blurred lines - dennis whitaker x f!reader x melissa 'mel' king
summary: an interesting detail about yours and dennis' relationship comes to light during a game of never have i ever, almost exactly a year after you finally asked mel king out on a date.
pairings: dennis whitaker x healthcare worker!reader x melissa 'mel' king, implied garsantos, jemma, and mavadi cw/tags: established relationship (reader and dennis have been dating for years, mel is their (mostly readers) third but lowkey it's more serious than that), mentions of having threesomes, drinking, swearing. SMUT MDNI!! afab!reader, oral (f!receiving), fingering, biting, nipple play, super super super light praise (barely), extreeeeemely brief unprotected piv. fluff, the PTMC staff being nosy as per usual. this was not explicitly written as dennis x hot shot but could be read as them if you want! reader has hair long enough to tied back in a nondescript way. word count: 6.5k masterlist
Mel had never spent a lot of time datingโbetween her schooling, and Becca, and their parents it was never a priority, and any relationships she had were over quite quickly anyway.ย
She saw glimpses of you on her first day at PTMCโrunning from room to room, never spending too much time in one place, always answering another page or the call of your last name. She hadnโt even had the chance to introduce herself, but she was infatuated.ย
Youโre absolutely stunning, probably the prettiest person sheโs ever laid eyes on. Not only that, but youโre also ridiculously smart, which she learned as she spent more time with you. It shows in the way you do your job, the jokes you make, and your indescribable ability to always say the right thing at the right time.ย
Her crush was practically unbearable, and the fact that you seemed to constantly end up near her whenever you were in the department made it much worse. She even started to wonder if you were flirting with her, but then the entire hospital learned that you and Dennis had been dating for years.ย
It reinforced what she had already assumedโyou were not into her, you never had been, and you never would be.ย
You proved her wrong during a cold, dreary shift in the middle of November.
โDr. King,โ You greet, sliding down onto the chair at the workstation beside hers, tapping your badge to the sensor. โYou crushed that chest tube back there, perfect technique.โ
Mel looks away from her computer, fingers going still over the keyboard, her heart pounding in her ears.ย
โOh, thank you,โ She says. โYouโyou were great, too.โ
โI didnโt even do anything, but thatโs sweet,โ You say, a mesmerizing smile crossing your features as you lean against the back of your chair, spinning to face her. โHow do you keep your hair so neat during these shifts? Mine ends up looking like a ratโs nest by hour six.โ
Mel blinks, pressing the โaโ key a few times to keep her hands busy. โI just put it in a braid.โ
โYeah, right, I see that,โ You say, still smiling. โYou donโt use any product or anything?โ
She shakes her head. โNo, most cosmetic products give me hives.โ
She grimaces after the admission, realizing how unsexy the statement is. Sheโs trying to figure out a way to take it back when you laugh, making her look at you again, the sight otherworldly.ย
โThat sucks,โ You say. โSome of them bother me too, I usually use unscented stuff.โ
โReally?โ Mel asks. You nod, glancing towards your computer for a second, pulling up the chart you need to finish before you can go home. You return your attention to her once itโs open.ย
โDo you wear it in the braid outside of work?โ You ask, wheeling a little closer to her, eyeing the blonde braid that cascades down her back.ย
โSometimes,โ She says. โMy hair being in my face usually, uhm, annoys me? But itโs not always in a braid. I can do a ponytail, too.โ
Sheโs not sure if thatโs supposed to impress you or what, but she regrets the words as soon as sheโs said them. She closes her eyes, shaking her head as she brings both hands up to the back of her neck, feeling how hot her skin is. She expects you to make fun of her, like most people would, but you donโt.ย
โI bet you can,โ You say, no hint of sarcasm or teasing in your tone. โIโd love to see it.โ
โWhat?โ Mel asks, her eyes widening.ย
โYou in a ponytail,โ You elaborate. โProbably looks really good.โ
โItโs just a ponytail,โ She counters, looking back at her keyboard, pressing a random button a few more times, adding a string of rโs to the line of aโs thatโs already there, the whole thing reading โeFAST positive for left-sided pneumoaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrr.โ
You squint, the conversation going exactly how your others with Mel have goneโyou flirting in a workplace-appropriate manner, and her completely missing the fact that youโre down fucking bad for her.ย
โHey, do you have plans after work?โ You ask, not caring who around you hears the question.ย
She backspaces, deleting the letters and finishing the word โpneumothorax.โ โNo, not really. Do you?โ
โThereโs nothing in my fridge that I want for dinner,โ You say. โI was gonnaโ stop and grab food at this little place I like, would you wannaโ come?โ
Mel hesitates, her brain freezing momentarily at the invite. โGet dinnerโฆwith you?โ
โYeah,โ You say, casually. โDo you drive?โ
โUhm, yes?โ She says.ย
โYou can meet me there, then, if you want,โ You add. โItโs a really chill place, basically a diner.โ
Mel finds herself nodding before she can fully process the plan, the idea of getting dinner with you both exhilarating and absolutely terrifying, even if itโs platonic. She canโt say no, that would be the dumbest thing sheโs ever done.
