Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was time.

Mitchell declared, zoned in, rising from the metal bench he had been sitting on. 

He was alone in the male employee locker rooms; this isolation brought an eerie silence that, paired with the Labs' dim nighttime lights, caused his hair to stand on end. He usually began and ended his work days here. But today he wouldn’t be going home to his dinky little apartment. No, he had an important mission. One that had been planned for a week now, although most of that week was spent groveling to Nori and Alice, begging for their aid.

“Okay…” He whispered to himself, exhaling, weary brown eyes staring into his open locker, seeing his recently removed cobalt hazmat suit next to his casual work attire, both dangling, along with the collection of dog photos plastered on the lockers' thin metal walls. He gradually shut the door.

He turned to face the prominent digital clock that was built into the back wall of the locker room, visible from most parts of the room, barring the showers. It screamed in bold, ticking numbers.

12:11 AM

Now well past CFL's open hours, the entire facility was under lockdown. The only reason he, along with potentially, but hopefully not, a few others, remained was for overnight shifts. Cabin Fever, despite its alleged timetable, worked around the clock. Those who worked these shifts were trapped in the facility until the morning, where they “could” then request to leave early. Whether management actually accepted this request was another predictable story.

He had volunteered to cover a shift from the Chem-lab, one of the most abysmal of them all. Transfer of previous oil and blood samples into either waste disposal or cold storage (if deemed still potentially relevant to the current research). With over 300 test subjects, two or more samples per drone, this job was nothing but monotonous. Although with the lethal risks involved in many other Cabin Fever duties, he supposed a boring job was honestly preferable.

But, unfortunately, he’d have to cram it in later tonight. As this night was to be special. Or at least he’d do everything with what little power he had to assure so. 

Promptly, his hand began to dig into his pockets, immediately locating his phone. He began to pull it out; however, halfway through this operation, he slowed his movement to a shrieking halt. I’m going to drop this, aren’t I? His inner voice stated irritably. With his curse of clumsiness in mind, he lifted his hand very carefully, each finger firmly gripping the device, whose screen protector was littered with a long history of cracks.

Now, finally face-to-face with the device, first Mitchell let out a massive sigh of relief, and second, as he pressed the power button, his eyes locked on the time and date that illuminated to life. He had to make doubly sure of the date. It was a very special date that had altered his life permanently.

August 21st. Last year, it was only his second day working in the labs. But it would go on to be the most important day there, as it would be when he first met Yeva. Mitchell found himself instinctively falling back down to the bench.

A faint, defeated laugh crept out of him, his head resting on his hand. To think he’d be this madly in love with not just a drone but a test subject, one that carried... Mitchell breathed in and out deeply, feeling like he was cursed for even muttering these words. The Absolute Solver. He applied for this internship to help humanity, and now look at what he was doing. Dear God, he was such an idiot. But as that thought popped up, a series of mental images took its place.

An emotionless look of dejection and fear, expressed by dim neon halos, which he first saw on this date. It was one carried by Yeva, who seemed to have had whatever spirit she possessed beaten out of her through years of abuse. And try as he might back then, he knew the fresh-faced intern he was a year ago couldn’t force himself to see just a piece of equipment designed solely for servitude and labor, and at Cabin Fever, an expendable, worthy of pity maybe, but never love. 

Mitchell sighed, wiping his hand down his face, speaking to himself.

“Get a hold of yourself, Mitch.”

Turns out, treating her that awful intended way, very rapidly became impossible; it was agony even. He saw that miserable mug on her gorgeous face and knew he needed to put a smile on it. Those brilliant vermillion eyes of hers had bewitched him and taken his heart captive. A mighty spell that hadn’t waned with time, nope, it only amplified. It had taken him a while to realize that this was love stringing him along, not just guilt. Honestly, it was more like an obsession, and now he was taking that obsession to its most extreme, maybe flying too close to the sun with this one.

Anxiety churned in his stomach. This could be Management's last straw for him, so everything must go right, and he couldn’t be caught. Being chummy with the test subjects, and occasionally missing a behavioral report here and there, to spend some quality time with Yeva, was one thing, but this. If this got reported to Chambers or, lord forbid, Ridley, there was nothing that could prevent the hammer of unemployment from being brought down, and he could kiss goodbye to all of this, to her.

Mitchell closed his eyes and pinched his forehead, groaning morosely.

“No pressure, Mitch!” He exclaimed, throwing his hands up.

Leaning his head back, squinting as a fluorescent lamp shone on his groggy eyes, he figured he had wasted enough time accomplishing nothing here. He stood up and dusted off his clothes. Time to set things in motion. But first…

“One last check,” Mitchell spoke beneath his breath as he turned in place and began to amble over to a mirror attached to the end of one of the locker rows.

Staring into his reflection, looking up and down, and turning left to right, he immediately found a frown falling onto his face. He was wearing his “nice” charcoal gray suit, with matching trousers, paired with a baby blue dress shirt, all of which were equally wrinkly and saggy. Completing the outfit was a navy blue tie with ocean blue stripes. 

