Part 34 ( Juliet )

The curtains are drawn just enough to let in the softest slant of early light, casting long shadows over the room.

I blink the sleep from my eyes, the warmth of Ellie's body beside me grounding, steady. She's still asleep, breathing deep and even, her features relaxed in a way I rarely see.

Carefully, I peel myself away from her warmth, moving slow, anything to avoid waking her up. She needs the rest.

Ellie stirs slightly when I slide out of bed, murmuring something incoherent before sinking back into sleep.

Good.

Padding across the room, I slip out the door, heading toward the kitchen with one goal in mind.

Breakfast.

I pull open the fridge, scanning its contents, thankfully, there's enough to work with. Eggs. Avocado. Bread. Bacon. Coffee. Simple. I can do simple.

Probably.

I grab everything I need, setting it on the counter before rolling up my sleeves. The pan heats up as I crack the eggs, their shells breaking a little messier than I'd like, but it's fine. They sizzle loudly when they hit the surface, and I frown slightly at how fast they start cooking. I nudge them around with the spatula, but they brown quicker than expected.

Okay. Maybe a little burned. But nothing tragic.

The toast pops up from the toaster, edges just shy of black.

It's fine.

I plate everything, arranging the avocado neatly, setting the crispy bacon next to it. The eggs look slightly overdone, but I brush it off, grabbing a tray from one of the cabinets.

I pour a cup of coffee, adding the exact amount of sugar and cream I remember Ellie liking, some things, I don't forget.

With the tray balanced carefully in my hands, I make my way back to the bedroom. Ellie's still curled up under the blankets, her hair a mess against the pillow, her face peaceful in sleep.

For a second, I just stand there, watching.

Then I gently nudge her shoulder. "Ellie."

She groans softly, burying her face deeper into the pillow.

I smirk, leaning closer. "Rise and shine, Spidey."

Another groan, but this time, she shifts, eyes blinking open slowly, heavy with sleep. She looks at me, then at the tray in my hands, then back at me.

Her brows furrow. "Did you—" Her voice is thick with sleep. She clears her throat. "Did you cook?"

I arch a brow. "Why do you sound so surprised?"

Ellie blinks at me, then at the tray again, sitting up slightly. Her gaze drags over the food, eyes narrowing at the slightly charred toast and the very crispy eggs.

There's a beat of silence.

Then, she looks back at me.

I cross my arms. "Don't say it."

A slow smirk spreads across her face. "Jules—"

"Don't."

She leans closer, inspecting the plate like it's a crime scene. "You burned breakfast."

I scoff. "They're just slightly overdone."

She presses her lips together, obviously trying not to laugh. "You burned eggs. How do you even—"

"They're fine."

Ellie grins now, fully awake. "Are they?"

I huff, placing the tray on her lap. "Eat your damn breakfast."

She's still smirking, but she picks up a fork, poking at the eggs before cutting into the toast. She takes a bite, chewing thoughtfully.

I watch her, waiting.

Ellie swallows, her smirk still in place. "Not bad."

I lift my chin. "See?"

She picks up the coffee, taking a sip, then sighs contentedly. "Okay, you get points for this."

I roll my eyes but sit down beside her, watching as she eats, teasing remarks slipping in between bites.

Burned or not, she's eating it.

And that's all that matters.

Ellie picks up a piece of toast, breaking off a bite-sized portion. She turns to me with a smirk, holding it up to my lips. "Go on, try it."

I narrow my eyes. "I made it, Ellie. I know what it tastes like."

She tilts her head, all faux innocence. "Then this shouldn't be a problem."

I sigh dramatically but lean in anyway, biting into the toast.

And immediately regret it.

My entire face scrunches as the unmistakable taste of burnt bread and overly crisp eggs fills my mouth. I chew slowly, eyes locked on Ellie's as she watches, barely holding back a laugh.

I swallow, forcing it down, then exhale sharply. "How the hell are you eating this?"

Ellie bursts into laughter, leaning back against the headboard, looking entirely too pleased with herself. "I dunno. Tastes fine to me."

I stare at her, incredulous. "No, it doesn't. It tastes bad."

Ellie grins. "Nah, it tastes like effort."

I roll my eyes, pushing the tray away slightly. "Yeah we're done eating this."

She winks. "You made it for me. I'll eat whatever you cook."

I snort, shaking my head. "That's a terrible promise."

She grins wider. "Guess you'll just have to keep cooking for me to test it out."

I groan, tossing my head back against the pillows. "I am never cooking for you again."

Ellie just laughs, the sound light, easy, filling the space between us in a way that makes my chest feel warm.

She polishes off the last bite of toast, then glances at me. "Alright, I need to brush my teeth before I taste burnt eggs for the rest of my life."

I snicker. "Oh, now you admit it?"

