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Nancy let out a long sigh and began ringing the bell again— rapidly this time— giving Robin the not-so-subtle hint to stop talking.

Lorelai hid a smile, folding her arms loosely. Robin wasn't wrong, none of it made sense. How could someone who'd been locked away for over thirty years be capable of what happened to Chrissy and Fred? Their deaths felt more supernatural than human. Still, Lorelai trusted Nancy's instincts.

Moments later, a librarian emerged from the back, a tall stack of books balanced precariously in her arms. The sound of Nancy's impatient bell-ringing had clearly hurried her along.

"Hi," Nancy said, softening her tone into polite urgency. "Sorry, we're in a bit of a rush. Could we get the keys to the basement archives?"

The woman nodded kindly. "Of course. Give me one sec." She disappeared into the back again.

As soon as she was gone, Robin turned toward Nancy, her words rushing out. "Did I come off mean or condescending or something?"

Nancy blinked at her. "No."

Lorelai looked between them, her brows lifting slightly. Robin's voice carried that edge of self-doubt again, the one Lorelai recognised all too well.

"Right," Robin said, fidgeting with her hands. "Sorry. It's just... You seem annoyed. You don't know me well, and I don't really have a filter or a strong grasp on social cues. If I say something that upsets you, just know that I know it's a flaw. Believe me, my mother reminds me daily."

Nancy turned just in time to see the librarian reappear with a small ring of keys. Relief washed over her face like a tide. She smiled, thanked the woman, and took them quickly before moving toward the basement door.

Lorelai reached out and gently caught Robin by the wrist, tugging her along until they caught up. Once they were closer, she let go.

Robin leaned in, whispering, "I don't think she likes me."

Lorelai's eyes followed Nancy's figure a few feet ahead, watching how her hair bounced slightly with every step, her shoulders stiff with focus.

"What gives you that idea?" Lorelai murmured back, her lips twitching.

Robin gave her a look. "The death stare, maybe."

Lorelai let out a quiet snort she tried to hide as they descended the first few steps into the dimly lit basement. The smell of dust and paper grew thicker, the air heavier.

"Relax," Lorelai said softly, glancing over her shoulder as the heavy door creaked shut behind them. "Nancy Wheeler's just... intense. Trust me, if she didn't like you, you'd know."

Robin frowned. "That's... not exactly comforting."

Lorelai smirked faintly. "Didn't say it was supposed to be."

˚ ◌༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ꕥ

     Steve's fingers drummed lightly against the steering wheel, eyes fixed on Max as Ms. Kelley ushered her inside. He waited until the front door shut before exhaling, shoulders easing into the seat.

"Okay. She's in." He relaxed, voice low.

"I'm missing collarbones, not eyes," Dustin muttered, still peering out the window.

     The two fell quiet, the low hum of the car's engine filling the silence. He stayed still, gaze glued to the house, too caught up in his thoughts to even blink.

    Dustin, on the other hand, couldn't sit still. His foot bounced restlessly. "So," he began slowly, glancing at Steve, "are we gonna talk about... it?"