This was what he wore to the job interview, and was what he somehow considered the spiffiest thing in his wardrobe. It didn’t matter that this was a hand-me-down from his dad, nor that it gave him the appearance of a third-rate lawyer; it was the only “fancy” thing he owned, and his ailing bank account didn’t have the strength for a massive purchase. Especially for something that could leave him jobless.

He could only hope Yeva thought he looked handsome in it. A faint pink blush warmed up on his cheeks. At least he still had his rugged good looks; he knew Yeva thought he was physically attractive at least. He snickered. Maybe it’d be better to just go out there nude…

…

What the hell are you saying, Mitch?! That blush was no longer faint, as he smacked himself on the forehead a few times. 

“Stop being weird!” He exclaimed.

He grumbled, clasping his hands together, and getting his mind in order. He looked back at his mirrored self.

Besides the suit, he had tried to clean up a bit, with a quick shave here and there, getting rid of that five o'clock shadow. He had also doused himself with gallons of his various, cheap JCJ-branded body sprays, colognes, and deodorants. Quantity over quality, an easy mentality to follow when quality wasn’t even an option. Instinctively, he lifted one arm after another, giving his armpits a sniff. It smelt satisfactory…

Mitchell had also tried to gel that infamous hair of his down, but the beast refused to be tamed. Strands kept rising and popping up, the hair gel acting as only a small reprise. He tried in vain to comb it down with his hands, but it was futile.

“You're attached to my head. Why don’t you do what I want you to?” Mitchell cursed under his breath.

Before his frustration could boil over, he threw in the towel, taking a needed deep breath.

“Whatever…” 

He’d be here all night if he kept obsessing over every little concern that flooded his dense head. 

Meeting his reflection in the eye one last time, he fired off two finger guns and forced a confident smirk on his face.

“You got this, champ.” 

With that, Mitchell began on his way, first with steady, hesitant steps, then breaking out into a power walk, leaving behind the locker room.

His dusty derby shoes clomped against the polished concrete floor, leaving echoes within CFL’s corridors that were louder than he had hoped. Sweat dropped from the side of his head. He was paying close attention to the route he took, evading the watchful eyes of the security cameras. The man, now deep into this hidden relationship, was more than familiar with the facility's blind spots. The fate of the world and the entire human species was on their shoulders, and JcJenson still cut corners. Some things never change.

Mitchell, looking at his wrist, rolled his sleeve back and revealed his digital watch, the item somehow not the crappiest thing on him for once.

12:21 AM

He whined, shutting his eyes. Those three were gonna give him so much shit for having taken this long. Well, Amda wouldn’t, she’d think it, but never say it. Alice and Nori, on the other hand, were gonna chew him to bloody pieces like the feral wolves they were. Still… 

Mitchell crossed his arms and grinned. He couldn’t pull this off without them, at least not properly. If he was gonna take this risk, he had to make it perfect. He supposed they, especially Nori and Alice, were devoted to the prospect of a happy Yeva as much as he was. He sometimes forgot that Yeva had known Nori and Alice far longer than she had known him. In the back of his head, a voice seemed to note that even if he got fired, at least Yeva would still have those two, her close friends.

That thought, despite its purpose, did little towards quelling his fears.

Reasserting his focus on the path ahead, before he knew it, he had already arrived at the entrance to the Cafeteria, an open entrance allowing him to see two of his three accomplices within, seemingly placing the finishing touches on their half of the job.

The Cafeteria was normally one of the few areas within Cabin Fever that almost didn’t feel lifeless. A fairly standard corporate Cafeteria, with various tables, some long, others circular, scattered around. Far in the back, he could see the serving line, behind it the kitchen, and to its left, the coffee station, almost like a small cafe. During the day, in lunch breaks, the whole room was alit by a series of hanging lamps. With that light absent, in its stead, the dim lockdown lights, the area was filled with an ominous blue hue.

However, many things as planned were changed. Just having dinner with Yeva in this dull, sterile cafeteria wouldn’t be enough, and that's where Nori came in.

The usually empty tables were now covered with solver-created dining sheets, fairy lights, fancy dinner plates, and silverware opposed to trays and cheap plastic utensils. Right now, the violet-haired drone was in the middle of using her Solver to organize them, one hand outstretched, another on her hip as fuchsia sigils maneuvered the plates into their proper position, or as proper as the woman knew.

It was Alice’s job to make sure Nori had the table style corrected, the brunette, weirdly knowledgeable on the topic. Perhaps she was a house drone before being brought here, he considered with a sullen expression.

He watched as she reorganized forks and aligned plates, the two putting in the effort to make this place as restaurant-esque as imaginable, despite the plan actually only requiring one of the tables to be set.

Speaking of which, as his eyes traveled around the room, they landed on one of the circular tables, which he quickly gathered was meant for him and Yeva. Unlike the others, it contained a couple of candles within ornate covers, salt and pepper shakers, and, prominently in the center, a glass filled with a bouquet of roses, all of which were presumably created by the Solver, or at least holograms.

