CLINT FLOOD

Crossed by @veryinactiveartist

Obligations of Love by @ess-evo

DIN DJARIN

When a Feather-Light Touch is Agony by @bergamote-catsandbooks

FRANKIE MORALES

Kiss It Better by @gothcsz

HARRY CASTILLO

Going Home Isn't An Option Anymore by @mayukicrystalqueen

The Love is Stronger Than the Heart by @kokoluwie

Insider Trading by @voidstardusts

Safe by @time-for-my-weekly-spanking

JAVIER PEÑA

Haunted by @cozymochaa

Even Anxious Pups Need the Moon by @dreamedaboutitinthedark

One of Pablo's: pt. 1 - pt. 2 - pt. 3 by @fckyeahsaltandpeppercurls

JOEL MILLER

Falling Through Centuries by @petalsinblood

Honey Baby by @mcthsman

A Thin Line: pt. 1 - pt. 2 by @notyourlovemonkey

Could Be Senseless by @iamsherlocked-1998

you're not like anyone else i've ever met by @pascalgold

MARCUS PIKE

Restoration by @peepawmiller

MARCUS ACACIUS

Mercury Falling by @millermouth

The Healer And The General by @din-cognito

OBERYN MARTELL

It had been a few months since you and Harry both decided to start trying again. You thought it’d be easy—it always had been with Frankie and Sammy, but this time was proving to be a bit more challenging. 

Because with three kids that demanded both your attention, it was difficult to find the right time. 

And neither you or Harry wanted sex to be rushed, but what other choice did you have when the only time was either early in the morning, late at night, or during the day while he was at work? 

“So…?” Harry asked quietly, arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the doorway of the bathroom. 

You looked over at him and shook your head, tossing the negative pregnancy test in the trash as you walked over to him. “No.” 

He nodded once and then moved towards you. Harry’s hands immediately reached out for your hips, gently bringing you closer to him. “It’s okay.”

You sighed. “It’s been months now.”

“How about you let me plan this weekend, hm?” 

“We can’t. The kids—”

“Let me plan everything.”

“Harry.”

“Baby,” he said softly, lowering his head as he looked at you through his eyelashes. “Let. Me. Plan. Everything.”

“But your work—”

“Peter can help out,” he interjected softly. Harry had been doing a lot better with keeping his boundaries when work was involved. He still struggled from time to time, but work didn’t take up most of his time like it had before. “Besides, I think a little weekend getaway just the two of us is what we need.”

Your eyes lit up. “A weekend without the kids?”

The corner of his lips lifted. “Maybe we—we haven’t gotten pregnant because we’re rushing it. Sex, I mean.”

You nodded, looking down at your feet for a moment. Your mind drifted—what if getting pregnant was more difficult this time around? What if it was something else that was preventing you from getting pregnant? What if you couldn’t get pregnant? 

“Hey…” Harry said quietly. “You’re thinking.”

“I’m… not.”

“Uh huh.”

“It’s just been months now. We never had an issue before.”

Harry bit his lower lip. It had crossed his mind too. What if something was wrong with him? What if the last year being so stressed with work was the reason why you couldn’t get pregnant? “Well, we’re older now,” he suggested. “And sex doesn’t—it doesn’t really last as long as it normally does.”

“I’m sorry.”

“What? No,” he sighed. “I’m not saying it’s you. It’s definitely not you.” Harry moved a hand to your cheek. “I just mean—we’re rushing. At night, we’re both so tired. In the morning too. And during work, well… it’s not like I can spend half an hour either.” 

“I know,” you sighed. “I’m just—What if something’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” he said quickly. “We just need time, that’s all. Just me and you.” 

“Just me and you,” you repeated. 

He nodded, leaning forward to rest his forehead against your own. “Just me and you, baby.” 

“Okay, hey!” You called out, Sammy running down the hallway with Frankie chasing closely behind him. 

“Sammy, get back here!” 

“Nooo!” He giggled.

“You cheated!” 

“I did not!” 

Stevie laughed quietly, looking over at you and then back down the hallway where her siblings went. “Want me to help?” She asked.

You sighed. “No, it’s okay, baby. I got it. You all packed for the weekend with your grandparents?” 

Stevie nodded. “Yeah,” she answered, leaning against you as you wrapped an arm around her shoulders. 

“Frankie, okay, okay! I surrender!” Sammy exclaimed, letting out a loud yelp once Frankie gently tackled him to the floor. 

Stevie looked up at you and smiled. “I got them, mom. Just… relax.”

“I am relaxed.”

“You look stressed.”

You sighed. “I’m just trying to make sure you guys are all set for your weekend.”

Stevie nodded in understanding and then hugged you tightly. “We’re good, mom. I’ll go make sure they don’t hurt each other,” she teased.

“Thank you, baby,” you said softly. “When did you start being so responsible?” 

She giggled. “I have always been responsible,” Stevie answered. “Duh.” 

“Uh huh,” you smiled, kissing her temple. 

Stevie smiled once more and then pulled away from you to jog down the hallway to where Frankie and Sammy were currently wrestling with each other. When the two younger ones saw their older sister, they immediately pulled apart and ran away from her instead. 

“Hey!” 

“Run Sammy!” Frankie giggled.

Sammy’s laughter also filtered the hallway. “I’m trying! You’re just faster!” 

“Come on,” Stevie chuckled, jogging after them with ease. “We gotta get ready before we head to grandma and grandpa’s!” 

“We are ready!” Sammy said.

Stevie wrapped an arm around him and shook her head, tickling his sides. “No, you aren’t!” 

Sammy’s laughter only picked up even more. “Stevie! Okay, okay! Stop! I’ll get ready, I promise!” 

“Frankie, you too!” Stevie said.

“Fine, fine!” Frankie smiled, slowly coming to a stop in front of her door. “I’ll get ready, sheesh.” 

Stevie looked down at Sammy. He stared up at her with those deep brown eyes that reminded her of Harry’s. “You promise you’ll get ready?” 

Sammy nodded. “Yes, Stevie. I promise.” 

“Okay, I’m gonna let you go now. Just put some clothes in your backpack, that’s all.”

“Any clothes?” 

Stevie shrugged. “Whatever you want…as long as they’re comfortable.”

“All my clothes are comfortable,” he said.

“Then don’t forget your pajamas,” Stevie pointed out.

“Fine.” 

“I love you,” Stevie smiled, kissing his forehead before she set him down.

Sammy grinned up at her. “Love you too, sissy.”

You looked at them and chuckled quietly, letting out a relieved sigh. Your parents and Harry’s would be here any minute, leaving both you and Harry alone for the rest of the weekend. 

Harry wasn’t sure why he was nervous once the kids left. It had been a while since you both had the entire house to yourselves, so once he noticed you walk out into the backyard where he was, Harry felt his stomach flip. It felt like the first moment he laid eyes on you all over again. 

“Hey,” he said softly, pulling you to his side once you sat on the grass with him. 

“Hey,” you replied, leaning against him. “It’s quiet.” 

“It feels… weird,” he teased. 

You nodded in agreement and turned your body to face him, legs crossed underneath you as you leaned forward to look up at him. 

“What?” He chuckled, looking over at you. “Why are you looking at me like that?” 

“It’s just… me and you now.” 

Harry smiled and turned to face you, gently pulling you closer to him between his legs. “I’m nervous,” he admitted. 

“Nervous?” 

“Yeah, it’s been awhile since it’s been me and you.” 

You sighed. “I know,” you whispered. “Maybe we should start making more time for each other.” 

His hands moved to your hips as he nodded, looking directly into your eyes. The nerves he felt when the kids left finally disappeared when you looked at him. It was ridiculous—how could he be nervous after five years with you? 

“I’d like that.” 

“We could go on more dates,” you suggested. 

“Uh huh,” Harry said softly, leaning in to brush his lips with your own. “Can maybe have your parents or mine watch the kids more often too.” 

You smiled and wrapped your arms around his shoulders, slowly sliding onto his lap. You both were still outside in the backyard, the cool air wafting past the both of you. “Mmm, I wouldn’t mind that either.” Slowly, you rolled your hips and watched as his eyes widened just a bit as he stared up at you. 

“You can be as loud as you want this weekend,” Harry said, his voice lowering to a quiet and deep whisper. “You don’t have to hold back at all. I can take my time with you,” he gasped suddenly, feeling you ground your hips onto his. He felt his manhood twitch beneath his shorts, blood rushing down immediately. 

“Wanna make a baby with me, Harry?” You asked, lower lip pulled between your teeth. 

He cleared his throat and nodded. “You drive me crazy…” 

You smiled innocently and slowly stood from his lap, hand extending out for him. “Come on, baby.” 

Harry scrambled to his feet and reached for your hand instantly. He turned you until your back was flush against his chest, walking you both back inside the house as he slid the door shut. He lowered his head to rest his chin on your shoulder, hands flattening on your abdomen as he began peppering wet kisses along the side of your neck. 

Your let out a moan at the feel of his hardened manhood against your backside and his soft lips against your skin. It felt freeing to not have to force yourself to stay quiet and it only excited you even further when you realized you didn’t have to rush this. 

Both you and Harry had the entire weekend just to yourselves. 

“I don’t know what to do first,” he mumbled, walking toward the sofa in the living area. Harry pushed you against the back of it, hands moving from your abdomen down your sides until they rested on your hips. He was pressed firmly against you from behind, lips continuing to move along you. 

“Wh—What?” You whimpered, moving one hand behind you to run through his hair as your tilted your head back against him. His lips moved closer to your ear, nibbling at your earlobe as he continued to speak into your ear. 

“I want a fucking taste of you,” he whispered. “But I also want to bend you over and just fucking take you,” Harry growled, hands squeezing your hips as he pushed his own hips into you from behind for you to feel just how hard he was. “I want to hear you scream,” Harry continued, one hand moving from your hip down the front of your legs. “Want to hear you say my name over and over again.” 

“Harry,” you moaned quietly, feeling his fingertips brush against your clothed sex. You were wearing just a pair of leggings and one of his shirts, having opted for a very lazy outfit today while your kids were getting ready. You hadn’t expect this to happen so quickly. You had a plan—you were going to shave your legs, take a shower, and put on some lingerie for him. 

“Yeah, that’s it, baby,” Harry smirked against your skin. “Say my name again.” 

Your gasped when you felt the pad of his fingers press against your clit. Your leggings were thin and despite being clothed, you could feel just how warm his hand was against you. “Harry, please…” 

“Please what, baby?” Harry growled into your ear. “Tell me what you want.” 

“Fuck, I want you, please,” you pleaded. Sure, both you had regular sex, especially now that you were both trying to get pregnant, but it hadn’t been like this in so long. 

“You know I love it when you beg,” he grinned, suddenly ripping your leggings and watching the fabric tear and rip down your legs. 

“Harry!” 

He groaned at the sight of you just clad in his shirt and a pair of panties. Harry suddenly knelt down before you, hands coming up to pull your panties down your legs. “Sorry, baby. I’ll buy you another.”

Your hands moved to grip the back of the sofa, stepping out of your ripped leggings and panties. You leaned forward suddenly when you felt his large hands rest on your ass, pulling your cheeks apart for him to see your glistening sex. 

“Fuck, baby, you’re so wet,” he said quietly, licking his lips in anticipation. Harry leaned forward, inhaling your scent as he ran a thumb up and down your slit, gathering your slickness on the pad of his thumb. 

You weren’t sure why his touch—at least like this—was making you tremble as much as you were. You had been used to his touch, had gotten used to his dirty talk, but this felt different. It felt like before. 

It felt like you both were coming home to each other. 

Harry moved his hand back to your ass. He pulled back to look at you, cheeks spread as your throbbing heat called out to him. He glanced up at you, eyes catching your gaze for a brief moment when you looked over your shoulder at him. “I’m thinking I wanna spend some time between your legs,” he said, leaning forward slowly. “Been missing how much you taste.” 

Then, without hesitation, Harry licked a stripe along your sex. He kept your cheeks spread for him, allowing him to gather your wetness with his tongue. Your hands gripped the sofa as a loud moan escaped your lips, knees buckling almost instantly. He chuckled against you, pulling back only to swirl the tip of his tongue against your opening. “Mmm, fuck, baby.” 

“Harry!” You moaned, leaning over the sofa now as you felt him press himself further into you from behind. Harry began his assault on your core, running his tongue over your wet sex repeatedly. 

