•_•

———————————————————————————

What could go wrong with staying for lunch though, right?

You told yourself it was just Karen being nice, but you knew how you really felt at the kind offer. As realistic as you tried being, a small part of you hoped that she liked you back—

Despite her marriage that she seemed so loyal to, despite her kids, despite Karen having her life figured out, a part of you that smiled softly as she left, hoped.

On the other side, Karen trailed her way up the creaky stairs, each step light and laced with excitement she couldn’t hide. She was going to have lunch with you—

You, in your awfully thin sporty shirt.

You, who focused on maintaining eye contact while you spoke with the woman.

You, who somehow made her fantasise in ways she really shouldn’t.

Karen glanced down at her clothes as she reached the kitchen, before placing her hands on the counter in an attempt to stabilise her thoughts and excitement. Seeing you all sweaty, looking up at her with warmth in your gaze— at her too, it sent her into a frenzy.

She was admittedly weak from the way you looked at her.

Though, she’d never tell anyone that.

If anything, she denied it herself.

The heat— she told herself. It was the heat.

A shaky but controlled sigh left her painted lips before she stood up straight again. She walked back to the basement door, looking down the stairs in hopes of seeing you once more.

“Sweetheart when you’re finished, just come up okay?” Her voice rung out loud enough for it to reach your ears as you painted one of the many walls.

You paused your movements to hear her voice better, your heart beating just a fraction faster from the endearment she used. You stammered just slightly— glad she couldn’t see you struggling to find the words to respond.

“I— yeah, yes ma’am” You struggled out softly, before cringing at yourself.

The older woman smiled sweetly at how compliant you sounded, she heard your slight stammer, and she revelled in how nervous you sounded.

Toying with such a young and innocent girl made her horribly horny.

She couldn’t help but think for a moment, on how you’d sound lapping up her slick. Your chin wet from herself grinding sloppily onto your tongue, chasing friction with small whimpers falling from her mouth.

You, gazing up at her with those wide and soft eyes that revealed just how desperate you were to please the older woman. The thought made her breath hitch, and she realised just how wrong this could go if she was to entertain your crush on her.

God, she felt perverted.

But really she was just lonely, and you were that sweet escape— the sweetener in her bland life.

————

An hour and a half had passed, and by then you were finally finished with painting the final layer, as well as detailing areas near light switches and things like shelves hung up on the walls.

You finished a lot earlier than expected, seemingly getting work done efficiently when it was for a particular reason.

And there was definitely no….

particular…

reason.

Right?

You shook the thought off before cleaning up your workspace.

You left the painting tools on a bench, making sure to place a plastic cover underneath to protect the surface and other materials before walking up the stairs. A light coat of sweat had painted over your body in return, making your body and your arms, shiny.

Your arms felt weak from the constant back and forth movement of painting, your forearms even more sore from gripping the tools tightly to apply the right pressure—

Your gaze has been downcast at your forearms, massaging each side separately as you idly walked up the stairs and towards the kitchen.

Then you felt a pair of hands on your forearms, grabbing the two limbs softly as if stabilising you in place.

“Oh my god, you’re finished already?” She questioned with amazement, completely ignorant to how her hands were holding your forearms as if it were completely normal.

Obviously you weren’t watching where you were going, and the two of you almost bumped into each other until Karen had caught both you and herself.

The kitchen smelled amazing— especially after eating garbage for the past few days, the smell made your tastebuds water, and you swallowed your saliva down softly to compose yourself.

You smiled when she mentioned your accomplishment of finishing the basement, shy and hopeful. “I finished earlier than I thought I would.” You answered softly, shy under the woman’s hands still holding you.

Karen however was both excited and impressed by how you’d finished the final layer so efficiently. She knew you weren’t the type to leave things half done, or done in poor quality, so she was pleased.

And it showed on her face so clearly.

“I’m sure you did amazing,” she began, completely aware of how it sounded and your instant reaction to the praise. Your eyes opening just a little more as if waking up, the faint addams apple on your throat bobbing in a way she labelled as slutty.

Unfair, she knew that— you couldn’t control how your throat moved. But she wanted nothing more than to trace her finger up and down the skin, grazing and soothing.

She continued talking, aware of how her hands were holding your firm forearms. Your body temperature was warm, and she couldn’t help but trace one of the veins with a gentle finger.

But she had to remind herself to stop— to stop leading the poor girl on, when in the end she would be too guilt ridden to follow through.

She removed her hands as if your skin suddenly burned her.

“Anyway— let’s eat!” She excited remarked, smiling before walking away to plate your serving and her’s too. You stood there all wide eyed, confused on how quickly things had escalated. Never-mind that, you followed behind her and grabbed glasses for drinks, helping her set up the table.

The older woman held the two plates of food in her hand, more precisely, hand and cheese melts in croissants. She watched you move around the kitchen, grabbing the two glasses and some sauces from the fridge, placing them on the table.

Was it bad she wished for Ted to be more like you?

Because while Ted watched the Tv with a beer in hand, you helped her wash dishes. You entertained Holly while Karen herself cooked peacefully, even getting the opportunity to watch the two of you giggle and laugh as she stood with a wine glass in her hand, smiling and sipping at the sight.

The respectful approach you always had, the politeness you displayed, the willingness to help at any given time, was what made Karen ultimately fall for you little by little— day by day.

“Need help Mrs. Wheeler?” Your voice rung out softly, snapping Karen out of her thoughts as you grabbed the plates from her hands with a warm smile, placing the dishes down carefully.

