Archive of Our Own

The time of this afterlife cycle had come to a start.

Crisp breeze of the cooling air conditioning, chilly yet emitting a cozy atmosphere of tranquility. Calm and smooth fresh air flowing as it wraps the patient room in a comforting blanket enveloping with its relaxing sensation. Cold within the grasp with every surface that it touches.

Outside of the S*n however had heat that stifled upon with its suffocating humid degree. Despite pain being nonexistent in the bright afterlife it doesn't exempt the scorching heat that rushes within their flesh; not physically feeling the Sun burn heat but rather the atmosphere omitting a feeling of the same. It's like a phantom feeling or placebo effect in a way, the mind playing tricks to seem like it's not there. One step outside the patient center would the mind feel the effect of a near experience of a real heatstroke or sunburn, not that the rules of the afterlife support the two but it is something so unique in this afterlife. A familiar feeling in reminiscence of the living world, even if some of the residents have not experienced the feel of life.

When you think of the afterlife you'd think of a heavenly place with no worries and pain, the bottom of this vast great nirvana would be eternal damnation of scorching flames of the fiery pits of hell that reside of the sinners of the living world, punishment that goes eternally as the saints from above flock and dazzle with their sinless life. The view of the afterlife depends on the person or religion, but there is one thing that most people can agree on: The afterlife is with no flaws.

But in this afterlife however it wasn't the case.

The S*n is not exactly heaven or hell; rather a somewhat resemblance of purgatory. With its pearly whites of rooms that span across beyond, lies the ones who die whether a good or bad person. Neutrality is what best describes this place this life after death. Millions—no billions that span infinitely of workers who reside in this purgatory like place, with a task to deal with a multiverse worth of people who die within their verse which led to their temporary or permanent stay.

The S*n isn't a perfect place for the souls of the dead, no cruel extreme punishment of the people who committed sins upon sins, and no reward to those who never had corruption to taint their hearts. Neutrality of a mixed harmony for those good and evil, and with this neutrality does not give full comfortability to those who reside in this afterlife. The sinners who deal with the flaming heat air like the heat of the sun, that wheeze in fits of coughs while the saints feel no effect of the burning feeling but warp into its comforting heat like a warm hug of a beloved. And the saints shiver in the cool winter like air clattering their teeth while the sinners envelope in the relaxing cool once their cycle of suffering ends. With only the middle of its shift feel somewhat bearable.

Thus leaving occasional “seasons” similar to the real thing. A punishment to the neutral? No— but rather a cycle of these phenomenons in tradition of the equal treatment for the dead. Was it somewhat cruel to the ones who did no wrong? Well, that is up to the heavenly gods to decide this morality of unusual tradition. Perhaps it might be a way to teach a lesson, maybe there is secret corruption within the heart; similar to an original sin. Wash away the sin to humble the mind. No one is truly free from this punishment. Sean wished people who came from a higher dimensional background would be an exception to this cycle— but the S*n doesn't discriminate and be unequal.

This similar scorching heat is the start of this annual cycle, with every year the temperature rises and drops to a low. Though sweat is merely a concept in the mind within this expanse; the undeniable feeling of the sticky sensation lingers within the soul. An unknown force that trickles along, nothing physical but you know it's there.

The cycle of Sean's third patient Stick had almost been yet to be complete, only about a few years until they're to be confined in the S*n for all of eternity. The remaining recovery centers within their patient's living world have been wiped from existence leaving them no way of returning back. So with not much to do for the guy now that operating is out of the question, that leaves Sean with more time to breathe around.

Stick isn't exactly the type to be adventurous unlike what they used to be back in their living prime, with the endless exploration there is to come in the vast infinity of the afterlife you would think that there would be so much adventure to go out there and have fun with no barrier of a mortal vessel. But for this patient's logic, staying indoors is way better; content in the confines of a cold room than an otherworld of travel. I mean, with no map what is there to expect? Perhaps the horizon is not worth the sights. It's not like they keep updating the maps for all the new areas that were birthed, abstracted and incomprehensible in its wake. Even some of the residents that stayed for as long as time had existed can't quite keep up with the birth of new land.

So, with a soft snore of a dreamless slumber of the still patient did the room not break off its tranquil stability. Beeping and squeaks of the holograms that came from the apparatus, the last bits of work had yet to be complete. Mandatory reports and other confidential information being the only one left within the list of work, typing in a steady pace with no rush nor frustration. Like flowing stream water the job was done without a problem, sighing off the bit of responsibility as the operator clicked one last button to finish off the report. The hologram halting to a stop as the letters “SENT” popped into the screen, bright light that once lit softly in the near pitch black room dissipated with a glitch.

Crackling of knuckles being popped echoed soft as a slight screech of the chair moving when the operator had accomplished their goal. Stretching their limbs to break the awkward tension.

Stick seemed to have woken up from the noise, yawning as they welcomed Sean with a good morning. Eyes still droopy from the deep slumber and voice crackly.

“Ah, sorry stick for waking you up...”

“Nahhh it's ok, just got bored of sleeping I guess.”

Sean plopped into the couch and sat beside their patient, head laid and stared at the ceiling bored beyond oblivion. Sighing awfully long.

“Looks like someone's bored as well?”

“Oh huh? Yeah. Just thinking about stuff I suppose.”

“What are you thinking of then?”

“Nahh, just something trivial. Not that you'll care about it anyways.”

“Who says I won't care hm? Spit it out!”

“Finee… if you sooo care then, it's about how long it's been since I've last hung out with Michael…”

“Oh that pinwheel guy who's a total asshole all the time?”

“Yeah him. I can't tell how many years' I've last hung out with the guy—like 2 years or so?”

“But don't you meet him? Can't be that long since the last time you spoke to each other .”

You don't get it.

“Meetings and duties don't count as hanging out dumbass.”

“Oops sorry…”

“Don't take it to heart, I'm just worried for him that's all.”
Sean fiddled with her fingers, tapping and prodding at the softness of the couch—lost in thought.
“I mean, that guy hasn't accepted hangouts for so long. I'm just worried he'd work so much that he starts losing his mind or something…”

“I get it man… but how ‘bout you resort to begging? That'll convince him long enough”

“What do you want me to do? Go on all fours and bark like a dog? Thank you stick but my buddy isn't into puppy play.”

The two got into a fit of giggles, soothing out the tense atmosphere just slightly.

“No like be for real, just be sincere in your offer. Doesn't need to be begging—just plan things that you know for sure she'll like!”

“Oh shit —you're right! Why didn't I think of that before??? You're a life saver man, I owe you this.”
The red haired operator stood up straight with an idea at mind, like a lightbulb just lit on top of her head.

“Just wanted to help, no worries.”

“I gotta start brainstorming ideas, come on stick help me out here!”

And thus they started planning all the ideas, with a room messed with papers scattered and a blackboard summoned with all the space written; no idea left to waste.

Let's hope it goes well!

—-----

Knocking on the door in a rhythm of their favorite song, always of habit— a little unique thing they like to do.

Knock…

Knock…

Knock…

Before he could finish the last knock there came a voice that came from behind the door, annoyed and frustrated. As if the person behind already knew who their little visitor was, that made the operator chuckle. Always that type of sound in response, something unique that only his closest pals could recognize.

The door slid open to reveal a decent sized room where Michael and his patient resided for almost 4 millennia. Mint walls with complimenting muted blue flooring, decent looking furniture with a few posters plastered around. With an addition of splashes of colors on some places of the room due to the preferences of their patient, colored fairy lights and choppy drawings made with crayon hung up next to the simplistic posters. Like an art gallery of every child's dream documented with each squiggly line of crayon, not the best art work yet it held special meanings capturing creativity of the mind of the little patient. Some of Michael's drawings are even drawn next to their patient's drawing, seeing an obvious contrast of talent between the two.

Seems like the little artist was occupied with another art piece they've been scribbling on, humming a tune of a lively song, likely some native song from their home planet because it's nothing she's heard of. Belly laid flat on the cold bunny shaped carpet, legs kicking around with each note, the tip of their tongue slightly sticking out with brows furrowed deep into concentration.