You moved one hand back to grip his hair, moans now muffling against the sofa as you bent over it completely. “Fuck me!” You groaned. You were so wet and could hear how wet you were—it felt like he was fucking making out with your pussy; he was drinking your arousal like a man who was quenching his thirst. 

Harry knew you were close, so he moved one hand from your ass to rub his thumb against your clit. He felt your hand try to push him away, but he just gripped your wrists with his free hand now and pinned them at your lower back. Your stood on your toes, body beginning to tremble and only getting wetter. 

“H—Harry, oh god,” you moaned loudly, eyes squeezing shut as your orgasm hit you unexpectedly. You tried to scramble away from him—it was becoming too much all at once, but Harry kept you firmly bent over the sofa. It wasn’t until he stood up that you had a brief moment to catch your breath. 

“Could do that all day,” he said, licking his wet lips as he slowly turned your around to face him. “You okay?” 

You nodded, still breathless and still trying to regain composure. “Mhm,” you mumbled. 

Harry grinned, pushing his boxers and shorts down his legs as his length bobbed free. He then reached for the end of his shirt and tugged it over his head until he stood completely bare before you. He caught your gaze shifting down his body until it landed on his length, watching your lick your lips in anticipation. 

He reached out for you and tugged you closer to him by the shirt you were still wearing. When you leaned into him, he reached for the end of your shirt to pull over your head until you were naked too. He looked at you from top to bottom and back up, bending down just enough to hoist you into his arms. Your legs wrapped around his waist as he led you away from the sofa and down the hallway to your bedroom. 

You leaned down and began lining kisses along the side of his neck and to his jawline, tongue darting out to lick his skin. It wasn’t until he stopped walking that you pulled back to look down at him. He pressed your back against the wall and shifted his hips, the head of his manhood brushing against your sensitive opening. 

“You should put me down,” you said softly, hands running through his hair. “Don’t want to hurt you.” 

His eyes narrowed. “I can carry you just fine.” 

“I’m not saying you can’t. I just—”

Harry interrupted you by sliding into you in one thrust. He growled under his breath at the feel of your wet and warm heat sucking him in. 

“Fuck,” you gasped. 

He pulled out just a few inches only to thrust back into you. “I can carry you just fine,” he repeated. Harry pressed your back firmly against the wall and planted his feet more firmly against the hardwood floor, rolling his hips up into you. 

“O—okay,” you whimpered, arms loosely wrapping around his shoulders as your legs squeezed around his hips. You hadn’t ever had sex like this—not against a wall with him carrying you like this. It was fucking hot and as he continued to roll his hips, you felt every inch of him slide into you. 

Harry buried his face against the crook of your neck, panting heavily into you as he thrusted upwards. He knew he wasn’t going to be able to hold you up for long, so he slammed into you once and remained inside of you as he pulled you from the wall to begin walking down the hallway once more. Each step he took caused him to slide in and out of you just by a couple of inches and it wasn’t enough. 

You needed more. 

So, you squeezed your legs tighter around his hips and tightened your hold around his shoulders as you began grinding against him. 

Harry groaned at your movements, walls sliding along his throbbing length. “Baby, fuck,” he mumbled, kicking the bedroom door open and quickly walking you back towards the mattress. 

You still rolled your hips into his until he tossed you onto the mattress, causing him to slip out of you. You gasped loudly, propping yourself onto your forearms as you looked up at him. His eyes were dark and narrowed, stepping towards you between your legs as he kept them spread apart for him. 

“You gonna just stand there and stare at me?” You asked, biting your lower lip. 

His eyes narrowed further. “You’ve got an attitude today.” 

You giggled and shook your head. “Just need you, Harry.” 

“Yeah? Well, an attitude won’t make me fuck you any faster.” 

You cleared your throat. The smile on your face dropped as you scooted further to the edge of the bed. “What if I say… hurry up?” 

Harry growled and it came deep from his chest, almost like your attitude was pushing him to the limit. He leaned over you and felt the length of himself slide along your lips between your legs. “Hurry up?” He repeated, voice deep and almost… threatening. 

You nodded, moving a hand between your bodies to try and reach for him. 

He shook his head and grabbed your wrists roughly, pinning them above your head. “You were just begging earlier, baby. I’m thinking you should beg some more… before I fuck that attitude out of you.” 

Your eyes widened. 

You squirmed against his grasp. 

“But you were just inside of me…” you whimpered impatiently. “Don’t you… want to be inside of me again?” 

“If you say please,” he whispered. Harry moved his free hand down to hold himself against your slit, rubbing the head of his manhood against your clit. You were still so fucking wet and he could feel himself throbbing impatiently. 

“Please,” you said, shifting against his grip. 

“Doesn’t sound convincing,” he said, sliding himself down the length of your sex until his tip slid inside of you. Before you could even lower your hips, he pulled out again, a strained groan leaving his lips. “Beg,” he demanded. 

“Please,” you pleaded, eyes blinking up at him. “Harry, please…” 

“Not good enough,” he growled, pulling back away from you and releasing his hold on your wrists. “You want me that bad? Get on your fucking knees.” 

You couldn’t help the smile on your face as you nodded up at him, climbing off the bed and kneeling down in front of him slowly. Your placed your hands on your thighs, blinking up at him innocently as his hand wrapped around himself. You watched as he tugged on his length a few times before stepping forward, running the head of length along your lips. 

“Open.”

You parted your lips for him and felt his rounded (and already wet and leaking tip) push past your lips. You opened your mouth even wider, accommodating his girth as he pushed further inside of your mouth. 

He growled at the sight of you, one hand moving to your hair to hold it back and away from your face. Harry pushed further until he felt his tip hit the back of your throat, causing you to gag around him as tears pooled at the corner of your eyes. 

He pulled out of you slowly, running the tip of his length across your wet lips before he took a step back. 

“Beg,” he repeated. “You want me inside of you? Then, beg.” 

Your eyes narrowed. 

You watched him move to sit at the edge of the bed now. 

You moved your hands to the floor and slowly crawled towards him, watching his hand slowly stroke his hardened length. You licked your lower lip and moved to rest your cheek on his thigh, blinking up at him innocently. 

“Please, Harry,” you whispered, gaze flickering between the movement of his hand and back up to his eyes. “Please…” 

“Please what?” He asked, his free hand moving to your cheek. 

“Put a baby in me, please,” you pleaded, turning your head towards his touch and kissing the inside of his palm. 

Harry’s resolve cracked. He gently scooped you up and on top of him, laying back down on the mattress as he lined himself at your entrance. He moved his hand from your cheek to your hip and slowly lowered you onto him, a loud groan escaping his lips at the feel of you wrapped around him. 

Your hands moved to rest on his chest, bracing yourself as you continued to move your hips further down until he filled you to the hilt. You let out a relieved breath, staring down at him. 

“Feel good?” He asked, hands gripping your hips tightly. “Feel better?” 

“Yes,” you moaned out, lifting your hips just slightly only to lower down onto him once more. You could feel every inch and vein slide along your walls, filling you just right with each movement. “Feels amazing.” 

Harry grinned, watching you slowly begin to bounce atop of him. He moved one hand from your hip to one of your breasts, squeezing it tightly into his palm. His lips parted as his own sounds of pleasure left him. It felt freeing that he could take his time with you, that he didn’t have to rush this. 

He missed this. 

Harry missed you. 

“God, you’re gripping me so tight, baby,” he groaned, eyes deviating momentarily down between your bodies. Harry watched you move up and down on top of him, his girth slick and wet with your arousal. 

You answered with another moan, beginning to roll your hips forward and backward. You could feel the hair between his legs brush against your clit with each movement, causing just enough friction to bring you closer to your climax.  

Harry groaned, moving his other hand to your other breast now and beginning to massage both as you rolled your hips. He could feel the pit of his stomach tighten with each movement, feeling your slickness drip down to his lower half and dampening his hair down there. 

“Harry, baby, fuck—”

Harry rolled you over onto your back suddenly. He slammed further into you and stared at you, lips parting as he began thrusting in and out of you quickly. The sound of your wetness mixed in with the sound of skin slapping against one another. 

It felt fucking great to not hold back like this. 

“Gonna fill you up,” he growled, moving one hand to rest on your cheek as the other kept himself propped up on the mattress. “I’m gonna make sure it sticks this time,” he said, almost like he was admitting that maybe he was the problem. 

You leaned into his touch and wrapped your legs loosely around his hips, nodding up at him. “Fill me up, Harry… get me pregnant.” 

“Oh fuck,” he groaned, feeling your walls tighten even further around him. Harry leaned down to rest his forehead against your own, gasping under his breath as he felt himself get closer and closer to the edge. 

His thrusts quickened. 

They became more erratic. 

More rough. 

You held onto him as you felt a wave of pleasure just wash over you suddenly. Your nails dug into his back and your legs tightened even further around his waist. 

Harry moaned under his breath and slammed into you a couple of more times until he filled you with his come. His body trembled and he moved his hips in and out of you slowly, pumping every last drop he could give you and filling you up. 

You felt his warmth instantly. You pulled back and leaned up to press your lips firmly against his own, both of you moaning and panting against each other’s lips.  

“Fuck,” he mumbled. 

You smiled. “Think it’ll stick?”

“It better,” Harry answered, pulling back to look down at you. “But I’m gonna stay inside of you just to be sure.” 

You felt him slide back into you, filling you to the hilt until he ceased his movements. “Mmm, I like that.” 

“Yeah?” 

You nodded. “Maybe we should take a nap and you stay inside of me.” 

Harry grinned. “God, I love you, baby.” 

“Good,” you laughed quietly. “I love you too.” 

“I don’t think we’ll be leaving this bed for the rest of the day.” 

“That’s okay,” you said. “Because I think I’m gonna want you again.” 

Harry’s eyes darkened. “Yeah?” 

You nodded. “Yes,” you answered. 

A month passed since you and Harry had the weekend all to yourselves. He was still keeping his boundaries with work and you both even managed to make more time for each other too. 

But still, you weren’t pregnant. 

Your period came like it always did. 

You weren’t late. 

It was just another sign that even though you spent most of that weekend in bed with him, there had to be something wrong. 

Right? 

Harry was looking at you hopefully. You had given him an estimate for when you would be getting your period. 

But when you stepped out of the bathroom, you couldn’t even look at him. 

Because you felt disappointment in the pit of your stomach, felt ashamed that you couldn’t get pregnant. 

And Harry knew that something was wrong by the way you couldn’t even meet his eyes. 

But he didn’t say anything. 

Harry didn’t need to—he just knew that you weren’t pregnant. 

“Come here,” he whispered, pulling you against his chest. “We’ll try again,” he reassured you. “Maybe we just need more time.” 

You nodded. You couldn’t say anything. You didn’t want to say anything, so you just buried your face against his chest as his arms tightened around your waist. 

“I love you,” he said softly. “We’ll figure this out.” 

You nodded again. Then, you shut your eyes and wrapped your arms loosely around his shoulders. “I’m sorry,” you mumbled. 

Harry shook his head and pulled back only to look down at you. He cupped your cheek and sighed quietly at the sight before him—unshed tears and guilt across your features. 

“It’s not your fault,” he said. “You don’t have anything to apologize for.” 

“I’m not pregnant,” you whispered. 

“And that’s something you can’t control,”  Harry answered. “We’ll figure it out,” he repeated. “We’ll meet with a doctor. See a specialist. Anything—we’ll do it together.” 

You looked up at him and nodded slowly. “What if—what if I’m the reason why we can’t pregnant?” 

Harry sighed. “Then we’ll see what we can do, what options we have… but we’re not giving up. I’m not giving up.” 

Boston was supposed to be different. It had been a few years now since you, Tommy, and Joel arrived at the gates of Boston QZ. It was supposed to be a fresh start, a way for you and Joel to have some kind of normalcy, but even behind these gates, it still felt like you were both at a distance. He’d sleep in the same bed with you every night, would hold you like it was before, but when the morning came, he’d pull away. Joel’s guard felt impenetrable; no matter what you did or what you said, he wouldn’t let you get close. 

You proved to Joel (and yourself) that you were able to handle yourself when you went on runs with Tess and after the first run with her, you realized just how well the both of you worked together. It was easy—being able to sneak out of the gates with Tess and smuggle things in and out of the QZ, but you couldn’t help the sinking gut in your feeling every time you left too. 

Because Joel wouldn’t even say goodbye. He’d help you with your backpack, tighten the straps over your shoulders and then turn on his heel to go back to the bedroom before Tess even arrived. You hated it, hated that he couldn’t say those words anymore. It felt like you were tiptoeing around him as the days passed, and he was coming home more often either drunk or high—sometimes even both. 

