𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦, ʟᴜᴋᴇ ʜᴜɢʜᴇs

three

CHARLOTTE-ALEXANDRIA'S new routine was quickly becoming familiar. Each evening, as she returned from the hospital, her apartment felt a little more like home. Tonight, she was in the kitchen, focused on making her signature pasta dish, trying to make the space feel even more welcoming.

Jack wandered into the kitchen, looking curious and slightly exhausted. "Hey, Lottie, what's cooking?"

Charlotte-Alexandria glanced over her shoulder with a warm smile. "Pasta. Thought I'd take a break from my usual routine and cook something special. It's the least I can do for the guys who've been so welcoming."

Jack raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Special, huh? Can't wait to taste it. I'm running on empty after today."

She stirred the sauce, feeling a twinge of nerves. "Well, I hope it lives up to expectations. I'm trying to channel my inner chef here."

Jack laughed, leaning against the counter. "No pressure. Just don't expect me to go easy on the critique."

As she finished up, Luke walked in, his gym clothes still clinging to him, a fresh layer of sweat evident. He looked tired but also invigorated.

"Smells amazing in here," Luke said, his gaze drifting over the kitchen with genuine appreciation.

Charlotte-Alexandria smiled, feeling a bit more relaxed with his praise. "Thanks. I'm glad you think so. Just about done."

"Need any help?" Luke offered, pulling up a chair at the kitchen island.

Charlotte-Alexandria shook her head, enjoying the simplicity of the moment. "Nope, I've got it. You guys just make yourselves comfortable."

While waiting for the pasta to finish cooking, Jack and Luke chatted about their day. Jack spoke animatedly about a project he'd been working on, and Luke shared details about his training session. Charlotte-Alexandria found herself easing into the conversation, her usual reticence melting away with their genuine interest.

"So, how was the NICU today?" Jack asked, his tone shifting to a more thoughtful one.

Charlotte-Alexandria's expression softened. "Busy, but rewarding. We had a little guy named John-Luke who's been there for two weeks now. I've grown pretty attached to him."

Luke looked up, intrigued. "John-Luke? That's quite a name."

Charlotte-Alexandria nodded, stirring the pasta. "It is. I guess it's a reminder of how personal and connected this job can be. Every baby has a story."

Jack looked at her with newfound respect. "It sounds like you make a real difference."

"Yeah," Charlotte-Alexandria said, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It's why I do it. To help, to be there for them."

After dinner, they all settled into the living room for a movie. As they watched, Jack and Luke's playful banter filled the space, and Charlotte-Alexandria found herself laughing along with them, her earlier nervousness replaced by a sense of belonging.

During a quiet moment in the film, Luke turned to her with a thoughtful expression. "So, do you have any hobbies outside of work? Anything you're passionate about?"

Charlotte-Alexandria considered the question for a moment. "I used to love painting. It's been a while since I had time for it, though."

Luke's eyes lit up with interest. "Painting, huh? I didn't know that. You should show us some of your work sometime."

She smiled, feeling a warm glow at his encouragement. "I might just do that."

Jack glanced between them, a teasing grin on his face. "Looks like we're learning more about Lottie every day."

Charlotte-Alexandria laughed, her earlier anxiety fading. "I suppose so. And I'm learning more about you guys too. It's been nice."

As the evening wound down, Charlotte-Alexandria felt a genuine connection forming with her new roommates.

Her daydream was interrupted by a heavy feeling on her shoulder. She turned to see Jack fast asleep, leaning against her. She sunk further into the couch, feeling obliged to stay there.

She turned to Luke, who was staring at his brother, his eyes dark from what Charlotte-Alexandria assumed was sleepiness.

"Jesus Christ, Jack has a really heavy head," she joked, feeling exposed under Luke's gaze.

He broke his gaze and let out a snigger. "Yeah, Mom said he was the hardest to push out," he joked, taking a sip of his drink.

Charlotte-Alexandria laughed softly, then asked, "So, what about you, Luke? What's it like being the youngest?"

Luke shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "It's... a bit of a balancing act, honestly. You know, trying to live up to what Jack and Quinn have achieved. Sometimes it feels like I'm constantly in their shadow."

Charlotte-Alexandria nodded, understandingly. "That sounds tough. Do you ever feel like it's too much pressure?"

"Definitely," Luke admitted. "It's like no matter what I do, it's never enough. Jack's got his thing, Quinn's got his. I just want to find my own path, but it's hard not to compare myself."

Charlotte-Alexandria could sense the weight of his words. "I get that. It's hard not to feel like you're measuring up to someone else's standards."

"Yeah," Luke said, his gaze meeting hers. "It's nice to talk about it, though. You get it."

Charlotte-Alexandria smiled, feeling a connection growing between them. "Anytime. I'm here if you need to talk."

Luke smiled back, a genuine appreciation in his eyes. "Thanks, Lottie. That means a lot."

As they settled back into their seats, Charlotte-Alexandria felt comforting sense with Luke. The evening had been a success, and she was beginning to see that this apartment could be more than just a place to stay—it could be a place where she truly belonged.

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