Sean was too busy looking at the room to realize that the person she was supposed to get was in front of her, face wrinkled with a look of annoyance, lips curved downward about to ward her off to go do whatever or something along the lines.

“What do you want.”
The tone didn't feel like a question, more of a warning signalling a very unwelcome. Like as if just one sound of a syllable would she slam the door at her face and leave her out there to fuck off; but there was some kind of curiosity that lied within there, perhaps amusement of some sorts.

Be chill, just ask him to hang out. Can't be that bad?

“Sooo..ooo wanna hangout or some—”
Before she could even finish the offer, the operator that stood in front of her was about to leave it at that and shut the door quickly, but luckily for Sean she had quite the good reflex and held onto the other's wrist to prevent the door from further closing in. Being awfully close in the process, heads almost clashing into each other; staring into the others irises in a pleading gaze.

“Wait wait wait wait, before closing in on me just hear me out!”
Still holding tight on the other, a grasp so tight it almost felt painful. The warm moist hand in contrast to the shivering cold skin felt conflicting in ways, adding more pressure towards the pale one both physically and mentally. Swallowing their saliva in reflex from the tension, slightly shivering despite the cold of the room lightly escaping into the heat of the afterlife, droplets of sweat from the sudden plea.

“Sean what are you doing..?!?!??”
Dumbfounded and confused, still in shock of the retaliation. They had all the power to push away and slam them hard but somehow the shock still has only somewhat registered in their brain, freezing instead of the desired orders his logical thinking had wanted to perform.

“Now, can you let me into your room to let me explain any further? I'd like to not be cooked ‘alive’ out here, thank you!”
Slipping out of their grasp onto the fellow operator and letting themselves in welcome, even signalling their own patient towards the room, stick nodding to Michael in respects despite their entrance not being so polite.

Feeling the awful heat dissipate and let the cooled air conditioned rooms envelop their sweat sheathed bodies and remove the sticky feeling of scorching heat to the cooling sensation of a chilled environment. Sighing out in relief, Stick also doing the same thing out of influence from them.

Plopping into one of the chairs, bouncing slightly from the sudden force, squeezing comfortably into the soft cushion that accumulated all the coolness that flew around the room. Looking closer into the drawing that Michael's little patient has been making, what was once just one block of color was changed into a more comprehensible piece. Confidence drives into those little chubby hands, gripping on the crayon with passion; adding more life with every stroke, every line, and every shape. Feeling the flow of creativity that rushed from their brain to their hands.

“What'ya drawing little guy?”
Leaning in closer to see what [REDACTED] was scribbling on, pieces of papers scattered across the carpet with scraped drawings crossed out with an excessively aggressive written cross, frustration of a child absolutely radiating from those failed art pieces.

Michael stood there beside the claimed seats, leaning against the walls while glancing at their patient and back to the unwelcomed operator and her patient. Still obviously pissed at the forced entry.
“They've been trying so hard to draw their home back when they were still alive.”

“I told them that I already knew what it looks like vividly but they insist that all the pictures I've taken are awful and ‘not what it truly looks like’ thus ‘Only I can make a good picture of my home.’ So now they've been drawing the same landscape for hours on end.”

Sean just chuckled at the thought of the little fella just fighting aggressively at Michael, little annoying screeches towards the guy who literally observed their everyday life until the very end of their living cycle. It's oddly adorable to think of that small patient being super mischievous and pissing the shit out of Michael.

And with a quick jump, [REDACTED] pulled out of their drawing frenzy and brushed their knees, denim overalls stained with crayon shavings looking like a unicorn had vomited all over them, even some of the crayon shavings got to their face. Giggling toothy grin as they showed off their Magnus Opus towards everyone.

“Look what I made!!!! Screw you Michael, this picture is wayyyy better than your ugly little photo!!!!”
[REDACTED] showed off their little drawing with gleaming pride, rambling on about every single detail contained in the paper. Each little item with its own detailed lore on its reason for being included in the drawing, it may not look like the absolute best drawing in all of the multiverse but the excited rambling of a mediocre drawing made from a cheerful child is worth more than any wealth.

(Insert crayon drawing image I've yet to add)

“You see that bicycle over there? Yeah it was my fav one! One of my trusty cycle that survives literally ANYTHING! It survived a volcano once!”
[REDACTED] pointed at the bicycle on the middle of the drawing, seemingly more excited to explain it rather than anything else.

“Oh? Did your area get hit by a volcano or something?”

“Ohh nooo, my cycle fell on a volcano when I was cycling on air and it still didn't break! Had a hard time getting it back, It's indestructible!!!!!”

…

Well it's not exactly conventional, perhaps they were just joking?

Sean glanced at Michael to confirm and the serious look that she gave back as if it were the most mundane and normal activity ever was bewildering, but then again anything can happen so he quickly got over it.

Time passed on with every ramble from the cheery little patient, enthusiasm just pouring out of their mouth, an infinite supply with no intention to ever stop the yap. Sean almost forgot the original reason he came here.

Almost.

…

Michael awkwardly shifted towards their fellow operator, trying to subtly give hints to shift the conversation towards this unwelcomed stay. Making slight movements and meek grunts to get the attention, feeling as if directly confronting as [REDACTED] kept on talking would ruin the moment and hurt their feelings.

Well luckily Sean does get the hint and politely shifts the little patient's interest towards her own patient, encouraging them to go on and talk to the almost sleeping figure that laid peacefully. Stick was immediately woken up from their dream haze and had to go through the assault of the screeching pitch of every rant that came out of the little's mouth. Still not quite adjusting well to the huge change of attention.

Sean just stood back up from the cold carpet, dusting off any little shavings until he met eye to eye to their fellow operator. Sighing off from the relief of the lack of attention of the active patient.

“Heh patients these days, always trying to annoy grownups like us eh?”
The red haired operator joked, trying to lighten up the mood, but the other didn't seem to chuckle even a bit.

“Why do you want to hangout?”

Ah straight to the point.

“Why should there be a logical reason? Maybe I just wanna hangout with my best pal Mikey!”
Chuckling as the red haired operator wrapped their arm around the other's shoulder, them visibly annoyed by the sudden intrusion; scoffed at the usage of that silly nickname.

“Its hot out here and I've got a patient to look over. Why not choose another day where I don't have anything to do.”
Shoving the other off of their shoulders, making them tumble a bit.

“Well mixter stick up the ass, whenever you say ‘another day' you'll end up forgetting and making me and Noah ditch our plans for a trio hangout! Noah doesn't like having to change plans last minute.”

“Is Noah even gonna stick around with us???”

“Welllll… no… But! I only mentioned them as an example, maybe I just wanted to hang out with you. Only you. Ya’know?”
The pale operator sharply glanced at the other, eyes dilating from those last words. Any sort of emotion went down the drain because all there was left was a blank state; face unreadable to the point it felt unreal.

Did she fuck up with the wording…?

Sean would be a liar if she said she wasn't nervous about the uncertainty of the plan. She's been planning for the hangout and not the possibility of rejection. She didn't wanna walk out there with no Michael and a sting from the scolding. Friendship is very much needed for a healthy mind! Hopefully Michael takes the bait because as much as she doesn't want to admit, it's less of her own benefit but out of the concern she feels whenever Michael just refuses any form of socializing from other people aside from their patient.

Swallowing their mouth dry, looking at the other in the eyes to assert confidence but it was just a thin mask of desperation; waiting to be cracked open from the pressure alone. God it's so pathetic.

…

Somehow the cold of the air conditioning felt more chillier with every silent pause, less of the comforting blanket of cold warmth but rather an icy harsh chill that gives frostburns way beyond saving. A snowstorm from the coldest peak of Mount Everest, so high up that he couldn't breathe.

Maybe he shouldn't have thought of hanging out with Michael…

Maybe he should've just chosen another guy to stick around…

Maybe…

“Will it be somewhere around the s*n?”

And with that the silence broke like glass, pressure building up letting out like a dam overflowing with water. And suddenly he remembered to breathe again—not that he can't live without oxygen but somehow he just really needed it.

