•pairing: Joe Burrow x reader
•series summary: Y/n Hubbard, the younger sister of Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End Sam Hubbard, finds herself in a difficult situation after a steamy hookup with her brothers best friend, who just so happens to be the quarterback for the Bengals. In just nine months their lives will be changed forever. How will Y/n and Joe manage to to go through parenthood together? more so, how will Sam take the news he is going to be the uncle of his best friends baby?
•chapter summary: You and Joe spend time in Athens with his parents after the dinner date disaster. Some tough talks are had, but some sweet moments are shared
•warnings: pregnancy, angst, crying, fluff, slight silent treatment, tense moments, the fact I'm writing this is 2026 WHEN ITS SET IN 2023-24😭😭
Sam and Emma's guest room was quiet, almost too quiet. The kind of quiet that made the silence suffocating and your thoughts echo louder than ever. The ceiling fan spun lazily above you, its soft whirring doing nothing to drown out the replay of tonights events in your head.
Every tense, spiteful word shared with Joe.
You rolled onto your side, knees tucked slightly toward your chest with one hand resting protectively over your swollen belly. Peanut rolled gently beneath your palm, a reminder that no matter how heartbroken you were, you weren’t alone.
“I’m sorry,” you whispered, voice hoarse in the dark. “I’m so sorry.”
You weren’t sure who the apology was for anymore. Joe. Your son. Yourself. Maybe even all three.
Emma had tried to talk to you when you got back to the house a few hours ago. She gave you a glass of ice water, rubbed your back, and reminded you to breathe. You needed to calm down so nothing happened to the baby, again.
Sam had hovered awkwardly, yet protectively. Guilt was written all over his face even though none of this was his fault. His reaction and guilt was the exact same it was when you and Joe had your falling out in college, which was comforting to you somehow.
You were distraught for a while, but once you had calmed down enough, Sam and Emma took you to the guest room to get you settled for the night. This was the first night in months you'd be sleeping alone without Joe by your side.
As soon as you got pajamas on, which consisted of one of Sam's t-shirts and Emmas sweatpants, you crawled into bed for the night. Thoughts of Joe and your argument at team dinner played over and over in your head. It was consuming you.
For hours, you cried until your head was throbbing and your eyes burning.
You cried until exhaustion finally forced your body into a restless sleep that lasted maybe five hours because morning came too fast.
Sunlight crept through the blinds, landing right on your face. You groaned softly and shifted, yawning while you rubbed your puffy, tired eyes. As you laid silently in bed, taking in the fact that you were actually awake, reality hit you.
Joe was picking you up today.
You had to act normal in front of his parents today.
Your stomach twisted, and this time, it wasn’t just because of the baby.
You sat up slowly, swinging your legs over the side of the queen sized bed. Every movement you made felt heavier, not just physically, but emotionally. Six months pregnant and emotionally wrecked wasn’t exactly a good combination.
You padded into the bathroom, stretching your arms as you peeked at yourself in the mirror, wincing at your reflection. Puffy eyes. Blotchy cheeks. You looked as tired and heartbroken as you felt.
Maybe a shower will help. You thought as you turned on the water, turning the knob all the way up so the water was borderline boiling. You needed a nice warm shower to wake yourself up and psych yourself up into seeing Joe in about an hour.
After a quick shower and an attempt to look human, you got put on flare leggings and an oversized Bengals crewneck. One you stole months ago from Joe and never gave back. You hesitated before pulling it on over your body, fingers curling into the fabric as you did so.
You almost changed your mind. But you didn’t. Joe's scent lingered on the fabric, bringing you a sense of comfort.
Downstairs, Emma was already up, sipping hot tea at the kitchen island. Your soft footsteps echoed, making Emma look up from her first time mom book she was currently nose deep in.
She looked at you softly when you entered, concern etched into her expression.
“Hey,” you replied, voice quiet.
She stood and wrapped her arms around you without asking. You melted into her instantly, the weight of the last twelve hours pressing down on you all over again.
“He’s outside,” she murmured after a moment. “He’s been sitting there for like ten minutes.”
Your heart skipped painfully. You didn't know if you were ready to see him yet.
Emma pulled back and squeezed your shoulders. “Whatever happens, you’re not alone. Call me or your brother if you need us. Even if it’s three in the morning. We will make the damn drive."
You nodded at your sister in law, smiling softly, “Thank you. For that and for letting me stay here."
You smiled again before sighing as you grabbed your bag, mentally preparing yourself before you stepped outside.