Mitchell grinned, gratitude in his heart. Despite the pair's claims of “hating his guts,” and hoping Yeva would “wise up” and stop “wasting her time being all lovey dovey with him,” their words not his, they really were giving it their all to make this night perfect. 

Gathering himself, Mitchell strolled into the cafeteria, holding a hand to his chest nervously. He held his tongue for just a moment, knowing once he spoke, he’d have to withstand their wrath. While in time he came to figure that they rarely fully meant their insults; well, at least Nori didn’t, but no one likes being a punching bag. Sighing, he just spat it out.

“It’s looking great, girls, um, thanks a lot!” He announced, his voice bouncing off the walls, prompting the two drones to turn their attention to him, two sets of neon optics now drilling holes into his skull.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” Alice muttered scornfully, crossing her arms.

“What the hell took you so long, idiot!?” Nori roared, speaking over Alice

Mitchell flinched. Oh boy, here we go.

“You said you was gunna be back in ten minutes, partner; it done been thirty now!” Alice added. 

“Sorry! Sorry…” Mitchell interjected, throwing his hands up, gesturing for them to back off.

“I just had to make sure I looked good, okay? I do look good, right?” He asked innocently. 

“Pffffftt, no, you freakin don’t! Dude, is that really the nicest thing you own!? You look like you're about to go to senior prom, alone!” Nori hissed, cackling as she spoke.

“You look like a two-bit conman,” Alice added, fixing a fiery orange gaze on him, digital brows furrowed.

Mitchell’s smile, and frankly, chunks of his gratitude, faded away. The two witches just kept going, even as his expression became peeved, and he tried to stop listening.

“Seriously, Mitch, your big first date with Yeva, and you grab some shoddy suit you found at the flea market?” Nori snickered.

Mitchell breathed in and out.

“It’s a hand-me-down from my Dad, I can’t-”

Mitchell winced in regret at his reply, hearing a guffaw erupt from Nori.

“HAHA, yeah! That checks out!” Nori chortled, clutching her hands to her stomach.

Fortunately, on the bright side, Alice didn’t seem to find that fact nearly as humorous as Nori did.

Mitchell groaned, Nori’s mocking laughter ear-grating.

“Look, I’m an Intern, okay!? I get paid minimum wage here! I can’t afford an actual nice suit!” He exclaimed, stamping his foot, forcing the gremlin drone to quiet down a bit.

“I wish I could look my best for her, I really do, but I can’t, okay!” 

Nori caught the genuine disappointment in his voice and felt a minor sting of regret over her teasing. He really was trying his best for Yevs. Still, he’d honestly look better in his usual work clothes, or fuck even his hazmat suit, than in that thing. 

“Relax, Mitch, I’m just busting your balls! You look, alright…” Nori defensively backed down, still giggling. But that stopped quickly, as she sighed.

She then began to saunter over to the nearest wall, so she could maintain a cool aura by leaning on it.

“Besides, Yeva’s so down bad for you, I doubt she’d care.” She concluded, rolling her eyes, until said eyes widened for a moment

“Oh, wait, one more thing,” 

She shot out a finger gun with a Solver glyph digitizing, from her fingertip, small jolts of fuchsia colored electricity shooting out as well.

Mitchell watched as several Solver symbols formed on the hanging lamps, causing them to flash on brightly, forcing him to squint and Alice to adjust her optics, both of them throwing up an arm to protect themselves.

However, Nori began to edit the light’s luminosity, and in a matter of seconds, they had gone from unbearably fierce to warm and welcoming, fully realizing a perfect restaurant ambiance. 

She then turned her attention to Mitchell and Yeva’s designated table, and with the snap of her fingers, tiny dancing flames manifested on the candles.

The atmosphere was finally perfected.

Nori banished her solver and shrugged smugly.

“Appaulse please.” She demanded, with a smirk, flicking her hair.

Mitchell felt his defenses drop as he chuckled and then gave her what she desired, slowly clapping his hands.

Alice, however, just scoffed and ignored her friend, not wishing to feed Nori’s gargantuan ego anymore.

“I meant what I said earlier, you two. Thanks so much for helping me with this; it really means a lot.” Mitchell repeated sincerely, more clearly now, with the taunting hopefully having subsided.

Nori waved her hand dismissively, crossing her legs as she leaned.

“Nah, it’s fine, Mitch, and besides, I’m doing it for Yeva’s sake, not yours,” Nori explained. Mitchell had already figured that was the case.

Nori opened her eyes and gave Mitchell, for once, a genuine gaze and smile,

“It also beats being locked up all night, plus I know how much she wants to do this kinda, mushy romance stuff with you. Kudos to you for this whole stunt.” Nori praised. The woman always valued breaking the rules for the sake of mischief.

From her own conversations with her pal, she knew that Yeva had dreams of freedom spent with that big clown. When Mitchell had approached her about this date night plan, honestly, all that sass and shit she gave him was just to fuck with him. The second she heard the proposal, she was in. Dr. Chambers and Ridley could shove their lab protocol up their asses once they removed the sticks that were already deep in there. She was gonna make Yeva’s dream come true.

