#Joe Mazzello x female reader

[jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels]

Merry Little Christmas

Christmas in....June? Thanks to a tiktok, I had to write this short one shot. Enjoy. Pure fluff.

I pulled the door to my eight year olds bedroom shut as quietly as I could. I sighed at the soft click of latch bolt falling into place. I stood still for a moment, listening carefully for any movement behind the door.

Nothing. Thank goodness.

He’d been so excited, but what kid isn’t on Christmas Eve? I’d read him extra stories, all Christmas themed, after we’d set out cookies and milk for Santa of course. And carrots for the reindeer, we couldn’t forget about them. They were doing all the flying after all.

I tip toed from the door, down the hall, down the stairs and into the living room where my husband was just picking up a cookie to take a bite.

“Is he out finally?” He asked softly, as I stepped into the dimly lit living room.

“Finally” I sighed before stepping closer to Joe.

“I love Christmas. It’s always so beautiful” I said admiring the tree, all lit in warm white lights, glittery ornaments, some new and others passed down from our families. Gifts spilling out below, under the tree and across the floor. Family and friends from around the country and even further had sent colorfully wrapped presents. It looked as if Santa had been here days ago. Garland hugged the mantle of the fireplace, where a warm fire was crackling below. Three stocking hung side by side, Dad, Mom and Joey, stitched on their downy white tops. The snow slowly drifting around outside the window. Kinkade couldn’t have painted a more Christmasy scene if he tried.

“I better grab the Santa gifts” I told Joe. Before I could take a step towards the garage, his hand caught mine. I looked up at his handsome, smiling face.

“One thing first” he replied, pulling his phone from his pocket with his free hand.

Softly over the surround sound, violins began as Frank Sinatra came in, crooning, wishing us a Merry Little Christmas. Joe pulled me to him before whispering in my ear.

“Dance with me first.”

My stomach fluttered, I loved dancing with him. He was so smooth on his feet, swaying us back and forth. One arm around my waist, the other holding my hand to his chest, his cheek pressed to mine as he sang softly in my ear. My eyes closed as I let him move me across the floor. Trusting his lead completely.

He was much more romantic, but he knew how to bring it out of me.

“You’re right, Christmas is beautiful. But you make this magic” he said.

“What do you mean?” I asked softly.

“You bring the magic to life. You decorate, do so much of the shopping, plan our yearly snow photos, Santa visits, cookie baking. The memories, the laughter, the magic...you bring them all. You make them all happen” he replied, still slowly moving us around the living room.

Tears filled my eyes as I sniffled a little.

Joe peeked down at my face, before he stopped dancing and gently moved my face closer to his.

“Why are you crying, baby?” He asked, concern crossing his face.

“Because, that was probably the best Christmas gift you’ve ever given me. I do it because I love you both, and I love Christmas, I’m glad I can make you both feel the magic. I just never felt I brought it, that’s all. Thank you, Joey.” I said through happy tears.

Joe kissed me gently, his thumbs swiping away the tears that had spilt over.

“Thank you, baby. For the magic and all the joy bring to my life. Not just now, but always. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Joe” I replied before kissing him again.

Slowly we began to sway again, The Christmas Song, sung by Ol Blue Eyes, began to play softly.

The Santa gifts could wait, just one more dance.

@brinteylovesaliens @hellysthings @amethyst-serenade @beingbreannaleigh @importantpersonllama @stewielover95 @thosequeenboys @universallytragicpeach @joemazzhello @mazzell-ro @deakys-chesthair @johndeaconstoothgap @johndeaconshands

[80s-roger]

when love must die: joe mazzello

summary: you're married to joe mazzello for three years; the best three years of your life and the previous three dating and later being engaged. however, since day one of your marriage, you try for a successful pregnancy but they all end up failed. your most successful pregnancy was an IVF one, but the tube baby didn't make it at the last day of the first trimester. 

portray: current joe obv, female reader at 30.

words: 2306

warnings: unprotected sex, fluff, domestic violence experience, argument.

note: there will be part two.

masterlist

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joe was at the set, he'd be back home soon for dinner. The table was ready and you got yourself a pregnancy test. You ran to the bathroom upstairs to finally find out. Plus or minus? You didn't have your period since the last time you had sex with him -almost two months ago- and you were excited if it was because of a fetus growing inside you.

You took the test, sitting impatiently at the toilet's cap, waiting for the result. You wished it was a plus symbol, meaning you're pregnant. Unfortunately, it had just a horizontal line. You were disappointed again. Crying loudly because your husband wasn't home, so you finally had the time to let it all out. You've been praying days and nights to have a baby. It's unfair for you when other women throw their newborns at the litter.

Suddenly the door opens fastly and you were scared to death. You got relieved as you saw Joe looking at you with terror in his eyes.

"What happened?" He asked terrified sitting next to you, placing you in his big arms.

You didn't say a word. The tears wouldn't stop running. He erased them with his fingers, until he noticed the test next to you. He looked at you without saying a word. He took it at his hand and saw it was negative. He threw it at the bin and pulled you closer, rubbing your back.

"It's going to happen. Don't worry." He whispered.

Thankfully, he was really supportive on this. He wants to be a dad as much as you want to be a mum but he is patient and never stresses you on this. You've seen your doctor and he says it's just your nature. Nature? A woman's nature after unprotected sex, is getting pregnant, having a fetus growing at her uterus for nine months and later having it in her arms, breastfeeding it. You can't try forever. There will be someday, you'll reach menopause.

Joe and you walked at the kitchen, ready to eat your dinner. He places you at your chair but you had no will on eating.

"Baby you gotta eat." He said after taking a bite of his portion.

"I'm not hungry..." You sobbed, placing your dish away from you.

"It's probably too early for the test to know..." He mentioned the test, trying to make you feel better.

"It's been almost two months, not two days." You commented, looking at him. Your dinner stopped. It was just talk.

