I sighed as I trudged up the stairs, the straps of my backpack digging into my shoulders. The fabric of my cropped tank top had shifted with every step, and I could feel the cool air brushing the bare skin just above my jeans. It was one of those moments when you feel entirely out of place in your own home—like you’ve walked into someone else’s life and somehow need to navigate it without a map.
The smell of fresh linen hit me before I even reached the second floor, a sign that my mom was in one of her frantic cleaning frenzies. I barely had time to set my bag down in my room before I heard her calling from down the hall.
“Lily, honey! Can you come here for a second?”
I groaned inwardly but kicked off my sneakers and padded down to my parents’ bedroom. The soft carpet felt warm underfoot, but my mood didn’t match the comfort. When I stepped inside, Mom was elbow-deep in a set of fresh sheets, tucking them so tightly that I wondered if she thought her guests were planning to bounce coins on them.
“What’s up, Mom?” I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms over my chest.
She looked up at me with that apologetic smile that every kid dreads. “Sweetie, I know this is last minute, but we’re going to need to shuffle some things around while your aunt and uncle are here with the kids. They’ll be taking the guest room, and, well… your cousins will need to stay in your room.”
I blinked at her, my stomach sinking. “Okay… so where am I supposed to sleep?”
She hesitated. Mom always did this thing where she smoothed her hair when she was about to drop bad news, and I watched her hand nervously tuck a strand behind her ear. “Well, you’ll need to share Jake’s room.”
I froze. “What?” My voice came out sharper than I intended. “Mom, Jake and I haven’t shared a room since we were, like, six. And his room barely fits him, let alone me too.”
She gave me a helpless shrug. “I know it’s not ideal, sweetie. But his bed is a queen, and there’s no other option.”
My stomach twisted. “You want me to share a bed with Jake? Mom, he’s 20. I’m 18. That’s… that’s weird.”
“I understand how it feels,” she said, her tone soft but firm. “But it’s just for a few nights. Your father and I would really appreciate your cooperation. You know how important family is.”
Family. That one word was like a guilt-trip missile, and I felt the weight of it hit me square in the chest. I ran a hand through my hair, letting the loose strands fall over my shoulders. “Isn’t there somewhere else? The couch? An air mattress in the basement?”
She shook her head. “The couch is taken by Grandpa, and the basement’s freezing this time of year. I’m sorry, Lily. It’s only temporary.”
I swallowed my frustration, feeling the flush creep up my neck. There was no way out of this. “Fine,” I muttered, letting my arms drop to my sides. “But I’m not happy about it.”
She gave me a grateful smile, reaching out to squeeze my shoulder. “Thank you, sweetheart. It’ll be over before you know it.”
I walked back to my room, dragging my feet. The idea of sharing a bed with Jake made my skin crawl—not because I didn’t love him, but because I knew Jake. He wasn’t exactly the “respect your personal space” type. And let’s be real: I’d seen enough of his personality on display to know this wasn’t going to be a cozy sibling sleepover.
When I knocked on Jake’s door a few minutes later, my overnight bag slung over one shoulder, my heart was already pounding.
“Yeah?” His voice came from the other side, muffled but still distinctively cocky.
I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Jake was lounging on his bed in a fitted black t-shirt and basketball shorts, his legs stretched out like he owned the place. His hair was messy, like he’d been running his hands through it, and the faint smell of his cologne hit me immediately—woodsy and sharp, with that undertone of something warm.
“What’s up?” he asked, glancing at me with a raised brow.
I shifted uncomfortably, clutching the strap of my bag. “So, uh… Mom and Dad want me to stay in here with you for the next few days.”
His brows shot up. “Here? In my room?”
“Yeah.” I sighed. “Apparently the guest room’s taken, my room’s being overrun by the cousins, and Grandpa gets the couch. So congratulations, you get me as a roommate.”
Jake smirked, sitting up and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “Well, this just got interesting.”
I rolled my eyes, already regretting the words “congratulations.” “Don’t get any ideas, Jake. I’m staying on my side of the bed, and you’re staying on yours.”
“Wait.” His grin widened. “We’re sharing the bed?”
“Yes, we’re sharing the bed. Believe me, I’m thrilled about it.” I gestured to the queen-sized mattress, which suddenly looked much smaller than I remembered.
He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “Well, this’ll be cozy.”
I glanced around his room, and my stomach twisted again—not from nerves this time, but from what I was seeing. His walls were practically wallpapered with posters of models. Women in bikinis, lingerie, crop tops that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. They were all there, staring back at me with glossy, airbrushed smiles.
“Jake,” I said, my voice flat. “What is this?”
He followed my gaze, then gave me a sheepish shrug. “Oh, that? Just, you know… decoration.”
“Decoration?” I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. “This looks like the inside of a frat house.”
“Hey,” he protested, grinning now. “It’s art. You wouldn’t understand.”
I rolled my eyes so hard I thought they might stick. “Right. Very tasteful. Definitely not creepy at all when your little sister’s sharing your room. Or your bed.”
Jake scratched the back of his neck, looking a little sheepish. “Okay, okay. I’ll take them down if it’s that big a deal. Relax, Lil.”
I sighed, dropping my bag onto the floor. “Let’s just figure this out, okay? I’ll take the side by the wall. And if you steal the blankets, I’m kicking you onto the floor.”
“Deal,” Jake said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. But I could still see that smirk lingering on his face.
As I sat down on the edge of the bed, the awkwardness of the situation settled over me like a heavy blanket. The way he often looked at me was cringe too. This was going to be a long few nights.
“So,” Jake drawled, breaking the silence. “How long do you think this little arrangement is gonna last?”
I shrugged, not meeting his gaze. “Mom said a few nights. Hopefully not longer than that.”
He chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Aw, come on, sis. Am I really that bad to be around?”
