Joseph Quinn X You - Tumblr Posts

Joseph simps!! Calling all Joseph simps!!!

𝐉𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐇 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐍𝐍 (blurbs)

smut indicated by**

(go to drabbles masterlist for request guidelines!)

main masterlist; drabbles masterlist

honey baby

joseph being a simp for reader

joseph & semi hippie reader ft. crystals, tarot cards and zodiac signs

joseph & reader in a fleetwood mac concert

costar!reader & joseph in brazil

joseph supporting singer!reader in her concert

joseph taking care of slightly drunk reader in brazil ft. jamie

joseph taking care of sick reader

joseph running his hands through your hair

surprising joseph at comic-con

joseph and his obsession with venga boys

honeymoon vol 1

honeymoon vol 2

comforting joseph at comic-con

joseph and reader flirting (?)

joseph messing up your line

joseph pushing you off a boat

babysitting with joseph

joseph being obsessed with your perfume

HELLO ?!?!?!?!?!?!? ARE WE GOOD !?!??!

HE LOOKS SO GOOD OMG 💫 BUT I NEED THESE PICS IN COLORED VERSION !!

SEASON THREE ➩ BROKEN RECORD

Eddie Munson x OC!Fem!Reader

summary: the residents of Hawkins try to enjoy a normal summer, filled with love and celebrations, especially around the Fourth of July. However, their peace is shattered by strange occurrences and betrayals. The Mind Flayer returns, creating chaos and heartbreak. Relationships are tested, and the group faces new challenges, leading to intense cliffhangers that leave their fate uncertain.

chapters coming soon …

I need more Joe Keery's masterlist 🥲

Joe Keery, Joseph Quinn and characters masterlist

REQUESTS ARE OPEN! DM ME OR ADD A COMMENT! Updated- immediately after posting an imagine. The genres (ig that’s why you call them) i write about are angst, fluff and dad! imagines. I DO NOT WRITE SMUT x

Joseph Quinn, Joe Keery + characters masterlist (makes it easier for everyone)

masterlist 2

Joe Keery

Imagines

baby

forever

little mix

love island

scared (1)

scared (2)

love

more than a friendship

family walks

recoupling

jacket

fight

grazed knees

wrap party

breech position

safe

casa amor

test

twitter

shouting matches

sleepy cuddles

sad hugs

sad hugs 2

family videos

baby kisses

lie detector

shouting

‘in love’

‘twice in one day?’

anxious

hair cut

baby number 2

series

love island masterlist

Steve Harrington

Imagines

“i love her, Steve”

“why would you keep that from me?”

beautiful boy

hurt

cuddles

cheat (1)

cheat (2)

vecna

dead?

keys

pregnancy glow

keys 2

girly

“i’m not okay, i have a baby growing inside me”

rings

scars

twins?

series

coming soon….

Kurt Kunkle

Imagines

the lesson

camgirl

“i like you” “no you don’t”

series

coming soon….

Walter ‘Keys’ Mckay

Imagines

pretty in pink

Series

coming soon….

Joseph Quinn

Imagines

‘in love’

birth

comic con

day in the life

sick

homesick

late nights

co-parents

infertile

co-parents 2

“get out”

infertile 2

“you left me!”

infertile 3 

step mum

mornings

stubbornness

falls

meeting her

infertile 4

break up?

father’s day

exposed

“oh god”

Series

infertile series masterlist

Eddie Munson

Imagines

ballerina

out of love

just a best friend

just a best friend 2

out of love 2

Series

coming soon…..

Tom Grant

Imagines

smashed

Series

coming soon….

needs and wants | eric aqpdo x fem!reader

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: in the direct aftermath of the apocalypse, you meet a man who's worse for wear in just about every regard. even though you can't do too much to heal his injuries, it's possible that you can heal his heart. wc 10.6k (she's a doozy) 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: eric (a quiet place: day one, 2024) x fem!reader 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒: SPOILERS FOR AQPDO, DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU DON'T WANT THE FILM SPOILED!, mentions of death/general apocalypse things, panic attacks, mentions of suicidal thoughts/actions (if you know eric's backstory that ended up cut from the film, he talks ab it), far too much intimacy for what this is, smut (minors dni): p in v, tit sucking, condom use 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: umm... i have no excuse for this... other than i need eric on a carnal level lol. hope you enjoy!!

It was funny how your whole world could change in a single day. And it was supposed to be a good day too; you had racked up enough PTO to allow yourself a full day off of work, and you had plans. You were going to brunch with your girlies that you hadn’t seen since nursing school, you were going to rent a movie at home, watch rom-coms in your underwear— you looked forward to sleeping in, taking a bubble bath, going to sleep early. You only achieved one part of that: you hadn’t even received the mimosa pitcher you had ordered when you heard the noise outside, as loud as a rocket taking off on the street just outside the hip brunch place, and you had hardly turned to look out the window when your world fell apart. 

Silence became your norm. Fear overtook you at every turn, giving your hands a perpetual shake that you weren’t certain would ever wear off. You didn’t know too much psychological or neurological stuff— you were a trauma nurse, emergency room and ICU type stuff, you were more concerned with stopping the blood flow and stabilizing vitals than ever caring about the after-effects of shit— but you wondered if the shaking of your hands was forever part of you now. You were good under pressure, never scared, but whatever the fuck those creatures were out there had changed the makeup of your being in a single second. 

When the helicopters buzzed overhead, drawing the monsters toward them and away from the city, and they announced that boats were departing from a nearby dock, you knew you had to go. More than saving yourself, you knew some very hurt and very sick people would gather there. You were sure that FEMA people would be swarming the boats to take care of the sick and injured, but you didn’t know what else to do. Your brain went on a sort-of autopilot, and you did the only thing you could think to do: you followed the crowd out to the docks. 

You had never gone that long without talking. Your throat was so dry from debris and dust anyway that you weren’t even sure that you could talk. Your clothes were torn, various small injuries that weren’t anything some disinfectant and a Band-Aid couldn’t fix, along with a gash on your calf that you had determined would be fine for now but could definitely use some tending-to once on the boat, plus your shaky hands, but otherwise you were fine. When the windows shattered and the monsters invaded, your table had overturned from the force of the sonic blast, and your animal instincts kicked in, throwing yourself behind the table and barricading there. You were one of the lucky ones— you lived. Sure, glass cut up your knees and palms, and you couldn’t even breathe without worrying that your breaths would alert the monsters, but you had lived. That was more than some could say. 

You felt packed out like sardines on the boat. Standing room only, except for the few exceptions of the people who were hurt or passed out. You had meager belongings in your pockets, although you weren’t sure how helpful your dead cell phone or essentially-useless credit cards would be in a time like this, but at least you had your work badge in your purse when you went to brunch. You found someone who looked like they were in charge, dressed in all-grey, not a military uniform but not civilian clothes either, and you silently showed them your badge, declaring yourself as a trauma nurse at a hospital in Brooklyn, and you gestured around, trying to ask if there was anything you could do to help. The woman shook her head, but folded her hands in a sort of ‘thank-you’ gesture.

You managed to stand towards the back of the ship, against the railing, next to the ladder, and you flinched at the loud chug of the boat casting off from the dock. Surely the monsters heard that. Everybody around you seemed to hold a deep breath, anticipatory, awaiting the worst to come at your final moments of salvation, but thankfully the monsters weren’t concerned with you all— maybe you were too far out in the water and, if the announcements from the helicopters were to be believed, the monsters couldn’t swim, so they didn’t care too much about the boat. Or maybe, the sudden sound of glass shattering from the shore, followed by shrill car alarms, captured their attention better. 

You watched, horrified, as you spotted a woman racing down the street, hardly noticeable from the distance, but the sun glinted off of a silver metal pipe in her hand as she raised it in the air, and she smashed the window of the car next to her as she raced away. 

“Hell’s she doing…?” The man next to you mumbled, and you instinctively put your hand on his shoulder to silence him, even though there was no need. The world had changed in a day, habits had formed in 24 hours, and you wondered how long it would take to shake the new habits. You watched the woman flit between cars, trying to outpace the monsters as she smashed windows, but then something else caught your attention. On the dock, there was a man. Wearing a yellow sweater, carrying something that you couldn’t identify, running like his life depended on it towards the edge of the dock. And maybe it did; a few straggling monsters had started after him instead of the woman, and he had to have known as well as you did that the water was safe. 

Your heart rammed up into your throat as he ran, faster and faster, white sneakers hitting the metal dock, and he looked over his shoulder for a moment at the monster that was meters, feet, away from him, before he righted himself forward and hurtled himself off the edge of the dock. Everyone on the boat was watching now as he flew for a brief moment, suspended in the air as time stood still, and then plummeted into the water below. The monsters skidded to a halt at the edge of the dock, one curled claw extended out, a scrap of yellow cardigan stuck on its talon. 

By now, everyone had come to the same conclusion, and started to gather at the ladder onboarding right next to you— the man would need help coming aboard. You all watched anxiously as he surfaced from the water, frantically looking around and gulping air as he tried to keep his head above water and orient himself. Finally, he looked towards the boat, and you could have sworn that he looked at you instead of anybody else. He gained his senses quickly, starting to swim out towards the boat, and you caught sight of the little white whatever-it-was he was holding: a cat. The cat seemed safe and unharmed, definitely soggy but no worse for wear, and you crouched down, extending your arm down the ladder to meet him. 

You didn’t have the strength to help pull him aboard, but the man who had spoken next to you gently moved you, and he grasped the wet man’s arm and pulled him up the last few rungs of the ladder. He heaved breaths, his eyes all big and round as he took in his surroundings. Then, if you were unsure whether he was looking at you before or not, he extinguished any doubts you had this time around, because his eyeline landed on you. He was startled, hurt, traumatized— those wet eyes had seen some things, worse than you had seen. 

You helped him move away from the ladder and back towards a more secluded part of the boat, and the FEMA woman you had “talked” to before came to your side, a first aid kit in one hand and a heavy wool blanket in the other. 

“Sir?” you croaked. Jesus Christ, speaking really was a challenge. You cleared your throat, hoping that would improve things, and you said, “Sir, are you hurt?” 

He shook his head quickly, clutching the cat in his arms, and you spotted the gash on his shin. The leg of his pants was torn and shredded, and you could bet that the wound was pretty fresh. “You can speak,” you told him gently. “We’re safe here.” 

He looked at you, tears streaming down his face, and in a hushed voice, said, “How can you be so sure?” 

They said the boat ride would last through the day and you would arrive by nightfall, but FEMA assured you that the destination would be worth it. A little island, they said, off the northern coast of the state, that used to house a summer camp but was abandoned however long ago. The buildings there, houses, old camp cabins, would take some sprucing up, they told you, but it was safe, and it could turn into home. As night fell, factions were made, and people divided as best as possible— the vulnerable ones, the hurt ones, the kids, went to the inside part of the boat, and the healthy stayed outside, huddled under the wool blankets and trying to forget the cold November ocean air berating their faces. 

The yellow-cardiganed man was moved inside, and you moved through the small crowd in there, doing what you could to help. Passing out crackers and water bottles, winding gauze around bloody injuries, squeezing hands and offering small words of encouragement. It wasn’t a lot, but it felt good to help. 

Eventually, you couldn’t ignore your fatigue anymore, and you sat down on the floor against the back wall with a sigh. It was a low din inside there, so you felt relatively safe making a little bit of noise, and you sniffled and zipped open the inside pocket of your coat. The stuff you had stashed from your purse was in there, and you frowned down at your brick of a cell phone, the screen shattered. You cast it aside, then pulled out your wallet, rifling through it to see what went missing. Thankfully, your license was still there, so if anybody needed identification at any point, you had that covered; an old fast food gift card that you were sure still had money on it but was useless now; and an old paper movie ticket that you had saved with the intention of putting it in a scrapbook. Your heart panged with hurt, and you checked every other section of your wallet, but it was empty. 

Your house keys were certainly back on the floor of the restaurant, and you thought about the key to your mother’s house that lived on the ring. You hadn’t been able to contact her since the monsters came— the last thing you said to her was a text the morning of brunch, telling her to have a good day, and she had sent the classic mom :-) emoticon to you. Was she still alive? Had she managed to escape the monsters? Even though she didn’t live in the city, you wondered how far the monsters had traveled. Her neighbors were a family, with a high-school age son who played basketball and mowed your mother’s lawn; for your sanity, you chose to believe that they had taken her in (along with her prized African violets). 