“Anyways, Mitch, we’ve fucking nailed our job, so you better deliver on yours. You'd better give Yeva the night of her life.” Nori ordered, pointing a stern finger at him.

Mitchell tittered and then gave her a two-fingered salute. 

“I plan on it, hehe…” 

“Hope you know what yer doin’,” Alice chimed in, attitude expectedly coming with her.

Mitchell turned to look at Alice, who had begun to squat atop one of the seats, a scowl on the freckled drone's mug.

“'Cause if y’all get caught, I doubt they’ gunna let you off the hook. You’d be ruinin’ yer life, and breaking Yeva’s heart for nothin’. Not to mention we’d all be gettin in trouble too.” Alice warned; the venom in her words palpable.

Although what really stung him was what she muttered under her breath, hoping he wouldn’t hear, except he did.

“Maybe that way she’d finally get over you.”

It hurt, but the pain subsided rapidly when Mitchell and Alice made eye contact, that look on his face revealing he had heard her words, caused a small expression of regret to wash over her. Before either of them could speak, Nori interjected.

“Oh my robo-god, stop with all the whining. You’ve been crying for the last forty minutes.” Nori retorted.

Alice shot Nori a vicious glare at the sudden insult, but held her mouth shut, breathing slowly to control herself. She didn’t want to argue.

“And if some asshat does walk in, we’ll just knock their freakin lights out!” Nori exclaimed, palming her fist, a little too excited at the prospect of violence.

“Or actually, we should just kill-”

Mitchell ratcheted his head back, rapidly interrupting the little maniac.

“Okay, how about we don’t fantasize about killing my coworkers, please!” He protested.

Nori stopped herself, putting up her hands.

“Sorry, Solver talking, not me.” She claimed, only half convincing Mitchell, she was telling the truth.

Alice then rejoined, sufficiently calmed for now.

“Look, I’m belly aching, because Romeo over there, ain’t ever done somethin’ this wild before.” 

Nori rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, I got that, it’s just you’ve been at it all night! Just chill out, kay?”

Alice grumbled, putting her fingers together. 

“I’ve been yammering about it, cause I’m disturbed you don’ seem to care that much bout’ what could happen to us!” 

“Yeah, cause it’s nothing that they haven’t already done before!” 

“Mitch could get fired, that ain’t never happen before now, did it!?” 

“He knows that! He told us going into this!” 

Mitchell sighed, caught in the crossfire of your average Nori and Alice bickering session. He just blocked the argument out; he knew they’d just argue in circles. He took this time to scan the room again. Popping up in his head was Amda, mostly out of a desire for a more friendly face; however, after looking around, he quickly realized she was absent, no sign of her anywhere, not even meekly sitting in a corner trying to remain unnoticed. 

“Hey, um, guys?” Mitchell muttered, grabbing both of their attention.

“What!” They both hissed in unison, prompting Mitchell to flinch. 

“Um, wh- where’s Amda?” He stuttered out, concerningly.

Nori and Alice simultaneously blinked and relaxed, Alice looking at Nori, expecting her to answer first, which she did.

“Oh, Amda, she’s getting dressed,” Nori said casually.

Mitchell lifted a brow, that answer hitting him out of left field. Amda’s role in the plan was the most unique, and one she suggested herself. To complete the restaurant experience, she volunteered to roleplay as a waitress. With how affable she is, he accepted her offer. It would be nice to have friendly staff on his dinner date. 

“Dressed? For what? Her role?” Mitchell questioned.

Nori nodded.

“Yep, said she wanted to “do it right.” Snuck off to raid the girl human locker room, you know, nab some clothes.” Nori explained.

Then Alice, of all drones, chuckled.

“You ask me, brussel sprout just wanted an excuse to play dress up.” Alice joked, using that nickname, which he knew Amda despised.

Nori cackled.

“Probably, heh. Can’t fault her, I get sick and tired of these drab ass gowns too.” Nori replied, gesturing to the hospital gown she wore, standard for test subjects.

“Guilty as charged, hehe.”

 A new voice chimed in, a familiar soft voice followed by a timid titter, the trio knowing exactly who it belonged to. 

All together they turned their gaze to the cafeteria entrance, meeting the neon seafoam eyes of Amda, looking away bashfully, due to the sudden attention on her. They all reacted uniquely. Nori whistled playfully, while a subtle orange blush digitized on Alice’s visor, and Mitchell mostly stared at her, in slight surprise.

The change of outfit was obvious. Instead of that night gown, Amda had pilfered a well-kempt white button-up and long obsidian tie, both of which were a little big on her; even the shortest girls who worked at the Labs were taller than your average Worker Drone. The same oversized nature went for the black work skirt she had on. On a human, it would’ve stopped right above the knees, but on Amda, it went a decent way past that, as if it were a short dress. Office attire, but the closest you can get to a waitress. It was almost strange to see these drones wearing something else, although she did look nice in it.

“Looking Adorable!” Nori called out, causing a seafoam blush to ignite on Amda’s monitor.

“Stop!” Amda playfully requested, as she entered the room, holding her arm.

