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Still Yours: Part Eight - Delicate

Jessie Fleming x Reader

Summary: Things remain complicated in the fallout from your trip and one heated night of reconciliation. An incident with Harper brings you and Jessie together, but a name from the past threatens to tear you further apart than ever.

Warnings: Angst. Extreme relationship conflict. Language.

A/N: Rest of the series is here.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Jessie Fleming?"

Jessie frowned, tension immediately having set into her shoulders the moment she saw the school's name come up on her phone.

"Yes, speaking."

"Hi, Jessie. This is Nurse Trina from Cedar Grove Elementary. Harper fell during recess and we believe she may have broken her arm. She's in some pain, but stable. Can you come to the nurse's office right away so you can take her to urgent care or the emergency department?"

Her heart raced and she felt short of breath. She was already blindly gathering up her things and heading for the door before she even replied.

"Yes, of course. I'll be right there."

Jessie tried to get organized as she drove to the school, doing her best to keep focused on the road. She fumbled with the touchscreen a bit as she called you.

"Hi, you've reached [Y/N] Fleming. I'm unable to come to the phone..."

Jessie spoke after the beep, keeping her breathing and tone calm as she left you a message.

"Hey. It's me. Harper fell at school. They think she broke her arm. I'm driving over there right now. I'll take her to the Children's. Text me or call me when you can."

When she got to the school and made her way back to the nurse's office, she saw Harper sitting on one of the vinyl chairs with her little arm in a splint and supported in a sling with an icepack. The skin around her eyes was red, but her eyes had dried. The nurse was talking with her and keeping her distracted.

"Hi Princess," Jessie greeted as she approached. Harper looked to her and the relief that washed over the girl was evident. Jessie's heart both sank and swelled at the sight. She crouched down in front of her and rest a hand on her knee.

"Sounds like you've had a tough morning," she commented with a faint smile and kept her voice even and steady, so as not to worry Harper further.

"Yeah," the little girl said, eyes started to tear up again and her lip began to tremble. "I fell off the monkey bars. I was trying to keep up with Abby. I'm sorry." Her lip wobbled further and a tear rolled down her cheek.

"Hey," Jessie chided tenderly as her heart melted. She leaned down and planted a soft kiss on the girl's knee. "No need to be sorry. Things happen."

"It hurts," Harper said through a hiccuping breath.

"I know, sweetie," Jessie comforted as she wiped away her tear. "But we're going to get you checked out right now and we'll get you all cared for and patched up," she went on, keeping things light, but matter-of-fact despite the way her stomach twisted at the sight of her little girl's arm in a splint.

She'd seen far, far worse in her time. Sights and sounds on the pitch that honestly had kept her up at night, but none of those injuries had ever been her daughter's. Her sweet, precious girl who looked at her hurt with watery, brown eyes and rosy cheeks as she sniffled. This little girl who she wanted to protect from any hurt or danger in this world, despite the impossibility of such a thing.

Trina stepped forward. "We've kept her arm supported, and she hasn't complained of dizziness or nausea." She looked down at Harper with a smile. "She's been very brave."

Jessie signed the release paperwork and took Harper by her free hand to leave. Harper clutched her hand tightly and pressed herself right up against Jessie's side as they made their way through the halls and to the car.

Outside, she eased Harper into her booster seat and gently buckled her in with a kiss to the girl's forehead.

"What's gonna happen?" Harper suddenly asked in a scared, small voice as Jessie pulled back. She looked up at her with tear-filled eyes and Jessie wished she could hug it all away.

"Well," she said, calmly and lightly, "we're going to go to the hospital. You're going to see some nice nurses and doctors who will take great care of you and help you feel better. We'll take some pictures of your arm, see what's hurting, and then they'll probably put your arm in a cast to keep it safe and let it heal. I'm sure you'll be back to normal in a few short weeks, running around like nothing ever happened."

Harper hadn't torn her eyes away once, her little chest bobbing now and then with residual, unsteady breaths from crying. She absorbed Jessie's words for a few short moments before giving a couple of teary nods, trusting in her.

Warmth radiated through Jessie with the love she had for this girl. She gave her another quick kiss and closed the door so they could begin their drive.

She put on Harper's favourite Disney soundtrack - the girl still obsessed with everything Disney even though the trip was now weeks past. Jessie even led a sing-along, something she typically left to you, to try to distract Harper.

She drove patiently and carefully, wary of jostling the poor girl and causing her any undue pain.

Soon enough, she'd checked Harper in, had her assessed by the triage nurse and they were now waiting to get called for her x-ray.

Harper sat curled against Jessie's side, her uninjured hand fisting the fabric of Jessie's sweatshirt. The other arm rested in her lap, still gently cradled by the sling.

"It hurts more when I move it," Harper whispered.

"I know, sweetie," Jessie's voice soft and steady. "That's normal. We think your bone's a little cracked - moving it pokes the spot that's hurt. We're going to keep it still, just like this, and that'll make it easier."

Harper sniffled. "Will it hurt the whole time?"

"No, sweetpea," Jessie said as she shook her head. "It's already not as bad as when it happened, right?" Harper gave a small nod. "Once they put the cast on, it'll feel way better. You might feel a few quick zings when they take pictures of your arm, but you and I can breathe through those together, okay?"

Harper hesitated. "Like when you hurt your ankle?"

Jessie smiled faintly, keeping her own flood of memories in check. "Exactly. I didn't like those moments, but I got through them, and so will you. You're tougher than you think. Just like all of your princesses, right? They're all stronger than they think they are at the beginning, right?"

"Yeah," Harper nodded into Jessie's chest as she relaxed once more. "When's mom going to get here?"

"Soon, sweetie," Jessie replied.

She hadn't heard from you yet, but knew as soon as you checked your messages you'd be here in a flash. If the injury had been something more severe, she would've called your office, but although Harper was hurt and a bit scared, she'd be fine.

Harper had her x-rays taken, they'd talked with the doctor and were now waiting for casting when you finally arrived. Jessie heard your voice along with a nurse's coming down the hall.

"I'll be right back, Harp," she said in a hushed whisper to avoid extensively interrupting the nurse going over cast colours with Harper, who was now eating a popsicle.

Jessie stepped out of the room to see you walking briskly down the hall in your work clothes, eyes scanning the rooms rapidly in search of them.

"Y/N," Jessie called lightly as she raised a hand to get your attention. You startled before rushing over and nearly pushing past her.

"Where is she? Is she okay?"

"Hey," Jessie said, coaxing you back. Your head was on a swivel looking for Harper, but she eventually managed to pull you away. You were clearly frazzled and worried. Harper was calm now, almost like it never happened, and Jessie knew your anxiety could easily work her up again.

"They called me. I was in my presentation. I left my phone at my desk - I didn't-"

"It's okay," Jessie interjected, holding out her hands gently in mid-air to try to calm you. You looked perturbed, scared, unsettled - a mish-mash of things, but you quieted and finally settled your eyes on her to listen.

"She's okay," she told you decisively, first and foremost. "It's a greenstick fracture - close to the wrist. Stable. No displacement. She got her x-rays, we talked with the doctor - she doesn't need it reset, no surgery, there are no nerve issues or anything. They'll put the cast on in a few minutes. Four weeks in it, maybe a splint for a short while after, but she's okay."

You visibly released a breath, shoulders finally falling away from your ears. Your features relaxed for a moment before you frowned in scrutiny.

"What happened?"

"She fell off the monkey bars. Tried to break her fall with her hands," Jessie explained. You shook your head.

"Those things are a death trap. I told you," you asserted. She couldn't help but chuckle. You narrowed your eyes at her, clearly not amused. "Don't laugh. It's not funny."

She rubbed the back of her neck with one hand and placed her other arm behind her back while she averted her gaze.

"Sorry."

You huffed in exasperation, folding your arms firmly against you and continuing to frown. You backed down some.

"How is she? I know you said she's okay, but how is she?" You asked in a flat tone, still annoyed.

"She's good," Jessie replied and you shot her a skeptical look. She smiled. "Seriously. Yes, she cried a bit earlier, she was scared, but she's good now. The worst is behind. She's sitting in there swinging her legs and eating a popsicle," she went on with a smirk. "And once she's in the cast, she'll be totally fine."

You seemed reluctant to accept Jessie's assessment, but you relented with a silent sigh and a nod. The next moment, you looked her up and down in scrutiny.

"You're awfully calm," you noted, challenged even. Jessie shrugged, tucking her hands into her pockets.

"I've seen a lot of breaks. Far worse than hers. Worst part was simply it being her," she told you. You softened, a hint of apology in your eyes. Jessie smiled reassuringly. "She's a tough kid."

You took another calming breath.

"Yeah," you accepted. Your gaze fell to the floor before locking with hers again. "Thanks. For being there for her."

Jessie tried not to make a face, but was only half successful. What a silly thing to thank her for.

"Of course," she said.

You exhaled once more, looking absently to the wall as you continued to hold one arm against you while the other gestured between the two of you.

"Given - this - seems like you were the better parent to deal with this anyway," you relayed in a slight mumble. She spied the way the corner of your mouth turned up just so. Her chest filled with pride and appreciation.

"Anytime," she said and you started to make your way to the room.

"Hopefully not," you added with a look that was almost borderline playful and she was thankful for it.

You and Jessie had attended a couple of therapy sessions since the trip together. The first one in particular had been tense as you confronted sleeping together.

Joanne reiterated that the division between you two wasn't due to a lack of emotions or pull towards one another. It was about trust. Sex was physical, but also a way to communicate.

She told you it wasn't a bad thing. They didn't need to feel ashamed or beat themselves up. She commended them on navigating something so loaded and complex and not backsliding significantly. Although it resulted in some setbacks, Joanne noted that some things had improved.

That didn't mean things were fixed though. While you'd dropped some walls within the insular paradise of Disneyland, many had gone back up now that you were both back in the real world.

Still. You were less quick to bristle with anger, quicker to soften as well. You didn't seem to have a guttural, unshakable need to leave the space the second she entered it. You and she could maintain eye contact for longer - what a thing to have to gauge their relationship by - and she could even get you, now and then, to crack the faintest smile.

Joanne had asked them both to share one or two things they'd appreciated about the other during the trip. It could be in connection to the kids, but even better if it wasn't.

When it was your turn, you were quick to note how great she was with the kids. She always made sure they had fun, but she could keep things in line as well with a calm, easy approach.

You fidgeted, clearly debating internally about something. Joanne coaxed it out of you.

You acknowledged how thoughtful she was. Not just of the kids - of you. Unnecessarily so. Small things, like carrying bags, handling logistical details. But other things too. Giving you space to reset when you got to the hotel. The earplugs. Her gentle way with Harper in the pool when she was getting too rowdy with you. And yes, you admitted, albeit reluctantly, that the way she'd handled things post-sex was about as good as you could've hoped for. You hadn't known what you'd needed or wanted in those moments, but despite everything, you'd felt safe with her amongst all the hurt.

You didn't know if she could be faithful, but you at least knew that she'd protect you in a space like that.

Her heart could've burst with how grateful she was to hear that.

There was still much more mountain to climb, but, there was progress.

Soon enough, the three of them were walking out to the hospital parking lot. Harper in brand new spirits, skipping a few steps in front of them and holding her bright orange cast up in the sun to get a letter look at it.

It already had two scribbles on it, having asked you and Jessie to be the firsts. You drew a little heart and Jessie drew her best depiction of Pascal the chameleon, much to Harper's elation.

At her request, you two agreed to go get ice cream. Because, of course, the popsicle she'd just had was not sufficient to make up for such a terrible morning.

"I want to ride with mom this time," she said as she fell in line next to you.

A faint pulse of melancholy went through Jessie. Not over Harper wanting to ride with you, but simply the fact that there was such a decision to make. Whose car, whose house - questions that highlighted this intentional and painful divide.

"I'll call Hazel's mom to see if she can take Ky after school. They have Explorers together after anyway," Jessie offered. You nodded your agreement and gave a quick 'thanks' before heading to the other side of the parking lot.

They made their way to the ice cream shop and each ordered. Jessie had hardly paid by the time Harper was cheerfully eating her ice cream, a bright blue splotch from it on the tip of her nose already.

"I'll go get some napkins," Jessie chuckled and you ushered Harper to a table by the window.

Jessie tucked some napkins into her pocket and was about to walk over to you two when someone stepped in front of her, stopping her.

A fan. Nothing more. A woman, a little younger than Jessie, who had just walked in and was over eager, borderline flirtatious even, and Jessie didn't like how she placed a hand on her arm and was actively keeping her from you and her daughter.

Normally, she tried to be receptive and polite - but today was not the day.

She glanced over the woman's shoulder to catch you watching intently, your posture stiff. You stared hard at this exchange, evidently - and sadly - any woman now being a potential threat.

It wasn't uncommon for her to be stopped in public - greeted, asked for photos, signatures - she'd never enjoyed it, but it was part of the gig. You were much more gracious about it, welcoming fans into conversation or encouraging photos. You found it amusing most times how Jessie grimaced but tried to smile for the camera. You used to say you felt proud to be with her and you'd tease, "They have good taste. How could they not love you?"

That ease and confidence was gone.

No, today was definitely not the day.

"Excuse me. I'm just with my family right now. Have a good day," she said, a bit curt as she side-stepped the woman without another look and made her way over to you.

You inhaled sharply and inaudibly upon seeing her approach, drawing back and dropping your gaze to the table to distractedly pick at a spot on it. Harper sat there in her chair, legs swinging beneath the seat without a care as she messily ate her ice cream, blissfully oblivious.

"Sorry about that," Jessie said under her breath as she sat down. She reached over to dab at Harper's nose and mouth, despite how pointless an effort it was given she still had half of it left.

"A friend of yours?" You asked, tone casual enough that Harper wouldn't take notice, but it was blatant to Jessie. She gave you a side-eyed glance as she continued to wipe Harper's face.

"A fan," she responded evenly.

"Mm," you voiced as you licked your ice cream. "Lots of those around."

"Momma's famous," Harper relayed over her scoop with a boastful look.

"She sure is, sweetie," you replied in a saccharine voice that made Harper smile proudly, but left Jessie feeling deflated. You smirked though your eyes didn't reflect it. "On camera, and off."

Jessie couldn't hide her reaction, shooting you a disbelieving and sharp stare.

"I told her to get lost," she defended in a hushed tone, glancing briefly at Harper who continued to eat her ice cream entirely unbothered.

You kept your eyes trained on your ice cream, studying it for a moment before taking another lick.

"Well that's not very nice," you commented in an easygoing tone.

Jessie sunk in her chair, feet lightly stomping against the floor as she did so and her head lolled to the side as she shot another look at you.

"What do you want me to do?" She asked with barely masked dejection.

"I don't care what you do," you responded with an airiness that strongly contrasted the truth.

At this, Harper did look up. You immediately dropped your gaze and cleared your throat. Jessie caught the subtle flash of shame and regret across your face and you shot her a brief apologetic glance.

"How's your ice cream, sweetie?" You asked, changing the subject and focusing in on Harper with a reset demeanour.

"Good," she responded lightly, seemingly not too concerned about what just occurred. You spied a drip of ice cream falling from the cone too late and it landed on her cast. You cracked a new smirk and grabbed a napkin from the stack Jessie brought back.

"And so it begins," you deadpanned as you reached out to wipe the drip of bright blue ice cream off her cast. You were still smirking as you gave Jessie a cursory glance. She couldn't find the will to do more than give a flash of a half-hearted smile.

You sat back, clearing your throat once more. You gave her a somewhat nervous or coy look, sitting primly now.

"Um, how's yours?" You asked. The inquiry surprised her some, but she still felt heavy and rejected from your beratement. She took a quiet breath.

"It's good," she said, working to keep her voice even and light. You offered a faint smile, seemingly disappointed by her lack of elaboration. She shuffled back up in her chair some, but struggled to overcome her upset and charge on eagerly and happy like usual. "I get the same every time," she tacked on, followed by a swift pang of regret for the comment.

She rallied, sitting up further.

"How's yours?"

"It's fine," you offered, still polite and seeking a truce. "Want to try?" You offered, again, to her surprise.

She had no interest in whatever bizarre flavour you'd chosen to try this time, but it was about the gesture. She accepted, taking the cone from you and giving a tentative lick. You actually chuckled vaguely and she looked up at you in a renewed state.

"Thanks. Not quite my taste," she said with a hint of teasing as she returned it and held up her own, "I'll stick to my usual. But thank you."

"Mommy," Harper spoke up, drawing both women's eyes away from one another to her. She looked up at you innocently. "Can Momma spend the night?"

Both of you were caught off guard by the request. Jessie's eyes snapped over to you. Harper watched you and waited for your reply.

"Well, um. I-, well,"

You hadn't said 'no'. Harper took her chance.

"Please?" She implored, dragging it out and leaning into the table, giving you her saddest look. "What if my arm hurts tonight?" She asked in a pout.

Your jaw dropped slightly, uncertain if your daughter was legitimately worried or playing you like a fiddle. Your eyes shifted over to Jessie who held up her free hand in defense, making it clear it was your call.

"I don't know where you get this from. I'm just saying," you eventually responded, half in jest as you cracked the faintest crooked grin. You shot Jessie a fleeting look and muttered, "Her teen years are going to be terrifying."

"So she can have a sleepover?" Harper clarified. You exhaled, giving your daughter a pointed stare, but eventually gave a nod.

"Yes," you acquiesced with a simple reply. You gave Jessie another cursory glance, a slow smile now crossing her face at how things had turned around. She couldn't believe it. "If it's okay with her, too."

It took her a moment to respond, initially confused. There was no world where she'd say 'no'.

------

After a quick detour to her house to pick up an overnight bag, Jessie made her way over to your place. She'd been in a handful of times since the separation began, but this was far and away the longest she'd stayed and in the most 'normal' way.

Things had been a bit awkward, even tense, at first. Sure, they'd come together easily at Disneyland, but falling into a rhythm together and coordinating back in their old home was just an entirely different thing.

You'd treated her like a guest at first, telling her to have a seat as you offered to make dinner. She wasn't the type to just sit and let someone wait on her, and this especially felt wrong. Besides, she knew you didn't really love cooking - that was more her thing.

She insisted on helping. You let her do a couple of simple tasks that eventually evolved into a full-blown partnership, with Harper following closely along wanting to be a part of it, too.

At one point, she banged her arm into the kitchen island, letting out a cry and dissolving into tears right away. Jessie came over and tended to her, calming her and helping her work through it. You watched quietly from the stove and almost as soon as it happened, Harper was back to ferrying things about with just a stray sniffle now and then.

They ate dinner together and chatted idly with one another. The conversation focused on Harper, truthfully, but for a second, Jessie could almost forget that this wasn't her life anymore. It was so bittersweet.

As they cleaned up, you and her briefly brushed against one another, a rush of over-eager apologies coming from both of you. You began to give each other unnaturally wide berths after and it left a sad undercurrent within her.

After dinner, you'd gone upstairs to do something and Jessie sat on the couch with Harper reading a book together. The front door opened and Ky came in.

"Momma?" She asked, in obvious shock as she dropped her backpack. Jessie couldn't help but smile affectionately at the Explorers hat her daughter donned.

"Hey Stringbean," she greeted. The nickname was barely out of her mouth when Ky ran over, launching herself over the couch arm and colliding into Jessie in a big hug.

"Hey, hey, easy," Jessie coached as she tried to put some space and a buffer between herself and Harper to protect her arm. "Your sister's a little hurt."

Ky peered over and spied the cast on Harper's arm. "Cool!" She gushed. She looked back to Jessie with bright eyes. "Mrs. Willums told me about it." She hopped off the couch and walked over to Harper. "Does it hurt?" She asked, gentler now.

"Not anymore," Harper said holding it out to her and Ky examined it, holding her hands behind her back to be extra safe.

"You can touch it," Jessie said, "but be gentle. The bone has to stay totally still to heal properly - that's what the cast helps to do. So no big bumps, okay? Be gentle with one another for the next few weeks."

"Okay," Ky affirmed as she continued to study it.

"You can sign it too," Harper said and her sister looked up at her eagerly.

"Awesome," she said before gently setting Harper's hand back into her lap. "I'm going to think about what I want to draw. And I'll practice it first and then I'll do it." She leaned over abruptly and kissed Harper on the temple before running back over next to Jessie and hopping up next to her. Jessie smiled at her, noting the faint blush forming on the girl's cheeks now, embarrassed at showing such affection for her sister.

"That was sweet, Ky," she said in appreciation.

"So, um, why are you here?" Ky asked tentatively. She quickly clarified. "It's great! But I thought it was just us and Mom until Friday."

She took a breath. "Well, with Princess here getting a little banged up, I'm just spending the night. I'll go back home in the morning."

She expected Ky to be happy, but instead the girl looked sad. She nudged her with her elbow.

"What's up? Does it bother you?" She inquired.

"No," Ky corrected. "I like you here. I just - I was hoping this meant you were moving home."

Jessie's heart ached softly.

"No, sweetie," she said, trying not to sound upset herself. "But hey," she continued, determined to lighten things up, "now that I'm here, I can beat you at Sushi Go," she teased.

The girl didn't brighten immediately, but eventually cracked a slow smile. "Only if Mom plays, too."

Eventually, you all gathered around the dining table, the board and various cards lain about and held. You'd helped Harper figure out how to hold her cards with her cast and helped her with the math and play.

Some of the uneasiness between you and Jessie that had cropped up towards the end of dinner faded as you all sat around the table. It was like the boisterous, fun-filled family game nights they used to have, but the jokes and teasing was centered around the girls, no longer between you and Jessie. Though, the odd tentative joke was cracked and even landed.

Small wins and Jessie was grateful for them.

When it was time for the girls to go to sleep, Jessie went upstairs to help. Helped Harper navigate how to shower with the cast, how to get changed and helped her get settled into bed. She brought up the book they'd been reading together downstairs. They were laying on the bed together, Harper all tucked in and beginning to drift off to sleep when you peeked your head in.

Jessie went to get up, feeling like it was your signal to get her to go. You waved her off and she allowed herself to settle back in.

"Sorry - I just wanted to tell you I have the guest room ready. Take your time, though," you whispered. Jessie nodded her thanks. "Ky's in bed. I'm going to head to bed, too."

Jessie fought off the wave of disappointment that came over her and she mustered up a small smile of acknowledgement.

"Sure. Good night, then."

You turned to leave, but turned back around, leaning against the doorframe once more.

"Thanks again for today," you whispered once more. Jessie shook her head.

"Of course," she said quietly. "Thank you for letting me stay." She looked down at Harper who'd now fallen asleep. She looked up again to see you wearing a faint smile.

"The girls are lucky to have you," you said.

You lingered and she felt the urge to speak, like maybe a door had opened. You wished her a goodnight and left before she could do anything more.

-----

The next morning Jessie was up early. It felt strange to wake up in this room again. It felt familiar and she appreciated being here, but it still didn't feel right.

Honestly, she felt more at home waking up with you in a hotel room 1,000 miles away.

Last night she'd already planned out what she was going to do this morning. She went through her plan again and even though it could go over poorly with you, she was hopeful and committed.

She quickly made up the bed and packed up her things, ensuring the room was as spotless as it was when she arrived. Then, she padded downstairs and quietly began to prepare breakfast for everyone.

Right on time, she heard the upstairs level of the house begin to stir with activity as you and the girls began to wake up. You came down first, assuming you had to prep breakfast for the girls. You stopped in place when you rounded the corner and saw Jessie at the stove.

"Morning," Jessie greeted with a smile.

"Um," you frowned, looking around at the plates and cutlery that were set out and back to her. "Morning?" Jessie chuckled under her breath.

"I've got breakfast. You can keep getting ready if you want," she offered easily.

You scratched your head, still a bit puzzled and drowsy and looking so incredibly cute. You took up a seat at the island instead. You sat there for a second before shaking out your head and going to stand.

"Sorry - can I help you with anything?"

She held out her hand, gesturing for you to stop. "Not at all. Just sit down. Relax."

You contemplated a second before doing so with a small yawn.

"I can take the kids to school," she offered further as she flipped the pancakes. "Give you a bit more time to yourself before work." You contemplated.

"I should say 'no', but I'll take it," you said. She looked over her shoulder to see you resting your head in your hands.

"Tired?" Jessie asked, a bit of apprehension prickling inside of her in case you'd take offense to her well-intentioned prying. You took a beat, but eventually nodded.

"Yeah. Just been a long week," you said. It was true, you looked tired, but it didn't look like the same devastating, deep-seated weariness that you'd constantly been burdened with in months prior.

"Well," Jessie started, tapping her finger against the counter nervously before quieting her movements, "I've got the kids this weekend, so hopefully you can have a relaxing weekend."

You nodded. "Yeah. That's my exact plan," you said slowly, scratching idly at your jaw as you stared at the counter in contemplation. You tentatively went on. "I'm, um, going to grab coffee with Lil on Sunday, but that's about it."

It didn't go unnoticed for her that this was, as surface level as it was, one of the first times in so long that you'd talked about each other's lives and not specifically just the kids. A nervous energy filled her head and she tried not to mess things up.

"That sounds great," she affirmed as she took the pancakes out of the pan and set them on the plate alongside the other food she'd prepped. She handed it to you. "Here, you start."

You gave her a questioning look, and she gave you an encouraging nod before returning to the stove and pouring out more batter. Her eyes were still on the round discs of batter in the pan when she braved another inquiry.