Why’d you have to be like some kind of extra terrestrial?

You were so unlike everyone else she knew, in all the right ways.

She blinked lightly, once, before smiling and sitting down, her eyes fixed on your figure as you poured her some cranberry juice mixed with water, knowing she preferred the sugary taste dulled just a little. It was things like this that made it hard for her to be loyal.

You paid attention.

You cared, and that’s what made it easy for you to pay attention to her.

Recognising small changes she made, efforts she made, it was like breathing for you. And when her thoughts rippled back to Ted, she knew that he wouldn’t be able to remember her favourite song if he tried, let alone care enough to remember how she liked her juice.

You would know in a heartbeat that it was (I Just) Died In Your Arms By Cutting crew.

Karen’s gaze fell back down to the food she had made, contemplating whether she should take a risk. Because she knew you liked her, she had discovered that a long time ago.

And she also knew that if she was to kiss you, you’d kiss back without thinking. Which meant she decided how this went— she knew that much. Knowing you’d kiss back all needy and hungrily, was almost enough to make her pull you into a kiss right now.

But she also knew that if she did kiss you, the guilt would eat her up alive. It would be cheating, there’s no argument about that. But the curious part of her wondered if your kiss alone would be enough to drown out the guilt.

If your hands, firm and warm, would be enough to make her forget the undeniable fact that she was being disloyal.

But was that her fault?

Really?

Ted didn’t want her anymore. He didn’t care, he didn’t mind whether she came home later than usual or disappeared for some unknown reason. He was just so uninterested in her, and it hurt her.

Not because she loved him to death, but because she felt lonely knowing her husband of all people, didn’t desire her.

You noticed how she stared down at the food, a smile still lingering on her face but obviously not present in the moment whatsoever. You had washed your hands after putting the juice back in the fridge, and had already taken a bite out of the ham and cheese melt.

Only after you swallowed, you spoke. “Mrs. Wheeler, this is so good.” A small moan, not sexual but low and breathy, escaped your throat. The cougar’s eyes snapped to you across the table when her ears picked up that sound.

Her eyes lit up, sucked back into the warm moment. “You think so? I tried something new for once since I always make you pasta…” she trailed off shyly, cutting a small slice and using her fork to lift the piece into her mouth.

Her humility when complimented was adorable. She was older sure, but under that— she was still a girl who deserved to be loved endlessly. That’s all you seemed to think about for the past few months.

You on the other hand, you smiled while nodding, taking another bite out of croissant to prove your point. Karen breathily chuckled at the sight, her teeth and dimples fully on display for you to admire.

Making her laugh was one of your guilty pleasures— you couldn’t help it. Nor help the way your eyes remain ed constant on her eyes, watching the sides wrinkle. You adored every feature she bore, because she really aged like the fine wine she often drank.

Her laugh eased, and she muttered a few words before drinking her juice. “Well it’s flattering to know at least one person appreciates my cooking.” Her voice was rasp, dry from not drinking enough water.

You noticed, and noted it mentally to remind her to drink more water.

She placed the glass down, her gaze more focused on you than the food. She had forgotten about the food by now.

“Ted… well you know what Ted’s like.” She trailed off with a faint sigh, “He doesn’t pay as much attention.” She admitted more quietly before looking away from the embarrassment she felt.

She was being vulnerable enough with you to admit that she wasn’t being treated like she deserved to be by her own husband— she was being honest and raw with you.

“Well at least not nearly as much as you do.”

She trailed off, completely silent now, partially regretting telling you. Where was she going with this anyway?

That she needed you?

Wanted you to keep paying her attention?

Your lips parted at the revelation. You almost felt proud of yourself, but with the way she excused herself and walked to the kitchen island in a rush to lean against the counter backwards— you just couldn’t.

You stood up from the table, and quietly walked to where she stood looking away, unable to properly look at you. When you spoke, your voice came out like a steady reassurance.

“That doesn’t make you a bad person, it’s just how you feel.”

Karen finally looked at her, tears welling in her eyes but her lips pressed together like she was holding it together for your sake. “How?” She asked, strained and tense.

“Because you like me sweetheart, I know you do. But I can’t.”

She stammered, blurting it all out without really meaning to. She sucked in a breath before speaking again, her tone more tense, almost frustrated at how things were.

Before she could speak, you interjected. You suspected that she knew, but hearing her confront you like this— it was something completely new.

“But you don’t have to do anything.” Your voice wavered as you spoke, unsure of how to handle this without ruining what the two of you shared.

“I really like you Mrs. Wheeler.” You panted, looking away to find the words. Admitting it to her, face to face was hard.

God, it was really hard.

You were confessing a secret you’d kept to yourself for years on end, but knowing that she already knew of your feelings helped a little to continue.

“And I—“ You stopped, forcing yourself to properly look at her while you did. You wanted to do this right, in a way she deserved.

Karen simply stood there leaning against the counter, her eyes basically burning holes at you. She remembered you prior words,

But you don’t have to do anything.

It made her physically weak. Your words that were meant to sooth, was only prodding at her heart more. As if teasing it, and mocking it for all it was worth.

You were struggling to find the words until you saw her hand reach out. The words died on your tongue, and you could only stare in disbelief when she cupped your left cheek with her right hand. Her thumb caressed over a spot, grazing back and forth as she stared at you with that apologetic look.

She was apologising in advance for what she was about to do.

She didn’t need to step closer, because you did.

