coachella pt.2- joe keery x reader
hi hi, so I decided on a pt.2 for this little series since I got so much love on the first part :)
this one’s a little longer (4.6k)
warnings- jealous joe and jealous reader, angst nothing too crazy, little possessive
You groan into the pillow.
A hand brushes over your shoulder, slow and familiar.
“You alive baby?” Joe’s voice is rough, still half asleep but amused.
“Barely,” you mumble, not moving. “I think I died actually.”
He huffs a quiet laugh behind you, shifting closer. His arm slides around your waist, pulling you back into him like it’s instinct. “Well you seemed to be doing just fine at 3 a.m.”
You turn your head slightly, trying to squint up at him. “Shhh.”
“I’m just saying,” he smirks, eyes still soft with sleep. “You were the one who wanted to—”
“Joe.” You close your eyes now, not wanting to remember what you did.
“And do that whole little strip tease—”
You shove his arm around you weakly, but you’re laughing despite yourself. “That did not happen.”
“Oh, It absolutely did,” he says, grin widening.
“You also tried to make Jake and Court do shots the second they got here.”
You groan again, burying your face back into the pillow.
His hand smooths over your arm, slower now. “You okay though?”
You nod into the fabric. “Just regretting my decisions s’all.”
“Yeah?” he murmurs lowly, leaning in slightly. “Every decision?”
You turn your head just enough to look at him again.
“Okay, not…like, every decision.”
“Good,” he says quietly pecking your cheek.
By the time you’re all ready, the energy is completely different.
The house is louder now, with Jake already talking over everyone, Courtney trying to take pictures of him, Wes and Javi showing up like the group just doubled from the day before.
“Look who’s alive!” Jake calls the second you walk in.
You flip him off lazily. “Don’t.”
Courtney immediately clocks you with a smile, eyes lighting up as she walks over. “Oh, looks like someone had fun yesterday.”
You bring your index finger to your lip as if to shush the conversation as you pull her into a hug.
She lowers her voice slightly. “Worth it?”
You hesitate for half a second, glancing over her shoulder.
Joe’s across the room, mid conversation, laughing at something Wes said but his eyes flick over, landing on you like it’s automatic.
You look back at Courtney.
The walk into the VIP area is already chaotic.
Too many people, too much sun, music bleeding in from different stages. Everyone’s talking at once, bumping into each other, sunglasses going on and off, someone already suggesting drinks before you’ve even properly stepped inside.
He had a thing with physical touch, no matter how warm it was.
His hand brushes yours every few steps, or he leans slightly toward you when someone cuts between you.
“Drinks?” Jake announces, already halfway to the bar.
“Of course you’re the first one,” Courtney calls after him.
“Hydration is important babe.” He jokes as the boys laugh.
You laugh weakly, but the thought of alcohol makes your stomach turn slightly.
Courtney notices immediately. “Yeah, no. Absolutely not.”
“Thank you,” you say, relieved.
“We’re getting you some electrolytes.”
The group settles near one of the bars anyway, Jake already ordering, Wes and Javi joining in, everyone slipping back into that easy, loud rhythm.
Joe’s beside you, one hand resting lightly at your lower back.
“You sure you don’t want anything?” he asks, leaning in so you can hear him over the noise.
You shake your head. “If I drink this early I think I’ll actually die.”
He pulls you in and kisses your head in return.
Courtney nudges you. “Come on. Before you change your mind.”
You nod, starting to step away, then Joe’s hand catches your wrist gently.
He studies your face for a second, like he’s checking over you.
“You good to walk?” he asks.
“I can come with you,” he adds, quieter. “If you want.”
“Baby, I’ll be okay,” you say softly. “Court said it’s close by.”
His thumb brushes once against your wrist before he lets go.
“Alright,” he nods. “Text me if—”
“I won’t get lost,” you laugh.
“I didn’t say you would.”
Courtney is already a few steps ahead, turning back dramatically. “Are you two done or—”
“Go,” Joe says, smiling slightly. “Before she faints.”
“I’m not going to faint,” you protest, but you let Courtney pull you along anyway.
The noise fades slightly as you move away from the bar, weaving through people, past shaded areas and mirrored booths and clusters of conversations.
“‘Baby’?” Courtney says immediately.
“Right,” she nods. “Internally you’re screaming.”
You exhale, rubbing your temples. “I’m too hungover to even process that right now.”
You glance ahead, avoiding the question. “Where are we even going?”
“There’s a hydration stand somewhere. I saw it earlier.”
You find it eventually, tucked slightly away from the main crowd much quieter.
