#ed baldwin x you | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

floralcyanide · 10 months

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𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰'𝒎 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒀𝒐𝒖, 𝑰 𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝑭𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝑨𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆

ed baldwin x gn!reader

Upon hearing bad news, Ed just needs someone there for him.

warnings: spoilers for For All Mankind, child death, minor character death, hurt/comfort, emotional hurt/ comfort, cuddling, just friends but also mutually crushing type vibes

word count: 1271

author's note: here's the ed angst I've had bouncing around in my head. I feel it's kind of uneventful, but I had to write this and share it with the world because I love putting characters I love through the wringer for no reason. enjoy!

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ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ᴄᴏᴘʏ, ʀᴇᴘʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴇ, ᴏʀ ᴄʟᴀɪᴍ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ᴀs ʏᴏᴜʀs ᴏɴ ᴛᴜᴍʙʟʀ, ᴀᴏ3, ᴡᴀᴛᴛᴘᴀᴅ, ᴏʀ ᴀɴʏ ᴡᴇʙsɪᴛᴇ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴍɪssɪᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴜsᴇ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋs ɪɴ ᴀɪ ɢᴇɴᴇʀᴀᴛᴏʀs ᴏʀ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀʀᴛɪғɪᴄɪᴀʟ ɪɴᴛᴇʟʟɪɢᴇɴᴄᴇ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴍᴀʏ ɴᴏᴛ ᴜsᴇ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋs ᴛᴏ sᴇʟʟ ғᴏʀ ᴀs ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴏᴡɴ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛɪᴏɴ

You had watched helplessly as Ed destroyed the Soviet camera. It was seated in an open space between rocks and neatly covered up until Ed ripped the boulders off and over his shoulder. There wasn’t much you could do as he took his pickaxe and savagely mangled the camera.

Earlier, both of you had received a message about Ed’s son from the Soviets with them offering their condolences. You both were confused, and when Ed asked you to clarify, you were no help. No one from Houston had told you anything. Gordo had been acting a little weird, but it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. You suggested maybe the Soviets had been listening to your messages to your families, and there was a mix-up in translation. Either way, Ed was angry that the Soviets would even bother to mess with his head like that. So he took it out on the spy camera, much to your dismay. You hoped the Soviets wouldn’t get angry and try to harm either of you.

Now, you and Ed were shedding your suits in the chamber before returning to the base. Once you get back inside, you immediately head for the cupboards for something to eat. Even if the food was disgusting, it did its job. You sit at the makeshift kitchen counter as Ed enters the main area. Suddenly, you hear a voice coming from the comms.

“Ed? Are you there? Ed?”

You turn in your seat at the table and watch as Ed cautiously walks to the comms screen. His ex-wife Karen is on the call, appearing very emotional.

“It’s Shane,” Karen says, her voice cracking as she puts her hand on the screen.

Ed’s face twists into a look of shock and horror, tears brimming his eyes. His seemingly unlikely fear had come to fruition. You freeze in your seat, realizing something did happen to his son, Shane, as the Soviets insinuated. Condolences are only given when someone dies… That’s when it hits you. Ed collapses to his knees, burying his face in his hands. You’re unsure of what to do, still sitting in your seat with your food on the table in front of you. You push it aside as Ed shakily reaches up to turn off the communications. He didn’t want to hear the details of what happened right now.

“Ed?” you call softly, getting up from your sitting position and slowly walking toward him, “Are you alright?”

Ed doesn’t say a word but instead snatches the bottle of alcohol from a nearby table before spinning the top off.

“Oh no, you don’t,” you say, pulling the bottle away from Ed, “That will only make things worse.”

Ed can hardly look at you, tears falling freely down his face. He would never tell you this, but he hates looking weak, especially in front of you. He admires you in many ways, and he hates you having to see him falling apart like this. The chemistry between you was apparent, but those feelings were being shoved aside for now.

Ed walks a few short steps into the main area, where some chairs are splayed out, and he takes a seat on the floor. You sit next to him as he rubs his hands over his face. Ed punches the wall next to him angrily before pounding it again and again. You grab ahold of his wrist, stopping him mid-punch before he can split his knuckles open any further.

“Edward,” you say sternly, looking at him with concern. His eyes slowly meet yours for the first time.

You reach your hands toward Ed’s face, taking it into your grasp before moving in front of him. He lets his head relax into your palms and casts his eyes downward.

“Look at me,” you say softly as your own tears begin to burn in your eyes.

Ed’s eyes travel up to yours.

“There we go. I know this is a horrible situation, but you’re strong, and you’ve got this. You have to stay vigilant.”

“But he’s gone, Y/N,” Ed whispers, “He’s gone, and I’m here, and there’s nothing I can do.”

“You can stay focused and be tough for Shane. That’s all you can do right now, and I’m so sorry,” you frown, sniffing as tears run down your cheeks, “I’m so sorry you’re stuck here. I really am.”

Ed’s eyes squeeze shut as another wave of realization hits him. Sobs wracked his body, and you pulled his head to your chest, stroking his hair comfortingly.

“You’ll be okay. It will take time, but you will be okay again,” you say as you let Ed cry into your shirt.

You shuffle over to the wall, letting your back rest against it as Ed buries his face in your lap, curling up into himself. All you can do is run your hand over his back and through his hair as he pours out his grief. Seeing the man you look up to and have feelings for break down like this was odd, but losing a child is unfathomable. And Ed didn’t have anyone other than Shane after his and Karen’s divorce, except his colleagues, of course. But Ed had no one to run to when everything was falling apart. He especially had no one now except you, literally. Almost a quarter of a million miles away from home with no one else around to ease his pain. At least Ed wasn’t completely alone.

You feel Ed relaxing into your lap, and you figure he’s falling asleep.

“Ed? Let’s get you to your bunk, alright?”

Ed hums in response, except when you expect him to get up, he doesn’t. He turns over, presses his face to your stomach, and wraps his arms around your waist. Butterflies erupt in your belly at the close proximity. You adored Ed, but you didn’t want to take advantage of him right now when he couldn’t think straight.

“Ed,” you draw out, but he ignores you.

Reluctantly, you move Ed off you and stand up, offering him a hand to pull him up. He takes it and stands up, brushing himself off and avoiding your gaze once again. He doesn’t let go of your hand the whole way to the bunks, and you don’t go of his either.

You watch as Ed climbs inside his bunk, and you prepare to climb into your own below his.

“Will you stay?” Ed asks quietly, and you almost don’t hear him.

“I’ll be right below you the whole time, Ed,” you say, not wanting to cross any boundaries.

“Please?”

You pause, taking a deep breath. Yes, you’re lonely, but not so much that you’d do something frowned upon. However, a situation like this just doesn’t happen- kids aren’t supposed to die before their parents. Especially when one of their parents is on the Moon. But you’d want someone to comfort you if you lost someone you loved.

You exhale slowly before climbing into Ed’s bunk and lying beside him. He reaches over you to pull the curtain closed. For a moment, the both of you just stare at each other. But you hesitantly reach out your hand to pull Ed to you. He ignores you, pulling you into him instead. You wrap your arms around him as he buries his face into your neck, tears falling onto your skin. The both of you stay like that for a while, just holding each other as Ed cries. You let him tucker himself out before falling asleep yourself.

You aren’t sure what tomorrow will hold, but you’ll be there for Ed despite it all.

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loverhymeswith · 2 years

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A Sky Full of Stars | Ed Baldwin x F!Reader | Two

Masterlist

Summary: Monday morning comes around too soon.

Warnings: Slow burn, age gap, drinking, grief, build up to smut, 18+ due to smut in part three

Word Count: 4k

A/N: Thank you to @a-reader-and-a-writer for beta-reading and lending your invaluable advice and suggestions <3

As so often tends to be the case, Monday comes around far too quickly. It was even more of a struggle than usual to drag yourself out of bed this morning, thanks in no small part to your lack of sleep. The encounter with Ed has been playing on your mind all weekend, endlessly occupying your thoughts and keeping you up at night as you attempt to analyse what his actions meant. Until the moment that his lips touched yours, it had never occurred to you that you wanted Ed to kiss you. But now that you’ve had a taste, you’re starting to think that there’s nothing you want more.

‘I shouldn’t have done that.’

His words continue to haunt you, though. Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what you want; Ed has made his feelings clear. Kissing you was a mistake, no matter how much you’d like for it to happen again.

From the moment you step foot inside JSC, a tightness forms in your chest and your palms feel clammy. The likelihood of bumping into Ed along these corridors is very real – very high – and if you’re being completely honest, you’re just as excited as you are terrified. If you do run into him, what will he say? What will you do?

Thankfully, Monday gets off to a busy start. Margo has a series of meetings that occupy most of the day, but rather than focusing on taking the minutes, you find yourself running through the mental list of reasons you have compiled as to why nothing can or will happen between you and Ed Baldwin: one, he’s Chief of the Astronaut Office and you’re a lowly secretary – the fact that he even looked at you twice makes little sense; two, he’s recently divorced and you’ve never had a relationship last longer than a week – to say you were scared of commitment would be an understatement; three, he’s much older, in fact nearly fifteen years your senior – what would your colleagues say?; four-

“Afternoon, Ed.”

The sound of his name in Margo’s smooth southern drawl swiftly sweeps you out of your daydream. You look up from your notepad, startled to find that Ed has entered the meeting room. Just like back in his office, all of the energy in the room, and indeed everyone's attention, is instantly focused on him. A tall, broad, and unfairly handsome centre of gravity.

“Hi Margo. Good weekend?”

As Ed approaches your corner of the room, you will yourself to shrink further into the chair, to become invisible. It’s possible he hasn’t noticed you yet. Better to keep it that way.

“Nothin’ special.” Margo clears a stack of papers from the conference table, making room for Ed to join her. “How did your game with Molly go?”

Ed pulls out the heavy chair as if it weighs nothing. When he responds, his voice is low and rumbling. “She beat my ass as usual.”

Margo hums under her breath, her lack of surprise evident. Everyone knows that Molly Cobb is a fearsomely competitive woman. During your evenings with Ed he told you all about their weekly golf games, and how desperate he is to beat her.

With your eyes glued to Ed now, you can’t help but watch on fascinatedly as he unbuttons his jacket and lowers into the seat. His movements are hypnotic. The way he carries himself so confidently, so self-assured. How many others in this room know the true weight of the grief he bears?

Just as you start to think you’ve got away with it, that he hasn’t seen you hiding at the back of the room, he glances over his shoulder. The moment his hazel eyes meet yours, a spark ignites in the pit of your stomach, and you find yourself clutching onto your notepad for dear life. Ed doesn’t seem surprised to see you; the faintest of smiles tugs at his soft lips and he acknowledges you with a nod.

Shocked as you are by your body’s reaction to seeing him again, you manage a weak smile of your own before he turns back around.

The meeting begins and once again you struggle to concentrate, but this time it’s because you can barely take your eyes away from Ed. He's like a magnet, commanding every ounce of your focus, even when he's doing nothing more interesting than chewing the end of his pen.

Every now and then he leans over to whisper into Margo’s ear. From this short distance you have no idea what’s being said, and Margo’s posture gives nothing away. It certainly shouldn't be of any concern, and yet his one small glance in your direction was more than enough to have you spiralling back into a pit of overthinking.

