Fortified -Pau Cubarsí-

9 - cat nap

The bike tires hum against the pavement as I pedal through the quiet streets, the wind cooling my damp skin. The saltwater from my late-night swim clings to me, and my hair, still wet, drips occasionally onto my shoulders. My bag, slung over the handlebars, rattles with every bump. The team house comes into view, and my stomach flutters—a mix of excitement and nerves.

I hop off the bike and prop it against the wall near the entrance. Buzzing the doorbell, I glance down at myself, realizing too late that I probably look like a mess—salty, sandy, and far from presentable.

His voice crackles through the intercom. "you actually came." He says, laughing.

"Of course," I say, slightly out of breath. "I had to meet Boira."

The door buzzes open, and I take the stairs two at a time, my heart pounding harder than it should. When I reach his door, it swings open before I can knock. Pau leans against the frame, his hoodie pulled up and a familiar smirk playing on his lips.

"You look like you swam here," he says, his eyes flicking to the damp strands of hair sticking to my face.

"I did," I tease, stepping past him into the apartment. "The canals were lovely this evening."

He shakes his head, closing the door behind me. "You're insane."

"I'm resourceful," I correct, grinning.

The apartment feels warm and cozy, the scent of lavender faint in the air. The TV is paused on some action movie, but Pau doesn't sit down. Instead, he crosses his arms and tilts his head slightly, his jaw catching the light.

I try not to stare at the stitches, small and neat, running along the edge of his jawline. "How's it healing?" I ask, nodding toward the injury.

"Fine," he says, shrugging. "Doesn't hurt much anymore."

"You should've seen the other guy," I joke lightly, though I know exactly how he got them. He grins at that, but there's something in his expression that softens, something that makes me want to reach out and—

No.

I clear my throat and look around. "So, where's Boira? Or did she already decide I'm not worth meeting?"

"She's under the couch," he says, jerking his chin toward the living room. "Still getting used to things."

I crouch down and peer under the couch, and sure enough, two glowing green eyes stare back at me. "Hi, Boira," I say softly, reaching out a hand. "I'm Cesca. You'll like me, I promise."

There's a moment of hesitation before she creeps forward, her small, fluffy body emerging like a shadow. She sniffs my hand cautiously before bumping her head against it, and my heart melts instantly.

"She likes you already," Pau says, watching from the doorway.

"She has good taste," I reply, scooping her up gently. Her fur is impossibly soft, and she lets out a tiny purr as she settles into my arms.

"Hungry?" Pau asks after a moment.

"For food or more Boira time?"

"Food," he clarifies, laughing. "I was going to rewatch this movie, but if you're staying, we should order something and put on something better."

I pretend to think about it. "As long as I get to pick the movie."

He rolls his eyes but grabs his phone. "Fine. But no rom-coms."