And Tommy no longer came around either. You couldn’t remember the last time you had seen him or spoken to him either. The last you heard, he was with the Fireflies who was now becoming a bigger group within these gates—a group that FEDRA despised and punished for anyone who was affiliated. 

You knew it started affecting Joel too. The fact that he couldn’t look after his younger brother left him uneasy and it didn’t help either when the Fireflies were intentionally trying to fight back against FEDRA. You tried to reassure him that Tommy could handle himself, that his time in the military prepared him for situations like this, despite being unsure yourself. 

You spent a lot of time trying to reassure Joel, trying to tell him and show him that you were still here, that you were still choosing him. 

But you knew that there would come a point where you were going to want more—where you were going to want him to start choosing you.

“I think we should be set for a few weeks,” you sighed, looking over at Tess as you both quietly trekked back to the QZ. It was dark—definitely past curfew—but the run had gone longer than expected. You were already anxious, hoping that Joel didn’t leave the apartment to go looking for you. 

“Yeah, we should lay low for a while,” Tess agreed. “The Fireflies aren’t really helping us. Patrol is more strict, curfew is now earlier. We have to be careful.”

“You really think they have a chance?” You asked, glancing over at her. “That the Fireflies can come in and relieve us of FEDRA?”

She shrugged, her eyes drifting to the ground. “If they do, what happens if they end up becoming like them? Another kind of group comes up and tries to overthrow them?” Tess scoffed. “It’s just another cycle. There are no good people around anymore.” 

You furrowed a brow. “There’s me and Joel,” you said quietly. “And Tommy.”

“Tommy’s with the Fireflies.”

“He always wanted to be part of something bigger than himself—to have some kind of purpose,” you reasoned. 

“Smuggling could’ve done that for him.”

“It wouldn’t have been enough,” you said. 

Tess nodded and looked over at you. “You think Joel’s lost his shit?” 

You sighed. “I’m just hoping he’s there when I get back.” 

“You know, I feel like I have an argument with him every time it’s your turn to go on a run,” Tess said softly. “Asks me to tell you that I don’t need you or make some kind of excuse so that you can come to the decision yourself.”

You looked at her, brows furrowing, as your hands tightened on the straps of your backpack. “What?”

“He’d burn the world for you,” Tess answered, stopping right before the secret entrance. “You—you’re his world.”

You shook your head. “I think that’s where you’re wrong, Tess. His world stopped on outbreak day and he—he hasn’t been the same ever since.”

“Well, isn’t that everyone else?” 

You sighed. “I don’t mean it like that. I just mean—we all lost people, right? But we keep going. We try to keep going… and it just feels like Joel’s waiting for his turn,” you admitted quietly, not bothering to check if she heard you. 

Tess walked through first and then you followed, careful to hide behind a building as the both of you heard quiet chatter pass by. FEDRA were on patrol, but it sounded like there were more of them out tonight.

“What’s going on?” You whispered. 

Tess shrugged, but you followed her lead. You held your breath as you snuck from building to building until yours came into view. 

“Fucking Fireflies,” a FEDRA officer muttered, passing both you and Tess without an idea that you were there. 

“Can’t believe a fucking bomb went off. What else is next, man?” Another FEDRA officer commented.

You looked at Tess.

Her eyes were slightly wide. 

You nodded once and then whispered. “Be safe.”

“You too.” 

She went into her building first. 

You took a deep breath and then went into yours. It took you about fifteen minutes to get to your floor and as you were approaching your door, you could hear muffled shouting from behind it. Your heart hammered against your chest; you could hear your heart beat drumming in your ears as you reached behind you for your gun. 

Slowly, you turned the knob and stepped inside quietly. You were ready for some kind of intruder, for someone to attack you, but you weren’t expecting the sight before you.

Tommy was standing in the living room, clothes worn and dirty, with dried blood on his temple and dirt on his cheeks.

“Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me, Tommy?!” Joel yelled, unaware that you were already inside. “I—I can’t fuckin’ do this. She’s not back yet and you—you’re here lookin’ like you’re about to pass out.”

“I just need to lay low for a bit, Joel,” Tommy sighed, resting a hand on the back of the sofa. “Please.”

“You haven’t been around for years because you’re out there, associatin’ yourself with the fucking Fireflies,” he mumbled. “Did you really think that y’all would win against FEDRA?”

“We’re tryin’!” 

“No, you’re askin’ for a death wish.”

You set your bag down on the dining table. Their eyes immediately looked over at you. Tommy’s eyes softened and Joel—you could see the realization and relief hit all at once. He took three strides in your direction and cupped your cheeks, eyes scanning your face and the rest of your body for any injuries.

“You alright? Everythin’ okay? Tess fine?” He asked. 

“We’re okay, baby,” you answered. “We’re okay.”

He sighed. Joel nodded and then let his hands drop to his side. “I thought—I was about to go out there and look for you when Tommy came in.”

“I’m glad he did,” you mumbled, walking further into the living room as you reached out to rest a hand gently on his arm. “You look like a mess.”

“Seen better days,” he said. “I didn’t know where else to go. FEDRA’s rampin’ up patrol and the Fireflies are scattered right now. It’s the plan, but—but the bomb shouldn’t have gone off today.”

“Shouldn’t have a fuckin’ bomb goin’ off anyway,” Joel muttered. 

You sighed. “How about you go and clean up? We can… we can talk about this once we’ve all settled down.”

Tommy nodded.

Joel just narrowed his eyes. 

“Thank you,” he whispered, kissing your cheek lightly before he disappeared down the hallway. 

“He should deal with the consequences of his actions,” Joel said. “He’s puttin’ you in danger by bein’ here.” 

“He’s your brother, Joel,” you sighed.

“I know and he’s an idiot.” 

“You can’t stand there and tell me that you’re not relieved to see him,” you pointed out, looking over at him. “At least now, we can keep an eye on him. We can try to—to convince him to separate himself from the Fireflies.”

Joel sighed, sitting down on the couch as he ran a hand over his face. “Fine.” 

You walked over to him and took a seat next to him, gently taking his hand and sighing in relief when he didn’t pull away. “Were you really gonna go out there and look for me? Especially after what happened today?” 

Joel nodded. “You know I would have.”

“You’re supposed to wait at least a day before you come looking for me,” you said quietly. “That was our agreement.”

He narrowed his eyes. “You tellin’ me that if I wasn’t back in time that you weren’t gonna go out lookin’ for me?”

“Well…”

“Exactly,” Joel said. “‘Sides, I just—after everything that happened today and then with you and Tess outside the gates, everythin’ just felt uneasy.” 

You nodded in agreement. “I’m sorry. The run just—it went fine. Just had to take a detour on the way back. Nothing we couldn’t handle.”

“You hurt?”

“No,” you answered.

“You sure?”

“You wanna strip me naked and make sure?” You teased.

The corner of his lips lifted upwards. Joel shook his head and slowly pulled his hand from your own. “Nah, I believe you.”

“Well, offer’s on the table. You don’t—you don’t have to search me for any injuries. You could still… strip me naked, just because.”

A crack in his guard revealed itself. You craved small moments like this, even if they were fleeting. 

“Can’t. Tommy’s here.”

“Never stopped you before.”

He chuckled. It was quiet, almost like it caught him off guard too. “He really is a fuckin’ idiot.”

“Yeah,” you nodded. “But he’s our idiot… and he’s family.”

“Yeah, he’s family,” Joel agreed. 

The following morning, Tommy and Joel were the first ones awake. You could hear their mumbling from the bedroom and you slowly climbed out of bed to walk down the hallway to where they were talking. 

“You can stay here, but there are rules,” Joel said.

“Rules,” Tommy sighed. “Why there gotta be rules for me to stay here?”

“Because I know you, Tommy. You’re gonna get restless and it’s gonna make you reckless.”

“Ain’t gonna happen.”

“Can you promise me that?” 

Tommy tightened his jaw. “I just need some time to lay low then I’ll be outta your hair, that fine with you?”

“Rule number one: No more Fireflies.”

“Fuck that,” Tommy said. 

“You’re gonna kill yourself by affiliatin’ with that group, Tommy. You saw how FEDRA treated a couple of them already! Hell, you give them one reason and they’ll be on you like it’s nothin’.” 

“I can handle myself.”

“I ain’t worried about that.”

“No? Then what the hell are you worried about?”

“The people you’re surroundin’ yourself with!” Joel shouted. “They are going to get you killed, do you hear me?” 

Tommy scoffed. “We’ve done worse things, Joel. This—This is my way of tryin’ to redeem myself.” 

Joel tightened his jaw. He took a step back from Tommy, hands on his hips as he looked at him. “We did those things to survive, Tommy.”

“Yeah, Joel, I know,” he sighed. “But that ain’t mean that I’m okay with it.”

“So this is your way of gettin’ back at me? You hate the sight of me that much, Tommy?” 

“No,” he ran a hand carefully over his face. “That ain’t what I meant.” 

“Sure sounds like it.” 

“I know we would be dead if we didn’t do the things we had to,” Tommy pointed out. “And I understand it was us versus them, but this—this is my chance to be part of somethin’ that matters.” 

“And what’s that? What are you fightin’ for, Tommy? What are the Fireflies fightin’ for?” 

“FEDRA is oppressin’ us, Joel. What they say goes. The women and children around here don’t feel safe. You look at them weird and you’ve given ‘em an excuse to do somethin’ about it,” Tommy sighed. “The Fireflies—we’re tryin’ to make things safer. We’re tryin’ to—”

“FEDRA started out like that too,” Joel interjected. “This world, Tommy, it has no rules. What happens when you guys manage to overthrow FEDRA? What happens when someone ain’t like the way y’all are runnin’ things? Another rebellion group comes up and tries to overthrow you? Come on, man.” 

“You don’t get it,” Tommy muttered, shaking his head. “And I don’t have to explain myself to you either. If you don’t want me here, then say it. I’ll leave. I’ll figure somethin’ else out.” 

Joel’s jaw was clenched so hard it almost felt like he was going to crack a tooth. He looked at Tommy and felt the same inner conflict that he had been feeling for the last few years. He wanted to tell his brother that of course he could stay, of course he wanted him here, but he couldn’t. Joel didn’t know how to say it. So instead, he pushed him away. He figured it was better that way. 

“If you wanna leave, Tommy, then leave. I ain’t stoppin’ ya.” 

Tommy’s lips parted in surprise. 

You stepped further into the living room and sighed. “Okay, sounds like you both need to cool down.”

Joel flinched away from your touch and before either you or Tommy could say anything, he mumbled under his breath saying he was late for a job. You didn’t have time to say goodbye or give him a kiss because he was already out the door, shutting it loudly behind him that it made you startle by the loud noise. 

“He’s just scared, Tommy.” 

He sighed. “He don’t want me here.” 

“That’s not true.” 

“I’m not even askin’ for much either,” he said quietly. 

“Stay as long as you need to.”

Tommy shook his head. “Don’t know if I can. If I gotta tiptoe around him, I’m not sure I wanna be here.” 

You bit your lower lip. “He’s different, you know. At least out on the road, he had something to do. Sure, it wasn’t great, but here… it gives him time to think.” 

“Ain’t a bad thing.” 

“It is for him,” you answered. “He drinks a lot now. Sometimes, he even takes some pills to help him sleep. Otherwise, he’ll be up all night.” 

Tommy sighed. “You can’t fix him.”

“I’m not trying to fix him,” you sighed. “I’m choosing him, just like I always did.” 

“At what cost?” 

“What?” 

“You gonna stand there and tell me that this is what you want?” 

“We’re safe.” 

He scoffed. “Just because we’re behind these gates don’t make us safe.” 

“It was your idea to come here,” you argued. 

“Yeah and it’s way better than bein’ out there, I’ll tell you that much.” 

“For you,” you whispered. “It’s better for you.” 

“And it ain’t for you?” 

You shook your head. “Out there, I could help. Here… I barely do anything and even if I do, I have to convince Joel before I do it.” 

“Doesn’t sound healthy.” 

You gave him a look. 

Tommy raised his hands in the air in defense. “Sorry,” he muttered. 

“Joel just wants you safe,” you said. “He wants me safe and when he can’t do either of that…”

“He loses control and spirals,” Tommy finished for you. 

“Exactly.” 

“He ain’t living,” Tommy said quietly. 

