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It was another day, another morning and another shift for Eugene Arlington. Eugene spent twenty minutes in his driveway gripping the steering wheel, a part of him didn’t want to even go to work. Eugene’s mind kept flashing to a few days ago, the night he cried himself to sleep in his own car. It wasn’t the act of sleeping in there that left a mark but the fact Eugene had caught his girlfriend Mandy cheating and the fact he did nothing. He let her and her ‘boy toy’ stay in his own house.
Yes that next morning he lashed out and rightfully kicked her out but she still lived in his brain. That last few days were horrible for Eugene. The same day he caught his girlfriend cheating he and his 'friend' Casper Amity went out to Eugene's favorite diner and Casper embarrassed Eugene by screaming at a waitress over messing up Eugene’s order. It didn't even matter to Eugene. But Casper made a scene anyway and he screamed at some poor woman for ‘him’. It’s funny how Casper would yell at an innocent person for Eugene but never actually care about what he has to say. Everyone in Eugene’s life sucks and it caused Eugene to just breakdown.. he felt bad for yelling but he didn’t regret it. He was finally a Eugene that called Mandy and Casper out. But this morning Eugene was the same ol’ pushover he always was. It was easier to stay the same than change and grow his spine out permanently.
Eugene was in his same stupid sweater vest he always wore, this was Eugene’s second week at the job and he had to wear ‘semi formal clothing’ which which made Eugene a tad frustrated, he would’ve much preferred a formulaic uniform than an opened ended choice. Eugene didn’t have enough money to buy a whole new wardrobe so he always wore the same thing, a periwinkle button up and a sweater vest. It was easy and simple.
Eugene’s motivation and social battery was already at zero that morning but you wouldn’t assume such a thing when Eugene had his big ol’ Eugene smile. It wasn't long until Eugene got bombarded with greetings, once the office realized he was present. Eugene wasn’t stupid, he knew the greetings were simply to make them not seem like the fake little worker bees they were. Eugene’s coworkers had gotten used to how much of a doormat Eugene was and used it to their full extent. Eugene was now in charge of the work three other employees should be doing. He knew he shouldn't be but anyways Eugene was here and ready to work his ass off for minimum wage because he’s just a nice guy.
Today Eugene just wanted to relax and his version of relaxing was simply doing the amount of work he signed up for. But no here he was on the computer typing away with the posture of a shrimp filling spreadsheets in with information that was surely above his pay grade.
Marty Dressler was someone most brushed over. Most people saw him as the cold IT geek who laughs during inappropriate times. Marty didn’t have any friends but he was married and has been for a solid five years, so that was something. Marty runs in a routine, that's how he likes it. He wakes up, goes to work, goes home and goes to bed. Marty cherished logic and proof over emotion. It made life easy.
Marty too, has a mask. Said mask is apathy. Marty’s mask rarely ever breaks [ it only truly breaks when he’s around his significant other and at the aquarium ]. Life is just easy for Marty when he doesn’t show interest or gets into things. It causes less drama. Marty’s life was formulaic and easy to predict. Yes, Marty wishes he could do something to shake things up but it’s hard.
Marty doesn’t have any friends and he doesn’t feel close to any of his workers. Yes he has his partner but he works at the hospital and the hospital never gives breaks. Marty wishes he could be the guy that gets asked out for coffee or to the new place down the street for lunch. Marty thought this job could be a new start but here he was, months into this job and he caved to his normal Marty tendencies of acting cold and apathetic because it was easy. It was easy to brush everyone off than to let someone in and have them be grossed out by Marty’s real mind. So codes and numbers were Marty’s best friend, they were always predictable.
Marty is blunt. He hates sugarcoating and his attempt at humor is typically seen as sarcastic and rude. Marty once bought a joke book and tried to break the ice with a knock knock joke only to be greeted with confused glares. Humans confused Marty, he thought that’s what others found funny, why are they staring at him like that? Marty’s new sense of humor was developed by the playful teasing his coworkers threw at him.
When Marty was new, a few of his coworkers saw him eating his lunch in the breakroom, one of said coworkers made a rather rude joke about Marty’s weight. Marty didn’t know how to respond when they all started to laugh. Was that joke funny to others? Is that what office humor was? The ‘joke’ spewing coworker was loved by others so Marty assumed rudeness was what got him friends. Most are put off by Marty. His coworkers stopped handing him birthday cards to sign a long time ago. Most of his coworkers only tolerate Marty due to the fact he’s one of if not the smartest onsite IT workers.