“Oh uhm! No, I've planned a lot of places to go to that isn't in the s*n but rather planets that I've just so happened to snoop into! Well that is if you want to, I'm not forcing it upon you.”

“Hmm…”
Michael scratched their arm deep into thought. Giving into consideration, probably thinking about the pros and cons perhaps.

The little patient eventually got curious about their little talk session because they just ran into the duo leaving behind their works of art. Giving up on explaining everything and went to crash into the conversation.

“Ohohoho! What are you guys talking about?”
Shuffling in between the two, stealing the spotlight only to themselves wanting to be a part of this grownup conversation. Giggling gleefully while staring at Michael with big googly eyes.

“Ah it's nothing... Just discussing things that aren't for you.”

Somehow the little patient didn't seem to buy that excuse and went on to pick and prode at their operator trying to convince him to tell the truth. Which eventually their cute innocent charm seemed to sway the red haired operator rather than their own operator themselves.

“Tryna ask your ‘mom’ to hangout with me, seems that he isn't quite convinced.”

Michael noticed that little jab towards her and went to retaliate but she got cut off by [REDACTED] being oddly excited and curious about their little hangout and went on to ask further questions.

“Can I go too???”
The little patient gleamed with whimsy, pleading with wide puppy eyes hoping the cuteness would sway their senses.

But no matter what method of pleading, this time luck does not work in their favor.

“No, you stay here. Where it's safe and cold.”
Rubbing her temples, feeling a phantom headache that couldn't go away. Already annoyed with two idiots being in the same room as her— well the bigger idiot is the red haired operator that stood in front of her, she couldn't admit her patient had a lack of logical thinking even if she were held at gunpoint.

“Ah phowey… Well ok, have fun with the date Mike!”
That was oddly submissive, luckily there was no tantrum to deal with—

Wait…

Date?

Hey…HEY!!!

The pale operator blushed furiously at the tease, stumbling upon their words as their facial features contort to a wrinkled mess. Mouth open slightly and eyes blinking rapidly in shock.

The other operator however, found the change of word quite shocking but at least dealt with it calmly; even chuckling a bit to see the absolute dumbfounded face of their fellow co-worker. Even finding it a bit amusing and cute that just a small change can make the other at a loss of words— it was refreshing to see it in real time.

Sean approached closer towards Michael, only mere inches close, giving out a grin as equal as their little operator that scurried onto stick's lap and unnecessarily jumped into their own seat. Michael looked at their fellow, exasperated. Humiliation; a look secondly common that covered their face, oddly satisfying to look at. Don't take it the wrong way, Sean is no sadist, it's just amusing to see that usual serious face cracked to see a sheathed look of humiliation. Just how easy it is to peel all those layers of stern.

“You do worry so much Michael. As much as I like your company, you look as if I'm a burden to deal with at times.”
[REDACTED] uttered without their usual enthusiasm and cheery tone, foreign to come out of their mouth. The face of a cheeky patient now turned into a more solemn outlook.

…

“Wh–what?!?”
Michael snapped their head to look at their patient, surprised at the change of spirit. Eyes widen and mouth agape.

“Maybe you do need this break? I'm not some stupid idiot who can't do anything right y'know?”

“I–uh…”

“But hey! I'm just saying, your grumpy face ANNOYS me. Go out there and have fun! You act like an old school grandpa, now shoo! shoo!!!”
As if the whole atmosphere changed, their usual cheery and mischievous smile came back. Like as if moments ago was all just a fluke. Moments ago they sounded mature, and now regressed back into their usual antics. Fleeting.

“If you're still unsure, I can be a use and give [REDACTED] company. I don't mind.”
Stick offered towards Michael, lifting their hand towards their head. Face warm and calm, worries aside.

The pale operator glanced back at the small patient that sat there on the chair, kicking their feet against the chair in a rhythmic pattern. Childlike innocence with a gleaming bright smile. Is it really ok to leave them here?

Sean seemed to notice the hesitance that emits his fellow, the crinkled face like of a worrisome mother, obviously unsure whether a break is worth it than his own patient. Eyes fixated on the patient, analyzing if there were any hidden lies that lay under the blanket of sincerity; but truly there were only pure innocence of reassurance. A face so sure and warm, oh too good for this world.

…

“So? Are you not gonna enjoy your date?”
[REDACTED] giggled cheekily, eyes narrowed in a sly way. Unable to control any sort of seriousness, just radiating positivity in the air— maybe all those happy fumes got to Michael because when that little fella ever uttered, she just let go of any retaliation and sighed off the last of resistance. Shaking her head slightly in disbelief and obedience.

“If you say so… fine. Just—are you sure you'll be okay with Sean's patient?—Just call me if anything bad happens, ok…?”

“Yes sir! I'll be as good as I’ll possibly be!”
Saluting like a soldier towards their sargent with their serious tone, keeping a promise so precious to break. Nothing in that speech of theirs ever indicated mischief, just honesty in its purest form.

“Dont worry, it'll be fine. It's nothing difficult to do.”
Looking directly to the eyes of the pale one, Stick gave off a reassuring smile; soft yet held the same meaning of the other's gleaming toothy smile even if it weren't as expressive and cheerful.

“You heard the fellas! Come on Mikey, I'll show you what a real hangout is!”
Shoving their fellow operator towards the opened door, waving goodbye to their respective patients as they wished them safe travels in return. The other with a calm composure, mature and responsible — the other, young and enthusiastic; waving with their two arms hastily, almost losing their balance in the process.

The door automatically closed on its own as they stepped out of the room, feeling the contrast in temperature leaving the cold comfort of the patient center and into the scorching heat of the s*n. Michael stood there for a while still in doubt, considering ditching last minute.

“They'll be alright…will they?”

“Ah don't sweat it Michael! Stick is pretty awesome at babysitting fellas like yours.”

“Hopefully…”

And even if their patient center is somewhat sound proof Michael could imagine the absolute chaos that had been blasted upon, excited screaming of a fidgety child probably assaulting the earbuds of their babysitter. Well, hopefully stick doesn't get tired of their antics.

Sean just patted at Michael's shoulder, hoping to distract him from whatever doubt there is shrouding that frowned face.

Now's not the time to sit around! We've got a hangout to live for!

And so with a breath of the parched heat of air, Sean gathered the courage to continue on. Putting on an enthusiastic smile to hopefully cheer up their fellow.

Time to have fun!

Repeating those words in her head, no time for worry. Something to keep her going, and sometimes she hoped that Michael would think like that too, as to not be the guy to have a stick up their ass. Thought processes can't be changed on a whim but she wishes Michael could be more open with everything.

Someone who knows how to live life to the fullest… Well not really ‘life’ since they're technically not even alive to begin with but that's what the living says!

…

“So… where is this supposed to be?”

What revealed of the first hangout area was a posh looking restaurant, elegant lights dimly lit under the moonlight. Fancy expensive with a handful of costumers waiting in line to dine fine.

“Snooped into one of the files to find some sweet places to go to so here we are! Planet flurglo! Heard from a good friend of mine that his patient lives here and always comes to this restaurant so why not start here?”
“Sweet isn't it eh? Eeeeh?”

The red haired operator pushed in closer towards their fellow, raising their eyebrows smugly hoping to get out a positive reaction but ended up being pushed away by shoulder.

“Why choose this? Can't we just summon food of our own? This is too extra Sean.”

“This is not too extra! Just wanna be immersed in the mortal culture that's all. So why not experience this with you!”

“But how will we not stand out? We aren't used to this area's accustom.”

“We'll just pretend we're just tourists finding a spot to eat, and if they ever question why we act so weird just say that we're not from this place and actually from…— I'll uhh think of a name of our ‘hometown’ eventually. Just act natural, let out your inner mortal!”

“Okay… what is our fake names then? They'll be freaked hearing our actual ones.”

“Simple! I'm hourglass and you're pinwheel, not that much of a brainstorm anyways. All we have to do is not mess up and we are good to go! Now c’mon, towards our first adventure!”