โOkay, sure,โ She says, perking up a bit, smiling at you. โIโฆwouldโฆlike to do that.โ
โCool,โ You say, smiling back. Her hands go numb. โItโs a date.โ
You pass Dennis on your way to pack up your stuff, sticking your arm out and grabbing his bicep. He stops walking, lips curving into a smile, eyes soft at the sight of you.ย
โHey, heading home?โ He asks.ย
You shake your head. โNo, I wonโt be home until laterโIโm getting dinner. With Dr. King.โ
Dennis hums, his smile growing. โFinally.โ
โWhat?โ You ask, almost laughing.ย
โYouโve been flirting with her for months,โ He says. โYou finally made a real move.โ
You glare at him, folding your arms over your chest. โHard to cross the Rubicon when she doesnโt even realize thereโs a river.โ
Dennis raises an eyebrow. โ...what?โ
You huff. โYou know, the Rubicon River? Julius Caesar?โ
He chuckles, shaking his head. โYeah, sheโs gonnaโ love you.โ
โYou suck,โ You say, reaching over and pushing his shoulder. โIโll see you later, okay?โ
โBring me leftovers,โ He says, starting to walk backwards away from you, wanting to get ready to head home for the day. He mouths โlove youโ before he turns around, disappearing into the department and leaving you alone in the hallway.ย
The first time you bring Mel back to your apartment is a few weeks later, after your fourth date. Dennis is at work, since itโs only late afternoon, giving you at least a couple hours until heโs back.ย
She watches you kick your shoes off at the door, tossing them aside without much thought and hanging your bag up on one of the hooks before heading towards the kitchen. She copies your actions, slightly more careful, taking a second to line her shoes up beside a pair of Dennisโ sneakers before following you. Youโre standing in front of the fridge, scanning the shelves for something to drink, still trying to warm up from the crisp air outside. You pull a bottle out, setting it on the counter before looking at Mel.ย
โYou want something?โ You ask, nodding your head towards the fridge. She shuffles over so she can see better, reaching for a bottle herself, catching your eyes as though sheโs asking for permission. You nod, closing the fridge and leaning back against the counter.ย
Mel looks around, taking in your apartment. โI like your place.โ
โThanks,โ You say, already making your way towards the living room, collapsing onto the couch. She sits beside you, asking a few questions about your decor and plants, all of them making you smile.
Youโre talking about a patient you had a few days prior when her eyes clamp shut, one hand taking her glasses off as the other touches her right eye, holding it open.ย
โSomething in your eye?โ You ask. She nods, humming in affirmation. You shift towards her on the couch, leaning over. โLet me see.โ
She drops her hand, turning to face you instead, letting you examine her eye. You have her look in various directions for a few seconds, but you donโt see anything, and the sensation dissipates.ย
โI think itโs gone,โ She says, blinking a few more times for good measure. You donโt move to sit back on the opposite side of the couchโif anything you move closer.ย
โCan I kiss you?โ You ask, hovering a few inch away from her lips, one hand supporting you as you bend, positioning yourself almost on top of her. She stumbles with her answer for a second, swallowing thickly before nodding.
