Nah, a movie.

He took a peak at the clock, wanting to change the subject. "Hey, unless you're busy, do you want to watch a movie? Maybe we can brainstorm some ideas for your new superhero name there."

Cassandra blinked and pointed at herself. He smiled and nodded. Out of reflex, she put her palms up and gestured no.

"Are you busy?" Aaron asked. She swiped her head up and down. "Oh, my bad. Hey, at least you're here. That's more than enough for me."

That was exactly what she did. Eat, eat, eat until she could see her own reflection from her empty plate. Hands on her lap, she exuded anxiety and embarrassment.

Aaron got the jist of it. She didn't owe him anything but she thought she did. Aaron chuckled in his head. He knew more than anyone how stubborn she was. How headstrong she could be with her decisions. Turning back on her word was too much for her right now.

That was okay with Aaron though.

He stood up, put away the dishes, and headed over to the living room. He sensed her confused gaze trailing him as he laid across the sofa. He stretched his body like a cat and accidentally let his shirt climb to show his stomach and the curves to his crotch.

"Aw, man. So bored." Aaron yawned and flicked on Netflix. "Wish I had somebody to save me from this boredom."

Corny, yes. But was her response immediate? Also yes. In a shadowy blur, she settled alongside him and rubbed her butt against his crotch, acting as the little spoon. Grinning, Aaron draped an arm over her. Given her costume, it was somewhat uncomfortable but he didn't let it stop him from cuddling with her. Her head tucked under his chin, he could smell her wonderful pomegranate shampoo.

"Want some snacks?" Aaron asked as he picked out a movie.

"Stay," Cassandra said. She entangled her hand with his. Aaron decided to anchor himself.

Netflix and chill. Despite the past week, there was nothing else more to it. He and Cassandra really did watch Netflix and chill. Maybe it was because they simply wanted to unwind or maybe it was because of the movie. It was an animated film about a deaf girl and her bully. There was romantic subtext but it was mostly a story of forgiveness, kindness and redemption. There were times where he felt Cassandra shift under him. Afraid, excited, thrilled, sad.

Cassandra was reserved and purposely limited her emotions but that did not mean she did not feel. She was highly empathic, maybe a little too much. By the end, she shed a tear and Aaron wondered how this small, kind woman was one of the greatest fighters in the world.

There was a fight scene where the poor girl was getting her shit rocked by the bully. It was awful to watch, sad and unfair as the main character refused to fight back but a supporting character eventually arrived to break the one-sided beating.

"Not fair," Cassandra said, frowning.

"Yeah, it isn't." Then, to lighten the mood, he added, "I wouldn't let myself get beat like that though. Just saying."

Cassandra laughed in spite of the movie's tragic tone. "Me too."

"Where would we hide the body?"

Another laugh. "Fridge," she replied.

The credits rolled. Night time was upon them. He could feel her stir.

"So," Aaron began, "how do you eat your cupcakes?"

She turned her head upwards, lips brushing his chin. She didn't understand.

"Everybody eats a cupcake differently, right? Some eat it normally, top to bottom. Others eat the bottom first, or tear the bottom off and make a sandwich with the icing in the middle."

Cassandra considered his inquiry for a moment before shrugging.

"Well, that's okay. Next time you swing by, I'll bake a nice, fresh batch of cupcakes. We'll find out how you eat one then."

The implication behind his comment brightened her right up. "Yes. Next time," she murmured.

Aaron smiled sadly. "Gotta go?"

"Mhm."

"Don't let me keep you from doing your work."

Cassandra craned her head towards him. Brown eyes swimming in apologies and hesitation. Aaron kissed her on the forehead.

"Oh, but for your next visit, could you add detachable shoes to your costume? I really don't want to have to clean every time you come here."

Cassandra grinned, teeth showing. "No promise."

Aaron pouted. "Not fair. Okay, get me whip cream and chocolate syrup. That will make it fair."

Cassandra poked his cheek with her pinky finger. Aaron's smile spread and he lifted his small finger to entangle with hers. It was a promise.

All of a sudden, her pinky broke away and she started sniffing him. As if possessed by a dog, Cassandra shoved her nose into his chest, then made her way up to his neck and eventually his ears and hair. She pulled back and stared up at him peculiarly.

"I went to the hospital," Aaron explained. Her eyes went wide in alarm. He could read every emotion and question rolling off of her. "Yes, I'm alright. No, nothing broke. Yes, it was at work. No, it wasn't a big deal. And yes, I'm going back to work."