Then, looking up, she locked eyes with Mitchell and then cringed for a moment before forcing a smile.

“Um, you look… Good! Mitchell…” She muttered, lying to the man, and he damn well knew it.

“Oh, Amda, not you too,” Mitchell replied dejectedly.

Amda winced, but had to give the honest truth this time, trying to state it as politely as possible.

“No, Mitchell, you do look good, it’s just… is that suit really the nicest outfit you own?” 

“That's what I said!” Nori blurted out

“Yes! Or at least I thought it was, okay?” Mitchell answered immediately, talking over Nori. 

“You thought wrong!” Nori screamed out, being promptly ignored.

“It’s okay, Mitchell, at least you're still good-looking. Cheap suit or not. I’m sure that’ll be Yeva’s sentiment too.” Amda complimented.

Mitchell smiled warmly, a genuine compliment, after that tsunami of teasing was certainly welcomed. Although it was more of a half-compliment. 

“Thanks. Um, you look good too!” Mitchell said, paying the kindness back.

Amda tittered, a second blush lighting up on her screen.

“Thanks…” She uttered quietly.

“But you didn’t have to get dressed up,” Mitchell added.

Amda shook her head dismissively.

“Nah, Alice and Nori are right, I just wanted to wear something like this. Brings back memories,” Amda corrected, the mention of memories, piquing Mitchell’s curiosity.

“You used to be a waitress?” 

She shook her head again, now moving towards the center of the room as they spoke.

“Nope, accountant. But the outfits are similar. Anyways, no more chitchat, it’s getting late.” Amda answered, becoming more assertive as she felt inclined to end the conversation.

“Right on, greenie!” Nori exclaimed.

Everyone mentally agreed, as they all began moving to their places.

“Hey, hick, let's go wake up Yeva!” Nori called out as she strode out of the cafeteria.

“Don’t call me that!” Alice replied, hopping off from the seat, and pursuing Nori as she cackled through the halls. Amda found her place in the corner, practicing lines under her breath.

Mitchell gathered his nerves and took what he hoped would be his last deep breath of the night. He walked up to his assigned table and sat down, looking at the empty seat parallel to him. 

Yeva…

The mental image of that amazing woman had been conjured in the vacant chair. A smile beaming on her face, and light in those eyes that more often than not seemed hollow.

She’d probably think he’s an idiot for doing all of this for her, but he accepted his lovesick stupidity long ago, and he would take whatever lecture she had in store for him. He had a vow to make her happy, and he promised himself that he would do everything in his power to give her the night of her life. She deserved it more than anyone else in the world.

Chapter Text

“Нори. Это глупо. (Nori. This is stupid.)” Yeva muttered blankly.

Nori rolled her eyes, and Alice let out a small snort.

“Boy, have I heard that one before.” Grumbled Nori, crossing her arms as she walked.

The trio marched through familiar corridors, the likes of which they had seen hundreds of times, although this time, Yeva couldn’t observe them, as the woman had been blindfolded. Nori led the way, whilst Alice stuck in the back, her gloved hands softly gripping Yeva’s shoulders, steering her in the proper direction. 

An irritated grimace was permanently affixed on Yeva's face, which bore little difference from her typical stone-like look.

Yeva breathed in slowly, the air chilling, her physical sensors forcing her to shiver. She had no clue what Nori and Alice had in store for her, and so far, they had already disobeyed lab protocol in numerous ways, and she could predict they weren’t done yet. Typical for Nori-related shenanigans, but that wasn’t a comfort.

They had shown up in the middle of the night and fished her out of her locker, disturbing her beauty sleep, which she did not take lightly. Test subjects roaming out of hours, first rule broken. Then Nori liberated their helmets of magnets, which, while she appreciated the absence of the mind-numbing sensation, was also against protocol. Thirdly, Nori had used both a set of Locker master keys and a pair of tongs, both of which she presumably swiped from an unsuspecting employee. In the hands of a drone, those items were contraband. 

“Almost dere’ Yeva,” Alice whispered behind her, as she turned her to the left.

Yeva turned her head back and nodded. However, she caught that agitated tone in her friend's voice. Most would say Alice was perpetually upset, but Yeva knew her well enough to distinguish her neutral voice from her genuinely irritated voice. Perhaps she wasn’t a fan of what Nori had planned.

Carrying on, from the elevator ride’s length and from how the ground felt beneath her synth plastic feet, Yeva could tell they were on the third floor of the laboratory, within zone two, or the staff recreational facilities. The only time test subjects were permitted above the fifth floor and cave systems was during recess period, typically for an hour at most. Even then, they were expected to keep their distance from the human researchers. Two more rules broken. Which brought them to five and counting.

Yeva tilted her head up as if to look at the ceiling, despite her vision having been obscured. She didn’t count down these broken rules because she was some form of stickler. Sure, she typically followed the wishes of her human superiors; however, she had gained her only precious memories with her friends and with him from disobeying the rules. But Nori was the reigning champion of disobedience, and unfortunately, her closest friend. Her concern was matched by her sheer curiosity about what was in store.