"Did you finish that book you were reading on the trip?" She asked as nonchalantly as she could. She heard you pick up the cutlery and begin eating.

"Yeah," you answered around a mouthful.

"How was it?" She asked as she finally turned around. You were still chewing as you nodded in contemplation. You swallowed before answering.

"Um, it was good. It was a little slow at first, but, had some good twists and turns in the end," you said.

"That's good," Jessie said with a series of enthusiastic nods. She was still nervous, but forged on.

“I, uh, heard the other day that a new book is being written in that series.”

You finished another bite with a nod.

“I heard that too. Hopefully it doesn’t take two years like the last one, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Jessie’s body trilled with growing energy.

“Oh, and I thought I heard there’s a TV series adaptation happening, too. Is that true?” She asked as she went to fetch you a cup of coffee.

You rolled your eyes good-naturedly as you covered your mouth while you swallowed a bite. “That’s the rumour. Even if it’s true, I’m skeptical. You know how some of these adaptations can go.”

Jessie bit back an excited smile as she set the mug in front of you. “Like [series],” she said, as she recalled the two of you watching - and griping - about it together.

“Right,” you said with a faint, breathy laugh. You glanced up at her briefly, shy almost. “That’s what it was. I was trying to think of the name.” You nodded towards the mug and spoke quietly. “Thanks.”

You held a hand to your mouth politely while you swallowed another mouthful. "Um, how about you? What are you reading these days?"

Jessie told you, careful to not be too over the top with how eager and giddy she was at how this conversation was going. It was casual, sure - ignoring nerves and awkwardness on both ends - but a milestone, nonetheless.

She hadn't understood at first, and she'd been terrified, and it had proven to be one of the very hardest things she'd ever done, but maybe your request for space, this separation, truly was beneficial and warranted. Not only was this the first conversation of this kind in recent memory, but it was the first time in so long that it hadn't devolved into prickly defensiveness, a snide remark, hurt confessions, or blatant tension.

She was scared to be hopeful, but she couldn't help herself.

She was answering a follow-up question you had when her phone lit up on the counter in front of you. Your eyes went to it and you immediately bristled. Jessie's words tapered as she watched you and her eyes went to where yours were now staring daggers.

Mia.

Jessie's eyes snapped up to you to see you glaring furiously at her. All previous calm or even hints of warmth entirely non-existent now. You nearly slammed your coffee cup onto the counter. Jessie flinched.

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

"Wait-" Jessie protested. She was just as confused as you, honestly. She hadn't talked to Mia in many weeks and even then it was purely transactional.

"Fuck off," you said seethingly, voice still a bit hushed so as not to alert the girls. You rose out of your seat and grabbed your dishes storming toward dishwasher.

"No, wait," Jessie protested again as she grabbed the phone and rushed over to you. You shot her a dangerous look as she neared.

"You're such a fucking liar," you said, your voice trembling as you shoved your dishes into the racks. "I can't believe I was starting to trust you again. Oh my fucking, God," you finished with a near-hiss as you stared at her in anger before turning to leave.

"Baby, please-"

You stopped mid-step and rounded on her. "Don't you fucking dare," you fumed. "I'm not your baby. I'm not yours at all. I'm going to be your fucking ex-wife. That's what I am to you. Got it? You can fucking leave. I'm taking the kids to school and you can get out."

Jessie felt like the wind was knocked out of her. She was confused, scared and bewildered by what was happening. Her heart pounded aggressively in her chest as she scrambled after you. You rounded on her once more.

"Just fucking leave me alone," you said, fighting back tears and trying to keep from yelling. "Go fuck her and just leave me the hell alone. Go cry on her shoulder. Go do sweet things for her. You've had your fun, Jessie. You've toyed with me and strung me along. But if you ever fucking loved me, just stop." Your voice broke and tears had begun to stream down your face. You looked as broken as she'd ever seen you.

"Please," she pleaded, her own tears falling now. She held up the unlocked phone to you. "Read it. Please! There's nothing going on. This is just a misunderstanding."

You practically batted the phone out of her hand, shocking Jessie, but she managed to hold onto it.

“Carrying on with her while you lie to my face about loving me and wanting to fix things and be together is not a fucking misunderstanding,” you practically sneered before all of the anger dissolved into tears, your lower lip trembling. “How could you do this to me again?”

She shook her head, feeling like if you left this room she'd never get another chance, so she held up the phone once more, scrolling and trying to show you.

"I sent her back her stupid lenses when I moved! That was it!" She defended in an urgent whisper. "I haven’t been talking with her. It was just that! And the reason it took so long for me to do is because I didn’t even want to acknowledge them at all.” She swallowed hard, her mouth dry. “Read through it all. Everything. I have nothing to hide," she declared resolute and desperate.

"I shouldn't have to fucking read it," you said, somehow calmer, but fighting off tears all the same.

"I know," Jessie agreed sadly. "But you need to. And it's my fault. But please, I'm begging-" and she honest to God dropped so low she was nearly on her knees with her hands out to you, "Please read this. You can read anything in there. Check anything you want."

"You're careful, Jess. You're smart. You're not going to leave anything for me to find," you relayed coldly as you sniffed angrily and wiped away a stubborn tear.

She felt like she could collapse in despair and frustration, but she held onto the fact that you hadn't turned on her again to leave.

"She just texted now. I couldn't have planned or hidden anything," she tried to reason. "And we don't live together!" She went on in a hushed tone. "Why would I bother or assume you're going to go through my phone."

You stared harshly at her, unflinching, as you weighed her argument. She held firm, praying and trusting that this could still work out. She didn't look away.

You eventually caved, gaze dropping as you snatched the phone from her hand. The phone had locked by now and you stared at her lock screen before her Face ID kicked in. You relayed just a hint of surprise as the phone unlocked, your body language relaxing so minutely she hardly could tell, but relaxing nonetheless.

She'd given you access to her phone early on in your relationship. You'd never asked, she just offered it. She had nothing to hide even then, and she trusted you wholly. And then with the kids, it just was easier if you could look up things on her phone if she couldn't or vice versa. She never considered it an invasion of privacy.

And it didn't even cross her mind to ever remove you or change her password. Outside of those couple of days when she carried the most shameful secret she'd ever had, she never felt the need to hide anything from you.

Hide nothing from you but fears and insecurities, that is, she thought bitterly.

You stared at the message from Mia. Jessie did too. She honest to God hadn't read it or known what it was about.

She quickly scanned it. Just an acknowledgement and thanks from her for the lenses. She'd received them. An apology for taking so long to confirm - she'd been out of town for several weeks.

Jessie discretely looked at you. A stern frown was on your face as you began to scroll up in the conversation. And truthfully, there wasn't that much to see and the date stamps proved it. Post-affair, extremely minimal - transactional, at most, and only when necessary. Even pre, there wasn’t much there. It really had only evolved for that one night.

Your shoulders loosened and in time you closed out of it altogether, locking the phone with a subtle exhale. You weren't happy by any means, but the visceral anger and hurt you'd bared before had simmered and calmed.

Everything Jessie had been telling you was plain in the thread. No more secrets.

You pushed the phone into her chest as you turned on your heel.

"That better be the end of it," you warned in an even tone.

The rest of the morning had been unsurprisingly tense. You'd retreated upstairs to get ready and the girls came down as Jessie was throwing out a burnt set of pancakes. She plastered on a winning smile and made them a fresh set.

You were quiet the rest of the morning. When you came back down and Jessie was still there, you weren't upset - and you didn't kick her out - and merely went about the rest of the morning routine.

"Harper has PE today, you'll need to talk to Mrs. Fisher about what they'll do now," you said, matter-of-fact and indirectly affirming that Jessie was still allowed to take them to school.

She'd made a point of giving you space, but tried to not make it overly obvious to the kids. You were polite and marginally receptive of any time she needed to interact. She considered that a good sign, despite the regression.

The kids were by the front door putting on their shoes, Ky kneeling down to help Harper with hers, when Jessie braved approaching you in the other room.

"Hey," she said gently. You paused for a moment before giving her a fleeting, reluctant look and silently giving her approval to carry on.

"I'm sorry about this morning," she said in a soft voice to not be heard by the girls. "Thank you - for taking a look at the messages. I-I didn't want you to think that something was going on. It 100% isn't."

"I don't want to talk about this right now," you said with a tired sigh and your hands to your temples. "I'm trying to get ready for work."

"I'm sorry," Jessie repeated solemnly.

"They're going to be late," you said with a nod to the door. She fought back to the urge to push and resigned to giving a nod and a tight smile.

------

Jessie was out running errands that evening, thankful for the distraction from everything, when a text came in from you. She stopped dead in her tracks and opened it immediately. She subconsciously took a deep, anxious breath as she saw the size of the message.

"Hi. I know we have our next session soon, but I wanted to get this off my chest. First. Sorry for being so extreme this morning. I saw her name, jumped to conclusions and I lost it. I assumed the worst and it really threw me over the edge.

Second. As much as I didn't want to see anything from her, any evidence that she actually existed, thank you - for being transparent. Now that I've cooled off some, I think I might actually feel a bit more at peace or something, knowing that it's not actually the same or worse than what I pictured in my head.

That doesn't mean that things are just forgiven or forgotten. And I'm still feeling a bit raw about it. But, now I guess there's nothing to speculate about. So. Thank you for putting my mind at ease, and sorry for blowing up at you so severely.”

"Don't apologize. Your reaction was completely understandable. The reason you jumped to conclusions or reacted so strongly is because I broke your trust to begin with and I hurt you. And honestly, I'd rather you let it out than bottle things up. So, thank you. For hearing me out. It's super shitty that you had to feel the way you did and I'm so sorry. But, I hope things are a bit better now. If there's anything else you ever need to know or see, please tell me. I am more than happy to do whatever is needed to put your mind at ease."

She could've just left it at that. That's what she would've done before. But again, her need to appear invulnerable, unflappable with you - her inability to express when she was worried or scared, is what drew her away from you and to someone else.

There was a balance to achieve. Especially now. She didn't want to make it about her, but perhaps telling you more fully how she felt was another way to restore the trust she'd so recklessly broken.

"I was really, really terrified that things were going to end because of that. I’m having trouble recalling a time I’ve been that scared. Again, you had every right to react the way or say the things you did, but I couldn't bear you thinking that you were being lied to or played. I broke your trust and your confidence. I know the way you reacted at the ice cream store is an outcome of that too. All I want is to make you feel confident again - not even in me (though of course that would be great!), but yourself. I’m not asking you to reassure me. I just wanted to share what I was thinking and feeling too.”

"And for the record, whether it matters or not, I was really enjoying our conversation this morning. Yes, of course I miss the girls and all of us being together, but I've also truly missed hearing about you. What you're up to, what you like these days, what you don't like. Any and all of it."

"Anyway, thank you for texting. I know you didn't have to. It means a lot."

“Thank you.”

"I was enjoying our conversation too."

"See you Friday."

Tag request: @marvelwomen-simp @user1269

#jessie fleming x reader #woso x reader #woso imagine #canwnt x reader #wlw angst #jessie fleming

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hgfictionwriter · 2 days ago

Text

Well, the moment is finally here! I have too many links on my original Master List. I'm splitting the list into two and will have both linked on the original post so no one loses access.

Master List - Non-Smut

Non-Smut Fics

Ache

Getaway - Part One, Part Two

Handy - Part One, Part Two, Part Three

TLC

Maybe This Time, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six

Sickness

Scattered

Mending

Just Friends

Moments

Changes

D.D.

First Impressions

G!P Series. Some smut content (marked).

Discovery Series: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five (smut), Part Six (smut)

Revelations Series: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four (smut), Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine (smut), Part Ten, Part Eleven, Part Twelve (smut)

Still Yours: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven (smut)

Blurbs/Other

Snapshots

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hgfictionwriter · 2 days ago

Text

Well, the moment is finally here! I have too many links on my original Master List. I'm splitting the list into two and will have both linked on the original post so no one loses access.

Master List - Smut

Smut Fics

Finally

Quiet

Celebrations

Reunited

Teasing

Ache - Part Two, Ache - Part Three

Protector

Birthday Gift

Comfort

Gravity, Gravity - Part Two

Bliss

Long Distance Call

Fantasy

Insatiable

Unwind

High Definition

Late Night Desires

Sizing Up

A Show

Good Girl

Cravings

Discretion

Firsts

Reflection

Safe Word

First Impressions: Part Two

Smut Fics: G!P Universe

Self Control Series: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten, Part Eleven, Part Twelve, Part Thirteen, Part Fourteen, Part Fifteen

Road Trip

Mine

Jackpot

Frustration

Midnight Satisfaction

Possession

First Time

Fitness, Flirting and Confessions

Anticipation

Need

G!P series with smut chapters, but are mostly non-smut are available and marked here.

Discovery

Revelations

Still Yours

Blurbs/Other

Smut headcanons

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hgfictionwriter · 4 days ago

Text

Yay for finally being able to ‘like’ comments! I always want to acknowledge them because I appreciate them so much, but don’t want to flood or overtake the comments to do so.

So, hooray!

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hgfictionwriter · 7 days ago

Text

Still Yours: Part Seven - Fault Lines

Jessie Fleming x Reader

Summary: Jessie thought she could keep things light and composed, but being on a long-awaited trip with you and the girls stirs up more than she expected. Familiar rhythms, shared memories, and a moment of tenderness blur the lines you've worked hard to draw.

Warnings: G!P Content. Oral (J receiving). Penetrative sex. Emotional sex. Orgasm delay (J). Angst. Emotional whiplash. Language.

A/N: This is a long one, but it's a pivotal chapter with - imo 🤣- important nuance that frankly I just didn't want to cut! And for those waiting for smut, it's arrived! Rest of the series is here.

Day One

The door had hardly clicked open when Ky and Harper pushed out from behind Jessie to burst into the hotel room. Excited yells and squeals filled the room as the girls explored in a hurried frenzy.

"Girls! Come on," Jessie chided as they dumped their backpacks on the floor and jumped on the bed. She couldn't help but smirk as she carried her luggage and theirs into the middle of the colourfully decorated room. "I know you're excited, but let us at least get settled before unleashing some chaos, okay?"

Despite the short flight, it'd been a long day of travel, but they were finally here. Disneyland. The girls had been pleading for years to come and Jessie's retirement seemed like just the right opportunity.

At the time when all of this was booked, of course, your relationship was solid and loving. Despite the confusing and damaged stated it was in now, neither of you had the heart to cancel on the girls.

"I'm sleeping here," Ky called as she jumped one final time and laid out onto her back on the king size bed in the attached suite.

"Keep dreaming," you deadpanned as you came up from behind and stood in the opened set of french doors and beckoned both girls with a curl of your finger and a pointed, but teasing look. "You're out here," you announced as you led them to the main area and took the cushions off the couch to reveal the pull-out. "Look at all of this cool artwork on the wall above your bed, here. Pretty neat, huh?"

The girls clamoured onto the mattress and started going over it as you retreated to the bedroom only releasing a sigh once you were behind the wall.

"They're excited," Jessie said and you gave her a brief smile of acknowledgement.

"I know," you said as you set up your luggage and opened it. Something got dislodged during the journey today and it fell out of your bag and onto the floor. "Fuck," you hissed under your breath and you threw a hand up in exasperation.

Jessie quickly nipped down and retrieved it for you. You exhaled wearily and took it from her with a brief glance. "Thanks," you said flatly.

Jessie stood by awkwardly for a few moments, gaze drifting to the bed. In the aftermath of her infidelity, you'd both briefly discussed getting two rooms, but between the lack of availability, cost, and the complications it would cause, you'd resigned to keeping the original booking. You'd inquired about two queens, but it seemed the time you wanted to visit was the same time everyone else wanted to as well.

"I can sleep on the pullout," Jessie offered anew in case you'd changed your mind. "The girls can stay with you or one can bunk with each of us," she went on lightly.

You sighed once more and straightened up, giving her a weary look.

"I don't know. We'll see," you replied somewhat flippantly as you returned to your bag. You went on a moment later, a wry hint in your voice. "I'm sure we can survive sharing a bed. At least it's a king."

Jessie forced a smile on her face and a faint laugh, unsure how much you were joking. She ignored the dull ache in her chest.

"Sorry," you muttered as you stood up again with a tired breath. "I'm overwhelmed right now. I'll pull it together."

She shook her head eagerly. "Don't worry. That's understandable. The flight delays. The shuttle. And the girls were more than a handful today," she validated with a smirk.

"Yep," you said distractedly as you dug through your bag before giving a shake of your head. "Did I not bring my hairbrush? What the Hell," you finished in a frustrated whisper.

"Here," Jessie offered quickly as she pulled out her own from one of her bags. You gave her a look, staring at the brush for a moment before relenting and taking it.

"Thank you," you said in an almost pouting voice that tugged the corner of her mouth into a crooked smile.

She could practically hear the unspoken conversation. She'd always helped you pack. She was Type A to begin with, but given she lived half her life out of a bag or suitcase, she was very good at packing and travelling.

"I'm taking that side!" Harper's voice carried into the room.

"No, I am!" Ky countered.

"Oh my God," you muttered.

"I'll deal with them," Jessie said already heading for the doorway. "I'll get them sorted and I can keep them entertained until we're ready to go." She grabbed the knobs of the doors and paused until you looked her way. She locked eyes on you. "Take your time though. Seriously. We'll be fine."

She didn't wait for your response, instead simply closing the doors to better give you space.

By now, you two had had a small handful of sessions together. You were less angry in the appointments now, but emotions were still high. You were still guarded and very hurt. And she was still doing whatever she could to best prove herself and her devotion to you.

You'd talked about this trip last session; how to manage as a pair. First and foremost, the shared intent that this was going to be a joyful and fulfilling experience for the girls. But as a couple, this was an opportunity to observe. See what worked between them. What didn't. It was going to be an emotionally charged experience for them, there was no way around that, but it could be a check-in for them as well.

Jessie was certainly willing to try.

------

Downtown Disney was electric. Balloon vendors, music spilling from storefronts, scents from the various food stalls and trolleys.

You walked hand-in-hand with the girls, you now having rallied after a brief break in the hotel room and ready for the evening. The simple 'thanks' you whispered to her as you were leaving the lobby felt real and true, and she could see a difference in your demeanour.

She was grateful she could still make some things easier for you.

They weren't even at the gates yet and the girls were excitedly pointing out thing after thing, plus their wishlist of souvenirs was rapidly growing.

Jessie chuckled. "Slow down, you two. We have three more days to experience everything. And remember - we agreed - only one souvenir per day. You can't have everything. This is about having fun together and making memories. It's not about things," she reminded them gently.

She fell back slightly, swinging her bag around to retrieve her camera. She lifted the viewfinder to her eye and steadied her hands to take a picture of all the bustle. She kept you in frame, Harper's hand in yours and you smiling at Ky who was next to you with almost a literal bounce in her step.

She continued to trail behind slightly, now taking a picture of the gate with all the scenery around.

She broke out into a casual jog as she wound the film and caught up with you three as you reached the booths. Apparently she was a few steps too late because you turned back to give her an impatient stare as you all waited.

"I'm here," she called brightly as she slung her camera around her back and retrieved her phone, quickly pulling up the passes. She made eye contact with you briefly, giving a quiet, "Sorry." You relaxed, but didn't engage further, now looking ahead.

She couldn't help but picture how a few months ago, you would've laughed at this whole scenario. She could envision your teasing comment, "Momma's being a slowpoke again because she has to get the perfect picture."

They passed through the gate and Harper squealed at the sight of the castle in the distance while Ky wandered in slack-jawed and stared wide-eyed at all the sights.

Hell. Even Jessie felt giddy. She'd been here before. She came with her family as a kid. Again in uni with her friends. But this particular instance, this trip, was one she'd longed for. The timing had never been right before, and though this might not have been the context she imagined, she was grateful and happy to be here nonetheless.

She glanced over at you. You were quiet. The girls were tugging at you as you looked down Main Street towards the castle. While Jessie had been lucky enough to come multiple times, you'd never been here. Despite your girls pleas for attention and action, you were lost in your thoughts, wistful and taken aback almost as you took it all in.

Her heart felt full with overwhelming love for you. As much as this was for the girls, she wanted you to have a great time, too. She was about to step in and take the girls to let you have a moment, when you came around, turning your focus to them and carrying on.

There wasn't time for many rides tonight. It was getting late and everyone was tired.

They went on the Teacup ride together, she and Harper on one side, you and Ky on the other. Both girls wanted to spin the teacup, but Jessie maintained control so things didn't get too out of hand. At one point, after much begging and pleading and with your silent blessing, Jessie gave the teacup a serious spin, sending the four of you flat against the sides coupled with amused laughs.

She loved seeing her girls giggle with glee, but she was struck by how beautiful you looked in the setting sun, laughing, with your hair tousled by the wind and ride. She caught your eye for just a moment then. She swore she saw a blush form on your cheeks.

When you all headed back to find a spot for the parade and fireworks, the castle was lit in soft purple and blue and the final rays of the setting sun.

She orchestrated the three of you standing in front of the castle and she took a couple of pictures with her camera. She was about to put it away when a nearby family offered to take a picture of the four of you.

Jessie hesitated, eyes immediately shifting over to you, before dropping her gaze. She met the stranger's face once more and dismissed their offer with an awkward laugh. She was still waving off the proposition when the girls protested. She was going to stand firm when you interjected.

"Thank you," you said. "That'd be great."

Jessie's gaze snapped over to you in mild surprise and you gave her a quick nod, stepping aside just so to signal room for her.

She handed off the camera and rushed over, mindful to not get in your space. She placed her hands on Ky's shoulders who stood in front of her, Harper in front of you.

"Come on, get in close," the father called out, waving them closer together with his free hand.

You and Jessie exchanged a brief look with no outward rebuff or protest from you. The girls inched in closer to one another and you followed suit, your arm now brushing against hers. Instincts and old muscle memory took hold as she automatically reached out, putting her arm around your waist. You stiffened momentarily, clearing your throat before smiling anew and even placing one hand on Jessie's shoulder, leaning in slightly while your other hand still rest on Harper's shoulder.

When the father announced the family photo was done, you didn't remove yourself as immediately or urgently as Jessie would've anticipated. In fact, you gave her a tight smile, gaze drifting down as soon as you made eye contact.

She tried to interpret it, but the man trotted over to return the camera and you pulled away. She wanted to stay with you, but he complimented her on the camera and started asking questions.

She politely answered, but didn't miss how you stiffened up at the sudden interest in photography, surely a lingering aftereffect and reminder of Mia and the photography connection. You quickly ushered the girls away, vaguely gesturing to Jessie that you were going to find a spot for the parade.

Though you determinedly ignored her for several minutes as you all found your spot along the parade path, you eventually thawed. As the floats eventually proceeded past the crowds, the girls were in complete awe. Jessie had hoisted Harper onto her back and the girl bounced excitedly when she saw a character she liked, Jessie more focused on holding wriggling-Harper securely than the show.

Between those moments though, she watched you quietly as you smiled to yourself, eyes bright as the colourful floats went past. At one point, you caught her watching you and you immediately silenced your smile, retreating into yourself and fidgeting self-consciously.

After a moment of internal debate, Jessie leaned in subtly and spoke just loud enough to be heard over the music.

"It's okay to enjoy it," she reassured you. "It's pretty magical." She huffed with mild self-deprecation. "No pun intended."

To her disappointment, her affirmation seemed to upset you more than anything, your eyes looking glassy and teary all of a sudden. She took a step back with a silent, heavy sigh trying to will away how crestfallen she felt.

She really wanted you to feel all the joys of this place and it ate away at her to know she was taking away from your experience. She was lost in ruminations when Ky, who stood in front of you with your arms wrapped around her shoulders started gushing about something she saw. Both you and Jessie quickly masked your separate concerns and smiled warmly back at her.

You all retreated back to the hotel after the fireworks ended, Harper falling asleep as Jessie continued to carry her. Soon enough, the girls were tucked into the bed on the pullout and were sleeping peacefully.

You and Jessie got ready for bed separately and she busied herself as you were about to get in. She'd shared a bed with you countless times before, but hadn't since that night in the guest room a few months ago now. She swallowed her nerves and tried to not be obvious about how she watched you.

You paused at the edge of the bed, staring silently at the pillow for a prolonged moment with its "Happiest Place on Earth" stitching. You reached out and flipped it over brusquely before climbing under the sheets, keeping to the edge of the bed.

Jessie contemplated what to do. She'd been writing nightly in her journal for weeks now, and frankly, she had a lot to write about tonight. Still, she felt self-conscious.

With a decisive breath, she committed to retrieving her notebook and pen from her bag. Being self-conscious, worried about what you'd think, worried that you'd think she's 'less than' or flawed in some way, had been a large part of how you'd wound up this way to begin with. She had to rid herself of these habits and this was practice.

She sat on her edge of the bed with the lamp on. She tentatively peeked over at you, your back to her as you were settling in.

"Will it bother you if I have the lamp on?" She whispered.

You glanced over your shoulder with a frown. Your eyes fell to the notebook in her hands and your frown turned scrutinizing.

"What's that?" You asked, ignoring her question.

She quashed her worries in her head.

"It's a journal. I guess," she said with a deflecting shrug as she nervously thumbed through the pages before closing it again. She looked up at you again.