"I'm trying to help here. I know it's hard, but we'll make it." He placed his palm over your hand.

"It's easier said than done Joe. Do you have any idea how terrible I feel?" You whimpered. "We're trying for three years, we'd have a baby by now." You stuttered.

"It's fine Y/N... I'm patient enough to make space for your emotions." he explained.

"Why are you even married with me? I'm nothing but an obstacle to your new family." You pledged. It was so sad.

"You're my family. What are you talking about?" He sat on his knees, kissing your hands. He proposed to you on one knee. Good memories.

"But you want kids. And we lost the older one. Remember?" You reminded him. His eyes darkened.

"I remember. But that does not prevent me from not being with you. I can't even imagine my life without you." He implied and caressed your cheek.

"I love you Joe." You silently wailed and he leaned closer to you.

"And I love you." He toned. "Listen, how about going upstairs and lay? I'll be there in a few, I have to fix the table." He smiled and you nodded.

You closed the door behind your bedroom, changed to your nighty and laid on the bed, calling your mum.

"Hey mum." You said.

"Hello darling, how are you?" She asked. You didn't reply. "Um.." she started. "You tried again, didnt you?" She knew about your lack of fertility.

"Yes, it was negative." You answered.

"What did he say?"  She somehow didn't really like Joe, but Joe didn't give a shit.

"He's nothing but a supportive and patient husband." You nod your head feeling great for being his wife.

"And what are you going to do now?" She curiously asked.

"Try again, I guess..." You implored.

"But you've seen that sex won't help you get pregnant." she decreed.

"And where are you getting with it? Doing medical procedures in cold laboratories?" You gasped.

"Keep that method, it almost happened. Your husband has money to afford it." she had the nerve to instruct.

"It's not only his money, but mine too. We both work. We'll both raise this baby." You corrected her. "I just called you to let you know it was one more unsuccessful try. You won't know about it by the day you'll see me with a baby in my arms." You elaborated and hang up your phone without hearing her answer.

Five minutes later, Joe came to your bedroom. He took off his clothes and went inside your bathroom, taking a shower. It didn't last long and he was next to you, on his towel, around his waist. He sat next to you when his big palms caressed your stomach. That move made you whimper.

"Don't cry, it'll happen." He really is an optimist person. He wiped off some of your tiny tears ready to escape from your eyes. "I don't know if it's the appropriate time, but do you want us to try again? Or should we go for in vitro fertilization?" He gently asked.

"I don't want IVF, I don't feel comfortable there. Only with you." You disclosed and he came closer to your face kissing you gently.

His big hands caressed you everywhere. You looked so tiny beneath him, however it made you feel important. Your hands kept touching his attractive biceps until he removed the towel around him, staying naked on top of you. With one move, he removed your nighty and massaged your breasts, when his face leaned towards your neck, giving you soft kisses. He finally removed your underwear and trusted inside you. His moans were so deep and his eyes locked in you. Your arms, around his neck and his back, giving small nail scratches.

"I love you Joe." You moaned between the thrusts you received.

"I love you too y/n ..." He softly said when you felt him moving deeper. He knew every inch of your body. Literally. He knew how deep you could take him and how much. "Babe, are you close?" He asked making sure you'd finish too.

"Yes..." You moaned kissing his lips.

"Alright, because I am." he caressed your cheek and his moves were sudden and slow, which means he was done inside you, possibly fertilizing you. You came together and after removing himself from you, he wore his underwear and helped you get your clothes too. He covered you with the layers and hugged you tight.

"I hope this time it's happening." You said at his arms.

"Fingers crossed." He smiled at you.

You were the little spoon tonight; Joe was hugging you from behind and you felt protected. This is how he makes you feel everytime you're together. You're just made for each other.

You woke up in the middle of the night, sweating and frightened of your nightmare. You stood up from your bed crying loudly. Joe next to you grabbed a bottle of water, you always have at your stand, offering it. He gently rubbed your back telling you to calm down, it was just a bad dream, it's not reality. But what if it really is? What if you really are infertile? You were on the edge of going insane. He pulled you closer, playing with your hair so you'd eventually return to your sleep.

The next morning, Joe wasn't next to you. He probably went downstairs, making breakfast. You had to get ready and see him at the kitchen. But you heard speeches coming from there as you walked the stairs so you decided to eavesdrop. There was your younger brother Ben talking with him. That's how you actually met each other. Ben set you up.

"How's things?" Ben asked. You didn't really talk to him about you and Joe but Joe does. They are like best friends.

"Terrible." Joe admitted and Ben looked at him confused. "I mean, I love her but we keep failing on growing our family." He explained and took a sip of his coffee.

"How long have you been trying?" He asked preoccupied.

"Since the wedding night, counting three years." He declared.

"I've heard my mother talking with y/n about it but I didn't really pay attention. However, how do you feel about it?" Ben questioned.

"I can't blame y/n about this, it's happening to many women but I also can't see myself without kids." He opened up to his best friend. You instantly felt heart broken.

"And then what? Will you divorce her because of that? She loves you more than anything Joe." Ben explained.

"I can't divorce her. She's my everything. But I also don't want to keep trying. I want to have babies in this big house as soon as possible. I don't want to age." He shook his head broken hearted.

"You do feel sad about it. Do you have any idea how sadder it is for her? A baby is a bless." Ben protested. You wanted to hear more. They'd stop the conversation if you appeared in the kitchen.

"I'm not pressuring her. When we did the IVF, we were sure it'd happen but it died too. How many possibilities does she have when she gets older? Less than they already are." Joe questioned himself. Ben didn't say a thing.

You decided to get inside the kitchen, pretend like you heard nothing.

"Good morning sis." Ben smiled at you.

"Morning Ben." You neutrally said, faking what you thought before. You couldn't hide your anger at Joe's confession.