You grab a bottle immediately, pressing it against your forehead before even opening it.
“Oh, that’s nice,” you sigh as Courtney chuckled at the reaction.
You both lean against the counter for a minute, letting the world slow down.
The music is still there but distant now.
You take a sip, closing your eyes briefly.
“You and Joe were loud last night, by the way.” She blurts out.
You choke slightly. “What?” You pull away from the bottle.
“I’m just saying,” she shrugs, way too casually. “The walls are thin.”
You cover your face with your hand. “I’m never coming back.”
“Oh don’t be so dramatic.” She smiles.
You both laugh, the tension breaking again.
The memory of his hands, his voice, the way last night blurred into something maybe a little too reckless.
When you head back, the energy picks up again instantly.
The group is still there, louder now, drinks in hand, Jake mid story again.
Joe spots you immediately.
His posture shifts, just slightly, like something clicks back into place.
He steps toward you before you’ve even fully reached them.
You hold up the drink. “Barely.”
“Thank you.” You roll your eyes.
He takes the bottle from your hand for a second, twisting the cap tighter before handing it back.
You smile, and this time when he rests his hand at your waist, it stays there.
Wes glances between you both, smirking. “You two good over there?”
“Shut up,” you and Joe say at the same time.
Then it happens all at once, like always.
One second you’re tucked into Joe’s side, his hand warm and steady at your waist, the bass from a nearby set starting to build again, and the next, there’s a shift in the air.
“Wait—sorry are you Djo?”
A group of girls three, maybe four hover just close enough to interrupt without technically being rude.
Joe’s hand stills slightly against your side.
He turns, already polite. “Yeah, hi.”
“Oh my god, we love you.”
“We saw you yesterday at Turnstile but—”
They’re talking over each other, laughing, stepping closer. One of them reaches out, touching his arm like it’s nothing.
You feel it more than you see it.
The way his attention has to split now.
You take a small step back without thinking, giving them space.
“Hi,” one of the girls says again, louder this time, like they’re trying to pull him further in. “Can we get a picture?”
“Yeah, of course,” Joe nods easily.
He glances back for half a second instinctively to you but it’s already pulling him away.
They’re already positioning themselves.
One of them steps right into his side, another tilting her head onto his shoulder like it’s natural.
“Yikes,” Courtney says softly.
But it’s hard not to notice the way they lean in too close, laughing at everything he says, one of them brushing her hand down his arm again like she’s testing something.
And they don’t look at you.
Like you’re not even there.
Joe’s still being himself, kind, easy, smiling, answering their questions but there’s a slight tightness now. You can see it if you look properly.
They’re too busy orbiting him.
You shift your weight, taking a sip of your drink.
“God are they all like this?” Courtney murmurs. “I don’t like them.”
You snort quietly. “You don’t even know them.”
Another laugh from the group.
Another “you’re so funny.”
Your stomach twists slightly.
Not because he’s doing anything wrong.
That almost makes it worse.
Then more people come over, now talking to Wes, Jake and Javi, clearly recognising them.
She’s already looking at you.
A silent, mutual absolutely not.
You don’t say anything though.
It’s not your place after all.
It was part of the famous boyfriend description after all.
You just reach for your drink, fingers tightening slightly around it then your other hand finds Courtney’s.
She laces her fingers with yours instantly, no hesitation.
“Let’s go,” she says, already moving.
You step out of the circle without a word, weaving past people, pulling Courtney with you. The music gets louder as you move toward the open space near the stage, still in VIP, but the crowds thicker.
“Okay,” Courtney says once you’ve put some distance between you and them. “That was insane.”
“They literally acted like we didn’t exist.”
“I know,” you repeat, sharper this time.
She softens immediately. “Hey.”
You exhale, shaking your head. “It’s fine. It’s just… annoying.”
“Yeah,” she agrees. “It is.”
You take another sip of your drink, then glance back and there he is.
Joe’s head is turned, scanning, his attention no longer on the group around him. There’s a flicker of confusion, then something sharper when he realises you’re gone.
Your eyes meet across the space.
He frowns slightly, already stepping away from them.
Courtney follows your gaze, smirking. “Oh, he’s clocked it.”
“He was just being nice.”
“And now he’s leaving,” she points out.
He’s already moving through the crowd, faster than before, like he’s trying not to make it obvious but also not really succeeding.
“Come on,” you say suddenly.
Courtney raises an eyebrow. “Where?”
You nod toward the stage, where the music is picking up, lights starting to flicker as the set builds.
Her grin is immediate. “Oh, I like this plan.”