"You guess?" You asked, more confused, tone curious, than accusatory.

She exhaled a breathy chuckle. "Yeah. I, um, never really thought about what to call it. But I guess that's what it is. I've just been trying to get thoughts out of my head. So."

You observed her wordlessly. She knew you well enough to know that you were shocked, but trying to hide it.

"Will the light bother you?" She asked again.

Your eyes lingered on her and then the notebook before you gave a belated shake of your head. "No. Light doesn't bother me. You know that," you said quietly, gently even.

She gave a close-lipped smile and a nod before a thought popped into her head.

"Oh," she said as she rose from the bed and went back to her bag. "Um, I wasn't sure how loud the room would be with the park so close by. I brought these just in case. I have a set for you."

She returned to the bed and held out her hand to you across the expanse of the bed, a package of earplugs resting in her palm. True - light didn't bother you, but sound did.

You released a faint laugh, gaze flicking from her palm to her face and back again. You took the earplugs from her with a fleeting touch.

"It is kind of louder than I expected," you mumbled, a hint sheepish and you opened the case. Jessie spied a subtle, lopsided smile on your face. "The girls don't seem bothered. They were out like a light."

She chuckled softly. "Yeah. Don't think they'll be needing these."

You returned her laugh for what felt like the first time in so long. Your eyes met hers, warm and tender for a moment as you looked at one another before you broke away. You readjusted the blanket and cleared your throat before holding up the earplugs.

"Thanks. Um, night, Jess," you said quietly, avoiding her gaze further as you put the earplugs in and turned onto your side and away from her.

The muted sounds of voices outside and park music playing persisted. There was a warm ache in her chest.

"Good night, Y/N."

Day Two

The next day started early, kids raring and ready for a full day at the park. You woke more well rested and Jessie couldn't help but selfishly hope she played some small part in that.

Breakfast was chaotic. Harper spilled her milk all over the table and partially onto herself, warranting an earlier than expected wardrobe change and delay. Then, Ky started making a fuss about taking time to put on sunscreen, feeling rushed and shorted for time already.

When they finally made it into the park, Jessie breathed a sigh of relief - one milestone down. She could see the relief on your face as well and the kids calmed despite the excitement abound.

They made their way to Fantasyland again to finish exploring and catching the rides they didn't do yesterday. Peter Pan. Dumbo. The Carousel.

Then onto the Haunted Mansion at Ky's request. While some of the younger kids on adjacent cars were spooked, both Ky and Harper laughed deliriously throughout.

By the time they were on Jungle Cruise, all of them laughing during the ride, it felt something akin to a previous life.

The midday sun was high and blistering by the time you all made it onto Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Even in line, you'd pre-emptively, but good-naturedly, grumbled about getting wet, and as it would happen, you somehow seemed to get the worst of it in the splash zone. Your clothes were dripping wet and your hair soaked as you held your arms comically aloft and climbed out of the log flume, the girls giggling non-stop at you as soon as the shock of the wave passed.

You wrung the hem of your shirt out onto the pavement, the girls' doubling over at the display and Jessie couldn't stifle her laugh. You shot all of them - Jessie included - an unimpressed, but teasing smile.

You all went over to see the photo from the ride and Jessie failed to stop herself from making a crack. "Looks like Mom is the most scared of all of us on the ride."

She went still the second the words came out of her mouth and a rush of apprehension washed over her. To her surprise, you gave her a playful shove and made a face at her.

As quick as the moment came, it was gone. Like you were caught off guard by old chemistry as well. You withdrew with a barely-there smile, leaving Jessie in a wake of longing.

They slowly made their way over to Alien Pizza Planet for lunch, stopping into a couple of stores along the way in an effort to dry off. By the time they sat, Jessie with Ky on one side and you and Harper on the other, you were in slightly better shape.

"Pineapple twins!" Jessie joked as she cheersed Ky's - the girl now wearing Stitch ears - and hers pizza slices.

"Ew," Harper commented as she scrunched up her face, head now adorned with her sequin Minnie Mouse bow.

"You're missing out," Jessie said, hopeful that you'd chime in with some of your playfulness from earlier.

You cracked a small smile for the girls. "Keep that pineapple on your side of the table," you teased mildly.

Though there were moments of brightness, things were undoubtedly still brittle.

-----

With the heat what it was, you all agreed to go back to the hotel for a break and to hit the pool for some relief.

Jessie and the girls swam, Jessie flipping Ky in the pool, and splashing around with the kids. You stayed poolside with your book and offering words of acknowledgement when the girls yelled for your attention.

Eventually, Jessie ushered the girls out of the pool to reapply their sunscreen, much to their chagrin.

She had to divert her gaze as she came up to you. You looked amazing laying there in your swimsuit, sun-kissed and relaxed on the lounger with your sunglasses on. She had to fiercely get herself in check.

Maybe it was just wishful thinking on her part, but she thought she caught your eyes lingering on her a second too long, as well.

"Hey. No, no. We need to wait a few minutes," Jessie ordered as Ky went to make a break for the pool again as soon as Jessie was done applying more sunscreen on her. The girl pouted, but took up a seat on the end of your lounger with a quiet huff.

"Here," you interjected as you sat up and offered some snacks you'd retrieved from one of the bags. You held out their water bottles next. "Water, too." The girls' pouting was quickly silenced as they ate and drank, having worked up an appetite and thirst they were unaware of.

"You too," you added as you held out the same to Jessie now.

She beamed, feeling a pang of embarrassment for being so touched by such a minor gesture, but relished in the moment anyway. This bolstered her confidence.

"Sure you don't want to come in the pool?" She asked. "It's freakin' hot out."

"I'm sure," you responded as you laid back down, Jessie trying to ignore the way something as subtle as you shimmying your shoulders as you settled in made her feel.

It was more than just lust. Truly. She wanted you. All of you. Appreciated every nuance and detail of you and your mannerisms.

It really was beyond fucked up that she ever left your side.

"I've had enough water for one afternoon," you added with a wry grin. Ky grabbed your shin and gave you a light shake.

"Mom," she dragged out your name. "Come on."

"Yeah, Mom. Please," Harper tacked on.

Jessie saw you wavering.

"It's really refreshing," she contributed. "And I can watch our things," she added in case it was her presence that made you hesitate.

You sighed dramatically and lifted your sunglasses up with a lingering, teasing look at the girls. You closed your book and the girls cheered in victory.

"It's fine," you told Jessie simply as you stood. "We can all go in."

You were much gentler with the girls in the water, but Harper got carried away and splashed you. Jessie intervened.

"Hey. Don't splash Mom. She doesn't like it. If you're going to splash someone, it's me," she finished with mock menace as she pointed to herself before slowly stalking towards Harper who was already giggling and readying an attack of her own. "Just know - if you splash me, I'm going to splash you twice as much."

As expected, Harper was no where near deterred and met Jessie's challenge with a splash to the face and a laugh. Jessie slowly wiped her face, really milking the moment, and set her gaze on her daughter who stared up at her in excited anticipation. Jessie caught a glimpse of you in her periphery watching in amusement.

"You're going to get it now," Jessie warned Harper. "Splash monster!" She picked the little girl up and out of the water before bringing her down in a controlled, but dramatic splash that had both girls yelling in delight.

When Harper surfaced she laughed, a wide grin across her face as she bobbed over to you with bright eyes and hugged you. You chuckled and hugged her back.

"Did that big ol' splash monster get you?"

"Yeah," she answered in glee.

"Me next!" Ky said.

When the girls played with one another or with you, giving Jessie a break, visions of memories past filled her mind. Her carrying you in her arms around the pool while you laughed at her antics. Even the odd time when you allowed her to dunk you. Her giving you her winningest smile while you feigned irritation and pushed her against the nearest wall and kissed her deep.

Never mind stolen nights at team or off-season retreats where you two happened to have the pool to yourselves. Her arms wrapped around your waist, your legs wrapped around her and -

No. She squinted her eyes shut and blocked the rest of those memories from her mind. She opened them once more.

She couldn't focus on what was. She had to think about now. And right now, the soft smile you wore now and then when you didn't think she was looking was enough for her.

--------

In the hotel room later that night, the girls were giddy and still coming down off the high of the day. They climbed into Jessie's and your bed fresh in their PJs and rattled on about the day, last night and what they wanted to do tomorrow.

You listened intently with a warm smile on your face. Jessie watched adoringly as you interacted with them, soft and tender. She couldn't love you more.

The girls continued on, but soon began to crash. Harper began to fall asleep mid-sentence and Ky wasn't far behind.

"You're falling asleep, little one. Should we get you to bed?" Jessie said. Harper barely stirred, but Ky protested feebly.

"I want to sleep in here with you guys tonight. Harper does too."

You and Jessie locked eyes, wordlessly deliberating. Jessie waited for your signal. You eventually shrugged, already starting to gingerly shift Harper and tuck her under the covers. "Fine. Just one night, okay?"

Ky excitedly bounced up and under the sheets, drawing a laugh but a mild scolding out of Jessie. "Come on, Stringbean, your sister's sleeping."

"Sorry," Ky offered sheepishly as she tucked the covers tightly under her chin.

"Yeah, yeah," Jessie laughed as she leaned in and kissed her daughter's temple. Ky made a face and giggled, pulling a wider smile out of Jessie. "Oh yeah, scared of a little kiss, but you want to share a bed with your parents."

The girl pouted good-naturedly, cuddling into Jessie and Jessie kissed the top of her head. "Okay, my sweet girl. Get some sleep. We have another big day tomorrow."

She looked up to catch you watching them affectionately. You immediately dropped your gaze and readjusted in bed.

"Can I have Mickey Mouse waffles for breakfast again tomorrow?" Ky asked, her words a soft mumble as she was falling asleep.

Your sudden determined focus on neatly folding and creasing the top of the covers vanished and you chuckled. You leaned over and kissed Ky's head sweetly. Jessie's eyes subconsciously fell shut as she caught the scent of your shampoo, momentarily transported back in time. She was slow to open them again, eyelids fluttering as she re-oriented herself.

"Sure, sweetie," you told Ky as you drew back, your eyes lifting momentarily to meet Jessie's, as if a natural reaction, but an accident just the same as you looked away a second later.

------

Day Three

"I can't wait to meet Spiderman," Ky relayed excitedly as she walked next to Jessie as they approached Avengers Campus.

"Yeah?" Jessie chuckled. "He's a pretty cool dude."

Time was waning and the girls had different wants for the morning, so they decided to split their efforts. Jessie with Ky and you with Harper back to Fantasyland to see the princesses again.

As they waited in line for something, Jessie listened idly as Ky went on and on about different superhero lore she'd studied voraciously beforehand. What really caught her attention though was a rogue comment from the girl between topics.

"I like us being together. Like. All of us. I guess we're not right now," she added with a small mumble as she idly scratched the side of her head, "but you know."

Jessie ruffled Ky's hair and a wistful smile crossed her face. A brief, but vivid recollection of this morning filled her mind. Waking up, all of them together in that king size bed. It truly felt like some kind of fantasy or dream.

"Me too, kiddo," Jessie responded as she then tenderly tucked her daughter's stray, wispy hairs behind her ear. She took a silent breath. "But even if your mom and I aren't together like before, it doesn't mean we can't have moments like this."

Ky digested her words and gave a few small, pensive nods before launching into her next retelling of superhero origin stories.

The morning continued and they explored as many things as they could. They'd just finished with one attraction and Ky was now poring over items in the gift shop, diligently assessing what her chosen souvenir might be.

Jessie's mind drifted to you. And Harper, of course. She pulled out her phone and sent you a photo of Ky at the Hero Training Center. A short while later her phone buzzed in her pocket and she retrieved it to see a message from you.

"Oh my God. She's in her element."

A second later a photo came through of Harper with Rapunzel.

Jessie began to overthink her response, but released a quick breath, giving herself permission to just say what she wanted.

"Aww. Our little princess."

She was 'ours' after all. That would never change.

Any lingering concern was quickly relieved as you replied.

"Living her best life."

"Her freckles are so pronounced after being in the sun."

Jessie smirked.

"Poor kid."

"No. They're cute."

She knew it wasn't necessarily about her too. In fact, it was unlikely. Regardless, her chest fluttered at the simple possibility.

After Ky chose her souvenir, the four of you met up again for lunch at Pym's.

Jesssie held up the oversized pretzel in front of Harper with an exaggerated look of shock. "This is bigger than your head! Are you a pretzel head?"

Harper laughed and made a face. "No!"

"Your momma's silly," you said with a smirk Jessie only saw when she turned to face you, you sitting next to her this time. She nearly puffed out her chest at the sliver of approval.

You picked up a beaker and examined it before you took a sip. Unprompted, you added, "Did you know your momma's a scientist of sorts as well? She's silly, but she's really smart, too."

It took a moment for your words to register. She had to process them twice to make sure she didn't mishear or misunderstand. She tried to mask her surprise, but it didn't matter because you ignored her watchful gaze.

You took another sip from the beaker and set it back down making a comical face for the girls. "Mmm. Cherry boba."

-----

That evening the four of you gathered at the waterfront to watch the World of Color. The show was dazzling and Jessie brought out her camera to capture a couple of shots.

Things had been...good, today. Glimpses of their old relationship. Easy banter now and then. Natural chemistry. Moments of comfort and ease.

It felt like something had shifted. Whether it was real, whether it was permanent, was yet to be seen, but she reveled in it either way.

She had her viewfinder up to her eye and she braved taking a few steps away to grab a photo of you - just you this time - backlit by the show.

You noticed, but were astonishingly receptive, a soft smile crossing your lips as you looked into her lens unflinchingly. She smiled widely at you as she dropped the camera back down and wound the film.

The show continued, majestic and dynamic displays coupled with a sweeping score and Jessie noticed your eyes beginning to well with tears. Different from the first night in front of the castle though. This didn't feel so sad.

Encouraged by the past couple of days, something came over her and she reached over, gently taking your hand and giving it a comforting squeeze. You let her. You even squeezed back, tearing up further as you looked at her unencumbered; not averting your gaze like you'd done so habitually lately.

She was overwhelmed with a need to kiss you. She mentally teetered on the edge of what to do. Ultimately, she chose restraint. She kissed her own fingers and lay them tenderly upon your hand. Your lip trembled at the gesture and a tear finally fell.

A rush of colliding emotions went through Jessie as you leaned into her. She automatically shifted, wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you snuggly against her, lacing her other hand with yours instead now. When you didn't stiffen, didn't withdraw, she was unable to hold back a chaste kiss to your shoulder.

To her elation, you leaned your head against hers.

"I love you" was on the tip of her tongue like a relentless, unwavering chant, but she found the control to hold back. That might be too much and shatter this delicate moment.

"You're beautiful," she whispered instead.

She had to actively remind herself to not squeeze you too tight in her embrace. She didn't want to let you go. She wanted to be in this moment with you and for it to never end.

You stayed at home in her arms for the rest of the show, which went far, far too fast. She wondered if you'd pull away abruptly as the show ended, but instead you both reluctantly drew apart, eyes lingering on one another for a prolonged moment as you did so.

After a long day chocked full of activities, both girls were exhausted by the time they got back to the room. There was little protest from them about bedtime and they tiredly collapsed onto the pullout and were asleep in a few short minutes.

"They're both out," Jessie whispered as she quietly padded into the bedroom and carefully closed the doors behind her.

"Not surprising," you said with a small smirk as you brushed your hair in the bathroom mirror.

Jessie knew she should busy herself while you got ready for bed, but instead she indulged, sitting at the edge of the bed and wordlessly watched you.

A faint pang echoed in her chest at how you two used to idly chat as you readied for bed. It seemed so simple, so minor before, but now she knew how significant such an ease and dynamic really was.

She grew alert once more as you set down your brush and walked over, coming to a stop a couple of feet in front of her and looking down at her.

"How was your day?" You asked. It took her off guard.

"Oh. Um. It was good," she replied, a bit stilted but intonation high, affirming her earnest. "Really good." She corrected with a nod.

You nodded quietly in return, toying idly with the ends of your hair as you held her gaze.

"Mine too."

A relieved and grateful smile broke out across Jessie's face, her shoulders subconsciously relaxing at your admission.

Your eyes softened further and you gave a subtle shake of your head.

"What?" Jessie asked, voice barely a whisper, tentative of ruining this moment - whatever it was.

A gentle smirk tugged at your lips and she was struck, yet again, by how beautiful you were.

"You're just impossible not to love," you said with a simplicity and finality that pulled her spine straight in mild confusion. Your eyes were still warm as you gave a faint huff of a laugh. "It's pretty frustrating, actually."

Jessie opened her mouth to speak, but her words died in her throat as you closed the space between you and without another word climbed into her lap, your arms wrapping around the back of her neck.

She began to stammer, eyes wide as she looked up at you while her arms instinctively wrapped themselves around your waist. You held her gaze easily and brought a single finger to her lips, effectively quieting her. She subtly relaxed.

Her mind fired rapidly to try to process this situation, but she unwaveringly held your gaze as your eyes searched her face, silently studying her features with calm and patience. You rest your palm gently against her face, your thumb slowly and tenderly stroking her cheekbone.

Jessie's breath hitched as dormant emotions began to rise under this newfound intimacy.

"I love you," she declared in a hurried breath, almost desperate. Her forehead creased with mounting emotion though she refused to break your gaze. "I really, really love you."

She'd give anything to have you understand.

Then, you tilted your head down, leaning in. Jessie's breath caught once more, but her eyes still fluttered shut as your lips met hers. You held your lips there, still, for several moments, neither leaning in nor pulling away. Jessie finally took a breath, her shoulders rising and inadvertently lifting both of you.

You kissed her again, this time slow. Taking your time as you deepened the kiss. Your hand gently caressed her face as you kissed her slowly, as if cherishing the touch.

Jessie inhaled sharply again, her body seemingly dysregulated by the events that were unfolding. You lowered your hand from her face to lay your warm palm flat upon her upper chest. You rubbed small, soothing circles against her chest as you continued to kiss.

It was immediate. Her body relaxed, tension fading away and she exhaled easily into the kiss in the form of a small moan.

You returned a moan almost instantaneously, your kiss transitioning into something more. Jessie instinctively drew you closer, leaning up to meet your kiss with equal intensity.

What started so slow and deliberate quickly became something new. She moaned into the kiss again and you wrapped your arms around the back of her neck anew and began to grind yourself down into her lap. Her moan lowered in pitch, her chest rumbling this time.

Blood began to rush to her cock, quickly starting to grow firm beneath your gyrating heat and Jessie had to break off the kiss, her jaw falling slack at the sensation.

"Mm, kiss me," you gently demanded as you pulled back just enough to look at her with hooded lids. She needed no further prompting, driving forward and capturing your lips in a searing kiss once more and pulling a moan of approval from you.

"I've missed the way you feel against me," you confessed as you continued to rock against her growing member.

A stilted groan fell from Jessie's mouth at your words and she gripped you tighter.

"I missed you," she returned as she flexed her thighs, pushing her hips up towards you and eliciting a faint gasp from you as your head fell back briefly.

When you righted yourself, looking back down at her, you held one another's gaze for a few quick seconds before you reached down and peeled off your sleep shirt, breasts now beautifully on display for her.

A noise of appreciation worked its way up her throat as her eyes were trained on your chest and her hands began to wander up your back. You rolled your body sensually against her.

It'd been months since you'd been intimate together, but it felt so natural and right to have you back in her arms. Every touch felt electric as she reacquainted herself with your curves and definitions.

"God, you are so gorgeous," Jessie praised.

You tugged at her shirt and she looked up to meet your eyes once more, as if searching for additional confirmation. You removed her shirt for her and discarded it next to the bed.

"Baby," she voiced needily as her eyes raked over your half naked body.

Your hands wandered up and down her chest briefly before you pushed off of her and began to shimmy your shorts down past your hips and down your legs. Your eyes fell to the prominent bulge in her shorts.

She began to take off her shorts as you took your panties off. She went to remove her boxer briefs when you returned, placing a hand against her and halting her movements.

"I want to," you said simply as you knelt down in front of her at the side of the bed. Her restrained cock twitched at the action.

You ran your hands up her thighs, one hand shifting inwards to cup and caress her bulge through her briefs. Her legs instinctively flexed outwards, planting her feet further apart on the floor as her head fell back in a flash of pleasure and a sharp inhale.

When she came to, her head falling languidly back into place, your eyes shifted from her straining bulge up to her face. You looked up at her with big [y/eye colour] eyes as you stroked her through the fabric.

Her lips were parted as she breathed through the sensations you gave her and she reached out, tenderly cupping your face, her thumb grazing your temple. Her chest constricted in adoration when your eyes drifted shut for a moment at her touch.

You opened your eyes and soon hooked your fingers into the band of her underwear and began to pull them down. She lifted her hips to help you and her cock sprang free as you removed the restraining garment.

Her underwear now discarded, you brought your hand up, eyes fixed on hers as you licked your hand before wrapping your fingers around her hardened member.

Jessie let out a slow, steady exhale as you began to slowly jerk her up and down. Her gaze drifted to the wall momentarily as she composed herself. When she looked back at you, your gaze hadn't wavered.

You maintained eye contact a few moments longer, continuing to stroke her up and down, your thumb teasing the engorged vein along the base of her cock before circling her sensitive tip.

You shuffled in a touch closer and lowered your head towards her length. Her breath nearly caught at just that motion alone, never mind when you looked back up at her as your mouth closed around the head of her cock.

Her hand immediately came up to gently grasp the side of your face as she released a soft, shuddering moan as took more of her into your mouth, your eyes gently closing as you did so.

"Jesus, [Y/N]," she muttered under her breath at how overwhelming it was already. Her heels lifted off the floor, legs flexing as she couldn't help but react to your inviting mouth and accompanying hand.

You worked her for a short while, her one hand still upon your face and the other searching for your free hand. She gave a brief shake of her head, a frown crossing her features.

"Baby," she said softly as she stroked your cheek, coaxing you to open your eyes. When you did, she gave your head the gentlest nudge. "I want you up here."

You frowned, momentarily perplexed. She continued to caress your face and her hips subconsciously followed your continued ministrations.

"I want you up here," she repeated, a bit breathless under the veil of pleasure you were providing. She swallowed, resetting her composure. "I want to hold you."

You slowed and she worried she'd offended you. But, you released her from your mouth with a soft, audible pop and you quickly wiped your mouth, the look in your eyes shifting.

You rose up, still on your knees, but kissed Jessie hard, both hands coming up to tenderly cup the sides of her neck.

"Mm," Jessie moaned into the kiss, leaning into you, inadvertently pushing you back. You laughed softly and pushed back against her with a deepened kiss.

Soon, Jessie was on her back in the middle of the bed and you were straddling her waist, the two of you locked in a passionate kiss as your hands desperately wandered one another's bodies.

When you finally sat back and lifted your hips to position her at your entrance, your eyes filled with desire, she could see your arousal dripping down from your pussy lips.

"God, baby. You're incredible," she said even before the sensitive head of her cock nestled against your hot, slick entrance. A low, strained moan rumbled in her chest as you slowly sank down on her.

As astounding as it felt to have you engulf her and her eyes threatened to shut in bliss at the way your walls sheathed around her, tight and fluttering, she remained enraptured by your own reactions to her filling you.

The faint sigh that fell from your lips, the tension in your shoulders that dissolved into fulfilled satisfaction as you sank fully down on her, the adorable way your brow furrowed as your jaw dropped further.

One of her hands rest at the curve of your waist and the other pushed its way up your torso, appreciating the smooth skin underneath until she cupped your breast.

You moaned gently again, chin falling to your chest and your eyes closed. You laced your fingers with her and jointly massaged your breast as you began to lift yourself up her length.

Jessie inhaled audibly at the incredible sensation, the way you gripped her so tightly as you drew yourself up. A lazy smile broke out across your face, eyes drifting open to look at her again as you sunk back down.

Soon, that previous desperation between you two returned. The intensity turned to hunger and you began to ride her with skillful fervour and she readily met your rhythm with equal thrusts from below. Her hands never left you - whether they were clutching your waist, running along your thighs, up your sides, your chest - she needed to feel you and your hands wandered her body much the same.

At one point she sat up, needing to hold you more fully by wrapping her arms fully around you as you bounced up and down in her lap, the slick, wet sounds of each thrust becoming more and more prominent and you both worked to keep the bed from squeaking as your sunk onto her repeatedly with needy rolls of your hips.

Jessie kissed up and down your neck, reaching up to grasp your face and pull you down into a fervent kiss. You panted into the kiss, one arm wrapped tightly around the back of her shoulders, clutching your body to her while the other rested on her chest as she gripped your ass cheeks, lifting you and aiding your movements.

Despite how many times each of you had to break off the kiss in attempts to catch your breath or to make way for moans or whimpers you both worked valiantly to suppress, you met each other in a renewed, heated kiss, hungry for more.

"Jess." Her name fell breathy and wanting from your lips and it sent an immediate wave through her body, dismantling whatever emotional inhibition that still remained.

"[Y/N]," she panted in return, resting her head against your collarbone as you continued to move sensually up and down in her embrace, both your bodies sweaty now. "I love you. I've missed you so much." A high-pitched whimper worked its way up her throat with a wince at everything physical and emotional coming over her. "You're on my mind every single day. I need you all the time."

