The movie was supposed to be a distraction. Something light, something to fill the silence. But Lena wasn't really watching it.
She was curled up on the couch between Ethan and Jaxon, knees pulled to her chest, a blanket wrapped around her. Jaxon had grabbed the remote and put on some old action movie, but within minutes, he was making sarcastic comments about the terrible effects and actors who looked like they were reading from cue cards.
"How did this movie even get made?" Jaxon muttered, tossing a piece of popcorn in his mouth. "I swear, did they even have a budget? The explosions look like a middle school science experiment gone wrong."
Lena huffed a quiet laugh, and Ethan shot Jaxon an unimpressed look. "You picked it."
"Yeah, well, I didn't think I'd be spending my night watching graphics that make old video games look realistic." Jaxon said. "This is physically painful."
Lena shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips despite everything.
After a while, Ethan stood up. "I'm getting more snacks. Anyone want anything?"
"More popcorn," Lena murmured, voice soft.
"Got it," Ethan said before disappearing into the kitchen.
Lena hesitated, then got up, following after him. Something about sitting still felt suffocating, like the weight of the night was pressing down on her chest. She needed a change of space, even if just for a moment.
Ethan was already grabbing a bowl when she walked in. He glanced over his shoulder. "Hey. You okay?"
Lena hesitated, chewing on the inside of her cheek. "I don't know."
She leaned against the counter. "Not really."
He exhaled through his nose, setting the popcorn bag in the microwave. "I'm sorry, Lena. About everything. I should've known. I should've paid more attention."
She shook her head. "Ethan, it's not your fault. I never told you. And... I think part of me didn't want to. I was embarrassed. Like, how could I let someone treat me that way and not even realize it until it was too late?"
His jaw clenched. "Yeah, but I should've seen the signs. I mean, I was your best friend. I should've noticed when things weren't right. And... I don't get it, Lena. Why didn't you tell me?"
Lena looked down at her hands. "Because I didn't think anyone would take it seriously. Ryan was... well, Ryan. Everyone liked him. I thought people would think I was overreacting or making stuff up. And I didn't want to drag you into it, Ethan. You were my safe place. The last thing I wanted was for you to feel like you had to fix it for me."
Ethan was quiet for a moment, his jaw tight, like he was processing every word. Then, with a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair. "Lena, you know I would've believed you, right? No matter what anyone else thought. I just... I hate that you went through that alone. That you didn't think you could come to me."
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. "I know that now."
Ethan hesitated for just a second before stepping forward and wrapping his arms around her. It wasn't rushed, wasn't forcedâjust steady, grounding. Lena let herself lean into it, resting her head against his shoulder. His hold was warm, familiar, and for the first time in a long time, it didn't feel like she had to carry everything alone.
"I've got you," Ethan murmured. "Always."
The microwave beeped, breaking the moment. Ethan grabbed the bowl and handed it to her, nudging her shoulder lightly. "Come on, let's get back before Jaxon loses his mind over the movie."
Lena huffed a small laugh and followed him back.
When they returned, Jaxon was slumped on the couch, groaning. "Finally. I thought I was going to have to suffer through this without sustenance."
"You're so dramatic," Lena muttered, handing him the bowl before sitting back down.
Jaxon gasped. "Carter. Are you insulting me? I thought we were bonding."
Ethan rolled his eyes. "You two have the weirdest dynamic."
"I prefer to call it 'entertaining,'" Jaxon said, tossing a piece of popcorn at Lena.
She caught it with ease, popping it into her mouth before smirking. "That all you got, Walker?"
Jaxon's eyes gleamed with a challenge. "Oh, you're asking for it now."
Within seconds, they were in the middle of a full-blown popcorn war, Jaxon launching handfuls while Lena fought back just as hard. Ethan sat back, shaking his head with a sigh. "You're both children."
But he was laughing. And so was Lena.
By the time the movie ended and the credits rolled, Lena shifted slightly, glancing to her sides. Jaxon was completely out, one arm draped lazily over the back of the couch, his shirt had ridden up slightly, revealing just a hint of toned abs. It was almost unfair how someone could look that attractive in their sleep. Ethan on the other hand had slouched down, arms crossed, breathing steady in sleep, looking far more composed in contrast.
For the first time in what felt like forever, everything between them felt right again.