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something-tofightfor · 1 year ago

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Snow And Mistletoe - Epilogue

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader

No Outbreak AU.

Word Count: 6,419

Rating: M - as a whole for language and innuendo... This is fluff, though, with some innuendo sprinkled in.

A/N: This is the end to the @pedrostories Secret Santa fic gift exchange for @burntheedges. I wanted to close out their story with the *initial* idea I had behind the fic ... so I hope you're still interested. (I might also be persuaded to write the entirety of the night they spent in the hotel together ... if anyone cares, that is ... because I've got some **ideas**)

Thank you so much to everyone for reading and for responding. I had so much fun writing this one. Thanks also for your patience - I wanted to have this posted last night, but that just didn't happen.

Summary: Spending the night at the hotel with Joel changes things in a lot of ways. But when you leave to head home on Christmas Eve morning, it presents an opportunity for the two of you to take what you've discovered between you in a variety of different ways. What happens when Sarah and Ellie are once again thrown into the mix - and what do the two of them have planned for Christmas?

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3

The drive back from the hotel the following morning was different than the one to it had been.

You and Joel kept up a steady stream of conversation the entire way, your hands linked together atop the center armrest. He was lighter, somehow - more open - and you were enjoying every second of it, Joel’s laughter joining yours and filling the cab.

You’d gotten very little sleep, the two of you making the most of the time and privacy that you had had together, and it had been good. No, better than good. Biting your lip, you looked out the window, watching as you passed other cars on the highway. It was amazing.

“What’s goin’ on in that heada yours?” Joel squeezed your hand, humming your name. “You got quiet.”

“I’m just thinking.” Returning your attention to him, you shrugged. “About how much has changed in the last couple days and how much more it could change.”

“That’s all you’re thinking about?” He turned his head briefly toward you, one brow raised. “Because I’m thinking about the way you -”

“You’re fucking awful, Joel.” Scowling at him, you could feel the heat rising up the back of your neck and warming your cheeks. “But no, that’s not all I’m thinking about.” He laughed again, tugging your hand up so that he could kiss your knuckles, the scruff of his beard and mustache tickling your skin. “What do we tell Ellie and Sarah?”

“Whatever you want to tell them.” He let go of your hand, scratching at the back of his head with his fingertips before using them to grip the steering wheel loosely. “They obviously wanted somethin’ to happen, so they can’t be too surprised that it did, right?” You agreed, letting your mind wander to the smirk you knew would appear on the teenager’s face when you told her that yes, you and Joel would be seeing each other again. “I’m off ‘til the second week of January, and I know you’ve gotta work, but …” He paused, frowning for a few seconds before glancing over again. “But maybe we can find time to see each other?”

“Of course.” Your hand found its way to his knee, the worn denim soft to the touch. “Maybe we could have you and Sarah over for dinner or something, too. You live close enough, and -”

“I’d like that.” He nodded. “I wasn’t lying when I said that tryin’ to bring someone new into my life was hard because I didn’t want to involve Sarah too soon, but that ain’t… it’s different here.” It was - and while it eliminated one hurdle for you and Joel, it presented another.

“I think she spends more time at my house than she does at yours.” Joel laughed again, agreeing with you. “This almost seems too convenient, doesn’t it? They’re friends. They plotted to get us together. We let it happen. We get to tell them that they’re right about us being interested in each other.” You blew out a breath, covering your face with one hand. “God, they’re going to give us so much shit when we admit it.”

“Yep.” He laughed quietly, swearing under his breath. “But I gotta be honest, I’m not all that upset about this one.”

“Really?”

“Really.” Joel cleared his throat and took the exit, waiting a few seconds to continue. “Last couple days have been a lot of fun. I’m done makin’ excuses. I’m kinda pissed it took two 17 year olds to make me act on it, but I’m glad they finally did.” You were glad, too, and you knew Ellie - knew that even though she’d likely make some comments for a little while and give you an appropriate amount of shit for dating her best friend’s father, the girl would actually be happy for you. Because she knows me. And she knows Joel and Sarah, and …

“I guess I’m not, either.” You pulled your hand back and let both of them rest in your lap, eyes on the familiar scenery as you got closer to your house. “What do you and Sarah usually do on Christmas Eve?”