"Jess," you repeated, a new desperation in your voice. Your fingers dug into the back of her shoulder and she grit her teeth. You panted in her arms and you let your head rest against hers, causing her to look up at you. You locked eyes, your cheeks red and glorious from the physical exertion. "I can't stop loving you," you told her.

Her eyes closed in emotion as you both quickened the pace. "Please don't," she pleaded. "Please don't stop loving me." She felt tears forming behind her eyes. "I need you. You're everything to me."

You'd slept together countless times. Made love. Passionate and needy. But the power and weight this moment held felt like something truly unique.

There could never be anyone but you again.

She opened her eyes and stared up at you in reverent wonder as you clung to her. A familiar and inevitable tightness was rapidly mounting at the base of her cock. She tried to steady her breath, but the feeling persisted and grew.

"I'm gonna cum," she warned you, looking up at you through her eyelashes with your head locked tightly against the top of hers.

"Not yet," you told her.

She released a strained moan, flexing her muscles, relaxing and flexing again as she worked to heed your request.

You tossed your head back, face to the ceiling and back arching deliciously against her. It didn't help her case at all.

She puffed out her cheeks with a slow, laboured exhale as her fingers dug into you.

The sensation at the base of her cock continued to worsen as your walls continued to massage her exquisitely as you rode her up and down. Every heady breath or moan that fell from your lips riled her up further and her body filled with tension.

She had to remove her hands urgently from you, balling them into fists on the bed, her nails digging painfully into her palms and heels digging into the mattress. She clenched her jaw, grinding her teeth together as she summoned every ounce of will to stave off her climax.

"I want your hands on me," you told her in a breathy command as you reached out and guided her hands back around you. She clutched you desperately, more-so than before this time. Her arms snaked up your back, fingers splayed flat and pushing firmly into your skin as she wrapped you up in her embrace as fully as she could.

She let out a nearly pained moan, biting her lower lip. "Fuck," she cursed, screwing her eyes shut as she held onto any thread of restraint.

Her eyes snapped open a few moments later as she fought through the desire. She panted as she looked up at you, like a goddess above her.

"Fuck, baby, I can't hold on," she said, voice wavering from effort and strain.

"I'm so close, Jess," you told her, half assuring, half imploring.

Her breathing was shallow and rapid and she kept her eyes locked on you like you were all that anchored her to this world.

She nodded rapidly, devoutly.

Finally, a clipped moan works its way up your throat. You bit your lips together, eyes falling shut as you suppressed your cry into a muffled whimper as your core begins to pulse around her.

She barely held back a guttural moan of release as she let go, a powerful stream of cum working its way with white hot intensity up her cock and flooding your insides.

Her mouth fell open, a silent cry on her lips as she buried herself even deeper inside you. Her eyes screwed painfully shut as her cock pulsed, with stream after stream pumping into you.

She didn't even realize how deeply she'd been gripping you or how your nails raked up her back as your orgasm washed over you, your body hitching in slow, rhythmic waves as you were overcome.

You were honestly the most beautiful sight she'd ever seen.

Eventually, you collapsed on top of her, both of you falling back heavily onto the mattress, still locked in an embrace.

Your chests rose hard and fast, Jessie's breaths alone being deep and nearly desperate as her body recovered.

She'd never orgasmed that hard before.

Her eyes drifted shut once more and she ran her hand tenderly through your hair, her softening cock still buried warm inside of you as you both rested.

She truly felt like she was in a daze in the wake of that orgasm. She could hardly think straight and sleep was starting to tug at her consciousness.

Your breathing that had been fast, deep, but steady, suddenly shuddered and hitched. A faint frown drowsily formed on Jessie's face.

A few seconds passed and she wondered if she'd imagined it. Then it happened again and your grip on her went from languid and relaxed to tight and tense.

Instantly, all sleep was banished from her body as alarm set in. She craned her head to look at you.

Your head was tucked into her chest as it was when you both collapsed, but it became immediately evident as Jessie felt something wet on her chest that you were crying.

"Baby," Jessie said in a hushed voice of concern as she sought eye contact. Your fingers dug into her arms further and you sniffled before trying to stifle a sob.

"Oh my god. Baby," she went on as she hugged you tighter to her. "Please tell me what's wrong. Did I hurt you? What can I do?"

Your shoulders shook as more cries overtook you. Anxiety and worry flared throughout Jessie's body and she felt helpless all over again. Tears began to form behind her own eyes, bringing her nothing but frustration with herself.

She tenderly caressed your back and your head, laying soft kisses atop your crown and she whispered whatever reassurances she could.

You continued to cry, shifting your body in her embrace and her now softened cock popping out of you. A rush of pooled cum spilled out of you and onto Jessie, leaving her feeling awkward and ashamed in the air of your upset although she had no control of this.

You rolled your head against her, nearly shaking your head and your nails now dug painfully into her arms.

She went to speak, but the next second you tore yourself away from her. The former warmth of your skin against hers now starkly contrasted by the suddenly cold air of the room.

You shot up out of bed, avoiding all eye contact with her and walked briskly to the adjoining bathroom. Jessie got up just as quick to follow you, but the closing of the bathroom door and the resounding click of the lock stopped her in her tracks.

She stared at the door, lost for words and reason. She eventually walked the rest of the way and stood there indecisively, hanging her head. All bliss, comfort, safety, elation and peace she'd felt minutes prior were now just fragments under a wave of dejection.

She raised a hand, poised to knock at the door when she heard a muted sniffle from the other side. She lowered her hand in defeat and rest her head against the door, upset with herself yet again.

She relented and slowly trudged back to the bed, picking up her clothes along the way and putting them back on.

It was several minutes before you returned. When you did, you stiffly held your arms over your chest and angled yourself slightly away from her in some vain attempt at modesty as you picked up your discarded clothes with quick, almost clumsy, movements.

Jessie looked away to give you privacy, but listened carefully for any clues. You sniffled several times before the bed shifted as you climbed in and turned off the light. She turned back to face you only to find you with your back to her.

You didn't give any indication that you wanted to talk or engage, but despite her own despair and confusion, she was most concerned about you.

"Are you okay?" She braved in a tentative whisper into the dark. "Maybe we should talk," she trailed off, her body already heavy with the rejection she anticipated.

You sniffled and swallowed heavily, tucking your head further into the pillow.

More silence passed.

"I'm really worried about you," she added gently. "I-I'm sorry if I did something wrong." She looked around lost in the dark before giving up, her shoulders falling. "The last thing I was wanting was to hurt or upset you."

Still, you didn't respond.

She tried to mask a tired and defeated sigh, but it came out a faint, clipped huff instead. She watched you through the dark a moment longer before resigning and reluctantly laying down once more.

Outside of the few, sparse sounds that now filtered into the room from outside at this hour, the room was quiet. Her mind was in a frenzy and her stomach was in knots, but she wondered if you'd somehow fallen asleep.

"Was she better than me?"

Your voice cut through and sent a jolt through her body. Her head snapped towards you with a deep frown.

"What?" She asked in clear-cut confusion, entirely caught off guard. A beat passed and she shook her head adamantly though you weren't watching. "No. God. No."

An empty chuckle came from your side of the bed.

"Suppose I should've guessed that. If she was better, who knows, maybe you guys would've had a torrid, long-term affair instead."

Jessie sat up, her bewilderment spiking. "Jesus Christ, Y/N. No. Please. None of that factored in."

"Oh. So she was better," you retorted coldly.

"Oh my God!" Jessie practically hissed, her hands coming to her head and dragging down her face. She inhaled, trying to calm herself. "As I've said...I knew right away how fucked up and wrong it was. I have had zero want to pursue anything with her - or anyone!" She felt her eyes begin to burn again. "I want you," her voice was hushed, but tight as she tried to inject her soul into the proclamation to try to get you to finally hear it. "I've always wanted you."

You chuckled mirthlessly.

"'Kay, Jess. Good night."

Jessie's featured screwed up and she felt tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

"You're not listening to me." She didn't say it as an accusation; it was a statement.

"You're a liar," you countered.

It felt like a kick to the chest and her head spun with how quickly and severely your dynamic had changed. Her frustration and own hurt collided inside of her. She spoke firmly and stared hard at the back of your head as you continued to ice her out.

"Actually, I'm not. If I was, I wouldn't have said a thing. That night would've gone with me to my grave. But I'm not a liar and I love and respect you so I had to tell you."

You finally turned over to face her. It was dark and her eyes hadn't fully adjusted, but she could see the shimmer of the tears in your eyes though you tried to appear stoic.

"I'm sure you wish you didn't say a thing," you challenged quietly and unwaveringly.

She took a second. 'No' was the right answer. But it wasn't the full one. She decided to be honest.

"At my core, no. I had to tell you. You deserved to know," she said slower now, her voice wavering with impending emotions. "But sometimes? Yeah. Sometimes I wish I didn't. Not because I want to deceive you. But because I miss us. I miss how happy I made you. I miss you more than I can say." Her breath caught in her throat as tears began to fall. Her voice broke. "I don't know how to not love you. And I can't imagine a world where I never get to again."

She internally braced herself for a sharp or cold retort from you. Instead, your voice was small and fearful as you looked at her.

"How can you still want me when I act like this?" Your breath shook with a quieted sob. "It's just a matter of time until you get tired of it. Of me."

She could feel you daring her to leave. To quit. To give up. It made her more resolute.

"I know you're just protecting yourself. And you're testing me. I know who you are. And I love every bit of you. I'm not leaving you. I'm not leaving your side again."

You dropped her gaze, shoulder shaking again with subtle cries and you slowly turned your back to her once more, curling into yourself. Jessie's face fell.

"I want to believe you," you finally said, vulnerable and voice muffled with emotion.

Something overcame Jessie. Despite the ever changing walls around you, she felt the confidence to close the space between you. She gently spooned you, giving you a second to push her away if you wanted - you didn't. In fact, you grabbed her hand against your stomach and clutched it tightly. She kissed your shoulder tenderly and held you close.

"I love you," she whispered softly, her face in your hair. "I love you so much. I'm here. I told you I'd wait for you. Whatever time you need. Whatever you need to trust me again, to let me in again. I mean it. I really do."

You squeezed her hand and drew into yourself a bit tighter, pulling you with her as you softly cried. She kissed your shoulder once more.

"I'm yours."

Day 4

Though Jessie hoped that the emotional intimacy that had ebbed and flowed last night would remain in the morning, that really would've been too good to be true.

You seemed unsure of your connection together - tentative and standoffish, but not to the degree she'd seen from you in months past.

She'd tried to talk to you first thing in the morning as you got ready for the day. Tried to briefly check in on things from last night, but you dismissed her effort claiming priority and distraction with morning preparations.

As your girls enjoyed their last activities of the trip together, there was a moment where she and you sat down on a bench together as you watched the girls on a ride.

Neither of you spoke for some time until Jessie finally broached things.

"So...how are you? After last night."

You exhaled, shifting subtly in place. "Fine," you responded simply.

Another twinge of disappointment went through Jessie, but she left space for you to speak and elaborate. Eventually, you gave a small sniff, crossing your legs and folding your arms against you.

"I mean, it's been a while for me, but that doesn't mean I'm fragile." You gave a wry chuckle, giving her a cursory glance now. "We've been far rougher."

She processed your answer, confused and hurt by your deflection. She pushed anyway.

"That's not what I meant," she said patiently. "I mean, how are you doing. Emotionally. Or if you don't feel comfortable answering, then, I guess...how are we? If that's easier to answer."

Your chest expanded with a deep breath and you began to bob your leg restlessly, eyes trained forward on the ride.

"I don't know," you answered finally. All rueful mirth or edge was gone from your voice, now solemn. "I don't know."

You bit the inside of your cheek and your brow began to furrow as your eyes threatened to well with tears. You took a sharp breath and gave her a quick glance. Your face fell briefly.

"I still love you so much. Time and time again it's plain to me. My heart wants you. And this could've been a dream vacation. And there were flashes of it. But - in the happiest place on Earth, I'm still heartbroken."

You released a slow, steadying breath and Jessie saw your grip on the inside of your arms tighten.

"Part of me keeps telling myself I can trust you. And truly, it would be so easy to fall back into things with you. Despite what happened, we still fit together so well. But I trusted you before and I got burned. Badly."

Your impassive expression suddenly transformed into a bright smile and you waved enthusiastically when the girls appeared as they made a lap on the ride. They waved cheerfully back and Jessie caught herself, catching up with a smile and a wave.

"Momma! Take our picture!" Harper yelled from the ride. Jessie fumbled somewhat, but quickly lifted the camera from around her neck to snap a quick photo. She gave them a thumbs up and a grin and soon the girls were out of sight again.

You sighed gently, all previous energy fading from you body with that breath.

"So," you went on, "I don't know."

Jessie nodded quietly. Telling you yet again that you could trust her wasn't going to do anything. You needed more. It couldn't be fixed by mere words, but they were all she could offer in this moment.

"I meant what I said last night. And I know last night doesn't fix anything. And it shouldn't. But I'm here. For you. Always. I'll prove it to you every day until you know how you feel."

--------

Before they knew it, their bags were packed, they boarded a plane and were now on a quiet drive home. The girls were fast asleep in the backseat, totally overcome with exhaustion and both you and Jessie seemed preoccupied with your thoughts.

Jessie dropped you all off, staying for a short while to help bring bags in and she even put on a load of laundry for you before she relegated herself back to the front door.

The girls' eyes were heavy and they mumbled slightly through their drowsiness as they whined for her to stay. They didn't want the trip to end.

You stood quietly observing as you leaned with your back against the column near the entryway. A few months ago you stood in that exact spot wearing an adoring look on your face as you watched her with the girls. Today, you looked tired and sad.

"Hey," Jessie started as she knelt down in front of her daughters. "No matter what, we'll always make time to do stuff like this. I promise. Just because this trip is over doesn't mean we won't have another."

Harper was starting to get teary, more easy impacted by emotions when she was this tired.

"One more gift," Jessie announced tenderly as a small smile crossed her lips and she dug in her pocket. She pulled out a fist and held out her palm to reveal four pins. All different, one of each person's favourite character or item.

"One for each of us," she relayed with a gentle smile as she handed Ky and Harper their respective ones. "To commemorate Fleming Family Fun," she joked, not anticipating the wave of grief that swelled inside of her. Her eyes flicked up to you briefly.

If you couldn't find your way back to her. If you didn't want to. There was a reality where you'd drop her name. The name she gave you so wholeheartedly. The name she was so unbelievably proud to see you bear. Maybe you'd choose to leave it behind along with her.

Fleming family no longer.

Hell. Maybe the kids would change their names when they were older just to distance themselves from her and the hurt she'd caused all of them.

Later though. For now, Ky put the pin on her shirt right away and Harper asked her to put it on her backpack.

"Is this one Mom's?" Ky asked as she pointed to one of the remaining pins in Jessie's hand.

"Yeah." She smiled faintly.

Ky looked over her shoulder and waved you over. "Mom," she beckoned.

You made your way over and Jessie rose to her feet to meet you, subtle nerves buzzing around inside her stomach now.

"Here," she said in a voice just above a whisper as she held out the pin she'd chosen just for you.

Your gaze fell to her outstretched hand and took the pin from her. You turned it over in your hand, your touch careful and something between tenderness and restraint in your eyes. A few moments passed before you turned to the kids, speaking gently.

"It's time for bed, girls." They protested mildly, still wanting the adventure to continue, but you calmed them. You repeated your request. "Okay, it's been a very busy, very exciting few days. Upstairs, please. Start getting ready. I'll come up in a bit."

Jessie gave them both another set of hugs and kisses and they retreated up the stairs. You and Jessie stood quietly, neither committing to speaking until the girls had disappeared from the top of the landing.

You toyed with the pin.

"Thanks for this," you said in a hushed voice, though your eyes didn't lift to meet hers.

"Oh. No problem," Jessie chuckled. "It's nothing," she dismissed as she nervously readjusted her hat. You seemed to want to say something, but settled for a faint shrug. You eventually looked at her hand.

"What one did you get?" You inquired, taking her by surprise.

"Oh," she repeated, blinking for a second before eagerly lifting her hand to show you. A slow smile crossed your face, warmth showing through in your eyes.

"Figures," you said.

She laughed awkwardly and scolded herself mentally as she adjusted her hat once more. "I like what I like," she managed to respond.

You hummed quietly in response, a tension filling the air once more.

"Well, you should probably go," you said gently. A dull ache radiated through her chest, but she shrugged nonchalantly with an easy nod.

"Oh yeah. I'm exhausted," she reasoned.

"Yeah," you said with a bittersweet smile. "Well. The girls had an absolute blast. Thanks for making it so special for them."

She played up a dismissive scoff. "No need to thank me. And you made it special for them, too."

You maintained your poignant smile. "Thanks for everything, then."

Jessie swallowed, all ease or bravado so easily diminished.

"I had an amazing time," she shared earnestly. She hesitated a moment before adding, "No one else in this entire world I'd want to do this trip with."

You held her gaze, studying her and eyes glinting with too many emotions to name.

You opened your arms and Jessie quickly reciprocated, meeting you in a short embrace. Her heart was racing as you pulled away. She unknowingly clutched her pin so tightly in her hand that it wasn't until her fingers began to ache that she realized it.

"Good night, Jess."

She wished she could kiss you.

"Good night."

#jessie fleming #woso x reader #jessie fleming x reader #woso imagine #canwnt x reader #woso smut #wlw angst

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hgfictionwriter · 7 days ago

Note

this is random but im so grateful for the new jessie angst chapter cuz it makes me feel better abt my disaster life no matter what kinda day im hving jessies having a worse one lol

i love ur fics have a great day🫶

First - I'm sorry your life is feeling like a disaster. I hope things get better soon! But "...no matter what kinda day I'm having, Jessie's having a worse one" is pretty hysterical lolol. I love it.

Somehow makes me think about how each chapter my wife says, "God, that made me sad" and I say, "Then I've done my job."

Responding to some other comments while I'm at it:

To the comment saying it feels like Jessie only wants to get back together for the kids/'the family' and not for Reader. Thank you for that feedback - I was actually concerned it was coming across as Jessie wasn't motivated enough by the kids.

Regardless - if you're looking for Jessie pining for and being passionate about Reader, the next chapter should satiate that.

Glad some of you liked the therapy inclusion. That aspect will be woven throughout.

Thanks again, everyone!

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hgfictionwriter · 14 days ago

Text

Still Yours: Part Six - New Normal

Jessie Fleming x Reader

Summary: Jessie and you navigate awkwardness and fragile boundaries as you establish a new life apart. Jessie starts to confront herself and hard work begins.

Warnings: Angst. Language.

A/N: Rest of the series is here.

Jessie sat at the dining room table of her new place, a book open in hand, and working valiantly to digest the words in front of her. Her knee bounced anxiously as she sighed intermittently while she continued to fidget and do her best to not check her phone.

Her mind drifted as she went through a mental checklist of things yet again. The girls beds were ready. They had everything they needed in the bathroom. Food, snacks. Books, toys. Check. Everything was set. As set as could be given it'd only been a few days since she moved.

She sighed once more and gave in, picking up her phone.

You still had another 10 minutes before you were supposed to arrive. Still, she'd been ready and waiting for the past hour. This was the first drop off of this new arrangement and she was both keen and nervous.

She missed Ky and Harper, though she'd talked to them each night. And while it really wasn't all that different from her being at an away game, and heck, it was even less time than when she was at tournaments, it made her uneasy and she felt distanced from them.

And, of course, she missed you.

She looked at her conversation with you. What used to be a conversation overflowing with texts, and pictures, and links shared, was now dishearteningly transactional.

Your last message was telling her when you'd be by. She'd felt ashamed to think it, chalking it up to anxiety more than anything, some fraction of her had worried that you'd not honour your side of the deal. You had the kids, you had the house, maybe you'd cut her out altogether; never bring the girls by like you originally promised.

She'd deserve it, after all.

However, even at her most illogical, no matter the state of your relationship, deep down she knew you wouldn't do that.

Her mind continued to drift and wander until motion out the front window caught her eye and she saw you pulling up. Her heart raced and she glanced at her phone - right on time.

She stood abruptly, smoothing out her clothes and feeling a rush of apprehension go through her, butterflies erupting in her stomach.

She took a breath and steadily made her way towards the front, forcing herself to not rush. She stood nervously at the door, debating back and forth if she should wait until you knocked or not, before ultimately scolding herself for her worries and simply opening the door to step out onto the landing.

From the stoop, she could see Ky gathering up her things and you had the other back door open and were leaning down behind it. Before she could process much more Ky came running over, her backpack jostling noisily as she threw her arms around Jessie's legs in a tight embrace.

"Oh my gosh. It's so good to see you," Jessie greeted as she bent down and hugged her oldest tightly.

"I missed you," Ky said, voice was sad and muffled against Jessie's clothes as she held her head tightly against her. Jessie knelt down so she was at eye level with Ky and gave her a big smile.

"I missed you, too, Stringbean," she reciprocated as she turned her head to give her a kiss on the cheek that had the little girl scrunching up her face. Jessie laughed as she chest filled with affection. "Hey," she went on, "I got us a climbing wall kit for the backyard. Want to help me set it up this weekend?"

At this, Kylen pulled back to look at her.

"A climbing wall?" She asked with growing awe.

"Yeah," Jessie nodded with a smile, "pretty cool, huh?"

Ky held onto a shred of resistance, seemingly not wanting to get too excited. Jessie maintained her smile and lightly tickled the girl's stomach.

"You're stoked, you can admit it," she teased. Ky finally giggled, body folding at the tickling, lips pursed adorably as she tried to not laugh more, but her eyes were bright.

Some weight fell from Jessie's shoulders at Ky's slight change in demeanour. A small victory in this still-to-be long journey.

"Where's your sister?" Jessie asked as she peered over Ky's shoulder to now see you and Harper coming up the driveway hand-in-hand, Harper shuffling behind. It took only a moment for Jessie to see her red little nose and tear-streaked face.

"Baby," Jessie said gently as she stood and took a few steps towards you two. She locked eyes with you for the first time and you gave her a weary look.

"What's wrong, sweetie?" Jessie asked as she knelt down in front of Harper and sought eye contact. Harper's little lip trembled and she sniffled.

"I don't know why Momma can't just come home. Why do we have to come here?" Harper asked, voice wobbly as she looked up to you with new tears pooling at the corners of her eyes.

"Honey," you said gently despite how tired you must've been by all of this, "we've talked about this. I know it's hard right now. Please give this a chance. It'll get easier, I promise."

"This is your home too, now," Jessie offered optimistically. "You get two homes!"

"I only want one!" Harper yelled as she began to sob anew.

"Oh, baby," Jessie cooed as she reached for her daughter. You let go of Harper's hand and the little girl practically fell into Jessie's arms. She stroked her back soothing and rocked her gently. "I know, baby," she said. "It's a big change. Your Mom's right though - it feels hard and sad right now, but it'll feel better eventually."

The little girl hiccupped in her arms and she gave her a light squeeze, unable to prevent herself from looking up at you. She caught you observing them both and you averted your eyes immediately. She watched quietly as you retreated to the car. Jessie laid a soft kiss against Harper's hair, returning her attention to her.

"And most importantly, we really need you to know that we love you so, so much. No matter which house we're at, you're our little girl and we adore you and we're here for you." She turned to look at Kylen pointedly. "Both of you."

She turned back to see you returning with Harper's bag. Harper was starting to calm so she gently disengaged, holding the girl out from her to give her a warm smile. She lifted a hand to run a thumb tenderly across the girl's rosy cheeks, removing a tear with it.

"You're my girl," she said, "and I love you so much." She let her words settle in for a second before smiling anew. "Do you want to watch [Harper's favourite movie] tonight?" The little girl sniffled and gave a tiny nod that made Jessie's heart swell. "Yeah?" She couldn't help but chuckle. "Okay, then that's what we'll do."

"Can we have popcorn, too?" Harper asked, her little fist rubbing at her eye as she sniffled once more.

"Sure, Princess," Jessie responded with a laugh. She stood and finally locked eyes with you once more. Or at least attempted to as you looked away again.

"Hi," she belatedly greeted as nervousness snuck back in.

You cleared your throat gently and held out Harper's backpack. You looked nearly as unsettled and apprehensive as Jessie had felt only a few minutes prior.

"Hi," you returned, giving only a fleeting glance.

"Thanks." Jessie tried not to mutter as her chest panged. She took the bag from you and began shifting her weight unknowingly from one foot to the other.

Despite how many times she'd rehearsed this moment in her head the past few days, her mind struggled to formulate what to say to keep you from leaving immediately.

"Um, thanks for dropping them off and bringing all their things," she went on, tone rising with eagerness. She caught how you arched an eyebrow briefly before ridding your expression of it.

"Yep," you said slowly, "that's the arrangement."

She felt stupid.

"So, um, how are you?" She tried again. You gave a faint shake of your head with a shrug.

"Fine," you replied, barely concealing your confusion and burgeoning irritation. You seemed to catch yourself and took a silent breath. You gave a polite smile. "How are you?"

"I'm...okay," Jessie answered, mustering up a half-hearted smile of her own. It felt like a gargantuan feat given the veil of disappointment that had fallen over her at how this was going. She tried to smile again. "Just getting the house organized. Get settled. You know."

You gave a wordless nod and a tight-lipped smile as you held your hands behind your back stiffly.

