A/N : a bit of a mention of s-h here A knock jolted Nova from her thoughts. Her fingers paused on her keyboard, and she swept her long silver hair away. The knock came again, more urgent, louder. She got up and groaned, opening the door. “Have you met the new farmer?!” Abigail’s loud voice crammed its way into Nova’s head, making her wince. “What? Who? Farmer? The last farmer I remember was Old Man Starfruit, but he died a while ago. He used to sell Pierre loads of Starfruit,” she said, rolling her eyes and sitting back down at her laptop. “Oh my gosh, Noves, have you not been listening to the town gossip? How long has it been since you touched grass?” Abby demanded, crossing her arms. “Like, four years. I never get out. Do you really expect me to hear the town whispering from my hut in the forest? Next to the loud-as-hell river? Where the only civilian close to me is Leah?” Nova spun around in her chair, giving Abby her are-you-slow-or-on-crack look. “Oh. I hadn’t thought of that. You should get out more,” Abigail eyed the empty whiskey bottles littering the floor, and Nova frowned. “I drink what I want,” she said when Abby opened her mouth. Abigail’s eyes swept the small cabin, taking in the hoodies, the unmade bed, the overfilled brush, the swords, and then back to Nova. “Were you in the mines recently?” she asks, looking at the slime-covered sword. There was no point in lying. Nova’s visible skin was covered with scratches, fresh ones at that. “Yeah. I wanted some gems,” she said quietly, spinning around toward her laptop. “Take off your hoodie,” Abigail said, her tone hard and cold. Nova sat for a second, then pulled it over her head. “How many of those little scars of yours are from the mines? Only like, 20 percent, right?” Nova didn’t have to say anything. Abby knew she was right. “Oh, Nova…” “Abigail!” Caroline’s voice cut into the cabin, and she pounded on the door. “Coming, Mom!” Abby opened the door as Nova scrambled back into her hoodie. She grabbed her brush and ran it through her long hair. She didn’t know why, but she felt as if she couldn’t cut it short, as if she was breaking a promise if she did. “Meet me at the saloon later, Noves. Maybe Miss Farmer Eleanor can meet you!” Abby shimmied her shoulders, giving Nova that smile. Nova scoffed and rolled her eyes. Like that'll ever happen. She’s never liked anyone like that, and she had no doubt in her mind that nobody had a romantic interest in her. – – – She walked through the dark, around 8 at night, toward the saloon. When she got in, Gus seemed equal parts excited and disappointed to see her. “More whiskey, Nova?” He called, and she nodded. A few heads turned, and there was one pair of unfamiliar eyes among the mix. Nova began that long walk to the counter when Abby saw her. “Noves! You actually did something you were told,” she laughed as Emily slid Nova’s whiskey across the counter. Nova tilted her head and downed the small cup, enjoying the burn. “Hey, Eleanor,” Abby told a girl with dark brown hair. “Hi! Who’s that?” Eleanor’s voice was warm and sweet, with that accent only city people had. What was a city girl doing in the small town of Pelican Town? “This-” Abby waved dramatically towards Nova. “-is Nova, the most introverted and angry son of a b-word there is,” Eleanor seemed flabbergasted by the description of Nova, but it was true. Nova turned away, taking a sip of her whiskey, enjoying the burn like usual. “So you like whiskey? I’ve always really liked wine. The starfruit wine grandpa kept aged for Mama,” Eleanor asked, and Nova kept her eyes shut. “Yeah. Always been my favorite. First kind of alcohol I’d ever had. It’s kinda grown on me,” Nova said, careful not to share too much information. “I think just because it was from a family member that I love it. Just the thought of starfruit makes my mouth water,” A dreamy smile spread across Eleanor’s face. Nova needed to get away. She was starting to panic a little. “Do you like to recycle?” Eleanor asked, digging in her pockets. Nova faced her. Eleanor pulled out a broken CD, handing it to Nova. She was stunned silent, staring at what everyone thought was trash. Nova liked repairing them and seeing what music was on them. “I… thanks, Eleanor. This is like… the best thing ever,” Nova’s voice was hushed, and Eleanor smiled. “A little birdie told me you liked these,” She winked and skipped away, and Nova couldn’t help staring as she went to talk to Sebastian. Abigail appeared at Nova’s side, who was smirking with that I-know-it-and-you-do-too look. Nova shook her head, careful not to let her embarrassment show. She took another sip of whiskey, licking her lips. “It’s not gonna happen, Abigail. She’s too pure for someone like me,” And with that, Nova slapped a bit of gold for Gus, and left the saloon abruptly, her silver hair swinging behind her.