Holding into their fellow operator's arm not letting her have time to process, dragged her towards the door of the restaurant with a yelp. Making a few people bat an eye at the duo in the process from the commotion but who cares really?

…

“Dinner for two?”
Sean walked up to the desk, confidence beaming compared to their fellow standing beside him; nervous and cautious, like they'd be arrested on spot if they made a suspicious move.

“I'm sorry but we're fully booked today. Please come back later.”

“This is a bad idea, let's just find another one where we can dine…”
The paled operator whispered directly towards their co-workers ears, a tone of hesitation lingering upon the vibrations.

“I won't allow defeat! Don't be sad Mikey cause I got a solution!”
She looked back at the server behind the counter, their eyes still on the phone on hand texting to whoever in their contacts not paying one mind towards the operator.

“How about I give you…”
Secretly summoning a big bag from her purse away from the server's sight, fumbling her hands and silently cursing to make the act more convincing. Being awfully good at it.

“50k to take over one of the booked spots? All for you to take, your choice.”
Revealed a big stash of golden coins, shimmering as the lights glistens and compliments the coin’s golden glow. The amount of money not even a minimum wage worker could earn in their lifetime.

The server was shocked from the big bag of coins that stood in front of them, eyes wide with temptation; like Eve who was given the forbidden fruit, nothing prepared them for such a big proposal. Practically salivating and stumbling with their words.
“I uh— deal. I'll book you a seat immediately.”

HAH! And so the Eve took the bait!

“Heh, knew it would work. Greed of the people works in my favor!”

“Sure sure.”

…

The two sat down at their newly acquired booked seat; quality of the foam matching the fancy environment. Michael awed at the sight of arrangement, napkins shaped like origami swans delicately folded to perfection. Candle light illuminating its orange glow with the little flame, golden holder with intricate details. To say it wasn't impressive was a lie, it's super fancy.

After a while the waiter arrived at their table and gave them the menu book, black leather cover with golden flake writing. Seriously, how much gold are they going to see in this restaurant?

Looking at the display of options that contained in the menu, cuisine ranging from local to foreign with the bottom items becoming expensive with each gourmet ingredient added. If they were some regular mortal humans they'd faint at the numbers in just one singular dish but luckily for Michael, she's not paying one bit. All the cash is dealt with Sean and her illegally obtained coins not caring one bit that it's contributing towards the rate of inflation with every shiny coin she summons. But hey who says she can't have a little thrill in life?

The two of them however aren't really craving for a savory dish so most of the menu weren't catching their interests, besides the thought of eating fish fetuses makes the two operators shiver in disgust. Most dishes were out of the question with a disgusting bounty of caviar practically flooding the food, they never really got the appeal of mortal rich people's taste.

“Soo anything in there got you salivating? I'm choosing cheesecake cause I got a particular sweet tooth for my fav at the moment.”

“... I'm getting tiramisu…”

“Oh you like that type of stuff? I didn't know you have a sweet tooth as well!”

“I just like my desserts bittersweet— I don't like sweets that are drowning in sugar, that's all.”

“No judgement in that, I think it's valid.”

The waiter arrived at their table hastily enough, wearing yet again an outfit with little golden streaks. The golden theme is getting too much.

“Do you two make up your mind?”
Greeted the two welcomely, holding onto a small notepad.

“Just the cheesecake and tiramisu, oh and I want that sparkly galaxy lemonade!”
“Hey Mikey what drink ya want man?”

“... Just an iced tea thanks.”

“Ok, one iced tea for my buddy!”
Sean clicked with their tongue and expressed their hands with their signature finger gun which in return left the waiter oddly uncomfortable, leaving with the most rude expression and a whispered insult from another language.

“Okaaayy didn't know that was considered rude here.”

“Why'd you do that??? What if that gesture is super inappropriate and insulted their dead grandma???”

“Well fuck you man, I was trying to be natural.”

“Your ‘natural’ stance makes you more of an inconsiderate idiot. I doubt we'll stay here for long.”

“I’d like it if you stop being so negative all the time and enjoy the hangout that I carefully articulated. What if that thing a few moments ago was a part of the plan?”

“So speedrunning a restraining order is a part of the plan? How insufferable can you be?”

Maybe Michael just wanted to further press on Sean to discourage the whole hangout anyways, insults spat out with intention of poison—what is there to blame anyways when what his companion's been doing was mischief?
But instead of getting the reaction that Michael oh so wanted from her co-worker, she ended up getting a rather unexpected one and got laughed at. Giggles with each gasp of air echoed into her ear drums, flustered and speechless with how clueless what was humorous in the way she talked.

And did Sean look idiotic; mouth agape and features crinkled with unadulterated humor in that rose brown face. Not only did it look stupid but somehow it casted a spell which makes the pale one’s heart race—was it from humiliation or something else entirely new?

“I sometimes forget how unintentionally funny you can be Mikey– makes me wish we hung out way more often like old times.”
Sean wiped away a tear away from his eye.

“—Say what?”

“No I mean it, you're a really fun guy to be with, if you ignore all the important talk blah blah blah. How else do you think I came all this way just to hang out with you? This wasn't planned on a whim, I actually had time to process all this! You matter to me so why else would you think I had to drag my patient with me to do all this effort? I care about you. A lot.”

“... I thought all that mean stuff you say to me were true from the heart, I was merely reciprocating your conflicting feelings…”

“Oh buddy, those insults are true, I really do mean all that stuff. But that doesn't mean I'd ditch our years of friendship all because of shallow petty problems that could be solved through talk. I do like you. Get it through your thick skull.”

“I— don't say ‘like’ that makes it feel weird…”

“It's a you problem for thinking of it weirdly, to put it into words you'll understand: I don't care about the petty bickering, at the end of the day we're still friends. And I care about you and all that mushy feeling stuff.”

“...I can't change my thought process on a whim—”

“And that's ok! I'll be there to remind you that I care about you until you start realizing it fully. Even if it takes like a gazillion years; I'll still remind you of how I cherish this friendship of ours.”

“—Thank you… even if I can't accept it.”

“Then I'll wait for you.”
Sean smiled warmly like a campfire on a chilly night, toasty marshmallows roasting on the open flame. It felt comforting to look at that reassuring smile— And yet.

Michael couldn't tell why it hurts to hear those lips utter ‘friendship’. Why does it ache to water down whatever conflicting feeling down to platonic? And why does it feel like his heart burns unbelievably hot? Throbbing and aching confined in the prison of his ribcage, thrashing to break free and cool again.

Sean also felt conflicted with his usage of the word ‘friendship', how it couldn't explain the years of unspoken words that felt trapped in his mind. Every word that could pop up in his head yet only friendship can muster from his bitter tongue.

Friendship…

Friend…

Ship…

I—

…

“Here's your order. Tell me if there's more you'd like to add.”

As if on cue, their food arrived on the table. The awkward silence that clouded had dissolved back into the golden jazz atmosphere; like nothing's been wrong.

“Oh— thank you.”
The red haired operator; breaking the silence and awkwardly replied back to their waiter. The same waiter, who still held a disgusting grudge and didn't reply back, walked away bitterly.

Well ignoring all that, the pair took their respective desserts and inspected it.

Sean likes all types of pie, but usually orders apple pie due to it being a popular flavor amongst the folks. So what laid there was a beautiful display of an apple pie slice; cooked golden brown with a nice criss cross top, red delicious and granny smith apple slices cut into bunnies accompanied on the side of the plate for the aesthetic…And once again, 24 karat gold sheets blanketed on the pie for a rich look.

And for Michael's dessert, tiramisu. Cut in a precise square shape, cocoa powder generously powdered on the dessert with two lady fingers placed on top of the dessert for the looks of it… and yet again 24 karat gold sheets.

“The gold theme really is starting to piss me off.”
Michael played with the gold sheets with their fork.

But luckily Michael's drink is spared of the shiny stuff. For Sean's drink however it was what the name suggests, sparkly galaxy lemonade; glittery and galaxy themed, with an ungodly amount of toppings.

Looking back at it, Sean probably just booked a picturesque restaurant, only visited for the aesthetic and a few likes on social media.

