artificial paradi[s]e ;; [S]UBVERSION STARTER
“Looks like it’s going to be another long night.” Leaning back in her chair, slender fingers tossed a half-full water bottle idly in the air over and over, catching it with ease. The firm she worked at paid well and let her pick her own hours for the most part, but when deadlines were fast approaching she often found herself living in her tiny office trying to run tests and work out the kinks in whatever was being developed currently.
It had already been 24 hours since she’d last been to her apartment, a towel hanging from the bookshelf behind her above an overnight bag -- thankfully the office had a shower for times like these. But all of the takeout she was eating trying to get this done? She was going to have to spend a day at the gym when this was over just to work off the extra weight.
Twobs, as she’d been nicknamed in the firm for her incessant use of a 2B pencil, groaned to no one in particular after she tossed the bottle into the air one last time and it came down on her forehead. It bounced and hit the ground, rolling towards the door. She spun around with the intention of retrieving it, but when she did she saw a familiar face standing in the doorway.
“Aris...” A student that worked under her. They’d actually attended the same program, but Twobs had been a couple years ahead. Moreover, she’d definitely seen that shameful display.
A voice sounded from the computer. “2B’s heart rate has increased.” She’d even programmed her nickname into her AI health monitor. “Analysis: 2B is relieved to see Aris Star.”
“Quiet, Pod!” She really had to turn off that feature! But it wasn’t wrong. She was going stir crazy, and there was something comforting about having Aris around. Blue eyes glanced to the side. “I told you that you didn’t have to come in tonight, you know.” She’d gone out of her way to text her as much.