She grins but doesn't answer, just swings her legs over the side of the bed, standing up carefully. I watch her for any sign of discomfort, but she seems better now, moving a little easier despite her ankle.

I follow her into the bathroom, where we stand side by side in front of the mirror, both reaching for our toothbrushes at the same time.

Ellie meets my gaze in the reflection, smirking as she uncaps her toothpaste. "Race you."

I scoff, squeezing toothpaste onto my own brush. "We're not five."

Ellie waggles her brows. "Scared you'll lose?"

I roll my eyes. "Fine."

We both shove our toothbrushes into our mouths at the same time, brushing furiously, side by side, shoulders bumping occasionally.

Ellie finishes first, spitting into the sink with a triumphant grin. "Winner."

I squint at her through the mirror. "You cheated."

"What? How does one cheat in brushing their teeth?"

I shove her lightly with my hip, grinning around my toothbrush.

She just smirks, wiping her mouth with a towel before leaning back against the counter, watching me as I finish.

I spit, rinse, then set my toothbrush down, turning to her. "Happy now?"

Ellie grins, tilting her head. "Very."

I shake my head, amused.

She leans in and kisses me. Her lips are warm against mine, soft yet certain. I tilt my head slightly, deepening it. She exhales against me, and I can feel the subtle way her body relaxes, like this, us, is something that makes sense, even when nothing else does.

I bring a hand to her cheek, brushing my thumb against her skin, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment. Her fingers ghost over my wrist, anchoring me there for just a second longer.

When we finally part, our foreheads nearly touch, breaths mingling in the space between us. Her eyes flicker over my face.

"Come on," she says, nodding toward the door. "Let's go sit for a bit."

We make our way to the living room. Ellie settles onto the couch, grabbing her laptop, while I check my phone for updates on business.

Time slips by in comfortable silence. She types away, occasionally pausing to rub her ankle, while I scroll through emails and messages, mentally sorting through what needs my attention and what can wait.

It's easy like this. No pressure, just the quiet presence of each other.

The door suddenly flies open.

"Honey, I'm home!"

Both Ellie and I snap our heads toward the entrance, our necks turning in unison.

Luke stands in the doorway, looking between us, eyes flickering from Ellie's laptop to my phone, then back to where we're sitting, together.

A long beat of silence stretches between the three of us.

"Uhhhh... what's going on here?" Luke finally asks, his voice dragging in suspicion.

Ellie sighs, closing her laptop with a thud and rubbing a hand over her face. "What are you doing here?"

Luke narrows his eyes, stepping further inside and shutting the door behind him. "I don't know," he says slowly, pointing between us. "I wanted to check in on you. Whats going on between you two? "

I cross one leg over the other, tilting my head at him. "You barge into her house and we're the ones who have to explain ourselves?"

Luke scoffs. "I have a key, thank you very much. In case of emergencies."

Ellie gives him a dry look. "And this is an emergency?"

He gestures wildly. "It might be! I mean, I leave you alone for one game and suddenly—" He waves a hand in our direction. "This is happening?"

Ellie exhales sharply. "Luke."

Luke holds up a hand. "No, no. I need a second to process."

I glance at Ellie, unimpressed. "He's being dramatic, isn't he?"

Ellie smirks, leaning back against the couch. "Always."

Luke gapes at both of us. "Hello? I'm right here."

"Unfortunately," I murmur.

Ellie snickers.

Luke places his hands on his hips, looking between us with exaggerated skepticism. "Alright, so what's the deal? Are you two—" He gestures vaguely. "Back together? Or is this, like, a post-game injury care package situation?"

Ellie sighs again, shooting him a look. "Would it kill you to not be nosy for once?"

Luke grins. "Yes."

I shake my head, setting my phone aside. "You know, I'd be offended if I didn't already expect this exact reaction from you."

Luke shrugs. "Listen, when my best friend is randomly cuddled up with her ex-girlfriend in Spider-Man pajamas the morning after a game, I feel like someone should be asking questions."

Ellie groans, rubbing her temples. "One, they're not random. Two, you really need to work on minding your own damn business."

Luke ignores her completely, turning his attention to me. "So? You gonna answer?"

I lift a brow, letting a slow smirk creep onto my lips. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Luke throws his hands in the air. "I would! That's why I'm asking!"

Ellie shakes her head, muttering something under her breath.

Luke narrows his eyes at both of us. "Alright, you know what? I see how it is." He takes a step back, pointing dramatically. "I'll get my answers. One way or another."

Ellie snorts. "What, you gonna interrogate me later?"

Luke smirks. "Nope. I'm gonna interrogate Mia."

Ellie's face immediately drops. "Don't you dare."

Luke's already pulling out his phone, grinning like a menace. "Oh, I dare."

Ellie lunges off the couch. Luke bolts for the door.

I just sigh, shaking my head. "You're both children."

Luke yelps as Ellie nearly tackles him, trying to wrestle his phone away. "Crawford! You're injured!"