โUhm, yes, yeah, absolutely,โ She says, stuttering over the words. You smile as you close the gap, bringing your free hand up to the back of her neck, your thumb tracing over her jaw. You donโt properly kiss her right away, your bottom lips simply touching for a second. Your grip tightens, and Mel feels her thighs clench beneath her jeans. She can smell the subtle scent of your chapstickโsweet and intoxicating. Her breath hitches, hands ghosting over your exposed hips, your shirt riding up.ย
Your lips connect a moment later, both of you moving slowly, stretching out the moment. Melโs heart slams against her ribcage, her hands starting to go numb from the sensation. She takes hold of your hips gently, fingers curling into your skin and pulling you closer. You donโt protest, instead slipping your hand into her hair, getting tangled in the blonde locks.ย
The feeling of your lips on hers makes her woozy, goosebumps prickling up her arms despite the wave of heat that thrums against her skin. You drag your knee up, slotting it between her thighs, nudging them apart. You slow down, pulling back, eyes flicking over her face.ย
โIs this okay?โ You whisper, but she barely processes the question, desperate to feel more of you. She just nods, sliding her hands under your shirt and bringing you back in, reconnecting your lips with more fervour than the first time. You press your knee against her, eliciting a small gasp, one that only breaks the contact for half a second.ย
You drop your hand from her hair to the bottom of her t-shirt, your fingers grazing her stomach before you push farther, finding her chest. You press your thumb into her nipple, sending a fresh wave of desire through her stomach and thighs. She tightens her legs on either side of you, making your knee shift, putting more pressure on her crotch. She winces, humming at the sensation. You go still, relieving the pressure off her chest and breaking the kiss. She whines before she can even think, the only thing on her mind the lack of contact. Embarrassment floods her cheeks, dusting them the shade of pink that you love bringing out so much.
โIโuh, sorry,โ She stammers, dropping her hands from your sides. โI didnโtโฆuhmโฆmean to make that noise.โ
You tilt your head, raising an eyebrow, biting back a smile. โYou donโt have to apologize for that.โ
โOh,โ She says, averting her eyes to her lap, trying to get her face too cool down. โI-okay. Sorry.โ
โItโs okay,โ You promise. โDo you wannaโ stop?โ
โNo!โ She exclaims. โNo, definitely not.โ
You actually smile this time, nodding. You lean back, brushing your fingers across the waistband of her jeans, stopping over the button. You look up, making eye contact, waiting for the small nod that she gives before undoing it, tugging the zipper open too. You grab either side of them as she lifts herself up a little, letting you pull them down her thighs. You donโt stop until theyโre completely off, tossing them onto the floor, then you let yourself focus on the black panties sheโs wearing. You clench your jaw at the sight of the lace, trailing your fingers up her thighs until you reach them, looping around the fabric and tugging gently.ย
โCan I-โ
โYes,โ Mel interrupts, watching your movements closely. You take a second to admire her legs, the way her veins criss-cross under the skin, only visible where the sun hits. She shudders under your gaze, lifting herself up again when you start to pull her panties down, discarding them on the floor beside her jeans. You pull a hair tie off your wrist, holding it between your teeth as you gather your hair behind your head. Melโs brain goes completely silent other than one thoughtโ
Holy fuck. Holy fuck. Holy fuck.
Your arms flex as you loop the hair tie around a few times, already leaning down before youโve finished securing it. Your hands land on her shins, pushing her legs up so her knees are bent. She lets them fall open, making you smirk.ย
โGood,โ You murmur, switching your grip to hold the back of her thighs, lowering yourself even more. Her thighs already feel weak, a tremor rushing through them the second your tongue makes contact with her clit with a single swipe, the sensation gone as quickly as it came. She whimpers, squeezing her eyes shut, grabbing the couch beneath her hands.ย
You duck down again, putting your lips around her, sucking gently and flicking the tip of your tongue up and down. She shivers, her head dropping back as she moans, the sound hitting you directly in the stomach, amplifying the desire thatโs already coiling.ย
You go slowly at first, not wanting to overwhelm her or do anything she doesnโt like. You alternate between flicking and pressing your tongue flat against her, the action pulling moans and whine from her each time you do it. You bring your hand up once itโs obvious how wet she is, carefully sliding two fingers inside, moaning into her when she cries out with pleasure.ย