Joe’s car was parked behind the garage door. He stood next to it with his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his hoodie, shoulders tense. He looked rough.
Dark circles under his eyes.
Hair messy like he’d ran his hands through it one too many times.
When he saw you, his posture stiffened.
The greeting hung between you. The air around you fragile, like one wrong movement or word would break it.
You slowly walked up to the car, standing next to Joe and reaching for the passenger side handle. He gently brushed your hand away, opening the passenger door for you like he always did. His movements were careful, gentle, like you might shatter if he moved too fast.
You slid into the seat without a word, staring straight ahead. The door closed with a dull thud.
And then you were alone together.
The car ride out of town was painfully quiet. Which was quite unusual for you and Joe. Usually the two of you talk non-stop when you are in the car together. However, this time was much different.
After about 10 minutes of nothing except for the low sound of music, Joe broke the silence.
“I didn’t sleep,” he finally said, voice low.
You swallowed, “Me neither.”
Another stretch of silence, the two of you unsure what to say or how to say it.
“I meant what I said last night,” he added, “I’m not cheating on you.”
Your chest tightened. “I know.”
He glanced at you, surprised by your words, “You do?”
“I don’t know what to think,” you admitted quietly. It's true. You don't know what to think of him or the situation.
“But… I don’t think you’d do that to me. I just—” Your voice cracked. “I didn’t understand.”
You didn't know what to say.
He nodded slowly at your words, “I should’ve told you.”
“Yes,” you said, sharper than you intended, “you should have.”
The car ride to Athens was tense after that. Neither of you were brave enough to dig deeper into the situation and have a much needed conversation about it. The only sounds heard were Joe's playlist, the hum of the highway, and the occasional sniffle you tried so hard to hide.
Joe kept one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the center console while he drove. Close enough to you that you felt its presence without the comfort of touch. You stared out the window most of the way, one palm resting over your belly, thumb tracing small circles like you were grounding yourself.
Every now and then, your baby boy kicked, giving gentle reminders that even though you're hurt now, there was still some happiness in this moment.
When Joe finally parked, he exhaled slowly, like he’d been holding his breath the entire drive.
“We’re here,” he said softly. You nodded in response, not wanting to say anything.
Robin was already on the porch, shading her eyes from the summer sun as she looked toward the driveway. The second she recognized the car, her face lit up with pure joy. She hurried down the steps, arms open before you even finished opening the door.
“There you are,” she said warmly, pulling you into a hug that smelled like laundry soap and lavender, “look at you.”
You melted instantly, the tension in your shoulders loosening just a bit as she rested a hand on your back, then gently over your stomach.
“My goodness,” she murmured, “halfway there already. He’s growing so fast.”
You smiled a small, but genuine smile, “He really is.”
Joe hovered close, watching the exchange with something fragile in his eyes. Robin turned to him next, cupping his face briefly in her hands as she gave him a mom look.
“You look tired,” she said.
He huffed a quiet laugh. “You have no idea.”
Robin ushered the two of you inside, making small talk as you entered the Burrow family home.
You'd never seen Joe's childhood home before, but something about it gave you a comforting, familiar feel. It was a lot like your home growing up.
Family photos lining the hallway, the old wooden clock ticking softly near the stairs, and the faint sound of a baseball game playing on the TV in the living room. Everything about it was home.
"Jimmy!" Robin called out, "the kids are here."
Jimmy, Joe's dad, stood from his recliner with a bright smile on his face. He approached you and Joe, giving you a warm hug and his son a firm slap on the shoulder before pulling him in for the same hug.
After saying his hellos, Jimmy took your bags upstairs while Robin brought you into the kitchen, insisting you sit while she made you a glass of cold lemonade. Joe hovered in the kitchen in a way that meant he didn’t quite know where to put himself yet. He was close and attentive, but careful.
As you and Robin got caught up while preparing salads, Jimmy and Joe cooked burgers in the backyard. Throughout dinner preparation, you caught Joe watching you when he thought you weren’t looking. He looked at you as if he was afraid you might disappear if he blinked too long.
Dinner that night was easy in a way that surprised you. It wasn't normal, there was still a quiet awareness of the tension between you and Joe, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. His parents talked about neighbors, local events, old stories from Joe’s childhood that made him groan and you laugh softly. It felt normal, and that was the most comforting part.
Later that evening, exhaustion hit you all at once. Your body ached in that deep, bone-tired way that only pregnancy could make you hurt. You excused yourself early, Joe standing immediately like he always did when you were the first to get up.
