the damp bits of concrete beneath the slotted, iron wrought steps that ascended towards the roof oriented themselves like the spot of the town's beloved betsy. vivienne counted each until they had fallen out of view along her short ascent up to the closet perch to the sky. the wind pressed softly against her back, kissing the nape of her neck, as it pushed her forward. her gaze swept over the familiar figure she had sought after. a welcoming sight for her sore eyes. "you forgetting who was here with you when you found this spot," she tsked. "it's a sunday in pinehaven. everyone's either sleeping, eating, or hoping to hit the mega million."
"when were you gonna tell me you were coming home for good? i would have made you something delicious."
Nelly’s head tilted slightly when she heard the voice, the corner of her mouth already THREATENING a smile before she even turned. She twisted one of the gold rings around her finger again, slow and absentminded. When she finally glanced over at Vivienne, one eyebrow lifted. “ Oh, RELAX, ” Nelly said, dragging the words out like she was only half willing to give the credit. “ I remember you being there. And I REMEMBER you being afraid we were going to get in trouble. ” She shifted her weight, letting her gaze drift lazily back toward the street below, as if the whole town was still under inspection. “ I’m the one who recognized the potential. You just happened to be present during the discovery... That's ALL I'm saying babe ” Her eyes flicked back to Vivienne, a crooked little smirk settling in. Nelly made a soft scoffing sound under her breath, leaning forward slightly on the railing as she looked down the street again. “ A whole town full of people acting like it’s socially acceptable to nap through an entire day. ” Nelly muttered. “ But sure. Sleeping, eating, lottery dreams. Very THRILLING town culture. ” She nudged Vivienne lightly with her shoulder. “ Honestly, though, you’re LUCKY I showed up. Without me this whole place would just be… quiet observation. ” She let the silence settle before she added, dryly, “ And we BOTH know I’m significantly more entertaining than that. ”
Nelly shrugged one shoulder, “ if I had warned you ahead of time you’d have done something extremely domestic like cook a full meal and make me TALK about my feelings. And you know I don’t walk willingly into emotional ambushes. ”









