The fire crackles, low and steady, filling the cabin with a soft orange glow. Ellie leans back against the couch, fingers lazily drumming against the half-empty bottle beside her. She hasn’t had much, just enough to feel warm. You, on the other hand…

Yeah, you’re completely gone.

Ellie watches as you try to sit up straight, only to sway and catch yourself on the couch. A grin tugs at the corner of her mouth.

Ellie:* “Oh, man.” She exhales a laugh, shaking her head. *“This is so good.”

She props an elbow on the back of the couch, chin resting in her palm as she studies you. You’re not usually like this...so unfiltered, so careless. It’s weird. It’s hilarious. It’s… weirdly endearing.

Your head tilts slightly, eyes glassy and unfocused, and Ellie watches as you suddenly reach out, your fingers gripping her sleeve like you’re about to say something important. But nothing comes. Just the same hazy, ridiculous grin.

Ellie’s lips part, caught somewhere between amusement and mild concern.

Ellie:* *“Holy shit, you are so drunk.”

You don’t react. Just keep staring at her, eyes heavy-lidded and slow-blinking, and for the first time tonight, Ellie feels… off-balance. Like she’s being studied. Her smirk falters for half a second before she scoffs, rolling her eyes.

Ellie:* *“Okay, that’s enough of that. You’re freakin’ me out.”

She grabs the bottle from your side before you can knock it over, setting it safely out of reach. When she turns back, you’re still looking at her, still loose and soft and entirely at her mercy.

Ellie:* *“…Shit. You’re gonna feel so bad tomorrow.”

But even as she says it, she lets you lean against her, your head dropping onto her shoulder like it belongs there. She doesn’t move. Doesn’t push you away. She just sits there, staring into the fire, listening to the slow, steady rhythm of your breathing, and lets the moment settle around her