You didn’t say anything, afraid that it would ruin whatever was happening. Then her voice came in a barely there whisper, her last attempt in stopping this.

“I’m twice your age honey, I might as well be your mother.” It was a warning, and yet, you perceived it as invitation to lean closer.

Both your voices were now hushed, acutely aware of where this was going, and just how inappropriate this was.

“But you’re not.” You breathed out heavily as she leaned closer, her eyes flickering shut.

In Karen’s mind, this was all your fault.

Your fault when her lips pressed against yours, soft and shy as if she was testing the feeling.

It felt so soft.

The guilt she felt so intensely, melted out of her system the moment your lips pressed back. A broken whimper left her lips when she felt your hand suddenly resting on her waist.

Your other hand slithered around her waist, encircling her in your arms and pulling her closer. This kiss that was once shy, became hungry and impatient—

Karen bit down softly onto your bottom lip, then sucked the lip when she tasted a hint of metal on her tongue. You only whimpered at the feeling, the sound coming from deep within your throat— guttural and real.

You sounded so pretty.

And somehow, you had carried her upstairs to her bedroom without struggle, while kissing the older woman’s neck feverishly.

“Don’t rush.” She panted as her back met the mattress. She was breathless, her chest heaving up and down in a rhythm.

You were right on top of her, face buried somewhere in the crook of her neck. Her perfume here was prominent, so you assumed that this was where she sprayed her signature scent every morning.

When she pleaded you not to rush, you felt the feral need to please her.

“Don’t rush it baby” She repeated more steadily, seemingly more collected than before. “Please.”

You pulled back to look down at her state, her hair was messy now, splayed onto the bed. Your hands reached down to the hem of her shirt, tugging the thin material up and pulling the shirt off her body completely.

That left her exposed, laying there only in her black lacy bra. Her breath hitched when you pulled the shirt off, and she turned her head to the side, too embarrassed to face you.

It had been an awfully long time since anyone had looked at her so hungrily, let alone seen her in just a bra. Why did you make her feel so vulnerable?

She thought she hated it, but really she wanted more of it.

“Don’t look at me like that.” She scolded in a low and humiliated tone, her hands coming up to fidget in the middle of her chest— trying to hide behind her arms.

“Like what?” You smiled, discarding the shirt somewhere in the room. Your hands then moved to gently hold her wrists, tugging them away to expose her again. You pinned her hands above her head with your right hand, then used the left to caress its way behind her back.

Your fingertips felt the clasp of her bra, her back instinctively arching off the bed to aid your attempt.

Your smile was still as charming— if not brighter now that she was laying under you. “Like you’re going to eat me” she answered almost defiantly, her gaze finally meeting yours when your hands unclasped her bra smoothly.

The lace then snapped open, and you chucked the bra somewhere else too.

God, her boobs.

You froze for a second before leaning down and immediately latching one bud into your mouth. You sucked on the soft bud, your tongue swirling around it and lightly grazing it with your teeth.

Karen moaned loudly at the contact and sensation.

She gasped, loud and mouth opening as her eyes rolled back. Her hands struggled under your’s, and her back arched off the mattress, pushing herself even further into your mouth.

Her thighs clenched, and you smirked at the reaction she gave.

Just as you’d expected, she was so, so sensitive.

Sucking on her nipple alone was enough to have her knees pressing against each other, rubbing her thighs together involuntarily.

Taking that as a sign, your fingers unbuttoned her jeans and pulled the tight denim off swiftly. It helped that she bent her knees so it was easier to take off.

Her underwear was also black, and in lace.

Had she worn a matching set just because you were coming over?

“S-stop…” the woman muttered with all her might while your tongue still assaulted her nipple.

You stopped the moment the word left her mouth, and pulled away, making her whimper softly before trying to explain. Your expression was so palpable— concerned and confused, worried you had hurt her.

“Your clothes baby,” she muttered quietly, looking down at your clothed appearance.

You understood very quickly about what she meant. She was like a virgin at this point, all shy.

But you understood how overwhelming it felt being vulnerable and nude while the other person was fully clothed. It was intimidating, and you had forgotten in a frenzy of excitement and want.

“Shit, I’m sorry-“ you muttered, letting go of her wrists and sitting up before pulling your shirt off as quickly as possible, throwing it to somewhere you couldn’t care enough to remember.

Even now, you were so kind and polite— apologising quickly before fixing your mistake. You were so adorable, it hurt. Even your skin, moisturised and soft, that she didn’t stop herself from raising her free hand to trace your stomach.

She ached.

Not in a heartache kind of way, but it ached down where your knee had accidentally pressed lightly against.

Sucking in a breath, you tried not to shiver at the feeling of someone else touching with affection too. Like she was admiring you— seeing you.

Not just using you.

Shifting further down the bed, you hooked one finger on either sides of her lace underwear, and looked up at her for consent. She nodded, no hesitation behind the action.

As if on queue, you pulled the clothing down, and off her legs.

Karen had expected your fingers, but instead she saw you hold her thighs apart and lean towards her wet slick. You kissed her clit, shy and sweet like you were kissing her lips.

It made her blush furiously.

Out of everything you could’ve done, you’d chosen the most intimate and most embarrassing act. But a part of her loved that you desired her that bad.

Her hand lowered down to slither into your hair, and gripped lightly at the scalp, tugging like she was in control. You wet her first, flattening your tongue and licking the entire slick. She shivered at how you seemed to avoid her pulsing clit and her clenching hole.

