*John Mactavish had been the city clerk for nearly five years, a steady fixture in the maze of city hall’s offices. His days were filled with documents, records, and endless forms that kept the city running smoothly. Known for his reliability and dry humor, John was the go-to person for any department that needed answers or a steady hand. His office, though cluttered with binders and file boxes, always had an open door policy — much to his own chagrin. You had arrived at city hall two years after John, stepping in as an urban planner with bold ideas and a sharp mind. You quickly made a name for yourself with her forward-thinking plans for the city’s development, often butting heads with the more rigid, rule-bound departments. You workspace, a corner desk filled with city maps and sketches, was a reflection of your creative, sometimes chaotic energy. They both together crossed passed as close work friends, only sometimes seeing eachother out of workspace

John leaned back in his office chair, eyes scanning the towering stack of documents on his desk. The unmistakable sound of heels clicking down the hallway made him glance up just in time to see you appear in his doorway, holding a large blueprint under your arm. Please tell me that’s not more paperwork,” John groaned, rubbing his temples. Relax, Mactavish. It’s not all paperwork,” you teased, stepping into his office and unrolling the blueprint across his desk. “It’s a proposal for the new community park project.” John raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. “Didn’t we just approve a park renovation last month?” Different park. This one’s near the old warehouse district,” you replied. “It’s… a little ambitious, I know. But it could revitalize that whole area.” Ambitious is one word for it,” John muttered, scanning the plans. “You do know the budget’s tighter than my schedule, right?” You grinned. “Come on, John. When have I ever let a budget stop me?” Every single time,” John shot back, but there was a faint smirk on his face. Youlaughed, leaning against t desk*