it wasn't time that did it

PPCU CHARACTERS:

DIN DJARIN

1. @bergamote-catsandbooks - dialogue: "Someone's had a little too much to drink." (story: When a Feather-Light Touch is Agony) 2. @sawymredfox - dialogue: "Why do you care? You could've just walked away." 3. @grogusmum - dialogue: "You wouldn't understand." 4. @tarcinblue - dialogue: "I don't think we're supposed to be in here." 5. @burntheedges - dialogue: "I'm going to get you out of here." 6. @frannyzooey - dialogue: "Where have you been? It's been days."

CLINT FLOOD 1. @skylardena - dialogue: "Do you mind if I sleep here tonight?" 2. @madpanda75 - dialogue: "Why can't you be happy for me?" 3. @quinnnfabrgay - dialogue: "You look like you just saw a ghost." 4. @veryinactiveartist - dialogue: "Can I ask... what happened?" (story: Crossed) 5. @ess-evo - dialogue: "I did what I had to do." (story: Obligations of Love) 6. @returnofdamack - dialogue: "I risked my life for you!"

FRANKIE MORALES 1. @gothcsz - dialogue: "Should I kiss it better?" (story: Kiss It Better) 2. @berryispunk - dialogue: "Am I worth so little to you?" 3. @pedropascalfab - dialogue: "I know you're trying your damnedest to be tough... but the truth is, you're terrified." 4. @rhapsodyofdarkness - dialogue: "That is not an appropriate question to ask a lady you've just met." 5. @brookeswords1 - dialogue: "Have you been listening to anything I've said?"

HARRY CASTILLO 1. @mayukicrystalqueen - dialogue: "Going home isn't an option anymore." (story: Going Home Isn't An Option Anymore). 2. @kokoluwie - dialogue: "I sleep better in your bed." (story: The Love is Stronger Than the Heart) 3. @millerillusions - dialogue: "You can do better than that." 4. @voidstardusts - dialogue: "Wait a minute. Are you jealous?" (story: Insider Trading) 5. @time-for-my-weekly-spanking - dialogue: "I feel safe with you." (story: Safe) 6. @andrenbv - dialogue: "It's not stealing if it was mine to begin with."

JAVIER PEÑA 1. @cozymochaa - dialogue: "Did you ever love me?" (story: Haunted) 2. @savedyounine - dialogue: "Why are you still here?" 3. @dreamedaboutitinthedark - dialogue: "Don't say I never did anything for you." (story: Even Anxious Pups Need the Moon) 4. @thatcorporategirlie - dialogue: "I had my suspicions, but I wasn't sure until now." 5. @fckyeahsaltandpeppercurls - dialogue: "There's nothing left for me here." (story: One of Pablo's - pt. 1 - pt. 2 - pt. 3) 6. @rifflovesjoey - dialogue: "What's that smug look for? You think you can do any better?"

JOEL MILLER 1. @rosharanfiction - dialogue: "Trust me, these people are not your friends." 2. @lonely-ey3s - dialogue: "You don't give a shit about me." 3. @petalsinblood - dialogue: "I like seeing you smile." (story: Falling Through Centuries) 4. @mcthsman - dialogue: "Why are you laughing? This is a very serious situation." (story: Honey Baby) 5. @milla-frenchy - dialogue: "You look ridiculous in that thing." 6. @aurorawritestoescape - dialogue: "You want me to punch him in the face?" 7. @honey-moon-13 - dialogue: "Whatever you're going to ask, the answer is no." 8. @notyourlovemonkey - dialogue: "I guess I should've told you." (story: A Thin Line - pt. 1 - pt. 2) 9. @iamsherlocked-1998 - dialogue: "Why can't you let me in? What are you so afraid of?" (story: Could Be Senseless) 10. @hanahleah - dialogue: "Do you want to come in?" 11. @missadangel - dialogue: "Why can't I come with you?" 12. @pascalgold - dialogue: "You're not like anyone else I've ever met." (story: you're not like anyone else i've ever met)

MARCUS PIKE 1. @peepawmiller - dialogue: "Can I kiss you?" (story: Restoration) 2. @prolix-yuy - dialogue: "I'm not even going to pretend to understand what you're talking about." 3. @notjaque - dialogue: "You want me? Here I am."

MARCUS ACACIUS 1. @myownwholewildworld - dialogue: "You can't keep treating me this way!" 2. @arcane-fox - dialogue: "I know I'm not the person you want, but I'm here." 3. @jeewrites - dialogue: "You look like you need a hug." 4. @millermouth - dialogue: "You can't or you won't?" (story: Mercury Falling) 5. @clubsoft - dialogue: "Stop trying to hide your emotions from me." 6. @din-cognito - dialogue: "What aren't you telling me?" (story: The Healer And The General)

OBERYN MARTELL 1. @mandaloriankait - dialogue: "All this anger and hate, it's not good for you." (story: Not the Best Idea) 2. @kelpies-inthe-marsh - dialogue: "They made you cry. So I killed them." 3. @broad-shouldrs - dialogue: "You're lucky you're cute." 4. @sizzlingcloudmentality - dialogue: "What did they do to you?" 5. @winterfellonme - dialogue: "You were put on this earth to give me a headache."

It had been five years since the outbreak. Five years since everything changed—since the world ended. You stayed close to Joel and Tommy, following their lead and doing things that you were sure neither of you would ever think of doing if the world hadn’t gone to shit. 

But still, it was a way for you all to survive. You tried to tell yourself that every time you hurt someone, every time you had stole from people that were just trying to survive too. 

Joel was the only one who seemed unfazed by it all. This world had hardened him much more than it did you and Tommy. He’d just tell you that it was “either them or us”, and you knew he had a point. You wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for Joel or Tommy.

So, you went along with what they did. 

And it kept you up every night. You couldn’t sleep longer than an hour or two without being woken up by the sounds of screaming. It was always the same nightmare too—Outbreak day and the couple of days that followed after that. 

But this life had turned you into a version of yourself that you no longer recognized either. You didn’t blink twice or flinch if you had to hurt someone to survive. You’d hear Joel’s words echo in your mind when you did. 

“It’s either them or us.”

You hated what the world became, hated the person you were now. Joel barely looked at you. Tommy, too. It was like the three of you were ashamed of the things you all had to do. 

But sometimes, for a few moments, you’d allow yourself to reminisce about what life was like before the world ended. 

You thought about Sarah—her bouncy curls and infectious smile. 

You thought about how life was finally falling in place for you—you were in love and in a seriously committed relationship with Joel, talking about the future with each other. 

Everything had been going just right. 

But the world had ended too fast. One minute you were celebrating Joel’s birthday in the morning with Sarah, cooking breakfast alongside of her and the next, she was taking her last breath in his arms. 

It wasn’t fair.

None of that should have happened.

Sarah should have still been here. 

It should have been you. 

You didn’t only lose Sarah that night. 

You lost Joel too. 

He couldn’t even properly grieve his daughter, couldn’t even bury her or say goodbye. Instead, Tommy had hoisted him up and told you both to run. 

You didn’t want to. Joel didn’t either. 

But you both did anyway. 

Leaving the old life behind. 

Leaving Sarah behind. 

And it had only gotten worse from there. 

That next morning, you flinched at the sound of a gunshot ringing through the woods. You stood from the ground so fast and ran towards the noise, which was probably not a good idea considering the world had ended. 

But when you saw Joel—gun in hand and bleeding at the temple—you rushed to him. You could see the tears in his eyes, the distant and vacancy in those deep brown eyes. He lost his little girl and he wanted everything to end. Tommy had come rushing towards you seconds later. 

You didn’t know what to do. You tried to get Joel’s attention, but he hadn’t answered. He kept his attention forward. 

The only thing he said was, “I flinched. I fuckin’ flinched.” 

Nothing was the same after that. 

And yet, your bodies still craved each other. Long gone was the relationship you had with him and instead, it was replaced by convenience, familiarity. You didn’t talk to him like you normally did and even if you tried, he wouldn’t say much. 

So, you told yourself that you’d rather have him like this than not have him at all. 

“I’m tired, Joel,” Tommy said, rifle slung over his shoulder. The three of you had staked out an abandoned store, having noticed a couple of people come in and out of it. They didn’t look threatening, just two people trying to survive like the rest of the population. 

“Either we do this, or we starve,” Joel mumbled. “Take your pick.” 

You knew not to get in between them. Before, you had no problem trying to calm them down, but that was when Sarah was still here—when she’d be there to back you up. You sighed quietly under your breath, mind drifting to memories of before. You were tired too, and you knew Joel was also. 

But you had to keep going. 

“It’s either them or us.”

“Why can’t we—just try to join a bigger group? There’s strength in numbers,” Tommy suggested. 

“No.” Joel said. “I ain’t trustin’ anyone else but the two of you.” 

“We can’t survive like this, Joel.” 

“I’d say we’re doin’ just fine,” he answered. 

Tommy sighed. 

Then, his gaze fell on you. For a moment, his eyes softened. Tommy knew the toll it took on you—seeing a man you once loved turn into someone you didn’t know anymore. 

“What about you?” He asked. 

Joel turned to look at you, and for a moment, when your eyes met, you noticed a quick glimpse of the man from before. It had softened just a fraction, but as quickly as that came, it passed—almost like Joel remembered where they were and what this world was. 

“We keep going,” you answered. “We’re all exhausted, Tommy, but we—we have to keep going.” 

Joel nodded once. Didn’t give you a smile or anything, just a single nod before looking back at Tommy. 

“There’s a QZ nearby. Boston. Maybe—maybe we should head there. After this, after… what we’re about to do.” 

Joel sighed. 

You bit your lower lip. 

It wasn’t a bad idea, but you weren’t sure about it. Going to a QZ meant giving up any sense of freedom you had now in exchange for shelter and food.

“Think about it. We’ll have a place to lay our heads every night, food we can eat,” Tommy continued. “We won’t have to worry about the infected killin’ us, or—or other people who are also tryin’ to survive too.” 

“Right. We’ll just have to worry about FEDRA tryin’ to do that instead,” Joel muttered. 

He sighed. “We’ve done this…for the last five years, Joel. Ain’t you tired? Wouldn’t you want to give her some place safe to stay?” 

You shook your head. You hated when Tommy used you as a way to get through to Joel. 

He looked at you again. His gaze lingered. His jaw clenched as he placed both hands on his hips. Joel hadn’t been the same since he lost Sarah and he wished he could say that he opened up to you, to let you in, but instead, he did the opposite. Joel put his guard up around everyone, including Tommy, putting people he loved at arm’s length. He loved you from afar because if he held you close and lost you the way he lost Sarah, Joel knew it’d break him. 

“Of course I want to give her some place safe to stay,” Joel finally answered. “I ain’t doin’ this because I like it. I’m doin’ it to survive, Tommy.” 

“We ain’t survivin’, Joel. We’re just waitin’ for our turn,” he said quietly. 

Joel cleared his throat. He dropped his gaze to his boots. 

“Fine,” Joel mumbled. “After this, we head to Boston.” 

Tommy’s eyes widened just slightly. He hadn’t expected Joel to agree. “Really?”

“But we still stick together, you hear me?” Joel said. 

