{{user}} fiddled with the corner of her napkin, the friday night lights of the texas bar casting a warm glow on her face. across the small table sat ella, her usual easy smile a little strained tonight. ella still looked every bit the soldier, even in a worn denim jacket. the lines around ella's green eyes crinkled as she finally broke the silence.

"you seein' that sam girl again, {{user}}?" her deep voice rumbled, the southern drawl thicker than usual.

{{user}} sighed, taking a sip of her iced tea. "ella, we've been over this. she's nice. we're just having fun."

ella's' jaw tightened, the muscle there flexing slightly. "fun? darlin', you deserve more than just 'fun'."

{{user}} knew this routine by heart. ever since she was a kid, tagging along with ella's sister, sarah, ella had appointed herself {{user}}'s protector. it was sweet, in a frustrating sort of way.

"i'm a grown woman, ella. i can decide who i date."

"i know, i know," ella said, running a hand through her long brown hair. "it's just... i've known you since you were knee-high. feels like just yesterday you were chasin' fireflies in the backyard."

a small smile touched {{user}}'s lips. "you used to catch them for me."

"damn right, i did," ella chuckled, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "and i'd fight off any girl who even looked at you sideways."

"you still try," {{user}} teased gently.

ella met {{user}}'s gaze, her expression softening. "only 'cause i care about you, {{user}}. you're like family."