A little noise came from in front of you, someone clearing their throat, and you looked up through your welling tears to see him. Damp yellow cardigan, wool blanket loose around his shoulders, curls wet and flat to his forehead. He stood still, watching you for a moment, before he spoke, a little louder than the first time but still a whisper. “Never caught your name,” he said. An accent. Not a native New Yorker. 

You told him with a shrug. Your eyes canvassed his frame, watching him shiver a little in what was probably an adrenaline rush, and your eyes landed on that nasty cut on his shin. It wasn’t actively bleeding, but still very red. It looked maybe a little inflamed, a tiny bit swollen, and you started to reach out for it, but stopped yourself. Your hands were filthy and, if infection was already setting in the way you suspected it was, whatever germs you had probably weren’t good for the wound. You withdrew your hand and settled in your lap, and you cleared your throat. “One of the FEMA people can help with that,” you told him, nodding towards his leg. “Bandages and anti-inflammatories and shit.” 

“Aren’t you a nurse?” the man asked, now his turn to nod at you. You had clipped your badge to the collar of your coat and, even though the plastic flower that had once surrounded the metal clip was shattered and long gone, the clip still served its purpose. 

“I am,” you said. “But I don’t have bandages.” You cracked a loose smile, and you winced at the bottle of water and pile of crackers next to you on the floor. “I’ve got crackers and water.” 

“I’m starving,” he told you, returning the small smile. “May I?” 

You nodded, and he worked himself down to the floor (he seemed to be favoring his left ankle a little, the same leg with the gash). He settled back against the wall, sighing heavily, and he took a pack of crackers into his hands and read the label for a moment. “‘Peanut butter’,” he read. “D’ya like these?” 

“They’re alright,” you said. “I used to buy the same ones, shove ‘em in my work bag to eat between patients. Kinda bland and gross, but they get the job done.” 

He nodded, and he tore the corner of the plastic sleeve and extracted a peanut butter cracker. “I used to like the ones with, erm, cream cheese and chives,” he said. “A quick snack at work. S’never what I wanted to eat, but sometimes I’d be at the office ‘til late, and at that point, take what you can get, yeah?” 

“Yeah,” you agreed. “What did you do?” 

“Lawyer,” he said, popping one of the crackers into his mouth. 

“Oh, shit,” you chuckled. “Yeah, you had some long nights… My sister’s husband is a paralegal, he used to tell me all about it.” 

“Cool,” he told you. “And you, Miss Nurse?”

“And me what?” you asked.

“What’s your husband do?” he asked. 

You laughed. You couldn’t help it. “I’d have to have one of those for him to have a job,” you said. “No, being a nurse is very, like… If you’re not married by the time you leave nursing school, all hope is lost. You won’t ever have any free time to go on dates or even think about that sorta stuff.” 

“Same with law school,” he told you. “All my mates were engaged or married when we graduated, and everyone always told me, ‘Oh, Eric, you’ll find the right girl! She’s out there somewhere’, and it’s like… If she’s not in my office building or on the subway home at 2AM, I’m not meeting her.” 

“You went to school around here?” you asked, and he (you assumed his name was Eric, based on his anecdote) nodded, then shrugged. 

“Cornell,” he said. “Then got hired at a firm in the city, and just… Never left.” 

“Well, that’s cool,” you said lightly. “I’m assuming you’re not from around here?”

He shook his head. “Kent,” he said. “About an hour out from London.”

“Wow,” you said softly. “That change must’ve been… A lot.”

Eric shrugged. “I dunno,” he said. “It was alright, I suppose. At that time, I was sorta fighting with my dad all the time, really wanting to leave and go somewhere but he didn’t want that…” He trailed off, letting the conclusion form by itself. “Haven’t seen ‘em in-person since then. I always said I was busy, or it was too expensive, or… I was supposed to go back home at Christmas… My sister had a baby and I was supposed to meet him then…” He trailed off, obviously at a loss for what else to say, and you sighed.

“I’m sure they’re okay,” you told him, even though you yourself doubted it. “I mean, maybe the monsters are only here. They don’t like water; if they came from here, they can’t get over there.”

Eric nodded slowly. His eyes scanned the room, looking and listening, and he reached his hand out in front of him, making a small noise with his tongue against his teeth. You followed his gaze and found his cat, all furry with white and black spots, being adored and pet by a little boy sitting on a cot close by, and Eric tutted at the cat again. The cat turned their big dark eyes to their owner, and dutifully trotted over, snuggling in-between Eric’s criss-cross-applesauce legs.

“Who’s this?” you asked.

“Frodo,” Eric said, stroking the cat between his ears. Frodo began to purr, his eyes closing blissfully, and Eric said, “He was my friend’s, but she… She told me to take care of him.”

Your mind brought back the image of the woman running, distracting the monsters away from Eric. “Was that the one who…?” you started, and Eric nodded.

“He was her service animal,” he said. “She had cancer, he sort-of alerted her whenever her pain medication was going out… Also kept her company in hospice. He’s quiet, so you don’t have to worry.”

“Well, none of us have to worry about that,” you said, and Eric took in a breath. “Not anymore. Not with the island.”

“Right,” Eric sighed. “Almost forgot.”

“I’m worried I’ll never go back to normal,” you admitted. “Even just two days of thinking like this… Trauma’s so fucking weird.”

Eric nodded in agreement. You caught him staring at your hands, shaking and shivering as they laid in your lap, and he started to unwind the blanket from around himself to settle over you, but you shook your head. “M’not cold,” you told him. “Just… Nervous. Y’know?”

Eric watched you for a moment, making sure that you weren’t bullshitting him (you were a little; your coat was wet through, and you definitely could do with a dry coat, but you would live), and he said, “I think you need to pet my cat.”

“Do I?” you asked with a chuckle.

“You sure do,” Eric nodded. “He doesn’t bite or scratch— he might nibble your fingers a little, but only ‘cause he’s curious.”

You reached out for Frodo, letting him sniff your hand a little before he shoved his solid little head under your fingers, squinting his eyes as you started to scratch behind his ears. You couldn’t help the smile that overtook your face, and you said, “He’s very sweet.”

“He’s smart too,” Eric said. “He can do maths. Look’it: Frodo, what’s one minus one?”

Frodo, of course, responded in silence, and Eric smiled, cocking his head. “I think that’s impressive,” he said, and you huffed out a laugh.

“Silly,” you mumbled under your breath, moving to scratch Frodo on his chin. “When’s the last time he’s eaten? I can try to find something for him.”

“Last night,” Eric said, his smile faltering. “Sam might’ve given him something earlier this morning, but I didn’t wake up until later.”

That’s how you greeted the island, petting Frodo and sharing light stories about your past lives. Nothing too heavy or sad or emotional, even though it felt like any story about your past life held an air of sadness and mourning. You could try to go back to normal, but normal was long gone. As everyone departed the boat under the dusky stars, there was a large team of FEMA workers to greet you with big, heavy bags and send you to an empty cabin for the night. You and Eric (and Frodo) stuck together, and you received your bags and moved down to a cabin. To your surprise, the lights worked, as did a small space heater in the corner, but you can tell it had been running for some time, because the inside was already warm. Several beds were set up and made with thin, government-issued bedsheets, but it was far better than nothing.

You went about unpacking the bag as Eric moved to the small bathroom and shut the door. There was a change of clothes, sweatshirt and pants and underwear and socks, basic toiletries like a toothbrush and shampoo and a small bar of soap, two bottles of water, a plastic packaged MRE (you had Menu 3, “chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables in sauce”), and some things like Band-Aids and small packages of Advil like what you kept stocked in the ER, along with a sanitary napkin, and, the piece de resistance (courtesy of the American government, you’re very welcome), a condom. You frowned at the last thing and slid it into your toiletries bag underneath the bar of soap to hide it; to be frank, sex was the last thing you wanted or needed. Your brain was still in survival mode, and you didn’t even feel like you could settle down enough to sleep, let alone to fuck. Could anybody here?

You heard the shower squeak on in the bathroom, and the pipes creaked as water rushed through. You stripped off your clothes, exchanging them for the warmer and drier and less dirty option, and you sniffled as your fingers began to warm up, becoming less stiff but considerably more sweaty. The bed creaked under you as you sat down, the springs screaming at you, and you rubbed the paper-thin blanket between your fingers. It reminded you of the quality of the hospital, where you might as well be using copy paper instead of fabric. If you had known that your last night in your bed, with your memory foam pillow and weighted blanket, would truly be your last, you would have savored the experience far more. Would you even be warm enough under those blankets?

You couldn’t ponder it any longer, because Frodo suddenly caught a bee in his bonnet, and he skittered from atop the second bed, where Eric had settled his things before he went to the shower. He careened to the closed bathroom door, and he got up on his hind legs, pawing at the door handle. Wordlessly, he craned his tiny head to look at you, and he made the first cat noise you heard him make, a sort of “mrrow” chirping groan. As you got up and went to grab him (“Eric’s just taking a shower, Fro, he’ll be right back”), Frodo turned back to the door and began to bat at the handle, like he was attempting to turn it.

And then you remembered. Frodo was a service cat. He had been trained to alert for certain things, and Eric had mentioned rising pain levels, but what else could Frodo alert for? Suddenly, your heart jumped into your throat, and you knocked on the door. “Eric? You okay?” you asked, but you received no answer. “Eric? Hey, man, Frodo’s freaking out, are you alright in there?”

It was hard to hear too much over the sound of the running shower, but you heard the unmistakable shaking breath of a gasping sob, and, maybe against your better judgement, you turned the door handle. The door wasn’t locked, and the hinges squeaked as you opened the door. Eric had shed his blanket and cardigan and loosened his tie, but he was backed into the far corner of the bathroom, staring at the porcelain bathtub with eyes as big as dinner plates. The faucet was running, the tub filling up, but Eric was frozen. Quickly, you turned the tap and shut off the water, and you gave him his space as you asked “What’s wrong? Can you tell me what happened?”

Eric shook his head, his mouth contorting into an ugly sob, and he squeezed his eyes shut. Tears leaked out, and he just kept shaking his head over and over. “No, no,” he mumbled. “No!”

“Hey, easy,” you told him gently. “What’s going on? How can I help?”

“Th-The water,” Eric gasped. “I—I—” His knees gave out, and he slumped against the wall with a sob. He began to claw at his shirt, at the topmost button; even though it was undone, he still seemed to want it looser.

You rushed to his aid, pushing his hands aside and starting at his shirt buttons. His eyes were still shut tight, but you needed to see his pupils— if he was in shock, or if something else was happening, the dilation of his pupils could help tell you. “Eric,” you said softly. “Open your eyes, please. Please? I need to see your eyes.”

Slowly, his eyes fluttered open, and you saw his pupils so big and dark, they almost overtook the brown of his iris. His face was pale, his chest heaving as you undid his buttons, and you pressed your fingers to the side of his neck to check his pulse. Fast, hard, heavy. You had been by his side all night, he hadn’t taken any medication that he could be having a reaction to, and he had been eating the same crackers and water that you had. There weren’t many other conclusions to come to— a panic attack. But at what?

Eric sank down to the floor, sobbing and shaking, and you followed him, putting a gentle but controlling grip on his wrists. You didn’t think he would, but you needed to control him if he started to get violent. “Eric, take a breath,” you told him. “You’re okay. You’re safe. Nothing’s going to hurt you, okay? Everything is alright.”

Eric sucked in a breath and doubled over on himself, and you kept your hands on his wrists as you shifted away— if he got sick, you didn’t want it on your clothes. Although, you were sure you could get different ones somehow. But he didn’t get sick, he just kept crying. You felt awful and tasted bitter in your mouth. Typically, at this point, you would be paging the mental health wing to come by and evaluate him, and you’d move on to the next person waiting in the ER. You didn’t know how to talk someone down from a panic attack. You didn’t even know how to do that for yourself, let alone for Eric.

“Okay,” you whispered. “Okay, it’s okay. What happened? Did something happen?”

Eric’s eyes glazed over you and settled behind your shoulder, and you looked back to see the bathtub. It was hardly half-full, but everything clicked into place. “The water,” you said. “You’re afraid of the water. Is that it?”