“Yeah, yes,” Tommy nodded. 

“You hear me too?” Joel asked you, looking over at you. 

You nodded. 

Then, Joel took you by surprise by taking your hand in his. You gasped quietly, feeling the roughness of his palm against your own. He usually only initiated any kind of physical touch at night, away from Tommy and in the dark where neither of you could see. 

“I’m just tryin’ to protect you,” he whispered. 

“I know, baby,” you said. 

Joel cleared his throat. Almost like he had woken up from whatever was clouding his mind, he pulled his hand from yours immediately. “You stay by my side, okay?”

“Always,” you whispered. 

There was hope that simmered in your chest. Hope that maybe Boston would become a home for the three of you, but while it was still a long trip to get there, you still had to do your job. 

And right now, that meant having to hurt two innocent people in order for you, Joel and Tommy to survive. 

To make it to tomorrow. 

You were covered in blood. The two people that you were going to steal supplies from didn’t make it easy. They begged—pleaded for you to just take what you needed and leave. They promised they wouldn’t go after you, promised that they were just trying to survive too. 

But you knew letting them go was a risk that you couldn’t take.

Not in this world. 

You took shelter elsewhere. After stealing their supplies—which were a handful of canned goods and a first aid kit—the three of you kept walking. Onto the next one. 

Joel didn’t say a word. 

Neither did Tommy. 

You kept your eyes straight ahead and tried to block out the sounds of their screams, their cries. Your hands shook, staring down at them like they no longer belonged to you. It blended in with memories of the day of the outbreak—the sound of Joel pleading with Sarah to just hang on, the sound of Sarah’s whimpers at the pain she felt. 

You hated the person you became. 

No matter what you told yourself, there was a part of you that knew that there was no redeeming yourself. Not after the things you did to people who didn’t deserve it—just like the couple that you killed for a few canned goods and a fucking first aid kit. 

“We should take shelter here,” Tommy said, motioning ahead. “We start moving again at dawn.”

Joel nodded in response. 

You just kept walking. 

Away from the main roads, you finally set your bag down to give your back a break. Joel had surprised you the second time that day by standing in front of you and taking your shaky hands in his own.

“You did good back there,” he whispered. “I know it ain’t easy.”

You didn’t answer, just kept your gaze on his hands. It was exactly what you needed—he was always what you needed, so you tried to hold onto whatever moment this was. 

“Hey,” Joel said quietly. “Darlin’?”

Then, you looked up at him. Tears filled your eyes. Joel’s eyes softened for a brief moment. 

“Are we really going to Boston?” You asked.

Joel sighed. “Yeah, we’re goin’ to Boston.”

“And whatever this is… we’re done?”

He nodded. “Can’t exactly be doin’ this in a QZ.” 

“And us?”

“What about us?”

You sighed. “Nothing, never mind.”

Joel squeezed your hands. “You should try and get some sleep. I’ll take first watch.”

“Right, yeah.”

He let go and turned on his heel, his back now facing you as he walked towards his own bag. You didn’t want to cry, didn’t want to break down. All you wanted was for him to hold you—just like before. Instead, he retreated and only gave you glimpses of himself whenever he wanted. 

And yet, you stayed. 

Because it was better than losing him entirely.

It had only been a few months in the Boston QZ before you met Tess. She approached Joel first, who then introduced you and Tommy later that week. You weren’t sure exactly what smuggling meant until she broke it down in full detail—it meant more ration cards and it meant living just a bit better than everyone else in the QZ. 

You noticed—for the first time since arriving—the light in Joel’s eyes. You knew he needed more than doing just a simple cleanup or fixing things around the QZ. You watched how eager he was to get back out there, even if it meant encountering people that he wouldn’t otherwise trust. 

Tommy was quick to agree. He felt like he owed it to Joel to do what he wanted, especially since he had agreed to come to Boston. 

That only left you. 

And it unnerved you—how close Tess was to Joel, how her hand would brush against his. You knew Joel wasn’t the type of man to ever cheat on you, but things change. The world changed. 

You knew you couldn’t say no, not when Joel and Tommy went on about you being such a good shot that you could shoot something with your eyes closed. Tess looked ecstatic, said that she’d have a job for the three of you soon and when she left, Joel walked her out. 

You looked at Tommy. 

He gave you an apologetic look.

“She ain’t his type,” he said. “‘Sides, he loves you.”

“He hasn’t said those words in years,” you whispered. 

Tommy sighed. “He’s just—lost a lot.”

“I know,” you answered. “But that doesn’t mean he’s the only one.” 

You turned on your heel, didn’t bother waiting for him, as you walked into the bedroom that you shared with Joel. You sat at the edge and looked down at your lap, tears filling your eyes. You didn’t know what this meant anymore, didn’t know what Joel wanted. 

It only took him a few minutes before he joined you in bed. He was in a good mood, laying down in bed and gently taking you with him. You craved every physical interaction you had with him because they happened less frequently as the years went on. 

But still, you both had needs. 

And you felt familiar to him. 

“This is gonna be a good thing, darlin’,” he whispered, lightly kissing your temple. 

“Okay, Joel.”

He moved to hover above you. Joel looked down at you and cupped your cheek. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothin’.”

“Don’t look like nothin’.”

“You just—you look real close to Tess.”

He sighed. “She’s just a business partner.” 

“I know that. I’m trying not to let it get to my head.”

Joel knew that he hadn’t been good to you. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, it was just that he didn’t know how to anymore. He didn’t know how to love you without the fear crawling up his chest, reminding him that at any moment, he could lose you the way he lost Sarah. So, he tried to keep you at arm’s length, hoping that his actions were enough for you to know that he still loved you, that he would always love you. 

“You know I ain’t ever gonna hurt you, right?”

You looked up at him and nodded, despite every inch of your body wanting to scream that he hurt you every day. You knew it wasn’t intentional either, so you didn’t say anything. He lost Sarah. She died in his arms and then the next day, he tried to kill himself because of it. Joel was broken and there wasn’t anything you could do to help fix him. 

So, you stayed by his side. Hoping that it was enough for him to see that you were still here. 

“I know, Joel.”

“We’re gonna be okay,” he whispered, lowering himself between your legs. “You’ll see.”

Months turned to years. Smuggling with Tess did make things better for you, Joel, and Tommy. You didn’t struggle like you had when you first arrived, but the dynamic between you and Joel shifted. He’d smuggle more often than you and Tommy. Sometimes, he’d even go by himself. 

But things started shifting when Tommy started distancing himself from you, Joel, and Tess. He stopped smuggling and instead, became more interested in a group called the Fireflies. Said that he was fighting for something bigger than himself and Joel didn’t like that. FEDRA had been arresting anyone who was affiliated with the Fireflies and it wasn’t ever a good thing when FEDRA was involved. 

So, smuggling had become a thing that you, Joel, and Tess started doing and you always felt like a third wheel whenever you were around the two of them. They just moved in sync, so familiar with each other’s movements that it made you feel empty and hollow whenever you were on a run with them. Joel would always check in with you—a gentle hand on your lower back, a light kiss on your temple, but it wasn’t enough. 

It stopped being enough when he started going out on runs independently with Tess. 

And it stopped being enough when he started taking the pills he’d smuggle and drink alcohol almost every night to help him sleep. 

Long gone was the person who was so full of life, of love… He had become a broken shell of a man, putting up walls around himself not even you could break through. And you were tired. Tired of seeing him work himself day in and day out, busying himself of the thoughts you were sure were plaguing him. 

One night after he left to go on a run with Tess, you stayed in your apartment and stared out the window. You hadn’t seen or talked to Tommy in so long and you wondered if he was safe, if he was thriving in his newfound tribe. It had been raining outside, so you watched the water trickle down the side of the glass as you waited for Joel to come home. 

It was moments like this when your mind started to drift. 

And you started to think about the time before outbreak day. 

When you were happy, in love, and hopeful for a life that you longed for. 

“Movie night?” Sarah asked, pouring the popcorn into a large bowl in your kitchen.

“Did you finish your homework?” 

“Yes…”

“Uh huh,” you smiled, reaching over to plop a single popcorn into your mouth. “And what if your dad comes home and finds out that you didn’t, in fact, finish your homework?”

Sarah shrugged. “It’s Friday, come on.”

“Fine,” you said. “But if I get in trouble, I’m blaming you.”

She grinned. Her dimples appeared instantly. “You’re the best.” Then, she grabbed the bowl of popcorn and walked into your living room, sliding in the DVD of the movie she wanted to watch into the player. 

When you moved into this neighborhood a few years ago, you hadn’t expected to develop such a close relationship with your next door neighbor. Sarah had been the first one to introduce herself that weekend you moved in, holding a plate of cookies. Joel was standing next to her, looking stiff and uneasy on your front porch. 

“Hi, I’m Sarah! This is my dad, Joel. We live next door and we just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood.”

You looked at the young girl and then looked at Joel. He had his hands on his hips and his eyes looking everywhere but at you. 

“Oh,” you smiled. “That’s real sweet of you both, thank you.” You told them your name and then looked down at the plate of cookies. “That for me?”

Sarah grinned. “Yes! I made them this morning.”

“Well, I do have a sweet tooth and I think I’m due for a break, so… y’all want to come in?”

Joel finally looked at you. When your eyes met, something stirred in your chest. Joel felt it too because he no longer could take his eyes off you. But then,“Oh no, that’s quite alright—”

“We’d love to!” Sarah interjected.

Joel sighed. “M’sorry,” he mumbled. “We don’t mean to be a bother.”

“You’re not,” you smiled, opening the door even further for the two of them to step inside. “I invited you both. So long as you don’t mind the mess.”

“Whoa,” Sarah said, stepping inside and looking around with wide eyes. “You have so many pictures!”

“Ah,” you said softly. “Yeah, I like taking pictures. I collect a few cameras, actually.” 

“And a record player?!”

Joel cleared his throat. “Sarah—”

“It’s okay,” you smiled, abruptly reaching out to rest a hand on his forearm. The both of you looked down at your hand. You pulled it away immediately. “Sorry.” 

“S’okay, darlin’.” 

You felt the heat rise in your cheeks. 

“Can I put a record in?” Sarah asked. 

“Yeah,” you answered, walking over to her and gently taking the plate in her hands. “Pick any record you like. I’ll set these in the kitchen.” 

“Dad—look, she’s got some of your favorites too.”

Joel kept his gaze on you, watched you interact so easily with his daughter that it made his stomach flutter with a feeling he hadn’t felt in years. 

“Well, you’re welcome over anytime, Sarah,” you said softly. “As long as it’s okay with you, Joel.”

He nodded and glanced down at Sarah for a moment. “I reckon that’s fine.” 

“I’m gonna be here every day after school,” Sarah laughed quietly.

“That’d be great. I’m new to the area, so maybe y’all both can show me around one day.”

It had only taken Joel a year later to finally make his move. You weren’t sure if the feeling had been mutual, but Sarah would be over at your place almost every day, especially when Joel was working late. It wasn’t until one night, after Sarah passed out on your couch after she said she wanted to watch a movie, that Joel climbed up the few steps on your porch only for you to open the door right before he knocked. 