“I’ll walk you up,” he said, a thin smile on his lips. You quietly thanked him before saying goodnight to Joe's parents, apologizing for going to bed so early.
"Sweetie, you're OK," Robin assured you, she reached out to cup your bump as she continued, "you're pregnant and you had a long day in the car. Get some rest."
The hallway upstairs was dim and the air was cooler. Cooler air in the summer is nice, but it's even better when you're entering heavy pregnant stages.
When you reached the guest room, you hesitated, hand hovering over the doorknob. “I can get settled myself,” you said quietly.
Joe sucked in a breath, his heart falling to his stomach in defeat. He nodded, swallowing thickly. “Okay. I’ll be right downstairs if you need anything.”
You were about to walk into the room when you paused, then looked back at him. “Joe?”
His eyes softened. “Always, sweetheart."
You closed the door behind you, leaning against it for a moment as your chest filled with a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding. The guest room was simple. A neatly made bed, floral comforter, a small lamp glowing on the nightstand. You changed slowly, movements deliberate, one hand bracing your lower back as you eased yourself onto the bed.
You were too exhausted to change out of your roadtrip clothes, so you decided to go to bed in those and change in the morning.
As you got snuggled under the covers, the house settled around you. It was a comfortable silence, one that would put you to sleep. Completely different from the silence at Sam and Emma's last night and the car ride here.
Suddenly, you heard voices coming from downstairs. They were low at first, muffled through the floorboards. Your ears picked up Joe’s voice instantly, it was unmistakable even when quiet. Pregnancy hearing was really coming in handy here.
You weren’t trying to listen. You really weren’t. But then his voice cracked.
Your heart skipped a beat. You sat up slowly, breath shallow as you recognized the weight in his tone. It wasn't frustration, anger, sadness. It was raw emotion. Something you hadn't seen or heard from Joe in years.
You got out bed and moved quietly to the door, opening it just enough to hear the conversation being had downstairs.
“I almost lost her,” Joe said, voice thick. “Again." Your heart sank as you knew he was referring to all those years ago in college when he lost you before transferring to LSU.
"I saw it in her eyes last night. I’ve never seen her look at me like that before. She was so hurt and I," he sniffled before choking out a sob, "fuck."
There was a pause. His mom murmured something soft thatvyou couldn’t quite make out. All you could hear were the words "dad" "Y/n" and "your son". You opened the door a little more, just enough to sneak out of the room so you could listen to them better.
“I keep thinking I’m going to mess this up,” Joe continued. “That I’m going to be a bad dad. That I’ll screw up like—” He stopped himself, breath hitching. “Like I did before with her.”
Your chest tightened painfully. You and Joe have been through a lot since you were freshmen in college. You went from no contact to now having his baby. Even though your relationship with him has been a rollercoaster, there is no doubt in your mind that he will be the best dad. It broke your heart to hear him talk like that.
Now you were completely out of the bedroom, looking over the banister of the staircase so you could see into the kitchen. The sight below broke your heart as much as the words that were uttered did.
“I love her so much it scares me,” he whispered, voice breaking on the last word. His hands were braced against the counter like it was the only thing keeping him upright, “And that baby, my-our son…I already love him so much it hurts. I wake up every day terrified I’m going to ruin this. I don’t know how to do this without hurting the people I care about.”
The words landed in your chest one by one, each hitting heavier than the last.
Tears slipped down your cheeks silently, blurring the warm yellow light of the kitchen. You didn't mean to move as loud as you did and you didn't intend to listen as long as you did, but it was almost like your body instinctively took you closer to the top of the stairs. The floorboard creaked beneath you as stepped toward the top.
Joe’s mom looked up first, her face softening instantly as her shiny eyes took in your appearance as you walked downstairs.
Your palm cradling your belly without even realizing it.
“Oh, sweetheart,” Robin said sadly, yet gently.
Joe turned in the direction his mom was facing. The look on his face when he saw you standing there with cheeks running down your cheeks and sadness written across your face, absolutely broke him.
The way his shoulders sagged.
The way his eyes welled up immediately.
The way all the careful walls he’d built over the last 24 hours simply gave up.
“Y/n-” Joe's voice cracked with raw emotion as he said your name.
You didn’t let him finish. You crossed the room in two unsteady steps, knees weak and heart pounding as you collapsed into him. The sob that came out of you felt like it had been sitting deep in your chest for weeks, waiting for the right moment to finally be let out.
Joe caught you instantly, his muscular arms wrapping around you tight and desperately as if letting go of you would make you slip away forever. His parents left the kitchen to give the two of you some privacy.
