Being around Ellie is easy. She has that thing about her, the sweet smiles she gives you, the way that she makes it clear that you're wanted around, that she wants you to join the conversation, to tag along, to spend time with her — you had yearned for someone like her in your life for years and years before you met, someone who made you feel like you weren't intruding.

So, naturally, you fell for her. That was also easy, the feelings sneaking in on you and sweeping you off your feet when you least expected them to. Making you nervous, making you avoid eye contact at the same time that you craved it. You wanted her to look at you, to talk to you, to give you those tight hugs that took your breath away, to touch your arm, stroke your hair.

Not only does she make you feel present, but she's funny, she makes you laugh, she makes your chest tight, and your head spin, makes you feel like the only other fucking person in the world when she gives you that focused look. She listens.

Ellie is also slow, a little bit of a loser, and you often reminded her of that. She's oblivious to your feelings, too much in her own world. So when you ask her to help you out with something, she can't help but... stare at you like a confused puppy.

"Uh, you wanna practice... kissing? With me?" She asked, a mix of shock and confusion in her tone, pointing at herself as if she wasn't the only other person in her room right now.