From the start (Joel Miller x Reader)

Chapter 9

The pre-dawn light painted the world in shades of soft gray as Joel pulled up to your place. He had risen early, eager to start the day's adventure, and he couldn't help but smile as he watched you approach, still rubbing the sleep from your eyes.

Your hair was tousled from the night, and your yawns were like sweet melodies to him. He teasingly remarked, "Someone looks like they just stepped out of a bedtime story."

You couldn't help but giggle at his gentle ribbing, and with a playful roll of your eyes, you retorted, "Well, you can't expect everyone to look as dashing as you do in the morning, Joel."

Joel chuckled, finding your groggy state endearing. "I'd like to think I wake up looking like a movie star, but I've got nothing on your morning charm."

As you hopped into the car, still yawning, the two of you shared an affectionate smile.

As you settled into the car and buckled up for the journey to the lake house, you couldn't help but feel a surge of enthusiasm. The day promised adventures, and you were eager to share one of your greatest passions—music.

Joel, observant as always, noticed your excitement and decided to let you take the reins. He didn't turn on the radio, allowing you to curate the soundtrack for the drive. You eagerly scrolled through your playlist, selecting tracks from some of your favorite artists and bands.

"Alright, Joel," you began, your eyes alight with fervor. "I'm going to introduce you to some of the best music out there. First up, we have Lawrence, a sibling duo with amazing harmonies. Their songs are like a burst of sunshine!"

You continued to introduce him to the likes of Taylor Swift, discussing her evolution as an artist and the genius behind her songwriting. You delved into the Arctic Monkeys' discography, dissecting their sound and lyrical complexity. Each artist you presented was met with an enthusiastic nod from Joel, who seemed genuinely interested in learning from you.

After several minutes of animated explanations and impassioned musings, you realized you might be overdoing it. A faint blush colored your cheeks as you admitted, "Sorry, I tend to get carried away when it comes to music."

Joel turned his gaze toward you, a soft smile on his lips. "No need to apologize. I love hearing you talk about what you're passionate about. It's infectious, and it's wonderful to see you so excited."

His words washed over you like a warm embrace, and you couldn't help but smile back at him.

As the road stretched out ahead of you, you couldn't resist playing "From the Start" by Laufey, one of your all-time favorite songs. The gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics seemed to perfectly capture the tranquil beauty of the morning.

Joel, ever attentive, rested his hand gently on your lap. It was a simple touch, but it felt like a reassurance of his presence beside you. He watched as you quietly sang along, your voice carrying the lyrics with an ethereal grace.

"Have to get this off my chest I'm telling you today. That when I talk to you, oh, Cupid walks right through and shoots an arrow through my heart and I sound like a loon, but don't you feel it too? Confess I loved you from the start," you sang softly, your voice a soothing addition to the music. You closed your eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of the sun on your face and the comfort of Joel's hand on your lap. The song, the drive, and his touch blended into a harmonious experience, filling you with a sense of contentment and closeness.

In that quiet moment, as the world passed by outside the car windows, you couldn't help but feel that this journey was something truly special.

The open road stretched ahead as you and Joel continued your journey to the lake house. The truck hummed with the promise of adventure, and the playful banter between the two of you added a layer of warmth to the drive.