He didn’t seem unhappy to see you. That was definitely a smile on his face. What is he talking to Margo about? When might you see him again?

After a painful ninety minutes filled with anxiety and inappropriate thoughts, the final meeting of the day draws to a close. As usual, Margo is last to vacate the room. It suits you just fine, leaving no opportunity for awkward conversations or the embarrassment of being ignored. Your heart might be pounding at a million miles a minute as you help tidy away Margo’s documents, but you’ve survived Ed's presence.

“Walk with me to mission control?” she requests. “I wanna go over some notes.”

Hoping she’s not referring to the notes you haven’t been taking, you follow her out of the door, relieved but maybe just a little disappointed to find the corridor abandoned.

As the two of you head towards the other side of the building, Margo’s stream of consciousness soon turns to matters other than General Bradford and his lack of respect for her authority. “I heard you finally finished up with Ed’s paperwork last week. Thanks for helping out with that.”

The lie comes too easily. “It was nothing.”

"Well, you must have done a good job." She eyes you over the rim of her glasses. "You certainly made a great impression. He was singing your praises back there."

Margo’s offhand comment sends blood rushing to your cheeks. It was you that he was whispering about? Goodness knows how, but you manage to maintain a neutral expression when you reply. "Well, let’s hope he sticks to the system.”

“Yes, let’s.” Margo gives you a nod as you arrive outside mission control. “Don’t worry though, I told him he’s not taking advantage of you like that again.”

You freeze, terrified for a moment that Margo somehow knows what transpired between the two of you on that final night in Ed’s office. But before you can start planning your resignation letter, Margo is continuing. “You’re far too valuable to be wasting your time with his filing. If he can’t manage it himself, maybe he should find his own assistant.”

You find yourself nodding along, your fear slowly receding as you realise that Margo is – in her own way – trying to give you a complement.

“Anyway, it’s nearly five. Why don’t you clock off early and we’ll catch up in the morning.”

“Thanks Margo.”

Once she has disappeared inside, you glance at your watch and can't help but laugh. It’s five minutes to five. Not quite an early clock-off by the time you make it back to her office and collect your belongings, but you know Margo means well.

Willing yourself to think of anything other than Ed Baldwin, you take a deep breath. Day one is almost over. You can do this. You can move on with your life as if nothing happened.

You’ve barely taken two steps along the corridor when you feel a presence behind you. Assuming Margo has forgotten something, you start to turn, just as a hand shoots out and grabs your wrist, spinning you around.

“E-Ed?”

He’s looking down at you with an uncharacteristically uncertain expression, but there's no room for argument in his tone when he tugs your wrist and mutters, "Come with me.”

You open your mouth to ask where exactly he's taking you, but he's already pulling you through an unlocked door that leads into the old comms room. It's a small space, especially for a man of Ed's size, and you find yourself holding in a breath as he reaches over your shoulder to flick the light switch.

Blinking as your vision adjusts to the warm yellow glow, you stare up at Ed. Your body is vibrating with nervous energy and you can't quite hide the tension in your voice. “What - what's going on?”

Ed swallows. His jaw is set and his lips are drawn into a firm line. It's a world away from the softer, playful version of Ed that you came to know over the last few weeks, and you feel your stomach drop as you begin to realise why you're here. He's planning to let you down gently.

“I didn’t mean to scare you," he begins, folding his arms across his chest. Evidently this is just as uncomfortable for Ed as it is for you. "It’s just, I’ve been wanting to apologise for the other night. You left in such a rush, I never got the chance to explain and I…" He trails off, his gaze flickering from your eyes and down to your lips. A beat of silence fills the space as he scrubs a hand across his jaw. "You know what? I'm not sorry."

Your confusion must be visible, because he quickly continues. "I'm not sorry I kissed you. I've been wanting to do that for days. If anything, I'm sorry it took me so long."

Ed watches you carefully, waiting for your reaction. You're certain there are plenty of appropriate responses to such a revelation, but in the heat of the moment you find yourself blurting out the first coherent thought that enters your mind. "I wish you hadn't waited so long either."

He’s grinning down at you now, a wide smile that transforms him from the feared and revered Admiral Edward Baldwin to just plain Ed. It lights up his whole face, chasing away the grief and uncertainty that you know lurks behind his beautiful eyes.

Even after his confession, Ed’s next words knock the air from your lungs. "Think we could try it again?"

No longer in control of your body or senses, you close the distance, until there's barely an inch of space between you. "Yes."

When Ed kisses you this time, it's soft and gentle, but unlike the other night there's a confidence behind his actions that leaves you in no doubt of his true intention or desire. He cups your jaw tenderly between his two big hands, keeping you moulded to his mouth. While his lips slowly brush over yours, a rush of warmth spreads throughout your body, and you feel yourself begin to melt beneath his touch.

Instead of staggering backwards like before, this time he carefully releases you. One hand travels along the curve of your spine and a lopsided grin returns to his face.

"Have dinner with me on Friday night?"

Unlike Monday morning, Friday takes forever to arrive. Anxiety and excitement has lingered with you all week, but if Margo has noticed your sudden abundance of nervous energy, she is yet to comment on it.

Ever since leaving Ed in the old comms-room, you've felt giddy. This kiss – much like the one before it – has been constantly on your mind. In the space of those few stolen minutes two things became apparent: not only was your first kiss far from the mistake you had initially thought, but you were correct in your assumption that once his lips were on yours, you would only want much more of Ed.

At five o’clock sharp you lock yourself in the ladies’ room, taking far too long worrying over your appearance as you wait for the corridors to clear. You don’t relish the thought of having to explain to anyone why you are visiting Ed Baldwin outside of office hours. Gossip spreads like wildfire here, and aside from the knowledge that you’ll be having dinner with him tonight, you really don’t know where your relationship stands.

Margo’s calendar was so hectic throughout the week that you only caught fleeting glimpses of Ed before this evening. If not for one brief encounter on Wednesday morning you’d probably have convinced yourself you made the whole thing up. You had just been leaving the office with an armful of paperwork, when a tall figure fell into stride beside you.

“Italian?” Ed had asked in his deep, rumbling voice.

Ignoring the butterflies filling your stomach – a now-confirmed side effect of being in Ed’s company – you’d offered him a bemused smile. “Excuse me?”

“Food.” Ed had elaborated with a wry grin. “You like it?”

“It’s my favourite,” you’d admitted, clutching the paperwork tightly to your chest, as if it might hide your racing heart.

“Great. I booked a table at this place out of town. Swing by my office after five on Friday and I’ll drive.”

Before you could ask for more details, a group of ASCANs had rounded the corner. Their postures instantly stiffened when they caught sight of Ed, and you couldn’t help but feel a sliver of pity for them. Stifling a smile while they nervously yet politely greeted him, you sensed the weight of Ed's hand on your lower back as he guided you out of their path. Even now you remember how the contact had sent a rush of heat along your spine, but it had been over just as quickly when you saw Molly and Danielle Poole hot on the ASCANs' heels. Ed had silently removed his hand, an unspoken ‘catch you later’ written on his face.

That had been two days ago. You haven’t seen him since. And now that the coast and corridors are clear, you stand outside his office door with your heart in your throat. This is the last chance to back out, but you know you won’t do that. You’ve never been the type to listen to your head, especially not when every other part of your body is desperate to find out where this might go.

Swallowing a tiny seed of doubt, you rap on the door twice before Ed hollers for you to come in. You find him at his desk, reading glasses resting on the bridge of his nose as he studies the file in his hands. When he slowly looks up at you his pensive gaze shifts into something more akin to hunger. Your chest flutters and you wonder if his expression matches your own. With his crisp white shirt stretched tightly across his shoulders and his hair neatly parted and swept to the side, he truly is the most breathtaking man you’ve ever laid eyes on.

"Take a seat. I'll just be a minute."

You slip into the chair opposite Ed and place your purse by your feet. “I hope you’ve been sticking to the filing system,” you tease, smoothing out your skirt.

He responds with a low chuckle. “If I thought it meant I'd get to see more of you, I would have messed it up by Monday. But Margo has already made her feelings on the matter pretty clear.”

"So I heard."

Ed simply grins.

The restaurant Ed picked is not what you'd expected. It's quaint and understated. Intimate. A candle burns on the table between you, the flickering glow sharpening the fine features of his handsome face.

If you thought Ed was different in the privacy of his office, it's nothing compared to the change you see in him once you've left the halls of JSC behind. The weight of responsibility falls off his shoulders, giving space for his best qualities to shine. Ed Baldwin is kind, charming, funny. And he’s been the perfect gentleman all evening. Almost too perfect.

After dessert has been served, Ed shifts in his seat. “I might have a confession to make. It wasn't exactly a coincidence that I chose Italian, you know."

Curiosity piqued, you raise a brow, prompting him to continue.

"Might'a asked some of the astronauts – don't look so worried, they knew you'd been helping me out with admin – told them you'd recommended a new restaurant in town, but for the life of me I couldn't remember the name. Powell said it was probably something Italian." A soft smirk spreads across his face. Evidently, he’s pleased with himself.

Bemused, you shake your head. “I think your talents are wasted at NASA, Ed. You should have applied to the FBI instead.”

His eyes crease with amusement. "FBI agents don't get to fly rockets to the moon. Besides, if it wasn't for NASA I never would have met you."

Cheeks flaming, you stare into your wine glass. But Ed hasn't finished.

“While we’re on the subject of confessions, there’s something else I wanna tell you.” His voice has dropped an octave and when you glance up, his expression has darkened.

"That first night when I came back to the office and found you gazing at Apollo 1, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. But what business did an old man like me have looking at you like that?"

"You're not that old, Ed," you interject quickly.

He responds with a wistful smile. "I tried to stay away from you. Really, I did. But when you gave me your opinions on my astronauts, I knew for sure I was screwed. Couldn’t help myself after that. You captivated me, plain and simple. Guess you noticed how I kept finding excuses to stick around?"

"When you broke out the golf clubs, I did start to get a little suspicious."

He chuckles. "I meant what I said, though. Spending those evenings together made me realise just how lonely I'd been. And I think we both know that life is short. I don't wanna waste any more time wondering what I might be missing out on."

"What are you saying, Ed?"

"I'm saying that if it's ok with you, I think we should get the hell out of here so I can kiss you again."

You don't make it to the car. The moment you step outside of the restaurant, Ed grabs your wrist and tugs you around the corner. Just out of sight of prying eyes, his hands land on your waist, pulling you flush against his huge body. Your fingers instinctively curl around his shoulders and then his lips are devouring you.

This time is different. You can sense it in the way he touches you; he's no longer holding back. You can taste the loneliness, the grief, the weight of expectation as he pours everything of himself into the kiss.

And you take it all, willingly. You see every part of Ed Baldwin, and you're not afraid.

When you eventually break away, the two of you are flustered and wide-eyed and panting for breath. No one has ever kissed you like that before. There’s something else, too. Something has stirred deep in your stomach, awakening a hunger you'd almost forgotten existed.

"I should get you home," Ed says, almost reluctantly.

Just as reluctantly, you let him lead you to the car.

Ed has barely pulled onto the highway, when you're stricken by a sudden thought. "Damn it, I think I left my purse in your office."