“Oh,” you smiled. “I was just throwing the trash out,” you said, keeping the door open for him in case he wanted to step inside. “Sarah’s asleep.”

“Let me guess… she convinced you to watch a movie and then fell asleep about half an hour into it,” he chuckled.

“Yup, that’s exactly what happened.” You laughed quietly, stepping outside in just an oversized shirt and a pair of sleep pants as you walked towards the trash bin at the front of your home.

“Here, let me,” Joel said, shutting the front door and then taking the trash bag from your hand. He was tired—exhausted from yet another late night of work, but he always enjoyed coming home. 

Because coming home meant also seeing you. 

Once he threw your trash away, Joel followed you back onto your porch where you both leaned against the railing, lit up only by the single porch light. 

“You look tired,” you pointed out. “You have the weekend off, right?”

Joel nodded. “Figure I sleep in tomorrow,” he said. “And just be… lazy.” 

“Sounds like a great day to me,” you smiled. 

“You got any plans?” He asked.

You shook your head. “Probably just do some cleaning around the house, check out that new bookstore in town. Sarah mentioned she wanted to join, so—”

“That your way of askin’ permission?”

“Well, I was thinking I was gonna ask for forgiveness and not permission,” you smiled.

Joel let his lips curl upwards. “You know, I’m thinkin’ Sarah might like you more than she likes me,” he teased. 

You rolled your eyes playfully. “Oh, sure. Of course I’m her favorite. I let her do whatever she wants,” you grinned.

“What?” Joel asked.

“Yeah. I say yes to everything she wants to do.”

His eyes narrowed. “No, you don’t.”

“I do.”

“Liar.”

You gasped playfully. “Joel Miller! I am no liar.”

His smile grew. Joel took a step closer to you now. “You’re real pretty, y’know that?” He blurted out. 

Your eyes widened slightly. Your cheeks flushed and the tips of your ears grew hot. “What?” 

“Shit, sorry,” he sighed, looking away from you as he brought a hand up to rub the back of his neck. “That just came out. M’sorry.” 

“You think… I’m pretty?” You smiled. 

Joel slowly looked back up at you. “Am I crossin’ a line?”

You shook your head and moved closer to him. “Joel, I’ve had a crush on you for a while now. Figured maybe you weren’t interested.”

“Y—You, what?” Joel bit his lower lip. “Sarah was right…”

“What?”

“She said you liked me, or at least wanted me to ask you out or somethin’. I don’t know. I didn’t believe her.” 

You laughed quietly. “She’s trying to set us up… she told me that maybe I should just ask you out too.” 

Joel smiled. He felt the nerves slowly settle down. “She can be sneaky when she wants to be.” 

“Yeah, I see that now,” you smiled. 

“So, I guess… would you wanna go out to dinner with me this weekend?” 

You bit your lower lip. “I’d like that… very much, Joel.” 

He grinned now. You noticed the dimple on his cheek as he leaned in to kiss your forehead lightly. “Tomorrow at seven? I’ll pick you up.” 

“Gonna take me some place nice, Joel?” 

He pulled back to look down at you. He was so close to you now. “Yeah, baby.” 

You felt your stomach flip and then you leaned up to kiss his cheek. “Can’t wait.” 

 Then, your relationship with Joel blossomed. You had been together for two years before the outbreak happened. Sarah had made it known from the very beginning that she couldn’t wait until you both got married—her two favorite people in the world. 

And as she got older, she started looking at you like a mother figure in her life. She’d come to you for advice, cry on your shoulder when a boy hurt her feelings or if she just needed to vent about her life as a fourteen year old. 

You and Joel talked about the future. You both knew what each other wanted—marriage, kids, the whole dream. Joel would tell you that it would happen soon, but he never did get a chance to propose. He picked out the ring with Sarah, planned it with her too.

But then, the outbreak happened. 

And the future you both wanted would never come. 

Because when the world ended for everyone else, it stopped moving for you and Joel. 

Sarah wasn’t supposed to die like that. She wasn’t supposed to take her last breath in his father’s arms. Joel wasn’t supposed to lose her. 

You had woken up abruptly when you heard the front door shut. You looked up and watched Joel stumble to the small table, sitting down on the chair with a quiet grunt. 

“Hey…” you whispered, walking over to him slowly. “You’re back late.” 

“Sorry. Ran into some trouble, but s’fine.” 

Then, you noticed the blood on his hands and you immediately sat across from him, scooting your chair closer to his. “What happened?” 

“Was a bad deal,” Joel mumbled. “A couple of infected, but otherwise, the guys we were supposed to meet up with didn’t have what they promised.” 

“Oh,” you whispered. You knew what that meant. You didn’t push any further. “Does it hurt?” 

Joel shook his head. “M’fine.” 

“You’re not,” you sighed. 

“I am.” 

“Joel—”

He brought a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. “It happens.” 

“I don’t want to lose you,” you whispered. 

That got his attention. Joel’s eyes softened for a moment. It was like he was looking at you the way he did before the world ended—filled with love. “You won’t, darlin’.” 

“You don’t know that.” 

“I’ll always come back to you,” he whispered. “You know that.” 

“But at what cost?” 

“What?” 

“Nothing,” you sighed. “I just don’t like seeing you hurt.” 

Joel didn’t push. He just nodded. “M’tryin’.”

“I know you are,” you said quietly. Instead of continuing the conversation, you stood from the chair to retrieve the first aid kit you kept in the cupboard. “Next run, I’m doing it with Tess.” 

“What? No,” Joel shook his head instantly. 

“I can handle myself,” you said, sitting back down in front of him. “Besides, you trust Tess, don’t you?” 

“Yeah, I do,” he answered. 

“Then trust me too.” 

Joel shook his head. “I do trust you.” 

“Then, what’s the problem? You can go out there, but I can’t?”

“You can,” he corrected. “As long as I’m there too.” 

“Joel,” you sighed. “I’m a better shot than you. I’ll be fine.” 

He stared at you. Joel didn’t know how to tell you that he didn’t want you going out there without him because it meant he wasn’t there to protect you, and if he wasn’t there, then it was a higher possibility that he could lose you forever. 

“No,” was all he said. 

“Joel—”

“I said no,” he interrupted. 

“I don’t think I was asking,” you replied. “I’m going. You don’t get to be the only one to hurt.”

“I wasn’t—”

“Joel, you’ve probably got a mild fracture in your hand. You really think you should be going back out there? What if you don’t come home? Then, what?” 

He sighed. 

“How else would you be able to protect me if you aren’t here?” 

Joel opened his mouth and then closed it again. 

“You need to trust me,” you repeated. “I can handle myself.”

“Not what I’m worried about.” 

“Then, what are you worried about?” 

Joel looked into your eyes and whispered, “Failin’ you.”

 It was a crack in his guard. A glimpse of vulnerability. 

You moved closer, slowly and carefully. This was the first time in a very long time that Joel was opening up to you with what he was feeling. You couldn’t remember the last time he had been honest with you like this. 

“Joel…”

He shook his head, either to stop himself from continuing or to remind himself to lift those same walls back up. 

“S’fine. If you wanna go, then go,” he muttered. “Ain’t like I can stop you.” 

You sighed. His vulnerability left as quickly as it came. “Joel—”

“Just be careful, okay?” 

You reached out for his hand and he didn’t move, didn’t flinch at the sudden contact either. Instead, Joel turned his hand in yours and gently squeezed your hand. He missed you, missed his old life, missed Sarah. 

“You know I will be,” you whispered. “Just promise me you’ll take it easy.” 

He shrugged. 

“Joel.” 

“I’ll try,” he sighed. 

“I’ll check in with Tess tomorrow. Tell her that it’s me that will join her,” you said. 

Joel nodded. “Okay, darlin’.”

“Come on,” you said softly. “Let’s get you cleaned up.” 

Joel stood from the table and followed you into the bathroom. He couldn’t look away from you now; there were moments where he’d find himself thinking back to life back in Texas, when all he had to worry about was paying his bills, making sure Sarah was taken care of, and how he should propose to you. The ring he bought with Sarah was always kept with him—away from you, but as a reminder of a life that he could have had with you. 

He hadn’t been the same since the day of the outbreak—since he lost Sarah. Joel wished he could give you pieces of himself again. He wished he could tell you all of the things that plagued his mind, but he didn’t—couldn’t. 

Joel didn’t want to bring you down with him. Even before the outbreak, he knew you deserved better than him. He didn’t know why you chose him, or why you continued to stay by his side after all these years.

And he knew that it affected you—the fact that he was no longer emotionally available or how the world changed you too. He could see it in the tiredness of your eyes, could see how the world aged you too. 

But still, you were the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. 

As you led him to the bathroom, Joel reached out and rested a hand on your hip. For once, he just wanted to forget, wanted to distract his mind from the reality of this world. And he didn’t want to use alcohol or the pills to help him with it. 

No, right now, he wanted you. 

When you turned around, Joel couldn’t help but notice the look of surprise on your face. Whenever he’d touch you, it was like you were taken aback. It only made him feel guiltier. 

“Hey,” he whispered. 

“Hmm?” You asked, biting your lower lip. Joel could sense your hesitation. He hated that he made you feel like you had to be careful around him. 

“I love you,” Joel said quietly. The words had been lodged in his throat for years, unable to say it out loud ever since the world ended. He felt relief wash over him. Because he did. Joel really did love you; he always would. 

Your lips parted in surprise. Another crack in his guard. Another glimpse of vulnerability. But still, you hadn’t moved. “Yeah?” You whispered, unsure of the voice that escaped you. 

He nodded quickly. Joel stepped forward, tugged you closer to him until you put your hands out to rest on his chest. The hand on your hip moved instead to snake an arm around your waist. 

“Yeah, darlin’.” 

“Are you drunk? High?” You asked hesitantly. 

Joel shook his head. Again, he felt guilt in the pit of his stomach. “No.” 

“Did you hit your head?” 

He sighed. “No. M’just—” Joel couldn’t say the words he wanted to. He wanted to tell you how grateful he was to have you by his side after everything that’s happened, how he fears for your safety everyday, how he’d do anything to keep you safe. 

But he couldn’t. 

So, he didn’t. 

Instead, he just leaned down and brushed his lips against your cheek.

He heard you inhale sharply. Your hands moved from his chest to wrap loosely around his shoulders. 

Joel let out a breath. You always did ground him. Feeling your body against his and your arms around his shoulders—it was the safest place to him. The only place he’d rather be in. 

“M’sorry,” he mumbled, lips moving across your cheek and down the side of your jaw. “For worrying you.” 

Your eyes fell shut. The times that you’d have sex with Joel never started like this. It was always rough and urgent—it almost felt like he was using sex so he wouldn’t have to say what was on his mind. 

You never complained though because it was Joel. He would never hurt you… and you also had needs too. 

But right now, it felt different and familiar all at once. Like this was the same Joel before everything happened. 

“I know you’re only protecting me,” you whispered. “You’re only trying to keep me safe.” 

Joel lifted his head to look down at you. He moved his free hand to your cheek, fingers brushing along your skin lightly. You never asked more of him, never tried to push him to be the man you wanted (and deserved). You understood what he could give you, understood the meaning behind his actions even if he couldn’t say it himself. 

