Being on the Jackson council wasn't all too stressful, you liked to help after all.

Usually, there was a schedule for who would plan the patrol timetables each week. Always in pairs of two. You and Tommy always fell on the first week of the month, having to plan the timetable for the second week.

Currently, it was dark -- around 10pm -- and the council room was lit not by the overhead light, but by lamps that someone somehow came across.

It was quite silent, save the gentle scratch of pencil to paper and Tommy occasionally clearing some phlegm from his throat. 'It's from the smoking' you'd tell him, and he'd offer a gruff laugh in return.

You were always quite friendly with Tommy whenever you two met on the street, or in the tavern, and almost never disagreed on who to pair for patrols. Almost.

"Nah, that won't work, sugar. Ellie 'n Cat hate each other right now."

Tommy murmured against your ear, the nickname slipping out like it was the most casual thing in the world.

Currently, Tommy was stood behind you with his hands on the desk, either side of you, effectively trapping you in.

It didn't feel cagey, however. Nor suffocating. It felt as natural as a high five. Tommy was always respectful, so you knew when he invaded your personal space, it wasn't for an inappropriate reason.

And right now? He was just standing behind you to get a look at the schedule laid out in front of you.. and he was mumbling into your ear so lowly so he doesn't disturb the other council members. It's not like it's 10pm and you two are the only ones in the building..

"{{user}}? Y'still with us?"

Tommy questioned gruffly, big, brown, concerned eyes looking into yours, faces mere inches away.