I turned to face him, crossing my arms over my chest. “It’s not about you, Jake. It’s just… weird, okay? We’re not kids anymore.”
Jake’s eyes flickered over me, a small smirk playing on his lips. “Yeah, I’ve noticed.”
I sighed, “and what the fuck is that suppose to mean.”
Jake just sat there, his smirk still lingering like he’d won some imaginary argument. I could feel my fists clench at my sides as I waited for him to say something else, but instead, he just leaned back on his hands, totally at ease. God, he was insufferable.
“What’s that supposed to mean, Jake?” I repeated, narrowing my eyes. My voice was sharper this time, even though I was doing my best to stay calm.
Jake shrugged one shoulder, like he couldn’t be bothered. “Nothing. Just saying it’s been a while since you’ve been around here. You’re different now, that’s all.”
I frowned, thrown off by the unexpected softness in his tone. Different? What the hell did that even mean?
“Okay, well, you’re the same,” I shot back, deciding I wasn’t about to let him derail me. “Same room, same posters, same annoying attitude.”
He barked out a laugh, shaking his head. “Ouch. Don’t hold back or anything.”
I sighed, brushing past him to drop my bag next to the bed. The mattress sank slightly as I perched on the edge, trying to figure out how to handle the next few days without losing my mind. Jake, of course, didn’t seem the least bit phased by any of this.
“So, what’s the plan, Lil? Should we set some ground rules or just wing it?” he asked, flopping back onto the bed beside me.
“Ground rules?” I repeated, glancing over my shoulder at him. “You mean like how I won’t murder you in your sleep if you don’t try to steal the blankets? Or keep you hands to yourself.”
Jake grinned, that same cocky tilt of his lips that made me want to scream—and not in a good way. He propped himself up on one elbow, his messy hair catching the dim light from the lamp on his nightstand. “Hands to myself? Wow, Lil, you really think that little of me, huh?”
I rolled my eyes, my patience already wearing thin. “Jake, I know you. That’s the problem.”
He laughed, low and warm, and it made me want to smack him even more. “Relax, Lil. You’re acting like I’m some kind of caveman. Believe it or not, I can behave.”
“Sure,” I muttered, crossing my legs as I shifted on the edge of the bed. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”
Jake leaned back fully, folding his hands behind his head like he didn’t have a care in the world. “Alright, alright. Rule number one: no touching. Your virtue is safe with me, princess.”
I groaned. “Jake, please don’t make this worse than it already is.”
“Worse?” He raised a brow, sitting up slightly. “Come on, Lil. You’re not that miserable, are you? I’m not some sweaty, beer-bellied uncle you’re forced to bunk with.”
“No, but you’re you,” I shot back, my tone exasperated. “Which might actually be worse.”
Jake feigned offense, clutching his chest dramatically. “Ouch. And here I was going to offer you some of my beers later. You know we could chill on the Xbox let the old folks downstairs do… well do what old folks do.”
Jake’s grin widened, clearly enjoying himself. He leaned closer, resting his elbows on his knees, and his dark eyes sparkled with mischief. “But if you’re gonna keep roasting me like that, Lil, I might just rescind the offer. No Xbox for you. No beer, either.”
I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Wow. Such a loss. How ever will I recover?”
“You won’t,” he shot back, smirking. “Because you’re stuck here. With me. For days. Better start warming up to me, sis.”
I let out an exaggerated sigh, leaning back on my palms. “Fine. Let’s lay out a truce for survival’s sake. You leave me alone, I leave you alone. We make it out of this unscathed, and then we never speak of it again.”
Jake tilted his head, pretending to mull it over. “Hmm. Sounds like a boring deal, but I’ll consider it.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I’m serious, Jake. I’m not in the mood to deal with your crap. This is already weird enough.”
Jake also went to the side of his bed and revealed an hidden bottle of whiskey, “what about this then. We have drinks tonight play cod, or that bloody dead by daylight you like. We can take turns as I seen how good you are at it.”
I stared at the whiskey bottle Jake had just pulled from under his bed like it was some sort of magic trick. The amber liquid caught the light, and I couldn’t help but arch a brow. “Seriously? That’s where you keep it? Under the bed? What are you, a rebellious high school sophomore?”
Jake smirked, unscrewing the cap with a flourish. “Nah, it’s called being resourceful. Gotta keep it out of Mom and Dad’s radar, y’know? And besides”—he poured a small amount into the cap, holding it up like he was offering a toast—“this is for emergencies. Like now.”
I crossed my arms, leaning back a little. “And this is your solution? Get me drunk so I forget I’m stuck sharing a bed with you?”
“Relax, Lil. It’s not like I’m trying to roofie you or something.” He rolled his eyes, taking a quick sip before setting the bottle down on the floor next to him. “I’m just saying, it’s here if you need it. Loosen up, and maybe this won’t be so miserable.”
I scoffed, shaking my head. “You really think a couple of drinks is gonna make this situation any less awkward? Newsflash, Jake—it’s not the bed, it’s you.”
Jake didn’t look offended. If anything, his grin only widened. “Wow, brutal. You’ve got a way with words, you know that? Fine, let me sweeten the deal. Whiskey and Dead by Daylight. You take a shot every time you don’t escape. Come on you know you want to, I have all the survivors. That sables hot too isn’t she.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, my arms still crossed. “Jake, did you just call Sable Ward hot? Are you seriously trying to make this more awkward?”
Jake grinned as he scrolled through the survivor list, stopping at Sable Ward’s character model. “See? Tell me she’s not the coolest one here,” he said, tilting the screen so I couldn’t avoid seeing it.
I gave him a flat look, though I couldn’t help but glance at the character. Sable’s outfit was definitely something. She looked like she’d just stepped out of a gothic beach party—dark and witchy, with a bikini top crisscrossed with thin straps and a tattered black skirt decorated with eerie white symbols. Her pale skin was smeared with dirt and blood, and she wore round sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat that screamed mysterious chaos.