But he knew, one of these days, it wouldn’t be enough. One day, you’d wake up and realize that he could no longer give you what you needed—that he could no longer be the man you wanted. 

And he’d dread for that day. But right now wasn’t that day, so he lightly pecked your lips and then picked you up into his arms only to set you down on the edge of the sink. He might have aged, but he was still just as strong… if not stronger. 

“Joel,” you said quietly. “We should—”

“Shh, baby,” he whispered, moving his hands to your legs and parting them immediately so he could step in between them. Joel looked into your eyes, lower lip pulled between his teeth, and the center of his jeans tightening as he grew harder at the sight of you. “Let me take care of you instead?” 

“You just got back from a run,” you answered. 

“Not tired.” 

“You’re hurt.” 

“Can barely feel the pain.” 

“Joel.” 

He smiled. 

You couldn’t help but smile too. It had been such a long time since you’d seen him smile like this. 

“You’re usin’ that voice with me.” 

“What voice?” 

“The stern voice.” 

“Well, it doesn’t seem to be working.” 

“That’s because it ain’t ever work with me.” 

You rolled your eyes. 

Joel stepped closer to you. 

“Yes, it has.” 

He moved his hands higher. Joel squeezed the meat of your thighs and let out a low groan. You always did have the nicest ass and thighs—so full and curvaceous too. 

“Well, it ain’t workin’ now.” 

You cleared your throat. His hands ran over your highs and to your hips, gripping it tightly in his grasp as he pressed himself against you. Even with the thick denim jeans he was wearing and the sweatpants you had on, you could feel the thick and hard outline of him. 

Then, you moved your hands to his cheeks and gently lifted his face to look at you. 

“Promise me… you won’t run away from me again.” 

Joel looked into your eyes. He knew what you meant, knew what you were implying, but he couldn’t promise you that. He couldn’t promise you anything anymore. Not in this world. 

So instead, he said, “I’ll try.” 

It wasn’t what you wanted to hear, but it was more than what he’d given you in years. You nodded slowly and then leaned in to peck his lips. It felt like coming home—like a part of you that had been missing finally find its way back to you.

You just hoped that this wasn’t just a one time thing. You hoped that after tonight, things between you and Joel would be better. 

That you would both now be moving in the right direction. 

His hands moved to slide underneath your shirt and you gasped against his lips. His hands had always been rough and calloused long before the world ended, but it felt different, because you knew these hands were much more capable than just touching you ever so lightly. 

Joel stepped closer and pressed his lips more firmly against yours. He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring—he just knew that you’d be here. Like you always were. 

“I don’t deserve you,” he mumbled, hands sliding further up your body. “Everythin’ I do—have done—ain’t fair to you.” 

“You don’t get to make that choice for me,” you said, pulling back only to lift the shirt over your head until you were completely topless for him. “We’re not the same people, Joel, I know that… but I’m still choosing you.” 

“You shouldn’t,” he answered honestly. 

“Well, I am. Because I love you,” you replied, feeling his hands move higher up. “And because I think I always will.” 

Joel stopped his movements. He stared deeply at you. For a brief moment, it felt like he was back in Texas. Back in the same home that Sarah grew up in. His eyes softened and he nodded. He didn’t deserve you, not back then and definitely not now. 

He leaned forward slowly and rested his forehead against yours. Joel couldn’t say anything else, didn’t know what else to say. So, he shut his eyes and pressed his lips back against your own. 

He chased that feeling—wanted to hold onto how it felt to be back in Texas. With you, with Sarah. Before everything changed. Before he lost her. 

And when he felt you move your hands from his cheeks to loosely wrap around his shoulders, Joel began moving his lips with your own. 

Sex had been something he’d use to get his mind off what troubled him, because it allowed him to focus on you and making sure you felt good.

But right now, sex didn’t feel like it was going be like that. It felt familiar, felt different, felt like it was exactly what you both needed. 

A glimpse of the life from before. 

Sarah sat between both you and Joel that night. She wanted to watch a movie, wanted to spend her Friday night with the both of you and a big bowl of popcorn even after she had dinner. 

“If you end up sleepin’…” Joel said, arm draped over the back of the sofa. 

“I’m not!” Sarah said, grabbing a handful of the popcorn and putting it into her mouth. Then, she turned to you with a large grin—deep dimples appearing on her cheek. “Right?” 

Your eyes narrowed. Then, you laughed quietly. “I think we all know you’re gonna fall asleep, bug.” 

Sarah giggled. You started calling her bug long before you and Joel got together. She’d come over to your place after school almost everyday and you noticed early on how much energy she had—always wiggling about and moving around. When the nickname slipped for the first time, she hugged you. Told you she liked the nickname because it felt personal, felt real. 

Joel’s hand moved to touch your shoulder. You turned and glanced at him, but he kept his eyes on the television. You enjoyed moments like this—quiet nights in with both Sarah and Joel. It was a glimpse into a future you yearned for. 

“Watch me. I’ll prove you both wrong,” Sarah said confidently. 

And yet, it only took half an hour for her to fall asleep on your shoulder. You had your arm wrapped around her and Joel had taken the large bowl of popcorn to set it on the coffee table. You felt Sarah shift in your arms as she let out a breath. Joel looked at the two of you and let the corners of his lips lift upwards at the sight. 

“Let me take her to bed, baby,” Joel whispered. 

You nodded and watched him stand from the couch. He leaned down and scooped Sarah into his arms carefully, mumbling quietly that he’d be back before he disappeared down into the hallway. You leaned back against the couch and yawned, pulling the blanket over your lap before moving to lie on your side. 

Joel appeared after a few minutes, reaching for the remote and pausing the movie. 

“Wanna go to bed?” He asked. 

You looked at him and then reached for his hand. “Letting me sleep here again?” 

Joel nodded. “I like you in my bed,” he answered. “Like wakin’ up to you too.” 

You smiled and stood from the couch with his help. His arm snaked around your waist as he leaned down to lightly peck your lips. “I reckon I’d want you around all the time, darlin’.” 

“You won’t get anything done,” you teased. 

Joel scoffed, only pulling away so he could lead you into his bedroom. “Ain’t my fault that you’re just so goddamn beautiful.”

You bit your lower lip. Joel kicked his bedroom door shut quietly. You leaned against him and sighed contentedly. His bedroom had become one of your favorite places to be—he allowed you inside a very personal part of his house, granting you a full view of who he was behind closed doors. 

“You’ve already got me,” you smiled. “No need to try and charm me.” 

“Not tryin’ to be charming. Just speakin’ the truth.” 

You rolled your eyes, but your smile only grew. “And what do you want, hm? For speaking the truth?” 

Joel placed both hands on your hips as he looked into your eyes. “What do I want?” 

You nodded. 

“I want you by my side forever, darlin’.” 

You smiled, wrapped your arms loosely around his shoulders as he held you close to him. “Sounding a lot like something else, Joel.” 

He chuckled. “Not yet. Soon, but not yet.” 

You played with his hair at the nape of his neck and nodded, standing on your toes to peck his lips. “Well, when that time does come, know my answer is yes.” 

Joel’s hands moved from your hips to wrap around you, pulling you flush against him. He buried his face against the side of your neck and shut his eyes. He didn’t think he’d ever get another chance at love like this. Not after Sarah's mother left. 

He knew you deserved better, but still, you chose him… and every chance you could get, you showed him that you’d continue to choose him. 

You should’ve known that Joel would slip back into the same routine and same kind of behavior. You felt stupid and naive to think that he’d want to change, that he’d want to become someone better than this world made him be. You craved his touch, craved his soft voice telling you how much he loved you, but as quickly as it came, it disappeared just as fast. 

“You’re staying,” you said, grabbing the backpack from the table and hoisting it over your shoulder. “Me and Tess already talked about it.” 

He just huffed quietly under his breath. 

“We agreed that I’d go on the next run,” you continued. “And that you’d stay here and just… rest.” 

“Can’t exactly rest when you’re out there,” he mumbled. 

“Yeah? Well, try. Put yourself in my shoes, Joel.” 

That caught his attention. He looked over at you and sighed. Joel did really try these last couple of weeks to be the man he was before the world ended. He tried to be more affectionate, tried to talk to you when his mind just wouldn’t shut off, but he couldn’t. It was better to keep it to himself. 

“If anythin’ happens… you come right back, you hear me?” Joel said, walking over to you and grabbing the other strap of the backpack to place over your other shoulder. “You don’t stay. You don’t play hero. You come straight back to me.” 

You nodded. You didn’t need to tell him that you’d be okay, that you and Tess had it handled. You knew that he needed to say it, needed to tell you in his own way that he was scared. So, you reached up and lightly rested a hand on his cheek. 

“I’m always coming back to you, cowboy.” Then, you leaned up and pressed a light kiss on his lips.

Joel gripped the strap of your backpack as he looked back down at you once you pulled away. He had so many things he wanted to say, but just couldn’t. It stayed lodged in his throat, begging for it to just come out, but Joel didn’t let it. He couldn’t. 

A couple of knocks filtered the small apartment. Joel’s eyes glanced at the door. You knew it was Tess, so you slowly pulled away from him. “Be here when I get back, okay?” 

Joel nodded. Didn’t have anything to say. His throat felt dry and he could feel the walls closing in on him. When you opened the door and Tess stood on the other side of it, he looked away. Walked towards the bedroom and shut the door quietly. 

He heard your muffled voice mix in with Tess and he sighed. Joel sat at the edge of the bed and stared at his hands, still bruised and in pain after the last run. 

“Is he okay?” Tess asked. 

You nodded and glanced down the hallway to the closed bedroom door. “Yeah, he’s okay.” 

“Bet he didn’t want you going on this run,” she smiled. 

You rolled your eyes and led her out of the apartment. “I’m a better shot than both him and Tommy. Besides, I’ve been wanting to get out of the QZ for a while now.” 

Tess laughed quietly. “You know, Joel always talks about you whenever we’re out on a run.”

“He does?” 

She nodded. “It’s probably the only time I’ve ever seen the light in his eyes.” 

You bit the inside of your cheek and nodded. Here you were—wanting more out of him when he was showing you how much he loved you in a different way. In a way that only he could show you. 

“You’ve been together since outbreak, right?” Tess asked. 

“Before that. We were together for a couple of years before the outbreak,” you answered. “I was actually his next door neighbor.” 

“Oooh,” she laughed. “Girl next door? Honestly, I can see it.” Tess looked at you from top to bottom and smirked. 

“Anyway,” you smiled, continuing to walk alongside her. “He means a lot to me. We have a lot of history together.” 

“Well, if it means anything, you mean a lot to him too.” Tess said, walking a bit faster. “Now, let’s go. I’m sure Joel would want you back home at a reasonable hour,” she teased. 

You followed her, but your mind drifted to Joel. Glancing over your shoulder, you hoped he’d step out to see you off, but when you were met with an empty and quiet hallway, you felt disappointment in the pit of your stomach. How could Joel talk so freely about you with Tess but couldn’t do it with you? 

Five years later and your life with Harry looked the same, yet different altogether. You both moved into a bigger home, away from the city, but closer to his parents and yours. And two children became three, with hopes for another child. 