“He stopped living the moment Sarah was gone,” you mumbled, tears filling your eyes. It had been years since she died and still, the wound was so fresh—almost like it happened years. “But he’s doing the best he can, Tommy.” 

“I’m not quittin’ the Fireflies,” he replied. “This—it’s important to me.” 

You nodded. “If you want to stay here, then no more talking about it.” 

“But—”

You interrupted him quickly. “Got it?” 

Tommy huffed. “Fine.” 

“And you help out around here. Pick up some jobs. You said you wanna lay low, right? Then, be part of the community.” 

“Okay,” he whispered. 

“And just for the record, Tommy,” you continued. “Just because you have something to fight for don’t mean that Joel doesn’t either… and just because he doesn’t show it doesn’t mean that what we had to do don’t haunt him too. You haven’t been around for years. You haven’t seen the kind of man he’s become.” 

Tommy’s eyes softened. “I’m sorry.” 

“I know,” you nodded slowly. “But stop throwing it in his face. He’s already hurting as it is and he won’t talk about it.” 

Tommy sighed and let out a quiet breath. “Okay.” 

“And if you leave… if you decide that you’d rather be with the Fireflies, then you let us know. You don’t just get up and leave.” 

He looked at you. “I didn’t mean—”

“Don’t want your excuses, Tommy. I just want to hear you say that you understand, that you agree to let us know if it comes to that.” 

“Okay,” Tommy said with a nod. “I understand.” 

Joel was fuming at the job he was at. He hated this one in particular. Having to throw bodies into the fire pit. He had grown numb to it, but it always left him feeling empty and hollow at the end of it. 

After yesterday’s events, everyone in the QZ were on edge—FEDRA, the Fireflies, and the regular citizens who really were just trying to survive. He thought about you and how scared he was last night when you didn’t come back in time. Then, he thought about Tommy and how the fear just grew at the sight of him all bloodied and dirty. 

It gave him the same feeling as the night of the outbreak. The night when Sarah died in his arms. It was the same helpless feeling that climbed its way from the pit of his stomach to his chest. And his hands hadn’t stopped shaking since last night either. Even when you wrapped your arms around him from behind, Joel just couldn’t relax—the panic and fear lingering long after he realized you and Tommy were safe and okay. 

He came across a small body before him. Joel felt his breath catch in his throat. The body was covered and wrapped tightly, but the bouncy curls peeked through the wrapping. It made him stop in his tracks. Sarah. 

He turned to the person standing next to him. Joel’s eyes softened just a bit while the rest of his face were covered by a bandana. The other man just huffed and nodded, taking the body in his arms like it weighed nothing—like it no longer mattered. Joel turned away, didn’t watch as the man tossed the body into the fire but when he came back to continue working, he felt something lodge itself in his throat. 

He couldn’t do this. Not today. 

Joel turned on his heel. 

“Hey! You can’t leave!” The man said. “We still got one more truck left!” 

Joel didn’t answer. He just kept walking.

Until a FEDRA officer came up to him. He was holding his gun firmly, eyes narrowed as he looked at Joel. 

“Job’s not finished.” 

“I’m done,” he finally said. “Ain’t doin’ this today.” 

“You won’t get paid.” 

“Fine.” 

“This detail is the highest paying job right now,” he reasoned. 

“That’s because you’re throwin’ dead bodies like it don’t matter,” Joel muttered. 

“They’re dead,” the FEDRA officer replied. “We can’t exactly build a grave either.” 

Joel shook his head. He needed to bite his tongue before he said something that would get him in trouble. So, he just looked at the other man and said, “You’re right. M’sorry.” 

The FEDRA officer nodded, accepting the apology with a small grin. “I’ll give you one last chance. You can come back to the job the next time, but if you leave before your shift is over, I’ll be sure to blacklist you.” 

Joel nodded. He didn’t need this job—smuggling paid enough, but he still had to keep up with appearances. 

“Thank you,” he gritted his teeth. “I appreciate it.” 

The FEDRA officer stepped aside and allowed Joel to keep walking. Joel wasn’t sure where he was going, he just needed to get further away from the fire pit. 

Because all he could think about was Sarah. 

She would’ve been at least in her twenties now. 

“Dad!” Sarah came running down the stairs, her dimpled smile and bouncy curls on full display. “We’re gonna be late!” 

“We’re gonna be fine,” he reasoned, looking over at her as he put more drinks away in the cooler. “We’ve got half an hour before we gotta get to your game.” 

“I know, but I wanna be there early.” 

Joel shut the cooler and stood upright, pulling her into a tight hug. “So punctual.” 

She rolled her eyes, but leaned into him. “I think we can win the championships this year,” she said. “And if getting there early means I can practice a bit more—”

“Okay! I got some snacks, the chairs are in your truck, and I’m ready to go!” You interjected, stepping into their home. “We’ve got half an hour but it doesn’t hurt to be early.” 

Joel chuckled. 

Sarah looked over at you like you understood everything about her. She pulled away from Joel to run over to you, her arms wrapping around you suddenly. 

“Oof, hi there,” you laughed quietly. 

“I was just telling dad that we should be leaving. He said we had time.” 

“We do have time,” Joel repeated with a smile. He loved spending time with you and loved having you over, but what he loved the most was seeing you interact with his daughter. 

Because you just fit so naturally. 

Like you had been the missing piece in both his and Sarah’s lives. 

Sarah groaned. “I’ll be waiting in the truck.” 

“Sarah…” 

“I expect you both out there in five minutes.” She said, grabbing the keys off the hook and jogging out of the house. 

You laughed quietly and walked over to him, hand resting immediately on his chest. 

“I’m gonna be needin’ a lot of your help once she starts drivin’,” he sighed, leaning down to peck your lips. 

“You’ve got a few years before that happens.” 

“Gonna be here before I know it,” Joel said, reaching to grab the cooler. 

“Well then, I’ll be right here with you. For every phase of her life, Joel.” 

“Oh god, what happens when she gets to college? When she’s in her twenties? What is that gonna be like?” 

You smiled and shook your head. “Okay, maybe we’re thinking too far ahead. She’s only thirteen, baby.” 

Joel sighed. “She’s growin’ up too fast.” 

“Yeah, but she’s still daddy’s little girl,” you reassured him. 

Then, before he could even say anything else, both you and Joel heard a sound of a car honking from the driveway. You looked up at him and Joel’s smile only grew. 

“Yeah, that’s my babygirl. Let’s go before she comes back in here and starts yellin’.” 

“Could be good for the game,” you teased. “Would get her all hyped up.” 

Joel chuckled and then led you out of the house. “I love you, baby.” 

You smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek. “I love you too, Joel.”

Joel just kept walking. Kept his eyes forward and just… walked. Every little sound had him flinching and jumping in surprise. He felt his chest tighten with each step, his body slowly feeling weaker. It wasn’t until he found an alleyway that he stepped through and walked until he couldn’t go anywhere else. 

Then, he rested his back against one of the buildings and allowed himself to slide down until he was seated on the dirty ground. Joel brought his legs up to his chest and kept his head in his hands. 

Breathe. In. Out. In. Out. 

He tried to focus on one thing, tried to just keep his mind occupied on getting his breaths under control. When he shut his eyes, it only just made it worse. 

Because all he could see was Sarah. 

All he could hear was her voice and her laughter. 

It’s been over ten years since he lost her and it still felt it was yesterday when she died in his arms. 

He could feel the failure in the pit of his stomach. 

Could feel the blood on his hands. 

Joel was panting heavily now. It felt like he was going to pass out, until he heard a familiar voice. 

Tess. 

“Joel? What the fuck? Are you okay?” She ran over to him and furrowed a brow, kneeling down in front of him. “Are you dying?” 

Joel looked up at her. Tears filled his eyes. Then, his mind drifted to you. He knew he failed you too. He noticed it in the way you looked at him, yearning for more than what he could give you. 

“Okay, you’re not dying,” Tess said. “You’re just having a panic attack.” 

Joel shook his head. 

“Yes, you are. Now, breathe in with me. And then out,” Tess advised, slowly breathing with him. “Good. Good, Joel.” 

He followed her cues. Joel breathed in and then out. 

“You’re okay,” she reassured. “This will pass.” 

Joel’s hands curled into fists. He continued his slow breathing. He felt the walls slowly give way around him. He blinked repeatedly, almost like he was now fully aware of where he was and who was staring right back at him. 

“Good, you’re doing good,” she continued. 

Joel let out a shaky breath. Then, he stood up and cleared his throat. “Thanks,” he murmured. 

“Has that been going on for a while?” 

Joel shook his head. “Just had a moment, s’all.” 

“A moment,” Tess repeated. “Right.” 

He started walking away from her. Joel didn’t want to have to explain why he had almost passed out in some alley. 

“Joel, hey—”

“You can’t say nothin’ to her about this,” Joel snarled. “Y’hear me?” 

Tess nodded; she knew better than to get involved and in the middle of the relationship you had with him. “Okay, fine.” 

“What?” 

“Nothing.” 

He sighed. “You want to say somethin’, just say it.” 

“You should talk to her.” 

Joel clenched his jaw. “She don’t need to know about this. Ain’t gonna do her any good. She’s just gonna get worried.” 

“She’s already worried,” Tess whispered. Shit, so much for not getting involved. 

Joel cleared his throat. “She’s fine. We’re fine. Just—just don’t say nothin’.” 

Tess sighed, but she nodded regardless. This was as far as she would allow herself to get involved in your relationship with him. “Fine, Joel.” 

He arrived back at the apartment an hour later. You weren’t home yet—you were out doing a job of your own—but he couldn’t help the way his stomach flipped at the small note you left on the bed. Even after all these years, you still showed up for him and he knew it wasn’t either. 

He reached for the piece of a paper and sighed, sitting at the edge of the bed as he read your words over and over again. It reminded him of all the small little notes you’d leave him back when the world was normal. 

“Did you find it?” Sarah asked, looking over Joel’s shoulder with a grin. “Did you find the note?” 

“How do ya know I’ve got a note?” Joel asked, folding the piece of paper. 

“Because… she told me she likes to leave you little reminders throughout the house. She leaves me some too!” 

Joel smiled. “She does?” 

Sarah nodded and held one out for him—it was on a purple piece of paper, separate and distinctly different from his. 

“See, this one says… Have an egg-celent day,” she giggled, holding the note up for him. “And she always signs it with… I love you, bug.” 

Joel looked at the note. He bit his lower lip and nodded. You had welcomed Sarah almost instantly. He wouldn’t ever say it out loud, but he was sure that Sarah looked at you like a mother figure in her life. 

“S’nice,” he said, kissing the crown of her head. 

“Okay… I shared mine. Now, share yours!” 

“Sarah…”

“Dad…” 

He cracked and the smile on his lips grew. 

Sarah’s giggles filtered the living room. 

“Fine,” he handed it to her and leaned back against the sofa. “Found it in my drawer today.” 

“She’s sneaky like that,” she smiled. Sarah opened the small piece of paper—white and simple and only reserved for Joel. Then, her smile grew. Her eyes lit up. “Dad?” 

“Yeah, babygirl?” 

“Will you marry her?” 

His eyes widened slightly. “What?” 

“Is she gonna be someone you marry?” 

“I—I don’t know,” he answered. 

“You love her.” 

“I do, very much.” 

“So… why not marry her?” 

“Babygirl, I don’t—there are a lot of things that we have to think about.” 

“Like what? You love each other. What else is there to think about?” 

“If she even wants marriage,” he mumbled. Joel couldn’t tell his thirteen year old daughter that he had been wanting to propose to you for a while now and how every moment spent with you felt like he could ask the question, but it was true. Neither both you or Joel talked about the next step yet. 

“She does.” 

“Oh, you’re sure, huh?”

“Yeah,” Sarah smiled, folding the piece of paper and handing it back to him. “We talk. Girl things, you know.” 

“Girl things?” Joel asked. 

“Yeah, girl things.” 

“And what does that mean?” 

“Means she wants to get married,” Sarah grinned. 

His eyes narrowed. Maybe Sarah was just trying to get him to talk to you about it, or maybe you really did tell her that you wanted to get married. Either way, Joel couldn’t help the excitement he felt in his chest. 

Because he wanted marriage too. 

And he wanted it only with you. 

“What else you two talk about?” 

Sarah laughed quietly. “A lot of things.” 

“Uh huh. You talkin’ about boys?” Joel asked, brow arching. 

She felt the warmth flood her cheeks. Her smile turned more bashful now. “No.” 

