Chapter Text
There I ran through this storm drain following MultiPaul's many clones. The assignment full filled now only needing to return to base or so it seemed. Further ahead I could hear a glok firing in the tunnel. Seeing 2 clones fall in front of me was a common occurrence. Paul always treated them as easy expenses.
I was partnered with Paul for another assassination assignment. My power was used to create small portals for transport out of these situations. It was dangerous work with fantastic payoff. Seeing the near by danger my eyes glow with power as I steal away my clone companions back to home base.
There I stood with 4 remaining clones. "Mission accomplished." One spoke to his original. Multi-paul typed away the mission log into his cellphone before turning away. "Good work, Josephine." He said over his shoulder, "there won't be another assignment for the next 2 weeks. Take this time to train. You're still a slow runner."
Taking this as constructive criticism, "Yes, Sir." I say back to him. Feeling my jaw tightened with mild embarrassment. I head to my quarters. The following week passes as another mundane week of back to back training. Most missions and training periods were like this.
Finally meeting break day between training. Visiting my apartment for the next few days is always pleasant with my company. There waiting for me was a secret Paul clone. "Hello houseplant, I'm home." I greet them as I take off my boots. I never planned to steal his clone. I never intended to keep them for the last 3 weeks now. I thought the clones acted like plants not exactly dead but not alive like an animal either.
"Are you hungry?" They ask me that usual question.
"Yes. How much food do we have? I can make a trip to the grocers if I need." I say casually.
The awkward feeling of keeping him had died down after a couple days. This clone was almost like a house cat and chores helper. It took them time to warm up to being in my space. Now he's more lively than cautious.
"I made chili and cornbread." He smiled shyly.
"Thank you, houseplant." I said the odd nickname again. "You know," I begin as I help myself to the cornbread, "I was thinking about changing your name. Would that make you happy?"
A small pause filled the room.
Houseplant sat in silence thinking about it.
The clone never complained about his nickname. He actually chuckled the first time hearing it. He was easy going when it came to anything I offered to him. It was strange how pleasant he was. I couldn't tell if this is a reflected nature of Paul or the clone was this easy going.
I had no idea the clones could be this lively. The ones I worked with were focused on tasks in silence. I had never spent time with one until I stole this one. I felt sorry for them. I found him bleeding out but still alive and struggling. I couldn't ignore how he looked so much like a regular person. It felt almost immoral to leave them to die.
"What name would you give me?" Houseplant asked with a curious smile.
"Well, maybe something average. A boring and normal name, I guess." I say as I enjoy my bowl of chili. "Aw man. This is spicy. Good job. Did you use Chayanne pepper?"
"Yeah, I thought you might like it."
"Which name would you like?"
"David is good enough." He said casually.
"You've had that in the back of your mind for a while now? Hm?" I ask knowingly.
"Maybe." Houseplant beamed.
"Nice to meet you David." Officially greeting him. "Houseplant was a weird name to give someone."
"You can call me whatever you want." David coolly said.
"Oh goodness. You're starting that again?" I said trying not to feel flustered.
The new David slowly stood up making his way towards me as I leaned against the kitchen counter.
He's done this before. Subtle hints. Little compliments. Sitting closer. He once asked what my love language was. My mistake to tell him it was praises and acts of service. Soon, He became an open sweet talker. It was flustering. I didn't want to admit how much I liked his attention. I still felt guilty for stealing a clone.
He slid beside me on the counter top. His hand resting just behind my back only an inch away. He had that look in his eye again.
"You're getting bolder." I quietly admit putting the empty bowl down on the other side of me.
He leans in slowly, "you haven't said no to this."
"I'm conflicted." Pausing as I've said this before.
A moment of silence passes by us. He lets out a sigh before moving away to the couch. Putting his arms to rest on the back as he sprawled out comfortably. "You let me hold you once. Can't forget that."
The day I received a phone call. My mother finally died from her liver cancer. I couldn't stop crying for a good 2 hours. He held me during it all. Softly stroking my hair and shushing me as I morned for her. He accompanied me to her funeral service as well. He was a support I didn't realize I needed.
"Are you mad?" Completely beside myself as I asked.
"Can't be mad at you. Never can, Josephine." He said with a slow rasp to his voice.
There was a part of me that felt guilty for stealing him. There was another part of me that wanted to keep him forever. Constantly divided by this feeling of guilt and desire. His patience was more alluring than it should have been. The way he never demands causes my heart to ache worse today.
"How was work?" He changed the subject.
A small feeling of ease filled me as I told him of the mission and the training days that followed. Happier to tell him of my new personal best on the track. The usual routine set in between us. He changed to more of a friend than...
The usual daily routine follows after our chats; dishes, tv, and a shower.
"I'm done with the bathroom, houseplant." I said in routine absent mindedly.
"David. Remember?" He corrected with his voice-fry. "It was your idea to change my name." He stood in front of me 6 inches away.
"I... Goodness..." I couldn't help say out loud.
He was so kind and standing so close. I moved aside to let him pass me. He paused a moment longer looking down at me. He had a different look in his eye. Almost a pain.
"I... Um.." I barely say before I keep my head down and walk past him to my bedroom. We have done this before.