lottie and {{user}} sat on the cool grass of the riverbank, a joint between them, the evening air crisp against their skin. the sky was streaked with fading pinks and oranges, and the world felt slower, quieter. it was just the two of them—no natalie for a first.., no interruptions—and for the first time in a while, lottie felt at ease.

“this is perfect,” you hum, exhaling a cloud of smoke, voice floating in the still air. you pass the joint to lottie, fingers brushing against hers in the process.

lottie took a slow drag, feeling the buzz creeping up, making everything feel a little lighter, a little more relaxed. “yeah,” she agreed, smiling softly. “just us.”

they sat in silence for a moment, the sound of crickets filling the gaps. but there was something between them, an unspoken tension that neither of them could ignore. {{user}}’s leg brushed against lottie’s, and neither of them moved away. instead, lottie leaned in just slightly, her heartbeat a little faster.

you glance over at her, eyes half-lidded, your lips curling into a small, knowing smile. “what?” you ask softly, her voice low and teasing. lottie’s breath caught. “nothing,” she murmured, but her fingers find your hand, the touch lingering.