Jessie tried not to cry.

"Um," you started now, "so you'll drop them off Sunday evening?"

"Yep," Jessie replied readily with an enthusiastic nod, wanting to maintain any kind of momentum in the exchange. "I'll bring them by after dinner. I'll make sure they do their homework and everything, of course. Do you want me to make their lunches for Monday?"

"No," you dismissed, eyes downcast with a series of shakes of your head. "That's fine. I'll make them."

"You sure? I don't mind," Jessie offered. You waved her off.

"I know you don't. It's fine. Really."

Jessie swallowed her disappointment once again with another smile. She nodded in acceptance.

She was about to invite you inside when suddenly, a bright expression crossed your face as you turned your attention to the girls.

"Okay, my babies," you said as you knelt down and beckoned them both into a joint hug. "Have a great time. We'll talk, and I'll see you in a couple of days." You pulled back, still smiling at them. Despite how heavy Jessie felt about her interaction with you, she couldn't help but appreciate your obvious love and affection for the girls and the way you were with them.

"Don't give your Momma too much trouble with bedtime, okay?" You teased with a faint smirk. "Love you," you said as you gave them both one more hug.

You rose and turned to Jessie. You gave a stiff smile and a delayed, awkward wave. To her surprise, your cheeks began to burn pink.

"Bye," you said quickly as you pulled out your keys. "Um, call me if you need anything."

Her eyes were trained on you as you started the car and began to reverse out of the driveway. Her emotions threatened to continue to drag her down, but she had to force herself to rally. The girls needed that. Deserved that.

She looked down at them with a look of excitement, offering a playful stance.

"Okay, rock, paper, scissors to see who gets the first piggy back ride of the tour." Her smile grew as they both pushed shoulder to shoulder against one another, their fists held out. "I got you guys some pretty cool stuff for your rooms. Come on, let's check it out!"

She enthusiastically ushered the girls inside to try and establish a new normal. For all their sakes.

-------

The next couple of weeks of drop-offs went smoother and smoother. The girls were adjusting and were now even at the point where they'd run to the house to greet whichever parent they were returning home to.

The weather was still nice enough that drop-offs could just be a family walk from one house to the other, if wanted. She felt it made the girls feel better, too, to fully realize how close each parent really was.

Today, however, you pulled up in your car and the girls clamoured out of the vehicle, their backpacks swinging wildly as they ran up to Jessie.

"Mom's sick," Ky blurted out as she looked up at Jessie. A frown plastered itself on Jessie's face as her head snapped from the girls to you as you were walking up with a shoebox in hand.

You rolled your eyes and even just upon a glance, Jessie could tell Ky was absolutely right.

"Ratted out by an eight year old," you said flatly, voice congested. You held out the shoebox to Jessie. "Harper's science project. She could definitely use your help," you said in a way that pulled a laugh out of Jessie, intentional or not.

You ignored her laugh and crossed your arms. "And I'm fine."

"You didn't go to work," Ky argued and you shot her a withering, but good-natured look.

"She thinks she knows everything," you remarked sarcastically before glancing at Jessie. Her mind could practically paint the following, “Wonder where she got that from,” that you used to tease flirtatiously.

No such quip came today. Obviously.

“You sound and look sick,” Jessie affirmed. Your expression shifted, all levity and teasing gone, and you cocked your head and narrowed your eyes slightly at her.

“Oh I do, do I? Thanks. Appreciate that.”

Oh great. Now she’d offended you. One sentence in. Fantastic.

“I just meant-” she started, but was cut off by you giving a barely veiled, exasperated sigh. You looked past Jessie with a nod to the house.

“Girls, bring your things inside, please," you instructed gently. The girls did as they were told, Jessie's eyes following them briefly until looking back at you, shoulders rounded out with how deflated she felt already.

"I didn't mean to offend you," she said under her breath so as not to draw the girls' attention. "What I'm trying to say is - yes, if you're sick, I could've come picked up the girls, you know. Taken them earlier. Whatever." Your expression remained remained hard and she gave a final shrug as she wrapped her own arms around herself. "I could've helped is what I'm trying to say."

You were quiet for a moment, drawing Jessie's eyes up to you only for you to look away. You gave a shrug of your own.

"I survived just fine before we lived together, you know," you muttered, gaze still adrift. You looked back over Jessie's shoulder and cleared your throat apprehensively, now giving a small smile. Jessie looked to see the girls were hovering at the front door, listening in.

You cleared your throat and rubbed the bridge of your nose with a sniffle.

"I should go. I need some sleep," you announced. "Call me if anything comes up though."

She didn't want you to go. Not like this. But she knew your dynamic well enough now to know that pushing would only make things worse. So, she smiled.

"We've got things covered here," she said assuredly.

To her surprise, your head snapped up with a near-scathing look. Accusatory. She couldn't help but frown in confusion. What could you possibly be mad at? Her mind rapidly processed, until her features well in disbelief.

"Are you serious?" She asked, not really bothering to hide her bewilderment. "There's no one here, Y/N. Ever. Not like that anyway. I meant me and the girls," she finished pointedly, beyond baffled that you could think anything else.

You seemed embarrassed by the leap you'd made and you rubbed your face tiredly with a shake of your head.

"Sorry. I should go," you repeated in a subdued manner, now turning on your heel to leave.

"Are we still on for Thursday?" Jessie asked after you, the uneasiness of this whole exchange compelling her to verify that your first joint counselling session would, in fact, still happen.

You stilled, glancing back over your shoulder with an irritated look.

"Yes," you said in a tone. Your expression shifted and you looked offended once more. "I wouldn't just cancel or flake, Jess."

She wanted to say something. Try to smooth things over somehow, but the window closed and she sighed heavily. She took a moment to regroup before heading inside with a cheery look on her face to greet the girls once more. They watched her intently, clearly having witnessed that entire conversation.

She leaned down with her hands atop her knees.

“Hey, why don’t you bring your things up to your rooms. We’ll do homework after dinner, but since your Mom’s sick, what do you say we make her some meals tonight so she doesn’t have to worry about cooking the next couple of days? We’ll bring them by tomorrow morning before school, okay?”

The girls nodded eagerly, excited at the project and ran to drop off their things.

Together, they cooked some soup and a couple light meals. They also swung by the store to pick up your favourite treat and a couple for them.

The next morning Jessie sent you a text as she helped the girls get ready for school.

“Hey, is it alright if the girls swing by the house and drop some things off before school?”

She didn’t hear back right away and her eye kept going to the clock more and more anxiously as the time to leave approached. She was zipping up the girls’ backpacks when her phone buzzed.

“That’s fine. I’m at work for a meeting this morning and then coming home after, so just open the door for them.”

“Thank you. You shouldn’t have to go in to work if you’re not feeling well. Glad you can come home after though.”

You didn’t reply.

Jessie pulled into the driveway of your old house together and felt a familiar pang deep in her chest.

Since the day she moved out, she hadn’t been by without you present. Even though you were still together, the house was still technically both of yours, it felt intrusive of her to go in without you there. You didn’t explicitly invite her too, either. So she sent in the girls alone.

“Here,” she handed Ky the keys. “Put the containers in the fridge and the bag on the counter, please.” A thought struck her and she called out the window to the girls. “And bring your laundry down, okay? If you have any clothes lying on the ground put them in the baskets and bring them here, okay?”

With the girls at school during the day, Jessie took it upon herself to do the girls laundry from your place. She'd contemplated telling the girls to bring her your laundry, but she worried that’d be an invasion of privacy.

She hated that she had to analyze so many things from so many angles all the time now. She'd always been an overthinker, but this forced her to lean into it even more. Being cognizant to not cross lines that were new and never used to exist.

She texted you.

"Hi. The girls put a few meals in the fridge for you. And I got them to bring out their laundry. Hope that's okay. We all just want you to be able to rest up."

It was a while later that you replied.

"Wtf. I didn't need you - or them - to do that. I told you I'm fine."

Her chest constricted painfully. She really couldn't do anything right. She tried to make her case though.

"Babe," she started to type before deleting the name with a frustrated sigh. She started again.

"I'm not doing anything anyway. I have time. I'm happy to take care of a few things so you don't have to."

She continued to type.

"I know we're not together the way we used to be, but I'm still here for you. And the kids, of course."

"If it makes you feel better, I didn't go in the house. That's your space."

She watched the text bubble appear, disappear and reappear. Eventually a message come through from you.

"Thanks. And it's fine if there are times you need to go in. I'd like to know if you are, that’s all. I don't want to make a habit of it, but I'd just appreciate a heads up if you do."

You sent through another text quickly.

"See you tomorrow for drop-off."

------

"Mom!"

The girls greeted as they ran up the steps to the house.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Did you like the food we made you?"

"I helped peel the carrots!"

"I stirred!"

They peppered you with questions and comments while you hugged them. A subconscious smile formed on Jessie's face as she watched from the bottom of the steps, a small chink in the underlying worry she had about if you were still mad at her or not.

You finished greeting the girls and then ushered them inside before coming back out to greet Jessie who'd come to the door with the bins of now-clean, folded laundry.

Your colour had returned and the bags under your eyes were mostly gone.

"Thanks," you said quietly as you took the bins, some hint of almost pouting in her voice. Jessie couldn't help but find your demeanour cute.

"I'm sorry if it was too much," she offered. "I didn't mean to upset you. I just wanted to take a little off your plate so you could rest."

You nodded. "It's alright," you said with a small sigh. "It was actually kind of nice. So...thanks."

A baffling amount of elation filled Jessie's chest at your acceptance. She actually had trouble fighting back a proud grin and beaming like a school girl.

"I meant it you know," she went on. "Even if things are different between us, I'm still here for you. So...if you ever need help. Or a break. Or anything. I'm here."

You gave her a faint smile. "Thanks." A beat passed and you gestured vaguely, closing your eyes momentarily. "I'm, um, here for you, too."

“You’re feeling better?” Jessie asked. You exhaled quietly, seeming sheepish if anything.

“Yeah. Much better,” you assured her, preemptively waving off any concern. “I was just…a little run down, I guess, and it caught up with me.”

A pang of guilt rang out through Jessie’s chest.

“That’s understandable. I’m sorry.”

You cleared your throat and took a step, backing into the house now.

"Okay. Well. Thanks again. I'll, um, see you at the appointment."

"Yeah," Jessie nodded, trying to keep her voice light despite wanting more. "No problem. And sounds good."

You gave another weak smile and closed the door with a soft 'bye', leaving Jessie to stare at the beveled patterns etched into the wood.

-------

The counsellor’s office was eerily quiet as you and Jessie sat on the couch in front of the therapist. Jessie sat down first and you sat very distinctly away from her on the other cushion.

Her heart pounded loudly in her head as she tried not to fidget. Counselling was not her thing. Clearly, talking had never been her thing, so whole sessions focused solely on digging into the most vulnerable, raw parts of her psyche and emotions was something she'd never grown comfortable with.

But, for the first time in her life, she was really, really willing to try. Previous counselling had all been just going through the motions. Mandatory team things here and there. But this was different. Her marriage, the way she showed up for her daughters, the rest of her life, would be dictated by how she navigated this and the work she’d accomplish as part of it.

She had wondered plenty how today would go. You sitting stiffly several inches from her, arms and legs crossed, jaw clenched with a stern expression on your face wasn't the scenario she'd hoped for.

Your therapist, Joanne Marlowe, began to speak.

"Thank you for choosing to be here. As you both know, I met with each of you for an individual session to get to know you independently and to understand a bit more about where you're coming from and what you're coping with. That said, I know this isn't easy. Before we dive in, I want to remind you both that this space is meant to be safe - a place to speak honestly, even when it's hard. There's no pressure to have it all figured out today. This is going to take time.”

Jessie nodded and saw in her periphery your shoulders visibly rise and fall with an inaudible breath. Joanne continued.

"I'd like to start by giving you both the chance to share what each of you is hoping to get out of this process. Jessie, would you be willing to start?"

Jessie sat up straighter, swallowing nervously as she inched forward on the cushion, hands clasped together anxiously.

"Sure. Um," she glanced at you briefly before looking forward at the therapist. "I...I want to understand how to rebuild. And how to make Y/N feel safe, and loved, again. I know I broke something - a lot of things - and I know it's not as simple as saying 'sorry' or moving out or moving back in. I-I want to earn her trust again. And I want to be a family again. Our girls to have their family. I-I want you back," she finished timidly as she braved another look your direction. She saw you purse your lips and readjust your position on the couch.

"Thank you. That took vulnerability and courage. Y/N, how does that land for you?"

Jessie looked out of the corner of her eye at you before angling subtly your direction.

"Yeah," you flashed a tight smile and shifted uncomfortably again. "I don't - I don't know. I'm honestly," you chuckled sardonically, "kind of just trying to figure out how to not snap every time we talk."

"That's valid," Joanne said. "Anger has a lot to say. Would you be open to saying more about what's coming up for you lately?"

You laughed the same way you did a moment prior.

"Um," your voice was tight though you were smiling, "I'm pretty...pretty on edge because her retirement video's been airing.”

Jessie’s stomach immediately sank.

“So, you know, every time I open my phone or watch tv, it's not uncommon to see it." You ground your teeth together and spoke stiffly. "So it's kind of a constant reminder of her cheating." You laughed bitterly, a small waver in your voice despite how forcefully you spoke. "I see it and all I can think of is her fucking that girl on the other end of the lens. Her choosing to step out on me. On our marriage, on our family."

You sniffled, wiping temperamentally at your eye.

"And it's really fucking shitty. She's heralded as this national treasure. Sweet, humble, dedicated - a family woman - when that's a fucking lie. And it doesn't help that people love her. She can do no wrong."

You finally shot a look over at her, face breaking before looking hurriedly back at Joanne.

"Do you know how it feels when people hear about our separation and sometimes I read comments or get questions like what else was going on, because there must be more to it - Jessie's so sweet and loyal. She'd never betray me without reason. There has to be a good reason for her to cheat and surely I'm going to forgive her. How could I not?"

You snatched a tissue from the box in front of you with an irritated huff and dabbed at your nose.

Jessie heart broke in two. She didn't know you were dealing with that. She’d avoided the retirement video as much as possible. She’d hate watching it in any case, but now? She couldn’t bear it. And frankly, anyone she’d talked with about the separation had scolded her - justifiably - and been upset with her. She hadn’t seen another side.

The session continued. Your grievances were things she knew, but it seemed the airing of her retirement video had newly wounded you. Anything between you two that had started to calm or even heal felt raw again.

As you aired your feelings in this new environment and context, your anger faded into heartbreak and the tears came. Hurt glances, sniffles and a wavering voice.

Jessie was beside herself again with grief and anguish at what she’d done. Tears of her own freshly rolling down her cheeks as she watched you helplessly. She wanted so desperately to reach out – to hold your hand, to pull you close, to offer any comfort she could.

You rebuffed an attempt she made to hold your hand, and she withdrew, settling on listening intently to your pain as she sat hunched over forlorn and ashamed. She offered impromptu explanations, apologies and understanding where she could, but it only did so much.

When she had room to truly respond, her pulse picked up. She hesitated momentarily before she withdrew a neatly folded up letter from her back pocket and held it up briefly.

“I, um, thought I’d write something,” she said sheepishly, eyes darting between Joanne and you before falling to the floor. She scratched the back of her neck and cleared her throat before looking up once more. “I’m just, you know, not great at thinking on my feet when it comes to something like this. And this,” she glanced over at you, “means a lot – the most – to me, so I want to make sure I get it right.”

You didn’t say anything, but you studied her with muted surprise, a soft look in your eyes that disappeared as soon as you glanced away. You shifted in place, tightening your arms against you while you now tried to look indifferent.

“That’s very thoughtful, Jessie,” Joanne complimented. “And you’re right, some people need time to compose the things they want to say, especially when something holds so much weight.” She turned her attention to you. “Y/N, it looked like you were a bit surprised by this. Is that true?”

You fidgeted in place. “I guess,” you admitted reluctantly. “I mean, she’s never been great at expressing her emotions in difficult situations. And not proactive about it. So.”

“Y/N, do you feel ready to hear or read what Jessie’s written?” Joanne asked.

You let out a quick exhale and gave a flippant shrug of one shoulder. “Fine. Whatever,” you replied in a clipped tone.

Joanne observed you. Jessie clutched her paper unknowingly tight in her hands and awaited validation to move forward.

Joanne offered a small, polite smile.

“There’s been a lot of emotion here today. And that’s good – please hear that. There’s been a lot simmering and building, and it sounds like there hasn’t been a proper space or time for you two to properly communicate, process and begin to heal.

“Having brief or stilted discussions and arguments between obligations or behind closed doors with your daughters or friends within earshot don’t facilitate the kind of conversation and interaction needed to work through something this heavy or complex.

“That said, Jessie, I’d ask that you hold that note for another time when Y/N is more ready to receive whatever may be in there.”

Jessie swallowed her disappointment, but was quickly drawn to how your face fell in something akin to embarrassment.

“It’s okay, I can share it another time,” Jessie quickly assured you and Joanne was quick to echo it.

Whether it was right or not, Jessie felt a flicker of hope in her chest. Even if you weren’t ready to really hear from her, even if things were hard right now and there was still so much hurt, maybe she was finally doing something right.

Eventually, the end of their hour neared.

“I think that’s a good place to end things today. Is there anything either of you want to address before we close out this session?” Joanne asked, looking between the two of you.

Your eyes were still red from crying earlier and you gave a listless shake of your head. “No.”

Joanne settled her gaze on Jessie. Jessie stammered slightly, cursing inwardly over her inability to just give a straight answer.

“Go ahead, we still have a couple of minutes,” Joanne encouraged.

Jessie glanced from you – your hand specifically – and away. She gripped the edge of the cushions apprehensively and could feel your eyes boring into her.

“I, uh, no, it’s okay,” she backtracked.

“Maybe we can practice saying what’s on our mind,” Joanne suggested.

A silent exhale escaped Jessie’s nose and she steeled herself to address something she’d noticed over the past few weeks, but hadn’t had the courage to confront.

“You’re- you’re not wearing your ring,” she said, voice a bit flat in an attempt to not sound accusatory as she subconsciously played with her own ring.

You released an exasperated huff.

“Yeah, well, it’s just a ring. Wearing it didn’t stop my wife from sleeping with someone else. I can not wear a ring and still be committed. Unlike someone else here,” you said tersely.

Joanne mediated and you relented some.

“I just find it hard to wear now,” you relayed quietly as you worked to mask a fresh set of tears. “I’m still committed,” you stressed, “but it hurts to see it.”

Jessie’s heart crumbled further again. You used to be so open and unguarded with her; it’s part of what drew her to you. Your ability to love so openly and deeply, to cry, to share your worries and fears with her unhindered. She’d taken that away from you.

“Commitment and marriage is more than a physical item, that’s true. At the same time, it's symbolic and holds different weight for different people,” Joanne said. “And thank you, Jessie, for sharing what was on your mind. Maybe we can pick up there again next time? There’s more for us to dig into.

“One thing I want both of you to take away is that it’s obvious to me that there’s a lot of love here. A lot of hurt, yes, but that hurt is so prominent because of the love underneath. I’ve worked with couples who come in with a lot less to draw from. Now, love alone is not enough for a relationship to thrive and sustain, but if you’re both dedicated to working on rebuilding and re-establishing trust – like now – it’s possible.”

You sniffled and gave Jessie a cursory glance. You nodded your acceptance.

That’s all Jessie needed for today.

-----

She was exhausted by the time she stepped into her house. She set down her keys and wallet with a heavy sigh.

The session didn’t go exactly how she wanted, but the therapist’s affirmation of hope echoed brightly in her mind. Still, there was a lot going on inside her as she reflected on everything in the session.

She padded upstairs and got changed into her running clothes. As she was putting away her other clothes, the letter she’d folded up and tucked into her pocket fell to the floor. She paused and bent down to pick it up.

She turned the paper over in her hand and thought back to the look you gave her about the note. The softness in your eyes she’d hardly seen since that morning together after her retirement party.

Between that and the affirmation from Joanne, she went downstairs, bypassing her running shoes and instead rummaged through a drawer until she found a notebook she’d bought months ago with the intention of writing travel notes in, but remained blank.

She grabbed a pen and retreated to the front room. She settled herself onto the couch, moving aside the blanket and pillow that were mainstays there the days the girls weren’t around, only to be hidden other days.

The bed was too lonely without you; too big. She never felt settled. Sleeping on the couch felt more at-home to her now. Her back pressed up against the structure of the couch as she curled herself in was the only way she could reliably find sleep these days.

She cracked open the notebook and stared at the blank page, pen poised.

She contemplated for several moments before relinquishing her worries by confronting them head on.

I don’t know what to write. I’m worried about what to write. What should I write? What am I supposed to write? What would be right? That’s my problem. I’m always worried about what I should say. What I should do. What’s expected of me. What would someone think or say? I worry so much I lose track of what I really feel or want.

I want you. I miss you. I want to make you happy again. To be the one who makes you smile, makes you feel safe. Not the one who makes you cry. I want to be comfortable and confident in myself. I want to know I’m being the best wife and partner I can be. The best mom I can be to my girls.

These things I know.

She wrote until the words would no longer come.

Tag request: @marvelwomen-simp @user1269

#jessie fleming #jessie fleming x reader #woso x reader #woso imagine #canwnt x reader #woso angst #wlw angst

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hgfictionwriter · 22 days ago

Text

Still Yours: Part Five - Dissolution

Jessie Fleming x Reader

Summary: Everything that’s been building finally breaks. Harsh truths, crushing conversations, and painful goodbyes mark the beginning of Jessie’s uncertain new life.

Warnings: Angst. Language.

A/N: Rest of the series is here.

Jessie stared blankly at the ceiling. Her eyes were dry and they burned. She’d barely slept. She'd been distraught - Hell, she still was. She was just too physically exhausted to do anything other than lay here catatonic.

Yes, laying here on the floor, at the foot of the bed that she used to share with the woman she loved. The woman she nervously asked to go to a Sunday morning market with her so many years ago. Who then became her girlfriend. Who she asked to be her wife. Who gave her two beautiful children. Who built a life with her that so many would envy.

The woman she betrayed and who now wanted her to leave.

"I want you to move out."

It played over and over and over in her mind. The subsequent conversation doing nothing but assure her that it wasn't a flippant, drunken, rogue comment on your part.

"I-" Jessie shook her head, her mind hardly processing your request. "No."

"I want you to move out," you repeated, more assured this time.

"Babe. Please," she begged with a disbelieving laugh and another shake of her head. "You-you can't mean that."

"I do, Jess," you said. Your tone was regretful, but confident.

She blinked rapidly, her mind struggling to comprehend this and she looked wildly around the room.

"It's been a hard night," she said with renewed determination. "An emotional night. We shouldn't make any split decisions."

You gave her an apologetic look and she found herself nearly choking up in response.

"This isn't a rash decision, Jess," you said gently. "It's been looming."

She laughed, tears brimming and shook her head further. "No offense. But you've been drinking tonight. We should just talk tomorrow. We can talk about anything and everything you like."

She saw you sigh inaudibly and you looked at her with pity. Her throat tightened and she ground her teeth together.

"I agree that we should talk in the morning," you said in that same gentle tone. Coddling her, almost. You sighed now, setting her jacket on a nearby chair before climbing into bed and turning off the light. "I'm sorry, Jess. I shouldn't have said anything tonight."

She sniffled. "So you didn't mean it," she declared, wishing and praying, but the pit in her stomach kept her hopes firmly rooted to the ground.

You were quiet for a moment. "We'll talk in the morning."

She sat in the dark, eyes not yet adjusted, but staring at where your darkened form would be. She bit back a sob.

"How are we supposed to fix things if I'm not here?" She asked, desperation rapidly creeping up through her chest.

"Jess, please. I'm sorry. Let's talk more in the morning."

Panic washed over her and her breath hitched unevenly.

"How can you sleep?" She asked, voice high in confusion. "I can't sleep knowing you want to leave me."

"Jessie. Stop," you said firmly as she saw your silhouette sit up in bed to look at her. Your voice grew softer. "That's not what this is."

"Then what is it," she asked through her tears, pulse still racing. "Cause it sounds an awful lot like you ending things."

"Jess," you said tersely. "Neither of us are in a good state right now and we're both getting heated. Everyone’s sleeping. I promise we'll talk in the morning when we're both a little calmer."

"I can't be calm," she said with a near delirious laugh.

Jessie felt like she couldn't breathe. She clawed at the back of her neck as more tears fell.

"I'll do anything to make it up to you. Please - please don't end things."

"I'm not," you refuted in a harsh whisper. "This is the only way forward."

She shook her head in denial. "Just the other day you were telling me I couldn't sleep on the couch because it would upset the girls. How are they going to feel if I move out?"

"Jess!" You said her name sharply just shy of a yell. "I don't want to fight about this right now. Get some sleep. We'll figure shit out tomorrow." She bit her tongue, your near outburst subduing her. She dug her fingers into her forearms harshly and clenched her jaw painfully as her mind went rampant.

You went to lay down again, but rounded on her anew at the last second.

"And don't you fucking dare try to use our girls against me in this. Don't try to manipulate me or use them as leverage," you seethed. "Yes. They are going to be upset. So upset. But you know what's worse? Them seeing us lying and faking things and filling this house with tension and disdain. They're going to get caught in the crossfire. That will do so much more damage in the long run."