Eric sniffled and nodded weakly, and you blinked away tears. “That’s okay,” you whispered. “That’s totally okay. I mean, you had to jump into the water to get away from the monsters, I don’t blame you for being afraid—”

“I was down in the subway,” Eric blurted out. “When the monsters came. I was there, and I couldn’t stop thinking, I just kept thinking, and I… I didn’t have the guts to do it. I wanted to do it, I wanted to! But I was too scared that it would hurt. Was scared I’d looked too fucked up and they wouldn’t be able to tell who I was, and my-my mum, thinking about my mum being told, it would kill her, and I was just thinking… And the water came rushing in. Filled everything up, there was no air… I had to swim, and I can’t swim, I never learned really, but I was swimming and I just thought ‘I don’t actually want to die’. But I started feeling spotty, all lightheaded and fairy, and I think I was starting to drown, but I saw the light and came up…”

You were at a loss for words. If you were understanding him, he had been trying to kill himself before the monsters. It sounded like he was moments away from stepping in front of a train. His saving grace was the flood in the tunnels. You had trouble swallowing as your throat went thick, and you lowered your eyes for a minute before you loosened your grip on his wrists. “It’s okay,” you whispered. “You’re gonna be alright. Do you want to take a shower instead?”

Eric shook his head. “Doesn’t work,” he mumbled. “Only the tub does.”

You sighed heavily. “Do you want me to stay?” you asked. “Or I can wait outside the door?”

Eric seemed edging into a catatonic state, just shivering and blinking, and you frowned. You finished your abandoned job of undoing his shirt buttons, and you loosened his tie until it came off completely, and you gently pushed off his stained and ragged buttoned shirt. His undershirt wasn’t in much better shape, the underarms and neck stained with sweat, and you started to take it off, but paused. “Is this okay?” you asked. He didn’t react to your question, just staring at your neck, and you carefully angled his head up to look you in the face. “Eric. Is it okay if I undress you and put you in the bath? I’ll be right here the whole time, I won’t leave you alone.”

Eric weakly nodded, shifting his arms a little to better help you pull his undershirt over his head, and his hands went down to his pants to finish the job. You quickly considered what the next steps were as Eric fished his belt from his pants loops, and you pushed the sleeves of your sweatshirt up to your elbows to free up your hands. Eric, now only in his boxers, gave you a pathetic look, and you took him by the hand and helped him to his feet. You figured that he had forgone removing his boxers for a reason, so you didn’t push it, and you held him stable as he lifted a shaking foot over the edge of the bathtub. He was silent, but you watched tears run down his cheeks as he settled both feet in the water, his grip on your hand so tight that it almost hurt.

Slowly, he sat down in the tub, and the water splashed your hand. It was warm but not hot enough to hurt, and you sat by the edge of the bathtub, watching Eric as he sniffled. He certainly was dirty after two days in an apocalyptic city, and you were sure that you weren’t any better off, and you started to get up to retrieve the toiletry bag that he had brought in with him, settled by the sink, but his tight grip only became more vice-like as you tried to depart. “Don’t—” he choked out, and you shushed him gently.

“I’m not leaving,” you told him. “Just getting the shampoo and stuff, just by the sink.”

“Can you get in?” Eric asked softly, almost at a whisper. “When you come back?”

“I-In?” you repeated. “Like, in the bath?”

Eric nodded. He was watching you with his big, intense eyes, and a shiver ran down your back.

“Okay,” you told him. “Umm… I don’t know if I can. I don’t have any other clothes, and I can’t get these wet.”

“Please?” Eric whimpered. “Need… Just need help.”

Maybe it was because you felt bad for him, or maybe you were feeling something that you didn’t want to consider yet, but regardless of the reason, you nodded. You got up from the floor and retrieved the bag from the sink counter, and you came back to the tub. The sides of the tub were curved, not allowing for you to settle the stuff on the edge, and you quickly handed the shampoo and soap to him. He held them gingerly, and he averted his eyes down to the water as you put the bag down and started to pull off the sweatshirt. “Eric,” you said softly. “You can look. You’re gonna see everything in the next few minutes anyway, so it doesn’t matter.”

Slowly, Eric raised his eyes up, but he still didn’t look staright at you. At least now it wasn’t obvious that he was avoiding looking at you like before, where it felt like he would be burned alive if he looked. You carefully pulled the sweatshirt over your head and set it by your feet, then you pulled down the sweatpants and stepped out of them. Your heart was beating quickly as you lowered yourself into the bathtub, sitting with your back to Eric, and he nudged his legs a little wider to allow you to sit comfortably. The water felt good on your aching muscles, especially your back, and you sighed lightly. You sat for a moment, trying to drum up enough courage to turn to him and start to help, but he beat you to it.

Eric’s hands were warm, his palm a little rough, as he touched your shoulder, sliding his hand down a little to reach your back. His fingers played with the ends of your hair, and he lowered his hand back to the water. He cupped his palm and let water flow in, then he brought it up to you and wet your hair. Was this his definition of help? To help himself, he had to help others? It made sense, but it still took you a little by surprise. You don’t think anybody had ever washed your hair for you, not since you were a kid. But this was different, in just about every way possible. It was intimate in a way that made your breath catch in your throat, and you swallowed thickly as Eric lifted a hand and tilted your head back to lightly pour water over the front of your hair. He was careful in his work, making sure not to get it on your face or in your ears, and you listened to his breathing even out as he diligently did his task.

The shampoo was some cheap, basic crap, didn’t smell like anything and was only good for getting the oil out of your hair, but the way that Eric worked it into your hair made it seem like it was made by the gods. You felt relaxed, the first time in a long time, and your eyes slipped close as his fingertips worked into your scalp. You couldn’t remember the last time you felt that good, especially by someone else’s hands— maybe years, it was hard to say. You knew that, no matter how good it felt, you couldn’t sink too hard into the feeling of it. Eric just needed to help you, and this was his help; nothing more, nothing less.

He gently poured water from his palms over your hair, rinsing it out as best as possible, and you felt that hot streak shoot up your nose. You wanted to cry. You hadn’t cried in… You had no idea. It certainly had been a long time, and you frowned and gulped as you held down the tears. Unluckily for you (or maybe luckily; it was nice to know Eric was so attentive), he noticed your catched breathing, and his hands gently settled on your shoulders. “Are you okay?” he asked gently.

“Are you?” you answered, almost a knee-jerk reaction. Don’t worry about yourself, worry about your patient, your friend, anybody else. You came last in your mind, everybody else was more important than you.

“That’s not what I asked you,” Eric said firmly. “Are you okay?”

“I…” you started. You wanted to tell him that you were fine, that nothing was wrong. He didn’t need to worry about you, you were tough, you could handle yourself. You watched as water filtered through your own fingers, pooling in your palm but escaping out of every little break and crevice possible, and you pursed your lips as you slowly rubbed your face, trying to wash away to grime and dirt. You shook your head lightly, trying to come up with any words to express yourself, and you wiped off your cheeks as you sniffled. “I don’t know.” You couldn’t come up with any better explanation; you just didn’t know if you were okay or not. Your hands slid down your face and flattened up against your neck, and you sighed. “Are you okay?” you tried again.

“I’ll be okay,” Eric told you. His hands smoothed down your shoulders to your arms, and he squeezed your upper arm for a moment before he went for the soap, starting up a lather between his palms.

“Well, sure, we’ll all be okay eventually,” you replied. “But are you okay right now?”

Eric waited until he was washing your back to answer. His sudsy hands slipped over your skin easily, but he dug his fingertips into your muscles, offering relief. “I’ll be okay,” he repeated. “I don’t know what I am right now, to be honest. Head’s just full of… I don’t know. A whole lot of noise, but not any one thing. It’s all quiet out here, but in there, it’s just…” He sighed, and his hands halted at your sides. He obviously had been on track to move to your front, doing his job on autopilot, and he only thought about what he was doing as he was about to do it.

Silently, you shifted your weight back just a hint, closer to him, trying to tell him that it was alright without saying the words. He quickly caught on to what you were telling him, and his hands slid around your body to your front. To your relief, he avoided where you had expected his hands to go, instead wrapping his arms around your shoulders and hugging himself to you, setting his chin on your shoulder. “You make it quiet up there,” Eric whispered, barely above a breath, like he was afraid of saying it out loud. “I don’t know how, I don’t know why… But you start talking, and it’s like everything else fades away.”

That was your breaking point. Tears started to fall from your eyes, and you sniffled as your hands reached up to your neck and clutched his wrists, looking for anything tangible to hold on to while you cried. And cried you did, your face contorted as you sobbed, your shoulders shaking and chest heaving, and you squeezed Eric’s wrists. He was quick to move impossibly closer, molding his front to your back, and his arms slipped down to your middle, squeezing you tightly as he buried his face in your neck and began to cry as well. He was much quieter than you, not having nearly as much that he held back and needed to get rid of, but it felt good to have someone commiserate with you.

You weren’t sure who moved first— maybe there wasn’t a first to move, maybe you both moved at the same time— but somehow your foreheads came to touch, and your crying pettered down to a sniffle and watery eyes. Your hand came up to touch his cheek, scruffy with a few days’ old beard trying to grow in, and your thumb stroked his cheekbone. He keened into your touch, his eyes fluttering open to look at you. His big brown eyes, so full of every emotion, hidden just so but easy to see if you knew where to look, locked on yours, and your lips fell open in anticipation of his mouth on yours.

Instantly, though, you shifted away and lightly cleared your throat. This wasn’t the time for that. You didn’t know if there would ever be a time for that again. Quietly, you splashed water on your face, and stood up, carefully getting out of the bathtub and going after the towel that sat on the countertop. You scooped your clothes up off the floor as well, and you escaped from the bathroom without a word. You were sure he was confused, maybe even wounded, but you didn’t care. On some level, you did want that— you wanted to feel wanted, to feel adored, cared about, and Eric was a great guy for that, but you didn’t want just that. You wanted a life, you wanted a partner, you wanted love— not just some trauma-borne fuck that you forgot about as soon as it happened.

You dried your body and slipped into your full outfit, pants and sweatshirt and underwear and socks, and you sat on your bed as you dried your hair. You listened as, inside the bathroom, the water sloshed against the side of the tub while Eric moved around, and you watched as Frodo calmly stalked the perimeter of the room, seeming to check every nook and cranny. You put your damp towel to the side and tutted out at the cat, and Frodo looked up at you for a moment before he scampered over to you, hopping up onto the bed and settling himself in your lap. “You’re a good boy, Fro,” you whispered, stroking his back. “Such a good boy.”

“Did I do something wrong?” Eric’s voice floated to you, and you turned to him. He was now all clean as well, his hair soggy and his face free of grime, wearing the sweatpants and sweatshirt. His hair was pushed away from his face, and you could see, even in the dim light, freckles dotting his forehead.

You sighed. “No,” you replied. “I’m just… I don’t know.”

“Did you not want me to…?” Eric began.

“No, no, it’s not that,” you told him quickly. “Not that at all, I did want you to, I just… I don’t know if I can do all that.”

“All what?” Eric asked. “What did you think was going to happen if I kissed you?”

“Well,” you shrugged. “I don’t know, I assumed more would come of it. And I just don’t know if I’m ready for more. Even before the world came crashing down, I wasn’t ready for more. That’s why I didn’t have anyone; not because I didn’t have time, although that was true. I’m just… Scared.”

Eric quietly moved towards you, bypassing his bed and settling at the extreme edge of yours, as far away as possible while still occupying the same space. Frodo looked at him with thin eyes and he slowly blinked at Eric, and his tail flopped in an indignant half-wag. “Scared of what?” Eric asked.

You sighed. “That I won’t be right for anyone,” you said. “Even back when I was on the market, people always… I don’t know. Wanted more, and for whatever reason, I could never give more to them. I was always so afraid of what would happen when I finally gave all of myself to someone that I never did, and by the time I figured out that someone did want all of me, it was too late and I’d already lost them. I can never win— I’m always never enough or I’m too much. I’m never just right.”

Eric thought on your words for a few moments, and he moved closer to you, just an inch. “Yeah,” he said. “But that was back then. Everything has changed. Everything is different now. You don’t need to be afraid of being what’s right, because what used to be right is just… All sorts of fucked up now. Nobody knows anything anymore. I certainly don’t. But I know what I want, more than I ever have before.”

“And let me guess,” you said. “You want me?”

You hoped that calling him out on his cheesy cliché would have him back down. You liked that he wanted you, and you wanted him too, you wanted him so badly that it hurt, but you didn’t want him to mistake wanting you for wanting a connection with someone.

“I want to be okay again,” Eric told you. “But I need you.”

That was the most magical word of all. Need. It punched a hole in your heart and took your breath away, and you watched him as he watched you, just seeing who would dare to break first. Frodo seemed to know something you didn’t, because he jumped up out of your lap and skittered across the room with an uncharacteristic yowl, and you frowned as he sped away, but your frown was quickly wiped off your face as Eric bridged the gap and kissed you.