Taking a bite of their respective desserts it was… mediocre. Not the best and not the worst, oh the irony.

The apple pie tasted a tad bit too sweet, with the spices being almost too overwhelming on the tongue, and for it to be an apple pie it barely tasted like apples at all. It felt artificial to say the least.

The tiramisu tasted almost too bitter to her liking, coffee overpowering what was left of the cream; which was confusing since the inside was almost filled too much with cream. Forget about the sophisticated flavor profile, nothing in it felt harmonious.

“It's– something alright…”
Chewing and forcing it down into their throats, the after taste lingering was also a rather conflicting surprise. All that for presentation just to be something so—sickening.

Michael eyed at her companion's pie, curious of its taste. Analyzing every detail, it didn't look as sickening as her dessert; which caught the attention of Sean who was still chewing on it with hopeless enthusiasm.

“You want a bite?”

Not letting her fellow respond, she picked up her spoon filled with the pie and shoved it into his mouth. The former being surprised at the intrusion, forcefully made to eat.

Sean then pulled back her spoon and awaited his reaction, looking at the way he chewed it with uncertainty. Oddly enough he looked cute that way.

“So wha’dya think?”

“It's way better than mine, I thought I wouldn't like the sweetness but maybe the cinnamon just helps it out.”

“Oh? Then I'll try yours!”

Taking a scoop from her fellow's dessert, and surprisingly she liked it better than her own. Humming happily with every chew.

“Why don't we switch then?”

Yet again without letting Michael have any say in it, another spoon full of apple pie was shoved into her mouth. Almost choking in the process, which Sean caught onto it and held their companion's cheeks to signal chewing. Poor Michael having to endure whatever antics Sean wanted to do to her, blushing profusely not sure whether the lack of air is the cause or something else. Having to forcefully swallow it down and relieve the pressure building up in her head.

“You don't have to feed me like a child y’know..”

“But do you object?”

Strangely enough Michael doesn't find the reason to refuse, maybe the gold in the restaurant got into her system and fucked up her brain wiring; is it something entirely possible? Not really, so she swallowed up her pride and prepared herself to take in another spoon full with brute force.

This time however was more tender than the previous two scoops, carefully guiding the spoon into the mouth of her co-worker's. Giggling cheekily as their fellow gulped in another bite. It was warmly intimate; the two of them enjoying the other's dessert and Sean still opting to spoon feed Michael under the warm candle light.

When the duo ate their fill, it took a while for the waiter to come since Sean had already ruined whatever respect the waiter had for them, paying and even offering the same amount of money he gave to the server a few hours ago. Not as enthusiastic but whatever to forgive and forget of a bargain was enough. Stepping out of the shiny eyesore interior back into the fresh natural look of outside, no luxury metals to flaunt.

“So how'd you think of the first date?”

“I think the gold theme is too extra, mediocre food for something advertising itself as luxury experience. I'd summon a bag of chips from my apparatus and it'll still taste better than that.”

“Maybe this is not the best first start but I promise you that the others are so worth it! Just trust the process ‘kay?”

“Ok…— but if the next one sucks I'll ditch you and stop seeing you ever again.”
Michael joked, jabbing at their fellow’s shoulder with playful intent; in return got the other wrapping their arm around their neck and ruffling their hair.

“That's the spirit! Now go forth to our next endeavor of adventure!”

And so with a pop they will go to their second hangout spot, one beaming with bright enthusiasm and the other tired but still curious to what's to come.

…

“Ta daa!! So wha'dya think?”

Eyes opened to see a vibrant amusement park with flashy lights and huge attractions, crowds and crowds of families in line to get tickets. Children screaming in anticipation to enter a world of fun and whimsy.

“Im surprised you think I would enjoy something so… energetic like an amusement park.”

“I've heard this is one of those places where you have fun with friends! Don't knock it until you try it, maybe you'll find something exciting to try?”

“Okay– just don't do anything stupid.”

“I won't promise you I won't!”

“Wait–huh?”
Sean grabbed into their companion's wrist and rushed off into the ticket booth and waited in line.

~

Inside the park was way more whimsical than the outside, decorations placed with an evident pastry kingdom theme. Food vendors emit a delicious aroma of tasty park treats, game stalls offering the park's mascot merch as prizes, and rides appearing like gingerbread. Just the looks of it got them hyped to say the least.

“What do you wanna do first?

“I think we should walk before making any decisions.”

“Fair.”

Walking on the cobblestone path further inside the amusement park, the theme becomes more evident; gumdrops on globs of icings on the sides, gingerbread architecture. The smell of warm spices welcoming them to their senses.

Sean in particular kept a good eye on the extreme rides like the really steep roller coaster and waterfall drop, practically salivating at the thrill of it. Giving some hints on what she wanted to do but Michael kept on insisting that she'd wait until she gathered enough courage to do so and went strolling around on the minigame section.

The pale operator took a liking to one of the prizes in one of the stalls, unique compared to what it surrounds was a plush bunny in white and pink amongst the crowd of cookie plushies and other dessert looking creatures. Sean noticed her interest at the plush and had an idea; thus got them into this predicament.

“I bet I can win you that plush in just one try! WATCH!”

Grabbing into the gun and filling the cartridge with the bullets, trying hard to steadily aim the target. Sean is never good at range; melee being her preferred method. But looking at the shred of hope in those eyes of her co-worker made her feel determined to win the prize. But to put it simply, it was not in fact in one try.

BAM!
The bullet missed the target and landed on the floor, pathetically rolling down to remind them of an unimpressive failure.

“Wow. And you said you'd get it in one try.”

“SHUT IT MIKEY! Two times the charm.”

BAM!
The bullet shot was missed yet again, barely even hitting the circle, which received a good old laugh from the stall owner. Fueling more into Sean's determination to win it.

“Okay… three times the charm!”

BAM!
Misfortune struck thrice and no bullet landed on the target, still not even in the circle intended to shoot and instead almost hitting one of the prizes. Laughter echoing with entertainment of his unlucky strike, his anger meter almost reaching his limit. Giving another coin and refilling the gun, hoping to aim better this time.

BAM!
Missed—

BAM!
Missed—

BAM!
Missed—

BAM! BAM! BAM!
BAM! BAM! BAM!
BAM! BAM! BAM!
BAM! BAM! BAM!
BAM! BAM! BAM!
BAM! BAM! BAM!
BAM! BAM! BAM!
BAM! BAM! BAM!

“Uhm Sean you don't have to do all that for a plush you know.”

“Shut up dude, I'm trying to win something for you.”

“You gotta stop, you've been trying to shoot the target like almost 50 times now and none of them even hit the circle. Give up.”

Oh.

Letting go of the trigger and the gun entirely to fully view his work, and it was no joke— none truly even hit the target. All of it just hitting the wall or the ceiling or the floor, truly an unlucky individual, or maybe just insane rookie experience.

The owner teased the red haired operator to play another game as he fondled on his bag of coins acquired from his victims misfortune, which in return made Sean scoff in anger and scurried off away from the stall. Heated glares from the rigness of the game and never looked back.

“That game has GOT to be rigged, I could not have tried 50 times and still haven't hit the target. What type of bullshit is this????”

“Or maybe you're just insanely bad at the game.”

“Oh shut it Michael.”

It was Michael's turn to be cocky at his fellow and laugh in humor. It was honestly funny. Sean could only give stupid glares at his friend, pissed at the foreign smugness that painted Michael's face.

They walked again further to find other things to be occupied, with Sean being adamant to not play all the minigames in fear of his pathetic failure.

~

The rollercoaster had a pretty long line of people either screaming in joy or terror, which caught the attention of Sean and made her even more hyped to ride.

“Hey Mikey, we should ride the rollercoaster!!!”

The pale operator took a glance at the ride and it was intense, a high drop and a loop, little squiggly tracks as well which made him feel like puking in his mouth. The thought of riding that felt nauseating to even think of, shaking his head to pull away the spinning.

“I don't think I'll enjoy that—”

“Too late! I knew what you were gonna say and I'll still make youuuuu!”

