--
"I still can't believe you sang Nicki Minaj like your life depended on it," Blair said, laughter trailing behind her as she opened the front door.
Cassie strutted in after her, dramatically flipping imaginary hair. "I was Nicki Minaj for two whole minutes. Let me live."
"You threatened the karaoke machine."
"It disrespected me first."
Their laughter echoed in the quiet Quest mansion, the moonlight spilling across the tiled floor as they tiptoed inside. Shoes dangled from their fingers, makeup smudged slightly from too much dancing and singing. The smell of popcorn hit them just as they rounded the corner.
In the kitchen, Caleb and Maddie were mock-arguing about peanut butter brands. Jazmine, half-asleep in one of Caleb's oversized hoodies, was quietly placing mini marshmallows on James's head as he lay slumped over the kitchen island. Andrew had claimed three chairs and was flicking popcorn into his mouth like a degenerate king.
Cassie blinked. "Is this... a sleepover or a sugar-themed exorcism?"
Blair grinned. "Hey, we're home!"
Jazmine gasped. "Shhh! You'll wake the ogre!"
James groaned as a marshmallow rolled off his cheek. "Why do I smell diabetes?"
"Because," Andrew said solemnly, "you're already bitter."
James sat up, hair sticking up wildly. "Okay. Who fed Andrew sugar?"
"I did," Jazmine said without hesitation. "And I regret nothing."
Blair dropped into the nearest chair. "We just risked our lives for karaoke glory. Cassie almost got into a fight with a cat."
"It was hissing at me, Blair."
Cassie plopped down next to her, thigh brushing Blair's. "If I hadn't asserted dominance, we wouldn't have made it out alive."
"You threatened it with a wine glass."
Maddie leaned forward. "Please tell me there's video evidence."
"There was," Blair muttered. "Until Cassie hexed the bartender."
Andrew launched a popcorn kernel at her. "You're an icon."
Cassie accepted this with a casual nod.
The kitchen dissolved into laughter and chaos. Caleb and Maddie broke into a full debate about cereal, Andrew was throwing gummy bears into the air and catching only half, and Jazmine was giggling uncontrollably every time someone missed. It was warm and loud and ridiculous.
Blair leaned into Cassie slightly, giggling as she tossed a marshmallow back at Caleb. "I missed this kind of stupid fun."
"You bring it with you," Cassie said, smiling softly, just for a second.
Before Blair could reply, James groaned and stood up, brushing crumbs off his shirt.
"Alright," he said, voice rough. "If I get hit with one more marshmallow, I'm taking this house down with me."
Cassie rolled her eyes. "Sit down, demolition Barbie."
James ignored her and turned to Blair. "Maybell. You coming?"
Cassie blinked, heart catching just slightly at the Blair.
Blair stood with a stretch. "Wow. So generous."
James tossed her a sleepy grin and held out his hand. Blair took it without hesitation.
Cassie watched them walk out, their fingers brushing, their shoulders touching, James nudging Blair with his elbow as they whispered something back and forth. Blair turned to laugh, eyes glowing in a way Cassie hadn't seen in anyone else.
She leaned back in her chair and tossed a gummy bear at Andrew's head to distract herself.
"Did you see how dramatic they are?" Andrew whispered loudly. "It's like a Hallmark movie but with sexual tension."
Cassie snorted. "You're one to talk."
---
Upstairs, Blair dropped onto James's bed face-first, groaning into the covers. "Why does your mattress feel like a cloud?"
"Because I'm dramatic and rich," James replied, flopping beside her. "I have to sleep like I'm royalty."
Blair rolled onto her side to face him, her cheek pressed against the pillow. "You looked like royalty with marshmallows on your face."
James scowled, though it was all for show. "You let them do that to me."
"You were unconscious. I respected the art."
They both laughed. And then, the silence between them wasn't awkward—it was soft, and easy.
James reached out and pulled her closer, tucking her under his arm. "This is nice."
"You're not going to turn into a brooding weirdo again, are you?"
"Give me five minutes."
She nudged him. He poked her back. They whispered, giggled, shifted, and eventually settled into stillness. Blair's hand rested over his heartbeat. James's chin brushed the top of her head.
"Maybell?" he murmured sleepily.
"Yeah?"
"Don't leave yet."
She didn't answer. She just moved closer.
---
Outside, in the garden, wind brushed through the trees and laughter still echoed faintly from inside.