"No problem," Ed assures you with an easy smile. "We'll swing by JSC before I take you home."

"That’s ok. You can just drop me off at the office and I'll call a cab home.” While you’re far from eager for the night to end, the last thing you want is to be a burden.

Ed glances across at you, his eyebrow raised. "Yeah. No. I'm driving you home."

If there's one thing you've learned about Ed Baldwin, it's that he's not a man you want to argue with.

The carpark is all but deserted when you arrive at NASA. You know there’s a skeleton staff covering the night shift in case of emergencies up on Jamestown, but they’ll be sequestered in mission control so you have no worries about running into anyone.

"I'll be five minutes," you tell Ed as you reach for the handle, but he's already opening his door.

You've never been inside JSC this late. It's eerie how quiet it is – a world away from the daily hustle and bustle you’re accustomed to.The security guard on the front desk takes one glance at Ed before waving the two of you through. Apparently Ed’s status offers him the freedom to come and go as he pleases, no questions asked.

“He’s not going to say anything, is he?” You ask, trying to keep up with Ed’s long strides.

“Who, Jeffrey?” Ed shakes his head. “Come tomorrow morning, he won’t even remember we were here.”

When you reach his office, Ed ushers you inside. Sure enough, your purse lies on the floor beside the vacant chair, exactly where you left it. Silently cursing your absent-mindedness, you bend down to snatch it up.

"Sometimes I think I'd forget my own head if it wasn't-"

You trail off, thoughts cut short by the heated expression on Ed’s face as you turn around. The room seems to shrink. Your surroundings fade into the background. You lick your lips, and he’s beside you in two strides.

Ed captures you in a kiss for the second time this evening and with a firm grip on your hips, he walks you backwards until your legs hit the desk. A soft whimper escapes your lips. Encouraged by the sounds you’re making and the way your fingers are tracing the angles of his jaw, Ed slides his hands to the back of your thighs. In one smooth movement he’s lifting you onto the desk; the wood is cool against your burning skin.

All sensible thoughts leave your mind as he slots himself between your legs, pressing the length of his body against you. With your skirt bunched around your hips, the evidence of his desire is apparent. It sends a heady rush of heat straight to your core. You wrap your legs around his waist, needing him to know that you want this, too. But when your fingers greedily reach for the buttons of his shirt, he covers them with his own.

Breaking the kiss, you blink up at him, confused.

"Pretty sure this is going to kill me,” he says roughly, “but I think we should stop.” Your disappointment must be evident because, cupping your cheeks, he quickly adds, "It's not that I don't want this. It's just that I want to do this right.”

Ed helps you off the desk before stepping back to give you some space. You take the opportunity to straighten your skirt, unable to shake the feeling that perhaps you’ve done something wrong. Were you too eager? Did you want this too much?

Ed rubs the back of his neck. “Truth is…” He lets out a deep breath. “Truth is…I haven’t been with anyone since - since Karen.” He can’t seem to meet your eye. “And I like you. So much. I really don’t wanna mess this up.” Turning away, as if he’s scared of your reaction, he continues. “I don’t want to give you the wrong impression. I don’t want this to be a one-night thing. I want…”

Rounding the desk, you join him by the window, where he looks out towards the night sky. Ever so gently, you place your hand on his waist. “I understand, Ed. And I really like you, too. We can take this one day at a time.”

Ed glances down at you, that soft smile of his tugging at his lips. His own hand finds its way to your waist and he draws you closer. “For the longest time I felt like I was tumbling through space without a tether. Didn’t know where I was going, or where I was supposed to be. But when I saw you standing here beside the mission-board that night, telling me what I should do with my astronauts, it was like a switch inside me had been flipped.” With a gentle touch he tilts your chin, murmuring your name so reverently. “I think you might just be the starlight I need to guide me home.”

Joel Taglist: @a-reader-and-a-writer @babblydrabbly @sociiallydiisoriiented @skvatnavle @yespolkadotkitty @heresathreebee @mayhem24-7forever @phoenixhalliwell @bewitchedignition @weallhaveadestiny @katjnordstrom96 @lavenderluna10 @kirsteng42 @s-u-t @immyownlittlebitch @lacontroller1991 @justin-hammers @xoxabs88xox @littlefreakingfangirl @fairchildflag @ed-baldwin

#ed baldwin #joel kinnaman #for all mankind #ed baldwin x reader #ed baldwin x you #admiral ed baldwin #for all mankind fanfic #famk

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reveluving · 2 years

Note

telling a stupid joke and hearing your crush laugh

This with Ed?

late night heart attacks ; ed baldwin x reader

warnings: humour & fluff (+ strong language)

a/n: not so much a stupid joke but TONS of laughs! PLEASE WATCH THIS VID (skip to 1:26 - 2:15) 'CUZ THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO READ~ thank you & don’t forget to leave some sugar! ᐠ( ᐛ )ᐟ

» j.k. m.list , or check out my full m.list!

'His was hearty while yours was more giggly but one thing was certain; they were both equally contagious.' ;

When Ed had to stay late at the office, he wasn't expecting a surprise, let alone a heart attack.

Not literally, of course, but damn, his heart was racing faster than a Formula 1 car.

But his surprised scream didn't compare to yours, overshadowing his and echoing across the hallway when you opened his door, where he stood at the other side at the exact same time.

Boy, he was pretty sure your scream was the one that scared him, not your sudden presence. You couldn't say the same about yourself though; you just thought he was sitting at his desk. So, to be greeted by him towering over you as soon as you swung the door open at this hour?

Of course you jumped out of your skin.

All of a sudden, both of you laughed. You broke first, right after the scare. One hand over your mouth to unsuccessfully stifle yours while the other gripped the files and bag you were planning to turn in.

Ed's came in just moments; he tried to keep in at first, but just remembering how terrified you looked, with over 500 emotions in half a second, he practically bursted out laughing.

His was hearty while yours was more giggly but one thing was certain; they were both equally contagious.

None of you cared how loud and childish you were being, considering that you both knew there was no one else left for the night.

It went on for a couple more seconds before it was put to a halt when you coughed a little, followed by Ed's choking on his own saliva. As disrespectful as it sounded, you just had to get that last bit of laughter out at his karma before patting him on the back.

"Jesus, I thought you were Molly!" He placed his hand over his chest, clearing his throat with a pained smile. The pace of his heart had slowed to a normal rate by now but he was pretty sure he had enough for one day.

"Well, I didn't think you'd be behind the door!" You argued back, sniffling before wiping your tears with your free hand, "Fuck, you could’ve said ‘hello, I’m going out now!’”

You were being (slightly) serious, which was the reason why he snorted. Your stomach was aching, as was his, as if you did hundreds of sit-ups and yet, his amusement transmitted to you once again. He invited you in, closing the door behind you before walking back to the middle of the room in sheer amusement.

"Give a girl a warning next time," You placed the folders down neatly before turning around to lean against his table. Just as he approached you with the mischievous glint, you subconsciously crossed your arms out of nervousness.

"Sorry, sorry," As if he wasn't screaming with you a while ago. He placed both arms on either side of the table, flexing his arms under that too-tight dress shirt of his, "But c’mon, I thought you always said you liked it when I tower over you."

"Not when you've nearly scared the soul out of me." You muttered, prompting him to tut-tut at your pout. He tried to compensate by kissing you on the cheek.

"Might have to make it up to you, then," He moved off to grab his jacket and briefcase before you could even turn your head forward for a proper kiss, "Shall we get going?"

You continued to narrow your eyes at him, cheeks puffed up but clearly pleased by the kiss before nodding curtly. He snorted, patting you on the butt twice to move as he locked his door before walking with you with his arm wrapped around you protectively.

˚ · . f i n . · ˚

» gorgeous rose divider by the amazing @firefly-graphics ♡

#— reve's asks 🌹#— reve's reverie 🌹#ahh late night work with ed ❤#sign me tf up #ed baldwin x reader #ed baldwin x you #ed baldwin #admiral ed baldwin x reader #fem!reader #for all mankind #for all mankind fic #joel kinnaman #joel kinnaman x reader

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lacontroller1992 · 2 years

Text

For All Mankind Master List

Main Master List Writing Prompt Master List

ED BALDWIN

Fluff

Talking To the Moon

Unsaid Things

Worth The Wait

Hold On Tight (Sequel to Worth the Wait)

Happier Than Ever

You're Having My Baby

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted pt 2

Angst

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted pt 1

6 Days

Support System

Lime/Smut

Drive In Movie

I'm All Yours

GORDO STEVENS

Fluff

Faithfully

Angst

Late Night Visitor

Constellations

Lime/Smut

Sunset Ride

Regolith

SERIES

Stress Relief Series (Gordo x Reader x Ed)

The Other Stevens

#ed baldwin x reader #ed baldwin x you #joel kinnaman #ed baldwin #gordo stevens #michael dorman #for all mankind #gordo stevens x reader #gordo stevens x you #gordon stevens #admiral ed baldwin #astronaut ed baldwin #astronaut gordo stevens #I swear I love gordo and ed with all my heart #lacontroller1991 #master list

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a-reader-and-a-writer-for-all · 1 year

Text

The Only Way

Fandom: For All Mankind, Ed Baldwin

Summary: When your ship is damaged and the escape pod can only save one person, Ed makes the ultimate sacrifice.

Word Count: 625

TW: Love Confession, Goodbyes, Implied Character Death

There was no warning. Either someone at NASA had screwed up and missed it on the monitors or it was just a freak occurrence. But whatever the reason, one minute everything was fine and the next the world around you exploded. A meteorite had slammed into the Lunar Base, forming a large, irreparable gap right in the center of the station.

Ed grabbed at your hand and helped drag your smaller frame towards the escape pod even as everything around you was being sucked out of the newly formed hole. It was also getting more difficult to breathe as more and more of your oxygen was sucked into the void of space. Yet somehow, the two of you managed to reach the escape pod at the back of the base.

But just as you wrenched the door open and began to climb in, you heard Ed ominously mutter, “No….”

You glanced over to where he was looking, and your heart dropped as you noticed one of the oxygen tanks connected to the pod had been crushed. Meaning there would not be enough air for both of you to make it back to Earth.

The two of you exchanged a knowing look, and you whispered, “Ed…”

But before you could say more, he roughly grabbed your arm and pulled you into his chest. The next thing you knew, your face was engulfed by his hands and his lips crashed into yours. You had dreamed about kissing Ed Baldwin since the moment that you met him, but you never expected it to happen under these circumstances. His lips were warm, and comforting compared to the cold, empty expanse of space that was currently threatening to drag you out into it.

As he pulled away, Ed stared longingly into your eyes and whispered, “I’ve always wanted to do that.” Then before you could react, he shoved you backwards into the escape pod.

You stumbled and landed hard on your back. As you scrambled frantically to your feet, you heard the door to the pod close and lock into place. Looking up, you saw Ed still on the other side of the door, a sad smile spread across his lips as he fiddled with the controls.

Running over, you banged on the window desperately trying to stop him before it was too late. “Ed, stop! We can…we can figure something out. There has to be another way!”

He chuckled softly, but the sound lacked any traces of humor. “We don’t have time for that, sweetheart. This is the only way. And if only one of us is getting home, it’s going to be you.”

