Dark Paradise - Joel Miller x OC

Family time

So I'm still not sure how to organize all the things I have written about their life together, so for now it's a bit "thematic" I guess, as I'd have if it had been some imagines. Let me know if it feels weird.

Photo by Kevin Schmid on Unsplash 

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"It's going to be awkward.

-We had dozens of dinners at Maria and Tommy's, it always went well.

-It's the first time we're going as a couple, well, as an official one.

-It's going to be fine. And then, she's there to lighten the mood."

With a nod of his chin, he gestures to Ellie, who trots lightly in front of them, her headphones tucked into her ears. Chloe remains worried. Although neither of their hosts have come to talk to them about their relationship since they've made it official, she can't help but dread the evening. The arguments they made the first time still stand. There's still the age difference, he still has taken care of her when she was at her worst. What would stop them from bringing it up again?

Joel can feel her being nervous by his side. As Ellie rings the doorbell, he leans in to gently kiss his lover's temple. This is the first contact they have had since leaving their house a few minutes ago. Although they no longer hide, they remain discreet, uncomfortable with showing affection in public.

Maria greets them with a warm smile, ushering them in with enthusiasm. Tommy serves them a drink while his wife sets the food on the table. Slowly, Chloe relaxes. It feels like they're back months ago, before all the drama. At the other end of the table, Eugene winks at her. Of course. It was he, the peacemaker, who must have finally allayed all Maria and Tommy's fears. She gives him a grateful smile before diving back into the conversation.

As they all settle down to watch a movie, Joel sits next to her. She tenses as she feels his arm come around her shoulders. But when she realizes that no one cares, she relaxes and moves a little closer, settling into the crook of his arm. The rest of the evening passes quietly. As she says goodbye to Maria, the latter hugs her warmly. That's all it took for her to be completely reassured. She always looked up to the leader, the idea of being in bad terms with her made Chloe uncomfortable more than anything else. Now she knows they're good.

Back home, they stand in the kitchen discussing the film over a tea.

"That was stupid of him to do that.

-Yeah, but you know, men do stupid things to impress women.

-What's the stupidest you've ever done?

-Broke my arm.

-What?!

-Ahem, she had her eyes for one of the popular guys, coming to school with his motorcycle everyday and all. So I borrowed my friend's. Tried to do some figures with it and well... She saw me breaking my arm."

He looks at her, she has a hand over her mouth, preventing herself from laughing at the image. So ridiculous.

"And in the end, did it work?

-Well, I got her pregnant, so I guess it did."

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Weeks go by and life is sweet. Her nightmares are less strong, less regular. A comfortable routine settled between them, full of love and laughter, often mocking but never mean. People have lost interest in their story, now that it's official, less scandalous, gossip is not so much interesting.

The only downside is Ellie's attitude, she's more and more distant. This pains Joel and makes Chloe worried. Is it her fault? Does the teenager feel left out now that she shares her life with him? One day when the young girl comes to look for a book in the living room, the adult decides to clear the air