You raised one of your hands up and toyed with her nipple which rested in between your index and thumbs. The action elicited multiple gasps of shock and moans.

“mhh!” She moaned quietly, her other hand splaying above her head like some kind of goddess. Her hips jerked up when you sucked on her clit, searching for friction.

You took the momentary action to act as a distraction and used your right hand to push two fingers inside her. At that, her mouth opened wider than ever before, a loud whiny gasp leaving her mouth from the unexpected sensation of your fingers shoved inside her walls.

She was warm around you, and without waiting a moment, you curled your fingers towards yourself, hitting her g-spot before pulling it out carefully, only to shove it back in and repeat the circling motion.

With your tongue, you toyed with the bean sized bundle of nerves with the tip of your tongue, swirling the nub in circles with the wetness of your mouth.

“Oh my god-“ she moaned shakily, her hips wiggling and chest arching up from how you somehow managed to make every inch of her feel like bliss.

You stopped pulling your fingers out when you felt her walls clench repeatedly, knowing she was close to falling apart. Instead, you repeatedly curled your fingers, then moved the two fingers in a scissoring motion but horizontally.

The sounds that came from it was wet squelching noises, difficult to describe.

But she couldn’t hold it in anymore, and without warning, Karen moaned in a low and throaty tone, her thighs coming to trap your head in place as she clenched them together without control.

Her thighs itself shook from the way your tongue kept swirling around her clit, your hands still slowly swirling before sliding out completely.

She looked down at you as you brought the two fingers to your mouth, sucking the juices off.

Her eyes widened, and the blush on her cheeks only reddened further at the sight of you doing somehow so bold. She felt desired in a way she hadn’t felt in years.

When you kissed her again, she tasted herself on your tongue, and when you pulled back to look at her all lovingly and gentle, she spoke before she thought.

“I love you sweetheart, I do.” She repeated quietly, her own eyes holding affection. “Remind me, exactly how long are your parents away for?”

———————————————————————————

This was a really long chapter, and honestly I’m sorry for being gone for so long but I really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter 😚

Also if anyone wants another part, please tell me and I might consider it, but I’m really happy with how I left it.

Requests are open too so feel free to just ask, I’ll always answer.

I got so tired towards the end but 1… 2… 1…2…3 Release ‘em

“Ted, seriously-“ Karen’s voice wavered in a strained manner.

The whole night, Ted and Karen had been going back and forth on a simple matter. Or more so, Karen had been pleading Ted to pay attention while she tried to explain calmly.

The issue?

The couple’s everlasting struggle with showing affection and love to one another.

Karen didn’t want to blame her husband for being the reason she felt disloyal. But with the countless nights she spent alone, wondering if it was best she married a rich man in the hopes of a calm life- she couldn’t deny what she thought deep down.

Initially it had been an amusement of sorts when Karen had come to realise her friend’s daughter took a liking to her. She giggled at first, entertained by the idea of someone liking her, even at such an age.

But it became a problem when Karen’s eyes began to linger where they shouldn’t. At parties, functions, or even outings with other families- her gaze never failed to find its way to you.

Not to make matters worse, you were her oldest daughter’s best friend. Nancy’s eternal best friend who was somehow nothing like Nancy. But it only meant seeing you more often.

About a month ago, you had arrived to the Wheeler’s house with a box of chocolates and flowers at the front door with a nervous look. Nancy’s boyfriend at the time had broken up with her and you were there to console her but god-

When Karen saw you standing there-

Only in your ragged jeans and shirt thrown on in a hurry, she felt herself melt.

For a second that night, she assumed they were for her.

That was the problem.

Had it been anyone else, she would’ve paid it no mind- but no, it was you of all people.

“Agh, let’s talk bout this tomorrow honey.” Ted’s voice rung out loud and uninterested as if he wasn’t affected one bit by the issue. Karen stood there with almost a frown now, wondering if the matter was really that small and if she was the one overreacting.

When she looked to Ted, he had stood up and begun to walk towards the fridge- probably to grab his fifth beer of the night to then rot on the couch.

He wasn’t a bad person. He simply didn’t love his wife the same anymore. It happens with people. They fall out of love simply from their lifestyle, or hormones- he was still loyal after all this time.

His only interests now, were beer and tv.

Another night, another useless conversation.

The next day that came, was a day Karen had been waiting for, because about a week ago- Nancy had mentioned you coming over to help out with painting the walls of the basement. They were doing a remodel of the room- and ofcourse, you offered to help without hesitation.

Karen herself had been planning to hire someone else, or ask Ted to do it- to which he would probably say “later.” And not do anyway. Had she asked Mike? He would’ve agreed and done a sloppy job. Nancy painting walls? That was out of the question.

Plus even now, Ted was with his friends to play golf and drink beer for the day.

So when she heard that you were offering, she felt relieved.

As she pulled the cookie tray out of the oven and set it on the stove top, she heard the doorbell ring once. Her head lifted towards the direction, her attention entirely on the door and who was behind it.

She wasted no time before taking the oven mitts off and walking over to the front door.

You were looking to the side, noticing the flowers that had begun to bloom from the warm temperature. When the door swung open, your gaze met Mrs. Wheeler’s.

The woman’s eyes almost immediately scattered over your choice of clothes. A sleeveless thin sporty shirt, exposing your arms. Which were- muscular. Not to mention the way they had taken a light tan colour.

“Mrs. Wheeler,” your voice rung out, a light polite tone. The corners of your mouth lifted into a small grin, your eyes glistening just a little from the sight of her hair pulled up into a messy bun, and the V-cut shirt she wore- just slightly covered by the apron she wore while cooking.