Your fingers curl inside of her, pressing into her walls while your tongue continues swirling around her clit, her legs starting to shake against your head. You slide your free hand up, finding one of hers and lacing your fingers together, setting them on her stomach. She tightens her grip on you, raising her hips when you pull your fingers out and pump them back inside. You can feel your own muscles growing weaker with each sound she makes, a harmony of whines and moans accompanying your movements, making you whimper. The vibration puts Mel right on the edge, desperately rocking her hips in time with your fingers.ย
You feel her tighten around your hand, thighs pressing into your skull, muffling your hearing. Sheโs loud enough that you can still hear her, and you glance up towards her face, your eyes rolling at the sight of her leaning back, chest heaving. Her nipples poke at the thin fabric of her shirt, the sun painting her neck and face, giving you a fantastic view of her expression. Her mouth is half-open, eyes scrunched with focus as she gets closer.ย
She still holding your hand tightly, practically cutting off the bloodflow to your fingers, but you donโt care. All you can think about is getting her off.ย
Her mind is simultaneously empty and going a million miles an hour, wondering if she should let you know that no one has ever made her come before, or if she should just fake it to avoid hurting your feelings. The thoughts are interrupted anytime she gets close to making a decision, another pulse shooting through her, coiling tighter in her stomach. You start to slow down about ten minutes after she first clenched around you, snapping her out of the loop, her eyes falling on you, still between her legs.ย
Sheโs about to say something when you pull your fingers out, the evidence of her arousal all over them, expecting you to be frustrated with how long this is taking. Your eyes flick towards her, a tiny smile on your face, the words dying on her tongue. You touch her swollen clit with the two fingers that were just inside of her, pressing hard. She jumps, far more sensitive than usual after getting eaten out for god knows how long. It feels like a jolt of electricity shreds through her, pushing her into a place that sheโs never beenโnot even on her own. You shift your hand as you slowly come towards her face, keeping the pressure on her and attaching your mouth to her nipple.ย
โOh,โ She breathes. โOh my god.โ
You leave marks across her chest, then you rest your forearm beside her head, tucking your face by hers, nipping the side of her neck. She moans again, her thighs shaking uncontrollably, abs tensed and hands dug into your sides. Your breath is hot on her neck and ear as you pant, still pressing circles into her clit, each loop more dizzying than the last.ย
โIโve got you, Mel,โ You murmur, kissing her earlobe and taking it between your teeth. She gasps, the orgasm finally cresting and spilling over, her hips rolling erratically and chest flailing with frantic breaths. You donโt stop touching her until she sighs, movements slowing once the orgasm has passed. You lift your fingers off her clit carefully, kissing her neck a few times, propping yourself up more so youโre directly above her.ย
Sheโs still catching her breath, eyes dazed and heavy. โIโthatโs neverโIโve neverโฆโ
She trails off, but you know where sheโs going, your eyebrows lifting in slight surprise.ย
โEver?โ You ask. She shakes her head, breathing hard.ย
โNot withโฆanother person,โ She explains. You canโt help the way that goes straight to your head, your lips curving into a cocky smirk.ย
โWant me to do it again?โย
For weeks after that all Mel can think about is you. Your presence becomes even more distracting in the ER, at times making her have to leave a room if youโre in it, taking a breather in the bathroom to get herself together. Itโs worse when Dennis is there too, his face unchanging, but his eyes follow her through the doors, knowing exactly what sheโs thinking about.ย
As time goes by things getโฆblurry between the three of you.ย
Dennis isnโt really involved at firstโthe two of you spending time at Melโs apartment or taking advantage of him being at work whenever possible. A few times he comes home while sheโs still there, but he makes himself scarce, and Mel usually leaves shortly after he gets back.ย
The first time she spends the night is unexpected, and Dennis is the one who initiates it.
Youโre standing in front of the board with her three months after your first date, watching the name of your most recent patient disappear as heโs wheeled towards the ICU. Mel rubs sanitizer into her hands, squinting a little, deciding which patient to see next while building up the courage to say something to you.ย
โDoโฆare you busy tonight?โ She asks, rocking back on her heels.ย
โI have plans, yeah,โ You say. โDennis is going out with Santos and Javadi, so I was gonnaโ have a few friends over.โ
โOh,โ She says. โRight, yeah, that sounds fun.โ
You turn to her, already smiling, the reflection of the fluorescent hospital lights somehow dazzling in your eyes. โDo you wannaโ come?โ
She falters for a second, having already accepted the fact that she wouldnโt be seeing you tonight, her brain rewiring to make sense of the invite.ย
โReโreally?โ She stutters.