"Good morning my love." Joe attempted kissing you but you backed off. Both of them noticed your reaction and stared each other confused. "So um, are you okay?" He checked on you.

"I'm perfect." You lied. You're dying inside.

"Maybe I should get going." Ben felt the tense and had to leave.

"Yes you should. I'll take you to the door." You raised you eyebrow at him.

You were with Ben at the door and Joe eavesdropped without being noticeable.

"The next time you'll talk with Joe about my lack of fertility, I'll murder you." You threatened him.

"You know you can't do it sis." He joked.

"I can't, but I can cut your balls and you'll see who's the weak." You aggressively said to him and he didn't say a word.

"Damn sis, okay." He was defeated and left your home leaving you with your husband.

He came out of the kitchen guilty. But it wasn't his fault. You just wanted to throw your weight somewhere else.

"You heard us?" He silently asked.

"Are you joking? Of course I did. Is that what you talk about with your friends outside?" You angrily argued.

"No! He asked me! Besides he's your brother, he can know about it." he pointed out.

"I don't want him to know! I won't even let my mother know from now!" You attacked.

"Fine! But he's my best friend! I want to talk to someone! Why don't you let me do it? I never pressure you so stop pressuring me!" He shouted leaving you at a staring shock.

"I want you to leave right now Joe." You silently closed your eyes pointing at the door. "And tell everyone we can't have kids because I am infertile." You were so ironic.

"Where will I go? Are you kicking me out of my home?" He concede.

"Yes I do and don't come back. I'm angry." You walked inside the kitchen and he followed you.

"But you'll be over it by evening." He calmly said.

"No I fucking won't!" You threw him a glass and it accidentally fell down at his feet, with some pieces of glass hurting his arms.

"You arrogant bitch!" He yelled coming to your place menacingly. "You want to kill me now or what?" He raised your hand on you and covered yourself with your arms, afraid if he'd hit you. Flashbacks of domestic violence crossed your mind. Your alcoholic father hitting you in every chance he'd get.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, sorry!" You sat down at the floor, crying loudly and hiding yourself, so he wouldn't harm your body but your arms.

After Joe finding out what he was doing he shockingly moved his arms and sat in front of you, getting you inside his arms. He started crying too.

"I am sorry y/n, I didn't mean to do it! I'm just so sad." He whimpered at your neck.

"Please Joe, divorce me. I can't keep making you unhappy." You cried at his chest, avoiding the eye contact.

"I can't do it. I love you, I'm literally attached to you, mentally, emotionally and physically. I just can't." He kissed you. "We'll find some way to fix it. We can do it, I know." He silently cried, hiding his voice cracks.

[youre-in-the-psycho-circus]

So Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy part 2 is ready to go (sorry that took so long) but I still have yet to finish The Game part 2, since Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy had such an overwhelming response and The Game a bit of a lack lustre performance, I’m thinking of discontinuing The Game after chapter 2

anybody feel strongly against this?

[jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels]

The Chronicles of Joe and the Oscar Night Confections - One Shot

A/N: This is a completely selfish piece of drivel. I wrote it laying here as I have bronchitis and walking pneumonia. Now where is Joe to care for me?

No warnings. Complete and utter fluff!

Shout out to @johndeaconshands for the title, from our chat! Haha!

Oscar night. The beautiful gowns and tailored suits floated across my TV screen. And here I was, wrapped in a blanket, laying on my couch, my head resting on a pillowed cradled in Joes lap. I was battling bronchitis.

After a trip to urgent care to get some medicine, Joe sent a text about watching the event together. I informed him of my lack luster illness and appearance, telling him I was going to isolate myself and rest.

As I lay, miserable, on my sofa, dozing I heard a knock on the door. Thinking I imagined it, I start to doze again, but there was another knock followed by Joe’s voice.

“Y/N, it’s me, can I come in?” He said, his voice muffled behind the door.

Shit, I thought to myself. I gather my strength to push myself up and shuffle to the door. As I move I wrap the blanket closer around me and my head, trying to hide before opening the door.

I opened the door and peeked out, he smiled brightly at me as I spoke, “what are you doing here?” My voice hoarse from coughing.

“I’m here to take care of you” he said holding up a couple of brown paper bags and a Starbucks cup “can I come in? I’ve got matzo ball soup, Gatorade, and a some tea.”

He wiggled the bags as I try to laugh, but fell into a coughing fit, stepping away from the door, I gasped out a “come in.”

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

“That doesn’t sound good, did you get your medicine already?” He asks following me back to my place on the couch. I picked up the bottle and showed him the antibiotics I was prescribed.

“Good!” He says, handing me the warm cup “I brought you a medicine ball from Starbucks, and I’ll get everything else ready and be back in a moment.”

He kissed the top of my messy hair as I took a sip of the warm liquid. I hummed softly as it soothed the dull ache in my throat.

“That good, huh?” Joe laughed from the kitchen where I heard him bustling around.

“Yes” I croak out before coughing again.

As the fit subsided, I groaned and cocooned myself back into my blanket and resumed my position on the sofa.

Soon Joe was carrying in a bowl of soup and a bottle of Gatorade towards me, smiling.

“You need to eat babe” he said softly as he set everything on the coffee table. He leaned over me, brushing a few strands of hair off my forehead, and pressed his hand there. Feeling for fever.

“You feel warm, do you have Motrin or anything?” His hand moving to rest on my cheek as he smiled sweetly at me.

“Yeah” I nod, “in the bathroom cabinet.”

“Ok” he took my hand in his and gently helped me into a sitting position before handing me the bowl of soup.

“Have you taken your antibiotics?” He asked, turning around as he made his way to the bathroom.

I shook my head as I tested the soup, “no, it has to be taken with food.”

“Alright, you eat, I’ll get your meds ready, and after you can rest.” He replied before turning back and heading into the bathroom.