"I didn't mea-" she started to defend her intentions, but you cut her off.

You sniffled aggravatedly. "You should've thought of these things before you fucked someone else. You ruined this, Jess. And now me and the girls are caught in the aftermath. And it's worse than you just fucking her. I wish it was just a stupid fuck. But it's more than that. You didn't talk to me. You talked to her. You gave her your thoughts, your worries, your emotions. And then you gave her your body. I don't know how to get over that. I’ve been trying but I don’t know how.”

Jessie couldn't believe what was happening. She had her knees up, elbows resting on them as she held her face in her hands, the pads of her fingers digging into her skin as she rocked back and forth with your accusations echoing in her head.

"I'll do anything," she pleaded again.

"Then do this," you said with finality. "Good night. We'll talk in the morning."

So she laid there. All night. Tears coming and going. Swallowing whimpers and cries as you somehow managed to sleep on and off. Whenever she heard you stir she watched the bed with bated breath, wondering if you’d talk to her. Take it all back.

The sun broke through the blinds and she continued to wait.

At some point she fetched her phone; forgotten in her pants pocket after everything last night.

Alert after alert after alert. Texts and calls from her friends. Questions. Confusion. No surprise given how the night ended.

The secret was out.

It felt like the walls were crumbling down all around her. She couldn’t deal right now. She turned off the device with a deep breath that she forced herself to hold in her lungs.

Yet again, saliva began to pool in her mouth and bile began to rise up her throat. She screwed her eyes shut and tried to will away the panic that festered deep in her chest.

Eventually, she heard rustling from elsewhere in the house. Her parents were waking up. Then the girls. Thankfully, she heard her parents tending to the girls and ushering them downstairs.

It was only a matter of time until you stirred from your sleep. You groggily rubbed your face and slowly sat up. There were bags under your eyes and you looked a little worse for wear, but to Jessie you looked perfect.

She couldn't help but think back, even just for a few fleeting moments, to a morning many years ago. It had been Sam's birthday and you'd made the mistake of trying to keep up with her and Erin. You'd been sick all night long, Jessie staying up with you. She held back your hair, tended to you.

You were hardly any better by morning. You cuddled into her, moaning pathetically - and she meant that with all the affection in the world - about your regrets from last night. Whining for her to hold you, rub your back. She dutifully did so, all sealed with a kiss to your head.

God, how things had changed.

Your brow furrowed as you continued to wake up and her heart fluttered at the sight. You turned your head and your gaze finally fell onto her as she sat with her back against the wall. She saw your vision sharpen with sudden realization; the immediate rise of your chest as you took a quiet breath. All sleep abruptly seemed to leave your body.

Jessie mustered up a weak, brave smile for you.

"How are you feeling?" She asked softly.

Your gaze dropped and you picked distractedly at the comforter for a moment before looking up at her and offering her a smile that mirrored her own.

"Okay," you said. A beat passed and you gave a slow shake of your head. "I've been better."

A barely audible huff left Jessie's mouth as she rest her head back against the wall, a bittersweet smile lingering.

"I said the same thing to Janine last night," she said. "Before...everything. But still," she trailed off and idly plucked at the hem of her shorts.

You gave a soft nod and silence soon filled the room. Jessie watched you, but you avoided her stare.

She eventually took a deep breath, ensuring to not take her eyes off you. She spoke tentatively.

"Did you mean what you said last night?"

You were still for a moment. Jessie's breath held in her lungs until a regretful, heartbroken smile tugged at your lips. You finally looked over at her. Your eyes were shimmering with unshed tears and you gave a single nod.

"I'm sorry, Jess."

A stifled sob forced its way out of her mouth and her face twisted up in emotions. She rubbed the side of her face and cried quietly as the weight of your decision set in.

She was so tired of crying. She'd cried more in the past month than she had in years.

"I can't live like this, Jess." Your voice was hardly above a whisper and the pain and remorse was evident in your eyes. Her chest shook as she tried to breathe through her tears. You went on. "This isn't who we were. Or who we're meant to be. Arguing over everything. So much tension. Hurt."

"But it's normal," Jessie debated, voice small and weak, hoping upon hope you'd change your mind. "It makes sense that things are hard right now. You have every right to be mad at me and hurt. There's a lot to navigate. Of course it's difficult. It'll take time."

"It's more than that. I'm at your throat all the time. I-I'm just so," your hands fell to the bed listlessly, your body deflating as you tried to find your words. "I'm so mad," you admitted with a defeated shake of your head. Your voice broke. "And so hurt. All the time." You shook your head in utter disbelief, now leaning forward. "There are times I just- I can't even stand to look at you.”

Jessie's lip quivered and her stomach dropped further.

"Can you believe that?" You asked with a watery laugh. "You. The woman I'm head over heels in love with. Always have been. I swear, I still get weak in the knees sometimes when you smile at me. But everything's twisted and poisoned now. I don't know what to do now that the person I love the most, the person who was my safe space and my constant, is who's causing me so much pain."

You shook your head sadly as the tears fell. "It's just too much."

Jessie felt like she could tear through her skin. She couldn't fathom this. It felt like her insides were being ripped apart.

"I'm so sorry," her voice wavered and broke. "Y/N," she pleaded your name. "I'm so sorry I hurt you. You never deserved any of this. You’ve been nothing but incredible. You deserved so much better. I’m sorry.”

Her body felt heavy and what was to come felt inevitable. Still, she had to try.

She took a shuddering breath. "I started going to counselling," she reminded you. "And I want us to go to couples counselling. When you’re ready. We love each other," the declaration coming out in a sob, "We can fix things. I know we can."

You nodded through your tears. “Maybe we can. But truth is," you took a deep breath, "sometimes I don't know that I want to fix things. Most days I do," you added quickly upon seeing the distressed look on Jessie's face, "but some days? Some days - I don't." You softened further. "The days I believe in us, I'm hopeful we can find a way to make it work. But that’ll only be possible if we separate.”

Jessie hiccupped as she wiped the stream of tears from her cheeks. “What does it mean though?” Her voice was small and scared. “Are we - are we breaking up?”

She never thought those words would come out of her mouth with you. You were her forever. She was certain of it.

You sighed tiredly. “I-” you started and gave up with another breath. “I do want to work on our relationship. I’m still your wife. You’re still mine. I still love you. I do. And I believe you love me. I believe you’re sorry. And that you wish you didn’t hurt me. But this is so much more than that. I need space," you stressed.

Jessie swallowed the discomfort and fear she felt. Space felt like the last thing you two needed. How could you rebuild a connection if you didn’t see each other? How could you find it in your heart to forgive her if she couldn't step up each day; actively try to make things up to you?

It frightened her beyond words. But, if that’s what you needed, she’d try. She’d need to trust that it would be for the better. And that you wouldn't lose each other along the way.

Yet another sign - if she had any doubt - that you were oh so different from anyone else in her life or history. She was never one to be anxiously attached. And she would've never chased after someone who wanted space.

The thought of a life without you though made her sick.

You readjusted on the bed, facing her better and you leaned on your leg as you spoke.

“The truth is I can’t imagine my life without you. I know because of the girls you’ll always be in my life in some capacity. But I can’t imagine not loving you. Not being in love you and you being my person. Us not going through this life together.”

You took a breath and held her gaze.

“So. Know that. That I want to find my way back to you or you to me. I can’t make any promises. But this is the only way I can see it happening.”

Jessie nodded resolutely through her tears. “It was me. I got lost. But I’ll find my way back to you. I’ll wait for you. Whatever it takes - I will. I’m in love with you and I want to be by your side through this life.” She swallowed. “And I know you can’t make any promises. But giving me, giving us a chance even though I don’t deserve it…thank you.”

You nodded tearfully, suddenly waving a hand in frustration. "As hurt as I am. As furious as I am with you. And as much as I want to ignore everything we've had together - I can't." You stifled more tears. "When I think about what I want in life. I still picture us - what we had together."

Your face screwed up in a mixture of anger and despair. "And it makes me so mad. So. I'm not doing it for you. I'm doing it for me. I feel like I need to see things out - see what's real, what's left between us. Because I miss you," you voice wavered as your eyes welled up again, "I want our old life back. I see you trying. And I wish I could let you in. But I can't.

"So. I need you to leave. We need to rebuild on our own. Apart. And if at the end of it we find ourselves together again...it'll really mean something. Versus if we just try to bandage this mess together as is."

Silent tears continued to fall down Jessie's face, but she sat quietly, absorbing your words. Her insides churned in affliction, but she offered a subtle nod of acceptance.

“I’m scared too, you know," you went on. Jessie lip trembled more at your acknowledgment of her unvoiced feelings. “I’m terrified to be without you - even like this. And I’m terrified you’ll realize you don’t actually love me anymore. You’ve just been holding on to what you know. It’s a very real possibility that you’ll realize that your cheating was just the start of something inevitable. That I’m not the one for you and that you’ve truly been unhappy with us.”

Your lip shook and you bit back a sob, your gaze flicking away. "It tears me apart to think that. That maybe I'm not the one for you. And that I haven't been for quite some time."

She shook her head, inching forward though you weren't looking. “I can understand why you think that and why you can't trust otherwise. But I love you so much. I have no doubts that you are the one for me. I know you can’t believe what I say right now, but I will prove it to you again and again from here on out. I promise.”

To her surprise, you looked back to her with a small series of nods.

“I know you think that,” you said, skirting her proclamation. “But if you find out it’s not true. Please, please tell me. As soon as you know. Don’t make a fool out of me.”

Jessie cried as she shook her head in protest. “I hate that you think it could be anyone but you. I’m so sorry, baby. Me cheating…it’s the worst fucking mistake of my life.”

You picked idly at the comforter again and sniffled. Your eyes were downcast and you were clearly lost in thought. Jessie’s insides twisted at the shell of a person she’d turned you into.

Something flipped inside of her and she straightened slightly, eyes set on you. She put on a brave face.

“When do you want me to go?” She asked quietly, no accusation or judgement in her voice.

Your eyes snapped up to her, almost caught off guard. She didn't know if she was seeing things or not, but she swore your eyes brimmed with tears anew.

You thought for a moment and gave a faint shrug.

“End of the month, I guess,” you told her gently. Her heart broke but she nodded.

“Okay."

You gave her a half-hearted smile. “Thank you.”

“You don’t need to thank me,” Jessie said, masking a pained laugh. She absently scratched behind her ear. “I’ll, uh, try to find a place not too far from here. If that’s okay. I-I think that’d make things easier with the girls,” she added, trying to rid the sadness from her voice.

To her surprise, you rose, getting out of bed. Her eyes locked on yours and you wordlessly made your way over to her, taking a seat next to her on the floor, your arm brushing against her even. Her breath nearly caught as you laced your fingers with hers. Her eyes filled with tears all over again.

“You can have everything,” she said, working to keep her voice steady as she gave a vague gesture of her head. “I don’t want the girls to feel like anything’s being taken away. This should feel as much like home as it always has.”

You squeezed her hand and she squeezed back, her face falling as emotions peaked.

“I’m sorry, Jess,” you said through tears. Her own tears overflowed, but she forced a smile and shook her head as she looked at you.

“You don’t have a thing to be sorry for,” she told you determinedly. “I mean it. None of this is your fault.”

She took a shaky breath. Her voice broke as she began to speak.

“I need you to know. Because I don’t know what will happen. But I need you to know that you’re everything I ever wanted. I couldn’t have dreamt up someone better. You deserve the very best in this world. And I’m so fucking sorry I failed you. So, if we don’t make it back from this. I just, I need you to know how incredible you are. You’re everything. And what I did, my flaws, my faults, they’re not a reflection of you. I’m sorry you have to even question any of this.”

You bit back a sob and Jessie squeezed your hand. She felt a strange sense of calm and peace for the first time in weeks.

“I love you. I never stopped. And I always will love you. I won’t waste another chance with you. But at the same time I know you don’t owe me that. So, if you decide to…to eventually move on. I get it. I’ll be fucking heartbroken and destroyed, I can’t lie, but I understand. And I’ll always support you. I won’t fight you. And I’ll do whatever you need to make things as good for you and the girls as possible. Even if I didn’t act like it, you three are what matter most to me. So if that’s what you need to do, that’s okay. Don’t ever feel bad."

You clutched her hand in both of yours now and your features twisted and trembled as you were overcome with emotion. She gave your hand another squeeze and forced herself to offer a vague laugh as she smiled reassuringly at you.

"Don't second-guess yourself," she told you resolutely. "You're one of the smartest women I've ever known. The most grounded and level-headed. Just a few of the many things I love about you," she finished with a irrepressible break in her voice. "So, if down the line everything inside of you is telling you that this isn't right. That it's over and you need to move on," she swallowed, but gave you a teary smile, "you should trust yourself."

Your eyes screwed shut and you shook your head, inhaling a sharp, shuddering breath.

“I hate this,” you whimpered as you looked up at the ceiling.

“Me too,” Jessie agreed in a quivering voice as she readjusted her grip with yours. This was the first real intimacy you and her had since she came forward. And frankly, it could be the last. She sniffled and closed her eyes at the thought.

Surprise came over her as suddenly your warm hand rested on her cheek. Her eyes flew open and she looked over at you. You gave a watery laugh and you seemed to take her in.

Before she knew it, your lips met hers in a sweet, tender kiss. It only lasted a second before her lip quivered and you pulled back, you having much the same reaction.

“I’ve loved you so much, Jess,” you said with a wistful smile. “We’ve had some amazing times.”

Jessie’s expression broke and she couldn't hold back a brief sob. It sounded too much like the end. Like you already felt things were over.

She sniffled, taking a deep, calming breath. She anchored herself to your expression that this, in fact, wasn’t the end and you two would at least try. There was still hope.

It took a moment, but she acknowledged your statement with a nod. Her heart hurt, but it was filled with overwhelming love for you as well.

She lifted your hands and laid a soft, chaste kiss atop them. She cupped your hands in hers.

"Thank you for everything. No matter what happens."

—————

The day of her move came quickly. So quickly. Finding a house to rent nearby, ordering furniture, packing up - and everything in between - it all happened so fast and it didn't feel real. And of course, there was the matter of telling the girls. That was a day Jessie never wanted to relive.

Stilted chords and a few discordant notes filled the room as Harper practiced her latest piece. Jessie's gaze drifted over to Ky who was laying on the rug in the middle of the room scribbling in her notebook. You walked in and caught Jessie's eye.

The vulnerability and warmth you'd shown the morning you both agreed she'd leave had been swiftly buried behind the walls from before. You'd gone back to being cold, and sometimes harsh, between bouts of sadness. Though perhaps less frequently so.

Jessie was pleased that you both - despite whatever tension - were aligned on how you'd coordinate everything with the girls though. She could tell you were ready for a fight, but she swore she saw a glimpse of relief or even gratitude at how you both easily settled on things.

Jessie was grateful too. Because this - this conversation - required a very united front.

You stared at one another for a few heavy moments before she gave a somber nod.

"Hey, girls. Can we talk for a second?" Jessie piped up as she rose from her seat on the couch and sat down on the floor across from Ky.

Harper peered over her shoulder and you beckoned her gently. "Come on, sweetie. Let's sit down together."

As they all sat, Jessie and you exchanged one last silent glance before you cleared your throat.

"We want to talk to you about something important. You know that things have been different lately between me and Momma. We've talked with you a little bit about it, but we wanted to talk more about it today."

You looked over at Jessie and she took a quick breath as she started.

"Mommy and I - we've been having a really hard time lately. And even though we love each other, and we love you both more than anything in the world, we've decided that I'm going to stay somewhere else for a little while."

Both girls frowned in confusion and Jessie's chest twinged at the sight. Harper spoke first.

"What do you mean? How long?"

"I'm not sure, sweetie," she said gently. "I'll be nearby though - just a five minute walk away. Mom and I talked about it - you'll stay with Mom two days, with me two days, and then we'll switch weekends."

Harper's face began to twist with upset and you jumped in.

"I know it sounds confusing, sweetie," you said gently. "It's a big change. But with Momma retiring, instead of her being away for sometimes days or weeks at a time, you'll actually be seeing her more often."

"And we'll still talk every day,” Jessie added. “Even if you're staying here with Mommy, we can talk on the phone. And when you're with me - you'll talk with Mommy. We'll still come to your dance classes, school things, I'll still coach soccer for you - all of that will remain the same. We're still your moms. That never changes."

This seemed to satiate Harper somewhat, but she her eyes still welled with tears and she tugged anxiously at the fabric of her pants anyway.

"I don't like it! I don't want to do any of this,” distress creeping into her voice.

"I know, baby. It's hard," Jessie said. "But we're still a family. You still have two moms who love you so, so much. But Mom and I need to take a little time to work on some things as grown-ups. And sometimes that means living in different homes for a while."

"I don't understand," Ky finally interjected, her tone sharp. "Why is this happening?"

Jessie glanced over at you helplessly to find you looking back at her much the same. She took a moment, subconsciously scratching at the back of her head before looking to her girls.

"I made a mistake that really hurt Mommy's feelings. And when someone's been really hurt, sometimes - sometimes space is needed to feel better. That doesn't mean we stop loving each other. And it definitely doesn't mean we stop loving you."

"Just say you're sorry," Ky said in mounting frustration and bewilderment. Jessie gave her daughter a regretful smile.

"It's not that simple sometimes, sweetie," she explained gently. "Sometimes things are more complicated - more difficult - when you're older."

"You're making her leave," Ky accused as she turned to you with a hard expression.

"No, sweetie," Jessie gently corrected. "We're both making this decision. And we're both doing our best to work through it." She took a breath. "Me moving out, it's one way I'm showing Mommy - and both of you - that I care and want to do better. But I know this is confusing."

By now, Harper was in tears and Ky wasn't far off. Jessie reached out for Harper and the little girl sniffled as she allowed herself to be pulled onto Jessie's lap. She kissed the crown of Harper's head and brushed back her hair tenderly.

"I know this is sad, baby. It's hard for all of us," she said as she gave her another kiss. "We love you so much though."

Jessie glanced over to see Ky stifling tears, trying to be strong and indifferent. It broke Jessie's heart to think that Ky might be growing up to feel that she - like Jessie - had to always be okay. Working so hard to appear steady and unflappable even if she was hurting.

You reached out a hand to her. "Come on, sweetie," you encouraged, and though she hesitated for a moment, Ky soon scurried over to you, wrapping her arms around your waist and burying her head against your chest.

Maybe she wouldn't turn out like Jessie, after all.

"Sweethearts," you announced softly, getting the girls' attention once more. "I know this is a lot to take in. And it's going to be hard for a while, but we need you to understand that both of you are our top priorities. We love you no matter what - that is never changing. We are still a family and Momma and I are still here for you always, even if we'll be living a little differently."

"If I make a mistake will I have to leave?" Ky asked through a small sob. You looked over at Jessie in alarm before hugging the little girl tightly to you.

"God, no. Oh my gosh, Kylen. Never. Same for you, Harp," you said emphatically. "This is strictly between Momma and I. And grown-up mistakes are never a kid's fault. You can - and you will - make mistakes and that's perfectly okay. We are your moms forever and you are safe with us no matter what."

"It's okay to ask questions," Jessie said, giving Harper a small squeeze. "We'll answer any question you have. Talking through things - even when they're difficult or they hurt - is important. And it helps you feel better in the end. That's something I'm learning, too."

You hesitated before looking over at her. She readily met your gaze.

"Like Mom said. We love you both more than anything and you're always safe with us."

By the end of that discussion, and over the following days and nights, the girls seemed to begin to adjust and accept. It wasn't smooth or perfect by any means, but she'd felt like progress was being made. Still, she shouldn't have been caught off guard by the emotion the day she moved out.

Janine was coming over to help her load up her things. There really wasn't much - she’d meant what she said - she only wanted her clothes, a few of her personal belongings - her camera, things like that. But overall, she was leaving with next to nothing. She also couldn’t help but want to leave reminders of herself for the girls in hopes it could help ease the transition.

You were taking the girls to the rec center with some of their friends - do your best to distract them and get their minds off things, but it didn't stop the outbursts as you all were leaving.

There was crying, even shouting, from the girls. It tore Jessie apart and she knew it was doing the same to you.

Then, finally, once you'd both calmed the girls down enough for you to leave, there was the tense and awkward goodbye between you and her. Stiff stances. A quick, stilted hug. Minimal eye contact on your part.

From lingering kisses and touches, quiet declarations of love and longing any time she left town, to this. It broke her that things had gotten to this point. Her mind still reeled at how quickly and significantly it had all unraveled.

That evening, she laid on new, uncomfortable mattress, feeling unsettled and lonely beyond belief. Reflecting on it, she'd never really been alone. She'd lived with her parents and siblings, then roommates, then you and the kids. Sure, small stints here and there on her own, but not like this.

Janine had stayed as long as she could tonight, but truly, this was Jessie's cross to bear. Her consequences to weather.

Her surroundings were unfamiliar, cold and dark. The house itself partially and disjointedly furnished. She couldn't imagine ever calling it a home - it felt like the farthest thing from it.

No sounds of Harper's music as she practiced her latest dance routine, no sign of Ky tinkering about with something or following her around and asking her questions. And no hint of you anywhere to be found.

Her eyes stung from the ebb and flow of her tears as she laid in bed scrolling through old photos of you and the girls. Leading up to this, some part of her still held onto that reality - the ones in the photos - smiles and candid moments together.

Even if she'd been relegated to another room, you barely talking to her, you were still a unit. You were all still together.

Now, as she laid alone, none of that was true. And even though you'd voiced a commitment to try to work on things, to try to come together again someday, there was a very real chance that what she was reliving in pictures would never be anything more than that. Just stills and reflections of a past life. Something that could never truly be hers again.

The term 'rock bottom' gets thrown around a lot. Jessie thankfully had never truly understood what it meant to live it, what it was like. But now? Now, she knew.

Tag request: @marvelwomen-simp

#jessie fleming #jessie fleming x reader #woso x reader #woso imagine #canwnt x reader #woso angst #wlw angst

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hgfictionwriter · 28 days ago

Note

Now see, look what you’ve done. Fuckboy g!p Jessie isn’t something I knew I needed in life and yet here we are

Now you’ve got me brewing up ideas of things along the lines of ‘taming of the fuckboy’

Also! Super glad you’re simmering in the nsfw alphabet! Love those!

-wasabi

“Taming of the fuckboy” is one of my favourite things 💫 If you haven’t read it yet, I’ve explored some of this here. Part two is here.

And as always, open to other ideas!

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hgfictionwriter · 29 days ago

Note

just so you know you forgot the woso x reader tag on your most recent fic incase u wanted to add it!

Honestly, I was nervous about sharing this post beyond the other tags. But, you know what. Roll the dice lol.

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hgfictionwriter · 29 days ago

Text

Need

Jessie Fleming x Reader

Summary: You spend the day at the pool with Jessie. You hardly know her, but God, you can't help but stare. It's not like you to fall into someone's arms so quickly, but you just can't help yourself.

Warnings: G!P content. Fingering (R receiving). Penetrative sex. Slight dom vibes (J). Pool sex. Praise kink. Risky sex. Big time breeding kink! Implied one-night stand/hook-up (non-established relationship).

A/N: In response to this request (thank you, Wasabi!). Breeding kink is on full display in this one, folks. Frat boy/player Jessie characterization.

Sorry @flemingsfreckles, I couldn't not use that picture for this fic.

“Another drink, anyone?” Niamh asked as she climbed out of the pool. You shook your head from your spot on the lounger.

“I’ll come with you.”

Your eyes shifted behind your sunglasses to Jessie who now braced her hands on the edge of the pool and effortlessly lifted herself up and out.

She didn’t seem that buff in her everyday clothes - typically baggy shirts and shorts - but a view of her at the pool shattered your perceptions.

Her arms and shoulders flexed to reveal she was deceptively sculpted. Water dripped down her defined muscles and you couldn’t help but stare.

Your eyes dragged down her body until you reached her swim trunks. They were soaked and consequently plastered to her body. So much so that the outline of her cock left little to the imagination.

Your core immediately pulsed at the sight and a warmth swept through you. Your body's involuntarily reaction caught you off guard. She may have been small in stature compared to her former teammates, but that wasn't reflective of other parts of her.

As quickly as you saw it, she shook out her shorts so they weren’t nearly as form-fitting.

You blinked rapidly, belatedly realizing how deeply transfixed you were. You inadvertently cleared your throat and looked away, an unnecessary blush beginning to form on your face.

You settled yourself back into the lounger and refocused on your book. Your fingers gripped the book so tightly you had to remind yourself to relax.

You probably read the same paragraph five times, but to no avail. Your mind kept thinking back to Jessie’s gorgeous form. The image of the generous bulge in her swim trunks still had your heat fluttering and you found yourself fidgeting and restless. You could hardly believe it.

You weren’t the type to get worked up over someone you hardly knew. Especially over something so physical, but you couldn’t help but shift and readjust as you tried over and over to concentrate on your book instead of wondering how it would feel to have her spread your legs and push inside of you.

Jesus Christ.

You shook your head out and refocused yet again on the text in front of you.

“What are you reading?”

You nearly startled.

“Oh, um,” you stammered, feeling your face grow flush as you turned the book over in your hand to read the title. You forced yourself to look up, inwardly scolding yourself as your eyes raked up Jessie’s body as you went to make eye contact. For the second time today you were grateful you had sunglasses on.

