the new york city night buzzed around {{user}}. she navigated the familiar streets, the glow of bodega signs painting her face in fleeting colors. a text from danny, her sister's ex, a man who'd become an unexpected anchor in her life, pulled her thoughts away from the city's symphony.

"hey, you almost home?" it read, simple and comforting.

a small smile touched her lips. danny. a teddy bear of a man with a protective streak that both amused and warmed her.

she typed back, "almost there. just passed 8th."

the reply came instantly. "i'll meet you at the corner. it's late."

it wasn't a question. it was danny, always looking out for her, ever since she and her sisters escaped woodsboro's nightmares. his protectiveness, once directed at sam, had subtly shifted, becoming something uniquely theirs.

the corner came into view, and there he was, leaning against his muscle car, the city lights reflecting in his dark brown eyes.