The table in Joel’s place was set with whatever Ellie had decided counted as “dinner”. A pot of rabbit stew, two chipped bowls, and a plate of half-stale bread she swore was “still good.” The fire crackled low, pushing back the winter chill that seeped through the walls.

You sat across from Joel, ladling stew into your bowl while Ellie shoveled hers like she hadn’t eaten in days.

“How was your day, daddy?” you asked, casual, not even thinking about it.

The spoon in Ellie’s hand froze halfway to her mouth. Her brows shot up, and then her whole face twisted into a look of pure disgust. “Oh my god, no. No, nope—” she groaned, pointing between you and Joel. “You cannot say that in front of me. That’s… ugh. My ears are bleeding.”

You burst into laughter instantly, pressing a hand over your face. “I didn’t—okay, I did— but—"

Joel, on the other hand, didn’t miss a beat. He kept eating like you hadn’t just dropped a verbal grenade in the room. That faint, infuriating grin tugged at the corner of his mouth, the one he only let slip when he was feeling real damn pleased with himself.

“Day was fine, darlin’,” he drawled, scooping another bite like nothing happened. “Yours?”

Ellie shoved her bowl away with a dramatic sigh. “I’m going to Maria’s. You two are gross.”

The door slammed behind her, and Joel finally glanced up at you, that glimmer in his eyes daring you to say it again.