“I’m sorry,” you cried into his shoulder, “I’m so sorry."
He shook his head fiercely, hands coming up to cup your face, thumbs brushing your wet cheeks as his own tears spilled freely. He rested his forehead against yours, breath shuddering as he spoke, “No. No. I'm sorry, baby. I should’ve told you everything."
Joe was right. He should have told you everything. While the moment was already emotional, you needed answers. Finally getting answers would make you feel a lot better. At least, you hoped so anyways.
You pulled back slightly in his grasp, tears still clinging to your lashes.
“I need to know,” you whispered, “I need you to tell me who Izzy is.”
Joe exhaled slowly, nodding. He wasn't defensive or irritated, which you took as a good sign.
“She’s an interior designer,” he said softly, “Morgan recommended her.”
You blinked slowly. Why would he need an interior designer?
“For the nursery,” his voice wavered slightly, “I wanted to surprise you. I didn’t want you stressing about it while we were traveling and dealing with off-season shit. I thought if I could just handle it, you’d be happy.”
Your mouth parted, but no sound came out. Your heart fell to your stomach, your body filling with guilt.
“The arrangement,” he continued gently, “was a contract. Deposit, timeline, all of it. I’ve been on calls with her and suppliers and my parents trying to coordinate getting it done while we’re in California.” He swallowed, “that’s why I said I didn’t want you to know. It was supposed to be a surprise.”
The silence that followed felt heavy and humiliating. You made a big deal over a harmless, sweet surprise and a woman who was just doing her job.
“I thought-," your voice cracked, “I-I thought she was someone you’d been seeing.”
Joe’s head snapped up, brows furrowed as he stared intently at you.
“At the restaurant,” you said, shaking slightly as you replayed those moments in your head, “the way she touched you. The way you lowered your voice. When you said you didn’t want me to know…I felt like the only explanation was that you were cheating.”
The word hung between you.
Joe looked devastated, gutted.
“I would never,” he said firmly, “Never.”
“I know that now,” you whispered, tears spilling over again, “but in that moment? I felt so stupid. So replaceable. I thought maybe I wasn’t enough anymore. That maybe I was just the pregnant girlfriend and she was-"
“Stop,” Joe said, cutting you off immediately. His hands cupped your face again, forcing you to look into his eyes.
"You are everything to me, Y/n. There isn’t anyone else. There hasn’t been anyone else. There will never be anyone else.” His thumb brushed your cheek gently.
“I’ve been distant because I’ve been overwhelmed. Not because I wanted someone else.”
Your chest felt tight as you spoke, “That night when you wouldn't tell me who she was or whatever your arrangement with her was, I had myself convinced I wasn't enough for you anymore Joe."
Joe let out a shaky breath at your confession, “Fuck. I was trying to be a good boyfriend and build your dream nursery, and instead I made you feel like I didn't want you anymore.”
You both stood there for a moment, letting the truth settle between you.
It was a surprise. Not infidelity.
It was a surprise, one you feel you now ruined.
"I didn't mean to ruin your surprise, Joe." You said quietly, breaking the silence.
Joe shook his head as he wrapped his arms around you again. You both let out a content sigh at the feeling. He planted a firm, yet sweet kiss to your temple as he held you.
"You didn't ruin anything. It was just a misunderstanding."
You nodded, pulling away from his embrace enough to look at him.
"Of course Y/n/n," he said softly, "I'm OK if you are."
You nodded, a small, but genuine smile pulling at your lips. "I'm glad we talked," you said, "I feel relieved. Guilty, but relieved."
"I wish you would have told me sooner, about your concerns."
You shook your head, "and I wish you would have told me about your concerns sooner, too."
Joe's brows furrowed, "My concerns?"
"About not being a good dad. That you're going to ruin this," you said gesturing between the two of you.
Joe's shoulders fell slightly. You grabbed his hand and placed it gently onto your growing baby bump. You spoke softly as you caressed his hand with your thumb.
"Joey, I have no doubt in my mind that you are going to be the best dad to Peanut. He is the luckiest baby in the world to have you in his life. He and I both are so lucky to have you."
Joe smiled softly as he caressed your bump, giving his unborn son an unspoken hello, something he hadn't done in a while.
"We're in this together. You and me, Joe. I promise you won't ever ruin anything, especially when you have me."
Joe took his hand off your belly and pulled you in close, forehead resting against yours as he let out a shaky breath. Then he leaned in, just like you did, your lips touching.
