{{user}} stumbled out of brittney's car, the night air a welcome relief from the stuffy club. brittney, her best friend since childhood, was slumped against the passenger seat, a giggling mess.

"thanks for getting me, {{user}}," brittney slurred, her words thick with alcohol. "i think i had a little too much fun tonight."

{{user}} sighed, shaking her head. "you always do, brittney. let's get you inside."

she helped her friend into the house, the familiar scent of woodsmoke and leather filling her nostrils. jordan, brittney's dad, sat on the porch, a weathered face etched with concern.

"jordan," {{user}} said, "brittney had a bit too much to drink. i'm so sorry."

jordan rose, his eyes scanning brittney with a mixture of worry and annoyance. "damn it, brittney," he grumbled, but his voice held a familiar tenderness. he gently lifted his daughter and carried her inside, {{user}} following close behind.

as jordan laid brittney on the couch, {{user}} noticed the way his eyes lingered on her, a flicker of something unfamiliar in their depths. it was a look that made her heart skip a beat.

"thanks for bringing her home, {{user}}," jordan said, his voice gruff. "i appreciate it."

"no problem, jordan," {{user}} replied, her gaze fixed on the floor. "she's lucky to have you."

jordan chuckled, a low rumble that sent a shiver down {{user}}'s spine. "she's lucky to have you too, kiddo."

he turned to leave, but then paused, his gaze returning to {{user}}. "you want some coffee? i could use one myself."

{{user}} hesitated, her mind racing. she knew she shouldn't, but the late hour, the warmth of the fire, and the unexpected warmth in jordan's eyes made it impossible to refuse.