“Just some crappy novel from the airport,” you explained. “I hardly know what it’s about,” you rambled.

The corner of her mouth quirked up just so.

“Guess it can’t be that enticing then,” she said lightly. “Sure I can’t get you a refill on your drink?” She asked.

You glanced over at your nearly-empty cup. You shrugged, feeling nervous under her attention.

“Oh. I can get one,” you dismissed. “It’s fine.”

“I’m up anyway. What is that - [y/favourite drink]? Let me get you another.”

You blushed and gave her a small smile. It took conscious effort to keep your eyes on hers and not let them drift. “If you insist.”

She smiled winningly.

“You got it.”

To your surprise, when she returned she took up a spot on the lounger next to you after she handed you your drink. She laid back without a word, adjusted her sunglasses and settled in.

Your eyes lingered on her. Far longer than they should’ve. What started as simple curiosity turned into you taking in her sun-kissed skin, how her muscular thighs pulled the seams of her shorts tight and, again, your eyes fell to the now-visible bulge in her damp swim shorts as she suntanned.

“Don’t worry, I’ll reapply my sunscreen soon,” she announced suddenly, causing you to rapidly avert your gaze and feign distraction.

“Oh. Um. Doesn’t matter to me.” You shrugged.

She turned her head and lifted her sunglasses.

“You’re getting a little red,” she commented. She sat up slightly, her abs flexing as she did so and you looked away once again as she pointed at the back of your shoulder.

“Oh. It’s fine,” you muttered dismissively as you distractedly palmed at the spot in question. You paused as you debated what to do.

You gave an inaudible huff as you reached into your bag and grabbed some sunscreen. You began to apply it, turning away some as you grew self-conscious at the struggle to get to the spot she mentioned.

“Want me to get it for you?”

“No,” you said somewhat tersely, pouty even. She chuckled.

“Okay,” she said unbothered as she settled back in.

You huffed as returned to your book. It was several minutes later when she sat up and began applying her own sunscreen. Despite your lingering irritation, you struggled not to watch her running her hands over her flexing muscles.

“Sure I can’t get that spot for you?” She asked as she was about to put away her sunscreen.

You paused in contemplation before finally relenting. She gave you a charming smile and sat down behind you on the lounger.

You subconsciously cleared your throat as her strong hands made contact with your skin. She massaged the sunscreen in and your eyes literally fell shut at how good it felt.

“All set,” she said, her voice soft. She wasn’t even right by your ear but it sent a shiver down your spine.

Everything shifted from that point on. Before you knew it, she’d convinced you to at least sit on the edge of the pool, dipping your feet in and chat with her and the group.

Next, you were in the pool and she gave you a dazzling smile now and then either in conversation with you or as you caught her eye across the pool.

By the time you were all toweling off for dinner, your mind was unabashedly thinking very impure things about her and you.

The sun went down and others said they were headed inside to get changed and settle in for the evening. She leaned back in her chair, looking far too good, and nodded back towards the pool.

“Pool’s heated. Want to go for a late night swim with me?”

Of course you agreed.

You chatted idly together in the pool, but the tension was high. You struggled to keep your eyes off her and anytime you braved a look she was looking at you blatantly. Heat went through your body under her stare.

“I’m going to have to give Niamh a hard time,” she eventually said.

“For what?” You inquired as you leaned back against the pool wall, your feet touching the bottom where you were standing.

“For not introducing me to you sooner. She’s been holding back,” she said with a smirk.

“Oh yeah?” You asked, trying to sound flirty, though you blushed at the comment. “Well. I guess I could say the same to her about you."

"Yeah," she chuckled as she swam closer to you, she stood as she reached you. "She's always trying to get me to come on these vacations. I usually don't bother, but, glad I joined this time." Her eyes scanned your body and you nearly bit your lip.

"Yeah?" You smirked at her forwardness. "Why's that?" You teased.

"Mm. Getting to meet you," you said easily. "Great conversation. Good chemistry. Pool time together in the sun. Under the moon. Can't go wrong."

You laughed softly with a shake of your head.

"What?" She asked through a smile.

"Just thinking about what Niamh said about you."

"Oh? And what exactly did she say?"

“She said you were a bit quiet but charming," you relayed with a playful cock of your head.

“Really now," she grinned as she began to close the space between you. She was so close to touching you. Your lips subconsciously parted and your core ached. "So, verdict?”

“She’s not wrong," you replied.

Jessie grinned wider and gave you a wink.

“Stop” you laughed. “You know what you’re doing."

“What’s that?” She asked with a glimmer in her eye as braced her arms against the pool wall next to you, but refused to let her body brush against yours. You had to control yourself to stop yourself from wrapping your legs around her waist.

"I know what I'd like to be doing," she said softly.

You glanced over your shoulder at the house the group of you were sharing for the weekend.

"Nobody can see us," she assured you as she leaned in to whisper, her cheek brushing against yours. Your breath caught in your throat and your hand automatically came up to rest on her shoulder, your thumb instinctively grazing along the side of her neck.

She finally closed the space between you two, her body now pressing against yours as she wrapped an arm around your waist, her other hand still anchoring you two to the wall of the pool.

You finally allowed yourself to wrap your legs around her waist, though settling yourself well above where you wanted to be. Still, you couldn't believe how brazen you were being. She hummed quietly in approval and her hand shifted down to grip your ass, pulling you tightly against her. You gasped softly in her ear.

“I’ve seen you fidgeting and squirming all day," she whispered as she began to lay soft, tender kisses along your neck. Your breath hitched again and you inadvertently rolled your hips against her. "Mm," she moaned as she kneaded your ass. "Want to tell me what that's all about?"

You wrapped your arms around the back of her shoulders and dug your fingers into her skin. Your mind struggled to catch up to what was unfolding. You didn't know what to expect from her in this context, but it wasn't that. But she without a doubt had you absolutely pulsing with need.

"I think you know," you eventually managed to respond, surprising yourself with how breathless you sounded.

"Hmm," she facetiously pondered as she nipped at your neck. "I think I saw you eyeing me when I came out of the pool. And on the lounger. And in the pool again. And at dinner." Her hand roamed to caress your waist, your back and she began to toy with the band of your bikini. "Does that sound about right?"

You gasped softly. You tried to lower yourself down her torso, eager to feel her hardness. She held you firmly in place with a soft snicker and you rocked against her uncharacteristically shameless, desperate for friction.

"And now, here you are, legs spread for me." She licked the shell of your ear and tugged your earlobe between her teeth. She toyed with your bikini bottoms again.

“If it’s any consolation, it’s taken serious concentration to not get hard seeing you walking around half naked all day," she offered. "You," she said slowly, as she removed her hand from the wall and gently grasped you under your chin and began to lay slow, soft kisses along your jaw as she spoke, "are something special."

Something gave in you and you pulled her into a searing kiss. If you were right, her knees gave just slightly at the action. When she pulled back, she eyed you in appreciation, a crooked smirk on her lips.

"I like a girl who knows what she wants," she said. "But. Let's be clear. I'm calling the shots, here."

Before you could respond, she kissed you deeply, biting your lower lip. Tongues began to explore as she finally lowered you enough for her hard cock to finally press against you through her trunks and your bottoms. You moaned.

"Like what you feel, baby?" She asked as she allowed you to grind against her. The friction felt amazing and you knew how dripping wet you were for her. You needed more.

She pushed a hand between your bodies, two firm fingers pushing their way down the front of your bikini bottoms to rub across your covered clit and along your slit . Your legs widened even more and you let out a small whine.

“If I touch you right now, what am I going to feel?” She asked, eliciting a needy whimper from you as you urged her to pull aside the fabric and dip inside. “Tell me, baby.”

“Mm, how wet I am," you nearly panted in frustration.

“Is that so," she said playfully. She finally tugged your bottoms aside and allowed a single digit to circle your entrance. You whined pathetically. "Mm, fuck, baby. You really are wet," she voiced as she eased one finger inside. You moaned and dug your nails into her back.

She gently withdrew her finger before pushing gently in once more, curling it slightly as her thumb rest against your clit and rubbed slowly. Your pushed your hips down into the palm of her hand and she chuckled.

"So needy for me, baby," she teased as she mercifully pushed a second finger inside of you. Her cheek was pressed against yours as she whispered, her warm breath in your ear. "Tell me what you've been wanting."

Your hips jerked against her hand, wanting and desperate as you clung to her.

"I want you to fuck me," you told her as she continued to tease you with her painstakingly slow, deliberate touches. She tutted.

"No, no. Tell me what you really want," she said.

You grunted in frustration as your mind was consumed with the feel of her fingers caressing your walls - fleeting pressure against your g-spot before knowingly pulling away - and the image of the prominent bulge in her trunks that had baited you all day. The feel of her firm cock taunting you through your clothes and causing your core to twinge in anticipation.

Again, you struggled to reconcile this outward image of her - sweet, unassuming, innocent - with the woman who literally had you grinding into her hand, moaning and whimpering for more, telling you what to do, when, and how.

"I want your cock. I want you to fuck me in this pool. I want to feel you inside of me. I want you to make me cum," you said, half in bewilderment at your own lack of control.

"That's much better," she praised with a soft chuckle. She removed her fingers from your heat. Though a wave of disappointment went through you at the sudden void, a rush of arousal took over as she swiftly hooked two fingers into the band of your bikini and guided them down your legs. You gladly complied, helping her remove them and she gave you a kiss. "Good girl."

She took a step back, a cocky smile on her face as she watched you, your eyes pouring over her as she pushed her swim shorts down her muscular legs and tossed the clothing onto the pool deck. Though the water impeded your view, you could see her cock standing tall between her legs and it caused your core to throb with desire.

She pushed you against the pool wall once more, your legs easily coming around her again and she positioned the broad head of her cock at your entrance.

"I didn't bring any protection with me," she said simply. You shook your head.

"That's fine," you said hurriedly as your rolled your hips across her hardness. You tried to sink down onto her, but again she chuckled and held you up. You settled for sliding your slick lips across her head and over your sensitive clit. A jolt went through you at the contact.

"Are you on the pill? Anything else?" She asked as she began to kiss up and down your neck once more.

"No," you answered tersely, your impatience growing. "I don't - I don't normally hook up out of the blue," you rambled on in a fluster.

"Mm, lucky me, then," she said as she nipped at the base of your neck and snuck a hand under your top to massage your breasts. "I can't promise I'll pull out, you know."

"I don't care," you panted, trying to ignore how her comment somehow sent a wave of anticipation through you.

"If you say so," she said as she brought her cock back to your sopping entrance and she nudged knowingly at it. You whined. "Mm, what's the matter, baby."

"God, Jess. Please! Just fuck me. I need it," you protested.

She sunk inside of you with no further delay. You gasped audibly at how she filled you, stretching your walls and massaging you as she pushed in.

“Mmph, baby. You feel just as good as I thought you would. Jesus Christ," she said through gritted teeth as she pushed up onto her tiptoes to bury herself deeper inside of you, lifting you and pushing you up the slick wall of the pool. "Fuck, I’ve been wanting this pussy all day.”

You moaned in bliss, unaware of how you were clutching her almost painfully in your arms. She gripped your ass, fingers splayed, as she drew her hips back, her head splitting you apart in the most amazing way. She pushed back inside and you released another wanton moan.

"So gorgeous," she praised as she sunk back inside, holding herself there for several seconds again, just relishing in how your gripped her so tightly.

"Oh God, please," you found yourself pleading, "I need you."

"Mm, I really like you," she said as she lifted a hand to gently grasp your face, coaxing you to look at her. "Look at me, baby," she instructed. You blinked in desperation, short of breath, forcing yourself to hold her intense gaze.

She bit her lower lip with a wicked smile as she began slow, steady strokes. Your eyes fell shut at the sensations that started to radiate out from your core. Your head went to fall to the side, but her fingers tightened on you and held you in place.

"Look at me, beautiful," she encouraged.

It took effort to lift your eyelids, but you forced yourself to lock eyes with her. She smiled.

"Well done, baby," she said as she continued full, skillful thrusts into you. You panted faintly, feeling your cheeks warm even more at the intimacy of how she watched you. "Just like that."

She released you and pulled you into a kiss, one arm wrapped around your waist to help you now bounce up and down on her cock. You moaned into her mouth.

She fucked you, the water around you both sloshing and clapping against the side of the pool as she began to move powerfully in and out of you. Heat continued to build between your legs as she filled you and you began to palm desperately at the side of the pool as the pleasure started to become overwhelming.

"Not yet, baby," she said - her voice disrupting your trance. You opened your eyes, blinking in a slight haze and barely registering the smirk that tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Turn around."

You moved at her will, allowing her to pull out of you. Another feeble whimper coming from you as she left you empty. Her hands gripped your waist and turned you around. Without thinking, you arched your back, pushing your ass out towards her in the water, wordlessly offering yourself to her again.

"Fuck," she said in appreciation as she gripped your ass tightly in her hand while the other lined up her cock with your used opening once more. You folded your arms and braced them against the side of the pool as you pushed back against her.

The head of her cock spread your entrance wide and she slipped inside again with a low hiss.

You looked over your shoulder to see her devouring the image of you before her. She glanced up at you with a crooked grin before refocusing on her member disappearing inside of you.

"Look at how well you take me," she said. Her hands caressed your body as they moved up to grip your waist. She began to set the pace, pulling your hips back to meet her. A stuttering moan left your mouth as she began to fuck you harder.

Your hands were balled into fists, clenching and unclenching as she ensured to angle her hips so that with each thrust her cock massaged your g-spot and sent pulse after pulse of arousal through you. You whimpered.

"You sound so good," she said. She continued thrusting but soon exhaled steadily, her hand pushing firmly up your back and before coming down to your thigh.

“As good as you look spreading your legs, close them for me, baby," she instructed. You glanced over your shoulder, a flicker of confusion in the movement as you tried to process her request. She applied pressure to your thigh and you closed your legs, her cock still buried deep inside you. You exhaled at the shift in sensation and pressure.

She drew back, the tip stretching your entrance wide before she sunk back inside. “Mm, so fucking tight," she commented as the pads of her fingers dug into your hips now.

She gripped you and began to fuck you with short, hard strokes. Her feet were almost planted in front of yours now and you could feel her thighs flex against with you every movement as she rut powerfully into you. Your head fell listless against the wall and your jaw dropped at the overwhelming sensations that coursed through you with each action. Your head rocked against the pool with the force behind her thrusts.

Her hand wandered up your back once more until her fingers wrapped securely over the top of your shoulder. She gripped you firmly at the shoulder and waist and began to pull you against her in sharp, confident movements and you couldn't hold back a cry of pleasure, uncaring of who could hear you.

Her hand dipped down from your waist until she was between your legs. She began to rub your clit and your whimpers rose in pitch. She continued her ministrations and you gripped the wall of the pool in desperation as your climax neared.

"You gonna cum on my cock? You've been wanting it all day," she taunted through faint bursts of breath as she fucked you thoroughly.

You simply moaned in affirmation, but it wasn't enough for her.

"Say it," she demanded. "Say it or I leave you here all hot and bothered."

You grunted in a mixture of surprise and protest. "I'm gonna cum on your cock. Fuck. Jess, please."

"I like when you say my name," she remarked, looming threat now gone. "Okay, baby," she said as she continued to plunge into you and stimulate your clit. "I want to feel you cum. I want to feel this tight pussy gripping my cock. I want your walls fluttering and pulsing around me while I take you. I want you to give yourself to me."

You blinked in a daze as her words set in and she continued to use you. No one had ever talked to you like this. Fucked you like this.

In a few short moments, a whine began to work its way up your throat until it got caught partway as your breath hitched and your body stiffened under her hold.

Ragged, shallow breaths began to shake your body as you came undone on her cock and you began to spasm. Your walls clenched tightly around her and she grunted.

"Oh shit," she said through a hiss. "Holy fuck, babe." She nearly lost her rhythm, but managed to hold on and fuck you through your orgasm.

You began to whimper and plead again as your high ebbed, but rose once more as her relentless attention on you continued. The skin of your fingertips were white with pressure as you clung to the edge of the pool.

"Where do you want it?" She panted. You struggled to process her question. She exhaled roughly. "Time's ticking, babe."

"Inside me."

"You sure?" She asked skeptically. "I have to warn you, I've heard I'm pretty potent."

Your mind reeled with her claim. You knew you should tell her to pull out. It'd be easy. It was far and away the right thing to do. You hardly knew her. She was leaving in a couple of days.

"Cum inside me," you repeated.

She chuckled breathlessly. "God, yes. You're so sexy." She grunted softly as she continued her thrusts. "Hey, I have to say, we'd make pretty fucking cute babies."

You let out a salacious moan and a rush of excitement so foreign to you exploded out from your core to your limbs.

You couldn't explain it. Somehow, she had you casting all reason and logic aside. What would you do if it happened? Yet, you were begging for it - for her cum inside you. To claim you.

A visual flashed in your mind of you a few months from now, round and swollen with her child while she was off God-knows-where. Her virile seed taking root, growing, changing you forever, and simply because you couldn't resist her. The consequence of one reckless night with her.

You began to spasm around her cock for the second time tonight.

A strained grunt came from her as she slammed her hips tight against you and she unloaded inside you. Rough, ragged breaths escaped her as she pushed deeper, pressing you against the wall of the pool now as she spilled herself inside of you - possibly changing the trajectory of your life with the release of her pleasure.

Her cock twitched as strings of cum continued to coat your core. Finally, she was spent, her head resting heavy on your shoulder as she panted in your ear. Neither of you made an effort to disengage.

"That," she eventually said, "was so fucking amazing." She kissed your cheek while remaining buried inside your tunnel.

"I-I've never cum like that before," you found yourself admitting.

"Well," she said, now turning you around in her arms, allowing her cock to slip out of you as she did so. You couldn't believe a part of you lamented how her cum spilled out of you and into the pool. She kissed you sweetly, lips lingering against yours as she spoke. "If you like, we can sneak up to my room. Shower. And - since you seem into it - try again. Make sure that this takes."

Your walls fluttered at her words and a hitched breath fell from your lips.

"Is that a 'yes', gorgeous?"

Again, you surprised yourself by nodding against her.

"It's a 'yes'."

She smirked. "I could probably find a condom if you need me to," she still offered. "A little late, but you know, I could try."

You shook your head.

"No condom," you told her as you reached down and began stroking her softening cock.

"Jesus Christ," she said with an appreciative grin. "You're dangerous." She kissed you hard, now subtly rocking her hips into your waiting hand.

"I'm going to have to visit far sooner than I planned," she went on. She glanced up and down your body, eyes shimmering mischievously. "You'll send me pictures throughout, won't you?"

#jessie fleming #jessie fleming x reader #woso smut #wlw smut #wlw breeding #woso x reader

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hgfictionwriter · 29 days ago

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hi would you ever consider doing nsfw alphabet for g!p Jessie? id love to see what you would come out with

I adore this. Can't believe I haven't done it yet. Consider it done. Well. Consider it 'in progress'.

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hgfictionwriter · 29 days ago

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hiii, no “still yours” today? 🥺

Not today - I'm sorry! I'm posting something else very shortly though. Next part of Still Yours is in the works though! Thank you for your patience 🙏

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hgfictionwriter · 1 month ago

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Hello! I'm the gp! brain rot anon I hope I haven’t been shooting in too many. l've got quite a few gp! Jessie ideas (as you can probably tell) but I think I might write a few of them just so l'm not bombarding you with them lol

But you've actually started to inspire me to start writing smut again, so, thanks!

-wasabi

Hi there!! Thank you for the submissions. I love getting them. That said, it would be lovely to see your writing! You have great ideas.

To be transparent, I’ve started writing the swimming fic. You’re obviously free to write it - it’s your idea after all! I’ll probably still post it when I’m done though since I like where the fic is going. Hope that’s okay!

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hgfictionwriter · 1 month ago

Text

Still Yours - Part Four: Facades

Jessie Fleming x Reader

Summary: Jessie's retirement party is here. Everyone's celebrating her legacy, but to her it's nothing more than unseen wounds and false smiles as things unravel.

Warnings: Angst. Intense relationship conflict. Blurred consent. Language.

A/N: Rest of the series is here.

"The caterers are arriving at the venue at noon on Saturday," you said evenly, not bothering to look up from your laptop. Jessie watched you, listening intently from the other side of the kitchen island as you two ironed out the final details for her retirement party.

It wasn't the formal party - the official one was still a few weeks out. This was the more personal get-together for her friends and family. She didn't want anything at all, but she couldn't get away with not doing something. This version would at least be a bit more her speed.

"Sinc said she'll be able to meet them there," she told you. You nodded.

"If you need to go ahead, you can go and I can come later with the girls and your parents," you went on very matter of fact, still determinedly focused on your laptop screen.

"I don't need to go ahead of you guys. We planned it so all of us can arrive together," Jessie said, quietly insistent. Your jaw clenched briefly.

"'Kay," you said simply.

Jessie bit back a sigh.

"When do your parents get in again?" You asked tiredly.

"9:40 tomorrow morning," Jessie replied. Her stomach tightened a bit and she fidgeted in her chair. "Um. I'll get the guest room ready for them as soon as I'm up tomorrow." She swallowed her nerves. "Are you sure you're okay with me sleeping in our - in the main room," she corrected herself, "while they're here?"

She studied you as she asked it. You didn't visibly react, but your pause caused her stomach to drop further, leaving her dejected yet again.

"I can sleep on the couch down here," she offered quietly.

You sighed irritably, eyes finally snapping up to her for the first time this conversation.

"I already told you we can't do that," you said, your impatience barely veiled. "The girls have just gotten used to you sleeping in the guest room and understand that - you sleeping down here on the couch will just complicate things and worry them."

Jessie sighed inwardly. She couldn't do anything right.

"Just offering," she said dully. "Just trying to be considerate of you."

Your eyes flashed and your shoulders tensed. You looked ready to snap at her, but you exhaled inaudibly instead.

"We don't have a choice right now," you said flatly. "It is what it is." You released a short huff and crossed your arms on the table to look at her again. "When are you going to tell your parents?"

Jessie scratched at the back of her neck. "I'll tell them tomorrow," she said with a vague shrug. You shot her a look. "I will," she assured you pre-emptively. She sighed. "I know you wanted me to tell them sooner."

"Well it's been awfully awkward and brutal acting like everything is just fine in the group chat," you said with an irritated sigh. "I feel like I've been lying to them for almost a month."

Jessie sighed. "I know," she relented. "Thank you. For waiting. I- you know I'd rather not tell them in general. I still think this is personal - between you and me."

You gave a faint huff of a laugh, the corner of your mouth turning up ever so subtly. "Well, if we get divorced, that's not so private anymore."

Jessie gave you a worn and pleading look.

"I haven’t decided anything," you added, milder now, "but you need to understand this isn't just going away and we can't hide forever."

"I know," Jessie accepted in a subdued manner. "I appreciate you giving me time and letting me tell them in person."

“Yeah,” you said curtly as you tapped extra hard on the trackpad.

Jessie took a quiet, deep breath as she watched you helplessly. You stared daggers into the screen before you.

She’d tried again and again the past few weeks, various ways to try to alleviate the tension and hurt, but she felt like you were building up stronger walls and drifting further away instead. She felt like nothing was getting through to you and your anger only continued to simmer and rise.

She used to be able to console you. Care for you. Make you smile or laugh even when things were so hard. Even if she’d been the one to make you cry - always unintentionally - she knew how to make it up to you, to mend things, and above all, you allowed her to.

Now, she felt like her presence alone was enough to make you bristle.

She was lost in her recollections when she caught your eyes shifting to look at her.

“You can probably turn that into something else, you know,” you said offhandedly, taking a deep breath as you sat up straight once more and continued to busy yourself on your laptop.

“What?” Jessie asked with a slight frown of confusion. You didn’t look at her, but nodded vaguely towards her arm.

“Your tattoo,” you said simply. Jessie’s brow furrowed with greater puzzlement.

“What do you mean?”

You sighed irritably with a roll of your eyes. You pointed briefly. “That one,” you said, borderline tersely, unwilling to even verbalize exactly which one.

She glanced at the tattoos on the inside of her forearm. She’d had a few tattoos before she met you, but now, her most prominent and cherished ones were the three she added since you got married and had the girls.

Her stomach sank, now knowing immediately which one you meant. Her thumb grazed across the cabin tattoo she got for you. No matter where she was, you were always home to her. A warm, safe cottage in the middle of a wild forest seemed so right and fitting and it always brought her comfort.

“You could probably get your girl to turn it into something else,” you added as you typed away.

“Why would I want to do that?” She asked, not masking the hurt from your claim. It took you a moment to respond.

“Just doesn’t seem appropriate anymore,” you said with an unconvincing shrug. Jessie’s face fell.

“I don’t want to change it,” she said with quiet resolution. You finally looked at her.

“But it isn’t true anymore,” you refuted evenly.

“Yes it is,” Jessie returned adamantly.

You gave her a hard stare that dissolved into a bitter laugh.

“Yeah. I’m sure it was when that girl had her hands all over it - and the ones for our daughters - when you had her beneath you.”

“Y/N,” Jessie breathed in a mixture of apology, regret and pleading.

You exhaled sharply and slammed the lid of your laptop shut, tucking it swiftly under your arm and rising from your seat.