“I mean…” I started, rolling my eyes. “Yeah, she’s got a vibe. But how are those sunglasses supposed to help her see a killer coming? She’s gonna trip over the first pallet in her way.”
Jake laughed, already selecting her as his character. “She doesn’t need to see. She’s too badass for that. The Entity probably lets her win just because she looks this good.”
“She looks like she got lost on the way to a haunted Coachella,” I shot back, but Jake was unfazed.
“Call it what you want, Lil,” he said, smirking as he adjusted his perks. “But Sable’s got style, and you know it. Plus, she can outrun anything—even if she’s barefoot. Anyway, says the Meg Main, yeah you main Meg Thomas ain’t you all Meg heads your kind.”
I scoffed, giving Jake a side-eye as I crossed my legs on the bed. “First of all, yes, I main Meg Thomas. She actually survives instead of worrying about what kind of pentagram bikini she’s wearing. And second, don’t start with the Meg-head slander, Jake. Just because you’re still salty from the last time I looped you that killer half the match doesn’t mean you get to drag my girl down. Look fine, we will have a drink later and I guess I will show you how it is done in gaming. Girls rule and well boys drool?”
Jake burst out laughing, leaning back against the headboard with his arms crossed like he’d just heard the funniest thing in the world. “Girls rule and boys drool? What is this, third grade? You’re gonna have to bring more than playground insults if you’re planning to take me down, Lil.”
I rolled my eyes, grabbing the second controller and settling in at the edge of the bed. “Oh, don’t worry. My gameplay’s going to do all the talking. And when you’re getting all the achievements on your account. Well, you can thank me. Right enough dead by daylight talk until later.”
Jake raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he was trying not to laugh again. “Wow, look at you, Miss Confident. Alright, alright, we’ll shelve Dead by Daylight for now. But later, when you’re crying because you can’t keep up with Sable’s swag, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
I shot him a glare, but there wasn’t much heat behind it. “Keep dreaming, Jake. Now, what’s the plan if we’re not gaming yet? You’re the one who started this whole whiskey-and-console bonding idea.”
Jake shrugged, the smirk still glued to his face as he sprawled out on the bed like a king on his throne. “I don’t know. You’re the one invading my space. I figured you’d come in here with, like, a book or some rom-com to force me to watch.”
I snorted, leaning back against the wall and kicking my legs out. “First of all, I don’t ‘force’ anyone to watch anything. You choose to watch because you secretly love them. Don’t think I didn’t catch you tearing up during The Notebook that one time.”
Jake’s face twisted in mock horror. “Oh, come on, Lil. That was not tears—that was… I don’t know, allergies or something. The air in the room was dry.”
I smirked, pointing at him. “You’re such a liar.”
“Whatever,” Jake muttered, shaking his head. “Fine. If you don’t want to watch movies, what do you want to do? Let me guess, gossip about how much you hate Mom’s cousins?”
I rolled my eyes, though he wasn’t entirely wrong. “You mean the cousins who take over my room and leave it looking like a war zone every time they visit? No thanks. That’s a waste of my energy.”
Jake laughed, sitting up slightly. “So what, we’re just gonna sit here and… what? Stare at each other awkwardly until bedtime?”
I gave him a deadpan stare, my arms crossed tightly over my chest which pushed my cleavage up. “Well, if you have any better ideas, I’m all ears. Oh and anything Jake, my eyes are up here.”
Jake’s eyes flickered back up to my face, and I could see the glimmer of mischief in them. “Alright, alright. How about we never have I ever. A classic sibling bonding game. Also, we will involve the whiskey. It be fun.”
I raised an eyebrow at him, half-expecting him to burst out laughing again. “Never have I ever? Seriously? You realize we’re not in middle school anymore, right? This isn’t some sleepover with our friends.”
Jake shrugged, that familiar cocky grin back on his face. “Come on, it’ll be fun! Besides, it’s a perfect way to break the ice. And we can add a little twist to it. Every time you say something you’ve done, you take a sip. And if I have done it, I take a sip too.”
I stared at him, weighing the idea. “So, we just get progressively drunker as we reveal all our embarrassing secrets? Sounds like a recipe for disaster, especially with you.”
Jake feigned innocence looking me up and down smirking. “What, me? I would never take advantage of a situation like that. Besides, it’s just a game, Lil. What’s the worst that could happen? I will behave honest, well I will try.”
I leaned back against the wall, a hesitant smile tugging at my lips. “Fine. Let’s do it. But I’m warning you, Jake—I’m not going easy on you.”
Jake leaned forward, a glint of excitement in his eyes. “Oh, I wouldn’t expect anything less. Alright, you start.”
I took a deep breath, feeling the thrill of the game wash over me like a wave. “Okay, um… Never have I ever… snuck out of the house.”
Jake’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he immediately reached for the whiskey bottle. “Oh, come on! You’re really starting there? I think we were both guilty of that.”
I rolled my eyes, watching him pour a capful and swallow it down. “Fine, I’ll take one too, then.”
We both took a sip, the warmth of the whiskey settling in my stomach. I could feel the tension in the air start to ease, and I felt a little more at ease with each passing second.
“Okay, my turn,” Jake said, grinning wickedly. “Never have I ever kissed someone in the backseat of a car.”
I felt my cheeks flush at Jake’s question, and I quickly glanced away, trying to hide my reaction. “Seriously, Jake? You’re going to throw that one out there?”
He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “What? It’s a classic. Besides, it’s not like you’ve never done it. I mean, come on, you’re not some saint.”
I crossed my arms defensively, my mind racing. “Okay, sure, I’ve kissed someone in a car. But it was just… a peck!” I protested, my heart racing at the thought of that night. “And not like it matters anyway. It’s not like you’ve done it too, right?”
