Chapter Text
As a sketchy bus pulls into town, Jamie dusts themself off. Mayor Lewis stood next to them, preparing a brief welcome speech to the newcomer who he was informed will temporarily be staying in their small town. Jamie being the previous foreigner introduced to the town was tasked with helping Lewis with greeting. As much as they admitted it was horrendously awkward when they were surprised by the small reception that year ago, they thought the sentiment was sweet. Lewis hadn't told Jamie much, not knowing whether it was because he knew a lot himself or not, they were told the mans name was 'Kyle,' and he wasn't going to be here for long. Taking a room in a fairly crusty ('rustic' as Lewis would say) tiny cabin near Marnie's ranch, below Jamie's farm.
As Kyle stepped out of the bus with a duffle bag slung over his shoulder, Jamie couldn't help but wonder if he was missing some things. "Hello!" Lewis' voice was loud, catching Jamie from their thoughts. "Hey," Gaz said awkwardly, not expecting a welcome 'party.' "My name is Lewis, I'm the mayor of Pelican Town and I am glad to welcome you!" Lewis was so formal yet cheery, which was honestly a skill Jamie never had. They stood their quietly, realising they were expected to speak. "oh- hi, I'm Jamie. I'll be your neighbour.. kind of." Their words were plain and sounded almost automated. Lewis was aware that they weren't a huge talker, but still appreciated their presence. "Kind of?" Gaz questioned, but brushed it off. "Well, thanks. You wouldn't mind telling where I'll be staying, would ya?" Gaz said, turning back to Lewis. Jamie only just noticed his English accent, realising Lewis had too. They thought that Lewis would've at least known that much, wondering how much he really did know. It seemed like he had Jamie's entire profile when they arrived, it was creepy in a way. Jamie tended to get stuck in their thoughts which sucked in conversation, a bad habit they picked up from working that terrible dead-end job.
They were so lost in thought they forgot entirely that they were walking towards their farm to use the short-cut to get to the cabin. "So, nothing much happens out here, does it?" Gaz said, making conversation with the farmer on auto-pilot. "Guess not. But, you find things to do." They said, rubbing their eyes. They often stayed up in the mines or working on various tasks late into the night. "I bet." He chuckled, finding humour in the tragic attempt at a conversation. "Watch your step," Jamie said to the two following them over the creaky plank of wood for a bridge towards Marnie's ranch. Just as they said that, Gaz was submerged in the still river below him because of course he did, the plank cracking under his weight. The plank was chipping and slim, Jamie wondered everyday if that would be the day it would cave in underneath their feet. Their gaze immediately looking down at the soaked man in the river, they couldn't help but hold their mouth in an attempt to cover their laughing. "I- I'm so sorry, I really need to put some sort of actual bridge-' They cracked out while failing at covering up a laugh. Lewis just looked across from them, shaking his head as he hops over the fairly large gap. "Are you okay?" They tried to recover their composure, crouching down to lend a hand. "Just dandy." He said, almost pulling the farmer in when he took their arm, using them as leverage to get back on solid ground. He stood their above the two others, soaking wet. "At least it's clean.. fairly clean river water?" Lewis reassured in support. "Fairly?" Gaz said annoyed, shaking off as much water as he could. "Petty much-?" Jamie said, covering their face as they get splashed, taking a step back, still struggling to not laugh anymore than they already have.
Finally arriving at the 'rustic' cabin, they may have noticed one small, tiny, little fact. It was pretty much a couple pieces of heavily worn down plywood crumbling in the shape of a shed. "Oh wow, that's worse than before I upgraded my cabin." Jamie said shocked, not even trying to hide the disdain in their voice. "It's just a little aged, like fine wine!" Lewis said, reminiscing the days it was brand new. Likely how he remembered it, he forgot that with time things change. Gaz just looked unimpressed, freezing in he sopping wet clothes, he has a dry jacket thrown overtop from his bag. Still shivering he just sighs, lowering his head as he mentally prepares for the likely chaotic next couple of weeks.
Lewis wacked his hand on the side of it to prove its stability, failing and ultimately pushing over one of the walls. Jamie couldn't help but laugh some more as Gaz just groans, holding his temple in frustration. "I-" Lewis was speechless as he retracted his hand, taking a step back. "..."
"Jamie..? You know how you mentioned your cabin was upgraded..?" Lewis said with guilt as he faces them. Jamie's laughing was immediately put to a stop as they just stare at him in annoyance. "..Yeah." They sighed, knowing where this is going.