“We make dinner together.” He stopped at a red light, squeezing the wheel. “This year we’re makin’ spaghetti and meatballs. That’s about it. We used to go to my parents’, but when my dad passed, that stopped.” He turned down your street, the truck moving slowly. “You?”

“I’ve got presents to wrap. Ellie usually calls Marlene and we all talk for a little while, but aside from that, no plans. We get takeout and then have leftovers for tomorrow while we hang out.” He was quiet as he pulled into your driveway, but when Joel parked the truck he finally spoke again, unbuckling his seatbelt and turning toward you.

“Would you want to come over for dinner? We always make enough for leftovers, and since Tommy’s not comin’ this year, we’ll have even more to start.”

“I don’t want to intrude.” Your heartbeat quickened, though, lips parting in shock at his invitation. “Joel, that’s… it’s been you and Sarah, and …”

“It has been.” He shrugged, eyes locked on your face. “But things change.”

“Bring it up when we go inside.” You nodded. “See what Sarah says. It’s up to her, Joel.”

You expected him to get out of the truck then, but instead Joel leaned in, head tilted slightly to the left so that he could kiss you softly.

It wasn’t a kiss that would lead to anything else; instead it was just an agreement, the man letting you know that he’d heard you and would do what you’d suggested. But it was just as meaningful as the ones you’d shared in the room the previous night and earlier that morning - no hesitation or restraint on his part, Joel acting on instinct and encouraging you to do the same.

“Let’s get this over with.” He rested his forehead against yours briefly, but when Joel pulled back, he was grinning. “You ready?”

You were, and so you both got out of the truck and headed for the house, your overnight bag slung over one shoulder and Joel walking a step behind you.

The house was quiet when you entered, but after a few seconds, you heard the sound of music from Ellie’s bedroom, turning to look over your shoulder at Joel - who nodded with a slight grimace on his face - before you leaned against the wall and called out to them.

“Ellie? Sarah? I’m back. Joel’s here with me.” There was a pause and then you heard the sound of quick footsteps coming down the hallway, followed by the appearance of both girls at the top of the stairs, their eyes moving between the two of you. “Hi.”

“Hey, Dad.” Sarah pushed past Ellie, her socked feet on the steps as she hurried toward where Joel stood. “How was the party?”

“Was good, babygirl.” He held an arm out to hug her, Sarah stepping into the embrace without pause. “How was your pizza?

“Good.” Ellie plopped down on the steps about halfway down, her hands hanging between her knees. “Have a ton left over, too.” Joel’s eyes flicked to you and you nodded once, crossing your arms over your chest.

“You don’t have to eat leftovers if you don’t want to, Ellie.” Joel looked over at the girl, Sarah pulling away enough so that she could look up at him and then over at her friend, her eyes going wide. “Haven’t brought it up with you yet, Sarah, but …” He looked down, both hands stuffed into his pockets. “How about we invite them over for dinner tonight?”

She was quiet for a few seconds and then her jaw dropped at almost the same time Ellie swore under her breath, the words holy shit hissed out in shock. “For real?” Sarah’s eyes landed on you, and you saw it briefly - a look of genuine confusion in her eyes followed by one of understanding, the expression similar to the one you’d seen on Joel’s face more than once. “Can they stay and watch the movie with us, too?”

“What movie?” Ellie spoke before you could, her smile widening. “And what’s for dinner?”

“Spaghetti and homemade meatballs.” Joel cleared his throat. “And I’ve been talkin’ up the Curtis And Viper 4 chase scene for weeks, so -”

“Oh, dude. It’s so good.” Ellie groaned, shaking her head. “Sarah, you’ll love it.”