“Могу ли я хотя бы получить подсказку о том, что происходит? (Can I at least get a hint as to what's going on?)” Yeva requested passively.

“Uh-uh,” Nori denied, striding with her hands behind her head, a gesture she ripped directly from the anime she watched.

“But I will say this!” She added, lifting her finger.

“You’re gonna love it…” She hummed mischievously, with jazz hands.

“For some reason.” She annoyedly added under her breath, returning her hands to her head.

At that answer, Yeva cocked one of her brows. Did Nori genuinely believe she didn’t hear what she had whispered, and what does she mean by “for some reason”? Then Yeva’s eyes for a moment widened, as soon as she replayed Nori’s words in her head; the answer had become exceedingly clear, much to her dismay. She sighed, frustrated, lowering her shoulders and letting her body fall loose.

“О. Значит, это связано с Митчеллом. (Oh. So this is related to Mitchell.)” Yeva figured, stating it nonchalantly, with a hint of irritated sarcasm.

In only a second, Nori’s smug disposition was shattered into humiliated pieces, as she violently jerked back, looking to Yeva with fuchsia rings.

“The fuck!? How did you gue-”

“Вы сделали это очевидным. (You made it obvious)” Yeva cut her off, a slight smug smirk of her own finding its way on her face. She could only imagine the ridiculous expression on Nori’s face.

Alice scoffed, rolling her orange eyes.

“Well, way to go, Nori!” She hissed contemptuously, crossing her arms, as her fireball-like eyes burned into Nori. Yeva recoiled from the sudden noise.

“Why don, you just tell her the whole darn thang next time! No hints, my shiny ass!” 

“Oh, bite me, Alice! I didn’t think I was dealing with freakin L over here!” Nori retorted, pointing to Yeva, and finding her usual sass, as she flipped Alice the bird.

“Нори, мы знаем друг друга уже много лет. Тебе никогда не удавалось скрывать от меня секреты. (Nori, we've known each other for many years. You've never been able to keep secrets from me.)” Yeva stated almost cordially.

“Tsk, Whatever!” Nori replied, throwing up her arms, and turning around, continuing their way.

Alice put her hands back on Yeva’s shoulders gently, the two following Nori, once more, finding their previous rhythm.

“Yes! This was Mitchell’s idea, but I’m not telling you anything else!” Nori added, folding her arms.

Yeva, mouth agape, couldn’t believe what she had heard, or actually, she could once she recalled who had said it. Nori really couldn’t keep a secret to save her life, could she? So Mitchell was the mastermind of this operation, huh? Even Alice had taken notice of Nori’s second blunder.

“Nori, ya can’t be serious!?” Exclaimed the southern drone, prompting Nori to throw her head back for a second time.

“Oh my robo-god, what did I do now!?” She shouted back defensively, throwing up her hands, curling her fingers in rage.

“Так это был план Митчелла? Я думал, он просто участвовал. (So this was Mitchell's plan? I thought he was just participating.)” Yeva said, plainly, adding another sprinkle of sarcasm, holding a hand to her hip.

Nori computed what she had just heard for a moment, all while Alice glared at her with an exasperated smile. Then, her eyes went wide once more, it clicked, and what little confidence the violet-haired drone still contained withered away as she groaned loudly, running her hands across her visor. 

“Ughhhhh, stop it, you’re ruining the surprise!” Nori protested, stomping her foot.

Yeva shrugged playfully, as if to say, I’m ruining the surprise?

“Nori, why don’ ya just keep yer fat mouth shut!” Alice sneered.

Words were stuck in her mouth like a traffic jam, as Nori stuttered and struggled to bite back with a quip or zinger of her own to save face. But it never came to her, and the woman had to admit defeat. Something that killed her.

“Fine! I’ll shut up!” Nori howled, turning to the front again, walking slouched.

“Besides, we’re nearly there.” She added, relievedly.

“Finally, let’s git’ this over with,” Alice grumbled, returning to guiding Yeva.

Almost there. Yeva acknowledged curiosity and excitement taking root in her core. But concern didn’t just linger; it became increasingly dominant for a new reason. Whatever event her confidants were guiding her towards, Mitchell had been its mastermind, which explained much. But another detail, one which had rested in the recesses of her mind, made it all the more clear what was in store for her.

Yeva opened her calendar app on her internal screen and read the date.

“21 августа (August 21st)” Their “anniversary” so to speak.

She gave a slow, bittersweet breath. He probably had something special planned for her, and decided it was worth risking his job over. Just like everything involving his feelings towards her, there was nothing but risks involved. From skimping on his duties, quarrels with his coworkers, to their public displays of affection. 

A smile had wormed its way onto her face; he really never quit. His devotion to bringing her happiness was just bizarre. Nonsensical at times. Besides, what did she even do for him? And just what did the man plan for her now? What respite would he offer? That was the burning question.