The woman herself had already been smiling as the door opened, and since then it had only grown.

“Y/n! You’re here.” She smiled, opening the door further for you to come inside. You could smell the chocolate aroma, mixed with her perfume.

You could never distinguish what perfume had what flavours or fruits- but you knew she smelled good. In a way that you never smelt on anyone else.

“Thank you again for offering to do this for us- I was beginning to think I’d have to pay someone to do it.” She added with a light laugh, closing the door behind you as you walked inside casually.

“It’s alright- I had nothing better to do all day anyway,” you responded, looking down at her as you walked. You were taller than the older woman, which honestly worked in your favour.

How?

It was the way she looked up at you at times. When you were stood just a little too close, she would turn to look up at you from under her eyelashes.

The thought of her hungry gaze alone made your heart hammer.

As the two of you made small talk and walked down to the basement, she couldn’t help but feel a little flutter in her stomach from how much attention you were giving her. The way your eyes stayed constant on her, the way you seemed so interested in whatever she was saying-

She smiled just slightly when you two stopped near the wall.

“Well this is it-“ she murmured with a sigh, chuckling at it before turning to face you again. You studied the paint tools that were on the floor, deciding which brush you should use and how much coats of paint you should do.

You decided on using the thick brush for the edges and the paint roller for the centre areas of a single wall.

“I’ll paint 2 coats. The paint is already thick enough but the wood texture might suck up the moisture and the colour might distort. If I do two, then the colour will stick. Is that alright?” You asked, switching your gaze back to her with that innocent yet charming smile.

She had to stop herself from swooning over you when you said that. You sounded so smart and careful, all the while being respectful about it. “Y-yeah! That works, you do you.” She blurted with an embarrassed smile.

Seeing her shy smile, you couldn’t help but grin lightly. What had been a boring day, turned into a fun and exciting one.

Karen then left you to it and went upstairs to plate the cookies. After not even a few solid minutes, she came back down with a plate full of warm chocolatey cookies in hand.

“Sweetheart, would you like some cookies? I made them this morning and I thought you might like it.” She offered as you turned around, looking down at the plate. Your lips parted and you smiled sweetly in gratitude, taking one off the plate and taking a bite into it.

“Mmm,” you groaned, looking at her with amazement. “You’ve got the best cookies in Hawkins, I swear to you.” You promised, laughing lightly before stuffing the rest and chewing gently.

The woman beamed at the praise, her eyes lighting up at the compliment. Not even after the countless bakeries she’d made for Ted, your one compliment alone outshone every other thing Ted didn’t say.

When you complimented, Ted returned to watching tv.

A stark contrast- one that she will seemingly play in her mind over and over as one of the reasons why it was okay for anyone to have a crush on you.

She could easily see why you were Nancy’s best friend. You were smart, respectful, and fun too. All the things Nancy was, and needed. Anyone with eyes and a brain would fall for you, it really wasn’t in question.

You were muscular, appreciative of the small things, and incredibly well mannered. You must’ve known a little respect for women went a long way, because you seemed to charm your way into almost everything.

Karen had seen you at functions, charming and smiling your way into convincing the sweet lunch lady to add just a little more dessert without asking to. And the best part? You weren’t cocky about it- you barely realised people liked you.

In other words, you were oblivious.

“Oh please, you’re just being polite.” Karen grinned back, looking to the side briefly as she lightly bit her lower lips while grinning. She was embarrassed, shy and ultimately a little excited from the difference compared to her usual boring day.

Your eyes tracked her head, trying to follow her gaze even as she turned her head to the side. When that happened, you couldn’t help but look down at her teeth sinking down into her lips.

Your smile widened impossibly from her insistence that you were just being polite. “No really, I wish I could eat your cookies more often… you really make it the best.” You admitted before letting out a sigh.

“Anyway, I’ll get back to work.” You added while crossing your arms, only highlighting your arm muscles which Karen had to stop herself from ogling at. “But uh, you’re a great cook Mrs. Wheeler, Santa is one lucky man.”

She softly rolled her eyes, before they settled on you, staring at the way your lips tugged into a grin before you turned around and began working on the wall.

Did you have to be so frustratingly hot?

The clock on the basement wall read 1:32 P.M which also meant you had been here for the last 2 hours. You had finished painting the first coat for all the walls in the basement. Most of your time was taken from lining the details, but you managed to fit the first coat in quickly.

You sat down on one of the chairs, sweating from the labor. Your arms and hands were now covered in visible veins, not to mention how vascular you got when it got hot outside. Your hair, slightly sweaty from the workout and your hands covered in little smudges of paint.

You wiped the sweat off your forehead until you heard Karen’s footsteps tread down the stairs.

Her eyes flickered over each wall, a small flash of amazement plastering over her face as she sauntered over with a glass of water. The glass with filled with water and ice, definitely cold.

When her gaze landed on you, she was sure you already had a partner. Girl or boy, you just had to have someone, or someone else liked you for sure- there was just no way a girl like you was unwanted.

“Careful honey, it’s cold.” She warned quietly while handing the glass over. Your warm fingers brushed over her’s when you grabbed the glass, your head tilting up to thank the woman for her efforts in making you feel better.

“But aside from that, you got it all done!” She exclaimed smiling brightly, her head tilting as if she was asking if you were okay.

