Chapter 1

The sunlight danced through the cracks left behind by the blinds; sneaking into a spartan room. A desk perched in one area, combined with the tools of a home office – computer, printer and stationary. A bookshelf brimming with scientific texts covering all areas; environment, medicine, biology, chemistry, and zoology. The occupied bed is dull grey, single, and made of metal; a short table its companion, the only accessory a dashing alarm clock. It all screamed male and lonely. The playful sunlight juxtaposed the barren atmosphere of the room, deciding to have its way until an aquamarine eye cracked open, glaring at the light. The young blond gave up on going back to sleep after spotting the clock's cheery proclamation that it was 8:15. Elliot had managed to drudge himself out of bed, chugged down a cup of ambition and became presentable, before venturing downstairs into his business: Café Mew Mew.

One look into the café and you wouldn't believe that a guy like Elliot owned it. The café is girly in the nicest extremity. The walls are painted a soft baby pink, the room practically blushing. Dainty chairs and tables were arranged in circular patters; which although aesthetically pleasing serves to inhibit the movement of the waitresses. A vase of fresh flowers was on every table, and the sweet aroma of baking lingered in the air. But today the aroma wasn't alone. Muffled, because either the door nor hath to the kitchen were open, the sound of someone singing could be heard from the direction of the kitchen. Elliot was perplexed. The voice is too high to be Wesley, plus I don't think he can even sing. And it definitely isn't Zoey – even though she has the early shift there is NO Way that she would be here for half eight. He seemed drawn to the melodic voice and entered into the silvery kitchen. And what he saw stopped him.

A shock of forest green hair pulled up her signature braid style. Clad in cream converse, dark blue skinny jeans, a lilac blouse, and a cropped cream cardigan; Bridget had her back to the kitchen's entrance stirring a concoction in a mixing bowl, still singing.

"Bridget what are you doing here so early?"

Bridget's singing cut off and Elliot almost mourned the loss. Almost.

"O-oh Elliot. Ho-how long were you st-standing there?" Bridget asked as a blush creeped onto her porcelain face. Crap. Did he hear me sing? Why do I still get nervous around him? So much that I stutter.

"Not long" was Elliot's reply seeing as he didn't want to spook the girl. You would think that after working together for 3 years she would feel a little more comfortable around me. This thought had caused Elliot to frown. "Anyway why are you here so early? I thought that your shift doesn't start until 12? And where is Wesley?"

Bridget put the bowl down and was playing with the hem of her blouse, a nervous tell of hers. She forced herself to stop playing with the hem and look Elliot in the face; momentarily becoming entranced by his sky-blue eyes.

"Bridget"

"O-oh right." She stuttered out, a small smile dancing at her lips "Well you know how Marc, Zoey's boyfriend competes in Kendo" She paused as Elliot grimaced a little at the mention of Marc, before nodding at her to continue. "Well anyway he had a tournament today with starts at 8 and Zoey wanted to go to support him, so she asked if we can swap shifts. Is-is that okay?"

"It's fine" Elliot replied while pinching the bridge of his nose to calm down. "Just remind her that she is closing up then" And with that Elliot turned and left the kitchen, torpedoing to the basement – which doubles as the Mew Mew headquarters. He didn't see the smile fall off of Bridget's face.