Jason paced the length of his bedroom, his footsteps creating a rhythmic pattern on the floor. He glanced at the digital clock for what felt like the hundredth time in the past hour. 9:42 AM. Time seemed to crawl by at an excruciating pace.
"She said yes," Lily had whispered to him late last night, her eyes bright with excitement despite the darkness of the hallway. "Marissa needs some time to process everything, but she's willing to be there."
The memory of Lily's flushed face and breathless report sent a wave of heat through his body. This was really happening. After days of stolen kisses and hurried touches, he and Lily would finally be together completely—with Marissa watching.
He ran his hands through his hair, catching his reflection in the small mirror mounted on the wall. He'd already showered twice this morning, changed his shirt three times, and obsessively straightened his room. The sheets on his bed were fresh, the surfaces dusted, and he'd even managed to find a bottle of room spray and an electric candle in the storage room.
"This is insane," he muttered, adjusting the position of the two chairs he'd placed near the bed. One for Marissa, and one for... what? Their clothes? He shook his head, trying to focus his scattered thoughts.
His desire for Lily burned bright and clear, but the thought of Marissa observing them made his stomach twist with both anxiety and a forbidden thrill he didn't want to examine too closely.
• ────── ✾ ────── •
Lily stood before the small mirror in her bedroom, scrutinizing her reflection with unusual intensity. She had laid out three different outfits on her bed, then decided that she didn't need to wear any clothes and that just a nightrobe would suffice—it would be coming off anyway. The thought sent butterflies swirling through her stomach.
Instead, she'd focused on what would be underneath. From the back of her drawer, she pulled out the lacy black lingerie set she'd impulsively packed when they'd evacuated to the bunker. It seemed ridiculous now—bringing sexy underwear to the apocalypse—but she was grateful for that moment of vanity.
As she slipped into the delicate fabric, she tried to steady her breathing. After years of dreaming about Jason, after days of increasing intimacy, they would finally be together completely. The thought both terrified and exhilarated her.
And Marissa would be there, watching. The idea should have bothered her more, but somehow it felt right—keeping her sister included, letting her see that this wasn't just lust or desperation, but something deeper.
Lily traced her fingers over the lace edge of the bra, wondering if Jason would like it, if he'd be gentle or passionate, if she'd know what to do. Her reflection offered no answers, just showed a young woman with flushed cheeks and nervous eyes.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Lily? Can I come in?" Her mother's voice.
• ────── ✾ ────── •
Elaine entered with a small paper bag in her hands, her expression soft with understanding. She closed the door behind her and took in Lily's appearance—the carefully applied makeup, the lingerie visible beneath her nightrobe.
"You look beautiful," she said simply, crossing to sit on the edge of Lily's bed.
"I'm nervous," Lily admitted, tightening the belt of her robe. "Is that stupid? After everything we've already done..."
"Not stupid at all." Elaine patted the space beside her. When Lily sat, she handed over the paper bag. "I thought these might help."
Inside was a small bottle of bourbon and a strip of condoms.
"Mom!" Lily exclaimed, her cheeks burning.
"The alcohol is for nerves—just a little," Elaine said with a gentle smile. "And the protection is non-negotiable. Your father's genetic compound is still not ready, and we're not taking chances."
Lily nodded, clutching the items in her lap. "What's it like?" she asked suddenly. "The first time, I mean."
Elaine took her daughter's hand. "It's different for everyone. There might be some discomfort, but if you're relaxed and he's attentive, it can be wonderful." She squeezed Lily's fingers. "Jason cares about you. He'll be patient."
"And Marissa will be watching," Lily added, her voice small.
"That was your idea," Elaine reminded her gently. "But you can change your mind. This is about what feels right for you."
Lily shook her head. "No, I want her there. I want her to understand what this is between Jason and me."
Elaine nodded, brushing a strand of hair from Lily's face. "I'll be in my room afterward if you need to talk. About anything." She stood, pressing a kiss to Lily's forehead. "Trust yourself. Trust Jason."
• ────── ✾ ────── •
Lily's fingers hovered over the bunker messaging app on her phone, which was connected to the bunker's network. They rarely used the bunker message app or their phones—the bunker wasn't large enough to warrant it—but this message felt too important for a casual knock on doors.
She typed quickly before she could second-guess herself:
"I'm ready. Jason's bedroom in twenty minutes."
Her finger hesitated over the send button for just a moment before pressing down firmly. The app confirmed delivery with a soft chime. There was no going back now.
• ────── ✾ ────── •
Marissa was organizing medical supplies when her phone chimed. The message was brief, but its implications made her heart race. Twenty minutes. Jason's bedroom.
She set down the bandages she'd been counting and leaned against the storage shelves. Part of her wanted to ignore the message, to pretend she'd never agreed to this bizarre arrangement. What kind of person watched their siblings have sex?
But curiosity pulled at her, along with something deeper she wasn't ready to name. The way Jason looked at her sometimes, the safety she felt in his presence, the jealousy that had flared when she'd realized how close he and Lily had become...
"Fuck it," she muttered, heading to her room. She changed into comfortable skirt and a loose t-shirt, not wanting to seem like she was dressing up for the occasion.
In her bedroom mirror, she met her own eyes. "What are you doing, Marissa?" she whispered to her reflection. The woman staring back had no answers, just the same questions swirling behind her eyes.