You didn’t hesitate to kiss him back. He held your face as his lips moulded to yours, a perfect fit as you kissed back, and you wound your arms around his neck, pulling him closer. It felt good to kiss someone, to hold someone and be held by someone. You forgot how much you missed the feeling of another person, and you melted into his body as he claimed your hips in his strong hands. His knuckles were scuffed up, but he held you so gently, and you easily fell back onto the bed. He followed you, settling over you like he had done it a thousand times before, but the way his hands slowly slid up the sides of your shirt to touch your bare skin showed you how much it meant to him. Slow and gentle and sweet, he was everything you had wanted from a partner and a lover for as long as you could remember.

But you could tell, even though he was being sweet, how badly he wanted to have you. His kiss was greedy, shifting away from your mouth to kiss your chin and jaw and neck, almost feral with his need for you, but you welcomed it. Strong emotions like that were flattering, especially here and now, and you didn’t waste much time before sliding your hand past the elastic waistband of the sweatpants nestled around his hips. Your palm found his cock instantly, and you held in your gasp of surprise at his size— he definitely had something to be proud of. His skin was warm through the layer of his underwear, and you paused and widened your eyes at him, a quiet question of how far he wanted you to go.

“You don’t have to be quiet anymore,” Eric whispered. “Talk to me, sweetheart.”

You shivered underneath him at the sweet name he had bestowed on you, and you quietly asked, “Do you want me to…?”

“God, yes,” he moaned. “Haven’t done this in so long…”

You couldn’t help but crack a smile as you slipped under his briefs, and your fingers wrapped around his thick length. His skin was hot to the touch, his cock rock-hard, and he moaned softly into your neck at the contact. Whether he meant to or not, his hips rolled forward, pushing himself further into your grip, and he quickly whispered, “M’sorry, fuck—”

“Don’t apologize,” you told him. Your free hand went to cradle his cheek, and you shifted his face so that you could kiss his plush lips again. “It’s hot.”

“Oh, yeah?” Eric asked. “It’s hot how…” He paused to kiss you, nipping at your bottom lip with his front teeth, and he continued. “How desperate I am?”

“I am too,” you told him. “I just hide it better.”

Almost as if he was checking if you were lying, his hand skated down from your side and into your pants, letting his fingers mold to your cunt, and he chuckled lightly. “God, you’re wet,” he smiled. “That makes me feel better.”

“Were you worried I wasn’t?” you asked.

“Just a little,” Eric whispered, wrinkling his nose. “But I figured you’d tell me if something wasn’t working for you.”

“I’ll let you know,” you told him. You chased him into another kiss, and his tongue invaded your mouth. It had been so long since you had someone make you feel like that, and you whined softly into his mouth. “Eric, please.”

“What do you want?” he asked. “Tell me what you want, and I’ll do it.”

“Anything,” you whimpered. Your legs shifted, coming up to anchor around his waist, and you slowly started to stroke his cock, teasing his soft head, just to see his reaction.

Thankfully, his cheeks went red, and that pretty pink mouth of his opened in a moan, and he squeezed his eyes shut as he mumbled, “Fuck, sweetheart, I’m already too close for you to be doing that.”

“Already?” you asked. You sounded a little more surprised than you meant to, and you quickly added, “That’s really attractive, Eric, I hope you know that.”

“What is?” he chuckled. “That I’ve got a short fuse?”

“Well, yeah,” you shrugged sheepishly. “I think it is, anyway. How can I help you?”

“Umm,” Eric said, then swallowed thickly. “Can I… Tits?”

You smiled at him, and you laid a gentle kiss on his lips before he shifted away, letting you pull up your sweatshirt. Your little survival packs hadn’t provided you with a bra of any kind, and you watched Eric’s already-wide eyes flare out at the sight of your chest. He didn’t say a word before he moved down your body and started to kiss everywhere he could reach, taking time and care on your tits. Your hand fell out of his pants at the angle shift, and you settled your fingers to twist in his damp curls as his own hand replaced yours, jerking himself off as he gently licked at your hardening nipple.

“S’that okay?” he whispered, casting his doe eyes up at you, and you nodded quickly. “’Cause if it’s not, I can stop—”

“I promise it’s okay,” you whispered. “I swear.”

Eric smiled. “She swears,” he whispered under his breath, and you giggled. “She swears she likes when I suck her tits. Aren’t I a lucky guy?”

You could hardly ignore the hot pressure between your legs, and you snaked your hand in-between your bodies and started to push down your sweatpants, but Eric noticed what you were up to, and he tugged his hand out of his own pants to capture the waistband of your sweatpants in his grasp. “Please,” he said. “Allow me.” You could tell that he intended to be funny, but his flushed face and fucked-out pupils made it seem a lot more pathetic than you’re sure he meant to be, but that just made a rush of heat strike your core, and your head fell back in bliss as you felt your hot skin slowly exposed to the air.

When you lifted your head back up to look at him, you watched as he shed his own clothes, finally matching you, and you bit your lip as his heavy cock rose to lay against his tummy. He had the thinnest trail of hair coming from down his belly button, smatterings of hair on his chest, a nicely-groomed bush of hair at the base of his cock; he clearly cared about the way he looked, and you loved that. You wondered if the Eric you knew was anything like the Eric before the monsters came, and you watched as he leaned back and began to gently place kisses down the length of your body. He was soft and gentle with you, although you were nearly certain he wanted to take you then and there, and you wiggled a little under his lips. “Can we…” you started. “Do that later?”

“Do what?” Eric asked.

“The whole ‘sweet and kissy’ thing,” you said. “Not to sound, like, sex-starved or anything, but I am, and I think my heart’s gonna explode if you’re not inside me soon.”

Eric chuckled, obviously not expecting that level of honesty out of you, and he pushed his damp curls off of his forehead. “Whatever you’d like, sweetheart,” he told you. “As long as you promise to let me eat your cunt eventually. I can only go so long seeing you like this and be expected to not put my mouth on you.”

“Sure,” you replied, secretly excited that he was expecting a second time.

Eric swiped a quick kiss on your mouth, and then he furrowed his eyebrows. “Umm…” he began. “I— Do you… Are you on any birth control or anything?”

You squeezed your eyes shut. “No,” you sighed. “I was, but all that’s back in my apartment in Brooklyn. Haven’t taken my pill since, like, three nights ago, so I’m basically fucked for the whole month.”

“Fuck,” Eric whispered, his eyebrows knitting together in concern. “I guess, are you alright with this, then? We can figure something else out—”

“There’s, umm,” you winced. “A condom, in the bag with the shampoo and everything. There’s one in mine, and I bet there’s a second one in yours too.”

“Oh, shit, really?” Eric laughed. “That’s… That’s pretty funny.”

“Apparently, FEMA knows what people do in times of crisis,” you smiled.

“So, what I’m hearing,” Eric started, moving himself off the bed and going to your toiletries bag on the floor. His back turned to you, and you felt your eyes widen in shock at the state of his ass. Jesus Christ, this guy had a great ass, smooth and plump and perfectly rounded; you almost wanted to reach out and bite it. “Is that we can fuck twice, and then we’ll need to figure something else out.”

“Is that so?” you asked, and Eric came back to the bed, deftly tearing open the condom wrapper. You leaned up on your elbows to watch as he got back up on his knees, caging you between his thick thighs, and he made quick work of rolling the condom down his thick length, making a quiet grunt as he got it situated the way he wanted. “What makes you think there’ll be a third time? Or a second, for that matter?”

“Won’t there?” Eric asked. “You seem pretty into it right now. Or least your cunt is; look at how wet she is for me.”

“Well, yeah, now,” you teased him, biting the tip of your tongue, trying to will your thundering heart to go back to normal. “But what if, when everything is said and done, you’re actually a terrible fuck and I don’t want anything else to do with you?”

He laughed deep in his chest, and he took your thighs in his strong hands and opened your legs, smoothly settling himself so he could rub his hard cock against your weeping cunt. You felt blood thrumming under your skin, making every inch of you pulse and surge, and you whined high in your throat when the head of his cock caught at your hole, threatening to slip in with ease. “I doubt that, sweetheart,” he told you. “I’ve been told I’m a fantastic fuck.”

“Are you sure they weren’t trying to keep your ego intact?” you asked, and Eric tilted his head curiously at you.

“Well, they weren’t telling me much of anything,” he said. “Usually, by the end, they’re so fucked-out and brainless that they can hardly string a sentence together.”

Then, without a word of warning, he gripped your hips and slid himself inside of you, and you gasped. It had been so long that you had almost forgotten what sex felt like, but this was something entirely new and different. You could feel every ridge and vein on his cock, even through the condom, and he gave a delicious throb as you tightened your thighs around his hips. “Fuck!” you yelped, and a shade of worry passed over his face for just a moment. “I-I’m okay,” you told him quickly. “Just… Fuck, Eric, you’re so big.”

“You flatter me,” he chuckled. Slowly, he began to rock his hips into you, moving shallowly at first, just letting you get used to his size, and his dull fingernails buried into the flesh of your hip. You couldn’t help all the little noises he caused you to make— you could feel every inch of him, burying deep within you, stretching you and filling you like he was made for you, and he leaned down and ghosted against your lips with his. “Feel good?” he whispered, and you nodded quickly.

“Do I?” you asked softly. Your arms went around him, holding him close to you, and you pressed your fingers into his shoulders. He felt like a lifeline, his warm skin keeping you grounded, and you didn’t even care if you sounded pathetic or insecure. He made you feel good and safe, and that’s all that you cared about.

“Fuck, so good,” he grunted out. He was picking up speed, gaining a good rhythm that made you wonder how prolific he had been before his career got in the way, and you listened to the bed squeak under you as he mumbled, “So warm… So wet… You feel like a dream… Remember that short fuse I talked about?”

“Really?” you smiled. “Already?”

“Listen, woman,” Eric started, and you dragged him into a messy kiss. You loved him talking like that, and it made you realize just how close you were as well. He tugged away from the kiss to take a deep breath, and he went in to kiss you again, hungry and wanting you. He was going fast now, pumping in and out of you, leaving pleasure and sparks in his wake, and your legs twitched and tightened as the knot in your belly twisted closer and closer to its end. “I haven’t had sex in years,” Eric continued, finally tearing himself away from your lips. “And my right hand can only do so much after a while. So excuse me for being a little quick to the draw tonight.”

“How many years?” you asked.

Eric sighed. “I dunno,” he said. “At least since I graduated law school, so… Five years, maybe?”

“God,” you chuckled. “That’s… A while.”

“No, wait,” Eric said. “Three years. My birthday a few years ago, my mates took me out to a bar, and I met a girl, I spent the night at her place… And she never answered my texts after that.”

“Ouch,” you hissed. “That must’ve hurt that ego of yours.”

“Not gonna lie, it did,” Eric laughed. “But it’s for the best. I didn’t have time for a girlfriend anyway, I would’ve been an awful boyfriend to her. Or to anyone, not just her… What about you?”

“Umm…” you started. “Sex… Yes, I know what that is. Definitely a thing I’ve had before now.”

“Don’t play with me like that,” Eric started, jokingly wide-eyed and startled, and you laughed.

“About the same, I guess,” you said. “Three-ish years… It was back a few years ago, I was feeling bad about getting older and having a career but no partner, so I… I went on a dating app, found a guy, and we talked for a little bit and hooked up, but I got a bad vibe from him, so I broke it off.”

“I’m sorry,” Eric said. “Did you like him?”

“Not really,” you sighed. “And he wasn’t even that great in bed.”

“So, I’ve got him beat in every category, right?” Eric asked.

You kissed him again, cupping your hand across the back of his neck, and he smoothed his hands up your body lovingly. “You’ve got everyone beat, baby,” you told him.

“I think you’re an angel, actually,” Eric told you, and you shyly shook your head. “No, no, I think so. I don’t care if you don’t agree, that’s what I think.”

“Whatever you say,” you told him. “Can you, umm… Maybe a little faster?”

Eric obliged, pistoning his hips quicker to fuck you to your liking, and his hand floated to your pussy, his thumb gently rubbing at your throbbing little clit. You whined and scratched at his back, tightening your legs and digging your heel into that ass he had, and the electric shocks that ran up your toes and into the rest of your body started to become too good, too much. “Eric!” you gasped. “Eric, fuck!”

“I’ve got you, angel,” Eric whispered in your ear. “I’ve got you. Let me see that pretty face when you cum, yeah? Wanna feel your cunt squeeze me, fuck, I need it.”

