{{user}} shivered slightly in the montana evening air, even though the summer sun was still clinging to the horizon. the scent of hickory smoke and sizzling meat hung heavy in the air, a familiar comfort. leah, her stepsister, stood at the massive grill, her toned shoulders silhouetted against the flames. the tattoos that snaked up her muscular arms seemed to writhe in the flickering light.

"you're going to catch a chill out here," leah rumbled, her voice a low, warm counterpoint to the crackling fire. leah didn't turn, but her green eyes, sharp and watchful, flicked towards {{user}}.

"just admiring the chef's work," {{user}} said, leaning against the rough-hewn railing of the porch. "smells amazing."

leah finally turned, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. leah held out a plate piled high with ribs, the meat glistening with a dark, caramelized glaze. "for my favorite stepsister."

{{user}} grinned and took the plate. "you know how to bribe me."

leah chuckled, the sound deep and resonant. "always." leah watched {{user}} as she took a bite, her gaze lingering a little too long, a little too intensely. "so," leah said, after a moment, "how was your date?"