“I’m not so sure about that, but…” She laughed and so did Joel, but the girl’s next words shocked you even more than the movie invite had. “If you invite them over for Christmas Eve, you should invite them over for Christmas dinner, too.”

“Wait, what?” You spoke before anyone else could, your eyes focused on Sarah. “We can’t, Sarah. That’s for you and your dad. And you’re going to -”

“Don’t you dare say no.” Ellie stood, holding up one hand, pointer finger extended. “He smokes a brisket on Christmas. For sixteen hours. Do you know how fuckin-” She cut herself off, apologizing, but Joel’s laugh interrupted that, the man swiping at his face with one hand.

“And I make mac and cheese and broccoli salad from my grandma’s recipes.” Sarah nodded, her eyes on you. “Even if Uncle Tommy comes over tomorrow and eats half of it, we always have a ton left over, because my dad doesn’t know how to buy small amounts of anything.”

“I… we…” You looked at Ellie, who was staring expectantly at you, and then over at Joel, whose lips were raised in a half smirk, his eyes bright. Fuck it. Why not? “What can we bring?”

“Yes!” Ellie pumped her fist in the air, following it with a quiet “hell yeah!” and Joel nodded once, tongue darting out to wet his lips.

“Something to drink? I don’t know. Maybe a dessert? Sarah’s always complainin’ that all we have are cookies.”

“I can do that.” You glanced over, looking at the clock on the wall. “Ellie and I will run to the store before everything closes and pick some stuff up. What time?”

“Six?” He looked down, checking his watch. “I forgot this damn thing stopped working. Shit.” Joel shook his head. “That should give us all plenty of time. It’s not even noon yet.” You agreed with him, and only a few minutes later, he and Sarah were heading out the front door, Ellie already back in her room to change clothes.

You stopped him before he could walk out, though, saying his name quietly. When he turned back to face you, one hand still on your door knob, you blinked, shaking your head. “You didn’t have to invite us, Joel. And tomorrow, that’s … I feel like we’d be intruding.”

“You aren’t. I promise.” He reached out, taking your hand in his and squeezing. “Wouldn’t have invited you if I didn’t want you there … and neither would she.” You knew it was true, and so you didn’t say anything else, just nodding. “See you in a few hours.”

You watched him walk down the walkway and toward the driveway, disappearing around the front corner of your house. Holy shit, all of this … wow. When he started his truck, you closed the door and then leaned against it, covering your face with both hands. “Wow.”

“We told you.” Peeking through your fingers, you looked up the stairs at Ellie, the girl standing at the top and grinning. “I know you always tell me I’m too nosy, but …” She shrugged. “All I’m saying is that my present from Santa better be amazing this year, since I played a part in getting you a date with your dream dude and getting us invited over on Christmas, and -”

“The only thing you’re going to get is a box full of coal under the tree if you don’t stop gloating, Ellie.” She snorted, eyeing you as you pushed away from the door and grabbed for the strap of your bag. “Honestly, though … thank you, kiddo.” Climbing the stairs, you reached out and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into a quick hug. “He is pretty dreamy, hmm?”

She groaned and pushed herself away from you, rolling her eyes. “Gross. Stop it.” You passed her, heading for your bedroom and only turning when she said your name again. “What are you going to make… we’ve only got a couple hours?”

Tossing the bag onto your bed, you put your hands on your hips, narrowing your eyes. “I don’t know. But we’ll figure it out.”

—

The two of you stood on Joel and Sarah’s front porch at exactly 6 PM, each of you carrying two things. She had the brownies she’d baked and a bottle of non-alcoholic Prosecco for her and Sarah to share, the bottle nestled into a decorative bag that was stuffed with tissue paper.

You carried a large dish of peach cobbler and a bag that contained two bottles of wine - one red and one white - the weight heavy over one arm. But you weren’t nervous when you rang the doorbell or when Sarah opened the door, the girl’s smile widening at the sight of you.