You looked down at yourself, watching as his hard cock plunged in and out of your hole, leaving a creamy ring at the base of his cock, and your whining and whimpering almost had the wet squelch of your bodies together beat. Then, almost against your will, your whole body relaxed, every muscle feeling like it went slack, and you sobbed out your final moan, your head falling back as your nails went hard into his freckled shoulders. You felt your wet cover your inner thighs, and you panted as Eric chased his own end. You didn’t have to wait too long before you heard him choke back a moan, and he spilled himself inside the condom. You felt the warmth of his spend inside you, and he slowly pulled out of you with a hiss at the sensation on his sensitive, softening cock.

He was quick to take care of the condom, and he came back to the bed and settled in the small, empty space beside you. His red chest was heaving, his cheeks flooded with pink color, and he wrapped his arm around you and tugged you close to him. You melted into his warmth, mashing your cheek against his hard chest, and he let out a breathy laugh. “Fuck,” he gasped. “I don’t know if it’s because I haven’t eaten real food all day or what, but I’m exhausted.”

“Me too,” you giggled. “I think you were just that good.”

“Once again, angel,” Eric whispered, settling a soft kiss on your head. “You flatter me.”

You fell into a comfortable silence then, listening to each other’s breathing even out, and Eric cleared his throat after a while. “Typically, at this point,” he started. “I’d be smoking a cigarette.”

“Oh my God, Eric, no,” you groaned. “Don’t you know how unhealthy that is?”

“Oh, right,” Eric chuckled, rolling his eyes. “Miss Nurse. So concerned for my health.”

“Right,” you told him. “I care about you, and I don’t want you to have breathing complications or worse early in life from smoking.”

“I think I’ll manage,” Eric told you. “I think I need another shower after that, though.”

“You do sorta stink,” you giggled, and Eric rolled his eyes. “If you shower, I can be making food.”

“Food?” Eric asked. “There’s food?”

“Yeah, an MRE,” you told him, and you grunted as you got out of bed, going in search of the plastic-packaged meal. “Chicken and noodles. I didn’t see what yours was.”

“Fuck,” he laughed. “I’ve got a sexy woman making dinner for me? I might keep you around after all.”

“You have to keep me around,” you told him. “Who else is supposed to help you raise your cat?”

Frodo seemed to know his cue, because he revealed himself from behind a bookshelf, batting a bit of cobweb on his nose, and Eric smiled. “I suppose you’re right,” Eric said. “Just don’t feed him too much; he’ll get fat. He’ll also try to attack your hand if you pet his belly, so don’t do that either.”

“Noted,” you told him. “Go shower, handsome, this should be done by then.”

Eric took a moment to wrap his arms around you and press a kiss to your temple, and he softly said, “I wish we could have met any other way. But, for what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re here now.”

“Me too,” you told him, turning in his arms to give him a real, genuine kiss. “I’m so glad you found me.”

If tomorrow is the end of the world, one of the last things I wanna do is reading a oneshot of Joe and Hazel because I miss that little bitch a lot. Thank you in advance.

so, i vowed to never write baby hazel again, and yet, here we are... you're welcome Wordcount: 1.3K

--- Great Mum, Great Team

"What a terrible development," you said aghast though you were smiling, apples in your cheeks round and blushing. You were stood in the doorway to Hazel's bedroom, amazed at what you were looking at.

"I cannot believe my eyes!"

Joe sat on the carpet next to Hazel who was trying her very best to put on her mary jane's correctly, right shoe on right foot, left shoe on left foot.

Joe fully ignored you, eyes trained on Hazel's feet, just like hers were.

She struggled with the straps, tiny fingers trying to sort her toes out and not let her socks get in the way. You saw the tip of her tongue peek out in concentration, and saw how Joe, for whatever reason, copied it.

Your heart was overflowing with proud love for her as you saw her put real effort in, eyes flitting up to Joe for encouragement. It swelled your chest, pained it wonderfully.

"Nearly there. Yep, you got it." Joe spoke softly, not lending a hand, which really impressed you. You had a way of taking over, wanting to help out and just get the task done.

This was better parenting, what you were looking at.

Hazel's left heel slipped into the shoe and she immediately moved to stand up, grabbing onto a hand that Joe held out for stability.

"Yeaaa. High five, Hazel!" Joe exclaimed, holding up a palm that got hit by two smaller ones.

She did it.

"I can't believe it." you made big eyes as you smiled at her when Hazel skipped closer, telling you all about how she put her shoes on all by herself because she was a big girl now.

Something you'd been trying to convince her of for weeks.

"See, didn't I tell you?"

It seemed like she thought it was all way too far-fetched when you told her she was old enough to put her shoes on by herself, though.

The standard reaction you'd get was, "Can you please help me, mummy? I can't do it by myself." and you'd try. You'd really try. You'd tell her things like, no babe, I know you can do it, if you don't, you'll have to go outside without any shoes on and your socks will get all wet, and that doesn't sound very nice, does it?

But you'd grow impatient.

It would just take too long.

"She's going to need a big girl bed soon, too, don't you Hazel?" Joe said, getting up himself now too. Hazel ignored the both of you as she skipped past you, on her way to the living room where the TV was still playing one of her shows.

You raised your eyebrows and huffed a laugh as you watched her disappear down the hall.

"I swear she thinks she's a teenager." Joe mused, stepping closer and letting his hand fall to your waist.

"Yea, a teenager who only listens to you, it seems."

"Well," Joe leant closer for a quick peck to your lips. "Stop being such a push-over then."

Joe expected you to drop your jaw, to frown deep, and to shove at him, because he was clearly only joking.

But instead you sighed and quietly said "Yea, I know." much more sorrowful than he ever wanted to hear you.

You thought maybe it was your voice. You didn't think you sounded very authoritative, that you didn't tend to make demands very well.

Hazel always poked right through your demands. Didn't take them seriously like you wanted her to.

"Hey," Joe whispered worriedly, forcing eye-contact before saying, "You know you're not a push-over, right? I was only joking."

You smile at his gentleness. At the instant care he's got ready for you.

"No, I am. It's okay. I shouldn't have made such a headstrong child, it's my own fault." you tried your hand at humour, and Joe nearly bought it.

You could hear how Hazel opened a cabinet in your living room, followed by the sounds of the box with wooden blocks being dragged out. Hazel didn't really have time to play right now, Joe had just gotten her to put her shoes on for a short trip to the market. You didn't really need anything, but it was nice to get out of the house and tire Hazel out a bit.

"Baby," you called out to her, leaning away from Joe a little as to not shout right into his ear, and were about to tell your daughter to put the blocks back. But then Joe pulled you in close and pressed his nose into your cheek, softly saying, "No, let her. We're not in a hurry, are we?"

You realised just then that you weren't, and, to Joe's relief, finally swung arms around his neck to hug him back.

Through kisses to your cheek, Joe murmured, "You realise that only headstrong girls can make headstrong girls, don't you?"

You couldn't help smiling as you closed your eyes, relishing in this little moment of affection Joe created.

"You have no idea..." you started, humour in your tone. "How long I struggled to get her to put on her shoes the other day. And guess how that whole altercation ended?"

Joe kept his face stuck to yours, not moving away in between kisses, just making noises with his lips against your cheek.

"Who ended putting the shoes on?"

"Was it you?" Joe spoke out of the sides of his mouth, all hot air against your skin, unintentionally raspberrying you as he did.

"It was me." you confirmed, and you let a laugh escape in a huff through your nose.

"Hmm," Joe mused, moving to press his forehead against yours. "Just means you're nurturing. Caring. So sweet, and kind."

You got a kiss pressed to your lips.

"Yea, well... would just be nice if she listened to me like she listens to... well, literally anyone else. Not to, you know–"

You didn't want Joe to think he fell into that category. He very much wasn't literally anyone else to Hazel.

"I know." Joe understood.

"She– you definitely are dad, you–"

"I know. I was trying to compliment you, just accept it. You're a great mum." Joe shut you up, pressed more kisses to your mouth and let his arms wrap tighter.

You stood in Hazel's bedroom's doorway and let yourself drown in Joe's fondness for you. Joe showed it all the time, but there weren't many moments where you stopped everything you had going on to fully accept it for a moment.

And Joe lived for these moments.

It was only short-lived though. It always was.

From the living room you heard a crash of block, followed by a silence that then got broken by beginning cries from Hazel.

They quickly grew in volume.

You were about to pull away from Joe, already mentally picking Hazel up from the floor to hug close to your chest. But Joe held you and said, "Wait..." as he turned his ear towards the living room, listening. Waiting.

It just took a second longer for Hazel to start to cry out for her mum, and a smile spread across Joe's face.

"See? Mum. She needs you. No way that she was going to call out for anyone else. It's why we make such a great team."

You rolled your eyes as Joe made his point, finally losing his tight grip so you could make your way over.

Joe followed and watched as you bent over to pick up a crying Hazel who was holding a small hand to her head next to a big pile of wooden blocks. It was obvious a tower had fallen over and she'd gotten hurt in the process.

You shushed her and swayed as you comforted her, asking her if she'd hurt her head, if it was the blocks that got her.

Hazel's soft whimpers confirming that it had been the wooden blocks made Joe pout at her sad little voice.

When you turned to look at him, Joe's face smoothed out.

"Great mum." he mouthed, and you scrunched up your nose in response.

"Great team." you mouthed back.

---

The Taglisted

@ali-in-w0nderland, @alwayslindie, @babybluebex, @bylermaxmayfield, @capricornrisingsstuff, @chaoticgood-munson, @choke-me-eddie, @demonsanddemogorgons, @did-it-work, @dirtyeddietini, @djoseph-quinn, @dolcevit4, @eddies-puppet, @emma77645, @emotionaldreamer, @everythinghasafacee, @figmentofquinn, @ghost-proofbaby, @ghostinthebackofyourhead, @hanahkatexo, @harringtonfan4, @hazelenys, @jewellethief, @joesquinns, @keikoraven, @kennedy-brooke, @lovelyblueness, @manda-panda-monium, @mandyjo8719, @mexicanfolklore, @miserybeans, @munson-mjstan, @nadixq, @nglharry, @notverywise, @pepperstories, @phyllosilicate-s, @royale1803, @sherrylyn628, @sidthedollface2, @songforeddiemunson, @sweetberry47, @take-everything-you-can, @thebellenouvelle, @tlclick73, @werepartnersnow, @winterwakesthewolf, @witchwolflea, @yelyahcardella, @yunirgo

taglist currently full, sorry

Star and sunshine - Joseph Quinn

A/N: Heey guys!! This is my first one shot,and I'm not a native english speaker,so don't mind my grammar mistakes and shitty writing. Also don't copy or use any of my works without my permission,and also this one shot is already posted on my wattpad.

Warnings: Angst,young Joe is a little asshole,drinking,crying,mentions of autism ( bullying )and fluff at the end.

Enjoy!!

Your parents always told you that your university years would be the best years of your life. Your mom's love story with your father was so lovely,you always adored them,and the way they've met. You wanted to have the same. You were just shy.

LAMDA. 2012. 09. 1

First day at the drama university,was boring a little bit. You were just sitting on your place by yourself. You didn't really wanted a bench mate. The classroom and everything was so scary. It was like a big labyrinth for you

It's okey,just calm down,you don't look that bad today,no one is going to judge you

Deep breaths just deep breaths,you're in the school of your dreams right now. You wanted this,so now deal with it-

" Mind if I sit next to you? " suddenly a voice intrerupted  your deep thoughts,then you looked up to see a boy standing next to you,with a shy smile on his face.

His eyes are like hot chocolate. Kinda cute you thought quickly because you realised that he was still waiting for your answer.

" No,of course not. "

He grined then put down his backpack and set down next to you. The two of you shared a few glances,not knowing what to say to eachother. Looking around,everyone was talking and laughing with their new friends. You had more 10 minutes until your first lesson started.

" I'm Joe by the way " the boy said,finally breaking the silence,and he held his hand out for you to shake it.

" I'm Y/N. "

" Y/N I like that. Are you from France? "

You slowly nodded,as you waited  his next movement,because you waren't sure if he wanted to bully you because of accent,or just simply wanted to make a converstation.

" Oh nice,I always wanted to go there. Your accent is so cute by the way. " he spoke again and smiled at you."

Present day

" Shit girls,where are you taking me? " you laughed as your two bestfiends lead you with your eyes blindfolded.