Michael shrieked as she was pulled away by force and loathed the entire ride, almost clawing just to intimidate Sean into stopping but unlucky to her she just never listens and embarked towards the line for the ride.

~

“Everyone, please sit tight, make sure to buckle up your seat belts properly, and hold onto the railing. Thank you.”
The speaker played loud and clear as everyone followed the instructions, excited chattering and nervous jittering heard amongst the passengers. Sean happily gripped the railing with anticipation meanwhile Michael was clinging into her for dear life. Sweat beads forming a sheath on her forehead when the ride hasn't begun; but still held on a mask of apathy and nonchalantness. Oh how that act will quickly become pathetic.

“We haven't even started yet and you're already shaking? Wow I've never seen you this pathetic ever since you had your first meeting with the higher ups.”

“Oh shut it im not shaking.”

“But you are though.”

And boy was Sean not lying, Michael was truly shaking; shaking like a wet cat left out in the cold shivering rain. Helpless and pathetic, and the fact she was literally gripping into Sean did not help it at all. So instead she let go and tightly held onto the railing, shutting her jaw and eyes tight.

“Three…”

“Oh I'm so hyped for this!”

“Two…”

“Can't wait!”

“One…”

“Oh the suspense—”
“SHUT THE FUCK UP.”

“Lift off!”

The coaster ran fast, wind violently blowing against their direction, acceleration building up and slowing down at times to increase the thrill. The two of them screamed; one screaming with their heart's content, enjoying the moment. And the other; screaming in terror ripping their vocal chords into shreds like they're on death row and electric chair was the execution. And each gimmick left the pale operator praying for their life harder, taking a few merciful breaths when they stopped in the middle of the ride.

“I CAN'T FUCKING BREATHEE HELPP HELPP”
“YOU'RE SUCH A PARTY POOPER MIKEY! LIVE IT!”
“I CAN'T — ENJOY— WHATEVER— AUGHGHH GET ME OUT OF THISSS!!!”

When the coaster had finally stopped at its end, the absolute sigh of relief Michael had when she stepped foot into solid unmoving ground. Trembling like the life was sucked out of his body, yet Sean acted like it was nothing, taking it like a champ.

“How can you— *GASP* endure— this…???”

“I'm just like that, now come on. We'll take a break from the rides for now and have a seat on one of the benches.”
Letting her friend hold onto his shoulder and take slow steps into the park benches, still jittering from the trauma of it all. Sean found it absolutely humorous how he went from nonchalant to full on wet cat pathetic mode after a single ride.

~

Letting his companion lay his head down on the park benches, he went out to buy some water to let the poor man hydrate. Probably cried out all the moisture in his system because he looked like a raisin.

“‘kay man, drink up.”
Sean prompted Michael to sit up straight and tenderly guided him into drinking the water that's been given to him. Gently patting his back and massaging smooth circles to help at least some of the dizziness. Michael drank a big gulp and his friend had to wipe away the excess water from his face with a tissue, sighing away the last shred of pressure.

“I don't wanna do any of the rides– ever again.”
Michael slumped into the bench, really out of it and stared at the blue sky, absolutely dazed.

“We still have yet to do one last ride, otherwise the money isn't worth it! I promise we'll get on something tame and not headache inducing.”

“I really hope you live up to that promise, otherwise I might just have to kill you.”

“Okay okay! I really really promise this time. I got just the ride to think of!”
Sean sheepishly pulled her hands up in defeat, all those extreme rides are out of the bucket list.

“Now come one! We gotta ride one last thing before we head into our next date.”
The red haired operator stood up and signalled their fellow to follow with them, but they still sat there in the bench still completely out of it, dead like in posture.

“Give me at least 5 more minutes please?”

“Okay fine.”

“Thanks.”

~

After Michael's careful recovery they went back into their little stroll around the amusement park. Sean often giving out instructions on where the next ride they will lastly spend their time in, Michael was just hoping that Sean really did mean what he said.

And to his surprise the attraction was luckily not something extreme and was rather just a little boat ride for two people.

“It says here on the brochure that this ride is most suitable for pairs! We ride a small boat through a tunnel with secrets and stuff! That sounds nice eh?”

“I'm just down for whatever that isn't too stressful. A boat ride sounds nice I guess.”

“Well ok! The last ride of our adventure here awaits!”

~

Now before the ride they were given little trinkets that were heart themed, which gathered the suspicion that this was way more romantic than what the ride suggests; but Sean still persists saying he's being too paranoid but the person running the attraction before letting them sail on into the tunnel told them all types of questions of details about their friendship and all things very personal. Which further strengthens the suspicion, but Sean still insists that it's not that deep.

When they entered the tunnel, Michael's suspicion was in fact correct and the tunnel’s intended purpose was to attract couples and soon to be mates with all the romance motives and smooth music playing from the speakers. Somehow Sean does not get the hint and thinks it's what the locals think of friendship is, acting like Michael is the insane one here.

“Aww those two mannequins are holding hands! Such good friends.”

“Do you even see what I see right now Sean. You must be a total buffoon to not get the hint.”

“What? It's just two friends? Why are you so dense Michael?”

“Dense? Check the atmosphere. It's clearly supposed to be romantic. Oh look, now the two mannequins are kissing. And to say I'm the dense one here.”

“See that's what I said when you just think everything is weird. So what? This may look romantic but think of it in someone else's perspective. These people have different views and perceptions of what human connection is. Some planets view fighting as abuse and some even view it as a form of love. You can't just assume so quickly man.”

And Michael was just left speechless, after presented with the argument he couldn't find the words to counter it and left the conversation as that. Just gave up and scooted over into his co-worker’s shoulder, trying to see the appeal of whatever love language for platonic relationships are on this planet. But all that was left was a warm feeling in his stomach from the touch, he could never visit this planet ever again.

Figures of what resembles humans having ‘platonic’ affection towards their friends, it felt weird as it projected all these weird noises on the background but it would drown out with smooth jazz playing loud on the speaker. Just silence between the two, no spoken word to say, just not the right ones.

And they just— leaned on to each other for the entirety of the ride, no thoughts but more unspoken ideas flashed in their heads, now with a new perspective they started questioning more of what they have. Was it truly only platonic? No clue, but the whole ride they clung onto each other and stared at the projectiles of a picture perfect ‘friendship’.

…

“So what did you think of this current hangout spot?”

“More negative memories formed than good ones, you really did disappoint me.”

“Oh ok…”
The red haired operator’s ego felt a downward surge, feeling bummed but quickly came back up with a forced enthusiastic smile but soon quickly noticed.

“... Did I say something wrong?”

“No you didn't say anything wrong, what you said was true from the heart right? You can go now… I guess. I just thought you'd enjoy it as much as me— That's all.”

Now it was Michael's turn to be sentimental, because it honestly hurts to see him frown like that felt like a banging pound on his chest. Something in him felt the need to salvage something — but why?

“No I think your hangouts are nice— just.. please. I'd like to give you another chance, just one last. I think spending time with you is nice– just don't act all sappy and stuff it feels weird.”

“–you really think so?”

“Yeah… so let's go on into the next adventure shall we?”

Michael reached a hand out towards their companion, rare thing from someone as reserved as him. But Sean took the hand with warm gratitude, smiling from this open change of heart.

“That's weird of you to say that.”

“Oh so now you're judging? And just a few moments ago you were complaining about how I think weirdly.”

“You frustrate me.”

Truly she didn't.

Now; one last time, one last adventure.

…

And with a pop they've been teleported to another living world, adapting slowly to the living conditions and taking a while to drink in the view of the next date.

What revealed was a beautiful green open grass field filled with some patches of primroses. Splotches of colors within the green field sunkissed radiating an enchanting beauty.

Sky of a baby blue view, fluffy clouds floating above brightly bringing shade to the ground. Heavenly sight of something so surreal, picture perfect straight from a professional. It was gorgeous and everything nice, with the perfect amount of sunlight to bask upon. Feeling in the warm sunrays of afternoon, serenity in its finest while it kisses the skin gently.

