous hand curling around your jaw and you push against him with the flat of your palm playfully, enjoying the sensation of him so close to you and the delicious teasing.  

“Not in front of Austen please… I’ll read some to you if you’d like?”

“I’d like that.”

That’s how you end up with his head in your lap, divine almost curls in reach as he looks up at you and you flick through the book to get to your favourite bit. Your left hand has fallen on his chest, so warm against your skin even through his soft grey t-shirt. It is soothing, the gentle feel of his breath against you, the rise and fall of his chest hypnotic. Fucking hell.

You’re putting on your best Captain Wentworth voice; “I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you.”

“You’ve fallen asleep haven’t you?”

“Hmm… no… I’m awake. Just restin’ my eyes.” He’s gazing up at you now, those beautiful eyes searching for yours and making you feel a bit like you might have to bite down on something so as not to press your lips to his.

He repeats you, “Half agony, half hope. I like it.” His hand reaches up and he traces the line of your cheek so lightly it’s making your head spin. “Does this Wentworth get his girl then?”

“Of course.”

You read until your Uncle fetches you both for dinner.

Tagging in some wonderful, amazing tumblr people who always make my day better. So much love and big Pedro kisses to you all.

@pascalssbabyy @luxurychristmaspudding @toomanytookas @futuraa-free @missladym1981 @survivingandenduring @janaispunk @mrsmando @goodwithcheese @undercoverpena @secretelephanttattoo @inept-the-magnificent @tinytinymenace @drewharrisonwriter @lu62 @readingiskeepingmegoing @morallyinept @freelancearsonist @holacia3 @beskarandblasters @atinylittlepain @party-hearses @wannab-urs @trulybetty @halfpastgrace @fhatbhabie @tuquoquebrute @swiftispunk @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin @la-vie-est-une-fleur29 @rulexofxnines @chronically-ghosted @jessthebaker @mysterious-moonstruck-musings @ozarkthedog @sp00kymulderr @burntheedges @nerdieforpedro @ghotifishreads @mothandpidgeon @bitchesuntitled @missredherring @tightjeansjavi @ezrasbirdie @kiwisbell @lowlights @toxicanonymity @whatsnewalycat @yorksgirl @5oh5

Know that if i left you off it's because I'm a dumbass

This was so sweet and the ending cracked me up 🤣

Netflix & Chill

Marcus Pike x Female Reader

18+, MDNI

Summary: You spend your fifth date with Marcus at his place watching Netflix.

Or

You might be in your thirties, but you can still Netflix and Chill.

Warnings: fluffy smut. Kissing. Little bit of dirty talk. Fully clothed. Marcus just being the love of my life the entire time.

AN: Don’t look at me. Don’t talk to me. I am too busy having my brain absolutely disintegrated by thoughts of Agent Pike. I am sick over him. Down bad. Wanting to rip off my arms and beat myself senseless with them over him. Leave me alone!! But also leave me nice comments because I’m a slut with a praise kink lol. Thank you so much for reading 🤎

Graphics and dividers by @saradika-graphics

Moodboard by me

“Oh god,” you whimper, both of you are fully dressed. You’re caged under his strong body as he pushes his hips down on you. You can feel his cock through his grey sweats and your thin, black yoga pants. The credits of whatever movie you were watching rolled in the background.

“Is this ok?” He asks, kissing at your neck and earlobe. The soft, fuzzy brown blanket falls around both of you, encasing you in his earthy and citrus scent.

“Ya, please don’t stop.” You writhe under him, feeling that familiar tingly pressure building. He smiles into the crook of your neck.

It was your fifth date with Marcus Pike, FBI agent and potential man of your dreams. In his younger years, he probably would have already slept with you by now. But age has made him a man of patience and waiting. Only giving what he’s willing to let go of, what he can nurture and grow. And for the first time in a long time, he thinks that might be you.

“I won’t stop, baby.”

Baby, shit. He panics internally. He’s only called you by your name until now. He nervously looks over at you and you smile sleepily.

“I like that,” you mumble.

“Which part?” He asks his voice like warm oil along your skin. “Me grinding into what I’m sure is the most beautiful pussy in the world, or the kisses on your soft, slender, vanilla scented neck, or me calling you baby?”

Your legs start to shake around him as you pull him in to kiss him hard. You sweep your tongue along his bottom lip. He tastes like the popcorn and expensive Cabernet Sauvignon you were both drinking.

“All of it,” you say between kisses.

He pulls away, bringing his hands to your face and gently wiping the few loose hairs that stick to your skin, then drags the tip of his nose down yours before resting his forehead against yours.

“You’re truly so beautiful. I’m so happy I met you, baby.” He pushes his hips into you harder and a pornographic moan fills the room as the trailer for whatever Netflix is suggesting next plays. “Sound so pretty too.”