With a deep breath, she turned away from the mirror and headed toward Jason's room.
• ────── ✾ ────── •
Jason adjusted the dimmer switch, setting the lighting to a soft glow that felt intimate without being too obvious. He'd changed the sheets again, opting for the softest set he could find in storage. A small electric candle—the best he could manage given the bunker's safety protocols—flickered on his nightstand. Jason gave a light mist of room spray to the air, ensuring the scent was pleasant but not overpowering.
He smoothed the comforter for the dozenth time, wondering if the room looked romantic or just painfully contrived. Would Lily notice his efforts? Would Marissa find them amusing or touching?
The sound of footsteps in the corridor made him freeze. Light, quick steps—Lily's. He straightened, running a hand through his hair one last time as a soft knock sounded at his door.
"Come in," he called, his voice steadier than he felt.
• ────── ✾ ────── •
Lily entered, wearing a simple black nightrobe that ended mid-thigh. Her hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, and her eyes, when they met his, held both vulnerability and determination. She clutched the small paper bag her mother had given her, finding comfort in its weight.
"Hi," she said softly, closing the door behind her.
Jason crossed the room in three strides, drawn to her like gravity. "You're beautiful," he whispered, cupping her face in his hands.
She smiled up at him, her nervousness visible but overwhelmed by the warmth in her eyes. "I've been thinking about this for so long," she admitted.
Their lips met in a tender kiss that quickly deepened, the anticipation of the past days fueling their hunger for each other. Jason's hands slid down to her waist, pulling her closer, momentarily forgetting that they were expecting company.
The sharp knock at the door pulled them apart, both breathing heavily.
• ────── ✾ ────── •
Marissa entered with forced casualness, though her eyes widened slightly at the sight of them standing so close together, Lily's lips visibly swollen from kissing.
"Well, don't stop on my account," she said, her attempt at humor not quite hiding her nervousness.
Jason cleared his throat. "Thanks for coming."
Marissa raised an eyebrow at his phrasing, and despite the tension, all three of them laughed.
"I'll just..." Marissa gestured to the chair in the corner. "Be over here. Pretend I'm not watching, or whatever."
She settled into the chair, crossing her legs and trying to appear more comfortable than she felt.
• ────── ✾ ────── •
Lily reached inside and pulled out the bourbon bottle and strip of condoms from the paper bag Elaine gave her before she came.
She tossed the condoms onto Jason's bed casually, though her heart raced at the sight of them lying there so plainly on the sheets. The bourbon felt cool and solid in her hand as she gave it a little shake.
"I think we all need to relax a little before we start," she announced, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "How about we take a few sips?"
The suggestion hung in the air for just a moment before Marissa practically leapt from her chair, crossing the room in quick strides.
"God, yes," she said, snatching the bottle from Lily's hand. She twisted the cap off with practiced ease and tilted her head back, taking several long gulps before anyone could stop her.
When she finally lowered the bottle, her face had flushed a deep crimson, and she coughed once, her eyes watering slightly from the burn.
Jason burst out laughing. "Slow down there, Marissa. You're not the one who's about to lose her virginity."
The absurdity of the comment broke the tension, and all three of them dissolved into laughter—nervous at first, then genuine and warm. The shared moment eased some of the awkwardness that had been hanging over them.
"Sorry," Marissa said, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "I just... needed that."
She passed the bottle to Jason, who took a more measured sip before handing it to Lily. The bourbon warmed Lily's throat and chest, spreading a pleasant heat through her limbs. She took another small sip before offering it back to Jason.
They passed the bottle between them a few more times, the alcohol creating a gentle buffer against their nerves. The laughter came easier with each round, the looks they exchanged less guarded.
Finally, Marissa reclaimed the bottle, clutching it possessively. "The rest is mine," she declared, retreating to her chair. She settled back into her seat, bottle firmly in hand, her posture noticeably more relaxed than when she'd first entered the room.
Jason and Lily turned back to each other, suddenly more relaxed about Marissa's presence. Their actions grew increasingly uninhibited, more driven by desire.
"Is this okay?" Jason asked quietly, his hands finding the belt of Lily's robe.
She nodded, her eyes never leaving his as he slowly untied it. The robe fell open, revealing the black lace lingerie underneath. Jason's breath caught audibly.
"I never had a chance to wear these before," Lily whispered, a small smile playing on her lips as she shrugged the robe off completely. "I brought them to the bunker for no reason, really. I'm glad they're finally useful."
"They're..." Jason swallowed hard. "You're stunning."
His fingers traced the edge of the lace along her collarbone, then lower, following the curve of her breast. Lily's eyes fluttered closed at his touch.
"I want this," she whispered. "I want you."
Jason lowered his head to kiss her again, his hands exploring the contrast between smooth skin and delicate lace. From the corner, they heard Marissa shift in her chair, a small intake of breath that reminded them they weren't alone.
But as Jason guided Lily toward the bed, as his hands and mouth became more insistent against her skin, the presence of their observer faded into the background. There was only this moment, only the two of them, finally crossing the threshold they'd been approaching for so long.
From her seat in the corner, Marissa watched their bodies move together with increasing urgency. She'd expected to feel voyeuristic, uncomfortable, maybe even amused. Instead, she found herself transfixed by the tenderness in Jason's touch, the way Lily responded to him with complete trust. Something unexpected tightened in her chest—not just desire, but a longing for that kind of connection.