The Golden Sun glowed up on the sky with its pristine glory, sunrays that cast upon the field to radiate yellow; painting it with its delicate light adding into its bright and warm aura. Like a seasoned artist's Magnus Opus, it was a work of art. Nature’s fine piece of art.

To say it wasn't a good view would be a massive insult. It was phenomenal, like an Angel’s tear had fallen from heaven to bless the land to make it so incredible. So sacred and lovely, breathtakingly beautiful as the pale one huffed out a puff of air; lightheaded from the sight. This cannot be for real.

“Where did you send us…?”
Michael gazed farther into the field's enchanting beauty, slender hands brushing against the grass still covered in morning dew. Breathing in the fresh air, so natural and so intoxicating.

“Oh, I just got the coordinates from a friend of mine! No biggie.”

To come to light, he should have probably given more credit to his always come in handy friend Arin; who has loved to ask questions about anything and everything about what they did wrong or any other confidential things that may or may not end up steering away from professionalism in the end. He'd love to give gratitude towards that guy, giving him the entire details of all the spots that they've found over the years they spent as an analytic of planets in the multiverse. Not that Arin is doing great with all the research considering they've only took the job to spite their friend. But it's all good in the end.

“Sooo… what do you think? Nice isn't it.”
A smirk crept up into their smug face, looking at the awed gaze of the other towards the sight. Drinking up all the non-verbal expressions that symbolizes praise, feeling content in the star-struck glorified features.

Twirling around the bladed grass, tall enough to brush against the length of long socks. Feeling those delicate blades shuffle around with every movement of their legs. Slight crunch with every step, a sensory heaven with pleasing sounds accompanied with equally soothing textures. Bedazzled upon this surreal feeling with a shine of curiosity.

A sightful wonder, something so mundane to regular folk but something so enchanting to them. Like a moth to light, attracted to its bright glow. It's not often that they can indulge in this moment, stuck into the confines of workload inside an almost monochromatic environment of the afterlife. It may be bright in this setting yet the ambience is drastically different, a calming suit unlike the almost unbearable conditions of their work environment.

It's so… peaceful, sometimes Sean wished in another life that she'll be a mortal with no sense of responsibility but to relax and enjoy the wonders of the living world, a world of authenticity and life. No artificial generation of a near carbon copy, just genuine human cycle. The peaceful life of a mortal being.

And though there could never be another life, this is close to their fantasy, maybe if they dream hard it'll come true like those fairy tales. But for this moment to be reality is already a beloved gift.

“... It's —beautiful.”
Strolling along to breathe in the scent of primroses, walking towards the nearest patch to pick up a small flower. Within its grasp on the palm to appreciate the beauty. The deep midnight blue shade; bright yellow in the center of the petals. Like the midnight sky and the luminous moon that glows enchantingly of its soothing aesthetic. Soft to the touch and smooth petals, feeling it's calming effect with every brush.

“Heh knew you'd like it! Noons here are so lovely, with an addition to the good view this is like premium experience.”

“Now do you see the appeal of noon?”
Nudging slightly towards the figure in front, still dazzled by the beauty of the soft petals.

“Hm— I have no preference but I will say it's an amazing place to visit.”
Humming contently, holding on into another flower from the same patch; sniffing it to their hearts content. Fragrant perfection with its sweet fresh scent, feeling all the tension melt away with every huff. Something so addicting to these flowers make it so unique, the flora of this planet is extraordinary.

And out of nowhere she felt the need to hum a sweet tune, with no purpose or reason just the scenery swaying her with its alluring spells. She's no great singer, with some cracks in the middle and the excessive use of air; but nothing can stop the feeling of absolute bliss just to express these thoughts with a harmony. It's no song that she knows but rather whatever comes to mind that sounds nice, lively yet calm unlike the music she normally listens to. Fitting for the atmosphere.

Twirling around in the grass, swaying and playing still humming that sweet tune. The fresh wind that flows nicely, carrying a gentle breeze enough to lightly sway their hair. Absorbing the calm with its soft serenity that floats around the grass field, cleansing whatever was left of responsibility or negativity; to live in the moment was it a blessing.

And another voice has joined in the ballad, harmonizing with the singing voice that sang before and hummed a tune complimenting the tone. A lovely song that played from their vocal chords, humming with content while the two of them just did their own thing. One still twirling in the greenery and the other indulging in the scent of flowers, and yet they acknowledged the other without a glance; in unity of the ballad to sing a soothing song.

A sightful view of the two that stayed there in content, golden rays that casted upon them while the serenity of the grass field looked like a gorgeous painting. Something meaningful within this tranquil moment wished it would be preserved in time, only but a miniscule moment in their immortal lives but it felt peaceful to live in this moment forevermore.

And with the song coming to its low, the pale operator stood up dusting away the petals that layed on their lap. Grass stains painting their pants but who can complain, they can always summon new ones; proof of content did it not annoy in the slightest. Now smelling like the sweet floral of primroses, like the fresh young scent of the coming spring.

The red haired operator stood infront of their fellow co-worker, slightly ruffled from their smelling frenzy; but the way he looked felt pure and lovely. A different person from the previous Michael he knew, but he welcomed this side of Michael. The sight to see his overworked fellow enjoying the moment, gentle composure and without the stress of work. Those wrinkles of an angered face had relaxed when stepping in this lovely environment, a soft smile of content looked better, and dare he says a smile that he'd rather stare at forever. To drink in that rare sight was it a pleasure to see, he couldn't count how long it was when he last smiled like that. Not a fake one or a facade, but filled with genuinity and pure joy. Nothing that underlies that pretty smile, just a face of living the moment— and boy was it deliciously perfect.

When he noticed he was staring for too long at that pretty face did he break off the daze and cleared his throat a bit, not to make it awkward or uncomfortable to the other. Tapping at the heel of their shoe while fidgeting with a blade of grass that he picked.

“Soo uhm. What do we do next?”
Uttered awkwardly from the mouth of the red haired operator, when they stepped foot on this land they didn't plan any further on what to do, maybe just show off the place that their trusty friend had introduced them to but really that was all. They weren't even sure if they were gonna stay longer, but this date was so Michael could enjoy something carefree, they had to get a second opinion.

“Uh… I dunno? What regular people do in grassfields?
Michael’s face contorted into a side brow, equally as confused as the other. Equally as dumbfounded.

To put into thought, both of them actually never knew what are the regular human activities appropriate in a place like this. To be confined in the afterlife with co-workers who came from the same non-3d dimension, no knowledge aside from their duties. It's not like the record tape had given them a step by step guide over how to act like the average living person. All that was left to them was to observe their patient in their everyday lives to learn. Heck even they weren't used to the regular 4 limbs! Back in the days where they were roaming around in a dimension incomprehensible to the human eye; an embodiment of abstract concept.

There was no bright sun to shine in the dark cold negative space, no fresh green grass to land on with your feet, no vibrant flowers to feast on the eyes, nothing that could resemble the beauty of the three dimension. All there was to think—Think of a foreign concept.

The red haired operator scratched her chin, deep in the thought process digging through the acquired information she has gathered over the years of operating her former patients. Heels tapping on the grass still moist from the morning dew.

…

Hmm…
…

How about ice skating? Toss a bunch of ice and let it freeze!

…

No… the Sun will probably melt it all before it could freeze the area…

…

God damn it! think! What's a good activity to do!!!!!!!

Ding!

Ahah!

Without much to process, Sean swiftly tugged at Michael on the shoulder; booping their nose and running off farther away from her.

“Wh-what—”
Michael stared off into the horizon to see the figure in front of her slowly turning small with each step away; unaware of what the situation was. Blinking rapidly to process the sudden movement.

Sean stopped at his tracks, still keeping a far distance away from their fellow operator. Cupping his hands to surround his mouth to increase the sound of his shout.

“TAG! YOU'RE IT!”

The paled operator, still confused, shouted back at the other in a more louder pitch.
“WHY ARE WE DOING THIS???”

“STOP BEING MORON AND PLAY THE GAME GOD DAMN IT!”

