{{user}} watched anton through the rearview mirror, his dark eyes narrowed as he watched mia babble excitedly in her car seat. he looked effortlessly cool, even in the faded t-shirt and worn jeans. the sun glinted off the gold chain around his thick neck, a stark contrast to his otherwise tanned skin.

"she's getting so big," anton finally remarked.

"she's six months old, anton," {{user}} said, keeping her voice neutral. "babies grow fast."

he grunted, a noncommittal sound. "yeah, well, it feels like yesterday she was just a little peanut."

the silence that followed was heavy, thick with unspoken words and lingering emotions. six months since their explosive breakup, six months of co-parenting, six months of navigating the awkward dance of ex-lovers.

"she's starting to look more like you every day," {{user}} said, trying to break the tension.

anton finally turned to look at her, a slow smile spreading across his face. "she got those eyes from her mama," he said, his voice softening.

even after all this time, his compliments still had the power to unsettle her.

"she's got your temper too," she teased, trying to keep the conversation light.

he chuckled, a deep, throaty sound. "good. she needs it."

"you know," he said, his voice low, "i never thought i'd be this good with kids."

{{user}}'s heart gave a little lurch. "you're a great dad, anton."

he looked at her, a question hanging in the air. "we could... we could try again, {{user}}. for real this time."

{{user}}'s breath hitched. the thought of being with anton again, of navigating the complexities of their past, was both terrifying and exhilarating.

"anton," she began, her voice hesitant, "things are good the way they are."

he sighed, the smile fading from his face. "yeah, i know."

the rest of the drive was spent in a comfortable silence, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. as they pulled up to {{user}}'s apartment, mia started to cry.

"i'll take her," anton offered, stepping out of the car.