“Ed, think of your family. They need you!” you begged.

“And yours doesn’t? Go home to your kids. Live your life. Be happy.” He pressed his large hand up against the glass window of the pod. “But just…. don’t forget me.”

A single tear slowly rolled down your cheek as you pressed your hand against the glass to match his. “Never. I’ll think of you every time I look at the moon.”

He smiled and gave you a small nod, before jamming his fist into the launch button. Your screams of protest soon died away as the pod blasted off from the base and took to the sky. The last glimpse Ed had of you was your face a mess of tears as you screamed his name. He had never seen anyone so beautiful before.

And as the escape pod flew farther and farther from the Lunar Base, Ed couldn’t help but smile even as he could feel the oxygen levels dropping and his head starting to spin. The world was collapsing, and the only thing that mattered to him was that you were alive.

#sfw repost #drabble #ed baldwin #ed baldwin x reader #ed baldwin x you #for all mankind #joel kinnaman #love confession #character death tw

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violetmuses · 1 year

Text

Truly - Ed Baldwin

TITLE: “Truly” || Edward “Ed” Baldwin

FANDOM: “For All Mankind (Apple+ Series)

CHARACTER: Edward “Ed” Baldwin

PAIRING: Edward “Ed” Baldwin + Female Reader

MAIN STORYLINE: Some moments just don’t feel real…

Author’s Note: Surprise! Happy reading and thanks so much for supporting my work as always. Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Main Masterlist

J Krew: @nerdysuperchick @a-reader-and-a-writer @babblydrabbly @shadowkittybucky @alieninoklahoma @justin-hammers @weallhaveadestiny @katjnordstrom96 @skvatnavle @heresathreebee @alieninoklahoma @bewitchedignition @maddu-oliveira @bewitchedignition @hodgepodge-of-rog @ijustthinkrickflagisprettyneat @11thstreetvigilante @lacontroller1991

__________

1983

Another day at work. You find yourself cradling books and walking down the bustling yet inspired hallways of Johnson Space Center once again.

It's a miracle to still stand in this very building, regardless of positions that you’ve held.

Moments before settling into your own office, someone clears their throat only steps away from one main threshold.

You look up from your searching for keys to see Admiral Edward Baldwin already opening the door for you.

How? Your thoughts soon panic.

“Good morning. I got keys to every door in this wing, Ms. L/N.” He mentions your last name with such clarity that it’s unfair.

“Oh. Fair enough. Thank you, Sir.” You fumble through a response, but thankfully managed to enter your office without losing sanity.

Baldwin is wearing another pristine suit for the day as this entry lanyard swings around his neck. Perfectly coiffed and blondish hair almost shimmered through all glass windows.

“No problem. Have a good day.” Ed seemingly wants to smile before walking away, but stops himself for whatever reason.

And yet, he continues standing nearby without closing your own office door behind him. Something is wrong.

“Yes?” Ed clears his throat once more, but he sounds different this time while addressing you, somehow anxious.

“Sir?” You ask this question to bring in Admiral after reorganizing your desk and stand near the frontal edge.

“Is everything all right?” You narrow both eyes, genuinely convinced that something terrible happened.

“Yes.” Baldwin lies through his teeth, but makes a point to move closer. In that moment, your own heart skips countless beats as his steps inch forward. More and more.

You then realize that the backend of your skirt has completely settled up against the front of this desk.

Baldwin? Baldwin has caged you in, nearly pressing his clothed front onto yours. Heat overwhelms this room, but neither of you have spoken. Even his spiced cologne wafted towards you, intoxicating all of your senses.

“Sir?” At last, you whisper back to him out of respect, but he shakes his head and finally glances upward to smile.

“Ed.” He reintroduces himself. His cheeks and dimples look so rosy now, the sight is adorable.

“Ed.” You repeat his first name, but smile against his lips.

“Coffee sometime?” Ed whispers in return, slyly ghosting a kiss through one low chuckle.

“Only if you leave my office today before Mr. Stevens kicks down the door.” You tease, stepping away from Ed’s dangerous lips.

“Yes Ma’am.” Ed allows himself to leave, but not before winking towards you over his shoulder.

#ed baldwin #joel kinnaman #for all mankind #ed baldwin x reader #ed baldwin x you #season 2 #apple series #female reader #x you #suggestive #no smut #drabbles #short drabbles

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castalyne · 7 months

Link

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: For All Mankind (TV 2019) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Ed Baldwin/You Characters: Ed Baldwin Additional Tags: Semi-Public Sex, Closet Sex, Creampie, Vaginal Fingering, Multiple Orgasms, Wall Sex Series: Part 3 of Last Friday Night Summary:

God damned, Edward Baldwin looks pressed today.

Three weeks is a long time to make him wait and he looks like a mess for all that he's endured. He doesn't even try to hide the way his eyes roam your body when you enter his office alone to drop off paper work through out the first week you're back from vacation. If you're honest, there wasn't much from keeping you from forgoing panties and just sitting on his lap early morning on that first Monday you came back. Ed, however, rebutted most of your advances. Your 'meeting' will be on Friday, no use in breaking the pattern

#For All Mankind #Ed Baldwin/Female Reader #Ed Baldwin x You #ed baldwin x reader #If there's any tags I should be tagging x reader fics with #Please tell me

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moocowmoocow · 3 months

Text

Femslash February 26 - Space

Irene x Margo

When Margo was promoted to Flight, Irene Hendricks invited her for a drink. Margo declined and Irene pulled her aside. “People saw that there was bad blood between us. They need to see that we’re past that. So you will have a drink with me.”

Which was why Margo was now at The Outpost, drinking Shiner fucking bock with Irene. “I know that you’re smarter than me, Margo. And I know that if NASA wants to reach its goals, people like you will need to be in charge.”

This isn’t what Margo expected.

“But you need to learn how to play politics. Yes, they’re senseless but it’s the only way to climb the ladder.”

“And you’re going to teach me?” Margo scoffed.

Irene took a swig of her beer. “Bet your ass I am.”

Margo and Irene started having dinner in the JSC cafeteria once a week. And as much as Margo hated to admit it, it helped the others to see that they were getting along.

Irene taught her how to read people, how to present herself to be what those in power wanted her to be without diluting her intellect or authority.

Irene learned to lean on Margo in situations where her problem solving skills outstripped her own and always credited Margo for her help.

Soon the meals were no longer a chore but a pleasure for both of them.

After the Apollo 24 and 25 crises ended, Irene knocked on Margo’s office door. “How are you doing?”

Margo had thought she was fine until Irene asked. Then it was like her body caught up to her. She began to shake and much to her horror, she cried.

Irene shut the door behind her and caught Margo up in a hug.

“Two dead. And I almost lost both crews and Ed Baldwin.”

“But you didn’t.”

“After people disobeyed direct orders. They had to force me to save lives.”

“I would have made the same call.”

“I know, I know,” Margo murmured, her breath hitching in her chest.

“Margo, look at me,” Irene pulled back and framed Margo’s face with her hands. “You performed miracles, Margo.”

Margo lunged forward and kissed Irene. After her initial surprise, Irene kissed her back. Margo felt her panic subside, her brain slow down.

Irene pulled away. “We’re not doing this here. Come to my place.” She took Margo’s hand and led her out of the office.

#irene hendricks #margo madison #margo monday #for all mankind #FAMslash february #femslash february #irene x margo

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a-reader-and-a-writer · 6 months

Text

AI-Less Whumptober 2023 Masterlist

Main Masterlist

AI-Less Whumptober 2023 Moodboard Masterlist

Thank you to @ailesswhumptober for hosting the event! All of this year's prompts can be found here.

The Middle of Nowhere (dark!Rooster & dark!Hangman & Reader)

Prompts: 1, 5, 17, 20, 27

What Went Wrong (Rick Flag x Reader)

Prompts: 1, 8, 14, 21, 30, Alt 1

The Job (Part 1, Part 2) (Tommy Shelby x Reader)

Prompts: 2, 8, 18, 21, 23, Alt 6, Alt 25

The One Rule (Cheater!Hangman x Reader)

Prompts: 4, 19, 31, Alt 7, Alt 13

There Was Never a Choice (Ed Baldwin x Reader)

Prompts: 4, 6, 13, 14, 16, 29

Remember.... (Bucky Barnes x Reader)

Prompts: 6, 23, 24, 25, Alt 11, Alt 29

One Bad Day....Jason's Death (Batman x Batmom!Reader)

Prompts: 8, 12, 23, 31, Alt 13

Nevermore (Rooster x Reader)

Prompts: 11, 19, 23, 28

That's What Family is For (Part 2) (Batsis!Reader & Damian Wayne)

Prompts: 16, 21

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tavners · 2 years

Note

So at the first James town base, how did they take care of 'business'? It seemed that even the shower was just a curtain. :s

You know I thought this same thing at times! Especially when Ed was alone I realized there was no need to hold back. Also @lacontroller1991 wrote a little killer series to help with that general thought as well and I often (very often) venture back to it

https://lacontroller1991.tumblr.com/post/676326333358489600/stress-relief-ed-baldwin-x-freader-x-gordo

#asks

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lacontroller1991 · 8 months

Text

Whumptober Day 3: Ed Baldwin

Main Master List || Whumptober Master List

Summary: Being on the moon by yourself is tricky as is, dealing with the loss of you however? It’s downright insufferable.

Warning: DEATH OF CHARACTERS, hallucination, depression

----------

Time seemed to have come to a stop for Ed. He doesn’t know how many hours or even days it’s been since Gordo had called to tell him about the death of not only Shane, but also of you. Head on collision with a drunk driver. When he first heard the news, he was stunned, not really sure what to say. Even the ever talkative Gordo had shut up, his own tears welling in his eyes at the loss of his sister.

Ed hadn’t bothered to turn off the computer as he walked away. He’s millions of miles away and the two people that meant the most to him are just… gone.

He doesn’t know when the last time he’s eaten something aside from before the news. He doesn’t know when the last time he’s taken a shower. Time doesn’t seem to exist for him anymore. All Ed Baldwin can do is stare out the window into the endless void that is space. Maybe it would’ve been tolerable if Gordo and Dani were still with him, but Dani would have to deal with not one, but two, emotional wrecks, and that’s a huge task. Ed can’t even think about what Gordo is going through. But at least he still has his wife and children, Ed thinks bitterly to himself, stepping out of the airlock and onto the lunar surface. What’s the point of living if there’s nothing to live for?

“You shouldn’t think like that.” Your voice fills his head, causing him to look up, seeing you standing on the surface of the moon, wearing clothes he doesn’t recognize.

“You’re not real.” He blinks his eyes rapidly, wishing he could rub his eyes, but with a fishbowl on his head that’s a little more difficult.

“No, Ed. I’m not.” You take a step closer to him, placing your hand on his helmet, causing him to fall to his knees, his hands trying to grab at your waist to pull you into him, but they move through your silhouette.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For being away. I could’ve stopped it. I could’ve stopped you and Shane from dying.” He cries out, hugging himself as you stoop to his level.