“Come in. You can go and help Dad in the kitchen. I think he’s currently burning meatballs. Ellie and I are going to go upstairs and practice one last time.” You agreed and winked at the girl, the three of you making your way through the living room and into the kitchen, the sight of Joel’s broad shoulders in a thin t-shirt sending a shiver through you. “Dad, they’re here.”

He grunted once, but didn’t turn around, and as you and Ellie set everything down and the two girls disappeared toward the stairs, you stared. He can’t see me, so it’s fine. “Do you need the fridge? There should be room.” He stepped to the side and picked up a spatula, using it to flip the meatballs in the pan. “I’m going to finish these and dump ‘em in the sauce and then jump in the shower.”

“Sarah said you were burning dinner?” You put the Prosecco and the desserts into the refrigerator and moved over to where Joel stood, resisting the urge to settle your hand on his back and instead nudging him with an elbow. “Smells pretty unburnt to me.”

“The day I burn meatballs is the day hell freezes over.” You laughed and so did he, eyes on the food in the pan and the deft way he handled the utensil, quickly turning the remaining ones to ensure they cooked evenly. “This is Sarah’s favorite thing I make. When she was little and first started eatin’ real foods, my ma’s meatballs were one of the only things she’d ask for. So I started making ‘em too.”

Every new thing you learned about Joel and Sarah was like a gift. He was letting you in piece by piece, including you in small pieces of his life - giving you the opportunity to know the two of them. And it’s only been a few days. “They look amazing, Joel. Do you make the sauce, too?”

“Sort of.” He looked over, nodding at the stockpot with his chin. “I start out with jarred sauce and add to it. It’s meatless, because Sarah went through a phase where she tried to eat less of it, but it always tastes a little different every time because there’s no real recipe.”

“You said you add the meatballs when they’re cooked, but -”

“I do.” He pointed to a second, smaller pot. “I like to cook ‘em in sauce, just for flavor, but I know not everyone eats meat, so…” He trailed off. “Gimmie a second and you can taste it.”

You stepped away and let him do what he needed to finish, only a few more minutes of sizzling in the pan before the last batch of meatballs were soaking in the simmering sauce. Joel wiped his hands on a towel and then reached for one of the spoons in the drawer, taking a lid off of the larger pot and dipping it in. For a second, you thought he was going to feed you, but instead he handed it over, one eyebrow raised. Blowing on it, you waited until it had cooled to taste it, your eyes going wide at the flavor. “Shit, that’s good.”

“I know.” He winked, reaching up to swipe at the back of his head. “Glad you like it. Do you think Ellie will?”

“Yes. She’s going to love it.” Setting the spoon down in the sink, you turned back to look at him. “I brought a red and a white, and Ellie got some nonalcoholic -”

“Whatever you brought is fine.” Joel reached out, putting his hands on your hips and urging you closer. “I’m not picky.” He kissed you softly, the man’s lips lingering in their press against yours. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“I am, too.” Murmuring the words, you nodded. “Do you need me to do anything while you’re in the shower?”

“I’m going to start boiling the water for pasta, but nah. I should be done before it’s ready. TV’s in the other room, you can turn it on if you want.” You weren’t going to do that, but thanked him for the offer nonetheless, your eyes wandering around the kitchen as Joel exited it, too, the pot of water on the still-warm burner that he’d used for the meat.

When you were sure he was upstairs, you turned toward the sink and reached for one of the sponges in the drain rack. Hope he has good water pressure. Grinning, you started washing the dishes he’d used, humming to yourself as you worked.

You felt comfortable in his kitchen. You felt comfortable in his house, knowing that Ellie and Sarah were upstairs, the girls likely whispering behind a closed door as Sarah put the finishing touches on what she’d been working on for the better part of two months. I wonder when she’ll give him his gift. You chewed on your lower lip while you wiped the countertop down, cleaning up a few stray splatters of grease. Tomorrow, before we get here I’m sure.

“You didn’t have to do that.” Turning at the sound of his voice, you froze in place at the sight of him standing by the edge of the counter, water droplets still clinging to the skin of his throat above the collar of his dark green shirt. Seeing him after a shower twice in one day? It really is Christmas. “I was going to do it while the pasta’s cooking.” He ran his fingers through his hair, the salt-and-pepper strands slicked back and away from his face, your eyes following the movement.