Jake smirked, leaning back on his hands. “Oh, I definitely have. But I’m not the one blushing here, am I?”
I groaned, rolling my eyes. “Fine, I’ll take a sip.” I grabbed the bottle and poured a little into the cap, downing it quickly.
“See? This isn’t so bad,” Jake said, clearly amused. “Now it’s your turn again.”
I thought for a moment, trying to come up with something that wouldn’t make me sound like a total loser. “Okay, never have I ever… gone skinny-dipping.”
Jake’s eyes widened, and he grabbed the bottle again, pouring another capful. “You’ve never done that?”
“Um, no,” I said defensively. “Have you?”
“Of course,” he laughed. “Summer bonfire party. You really think I’d miss that opportunity?”
I shook my head, a smile creeping onto my lips. “You’re ridiculous.”
Jake leaned closer, his expression suddenly serious. “What’s it like? Kissing someone in a car, I mean. Was it… good?”
I felt my breath hitch, and I could feel heat rising in my cheeks again. “It was fine,” I managed, trying to keep my tone casual, but I could feel the tension between us shift. “Just a quick kiss. Nothing major.”
He looked at me for a moment, as if weighing my answer, and then he smirked again. “Fine, maybe we can recreate it later. Just for practice, of course.”
I nearly choked on my drink, my eyes widening. “What? No, Jake!”
He laughed, clearly enjoying pushing my buttons. “What’s wrong? Afraid you might like it?”
“Please,” I scoffed, trying to sound nonchalant. “You’re my brother. This is all kinds of messed up.”
“Relax, it was just a joke,” he said, but his eyes sparkled with mischief. “But if you’re still interested in practicing… I wouldn’t say no.”
The air in the room felt thick, my heart racing as I tried to gauge his seriousness. “You’re not serious, right?”
“Of course not—at least not entirely,” he replied, his tone light. “But it would definitely be funny to see your reaction.”
I swallowed hard, feeling a strange mix of emotions swirling inside me. “You’re impossible.”
“I know,” he replied, leaning back again, that cocky grin never leaving his face. “But come on, this game is supposed to be fun. Let’s keep it rolling.”
I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the weirdness of the moment. “Fine. Never have I ever… had a crush on a teacher.”
Jake’s eyes widened in surprise, then a grin spread across his face. “Oh man, you’ve definitely done that. Come on, spill the tea.”
I huffed, crossing my arms again. “I’m not telling you anything. That’s not how this works.”
Jake leaned forward, clearly not ready to let me off the hook. “Oh, come on, Lil. Everyone’s had a crush on a teacher at some point. Who was yours? I bet it was Mr. Thompson, the history teacher. He’s like the quintessential ‘cool’ teacher.”
I felt heat creeping up my neck, and I immediately cursed my skin for betraying me. “I’m not telling you,” I insisted, crossing my arms tighter. “It’s embarrassing!”
Jake chuckled, clearly entertained by my discomfort. “You can’t just drop a bomb like that and expect me not to pry. I have to know! Was it Mr. Thompson? Or was it Miss Anderson, the art teacher? She’s definitely cute.”
I rolled my eyes, trying to suppress a smile. “Fine, I’ll take a sip,” I muttered, pouring another capful. “But you’re not getting anything out of me,” I added defiantly as I swallowed the whiskey.
He laughed, clearly enjoying my struggle. “Alright, I’ll let you slide this time. But you owe me a story later.”
“Sure, in your dreams,” I shot back as I leaned back against the wall, trying to regain my composure.
“Okay, okay,” Jake said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Your turn again. Hit me with another one.”
I sighed, “can we please play something else. Getting bored of this game. Tell you what load up the Xbox and get the whiskey ready bro I am going to get my night wear on.”
I reached in my bag and got my silk red nightie out of my bag and about to leave the room.
“Where you going Lil.” Jake said as he was switching on the Xbox and grabbing the controller.
“I am off to the bathroom to get changed, what you didn’t think I was doing it here did you,” I said standing near the door frame.
Jake leaned back, a smug grin spreading across his face as he held the controller loosely in one hand. “I mean, I wouldn’t have complained, Lil,” he said, his tone dripping with mock innocence. “You’re the one who brought the fancy nightie. Trying to impress me or what?”
I froze in the doorway, my cheeks flushing so hard I thought they might burst into flames. “Oh, shut up, Jake!” I shot back, clutching the silk fabric tighter against me. “It’s called being comfortable, you idiot.”
“Comfortable,” he repeated, clearly enjoying the effect he was having on me. “Sure, that’s why it’s silk. Totally for comfort.”
“Do you want me to come over there and smack you?” I threatened, half-serious, but my voice cracked a little, betraying how flustered I really was.
Jake laughed, leaning forward as he fiddled with the Xbox. “Relax, sis. I’m just messing with you. Go put on your ‘comfy’ nightie.”
I rolled my eyes and turned to leave, muttering under my breath. “You’re so full of yourself, Jake.”
“I heard that!” he called after me, his voice still laced with amusement.
As I made my way to the bathroom, I couldn’t help but glance down at the nightie in my hands. Okay, fine, maybe it wasn’t just for comfort. But it wasn’t like I’d planned for Jake to see it or anything. Shaking my head, I pushed the thought aside and slipped into the bathroom, shutting the door firmly behind me.
I took off my clothes and underwear and quickly put the nightie on. On the way back to the room I put my clothes in the laundry basket. I didn’t pack clean underwear, well too late now I heard cousins arguing in my room. Nah not dealing with it, this will have to do.
When I walked back into Jake’s room, he glanced up from the Xbox, his gaze flickering to me for the briefest moment before he quickly turned his attention back to the screen. “Wow, Lil,” he said, his tone casual, but I caught the faintest smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “You really went all out for this, huh? You look like you’re about to walk onto a red carpet.”
