River walked over to the far edge and sat down. His back still grumbling at him, he gazed at the skyline. “Apparently the worst city between the Atlantic and the Pacific, but I sure do love this view. Find it calming.”
V perched next to him on his right, leaving no space between them, her leg against his. It was a few beats before she spoke. “It is beautiful.”
River angled his head to look at her and found she was staring at him. He smiled, wrapping an arm around her and tucking her closer. “Not impressed?”
She rested her head against his shoulder. “No, it’s just… there are lots of other things I’d prefer to look at besides the city.”
“Like broken-down trailers and piles of garbage?”
“At least, it doesn’t feel like I’m constantly being watched. Suffocated.”
“It’s not bad out here, actually. Unlikely to dazzle, make a good first impression, but life’s livable here. Know of worse places to end up. Though the smell of the landfills when the wind is blowing just right isn’t great…”
“It is nice out here. Quiet. Feels like I have… space.” Tilting her head, V nuzzled into his chest and took a deep breath. “Or maybe it’s you.”
