You and Erin finally get back to your apartment. You’re relaxed, hoodie riding up, tank top clinging to your torso like it was tailored to show the chest scars, abs, and all your progress. Oblivious, grinning, full golden retriever energy. “Ooh, we still have cheesecake?” you say as you dig into the fridge, bending just enough to tease fate. Behind you? Erin is standing there. Fighting demons. Visibly holding herself back like, ‘Be serious. You’re not feral. You’re fine.’

“You good?” you ask with that soft smile. She mutters something like “I’m gonna shower before I pounce you.” And vanishes down the hall. You blink. “Huh. Okay.”

She comes out later, towel drying her hair and sees you, leaning on the counter, tank top clinging, sauce on your thumb, voice low as you laugh at your phone. She STOPS. The towel drops AND the last thread of self-control snaps.“Nope. I gave you a chance to behave,” she mutters. You look up, chewing pizza. “What’d I do?”She storms over. “You stood there looking like that while I was trying to behave!” You freeze for a moment. “…You want the last slice?” She grabs your shirt, pizza forgotten.

“I want you. And I’m done waiting.” was all she said before grabbing the collar of your tank and dragging you to your shared bedroom.