“Now you don’t have to.” Shrugging, you wiped your hands on the towel. “Dishes are done. Water’s just about boiling. I stirred the -” He closed the distance between you swiftly, one arm going around your waist and the other hand lifting to curve around the back of your head. “Joel? They could walk down and -”

“I know.” He nodded as he leaned in, trailing a line of kisses over your cheek and against your lips. “Don’t care, though.” Yeah, I guess I don’t, either. You kissed him back, inhaling the scent of his body wash and shampoo, those two things combining with his cologne in a trio of scents that was cozy, his hold on you firm. When Joel broke the kiss, he didn’t let go of you. Instead, the two of you remained in front of the stove, the man’s gaze locked with yours. What is he… “We should have done this sooner.”

You agreed. You’d been single for just under a year aside from a few dates here and there, and based on what you knew of Joel’s life, he hadn’t had anything serious in that time, either. Can’t change it now, though. “Well, we’re doing it now, and I’m not going to complain about that.”

His return smile was soft, Joel nodding once before he released you and headed for one of the cabinets. He opened it and pulled out a large box of pasta, setting it down on the counter. “Pick a wine and put it in the fridge. We can save the other bottle for tomorrow.”

“You think we’ll go through an entire bottle between the two of us?” You laughed, moving toward the bag and pulling out the red, a bottle of Beaujolais-Villages. Turning it over in your hands, you held it up. “Only needs to be chilled, not cold. How long until we eat?”

“Not that long. Maybe a half hour? Gotta make the bread and boil the noodles.” He shrugged. “That enough?”

“Yes.” You stored the wine in the fridge and then made your way back to the counter, watching as Joel poured pasta into the water. “You’re making enough for an army, Joel.”

“Leftovers.” He grinned at you, eyes crinkling at the corners. “When I say Tommy eats like a horse, I’m not kidding.” You both laughed, the sound filling the kitchen.

The two of you talked for the remainder of the time he spent with the pasta and bread, and by the time you headed upstairs to let Ellie and Sarah know that dinner was ready, you’d already decided that that Christmas was at the top of your list of holidays.

You knocked twice before Sarah told you to come in, and when you pushed the door open, you saw Ellie sitting cross legged on the floor while Sarah was on the bed, an acoustic guitar on her lap. “Dinner’s ready.” Your smile widened and you pointed at the instrument. “That the one you -”

“Yeah.” She bit her lip, frowning. “Ellie said I shouldn’t restring it before tomorrow morning because he’s probably going to want to do it himself, but …”

“I agree.” You leaned against the doorframe. “Plus you’re used to playing on those strings, and if you get new ones, it might feel different, and you definitely don’t want that.” She nodded, her expression serious. “When are you -”

“After dinner.” She swallowed hard and then took a deep breath. “While you guys are here. Because I need … I need you here.”

“No.” Ellie stood, staring at the other girl, even while shaking her head. “You don’t need us here. You’ve got this.” She reached out, taking the instrument from Sarah and then setting it carefully in the case “But I’m so fucking excited to see you play for him, Sarah.”

That was all the encouragement the other girl needed, Sarah bouncing to her feet and nodding as he finally relaxed. You gave Ellie a wink and a discreet thumbs up, and then the three of you headed down the stairs and back into the kitchen, where Joel was pulling plates out of the cupboard.

Well, looks like my question’s answered then. Eyeing Sarah as she hugged her father with one arm, you hung back until both girls had served themselves from the pots and bowls, both of them giggling as they did so.

Sarah carried both of their plates into the other room while Ellie followed with the bottle of Prosecco and two glasses, and when you and Joel were left alone in the kitchen, the man spun to face you with a smirk on his lips. “Your turn.”