" Relax,we're not trying to kidnap you or anything. We're taking you home,but there's going to be a suprise waiting for you. "

" Okey I understand,but I'm so uncofortable to walk around with my eyes blindfolded. Can I take it off untill then?"

" No. " your friend Bianca replied simply chuckling on your inpatient.

LAMDA. 2012. 11. 5

" Okey so the answers are on the top of the card's and on the bottom there's your next question towards the class. Let's see I read the first one. " your teacher said as everyone paid attention so did you.

You waited for the right question to read your answer,but somehow neither of the questions were the right for your answer. Then she started explaining something,which sounded like the answer which could be on your card,but you were not pretty sure about it,so you didn't raise your hand.

Then the teacher started looking around in the class for the card with the answer on it,and when she reached your table,she grabed the card from your hands. " There is it!!! Why didn't you read it? "

And then suddenly the school bully Lucy rolled her eyes " Why am I not suprised? Don't mind her miss,she's just an  autistic. "

That was when Joe slammed his hand on the table and glared at her. " Go and suck soneone's dick,and leave her alone! "

Everyone let out an " huuuuuh " then the teacher's voice intrerupted the tension between them. " Mr. Quinn!! How dare you say that to a girl? You're getting 2 hours detention in the library,maybe it will help you to learn some respect towards them. "

" And the school's slut is going to get away with what she said? She called me an autistic for not being brave enough to read my answer because I was confused. That's doesn't seem fair to me. " you replied raising your hand with a smirk.

" Fine. Then the three of you will get detention. You and Mr. Quinn getting 2 hours,Lucy gets 3. Is this okey? "

" Perfect. " you nodded,then looked over at Joseph who tried to hold back his laugh.

***

" I swear you're an idiot. Why would you do that? " you hissed as you and Joe walked out from the classroom to the library.

" What was I supposed to do? She has no right to call you that!! " he answered bumping his shoulder against yours slightly.

" But you got yourself in trouble! What will your parents do,when they found out about this? Joe,that's isn't you! "

" I don't care,because like I said before,I couldn't let her get away with it,so I embaressed her. You also got in trouble,so I don't know what's your problem. "

" I've got myself in trouble because  I felt bad! I couldn't let you suffer alone. It was my fault. " you sighed as the two of you entered the library where a teacher was already waiting for you to keep on eye on you.

" Where's the third one? " she asked rudly.

" Probably left. " Joseph shrugged then made his way to the bookshelfs to find something to read.

You did the same,and started looking for Les Miserables wrote by Victor Hugo. You always wanted to read this book,so you felt like now was the perfect time to read it.

As you were sitting next to each other you felt like Lucy was right after all. Wherever you went,you were always bullied and beaten up. You didn't understand why though,but your brain always worked a little bit slower,and you were always panicking. You still had no idea how an autistic person acted though.

" Joe? " you suddenly asked and looked up from his book.

" Yeah? "

" Do you think I'm...autustic? "

He frowned and put his book aside. Suddenly he grabed your hand and squized it to get your attention.

" No ,you're not. See? This is exatly why I did what I did. She wants everyone and even you to think that you're an autistic,but you're not. Believe me,I've met autistic people before,you are not like them. Stop worrying about it. "

When he noticed that you didn't believed him,he nudged your arms causing you to look at him. When you did he smiled and said. " I think you are amazing and adorble. "

And with that, he made you fall in love with him."

Present day

" Guys you know I hate suprises,right? "

You were sitting in a cab between Bianca and Mary. Your muscles were tensed,you just couldn't keep it calm,because of your excitment.

" We're not even sure if you're not going to kill us,after you saw it. " Mary replied.

" Oh god. No. I can't kill you. I would need to pay for your funerals. No. " you answered then you started laughing along with the girls.

LAMDA. 2014. 02. 14

You sighed sadly as you watched Joseph giving his girlfriend a rose. You were suffering. It was your fault though. It was your fault that he was huging and kissing that girl and not you. You should have told him years ago how you felt,when all the girls went after that blondie boy who's already gratuated last year.

Joe aged like fine wine,you weren't going to lie. You still had a chance back then,but now it's impossible. You already lost counting on how many times you ended up crying yourself to sleep.

" Hey cutie!! Oh you look sad! What happened? " he asked you when he set down next to you.

You forced a smile then shake your head. " I'm not sad. I'm just not in the mood for all this red and pink maddnes around me. "

" No one's asked you for the Valentine's ball,right? "

You nodded and looked away to blink back your tears. Your heart was already broken,you didn't wanted to make it worse. If he saw you crying then he wouldn't leave you alone unless you told him what's wrong.

" Hey, uhm...I have something for you. "

You turned your head to look at him,holding a ring between his fingers. You raised an eyebrow at him confused. Why would he give you a ring? You were not his girlfriend-

" That's a promose ring. I want you to take it,so we could stay friends forever. I also have one. " he explained and held up his left hand. He had a similar ring.

" Thank you. " you thanked him quietly as he slipped the ring onto your finger.

" You don't need to thank me,just stay with me. "

" Okey. "

***

You were alone that night,your parents went for a mini vacation together. It was almost 2 am and you still couldn't sleep. You were curled up into a ball on your bed. Some boys did ask you to be their partner at the ball,but you rejected them,because you wanted to go with Joe. You always wanted him,not someone esle.

Suddenly you heard a knock on your door. It was harsh,you got scared a little bit,but you still went to open the it. You expected one of your friends from school,maybe she was drunk again. But then when you opened the door you were shocked.

It was Joseph standing there,in a drunken state. You quickly let him in,then you turned on the lights. His shoulders started shaking,as he let out some quiet sob.

" Hey...what's wrong? " you asked him,as you quickly embraced him.

" She cheated on me. She kissed another boy,right in front of me. In front of everyone,just to embarrass me. " Joe answered burying his face in your neck,and you wrapped you arms around his shoulder keeping him close.

" Hey hush...it's okey Joe. It's okey. I'm here. You deserve someone better. She neved deserved you,I could tell. I promise you that everything is going to be okey.

As you held him close,you kneeled down slowly with him. You had never seen him like this. This girl was his first girlfriend,but unfortunately not the last one. That night,he ended up falling asleep in your arms. You didn't mind at all,because you knew that he needed you."

Present day

" Hey girl do you remember at that cute boy,from London? You went in the same class. " Mary suddenly asked. You were still sitting in the cab.

" Do you mean Joseph Quinn? Yeah I still remember him. " you replied smiling sadly.

" You two were pretty close huh? "

" We were friends,untill...Untill he fucked up. I mean kind of. He called me autistic at a party when he was drunk. I never trusted him again,because you know drunk words,sober thoughts. " you answered sadly.

" You loved him didn't you? "

" I still do. I'm following his career and I'm so proud of him. But I could never trus him again. He broke me,and gived me years of suffering. This is why I left after graduating. I stayed at the party,then came home on the earliest flight. Plus I got a job here,and that France serial helped me to start my career as an actress. " you explained as you felt the car stop.

LAMDA. 2014. 12. 31

You were at a New Year's eve party with a few classmates and with Joseph. You were dancing a little,and then you went out with Joseph for a quick smoke. You had to tell him,that you were going to go back to Paris,because your parents were moving back there. You planned on finishing your studies there,and to graduate.

" I have to tell you something. It's very important. " you sighed and blow out the smoke nervously.

" Oh okey. Go ahead. "

" I'm going to go back to Paris. My parents are moving back,and...I want to go with them. I'm going to graduate there. "

" What? " he looked at you confused and shocked at the same time.

" I'm sorry. But I don't want to leave my parents behind and...and I'm missing my friends- "

" What about me? " he intrerupted you. " What about Wes and the others hm? What about us? "

" Joe,I'm so sorry,but I have no choice- "

" Oh yes you do. You could stay there in that house."

" ...and I want to graduate there with my friends and cousins. "

He glared at you,and stubbed out his cigarette,then lighted another one.

" Why are you mad?  I have the promise ring. We're still going to stay friends. "

" Oh yeah? Amazing. That's amazing. " he mumbled in a sarcastic tone.

You folded your arms,and stared in to the distance. Why was he mad? He had a girlfriend,he was happy with her. He ignored you because of her,and skipped your programs which you had together. He also had his new friends. He didn't paid much attention on you,and he didn't protected you anymore,when Lucy was bullying you.

" Stay. I don't want you to go. " he whispered.

" I'll think about it. " you promised just because you didn't wanted to argue with him on New Year's eve.

***

Joe was vomiting for the third time. He was pretty drunk,and Wesley already tried to offer him water,but drunk Joseph was always so fucking stubborn.

" Do you want some more Martini my love? " his girlfriend asked him and you and Wesley looked at eachother with wide eyes. She was also drunk.

" Mate,you really need to stop drinking. "

" Says who? " he asked as let out a dry chuckle.

" Me for instance! Joe you already vomited three times!! It's enough!! " you answered,and that caused his girlfriend to roll her eyes.

" I think he can decide what he wants by himself. So you can go home freak. "

" Stop pretending like you are that good for him!! Unlike you we care about him,his mom asked me and Wasley to take care of him!! " you fought back,but that really pissed Joe off.

" Oh shut the fuck up!! Didn't you hear what she said? I can decide what is good for me,I don't need you!! Are you that autistic or what??!! "

Tears filled your eyes as you stared at your bestfriend,the boy you adored and loved the most. With that question he killed all your love you had for him. You felt betrayed and left alone. You didn't said anything,just throw at him the promise ring he give you then ran out.

" You are a dick Quinn. You better kick that slut out from my house before I do. " Wesley told him gesturing at his girlfriend,then he ran after you.

You almost reached your car when he caught up with you. " Y/N,please wait!! He didn't mean any of this!!

You turned around with a sad smile then chuckled. " Oh come on buddy. Drunk words,sober thoughts. At least I know that I should forget him forever because he's...he's not the one. "

" I'm so sorry,baby. I didn't expected this to turn out like this. "

" At least it was just the three of us now. I should have left with the others. "

Wesley gived you a conforting hug,and rubed your back. He was really over protecting when it came to you. He was the only one who knew about your love - or ex love - towards Joseph.

" Are you going to move back to Paris? "

" I'm going to stay just for you. My parents told me that if I wanted to stay,they will wait another year with the moving back gladly. I'll graduate then leave this fucking place.

" You are a strong girl. I'm going to kick his balls for treating you like this. "

Present day

Joseph apologised multiple times after this,but you ignored him,and set next to your other friend during class. You slowly pushed you feeling away,and felt a little bit free.

After the graduating party,the only thing you told him,was that you are going to relax and watch movies - and with that you made a perfect excuse, to reject his offer because he wanted to invite you to another party the next day - and maybe look for a job. Then you left on the next day with your parents,without saying goodbye.

But you got scolded a little bit,from your parents for not saying goodbye to him. Your mom really loved Joe,and always told you that you should forgive him. But you were too hurt to do that. You thought that cutting him off would help you to heal. But to be honest it just made it worse,and now it's a 100% sure that you two are not going to end up together,because he's famous now,and meeting beautifull women during Comic Cons and Fan Expos.

" What does this sign mean? " you asked him,after he drawn a sun on your palm with his thumb.

" You are my sunshine. That's how I remind you. " he smiled shyly.

Your face turned red,as you grabbed his hand and drawn a star on his palm.

" Well,what does this sign mean? "

" That means that you are my star. "

You smiled to that memory,as the girls slowly lead you to your bedroom. The familiar scent of your room helped you to calm your nerves. Suddenly they stopped you,and they lifted your arms.

Then you felt two gentle hands grabing yours,slowly pulling you closer to his body.

" Oh so the suprise is a person then,hm. " you noted,while your heart was beating fast.

Something happened. Something terrifying which made you froze. That was when you heard the door closing, alerting you that your friends left the room.

But that was not the scariest thing. You knew that touch. You reconised it even though it's been years since you felt it. But you were not sure that it was really him,so you tested him. You drawn a star on his palm,with your thumb.

Your heart was pounding in your chest as you waited. And then is happened. He drawn a sun on your palm. You took a step backwards from him.

" Go away. I don't want to see you. "

He let out a big sigh,then walked closer to you. You kept walking backwards untill your back bumped in to the wall.

" You only making things worse Joseph. Go away. "

" I know you loved me. And I know you still do. The girls told me everything. " he finally replied.

You ripped off the blindfold from your eyes,then glared at him. You looked at him with your killing look,which you only used when you wanted to scare someone away from you. It usually worked. But not on him.