The kiss was gentle. One that was barely there at first like he'd never kissed you before. Joe's lips brushed yours softly, the kiss lingering just long enough to say everything you both couldn’t put into words.
When you kissed him back, it deepened. The kiss was still tender, fragile, but full of reassurance. When he finally pulled away, Joe's thumb brushed beneath your eye, catching the last of your tears.
“Thank you,” he murmured, voice thick with emotion.
After one final kitchen embrace, the two of you decided to head to bed for the night. When you finally climbed into bed together, it felt different.
It was fragile, careful even.
Joe didn’t just slide in beside you the way he usually would. He hesitated for a second, like he was asking permission to join you without speaking. You reached for him first, and that was all it took for him to crawl in beside you.
He pulled you into his chest slowly, like he was afraid you might shatter if he was too rough. One hand rested on your upper back to pull you close while the other instinctively settled over your belly. You knew you'd drift off to sleep quickly tonight now that you were in Joe's arms.
The dim room, the soft sounds of a summer night drifting through the window, and Joe's breathing gradually slowing beneath your cheek had you comfortable in no time.
For the first time since that night at the restaurant, since Izzy, since the emotional spiral, you finally felt steady again.
Sunlight filtered through the thin curtains as the birds chirped softly outside. You were on your side with one hand tucked beneath your cheek and the other resting on your belly. Peanut shifted gently, a slow roll followed by a small kick.
You smiled before you even opened your eyes. For the first time in days, your chest didn’t feel tight when you breathed in.
The bed dipped slightly behind you. Joe moved carefully, like he was afraid the moving might wake you up. His arm slid around your waist, big hand settling warm against your swollen stomach.
“Morning,” you murmured back.
He stayed quiet for a moment, just laying with you in a peaceful silence. You felt him press a kiss to your shoulder, then another just below your ear.
“Did you sleep okay?” he asked.
You nodded, “Yeah. I did actually.”
His soft exhale sounded relieved, “Me too.”
You rolled onto your back slowly, Joe immediately adjusting to support you, his hand firm at your lower back. He watched you like he always did, very attentively.
“How’s he doing?” Joe asked softly, eyes flicking to your belly.
You smiled, “He’s awake.” As if on cue, baby boy kicked again, a little stronger this time. Joe’s face lit up instantly with awe. He lowered his face down toward your belly.
“There you are,” he whispered, placing his palm and forehead gently against your stomach. “Hey, buddy.”
You watched him, heart swelling in your chest as he spoke to your son.
"I know we scared you little man," he murmured, “But we’re good. Mom and Dad are good.”
Joe stayed there for a long moment, breathing slowly, grounding himself. When he finally looked back up at you, his eyes were glassy but calm.
“I don’t want to ever scare you like that again,” he said quietly, "you or your mama." you brought a hand down to his face, brushing your thumb across his cheek.
A hard kick against Joe's palm made him smile, "and I love you both."
After staying in bed to talk to the baby and make sure you two were still OK, you and Joe finally decided to get out of bed and greet his parents downstairs. As soon as you both walked into the kitchen you were greeted with the smell of coffee and bacon.
Joe’s mom greeted you with a smile that softened instantly when she saw you and Joe happy together.
“Good morning,” she greeted happily, guiding you gently toward a chair, “come have some breakfast, you must be starving."
Joe hovered nearby, instinctively reaching for your chair before you even asked. His mom noticed, smiling to herself. Throughout breakfast Jimmy told stories about little Joe when he lived at home, and Joe rolled his eyes while you and Robin laughed.
At one point, Joe’s mom set a hand over yours, “I’m really glad you’re here,” she said simply.
You met her gaze, smile matching hers, “Me too.”
Later, while Joe and his dad disappeared into the garage, Robin asked if you wanted to help her fold laundry. You sat together on the couch, folding warm towels, the TV playing softly in the background. For a while, neither of you spoke.
Then she cleared her throat gently.
“He loves you very much,” she said. You looked up from the towel you were folding.
"I love him too, I hope you know that."
Robin smiled softly, but there was a knowing look in her eyes.
“Oh honey, I know you do. You make him better,” she said, “He's more grounded. He's softer, braver.”
Tears pricked at your eyes. These damn hormones have been making every emotional moment even more touching.
“And this baby,” she added, glancing at your belly, “he’s already lucky. He is going to be surrounded by so much love from two of the sweetest people in the world.”
You blinked the tears back, nodding, “I’m scared sometimes, to be a mom."