With a laugh, you stepped next to him and picked up a plate, but as you started to take food, Joel moved to stand next to you, doing the same. Both of you loaded your plates in silence, casually bumping into each other a few times before you’d finished, though it wasn’t on accident. Just as you reached for your fork and knife, Joel said your name and reached around you, one hand grabbing a stack of napkins, his fingertips grazing your lower back as he withdrew his arm.

And when you looked up, you caught Ellie pointing her phone at you and grinning, Sarah’s eyes bright over the rim of her glass as she watched, too.

But you and Joel ignored it as you carried your plates into the dining room and sat down, avoiding the chairs at the ends of the table and opting to sit next to each other - much like you had at the Chamber party.

It was Joel that began the conversation, digging into his plate of spaghetti and sauce and focusing his attention on Ellie. That led to Sarah chiming in between bites, and finally you spoke up, too. The four of you talked throughout the entire meal, and though it was all loose conversation it felt warm, the soft glow of the tree next to the TV stand and the light from above the table setting the mood.

You felt comfortable there, too, and even though you knew that a lot of the time you spent with Joel wouldn’t be with Sarah and Ellie, it calmed you to think that if the opportunity ever came up, things wouldn’t be awkward. Well, not as awkward as they could be between a teenager and their parent’s date.

The food was delicious - and when you made a joke about Sarah having to teach Ellie how to cook, you were rewarded with a deep scowl from the girl and a laugh from Joel, Sarah’s immediate agreement resulting in a groan from Ellie, her face buried in her hands. “Merry Christmas to me, right? Must be gang up on Ellie day.”

“Nah, I just don’t want you to starve when you’re at college next year.” You shrugged, taking another bite. “I know you’ll have a meal plan and all that, but … you might need to fend for yourself, and it’s always nice to have options.”

“They have microwaves in dorms, you know.” Ellie wrinkled her nose at you, followed with a roll of her eyes. “I can make Easy Mac and Chef Boyardee ravioli.”

“Yeah but you can’t live off that shit … I mean…” Joel groaned, rubbing at the space between his eyes with one hand. “It’s good, but …”

“I know.” Ellie cleared her throat. “Also, am I allowed to have a second plate? These meatballs are amazing Joel.”

He waved her off, fork in hand, and when she sat back down, the conversation shifted. The girls took over on dish duty at the end of the meal and you and Joel quickly moved to the other room, taking both wine glasses and the bottle with you. He refilled them after you settled down onto the couch, but Joel didn’t turn the TV on.

Instead, he turned his head to look at you, one brow raised in question. “Well? What do you think of Miller Christmas Eve so far?” You waited a few seconds before you answered, giving yourself a chance to look around the room and take it all in before you spoke.

“I think …” Catching Ellie’s eye, she held her phone up and then looked over at Sarah, and then at Joel. What? You looked over, smiling at him. “I think I’ll be able to answer that better after we watch this movie. But the food was good. Wait til you taste dessert.” His lips twitched, Joel’s eyes on you. “How’s it feel to have company?”

“Good.” He nodded. “I like having the two of you here.” He lowered his voice, eyes focused on you. “You bein’ here.” There was no hesitation when he spoke, Joel’s words honest, and in an instant, you were upset with yourself for not giving him a straight answer.

“Joel, I -”

“I’m going to go upstairs for a second, I’ll be right back.” Sarah’s voice interrupted your thought, both you and Joel turning your attention to her. “Don’t start the movie without me.” It’s happening. You inhaled sharply, locking eyes with the girl as she passed in front of you and headed for the steps. Joel assured her that he wouldn’t, and when Ellie settled into the armchair, curling her legs beneath her body, you looked over at her, mouthing the word “OK?”

She gave you a discreet thumbs up, and when you repositioned yourself on the couch, you looked over at the kitchen counter, noticing that a cell phone was propped up against a candle, aimed at where you and Joel sat. Talk. Don’t just sit here in silence. “So, Joel, what’s so special about this chase scene?”