"That won't save you, dumbass!"

The scuffle continues down the hallway, both of them yelling over each other.

I rub my temples, sighing again before standing up and heading toward the kitchen. I'm going to need coffee for this.

-

The chaos finally settles after what feels like an eternity of bickering, chasing, and half-serious wrestling. By the time I walk back into the living room with my coffee, Ellie and Luke are sprawled out on the couch, breathing heavily, looking thoroughly exhausted.

I take a slow sip, arching a brow as I lean against the armrest. "You guys done now?"

Neither of them speaks at first, too out of breath to come up with another snarky remark. They just nod, almost in sync, their chests still rising and falling with each deep inhale.

Luke finally drags himself upright, rubbing a hand over his face before exhaling sharply. Then, his tone shifts, more serious. "Alright, seriously. What's the deal here?" His eyes flick between us, sharp despite his exhaustion. "Are you guys actually back together?"

Ellie turns her head toward me, and I meet her gaze. There's no hesitation, no uncertainty, just an understanding between us, something unspoken yet solid.

We both shrug at the same time. "We're getting there." we answer in unison.

Luke blinks. "Huh."

Ellie tilts her head. "That's it? No dramatic speech?"

Luke leans back against the couch, shaking his head with a thoughtful expression. "Nah, I was just making sure I wasn't imagining things."

I smirk. "You're still dramatic."

He points at me. "I take offense to that."

Ellie scoffs. "You are offensive."

Luke grins, then sobers slightly. "Nah, but... I mean, I'm happy for you guys. Or, y'know, getting there or whatever." He gestures vaguely. "Just don't mess it up this time."

Ellie rolls her eyes. "Wow, thanks for the confidence."

Luke shrugs. "Just saying. You guys have always been..." He pauses, considering his words. "You're good together."

I glance at Ellie, watching the way her expression softens just a little.

Then Luke ruins it.

"But if you break her heart again, Baldwin," he says, pointing at me, "I will fight you."

Ellie snorts. "I'd pay to see that."

I smirk, sipping my coffee. "You couldn't take me, Sinclair."

Luke scoffs. "I totally could."

Ellie shakes her head. "You really couldn't."

Luke throws his hands up. "Wow, okay, betrayal from both of you. Love that for me."

Ellie nudges him with her foot. "It's not betrayal. It's just facts."

Luke mutters something under his breath before leaning back, crossing his arms. "Whatever. You're lucky I tolerate you both."

I grin. "Lucky, huh?"

Luke ignores me, stretching his arms over his head with a groan before standing up. "Alright, I got what I came here for." He jerks his thumb toward the door. "I'll leave you lovebirds to it."

Ellie huffs. "You could've left ten minutes ago."

Luke smirks. "Yeah, but then I wouldn't have gotten to see you struggle to fight me with a bum ankle."

Ellie glares. "Get out."

He laughs, backing toward the door. "See you both later."

Ellie throws a pillow at him as he exits, but he dodges it with a dramatic bow before disappearing down the hall.

The door clicks shut, and silence settles over the living room once again.

I turn to Ellie, raising a brow. "You okay?"

She sighs, rubbing her temples. "I think I lost brain cells dealing with him."

I chuckle, setting my coffee down before nudging her foot with mine. "You love him."

She groans. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."

I lean my head against the back of the couch.

Ellie mirrors my movement, tilting her head toward me.

I exhale, watching her for a moment before finally saying, "I should go."

Ellie's brows draw together slightly, but she doesn't let go just yet. "Already?"

I nod. "I have things to take care of." My voice is softer. "Business."

Ellie studies me for a beat, like she's weighing whether or not to argue. Then, with a resigned sigh, she squeezes my hand once before letting go.

I shift, moving to stand, but before I can, she reaches for me again, a gentle pull that stops me in my tracks.

"Wait," she murmurs.

I pause, tilting my head. "What?"

Ellie doesn't say anything, She just leans in.

I meet her halfway.

The kiss is softer than before. It lingers, not rushed, not desperate, just a quiet moment.

I sigh into it, my fingers resting lightly against her jaw, savoring the warmth of her lips, the familiarity of it all. Ellie's hand slides over my waist, anchoring me to her for just a second longer.

Then, reluctantly, I pull back.

Ellie exhales. "Text me when you're done."

I smirk. "Can't get enough of me?"

She rolls her eyes, but there's no real bite to it. "Shut up."

I chuckle, straightening as I grab my phone from the coffee table. I don't rush, even though I should.

Ellie watches me the whole time.

When I finally make it to the door, I glance back at her one last time. She's still sitting on the couch, still looking at me, something in her gaze that makes my chest feel too tight.

I offer her a small smile. "See you later, Ellie."

Ellie huffs a quiet laugh, shaking her head. "Later, Jules."

And with that, I step out, closing the door behind me.