You ended up closing your chapter with the diner when Sammy—the youngest—was born five years ago. It had been a decision you didn’t take lightly either. The diner and the people there had become your family, long before Harry and long before Stevie. They saw you grow up, so when you decided to leave, it was an emotional goodbye. 

But it made sense. You wanted to be part of your children’s lives without worrying about missing special moments, and there were times that you wondered if Stevie ever resented you for it. 

Her siblings managed to get all of your attention—something she didn’t quite have the luxury of when she was younger. 

Yet, she never complained. Stevie was still the same sassy little girl that Harry met all those years ago, except now, she was just a couple of years away of being a teenager and it showed too. She wanted to spend more time with her friends, asked relentlessly for a phone so she can be like everyone else (Harry caved, like always), but she was still the same girl who had the biggest heart.

Because she’d help you around the house. 

She slipped into the role of being the big sister so easily too. 

Frankie admired her—wanted to do everything her big sister did. 

And Sammy—short for Samuel after the singer, Sam Cooke—was a sensitive little boy who was the spitting image of Harry, who just wanted to be part of whatever his older sisters were doing.

And Harry, he started working more, especially since his parents retired from the company and named him and his brother as co-CEOs. 

But he still made time for you, for the family you both created. Harry still looked at you like the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, would come home every night and hold you. 

Five years later, and everything just felt right. 

“Dad,” Stevie sighed, leaning against Harry at the kitchen counter. She yawned and rubbed her eyes, blinking up at him afterwards. “Can I try a sip of your coffee?” 

Harry looked down at her and smiled. “No chance, Stevie girl.” 

“But I’m tired,” she said. 

“Then maybe you should’ve gone to bed on time,” he said, gently tapping the tip of her nose.

Stevie huffed and then yawned dramatically. 

Harry narrowed his eyes. 

She blinked up at him. Pleading. 

He sighed. Harry could never say to no to her. 

“Fine. One sip.” 

Her eyes widened with excitement and she nodded, leaning up on her toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. “Yes, yes, of course. Just one sip. That’s all I need.” 

Harry narrowed his eyes and then set the mug down in front of her. He knew Stevie wouldn’t like his taste in coffee—black, no sugar or milk. 

“Don’t tell mom?” Stevie asked, reaching for the mug. 

“You kidding me? Of course not. I don’t want to get in trouble either,” he grinned. 

Stevie smiled and then brought the mug closer to her lips. She kept her eyes on Harry before she leaned forward to take a sip. Quickly, the dark and hot liquid hit her senses and she made a face. It was bitter. 

“Gross,” she said, turning around and spitting what she had sipped into the sink. “Why didn’t you tell me it wasn’t good?” 

Harry laughed, shaking his head as he looked at her. “Would you have believed me if I did?”

Stevie narrowed her eyes and shook her head. “Well, no…” 

“Exactly,” he smiled, gently reaching for her hand and kissing the crown of her head. “Had to let you figure it out for yourself, Stevie girl.” 

Stevie leaned against him. “Do all coffee drinks taste like that?” 

Harry wrapped an arm around her and shook his head. “No, just mine.” 

“So… I’m hearing that I might like mom’s coffee?” 

He chuckled. “Oh, I’m positive you will. She likes her coffee with lots of sugar.” 

Stevie’s eyes widened. She smiled. “Then, I’ll give coffee another try.” 

“Maybe when you’re older.” 

“I’m eleven, dad.” 

“Yeah, older,” he repeated. 

She huffed and then tried to reach for his mug, but he clicked his tongue and took the mug before she could get to it. 

“Fine,” she said. 

“I said one sip.” 

Stevie giggled. “I know. Figured I’d try my luck.” 

Harry smiled. “Nice try. I can say no to you.” 

“Yeah, sure… but you rarely do.” Stevie smiled, pulling away from him. “By the way, mom said it was okay that I stay after school today. Taylor’s mom will be bringing me home.” 

Harry narrowed his eyes. “Taylor?” 

“Yes.” 

“Have we met this Taylor?” 

“Dad,” she sighed. “He’s cool! We both like the same things and we’re volunteering to help clean up at the school. It’s fine.” 

“He?” Harry asked. “Taylor is a boy?” 

“Dad—”

“I’ll pick you up,” he interjected. “What time will you be finished?” 

She sighed. “Around four.” 

“Great. I’ll be there. To pick you up.”

“You’re overreacting.”

“Oh, Stevie girl… if I was overreacting, you’d know it. Now, go get ready for school.” 

She sighed loudly and then walked away from him, disappearing around the corner and down the hallway. 

“I love you!” He yelled out to her. Harry sighed, hearing the door shut as a response as he looked down at his coffee. Seeing Stevie grow up—seeing his other two children grow up too—have been such an amazing thing to witness, but he did feel sad about it as well.

There would come a day where they wouldn’t need him anymore and Harry was just trying to hold on as long as he could before that day came. 

Harry stepped in the bedroom and noticed you come out of the closet with a towel wrapped around your head and a robe covering your body. He bit his lower lip and walked over to you, wrapping his arms around you from behind. 

“Hey,” he whispered. 

You smiled and turned in his arms, looking up at him. Your hand moved to his cheek, gently brushing his facial hair. He had gone a bit more grey as the years passed, crows feet more prominent at the corners of his eyes. He aged, just like you did, but he still looked so damn good. If not better. 

“Morning, baby.” 

“I’m picking Stevie up from school later. After her… event or something.” 

“Oh, Taylor’s mom can’t take her home?” 

He sighed. “Did you know Taylor’s a boy?” 

“Yes,” you answered. “Harry, they’re just kids.” 

He shook his head. “I don’t feel comfortable with it.” 

“Okay,” you said quietly, nodding. “That’s okay. 

“Am I overreacting?” Harry asked, his lower lip jutting out unintentionally. 

You cupped his cheek and leaned forward to peck his lips. “No,” you answered. “You’re just a protective daddy.” 

Harry sighed and nodded, hands moving to your hips. “She’s not gonna need me anymore, will she?” 

“You know that’s not true.” 

“Feels like it.” 

You shook your head and walked away from him to shut the bedroom door, locking it behind you. With three kids in the house, you both started locking the door, especially when adult activities were happening. 

“Baby?”

You walked over to him and gently pressed your hands on his shoulders, pushing him to sit at the edge of the bed. He huffed quietly and unbuttoned his suit jacket, looking up at you as you straddled his waist and undid your robe to reveal your bare front to him. 

Harry cleared his throat. 

“You know that’s not true,” you repeated. “That little girl looks at you like you hung the moon, baby. She’s growing up, but she’s always going to need you.” 

“What if she doesn’t?” 

“She will.” 

“You’re trying to distract me,” Harry pointed out. “Trying to get me to not think about my little girl having a possible crush on a boy who won’t ever be good for her.” 

“She’s eleven.”

“You telling me you never had a crush at that age?” 

“Well, no…”

“Exactly,” Harry said, eyes dipping lower. 

“What will you do when she gets married?” 

His eyes narrowed. Harry wrapped his arms around your waist and slowly stood up only to lay you on your back with him above you. “She won’t.” 

You smiled and leaned up to cup his cheek. “I love you.”

“This isn’t amusing.”

“I know.”

“You’re looking at me like this is funny.” 

“Harry,” you sighed quietly, grabbing one hand and bringing to to rest against your chest. “She will always love you, okay?” 

“I know,” he sighed. “I know. I just—she’s my Stevie girl.” 

“I know, baby.” 

Harry bit his lower lip. “I should trust her, huh?” 

You nodded. “And trust me too.”

He nodded, moving his hand from your chest to your breast, covering it with his hand. Harry watched you gasp quietly, looking up at him with lips parted. “You’re good,” he whispered. “You know how to get me out of my head.” 

You smiled, grabbing his other hand and bringing it to your lips. You wrapped your mouth around the tip of his thumb, swirling your tongue around it as you felt him suddenly push into you. 

“Baby,” Harry groaned. “We’re gonna be late.” 

“I know,” you giggled, pulling his thumb from your mouth as his hand continued to massage your breast into his palm. “Mmm, don’t see you trying to pull away.” 

“God, how can I? Look at you.” Harry cleared his throat as he pulled away from you, standing upright between your legs as you remained on your back. “How much time do we have?” 

“About half an hour.” 

He grunted. “Can you stay quiet?” 

You grinned. “You know I’ll try.” 

Harry smirked, reaching down to undo his belt, followed by unbuttoning his slacks and lowering his zipper. He pushed his pants and boxers down to his ankles as he spit into his palm before wrapping a hand around himself. “Oh, I know what you want me to do.” 

“Yeah?” You asked, biting your lower lip as you parted your legs for him even further. 

“Yeah, baby,” Harry said, eyes taking in every inch of your bare frame. He leaned forward, rubbing the tip of his manhood along you, applying pressure to your clit. “You always did like it when I covered your mouth.” 

A strained whimper escaped your lips. You felt him slide the length of his hardened member along your lips, gathering your arousal with each movement. He was hot, throbbing against you lower half and you impatiently reached down to grab a hold of him. 

“And you always liked to take your time,” you whispered, guiding him to your entrance. “Please, Harry…” 

“God, I love it when you beg,” he smirked, sliding into you in one full thrust. Harry’s eyes fluttered—like it always did whenever he slid into you. Your walls were tight and wet, wrapping around him and sucking him in with each movement. 

When you felt him fill you to the hilt, you let out a relieved moan. It always felt like your first time with him—even five years later, you still looked at each other like you both just realized you were both in love. 

“Hmm, I’ll beg anytime,” you whimpered, sitting up just so you could remove the robe and the towel from your head. Now completely exposed for him, Harry delivered a rough thrust, causing your body to jerk upwards. 

“You promise?” He asked, hands moving to grip your hips. Harry was still in his jacket, dress shirt and tie, but he was completely bare from his lower half. He watched himself slide into you with ease, his length glistening with your own arousal. Harry tried to keep it slow, tried to force himself not to just hammer into you, but it was hard. He never could control himself around you. 

“H—Harry,” you moaned, hands moving to grip the end of his tie as you slowly pulled him down. 

He grinned and leaned down, brushing his lips along your own. Harry rolled his hips into you, savoring the feel of himself sliding along your walls. “Feel so good, baby.” 

“Fuck,” you moaned. The grip around his tie tightened, but he grabbed your hands only to pin them above your head. 

“Can’t have you ruining my suit,” he grinned. “Because if you do, I’ll have to change and I—” Harry groaned, one sharp thrust into you. “I actually like this one.” 

“Oh fuck,” you said loudly, his free hand coming up to cover your mouth. It was still early, and he certainly didn’t want any of his children barging in either. 

“Look at you… at my fucking mercy,” he said, his hips speeding up but being very careful in ensuring he didn’t make too much noise either. 

Your moans muffled against his palm, legs loosely wrapped around his hips as you arched your back. He wasn’t going as fast as you’d like him to, but he was still hitting that spongy part deep inside of you with each hard thrust. 

“How am I supposed to go to work now?” He asked, growling lowly under his breath. “When all I’ll be thinking about is how good you fucking feel around me, baby.” 

You moaned again. 

He pressed his hand over your mouth more firmly. 