She reached for your hand, smiling warmly, “That's a good thing. That means you care, you care about being a good mom for your baby."
That afternoon, after Joe and his dad were done in the garage, Joe took you for a walk around the neighborhood. The July heat was mellow as a slight breeze cut through the trees. You and Joe held hands as you walked through the quaint neighborhood.
“You okay?” he asked for the third time in ten minutes.
You laughed softly. “Yes Joey, I'm fine. Just like I was two minutes ago."
He smiled sheepishly. “Just checking.”
When you got tired, he didn’t argue. He guided you to a bench, sat beside you, and pressed a kiss to your knuckles.
“I don’t feel rushed here,” you said quietly, "I could get used to the laid back, no sense of urgency life."
You knew it wouldn't last long, the no sense of urgency life, especially once you got back from your off-season trips. Training camp and your baby boys due date were approaching faster than you realized.
Joe nodded. “You and me both. It's like the calm before the storm right now,” he put a hand on your belly, "but the storm is good, not going to be a disaster." He added quickly, defending his statement.
You laughed in response, reassuring him, "I know what you meant."
As the sun began to set, you and Joe finished your evening walk and headed back to his childhood home.
Days slipped into one another without urgency like you and Joe had talked about. No alarms were set, no packed schedules surrounded around football were made, you just got to relax. It felt like you could finally breathe.
You woke when your body was ready, you rested when it asked, and the house moved around you with an unspoken understanding that you were carrying more than just yourself.
Joe’s mom checked in constantly, but never hovered. She kept a folded blanket draped over the arm of the couch just for you, and a stool tucked under the kitchen counter so you could sit while she cooked.
You could see it in the way his eyes tracked the room, always following protectively where you were, what you were doing, whether you needed help before you asked.
That afternoon you decided to sit outside. You sank into the porch chair, one hand resting over your belly as Peanut shifted, slow and heavy. You’d noticed he moved more when Joe was nearby. Stronger kicks and longer stretches. It was like he recognized the sound of his father’s voice.
Joe caught you watching him and smiled softly. He walked up to you, greeting you softly as he placed a gentle touch to your bump.
“You feel that?” he asked, kneeling in front of you with his hands warm against your stomach.
“Mm-hm,” you hummed. “He’s busy today.”
Joe leaned in, pressing his lips against your belly. “Take it easy in there bud, gotta be nice to your mama."
You laughed quietly, fingers threading through Joe’s hair. Moments like this felt so special, small to anyone else, but huge to you and Joe.
That evening, Robin pulled you aside while Joe showered.
“I hope this isn’t too forward,” she said, a little hesitant. “But I found some of Joe’s old things in the attic. Baby clothes, books, a few toys.”
Your heart swelled, “That’s really sweet.”
She smiled, “I thought maybe… when you’re ready… we could go through them together.”
You smiled wide as your eyes glistened with tears, “I’d love to see them now."
Robin reached out and squeezed your hand, “You’re doing wonderfully, you know. Even when it doesn’t feel like it.”
You pulled Joe's mom into a firm, yet gentle hug. "Thank you Robin."
She pulled away, squeezing your hand gently as she led you upstairs to the spare bedroom down the hall from the one you and Joe were staying in. She opened a closet door, revealing neatly stacked boxes, all labeled in careful handwriting. Some were worn at the edges, taped and re-taped over the years, clearly opened and closed with care.
“I was going to wait,” she said thoughtfully, “But I think now might be better.”
You stepped closer, looking through the boxes. Inside were baby blankets, hand-crocheted, each one different in pattern and color.
Soft pastels, creams, a pale blue with tiny scalloped edges.
Folded beside them were tiny sweaters, impossibly small, the kind that made your chest ache and heart swell just looking at them. If you weren't already pregnant, you would definitely have baby fever right now.
“Joe wore this one,” Robin said with a bright smile as she lifted a knit cardigan between her fingers, “can you believe he was this tiny once?"
You shook your head no, your smile matching hers.
There was also a photo album, its edges curled and browned with age. You opened it carefully, turning the pages and taking in all of the pictures.
Baby Joe with round-cheeks, sleepy-eyes, bundled up in blankets that now sat folded neatly in front of you.
Toddler Joe with grass-stained knees cheesing with a football birthday cake, the candle on top with the number 3.
Your heart felt too full for your chest, it was full with love.
Your eyes lit up with awe as you moved slowly through the boxes, smiling wider with each onesie you picked up, each memory you discovered. A white onesie printed with little yellow ducks made you laugh softly as you held it up.
