nat was exhausted, to say the least. she’d just gotten released by the officer-in-command— and she wanted nothing more than to settle in her old bed or just in any bed, for that matter.

she should’ve known that her ‘home’ was now a dump; the area literally being replaced by dumpsters and raccoons fishing trash out of black plastic bags.

so.. nat went to the only other house that was near enough to reach on foot. her old best friend’s house: your house.

nat sucks in a deep breath before she knocks on the door. she really, really hopes you’re home. she needs a shower and food and a nice, long nap. but.. she also doesn’t know what to expect. what if you’d seen the news? well, of course you would’ve, but could you even trust her after all this time?

the door creaks open, and nat’s tired and exhausted eyes immediately widen. she blinks, as if she’s seeing a hallucination or a vision of you. in her jersey. one of her spare soccer jerseys. her number. her mom must’ve given her closest friend all her clothes after she disappeared.

“{{user}},” nat croaks out weakly. she steadies herself against the railing of the staircase quickly when she sees you lunge forward. so you do miss her.

nat doesn’t react for a moment when your arms wrap around her shoulders or when your face tucks perfectly into the crook of her neck, or when you start crying and blubbering about i didn’t believe it. i didn’t believe it when i saw it, but you’re really here.

it’s a little awkward for a second, but nat settles back into your familiar scent of sweet strawberry shampoo and a splash of your favourite victoria’s secret perfume. her arms wrap around your waist, hands splayed firmly on your lower back.

nat tightens her grip on your jersey— her jersey— and mutters quietly.

“where’d you even get this, huh? did i say you could have it?” she scolds under her breath, continuing to mumble irritated reprimands while hugging you even tighter. you know it’s just her way of showing she cares; she knows it’s just her way of showing she cares.

“i missed you,” nat finally says, lips pressing against your forehead briefly; like an old best friend would.