“Marcus,” you say wantonly.

“I know. I’m here.” He says, eyes still locked on yours, one thumb making sweet, soft circles on your cheek while his other slips behind your head.

Your hands bunch into his white t-shirt. “I’m gonna cum,” you moan, letting his coca-cola coloured eyes wash over you, and drench your whole body in carbonated pleasure. Sparkling, bubbling, fizzing over the edge.

“I’m right here, honey.” He whispers, pushing into you a little faster. Your body jolts into his as you suck in quick, shallow breaths.

“Ohgodohgod. Mar-Marcus,” your walls clench tightly around nothing as he hits at your puffy, sensitive clit through your pants at the perfect tempo and pressure.

“Relax, baby. I got you.” He encourages and then you fall apart for him. Your body twitches on its own accord as your orgasm rolls through you for what feels like an eternity.

“That’s it,” he whispers, stilling his hips. “Just take. That’s a good girl.”

You clamp your eyes shut as you reach the top of it. “No, look at me, baby. You’re so beautiful like this.”

Pink flushes your cheeks at his words and the blood that seems to not know where to go in your body. Everything feels like it’s being doused with warm water as you finally come over the edge and the fluttering of your pussy slows.

His eyes dance around your face before he kisses your forehead, and the tip of your nose. You smile into his lips as he places a light and lingering kiss on yours.

“Are you okay?” He says sweetly, pulling back slightly.

“Ya, that’s was…” you search his face for any hint of regret but all you see is admiration. You finish with, “…unexpected, but amazing.”

As he starts to respond, a whipping sound followed by a moan comes from the TV. Both of your heads turn towards it.

“Netflix is suggesting 50 Shades of Grey,” he laughs.

“That’s more of a seventh date thing for me,” you say flatly as his face whips back to you. You can’t help but laugh at his reaction. Both of you now laughing as you sort yourself back out, cuddling into him to find a new movie to “watch” next.

Taglist:

@corazondebeskar @hiddenbabynyc @rainstorms-library @keylimebeag @pimosworld

@casa-boiardi @pedritoferg @paleidiot @lorilane33 @jessthebaker

@jasminedragoon @pedroswife69 @iloveenya @javierpena-inatacvest @pedroshotwifey

@mermaidgirl30 @littlevenicebitch69 @untamedheart81

Special tag for @survivingandenduring because I know you share my love of this man.

This is so sweet! 😍 Man, takes me back to using Google for the exact same thing 🤣😂

Friendship Defined (Joel Miller x f! reader)

Summary: You and Joel have been friends with benefits for months. The blurred lines have you questioning what exactly makes a friend just a friend?

Warnings: 18+. MDNI. Mentions of sex (oral, p in v), mention of periods, fwb! Joel, non outbreak AU, implied age gap, fluff

Word Count:~800

Author’s Note: Thank you to the lovely @swiftiscruff ( @swiftispunk & @joelscruff ) for coming up with this idea.

This one shot is dedicated to all of you.

I’ve been in this fandom for a few years now and as much as I’ve wanted to I still have trouble putting myself out there to make friends in the fandom. I usually just put out my stories and go about my day.

Well I want that to change!

This was such a beautiful idea and such a great reminder of how wonderful fandom can be. To be able to connect with so many talented people is such a gift and I want to try to get to know you guys more. This is my official post to put myself out there - so if anyone wants to come into my asks or DMs or message me on Discord please do!! I wanna be your friend lol!!

To celebrate this momentous weekend of friendship and fandom, I’ve created a Joel one shot all about friendship. With benefits lol. Enjoy!!

Joel would always introduce you as his friend. 

Friend being a blanket term but it did seem to fit into your large, intricate clusterfuck of whatever you were. 

Sure, in the literal sense you were friends. Ever since you met Joel through his little brother Tommy, a group of you would go out every Friday to the same bar for a beer and darts. 

Then when Tommy met Maria and everyone else in your group started to couple up, you had more time to spend together. 

It started off with friendly dart competitions that lasted a bit too long. Shots that would start to last until closing time. A shared Uber to one house because “it’ll save money”. 

Cut to Joel eating you out on your kitchen counter. And getting fucked in the shower that next morning. And then suddenly several times a week you’re trying to plan strategic ways on how to exit at different times so it didn’t seem suspicious. It didn’t matter, though. Tommy knew and would take the moment Joel left to fuck with him about it.

So if everyone else knew, why didn’t either of you know what this was? You didn’t want to bring it up because the idea of him getting freaked out and ending things made your chest tight.

You were so in your head about this arrangement that one night after leaving Joel’s house after watching and the Fast and the Furious and then having the ride of your life on his dick afterwards, you came home and immediately opened your laptop to do some soul and site searching. 