You pull her into the crowd, letting the music swallow you up, louder now, heavier, vibrating through your chest.
People press in from all sides, bodies moving, hands in the air, heat rising again.
Courtney spins once, laughing, pulling you with her.
“There she is,” she shouts over the music. “Those electrolytes did you good, I’m telling you!”
You laugh, finally letting go a little, moving with her, the tension in your chest loosening with every beat.
You don’t notice Joe right away.
Not until a hand catches your wrist.
Slightly out of breath, hair messier than before, sunglasses pushed up into it. His expression is somewhere between confused and a little thrown.
“There you are,” he says.
The music is loud, but you can hear him.
“You disappeared,” he adds.
You tilt your head slightly. “I was right there.”
“Yeah, and then you weren’t.”
Courtney leans in, smirking. “I’m gonna—” she gestures vaguely. “Be over there.”
She just winks and melts into the crowd.
Joe’s still holding your wrist.
“Everything okay?” he asks, softer now.
You shrug, trying for casual. “Yeah. Just wanted to dance.”
He studies your face for a second.
Then glances back, toward where he left the group of girls, still lingering, still watching.
You just lift your chin slightly. “You can go back if you want.”
His eyebrows pull together. “What?”
“They were waiting for you.”
“Don’t do that.” He mutters.
“I’m not doing anything.” You try and smile back.
“I don’t want to go back,” he repeats, like it’s obvious. “I want to be here with you.”
The music swells again, louder, the bass dropping hard enough that the ground almost shakes.
His hand slides from your wrist to your hand, fingers threading through yours like it’s second nature.
The sun’s starting to dip, everything tinted gold, the air thicker, music bleeding from multiple stages at once. Jake’s somehow acquired another drink, Wes and Javi are mid conversation with a couple of other musicians they’ve met, and Joe gets pulled into it almost immediately.
You don’t even catch all the names, just handshakes, nods, that slightly louder tone people use when they’re trying to be heard and all impressive.
A hand on his shoulder, someone saying his name, laughter, a quick “hey, man” and he’s back in it.
But this time, it’s different, you don’t step away.
He drops onto one of the low couches as the conversation builds, leaning forward slightly, elbows on his knees. Someone passes him another drink, and he takes it without really thinking.
You hover for half a second.
Then decide to slide onto his lap like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
There’s the briefest pause in his movement.
Barely noticeable to anyone else, but you feel it.
The way his body stills for half a second, then relaxes instantly as his free arm comes around your waist, pulling you closer without even breaking conversation.
“…yeah, we were in Chicago last month actually,” he’s saying, nodding at something one of the guys says. “It was—”
His hand settles on your thigh.
You lean back slightly against his chest, getting comfortable, your legs angled across his. The position is easy, familiar in a way that makes your chest feel a little too full.
Your fingers find the back of his neck without thinking.
Light at first, just resting there.
He doesn’t react outwardly.
But his thumb shifts slightly against your thigh.
You start tracing slow patterns at the base of his hairline.
Joe’s voice dips just slightly mid conversation. Not enough for anyone to call it out, but enough that you notice.
“…yeah, I was sweating so much,” he continues, clearing his throat a little. “Good crowd though.”
Your fingers slide into his hair properly now.
Dragging lightly through the strands at the back of his head.
His grip on your thigh tightens for a second.
You hide your smile by taking a sip of your drink.
“You playing anything new soon?” someone asks him.
Joe nods, shifting slightly beneath you.
His hand moves higher on your thigh this time. His thumb brushing once, slow, like he’s not even thinking about it.
Your breath catches slightly as your fingers press a little more firmly into his hair, nails grazing lightly against his scalp.
He exhales through his nose, almost inaudible.
“Working on some stuff,” he says, voice just a touch rougher now. “Nothing—nothing finished yet.”
You shift slightly in his lap now, adjusting your position.
His hand reacts immediately, steadying you, fingers pressing into your thigh for a second before settling again.
Your hand drifts from the back of his neck to his hair again, brushing it back from where it curls slightly at the nape, slightly damp from the sun.
Joe’s jaw tightens slightly.
Then he forces himself to focus again, nodding at something Wes says.
“Yeah—no, that makes sense—”
But his hand doesn’t stop moving.
His thumb dragging slow lines against your skin. Fingers flexing slightly like he’s grounding himself.
Courtney catches your eye from across the group.
You press your lips together, trying not to smile.
Joe leans back a little now, resting into the couch more fully, pulling you with him. His arm tightens around your waist, anchoring you closer to his chest.
The conversation keeps going around you.
Your fingers slow in his hair, then start again.