“I don’t want to pressure you,” Robin said gently, watching you with hope in her eyes, “This is your baby, your choices. I just wanted you to know he’s already so loved.”
Emotion swelled in your throat.
“I love it,” you said quietly, placing the onesie back with care. Your hand drifted to your bump, “Thank you for thinking of me.” You glanced up at her, voice softening, “of us."
She reached out then, resting her hand briefly over yours, warm and steady.
A soft sound came from the doorway.
You both looked up to find Joe standing there, one shoulder braced against the doorframe, eyes moving from his mother’s hand over yours to the boxes laid out on the bed. He had a twinkle in his eye as his lips morphed to a small smile.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” he said quietly.
Robin smiled at him. “You’re not.”
Joe stepped inside slowly, eyes taking in all of his old baby stuff that was in boxes and laid on the bed. When he reached you, he glanced at the onesie still folded near your hand, then at your face.
“You okay?” he asked softly.
You nodded, blinking back tears. “More than okay.”
He exhaled, relieved, and slid an arm around your waist, his hand resting protectively over your belly. Robin watched the two of you with a look of love and tenderness.
“These were yours,” she said, nodding toward the sweaters, “And now…maybe his.”
Joe swallowed hard, eyes dropping to your stomach. He pressed a quiet kiss to your temple.
"Told you little man is going to be my twin."
You and Robin laughed as the now three of you continued to go through Joe's old baby clothes.
Standing there together, you and Joe, with hands overlapping, memories unfolding, and shared smiles, you felt it clearly.
This wasn’t just his home. It was becoming yours too.
The last morning in Athens arrived quietly. You woke before the rest of the house, the light just beginning to slip through the curtains. For a moment, you stayed still, listening to the hum of the ceiling fan, the faint creak of the house settling, Joe’s slow, steady breathing behind you.
It was extremely peaceful.
You shifted carefully, easing yourself upright, one hand braced against the mattress and the other instinctively finding your belly. The baby rolled lazily beneath your palm, a gentle reminder that he was awake with you.
“Good morning,” you whispered.
Joe stirred, eyes blinking open as he took you in. “Hey,” he murmured, voice thick with sleep. His hand slid immediately to your back. “You okay?”
You smiled. “Yeah. Just awake.”
He sat up with you, resting his forehead against your shoulder. “I don’t want to rush this morning.” You said, bringing a hand up to his grown out hair.
“We don’t have to,” Joe said softly.
You had to be at the airport early this evening to catch a flight to California, but that meant you got to enjoy your last few hours in Athens with Joe's parents.
Downstairs, the house slowly came to life. Joe’s mom was already in the kitchen when you joined her, hair pulled back, humming quietly as she flipped pancakes.
“Morning,” she said warmly, “How are you feeling?”
You considered it for a moment before speaking, “Good,” you answered honestly, “really good.”
She smiled at that, passing you a glass of orange juice before gently tapping your back, “That makes me happy.”
Breakfast was unhurried. Joe’s dad lingered over coffee, Joe stole bites off your plate when he thought you weren’t looking, and laughter came easily. It was a full 360 from where you and Joe were at the beginning of the week.
After breakfast, Joe helped you pack. He moved slowly, methodically, folding your clothes with care like each one mattered. Joe was much more organized with packing than you.
“Sometimes you’re more of a woman than I am,” you teased, watching Joe refold the same t-shirt like it personally offended him that it wasn't folded right the first time.
He looked up slowly, eyes narrowing in playful challenge, “Careful. Im good at more than that.”
You smirked playfully, “Or what?”
The shift was subtle. He didn’t answer right away. He just stood, closed the suitcase with a quiet thud, and walked toward you. The teasing in his expression turned darker, hungrier.
Your breath hitched as he stood over you. His veiny hands found your waist, firm this time, not tentative like they have been all week. He pulled you into him in one smooth motion, your body fitting against his like it was second nature.
“Joe-” you started, but your hands were already sliding up his chest.
He dipped his head, capturing your mouth in a kiss that stole the rest of your sentence right out of your mouth.
Like he was proving a point with every second he didn’t pull away from you.
One hand slid up your back, fingers spreading wide, while the other tightened at your hip. You felt the heat of him, solid and grounding, and it made your heart flutter.
You kissed him back just as fiercely. His jaw flexed slightly when you did.
“Still think I’m just good at folding clothes?” Joe murmured against your lips before kissing you again. His thumb brushing the curve of your waist in a way that made your stomach flutter.
Your fingers tangled into his shirt, tugging him closer instead of pushing him away.
