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The preparation and work that went into the start of a new season was easily ten times as much as it was between them. But this one really took the cake.
A whole fleet of civilians, processing payments for the rentals of the buildings between Apex matches, new photos and interviews with the legends, you rubbed a hand over your face as your thoughts listed off the different things that needed to be done. That were done.
The Icarus had been the first ship to arrive, and with it the infestation of plants that quickly took over that part of Olympus.
It’d been about a week, an evacuation had been called though you had no idea when it would start or end. That wasn’t your department. You were just the photographer, cameraperson. Though your job was only to make the legends look good both inside and out of the ring, you were still not permitted to leave Olympus. All staff were to remain, and the games would continue regardless of the threat.
“It’s a threat, right?” You mumbled to yourself, uncertainty rearing it’s familiar head. It was a constant, unwelcome companion.
You were so deep in thought that you didn’t realize someone was standing in the way until you almost ran into them.
“What’s got you speeding about like you got wings on your feet?”
“I’m sorry!” You stammered, finally looking up to meet the amused brown gaze looking down at you. “I wasn’t paying attention and- oh! Miss Imahara!”
The legend laughed, the sound somehow soothing the worry that always seemed to be gnawing at the back of your mind. “No need for the miss, Kairi is fine. Or Valk.”
“Alright, K-Kairi,” you laughed nervously, giving a little smile.
The other woman’s eyes lit up a little, gloved fingers reaching out to teasingly tug on a strand of your hair. “There’s a smile. Gotta say, you’re cute when you aren’t brooding.”
Your cheeks warmed a little at the compliment.
“Hey, don’t I know you?” Kairi squinted a little, head tilting. “You’re y/n! The techie!”
“Yeah, that’s me,” you responded with a little grin, heart fluttering slightly over the fact that the other woman remembered you. “Not anything special, just the background kinda work.”
Kairi laughed, punching your shoulder. “Don’t knock yourself, kid. So long as you like it it’s the best thing for you.”
Nodding a little, you offered the other woman another smile though it faltered when your gaze wandered over her shoulder to where the Icarus was docked. The mess of branches sprouting from its core reminding you that things weren’t as good as you were feeling.
Following your glance, Kairi looked back at the ship. She stared for several long moments, her brow furrowed slightly, frown creasing her lips.
“I should probably be going,” you cleared your throat.
You really didn’t want to go.
“Hey.”
Looking up, you felt a flicker of contentment pass through you upon seeing the mischievous smile on the legend’s lips.
“Have you ever experienced the freedom of soaring through the sky?”
Eyes widening, you shook your head, Kairi grinning. “Do you wanna?”
Though your lips opened and closed a few times you found you weren’t able to form words, opting instead for a quick nod of the head.
Kairi laughed again, slipping on a pair of sunglasses before holding out a hand. “Come on then, I make a great wingman.”