“Ed, nothing was going to stop it. Stuff like this happens. Don’t apologize for something that you can’t control.” He looks at you through hazy eyes, a light glow surrounding your body and it occurs to him that you look as beautiful as the first time he met you. “Now get up. You have work to do. Gordo and you are going to need each other,” you comment, placing a loving kiss on the top of his helmet before starting to walk away.

“Wait, wait.” You turn around, waiting patiently for your lover. “Will I see you again?” You let out a sad smile, wishing that you could comfort him. “I hope so. Please look after my brother,” Ed hangs his head in a nod, “and Ed?” He looks up, the silhouette of his wife slowly fading.

“Yeah?”

“Live for me. Live for Shane. And don’t you ever forget that we love you.”

“I love you too.” Ed blinks his tears away only to find you nowhere near in sight. Standing up, Ed’s hazel eyes scan the horizon as he realizes that he is now alone.

===========

#joel kinnaman #ed baldwin x reader #ed baldwin x you #ed baldwin #for all mankind #whumptober #lacontroller1991 #astronaut ed baldwin

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floralcyanide · 10 months

Text

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝/ 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐊 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑏𝑜𝑙 𝑘𝑒𝑦: 𝑠𝑚𝑢𝑡 ✺ 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑓𝑓 ✿ 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑠𝑡 ☁ 𝑛𝑠𝑓𝑤 ☼

𝖾𝖽 𝖻𝖺𝗅𝖽𝗐𝗂𝗇

- 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗂'𝗆 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗒𝗈𝗎, 𝗂 𝖽𝗈𝗇'𝗍 𝖿𝖾𝖾𝗅 𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗇𝖾 ☁✿

- 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗁𝗈𝗆𝖾 ✿

- 𝖿𝖺𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖾𝗅 ☼☁✿✺

𝗀𝗈𝗋𝖽𝗈 𝗌𝗍𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗇𝗌

coming soon

𝗃𝗈𝖾𝗅 𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗇𝖺𝗆𝖺𝗇

coming soon

#for all mankind #famk #for all mankind tv #for all mankind apple tv #ed baldwin #ed baldwin x reader #ed baldwin x you #ed baldwin smut #ed baldwin x reader smut #joel kinnaman #joel kinnaman x reader #joel kinnaman x you #joel kinnaman smut #joel kinnaman x reader smut #gordo stevens #gordo stevens x reader #gordo stevens x you #floralcyanide writes

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loverhymeswith · 2 years

Text

A Sky Full of Stars | Ed Baldwin x F!Reader| One

Masterlist

Summary: Margo offers you some overtime. A prequel to Sunday Morning.

Warnings: Slow burn, age gap, drinking, grief, 18+ due to smut in part two

Word Count: 7.5k

A/N: In celebration of For All Mankind Season 3 airing tomorrow, this is Part One of my new Ed Baldwin series. Look out for Part Two coming very soon! Thank you to @a-reader-and-a-writer and @sociiallydiisoriiented for all your help! <3

In all the years that you have worked for the Director of Johnson Space Centre, Ms. Margo Madison, you have never once known her to joke around, which is why you are certain she is being deadly serious about the offer she has just laid out before you.

Hesitating in the doorway of her office with doubt filling your mind, you bite your lip and attempt to sidestep the question. "I don't know, Margo. Isn't there anyone else you can ask?"

Seated at her desk, the older woman studies you over the rim of her glasses. When she responds, there's a familiar hint of impatience evident amidst her lilting southern accent. "It's just a bit of filing. I thought you wanted all the overtime you could get."

She's right. Under normal circumstances, you would jump at the opportunity to make a bit of extra money. Whilst working as Margo's assistant doesn't exactly pay peanuts, living alone on a single income and paying for your mother's endless medical bills doesn't leave you with much change at the end of the month.

"I do,” you assure her. “It's just… Ed Baldwin?"

Margo waves her hand as if to shoo away your doubts. "Ignore the rumours. Ed's just a big teddy bear."

You've seen the man in question around JSC plenty of times and while he certainly is big, you can't speak to the rest of Margo's statement. From what you've heard of the astronauts' gossip, Admiral Baldwin's reputation precedes him; he's definitely not the sort of man you want to cross, and up to now, you've succeeded in avoiding him.

"Besides," Margo continues, returning her attention to the stacks of graphs and charts before her, as if the matter has already been concluded. "Ed usually clocks off at five on the dot. Swing around a few minutes after the hour and you won't even see him."

You open your mouth, still unsure of whether you're going to accept, but Margo swiftly cuts you off.

"I've already told him that this is a one time deal. You get his files tidied up and then it's his responsibility. We're not bailing him out every month, just because he thinks he's too important for paperwork."

"Why are we bailing him out?"

Margo glances up from her work and gives you a tight-lipped smile. "Because Ed Baldwin is exactly the kind of man you want to owe you a favour."

Erring on the side of caution, you wait until ten minutes past five before heading over to Ed’s office. Despite your doubts, Margo wasn't going to take no for an answer, and having her owe you a favour of your own wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

Approaching the unassuming door, you cast your gaze over the plaque on the wall: Chief of the Astronaut Office. Telling yourself there's really no reason to be so nervous, you try the handle. Just as Margo promised, the room is unlocked. You take a deep breath and, shaking off the inexplicable feeling that you are doing something wrong, you let yourself in.

Ed's office, while not as big as Margo's, is still intimidating - just like the man himself. A large mahogany desk, covered by sheet upon sheet of loose paperwork, fills much of the space. The beige, soft-panel walls boast a variety of photos, paintings and awards, but it's the huge mission-assignment board on the far side of the room that immediately draws your attention.

Tentatively, you approach the board for closer inspection. It is divided into multiple sections, and you can see that Ed has been busy assigning pilots, engineers and scientists to the next twelve months' worth of lunar missions. Every astronaut on the programme is represented by a small head-shot, and amongst the photographs, the familiar faces of your friends smile back at you.

After allowing yourself a moment of satisfaction, realising you now hold information that your friends would kill for, you study the rest of the office. You’ve always thought that it's possible to read a lot about a person from their workspace, and it's the personal details that fascinate you the most: a soft grey jacket hanging on a stand by the window, a pair of reading glasses lying forgotten on the desk.

Idly, you start to wonder who the real Ed Baldwin might be.

Besides the personal effects, you quickly notice the scaled down versions of previous lunar modules that are dotted around Ed's office, taking pride of place on bookshelves and cabinets alike. One module in particular catches your eye.

Apollo 1.

Without thinking, your legs carry you over to the cabinet where the miniature command module resides next to a small lamp. The first crewed mission of the Apollo program, or at least it would have been…A familiar tightness spreads across your chest as your fingers drift over the figure.

Staring at the miniature Apollo 1, you're faintly aware of the door clicking open, but it's not until you hear the deep clearing of a throat that you spin around and find yourself face to face with Admiral Edward Baldwin.

As his sharp eyes assess you, a look of confusion momentarily crosses the admiral's handsome face.

"Sorry! Uh, hi," you stammer, hurriedly introducing yourself before he demands to know why you're lurking in his office. "I'm Margo's assistant."

Ed's face slowly but surely relaxes into the faintest of smiles. "Of course. I know who you are. Margo tells me you volunteered to help fix this mess." He gestures to the piles of paperwork littering the desk, an apologetic glint now sparkling in his hazel eyes.

'Volunteered' is a strong word, you think to yourself as you shrug. "Yeah. Something like that."

"Margo's not a woman you wanna argue with, right?" He flashes you a knowing smile. "But I appreciate that she’s letting me borrow you for the next few evenings. Hope it won't take you too long. I hate paperwork, as you can probably tell."

Still feeling self-conscious, almost as if you've been caught snooping in the headmaster's office, you nod.

"Anyway, I'll be out of your hair in just a minute. Forgot my damn jacket." He crosses the room in a few long strides, snatching the offending article from its hook on the stand. He's even bigger up close, you decide. Larger than life.

You catch yourself staring unashamedly as Ed shrugs on the jacket over a broad set of shoulders. The white collared shirt he's wearing seems to strain at the seams and you can feel your skin warm as you imagine all the muscle that is hidden underneath. For a man that now spends much of his time behind a desk, he certainly takes care of himself.

Mentally scolding yourself for such an inappropriate thought, you find yourself rooted to the spot as he rounds the desk, coming to stand before you. You were right. He is far bigger up close, practically towering over you as he glances at the small model by your hand.

His smile slowly fades. "Apollo 1. Damn shame. You know it'll be ten years-"

"In ten days' time. January 27th." It hadn't been your intention to cut him off, but the date, imprinted on your heart like a brand, just slips out.

Ed's eyes widen ever so slightly. You suspect he's not accustomed to being interrupted. "That's right. I see you got a mind for dates, huh? Some of those ASCANs could take a leaf outta your book. Don't know their own damn history."

Feeling yourself shrink under the weight of his gaze, you cast your own attention to the carpet. He's half right. You do have a mind for dates, but only this one in particular. As if you would ever be able to forget.

When you dare to glance back up, you find him shaking his head, arms folded across the expanse of his chest. "No wonder Margo snapped you up."

"That's kind of you to say, Admiral Baldwin."

His face scrunches up in distaste. "Oh please, just call me Ed. I feel old enough as it is."

You offer him a nervous smile, relieved that he isn't going to interrogate you further. This time of year is hard enough as it is. The last thing you want is to drag up the past with Ed Baldwin.

Whether he senses your awkwardness, or he's just keen to get home, Ed seems to decide that it's time to take his leave. "Well, I guess I'll let you get to it. If you have any trouble, come find me in the morning. And thanks again."

As he slips past you and out of the door, you allow yourself a quiet breath of relief. You've survived your first encounter with the infamous Ed Baldwin. Perhaps he isn't quite as intimidating as you'd expected.

A career in office administration might not have been your primary ambition growing up - in fact, your true aspirations couldn't have been much further from your current situation - but over the years you've been able to find peace and a small amount of satisfaction in the work that you do for Margo, and NASA.

It's one of the reasons why, despite your initial reservations, you really don't mind organising Ed's paperwork, even if it is going to be a greater task than Margo had led you to believe. There had clearly been a system in place once upon a time - back in the days of Ed's predecessors, you imagine - but evidently, this has fallen by the wayside.

After Ed had left, you spent the first evening of your overtime creating a brand new filing system that would house the current crop of astronauts' medical charts, qualifications, and psyche-evaluations. Now, as you make your way through the corridors of JSC ready to embark on your second evening of overtime, you start to think about the next steps.

Just like the night before, the door to Ed’s office has been left unlocked. This time, you don't hesitate before entering. There's a ton of paperwork to get through and as much as you need the money, you've never been the type to push your luck. You'll work as hard as you need to, in order to get the job done quickly.

As soon as you open the door, you're immediately aware that unlike the night before, the office has not yet been vacated. Ed is still sitting at his desk, reading glasses resting on the bridge of his nose as he pours over a handful of documents.

When he hears you enter, he slowly raises his head, a faint look of alarm crossing his face as he glances at the large silver watch on his wrist. "Is that the time?"

Hesitating in the doorway, you take a small step backwards. "I can come by later."

"No, no, come on in. Don't mind me.” He beckons you in. “Promise I'll be out of your way soon."

Feeling very much like you're the one in his way, you close the door behind you and approach one of the cushioned chairs opposite his own.