“Gonna let go of your hands now, okay? Be a good girl and grip the sheets if you need to,” Harry smiled, releasing your wrists only to bring the same hand between your legs. 

Your hands needed to hold onto something, especially when you felt him begin to apply pressure to your clit and rub it in circles. Instantly, your hands flew to the sheets, gripping them tightly as Harry continued his movements. 

He wouldn’t ever get tired of this, of you. You were an absolute dream. The way you looked as you were nearing the peak of your climax—he’d commit it to memory every chance he could get and still, it felt like it wasn’t enough. 

“Harry,” you mumbled into his palm, tightening your legs around his hips to pull him closer. 

He grinned. Harry was close too. He sped up his thrusts, but still remaining careful to not make it sound like skin slapping against one another. 

You were moaning against his hand, gripping the sheets even tighter, as you felt the pressure build and build until it finally spilled over. Your legs pulled him in, body trembling against the bed, as Harry smirked down at you. 

“Fuck,” he groaned, pulling out to his tip only to slide back into you with ease. He could feel how fucking wet you were, how tight your walls were sucking him back in. He moved both hands now to your hips, hearing you gasp loudly as he gripped you tightly. 

You bit your lower lip—hard. You couldn’t moan or make any noise as you normally would, but you knew that Harry was close too. You could feel it in the way he gripped your hips, could see it in his face too. 

His hips stuttered, eyes shut tight once he felt himself get closer and closer to the edge. Harry’s hands on your hips tightened even further, fingertips digging into your flesh. 

Then suddenly, after a few more rough thrusts, Harry slammed into you and came. Hard. He dragged his fingertips down your hips to the side of your legs and back up, growling under his breath as he filled you with his come. 

You smiled up at him and sat up, careful not to wrinkle his shirt or his jacket as you tugged on the edge of his tie to pull him down. He groaned quietly, rolling his hips slowly before pulling out, biting his lower lip as he looked down between your legs. 

“Fuck,” he muttered. 

“Morning, baby,” you teased, leaning up and pecking his lips. “Gonna feel you all day now.” 

Harry’s eyes narrowed down at you. “I love you.” 

You chuckled quietly. “I love you too. Help me clean up?” 

“Always,” he said softly, licking his lip as he looked down to see his come trickle out of you. “God, you’re fucking beautiful.” 

Then, he stepped away and pulled up his boxers and pants, walking to the bathroom afterwards to grab a small towel to clean you up. 

“You ready for the day?” You asked, teasingly. 

Harry chuckled and nodded, stepping back between your legs and carefully cleaning up the mess that seeped out of you. “I am now, yeah.” 

“Good.” 

“But I’m still picking Stevie up,” he said. 

You smiled. “I know, baby.” 

Then, the both of you heard quiet sounds of footsteps down the hallway. You both looked at each other and smiled. 

“Guess the other two are now awake,” you said. 

Harry smiled. “Come on, baby. Let’s get the cavalry ready for school.” 

Later that morning once all three kids were dressed and ready for school, the three of them sat at the kitchen table each with a plate of pancakes. Harry smiled to himself at the sight of the three of them, keeping an arm around your waist. 

“Mama,” Frankie said, looking up at both you and Harry. “We’re going to the park after school today, right?” 

“How about we go after we pick up Stevie? That way, it’s all of us.” You replied, walking over to her and kissing the crown of her head.

“And we get pizza?” Sammy, your youngest, asked. You looked across the table at him and grinned—deep brown eyes and dark curls that matched Harry’s.  

“Oh, of course,” Harry chimed in. “It’s pizza night.” 

Stevie couldn’t help but smile. “I guess… it’s okay that you pick me up then, dad.” 

Harry sighed in relief. “Oh good,” he said, walking towards her and kissing her cheek. “I’m glad I have your approval, Stevie girl.” 

Frankie giggled and looked over at her older sister. While Stevie had always cared about dressing up and doing her hair now that she was older, Frankie was the complete opposite. She was messy—like Stevie had been at the same age—but she didn’t like dresses or putting her hair in bows. She liked sports, always managed to get dirty and giggle about it too. 

Sammy had finished his pancakes first, sliding off his chair and walking towards the kitchen to put his plate away. Harry looked over at him and smiled, following him and picking him up into his arms. “You’ve got syrup all over your face, Sammy.” 

The younger boy giggled and then stuck his tongue out to try and clean his mouth. “Mmm, still good!” 

Harry chuckled and shook his head. “Let’s wash our hands and face, buddy.” Then, he held Sammy at sink level for the younger boy to reach. While Stevie and Frankie had the same attitude and features as you, Sammy had reminded Harry of himself when he was younger. A sensitive boy who felt so many emotions, but still had the biggest heart like his two older sisters. 

“I think I’m clean now, daddy,” he smiled, turning the sink off and reaching for a towel to dry off his hands and face. 

“Good job, buddy. You ready for school?” Harry asked. 

Sammy nodded. “My teacher said I’ll be able to write my name soon.” 

“Oh yeah?” Harry smiled. “You excited?” 

The young boy grinned. Dimples appeared at his cheeks. “Yes, then I can start writing you and mama letters too.” 

“You’re so sweet, buddy,” Harry chuckled, kissing the tip of his nose. His attention was pulled briefly when he heard laughter coming from the kitchen table, glancing over to see you, Frankie and Stevie giggling amongst one another.

And he stared at you for a few seconds longer. 

Still, you were as beautiful as the day he met you. 

You and Harry stood in front of the school as you dropped your children off. It was Stevie’s last year at this school before moving onto middle school next year, but still, it was convenient that all three of them were under the same school for now. 

“Frankie,” Harry said, kneeling down in front of her. “Is it basketball or soccer today?” 

Frankie grinned. “Basketball,” she answered. “I think I’ll beat the boys this time.” 

He smiled and leaned in to kiss her forehead. “Give them hell, babygirl.” 

“Harry,” you chuckled, moving a hand to his shoulder. 

Frankie giggled and then wrapped her arms around Harry, turning her head to kiss his cheek. “Love you daddy! Love you, mama!” 

“Have a good day at school, baby,” you said, leaning down to kiss the crown of her head before she turned on her heel to go into the school. 

Sammy bit his lower lip. This was his first year in school and he was still trying to find his footing, trying to make friends. 

“Mama?” He called out. 

You knelt down in front of him. “You’re okay, baby.” 

Sammy nodded. “You’ll be here when school is done?” 

“Yup, me and daddy will be here.” 

“Okay,” he said softly. “I’ll see you soon?” 

You smiled and gently cupped his cheek. “I’ll see you soon, baby.” 

“Love you,” he mumbled, wrapping his arms around you before moving onto Harry to do the same. 

“Love you, Sammy,” Harry said, kissing the crown of his head. 

Once Sammy walked into the school, Stevie was already about to turn on her heel before Harry gently tugged on her backpack. 

“Um, hello?” He said. 

You smiled and watched Stevie turn around. 

“Dad…” 

“Give us a hug and tell us you love us,” he said. 

She rolled her eyes playfully. “But my friends—”

“Will see how much you love us,” Harry finished for her. “Isn’t that a great thing?” 

You let out a quiet laugh and then gently pulled Stevie into your arms. “Have a good day at school, Stevie.” 

She let herself relax in your arms for a second. It felt like she was that same five year old all those years ago. Then, almost like she remembered where she was, Stevie pulled away. 

“Okay, my turn,” Harry smiled, tugging Stevie into his arms. “Be good, Stevie girl.” 

“I always am,” she smiled. 

“See you later, okay?” 

Stevie nodded and pulled away to look between the both of you. 

“You really will pick me up?” Stevie asked. 

Harry answered without pause. “Yes, Stevie girl.” 

She nodded and then heard her name being called. She bit her lower lip and then noticed the both of you nod once. 

“I love you guys,” she said. 

Harry grinned. 

You smiled. 

“We love you too,” you said, leaning against Harry. 

“I love you, Stevie girl.” He repeated. 

Stevie smiled and then turned on her heel, jogging to catch up with her friends as she walked into the school with them. 

Harry sighed and looked down at you. “Why does drop off feel so sad now?” 

You looked up at him. “Because our babies are growing up,” you answered, turning around with him to begin walking back towards the car. 

Harry nodded in agreement, keeping one arm draped over your shoulder. “Growing up too fast,” he added. 

Now that all three kids were in school, you had plenty of time to yourself when Harry was at work too. You had been so used to working that it took a very long time to get used to this. Even Harry had to constantly remind you that it was okay, that he wanted you to stay home. It was his way of taking care of you. 

And everyday, you’d show up to his work with lunch. It was ironic, how you were now the one to make sure he was eating during his lunch break when he used to do it for you. 

As you walked toward his office with the food you cooked, you heard Peter from behind you. Turning, you looked over to see the other man who was grinning at you. 

“My brother’s lucky,” Peter said, now walking alongside you. “I should convince Charlotte to visit me during my lunch.” 

You laughed quietly and shook your head. “Charlotte’s seven months pregnant. You’d be cruel to have her come here,” you teased. 

“You’re right,” Peter chuckled. “I should be going home to her to make sure she’s resting.” 

“Second pregnancy tough on her?” You asked. 

He nodded. “Yeah,” he sighed. “That and it took a while for us to get pregnant a second time.” 

You nodded in understanding. Both you and Harry were experiencing your own troubles with getting pregnant again. “Well, just make sure you’re there. I’m sure she appreciates it.” 

“What about you and Harry? Trying for a fourth?” 

You smiled. “Trying, yeah. No luck.” 

Peter gave you a look of understanding. Then, he reached to rest a hand over your shoulder comfortingly. “Well, you guys will figure it out. You always do.” 

You nodded and then glanced over at Harry’s office door. “Is he overworking himself?” You asked honestly. 

Peter shrugged. “We’re co-CEOs, but I feel like since Charlotte got pregnant, he’s been taking more of the responsibility.” 

“So… that’s a yes. He’s overworking himself.” You bit your lower lip. 

“I tried to tell him I can handle it,” he whispered. “But—”

“He doesn’t want to burden you,” you finished for him. Then, it was your turn to reach out to rest a hand on his forearm. “Just look out for him when you are here, okay?” 

“Always will,” Peter smiled. He reached out and knocked lightly on Harry’s door. 

Within seconds, Harry opened the door and you noticed the look on his face before he turned to look at you. You could tell he was stressed—noticed it in his features and his posture too. 

“You’re here,” he said, a hint of relief in his voice. 

“Did you forget?” You asked. 

Harry shook his head. He glanced over your shoulder at Peter and nodded. “Lost track of time.” 

“Take a long lunch,” Peter said. “I’ll get to the next meeting.” 

“You should be going home,” Harry replied. “Charlotte is—”

“I can handle one meeting, Harry,” Peter interjected. “I’ll go home after that one, that okay with you?” 

He sighed. Harry glanced at you and felt the tension in his shoulders loosen just at the sight of you. He finally nodded at Peter and gently reached for the bag of food you were carrying. “Okay, sure. Yeah, thanks,” Harry said. “But if you need to go—”

“I’m fine,” he interrupted. Peter gave you a hug before leaving both of you at Harry’s office. 