You nod. โYeah, Iโd love it if you were there.โ
โWho, uhm, whoโs going?โ
โEmma, Joy, Vivi,โ You list. โMaybe Garcia if she gets off at a normal time.โ
Mel canโt help the confusion that crosses her face, brows furrowing.ย
โThatโsโyouโre allโฆfriends?โ She asks, and you laugh, touching your hand to her bicep. She looks at it, hearing her heart start to pound in her ears.ย
โYeah, seems like a weird group, I know,โ You say. โBut itโs really fun, I swear.โ
โOkay,โ She says, nodding. โThey wouldnโt mind?โ
โYou being there?โ You ask. โNo, not at all. Just come to mine whenever youโre done here, yeah?โ
She spends most of the night wondering how much your friends know about your relationship, unable to determine if theyโre just super cool or have no idea that youโve fucked her time and time again on the couch that theyโre sitting on. People start to slowly file out after a few hours, leaving you and Mel alone.ย
She doesnโt know exactly what she expectsโfor you to make a move, maybeโso she subconsciously braces herself to let you down, too exhausted from her shift to even think about sex right now. You come back to the couch after bidding your friends goodnight, sighing as you sit, grabbing the remote off the coffee table on your way down.ย
You turn the TV on, opening one of the streaming applications. โIโm kindaโ in the mood for a romcom, do you have a favourite?โ
She hums, thinking. โNo, not really. I havenโt seen very many.โ
โA lot of great options, then,โ You say, scrolling through the genre, landing on one of your favourites. You toss the remote away from you, pulling a throw blanket off the back of the couch, curling into her side without a second thought. Mel goes rigid, carefully adjusting her body so youโre more comfortable, holding her hands up, unsure what to do with them.
โIs thisโฆwould Dennis be okay with this?โ She asks. You lift your head up, nodding.
โYeah, why wouldnโt he be?โ
She shrugs. โI justโฆI know this is casual, and-โ
โCuddling can be casual,โ You say, smiling a bit. โAre you okay with it?โ
โOf course,โ She says.
โGreat,โ You say. โYou donโt have to keep your hands up, you know.โ
โOh, right,โ She says, setting one hand on your thigh and the other in her lap.
Dennis comes home towards the end of the movie, quietly, not wanting to disturb you or whatever friends are still in your living room. Mel slowly comes to at the sound of the door clicking shut, blinking a few times, feeling the weight of you on top of her. Her arm is wrapped around your waist, your head on her chest, legs and blankets a tangled mess. She adjusts her glasses, looking up when she hears soft footsteps, finally getting her bearings when Dennis comes into view, pausing when he sees the two of you.ย
โOh, hey,โ He says, quietly. โShe passed out?โ
Melโs shocked by how truly casual it is. โYeah, yes, I think so.โ
โYou want me to take her?โ He asks. โYouโre a littleโฆtrapped.โ
She doesnโt, and Dennis picks up on the hesitation, smiling when her eyes fall on you again.ย
โI donโt have to,โ He adds. โIfโif youโre comfortable.โ
โI am,โ She says. โBut she should probably sleep in a real bed.โ
โShe crashes on the couch all the time,โ He says, laughing softly, waving her off. โCan never make it to the end of a movie.โ
โI can,โ You grumble, grabbing hold of Melโs shirt, not bothering to open your eyes. โI just donโt want to.โ
She flinches, frowning. โDid we wake you up?โ
โMhm,โ You hum, eyes still closed, tucking your head into her neck. โBut itโs okay, you probably wannaโ get home, right?โ
Dennis sees the same hesitation on her face as you sit up.ย
โYouโre welcome to stay, if you want,โ He says. You smile to yourself, looking down at her.ย
โYeah, sorry, I donโt mean to kick you out,โ You say. โDo you wannaโ stay?โ
She thinks for a moment, then nods. โIf thatโsโฆallowed.โ
You laugh under your breath. โYeah, itโsโitโs allowed.โ
She starts spending even more time at your place after that, whether Dennis is home or not. It becomes routine for her to come over after all of you work the same shift, cooking dinner together or ordering in if it was a particularly rough day. A third toothbrush joins yours and Dennisโ in the cup on your bathroom counter, a few pairs of scrubs and changes of clothes fill a drawer you emptied out, her favourite mug finds itโs way into your cabinet. You eventually just give her a key, claiming itโs for โemergencies,โ which she takes very literally.ย
You and Dennis are off for the day, and she promised Becca that sheโd pick her up after her shift so they could get dinner, meaning she wonโt see either of you for the entire day. She stops by her place for the first time in a few days once sheโs off, reaching for a lightswitch as she steps inside, flicking it up. She frowns when nothing happens, turning it off and on again, but the darkness persists.ย
She realizes how cold it is once she closes the door behind her, a shiver running down her spine despite the massive coat sheโs wearing. She walks into the living room, reaching for one of her lamps, turning the knob until she hears the โclick,โ but it doesnโt turn on.ย
โOh,โ She mutters, digging her phone out of her pocket and turning the flashlight on. She opens the breaker panel on the wall, not seeing anything out of the ordinary, but toying with a few of them anyway. Neither of the lights blink to life, but she can see her breath curling in the beams of the flashlight. Her eyes widen with the realization that her heating system is electric, meaning itโs been off for however long her power has been outโin the middle of December.