Ed indicates that you should take a seat, offering you a warm smile that goes some way to easing your nerves, even if the smile itself is a rarity. Every time you’ve seen him around the corridors of JSC he seems to be wearing a rather stoic expression.

Smoothing down your skirt, you slip quietly into the chair, attempting to take up as little space as possible. The files you were working on last night remain in a neat pile at the edge of his desk. You feel his attention on you as you reach for them.

"Just pretend I'm not here."

He makes it sound so easy, as if you don't feel his presence with every nerve, every cell, in your body. All of the energy in the room seems to gravitate towards him. Is this what his astronauts mean when they tell you how he puts them on edge?

With little choice but to ignore the insistent tug and get on with your task, you lower your head and begin arranging the pile of medical charts into alphabetical order, but it isn't long before your attention is once again pulled towards the man sitting opposite.

"Damnit." Ed removes his glasses and massages his temple. "I need more pilots. I ain't got shit to choose from."

You watch silently as he pushes back his seat and stalks towards the mission-assignment board, one hand resting on his hip.

"Had to drop Bowen from the mission," he explains, without bothering to check whether you're listening. "He just found out his wife is pregnant. Can't have the man up on the moon, missing the birth of his first child."

There's not a soul working at JSC today who doesn't know what happened to Ed's young son, Shane, while Ed was stranded on Jamestown. It's just one of the many reasons why the admiral is so revered, and it makes perfect sense that he would be thinking of his astronauts’ families as he sends them up into space.

"What does Bowen think about that?" You don't know the astronaut as well as some of the others, but you do know he had been excited for his first trip to the moon.

"I think he was relieved." Ed turns and shoots you a faint smile. "And I promised him a seat in eighteen months time."

"That was kind of you."

"Don't look so surprised," he teases. "I'm not always the big bad wolf those rookies make me out to be."

His gaze lingers on you for a beat and you will yourself to look away. Grasping for something to say, anything to alleviate the tiny spark of tension that is threatening to catch, you squint at the board - specifically, the pool of available pilots.

"What about Michaels?" you find yourself suggesting. "Sure, it would be his first time, but he trained with Commander Ripley for years. She'll keep a close eye on him and…"

Whatever look you found in Ed's eyes a moment earlier has now been replaced by obvious surprise. "For Margo's assistant, you sure know a lot about my astronauts."

There's no hint of accusation in his tone, but fearing you've spoken out of turn, you attempt to explain. "I went to school with some of them, and we've remained good friends over the years." You choose to leave out the fact that you've dated some of them, too. For some reason, you don’t want Ed to judge you for that..

"Is that so?" Ed seems to study you a little closer, turning his body to face you as he leans against the board.

You sit up straighter. "Yes. We were in the same class, but I didn't get the grades for NASA." You're not sure why you're telling him this, unprompted. It's usually a topic you try to avoid, but something about the way Ed is looking at you draws it all out, almost as if you don't want to hide from him.

"But here you are," he muses. He's still watching you carefully, and you don't miss the glimmer of curiosity in his eye.

"Here I am." You could tell him all about the turn of events that saw you working for Margo, but really, it's not much of a story.

Eventually, Ed turns back to the board. "Michaels, huh?" He removes the picture of the astronaut in question from its place at the bottom of the board. "You think he's ready for his first flight?"

"I mean…it's just what I've heard. Whether or not he's ready - I guess that's up to you."

Ed glances over his shoulder and gives you a wink. "There's only one way to find out."

You watch, bewildered, as Ed adds Michaels' picture to the upcoming mission roster. You hadn't expected him to actually listen to your suggestion, never mind follow through on it.

When he notices your expression, Ed chuckles. Low and rumbling, you feel the sound in the pit of your stomach and deep within your bones. "Michaels was on my shortlist. You just settled it for me."

The following morning, the halls of JSC are a hive activity as usual, but as you pass the astronauts' briefing room on the way to Margo's office, there's only one thing on everyone's mind. Admiral Baldwin has just given Jason Michaels his first flight ticket after nearly five years on the program.

You smile to yourself, realising that you are maybe just a tiny bit responsible for that. Not that you'd ever admit to having Ed Baldwin's ear, no matter how fleeting the moment might have been.

Ed had left you to your filing shortly after the conversation about Jason. With the admiral gone, it felt like you could breathe freely again, but at the same time, his departure seemed to take all the energy from the room. The rush of adrenaline you felt whilst talking to Ed had instantly disappeared, and you’d struggled to concentrate on the task at hand for the remainder of the evening.

The day gets off to a slow start. You accompany Margo to her meeting with General Bradford, where you sit, invisible in the background, taking minutes, and trying not to mull over your first two encounters with Ed. As ever, the general is not particularly forthcoming about the military's plans for the future of the lunar base, and Margo's annoyance is palpable.

After lunch, you're typing up the notes from the morning’s meeting when a shadow falls over your desk. You drag your gaze away from the computer to find the now familiar figure of Ed Baldwin looming over you. Flustered, you give him your best attempt at a friendly smile whilst hiding your surprise. It's rare for Ed to wander over to this side of the building.

"Is the boss in?" He gestures to Margo's door, hazel eyes flashing with amusement.

"Go ahead." If it was anyone other than Ed, you would have called ahead first, but you know that Margo has nothing scheduled for the rest of the day, and you don't feel inclined to make him wait.

Ed raps on the door and a few seconds later you hear Margo call out for him to enter. To your surprise, Ed leaves the door open.

Despite your best efforts not to eavesdrop, you can everything.

"Afternoon Margo."

"Hi Ed."

"I need a favour." He doesn’t beat around the bush.

There's a brief pause, before Margo responds dryly. "Another one?"

"Let me borrow your assistant for the afternoon."

Your pulse spikes when you realise that he's talking about you. What could he possibly want?

Margo begins to interrogate him, obviously sharing the same thought. "For what? She's already scheduled to continue with your filing tonight."

"I need help with some admin."

There’s no trace of humour in his voice, but Margo scoffs lightly. "You don't do any admin."

"Exactly. That's why I need help. I promise not to break her, alright? You can have her back as good as new tomorrow morning."

You realise you're gripping the arms of your chair tightly as you listen to them talk about you, as if you're not just sitting on the other side of the door. Your stomach fills with a swarm of angry butterflies.

Even from your distance, you can hear Margo sigh. "Fine, Ed. But you had better keep that promise. I don't need anyone else running to me about how you’ve made them cry."

"That was one time, Margo. The guy couldn't take a damn joke."

Margo grumbles something unintelligible under her breath, and then Ed is backing out of the office. You return your attention to typing, pretending you haven't heard every single word of their conversation when Ed approaches your desk, laying his broad hands out on the surface.

There's a hint of mischief in his smile. "Need your help with something."

A few minutes later, you find yourself anxiously following Ed to his office, struggling to keep up with his long strides. You're still none the wiser about his plans for you, but his promise to Margo continues to play on your mind.

I promise not to break her.

That was just a joke, right?

He waits until you're safely inside the room and standing by his side before explaining. "You impressed me these last couple of days. Figured I could use some of your insight."

“My insight?” You frown up at him. "What do you mean?"

"I want you to give me the lowdown on these guys." He points towards the mission-assignment board in front of you. "Who gets on with who, any rivalries, stuff that could affect a mission."

The realisation quickly dawns on you. Folding your arms, you level him with a look. "You want me to snitch on my friends?"

Ed takes a step back so that he’s now standing behind you. "Don't think of it as snitching." With a gentle hand on each of your shoulders, he ushers you over to the board. "I'm not gonna bump them off their flights. I just wanna make sure I've got the best crews for the mission."

"I don't think I'm really qualified…"

"Personality is just as important up there," he tells you, removing his hands. You feel the loss of their weight immediately. "These guys and girls are gonna be living together 24/7 for six months. And you know them better than I do. I'm just looking for a second opinion."

You stare at the board as Ed returns to your side. "I guess I can do that."

Over the next few hours, you give Ed a run down of what you know of the astronauts - or at least, a heavily filtered version. At the end of the day, they are still your friends. You don’t tell him anything he couldn’t work out after a few hours in their company at The Outpost, and he assures you multiple times that nothing you say will affect their assignments.

Meanwhile, you take the opportunity to carry on with your filing. Ed isn’t taking notes, so it’s difficult to gauge how serious his request for information really is, and talk eventually turns to other matters: tidbits of gossip from the mission control centre, and speculation over who might become the next flight commander.

After a while, you find the courage to bring up a subject that has been weighing heavily on your mind since you left Margo. You wait until Ed is sitting down, reclined in the chair opposite you. He seems relaxed and hopefully unlikely to take offence.

"Can I ask you something?”

Ed looks up from the miniature Enterprise shuttle he’s been playing with. “Go ahead.”

“Did you really make someone cry?"

He returns the shuttle to his desk and rubs the back of his neck, sheepishly. In all your years of working at JSC you have never once seen Ed look anything other than calm and in control, so his look of chagrin takes you by surprise.

"Can I be honest? I really felt bad about it afterwards. I was only messing around. Thought the poor kid was gonna piss himself."

As bad as you feel for the astronaut in question, you have to stifle a laugh. It must have been quite the sight. Truly, you can believe that Ed has the ability to reduce anyone to tears.

Emboldened by this easy-going side to Ed that you are starting to discover, you lean forwards in your seat. "Can I be honest?" When Ed nods, you continue. "When Margo first asked me to help, I was scared of you, too. But I think I'm starting to see that you're not really that bad."

Ed chuckles, his expression softening into a warm smile.

No, he’s really not so bad at all.

You don't see Ed for the rest of the week, or the start of the next, meaning it's much easier to make progress with his filing. Equally though, you find yourself inexplicably disappointed each time you walk into the empty office. His presence, whilst continuing to be utterly captivating, no longer sets you quite so on edge.

What does set you on edge, however, is the fact that the date you've been dreading has quickly rolled around. Just like every year, Margo offers to give you the day off. But you'd rather keep busy than be left alone to wallow over something that happened a decade ago, completely outside of your control.

Walking into the lobby of JSC that very morning, you've convinced yourself you can hold it together. It’s just another day. Keeping your head down, you make your way straight for Margo’s office, but like a magnet, no matter how hard you want to avoid it, that one particular picture attracts your gaze - and it’s aided in no small amount, by the American Flag and ribbon that have been specially placed by its side for the occasion. You can’t help but be drawn over.

The photo shows the crew of Apollo 1, taken just days before their launch test, where the cabin caught fire. The three men standing before the launch pad had no idea what fate was to befall them. One face, as familiar to you as your own, stares back at you with a crooked smile.

The shadow of grief that has never quite released its hold on you, now grips your heart like a vice, squeezing so tightly that your vision blurs with unshed tears. Ten years. The pain is just as raw as it was that day.

Willing yourself not to break down, not to cry, you become faintly aware of a crowd gathering behind you. No doubt they’ve been drawn over by the flag and ribbons, as they too remember the date. But the last thing you want is an audience for your grief.

Voices hum around you, a constant drone of hollow thoughts and prayers. You’ve heard it all before. Or at least, you think you have, until one familiar voice stands out over all the others, and you sense the crowd parting.

