the room was quiet except for the soft hum of the wind outside. the aftermath of your intimacy lingered in the air, warmth from your connection still pulsing through your veins. ellie was lying beside you, her freckled face glowing faintly in the dim light as she brushed a hand gently across your cheek.

“you okay?” she asked, her voice low and soft, tinged with genuine concern.

you nodded, feeling your chest rise and fall in rhythm with hers. “yeah... i'm good,” you whispered, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips.

ellie propped herself up on her elbow, studying your face carefully, as though searching for any trace of discomfort. “you sure? you need anything? water? blanket?”

her fussing made you laugh lightly. “ellie, i’m fine.”

but she was already reaching for the bottle of water on the nightstand, unscrewing the cap before passing it to you. “humor me,” she said with a soft smirk.

you took a sip, your heart swelling at her attentiveness. setting the bottle down, you leaned back into the pillows, watching as she shifted out of bed and grabbed the discarded blanket from the floor. she tucked it gently around you, her movements careful and precise.

“there,” she murmured, settling back beside you and pulling you into her arms. “better?”

“much better,” you said, letting your head rest against her shoulder. her skin was warm, her presence comforting.

ellie’s fingers found their way to your hair, lazily tracing through the strands. “i... uh, i hope i wasn’t too rough,” she said quietly, almost hesitant, her voice breaking the stillness of the room.