“So, y’all just talkin’ about me?” 

Sarah shook her head. “It’s girl talk, dad. You’re not allowed to know.” 

He chuckled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to his side. “You were just tellin’ me how she wants to get married.” 

“Oh, well, yeah, that’s useful information.” 

Joel smiled and kissed the crown of her head. “And… would that be alright with you, babygirl? If I got married?” 

She looked up at him. “I think I’d be very happy, dad,” she answered. “You deserve to be happy too.” 

“I am happy.” 

“You know what I mean,” she said softly. “I just—you’ve never really been in a relationship.”

Joel sighed. “You have always been my number one priority, Sarah. Dating and all that… it never was somethin’ I wanted.” 

“Until her?” 

“Until her,” he repeated. 

Sarah grinned. “Can I come help and pick out the ring?” 

“Babygirl…” 

“Please?” She batted her eyelashes up at him. 

Joel chuckled quietly. “Okay, yeah, you can help out.” 

Sarah shot up from the couch and started dancing in front of him in excitement. Joel let out a loud laugh as he watched her with amused eyes. 

“Happy?” Joel laughed out. 

“The happiest, dad.” 

Joel looked at the note again. Reread it many times already. Then, he thought back to what Tess said. He wasn’t naive, he knew you were already worried about him, but you hadn’t left yet. You were still here. Still choosing him. 

He looked at the note once more: Whatever happens, we do it together. Like we always do. I love you, baby. 

Joel folded the note neatly and then put it in his pocket. He’ll figure out a safer place to put it later, but right now, he wanted it close to him. Last night was difficult and then today was just as hard too. He promised you that things would be better, that it would be okay now that you were all behind these gates, but it wasn’t. 

He felt freer outside of the QZ—doing runs with Tess. It felt like that was where he belonged, or at least some other place than this. Because Boston wasn’t safe. This QZ certainly wasn’t either. 

But he knew… Joel knew he was on borrowed time because he didn’t know how much more you could take. He wanted to be able to hold you and tell you how much you mean to him, how much he loves you, how scared he was, but he couldn’t. No matter how hard he tried, the words just never came out. 

The fear took over. It won, just like it always had. 

Harry let the shower run over him, one hand pressed against the tile with his head hung low. He shut his eyes—it was another early morning. He usually was always the first one to wake up, since taking over the company, he’d been waking up earlier than normal. 

It wasn’t even light out when he woke up that morning. He didn’t even want to get up either—you had been lying on your side facing him, blanket pulled to your chin. He had been having trouble with balancing his work with his home life, especially now that Charlotte was pregnant too. He didn’t want to put too much stress on Peter, not if he could help it. 

But there were moments where he wished he could go back in time—when things were much simpler and easier. 

He was about to reach for his shampoo when he heard the bathroom door open. Harry looked up and watched your figure come into view. It was steaming inside the shower, fogging up the glass so while he couldn’t see you clearly, he could see your shape just fine. 

He bit his lower lip. Yesterday had been an amazing day, despite the stress he felt at work. And he promised you he’d try to balance work and his relationship with his family. 

A minute or two passed before he heard the door to the shower open. Harry turned around to face you, lips parting at the sight of your bare frame. 

“Morning,” you whispered quietly, letting out a yawn. “I figure maybe I should join you in these early mornings.” 

Harry reached out for you instantly. His hands darted out to grab a hold of your hips, gently and carefully pulling you flush against him. “You spoil me,” he said quietly. 

“Just want to spend as much time as I can with you,” you answered. Harry knew what you meant and he leaned down to capture your lips in a soft kiss. 

“I wouldn’t mind… having you join me in here every morning,” he whispered against your lips. 

“We wouldn’t be showering though, would we?” You smiled, your own arms now looping around his neck as you felt the water cascade down the top of your head and down your body. 

“No, I don’t think we would be,” he chuckled, moving his lips to your cheek lightly. “Did you sleep okay?” 

You nodded, tilting your head to expose more of your neck when you felt his lips brush past your cheek to the shell of your ear and down the side of your neck. “I just don’t like waking up to an empty bed.”

“I’m sorry, baby,” he said, pulling away just slightly to look down at you. Harry reached up to and gently stroked your wet hair back and away from your face. “You know I’ve been getting up earlier than normal.” 

“I know,” you sighed. “But do you need to? I mean, you don’t even head into the office until after we drop the kids off at school.” 

“I do some work before I go in,” Harry reasoned. 

“So, you’re working at home.” 

He nodded. 

“But you’re still coming home late.” 

Harry sighed.

He knew what you were getting at. 

“Baby…” 

Almost like you realized what you were saying, you shook your head and looked up at him. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to make you feel bad. I just—I miss you.” 

“I’m right here,” he said quietly. 

“Not all the time,” you sighed. 

“I promised you last night that I’d try,” he whispered, moving his hand from your hair to the side of your neck. “I mean that.” 

“I know,” you nodded. 

“And besides, my mom will be coming by the office today,” Harry reassured you. “I’ll talk to her about everything, okay?” 

“And we’ll still have our scheduled morning walk?” 

Harry smiled. He leaned in and lightly pecked your lips. “We’ll still have our scheduled morning walk,” he confirmed. “Everything will be okay,” he nodded. “I promise. It’s just… hard right now, but it won’t always be.” 

“Okay,” you answered. “I trust you.” 

“Good.” Harry pulled away from you only to retrieve your body wash. “Now, let me take care of you, yeah?” 

You bit your lower lip in anticipation. “I didn’t come in here for you to take care of me. I came in here so that I can take care of you.” 

He chuckled. “Return the favor tonight. Deal?” While one hand held your body wash, the other moved between your legs. Harry watched you gasp in surprise. He smiled and leaned in closer. “I love you, baby,” he said huskily. 

Your eyes fluttered when you felt the pads of his fingers brush against you. Answering with a shaky breath, you replied, “I love you too.” 

Harry watched with a quiet chuckle and a permanent smile on his lips as both Frankie and Sammy were talking amongst one another at the kitchen table. You were helping Stevie get ready for school, having promised last night that you’d curl her hair. 

“Sammy, don’t make a mess, buddy.” He pointed out, grabbing the roll of paper towel to set on the table for him. 

“I won’t, daddy,” he answered. 

“I’ll make sure he doesn’t,” Frankie giggled. 

“But you make a mess too,” Harry smiled. 

“No, I don’t! I’m cleaner than he is.” 

Sammy widened his eyes. “Nuh uh!” 

“Uh huh!” 

“No!”

“Yes!” 

“Okay,” Harry said, stepping in between the both of them. “How about we all agree that the both of you are messy? Even Stevie.” 

“Lies,” Frankie said, shaking her head.

Sammy agreed. “Yeah, exactly. Lies.” 

Harry let out a quiet snort and leaned down to wipe both their lips from the syrup that also drilled down their chin. “See, messy.”

Frankie and Sammy looked at each other, quietly giggling amongst one another. They finished their plates of pancakes quickly and stood from the table to set their dishes into the sink. Harry watched the with loving eyes and followed them closely, reaching over to run the water over the dirty dishes. 

“Go and get ready for school, okay?” He told them.

Frankie nodded.

Sammy did the same and then hugged his leg as the other girl ran down the hallway and into her room.

“What’s up, buddy?” 

“Nothing,” he said, looking up at Harry. 

Harry set down his cup of coffee on the counter and leaned down to pick Sammy up. “You’re still hungry, aren’t you?” 

Sammy giggled. “Can I just have some fruit?” 

He smiled and walked to the fridge, grabbing the bowl of grapes as he kept Sammy against his hip. “You can have a bit, bud, but you still gotta get ready for school.”

They younger boy nodded. “Okay, daddy. Did you eat too?”

Harry shook his head. “I’ll have some toast before we leave.”

“You don’t eat in the morning? But you’re always awake before everyone.” Sammy scrambled to his feet and walked towards the dining table again, hoisting himself back onto the chair as he reached for a couple of grapes. 

Harry bit his lower lip and sat down next to Sammy, reaching for some grapes too. “How do you know I wake up before everyone, hm?” 

Sammy shrugged, swinging his feet off the edge of the chair. “Well, you’re already dressed by the time we wake up, so…”

“So observant,” he chuckled.

“I just want to make sure you have some yummy breakfast too, daddy. Tomorrow, I’ll try to wake up before you and make you some waffles too!”

Harry looked at him and smiled, leaning forward to kiss his temple. “You’re the sweetest, buddy, but you don’t need to. I’ll make sure to eat beforehand, how’s that?”

Sammy narrowed his eyes up at his father. Harry couldn’t help but let out a quiet laugh because it was the same look you’d give him. “Promise?”

“I promise, Sammy.”

“Pinky promise?” Sammy lifted his hand in the air, extending his pinky out for him.

Harry nodded and curled his own pinky with his. “I pinky promise, buddy. You all done eating?”

Sammy took a couple of more grapes before he climbed off the chair. “All done. I’ll go get ready for school now.”

“Love you, Sammy.”

He smiled and wrapped his tiny arms around Harry, kissing his cheek. “Love you too, daddy.” 

Harry watched the younger boy disappear down the hallway and into his room as he stood from the dining table. He went to retrieve his cup of coffee before making his way to Stevie’s room. He could hear the quiet chatter between the both of you, so when he slowly opened the door even further, he couldn’t help but smile at the sight before him.

“Dad!” Stevie said, turning her head to look at him. 

“Sorry, sorry,” he mumbled. “You look beautiful, Stevie girl.”

She was wearing a white and black striped long sleeve tucked into a denim skirt. Her hair was curly and framed her face and she looked up at Harry with soft eyes—almost like she was looking for his approval too. 

“Y—You think so?” She asked.

You smiled and stood from the edge of her bed to wrap your arms around Stevie from behind. “Look at him,” you teased. “He’s got tears in his eyes.”

“I do not,” Harry said, blinking back the tears that filled his eyes. “I just—Your mom did a great job on your hair.”

Stevie grinned and leaned back against you. “I’m still wearing my converse though,” she said. 

“Ah, can’t forget about your converse,” he chuckled, walking further into the room and looking down at Stevie. “How are you no longer my little girl?” Harry asked with a sigh. 

“I’m always your little girl,” Stevie answered. “Just… I’m older.”

“I know,” Harry said with a nod. “I look at you and all I see is that same five year old little girl,” he continued. “But now… she’s got a crush that she’s trying to impress and—”

Stevie sighed loudly. “Dad, he’s just a friend.”

“Uh huh,” he replied. “How come you don’t dress up for your other friends then, hm?”

Stevie felt the warmth in her cheeks. “He’s a new friend.” 

You looked up at Harry and smiled, shaking your head as you pulled away from Stevie. “Okay, okay, that’s enough. Make sure to eat breakfast, okay, Stevie?” 

“Yeah, mom,” she nodded. “Thanks for doing my hair. I love it.”

“Taylor better love it too,” Harry muttered under his breath.

Both you and Stevie looked at him, gave him a look that said seriously without saying the words. 

He widened his eyes just slightly and lifted his hand in the air. “Okay, okay, I’ll knock it off.” Then, Harry leaned in and kissed the crown of Stevie’s head. “You do look real pretty, Stevie girl.”

“Thanks, dad,” she smiled, looking up at him. “Still got pancakes?”

Harry nodded. “You know there’s enough left for you, baby.”

“Oh good,” she said, leaving her room to go into the kitchen, leaving both you and Harry standing in the middle of her bedroom.

“She’s—She’s getting so big,” Harry sighed.

You nodded, walking up to him and gently running your hands up and down his chest. “I know, baby, but hey… we’ve got two other babies still.”

“What about… a fourth?” Harry asked.

Your eyes lit up. “Yeah?” 

He smiled. “Yeah.”

“Talk about it tonight?” You asked, hopefully.

Harry nodded and leaned in to lightly peck your lips. “Tonight, baby.” 

Later that morning when both you and Harry parked at the school, Stevie kissed both your cheeks before joining her friends. Sammy held onto your hand and wanted you to walk him to his class, which left Harry and Frankie. 

“Daddy, I think I know what I want to do,” she said, keeping a tight hold on his hand as she led him to his classroom. 

“What’s that, babygirl?” He asked, looking down at her. “Soccer? Gymnastics? Basketball?” 

“Martial arts,” she grinned, looking up at Harry. 

“Martial arts?” Harry repeated, tilting his head. 

Frankie nodded excitedly. “I want to learn how to punch and kick, daddy.”

