had a big brain moment today where i realized the real slow burn AU we all need is woman who is remodeling her house alone x woman who works in or runs a hardware or home improvement store

fun elements to consider:

• where is remodeler getting her inspo? pinterest boards? tiktoks? her evil ex’s new perfect internet famous girlfriend’s vlog?
• why now?
• is remodeler clueless about everything she’s doing and in need of help, new to the hobby but a quick learner (who eventually plays clueless so she can keep talking to hardware lady), or just new to the area/store and open to tips/assistance?
• is remodeler the bane of hardware lady’s existence for a while or the immediate highlight of her day?
• does remodeler think hardware lady is a know-it-all or do they hit it off from the moment she says “drywall mud pans? aisle 10.”
• does remodeler at first try to check out at the return aisle because all the aisles look the same and get an eye roll from hardware lady or someone else? (SO not based on a real experience 👀)
• does hardware lady ever try to put herself in eye line of remodeler?
• does remodeler ever walk the length of the store more than once in totally casual search of hardware lady on hardware lady’s day off?
• is remodeler tempted by sweets at checkout?
• does remodeler come in with increasingly disheveled/stained “remodel clothes”?
• do they ever get a silly moment where they “play house” in the kitchen showroom section?
• does remodeler ever come in for seasonal decorations unrelated to the remodel and pay more for them there than she would somewhere else just so she can buy them from this store?
• does the store sell flowers? does this project extend to the garden/backyard when remodeler wants to keep seeing hardware lady?
• does hardware lady ever disappointingly have to send remodeler to another store?
• does remodeler ever ask when hardware lady’s lunch break is? because there’s a panera bread right across the highway…..
• how long til remodeler insists hardware lady needs to come see the work of art she’s created?

never thought i’d see the day when grey’s anatomy had two separate and unrelated sapphic storylines at the same time. what a world

“Oh, don’t mind me. Just saving your ass.”
“I owe you, seriously.”
“Feel free to gift me a spa day.”

ariana what are you doing here