Chapter Text
Etho set his coffee on his desk, and sat down, ready for a busy day of work. He sat down and stretched, he plugged in his Earbuds, and turned on his computer, getting into the zone.
Just as he was vibing and powering though his work, he was interrupted by his boss Xisuma, calling for attention, Etho took out one of his earbuds and looked up.
Standing next to Xisuma, was a young, beautiful girl with ginger, curly hair, and a pair of bright green eyes.
'This is Gem, our new Data Researcher.' Xisuma introduced her. Everyone started clapping.
Gem beamed, looking at them one by one, when Gem's bright green pearls met Etho's black opals, he suddenly realised how red his face was, and instantly turned away in embarrassment.
'Gem, you'll be sitting next to Etho.' Xisuma pointed to the seat next to Etho. Etho's heart skipped a beat. Oh snappers.
Gem took the seat next to Etho, and smiled at him.
Etho's face turned bright red. Good thing I've got a mask on, he thought.
'Hi.' Gem introduced herself to Etho. 'I'm Gemini Tay, but everyone calls me Gem.'
Etho blinked, before realising what was happening.
'Oh! Um... My name's Etho...' He cleared his throat awkwardly, 'My full name is Ethos Lab, but... My friends just call me Etho.'
'Nice to meet you, Etho.' Gem offered a handshake, Etho blinked again, before taking the handshake hesitantly.
After that, they didn't talk at all, of which Etho enjoyed, a lot. He threw every though of Gem to that back of his head, and accomplished much work.
Etho glanced at the clock, 12:30 p.m.
Lunch time.
He streched, but accidentally felt like he hit something. Turning around, he found his hand on Gem's shoulders.
Etho's cheeks turned into a ripe tomato. 'I-I'm so sorry-'
Gem giggled, 'No worries, it happens.' She yawned, and streched, 'By the way, would you like to have lunch with me today?'
'Sure!' Etho responded without thinking about it for a second.
'Great! I'll see you downstairs in 5 then.'
5 minutes later, Etho arrived at the entrance to their office, when he saw Gem already waiting for him, looking into the sunny environment.
'Lovely day.' Gem sighed.
'Yeah.'
They arrived at a Japanese restaurant, and chatting over two platters of sushi.
'How long have you been working in Zuma Incorporated?' Gem asked, tilting.her head slightly as she chewed.
'Uh...' Etho looked into her dark green eyes, hypnotized.
'Earth to Etho? Hello?' Gem waved hwr hand in front of the dazed man.
Etho jumped, and his face flushed red, he looked down.
'Umm... I-I think about th-three years, now?' Etho stammered.
'So we aren't too far apart from each other then! Oh, this is wonderful! I have trouble talking to senior workers, I'm so glad I met you!'
Etho relaxed a little,and gave a small smile, 'Hmm... yeah...'
6 months later
It's very late in the evening, Etho and Gem were the only ones left in the office.
'Ethooo.' Gem poked her head out behind the board that separates her cubicle with Etho's, and Etho, who was focused on his work, snapped his head up.
'Gem?' Etho responded tiredly.
'You want to go grab some dinner?' Gem asked.
'I need to finish this for X before it's due on Friday.'
'You've still got three days, come on, live a little.' Gem pulled Etho up from his chair, but lost her balance. Etho lept up from his chair, and caught her in his arms.
Their faces were very close together now, and Etho could feel Gem's and his scorching face, he quickly straightened up, and released his hands from Gem.
'Um.' He scratched his head. 'You all right?'
'Yeah, I am.' Gem responded. That was when Etho noticed that Gem's hands, were still on his shoulders. 'Thanks.'
'No problem, anything for my cr-er, friend.' Etho sweated a little.
The corner of Gem's mouth twitched, and she drew in closer, and, next to Etho's ears, she whispered, 'What was that, Etho?'
Etho's face turned red again, 'I-'
'Etho,' Gem asked, looking into Etho's eyes, before leaning in, and teasing him, 'do you have a crush on me?'
Etho's face turned impossibly redder, and stammered, 'I-I-'
But before he could finish his sentence, he was silenced by a pair of small, delicate, smiling lips on his.