“I’m sorry, baby, come in, come in,” he said, opening the door further for you to step inside. Once you were, Harry shut the door and locked it, bringing the food to the coffee table where the couch was at. 

“How many cups of coffee have you had?” You asked, biting your lower lip. 

“Three.”

“Harry.”

“It’s fine, I’m fine.” Harry removed his blazer and set it against the back of his office chair before he walked back over to you, wrapped his arms around your waist. “Missed you, though.” 

“You need a break,” you sighed. “You’re… overworking yourself, baby.”

Harry shook his head and leaned in to kiss your cheek. “Just making sure this company doesn’t go under. My parents trusted me—”

“Trusted both you and your brother,” you corrected. 

“He’s got a baby on the way,” Harry sighed. 

“And you have a family too,” you replied. “You know, if your mom ever found out how much you’re working, she’d—”

“She wouldn’t let me hear the end of it,” Harry interrupted quietly. “Yeah, I know.” 

“Can you just—try to take it easy?” You asked. 

He bit his lower lip. “Okay,” he answered. “I’ll try.” 

“Promise?” 

Harry nodded and moved a hand to your cheek. “Yeah, baby. I promise.” 

“Good, now, let’s eat?” 

He smiled and leaned in to peck your lips. This time, he lingered though. “What if… what if I want to do something else before we eat?” 

You hummed against his lips and moved your hands to his shoulders. “Is that why you locked your door?” 

He chuckled and nodded, moving his lips to your jawline now. “You’re my stress relief,” he whispered. “Whenever you’re around, I don’t feel the weight of this company on my shoulders. Feel like I can breathe.” 

“Maybe I should be here more often then,” you teased. 

Harry pulled back to look down at you. “Really?” 

“What would I even do here?” You asked. 

He shrugged. “Just… stay in my office? I don’t know.” 

“How about… when you feel like the walls are closing in on you, you send me a text and I’ll make my way over here?” You suggested. “Or… you can pencil me in everyday and we can take a walk in the park every morning.” 

Harry nodded. “How about both?”

“Yeah?” 

He leaned in and rested his forehead against yours. “I just… feel better whenever you’re around.” 

“Okay,” you said softly. “We’ll take a walk every morning—does ten sound good?” 

Harry kissed your cheek before releasing his hold on you to go back to his desk where his computer sat. He pulled up his calendar and nodded, setting a daily meeting every morning at ten. Now, his assistant would know to never schedule a meeting at that time. 

“Ten in the morning. Everyday. You and me,” Harry said. 

You smiled and then reached for his hand once he made his way back over to you. “Good. For now, you need to eat.” 

He nodded and sat on the couch, tugging you onto his lap and holding you there for a few seconds longer. “I love you, baby.” 

You smiled and draped an arm around his shoulders, leaning in to kiss his temple. “I love you too, Harry.” 

He stared at you and let the corner of his lips. He rested his head against your shoulder as you reached for the Tupperware, opening the lid and handing it to him. 

He knew he had been working a lot lately. More so than usual. But since his parents had retired and named him and Peter as co-CEOs, he had taken his role seriously. Harry had lots of ideas to expand the company, to make even more money than his parents could ever dream of, but he didn’t want it to be at the cost of his relationship with you or his family. He was still trying to balance work and his home life. 

Stevie was the last one to be picked up after her after school clean up with other kids, especially Taylor. Harry watched his little girl come out of the school building with a young boy standing next to her and he could have sworn he had never seen her this smitten before. The boy was inching closer to her and Stevie bit her lip from smiling. It wasn’t until she looked up that she saw Harry with his arms crossed over his chest and his brows pulled together. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Taylor,” Stevie smiled. 

“Oh,” the boy said. “Okay. Thanks for volunteering with me.” 

She nodded. “I’m always happy to help.” 

The boy stopped walking and looked at her with nervous eyes. “Do you think—do you think I could sit with you tomorrow at lunch or something?” 

Stevie’s eyes widened. Her smile grew. “Yeah, I think that’d be cool.” 

Taylor grinned. “Cool, yeah, that’s… that’s awesome.” Then, he leaned in and gave her a one armed hug before he pulled away abruptly, turning on his heel and jogging to where his mother was parked. 

Stevie could feel the warmth in her cheeks as she walked over to Harry, noticing that you were seated in the passenger seat of the car behind him. 

“Dad…”

“He hugged you,” Harry said. “Was that okay with you?” 

“Yes,” she answered. “Can you… not make a scene? In case he’s looking,” Stevie whispered, turning to look over her shoulder in time for Taylor to wave at her. She waved back and then turned her gaze back on Harry. “Please?” 

Harry sighed. He had been stressed at work. He didn’t want to be stressed about this too. So, he gently reached out and took Stevie’s backpack from her. “Okay, I can be… cool.” 

“Are you sure? It looks like you want to say something.” 

“I just—it’s nothing.” 

“Dad.” 

Harry sighed and gently took her hand, pulling her to his side as he let out a breath of relief when Stevie leaned into him. “You’re just getting bigger,” he said. “One minute you’re that same five year old girl who wanted to be around me all the time and now you’re… you’re a preteen with a crush.” 

“I do not have a crush!” 

Harry chuckled. “Stevie girl, touch your cheeks. They’re warm, aren’t they?” 

“So?” 

“So… you’re blushing.” 

She sighed. “For the record,” Stevie said, opening the door to the car once they were close enough. “I still want to be around you all the time. You’re just… busy with work.” 

Then, she climbed in and Harry felt his heart drop. He heard the muffled sounds of greeting as the door shut, biting his lower lip. Stevie had noticed it too. And if she noticed his stress, he was sure Frankie and Sammy did too. 

Harry set her backpack in the trunk before rounding the car to the drivers side. He pulled his phone out and texted his mom. Simple, two words that meant so much more. Meant that he was struggling, meant that he was lost. 

HARRY: Need advice. 

His mother didn’t waste a second to reply. He looked down at his phone at her response. Harry let out a breath. She replied and said that she’d come by the office tomorrow. 

After the five of you walked Central Park, Harry kept a tight hold on your hand as your three kids walked ahead of you to go to the same pizza shop that you had been going to with Stevie when it was just the two of you. Marco was like family now, watching your family grow over the years. 

“Stevie noticed that I’ve been busy at work,” Harry said with a sigh. “Do I make it that obvious?” 

You looked over at him, tightening your hold on his hand. “You just… wear your heart on your sleeve and your expressions say everything.” 

“I expect you to notice that, but Stevie?” 

“Harry, she’s always been aware of your emotions. Mine too. Even at a young age,” you answered. 

He sighed. You were right. Stevie was such an empath—always noticing and feeling other people’s emotions. “I should get better at hiding it.” 

You shook your head. “Hiding it doesn’t fix it.” 

He bit his lower lip. “Right.” 

“Will you at least reach out to your mom?” You asked. 

Harry squeezed your hand. “Already did, actually. She’s coming by the office tomorrow.” 

“Good,” you said, leaning up to kiss him cheek. “She did this before too, you know. Both your parents.” 

“I know.” 

“You don’t have to be perfect,” you whispered. “Not for the company. Not for us.” 

Harry’s eyes softened down at you. “It’s hard,” he answered honestly. “I just want the best for you guys and for the company.”

“We’ve got it already,” you answered. “We’ve got you, baby.” 

The corner of his lips lifted. “You know all the right things to say.” 

You smiled proudly. “I learn from the best. Not too long ago, you were the one saying all the right things.” 

Harry looked down at you. He noticed the age in your features now, the subtle strands of grey streaked in your hair. You were still younger than he was, but having three kids did tend to age you a bit. 

And yet, you still looked like the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. 

“I love you,” he said quietly. “Thinking when we get back home, after the kids are asleep, we can have more alone time?” 

You smiled. “I think I’d like that.” 

Harry smiled and kissed your temple. “Good.”

As the five of you approached Marco’s, Sammy was the first one to speak. 

“Cannoli?” Sammy asked, looking over his shoulder at both you and Harry. 

You smiled and nodded. “After dinner though, baby.” 

Harry pulled you closer, releasing your hand only to wrap an arm around your shoulders. “Just like Stevie,” he mumbled with a quiet chuckle. 

“I think Frankie’s the only one who isn’t too big on sweets like the other two,” you smiled. “Our little athlete.” 

The three of them jogged inside with excitement in their eyes. Harry chuckled and kissed your temple, nodding over to the same table. “I’ll grab the food.” 

“You sure?” 

“Yeah, baby,” Harry said, hand moving from your lower back to give a gentle pat to your ass. “Now, go. Sit down.” 

“Naughty, Mr. Castillo.” 

He grinned. “You like it, Mrs. Castillo,” Harry winked. He walked into the pizza shop as you moved to sit at the table, smiling to yourself as you watched the four of them with loving eyes. You couldn’t believe that five years ago, you and Harry shared a pizza on the very first day you met. 

And now, here you both were, five years later. Married. With three kids. 

Sammy ran outside and climbed into your lap, snuggling closer to you as the two other girls remained inside with Harry. 

“Hi, baby,” you said, cradling Sammy in your arms. “How was school?” 

“Good,” he answered. “I made a friend.”

You grinned. “You did? That’s amazing, baby.” 

Sammy smiled to himself. “Yeah, he’s nice. He’s new to the school.” 

“Oh, yeah?” 

Sammy nodded. “I volunteered to help him in class.” 

You looked down at him and cupped his cheek. “You’re so sweet, Sammy. I bet it was nice of him to not feel alone on his first day.” 

“He said he was sad,” he said. “Because all his friends were back home where he used to live.” 

“And now he’s got one friend here,” you said, gently tapping the tip of his nose. 

Sammy grinned and nodded to himself, nuzzling his cheek further into the crook of your neck now. You held him closer to your chest and shut your eyes, reveling in the sounds of the city. 

“Alright, Frankie, Stevie, what are we getting?” Harry asked, keeping a hold on Frankie’s hand as she slid her own into his. 

“Pepperoni,” Frankie answered, looking up at Harry with a grin. 

Stevie nodded in agreement. “And cannolis.” 

“And breadsticks!” Frankie added. 

Stevie giggled. “Yes, breadsticks.” 

Harry smiled. “Okay, so the works. Got it.” He glanced at Stevie for a moment and noticed her pull out her phone that he had gotten for her a few months ago before she left the pizza shop to go sit outside with you and Sammy. He sighed and then scooped Frankie into his arms. 

“How was school, babygirl?” 

Frankie leaned against him. “Good. Our team won the basketball game during recess.” 

“Ooh,” Harry smiled. She was so different than Stevie and it had been great seeing the different personalities each child had. “So, mama and I were thinking… do you wanna join a sports team or something? You know, outside of school.” 

Her eyes lit up. “Really?” 

“Yeah, Frankie. You’ll get to go to practice, play games on the weekend. That sound like something you wanna do?” 

She nodded quickly. “Yes!” 

He smiled to himself. He didn’t know where Frankie got her athleticism from, but it excited him—getting to go to soccer or basketball games every weekend to cheer her on. 

“But first, pizza?” She asked. 

Harry chuckled and nodded, kissing her temple. “Yeah, babygirl. First, pizza.” 