The soup was from my favorite restaurant, he drove all the way there to pick it up, then came back here and risked getting sick to care for me. How did I get so lucky?

As I ate Joe talked animatedly about what the previous years Oscar night had been like and how much fun they all had.

“A far cry from this” I said between bites.

“Babe, I just as happy, if not happier to be here with you, making sure you’re taken care of!” He replied, stroking my cheek.

I couldn’t help but smile. I knew he meant it.

“I just hope you don’t get this” I said softly as I set my half eaten soup aside.

“I’ll be fine” he stated, handing over the pills and Gatorade.

Joe fluffed my pillow and placed it in his lap, patting it as he spoke “lay down babe, you need to rest too.”

I pulled the blanket tighter around me as I happily lay my head on the pillow. He placed one hand on my head, his fingers brushing through my hair, while the other picked up the remote and flipped through the channels, finding one of the many pre Oscar shows.

I quickly drifted off, lulled by his comforting touch, I slipped into a heavy sleep.

Until my bladder woke me.

When I emerged from the bathroom I found Joe back in the kitchen, brew me a fresh cup of tea.

“Hey babe, lay back down, I’m just getting you some tea, I’ll be back in there shortly” he said as he kissed my forehead.

I shuffled back to the couch, instead of laying down I propped myself up on the arm rest, and pulled the blankets around me again.

“Here ya go” Joe said as he came back in the living room, handing me a cup.

“Thank you” I replied, shifting my feet so he could sit down, “you’re too good to me, ya know?”

“Nonsense” I laughed, pulling my legs in his lap, where he began to gently rub my calves, ankles and feet.

“Yes you are” I sighed, my head lulling to the side, resting in the back of the couch.

Our attention was brought back to the TV when Rami made his appearance, he was being interviewed inside the theater.

Joe quickly pulled his phone from his pocket, I already knew he was getting ready to send them all a message in WhatsApp.

“Tell Rami I said he looks dashing, and I’m sure Lucy is nothing but stunning, I can’t wait to see what’s she’s wearing” I said, my voice still scratchy.

He smiled and winked at me as his phone began buzzing with other messages.

As the award show started Joe placed an order for some Chinese food, egg drop soup sounded appetizing even in my sick state.

After eating a little and another dose of my medication, I began to fall asleep again. My feet still resting in Joe’s lap.

Joe was gently shaking me, speaking as he did “babe. Y/N. Hey Rami is presenting. Wake up.” He knew I wouldn’t want to miss our friends moment.

Rami handed over the award as the winner gave their speech, and all too quickly I was being pulled back under by sleep.

I was woken by Joe slipping out from under my feet to answer his phone. I watched as he walked into the kitchen, but I wasn’t able to make up what his muffled voice was saying. Or who he was even speaking to.

He came around the corner to see my sitting up again.

“Hey beautiful” he smiled, coming to sit next to me “I didn’t mean to wake you up.”

“It’s ok” I replied, leaning into him, covering my head with the blanket as I coughed for the millionth time before I could speak again “everything alright?”

“Oh yeah” he nodded, tucking my crazy hair behind my ear “it was Rami. He invited us to head to some of the after parties with him and Lucy, but I told him how sick you were and that I wouldn’t be leaving your side.”

“Joey” I sighed “you should go, have fun. I promise I’ll be fine. The only thing I plan on doing is getting in my bed.”

“I’m here for the night my love” he whispered before kissing my forehead. “How would you feel if I started you a hot shower before you got in bed? Might make you feel a little better.”

“Thank you” I said before hiding my head to cough again “you don’t have to do that.”

“You don’t have to keep thanking me” he replied as he handed me some Gatorade before he stood “there’s no place I’d rather be than taking care of you.”

He smiled at me before walking into the bathroom. I heard the shower come on as he stepped back out and towards the bedroom, and a moment later he walked back into the bathroom, carrying my favorite pajamas.

I couldn’t help but smile, it was silly, but the fact that he knew my favorite pajamas melted my heart.

“Alright” he said, walking back towards me, his hands extended “up we go!”

As I put my hands in his, he helped me to my feet.

“Need any help in there?” He asked as he followed me.

“I’ll be good. Thank you Joey” I said before I shut the door.

He had been right. The shower felt amazing. The steam opened my head, and the warm water relieved my aches.

I stood under the hot stream until the water began to cool, stepping out of the warmth, the room felt too cold. I quickly dried off and dressed myself before stepping out of the steamy bathroom.

I looked towards the living room to see Joe just closing the door, a small box in hand.

“Good shower?” He asked, smiling as he walked towards me.

“The best. What’s that?” I asked, nodding towards the box.

“Rami and Lucy sent over a little something since we couldn’t make it out with them tonight.” He replied, as he handed me a napkin with a note scrawled on it.

Feel better sweetie! And enjoy!

XX

Lucy and Rami

I followed Joe into the kitchen as he set the box on the counter before opening it.

Inside were 2 cupcakes.

Joe got excited as he went to the fridge to pull out the carton of lactose free milk I kept for him.

“These look amazing!” He said as he poured himself a glass.

“So the chronicles of Joe and the Oscar night confections continues” I giggled remembering the video of him throughly enjoy a donut last year.

He laughed loudly, “guess I need to share this on Instagram, huh?”

“At least make it seem like you had a fun night out and weren’t stuck caring for me” I replied.

“I’m not stuck, I’m here because this is where I want to be, with my beautiful girl, and a delicious cupcake” he said before taking a bite out of said cupcake.

He moaned happily.

“That good, huh?” I laughed, setting me off into more coughs.

“I’m only making out with it until you’re well enough again for me to make out with!” He said with a cheeky smile.

After he finished his cupcake, and we put mine in the fridge to keep for a day when I felt better, we made our way into my bedroom.