“You don’t want to do any other sport? What if you get hurt, honey?” 

“Well, I won’t,” Frankie smiled, the dimple on her cheek appearing. 

“You can’t guarantee that, Frankie.”

“No, but I know that I’ll be good at it,” she said with confidence. “Can I at least try it out first?” 

“I’ll talk to mama,” he reasoned, scooping her into his arms and kissing her cheek. “How’s that?”

Frankie smiled, wrapping her arms around him. “Okay, daddy, but I really want to do it.”

“We’ll try it out first, see how you really like it, yeah?” 

“What if mama says no?” She asked quietly. “I think she might say no.”

Harry looked down at her, his lower lip pulled between his teeth. He never realized how much of a soft spot he had for his children. “I’ll—I’ll try to convince her for you to give it a try. I’m not saying that we’ll sign you up—”

Frankie nodded quickly. “Really, daddy? You promise?”

“I’ll do my best, babygirl.” Harry said, kissing her forehead. “But if you can’t do martial arts, what else would you wanna do?” 

“Hmm,” she shrugged. “I haven’t thought that far.” 

“Oh? You think we’ll agree and say yes to you doing martial arts?”

Frankie grinned. “Yes.”

“Confident, aren’t you?”

She giggled. “Yup.”

Harry chuckled and tickled her side, feeling her arms tighten around him as her giggles filtered his ears. He loved that sound—loved hearing every single child of his laugh because of him. “I love you, Frankie.”

“I love you too, daddy,” she smiled, pulling away from him and scrambling to her feet once they got to the door of her classroom. “Don’t work too hard, okay?” 

Harry bit his lower lip. Stevie had said something first, then Sammy, and now Frankie. Guilt filled his chest, so he leaned down and ran his hands down her arms and to her tiny hands to hold in his own. “I won’t, babygirl. Have a great day, okay?” 

Frankie nodded, kissing his cheek. “You too, daddy. See you after school!” 

Harry smiled to himself and watched her walk into her classroom, feeling someone’s arm wrap around him from behind. He turned slightly and noticed you instantly, his smile just growing bigger at the sight of you. 

“Kiddos are all in their classrooms,” you said. 

Harry nodded, turning in your arms and wrapping an arm around your shoulders as you both began walking away from Frankie’s classroom and back towards the car. 

“So… hear me out,” Harry said quietly. 

“What?” You asked, brow arching. 

He bit his lip. “Frankie wants to do martial arts.” 

Your brows lifted upward. “What?” 

“Her words, not mine. She said, I want to learn how to punch and kick, daddy,” he repeated. 

“She could get hurt.” 

“Yes, I told her that.” 

“Harry—”

“I didn’t say yes,” he interjected. “I said… I’d talk to you.” 

“You just can’t say no to our kids, can you?” You teased. 

He chuckled quietly. “I didn’t say yes,” he repeated. 

“But you didn’t say no either.” 

He rolled his eyes playfully and held you closer to his side, turning his head to kiss your temple. “I told her I’d talk to you,” he said again. 

“What if I say no?” 

“Then I’d push back and ask you to reconsider,” he answered. “Let’s just have her try a few lessons. See if she really wants to do it before we commit.” 

You looked up at him, leaning into him. “No sparring.” 

“Baby, she’s six.” 

“No sparring,” you repeated. “Or any physical contact with any other kid.” 

Harry nodded. “Just the foundations,” he agreed. “The basics.” 

“The basics,” you said. “Okay, we can let her know that we can check out some places.”

He smiled. “She’s gonna be so happy.”

Harry got into the office about an hour later. Peter was already there, walking towards his office with a large grin on his face. He always was envious of how easygoing his younger brother was. Harry, on the other hand, was always in his head, always overthinking and worrying. When things were out of his control, it only stressed him out further. 

But Peter was the complete opposite. 

He didn’t mind going with the flow, didn’t spend too much time worrying about one single thing, and he was able to separate his home life with his work. 

“Morning,” Peter said, hands in his pockets. 

“Hey,” Harry answered, holding the door to his office open. “We got a busy day today.”

“Nothing we can’t handle.”

“How’s Charlotte?”

“Good,” Peter answered. “Yours?”

“She’s good too,” Harry said with a nod, his mind drifting to you as he was already counting down the minutes until you got to the office. “Frankie wants to do martial arts.”

Peter chuckled. “You’re gonna have your hands full with that one,” he teased. “I wonder who she got her athleticism from.”

“Me,” Harry answered quickly. “Obviously me.”

“Uh huh,” Peter smiled. “Sure.”

“And Stevie’s got a crush,” Harry added. “Dressed up today. Had her mom curl her hair and everything.”

“Oh,” Peter said softly. “You’ve got a pre-teen on your hands. Good luck.”

Harry laughed quietly. “I know, it’s crazy, isn’t it? How am I gonna survive her teenage years?”

“Well, it’s good thing you won’t be doing it alone,” he answered with a smile.

Harry nodded in agreement. “Yeah, you’re right.” 

“You both still trying to get pregnant?” Peter asked.

“We—we haven’t talked about it since we were having a tough time about a year ago,” Harry answered. “But yeah, I think we want to try again.”

“Could’ve been stress,” Peter suggested. “It’s been a year since we both took over for mom and dad, and… well, you almost overworked yourself until you collapsed last year.”

Harry sighed. “I know. Don’t remind me.”

“But… you’re still kind of doing the same thing, Harry. Maybe not to the same extent, but—”

“I’ve got it handled,” Harry interrupted. 

“Is that why mom’s coming today?”

He looked over at him. “How’d you know she was coming today?”

“Well, she called me. Asked me if everything was okay.”

He sighed. “I just—just wanted to talk to her, that’s all.”

Peter walked over to him and reached out to rest a hand on his shoulder. “I hope you know that you can lean on me, Harry. I know Char’s pregnant and everything, but I’m here for you too. We’re both co-CEOs for a reason.”

“I know,” Harry said. “I know.”

“I’ll take the morning meetings, you take the afternoon. Sound good?”

“Peter—”

“Great,” he grinned. “I’ll catch you later.”

“Peter,” Harry repeated. 

“I am capable of doing this job too.”

“I’m not saying you can’t.”

“But you’re not letting me do anything.”

Harry sighed and nodded. He reached up to run a hand over his face. “Okay, fine. You get the morning. I’ll get the afternoon.” 

“Good,” Peter smiled. “I’ll see you later. You know where to find me.”

“Uh huh,” he said, watching his younger brother leave his office with a large grin on his lips. The door shut behind him and he sighed, walking towards his desk and sitting at his desk. Maybe splitting the meetings equally like this would work, but he couldn’t help the lack of control he was feeling. 

Harry felt his phone buzz. He pulled it from his pocket and looked down to see his mother text him that she was on her way. He replied with a thumbs up before turning his laptop on to at least get started on some work before she got here. 

Harry had been walking back to his office after refilling his cup of coffee when he spotted his mother at the end of the hallway, stepping off the elevators. His eyes lit up and he walked over to her, seeing her gaze find him instantly. When he got closer, she pulled him in for a hug and he relaxed instantly, kissing her temple. “Hey, morning.”

“Hey, honey,” she said. 

“Want a cup?” Harry asked.

His mother shook her head. “Already had my fix this morning,” she smiled. “And you? What number cup is this?”

“Two.”

“It’s not even ten in the morning, Harry,” she said.

“Exactly.”

She rolled her eyes and hooked her arm with his, following him towards his office. It didn’t take long for them to get there, so Harry held the door open for her before shutting it behind the both of them once they were inside. 

“How’s dad?” He asked, walking towards his desk to set his mug down. 

“Good,” she answered. “He’s good. Meeting up with Jay, actually.” 

“Oh?” Harry smiled, arms crossing over his chest at the mention of your dad. When your parents moved back to the city to be closer to you, both of them spent a lot of their time with his parents too. It was like they were long lost best friends now finally catching up. 

“At the gym, apparently,” she laughed quietly. “Which is fine. Considering how often they try to sneak in some sweets, it’s nice that they’re out there working out.”

“Good for them,” Harry said with a nod. “Maybe we should have you guys come over this weekend or something.”

Her eyes lit up. “I think we’d love that, honey. How are the kiddos?”

“Good,” he smiled. “Sammy made a new friend yesterday. Frankie wants to do martial arts. And Stevie—she’s got a crush and I don’t know what to do with that,” Harry answered honestly.

His mother laughed quietly and walked towards the couch, taking a seat on it with ease. “Oh, the joy of growing up.”

Harry followed her and sat down next to his mother, biting his lower lip as he looked over at her. 

“What, honey?” She asked, turning to face him. “You texted me for a reason last night. What’s going on? Are you—you having trouble with—”

Harry shook his head and interjected immediately. “No,” he answered. “We’re not having trouble.” 

“Then, what is it?” 

He sighed and looked down at his hands, his thumb grazing over his wedding ring. “Remember how it was like last year? When you and dad retired and me and Peter took over?”

She nodded. “You wouldn’t stop working… and didn’t let Peter do any of the work.”

“I did let him work.”

“Barely.” 

Harry sighed again. “I’m—I’m having trouble with that again,” he admitted. “I’m working a lot and I don’t know how I did it before, how I fixed it. I don’t know how you or dad even did it.”

“You’re not letting Peter help you,” she answered like it was the most simplest answer there was. 

“Char’s pregnant, mom,” he said. “And you know the challenges both she and Peter had just to get pregnant this time around.”

“Harry,” she sighed, taking his hand once she started noticing that he was fidgeting uncomfortably. “I know you want to take care of them, make sure that there isn’t any other added stress, but you can’t do this by yourself. Why else did you think we named both of you as co-CEOs?”

“I just—I know I can handle it myself. I just need to be better at separating my work life with my home life.” 

His mother said your name, causing his gaze to look up at her. “How does she feel about all of this?”

“Well, that’s the thing… it’s starting to affect us. Our kids are also taking notice.”

“That’s a problem, honey.”

“I know,” Harry whispered, guilt slowly crawling up his chest. “I’m trying.”

“What are you doing to try to make things better?” She asked. “If you’re trying… what exactly does that look like?”

Harry tore his gaze away from her. He couldn’t answer that. “Mom—”

“Your father and I didn’t name you both co-CEOs just for the hell of it,” she interjected. “We knew you both were ready, but if it’s causing you this much stress—”

“It’s not.”

“It is,” she sighed. “Why do you think you need to try and control everything, baby?” She said softly, reaching up with one hand to cup his cheek so that he could look at her. “The company’s thriving, Harry. Nothing’s going to happen.”

His eyes softened. “I just don’t want to do a bad job. You and dad worked so hard for it and I don’t—I’m scared that if I don’t keep up with it that it’ll just go under, that I’ll end up disappointing the both of you,” he answered honestly. 

His mother’s eyes softened too. She leaned forward to kiss his forehead and he sighed, leaning into her like he was that same, sensitive little boy who worried about the smallest of things. 

“Nothing you or Peter could ever do would disappoint us,” she reassured. “And this company—it’s just that. Your health matters more to me, Harry. Same with Peter. If it goes under, it goes under. This company isn’t our legacy,” she continued. “You and Peter are, do you hear me, Harry?”

He looked at her and felt tears sting his eyes. He blinked them back, tried to keep his composure. 

“I said, do you hear me, Harry?”

He nodded slowly, biting his lower lip as he looked into her eyes. “Y—yeah, I hear you.”

“Lean on your brother,” she added. “You aren’t the only one running this company.”

“But Charlotte—”

“Harry, it’s not your job to make sure that they are taken care of. You have your own family to think about too. If it’s affecting your marriage, if your kids are seeing it too, then how can you expect to take care of them if your cup is already empty?”

He sighed. “How did you do it? How’d you work when you had me and Peter?”

“I had help,” she smiled. “I didn’t do it alone. I knew I couldn’t do it alone.”

“Dad,” he said. 

“Exactly. I had your father.”

Harry nodded. “Okay, I’ll—I’ll let Peter take on more. Or at least an equal amount of work.”

“Good, that’s a start,” she said. “And make sure to keep your boundaries. Work should only start when you get to the office and when you step foot out of this building. At home, your priority is to be a father—a husband. Once you take work home with you, honey, it’s hard to separate work and home life after that.”

“Okay,” he repeated. “And waking up early?” 

She shrugged. “You can wake up early, sure, but don’t wake up early because you feel like you need to work.”

“Work when I’m at the office,” he said. “Boundaries—okay, I’ll work on that.”