Marty was at work bright and early. More hours equals more money and what did Marty really have to miss? It’s not like anyone had asked to hang out with him after work. Marty was hunched over and staring at his desk. Marty’s desk was cluttered, he wasn’t sure what he should toss or keep. Even things such as the diet coke cans that litter his desk were growing in abundance. Eventually Marty would get overwhelmed and throw everything but his computer out. That’s what he waited for.
Marty didn’t have time for small organizing as much as he wishes he was. As long as the mess didn’t effect him working, he ignored it. Today Marty thought today would be in the simply routine they always are in. Marty would come in, chug an abundance of coffee and diet coke, work alone until lunch, eat alone and work again until home time. Marty was technically the one that helped with his worker’s hardware when it acted up but nobody really dared to ask Marty for help, but rather one of the other IT people. Marty was working on updated cyber security when he felt a firm tap on his shoulder. Great, another interaction Marty was forced to do, what would it be this time? Marty was expecting to see one of his coworkers but rather he was greeted by his manager.
“ Marty! Hi! “ Her painted lips were in a fake ‘I’m only doing this because I have to’ sort of smile “ Sorry to bother but one of our new hires is having issues with his software, could you assist him? “ The manager pulled her hands the second Marty gazed her way, as if she was afraid he would bite her, her golden metal bracelets dangling and making a noise that irritated Marty.
Marty wanted to give an abrupt ‘no’ and get back to his work but the last time he did that he was written up. Marty hated breaking the routine of silence but he had to accept. “ Fine. If I must. Was I requested in specific or could this be handed to someone else? “ Marty’s voice was cold, the second part of his reaction was truly unnecessary as Marty was already shuffling out of his chair. “ Well ya see Marty, we know you’re not exactly a people person but you’re a smart fella and you know your way around a good computer! “ Not a people person. That was one way to describe Marty. Marty sighed as the manager showed led him to the troubled computer.
Eugene was midway through working on a spread sheet filled with numbers he didn’t even understand when his computer froze. Just like that. He tried fixing it himself but everything was futile. Eugene was sure he could’ve fixed it if given more time but his manager, saw him sweating and rapidly clicking the off button on the back of his monitor and approached him.
This made Eugene even more stressed out. He hated asking for help, it made him seem like a useless hunk of junk, but thankfully he didn’t have to physically say and ask for help as the visual proof was right there in the form of a frozen screen. Only a strangled “thank you but I don’t need it” was whispered by man when help was offered. Eugene was ignored. Eugene was still sweaty and barely noticed the fact his manager left until he heard her doing rushed introductions between him and someone new. Eugene’s thoughts were instantly “ oh my god I have to inconvenience someone else “
“ Okay Marty this is Eugene! He’s one of our less experienced hires.. And Eugene this is Marty, he’s our computer guy! “ Marty That name was familiar to Eugene and then it clicked. On one of Eugene’s first days at the job, while on the rushed tour given by one of his tired coworkers Marty was brought up. When pointed out by the worker Marty didn’t do anything but make an uninterested scoff. Said coworker said something about Marty ‘not really caring about anyone’ and started pointing out new things. Eugene saw Marty later on that day in the break room eating a sandwich and chips and Eugene tried to start up a conversation. Eugene tried to give Marty the benefit of the doubt and the assumption that surely Marty wasn’t as rude as his coworker made him out to be. Marty didn’t exactly help his case when he quickly gave Eugene the stink eye and ignored him.
Marty has done that each time Eugene has tried to talk to him. Eugene was disappointed by the fact Marty didn’t seem to care but a part of Eugene was relieved he didn’t have much use for Eugene.. one less person that gave their workload to Eugene was a win. But another part seemed almost a little angry by Marty’s rudeness. But Eugene didn’t have time to address that.
The manager quickly left after she saw the problem as fixed and that obviously left the two men alone. Eugene would be lying of he said he was a tad afraid of Marty. Marty was well, Marty and Eugene felt like his whole existence alone would annoy Marty and lead to something bad. Eugene, being Eugene tried to exchange pleasantries as much as his inner mind yelled at him to stay silent. This was greeted by one of Marty’s iconic scoffs and a demand to move over. Eugene obeyed and Marty assessed the situation. “ You really couldn’t solve a simple freeze? “ Marty muttered under his breath, his first words given back directly to Eugene.
This ticked Eugene off ever so slightly more, Marty was treating this freeze as if it was directly his fault. Eugene tried mumbling something about not having much time to troubleshoot but that was shut down when Marty kept mumbling snarky comments about how ‘easy a classic reboot is’ and how ‘you really must not have paid attention on the basic training’ Normally Eugene would take it. He’d let Marty insult him and mutter under his breath but not today. Eugene, his mind still fresh from being cheated and pushed around finally said something for himself.
