Ae-Ri's POV
"Fuck. Okay. Uh—You two start eating, I'll be right back." Stifling a groan of frustration, she returned to the couch and lifted her helmet from the ground. Placing it securely over her head, she activated the little camera in the corner of her vision that she used to see from Flicker's eyes…. and saw him—it—waiting just outside Winston's door.
"It's right outside!" Ae-Ri called, removing the helmet and hopping over the back of the couch.
Winston’s POV
“Good.” He smiled, forking a small pancake onto a plate and beginning to eat. “Make sure you eat somethin’ too, Ae-Ri. Don’t need you starvin’ around lunch.”
Opals POV
Opal slowly began to eat the pancake that she was served. It was light and fluffy, and warm. “Thanks for the food Winston, it’s really good.”
Winston’s POV
“You like it?” Winston smiled, happy that he had managed to do something right for once. “Ma’s been teachin’ me how to cook so I can handle myself alright when I go to live with the World Guard next year. I can do laundry too! Fold a fitted sheet and everything!” He grinned, feeling quite proud of himself.
Ae-Ri chuckled quietly upon hearing this, re-entering the kitchen with a small drone perched on her shoulder. “Winston, you’re going to be a great husband one day.”
Opals POV
“I think so too,” Opal said with a small laugh. “But until then we’re going to hoard your pancake skills to ourselves.”
Winston’s POV
“I sure hope so.” Winston’s cheeks turned a bright rosy pink. “I really want to be an artist someday. Settle down with my own study off in a suburb.” He added, mumbling a bit out of embarrassment. “I’d be happy to make all the pancakes you want.” He smiled warmly at Opal. “Y’all are the best friends I could’ve asked for.”
Ae-Ri’s POV
She leaned over to ruffle his hair in an almost sisterly fashion, the faintest hint of a smile ghosting over her lips. “Love you too, Winn. And yes, I did just say that. No, I’m not sick.”
Winston’s POV
“You still need to eat, Ae-Ri.” Winston lectured, a bright, toothy smile on his face after Ae-Ri ruffled his hair. “Busy day. And we have to leave for headquarters real soon.” He noted, staring at the time. “It’s almost ten now.”
Opals POV
Opal smiled at Ae-Ri’s joke. “We May be short on time but we both love you Winston, and I’m not entirely sure if Ae-Ri is sick or not, but I know she means it. “
Ae-Ri’s POV
“Yeah, yeah…” she muttered, folding one of the thickest pancakes into the tiniest square imaginable and popping it into her mouth. “There. I ate. Yum.”
Winston’s POV
“I love y’all too. And Ae-Ri, be careful! You’re gonna choke!” Winston whined, rolling his eyes at her.
Ae-Ri’s POV
“I’ll be fine.” Ae-Ri rose to her feet, sweeping everyone’s plates off the table and plopping them in the sink. “Come on, let’s go. Wouldn’t want to keep them waiting.”
Opal smuled at Ae-Ri’s attitude,”Alright, anything else before we have to head out?” She began to feel anxious at the thought of reporting what had happened, even if she wasn’t necessarily on duty at the time.
Winston’s POV
“I don’t think so…. just remember to listen for me in case anything goes wrong?” He felt guilty even asking, but at the same time, Winston needed the reassurance that the girls would be there for him. Otherwise he might not have the courage to walk in. He kissed his mother on the cheek, saying goodbye as he ushered Ae-Ri and Opal out the door, fearing they’d be late.
Ae-Ri’s POV
They walked together through the labyrinthian halls with Ae-Ri leading the way. People drifted in and out of rooms, occasionally staring at her. She couldn’t blame them, though. Everyone was used to her hardcore attire and thick eyeliner, to see her walking with such softness in her step was a rarity.
Opal followed closely behind her two friends, and listened to snippet of thoughts from around the office. Apparently Nancy took Greg’s yogurt, but that didn’t really matter. She also kept an ear out for anything about Winston, and why he was being debriefed differently.
Winston’s POV
Winnie almost walked past the room he was being debriefed in. He abruptly halted in front of it, his glow brightening a bit as he stared at the imposing wooden door in front of him. “Is it too late to fake being sick?” He asked quietly.
Opals POV
Opal smiled. “Yes, but remember, we’re just a few rooms down and I’m listening.” SHe tapped her forehead for emphasis. “Good luck.”
Winstin’s POV
Winnie enveloped both girls into a quick, appreciative hug before taking a deep breath, steeling his nerves as he opened the door to find out what fate had in store for him.
Ae-Ri’s POV
Ae-Ri only offered Winston a small nod of acknowledgement, her unusual affection from just a few minutes ago dissipating like fog under bright sunshine.
Opals POV
Opal turned to face Ae-Ri, and gestured to their debriefing room a few doors down, “ Are you ready?”
Ae-Ri’s POV
“Yeah,” she replied nonchalantly, approaching and knocking sharply on the designated door. “Just remember what not to say. Be smart. Please.”
OpalsPOV
Opal nodded slightly, unsure of why type of questions might be a trap, and more than a little worried about the outcome. She slowly stepped through the door.
Winston’s POV
Winnie was in complete and total shock as he was sent out of the room with a two files. One with the name Remedy in bold print along the top and one filled with pamphlets, paperwork, and the like to try and convince the other teen to join. Winston didn’t know where to start. He was just… in shock as he walked out of the building, staring blankly at the files in his hands.