“Joe?” someone says, snapping him back.
“Yeah—yeah, sorry,” he replies quickly, blinking once. “What were you saying?”
You tilt your head slightly, close enough now that your lips brush just near his ear when you speak.
His hand stills on your thigh completely this time.
“Not helping baby,” he mutters under his breath.
You smile into your drink.
“Come on. Let’s dance.” You utter.
“Yes, again. That’s why we’re here.” You explain.
You push yourself off of Joe, his hand still lingering on your leg as he looks up to you in confusion.
You don’t entertain it though, you simply brush his hand off and step away.
You pull Courtney away from the circle of conversation, back toward the music, where it’s louder and messier and easier to disappear.
Bodies closer, heat building, people moving like one thing instead of individuals. The bass is heavier now, vibrating through your chest.
Courtney spins once, laughing, pulling you into it.
You follow easily this time.
You don’t even notice him at first.
Just a shift, someone stepping into your space, a presence that wasn’t there before.
And yeah, he’s… attractive.
Tall, sunkissed, that effortless festival look like he belongs here. Confident in a way that’s not immediately off-putting.
“Hi,” you say, polite with a tight lipped smile.
“I’ve seen you around,” he says, smiling slightly. “You’re hard to miss.”
Courtney’s eyes flick between you both.
You give a smaller smile. “I doubt that.”
“No, seriously,” he insists, stepping a little closer. “You’ve got this whole—” he gestures vaguely, like he’s trying to find the word, “vibe going on.”
“I’m serious,” he says, undeterred. “What’s your name?”
You hesitate for half a second.
Not because you’re interested, but caught off guard.
Behind you, Courtney subtly shifts, watching.
You tell him your name anyway.
He repeats it like he’s committing it to memory. “I’m—”
He tells you his name, but it barely sticks.
Because you’re already half distracted.
Asking questions and leaning in slightly. Smiling like he knows exactly what he’s doing.
And you answer, briefly, politely but your attention keeps slipping.
Back toward the seating area.
You don’t realise Joe’s looking until your eyes meet his.
He’s still mid conversation, but he’s not listening anymore.
His gaze is completely fixed on you and the guy standing just a little too close.
“So what are y’all doing later?” the guy asks, drawing your attention back.
“Later,” he repeats, like it’s obvious. “You should come with us. We’ve got a place not far from here.”
Courtney lets out the smallest laugh beside you.
“Oh, I’m here with friends,” you say simply.
You shake your head slightly. “I don’t think so.”
He smiles like that’s part of the game. “Come on. Don’t shut it down that fast.”
You glance past him again.
Joe’s not talking anymore.
There’s something tight in his expression. His jaw set slightly, shoulders more rigid than before.
He says something quick to the guys, too quick, and then he’s moving.
“Look,” you say, turning back to the guy. “I’m really not interested—”
“You don’t even know me yet.”
“I don’t need to.” You smile back.
Courtney bites back a grin.
“And you’ve got someone?” he presses, glancing around like he’s trying to spot competition.
Not because you don’t know the answer.
A hand lands at your waist.
“I think she answered you man,” Joe says.
You don’t even need to turn, because you’d know his voice anywhere.
The guy pauses, finally clocking it.
Joe steps in just enough close behind you. His hand stays where it is, fingers pressing slightly into your side like he’s grounding himself as much as you.
“Yeah?” the guy says, raising an eyebrow slightly. “Didn’t realise.” Looking a lot smaller now in comparison to Joe’s frame.
Joe shrugs, casual but there’s an edge now.
“Cool, now you do.” He replies coldly.
Silence hangs for a second.
Then the guy lifts his hands slightly, backing off.
“Alright, man. No problem.”
The guy gives you one last look then disappears back into the crowd.
Courtney exhales dramatically. “That was painful.”
“I’m just saying, he really thought he had a chance.”
You turn slightly, finally facing Joe.
He hasn’t moved his hand.
His eyes flick briefly to where the guy disappeared, then back to you.
There’s something unreadable there, something tighter than before.
“You seriously were gonna let him keep going huh?” he asks.
You frown slightly. “No. I was literally saying no.”
“Then what’s the problem?” You egg on.
“No problem,” he says, but it doesn’t land right.
You tilt your head. “Joe.”
Courtney quietly steps back. “I’m gonna… go find Jake.”
The music swells around you again, but it feels distant now.
“If you’re jealous just say so.” You shrug.
“You kind of are.” You tease, just trying to frustrate him more.
“I’m not—” he stops, exhaling through his nose slightly. “I just didn’t like it.”