“ What the fuck is your issue? “ Eugene pushed himself away from his desk, he had little fires glowing in his blue eyes. Marty was in the middle of starting a hard reboot on Eugene’s computer when he heard the man swear at him.
“ Excuse me? “ Marty spoke taking a step away too. Marty brought and clasped his hands behind his back as he stood up straight. Eugene faced Marty in his chair. “ You! I’ve done literally nothing to you but be nice and you’ve been acting all high and mighty.. as if your shit doesn’t stink too! I’m tired! If you wanted me to leave you alone just say that! I’m not some fucking telepath dude! Use your words to push me away instead of insulting me! “ Eugene’s face was red and he was blinking rapidly.
“ Just. Look. I hate yelling at you but I’ve just been dealing with a lot and I do not need more on my plate.. I’m sorry. You can leave, I’ll fix this myself and I’ll say you did it.. “ Eugene sighed as he scooted himself back to his desk. He placed his head in his hands. Looking back up at the still silent Marty, Eugene saw Marty smiling, as if he found this funny. Eugene stood silent, his brain felt tired. Of course another person smiled when Eugene let a little of his real thoughts out.
Marty was genuinely taken aback at Eugene’s lash out. This wasn’t a part of Marty’s expectations of this interaction and definitely not a part of the routine. Marty’s mind felt like a string of code with too much info in it. So Marty didn’t bother to rush out of the conservation but rather say the thought that first came to his brain. Eugene planned on just staying there with his head on his desk, his lash out truly drained. Marty hesitated at first but then he placed his hand on Eugene's beanie covered head. Marty wasn't sure why he did that.
“ You want to know your issue, Arlington? “ Marty started “ You act helpless and it aggravates me. You are a punching bag to everyone’s advantage. You’re soft and artificial. You have no reason to act this way and you clearly know how to break it and the fact you don’t push the people who use you away makes me not like you. Simple as that. “
Eugene sounded like he got the air punched out of his lungs. Marty analyzed his brain better than he could. Since Marty could figure out so much about him just by the few interactions he has, surely a little venting wouldn’t be bad. “ Look.. Marty it’s just easier being like this you know? Don’t you think I want a little bit of spine? Life’s easier when you just let people do what they want to.. y’know? Like recently my girlfriend broke up with me- “
Eugene was abruptly cut off and corrected by Marty. “ You were cheated on. Not broken up, there hasn’t been an official break up yet. “ Eugene glared up at Marty, his eyes wide. “ How.. do you know that..? “ Eugene figured Marty knowing how his brain worked was one thing but this was surely another. Marty smiled wide and he squinted his eyes. “ It’s just the atmosphere??? “ Eugene saw right through his coworker. “ Yeah uh huh. You’re really bad at lying dude.. “ Marty’s smile quickly faltered back to Marty’s normal resting bitch face.
“ Fine. I found out on Mandy’s Facebook. I like to stay informed on the lives of my coworkers. It’s a mere jovial pass time for me, Arlington. It wasn’t hard to piece together the fact she never liked you romantically but rather the fact she had her eyes on that.. not half bad looking man. I’m sure you have past times you don’t normally announce to the world too, Arlington. I do know rose tinted shades are always on people like you but come on.. anyone could see that. “
Eugene’s eyes were still wider than the moon, practically becoming small planets by this point. “ So you knew she was cheating and never thought once to tell me? That’s another thing with you Marty! You really do not care, do you? A-And if you find me so ‘fake’ why do you care about what my ex girlfriend was doing? You’re a creep dude! “
Eugene kept going. Eugene kept talking about what almost everyone in that office thought about Marty. About how Marty is a cold, selfish creepy jackass who’s only employed because he’s smart. Eugene also snuck in a comment about how shocked he is that Marty isn’t in jail for his weird endeavors. “ And dude. It’s not fair how creepy dudes like you are even married! That is a wedding ring right? How the hell does your wife feel about you stalking your coworker's Facebooks? “
Marty stood silent with his head up. Marty was full of logic, not bias nor option. So he saw correct info when he saw it and as much as a small part of his brain is trying to scream ‘ you’re not wrong Marty! You’re da best!!!! ‘ Marty saw the logic as is and he would show bias if he became defensive.
This wasn’t the first time he was called out, he just didn’t expect it from Eugene of all people. Marty knew this was right but he’d be lying if he said this didn’t hurt. Before Marty could formulate his full big response, one thing came out of his mouth. “ I do not have a wife. I have a husband. I am unsure why his preferences are relevant here. “ Marty brought his hands to the front of him and clasped them again. Marty started to fiddle with his wedding band.
“ I do suppose me and you aren’t too different then, Arlington. “
“ Ohhhh yeah no fuck that we are not. I-I know I’m not the best dude around but at least I don't shut out the world from the get go.."