Hesitant to catch up to his fellow, he ran a little with not much exertion; still not used to his 4 limbs and ended up stumbling a bit from moving the wrong limb.

Falling down into the dew grass, accidentally getting the greenery into her mouth and spat it out. Having great difficulty in standing back right up. Luckily Sean had enough decency to pick her back up and continue on with their game of tag, where Michael actually tries again.

Feeling the soft breeze of noon flow against their skin, frolicking around in the grassfield of vibrant green and flora. Grass being stomped in a satisfying thump shuffling along. They felt free of worries, like little children gleefully playing with no worry in the world, the weight of responsibility not reaching in their mind just yet.

When Michael did find and manage to catch up to Sean, turns out his companion ended up just laying on the ground; content and unbothered, seemingly giving up on the tag game altogether. The sun rays kissing on his brown skin, soaking up the sunshine; ethereal in every ways but he couldn't dare to say that out loud.

Approaching the laying body, Michael sat down next to her, the grass held a warm and cozy feeling. Looking up close at her companion and she looked even more beautiful than up afar, starstruck while analyzing every single detail on that pretty face.

“Are you done looking at me yet?”

“I—uh how'd you know?”

“I see your cheesed up face even when not looking. You look stupid.”

“How would you even know if I was making such a face? Who knows, maybe I didn't open my eyes?”

“Hm who knows? Maybe I'm psychic.”
Sean glanced right up towards her, feeling a sung smile creep up to her face. Now it was his turn to do a cheesed up face.

“You infuriate me.”
The pale operator chuffed as he layed down comfortably, gripping on the green grass and fidgeting on the blades once again.

Oh how the clouds never looked so beautiful, so normal towards the normal humans yet to people who barely see a sight like this was way more than just normal. It was extraordinary; how this planet can conjure even the most worthy of attractions for something closed off from society. Maybe this planet has way more in store—maybe there are better places that could be no match to this grassfield.

It was serene, a calming effect washing away the stress of the world. Just the two of them and this beauteous space of nothing but the peaceful languid wonder. It could never compare to the stiffy patient center that he resides in for centuries to come, if he could he would probably want to make a pocket world to cherish it wherever he went. Though impossible; dreams can be made.

“Can I— touch your hair?”

“Oh sure I guess.”
Untying the tie that held the pale operator’s hair revealing thick long strands of multi-color, almost fried but still relatively smooth.

“It's so soft…”
Brushing on the strands with their fingers, combing all the little knots that were left until it's okay enough to style with.

Michael shivers whenever Sean would even touch her scalp or back in the neck area but he still persists, letting the other comb and fondle to their hearts content; warm and fuzzy tingling like sparks coarsing throughout his body.

Making three sections on the scalp and begun overlapping the strands on each other until it formed a braid, careful enough to not irritate the scalp. Sean made sure to ask Michael whether to continue on, humming in assurance.

Sean gathered the nearby flowers and added it into the braids to finish off the look, summoning a mirror from her apparatus to show off her handicraft, chuffing proudly.

“Soo how's it look?”

Holding into the mirror, looking at all angles of the braid; visibly skilled in details even with just one hair tie. The pale operator felt amazed from how well braided it turned out, Sean beaming proud with her wide smile. Those years of trial and error for her hair expression really paid off.

“It’s…—”

“Beautiful ain't it? Took me centuries to perfect my craft!”

“Thank you…”
Michael smiled in gratitude, a smile like the warm sunshine.

The two of them kept on messing around with their hair, trying out different hair styles with what they have. Even making little flower crowns and all types of jewelry, gorging in the scent of primroses. Sweet and delicate.

As they indulged in these playful activities, another sound emerged from the grass that isn't from the two. Weary they took a glance at the foreign noise—

A group of bunnies came wandering around! Surrounding the pair with curiosity and liking, some sniffing on their clothes and others just resting beside them. One in particular even jumped into Michael's lap and nested there. The pale operator just sat there stiff, not used to another living thing crawling up to them. But Sean however found it endearing, even teasing her companion over the bunnies having sudden interest towards her.

“They really like you don't you think?”

“They're breathing on me, it feels so weird…”

“Don't sweat it, bunnies are basically Angels in the animal kingdom, they won't hurt you.”
“Pet it, it don't bite.”

Following Sean's command, she brushed her fingers into the fluffy white coat. Super soft to the touch; like falling into a sea of feathers. It was unbothered by whatever stroke Michael had done towards the little thing and just kept napping.

“See? Nothing to worry about.”
Giggled as she held on a nearby bunny that happened to be nibbling on her sleeve. Stroking it on the head and ears with tender love.

“Thank you again— this is a way better spot compared to the others. I was worried that you'd put me somewhere even more chaotic.”

“You looked like a mess from the two, I wanted to get you somewhere lowkey.”

And there Michael smiled yet again, not those fake or insincere — a true one; the smile that’s contagious on its own, a smile worth all the effort, a smile that made her fall—

Fall???

Not sure what's the word that goes next…

Was it?

…

Oh?

And he thought Michael was the dense one.

…

How could he be so dumb?

…

“Hey what are we?”

“Huh?”

“I mean— are we just friends or something? Just asking.”

“Why would you want to know huh?”

“I'm just curious– after everything that happened today, I felt something I think— and I was wondering if you felt the same… in a way.”

“Say more?”

“I feel so weird in my stomach and my heart burns… not in a bad way but in a ‘it feels good’ way.”
“And it feels like if I just I dunno kiiiihhsshsh youuu.. or something I'd feel much better.”

“You know I can hear that. You can be a honest.”
“But… yeah I honestly feel like that as well? It's pathetic really I'm not sure, which is stupid because why is it you out of all people?”

“Heh I get it–.. I'm not sure how to deal with it I guess, I just wanted to ask cuz I don't wanna ruin whatever we built together – as friends. It's frustrating I'm confused.”

“I mean we can try I guess. Try to experiment? To see if it's just something stupid. Can't really make any rash decisions out of the whim.”

“Oh how bold of you to say that, you're really getting out of that bubble of yours.”
Sean teased, giggling as she shuffled closer towards her companion(?) only inches away. Making weird eye contact, this whole human connection thing is weird.

“But I'm up to it! So uhm what do we do? I've heard from my previous patient all about her romance life, we should try the basics y’know?”
Twirling Michael's locks with her index finger until shifting her hands to cup that tired face of her fellow co-worker(?), which made Michael gulp and shiver from the physical touch.

“Not anything too extreme I think it'll be fine by me…”
The pale operator caressed on Sean's plush arm, the arm that held her cheeks dearly. Unsure of how to react or do in this situation but Sean seemed to not mind, it was endearing anyways with how nervous she felt.

The red haired operator pushed in closer and gave a singular peck on her fellow's(?) cheek, immediately feeling his face burn hotter than the sun up high— pulling away to breath in fresh air and cool off. It looked way easier in movies and from the stories of his patient. Oh how wrong he was.

Michael also felt burning hot, even stuttering by the quick touch from those plush lips, caressing the area with his free hand and still felt the ever burning kiss linger on his skin. Already breathless as if Sean had just breathed in all the oxygen in the air, quivering like tiny sparks shocked him.

“Too much?”
Michael nodded at response, taking in a moment to refresh— but God did the butterflies in his stomach started fluttering like crazy. Sean seemed to reciprocate the feeling as well.

“Maybe hugging is better for now, I–uhh can I?”

“S-sure…”

The red haired operator pushed in all her weight towards her other into the ground, thumping as they both fell. Luckily the bunnies close to them didn't get hurt.

And then the two of them just layed there on the bladed green grass; under the sun glow of noon spring. Bunnies surrounding them like supporters. Laying there with joyous content and hearts fluttering and thumping close.

Skin to skin they felt their touch,

With every breath synchronized,

Caressing whatever they can grab into,

It may not be official, but together they can try.

Try and find the right answer,

Whatever word is right to say.

There may be no ‘I love you’,

But it's really there, hidden somewhere within their mind.

So until then they explore and find,

What one of them can only say:

“Bunnies are my favorite animal.”

Cause the fox made them realize it.