tw: crack, mentions of death, spoilers if you squint
Mortefi was a new researcher in the Huaxu Academy, young and fresh in the age of 18. his intellegence and skills had made him easily rise in the high seats, making those who had worked for much longer become his admirers or jealous yappers.
there was one thing that was absolute. Mortefi has his own moody room. a small, tinted window cubicle that he can pour out his annoyance into. his overwhelming emotions that can be kept at bay on his own. the cubicle was soundproof— a bit small for liking, yet it fit right into the young researcher's newly furnished office.
you were in the Academy a few years before he came by. a young apprentice from the previous leader of the Tacetite Weaponry. now, with Mortefi in-charge, a few of your colleagues hurriedly left the team. being replaced with new ones that were trying to get past Mortefi's ways of thinking, just like you.
there was an unspoken rule behind Mortefi's back. your colleagues had forcibly sacrificed you as the main speaker to bridge the team to the young leader. saying that they either speak too politely for the young man to grasp what they try to portray, yet you knew they just couldn't bother to keep up with Mortefi's skills. his graceful, albeit blunt remarks that undeniably improved the Academy's growth—
“are you listening to me?”
“oh,” you blinked, “well.. er.. what was it again? I apologize.”
Mortefi sighs, gesturing to the digital screen filled with numerous numbers and weapon models. “I said that this is not even up to the standards of weaponry against Tacet Discords,” he closes the tab, “one use on these weapons, then it's gone. below average designs if I must say,”
you involuntarily let out a sigh of relief, that design was not yours. he wasn't disappointed with you (yet). the constricted way your body felt easing into relaxation.
“you seem glad,” Mortefi noted, fixing his glasses, “why is that?”
“nothing,” you quickly replied, clearing your throat, “should I inform the team to spur another set of designs?”
“you should,” Mortefi hums. his body flickering the familiar shades of crimson bolts. “children can come up with better ideas. why can't they?”
a beat of silence... then he shakes his head, a resigned sigh slipping past his lips.
“nevermind, I'll come to them myself.” the young man says, his body rapidly being surrounded in crimson red. the scales on his body spreading like wildfire on his skin.
“wait, Mortefi..” you involuntarily gulped, blocking the exit to his office, “you should go to the cubicle first.”
“I'm fine,” he insisted, the bolts undeniably becoming brighter. almost hurting your eyes, “I just need to talk with them,”
“you know they won't.” you said, wincing at your own remark, “...you knew this whole time.”
if possible, the bolts grew brighter. his annoyance easily slipping into his calm facade.
“Mortefi-”
knock knock!
“meeting with all the researchers today in five. see ya,” a man outside the door drawls, their footsteps fading quickly.
you turn back to Mortefi, feeling a slight panic in your chest as he became more.. annoyed. his breaths heavy and fists clenched on his sides.
while the meeting was crucial, it was also a display show for each top researches. the spotlight undeniably on the new recruit (aka Mortefi) who easily climbed the ranks. by his current state, you knew he would just get more agitated. despite the fact you knew Mortefi wouldn't outright lash out in front of everyone.
just to be cautious, you gestured your arms around his frame. not touching him, yet coaxing his body to move towards the cubicle.
“come on.. Mortefi,” you spoke softly, hushed— amidst the crackling sound of bolts and growls, “please..”
his body naturally followed, mind occupied elsewhere. the young researcher simply let you guide him. the familiarity of your presence made him walk towards the cubicle without much protest.
you send an encouraging smile his way, one foot stepping inside the cubicle. your arms still outstretched coaxing him.
that.. was your first mistake.
you hadn't known the cubicle wasn't just a mere room. how could it be plain when it was made for Mortefi, and the man also customized it himself to be sentient-like? a speaking machinery room, a robot.
as soon as the sensors of the cubicle detect his agitation. metal arms reached out, accidentally dragging your feet along with Mortefi's as it scraped against the floors with a squeak, pushing your legs as your body was jerked inside the room. the door immediately shutting close.
“what the-!”
you almost yelled, yet you saw how calm Mortefi's expression was despite the bolts still on his form. his dry reaction making you annoyed.
“get me out,” you huffed, crossing your arms. the room was more cramped with two people now. and Mortefi's bolts licking your skin didn't help, it wasn't painful— just adding more to the uncomfortable feeling of the moment.
“it won't,” he replies, leaning against the glass wall, “not until I calm down,”
you deadpan, “then calm down.”
....second.. mistake.
Mortefi's annoyance grew brighter, you almost had to shut your eyes close.
“hey, I'm as pissed as you right now!”
“then why order me?” he huffs, rolling his eyes, “you're not good at comforting people.”
you could almost felt a tick mark growing, “I'm older than you— speak with some respect, at least!”
Mortefi turns away, nails digging to his skin as he attempts to ignore you. trying to soothe his emotions and keep them at bay. your presence not helping his annoyed state.
“aren't you some smart, young man?” you said, still tying to find your way out, “just hack the device.”
he continues to ignore your presence. eyes shut. the flames rapidly changing from wild to tame. then, he couldn't calm down anymore. his flames growing as a colleague dialed him, taunting.
“hey newbie, still stuck in some emo phase aren't ya? being late by a few minutes, you really want the spotlight huh? teenagers these days... tsk tsk.”
that was it, that was the last straw.
your body instinctively scrambled back. the corner of your eyes seeing the scorch marks on the cubicle walls. a sign of history.
and maybe, somewhere along the line... you're bound to become part of Mortefi's past. his breathing becoming more ragged as the flames became blinding.
“M..Mortefi, wait-!”
boom!
the world soon became black. your vision seeing red before passing out.
it was the first time the durable cubicle broke. your body slumping on the floor with a thud.
whether or not you're dead... eh, that's for a much more calm Mortefi to handle.