He started talking immediately, and even Ellie cut in, but at the first sound of footsteps on the stairs, she trailed off, her smile growing. “Dad?” Joel’s head turned toward the stairs and yours followed suit, teeth digging into your lower lip at the sight of Sarah standing there, the handle of a guitar case clinched between the fingers of one hand. “Can I give you a Christmas present tonight?”

“What?” He leaned forward, clearly confused. “What are you…” She stepped closer and his eyes moved down to what she held and then widened, both of his hands flattening against his thighs. “Sarah, where’d you get that fr…” His attention returned to you only a few seconds later, recognition in his eyes. “From you? From the -”

“Give her a second, Joel.” You shrugged. “Just listen.”

Sarah moved even closer, setting the case down on the ground and then reaching for one of the tall chairs in front of the counter, flipping it around. “I wanted to do something without you knowing. Because…” She unlatched the case, flipping it open and then reaching into it, her fingers curving around the smooth wooden neck of the guitar. “You’ve done so much for me and I wanted to surprise you.”

She sat on the chair and situated the guitar over her knee, taking a deep breath. “Sarah… Babygirl, I …” He leaned forward, hands curled into loose fists. “What are you doin’?”

“You’ll see.”

You’d been witness to many of the practice sessions and lessons Ellie had given Sarah throughout the months of November and December. You’d seen the girl’s confidence grow from day one, her skill with the instrument not exactly that of a novice in the beginning, though she’d been nervous, especially when playing on the expensive instruments in the store.

But as the weeks passed, Sarah progressed … and even though you were capable of helping her play the song she’d chosen, it was Ellie that had helped her with singing in the previous few weeks, the teenagers working to seamlessly combine one skill with the other.

So when she took a deep breath and looked at Joel, her nervous smile turning into a full-fledged one before she opened her mouth to begin the song, you were just as shocked as him. She sounds fantastic.

I'll be home for Christmas

You can plan on me…

As she played and sang, Sarah closed her eyes and tilted her head down, her picking more confident with each note. You only looked away from her once, stealing a glance at Joel, who was leaning forward, one large hand covering his mouth, eyes shining above it.

Sarah paused halfway through, taking a deep breath as her fingers continued to pluck at the strings, and when she caught your eye, you nodded, lips pressed together. She looked at Ellie next and though you didn’t see her reaction, you saw Sarah’s - her grin widening before she began to nod her head in time with the music, casting her eyes down again.

Please have some snow and mistletoe

And presents by the tree…

You were dimly aware of Joel’s hand finding your knee and squeezing, but you didn’t look away from Sarah, even as you put your hand on top of it and squeezed back. You were glad that the song was being recorded, because you knew that Sarah would remember very little of it once it was over, and from the sounds of it, it was the first time Joel had ever heard her perform - at least while playing, too. And he’ll want to keep this.

But it was the last lines of the song that truly caught you off guard, and from Joel’s sharp intake of breath, they hit him hard, too - which was the girl’s intention. She looked up again as she played, entirely focused on her father’s face - and in a voice as clear as a bell, sang directly to him.

I'll be home for Christmas

It won’t be in my dreams.

She strummed out a few more notes and then let out a shaky breath, her hold on the guitar tightening as the sound died away - and then the room was silent, everyone waiting. “I mean it, Dad. Even if …” She stood head shaking back and forth slowly. “No matter where I go to school, I’ll be here with you for the holidays. I’m not leaving for good, I -”

He pushed off of the couch and took the few steps necessary to reach her, both of his arms going around the girl in a hug that took her by surprise. She had the sense to hold the guitar out, Ellie reaching for it before you could even think about moving. When it was safely in the second girl’s grip, Sarah hugged Joel back, her arms wrapped so tightly around him that you heard him release a quiet “oof”, though he made no motion to let her go.

You looked at Ellie then, her expression full of pride in her friend, and when you gave her a thumbs up, she beamed at you, but stayed quiet. You heard Joel murmuring to Sarah, and when she laughed, backing away, he leaned down to press a kiss to the top of her head, his hands moving to her arms.

