Blinding Lights

CP X: Reunited

Tuesday. Morning.

Sunlight poked through the blinds as a groggy Ella hesitantly sat up and yawned. Proceeding carefully she got out of bed; Jones remained passed out as she threw her running outfit and gear on. Oscar poked his head up from the edge of the bed while she snatched her house keys and phone before petting him on the head. Heading outside the chilly morning air hit and she swiftly stretched while throwing some music on before taking off for a run. So far Cali was great. Yesterday after grabbing groceries was primarily spent at the Oceanside Pier and enjoying the local sights. Oscar was a huge fan of the beach and loved basking in the sun with his two humans.

Today Ella would be visiting a couple of different units on base to speak with the enlisted as well as visit some of her prior colleagues. There was a particle or two of worry inside of the rookie driver as she ran across the damp sand. One or two people from her prior were stationed on base and worked at one of the units she'd be visiting. There was no trust or respect to be had, but she knew she would have to fake it and act professional around them. If either of them tried to make any jabs at her she had to just brush it off like it was just a joke. That's what really bothered her the most, along with the fact she was giving them the power to do so.

Pushing herself, Summers used the run to vent her frustrations. Sprinting down the shore while getting carried away by the music blasting out of her phone eased the stings and aches within her mind and soul. Having Erik around also helped to soften the heat as well. He appeared to be quite supportive and enjoyed spending time with her. They shared enough common interests where their conversations often lasted long periods of time without feeling drawn out. Even better was the fact they were both born and raised in Michigan; racing each other in late models when they were much younger.

Three miles later, Ella had returned to the cozy beach house; drenched in sweat, but proud for beating her previous run time. Carefully entering the home she slipped her shoes and socks off while drastically lowering the volume of her music. She didn't want to wake Erik up. Her beach selfie from the previous evening had blown up on social media as the fans admired her outfit and goofy grin. It was just great to be able to enjoy things without the media being present. Entering the large bathroom, her clothes discarded swiftly before stepping into the deluxe shower and turning the water on. A small yelp escaped her lips as cold water momentarily rained down until it switched over to the warm water she was expecting. She hadn't realized that she was humming softly to the music as she let her body relax. It didn't take long for someone to notice she was in the shower.

"Well, good morning, beautiful." A still semi-groggy Erik murmured while stepping in.

A tender smile formed on Ella's face as the water cascaded down around them, "Did I wake you up?"

"Nah," He smiled back, "Oscar wanted out. How'd you sleep?"

"Alright," Her smile faded away, "Kinda dreading some of today's events."

"Dreading?" He kissed her neck softly, "Why?"

Kissing his chest, she shrugged, "Let's just say not every person I'm meeting or visiting today is fond of who I've become. Some of them may have had a hand in getting me medically retired and I don't mean that in a good way.

Raising an eyebrow, he nodded, "Doesn't mean they're still in control of your life or future. You know it's because they're jealous of you."

"Me?" His response caused her to chuckle, "Of what? Me staying so tiny?"

Erik leaned in, getting his hair wet, "For who you are. Pretty sure you caught them off guard just like you did with a lot of us."

She sighed, lathering her hair with shampoo, "I guess you could say that. Hey, did you want to tag along?"