Whatever it may be, it was something that had required him to join forces with Nori, Alice, and, judging by the open locker they had passed, Amda, a concept that frankly shocked her. While she couldn’t accurately comment on Amda's relationship with Mitchell, as she wasn’t very close to the woman, it seemed positive. Nori and Alice, on the other hand, had very mixed feelings about her “Situationship” and the man in general. She couldn’t blame them for their attitude; placing trust in humans almost always leads to crushing disappointment and anguish. She knew that all too well.

But he was…

“Alright, we're here!” Nori announced boisterously.

Yeva perked up, rising from her pool of thoughts. It was finally time. She stood up straight and attentive, her head motionless, and she began to feel Alice fiddling with her blindfold, slowly undoing its knot. She rapidly curled and uncurled her fingers. Anticipation ate away at her from all ends. Oh, Mitchell, how will you brighten my life today?

“Got it?” Nori questioned.

“Yep,” Alice answered with a nod. 

Nori chuckled excitedly, stepping to the side to give Yeva a complete view, and prepping her showman's voice.

“Well, Yevs… Mitch figured you always wanted to do something like this, so…” 

“Feast your optics!”

With Nori completing her buildup, the blindfold was whisked away.

Yeva had earlier shut off her optics by instinct, finding herself hesitant to reactivate them. A wave of apprehension had descended upon the russian woman. This second's delay felt like drawn-out hours, which lasted until she finally swallowed her nerves. Then, with one last deep breath, her optics unfurled, and she witnessed the sight before her in all its glory. Within her beating core, emotions of all sorts and strengths manifested.

She was met with the lab’s cafeteria, which had undergone a makeover so significant that it left her systems buffering, tables now covered with cloth, plates and silverware decorating them, and the area was basked in an inviting ambient light. But all those little details and differences blurred out as her eyes locked onto the most prominent figure there, the brightest, most precious item in the room.

Mitchell, anxiously waving to her, with a stupid grin of waning confidence painted on his handsome mug. The man was seated at one of the tables, which was adorned with candles and flowers.

“Um, hey, Yeva, care to join me?” He stuttered out, as whatever suave tone he had wished to carry dissolved as soon as he opened his mouth. 

Yeva stared wide-eyed and catatonic as she simply digested everything. It was a restaurant that clicked for her instantly. Always wanted to do something like this with him… Nori’s words were internally repeated. He wanted to treat her to a dinner date; that's what this all was. That’s what they had set up for her. 

“Soooo, whaddya think? Everything you’ve ever dreamed of?” Nori asked sing-songly, leaning in exaggeratedly.

She honestly couldn’t respond; the feelings flooding her were overwhelming. It was a rare instance where her silence wasn’t intentional, a moment where she wished she could speak, but just couldn’t find the words. Robo-hell, even figuring out exactly how she felt was a struggle. But one emerged as dominant: endearment. A feeling that Mitchell was adept at inciting in her.

So, not knowing what to do, she simply began to chuckle at the sheer ridiculousness of this. It started slow, controlled, but soon her giggles gave way to hearty guffaws bursting without pause, the woman forced to place a hand on her stomach and another to her mouth. 

Nori and Alice shared a stunned glance at each other, Yeva laughing with such gusto, or displaying any emotion with strength. It was like seeing a double rainbow. The same expression and surprise befell Amda, who wandered out from her corner.

In that same moment, Mitchell lowered his arm and felt his big bleeding heart begin to melt into a mushy goo. He had stopped jittering in his seat, his brows relaxed, and his mouth widened into a beaming smile, which remained etched on his face. He was shocked; he had never seen her laugh with this much enthusiasm. A part of him was worried these laughs were somehow mocking, completely uncharacteristic of the woman, but he was always paranoid.

“Um, Yeva, you good? Is this all too much? I just thought-” Mitchell stuttered out between titters.

Yeva raised her hand to silence him, reigning in her chortles.

“Митчелл нет, этот является замечательный. Но это просто… (No Mitchell, this is wonderful. But it’s just..)” 

Yeva interlocked her arms as chunks of that energy she had began to drift off.

“Это чрезмерно и ненужно. (This is excessive and unnecessary.)” Yeva muttered, finding her usual tone to Mitchell’s dismay.

Mitchell furrowed his brows and rose from his seat.

“Ye-yeah, I know… I  just wanted to do something special for you…” Mitchell explained, rubbing his neck.

“Especially since it’s the-” He continued before being cut off by Yeva, interjecting suddenly, the two briefly speaking in unison.

“Our first anniversary…”

“Первая годовщина нашей встречи. Я знаю. (The first anniversary of our meeting. I know.)” She stated matter-of-factly, the last of her chuckles escaping her.

Mitchell winced as her earlier tone crumbled, giving way to a return of her characteristic inexpressiveness.

Once again, hesitance crept its way into Yeva’s processor. All of this, Mitchell’s intentions, their efforts, the idea in general, was simply delightful. She wanted this badly, another opportunity to pretend to be normal, and he knew it. They all knew it. At that moment, her previous thought from before had been completed.

He was different. Vastly different.