Frankie smiled and then rested her cheek on his shoulder, holding onto him tightly. Just like Stevie, Frankie was a daddy’s girl. Wherever he went, she wanted to join. 

Dinner lasted for about an hour and a half before all three kids yawned, signaling that they were ready to go home and get ready for bed. Harry looked across the table at you, still cradling Sammy in your arms as Frankie leaned against your side, blinking slowly. 

Harry glanced at Stevie, seated to his left who had her eyes glued to her phone. 

“I think your screen time is done for the day, Stevie girl,” he whispered. 

Stevie looked up at him and nodded. “Okay, dad.” 

“Been glued to that thing ever since I got you it,” he said. 

She shrugged. “Just texting my friends.” 

“Friends?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Yes, friends.” 

Harry arched a brow. “Taylor being one of these friends you’re texting?” 

Stevie rolled her eyes playfully and put her phone away, shaking her head. “He doesn’t have a phone.” 

“Oh? So, what I’m hearing is that kids your age can live without a phone.” 

“What? No…” 

He chuckled quietly and wrapped an arm around her. “Uh huh,” he teased. 

Stevie leaned against him then looked across the table at you. “Mom?” 

“Yeah, baby?” You said, looking over at her. 

“Can you… can you curl my hair tomorrow?” Stevie asked. 

Harry arched a brow. He looked at you and noticed your gaze shift to him. You gave him a look, one that said not to say anything. He sighed quietly and looked back down at Stevie. 

“Yeah, of course, baby. You gonna wake up early enough for me to do your hair though?” 

Stevie nodded. “I’ll be up and ready, I promise… but if I’m tired, can I get a sip of your coffee?” 

Harry looked over at you. 

“Coffee?” You asked. 

Stevie glanced at Harry. “Yeah, coffee.” 

Your eyes narrowed suspiciously between the both of them. “Stevie, I don’t think you’d like coffee, baby.” 

“Only one way to find out, right?” 

You shook your head. 

Harry cleared his throat. “Alright, should we get going?” He interrupted. 

You arched a brow at him. “You’re acting… suspiciously weird, Harry.” 

“What?” 

Stevie gently elbowed his side. He looked down at the younger girl. She gave him the same look you’d give him—don’t say anything. He let the corner of his lips lift before he shook his head. “I’m fine, baby. Those two are ready to pass out and this one needs to sleep early so she’s not sleepy when she wakes up tomorrow.” 

Stevie giggled. 

Sammy stirred in your arms. 

Frankie rubbed her eyes. 

“Okay then,” you said, looking between Harry and Stevie again. “Are you two hiding something?” 

“Nope!” They both said simultaneously. 

Harry smiled and then stood up, gently reaching for Frankie and pulling her into his arms. “Ready to go, baby?” 

You nodded slowly, standing from the seat as you reached for Stevie’s hand with your free one. “What are you guys hiding?” 

“Nothing,” Stevie giggled, leaning against your side. 

Sammy buried his face against your neck and yawned, his eyes now falling shut. 

Harry walked ahead of you, whispering into Frankie’s ear as she giggled quietly. Her tiny arms tightened even further around his neck as her cheek rested against his shoulder. 

“So, curled hair tomorrow, huh?” You said, looking down at Stevie. 

She nodded. “I—uh, I’m having lunch with Taylor tomorrow, so I don’t know. I just want to look nice.” 

You smiled and adjusted Sammy against your hip before your released Stevie’s hand only to wrap your arm around her shoulders. “Oh, baby, you always look nice.” 

She sighed. “Okay, I want to look nicer.” 

You nodded and leaned down to kiss the crown of her head. “My baby’s got a crush.” 

She rolled her eyes. “He’s just… he’s nice.” 

“Yeah?” 

Stevie bit her lower lip. “And he’s friendly… and kind to everyone.” 

You smiled and held her closer. “Good, baby. That’s really good.” 

“And you know his mom, so…” 

“Yeah, she’s kind too,” you said softly. “Sometimes, I forget that you’re eleven. To me, you’re still that same little girl who would get syrup or ice cream all over her face. For a long time, it was just you and me, you know?” 

Stevie looked up at you and nodded. You reached up and gently stroked her hair back and away from her face. “I love you, mom. Our family… I love it. It’s what I always dreamed of.” 

“And daddy? You know you’ve got him wrapped around your finger from day one,” you smiled. “But that doesn’t mean you get to take advantage of that now that you’re older, okay?” 

“I know,” Stevie said. 

“So, what’s this about coffee? Hm?” 

Her eyes widened. “Nothing.”

“Uh huh.” 

She giggled. “I asked for a one sip,” she admitted. “I didn’t like it, but dad said that I might like yours… because you have sugar in yours.” 

You laughed quietly and shook your head. “You know, I don’t like daddy’s coffee either.” 

Stevie smiled. 

Then, you continued. “Also… he’s going to be overprotective, okay? You’re his little girl. To him, no one’s good enough.” 

Stevie nodded slowly, glancing over at Harry who kept Frankie close to his chest. “I know,” she whispered. 

“You know, he’d give you the world if he could,” you said, smiling to yourself as you crossed the street to walk towards the car. “So… if he’s overreacting, it’s coming from a place of love… and fear.” 

“Fear?”

You nodded, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear. “Yeah, baby. Us parents… when our kids get older, we think that they won’t need us anymore.”

“I’ll always need you, mom. And I’ll always need him too,” Stevie said quietly. 

Stevie gave you a quick hug before jogging towards the car after you all crossed the street. Harry buckled Frankie into her car seat before he felt Stevie collide against him, her arms snaking around his waist as she held onto him tightly. 

“Hey…” he said quietly, his arms coming to wrap around her too. “Everything okay?” 

Stevie looked up at him and nodded. “I love you,” she said. 

Harry’s eyes softened. “Aw, Stevie girl. I love you too.” 

She buried her face against him and tightened her hold. “Daddy?” 

He felt his heart rate pick up. Stevie had stopped calling him daddy for a while now and started calling him dad—just another sign of her getting older. 

“Yeah, Stevie girl?” 

“No matter how old I get, I’m always going to need you.” 

His eyes watered. “Yeah? Even when you’re adult and you have a family of your own?” 

Stevie nodded. “Yes, even then. Especially then.”

Harry smiled and wrapped his arms around her even tighter. He kissed the crown of her head and sighed quietly, looking up to see you set Sammy in his own car seat. He knew this was your doing, so he mouthed thank you before you shut the door. 

Later that night, after the kids were asleep, you climbed into bed where Harry was seated against the headboard. Before you could even move to lay on your side of the bed, he reached out for you and tugged you onto his lap instead. 

“Hey,” he whispered. 

“Hi, baby,” you said softly. “Dinner was great tonight.” 

Harry nodded and rested his hands on your hips, leaning forward to peck your lips lightly. “You talked to Stevie.” 

“I just… reminded her, that’s all.”

“You didn’t need to,” he said quietly. 

“I know,” you answered. “I wanted to. She’s going to get to that age where she’ll want nothing to do with you or me… but I just wanted to make sure she knew that we’re still her parents.” 

Harry nodded. “She called me daddy tonight. I don’t think I’ve heard her say that in a long time.” 

“She’s always gonna be our little girl, Harry.” 

“I know that,” he whispered. “Just wish time would just freeze, you know? Keep them little forever.” 

“I know, me too,” you sighed. “But hey, we’re doing this together.” 

He smiled at that. His hands moved from your hips to your ribcage, sliding his hands under your shirt. “Have I told you today how lucky I am?” 

You shook your head. “Ah, I knew you were forgetting something.” 

Harry chuckled quietly. “I’m gonna do better, okay? I don’t… want to miss anymore moments.” 

“Okay,” you whispered, leaning forward to pepper kisses along his jawline. “Maybe I should just show up at the office unannounced to distract you.” 

Harry felt his manhood stir beneath you. He tilted his head back against the headboard and shut his eyes, moving his hands further up your body until they covered your breasts. He brushed his thumbs of your nipples as you rolled your hips into his, lips moving down the side of his neck. 

“Hmm, that could work,” he mumbled, letting out a quiet groan. 

You felt his hardening length against your core, grounding your hips further into his. “I love you, you know that?” You asked, pulling back to look down at him.

He looked up at you and smiled. “I know, baby. I love you too.” 

“So… will you let me take care of you?” 

His brow arched. “What?” 

You pecked his lips and then slowly climbed off his lap only to settle himself between your legs. You palmed the center of his boxers, his hardened manhood against your palm now. “Just sit back… let me do all the work.” 

Harry groaned and nodded. He looked down at you and bit his lower lip. He couldn’t believe that this was his life. Today was a wake up call for him—he hadn’t been present in his kids’ lives and he certainly hadn’t been present for you either. 

“You spoil me,” he mumbled. 

“Good. I’m trying to return the favor,” you grinned, moving your lips now to brush against his clothed manhood. 

Harry’s hand darted out immediately to hold your hair back, biting his lower lip in anticipation. “Maybe… maybe you should do this every night,” he suggested. 

You smiled up at him and pulled down his boxers, watching his manhood twitch against his lower half. “Yeah? I wouldn’t mind that,” you grinned. 

“God,” he groaned, watching your lips wrap around the tip of his manhood. Harry cleared his throat, your eyes still locked with his. “Fuck, baby.” 

You pulled back and ran your tongue around his leaking tip. A smile still lined your lips. “Harry?” 

“Yeah, baby?” 

“I fall in love with you every day,” you said. 

Harry grinned. He reached out with his free hand to cup your cheek. “Oh, baby… I fell in love with you five years ago and I haven’t stopped falling since.” 

Before he could continue though, you wrapped your mouth back around him and began bobbing your head slowly. Harry tipped his head back and reveled in the way your lips felt around him, your tongue swirling around the base of him. 

“Fuck, baby…” Harry’s hand around your hair tightened as he slowly lifted his hips off the bed. “Wanna try for another baby, hm?” 

You nodded, but with his length in your mouth, caused you to just bob around him. He growled before he pulled out of your mouth, his free hand moving from your cheek to grab hold of his base. 

“Take off your panties,” he said, licking his lower lip. “And then sit on it. Take what you need, baby.” 

You nodded quickly. You were already throbbing and wet between your legs, sliding your panties off like he said before you straddled his hips yet again. 

Slowly, you lowered yourself onto him, feeling his tip breach your opening first followed by the rest of his girth, stretching you slowly. 

Both of you moaned. 

You stared into his eyes.

Harry stared back. 

“Gonna fill you up,” he whispered. “So much that I’ll be dripping out of you in your sleep.” 

You gasped, lifting your hips before sliding back down. “Get me pregnant, Harry,” you added. “Please.” 

Harry smiled. Both of you had been wanting to expand your family, but this time, it wasn’t easy. At least not as easy as it had been with Frankie and Sammy. 

He gripped your hips and pulled you firmly down onto him. As you sat firmly on his lap, his entire length filling you to the hilt, you both stared at each other and let out a breathy sigh. 

“I love you,” he whispered. 

“I love you too,” you replied, leaning forward to press your forehead against his. 

It had been a while since you and Harry had sex twice in one day. You both just hoped that it was a sign that you’d end up pregnant this time around.