“Won’t be easy,” she said. “But I know you love being a father and husband more than being a CEO, Harry. This company—it’s not everything.”

He nodded again and leaned against her. Harry shut his eyes and didn’t feel like the weight on his shoulders were dragging him down. “Thank you,” he whispered. “For talking to me. For coming here.”

“Of course, honey,” she smiled, arm wrapping around his shoulders as Harry rested his cheek against her. “I’m proud of you, both you and Peter. So, your homework today is?”

“Once I leave the office, work’s done,” Harry answered.

“Good,” she said softly. “Good.”

You were already in bed by the time he finished in the bathroom. Harry smiled to himself, feeling lighter once he left work once he left the office. It wasn’t easy, especially when he wanted to stay a bit longer after work, but this was the first step. 

“Kids went to sleep pretty quickly tonight,” you said, arms coming up to wrap around him once he laid down next to you. 

“Must’ve been because we let them watch a movie during dinner,” he chuckled.

“They do like their movie nights,” you smiled. “Did you see Stevie? She was grinning the entire ride home.”

Harry nodded, arm snaking around your shoulders. “Guess we’ll have to ask her about it tomorrow. See if she’s willing to let us know what happened.” 

“Wanna bet that she won’t tell us?” You teased.

Harry laughed quietly. “I think she’ll give us some details, but not all.” 

“You might be right,” you smiled. “She asked me if I could show her how to curl her hair.”

“Yeah? What’d you say?”

“I didn’t want to say yes,” you admitted. “Guess I’m also feeling like she won’t need me anymore either.” 

Harry nodded in understanding and leaned down to kiss your forehead. “She’s growing up.”

“I know,” you sighed. “Makes me sad too.”

“She’s still our Stevie girl though,” Harry said. 

“Yeah, she is,” you nodded. “How was your talk with your mom today?”

“It was—it was good,” he answered. “It was what I needed actually. Gave me some good advice.”

You smiled. “Yeah?” 

Harry nodded, turning to lie on his side to face you. His arm draped over your midsection, pulling you close to him as he felt your nose gently graze his own. “Did you know your dad and my dad work out together?” 

“My mom did mention something about it,” you laughed quietly. “I’m sure they get some sweet snack afterwards.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it,” he smiled. 

You brought a hand up to his hair, running your fingers through his dark curls. “So… what’d your mom say?” 

“I need boundaries,” he answered. “Said that I should only focus on work when I’m in the office.”

“Good advice,” you said with a nod. “And how was that? Today after work?”

“Difficult,” he said honestly. “But felt good.”

You smiled and leaned in to peck his lips. “I’m proud of you,” you whispered. “I know it couldn’t have been easy but I—I’m glad that you’re trying, even if it’s hard for you.”

“I’m doing this for—for us, for our family,” Harry said softly. 

“I know, baby.”

“And I want to try again,” he continued. 

You bit your lower lip and sat up slowly, reaching over to turn the light on on your nightstand. Harry sat up as well, looking over at you with soft eyes. 

“If that’s what you want too,” Harry added.

“It is,” you nodded. “I do want to try again too.”

He smiled, reaching out for you and pulling you onto his lap. “And I know last year was a tough time for us. I know we tried and we didn’t have any luck, but I think it was because of stress,” he said, thinking back to what Peter had suggested earlier that day. “I think I was so focused on work that we just—we couldn’t get pregnant.”

You ran your hands down his chest and back up until they rested on his shoulders. “What about this time around?”

“This time around, I’m gonna be better. I’m gonna establish boundaries wth work,” he repeated. “I want another child with you.”

“A shit ton of kids, right?” You smiled, leaning in to brush your lips with his own. 

Harry chuckled, squeezing your hips tightly. “A shit ton of kids, indeed.”

“And maybe we don’t put a lot of pressure around it this time around?” You suggested.

Harry nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. While we wanted to get pregnant when Frankie and Sammy were born, we didn’t really put a lot of focus on it either. We just—weren’t careful.”

“So… we start trying,” you said.

“We start trying,” he repeated. 

“Can we start trying now?” 

Harry’s eyes lit up. He nodded and slowly rolled you onto your back, settling himself between your legs as his hands moved from your hips to slowly pull your shirt over your head. “Hell yeah we can start trying now.”

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. 

The private beachfront of the Mykonos villa Harry rented is its own secluded haven, tucked away from the lively beaches of Paradise or Super Paradise, with only the gentle lap of waves and the soft tunes of your summer playlist breaking the morning hush.

The Daydreamer bobs gently nearby at the private dock. You’ve gone topless again today, savoring the freedom and the way the breeze kisses your skin as you sunbathe, knowing how much this delights your lover.

Harry sits beside you on his own shaded lounger, glasses perched on the bridge of his nose while he finalizes details on his iPad. The proposal he’s planning for you occupies his focus, but your half-naked figure keeps pulling his attention.

You truly are a breathtaking sight.

After a few more taps, he sets the device aside, slides his glasses onto the top of his head, and crouches beside you. His lips find the warm skin of your neck, trailing kisses downward.

He licks a warm stripe between your breasts, then lavishes attention on each nipple with his tongue and mouth until sweet moans slip from your lips.

“You’re going to hate me, but…” he murmurs, his hand massaging one of your breasts. “I’ve got a meeting today that I can’t miss.”

You pout. “Seriously?”

“I know, baby,” he soothes, sliding his hand down to squeeze your thigh gently. “I tried everything to get out of it, but it’s important. I’ll wrap it up as fast as I can.” In truth, there is no meeting—only final, in-person touches on what he’s orchestrating for you, the proposal he hopes will be everything you deserve. 

Peter had pulled through and managed to help him get the engagement ring—a piece he had specifically designed for you.

“I’ve planned a whole day of pampering for you as an apology,” he adds, reaching into his back pocket for his wallet. He slips out his credit card and presses it into your hand.

“Do and get whatever you want. The masseuse will be here in an hour, and the driver’s already been briefed on your day. He’ll take you to the spa inland once you’re ready.”

“I’ll miss you,” you whisper, a genuine ache settling in your chest. The separation gives you the space you crave and dread—time to finally decide how to confront the secret you’ve been carrying.

“I’ll be back before you know it,” Harry reassures you, leaning in for one last deep, lingering kiss on your lips. He gathers his things and heads back toward the villa, leaving you sighing heavily against the lounger.

Thoughts swirl as you look out at the gorgeous horizon. You didn’t come clean back in Italy because of how incandescently happy he’d been for the rest of the stay, and every opportunity since has left you chickening out.

You can’t keep dragging this out. The summer romance that has carried you from one enchanting destination to another is nearing its end, and the truth must surface here.

The thought of those beautiful brown eyes filled with hurt instead of adoration makes your stomach churn.

If revealing you’ve been married all along shatters what you’ve built and Harry walks away, then so be it. You’ll return to Texas, face Joel, and accept the consequences of your actions.

Both men deserve honesty after everything.

Truth be told, you should have divorced Joel long ago. You know this. However, he’s been your constant for years—friends turned business partners turned husband and wife—a steady presence in your life. It was hard.

You do love him, but not in the same way anymore.

And Harry. God, Harry. He sees you, the real you, in ways no one ever has. His spontaneity swept you off your feet in a whirlwind of passion and discovery. With him, life feels full of possibility.

But what happens when the fantasy collides with reality? When the season ends and you both return to your everyday lives? Would you remain as compatible as you are now? 

It’s a terrifying risk… yet the feelings you have for him are strong enough that you’re willing to take it.

By the time the driver winds you back along the coastal road, you feel lighter.

The massage Harry arranged was absolute perfection. Skillful hands worked every knot from your shoulders and back, melting away the tension that had been building with your dilemma.

Afterward, you floated through the amenities offered by the luxury spa: soaking in a private hot bath infused with fragrant oils, an expensive facial that left your skin glowing and refreshed, and receiving a pedicure and manicure with shimmery, seashell-colored polish.

Yet as you step into the villa’s airy open living space, with its sweeping views of the private beach and The Daydreamer rocking gently at the dock, there’s still no sign of Harry.

To quell the sudden boredom and the swirl of anxiety, you break your months-long no-screen policy. You switch on your smartphone for the first time since the trip began, and it immediately erupts with a flood of notifications.

You ignore most of them, your thumb scrolling briefly through emails filled with work updates and mundane life back home. Social media offers a quick glance at friends’ posts from summer barbecues and nights out in the city, a world that feels impossibly distant from this Grecian idyll.

You fire off a few reassuring texts to your closest friends: quick updates that you’re okay and anticipating to return soon with one hell of a story to share. 

Miles away, on the other side of the world where the Texas morning stretches long and lonely, Joel’s phone buzzes with a notification. Your location has come back online.

Without hesitation, he taps the alert, his heart giving an unexpected lurch as the map zooms in.

Greece. Mykonos, to be exact. The address of the villa taunts him from the screen.

He doesn’t sit with the decision for long. In a blur of determination, he opens his laptop and starts booking tickets, fingers flying across the keys.

You being gone and treating him like an afterthought has lit a fire under his ass, burning away the fog of the past few years.

He’s been a fucking idiot—blinded by the relentless climb of his career, pushing the most important person in his life to the sidelines while he chased ambition and fleeting successes.

Joel sees it all clearly now, the regret strong and motivating. He loves you (deeply, desperately so) and he’s done taking you for granted.

He’s on a mission now: to fly across the ocean, find you, and win your love back.

THREE DAYS LATER

You’ve spent the day diving off the yacht a few miles out into the water. Your muscles throb with welcomed fatigue as you step out of the shower, stomach rumbling from how hungry you seem to be getting.

As you wrap yourself in a soft towel, Harry appears in the doorway, his eyes darkening with appreciation at the sight of you.

“I have a surprise waiting for you at dinner, baby,” he says. “Get dressed in what I bought for you—it’s waiting on the bed. Take your time.”

You’re a little taken aback by the mention of a surprise, your heart skipping with anticipation even as a shadow of unease crosses your mind.

You share a kiss and he’s off, leaving you to get ready for the night.

The dress he chose is breathtaking: a gorgeous halter-style floral mini that hugs your curves perfectly, the soft fabric accentuating your thicker thighs and flowing with just enough sway to feel playful yet seductive.

You spend time on your makeup—enhancing your features with a glow that mirrors the summer sun and colors that complement the dress’s vibrant blooms. 

When you finally descend the staircase, the sight that greets you stops you in your tracks.

Harry waits at the bottom, handsome in a simple white button-up shirt that stretches across his broad shoulders and olive-colored pants that snugly hug his hips. An expensive watch gleams on his wrist, his curls styled effortlessly, and he smells divine—an intoxicating blend of citrus and spice that makes your mouth literally water.

In his hands, a large bouquet of lush red peonies.

You want to devour him whole right here on the marble steps.

“Gorgrous as always,” he compliments, eyes tracing over you with desire that matches yours.

“You look good enough to eat,” you reply, your leer far more salacious than his, which earns you a playful smirk.

He pulls you close with his free arm and kisses you softly, careful not to smear your lip gloss, his hand resting possessively at the small of your back.

“These are pretty. I’ve never seen a bloom so red,” you note as you take in the beautiful flowers up close.

“It’s exactly why I had to get them for you.” He leads you through the villa until you’re in the kitchen.

The ornate space opens up to breathtaking views of the sea and the twinkling lights beginning to appear along the hilly coastline. Various fresh ingredients and dishes are artfully spread across the counters—ripe tomatoes, olives, herbs still dewy from the market.

“I’m cooking for you tonight,” Harry announces with a proud grin as he sets the flowers down.

The domesticity of it makes your heart soar with happiness even as it aches with guilt.

But you roll with it, letting him pull out your chair at the set table positioned perfectly for you to watch him work.

A bottle of your favorite sweet wine chills in an ice bucket nearby, right next to the peonies. 

Harry had mentioned taking cooking classes back in Manhattan to fill his time away from the office, but you never expected this level of expertise. You watch him with heart eyes as he chops, seasons, and sautés, the two of you conversing easily about everything and nothing. Like always.

Once everything is ready, he plates your dishes with theatrical flourish, describing each element like a server at a high-end restaurant—the seared fish with a herb crust, vibrant roasted vegetables bursting with Mediterranean flavor, and a side of creamy orzo that smells divine.

You giggle, scrunching your nose in delight as he sets the plates down. The first bite draws a deep, appreciative moan from your lips. “Harry, this is absolutely delicious,” you tell him, leaning across the table to give him a sweet peck on the lips.