You don't need to look up to know that it’s Ed standing beside you. He's silent for a moment, studying the photo, and then quietly, so that only you can hear, he murmurs, "After ten years, it still doesn’t get any easier."

Your hand flies to your mouth in a failed attempt to cover your choked sob. You can feel Ed's attention fixed on you, but it's too late. The tears are rolling freely down your cheeks.

Shielding you from view with his large body, you feel Ed's hand land gently on your waist. Wordlessly, he guides you away from the picture; you're only half aware that your feet have even been carrying you, until you arrive outside Ed's office. His hand remains on your waist as he ushers you through the door and into one of the chairs.

Focusing on a frayed spot on the carpet as you will your tears to fade, you hear Ed make a call to Margo, informing her that he's borrowing you again. You can’t hear the other half of the conversation, but Ed leaves no room for argument in his calm, measured tone. Then, without asking, he pours a small glass of liquor from a bottle that’s been hidden somewhere within his desk.

It might not yet be nine AM, but you accept the drink with trembling hands and take a sip. The liquid burns your throat, but it goes some way to chasing off a sliver of grief.

"I should have realised who your father was earlier," Ed tells you somberly, leaning against the desk with his own glass in hand. "I knew him back in my early days with NASA. He even did some of my training. He was a good man. Terrifying, of course. But a good man nonetheless."

You take another tentative sip of the whisky, trying not to screw your face up in disgust. It’s a welcome distraction at the very least. "He wasn’t like that at home."

The corner’s of Ed’s mouth uptick into a soft smile. "Of course not. It's all an act, you know. A habit that just keeps getting passed on, or…something like that.”

You let the statement linger for a moment as memories of your father invade every corner of your mind. “He was never in any doubt that he’d go to the moon one day,” you tell Ed, quietly, staring at the amber liquid as it swirls in your glass. “I think he would have been glad to see that you made it there eventually.”

“I think about him every day. We all do,” Ed admits. When you meet his eye, you find nothing but sincerity in his expression. “Every time we step onto the launch pad, we know there’s a high chance we’re not gonna make it back. So many of us didn’t.”

“Do you miss it?”

“Space?” He shrugs. “Sometimes.”

You can tell there’s more to his answer, but you don’t push it. Not yet. Not today.

Unable to stand the thought of silence, you keep talking. “I always wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps." For some reason, it feels easy to admit this to Ed, hidden away in the privacy of his office. "But after the accident, it sent me spiralling. I started drinking and smoking. I flunked all my exams. The school offered to let me resit them, but I couldn't bring myself to care any more. I just felt like what was the point, you know? Was I just going to share the same fate as him?"

"But you still ended up at NASA."

"I guess Margo and Thomas Paine took pity on me. They kept in touch after the accident and when my mom got sick they reached out, offering me a job. It’s not quite what I had in mind when I was a child…”

You trail off when Ed reaches out and covers your hand with his. His skin is warm against your own, and that heat travels along your arm and up into the centre of your chest, thawing away another sliver of grief.

“For what it’s worth, I don’t think pity is Margo’s style.” The ghost of a smile crosses Ed’s face.

“Perhaps not.”

“But I am sorry to hear about your mom. Life sure knows how to kick us when we’re down.”

Coming from anyone else, you might have paid little mind to his pretty words, but you know Ed has experienced more than his own share of grief. You murmur your thanks as he withdraws his hand, instantly feeling the loss of contact.

He takes your glass and sets it beside his own on the desk, studying you closely. Just as you think he's about to say something more, the door to his office flies open and the familiar figure of Gordo Stevens bursts in.

Gordo’s gaze immediately lands on you, seated in front of Ed's desk with watery eyes and tear-stained cheeks. "Woah, I'm not interrupting anything am I?" He takes a step back.

"You're always interrupting, Gordo," Ed grumbles as he offers you an apologetic grimace.

“I should go,” you tell Ed, shooting up out of your chair. Breaking down in front of Ed was one thing, but if Gordo gets wind that you’ve been crying in Ed’s office, no doubt the rumours will start to fly.

“Wait, are you sure you’re-”

But Ed doesn’t get the chance to finish his question, because you’re already out of the door.

With the anniversary of your father’s death behind you for another year, it feels like a small load has been lifted. Margo sent you home on time that evening, so you didn’t see Ed again. But when you enter his office the next day at five pm sharp - you’ve long since stopped waiting until ten past the hour before showing up - you find him seated behind his desk.

“More goddamn paperwork,” he grumbles by way of explanation, noticing your look of surprise.

He doesn’t say much more, but you can tell that his attention is fixed on you as you drag one of the chairs over to the filing cabinet, ready to pick up where you left off. Though you may be as keenly aware of his presence as ever, you no longer feel anxious in Ed’s company. If anything, you feel calm. Safe. Something seemed to pass between the two of you yesterday, an unspoken understanding. He too knows how it feels to be weighed down by grief.

As you work through the files, you sense him watching you from time to time. He still doesn’t say anything, but it makes your cheeks warm, and your heart beat a little faster. And you take the opportunity to sneak glances at him, too, quietly cataloguing his expressions as he’s illuminated by the soft glow of the desk lamp. From the crease of his brow as he frowns at whatever he’s reading, to the way his bottom lip softly juts out as he rests his chin against his hand. Objectively, Ed Baldwin is a handsome man, but beyond his fine features, you’re starting to see another side to him. A side that is slowly starting to captivate you.

On more than one occasion, you meet his gaze across the room. Each time this happens, you quickly look away, but not before you feel a sudden rush of energy. It flows through your veins, setting your nerves alight, almost as if you've been struck by electricity. Does he feel it, too?

After the second time that your eyes meet, Ed gets up abruptly and leaves the room. Panic sets in as you start to wonder what you could have possibly done to offend him. Just how many times did he catch you staring? But your doubts are swiftly alleviated when he returns minutes later with a coffee in each hand.

“Figured we could use a pick-me-up,” he grins, handing you one of the mugs. It’s impossible to avoid brushing your fingers against his as you take the drink, but he doesn’t seem to notice.

As the evening draws on, Ed shows no signs of leaving. Curious, considering Margo told you he finishes at five like clockwork, but you’re not in a position to question him. Instead, you gently inform him when you’re ready to go.

“Hold up, I’ll walk you out.” He rises from his chair, pausing only to grab his briefcase and jacket, before joining you at the door. You can’t quite shake the feeling that he’s been waiting for you to finish, although you really have no evidence to support it.

As you walk through the deserted corridors and into the lobby of JSC, Ed shortens his strides, making it easier for you to keep up. Now that you are outside of his office, he seems to find his voice again. “Sorry about Gordo bursting in like that yesterday. He sure knows how to pick his moments.”

“It’s ok.” In reality, you’ve been hoping Ed’s friend didn’t jump to the wrong conclusion and assume that you were receiving a dressing down from the admiral. A rumour like that would spread like wildfire, and you don’t think you could bear the embarrassment.

When you reach the exit, Ed is quick to hold the door open for you. Your sleeve brushes his arm as you pass by, and a shiver runs down the back of your neck. You can’t help but feel that the cool January evening is not solely to blame.

“I wanted to make sure you were alright before I let you go,” Ed continues as he falls back in step with you. “Are you? Alright, that is?”

Touched by his concern, you offer him a small smile as you fish your car keys out of your purse. “I’m fine.” At least, you suspect you’re as fine as you’ll ever be. You’ve learnt to live with the pain.

Ed’s stern expression suggests he doesn’t quite believe you, but he lets it slide as he follows you through the parking lot and over to your car. “Well, I hope this goes without saying, but if you ever need anything, just holler.”

“Thank you, Ed.”

For a moment, it seems as if there is more he wants to say, but realising that you’re now standing before your car, his time has run out.

You offer him another faint smile. “See you tomorrow?”

“You will.”

Sure enough, the next day at five, you find Ed behind his desk again. You do so the following night, and the night after that. At first, he tells you he has more paperwork to sign, but eventually he drops the pretence, practising his short range golf swing, or just chatting to you about the astronauts. Around the same time every evening, he’ll disappear for a minute or two, quickly returning with coffee, and sometimes even a snack. Believe it or not, you’re beginning to suspect that Ed Baldwin is a bit of a mother-hen.

One evening, when your work is almost done, and Ed has seemingly run out of valid excuses to linger, you build up the courage to question him about it - to ask why he’s been staying in the office so late. Curiosity has been burning in your chest for a while now, and you’re afraid if you don’t bring it up now, you might never find out.

He’s deep in concentration, lining up a shot, when the question spills from your lips. "Don't you have a home to go to?"

Ed raises his head, momentarily surprised. You worry that you’ve inadvertently offended him, your question was a little blunt, but his eyes soon crease softly in amusement. "You trying to get rid of me?"

"No. Nothing like that,” you assure him. “I guess I'm just curious. Margo led me to believe you didn’t stick around, but you’ve been here every night for the last week. You can trust me, you know. I won’t break anything if you leave me unattended."

Ed puts down the golf club and leans against the desk. He’s watching you carefully, an unreadable expression on his face. "You want the honest answer?"

You nod, and for the first time since you started your overtime, you feel inexplicably nervous again.

Ed hesitates, leading you to wonder if he’s not really sure how to respond. He doesn’t seem to know what to do with his hands either, gripping the edge of the desk, before folding his arms across his chest. Finally, in an uncharacteristic display of unease, he scrubs a hand over his jaw and replies. “Being here with you beats another night alone."

His admission knocks the wind out of your lungs. Of course, you're aware of his divorce, but it has never crossed your mind that he might be lonely, too.

“I’m sorry, I -”

“Don’t apologise.” He pushes off the desk and moves to stand by the window. “It’s been two years since we separated. I should be used to it by now.”

“Time doesn’t always heal.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” His steady gaze flickers over you, before he returns his attention to the window. “Karen really thought that we could make it work. I knew we couldn’t. She was never gonna forgive me for not being there when Shane…” He trails off and you know that it’s because it’s still too raw, too painful, to say the words out loud. “And I could never forgive her for keeping it from me.”

He opens the blinds, revealing the window and the pitch black sky beyond. “I was in a really dark place when I came back down, and Karen couldn’t even bring herself to look at me. We were supposed to be there for each other, isn’t that what marriage is all about? Instead, we were like strangers, separated by our grief… our anger.”

Ed’s words burrow beneath your skin, finding their way to your heart and unlocking something deep within your chest, until once again, you find yourself speaking to him without fear of judgement. “Sometimes the people who are supposed to be there for you… they let you down. After the accident, my mother turned to drink. I know she had just lost her husband, and I wasn’t a child anymore - I didn’t need her to look after me - but I’d just lost my father. I really needed my mom, you know?”

Ed turns away from the window. “I’m sorry that you had to go through that alone.”

“It is what it is.” While the grief of your father’s death will remain with you forever, you’ve finally managed to make peace with your mother. She was doing her best, and you don’t want it to cloud whatever time you have left with her.

A beat of silence passes between the two of you before Ed speaks again. “One thing I found, up on Jamestown, was that no matter how dark it got, the light always returned. Cresting above the horizon and bathing us in that beautiful glow.” His hazel eyes are fixed firmly on your face. “Sometimes, you gotta weather the dark times to appreciate the light.”