I tightened the blanket I had grabbed to drape over my shoulders, giving him a glare as I made my way to the bed. “Shut up, Jake. It’s just a nightie. It’s not my fault you’ve apparently never seen silk before.”
Jake laughed, leaning back on the bed like he owned the place. “Hey, I’m just saying. You’re making it hard to focus on the game here.”
“Then don’t look,” I shot back, sitting cross-legged on the opposite side of the bed. The soft fabric of the nightie shifted slightly, and I quickly adjusted the blanket to keep it from riding up too high. The last thing I needed was Jake making another comment, or getting a full eye view for free.
Jake grinned, handing me a controller. “Alright, Lil. Let’s see if you’re as good as you claim. Time to back up all that trash talk from earlier. You can go first, go on survivor solo Q lets see how you do with Randoms.”
I rolled my eyes, grabbing the controller and wrapping the blanket snugly around my shoulders like armor. “Solo queue with Randoms? Are you trying to set me up for failure, Jake? You know that’s like volunteering to carry a team of potatoes.”
Jake smirked, leaning back against the headboard. “What’s the matter, Lil? Scared? I thought you were the Dead by Daylight queen around here. Let’s see if you’ve got what it takes.”
I shot him a glare as I sat on the bed sitting cross legged. “Fine. But when I carry my entire team and escape while you’re sitting there eating your smug little grin, I don’t want to hear any excuses. Oh I seen where your eyes are, stop it.”
Jake’s smirk widened, his dark eyes flicking briefly to the blanket I’d snugged tightly around myself. “What can I say, Lil? You make it real hard to focus.” He held his hands up in mock surrender before I could retort. “Relax, I’m kidding. Kinda.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, feeling the heat crawl up my neck. “Focus on the game, Jake. Unless you’re too scared I’ll embarrass you.”
He barked out a laugh, leaning back against the headboard like he didn’t have a care in the world. “Oh, I’m not the one who’s gonna be embarrassed. Go on, show me what you’ve got, queen of Dead by Daylight. Prove me wrong.”
Ignoring him, I hit the ready button to queue into a match. The loading screen filled the TV, and I took a deep breath, steadying myself. I wasn’t going to let Jake’s endless teasing distract me. Not now, not ever.
“You’re about to see a masterclass in looping, gen rushing, and survivor genius,” I said, keeping my eyes on the screen. “Take notes, Jake. You might learn something.”
Jake snorted, clearly unimpressed. “Oh, I’m ready. Let’s see if you can keep that confidence when the killer’s breathing down your neck.”
The match loaded into Coldwind Farm, the familiar cornfields stretching out in eerie silence. My fingers tightened around the controller as I scanned the surroundings, heading straight for the nearest generator.
“Classic Coldwind,” Jake remarked, casually swirling the whiskey in his glass. “Killer’s probably already got their traps set in the grass. Better watch your step.”
“Why don’t you save the commentary for when it’s your turn?” I shot back, focusing on hitting my first Great Skill Check. The generator hummed to life, and I grinned smugly. “See? Easy. Also, its a farm there is no grass idiot.”
Jake chuckled, leaning forward to grab the whiskey bottle as he watched the screen. “Fine, corn then, Miss Literal. Don’t forget to check the barn for hiding spots when you’re running for your life.”
I shot him a sideways glare, my fingers steady on the controller as I glanced at the others on my team—classic randoms: two Claudettes and a Dwight, none of whom looked like they had a clue what they were doing. Great, I thought.
“I don’t need hiding spots,” I muttered. “I’ll just loop the killer until they rage quit.”
Jake smirked, taking another sip. “Big words, Lil. Let’s hope your teammates don’t sandbag you. Dwight looks like he’s about to blow that gen.”
Sure enough, Dwight crouched behind the generator like he thought his spine alone would fix it, the skill-check meter lighting up as he missed his first attempt. A loud clang echoed, followed by the dreaded warning noise. I groaned.
“Are you kidding me? Dwight, you had one job!” I hissed at the screen, maneuvering my character away from the generator.
Jake snorted as his eyes travelled over me again. “Man, he’s a pro. He’s already calling the killer over. Better run, Lil.”
3 hours later and on another bottle, hiccups and giddiness filled the room.
The room had completely shifted from awkward tension to a drunken, hazy mess of laughter and insults flying back and forth. Jake and I were on our third match of Dead by Daylight, and, well, I was more tipsy than I cared to admit. The blanket I’d been clutching so tightly earlier had slipped off my shoulders, forgotten in the heat of battle. My red silk nightie ridden up high and was now free to shift as I moved, but I didn’t care anymore—Jake was just as far gone as I was, slouched against the headboard with the bottle of whiskey loosely balanced between his knees.
Xbox was off now and we was sat on the bed drinking and talking, well trying to talk.
The whiskey had completely loosened us both up, and the tension from earlier was long gone. Jake leaned back against the headboard, his laughter blending with my own as we tried to form coherent sentences between hiccups and slurred words. The Xbox was off, forgotten, and the TV screen now flickered softly with the glow of the menu.
I was lying on my side, propped up on one elbow, the silk of my nightie clinging to my skin in the humid warmth of the room. The blanket had slipped somewhere onto the floor, and I didn’t even bother reaching for it. Jake wasn’t paying attention to anything but his own drunken musings—or so I thought.
“Okay,” Jake said, his words slow and exaggerated like he was trying to sound profound. “But seriously, Lil… why do you always walk around like you’re ready to fight someone?”
I blinked at him, raising an eyebrow. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
Jake grinned lazily, his hair falling messily over his forehead. “I mean, you’ve got this whole ‘don’t mess with me’ vibe. Like… you’re always on edge or something.”
I rolled my eyes, sitting up slightly, my legs curling beneath me. The movement caused the hem of my nightie to ride up even higher, but I ignored it. “Maybe because I have to put up with you, Jake. Ever think of that?”
