Waking Up with Joseph Quinn

Awards

Word Count: 1500+

Warnings: NONE. Complete and utter fluff.

"Ah, Miss Y/L/N, back so soon. What can I get you?"

"Yeah, it's been a crazy night." You say, kicking the length of your stupidly long dress. "This time, can I just have a shot of your best rum?"

The bartender raised an eyebrow and nodded, as he poured your shot. He delicately placed it in front of your body atop the bar.

You smiled and took the tiny glass; shooting it back and allowing the smooth liquid to give you the burn you needed in the back of your throat to boost your confidence just a bit. You smiled as you set the glass down and glanced at your dress again, with annoyance this time. Why would I choose the most difficult dress to walk in for my first event?

You grasp the rhinestone-laden material in your hand and gently lift it upward, just enough to assure you won't trip on your way back to your seat. As you weaved your way through the tables and chairs filled with people you never thought you'd meet, you noticed that your vision was getting slightly off. Lines weren't as straight and the floor seemed to be a million miles away.

Luckily, you were waived over by your castmates and you continued on your journey back to your seat. As you were seated, your eye scanned the table of your castmates; all were looking at the stage except for one: Joe.

He smiled and gave a nod, to which you smiled. You'd grown close to him, working so closely on set, and now you felt like you could truly call him a friend. As the show went on and awards were won, you attempted to fit in; clap when everyone else did, laugh on cue and even attempt to be sad when really this was one of the best days of your life so far.

Everyone began to walk out and you stood to hug the castmates goodbye, but ended up tripping over the leg of the chair. To your luck, Joe was nearby (awaiting for a hug assumably) and was able to catch you before it was a complete face plant.

"Ay love, you alright?" He looked with concern.

"I'm...fine." You said with a scrunched face and a waving hand.

"Don't think so, I can smell ya from 'ere." He whispered. "C'mon, let's get ya out of here before anyone notices. Don't want your first awards show to be your last now, hmm?"

He grabbed your small clutch and situated it snuggly into the crook of your arm. He proceeded to reach his arm around your waist and guide your arm around his back. As you two walked out, he assured that you didn't stumble or make a fool of yourself. As you were walking your way through the flashes of light, you wondered what the headlines would read tomorrow. Probably something about you and Joe as an item.

Obviously, you'd thought about it before, but never intensely. It crossed your mind a time or two, but other than that you just assumed he was a good friend; which he clearly was.

"Here. This is us." He said while opening the door. You grasped his open hand and allowed him to gently guide you into the car. As you settled into your seat, he went around the other side and got in himself. He reached over your body and pulled the seat belt over your lap and chest.

"Oh, thanks." You gave a sloppy smile.

The ride was fairly silent, thankfully the music was on. When you arrived at the hotel, you begged Joe to let you stop by the vending machine. He giggled and obliged. You happily got your snacks and began walking toward the elevator.

"Do you remember where your room is?" He asked.

"Yeah, it's..." You looked around and then to the ground. "Actually, no. And, I don't have my key either. I gave it to Natalia to hold."