You blink. “Didn’t like what?”
“The way he was talking to you. He was clearly flirting.”
You just wanted to get a rise out of him.
You couldn’t help it, the way those girls touched him earlier. It all got to your head.
Joe runs a hand through his hair, pushing it back.
“I don’t know,” he admits finally. “It just—”
“It’s just what?” you push, softer.
His hand tightens slightly at your waist.
“Nothing,” he mutters. “Forget it.”
You stare at him for a second.
“No baby…I’m sorry okay.” You begin.
“Hey, let me make it up to you okay.” You whisper into his ear, trying to drag him away from the crowd.
“Baby.” He utters, stopping you. “What’s up with you today?"
“That,” he gestures vaguely. “You’ve been… off all day.”
You huff a small laugh, shaking your head. “I’m literally just hungover.”
“Yeah, you were,” he says. “Now you’re not.”
The noise around you picks back up Jake calling something across the group, Courtney laughing somewhere behind you but it all feels slightly removed.
Joe steps a little closer.
“Talk to me…please" he says, softer, his big puppy eyes clearly showing concern.
You felt like the worst person ever.
Then shrug, looking away. “It’s not a big deal okay.”
“If it wasn’t, you wouldn’t be acting like this.”
“Neither is you shutting me out,” he replies.
You exhale, rubbing your arm like you suddenly feel exposed.
“It’s just—” you stop, shaking your head. “look don’t worry.”
“Hey,” he says, reaching for your hand.
You let him take it, but you don’t fully relax into it.
“That thing earlier,” he adds. “With those girls, if that’s what this is—”
“It’s not just that,” you cut in quickly.
“Okay,” he nods. “Then what is it?”
Too many eyes that aren’t actually watching but still make it feel like they are.
“Come here,” you say suddenly.
He frowns slightly. “What?”
You grab his hand properly this time, pulling him away from the group, weaving past people, past the bar, past the edge of the VIP section into the back of all the drink trucks and tents.
He’s already watching you concerned now.
“Okay,” he says. “What’s going on?” He adds trying to search for the answer in your eyes.
You cross your arms instinctively, then uncross them again.
“I don’t like it,” you admit.
“The way people act with you sometimes,” you say, a little sharper than you meant. “Like earlier, with those girls. And just now. It’s like—”
“—like I’m not even there half the time.”
Joe’s expression shifts immediately.
“I know it’s not your fault,” you add quickly. “I know that. You’re just being nice. But it’s still—” you exhale, frustrated. “It’s still weird sometimes, I’m trying to get used to it but it just like...”
“And then that guy,” you continue. “Coming up to me like that, like it’s nothing, and you get all weird about it but with the girls.”
“I wasn’t weird—” He begins.
“You were,” you interrupt. “You didn’t like it.”
“Okay, but I deal with that all the time when it’s you,” you say, softer now. “And I don’t get to… react like that.”
Joe looks at you for a second, processing.
“You always felt this way?" he asks finally.
You nod looking down at your shoes, avoid his eyes, to which he clearly notices, grabbing your chin with his index finger and moving it up to look at him.
“Hey, I didn’t think about it like that,” he admits, running a hand through his hair. “I just, saw him talking to you and…” he shakes his head slightly. “Didn’t like it. Didn’t even question why.”
Your shoulders drop a little.
“And earlier,” he continues, quieter now, “I should’ve noticed sooner. With those girls. I got pulled in and I just—” he exhales. “I didn’t handle that well.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong Joe,” you say.
“I could’ve done better,” he replies simply.
“I just hate feeling like I have to compete for your attention,” you admit, barely above a murmur.
Joe’s face softens immediately.
“Hey,” he says, stepping closer.
His hand finds yours again. This time, you don’t resist it.
“You don’t,” he says. “At all.”
“Because I’m already choosing you,” he adds.
“You just… don’t make it obvious sometimes,” you say.
“That’s on me,” he nods. “I can fix that.”
You huff a small laugh. “Yeah?”
He lifts your joined hands slightly, like he’s proving a point.
“Starting with not letting go of you every five seconds.”
You smile a little despite yourself.
“And for the record,” he adds, a little more serious now, “I didn’t like that guy talking to you because I—”
“—because I love you. A lot.”
“Yeah,” you say softly. “I got that.”
Then you tug his hand slightly, stepping closer.
“Just here,” you say, pulling him a little further into the corner, out of view from the workers in the tents.
Your back brushes lightly against the wall behind you as you stop, still holding onto him.
“Let me show you how much I love you too.” You giggle into his neck in a jokingly tone as you kiss down his neck.
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