Give and Take - Joe Burrow AU

Chapter 9

The next morning, you're sat in the living room enjoying a cup of coffee with your brother AJ, discussing the upcoming deadline for your album.

"We have to narrow down the final songs, Anna. We can't just keep recording and scrapping everything." AJ says, running a hand through his hair. 

"Don't you think I know that?" You say, rolling your eyes. You set you coffee down on the table in front of you, noticing someone else had entered the room during your conversation.

Joe.

"Good morning." He greets, shuffling in and sitting on the couch opposite of you. You both share closed mouthed smiles and divert eye contact quickly to avoid any awkwardness in front of your brother.

"We'll just have to call Oliver later." AJ says, sinking back into the couch with a big sigh.

Oliver was your loyal manager since day one. He was no stranger to your late night phone calls, strange requests, and complaints when it came to career obligations. 

"Fine. We'll just see what he says." You shrug, picking up your coffee once more and meeting Joe's eyes. 

His hair was disarray and the small crinkles under his sleepy eyes were so adorable. You just wanted to kiss him again. 

He thought the same, eyeing your mismatched pajama bottoms and top, with your novelty oversized sneaker-looking slippers.

"I gotta get in the shower, let's meet back here in 30 and call him." AJ says, gathering his things and leaving you and Joe alone in the living room,

He matches your small smile as it grows, looking at one another.

"So, what are you up to today?" You ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Hanging out with you, hopefully."

"We can arrange that." You reply, surveying your surroundings before inching closer to him. 

"After my meeting today, let's try to blow everybody off and try to spend some time together. Ya know, maybe order food, watch a movie? The whole first date cliche." 

A wide smile spreads across Joe's face at this suggestion. 

"I would love that." 

***

Later that afternoon, the rest of your friends suggest going to dinner and a nightclub. While everyone but you and Joe agree, your hopes for a quiet night in seem to be in motion.

"But Annie, what about dancing to our favorite songs?" Tana whines.

"We can do that any other night, babe. I just want to take a night off and chill." You say.

"Me too." Agrees Joe. 

"You guys are lame!" Nick chimes in, throwing back another shot to pregame the nights events.

"Listen, you guys have a great time. Joe and I will be saving our money and the debilitating hangover for another occasion." You quip, silencing any other protests.

"If you insist." Tana rolls her eyes.

"Besides, Joe and I will make ourselves busy. I have plenty of rom-coms on deck that he needs to see." You say, looking at him with a devious smile.

With an exaggerated, wide-eyed look, you laugh knowing full well that this statement wasn't totally fabricated.

***

Around 8 p.m., the others were just heading out to dinner, just as your take-out was arriving. As you called out distant goodbye's for the night, you and Joe cracked open the Chinese food containers.