Pedro Pascal Characters one shots & short stories

Should Probably Leave (Joel Miller)

Warning: fluff, implied smut, angst

Summary: After being Sarah's babysitter for the past ten years, Joel and you finally act upon your feelings for one another but your chance at a good life pushes Joel to make sacrifice it all. Inspired by - Chris Stapleton's - You Should Probably Leave.

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"So, officially part of the workin' class..." a very familiar voice drawls out from behind, causing you to turn around with a broad smile.

"Hey, Joel... thought we weren't comin'."

Joel audibly scoffs, "miss my favorite person's graduation party...? Never", giving you a playful wink then.

You roll your eyes at his words, "favorite person? Only because I've babysat your kid for cheap for the past ten years."

Joel presses a hand to his chest in pretend offense, "ya wound me, Sweetheart."

With another eyeroll, you softly chuckle at him, "where's Sarah?"

"Out back, with the rest of the kids" he nods his head in the direction, "she'll come round to pester ya soon 'nuff."

"Guess she don't need me much anymore now she's a teenager..." you remark disheartened as you think of the once four-year-old little girl that used to cling to like a barnacle.

"Nah, ya still her best friend" Joel attempts to cheer you up.

You respond with a weak smirk, shrugging, "if ya say so."

"Ahem..." Joel clears his throat, awkwardly scratching the back of his head, "got ya a lil graduation gift."

"Really...?" you stare at him in starry-eyed disbelief.

"It's at the house though" he nervously chuckles, "wanted to give it to ya in private, without makin' a fuss"; referring to the house filled with people.

"No-fuss-Miller..." you giggle at his explanation and his chuckles along, nodding.

"Yeah. Come round later and I'll give to ya?"

"Sure thing, Miller" you broadly smile in agreement.

The interaction between Joel and you end when your mother calls you over to talk to someone and you leave Joel to head over to them. What you didn't notice though; was the look of yearning on his face as you walked away from him.

*****

"Hi there..." you smile at Joel when he opens the door for you.

"Hey, c'mon in" Joel flashes you a dimpled smile, stepping aside to allow you entrance.

"Sarah home?" you enquire at how quiet the house was.

"Nope. Sleepover at a friend's" Joel responds, shutting the door.

"Was hopin' we'd do a movie night" you plop onto the couch with a disappointed sigh.

"Sorry to disappoint ya, hun..." Joel plops down next to you, a small gift box in hand.

"That my gift?" you eagerly eye it.

"Ain't we an eager beaver...?" Joel teasingly bobs his head from side to side, handing it over to you then.

"Don't start with me, Miller..." you shoot him a glare, lips twitching in amusement as you open the box.

"Oh my gosh, Joel!" you stared open mouthed at the silver pedant necklace.

Joel shyly smirks at your reaction, "it's a Celtic infinity knot cross. Symbolizes everlastin' love, friendship an loyalty, least what the guy at the jeweler said..."