Marty stood silent, he chose not to reply right away and that threw Eugene off, he was expecting a snarky Marty response, a response that was cynical. Eugene was prepared for Marty to make him feel small again. But right now? Silence. Marty's eyes drifted, they didn't avoid Eugene but didn't quite focus on him. Marty's hands clenched and loosened in a small rhythm. It wasn't long before Marty started to fidget with his wedding band again.
" You're not completely right. " Marty's voice stated that sentence in a way that didn't project it as clear concrete fact unlike everything else. Marty's voice was softer as if this was purely his opinion. That startled Eugene even more." You don’t think anything I say is right. " Eugene muttered. The only sound now filling the air was the sound of the computer finishing it's last round of boot up, the blinking text bar on the login screen caught Eugene's eye. Marty could leave if he wanted to. He's done his job. There was technically no point for Marty to be there.
The duo stood in awkward silence until it was broken by one of the coworkers that loved nothing more but to give their work onto Eugene. " Hi Gene! I got this meeting in a few can you deal with these? " The coworker kept mumbling excuses as Eugene nodded meekly and took the stack of papers. The coworker mumbled a quick thanks as they scurried away. Marty initially didn't move, didn't comment but observed instead. Observed how Eugene accepted the work without a second thought and how Eugene's shoulders sagged with disappointment. Eugene grabbed a pen and started cracking away at the work almost instantly.
" Why did you accept that? You clearly have many other obligations upon your plate. " Marty asked. Eugene's head lifted from the work but his head kept writing. " Excuse me? " Eugene replied. " You're clearly busy, that work was clearly not mandatory for you so why would you take it? Adding extra work is simply illogical. " Eugene couldn't help but let out a cold humorless laugh. " Not everything is about logic you know.. " Eugene's voice just sounded tired.
" It should be. Logic tends to make life easy. "Eugene held his head in his hands, " you don't get it, do you? " he sighed. Marty shook his head. " People don't just function like code or your little systems. How long have you been hunched over at your computer to get everything mixed up like that? You can't just shut the world out because you're afraid to open up.."
Marty's brows furrowed. Silence came back, by now Eugene's head were out of his hands and he was back to staring at Marty. Marty's eyes " That's not what I do. I've tried opening up. " Eugene gave a suspicious look. Marty's gazed darted from the pile of work on Eugene's desk and how Eugene was already going back to work. Eugene's attention was on the work, maybe if he started now and skipped lunch he could get it all done by home time.
It wasn't long before Eugene felt Marty's gaze burning into his back. Eugene glanced up and caught Marty really staring with practically no chance of stopping." Look. Marty. Sorry if I've been rude it's just seriously hard to take your option when you've made it abundantly clear that you think I'm pathetic and my choices are stupid. " Eugene's voice sounded tired, not just from Marty but rather everything. " I don't think you're pathetic. I just think you allow people to take advantage of you. " Marty corrected. Eugene scoffed, " Same thing " Marty shook his head. Eugene's eyebrow piqued. " You're making a choice when you let people walk on you. You have an opportunity to say no. " Eugene's eyes widened as he glanced back down at the papers upon his desk. This work that wasn't even his. " Yeah. I guess it is a choice. "
Eugene looked back up to Marty. " And you.. " Eugene continued, his voice softer this time. " You tend to push everyone away because you misunderstood them. Not everyone is against you.. and the ones who are aren't right for it. They took your attempts of friendship as rudeness. But that doesn't mean you should assume everyone hates you. " Marty spent a minute thinking. Marty couldn't correct Eugene because he wasn't wrong. " That also is a choice.. " Silence fell once again but for once it wasn't filled with tension. " Once they come back from the meeting I'll give this work back.. " Eugene mumbled. Marty nodded " That's a good start.. and.. maybe during lunch I'll.. ask our coworkers about the weather "
" Maybe you could do that tomorrow. " Eugene got out of his chair, he was roughly the same size as Marty. Marty's face got struck with confusion. " Maybe during lunch today we could go out.. y'know for lunch. I didn't bring anything because I thought I would be swamped all day but.. since that's not my thing anymore. You don't have to, obviously! Butttt I know this place and they make really good milkshakes. " Marty smiled and Eugene was sure he was the first to ever make Marty Dressler smile. Marty had to double- no triple check for any chances that Eugene was being sarcastic or only asking out of obligation. It took Marty pretty quickly to see that maybe Eugene was actually giving him a chance..
" I would love nothing more, Arlington.."
Eugene beamed and placed his pen down and turned off the computer. This was his break, the one he should've gotten from the get go.
Maybe this day wouldn't be so dreadful after all.