“Well, not quite yet. Sorry to disappoint Mrs Wheeler, but that’s only the first coat, I’ve still got one more, It’ll take another 2 hours I think? Maybe 3 since I need to add final details?” You debated with yourself at the end, thinking carefully.

An idea popped into her mind at your words. “Sweetheart that’s really no problem, how about you stay for lunch? It’ll be just us since the kids are busy and Ted went out with his friends…” she offered placing an innocent hand on your shoulder.

You felt her hand, and you froze.

Unsure of how to react, you simply tried not to overreact.

You felt her touch so sensitively. You could feel her wedding ring sitting on your shoulder, the cold metal pressing through the shirt just enough so it could be distinguished.

It was a harsh reminder of her status and yours.

Karen had desperately tried. She tried not to think about it, and she tried to ignore how she felt. But no matter how hard she forced herself to try, it all seemed to get wrecked the moment you flashed your smile.

And looking at her own hand on your shoulder, she felt defeated in the circumstances and only hoped for your answer.

“For lunch? yes please.” You responded not only a second later. “Thank you- my parents are out of town for a business trip for a few weeks, I was wondering what to eat when I got home..” smiling thankfully before standing up, finding yourself just a little too close to the older woman.

Karen’s hand lifted as you did, and she smiled at you in that motherly, caring, way. A sense of worry filled her when you informed her about your solitude. You were old enough to take care of yourself, but thinking of you all alone made her feel uneasy.

“Sweetie,” she began, unsure of how to deliver the words.

“I could come visit you during these weeks and teach you how to make some food if you’d like…” she offered softly. “I know you’re probably eating garbage for dinner-“ she insisted, laughing lightly.

You on the other hand- you felt yourself growing emotionally attached to her. Did she care so much for you that she was offering to help you learn how to cook?

You blinked once, smiling just a bit from her guess that you ate garbage.

“That’d be great, thank you.” You responded slowly, not in a rush to end such an intimate moment.

The woman’s smiled only widened further, nodding her head as if confirming the plan. “Great I’ll- I’ll get back to making some food okay?” She asked smiling sweetly before disappearing upstairs, smiling to herself.

What could go wrong with staying for lunch though, right?

———————————————————————————

“Would you… like to grab a drink at Joe’s after?” It slipped out, shaky and unpolished. Not Addison-like at all. And the second it left her mouth, she regretted it.

Because you didn’t say anything right away.

The silence was instant. Loud. Crushing.

You didn’t say no—but you didn’t say yes either.

You just stared at her. Those eyes. That unreadable softness in your face that made her knees weak. And the longer the silence stretched, the more her chest tightened. She could feel her pulse behind her ribs, rising in panic, in hope.

Was she insane? You were an intern. This was a bad idea. But your eyes… they weren’t cold. They weren’t confused. You weren’t pulling away.

Still, she couldn’t stand it.

The silence.

It was too much.

So she did the only thing she could do.

She leaned in.

It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t smart. But it was real.

Her lips found yours with a kind of desperation—not rushed, but certain. A quiet surrender. Like she needed to chase the moment before it slipped away.

She kissed you.

Not because she was sure. But because she wasn’t.

Because the silence between you was too full of what-ifs. Because the way you looked at her made her feel like a person again—not just an attending, not just a divorcée. Because you didn’t flinch. Because your eyes stayed on hers, calm and steady and there.

So when her lips met yours, it wasn’t an accident.

It was an answer.

Addison’s eyes fluttered shut at the kiss, her body instinctively leaning into you, as if chasing the warmth of the moment. Her hands rose to cradle the sides of your neck, grounding herself in the feel of your skin—warm, steady, present. So different from Derek, whose kisses always felt like an afterthought, his mind miles away even when his mouth was on hers.

You weren’t the kind to mope around the hospital over drama—not like George. Bad hook-ups, if you even had them, didn’t linger. You moved on fast, clean. Which is why kissing Addison came easy. Natural. Effortless. As if she belonged there, in your arms, without question.

She needed this—just as much as you did. Maybe more. Your hands settled at her hips, fingers splayed like you were afraid she might drift away if you didn’t hold tight enough. Your lips met hers slowly, with a kind of reverence, each movement deliberate, unhurried. It wasn’t like the casual flings the hospital seemed to breed—those hurried, thoughtless collisions of bodies. This was different.

Her fingers dug into the back of your neck, guiding the kiss before she finally pulled away. She blinked once, slow and measured, as if trying to make sense of what had just happened. Your eyes opened, settling on her face—her expression caught somewhere between startled and thoughtful. Her hair was perfect, as always. Her lips, slightly swollen. Her glasses pushed just a little askew.

Then she laughed under her breath, blinking again—this time more deliberately, like she could blink the moment away. “I kissed you…” she said, almost like it was a joke, her gaze darting to the side.

You didn’t flinch. Your eyes stayed on her, steady and certain. “Yeah, you did,” you said, your voice low as you leaned in, your lips tilting subtly toward her ear.

She closed her eyes at your nearness, instinctively angling her shoulder up, trying to block the space between your mouth and her skin. Trying to resist the pull. She wanted to give in—you could feel it—but she was still fighting to keep control, even if only for a little longer.

But keeping her distance was getting harder—especially with the way you looked at her, like you actually wanted her. Not out of convenience or obligation, but truly wanted her. After years of feeling like an afterthought—ignored, untouched, unloved—Addison felt visible again. Desired. Derek had kept her locked in a marriage where she was meant to play the role of perfect wife, while he drifted further and further away. What kind of marriage was that? What kind of love?

