Hooked on You

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity. Ella and Ryan threw themselves into the case, meeting with environmental lawyers, preparing evidence, and strategizing with Dr. Ashford. The mood in the research centre was tense but determined, the usual light-hearted energy replaced with focused urgency. Still, there was a silent understanding between Ella and Ryan that they'd find time for moments of levity whenever they could.

They were deep into a meeting with Dr. Ashford one afternoon when Ryan's stomach let out a growl loud enough to echo off the lab walls. Ella tried to suppress a snicker, but Ryan shot her a shameless grin.

"Not my fault I'm starving," he whispered, nudging her. "If they don't want hungry growling scientists, they should make lunch breaks a legal requirement."

Ella gave him a bemused look. "There *was* a lunch break. You just skipped it to pace around the research centre like some sort of overly ambitious meerkat."

"I was thinking," he shot back, feigning offense. "Very important thoughts."

"Well, let's put your important thoughts to use at a diner," she replied, amused by his dramatics. "I could use a break, too."

Dr. Ashford, hearing this exchange, chuckled. "Go ahead, you two. There's only so much strategy we can discuss without a sandwich break."

With permission granted, they slipped out of the research centre and headed to Marshport's only 24-hour diner, a charmingly rundown place with checkered floors and walls plastered with photos of the town's various fishing tournaments. As they slid into a booth, Ella relaxed for the first time in days, the tension from their battle against the polluters momentarily lifted.

Ryan skimmed the menu, his face lighting up like a kid in a candy store. "Okay, Doc, I'm ordering the works. Burgers, fries, shakes—the entire symphony of diner delights."

Ella raised an eyebrow. "You know you're just going to feel miserable after eating that, right?"

"Oh, come on, live a little!" he teased, looking over his menu with determination. "Besides, this is our version of fine dining. We're two noble warriors in the fight for ocean justice; we deserve to indulge."

She laughed, watching him with amusement. "Ocean justice?"

He grinned. "You know, I'm starting to think that could be my superhero name. Ryan Chase: Defender of Reefs, Protector of Plankton."

"Please tell me there's a cape involved," she replied, feigning serious interest.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, leaning in with mock intensity. "I'll even take suggestions for my superhero colours."

"How about seaweed green and algae brown?" she suggested with a smirk.

"Wow. Harsh," he replied, clutching his chest in mock devastation. "You really know how to kill a hero's vibe."

Their laughter filled the small diner, the easy banter cutting through the strain of the past few days. Their food arrived, and true to his word, Ryan had ordered a little bit of everything. He dove in with enthusiasm, barely pausing to breathe as he attacked his burger, leaving Ella both amused and impressed.

They ate in companionable silence for a while, savouring the rare moment of calm, until Ryan looked up, his face smeared with ketchup.

"So, tell me, Doc," he said, gesturing with a fry. "When this is all over—when we save the reef, bring down the bad guys, and everything's set right—what's your big plan?"

Ella thought about it, surprised by how much the question threw her. "I... I haven't really thought that far ahead," she admitted, twirling her straw in her milkshake. "I guess I assumed I'd keep doing what I'm doing—researching, working here, protecting the reef. This place is kind of... my life."