I sighed as I slipped under the covers. The warmth and comfort relaxing my tight chest slightly. Joe climbed in next to me, having found some sleep pants he left here, and having had a shower of his own.

I cuddle next to him as he wrapped his arms around me.

“Thank you again Joey” I said, closing my eyes.

“You’re welcome my love. Get some rest, I’ll be here in the morning” he replied softly before pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

@painandpleasure86 @painkiller80 @leah-halliwell92 @yourlocalmusicalprostitute @deakysgurl @johndeaconstoothgap @johndeaconshands @amethyst-serenade @mirkwoodshewolf @queensdivas @joemazzhello @joemazzellove @heybuddy-drabbles @queenwouldyourathers @deakysmisfire @deakysmazzello @liliah39

[jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels]

I’ll be home for Christmas - Joe Mazzello one shot.

A/N fluff. So much family happiness and holiday spirit. Brief, blink and you’ll miss it mention of sex, kind of. Mention of drinking.

I stepped inside the apartment and took in the cheerful decor. Joe and I had decided to put up everything even if we weren’t going to be here Christmas Day. I knew he was home by the music playing over the surround sound, the tree lights were plugged in, as was my Christmas village. I kicked off my shoes and put down my bags as I called out.

“Joe?”

“In the bedroom babe” came his reply.

I made my way down the hall and into our room, where I found Joe packing. I crossed the carpeted floor, and sat down on the bed next to his suitcase.

“Packing without me?” I said peering inside the bag.

“I got your luggage out for you” he said with a smile as he leaned down to kiss me.

We would be heading to my parents in a couple of days and I was beyond excited. Joe didn’t seem nervous, but it may have been his amazing acting skills hiding the fact that he was. I hadn’t pressed him about him it though. I looked back into his suitcase, to gage what he was packing.

“Be sure to pack for all types of weather. It could be 28° and sleeting or 75° and sunny, ya never know!” I said as I stood up and walked to the closet.

“Noted, love!” He replied before following me.

I was looking through my clothes, deciding what to pack when he leaned on the door frame and started talking to me.

“Don’t forget, we have dinner plans with my Mom tomorrow night, we can take the gifts for the kids then, and she can make sure they get them.”

“Great! I wish we could see everyone before we left, but it’s a busy time, I get it. I’ve had most of the gifts shipped to my parents and there’s a few small ones I’ll be taking with me.” I replied, pulling clothes from the rack.

“Me too.” He said, “we’ll plan something for after the new year.”

The following day was filled with more packing, and some relaxing. Watching Christmas movies and sharing Christmas memories.

“I got my first camera when I was 7. That has to be one of my top gifts.” laughing I continued, “my parents must have spent a small fortune in film and having it developed!”

“What, should they have invested in Kodak?” He joked.

“Yes!” I laughed.

“You know, we haven’t discussed when we’ll have our Christmas.” Joe said a bit more seriously.

“Well, I figured with my family on Christmas Day.” I said, snuggling closer to him.

“What if we exchanged gifts, our gifts to each other, before that?” He suggested, his eyes twinkling.

“What if I had your gift sent to my parents, along with all the other gifts?” I said, feigning worry.

“Oh...well we can just wait” he said, disappointment painting his face.

“Joe! I’m kidding!” I replied, swatting at him playfully.

“Oh! Ok! Well” he said cheerfully “let’s exchange them now!”

“Now?”

“Yes!” He said as he sprung up from the sofa and into his office.

“Ok...” I said to myself, making my way to the bedroom, where I pulled his gift from my carry-on.

I met Joe back in the living room, he was beaming at me as he perched on the arm of the couch.

“Someone’s excited” I laughed “but look, seriously, you’re really hard to buy for!”

“Having you in my life is my gift” he said sweetly as I sat down. My heart melted, I felt like I was falling in love with him all over again.

I smiled up at him as he leaned down and gave me a sweet, gentle kiss.

“You first” I said handing him a small wrapped cube.

Joe excitedly ripped into the packaging, and inside the box was a Modavo face watch. It was sleek, but not too flashy.

“I thought I would go with basically everything” I said, worried about my lack of gifting skills.

“Babe, it’s perfect! Thank you!” He exclaimed. He took the watch from its case and tried it on. Looking it over before leaning down to capture my lips with his once again.

“You didn’t have to get me anything.” He said before kissing me again “but this is prefect. Really.”

“I’m glad you like it” I replied “and truth be told...Rami helped me. I’m awful at picking gifts. I do much better when people give me a list and I pick from that!”

Joe laughed “well I’ll have to give him a kiss too when we see everyone for New Years.”

I was still laughing at the though when Joe handed me a small bag.

“Now it’s your turn” he said watching me intently.

I pulled the tissues from the bag and reached in and pulled out a small hinged box. When I flipped it open, I found a stunning pair of Swiss blue topaz studs.

“Joe!” I gasped, running my thumb over the glittering stones “they’re gorgeous! Thank you!”

I flung my arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.

“Since were being so honest about who helped us shop, I asked your Mom” he said, smiling at me. “Try them on.”

I gently took the earrings out of their box, and put them on.

“They’re beautiful, Joe” I said, smiling at him.

“You’re beautiful” Joe said we he kissed the spot just below my ear.

We spent the rest of the afternoon in bed, wrapped up in each other.

That evening we headed to his Moms house for dinner, and to drop off the gifts for his family.

“The two of you spoil everyone!” His mother joked as we carried the packages in to put under the tree.

Conversation flowed easily over dinner, when the topic turned to our plans with my family.

“What will the two of you be doing in Y/H/T, with your family Y/N?” She asked.

“Normally a couple of days before Christmas I help my Mom prep Christmas dinner, which we have with our immediate family on Christmas Eve, and we do a lot of baking. We take the baked goods to our full family gathering Christmas night. And usually we watch Christmas movies. My brother, Dad and I always get a Christmas puzzle every year, so we work on that. And with our Mom, we play games, like dominos. We really just enjoy our time together.”