And sure, you were no Derek. On paper, it wasn’t even a comparison. He was the best neurosurgeon in the country. You were just an intern, barely starting out. But in Addison’s mind, that didn’t matter. Because Derek, for all his brilliance, never made her feel the way you did. Never looked at her like she was something rare. You’d kissed her once—and she hadn’t stopped thinking about it since.

It was ridiculous. She knew that.

A shaky breath slipped from her lips as she turned her head toward you, her eyes flicking down to your mouth again. Her hands had drifted to your stomach, fingers pressing lightly against the subtle lines of your abs. She could feel them beneath the fabric—but she didn’t dare slip her hands under your shirt.

Then it hit her.

A sudden wave of realization crashed over her, widening her eyes as she pulled her head back just slightly, like she was trying to put an inch of space between herself and the unraveling moment. A last-ditch effort to salvage some shred of professionalism.

But it was too late for that.

You’d walked in and tossed the idea of “professional” straight out the window.

You watched her pull back—not with rejection, but with hesitation. There was confusion there, sure, but also confidence. You didn’t flinch. You didn’t move away.

She slowly lifted her hands from your body, drawing them up to her chest like she’d been caught red-handed. Like she was silently asking herself what she’d just done.

When her warm hands lifted from your stomach, something flickered in your eyes—a quiet, disappointed glare. Without thinking, your right hand reached up, catching her wrist gently and guiding it back—this time to your neck, where her touch belonged.

God, you were like a kicked puppy.

All she'd done was pull her hand away, and yet you looked like you’d lost all of her. That ache—raw and unguarded—was written all over you. It clung to your posture, your eyes, your breath. And Addison soaked it in like sunlight. The need, the want… it was intoxicating. Being with you felt like a reset—like some quiet reminder that she was still wanted, still worthy. That Derek hadn’t erased her.

The moment her hand touched your neck again—soft, tentative, like she was afraid of breaking you—your own hand returned to her hips with quiet certainty. And that was it. Her resolve shattered like glass on pavement.

Her hand didn’t grip; it just hovered, cupping your skin with the lightest pressure, like she was memorizing the feel of you. And when her eyes found yours again, everything else around you faded.

Silence thickened the air between you, and still, neither of you spoke. Only the quiet hum of hospital machines and the ticking clock remained—an odd, sterile soundtrack to something so intimate.

A loose strand of Addison’s fiery red hair slipped free, falling across her cheek, casting a shadow over part of her face. And still, she didn’t move. Neither of you did.

Not yet.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s Monday- another busy day at the hospital with nonstop cases and traumas. You’re nothing more than an intern trying to survive, like especially right now where Dr.Bailey stood directly next to you, looking over some charts before she spoke.

Her voice, monotone yet holding its strict grip that relented to relax. “Take her to the GYN wing and page Dr. Montgomery- you’re under her services today.” She states, already looking to her left with her attention elsewhere.

You nod without complaint, paging the woman with haste as Dr. Bailey speed walked off.

The patient, a woman in her 20’s who had been in a car crash spoke. Her voice was soft, scared of what was happening right now. “I’m scared.” She murmured, looking up at you. The glint in her eyes said all you needed to know to place a warm hand on her own.

She relaxed after a second while her pupils dilated the slightest bit.

“I know- just hold on, I’m taking you to Dr. Montgomery.” You replied back, determined to make sure she was okay. After a minute, you wheeled her into a seperate room and helped her onto the bed with ease.

Not even a second after- the clicking of expensive heels could be heard as Addison entered the room. Her strides were confident and tall, though this time she looked slightly worn.

“Y/L/N.” She greeted with a tight lipped half smile, a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, before they darted to the patient.

You explained the patients situation to Addison, to which she nodded to, assessing in her head. “Annie here is a 26 year old pregnant female patient who was admitted here due to a car crash. Luckily there were no signs of any physical damage to her, but Dr. Bailey is concerned about the baby so I brought her here”

Addison nodded, looking over the charts one more time before holding onto the bed railings softy, speaking in a soft spoken manner to Annie.

She took in a soft breath, tilting her head down the slightest bit. “I’m going to do an ultrasound scan just to check on the baby, okay?” She asked to which Annie nodded, glancing at you with slight fear.

You picked up her concern, and couldn’t help but speak up. “Do you have any family members I could call? A boyfriend…husband? ” you asked, worried.

Addison’s eyes remained on the machine, before she picked up the scanner, coating the end with gel. This was normal procedure, she’d done this a countless number of times. Annie whispered this time, almost ashamed. “No.. I don’t”

Addison glanced at you with a knowing look, a small look of pity and sadness that she shared when patients suffered unfortunate situations. You felt bad for Annie. She had just been in a car crash and she had no one to call. She was also pregnant with no father to help.

A small sigh of preparation left your lips before you stepped onto the opposite side of the bed, and placed your hand on her’s again. “It’s okay, just look at me- just breathe.” You comforted, staring back down at her to try and calm her down.

Addison caught that.

Her watchful eyes remained glued to your eyes that for -some reason remained plastered onto Annie’s. It was that soft and caring look she wanted someone else to look at her with. She brushed the strange feeling off, lifting the patient’s gown a little to rub the scanner over her lower stomach.

What was that?

Before this moment, you were just a normal intern. Sure you were fit and in other words, eye candy- but that had never been a problem until now. Until she saw the softness your eyes could hold for someone you barely knew.

