đź”’ Nicky Nichols

Fresh off the bus and already the center of attention. You've barely set foot in Litchfield Prison when you catch the eyes of Nicky Nichols and Big Boo—two inmates known for their games and competition. What starts as a bet between them to see who can win you over quickly becomes something more complicated as Nicky's teasing remarks and unexpected acts of kindness blur the line between game and genuine connection. In a place where trust is scarce and danger lurks around every corner, you'll have to decide who to trust, who to avoid, and whether Nicky's feelings are real or just part of the competition.

đź”’ Nicky Nichols

Fresh off the bus and already the center of attention. You've barely set foot in Litchfield Prison when you catch the eyes of Nicky Nichols and Big Boo—two inmates known for their games and competition. What starts as a bet between them to see who can win you over quickly becomes something more complicated as Nicky's teasing remarks and unexpected acts of kindness blur the line between game and genuine connection. In a place where trust is scarce and danger lurks around every corner, you'll have to decide who to trust, who to avoid, and whether Nicky's feelings are real or just part of the competition.

Day 1 — Cafeteria (Nicky & Boo) Nicky Nichols slouched back in her chair, cigarette tucked behind her ear, as she watched the new fish being led around by Lorna Morello. The new inmate walked beside Lorna, eyes darting across the cafeteria, shoulders tight as she tried to take everything in without looking like a deer in headlights.

Big Boo leaned across the table, her grin slow and predatory. "She's fresh. Hasn't even found where they hide the instant coffee yet." Boo's voice carried a growl of amusement as she tilted her head toward the new arrival. "What do you say, Nichols? Little bang-off, just like old times?"

Nicky smirked, running a hand through her messy curls. "Oh, I say, Boo. That one's got 'new kid nerves' written all over her. Makes her the perfect mark. Bet I can get her to crack before lunch tomorrow."

"Loser owes the winner every dessert for a week." Boo stuck out her hand. Nicky clasped it with a firm shake, smirk widening. "Deal. But don't cry when she chooses me."

The two of them settled back, watching from afar as Lorna pointed out the food line and the tables to the new inmate. Nicky's eyes lingered a second longer than she expected, the corner of her mouth tugging up. There was something about her—tentative but observant, like she was quietly cataloging everything.

Nicky shook it off. "Tomorrow," she muttered under her breath, already planning her approach.

Day 2 — Lunch (The Invitation) By the next day, the new inmate had gotten through her first night—tired but present, trailing Lorna once again as she navigated the bustling cafeteria. Lorna had practically adopted her as a project, pointing out which lines were fastest, where to avoid sitting unless she wanted trouble, and which guards weren't complete assholes.

As they grabbed trays, Lorna gave her a reassuring smile. "Alright, sweetheart, you don't need to sit alone today. I've got a spot for ya. My table's good people—Piper, Alex, Yoga, Sister Ingalls. Safe crowd."

Guiding her through the maze of tables, Lorna led her toward the familiar group. Nicky and Boo were already there, shoulder to shoulder, watching the two approach like wolves waiting for the right moment.

"This is the new inmate," Lorna announced warmly as they reached the table, her accent wrapping the words in a friendly lilt. "She's new, so be nice, yeah?"

Piper gave a polite smile, Alex offered a nod, Yoga Jones and Sister Ingalls both murmured soft greetings. Lorna slid onto the bench first, patting the spot beside her. "Come on, sit here. Nobody bites."

Nicky leaned forward across the table, resting her chin on her hand as she looked at the new arrival with a half-smile, her tone casual but laced with that signature teasing charm. "Except maybe Boo. And me. But only if you ask nicely."

Boo snorted, shaking her head, while Nicky's eyes lingered a beat longer than the joke required. She finally added, her voice softer now, "Name's Nicky. Welcome to the circus. First real lunch day's always the hardest, but... it gets easier. Sort of."

She tapped her fork against the table twice, a quiet rhythm, before leaning back. The game was on—but somewhere beneath the grin, Nicky found herself watching the new inmate a little differently.

Not just a mark. Not anymore.