Sheโs outside your apartment an hour later, after her landlord lets her know that itโll take at least twenty-four hours to fix the problem and get her apartment back up to a livable temperature. She called both you and Dennis on her way over, neither of you picking up. She toys with the key in her hand, debating whether or not this is actually emergent or not, still unaware that you definitely hadnโt meant what you said and that she was welcome to come over anytime. She eventually gathers the courage to unlock the door after knocking a few times, wondering if youโre even home.
โHello!โ She calls, not wanting to catch either of you offguard. โSorry for barging in, I tried calling, but, uhm-โ
She stops when she doesnโt hear any kind of response, slipping her shoes off and walking farther inside. Your keys and jackets are hung up by the door and thereโs a few lights on, suggesting youโre both home, but youโre not in the living room or kitchen. The sound of the shower running becomes apparent once sheโs closer to the bedroom, the door slightly open. She knocks before pushing it open, moments away from saying your name when sheโs interrupted.ย
โOh my god, fuck, please.โ
Itโs you, your voice unmistakeably desperate and pleading, the same way it sounds when she buries her face between your thighs until you canโt think straight. Desire slams into her stomach, heat crawling up her neck and blooming across her face. She closes her eyes, trying to overcome the arousal so she can figure out what exactly she should do in this situation.ย
She could wait until youโre done, but it feels like an invasion of your privacy to simplyโฆlisten to Dennis fuck you without your knowledge. She should interrupt, but the idea of that is almost painful, the awkwardness of the rest of the night playing out in her mind. A moan echoes off the walls followed by a series of whimpers, making her breath hitch. Her hand lands against the door softly, her actions uncharacteristic and amative as she slowly pushes it open.ย
Steam sticks to her glasses immediately, and she quickly slides them up to the top of her head. The glass door of the shower is fogged, but she can still catch glimpses of the two of you. Youโre pressed against the back wall, face blissful over Dennisโ shoulder, eyes closed and mouth slightly open. His back muscles ripple as he holds you upright, thrusting up rhythmically, each motion eliciting a moan from you.ย
He yanks you closer to him with the next thrust, making you gasp, your eyes opening in surprise. Horror crosses your expression for a split second, but itโs quickly replaced with an amused look, your head tilting slightly. Dennis notices the change, looking over his shoulder, seeing Mel standing there.ย
She startles, grabbing hold of the door knob, already starting to pull it shut when she speaks.ย
โI, uh, Iโm so sorry,โ She says. โI didnโt want to scare you, sorry, Iโll justโIโll be in the living room.โ
You talk before the door can click shut. โMel, wait.โ
She grimaces, poking her head back in. โYeah?โ
โYou just got off work, you donโt want to shower?โ
Her apartment basically becomes a formality after that.
Trinityโs birthday party is technically an open invite, but Mel is still a little surprised when she explicitly asks the blonde if sheโs coming, extending a personal invitation on top of the text message that was sent to practically every group chat imaginable. She was already planning on going, since you and Dennis would be there, but the small action makes her feel like sheโs welcome regardless of her close relationship with the two of you. Not that anyone knows youโre anything more than friends.ย
Sheโs already there by the time you arrive, since she had the day off and you didnโt. You spot her in the living room easily, dropping onto the couch beside her, smiling wide. She automatically bends towards you, moving so she can see your face better, her breath catching in her throat at the sight of youโlike always.ย
โHey,โ You greet, tucking your legs up beneath you.ย
โHi,โ She says, smiling back, clasping her hands together and resting them on her lap. โHow was your shift?โ
โYou know, the usual,โ You say. โIt was actually pretty quiet, which was nice.โ
She nods. โYeah, that is nice.โ
โYou look nice,โ You say, admiring the way her hair falls around her shoulders. โYou know I love when you have your hair down.โ
โOh,โ She says, shrugging her shoulders up to her ears, her cheeks turning a bright shade of pink. โThanks, uhm, thank you.โ
