#late evening

It starts with chaos.

Ends with exhaustion.

Somehow becomes peace.

Four of them in one hotel suite.

One trip.

One too-small couch.

Too many bags.

Too much laughter.

By 3 a.m., everything is quiet.

Kayleigh is sitting on the floor leaning against the bed, still talking softly with Rian about nothing important.

Juju is half-awake on the other side of the room, pretending she’s not listening.

KK is asleep on the bed.

On top of Kayleigh.

Completely out.

One arm loosely draped around her like she got there in her sleep and decided she wasn’t leaving.

Kayleigh doesn’t move.

Doesn’t complain.

Just keeps talking quietly like she’s used to it now.

Rian whispers:

“…they’re actually insane.”

Juju murmurs back:

“Yeah.”

But neither of them sounds mad about it.

KK shifts slightly in her sleep, tightening her hold on Kayleigh.

Kayleigh pauses mid-sentence.

Then softly laughs under her breath.

“She’s heavy.”

Rian smirks.

“Looks peaceful though.”

Juju glances over.

“…yeah.”

A beat.

Then softer:

“Don’t wake them.”

Rian nods immediately.

“I wasn’t going to.”

Silence settles again.

Warm this time.

Comfortable.

And somehow all four of them end up like that.

Still.

Quiet.

Safe.

Otherwise, you would've found yourself softly complaining about such closeness.

That was something you never wanted to complain about, especially with your growing feelings for your best friend.

"Plus, I gotta pay you back for continuing to let me stay here," you added though you weren't sure why.

It wasn't as though you weren't actively looking for a place of your own. You were. Yet, there was a pull, a feeling, of home within Nick's place that made you want to stay. Maybe it helped that his place had him within it, too. He'd made it such a welcoming place, a piece of your shared home state, that you didn't really want to leave.

Prices in Vegas weren't exactly friendly, especially for those just starting out, too.

Or starting over as you were.

"You don't owe me for that," he murmured.

You spared him a glance and found his attention rapt on the stew you're still stirring. His nostrils flared with the deep inhale he took. Though, you couldn't help the swooping of your middle when he practically groaned.

"Your granny's stew. One of my favorites, especially with the way you make it."

That made your smile widen.

"I know."

He bumped your shoulder then. "Keep this up, and I might not let you leave. Really has been nice having someone to come home to. You've helped the place feel like home."

You nearly dropped the spoon you'd been using when he said that.

While you can't say you didn't hope he felt that way, you hadn't exactly imagined a scenario where he would've actually said it. As if you're longing for just that wasn't great enough, his words were enough to ignite that hope within you even more.

"Drats, you've discovered my master plan," you said in what you hoped was a teasing tone.

Nick let out a soft huff though you could hear the laughter within it.

Hoping to keep things as light as they were, you nudged him back. "This is almost done. Wanna grab some bowls and spoons? Was thinking we could eat on the patio since it's cooled down enough to enjoy the last rays of sunlight."

Not needing to be told twice, Nick quickly gathered up the bowls and spoons. He held each bowl as you filled them. They didn't leave his hands still until after the two of you had settled on his patio as you'd pictured. You'd only been allowed to grab up drinks and some napkins. He'd been adamant of that.

It was during that late evening under the setting sun that you officially became Nick's roommate.

A decision that neither of you would come to regret but see grow over time into something a little bit more.