𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠, 𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟

chapter two, pink drinks and free fries

Luna stood outside Nick's loft, her heart racing with anticipation. It had been a month since they first met at that bustling café downtown. From their first awkward exchange over spilled coffee to the effortless conversations that followed, Luna found herself drawn to Nick in ways she hadn't expected.

The sun had just begun to peek over the skyline, casting a warm glow on the quiet street below. She took a deep breath, smoothing down her jacket nervously before reaching out to knock on the familiar door of Nick's loft.

Footsteps echoed inside, and her pulse quickened as Nick swung the door open, his face breaking into a smile at the sight of her. "Luna," he greeted warmly. "You're here early."

"Morning," she replied, returning his smile with a hint of shy excitement. "Thought I'd offer you a ride to work today. Traffic's been insane lately." Nick chuckled softly, stepping aside to let her in. "You're a lifesaver. Come on in while I grab my stuff."

She followed him into the loft, the familiar scent of his home—coffee and a hint of cologne—comforting in its intimacy. Luna glanced around, noting the same cozy chaos she had come to associate with Nick—books strewn across shelves, artwork pinned to the walls, and a well-loved guitar resting in a corner before her eyes fell on a very interesting painting. 

"Jess, is that supposed to be me?" She called out into the loft when the cheery former teacher ran into the room, her eyes flickering between Luna and the painting on the wall. It was Nick, Winston, Schimdt and Luna all painted onto one canvas and it was horrifying. Somehow, they all looked like serial killers. 

"Okay, you're just being mean now. It looks just like you," Jess started poking the freckles on Luna's cheeks. "See, it even has your freckles," She smiled as the raven-haired girl look up at her with a tight smile on her face. 

"The more I look at it, the more it grows on me honestly." Luna tilted her head, a slight smile on her face. It wasn't the best piece of art she had seen but somehow also not the worse. "Please take it," Nick took the picture off the wall, "It's yours, you can have it." 

Nick chuckled as he watched Luna examine the painting, his eyes lingering on the mix of horror and affection in her expression. He had to admit that Jess's artistic interpretation of their little group had an undeniable charm, however morbid it might be.

As he placed the canvas into a protective wrapper, he couldn't help but notice the way Luna's eyes still danced with laughter. "You know," he drawled, "I think Jess was trying to capture our 'inner demons' or something."

"I'm hanging this above my bed," Luna' voice went up, a humorous streak it in along with a very sweet smile on her lips. She had always wanted a painting in her room ever since she went to the Louvre in year ten, she thought if she got one it would be elegant and not slightly demonic. 

Nick's smirk widened as Luna declared her intention to hang the painting above her bed. "Oh really?" he teased, a playful gleam in his eyes. "So you can have our distorted, serial killer-esque visages watching over you every night? Very romantic." 

Luna shrugged, starting to head for the door, "It'll repel future suitors." She said out loud, unsure if that was a good or a bad thing. Nick followed her to the door, a hint of mischief in his gaze. "Ah, so it's a strategy," he mused, "scare off potential love interests with a terrifying abstract depiction of your friends."

He opened the door for her with a mocking bow. "Your genius never ceases to amaze me, Luna. Truly a masterful plan." His teasing tone made her roll her eyes and by the time they reached her car, she had built up some courage to ask him something she had been planning to for a while now. "Nicholas, I need a favour." She got into her car first, leaning over to open the door for him.