โWhatโd you do with your day off?โ You ask, shifting your knee over, knocking hers with it a few times. โAnything exciting?โ
She hums. โNo, not really. I did laundry and went grocery shopping.โ
โOh, youโre an angel, we havenโt had groceries in weeks,โ You say, touching her knee again, but this time you donโt pull it away. She glances down, her mind buzzing at the contact. Youโre not looking at her anymore, instead taking in everyone else. โSantos didnโt skimp on the guest list, hey?โ
โI guess not,โ Mel says, turning to look over her shoulder at the sound of someone coming down the stairs. You look too, grinning when you see Dennis, hopping to your feet and meeting him at the bottom. Mel follows, not sure what else to do in the sea of people in Trinityโs living room.ย
โHey,โ He says, smiling softly as he steps onto the landing. โWhenโd you get here?โ
โTen minutes ago,โ You say, sliding two fingers into the waistband of his jeans and pulling him close, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. โSantos up there?โ
โYeah, sheโs freaking out over the idea of Garcia not showing up,โ He explains, glancing towards Mel. โSorry for leaving you alone down here.โ
โItโs fine,โ She says, quickly dismissing the apology.ย
โGarciaโs coming,โ You say. โI talked to her earlier, said sheโd be here whenever she got off. Even said she was โlooking forward to it.โโ
โYou wannaโ go tell Trinity that?โ He asks, slightly exasperated. โSheโs losing it.โ
โI think she told me in confidence,โ You counter, moving to wrap your arms around his neck. โSo keep your lips sealed.โ
โMake me,โ He murmurs, leaning forward to kiss you again. Mel looks away, a blush spreading up her chest and neck. You smile against his lips, only pulling back when you hear someone clap him on the shoulder, making you separate.ย
โGet a fucking room,โ Trinity says, coming down the stairs with Victoria behind her. She says your name in greeting, offering an uncharacteristic smile along with it.ย
โHey, happy birthday!โ You exclaim, releasing Dennis to pull her in for a hug. Dennis looks towards Mel again, giving her a reassuring look.ย
โYou want a drink?โ He asks, and she nods quickly.ย
โYes, please,โ She says. He walks off to the kitchen, leaving her with you, Trinity and Victoria. She naturally takes a step back, assuming you donโt want her involved in your conversation, but you reach back without even looking at her. You casuallyโso casuallyโbring her back over, letting her take the spot beside you in the small circle.ย
The four of you move to the living room, taking any free seats around the room. You sit on the floor, and Mel sits too, bringing her knees up and wrapping her arms around them. You touch her thigh for a second, squeezing it quickly before returning your hand to your own lap. Dennis stops infront of the two of you, passing both of you drinks, the tops already off.ย
โThank you,โ Mel says, whereas you just smile. He sits on your other side, leaning back on his hands. She takes a sip, trying to keep herself from staring at you as much as she can.ย
Thereโs various conversations overlapping in the room, and the music playing in the background is making her head spin ever so slightly. You lean away from Dennis, putting your lips close enough to her ear that you wonโt have to shout.ย
โMost people are just dropping by for a drink or two, itโll just be a few of us in a bit,โ You say. She nods, glancing at you for a second, then returning her gaze to the spot on the carpet she was looking at. Dennis leans forward, poking his head around your frame.ย
โYou okay?โ He asks, and she nods again. โWe can go out back if you want to, just say the word.โ
โIโm okay,โ She insists.ย
You slide your braceletโa stretchy, beaded one that your niece made youโoff your wrist, holding it out to her. She takes it without hesitation, twisting it around her fingers, the same way she has so many times before. You watch her toy with it for a few moments, fondness swirling in your chest.ย
Trinity suggests a game of โNever Have I Everโ once some people have cleared out, leaving a smaller group of you behind. A few people protest at the โchildishโ game, but everyone agrees to participate. The questions start off relatively tame, but they slowly get more and more chaotic as time goes on. You only have one finger left by the seventh round, almost convinced people are trying to get you out on purpose at this point.ย
โUhm,โ Victoria hums, looking around the circle, squinting to see how many fingers everyone is still holding up.ย
โHey, no targeting,โ Trinity says.