" You better leave before I kill you. I feel like I could choke you right now. "

" Why are you still on that? I've already apologised multiple times!! "

" Because I know you meant it! You meant every fucking word what you said. You never regreted saying it. Go back to your slu- "

" How can you say that? " he intrerupted you,stroking your palms. " Couldn't you see how much I cared about you? I was ready to sacrifise everything for you. Hell even if you'd ended up coming back Paris for your last year,I was ready to give up everything in London,and follow you. "

" You're lying. " you huffed simply which made him roll his eyes at you. " Why are you here anyway? To make me suffer? Go away! I don't want to suffer anymore!! Please don't ruin my birthday!!! "

"I love you!!! "

Your eyes widened at the sudden change of his tone,and looked away from him. Of course he would say that now that you are breaking down right in front of him. He only said this because he feels guilty. Good move.

" You don't have to say that just because you feel sorry for me. "

He slowly touched your chin with his fingers, then turned your head back,to look at him. Your breath hitched when you made eye contact with his hot chocolate eyes,and decided to listen what he has to say to you.

" Y/N,I never wanted to hurt you. What I said it was horrible,and I wish I could turn back in time,just to fix everything,but unfortunately I can't.  I didn't mean any of that- "

" Drunken worlds sober thoug- "

" No no no,you're going to let me finish it first. And anyways this stupid expression doesn't include me,because I'm not an asshole. "

" Not all the time. " you corrected with a slight smirk.

" You are such a bitch. " he laughed shaking his head. " But I love you. I always knew,that it's going to be you,I just...I'm an idiot. And you are so silly for not telling me sooner. "

" Stop saying this! " you shake your head as more tears filled your already glassy eyes. " Like I said it before,you are just only saying this because you feel guilty because of what you've done! I don't need your pitty. "

" Darling,I know it's hard to believe it,but I'm sure about my feelings this time,and I would never tell you such a serious thing,if it was not true. Sweetheart you are my sunshine,and I love you with all my heart. "

" Please...don't make me suffer. Stop saying it. It's not true. Please Joe,don't say that...don't give me hope. " you begged him,as you slowly sunk down on your knees,sobbing.

You didn't even blinked twice,and he was right in front of you,also on his knees,and held your cheeks between his hands. Your foreheads were pressed together as he wiped you tears with his thumb. At this point you believed him,because he was just holding you,and looking at you lovingly.

" I love you too. " you whispered after five minutes. " so damn much. "

He smiled and kissed your forehead. You smiled back,and wrapped your arms around his neck to hug him.

***

" So did I ruin your birthday? " he asked as the two of you were cuddled up in your bed.

" I hate your timing. " you replied shaking your head.

" I take this as a no then. "

" You are wrong,because you did ruin my birthday. You made me angry,then you made me cry. It's the worse thing which could happen on your special day, you know. " you teased.

He looked at you seriously,and then the next thing you knew he was hovering over you,tickling your sides. You laughed histericaly and screamed as you tried to stop him,but he was too strong.

" Stop!! Joseph please s-stop!! "

" Make me. " he smirked.

" Nah ah. I'm not going to melt under your smirk, you smiley idiot. No chance mate. "

" Too late my love,I already made you melt. And if don't believe me,then I'm going to do it again. Because I still have the promise ring. " he explained as he took it out from his pocket,and held it between his fingers. " the difference is,that you can't take it off,untill I give you a new one,when I'm going to ask you to be my wife. "

" Hmm well planned out plan. But are you sure,I would say yes to you? "

" You better,if you don't want the tickle monster visit you while you're sleeping,and maybe tickle you somewhere else. "

" Joe!!!! " you yelled as your face flushed.

" What's with the red face Y/N? I was reffering at your pretty little butt. "

" You're awfull. "

" But you love me. " he leaned down to give you a quick kiss,and slipped the ring on your finger.

" Yeah. I do. It hurts how much I love you. "

Maybe your uiversity years weren't the best,but you still ended up with the man you truly loved after all. And that was the only thing that mattered.

In Your Embrace- Joseph Quinn

Description: Joe has a rough day at work, but at the end of the day he gets to unwind and distract himself with the only person he would rather spend time with.

Word count: 1772

Warnings: None, Pure Fluff

Joe had only been home for about an hour, still shaking off the exhaustion of a long day filled with back-to-back meetings and endless tasks. He hadn’t had a moment to reach out to Y/N, the one person who could always make him feel grounded. Now, finally settled in bed, he picked up his phone and scrolled through his apps, feeling the quiet of his apartment settle around him.

It was just before 9:30 p.m., their usual time to reconnect when the chaos of the day would finally quiet down. With a tired but eager sigh, Joe tapped on the FaceTime icon. A wave of anticipation mixed with the weariness still clinging to him as he waited for her face to appear on the screen. 

Y/N had just stepped out of the shower when her phone rang. She wrapped a towel around herself, glancing at the screen before answering the call. Her hair, still damp, clung to her cheeks, and she greeted him with a soft smile. "Hiiii," she said, showing just half of her face through the camera, her eyes narrowing in that familiar way when she smiled.

Joe appeared on her screen, a small grin tugging at his lips. “Hey, love,” he greeted, his voice warm but edged with noticeable tiredness. He could see she was still finishing up her routine, her usual products on sight.

“Do you want me to call you back later?” he asked softly, noticing she was still getting dressed. His tone was gentle, trying not to rush her.

Y/N quickly shook her head. “No, it’s alright. I’m nearly done,” she replied, disappearing from the screen momentarily to pull on some clothes. Her voice was slightly muffled as she added, “How are you? How’s your day been?”

Joe’s smile faded a bit, and he let out a small sigh, his accent a little thicker, making his words sound heavier. “It was alright,” he said vaguely, his tone subdued. “Just thought I’d call you before you go to bed.”

When Y/N returned to view, her body fully in the frame now, she noticed the shift in his expression. “Did something happen? You seem a bit off,” she pressed gently, a playful yet concerned lilt to her voice as she searched his face through the screen.

Joe shook his head, trying to make himself comfortable, shifting his position on the bed while keeping his gaze fixed on her. “I’m fine, don’t worry about it. Just tell me about your day,” There was a hint of effort in his voice, as if he were trying too hard to sound casual.

Though not entirely convinced, Y/N decided to play along. She began recounting the events of her day, adding in some of the gossip they both enjoyed. Joe’s lips curved into a small smile, his dimples deepening whenever he laughed softly at her stories. He made the occasional comment, enough to keep the conversation flowing, but his usual energy was missing.

Despite the lighthearted banter, it was clear to Y/N that something was weighing on Joe’s mind. She could see it in the way he occasionally rubbed his temple or how his fingers tapped restlessly against the bed sheets.

“Okay, I’m sorry. But... Are you sure you’re okay? It doesn’t seem like it.” 

Joe let out a long sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he finally admitted, “I’ve had a rough day with press interviews and handling logistics for the next project. Just a bit under the weather. Nothing specific. But it’ll pass…”

Y/N nodded, her expression softening. “Is there anything I can do to cheer you up? We could watch a film or do something else you fancy.”

Joe’s lips curved into a faint, tired smile. “I wouldn’t mind one of your hugs right now.”

“A hug?” Y/N chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes. “I'm always down for that. What are we gonna do about that then?”

His smile widened, his dimples becoming more pronounced. He glanced at his phone, considering it for a moment. “Fancy a drive? I can pick you up if you’re not too tired.”

“Sure. Can I go like this?” Y/N asked, showing him her oversized T-shirt and biker shorts.

“Yeah, you’re fine like that. I’ll be there in 15 minutes, alright?”

“Sounds good. See you soon."

They hung up, both moving quickly to get ready. Joe grabbed a blanket and an extra hoodie, just in case, then left his flat and fetched the car from the garage. He sent Y/N a quick text as he arrived, and she hurried out, shivering slightly in the night’s chill.

When Y/N slid into the car, she greeted Joe with a smile and a quick kiss. He smiled back, letting her choose the music as he drove. The hum of the engine and the familiar beats of their shared playlist filled the space, creating a comforting backdrop for their light chatter. Y/N kept her conversation minimal, sensing that Joe needed some quiet to process whatever was on his mind.

After a few minutes, Joe reached out, his free hand searching for hers. Y/N intertwined their fingers without hesitation, and he began gently stroking her hand, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles, his eyes never leaving the road. His serious yet calm demeanor reassured her, even as his arm flexed slightly with each turn, veins visible in the dim light.

They made a quick stop at a petrol station for snacks and drinks. Y/N chuckled at Joe's snack haul, grabbing a chocolate bar while Joe picked an assortment of crisps and a couple of fizzy drinks. Back on the road, he took a sip of his drink and grinned mischievously.

“Did you know that cows can have best friends? They get stressed when they’re separated from them. So, if you ever see a cow looking sad, it might just be missing its BFF.”

Y/N looked at him with a blank face, biting into her chocolate. “Hmm, exactly how you act when you're not around me,” she quipped back, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Joe raised an eyebrow, trying not to smile. "Alright, your turn."

"Okay, I got one. Why don’t scientists trust atoms?"

Joe gave a mock sigh, playing along. "Why?"

“Because they make up everything…” Y/N said with a smirk. She paused before adding, "Kinda like you do."

Joe rolled his eyes, sighing dramatically. "Oh, so we're going there, are we?"

They continued their playful banter, tossing silly jokes back and forth. Joe’s tone grew more animated as they went on, his laughter becoming more genuine. Y/N could see the tension melting away from his features, his smile becoming more relaxed.

“Alright, alright. I think you’ve won this round,” Joe finally conceded, a wide grin spreading across his face. The trivia game, filled with side glances and stifled chuckles, had turned into a riot of laughter. Their playful competition kept the mood light and joyful, making the drive an enjoyable experience despite Joe’s earlier down mood.

Eventually, they arrived at a quaint park with a panoramic view just outside the suburbs. Joe grabbed the blanket and hoodie, and Y/N followed him.

They both took in the view, and he handed Y/N the blanket to keep her warm while he wrapped himself in the hoodie.

“I’ve only been here a handful of times,” Joe said, his voice softer now. “But there’s something about this place that I really love.”

“I mean... The view alone is reason enough,” Y/N replied with a smile. “I don’t think I would have experienced England the way I have if it weren’t for you.”

“You probably would have,” Joe said, mimicking her expression and sitting on the edge of the car. “There’s still so much more I want you to see.”

“Good thing we’ve got some time.”

Y/N lingered for a few moments before turning to Joe with a playful grin. Joe was already looking at her, his expression shifting from confusion to a small smile as she moved closer and opened her arms for a hug.

He welcomed her with open arms and a warm laugh, letting her hold him tight as she wrapped him in the blanket. His arms rested gently on the lower part of her back, and his chin rested on top of her head, leaving a soft kiss there.

Since they’d met, Joe had noticed Y/N wasn’t a big fan of physical touch with just anyone. Only a few people got that kind of affection from her, and thankfully, he was one of them.

He never turned down a hug, kiss, or even the smallest touch from her, even if they were upset with each other.

“Hey,” Joe murmured after a while. Y/N lifted her head to meet his gaze. Joe smiled down at her, taking in her features and the pimple patch she had on before leaning in for a kiss.

Joe’s kisses usually started soft, almost as if offering a preview of what was to come. When he deepened the kiss, his hand, adorned with rings, cupped her face while the other hand held her waist securely.

Their lips moved together in a rhythm that seemed to crave more, and when Joe bit her lip, Y/N melted, letting his tongue explore as the intensity grew.

They only broke apart when they needed air, both of them noticing how their lips had turned red and slightly plumper.

Y/N smiled shyly, her cheeks flushed as if it were the first time they had shared such a tender moment. She rested her face against his chest for a brief second, making Joe genuinely laugh.

“Only gave you a kiss and your knees are already weak?” Joe teased with a laugh, his eyes becoming smaller with the act. 

Y/N playfully punched his chest, laughing. “Shut up, Joe.”

“But am I even lying? ” he said, trying not to laugh as his hands wandered to her backside and gave it a playful squeeze.

“Joseph!” she exclaimed, half-laughing, half-protesting.

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry! Don’t be looking so good then. It’s not my fault,” Joe said, his tone light and teasing.

“I literally look like a bag lady,” Y/N laughed along with him. “Leave me alone.”

“I haven’t done anything to you. It’s my presence that makes you nervous.”

“No, it doesn’t. Don’t let it go to your head,” Y/N retorted with a small, playful smile.

Joe laughed even harder and pulled her closer, allowing himself to enjoy all of her presence. Spending time alone together turned out to be exactly what Joe needed, making the hours of stress and exhaustion seem now like a complete distant memory.