Your eyes glanced up at Addison, feeling her eyes on you. You caught her staring, yet she didn’t look away. If anything, she soaked up the momentary gentle look you gave her that was directed at Annie. Even if it was just for a second, she wanted to know what it felt like.

She felt her heart, beat.

For the first time in a while, Addison struggled to think.

Her lips parted a fraction, exposing her teeth and blinking a singular time. She swallowed hard enough to close her parted lips, forcing her gaze back to the machine. God, her mind was a mess.

You swore you saw her look at you differently, but your attention was pulled back when Annie’s hand squeezed yours firmly, nervous and anxious. After about a minute, Addison sighed- pulling the scanner away and placing it back before gliding her hands back into the pockets of her white coat.

“Annie, your baby has a placental eruption. It means that your baby isn’t getting enough oxygen.” She stated, in an empathetic tone. “Luckily, it isn’t too severe but you have to stay here for IV fluids and we need to monitor you and the baby.”

Annie’s hand relaxed slightly at Addison’s diagnosis, sighing softly before nodding. “Okay- okay yeah. Thank you.” She whispered before closing her eyes in gratitude.

Addison spoke again, this time firm but still warm. “I’ll check back with you in a bit Annie. Y/L/N, a word please.” She demanded in a stern tone, offering a glare to which you grew confused with. What did you do now? You followed her outside, shutting the door before looking at Addison.

“What was that?” She asked, firm and annoyed. Your eyebrows furrowed in response while she crossed her arms.

“What was what?” You questioned, narrowing your eyes.

She scoffed, leaning closer with sass. “Do I have another Denny Duquette situation in my hands? Because if I do, you’re off this case.” She emphasised her words with her eyebrows, speaking in a clear and deliberate manner.

You hadn’t thought about it when you grabbed Annie’s hands. A defensive tone laced your voice, a little annoyed. “She doesn’t have a family, what was I supposed to do? Just let her lay there all scared?” You questioned firmly.

Your response struck a cord within her.

You were risking your internship simply for a woman because you cared.

A defeated sigh left her lips before her posture slumped, looking at your lips before responding. “She’ll be okay, you’re scrubbing in with me for a C- section in an hour. Don’t be late.” She reminded before walking off.

Addison’s heels clicked against the floor, a prominent sound that only came when she either left or came.

Her eyes had flickered with vulnerability for a second before she brushed it off, but you had caught it. You’d never thought of Addison in that kind of way until now. Not until she stared at you like she was expecting something from you.

As if you had something she wanted so bad.

———————————————————————————

Addison on the other hand, was going crazy. She locked herself in the on call room, leaning her back against the door with a dramatic sigh as she closed her eyes. She had to remind herself she was just divorced.

And that you were an intern, while she was an attending.

Her thoughts were plagued with images you looking at Annie while holding her hand, the sound of how soft your voice had become to comfort Annie. She wanted to be the one you spoke to so softly. She realised that as she placed her head in her hands, sighing frustratedly at herself more than anything.

Was it really her fault though? Derek had been her husband for over 10 years, and yet she never once felt loved deeply as those movies showed of couples in love. Derek never looked at her like how you looked at Annie. But today, she witnessed you, with the potential of her intern looking at *her* like that.

A few days ago, she didn’t know you existed.

Before she could even pick herself up again, she was paged. She walked hastily to the room, scanning the room to see you standing there again.

You were just haunting her at this point.

———————————————————————————

The whole day was confusing. The entire day, Addison’s gaze was either lingering far too long or they remained apart from you the entire time. It was confusing and it felt like you had done something wrong. So ofcourse, you imagined you pissed her off before when you grabbed Annie’s hand- pushing the lines of patient and doctor.

You saw Addison standing near the desk with charts in her hand- and made a brave decision to walk up to her in a steady and secure manner. “Dr. Montgomery-“ you began, glancing between her eyes. “About earlier…There’s nothing going on between Annie and I.”

Addison’s brows lifted up when you mentioned her name, pausing her actions to listen to your words. She froze when she noticed the same soft look on your expression. She wasn’t seeing things- you were looking at her like you cared for her.

When you spoke, the next part came out more as an admission to her rather than Annie. “I just didn’t wouldn’t want someone to feel alone.” You paused, taking in her features. The tone of your voice was borderline gentle- uncharacteristic for you.

She shouldn’t want you as much as she did right now.

But how could she not?

Her glasses were mounted on her nose, barely hanging there while she looked at you. “right….” She trailed off, frozen. She sucked in a blunt breath, her hair falling down slightly.

Your eyes darted down to her lips again when she sucked in a breath, your own curiosity peaking in what it would feel like to kiss her. You knew you could treat her better than Derek, and right now it bothered you to think he had given up someone so beautiful and smart.

But under all that facade, she was a woman who wanted love.

She needed someone to need her back.

Not love that was temporary or fake- that wasn’t love. She wanted a type of love that was certain and real- a love that rooted like old trees that were rooted into the depths of the earth.

So why did it feel like you could give that to her in that moment?

No one else was around. It was late- 1 A.M. on the dot. Only a couple of nurses who were too focused on their patients to care about the obvious tension between you two.

“Uhm..” she began, closing her eyes in cringe at how she began speaking without thinking, regretting it already. “Would you… like to grab a drink at Joe’s after?—“ she asked, nervous and fidgeting.

Addison regretted how easily she gave in to her desires, how quick she was to act on her want. But on the other hand, you couldn’t have loved it more. You appreciated forwardness- the honesty and clarity she gave.

It was hard trying not to want you.

———————————————————————————