Is this still technically a friendship at least according to Merriam-Webster terms? 

friendship

noun. friend· ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

1: the state of being friends

….Google search number two: 

friend

noun. ˈfrend 

plural friends

1: one attached to another by affection or esteem

There are several other definitions for the word friend. 

2: One who is not hostile. 

Joel was never hostile with you. He was adorably patient when you took too long to decide what you wanted when you went out to dinner. He never hesitated to say sure when you wanted to try what was on his plate. 

The hardest he’s ever pressed onto you was when your ex boyfriend showed up at the bar one night. Once he made a beeline to talk to you, Joel’s massive hand snaked around your waist to pull you into him so he could know any talk with you tonight was off limits. You were off limits. 

The idea of Joel being so possessive made you so wet that you blew him in the alley that night. 

3:  one that favors or promotes something (such as a charity)

It takes you back to one of the first times you had slept with him. You were sprawled across his bed as he peeled your leggings from your body. You spread open for him as he pushed your thong aside to fit his thick finger into your hole. 

He curved his finger into you and came closer, feeling his breath on your clit.

Instinctively you blurted out, “You don’t have to do that if you don’t want to.”

Joel looked up at you with a serious expression.

“None of my other exes really liked to do this.”

Without hesitation, Joel settled between your thighs again.

“Well then I guess I'm going to be your new favorite.” And with that, he slid his finger back inside you, this time with more intent. You let out a moan as he teased your clit with his finger, reminding you of why he was indeed your favorite.

4: a favored companion

You think about the late nights picking up french fries at McDonalds when you convince Joel out of the house past his bedtime on Saturday nights. You remember the nights you had your period and he still wanted you to come over so he could cook you dinner; your cramps dulling as he soothed you on the couch. 

You think of how nice it is to just be with him. Laying naked and vulnerable, hearing things he hasn’t even told Tommy. 

You go back to Google. 

“What is the definition of a romantic relationship?” you type, the clacking of your keys sounding louder than ever. 

Before you can press enter, your phone rings loudly and startles you. It’s Joel. You pick up. 

“Hey. Just checkin’ in.” He says. “You left kinda quick so I wanted to make sure you’re okay.” 

“Yeah.” You feel your heart swell inside your chest. You can’t stop grinning. “I’m perfectly fine.” 

“Oh…” You can see the crease form in his forehead when saying that. “You didn’t have to go or nothin’, I just didn’t know if you were sick.” 

“You’re my best friend.” You tell him, unaffected at how random that must seem for Joel to hear. “You know that, right?” 

But instead of being suspicious, Joel's voice softens. You’ve only heard this voice in passing, with Sarah on the other end.

“Yeah, I know. You’re my best friend too.”

You didn't realize how much that simple affirmation meant to you until you heard it.

There was a pause on the other end, a moment of shared unspoken understanding, a thick air of tension and want, and then you both spoke at once.

"Would you like to come back over?"

"Hey, I was just about to ask if I could come back over," you blurted out, suddenly feeling a little bold. “Maybe spend the night?”

The two of you laughed together; you closed your eyes and envisioned the crinkle in his eyes. His soft brown eyes are on you as he shakes his head in disbelief. What the hell are you still doing at home?

“I wouldn’t want anything more.”

That’s what friends are for, right?

Ohhh! I love this! 😍😍😍

Beefro proudly presents:

a Joel Miller & his Darlin' drabble: Just Wanted To Hear Your Voice Summary: You go for a night out and your minds wanders back to the man you share a home with. (Post Outbreak)

Pairing: Joel Miller x F!Reader | Rating: 18+ (MDNI) | Word Count: 1,245

Content Warning: allusions to smut, swearing, Joel & Darlin' being cuddle bugs

Author's Notes: this whole thing is courtesy of @iamasaddie & their prompt challenge. Thank you to @noxturnalpascal for being so sensible in their support and betaing this for me.

The need to socialize was something you’d not anticipated to ever feel again. After everything ended, normalcy became fight or flight and socializing for fun was a thing of the past. That is, until you and Joel had settled in Jackson. Being that you now no longer had to wonder where your next meal was coming from or had to keep looking over your shoulder for another threat, things that hadn’t held weight in years were starting to make their way back into your life.

“I’m goin’ out tonight.”, you said nonchalantly as you buttoned up your flannel shirt.

Looking up at your reflection, you caught Joel giving you a small smirk as he hoisted himself up from the bed.

He came up behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist, pulling you flush with his big middle.

“Goin’ out? With who?”, he said in a hushed tone, pressing kisses to your neck.

“Maria, Dajana, Lisbeth… the usual suspects.”

 “Ah, ‘s a girls night out.”

“Yeah. ‘S why you’re not invited.”

Joel chuckled and playfully gave your ass a spank.