โNo, I know,โ She insists. โUh, never have I everโฆhad a threesome?โ
Trinity lowers a finger, taking a sip of her drink as she does.ย
โIโm out, then,โ You say, copying her actions with your pinky, tipping your drink towards your mouth. Various exclamations of shock come from the group, making you laugh, setting the now-empty bottle on the coffee table.ย
โYouโve had a threesome?โ Garcia asks. โYouโve been in a serious relationship since you were like, twenty.โ
โTwenty-one,โ You correct. โBut yeah, Iโve had a few.โ
โLikeโฆmore than one?โ Victoria asks. โIn college, or whatever?โ
โHang on,โ Trinity says. โYouโve had a threesome and I never heard about it? I told you I had a threesome after like, three months of knowing you!โ
โThat was your personal choice,โ You tease, leaning back into the couch, shrugging. โI donโt know what to tell you.โ
โDid you put a finger down too?โ Victoria asks, looking towards Dennis, who shrinks into himself a little.ย
โI, uh, yeah,โ He says.ย
โDo you guys have threesomes together?โ Trinity questions, smirking as she leans closer, this newfound information blowing her mind.ย
Dennisโ face goes red, but you just shrug, glancing towards him with a slight smile on your face. Youโre past tipsy now, but youโd probably share the same amount of information sober.ย
โYep,โ You say.ย
โOh my god,โ Victoria says, blinking rapidly, sitting back on her feet. Trinity chuckles, raising her drink a little.ย
โNever wouldโve fucking seen that coming,โ She says. โHuckleberryโs freakier than I thought.โ
โItโs not that freaky,โ Dennis counters, his face still burning.ย
โWhatever helps you sleep at night,โ Trinity says, glancing around the room as she tries to think of what to ask next. Her gaze lands on Melโs hand, which has barely moved all game, slightly lower now than it was before. โWait, Mel, didnโt you have four fingers up?โ
Mel flinches, pulling her top lip between her teeth. โUh-huh.โ
โMelissa fucking King,โ Trinity says. โYouโve had a threesome?โ
She nods in response. The shock that ripples through the group is ten times what it was for you, disbelief evident in their voices.ย
โWhen?โ Trinity pushes.ย
โYou donโt have to tell us anything,โ You say, giving her an escape. She looks at you with wide eyes. โI think some mystery would do us all some good, actually. This group has a disturbing affinity for gossip.โ
โI wouldnโt call it disturbing,โ Trinity argues. โIt'sโฆenthusiastic.โ
Victoria is still gobsmacked, her mouth opening and closing. Mateo puts a hand on her shoulder, his face bright with amusement, trying to bring her back. Emma and Joy watch everything from the chair in the corner of the room, staying absolutely silent. Emmaโs expression matches Melโs, slightly confused and a little anxious. Joy looks absolutely delighted.
โI thought you didnโt like dating,โ Victoria finally says.ย
Mel shrugs, nerves still evident.ย
โShe never said she was dating them,โ Trinity counters. โAre you dating them?โ
She shrugs again. โIโI donโt-โ
โOkay, come on,โ You say, interrupting. Youโre well aware that Mel is more than capable of standing up for herself, but you can see the gears turning in her head as she tries to figure out what to say in response. โWhy donโt you tell us about your threesome, Trinity?โ
She sighs dramatically, putting her elbows on her knees, leaning forward. She feigns a fond reminiscence, drawing another laugh out of the group.ย
โGladly,โ She says. โIt was my freshman year of college-โ
You and Mel are in the kitchen a couple hours later, rinsing out cans and bottles in the sink, tossing them into the recycling bin in Trinityโs pantry. You come up behind her at one point, setting a hand on her hip, kissing her shoulder.ย
โYou alright?โ You murmur. She nods, rinsing the last can and drying her hands off on a towel.ย
โYeah, Iโm fine,โ She says. โI didnโt think anyone would notice I put a finger down.โ
You hum, letting go of her and closing the pantry door. โTheyโre vultures, itโs not your fault.โ
The tone is teasing, making Mel smile. She steps back from the counter, turning around to face you, hands clasped together. You, like always, read her like a book.ย
โI think Iโm ready to head out,โ You say. She perks up, nodding.
โYeah, yeah, me too,โ She says. โI could uhโI could give you a ride?โ
โAre you sure?โ You ask, face completely neutral. It was a little hard for Mel to tell when you were kidding around at first, but now sheโs basically an expert in your sense of humour. โI wouldnโt want to be a bother.โ
She ducks her head down, looking towards the floor, her smile growing. โI think I can make it work.โ
โAs long as itโs not too far out of your way,โ You add, unable to keep yourself from smiling, too. โLetโs go get Dennis.โ
She parks where she always does in front of your building. Dennis makes three mugs of tea without asking. The three of you brush your teeth side by side in the bathroom, easily moving around each other. You sandwich yourself between Mel and Dennis on the bed, looking like a pack of sardines, wishing both of them goodnight before Dennis turns the light off.
And it's all completely casual.
...
Right?
A/N - i honestly...don't love this and was tempted to do a complete rewrite but i haven't posted in so long i decided to post it anyway! love u guys mwah happy saturday <3
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