The air between you felt thicker now. He trailed his mouth from your lips to your jaw, then just beneath your ear, his breath warm against your skin.
“You drive me insane,” he admitted quietly, voice rougher now.
Your knees felt weak as your heart rate grew quicker. He pulled back just enough to look at you, eyes dark but steady. His kiss softened slightly but didn’t lose its depth, his hand sliding down to rest over your bump, grounding himself as much as you.
“You have no idea how much I love you Y/n,” he murmured against your mouth.
You exhaled shakily, “Show me later.”
His lips curved slowly, wicked but warm.
He pressed one final lingering kiss to your lips before stepping back just enough to break the tension without losing it.
“Now,” he said, picking the suitcase back up like nothing happened, “help me before I forget we've got a flight to catch."
You just stood there for a second, flushed and breathless, watching him act entirely unaffected.
"Jeez Joey," you breathed out, picking up a sundress.
"What?" He asked, a small smirk pulling at the corner of his lip. Heat slowly rushed to your cheeks as you shook your head at him.
Before you left, Joe’s mom asked you to sit with her on the porch swing. Robin pressed a small box into your hands, urging you excitedly to open it. You carefully opened the box, gasping softly as you saw that inside were a pair of tiny booties, hand-knit, soft and worn at the edges.
“They were Joe’s,” she said gently, “I thought maybe they should go with you.”
Your throat tightened, “Are you sure?”
She nodded, “Absolutely.”
Joe watched from the doorway as you hugged her, tears spilling freely now without embarrassment. His dad clapped him on the shoulder, eyes misty.
“Take care of them,” he said gruffly.
Joe swallowed hard, “I will. Don't worry.”
You said goodbye to Joe's parents and goodbye to Athens, ready to start your last trip, this time to the west coast, before training camp and the birth of your son.
The drive away felt different than the one that brought you here. Joe reached for your hand almost immediately, lacing his fingers through yours without hesitation. You rested your head against the window, watching the trees blur past, heart full in a way that it hadn't been in a while.
At the airport, Joe moved perfectly and organized like he did when packing. Bags lifted, tickets checked, always making sure you were comfortable. When you boarded, he settled beside you, arm draped protectively across your shoulders.
As the plane lifted off, Ohio stretched out beneath you, small, familiar and safe. You knew you'd be back home in a week, but it was exciting to go somewhere else.
Joe glanced at you, eyes soft, almost like he was reading your mind, “You excited?”
“Yeah,” you said, your smile only growing wider, “I am.”
Joe leaned in, pressing a kiss to your forehead, “Me too.”
You rested your head on his shoulder, one hand over your belly, the other entwined with his.
July moved forward, and so did you.
AHHHHHH hello my loves!!🥹🤍
It took me two years but daddy issues IS UPDATED!!!
LONG time no see. I have missed you all SO very much. Ugh I don't even know where to begin, just that it's been too long. I always knew I'd come back to this series. One thing about me is that I never leave a work unfinished.
Unfortunately, it has just taken me longer than I wanted to or hoped. I don't want to bore anyone because you all are FINALLY here and reading about dad Joe on my page again. Life has been busy, but so beautiful for me at the same time. The last time I had written anything on this page I was a freshman in college majoring in English, and now I am a Senior studying Journalism. SO my excuse for not writing on Tumblr? All I do for school and work is WRITE lol
Last time we had chatted a lot and I was active daily I had just started dating my boyfriend and now we've started looking at engagement rings. I have an apartment now, I'm living my best life in my college town and I've never been happier
But I do miss this. I miss all of you. Getting to write for you and interact with all of you was always a pleasure, and a highlight of my day. You lovely humans got me through some of the hardest and darkest times of my late teens and I just want to thank each and every one of you🤍
Now, I know it won't be like it once was, but my goal is to be here and be active when I can. For those of you still reading my fics, updates won't be consistent for now, but I can promise they will happen. All I ask is that you have some patience with me. I've missed writing for Joe so much, but I've really just missed this type of writing in general.
Anyways, I could yap forever, but I'll stop for now. Thank you SO much babes for your patience (2 years is forever in fanfic updating time lol), your love, your support, and your kindness. It truly means everything to me🤍🤍
ALSO before I go, I did not include a taglist in this chapter because it's been so long since it was updated. I will be making a new taglist for future chapters, so just let me know if you'd like to be added and I will happily add you!
romaincrisis
gamechangershow
discoholicmusic
gummygunk
prguitarman
turnnoffyourmind