“I’m going to bed,” you announced blandly. You locked eyes with her and cocked your head to give her a saccharine smile. “Gotta go practice my smile in the mirror so I’m ready for the party.”

Jessie stood, holding your gaze and gave a single shake of her head. “I’ll cancel it.”

You scoffed, giving a dismissive eye roll.

“I’m serious,” Jessie told you. “This whole party was stupid to begin with. And it’s unfair to put you in this situation. I don’t want you to have to deal with any of this. And honestly, celebrating is the last thing either of us wants to do right now.”

You seemed to digest her words, eyeing her steadily before you eventually dropped your gaze.

“We can’t do that. You know that,” you said, softer now.

“There’s nothing to celebrate,” Jessie said, and for the thousandth time this month working to hold back tears. You smiled sadly at her.

“Your daughters want to celebrate you.”

This quieted her and you retreated towards the stairs in the moments it took her to respond.

“I don’t need a stupid party,” she repeated. “I don’t want you to have to pretend.”

You stopped at the bottom of the stairs and offered her another empty smile.

“I spent a lot of time and energy planning this ‘stupid party’ for you.” Your eyes shimmered in the distant light from the kitchen. “I’m pretending for the girls. Tomorrow for your parents. What’s another day for a larger audience?”

“Y/N,” Jessie said regretfully as she approached. The moment she did so you began climbing the steps. “Please. I didn’t mean it that way. I know you’ve done so much and I appreciate it. I just - come on,” she implored.

You continued walking upstairs without another glance.

————

“Momma! Look!”

Jessie watched as Ky double bounced Harper on the trampoline, drawing an exhilarated giggle out of the younger girl as she shot into the air. She landed safely and Jessie just shook her head.

“Easy, you two. We don’t need a trip to the hospital, okay?” She warned, nerves a little worse for wear though she smiled at her girls from the spot she and her parents had set up the lawn chairs in the backyard.

“Oh don’t be like that,” her dad chided with a laugh. “You three were always all rough and tumble growing up. Laughing up a storm until one of you inevitably came running in screaming and crying.”

“Yeah, exactly,” Jessie deadpanned with an affectionate glance his way.

“Not so funny when you’re on the parent side, huh?” Her mom teased.

Jessie took a deep, silent breath. “No. No, it’s not.”

“Well, you each turned out just fine if you ask me,” her dad chuckled as he leaned over and elbowed her. “Broken bones and all. We’re proud of you, kid.”

“You know, as a parent, you envision a life for your kids - what they'll do, what they'll achieve, who they'll love. And I can’t tell you how incredible it’s been seeing you build this life for yourself. Not just your career, but building your family with Y/N and raising these beautiful girls. It's so much more than I even dreamed. We really are so proud of you, Jessie.”

That persistent lump in Jessie’s throat came roaring back and she tried to swallow around it. She willed a response, but all she could do was muster up a weak smile.

“Speaking of Y/N, does she need help with something? She’s been inside a while,” her mom noted as she turned around in her chair to look back at the house.

Jessie cleared her throat and sat up. A renewed wave of guilt washed over her and she rubbed her palms anxiously atop her thighs while she peered over her shoulder.

Her parents arrived this morning and though, of course, you greeted them warmly and graciously, you’d notably removed yourself. While she’d managed to put on a decent mask, you were struggling. And honestly, she couldn’t and wouldn’t fault you at all. You were doing her a favour when you certainly didn’t owe her.

It added to her guilt. Yet another burden for you to bear because of her.

“Uh, yeah. I think she said she had some work to catch up on. Or maybe she’s just making lunch,” Jessie conjured up.

“Well, go check on her,” her mom urged, shooing her with her hand. “Especially if she’s making lunch, you ought to help. I taught you better than that.”

“Yes, mom,” she accepted as she got up out of the chair. She had to be mindful of her gait and posture as she headed in to ensure it didn’t look like she was apprehensive.

She was only inside for a couple of minutes before you banished her back outside. She sheepishly returned and couldn’t help but slump into her chair.

"Uh, yeah, she's bringing lunch out shortly. Said she had it all handled," she relayed as she rubbed her temple idly with her fingers.

“Guess your services weren’t needed,” her dad cracked. Her mom swatted at him playfully.

“Stop. Jessie and Y/N work well together. Always have.”

Jessie gave a delayed, half-hearted smile.

“Is everything okay?” Her mom inquired.

Of course her mom would pick up on something. Jessie took a quick, subtle breath and involuntarily fidgeted in her chair. Her eyes drifted over to the Ky and Harper who were still bouncing around, smiling and laughing and were such a sharp contrast to the strife Jessie was feeling inside.

“Honey,” her mom probed gently as she reached over and squeezed Jessie’s forearm. “What’s going on? Is it about your retirement?”

Jessie took another quick breath, eyes still on her daughters. She turned her head to face her mom and offered as reassuring a smile as she could.

“There’s…stuff going on. But I’ll have to tell you later. I don’t want the girls to overhear,” she said softly. The serious looks of concern that overtook her parents faces immediately made her stomach drop further.

The rest of the day was a slog, to be honest. She kept catching her parents watching her or you or the kids - clearly trying to preemptively piece things together.

The whole family gathered around the dining room table that evening to play a board game together. If she wasn't lost in her own thoughts, she was distracted watching you with the girls. Her heart ached with love and remorse as you leaned over and spoke gently with Ky to help her strategize, or as you couldn't help but smile - a genuine smile - at how Harper sat in Jessie's lap, leaning sleepily against her and yawned while denying she was tired.

After the game finished, you announced to the girls it was bedtime. Jessie went to stand with Harper in her arms, offering to help, but you dismissed her.

"I've got them. You catch up with your parents," you said with a look Jessie well understood. She nodded wordlessly and you took Harper by the hand upstairs, Ky running out in front.

The room was eerily quiet as Jessie sat across from her parents at the table. Her dad, not good with silence and always needing to be doing something, began silently packing up the board game.

"So," her mom started softly. "What's going on?"

Jessie looked down at her hands, picking at the skin around the nail as she worked up the courage.

"Is Y/N okay?" Her dad asked. "She's seemed off today. And. I don't know. Things seem kind of tense between you two."

A sad smile crossed Jessie's lips and she looked up at her parents. She gave a solemn shake of her head.

"No. She's not okay. Because I fucked up. I really fucked up."

Looks of worry flashed across their faces, but they gave her the benefit of the doubt.

"Well, I'm sure it's not that bad. I mean, whatever it is, you two will be fine. You've been through so much together and you two are so solid," her dad said.

She shook her head wearily again. Her face began to heat up and her chest tightened. Her voice was weak when she spoke. "No, Dad. I really fucked up. I hurt her so bad. And I don't know if she'll forgive me."

No kid likes being in trouble with their parents. But Jessie always especially felt this way. She was a people pleaser. As far back as she could remember, she wanted her parents approval and it always upset her more than her siblings whenever her parents were disappointed or upset with her.

30+ years later and apparently that was still the case. She was still no better equipped to weather her parents reactions as she told them what she'd done. To you. To her family.

Perhaps it was that they'd never been this disappointed in her before. Not even close.

They were shocked. Confused. Mortified. They couldn't understand. And why should they.

The shame she felt stung ever deeper as she was forced to recount what she'd done. She made no excuses though. How could she? They'd shown her an incredible example of an enduring, evolving love with their own relationship. She'd been blessed with a relationship equally strong and she'd gone and ruined it.

There was no one to point a finger at other than herself.

They scolded her. Questioned her. Pushed her. They were real with her about how serious this was. And they were clear that they were going to be there for you as much as her - if you wanted them to be. You were their daughter too, as far as they were concerned.

She'd want it no other way.

They offered advice and, as always, love.

She didn't deserve it. But she wouldn't waste it.

She told them through her tears how resolute and determined she was to do everything in her power to repair and rebuild. It was going to be painful and it may not even work out, but she was going to do her best no matter what. You deserved that and more from her.

-----

"There she is!"

"Finally. Someone else can take the beep test title."

"Enjoy the freedom, old-timer. Can't wait to have you publish a coffee table book. I expect a signed copy."

Jessie smiled and laughed as her current and former teammates - now friends and really more like family - razzed her, just as they'd always done.

As apprehensive as she'd been about this party, especially of late, she loved being able to connect with people who'd meant so much to her over the years.

"Oh my gosh. You've gotten so big since I last saw you!" Magda said as she leaned down to smile at Ky. Jessie beamed at her daughter - both her and Harper in their little Fleming jerseys. Her heart skipped a beat at how Ky puffed out her chest and stood proudly at the comment.

"You must've gotten your height from your mom and not your momma," Magda teased with a sidelong glance at Jessie.

Jessie's eyes automatically flit over to you across the room. You looked breathtaking in the dress you wore. She'd told you as much when you came out of the bathroom all done up. She probably shouldn't have said anything, but it just came out as soon as she saw you. You merely shot her an unimpressed stare.

She watched as you smiled and chatted with people who you'd grown to love and cherish as well over the years. As much as they were like family to Jessie, they were very much the same for you after all this time.

If you broke up, you'd stand to lose not just your immediate family, but pieces of a broader one, too.

Her eye had been on you all night, really. She was worried about you. Despite the charm you exuded, she knew how hard this was for you and it tore her up to know it was all her fault.

"You're staring."

Jessie snapped out of her daze as Janine brushed shoulders with her and spoke under her breath. "I'm still so pissed at you. But. How are you holding up?" Janine asked further as she gently tugged Jessie out of earshot of Magda and Ky.

"I've been better," Jessie offered mirthlessly.

"Well. Forgive me if I'm kind of glad you're feeling wretched," Janine said rather lightly with a flippant wave of her hand. "I still can't believe you."

"I know," Jessie said despondently.

"Y/N seems to be putting it on well," Janine observed as you both glanced over. Jessie released a weary sigh and her body suddenly feeling heavier.

"She hates me."

"Can you blame her? You're lucky. If Ethan did that to me he'd be a dead man," she scoffed, drawing a pained look from the brunette. "Sorry," she muttered before taking a deep breath. "She loves you. That's why she's so hurt. But you fucked up, friend. Big time. Like monumentally. Like catastrophically. Like-"

"I get it."

"Beyond belief," Janine finished. "But. She loves you. And despite your egregiously bad choices, I know you love her. A lot. I know Mia doesn't mean a thing to you. So, maybe there's a way back."

Jessie nodded wordlessly as she continued to take you in from across the room.

"Okay, everyone! Gather 'round!"

Heads turned to face Kailen who tapped a wine glass at the front of the room.

"Harper. Ky. Y/N. Captain," Kailen called, a facetious bow towards Jessie upon saying her title. "Please take a seat together over here. Everyone else, grab a seat as well please!"

Jessie's heart raced as she glanced over at the table and over to you. You locked eyes ever so briefly with her before looking away and putting a smile on as you held out your hand for Harper. Jessie did the same for Ky and you all took a seat together.

"As we all know, Jessie hates attention but loves photography. So we all thought it would be fitting to put together a little montage of all the years," Kailen announced. "And special shout out to Y/N, wife of the year, who helped curate and organize so much of this over the past couple months."

Jessie's head snapped over to you to see you straightening your posture, looking stiff and uncomfortable in her eyes, but smiling and probably passing just fine to others. You ignored her.

The video played on screen and she watched intently. Lots of goofy moments with her various teams, celebrations throughout the years, but, what really tore her apart were the moments with you and the girls.

Her kissing you after a tournament win. She remembered how the entire team and staff hooted and hollered the first time she did it.

Ky's first game. You on the field post-game holding her in your arms - had she really been that small? - as Jessie kissed her cheek and Ky gripped her finger tightly. Harper on her shoulders in the locker room cheering along with the team.

Her playing soccer with the girls in the backyard. The girls and you wearing your Canada jerseys and cheering in the stands. Pictures of little cards and posters the girls had made for her when she was away.

So many more sweet, precious moments and each one like a dagger in her chest.

Ky had climbed into her lap and was smiling and pointing at the screen, commenting as various photos and videos came up. Jessie forced a smile and responded as best she could, but her eyes were on you.

She watched helplessly as you averted your eyes time and time again. She saw your lip quiver and you laughed through burgeoning tears as Harper did much the same as Ky.

While others probably thought your tears were of nostalgia and sentimentality, she knew otherwise. You'd put this together with love and devotion, and now it was just a reminder of the life she'd recklessly shattered. She could see how much this physically pained you and it caused her own tears to fall.

She wanted to hold your hand. Comfort you. Show you appreciation in some way. But you had your arms wrapped securely around Harper's waist as you cuddled her to you.

Besides, she thought ruefully, you wouldn't want her touch anyway.

"That was really beautiful," she whispered to you when the room erupted in applause as the video ended. "Honestly. I loved it so much. I want to watch it again as soon as we're home. Thank you so much for doing that. I-I didn't know you were working on it."

You turned to her, wearing a smile and though your eyes were teary they were now cold.

"Well, you were off making her own videos, you know," you said simply.

"Speech!"

Jessie's eyes snapped up as her friends began to chant. She couldn't help the panicked look she shot your way. She knew going into this party that she had to give a speech. She had it written, but given the circumstances, she just didn't feel ready.

You offered no consolation.

"Uh. Hi," Jessie said as she slowly stood, setting Ky in her chair. "Um." She scratched the back of her head absently and a delayed, nervous smile broke out across her face as people started to chuckle at her awkwardness.

She proceeded to thank everyone for the video. For being here. For being there for her. Then, she glanced down at you. You didn't look away this time.

"And, to my wife." Her heart raced and her stomach was in her throat. She let out a watery laugh as she choked back emotion. The room 'aww'ed. "You're everything to me. I never thought I'd meet someone who was so perfect for me. I am so, so grateful for you."

Her voice broke and she paused as you looked away. "Um, I...," she fumbled along, an automatic smile crossing her face as her heart sank and her mind threatened to cloud over. She shrugged helplessly. She felt like a fraud even though she meant every word.

"I just love you. More than you'll ever know. I know we just saw clips of all these tournaments and travels and celebrations, but everything was always greater because of you. And I couldn't have had this career without your support. And you've done such an incredible job of raising our two girls while I spent so much time away. You are so special and I love you so much."

Your one hand was still wrapped around Harper, but your other was balled into a fist against your thigh, bunching up the fabric of your dress. You sniffled and forced yourself to look back. To her surprise, you granted her a fleeting nod.

"Ky, Harper - I love and adore you two so much. I know we're all talking soccer today, but," she went on pointedly, "you two are far and away my pride and joys. There's no competition. You two have made my life so much richer than I ever, ever thought it could be. You two are the best," she finished with playful wink at them and they giggled.

When she finished, everyone clapped and cheered. The girls shot up and hugged her tightly. She hugged them back, kissing the tops of their heads. She scanned the room briefly, but her eyes settled on you.

You clapped along and sniffled, wiping away quickly at tears that she knew weren't of love and appreciation. You looked heartbroken and she wondered if everyone else could see.

She wished she could take all of this pain away.

The night wore on and it took its toll as you had to pose for pictures with Jessie. Smile. Laugh. Act like all was right with the world.

Her parents eventually left, taking Ky and Harper with them and leaving you two to stay with the others. Jessie actually offered for you to go.

"I can tell everyone you're not feeling well," she'd said under her breath as you two feigned a normal conversation. You shot her an unexpected glare and instead retorted.

"Do you not want me here?"

"What? No. I mean, 'yes'. Of course I want you here. I just know," she searched for the right words. "it's been miserable for you."

"Sorry I'm so miserable," you retorted with a false smile.

From there, things got worse. With the girls gone, you, uncharacteristically, turned to the open bar.

After a few drinks, you seemed to genuinely and finally have fun as you flit about the room as the party carried on. Music was going now and a small, makeshift dance floor had evolved. Jessie chatted with a few people, but distractedly watched you from the sidelines as you danced with Julia and Jordyn. Your cheeks were red and you laughed giddily.

Her posture straightened as you locked eyes with her from the dance floor. She looked away, embarrassed, as though she'd been caught. When she forced herself to look back, she was met with the sight of Jordyn and Julia rushing over and waving her in. She immediately held up her hands in defense and backed away, but they grabbed her and pulled her into the circle with you.

You watched her quietly, eyes studying her as she stumbled to a stop in front of you. She felt more like a nervous date at a school dance than someone you'd been in a relationship with for more than a decade.

"This is your party! You two have to dance!" The girls chimed in.

"Oh, no," Jessie politely declined as she held up her hands once more and attempted to take a step back only to be pushed towards you by Jordyn.

"I'm not much of a dancer, you know that," she laughed nervously as she looked from Jordyn to you to Julia and back to you again. The girls protested.

"I'm your wife. Don't you want to dance with me?" You finally said, voice quiet and calm as you unflinchingly held Jessie's gaze.

"I do. I just-"

"Then dance with me," you demanded lightly through a smile. She could smell the alcohol on your breath. Your tone dipped. "You do what you want anyway, right?"

Her mind clamoured to come up with a response. She really just didn't want to force you to dance with her. You couldn't stand to be near her, even look at her. You wouldn't hug her or kiss her since the incident, so why on earth would you want to dance with her.

Until a moment ago, she'd have assumed that relieving you of having to dance with her would be the very least she could do for you tonight.

Before she could respond, your arms came up and you rest your forearms on her shoulders, loosely wrapping your hands behind her neck and moving in.

At this, Jordyn and Julia seemed satisfied and danced off on their own pretty pleased with themselves. Jessie involuntarily gulped as your gaze remained fixed intensely on hers. Her hands automatically, but tentatively came up to rest on your waist. She swore she saw you take a breath.

"I-is this okay?" She asked timidly as you two attempted to dance together.

"Why wouldn't it be?" You challenged.

She let out a laugh that masked an exasperated huff.

"Um. Because...you can't really stand me. Which I get," she answered. She tried to swallow her nervousness and carry on. "Thank you. By the way. For everything today. And leading up to it."

"Poor Jess," you taunted with a sweet voice as you lifted your hand to tenderly cup her cheek. Her stomach twisted in knots at the juxtaposition - she'd missed your touch so much, but there was nothing kind behind your eyes this time. "Must be hard to be so loved by everyone," you continued.

Her gaze flit away before settling on you once more. She spoke quieter.

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable," she tried to clarify, pointedly ignoring your jabs. "That's all."

"I think it's up to me to decide what makes me comfortable or uncomfortable," you countered, leaning in some as you two still swayed to the music.

"Remember when we were in Lisbon that first time?" You asked, eyes softer now. Jessie was transported immediately. Images of you two tangled in sheets, bodies sweaty, spent, but still needy as the sun came up over the ocean and into the room. Her stomach fluttered and she couldn't resist the faintest hint of a smirk that tugged at her lips.

"Yeah."

Goosebumps erupted across Jessie's skin as you leaned in, your lips brushing against her ear.

"Was it good like that?" You asked in a whisper.

A cold shiver now went through her and her voice got caught in her throat. She shook her head gently.

"W-what do you mean?" She asked. Her mind didn't want to jump to conclusions, but the way her nerves began to fire throughout her body, she knew.

You pulled back, eyes cold and daring now. "You know exactly what I'm asking," you said evenly as you straightened the collar of her shirt and smoothed out the shoulder. Your eyes dropped as you did so, but snapped back up to her as you asked nonchalantly. "Was she a good fuck?"

Jessie's eyes darted around the room and she nearly cowered into herself. "Babe," she said, only to be cut off by you grabbing her hand and pulling her away from the crowd.

"You're right. Let's go somewhere more private," you said as you dragged her along.

She tried to talk to you as you single-mindedly led her down the hallway and to a nearby room.

"Perfect," you announced primly as you pulled her in, her nearly tripping over her feet as you closed the door behind her.

"Y/N, I-"

Her words were cut off as you pushed her against the wall and kissed her hard. Shock rushed over her and her mind tried to catch up as she felt and heard the clicking of her belt as you began to undo it.

"Babe, wait," she said, grabbing your hands. You smirked emptily at her.

"Oh. She was submissive, was she? Okay. I can do that," you remarked with a lilt in your voice as you went to kiss her again.

"Y/N. Stop," Jessie cut in sharply, startling you even. You didn't drop her hands immediately, but you pulled back enough to look at her again. Your eyes shimmered with surprise and hurt.

"I didn't meant to yell at you," she apologized right away, "but this isn't right."

She held your gaze and within moments your features fell and you began to sob. You backed away from her, leaning against a counter on the other side of the room and buried your face in your hands as cries racked your body. A jolt went through Jessie as you let out a loud cry. She closed the space between you in a few quick strides and dropped to a knee in front of you, peering up at you pleadingly before she even realized it.

You cried harder and Jessie reached for you. You swatted her hand away.

"Don't touch me!" You yelled.

Her heart shattered and her own tears began to brim. She held up her hands. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I was trying- I didn't...," she trailed off at a loss.

You hugged yourself and she watched helplessly as tears rolled down your cheeks and fell to the floor.

"Baby, please," she whimpered as she watched you. Her own tears fell and she dug her fingers into the back of her neck as she willed and prayed for you to feel any kind of reprieve.

"Why don't you want me?" You sobbed, your body doubling over in your suffering.

"I do," Jessie cried, inching closer once more, braving your retaliation. "Baby, I do. You're the only one I want. I know you don't believe me, but it's true." She let out a sob of her own. "Please."

A click of the door silenced you both. Jessie's head snapped around as if on a swivel to look at the door to see Vanessa tentatively peeking in.

"Oh," the girl said, clearly in surprise at what she saw. Her gaze hit the floor and she fidgeted uncomfortably. "I, um, I just heard lots going on and figured I should check." She looked at you both. "A-are you guys okay?"

Panic spread throughout Jessie's body and she only now became aware of how you'd shifted slightly in a vain attempt to conceal yourself behind her. You sniffled and had a hand on her shoulder. She stood up as tall as she could to block you from Vanessa or any other prying eyes.

An unknown sensation went through her at how your grip on her shoulder tightened and she felt you even subtly lean into her.

"Yeah. Yeah," Jessie nodded as she sniffled as well. "We're good. We were just about to leave." She scratched the back of her head as she looked at her teammate and longtime friend. "We're just gonna go out the back," she said quietly. "Thank everyone for me. I'll chat with everyone soon, okay?"

"Yeah. Sure, Jess," Vanessa said with a soft nod. She shifted to set her eyes on you. "You're good?"

Jessie turned to see you nodding and offering Vanessa a watery smile.

"Yeah. I'm good," you assured her, though your voice was congested and thick.

When Vanessa left, Jessie locked eyes with you and there was a strange moment of quiet acknowledgement and understanding.

She shielded you as best she could as you left the building and went outside. You both barely spoke a word as she called for a rideshare and waited. She placed her blazer jacket around your shoulders.

"It's cold," she said and you stared at her a moment before simply nodding and pulling the jacket on tighter.

The car ride was silent, minus the odd, lingering sniffle. You looked vacantly out the window for most of the ride and in turn she watched you.

The house was dark and still as you entered. You both wordlessly retreated up to the bedroom and began to get ready for bed.

While you got changed in the bathroom, Jessie retrieved the roll-up sleeping pad from the closet that she used to set up for Harper when she went through a stint of having nightmares and couldn't sleep unless she was with them. She went about setting her spot up on the floor.

By the time the ensuite bathroom door opened, she was under the blanket on her sleeping pad and sitting patiently waiting for you.

You came out in your pyjamas and had her blazer folded neatly over your arm. You held it against you as you quietly made your way around to the side of the bed.

Jessie couldn't help but notice that although it was just you in the bed now, you seemed to still only sleep on the one side.

You sat down on the edge, eyes downcast and deep in your thoughts. You still had her jacket in your arms.

"I put your water bottle on the bedside table," Jessie whispered in an attempt to not disturb the silence too much. "I put in one of the electrolyte packs. Cause. You know," she trailed off. "Um. And I put a couple advils there as well in case you need them."

"Thanks," you said softly, sadly even. Your eyes remained fixed on the floor, but you lifted her jacket and tucked it under your chin, hugging it to you. She frowned as she saw your hands clench together and you curled yourself around the item further.

Her chest began to tighten inexplicably and she fidgeted slightly as she studied you.

"Are you...okay?" She asked before muttering self-deprecatingly. "Sorry. That's a stupid question."

She continued to watch you intently and you sniffled, eyes welling up again despite regaining your composure earlier. She cleared her throat and tried again.

"I know tonight was hard. And we have a lot to talk about. We can talk about it tonight. Or, you know, maybe it's better to wait until the morning."

Your eyes didn't leave the floor and you didn't acknowledge her. She took a deep, quiet breath.

"Or whenever you're ready," she added patiently.

You didn't respond. She took another inaudible breath and tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Okay. Well. I'm really sorry about tonight, Y/N. Truly. I, um, I really adored the video you made. And I really appreciate how much you did tonight." A beat passed. She gave a weak smile even though you weren't looking. "Well. Goodnight, then. I hope you get an okay sleep."

She was about to lay down, get further under the blanket when you finally moved. You sat up straight again, holding onto her jacket still, but resting it in your lap now. You turned your head to her and the look on your face stopped her. You took a shuddering breath, your shoulders falling as you spoke.

"I want you to move out."

Tag request: @marvelwomen-simp

#jessie fleming #jessie fleming x reader #woso x reader #woso imagine #canwnt x reader #woso angst

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