It seems like no time has passed at all before your overtime finally draws to an end. The stacks upon stacks of paperwork that littered Ed's desk have been sorted, alphabetised, and filed away. As relieved as you are that the mammoth task is over, you can't help but feel a twinge of disappointment that you won't be spending any more time with Ed.

Placing the final document into the filing cabinet, you step back and smile to yourself. "All done."

Ed’s now familiar voice chimes out behind you from his position at the desk. "Really? That was quicker than I expected."

You glance over your shoulder and meet his eye across the room. "Should I show you how it works?"

A wry smile forms on his face. “You could, but I probably won't remember."

"Don't you dare let all this work go to waste,” you warn, waving your finger at him as he continues to grin. “Margo won't let you have me again."

"I'm sure she could be persuaded,” he muses. “Everyone has a price."

"Just come over here and humour me, ok? I'm proud of this."

The tentative relationship you have with Ed has thawed entirely since he spoke so candidly about his divorce, and it’s starting to feel more like friendship. He truly seems to appreciate, and possibly even enjoy your company. A feeling that is most assuredly mutual, although you can’t quite find the words to tell him so.

"Alright, alright." Ed holds up his hands in defeat, pushing the chair out from under his desk. "Let's see what you've done."

You wait until he joins you at the far side of the room before beginning your demonstration. "The first three drawers are the astronauts’ files, A-Z by surname." You open the drawers in question, proceeding to explain how you've organised the documents within each file, too. It's hard to tell if Ed is paying attention. He's nodding and humming in all the right places, but there's a slight glaze to his expression.

"The bottom drawer has spare folders, so when you get a new astronaut you can…Ed! Are you even listening?"

"Yes!"

You shoot him a doubtful expression as you crouch down and open the bottom drawer, testing him. “What did I say was in here?”

"Spare folders. Got it."

You’re not convinced, but you guess it’s Margo’s problem.

When Ed offers his hand to help you back up, you gratefully accept. His fingers curl around yours, dwarfing your hand with his much larger one. Once again, you’re instantly startled by the heat of his skin, so at odds with the cool exterior he portrays around the building.

As he starts to pull you gently to your feet, your eyes meet. His expression has shifted from boredom to something more intense, and that inexplicable rush of electricity returns. You feel it from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. At the very last moment, your heel slips on the carpet, causing you to stumble forwards, but Ed is there to catch you. With a steady hand at the base of your spine, he draws you to him.

Attempting to regain your balance, your free hand flies out, landing on his chest. His warm, solid chest. When you dare to look up through your lashes, cheeks burning and ready to apologise, you're just in time to see him lean in.

To say that it takes you by surprise would be an understatement. Ed’s lips are soft and warm as they brush against yours, and you can feel his heart pounding beneath your fingertips. But before you can respond, before you can lose yourself entirely, he staggers backwards and your fingers slip from his grasp.

“I - I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

Joel Taglist: @a-reader-and-a-writer @skvatnavle @yespolkadotkitty @babblydrabbly @sociiallydiisoriiented @bewitchedignition @edwardbaldwin @fairchildflag @lacontroller1991 @phoenixhalliwell @mayhem24-7forever @immyownlittlebitch @weallhaveadestiny @lavenderluna10 @katjnordstrom96 @kirsteng42 @s-u-t @heresathreebee

#ed baldwin #joel kinnaman #ed baldwin x you #ed baldwin x reader #for all mankind #famk #admiral ed baldwin #prequel #a sky full of stars

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reveluving · 2 years

Text

private time; ed baldwin x reader

summary: when the girls are away, the parents will play.

warnings: smut (minors DNI!), fluff (you & ed being cheesy parents)

a/n: as a compensation to my babes in the MCB Club, especially @lacontroller1991 ‘cause I have yet to finish my Ed & Gordo fic 🚶🏻‍♀️ same AU as ‘little one’ because I said so! and don’t forget to leave some sugar! ᐠ( ᐛ )ᐟ

» j.k. m.list , or check out my full m.list!

» smut includes; unprotected sex (p in v sex) against the wall, oral (f), dirty talking, manhandling, dom!Ed.

‘He had you trapped against the wall, his hands on either side of your head and eyes staring into your equally-lustful ones.’ ;

You don't think it's been fifteen minutes since the girls left the house and yet, here you were, moaning your husband's name as he pounded into you.

It all began when Kelly offered to take Paige out to the park for ice cream. She had just arrived yesterday to spend the weekend with the family, and boy was her little sister excited to see her.

“You sure?” You felt a little guilty to accept her offer, considering how late she reached here last night.

"Mhm, I’ll be fine! I did promise to take her so we can see some duckies too, right, Paige?" Kelly grinned at the three-year-old, earning a 'Yay! Duckies!' from the latter for some quality time with one another. Little did you or the girls notice the mischief in Ed's eyes while he pretended to read the newspaper. Though, when you said your goodbyes to the two, his interest in the paper was long gone.

The next thing you knew, you were making out with him like a pair of teenagers in the kitchen.

He had you pinned against the wall, his hands on either side of your head and eyes staring into your equally-lustful ones.

“Now, what has gotten into you, dearest?” You teased, hoping to hide the fact that you were soaking under his heated gaze. Judging by his smirk, though, you knew he noticed from the way you were rubbing your thighs together.

"Just appreciating the way my missus looks," Moments like these reminded you of how suave he truly is — not that you'd ever forget, obviously. But, if he wanted to remind you, how could you ever say no? "In her pretty lil' dress,"

As if he wasn't the one who purchased it.

"Well, you bought it, after all,"

"I did?" He feigned forgetfulness, and his next words caused you to roll your eyes, "Sorry, I kinda forgot that I have good taste. Then again…"

The audacity for him to be wiggling his eyebrow at you.

"Okaaay, Mr Baldwin, you're awfully playful today," You snorted, almost overwhelmed by how cheesy he was, "Too playful,"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," He lied. He knew exactly what you were talking about — a result of his seriousness in the office 90% of the time. He leaned in, whispering next to your ear, "Just felt the need,” You yelped when he kneaded your ass in both hands, “To tell you,"

He wasn’t very subtle with the way he was feeling you up. In fact, he wasn’t subtle with it at all.

“So, so pretty,” He repeated, hands slipping under the hem of your dress to spread your cheeks. Your pleading looks very much contrasted with his Cheshire-like one, especially when he moved your panties to the side, “What’s gonna happen when I slip my fingers down here?”

He didn’t have to ask or even wait for your answer when his middle finger slipped from the back down to your slit.

“Fuuuck,” He drawled, smacking your left ass cheek with the other hand, “I’m being ‘too playful’, huh? Naughty fucking girl,”

In a blink of an eye, he dropped to his knees. He forced your legs open before holding you up against the wall by placing both thighs on his broad shoulders. Just by the way your legs dangled off the ground, you had zero chances of escaping this.

Well, it wasn’t like you wanted to, anyway.

You could feel yourself dripping just from the way he was looking at you — full-blown eyes and ready to eat you whole, and that was exactly what he wanted to do. He kissed your inner thighs, a couple of nips here and there, too, before giving your clothed pussy an experimental lick. Dragging his tongue up at the slowest pace possible, you jolted, nearly bringing the sinister side in him to take over. But, just like your lack of patience, he knew he had to skip the foreplay.

Plus, he needed to be inside you as soon as possible.

He didn’t bother taking the sopping wet panties off, instead, pushing them to the side before pressing his tongue against your folds. You choked out a gasp, nearly hitting the back of your head against the wall. One of your hands immediately shot to his hair, the slight tug was enough to elicit a guttural moan out of him.

His nails dug into your thighs, parting your legs as far as they go. He went from kitten licks to straight-up delving his tongue deeper into you. All you could do was take his ministrations with a hand over your mouth, slightly regretting the idea of leaving the kitchen window open since this morning. You could tell by his growl that sent shivers straight to your cunt that he was disapproving of it.

It didn’t matter if the neighbour could hear you, it wasn’t like he was close to them anyway.

He didn’t stop you, but you knew from the way he looked you dead in the eye that you were done for.

He began sucking on your clit hard — an absolute heathen devouring his final meal, slurping when your juices threatened to fall to the floor. Your endless chants of ‘fuck, fuck, fuck’ eventually became incoherent when you were getting closer to the edge. You rolled your hips against his face, unable to contain your moans any longer and thought ‘fuck it’ before having both hands in his hair.

He praised you wordlessly by swiping his thumbs over the marks on your thighs before thrusting his tongue in and out at a gruesome pace. His eagerness was enough to get you to cum all over his tongue with a scream, some soaking his chin. You trembled, and Ed knew better than to let you go just yet.

You only had the chance to take a breather before he turned you around, his chest against your back.

“Arch your back, I want to see that juices of yours dripping,” He ordered, sharp eyes watching you obey, albeit shakily from your orgasm. At the same time, he popped open half of his buttons before moving on to his fly, hissing before letting his pants pool around his ankles, “Look at you,”

He lazily pumped his member at the sight of your juices dripping down your legs,

“Been a while since we got to let loose,” With a curious three-year-old in the house, you could only go so loud, “Had to keep your noises in check,”

Your bashfulness was cut short when he pulled your leg up and teased your entrance with his tip. The feeling of his cock against your sensitive folds had you jolting.

“We don’t have to worry about that, now, do we?”

He pushed himself into you, tensing up when you clenched around him. You couldn’t help it, not when he was basically telling you to let the neighbourhood know you were both fucking like rabbits. The way he slammed in and out of you, your leg angled in a position where he had found your sweet spot so easily.

“E-Ed! I-I’m,” One particular thrust prompted you to grip his forearm, “Ed!” You weren’t even trying to stop him because of how loud you were being. No, you were way past that. But his pace didn’t falter, overstimulating you to the point of sobbing and trembling.

“Fuck! Take it like a good girl, and you’ll get my cum,” He growled in your ear, his sweat dripping down to your back was the least of his worries, “Give me one more, baby. One. Fucking. More,”

The second you gushed around him he filled you to the brim. Your toes curled, feeling him ride out his orgasm. If it wasn’t for him, your knees would’ve buckled long before. But besides holding you close to keep his cum inside you, his felt his lips graze over your ear before planting a wet smooch on your shoulder.

“Stop that,” You giggled, prompting him to chuckle as well.

“No,” He simply replied, resuming to tickling you, while still being inside you, mind you, “Why would I when I’m not done with you just yet?”

“Y-You’re not?” You asked dumbly, turning your head to find a sinister smile in your peripheral vision.

“Not even close. The girls aren’t coming home until three,” That was like, in another four hours, “We’ve got some time for our own. A nap, maybe watch whatever’s on TV. But first,” He sighed deeply when he slowly pulled himself out of you, cooing at your mewls. He picked you up bridal-style with a look only you knew so well, “Shower,”

Safe to say that a shower wasn’t the only thing in his mind.

˚ · . f i n . · ˚

» gorgeous rose divider by the amazing @firefly-graphics ♡

#— reve's reverie 🌹#ed baldwin x reader #ed baldwin x you #ed baldwin #admiral ed baldwin #ed baldwin x reader smut #space d.a.d.d.y.#famk #for all mankind #for all mankind fic #kelly baldwin #cynthy wu #joel kinnaman #joel kinnaman x reader #fem!reader

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