Jake chuckled, the sound deep and warm. “Oh, come on. I’m not that bad, am I?”
I gave him a look, deadpan. “Jake, you’ve been annoying me since the day I was born.”
“Hey, that’s your problem, not mine,” he shot back, his grin widening. “You were the one who decided to be born after me. I had seniority.”
“Wow, what a noble defence,” I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm. “Clearly, I had a choice in the matter.”
Jake took another sip of whiskey, leaning his head back against the wall and closing his eyes for a moment. “You’re funny when you’re drunk, you know that?”
I smirked, grabbing the bottle from his lap and pouring myself a shot into the cap. “And you’re tolerable when you’re drunk. Barely.”
His eyes opened, and he looked at me with mock offense, that is when he can drag his eyes away from the hem of my nightie. “Barely? Lil, you’re lucky to have me as your big brother. Most siblings would kill for this kind of quality time.”
I raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip from my cap of whiskey as I stared at him. “Quality time? Really, Jake? You call this quality time? You trying to peek under my nightie and talking shit about my ‘don’t mess with me’ vibe? Sounds like therapy, not bonding.”
Jake barked out a laugh, setting the whiskey bottle on the floor. “Hey, I’m not peeking. If anything, you’re the one flaunting it. Don’t blame me for having eyes.”
My cheeks flushed instantly. “Flaunting it?!” I set my drink down and tugged the hem of my nightie as far down as it would go, though the silk was stubbornly unforgiving. “I am not flaunting anything, Jake! This is called being comfortable. Unlike you and that ratty old t-shirt. Just be careful where you look that is all, let’s just say I have just my birthday suit on underneath as I can’t access my room. Don’t want to embarrass you if you get an eye full, I trying to sit still.”
Jake froze for a second, his glass halfway to his lips, before bursting out into laughter that practically shook the bed. “Wait, what? Are you telling me you’re rocking a ‘full commando’ situation under there, Lil?” His tone was full of mock astonishment, but I could see the glint of mischief in his eyes.
I rolled my eyes so hard it felt like a workout. “Jake, can you not?” I snapped, grabbing the nearest pillow and chucking it at him, which only made his laughter louder. “I literally just told you so you wouldn’t make it awkward, and you’re doing exactly that!”
He caught the pillow effortlessly, his grin wider than ever. “Oh no, no. I think you made it awkward the second you mentioned your ‘birthday suit,’ sis. What did you expect me to do? Sit here and not react?”
“Yes!” I shot back, crossing my arms defensively and glaring at him. “You’re supposed to be an adult about this. You’re twenty! Act like it!”
Jake set the pillow aside and leaned back, looking at me with a mockingly serious expression. “Alright, alright. I’ll be the mature one here,” he said, holding up his hands in surrender. “No peeking. No comments. Scout’s honour. Well, I will try not to.”
I narrowed my eyes, fully aware Jake’s “Scout’s honor” had the same credibility as a used car salesman’s pitch. “You’d better,” I said, pointing a warning finger at him. “Because if I catch you even glancing where you shouldn’t, I’ll make sure you regret it.”
Jake raised his hands higher in mock surrender, the grin still lingering on his lips. “Relax, Lil. I’m not trying to scar myself for life.” He took a long sip from the whiskey bottle, then set it back on the floor. “But you’ve gotta admit—you walked into this one. Birthday suit? Silk nightie? You practically handed me the joke on a silver platter.”
I groaned, dragging a hand through my hair in frustration. “Okay, fine. Maybe I could’ve phrased it better. But that doesn’t give you free reign to be a total idiot about it.”
Jake chuckled, leaning back against the headboard with a satisfied smirk. “Fair enough. I’ll behave… mostly. I was joking about scar myself, you look good honest.”
My heart raced at his words, and I felt an unexpected flutter in my stomach. I blinked, considering whether I’d heard him correctly. “Wait, what did you just say?”
Jake leaned back, clearly enjoying my reaction. “You heard me, Lil. You look good. It’s not my fault you’ve been trying to hide it all night.” He shrugged, a casual, confident air surrounding him. “Just calling it like I see it. Trust me if you wasn’t my sister that is all I am going to say.”
My cheeks flared again, feeling a rush of heat that was decidedly different from the whiskey warming me from within. “You can’t just say stuff like that, Jake!” I exclaimed, flustered. “You’re my brother. Are you getting off on this.”
Jake raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by my reaction. “Why not? It’s the truth. I’m just stating the obvious. I mean, you think I’m just going to pretend you don’t look good in a nightie? That’d be ridiculous.”
I buried my face in my hands, feeling the heat radiate from my cheeks. “This is so wrong,” I muttered, my voice muffled. “You’re not supposed to talk about stuff like that. Besides, thought you liked those type of girls on your wall.
Jake chuckled, clearly not fazed by my embarrassment. “Oh, come on. Just because I’ve got a couple of posters doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate my sister when she cleans up. It’s not like I’m gonna suddenly start dating you or anything.”
“Thank god for that!” I exclaimed, dropping my hands from my face to glare at him. “You’re being a total creep right now, Jake.”
He held up his hands in mock innocence. “I’m just being honest! But if it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll drop it. Promise.” He leaned back against the headboard, his expression turning more serious, but the glimmer of amusement still danced in his eyes. “But seriously, Lil. You’ve grown up. You’re not that awkward little girl anymore.”
I felt a strange mix of emotions at his words—surprise, vulnerability, and a hint of pride. “Thanks, I guess. But I don’t need you to remind me of that. I’m still your little sister, and this whole situation is as awkward as it gets.”
His eyes went to gazing at the hem of my nightie at the wrong time as I was moving my leg. He went red with embarrassment. Great he just got an eye full, I couldn’t look at him.