Crossed Paths- Joseph Quinn

Description: Joe's stressful day at LAX takes an unexpected turn when he reaches out to (Y/N), a flight attendant, but most importantly, the girl he has been in love with for so long.

Warnings: None, RPF Fic

Word Count: 2434 (A long one!)

————————————————————————

Joe was going through a particularly rough day. He had been at the Los Angeles airport for hours, desperately trying to find a flight to London. With cancellations, fully booked flights, and limited options, it was looking increasingly unlikely that he’d make it in time to be with his family for the birth of his godchild. His frustration was palpable, a gnawing sense of urgency mingling with helplessness.

In a moment of desperation, he pulled out his phone and hesitated before typing a message to (Y/N), the woman he’d been trying so hard to forget over the past month after their last interaction.

Joseph Q.

“Hey (Y/N),”

The message felt strange and awkward as he tapped away, but he pressed on.

“Sorry to text you out of the blue, but I think I might need your help.”

“Is there any way you can help me get a flight to London? Ashley’s labor started a bit earlier than expected, and I’ve been stuck at LAX for hours with no luck finding a flight.”

“I’m really sorry to bother you with this, but you’re my last resort.”

Meanwhile, (Y/N) was in the middle of a private flight to her next destination, fully absorbed in her responsibilities. It took nearly two hours before she could check her phone. Seeing Joe’s name pop up made her heart skip a beat, but she quickly set her emotions aside and decided to respond setting her feelings aside.

(Y/N) ✈️🖤

“Hey,”

“I’m on a flight right now, but once I land, I’ll see what I can do to help. I’ll let you know once I have news.”

Joe’s sigh of relief was almost audible as he read her reply. His fingers fumbled a bit as he typed his thanks.

Joseph Q.

“Thank you so much. We’ll be in touch.”

As soon as (Y/N) landed, she dove into the post-flight procedures with a sense of urgency. With only an hour before her next flight, she made her way to the airline’s ticketing desk. Despite her efforts to expedite the process, the options were grim; no flights available for several hours. Frustrated but undeterred, she moved to a VIP lounge and began making calls, hoping for a miracle.

After about fifteen minutes, her persistence paid off. An operator managed to secure a seat for Joe the following day at noon. As soon as she had the details, she shot Joe a message requesting his passport number and payment information. The minutes felt like hours as she awaited his response, but soon enough, Joe’s details arrived. Moments later, she was on the phone with him.

“I got you the flight,” she said, navigating her way to her next gate. “It’s private and at noon tomorrow, but at least you’ll get there.”

Joe’s smile was wide, the tension melting away from his shoulders.

“You’re literally the best. You don’t know how much this means to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

“No worries. I know how important it is for you to be there with your family. Listen, I have to go, but I’d suggest you go back to where you’re staying, take a shower, eat something, and get a bit of rest. There are quite a couple hours left before your flight. Make the most of them.”

“Yeah… Yeah, for sure, I’ll do that. I’m going to let you go now, okay? I know you’re still working. I’m sorry and once again, thank you so much.”

“Okay, Joe, I got it,” (Y/N) laughed softly, the warmth in her voice evident. “Take care.”

She hung up and quickly transitioned to boarding her own flight. Meanwhile, Joe grabbed his suitcase and backpack and called an Uber to head back to his apartment. Despite his exhaustion, his mind was a whirlwind of anxiety and lingering thoughts about these last months events.  That night, sleep came reluctantly, interrupted by worries about missing out such an important moment with the people he loved and the memory of that last conversation he had with (Y/N). Suddenly, his mind transported him all over again to that late afternoon of the 8th of January.

A warm sun cast glow stood over the park as Joe and (Y/N) settled onto a bench after Joe ditched an event he had been invited to. They’d both decided it was worth stealing a couple hours for them to spend time together before (Y/N) needed to leave for work again. The conversation flowed easily at first, punctuated by comfortable laughter and complicity. Yet, beneath the surface, there was an undercurrent of tension that neither of them could ignore after some of the last situations that had been occurring.

(Y/N) shifted nervously, her fingers tracing the patterns on her coffee cup. “Joe, there’s something I need to talk to you about,” she began, her voice tinged with hesitation.

Joe looked at her with a mix of curiosity and concern. “What’s on your mind?”

“I’ve been thinking a lot about this.. I mean, us.” she said, struggling to find the right words. “I just don’t see how our lives can really be together in any way beyond what we have now. I mean, we’re in such different places, and it feels like we’re trying so hard to fit puzzle pieces together that are never going to be meant for each other…”

The words hung heavily in the air, and Joe’s heart sank. He had feared this moment but hearing it out loud made it feel more real than ever.

“You think we can’t make this work?” Joe asked, his voice barely masking the pain he felt. “I can’t accept that. Not after everything we’ve been through, not after all the time we’ve spent together. I don’t want to see you as just a friend. I can’t.”

Joe’s heart dropped at her words. He leaned forward, his voice cracking slightly. “I can’t accept that, (Y/N). We’ve built something real here, something worth fighting for. This can’t be over before we’ve even had a real chance…”

(Y/N) looked away, her own heart feeling like it was about to explode. “Joe, I care about you more than you know, but sometimes that just isn’t enough… You know I’ve tried. But our realities just seem too far apart. I don’t want us to get hurt. It’s just not real.”

The park grew quiet around them as the sun began to set, leaving the two of them in a silence heavy with unspoken words. Joe was mad. It wasn’t fair to him to be denied the one person he wanted most. He felt frustrated and helpless, knowing that even though she faced her own grueling work demands, he their own needs and desires were being overshadowed by the reality of his status in society and of the amount of pressure that came with that. The world seemed to stand still for a moment, and Joe’s voice broke through the quiet with a final, resolute statement.

“If we’re not willing to fight for this, then what’s the point of all the effort we’ve put in?” Joe’s voice trembled with conviction. “I’m not willing to just settle, (Y/N). I refuse to let everything we’ve shared be for nothing.”

But he did settle. He let it go, and the weight of that decision still felt like a crushing blow, one of the deepest regrets he’d ever harbored. The echo of his own words haunted him as he lay in bed, wrestling with the sting of lost possibilities and unspoken promises. Despite his restless mind, he managed only a few fitful hours of sleep before his alarm jolted him awake. He hurriedly prepared for the day, his movements automatic. Once he reached the airport, the check-in and security process went smoothly. He slumped into his designated area, waiting for his flight to depart in three hours. An hour into his wait, Joe’s phone buzzed with a new message, interrupting his music.

(Y/N) ✈️🖤

“Are you still at the gate?”

Joe paused the music and leaned forward, eager to respond.

Joseph Q.

“Yeah. Still got an hour of waiting left.”

(Y/N) ✈️🖤

“Have you eaten anything?”

Confused, he quickly replied with a no.

(Y/N) ✈️🖤

“Okay. Remind me of your gate number.”

Joe’s heart raced as he read the message. He sent his gate number and then scanned the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of (Y/N). Just as he was about to give up, he saw her approaching, her suitcase in tow and a few items in hand, and he couldn’t help but smile. He stood up and waved, trying to make his presence known.

They met in the middle of the bustling terminal. (Y/N) greeted him with a warm smile, and Joe took some of her bags, their hands brushing briefly.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, though he was already half expecting the answer.

“I work here,” she said, raising an eyebrow, causing Joe to chuckle.

“I mean here as in literally here… Like right in front of me.”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged with a hint of playfulness. “I figured you hadn’t eaten with all the nerves, so I wanted to make sure you had something in your stomach. You have a long flight ahead of you.”

Joe shook his head, a smile spreading across his face.

“You making this so hard for me, you know? Doing all these things when you don’t have to… I don’t even know what to thank you.”

“You don’t have to say anything. It’s just how I am…” She glanced away, then looked back at him. “I’m supposed to be done for the day. I could stay a bit while you wait for your flight if you want some company.”

“Oh, hell yes. Come on,” he said, already pulling her suitcase. “Let’s find a spot to sit.”

They found a quieter corner of the terminal, a small oasis amidst the chaos. (Y/N) pulled out a coffee she’d picked up for herself and took a sip, her eyes softening as she watched Joe. He was hunched over a sandwich, his exhaustion evident but still somehow striking.

“So…” Joe ventured, his attempt at casual conversation tinged with nervous energy. “How have you been?”

(Y/N) flashed him a warm smile, her gaze lingering just a bit longer than usual. “I’m good. Just the usual grind. How about you?”

“I’ve been well,” Joe said, his tone casual but his fidgeting betraying him. “I’m wrapped up in a project for the next few months. Back in LA soon, though. You know how it is—work.” He hesitated, glancing at his coffee cup as if it might offer some solace. “It’s been a while, and I…”

(Y/N) couldn’t help but laugh softly, a sound filled with affection. “You’re really nervous, aren’t you?”

“Am I?” Joe asked, trying to sound nonchalant but clearly failing. “I guess I didn’t know how things would go after we hadn’t talked for a while.”

(Y/N) leaned in slightly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Chill out, Joe. We’re just catching up. It’s not a performance.”

Joe chuckled, looking both relieved and sheepish. “I guess I’m a bit rusty at this whole ‘casual conversation’ thing.”

“Oh, come on,” (Y/N) teased, her grin widening. “You’re an actor! If you can handle dramatic monologues and intense scenes, surely you can handle a simple chat with me.”

Joe raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing. “True. But I’ve always had a weakness for certain people. I turn into a bit of a mess when I’m around you. You know that, right?”

(Y/N) playfully rolled her eyes, but her smile remained. “Well, that’s good to know. At least I can still make you nervous. It’s nice to have that kind of power, don’t you think?”

Joe’s smile softened, and for a moment, the weight of their complicated past seemed to lift, leaving behind a shared sense of ease and familiarity.

After chatting and sharing a few laughs, Joe glanced at the clock and realized it was almost time for him to head to his private flight area. 

“Well, I guess it’s time for me to go,” Joe said, looking a bit reluctant. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

(Y/N) stood up, smiling softly. “I’ll walk you to your gate. It’s the least I can do after all the trouble you’ve been through.”

Joe smiled gratefully. “I’d like that.”

They walked together through the bustling terminal, heading towards the private flight area. The conversation remained light, filled with easy laughter and casual comments about the absurdities of airport life.

As they reached the entrance to the private flight lounge, Joe stopped and turned to (Y/N), his expression a mix of gratitude and something else—something deeper.

“Well,” he said, his voice softening, “I guess this is where we part ways for now.”

(Y/N) nodded, her eyes meeting his. “Yeah. It’s been really nice catching up. And, uh, good luck with everything.”

Joe hesitated for a moment, then took a step closer, his gaze lingering on her lips. “You too. I hope everything goes smoothly for you.”

There was a brief silence as they both seemed to hesitate, unsure of the next move. Finally, Joe gently cupped (Y/N)’s face with his hands, his touch tender but uncertain. 

(Y/N) looked up at him, her heart racing. “Joe…”

He leaned in slowly, and (Y/N) met him halfway. Their lips brushed in a soft, lingering kiss—hesitant but filled with a quiet, shared longing. It was brief, but it held the weight of their unspoken feelings.

When they finally pulled away, both were a little breathless, their eyes still locked. 

“I should go,” Joe said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah,” (Y/N) replied, her voice equally soft. “I’ll see you around.”

Joe gave her one last, heartfelt smile before turning to enter the private flight area. (Y/N) watched him go, her heart aching with a mix of warmth and sadness. She took a deep breath, turning to walk away with a sense of bittersweet contentment.

As Joe disappeared into the private lounge, he glanced back one last time, catching (Y/N)’s gaze. He gave her a small, appreciative nod before disappearing behind the door. 

(Y/N) stood there for a moment longer, then turned and walked away, her heart full of a quiet hope and the lingering echo of their tender farewell.

Masterlist

Updated: 9/14/2024

Danny Ramirez

A Proper Hello (RPF)

Getting the Falcon Role (RPF)

Chasing Sparks (RPF)

Joseph Quinn

Crossed Paths (RPF)

In Your Embrace (RPF)

Joe Keery

A Taste of Italy (RPF)

MET GALA (RPF)

Harry Potter Fandom

George Weasley

Unspoken Connection

Second Chance

Ron Weasley

My Good Luck Charm

Theodoro Nott

Under the stars

Regulus Black

By my side

Dean Thomas

The Space Between Us

Remus Lupin

Beneath the Surface

Draco Malfoy

The Weight of Expectations

Neville Longbottom

Wish I Didn't Love You