I opened the door quietly, letting it shut with a soft click behind me.
The apartment smelled like coffee and warm air, a thin beam of sunlight cutting across the floor from the half-open curtains, dust motes dancing lazily in the light.
For a moment, I just stood there, letting the quiet wrap around me, letting the tension in my shoulders ease.
I pulled off my coat, draping it over the back of the chair, sliding the band on my wrist so it wouldn’t catch. I undid the buttons on my shirt, slipping it off and tossing it into the laundry bin by the hall. The air against my skin was cool, clean, a reminder that I was here, that I was safe and that the job was done for now.
I pulled on a simple black shirt. Camille had gotten for me a while back and I should be checking out my wardrobe more often these days since she isn’t slowing down anytime soon. I put it on, letting it fall into place before stepping out of the entryway and into the living room.
It was around noon now.
The sun was high, the warmth spilling through the window, touching the couch where I dropped down with a soft grunt, letting out a slow breath as the cushions settled around me.
I let my head fall back, closing my eyes for just a moment.
Letting the quiet hold me.
I didn’t know how long I sat there before I pushed myself up, rolling my neck, the bones popping softly as I stood.
I made my way down the hall, the floor cool beneath my feet, pausing just outside the master bedroom where we all sleep.
The door was cracked open, the light spilling in just enough to see the shape of Camille curled up on the bed, her small frame wrapped in the blanket, her breathing soft, steady. She was clearly asleep and what’s worse is that she seems to be getting more lazy every single day. I might have to talk to her about this.
For a moment, I just watched her, the way the light touched her hair, the way her fingers twitched slightly in her sleep, the soft rise and fall of her shoulders.
Then I stepped forward, kneeling down beside the bed, reaching out to gently nudge her shoulder.
Her eyes fluttered open, blinking slowly, her gaze unfocused before it found mine.
"Rey..." she mumbled, her voice soft, thick with sleep.
"Hey," I said, my voice low, warm. "Lunch soon."
She blinked again, then gave a small nod, before pulling the blanket tighter around her before shifting to sit up.
I stood, giving her a small pat on the head before stepping out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar.
The aroma of food being prepared drew me into the kitchen, the cozy, savory fragrance wafting throughout the apartment, enveloping me in a soothing mist.
Sienna stood by the stove, her hair gathered in a messy bun. She was wearing a small apron wrapped around her waist as she mixed something in a pot, her forehead creasing in focus.
It’s nice to see her making food for her. I don’t know how we’d live without her.
"Smells good," I said, stepping into the kitchen.
She jumped slightly, turning to look at me, a small, warm smile breaking across her face.
"Don’t sneak up on me like that," she said, rolling her eyes, though the smile didn’t leave.
I chuckled, moving to stand beside her, peeking into the pot.
"Need a hand?" I asked.
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded, stepping aside just enough for me to take the spoon, stirring the thick, savory stew she had been working on.
For a while, we just cooked in silence, the sound of bubbling broth and the soft clink of utensils filling the space between us.
Then she let out a small sigh, leaning against the counter, her eyes flicking up to mine.
"It’s crazy, isn’t it?" she said softly.
I tilted my head, waiting.
"All of this," she continued, waving a hand vaguely around the kitchen. "What our lives have become. I find it kind of crazy how we tried to do everything with just us. Now we’re... here."
I paused, letting the words settle.
"Yeah," I said quietly. "It is."
She gave a small, almost wistful smile, her eyes dropping to the floor.
"I mean, I used to be your only partner," she said, her voice teasing, though there was a soft warmth there. One of joy and acceptance. "And now there’s Camille, Alexis, even Evelyn... it’s like the universe decided you needed your own little army."
I chuckled, shaking my head as I continued stirring the stew slowly.
"They’re not an army," I said. "They’re family."
She smiled, the warmth in her eyes deepening.
"Yeah," she said softly. "They are."
There was a small pause, then she tilted her head, her eyes flickering up to mine, with a mischievous glint present in them. One that I never seen on her.
"You know," she said, her voice dropping just a bit, "I’m still the only one who’s slept with you."
I froze, the spoon pausing in the pot, my mind catching up to the words.
I turned to look at her while blinking.
She was grinning now. There was undeniably a soft and embarrassed flush rising on her cheeks, but her eyes were bright and full of teasing.
"The rest of them are still stuck around their first kiss," she continued, with a voice that was light and playful. "And here I am, leagues ahead of them."
For a moment, I just stared at her, surprised.
Sienna had always been the shy and quiet one who blushed when Camille teased her. I mean she always pretended to be too busy when the topic of what we do together came up.
Seeing her say it so openly caught me off guard.
Then I chuckled, shaking my head, the surprise fading into warmth.
"You’ve changed, you know? Did Camille teach you about teasing?" I said, a small smile pulling at my lips.
She stuck her tongue out at me, but the flush on her cheeks deepened, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the apron.
"Shut up," she muttered, turning back to the counter, fussing with the plates.
We finished cooking together, moving in quiet sync. Despite the little time we’ve had together in moments of serenity, it felt as if we had already spent years observing each other, learning each other’s rhythms, each other’s silences.
When everything was ready, I stepped out of the kitchen, calling down the hall.
I listened as Camille’s gentle voice replied, accompanied by the distant sound of footsteps, the swishing of a door as Alexis emerged from her office, hair pulled back, eyes shining, a subtle smile on her face. She looked more joyful than ever before.
Evelyn was last to arrive, her book held under her arm, the blindfold draped casually over her eyes, her demeanor was serene and inscrutable.
They all gathered around the table, the warm scent of the stew filling the air around us. The only noise that can be heard being the soft clink of bowls and spoons as we set everything down.
Before they arrived fully, I turned to Sienna, my voice low.
She looked up with a face of curiosity, tilting her head.
"You want to go on a date?" I asked. "After lunch."
Her eyes widened, the flush returning in full force, her mouth opening and closing like she was trying to find words.
"I— I—" she stammered, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her apron.
I waited, letting her find the words.
Then she swallowed, nodding quickly, her eyes dropping to the floor, her face bright red.
"Yes," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.
I chuckled softly, reaching out to gently tap her shoulder.
We all sat down together, the warmth of the food filling the room, the soft hum of conversation mixing with the occasional laughter as Camille teased Sienna, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"Oh? You’re bright red, Sienna," Camille said, leaning forward, her chin resting on her hand, a small, knowing smile on her lips. "Did something happen while we were gone?"
Sienna sputtered, her eyes flicking to me, then back to Camille, her face somehow growing even redder.
"N-Nothing!" she stammered, her voice cracking.
Camille’s smile widened, a soft giggle escaping her lips. It was clear that she already knew something was up from Sienna’s face.
"Sure, sure," she said, leaning back, a teasing glint in her eyes.
Alexis rolled her eyes, but there was a small smile on her lips as she reached out to pat Sienna’s hand gently, giving her a reassuring look.
Evelyn just smiled quietly, taking a small sip of her tea, though I saw the small twitch of amusement at the corner of her lips.
I chuckled internally, shaking my head, letting the warmth of the moment settle into my bones.
I guess Sienna can still be teased huh?