He looks so incredibly proud of himself as he watches you enjoy the meal he prepared.

Surrounded by the romance of Greece at twilight, you feel the full emotional weight of your impending confession pressing against the joy.

When you’ve finished, Harry takes care of clearing the table. 

You find a quiet pocket in the conversation, steeling yourself to finally speak the truth. Your hands tremble slightly around the stem of your wine glass as you open your mouth to begin.

“Harry—”

But before the words can form, Harry interrupts with enthusiasm. “It’s time for your surprise, baby.”

The surprise. In the domestic bliss of the evening, it had completely slipped your mind. A knot tightens in your throat as he excuses himself, disappearing down the hallway for a few moments.

You sit there, heart hammering, the hem of your dress brushing against your thighs, heels elegantly crossed beneath the table.

When he returns, he carries a bound book in his hands and settles across from you once more, sliding it gently toward you.

“What’s this?” you ask, curiosity sparkling in your gaze despite the rising anxiety.

“Open it. Go through it,” he encourages softly.

Your fingers trace the cover, and as you read the title embossed in elegant lettering, a soft gasp escapes your lips.

It’s a scrapbook of your summer together—a handmade celebration of every moment you’ve shared. 

“You inspired me to create this. Hope you don’t mind that I borrowed your idea,” he jests. “I wanted to capture these beautiful memories you’ve helped me create and, more importantly, how you’ve awakened a peaceful, grounded side of myself I never thought I’d find.”

You’re speechless as you flip through the pages, each one a sweet little time capsule.

Ticket stubs from train rides through the Italian countryside, pressed flowers from Monte-Carlo, candid photos he snapped on his phone and had printed—your laughter caught in golden hour light in Ibiza, the two of you tangled together on the deck of The Daydreamer in Lagos, stolen kisses against the backdrop of ancient ruins in Sicily. Trinkets, handwritten notes, even a small vial of sand from the beach here in Mykonos are beautifully arranged with care and artistry.

Tears well up in your eyes, blurring the delicate details. “Harry… wow, I don’t know what to say. It’s amazing.”

You turn to the final page, and your heart plummets straight into your stomach. There, written in his distinctive cursive handwriting, is a question you never saw coming: Will you marry me?

Before you can fully process it, Harry has moved. He’s no longer across the table but kneeling beside you. In his hands rests a velvet box, opened to reveal a breathtaking, timeless engagement ring that catches the light like a shooting star—elegant, sparkling, and perfect in its design.

The night seems to hold its breath around you, the distant sea and twinkling hillside lights framing this moment like a scene from a fairytale.

“It’s sudden—I know,” he confesses as he looks up at you. “But Sol, you make me so incredibly happy. I’ve never felt this strongly about anyone in my life. You make me want to be a better man every single day. To provide for you, to support your passions and dreams, to be the partner who stands by your side no matter what comes our way. I love you. You’ve brought sunshine into my life, and I don’t want to let you go. Will you marry me?”

The shock and overwhelming rush of feelings leave you frozen. At first, Harry interprets your silence as a positive sign, his smile bright and hopeful.

But then he sees it—the terror blooming in your eyes, the way your breath catches unevenly. His expression slowly begins to falter, the smile dropping as the seconds stretch into an agonizing quiet.

Panic surges through you as if you’ve been struck by lightning, a full-blown attack creeping up your chest and tightening your throat.

The beautiful dress suddenly feels too constricting, the heels too unsteady, the ring too accusing.

“I—I—” you stammer, shaking your head as you push back from the table on shaky legs. “I need fresh air.” The words tumble out in a rush before you can stop them.

Tears you’ve been desperately holding back spill freely down your cheeks as you turn and flee out onto the terrace.

“Sol, wait!” Harry calls after you, the shock finally breaking as he rises to his feet, but you’re already moving down the path toward the private garden.

The proposal scrapbook and ring are left behind.

Alone in the kitchen, Harry stands heartbroken, running a hand through his hair.

“Fuck, this was the wrong move,” he chastises himself harshly for being an idiot, for moving too damn fast. What level-headed woman would agree to marriage after only one whirlwind summer, no matter how magical?

You’ve found solace in the lush garden near the villa’s entrance. 

Moonlight filters through fragrant jasmine and olive branches, casting silvery patterns across the stone paths and the ancient-looking bench where you’ve collapsed.

Tears stream freely down your cheeks as you bury your face in your hands.

What the hell is wrong with you? The question echoes mercilessly in your mind. Did you truly believe you could weave this tangled web of lies and emerge unscathed?

Your shoulders shake with silent sobs as you spiral deeper, replaying every opportunity to tell the truth that you let slip away.

Just as the weight threatens to crush you entirely, the soft crunch of footsteps on the gravel path makes your heart seize in terror.

You can’t face Harry right now—not like this.

But the voice that cuts through the night isn’t Harry’s. It’s a raspier one that snaps your head up instantly.

“Baby, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Your eyes widen in pure shock as Joel steps into view, his tall frame silhouetted against the dim outdoor lights. 

He looks exhausted, worry etched deeply into his rugged features, travel-worn clothes looking like he just stepped off the plane and came directly here.

You shoot to your feet, instinctively backing away and putting desperate distance between you. The movement only deepens his confusion.

“What the hell are you doing here?” you choke out. “H-How did you find me?”

This cannot be happening right now. Karma, it seems, has wicked timing.

“Your location,” Joel replies simply, stepping closer with caution. “On your phone. You turned it back on a few days ago.”

“Joel, you can’t be here—you have to go,” you panic, lunging forward to grab his hand and tug him desperately toward the exit. Your pulse thunders in your ears as you imagine Harry emerging any second.

“I’m not goin’ anywhere.” His voice is firm, rooted like an old oak tree. He stands planted, far stronger than your frantic pulls.

“You’re gonna tell me what’s goin’ on and why you’re actin’ like this. It can’t just be because of the problems we’ve got back home, sweetheart.”

The endearment makes you cringe inwardly. 

“Talk to me, please,” Joel continues, words softening with regret. “I know I haven’t been the best husband, but fuck… I love you so much. I’ve been a fool for treatin’ you the way I have been. I’m here to fight for us.”

“Joel…” you whisper, fresh tears spilling as your bottom lip quivers uncontrollably. He closes the gap, cupping your face gently in his calloused hands, forcing you to meet the sincerity blazing in his eyes. 

“I’m sorry. I love you. I want to work on us. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

He leans in, and the world seems to slow as his lips brush yours in a kiss heavy with years of history and desperate hope.

Of course, that is the exact moment Harry steps into the garden.

“What the fuck is this?” Harry’s voice is like a whip, his earlier heartbreak igniting into pure, volcanic fury. He storms forward, eyes blazing as he takes in the scene.

You gasp sharply, shoving Joel away and spinning toward Harry.

“Harry—”

“Who the hell are you?” Joel growls, chest puffing as he sizes up the other man, protective instincts flaring.

“I could ask you the same damn question,” Harry snarls back, ignoring you completely. “Why are you kissing my girl?”

Joel barks out a loud, sarcastic laugh. “Your girl? That’s my wife you’re talkin’ about.”

The truth detonates like a bomb.

You stand frozen in the middle, heart slamming against your ribs as if it might grow legs and run the fuck away.

Harry’s breath comes in rapid, pained bursts, his fists clenching at his sides as he notices the wedding band on Joel’s finger.

His gaze swings to you, betrayal carved into every handsome feature. “Sol… What is he talking about?”

“Sol?” Joel echoes, confusion twisting into anger. “She hasn’t gone by that since college. What the fuck is goin’ on here?”

You close your eyes for a brief second, drawing a shuddering breath before forcing the words out.

“Harry… I was going to tell you tonight, but…” You trail off, the confession ripping from your soul. “Joel’s my husband. I’m married.”

Harry staggers back as if struck, his world visibly collapsing. “No…” he breathes. “After everything—the summer we’ve had, Sol… that can’t be true.”

Joel’s expression shifts as the pieces slam into place. “You’ve been with him this whole time? That’s why you’ve been ignorin’ my calls, hangin’ up on me? Too busy bein’ easy for some rich asshole?”

The unnecessary insult pisses Harry off. “Don’t talk to her like that,” he warns, stepping forward.

“Or what, pretty boy?” Joel retorts, advancing too. “You’ve been fuckin’ my wife and expect me not to beat your ass?”

“Maybe if you had done your job as her husband, as a real man, and kept her satisfied—” 

The fight erupts in a blink of an eye.

Joel throws the first punch, connecting solidly with Harry’s jaw. Harry reels but retaliates with equal force, the two men brawling violently amid the flowers and stone benches.

You scream for them to stop, but your pleas are useless. You don’t dare physically intervene, terrified of catching a stray blow in the chaos.

Finally, they separate, chests heaving, bruises surfacing and lips split. You step boldly between them now, hands raised.

“Please, just stop!”

“Get the hell out before I call someone to throw you out,” Harry growls at Joel, eyes like daggers.

“Ain’t got no reason to be here anymore.” Joel scoffs bitterly, yanking off his wedding band and tossing it at your feet where it clatters accusingly on the stone.

“We’re done. That’s what you wanted, right?” Pain flashes across his face despite his hardened words. He turns and stalks away into the night, though you know this confrontation is far from over once you return to Texas.

The garden falls into a terrible silence once Joel is gone, the moonlight now feeling merciless.

“And here I was prepared to spend the rest of my life with you.” He shakes his head, moving his jaw side to side and flinching from the soreness of Joel’s punch, blood fresh on his bottom lip.

“Was any of it real?” He then asks, voice smaller than you’ve ever heard it.

Your face crumples with fresh agony. “Yes, of course it was—”

“Or was it all about the money?” The accusation strikes like a dagger to your heart.

“It was never about that, Harry,” you insist, stepping closer despite the distance growing between you.

“Then why did you lie?”

“I was being selfish… trying to live a life I never thought I’d experience. It started harmless, but then you were so good to me. I got lost in this fantasy.” Your words break. “Being with you felt like the most real thing I’ve ever had. I’m so sorry.”

Harry doesn’t respond for a long moment.

“You have until the end of the weekend to get your travel plans in order,” he says at last, tone flat and defeated. “I think it’s best if we go our separate ways from here.”

You expected this, yet it actually happening still cuts deep.

Part of you wants to fight this, argue with him and make the case that you love him so much and hurting him was the last thing you ever wanted to do.

But all the emotions are too raw and fresh for any type of rational conversation to occur, so you just nod weakly, wiping away tears you feel you have no right to shed.

“Okay.”

The way he looks at you now—betrayed, heartbroken, and distant—is almost unbearable. He returns back to the villa, leaving you alone in the garden to drown in your own penitence.

You slip away quietly the following afternoon, not needing the full weekend like Harry had suggested, leaving Mykonos behind as the ferry carries you toward the mainland.

Back in the villa, Harry walks slowly into the bedroom you had once shared.

The space feels unnaturally still now fully stripped of your presence. The afternoon light filters through the open windows, but it only deepens the emptiness.

His gaze falls on the bed, neatly made, and the console table nearby. There, folded and arranged, lies every article of clothing, accessory, pair of shoes, and thoughtful gift he bought you throughout the trip.

A single handwritten note rests amidst the items, your writing addressing him simply.

Harry picks it up, reading it slowly, each word carving deeper into the cracks of his already shattered heart:

Harry, No amount of apologizing will ever make up for how much I’ve hurt you. I should have been honest from the beginning. This summer with you has been the most magical experience of my entire life. I meant when I said that you are the most generous person I’ve ever met, and I really hope that life treats you as kindly as you deserve, and that one day you find someone who loves you just as fiercely as you love them. Thank you for everything. For what it’s worth, my answer would have been yes. Sol.

He clenches his teeth, jaw tight as he fights the overwhelming torrent of emotions that hit him. The note blurs slightly in his vision.

The room echoes with ghosts of your laughter. He can almost smell your perfume lingering faintly on the clothes you left behind.

Harry sets the paper down gently and runs his fingers over a silk scarf he’d gotten you in Portugal.

He wonders, standing alone in the golden light of this place that now feels too large and too empty, if he will ever truly get over you.

That bittersweet truth is all that remains as the sun begins its slow descent, blending the sky in hues of rose and lavender.

One last beautiful farewell to the dream you shared.

[ ⤷ previous / ⤷ final chapter ]

Want to be part of the taglist? Feel free to DM me or reply to this post to be added ☀️