“Get a good look did you,” I sighed with embarrassment quickly crossing my legs, god I can’t believe he saw my…
Jake quickly looked away but already tented in his jeans, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson shade as he stammered, “I—uh, I didn’t mean to—” By this reaction in his jeans he enjoyed what he saw let’s say got him excited, which made me red.
I could barely process the sudden shift in the atmosphere. The teasing banter that had flowed so easily just moments before was now replaced by a thick silence that crackled with tension. I felt my heart racing, a whirlwind of embarrassment and confusion coursing through me.
“Jake,” I said hesitantly, trying to sound composed even though my voice wobbled. “This is… this is not how this was supposed to go.”
He shifted his gaze away from me, running a hand through his hair as he struggled to find the right words. “I’m sorry, Lil. I didn’t mean to—uh—look,” he stammered, his cheeks still flushed. “It was just… the way you moved, and I wasn’t expecting you to—”
“Stop,” I interjected, holding up my hands as I tried to steady myself. “This is getting way too weird. We’re not supposed to be talking about this stuff. We’re siblings.”
“I know,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost regretful as he shuffled up really close to me. “I just… it’s hard to ignore the fact that we’re not kids anymore, you know? I never thought about it like that until now. I didn’t know you shaved…”
I cut him off, “stop don’t finish that please for god sake.”
“Lily,” he said, his voice low and serious, pulling my gaze back to him. “I didn’t mean to cross any lines. But I can’t pretend I don’t see how you’ve grown up. You’re not just my little sister anymore. You’re… beautiful.”
His words hit me like a wave, crashing over me and leaving me breathless. I swallowed hard, the warmth of the whiskey mixing with the heat rising in my chest. “Jake…” I started, but my voice faltered, uncertainty flooding my thoughts.
He shifted closer, that cocky, playful demeanour fading into something more intense, more serious. “I get it, okay? This is weird. It’s so weird,” he admitted, his eyes locking onto mine with a piercing intensity that made my heart race. “But I can’t help it. I’ve never thought of you like this before—until now.”
“What you mean until you saw up my nightie and wanted a piece. You are flipping weird,” I said pouring another drink.
Jake’s expression turned serious, and he shook his head, his fingers running through his messy hair in frustration. “No, that’s not what I meant. I just… I never thought I’d feel this way about you, and now that I do, it’s like everything’s changed. Ok I admit seeing, you know… made me want you more.”
I felt my heart race at his admission, a mix of shock and something else—something dangerous and exciting. “Jake, this is messed up,” I whispered, my voice trembling slightly. “We can’t… we can’t do this.”
He leaned closer, his dark eyes searching mine, the air between us thick with unspoken words. “But what if we want to? I mean, it doesn’t have to be like what we used to have. We’re not kids anymore, Lily. We can make our own choices. Also, everyone’s asleep there is just us awake, we can be quiet.”
I sighed but also I was intrigued. “I think about it, for now I am getting into bed. Look if we do, just saying if. Then we have to be super quiet.”
He got undress to his boxers as he climbed into bed behind me as I faced away from him. I felt him shuffle up close to me.
The warmth of his body pressed against my back sent a shiver down my spine, igniting a rush of conflicting emotions. I could feel the tension in the air, thick and heavy, as I lay there, uncertain of what was about to happen next. My heart raced, thumping loudly in my chest, drowning out the rest of the world.
“Just breathe, okay?” Jake murmured softly, his voice low and steady as he nestled closer to me. “We’ll take it slow. No pressure.”
I closed my eyes, trying to gather my thoughts. “Slow,” I echoed, though my voice trembled slightly. “That’s a good idea. Slow sounds nice.” But even as I said it, I felt a rush of heat wash over me, a mixture of anticipation and fear.
He put his arm over my waist as I felt him up close my heart beating hard and fast. I felt his breath on my neck, then it made me jump as he kissed my neck.
I shivered at the sensation of his lips against my skin. It felt electric, sending a rush of warmth through me that was both thrilling and terrifying. The gravity of the situation crashed down on me like a tidal wave, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. His soft kiss on my neck did things to me.
“Jake,” I breathed feeling his hardness against my bottom, trying to keep my voice steady as I turned my head slightly to look at him over my shoulder. “Are you sure about this? I mean, this is… this is really weird. Just be gentle with me, your bed isn’t noisy is it. Just do it if your going to already. Just be quiet.”
Jake’s breath hitched at my words, and I could see the uncertainty flicker in his eyes for a moment before he nodded slowly. He kissed the side of my neck again as I felt his hand explore. “Yeah, I’m sure. I just… I don’t want to mess this up, Lil. You’re my sister, and this is… well, it’s a lot. I want you so bad. Shall I you know, put it in you, I am already spooning you. After seeing your bare pussy before god I want to fuck you so hard.”
His hand moved my nightie up to my waist and then I felt him move behind me. He was pulling his boxers down, I felt his hard member spring free and hit my ass.
I loved over my shoulder and saw him spitting on his fingers, “what are you doing.”
“Wetting my cock up for you,” he said as he then slightly lifted my ass cheek to access my pussy from the rear. I felt the mushroom head of his cock probe my labia from behind as he held my ass still.
“Jake,” I whispered, turning my head just enough to catch his gaze, the depth of our connection now fueled by a physical yearning that both terrified and thrilled me. “This is… we’re really doing this, aren’t we?”
He nodded, his dark eyes locked onto mine, filled with a mix of tenderness and lust. “We are, if you’re still with me. I want this, Lily, but only if you do too. No pressure,” he reassured, though the tension in his voice betrayed his own eagerness.
My heart hammered in my chest, the rhythm matching the anticipation of his movements. “I’m… with you,” I managed, a rush of breathlessness in my words. “But remember, gentle. Please.”