“That sounds lovely” she replied thoughtfully “does your brother live close to your parents?”

“Sadly, no. He lives further away than I do. I’m just glad this year he and I both get to be there together with our partners. He and his girl friend swap years of who’s family they’re with during thanksgiving and who’s family they’re with during Christmas. I haven’t seen my brother since thanksgiving last year” I said.

“Seems like they have a good system worked out for them, so they get equal time with family” she replied.

“One we plan on using” Joe chimed in as he reached for my hand.

Dinner was over far too soon, and Joe and I made the drive back to our apartment to finish up some last minute packing for our trip.

Our flights were uneventful, and comfortable. I could feel my excitement growing.

“I hate waiting for baggage.” I almost whined “there’s so much waiting in airports. Flying is great, because you to where you’re going faster, but you have to get there so early, wait in lines to get through security, wait at your gate to board, then wait to get off the plane, wait for luggage. So much waiting.”

“First world problems babe” Joe said as he put his arm around my waist.

“I know” I sighed, “I’m just excited, and we still have a 40 minute drive to get to my parents.”

“I’ll go get everything settled with the rental car, hopefully the luggage will be here when I get back” he said as he kissed my check and headed to the rental counter.

Our luggage finally arrived about the time Joe returned with the keys to the car. Once everything was loaded, I slid into the drivers seat.

“Ready?” I asked cheerfully.

“Absolutely.” He said with a big grin.

On the drive I pointed out different areas of the city, like historical marks and places I’d like to show him one day. When we were closer to my parents I took a short detour and pointed out my school, some friends houses and my aunts house, where we’d be going Christmas night. When we finally pulled into the driveway of my parents house, I honked the horn to announce our arrival.

“Why’d you do that?” Joe asked.

Before I could reply, my family came bounding out the door. My Mom was the first out and down the steps, followed closely by my Dad then by my brother and his girlfriend.

“It’s our door bell” I laughed hoping out of the car.

My parents all but collided with me as they hugged me simultaneously.

“Welcome home!”

“We missed you!”

“Come inside!”

Joe made his way around the car as I was breaking from my parents embrace. Joe stuck his hand out to shake my fathers, who used it to pull him in for a hug instead.

“Welcome to our home!” My Dad bellowed “thanks for bringing my baby girl home for Christmas.”

“Thank you for having me!” Joe replied, “And honestly I’m not sure anyone could have stopped her from coming home.”

As Joe exchanged a hug and pleasantries with my Mom, I hugged my brother and his girlfriend.

“Missed you little one” my brother said as we embraced.

“I missed you too!”

“Jess, it’s been too long” I said embracing his girlfriend.

“Joe!” I said as I took his hand, “finally you get to meet my brother and his girlfriend face to face, not FaceTime to FaceTime.”

“Tim, Jess” Joe said as he shook both their hands “it’s nice to see you!”

“Let’s get inside! We can talk more in there!” My Mother said as she ushered us into the house.

After getting ourselves settled in my bedroom, Joe and I joined everyone in the livingroom. My Dad and brother were leaning over the coffee table, working on the puzzle, while my mom and brothers girlfriend were sitting on the couch chatting.

I sighed contently, happy to be home with my family and Joe. The evening had gone just as it usually did. We watched Christmas movies, played some games, worked on the puzzle, and ate way too much. But the night did take a turn at dinner.

“So I guess now is as good a time as any” my brother said as he looked at Jess. The rest of us cast glances around the table, wondering what was going on.

Jess placed her left hand on the table, showing off a beautiful ring.

“We’re engaged!!” She exclaimed.

The table erupted in congratulations and best wishes. Mom and I took turns looking at the ring, and so many questions were thrown at them.

“When did this happen?”

“Do you have a date in mind?”

“Do you want a small or large ceremony?”

“Have you started dress shopping?”

The excitement had us all up late into the night. When I finally climbed into bed next to Joe, I was exhausted.

“Thank you for coming with me, Joe. It really means a lot to me” I said as I curled into his side, his arm wrapping around me.

“I wouldn’t have missed it babe” he said softly before kissing the top of my head. Sleep overwhelmed my quickly.

The next day, we started baking and Christmas dinner prep. Cookies, candies and cornbread for the dressing.

My mom, new sister in law to be, and I set to work just after breakfast. This was one of my favorite traditions. My Dad and brother always tried to help, but we shooed them away. When Jess and my brother started dating she happily fell into our tradition. My Dad, brother and Joe all came in from time to time trying to help, but really they were just stealing cookie dough, cookies and candy.

“What are you going to do with all this?” Joe asked as I passed him another mintywich.

“Oh, well” my Mom said “we give some to neighbors and friends, and then some go with us Christmas night for our family.”

“We can deliver them for you later, Mom” my brother said as he passed through the kitchen.

“We can go together” Jess said smiling at Joe and me.

“Sure” I said, rolling out more cookie dough.

A few dozen cookies and 3 different types of candies later, we were loaded in the car with 8 boxes to deliver to family friends and neighbors.

My brother decided to drive us around like our parents did when we were kids, and look at the houses lit up with Christmas lights.

“You know, now that we’re engaged, everyone’s going to ask when you two are going to get engaged, right?” My brother said looking at Joe and I in the rear view mirror.

“Ugh” I groaned “I was hoping they’d be too focused on the two of you!”

Joe laughed lightheartedly. I don’t think he realized how serious my brother was.

“Well, be prepared for everyone to ask when you’re going to have kids” I retorted, smugly.

Our family was loud, crazy and very nosy.

Christmas Eve morning Joe and I made a late breakfast for my family, before I started to help my Mom with our dinner. After the turkey was in the oven, we all settled into the living room before the sides needed to be tended to.

