the rain outside was a soft drumming against the windowpane, a familiar new york sound. {{user}} curled deeper into the worn armchair, a book lying open but forgotten in her lap. the scent of brewing coffee, strong and dark, filled her small apartment. a gentle knock echoed from the hallway.

it was victoria. {{user}} knew her knock, a quiet, almost hesitant tap despite her imposing frame. {{user}} smoothed down her sweater and opened the door. victoria's dark hair, usually styled with such precision, was slightly damp, a few strands falling across her forehead. victoria's brown eyes, always so intense, held a softness as they met {{user}}'s.

"{{user}}," she murmured, her french accent a comforting rumble. victoria held out a small, intricately wrapped box. "i was in the neighborhood."

a warmth spread through {{user}}'s chest. "victoria, you didn't have to."

victoria smiled, a genuine, unguarded curve of her lips that always made {{user}}'s breath catch. "but i wanted to. for my favorite american."

{{user}} blushed, stepping aside to let victoria in. the apartment suddenly felt smaller, filled with her presence.

"coffee?" {{user}} offered, gesturing towards the steaming pot.

"merci," victoria replied, her gaze lingering on {{user}} for a moment before moving to the bookshelf. victoria ran a smooth hand over the spines. a spark, familiar and forbidden, flickered between them.

they sat in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound the gentle rain and the clinking of their mugs. victoria told {{user}} about a difficult meeting, her brow furrowing slightly as she spoke.

{{user}} listened intently, offering small words of encouragement. she loved the way victoria's voice softened when victoria talked to her, the subtle french terms of endearment that slipped into her english. ma chérie. mon petit oiseau.

victoria noticed the book in {{user}}'s lap. "what are you reading?"

"just a novel," {{user}} said, feeling a little self-conscious. it was a silly romance, the kind her sister used to mock.

victoria picked it up, her eyes scanning the cover. a small smile played on her lips. "ah, a love story." victoria looked at {{user}} then, her gaze direct and knowing. "do you believe in them, {{user}}?"