His Amity | Eric Coulter x Original FMC |

Chapter Thirteen

Training was finally over, but Lia's mind was still spinning from her kiss with Four. Determined to find her friends, she wandered through the compound, her thoughts a whirlwind of excitement and uncertainty.

As she rounded a corner, she almost collided with Archer, who lit up at the sight of her. "Lia! It's great to see you out and about," he said, wrapping her in a careful hug. She winced slightly, reminding him to be gentle because of her injuries.

"It's been too long," she replied, smiling despite the lingering pain. "Let's hang out. I miss our time together."

Archer agreed immediately. "I've got a shift soon, but let's celebrate while we can. How about the bar?"

"Perfect," Lia said, and they headed off together.

At the bar, they ordered a few drinks. Lia felt the warmth of the alcohol easing her tension. She and Archer reminisced about their time in Amity and caught up on recent events. As the drinks flowed, Lia grew tipsy and more candid.

"So, what do you think of Eric?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Archer took a swig of his beer and pondered the question. "Eric's complicated. Hes a good friend, he's loyal and a good leader, but yeah, he's an asshole. Bit of a playboy too. Heard you're staying with him now?"

Lia tried to brush it off. "Yeah, just for protection. But trust me, I'm a good girl and he's too much of a prick."

Archer laughed, but his eyes showed concern. "Just be careful, Lia."

As the night went on, Lia drank more and more, becoming significantly drunk. Archer noticed her state and insisted on taking her back to Eric's apartment before his shift started.

Once inside, Lia finally took a good look around. The apartment was immaculately clean and well-organized, with a large bookshelf packed with all types of books. She snickered to herself, thinking it was ironic that someone like Eric would own so many books.

"What's so funny?" Eric's voice came from the shadows, making her jump.

Startled, she slurred, "Just... surprised you read, that's all."

Eric's expression darkened. "You shouldn't be drinking while you're recovering."

Lia rolled her eyes and made a sarcastic retort. "I'm not drunk," she lied, even as her stomach churned. Suddenly, she felt nauseous and rushed to the bathroom, where she vomited violently.

Through her haze, she felt Eric's hands gently pulling her hair back. When she was done, she nearly passed out, the world spinning around her. Eric lifted her effortlessly and carried her to her room. She drifted into unconsciousness, barely aware of him changing her into one of his shirts for the night.

When she woke the next morning, the events of the previous night came rushing back. She was in a shirt that wasn't hers, the faint memory of Eric's unexpected kindness lingering in her mind.

Lia shuffled into the living room, feeling groggy. She spotted Eric on the couch, engrossed in something on his tablet. Determined to keep her head held high despite the embarrassment of the previous night, she strolled to the fridge in search of food. "Good morning," she said on the way.

Eric's eyes snapped up at her, lingering on the shirt she was wearing. He mumbled, "Good morning," before returning his gaze to the tablet.

Lia pulled out a bottle of water, twisting off the cap. Eric's sarcastic tone broke the silence. "How do you feel after last night?"

"Fine," she replied curtly, taking a sip.

He put his tablet down, looking more serious. "It's the perfect day for us to take a little field trip."