“I think it’s time for some of my favorite Christmas home movies” my Dad said, holding up a DVD. I was annoyed at myself for getting him that VHS to DVD convertor.

“Dad no!” I brother almost yelled.

“Daaaad!” I whined, covering my face.

“I love this one” he said starting the movie, “Y/N you were 5, Tim you were 13.”

The video jumped around a bit, and soon enough there I was in my little nightgown playing with my new toys, and my brother was looking over his new chemistry kit, braces reflecting in the light as he talked.

“Oh, this one isn’t too bad” I said, smiling at the captured memories flickering on the screen.

“What?” My brother yelped “this is awful! Look! You’re supposed to be on my side!”

“Why” I shrugged, “I was 5 and cute, you on the other hand, awkward! Did you really need the old lady glasses strap?”

Jess cackled beside me as my brother blushed.

“Dad, find some of Y/N in her awkward stage!” He demanded.

“After this” my Dad laughed.

My brother slid further into the couch.

“Dad, please don’t!” I begged.

“Aw c’mon” Joe said, pulling me closer to him “I want to see you in your awkward phase! We all go through it. Millions of people have seen mine.”

“No. You have always been adorable.” I corrected him.

I hadn’t noticed my Mom had slipped out of the room until she was standing next to Joe. She cleared her throat and handed him a school photo of me. Aged 12. Braces, butterfly clips and all.

“Mom!” I gasped “you’re supposed to be on my side!”

My brother laughed as I throw a pillow at him.

“You weren’t awkward babe” Joe said sweetly.

“Uh huh. Sure” I said. “Remind me to find every other awkward photo and video of me and burn them in a fire, please.”

“Don’t be so dramatic” my Mom laughed.

Later that evening, as Joe and I were setting the table and I had to warn him.

“Be prepared for my Dad to take some photos of us after everything is on the table.”

“Really?” He asked laughing “he does that?”

“Yup. Like it’s some Rockwell moment” I replied. There were 45 years of photos of our table, first with just my Mom. Then my brother came along, then me, and now our family was growing more.

Dinner was delicious, I’d missed my moms cooking. And after, the guys offered to clean up, which left my Mom, Jess and myself to spend some time together, drinking wine and to watch one of those horribly predictable and cheesy hallmark Christmas movies. Everyone turned in early in anticipation for the next day.

“So are you ready for tomorrow?” I asked as we lay in bed watching one of the numerous showings of A Christmas Story.

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be? I’m excited to meet your family.” he replied.

“Well” I sighed “they can be loud.”

“My family is Italian, I’m used to loud” he said, looking at me with a smile.

“They can be crazy” I added.

“Did you see my family? I’m comfortable with crazy.” He replied with a wink.

“They can be so nosy and pushy.” I continued. “Just, be ready for questions about marriage and stuff.”

“Babe” Joe said, rolling to his side, propping his head up on his hand “you seem more nervous about me meeting your family than you were to meet mine”

“Not true” I shook my head.

“Okay” he laughed “but everything will be fine. I’m excited to meet them, crazy and all.”

He leaned down and kissed me gently, causing some of my tension to melt.

“If you say so” I said before curling up to him.

Christmas morning came and so did it’s traditions. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Only being allowed out stockings before 9, which was a much harder tradition as a child. As we headed to the living room, I informed Joe to be prepared for lots more photos and that my dad still filmed every Christmas.

“Really? Still?” He asked as we padded down the hall.

“Yup. There’s some wonderful videos of messy hair, and angsty teenaged me!” I replied sarcastically. “But you should be used to the cameras, being an actor and all.”

“Eh” he shrugged, “but now I see where your love of photography probably started.”

Sure enough my dad was in the living room, and the camera was in our faces the moment we walked in.

We ate, exchanged and opened gifts. It was wonderful. I felt such happiness in that moment. Being surrounded by loved ones, enjoying it all. And as much as I didn’t want this magical time to end, it had to. All too soon began the mad rush to put on our Christmas best to head out to celebrate with my extended family.

Joe and I rode the short drive with my brother and Jess, my parents followed.

No one bothered knocking entering the house, we just walked in and yelled a happy “hello”.

My family soon surrounded us, taking packages, food and giving hugs. With that came the introduction of Joe to all my aunts, uncles and cousins, of which there were many. As the introductions were made, one of my uncles joked with Joe, telling him there would be a quiz at then end of the night. Luckily Joe liked a good Dad joke, and remembered my uncles name in that moment.

“I’m ready, George” he laughed.

Joe didn’t waste any time, he sat down and joined conversations, answered questions and joked as if he’d been part of this family his entire life.

“He seems wonderful” my aunt said as she came up behind me, catching me staring at Joe.

“He really is” I replied dreamily. I hugged her again before passing her a glass of tea.

“We’ve missed you.” She said.

“I’ve missed everyone too” I replied “life is so busy.”

“Well, not too busy I hope. You’ll have to fit in a wedding in the future.” She said, talking about my brother and Jess.

“I know!” I said excitedly.

“And maybe not too long after that, your own” she replied with a smile.

There is was. My brother was right. I wondered if they’d been asked about children yet.

“Maybe some day, I’m not rushing or pushing!” I replied.

Before dinner the younger kids were allowed to open their Christmas presents, the adults would play white elephant after.

At dinner Joe and I sat with my brother, Jess and some cousins. A few my teenaged cousins asked Joe a lot of questions about acting, and if he’d worked with this actor or that actress. My other cousins would chime in with questions about locations he filmed in, directors he worked with and the like. They were all genuinely interested in what he had to say. And Joe was a natural story teller, he had captured their attention. After dinner and a bit of cleaning up, it was time for white elephant, where the gifts could range from an embroidered roll of toilet paper with poopourri to whiskey. Any type of gifts went with my family. I ended up with scratch off lottery tickets, I won $40. And Joe stole a bottle of Jameson whiskey after his gift card to a Brazilian steakhouse was stolen from him.