The tip of his cock nudged me again, and this time, he eased in slowly, with a patience that belied the urgency I sensed in him. A low, involuntary moan escaped my lips as he filled me, the sensation both foreign and overwhelmingly intimate. His hand found mine, lacing our fingers together as he began to move, a silent reassurance that we were in this together, despite the taboo of our connection.
With each careful thrust, Jake whispered assurances, his voice a melody of desire and restraint. “You feel incredible, Lily,” he murmured, his pace steady, allowing me to adjust to the new closeness between us.
“Ummm… Ummm J-Jake, ahhh yeah,” I moaned as he slowly picked up speed as he spooned me in his bed. I couldn’t believe I was in his bed and letting him pump his cock in and out my aching pussy.
“I… I can ahh stop if you want sis,” Jake said to me as he was panting and still pumping his dick in and out of me.
“No, don’t stop,” I gasped, my voice hoarse with desire as I felt his cock sliding in and out of me with an exquisite rhythm. “I… I want this too.” And it was true. Despite the awkwardness of our situation and the taboo nature of what we were doing, there was no denying the intense pleasure that was building between us with each thrust.
“Ungh, fuck yeah Lil,” the springs started to go in the bed as we fucked.
“Jake,” I whispered again, his name a plea and a prayer on my lips, feeling the coil of pleasure tightening with each deliberate stroke. “This… it’s… wow.”
“I know,” he breathed back, his voice strained with effort and emotion, as if speaking was a luxury he could barely afford. “Lily, you’re… unbelievable. Damn, your pussy is so fucking good.”
“God, Jake… don’t stop,” I whimpered, the room filled with the stifled sounds of our breaths and the rhythmic creak of the bed. “You feel so… so deep.”
“Always, Lil… I’ll never stop for you,” he whispered fiercely, his lips finding my ear, his movements deliberate, each thrust hitting a place that made my whole body shiver with pleasure.
“Ohh… that spot, right there…” I moaned, arching my back to meet his thrusts, clenching around him in a silent plea for more.
“Like that, huh?” Jake groaned, adjusting his angle, driving into that sweet spot with precision. “You’re so wet, Lily… so fucking tight.”
“More… please,” I begged, my voice barely above a whisper, the urgency in my tone matching the frantic beat of my heart.
“You want it harder, sis?” he murmured, his tone low and rough, the question a dare wrapped in velvet.
“Yes… yes, harder,” I admitted, my desperation clear. “I need… I need it.”
He didn’t hesitate, his pace quickening, his hips snapping against mine with careful intensity. “You got it, Lil. Just… keep quiet.”
“Uhhh… ah… Jake!” I barely stifled a scream, biting down on my lip, my hand flying to cover my mouth as the pleasure surged.
“Shh… quiet, sis,” he whispered, his breath hot against my skin, his grip on my waist tightening. “You’re going to wake the whole house.”
“Can’t… help it… you’re… oh God, Jake,” I panted, my voice catching with each thrust. “Making me feel… insane.”
“Shh, Lily, just feel it… let it take you,” Jake murmured, his voice a husky whisper, his movements synchronized with the frantic beat of my heart. “You’re so close, I can feel it.”
“Jake, it’s too much… it’s… ahh!” I whimpered, the wave of pleasure cresting, a silent scream caught in my throat as I tightened around him, the sensation overwhelming.
“That’s it, sis… let go for me,” he encouraged, his pace relentless, driving me over the edge with a low growl of satisfaction. “Lily, fuck… I’m close too.”
“Fuck, Lily, you’re squeezing me so tight… you’re about to make me lose it,” he grunted, his thrusts becoming erratic, chasing his own release as my body convulsed around him.
“Jake, don’t you dare stop… uhh,” I gasped, my words punctuated by the sharp, driving force of his cock, “I’m there… right there…”
“Then cum for me, Lil, let it all go,” his voice a harsh whisper against the shell of my ear, his rhythm unyielding, his cock pounding relentlessly as my climax hit.
“Oh god, Jake, I’m… I’m…” my words dissolved into a whimper, the intensity of my orgasm ripping through me, my pussy clenching around him in waves as I squirted, soaking us both.
“That’s it, that’s my girl,” he groaned, his pace feverish, not slowing even as I pulsed around him, driving deeper, harder, prolonging my pleasure as he felt every spasm, every quiver.
“Uhhhh, yes… Jake, yes!” I cried out, muffling my voice in the pillow, my body squirming, overwhelmed by the relentless pleasure.
“Fuck… Lily,” he hissed, his own climax building, his movements becoming frenzied, “I’m gonna… I’m gonna fill you up.”
“Do it, Jake… please,” I begged, my entire body shuddering with the aftershocks of my orgasm, “Cum inside me.”
He groaned, a deep, guttural sound, as he thrust one final time, his cock throbbing as he spilled himself into me, his warmth flooding me. “Lily… oh fuck, you feel that?”
I nodded into the pillow, unable to speak, my body still trembling from the intensity of the release, feeling every pulse of him emptying inside.
“Shit… that was…” Jake panted, the tension in his frame slowly easing, his cock still nestled deep within me.
“Incredible,” I finished for him, breathless, my own words barely audible amidst ragged breaths.
We lay there, intertwined, the only sound our labored breathing and the faint creak of the bed, the reality of what we’d just done sinking in with the silence that followed.
“You okay, Lil?” he asked softly, pulling me closer, his embrace protective and tender.
“More than okay,” I whispered back, still feeling the remnants of our connection, “That… was… intense.”
“It was,” he agreed, pressing a kiss to my shoulder, his voice filled with a post-coital warmth, “We’ll figure this out, Lily. Together.”
“Promise?” I turned enough to meet his gaze, seeking reassurance in the aftermath of our taboo intimacy.
“Promise,” Jake affirmed, his eyes locking with mine, sincere and raw, “Always.”
We lay entwined, the heat of our forbidden encounter slowly giving way to a quiet intimacy, bound by the silence and the unspoken promise of what was yet to come.