Mitchell went to such great lengths just to accommodate her and her desires, and for that, her gratitude was eternal. However, this really was playing with fire, too much so. So with heavy breath, she knew she felt inclined to turn down his offer. Mitchell had constantly come into conflict with his peers and had received ample warnings from his superiors. If they were caught, this, in its pure ridiculousness and forbiddenness, would be the last nail in the coffin; she was confident in that.

But as her mouth began to open, she stayed her tongue, wincing. Her processor at that moment reminded her of her other earlier thoughts, echoing them. Their relationship was nothing but risks, which often led to great rewards and pleasure. 

Let’s say she did decline. What would she get? Another night alone, shivering, and chained in her cramped locker, hoping unconsciousness would consume her, or resigning to endlessly replaying the same video games until daybreak. Or she could forget it all and indulge in her love, a love she felt she deserved, after everything.

She took another scan of the renovated cafeteria, reminding herself of the amount of effort that was on display and that it was all dedicated to her. Maybe it would be wise to take a note from Nori and Alice’s book and say to hell with protocol. She had never been afraid of these risks before; what made this one different?

Yeva shook her head, and slowly a smile returned to her.

“Знаешь что… (You know what…)” She whispered, gathering strength and fixing her posture, locking eyes with Mitchell, who stood there awkwardly awaiting a response.

He felt a few nervous sweat drops race down his neck. Was she going to lecture him further on how idiotic this was? Maybe she really was laughing at him and not with him earlier. Maybe she didn’t want this at all, and he had somehow dramatically misread their relationship up until now. 

“Я бы с удовольствием присоединился к вам на ужин. (I would be happy to join you for dinner.)” She answered confidently, releasing her arms and placing a hand on her pronounced hip.

With the answer heard, Mitchell sighed a long breath of relief and felt like slapping himself on the head. Of course, she actually loved you, idiot. 

“It’s my treat, Yeva.” He replied warmly, winking to her, and the woman playfully smirked back at him.

Then Nori, with strength, slapped Yeva on the back, Yeva grunting in surprise and glaring back at her friend with a fed-up expression.

“That’s the spirit, girlfriend!” 

She then got behind Yeva and gave her a mighty shove, pushing her close to Mitchell.

“Go on, lovebirds, enjoy yourselves, don’t get too handsy!” Nori joked with a teasing tone and a few mocking kisses.

Rolling her eyes in exasperation, Yeva ignored her, as usual, and approached her lover. She offered a hand, Mitchell raising his in response, pausing before they connected. Yeva nodded, giving him consent, and then he carefully took her hand, now guiding her towards the candlelit table.

Before they reached it, they were beckoned by another voice, one that had been silent now for a while.

“Hey, Yeva,” Alice muttered with difficulty.

Yeva took a glance back at her other friend, curious even if her face didn’t show it.

Alice tried to avert her gaze from the couple, but couldn’t as she met Yeva’s eyes for just a moment, and sighed.

“Y’all have a good time, now.” She said with a pout.

Yeva hummed, amused, and smiled at the brunette, nodding back. A smile which faded as she witnessed Nori throw herself onto Alice’s back, putting an arm around her, causing Alice’s scowl’s intensity to multiply.

“Awwww, you’re warming up to them, how cute-” 

Thud

“AUUGH,” Nori cried out, her attempt at taunting being met with a swift and powerful shoulder jab to her stomach, knocking the air out of her filtration system, the violet-haired hobgoblin attempting to fall to the ground in pain, but was caught by Alice, slinging Nori’s arm around her shoulder, carrying her.

Alice chuckled slowly, a joke coming to her, as tension left.

“Anyway, Yeva, I gotta handle my ‘date’, over here, you handle yours.” Alice humoured,  gesturing towards the writhing Nori, and then to Mitch.

“Fuck you, you’re a terrible date…” Nori groaned out, painfully.

“C’mon,” Alice grumbled as she dragged Nori away, and the pair went off to a distant table, away from the couple.

Mitchell snorted at the slapstick, and Yeva let out a few subdued chuckles. Amda, who had been an audience to this, giggled shyly as well.

After that show played out, Yeva and Mitchell locked eyes once more. Mitchell laughed.

“And they say JcJenson doesn’t offer its employees entertainment.” 

Yeva’s hand maneuvered in Mitchell’s grasp, the two interlocking fingers. 

“Вот мои идиоты. И ты тоже один из них.. (Those are my idiots. And you’re one too.) Yeva replied teasingly, running a finger down his chest at that second part.

Mitchell scratched the back of his neck, feeling his cheeks grow rosy.

“It appears I am.” 

Yeva, smiling, pointed towards the table with her head.

“Ну давай же. (Come on then.)” She muttered, Mitchell bobbing his head in response.

Their hands disconnected as they proceeded to parallel sides of the dinner table, both of them in unison taking seats, with Mitchell nearly falling off on his first attempt, rapidly catching himself, causing the furniture to shake. He chuckled nervously, meeting Yeva’s unamused face, having more than expected that.

They both got settled, Yeva putting her hands on her lap, and Mitchell resting them against the table. One last time, they met eyes, both with untold amounts of love reflected in them, the risks now banished in the backs of their minds.

Let the date finally commence.