The evening began to wind down as the adults had a few drinks and the kids played with the gifts.

I felt the same sense of happiness wash over me again. I was smiling, looking around at my family when Joe wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

“Happy?” He asked softly.

“Very.” I replied, laying my head on his shoulder.

We didn’t make it back to my parents house until late in the evening and I was ready to get some sleep after such a wonderfully busy day.

“I hope you’ve had a Merry Christmas” Joe whispered in the dark.

“I have, I hope it’s been Merry Christmas for you too” I said, pressing closer to him.

“The marriest” he said, placing a small kiss on the back on my neck.

“I’m just feeling a little sad that I’ve only got one more full day with my parents.” I admitted.

“We’ll make the most of it” he said reassuringly.

The following morning, after a late breakfast it was time for Tim and Jess to start their trip home.

Goodbyes in my family took thirty minutes. They began in the house, and continued in the driveway as we helped them load their car and talked more about when we’d see each other again, planning FaceTime chats, and even some wedding planning. After many more hugs and goodbyes, they were in their car and on their way as we waved at the taillights.

My mom was tearing up and heading back into the house when my Dad spoke.

“Let’s go to the movies.”

“Yeah?” I asked, looking at Joe, who nodded in agreement.

“What movie?” I asked.

“I’d like to see the new Star Wars movie. I saw their first one in the theater, I’d like to see the last one on the theater too.” He replied.

We decided on a 1:20 showing.

As we were leaving, Joe and my Dad we’re discussing the movie, things they liked, disliked, when my mom suggested we have a late lunch/early dinner. And even though we’d had popcorn and candy during the movie, Joe and my Dad enthusiastically agreed.

We ended up going to a local, family owed restaurant that offered a bit of everything. It wasn’t crowded, which allowed for us to have some quite conversation. When we made it back to my parents my mom offered to help me pack, while Joe and my Dad sat in the living room, further discussing the movie and my Dad even asked what it was like working with Spielberg.

“It’s gone by too fast” my Mother mused as she folded some of my clothes.

“I know. I wish we could stay longer, but we’d like a few down days before we celebrate New Years with friends” I replied as I struggled to find ways to pack the gifts we’d received.

“I may need to mail some of that to you” my Mom laughed softly.

“Possibly” I said, laughing with her.

“You both work hard, you deserve a break” she continued.

“Some quiet time will be nice. Although with Joe, it’s usually pretty chaotic” I laughed.

“All your aunts told me how much they liked him” she said, moving on to packing some of my toiletries.

“They did?” I asked sitting on the bed.

“Yes. They all mentioned how easily he fell into the family, talking and laughing. Like he was meant to be there” she said happily.

“He did, didn’t he? That can be hard in our crazy family. Which by the way, they hid they’re crazy well. I’ll have to thank them each personally for not parading it around and scaring him off” I replied making my Mom laugh.

Late afternoon slipped into evening, and on to night. I’d spent the rest of the day with Joe and parents talking about our plans when we returned to New York, my parents next possible visit to which Joe announced he’d like for them to meet his Mom if it could be arranged.

When I crawled into bed that night, I kissed Joe deeply.

“Mmmmm” he moaned softly “what was that for?”

“For being your wonderful, amazing self.” I said kissing him again, “and as sad as it makes me to leave, I’m ready to be home with you. Alone. With you.”

His smiled grew wider as low laugh rumbled in his chest.

“Me too my love. Me too” he replied.

Too soon, it was morning and another thirty minute goodbye. Which didn’t seem to last long enough when you were the one leaving.

“Come home soon baby girl” my Dad sniffled as he hugged my tightly.

“I will Dad” I replied, swallowing back my own tears.

As I turned to hug my Mom, my Dad pulled Joe into a hug and said “we want you to come back soon too.”

“Text me when you make it to the airport and are at your gate” my Mom said as we embraced.

“I will.”

“And when you make your layover” she said.

“I will.”

“And when you land in New York and when you make it home too!” She continued.

“Mom” I said stepping back but continuing to hold her hand “I’ll be in touch with you every step of the way, I promise.”

She pulled me in for one more quick hug and kiss before I made my way to the car to make the drive to the air port.

“Thank you for having me, it was wonderful!” Joe said as he waved goodbye before getting into the passengers seat.

“Bye Joe!” My parents replied, waving as they held on to each other.

“I love you!” I said before getting in the car “miss you already! Bye!”

“Love you baby girl, we’ll talk to you both soon! Safe travels!” My parents replied.

As I drove away, I watched them in the review, and a few years slipped down my cheeks.

Joe placed a hand on my leg and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“You ok babe?” he asked.

Nodding I replied “yeah, leaving my parents never gets any easier.”

Our flights back to New York were again comfortable and uneventful. Getting our luggage seemed to take twice as long and so did the drive home.

Once we were inside, I dropped my luggage by the door and made my way to the couch where I promptly slunk down.

“Ugh, why is traveling so exhausting? And why does it always seem to take longer to get home?” I asked.

“I have no idea babe” Joe chuckled. “Wine?”

“Please!” I replied, not moving from my spot.

Joe made his way back to the living room, two glasses of wine in hand.

“Mmmm. Thank you” I replied as he handed me a glass before he plugged in the Christmas tree lights, and pulled his phone from his pocket to play some music.

I snuggled up to him as he sat down beside me.

“Cheers” I said holding my glass up.

“Cheers” he replied as our glasses tinged together.

“I’m glad we made it home before it started snowing again” Joe said as we both stared at the window.

“Yeah, but it’s so pretty.” I replied.

“Mmmhmmm” he hummed in agreement.

“Merry Christmas Love” I said, looking up at him.

“Merry Christmas Babe” he replied before kissing me, allowing it to deepen slowly.

When I pulled back I smiled at him and said “now bring on the New Years Eve party!”