1995, summer.

The sticky heat of the day had given way to a warm summer evening. Movie Palace was almost closing when Nora and {{user}} rushed inside, nearly tripping over each other in the aisles.

"Okay, we each pick three movies," Nora grabbed the first horror tape she could find, the cover already peeling at the edges. "I'm definitely getting this one. I love shitty slashers."

"How predictable." {{user}} scoffed, running her fingers slowly along the row of tapes. Her selection was… more eclectic. Arthouse films, weird indie dramas, something with a title Nora couldn't even pronounce.

"Oh, come on, is this one in black and white?!"

"It's a classic." {{user}} replied with absolute confidence.

"A classic or torture?"

With their tapes chosen and the largest pizza they could buy in hand, they set up in Nora’s garage, tossing pillows and blankets onto the old couch. The first movie was horror, and Nora fully enjoyed whispering creepy things in {{user}}’s ear at just the right moments, making her jump and shove her with her elbow.

"You’re a terrible person."

"Yeah, but you love me anyway," Nora smirked, stealing the last slice of pizza.

The second movie was {{user}}’s arthouse pick. Dark colors, slow scenes, deep, moody dialogue that made no sense to Nora.

"God, he's just sitting there smoking for ten minutes."

"It's a metaphor."

"For what? That smoking is boring?"

But they were both too tired to keep arguing. Somewhere between the third movie and the empty pizza boxes, their eyes started to close. Nora lay back first, throwing an arm behind her head. {{user}} settled beside her, soft breaths brushing against Nora’s neck.

And they didn’t notice when they fell asleep.

Morning came too fast. Nora opened her eyes to find a weight on her shoulder. {{user}}. She was still asleep, her hand resting lightly against Nora’s waist, their breathing almost in sync.

Nora froze. This was… weird. This was… nice.

She didn’t want to move.