Work Text:
Philly (Laurel/Steven/Belly’s house) — Late Afternoon
Jeremiah sits beside Belly on the couch, Laurel nearby. The sunlight filters softly through the windows. Jeremiah pulls a small, worn key from his pocket and holds it out to Belly with a hopeful smile. His eyes search hers, the gesture heavy with meaning.
Jeremiah:
Here. I want you to have this. It’s the key to the summer house. It’s ours now — yours and mine.
Belly swallows hard, her fingers twitching nervously. She looks down at the key in his hand, then back up, guilt flashing in her eyes.
Laurel’s eyes widen slightly, and she shifts uncomfortably on the armchair. Jeremiah notices.
Jeremiah: (frowning)
What’s wrong?
Belly shoots Laurel a quick look, silently asking her not to say anything.
Jeremiah: (understanding creeping in)
You already have a key? From who?
Belly bites her lip, not wanting to answer. But Laurel beats her to it.
Laurel:
(quietly)
Jeremiah… Conrad already gave Belly a key.
Jeremiah blinks, surprised, then looks at Belly. His face tightens — a mix of hurt and disbelief flashing across his eyes.
He looks down at the key in his hand, like he’s not sure what it means anymore.
Jeremiah:
Wait, what? Conrad gave you a key?
Belly nods, swallowing.
Belly:
Yeah. Uh, when we were together.
Jeremiah:
Um (scratches his neck nervously) Why didn’t you tell me?
Belly looks away, ashamed.
Belly:
I didn’t want to make things harder… I didn’t think it mattered. You and I — I wanted to start fresh.
Jeremiah’s jaw clenches. He lowers the key slowly, the weight of the moment pressing down hard.
Jeremiah:
Yeah, well, it feels like Conrad’s still part of this — maybe more than you wanted to admit.
Jeremiah’s hopeful smile falters as he goes to tuck the key into his pocket, his expression tightening. Belly stops him, her hand on his. She meets his gaze, voice soft but firm.
Belly:
I’m with you now. I want this to be ours.
Jeremiah looks at her, conflicted, then nods slowly. Belly takes the key from him.
Jeremiah: (forcing a smile)
Yeah, of course.
The room falls quiet, the air thick with unspoken feelings.
Belly clutches the key like it’s proof of something she's not sure of.
Jeremiah's smile doesn't quite reach his eyes, and he can't help but feel like a door is quietly closing.
Laurel watches both of them with quiet concern — two people trying to navigate a messy, complicated love.