Against the Edge

(Un)spoken Moments

Ethan headed to the parking lot, the cool evening air a welcome relief after the intensity of the day. As he approached his car, he spotted Mia leaning against James's car, arms folded, a small smirk tugging at her lips. Her expression softened when she saw him coming, but her eyes held a mix of her usual humor and something quieter, almost hesitant.

Ethan scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit sheepish. "Hey... I didn't get a chance to thank you earlier. For, well, taking care of me. You didn't have to."

Mia waved him off, putting on her usual playful air. "Oh, please. Someone's gotta keep you from falling apart. Think of it as my good deed for the day," she quipped, but there was a flicker of something vulnerable in her eyes.

Ethan chuckled, stepping closer. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Still... it meant a lot."

For a brief moment, neither of them said anything, the silence stretching as they just looked at each other. Mia finally glanced away, her usual teasing tone tinged with an awkwardness she rarely showed.

"You know, if you keep getting yourself hurt, I'll have to start charging for first aid," she joked, though her voice wavered slightly.

Ethan grinned, sensing her uncharacteristic awkwardness. "Maybe I like the attention," he teased back, a soft warmth in his voice.

Mia rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips, the awkwardness melting into something more genuine. She looked up at him, her expression softer. "Well, try not to get too banged up next time. I might run out of bandages."

"Guess I'll have to keep you around for backup, then," Ethan replied, his tone light but his gaze lingering on her a moment longer than usual.

Mia's cheeks turned the faintest shade of pink, but she quickly recovered, giving him a light shove. "Alright, alright. Don't get all mushy on me."

Ethan and Mia's laughter filled the parking lot, and they barely noticed James approaching until he cleared his throat dramatically. Standing with his arms crossed, he watched them with a raised eyebrow, an amused glint in his eye.

"Oh, would you two knock it off already?" James said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I swear, you're worse than any couple I've ever seen."

Mia turned to him, hands on her hips, feigning innocence. "Oh please, James. We're just having a friendly chat."

James rolled his eyes. "Right, 'friendly.' I'm just saying, you two should get a room or something, preferably far away from my car."

Ethan chuckled, nudging Mia's shoulder playfully. "Guess we can't help it, James. It's our natural charm."

James scoffed, but a smile tugged at his lips as he shook his head. "Well, Ms. 'Natural Charm,' are you heading home with me, or should I leave you here to play nurse for Ethan?"

Mia looked between the two of them, then shrugged, pretending to consider her options. "Hmm, I don't know... I think Ethan might need a bit more looking after."

"Oh, don't worry," Ethan said with a grin, "I'll manage. Besides, wouldn't want you ditching James here. He's the one who probably needs you more."

James laughed, giving Ethan a playful slap on the shoulder. "Smart choice, man. But don't get used to it, Mia has to come home with me, you know, to save me from any sarcastic remarks she's got stored up."

Mia rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide her smile. "Fine, James, you win. But only because I don't want you complaining all night."

She turned to Ethan, her tone softening just slightly. "Take care of yourself, alright?"