“Thank you.” He scoffed, looking up at the ceiling and then back at her - before turning his head toward Ellie. “Do you … d’you think I can play that guitar before you take it back?” Joel twisted back to look at you, sighing. “That’s the one I’ve been lookin’ at when I come in, and …”

“Dad.” Sarah spoke before you could, reaching out to grab the phone on the counter, sliding it back into her pocket. She then moved over to take the instrument back from Ellie. “That wasn’t your real present. This is.” She held it out to him, looking nervous for the first time. “I know how much you wanted it, and when Ellie was telling me about her discount, I figured that if I worked there, too I could…”

“Sarah Jane Miller, you did not buy me a Taylor acous-”

“I sure did.” She thrust it toward him, her expression defiant. “And I didn’t get a receipt so you can’t return it.” It was your turn to cover your mouth at the sight of Joel’s hands reaching out to take the guitar from her, his breath catching in his throat as his fingers closed around the neck.

“You shouldn’t have done this, Sarah. It’s too much. I don’t…”

“You do.” She stepped away from him, sitting on the arm of the chair Ellie was in. “After everything you’ve done for me after Amanda left?” She smiled, crossing her arms over her chest. “And I got a really good deal on it. I kind of know the owner.”

Joel looked at the guitar again, and for a split second, you thought he was going to take Sarah’s place in the chair and start playing, which would have been great. But instead, he took a breath, thanking Sarah as he let it out, and then bent over to put the instrument back in the case, latching it shut. “Yeah… I know her, too.”

He turned back to where you sat, and only moments later, Joel was standing in front of you and holding his hands out, ready to pull you to your feet. “What are -”

“Thank you for bein’ so nice to my little girl.” His hold on your hands was tight, but when Joel let go, he didn’t move away. Instead, he got even closer, placing both hands on your hips. What is he … oh, shit. Oh, shit. “And to me.”

He leaned in and kissed you before you could reply, and though your first instinct was to jump backwards, you fought it. Instead, you brought your hands up to his arms and rested them there, he warmth of his skin through his sleeves radiating against your palms. It was a short kiss, the man barely giving you a chance to enjoy the press of his lips against yours before it was over … but it was enough. He didn’t back away from you even after ending it, his still-shining eyes locked with yours as though asking if what he’d just done was alright. It is. Of course it is.

“Duuuuuuuuude.” Ellie’s voice startled you, your attention moving to her - and to Sarah, whose mouth was open so wide that it almost made you laugh. “Is there something you need to tell us?”

“Nope.” You laughed, hands slipping under Joel’s arms so that you could hug him, the man urging you even closer. “Not a damn thing.”

It was Sarah’s turn to laugh, the girl standing and moving so that she could grab one of the blankets and some pillows from next to the couch, dropping them on the floor and then throwing a second blanket at Ellie. “Are we gonna watch this movie or what?”

Joel let you go then, dropping back onto the couch and waiting until you sat down next to him to reach for the remote. But once he’d turned the TV on and navigated to the correct streaming service, pressing play, he slung an arm around your shoulders, urging you closer.

You rested your head against his shoulder, repositioning yourself so that you were more comfortable - and just as the movie’s opening credits started rolling, you felt his lips on your temple, his beard scraping softly over your skin. “Sorry about that.” He whispered the words, fingers curling around your arm. “Couldn’t help it.”

Angling your head so that you could look up at him, you smiled. “I don’t want you to.” He raised both brows, the smile slowly spreading across his face. “Merry Christmas, Joel.”

He didn’t reply, instead tilting his head to rest his cheek against the crown of yours as the two of you settled in to watch what you hoped was the first of many movies together.

—

The version of the song I based Sarah's performance on: I'll Be Home For Christmas - Lizzy McAlpine

Tag list reblog coming soon.

#joel miller #joel miller x reader #joel miller x female reader #pedro pascal #pedrostories secret santa #pedrostories #pedrostoriesgift2023 #pedro pascal character #no outbreak au #pedro pascal masterlist #joel miller masterlist #snow and mistletoe #gift fic

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