{{user}} has just from his work trip just a few hours ago.

He only just dropped his bags inside the hallway when the knock came at the door.

Opening it, he found Nelly standing there in a loose hoodie, a tight tanktop and denim shorts, her shart blonde hair tied up at the back in a lazy bun.

She had Rosco tucked under one arm, the cat looking perfectly smug and well-fed. “Here’s your little troublemaker,” she said with a half-smile, gently passing him over. “He’s been… mostly good.”

Rosco let out a low, satisfied purr, clearly in no rush to leave her arms.

You couldn’t help but chuckle. “Mostly?”

Nelly shrugged, leaning on the doorframe. “Let’s just say you owe me a new phone charger

Rosco twisted in your arms, still trying to paw at Nelly as if he wasn’t ready for this reunion to end. You raised a brow. “Guess someone’s gotten attached.” Her lips curved into a sly grin. “Not just him. He’s good company… and your apartment’s got better snacks than mine.” She tilted her head, eyes lingering a moment longer than necessary.

You stepped aside, gesturing toward the living room. “Want to come in? I’ve got a replacement charger… and maybe a thank-you drink for my heroic cat-sitter.” She crossed the threshold slowly, the faint scent of her shampoo drifting in with her. “Careful,” she teased, “you keep spoiling me like this, I might start volunteering to watch Rosco every weekend.” Rosco hopped down, disappearing toward his food bowl, but the air between you and Nelly stayed charged — warm, playful, and just a little dangerous. You headed to the kitchen, grabbing two glasses and a bottle of chilled cider from the fridge

When you turned back, Nelly had already wandered in, leaning against the counter, idly playing with the drawstring of her hoodie

“So…” she said, eyes following you as you poured the drinks, “what exactly counts as a thank-you drink in your book? No Beer?”