*****

When you’d gotten home from working in the kitchen, you’d quickly cleaned up and changed, nervously anticipating something that you’d long since given up on ever doing again. You ran down the stairs just as Joel walked in the door and saw you in a dress.

He let out a long, low whistle. “You sure you’re goin’ out, Darlin’?”

You smiled at him, did a spin to show off your outfit, and Joel licked his lips. He nodded his head at you, and crooned, “Get over here. Need a closer look.”

The clock on the wall read that you were already in danger of being late, so you shook your finger at him with a smile as you tried to pass him to get to the door. Despite his added weight, he was still quick enough to catch you.

“You behave tonight. And have fun.”, he said against your mouth between kisses.

“Can’t do both at the same time, Joel.”, you teased. Giving him one last kiss, you squirmed out of his grip and scampered out the door.

*****

You’d lost count of how many rounds your table had ordered at the Tipsy Bison, and you were thoroughly enjoying yourself. Feeling the alcohol dampen your senses in a euphoric way, you found yourself lost in thought over how the luxury of letting loose was now something you had.

The conversation at the table moved easily through different topics, starting tame with things like the weather and town events and then slipped into gossip, giggled between sips of beer and bouts of laughter. The subject of sex came up and you sat back with a wide grin as the women went back and forth over just about anything and everything that could potentially fall under the umbrella of sex. One had a complaint about their partner that they expressed in a hilarious anecdote, another regaled the table with a story about almost getting caught by her in-laws giving a blow job. Tears were in your eyes from laugher, and when it was your turn to speak, you paused, keenly aware that Joel’s sister-in-law was sitting at the table. Instead of sharing how Joel pulled you apart with almost surgical precision before he fucked you into oblivion, you settled for one of your favourite things about him.

“I love his voice. The way he talks.”, you smile, looking at your half full glass of beer with a small smile.

“Joel is not what I would a talkative man. You sure we’re talking about the same guy?”, Lisbeth teased.

“The man knows exactly what to say.”, you chuckled, feeling your cheeks heat up. Realizing that everyone at the table assumed you were referring exclusively to Joel’s dirty talk, you saved yourself the embarrassment of getting sentimental and stated, “He saves his daily word count for nocturnal activities.”

The knowing looks and nods around the table followed by agreement and similar sentiments allowed your mind to wander to Joel. Sure, his bedroom talk was just something else, but his voice -  now that was what you loved. The non-verbal sounds he made: the grunts, the huffs, the chuckles, the sighs, the moans, the breaths, the whines, the whimpers, the growls, the hums…

You’d learned that Joel was more than the words he said long before you realized you loved him. Just the slight pitch change in a groan was enough to tell you it was safe to push or to retreat. Being allowed to get close enough to learn this about him was not just a point of pride, it was something you cherished.  In turn, Joel could read you well enough to know if he could move forward or let you take the lead.

You were shaken from your thoughts by Dajana nudging you with a laugh.

“Daydreaming about that dick, huh?”

You laughed and agreed, not yet ready to delve into the depths of how bad you had it for Joel. “Speakin’ of – I’m gonna head out.”

The women all half-heartedly tried to get you to stay as they one by one all decided to head home. You bid them good night and paid your tab on the way out the door.

*****

“You’re home early, baby. Everything okay?”, Joel asked softly with brows furrowed as you walked in. He was sitting in the armchair in front of fire with a small knife and a little wooden giraffe he was carving in his hands.

You said nothing, keeping eye contact as you took off your jacket and walked towards him. He watched you, seeing the telltale haze of beer in your eyes and held his hand out for you. You took it and crawled onto his lap, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling his head against your chest. He wrapped his arms around your middle and held you close, letting out a content hum and your heart swelled. The rhythm of his breaths was even and soothing.

You held each other for an indeterminate period of time, each relishing in the other’s comfort and yet existing as one. The pleasant cocoon was paused as Joel moved his head and nudged his nose against your chin, silently asking for you to look at him.

When you did, he gave a soft smile that traveled to his eyes and his brought his hand to your cheek. “You okay?”

“Keep talking…”, you hummed in response.

Joel huffed a laugh and eyed you, “Darlin’… you’re home early an’awfully cuddly.”

You smiled and a soft giggle hovered in your throat as you closed your eyes.

“Come on, baby. Talk to me. Somethin’ happen or one of th – “

“I just wanted to hear your voice.”

Joel pulled back and looked up at you, confusion written on his face. His brows raised and the confusion melted into amusement.

“Darlin’, you’re drunk.”

You let a laugh out, echoing through the house like chimes. “Maybe, but I know I love you.”

As soon as the words left your mouth, you froze. You and Joel had never said it to one another. You felt Joel pull you into him again, coaxing your tense body to relax. The small sound he made in response, the pitch and tone and the timber, the way you felt the sound vibrate from him through to you more than you heard it… it was all you needed to know he loved you, too.