The Thirsty Welcome

Joe barely had time to register the comforting familiarity of home before a wave of soft bodies and delighted voices crashed over him. The living room had been decorated with modest effort; colorful streamers, a glittery handmade “WELCOME BACK, HERO” sign, finger foods, drinks, and a few small wrapped gifts.

“Surprise!”

Dani, Megan, and Piper; his petite trio of roommates; launched themselves at him in a joyful, clinging tangle of arms and warmth. Dani’s fiery red curls tickled his cheek as she buried her face in his neck, pressing herself firmly against his chest and breathing him in like she’d been waiting all day to do it. Blonde Piper molded herself to his side, arms wrapped tight, fingers tracing the solid breadth of his shoulders and lingering there. Raven-haired Megan pressed in from the other side, hands sliding slowly over his back, exploring the firm muscle with quiet fascination, her lower lip caught between her teeth.

Scarlett stood just inside the doorway and watched, not flinching. If anything, something warm and oddly reverent settled in her chest as she took them in. These were the women who had shared a home with him, who had seen him at his most ordinary; coffee in the morning, late nights on the couch, the quiet version of him no one at the lab ever got, herself included. And right now they were lighting up around him.

Not politely. Not the way friends do when someone comes home from the hospital. Dani’s eyes had gone soft and a little glassy. Piper’s nipples were visibly tight against her thin top where she pressed into him. Megan looked like she was fighting the urge to stay right there with her hands on his back.

They feel it too, Scarlett thought, a spark of intrigue blooming low in her belly. The same thing I felt in the hospital. The same thing I felt in the car. She didn’t know why she didn't feel threatened by it. She only knew she wasn’t jealous. Not even a little. Watching them want him felt strangely, quietly satisfying.

Joe moved through the gathering, receiving hugs and well-wishes from colleagues. When he reached Tiffany; black leggings painted onto her, a loose gray top that still couldn’t hide the swell of her breasts, she pulled him into a tight hug. Her nails traced lightly down the nape of his neck as she whispered warmly against his ear, “Welcome back, superhero.” Scarlett's a lucky girl, Tiffany thought.

Scarlett caught the look on her boss’s face as she stepped back. Fond. Warm. And something else underneath it that Tiffany probably thought she was hiding. Even her, Scarlett thought, and the spark in her chest burned a little hotter.

Brooke approached next. Seeing her outside the office hit differently, Joe noticed. Her skirt showed off long, dancer-toned legs, and her yellow midriff-baring top clung lovingly to her generous curves, the charm at her navel piercing catching the light. She hugged him slow and close, her body melting against his. When she pulled back, her lips brushed his neck. Her cheeks flushed pink.

“I’m really glad you’re okay,” Brooke said softly.

Joe noticed the way Brooke’s hand lingered on his forearm before she finally let go. Alan stood awkwardly in the kitchen with a red Solo cup, looking slightly overwhelmed by the heavily female-to-male ratio.

Skylar and Aspen completed the welcome; Piper’s coworkers from the massage parlor, and fixtures around the apartment for months now. They’d always been charmed by Joe, Piper knew. He was always kind and inviting.

“They’ve been asking about you nonstop,” Piper said, grinning as she gestured them over. “Couldn’t wait to see you home.”

Skylar, silky brown hair and striking blue eyes, a voluptuous yet toned figure poured into a fitted top, pressed her cheek to his and whispered playfully, “Heroes turn me on.” She didn’t pull away quickly.

Petite Aspen, warm brown hair and delicate curves, let her fingers trail slowly across his shoulders as she hugged him, leaving a trail of heat. She bit her lip when she stepped back, eyes still on him.

Joe noticed all of it; the way their bodies pressed a little too close, the lingering touches, the soft flushes, the quickened breaths. They’d always been affectionate. This felt different. What the hell is going on? he thought, trying to keep his expression friendly. Why now?

The night unfolded in warm laughter, soft music, and golden lamplight. Stories were shared, glasses clinked, and the group slowly filtered out until only the core remained.

Brooke found him again, pulling him aside, away from the dwindling crowd. Her hair shimmered under the lights, eyes soft and sincere. “Hey… I wanted to thank you. For the recommendation to Tiffany. I couldn’t be happier working with you officially now.” Her hand brushed his forearm, lingering with gentle warmth. “I’m really glad you’re okay. I missed you.”

There was a moment; a subtle shift in her breathing, her pupils dilating as she stood close; before she pulled back, almost surprised at herself. “Umm… anyway. I’m still holding down the fort, so… boss.” She slipped away, cheeks red, a gentle, feminine sway in her hips. Joe couldn't help watching it.

Scarlett appeared beside him moments later. She glanced in the direction Brooke had gone, then back to Joe with a small, intrigued smile. “She’s really pretty outside the office.”

Joe exhaled a short laugh. “She’s pretty in the office too.”

Scarlett’s eyebrow lifted, her smirk playful and warm. “Oh?”

Her hand slid onto his back, then slowly lower, tracing the new, solid muscle there; slow, purposeful, warm through his shirt. She could still feel the echo of every woman who had pressed against him tonight. It didn’t sting. It just made her want him more.

“Listen… did you want to get out of here?”

When he looked at her, the heat in her eyes was unmistakable. Need. Want. Barely restrained.

Joe nodded. He very much did.