Shooting Star and Swallow's Song

First "Just 'Cause"

When the two of them leaned back to sit straight across the table from each other, the group was silent for a moment, just staring with wide grins.

Finally Charlotte spoke up.

"So when the hell did this happen? Not like we didn't know something was going on," Charlotte said to them, not losing her smile.

"It was..." Alex began, wondering what signified the moment they really were together.

"About a couple days official I guess. What do you think?" Steph said, asking Alex.

"It depends..."

"Oh really?!" Riley said, grinning suggestively.

"Hey hey, just the first kiss or when I asked her out, nothing like...whatever's going on in that Riley head of yours," Steph said, pointing at her.

"You guys can have multiple anniversaries," Ryan suggested.

"I can't afford multiple anniversaries," Alex joked.

"There's gifts that don't cost money," Riley said suggestively, making Alex blush and purse her lips. Steph gave her a playful glare, but then subtly shrugged and nodded, making Alex blush even more.

"Okay, okay guys, leave the love birds alone," Ryan said in their defense.

Steph gave Ryan a skeptical look.

"What?" Ryan said, with a face that showed at least a little admittance of something.

"Nothing," she said smirking.

Alex watched, analyzing and tapped Steph's leg under the table with a foot to get her attention. When she glanced over to see her questioning gaze, Steph shook her head and quietly said, "Like he said, nothing," but then leaned over and silently mouthed, "I'll tell you later."

Girl, you better...

Riley spoke up to both of them, saying, "So now you live together, work together, sl-"

"Slow dance together? Yes. Yes, we do," Steph finished for her with a pointed, but playful look, but turned to look fondly at Alex as they both recalled that night.

With an amused grin, Riley said, "Sure. But if you ever need a break from each other-"

"Psh," Steph immediately responded, cutting her off.

In the pause, Alex said, "I've had enough alone time in my life. I'm good for a bit." She shared another warm glance with Steph.

"Well just don't smother each other...well, unless that's what you guys are into," Riley said, still teasing.

"Right now I'm more into finding out if this lute can reach across the table," Alex said and started to take the strap off her shoulder.

"Okay okay, kidding," Riley said putting her hands out defensively.

Then to Steph, she said, "I'm just testing how much you guys are...in it. And you both seem in it. It's so cute."

Alex felt bashful, but then Steph said, "Yes. We're the most adorable couple. You should all take notes. Especially those with notebooks filled with bird facts."

Ryan shrugged and said, "I'll leave a little room in the margins."

While they focused on him and joked, Alex glanced over to Charlotte who seemed a little off to her, as if something was on her mind. Alex kept looking over to make sure she wasn't imagining it, but she only felt more certain each time. After a few more moments of hesitation, she acted on her instinct.