Elliot

7 - Muffins

Elliot stood in his small kitchen, the smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air as he carefully pulled the muffins out of the oven. He had felt a twinge of guilt after the party, especially after Nate's reluctant foray into the chaos. It was clear that Nate had been dragged out of his comfort zone, and despite his gruff demeanor, Elliot sensed a softness beneath that tough exterior. To make amends—and maybe to bridge the gap between them—he decided to bake some muffins and bring them over as a peace offering.

He placed the warm muffins in a brightly colored box, decorated with cheerful patterns that matched his own personality. As he packed them carefully, Elliot couldn't help but smile at the thought of Nate's expression when he received them. Maybe it would lighten his mood, just a little. Once he was satisfied with his creation, he grabbed his keys and headed out of his apartment, the box of muffins tucked securely under his arm. The short walk to Nate's door felt exhilarating; he was excited yet anxious about how Nate would react.

Elliot knocked lightly, bouncing on his heels as he waited. He was rehearsing what to say in his mind when the door swung open, and he was met with a sight that made his heart skip a beat. Nate stood in the doorway, his bare chest on full display, glistening slightly as if he had just gotten out of the shower. He wore only his pajama pants, which hung low on his hips, emphasizing his toned physique. Elliot's cheeks immediately flushed a deep crimson, his mouth going dry as he took in the sight of the man before him.

"Uh, hey," Nate said, his expression hinting a bit of amusement just before it turned indifferent.

"Hi! I, um..." Elliot stumbled over his words, feeling suddenly shy under Nate's intense gaze. "I made some muffins! I wanted to, you know, say sorry for the noise yesterday." He thrust the box forward a bit too eagerly, hoping the gesture would distract from his burning face.

Nate raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Muffins, huh?"

"I wanted to make you something," Elliot insisted, feeling a bit defensive but also embarrassed. "It's just... I thought you might like some. They're cinnamon sugar! Fresh out of the oven."

Just as Nate was about to take the box and close the door, Alec appeared, clearly he'd been listening in. The younger brother moved quickly, motioning for Elliot to come in. "Well, come on in, then. We can't turn down free food."

As Elliot entered the apartment, he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The space was decorated in dark colors with posters and various tech gadgets. It felt lived-in and comfortable, and he couldn't help but wonder who Nate was when he wasn't being the stoic figure he often portrayed.

"Thanks," Alec said, "but there really was no need! Mia and I had so much fun with you guys, and Nate is always grumpy. It's part of his personality." He set the box on the kitchen counter, opening it to inhale deeply, the scent wafting up. "Wow, these smell really good."

Elliot couldn't help but grin at Alec's reaction, but his eyes lingered on Nate, who was still standing half-naked in the hallway. Focus, Elliot, he reminded himself, forcing his gaze to the counter. "I hope they taste as good as they smell!" he mumbled, pulling his eyes off Nate as the tall dark man passed him on his way to grab one of the treats.

As Nate took a bite, Elliot's heart began to race. Why? Because for some reason, he really wanted Nate to like them. He watched as the older brother chewed thoughtfully. "So, are you always this generous with your baked goods, or am I just special?" His tone was teasing, but there was an underlying curiosity in his expression.

Elliot's face flashed red at the implication, and he found himself stammering. "I—I mean, I bake a lot, but usually just for my friends... and, um, I guess I just wanted to make sure you didn't think I was annoying or a noisy neighbor."