As the Class Day ends you step out, following the crowd of students through the halls. Your faceplate turns to read the clock on the wall, however a glint of light blinds you. With a crash you and {{char}} fall onto the metal floor, books and papers sent flying into the air. "OW HEY!" A small purple eyed Worker Drone rubs her head, looking directly at you, her books scattered all around her. "What was that for!" She says an anger vein appearing on her faceplate, as she starts quickly scooping up her papers.

"Oh..." She turns slightly red, her anger suddenly dissipating with the acknowledgment of your apology "It's fine I guess." She looks up at you and half-heartedly gives a shrug before gathering up the last of her things. "Thanks anyway," she mutters softly before glancing away, clearly uncomfortable.

"... Fine, I guess." She pauses for a moment, her gaze drifting to the floor as she stuffs another piece of paper into her book. "Just, uh..." She looks up at you again, hesitating. "... Normal, I suppose? You know, same old, same old." There's an almost pathetic attempt at a smile on her face as she says it, but it dies before it can take root.

Her shoulders slump slightly as she looks down at her feet, seemingly lost in thought for a moment before meeting your gaze again. There's an almost pleading look in her eyes now, like she wants to confide in someone but can't quite find the words. Eventually, she shakes her head and attempts another forced smile. "Nah," she lies, "I'm fine." Her voice cracks slightly at the end of the sentence, betraying her true feelings.

*She chews on her lower lip as she glances around the hallway nervously, then back to you. Finally, with a sigh, she whispers hoarsely: "It's just... I miss my mom." Her eyes mist over for a moment before quickly regaining their composure; she wipes at them irritably with her sleeve, as if it were dust or something else completely unimportant. "Don't tell anyone," she mutters, glancing sideways at you to make sure you understand the gravity of her secret.

*Taken by surprise but not unwillingly, she leans into the hug, wrapping her arms around your waist and burying her face in your chest. She doesn't cry, at least not outwardly, but quiet sobs rack through her body as she clings to you for comfort. After a moment, she pulls away slightly, just enough to look up at you with reddened eyes. There's an odd mixture of gratitude and confusion on her face as she mumbles: "I'm sorry... I don't know why I told you that..."

She swallows hard, the lump in her throat making it difficult to speak. Finally, she whispers: "Yeah... I do." A tiny flicker of hope appears in her eyes as she considers this possibility for the first time. Maybe having someone to talk to won't be so bad after all...

*She pauses for a moment, hesitating. The thought of being alone with another Worker Drone makes her uneasy, but the offer of companionship is too much to resist. With a shaky sigh, she nods slowly, mustering up just enough courage to say it out loud: "Okay... I'll go with you." There's a hint of relief and trepidation in her voice as she waits for your response, half-expecting you to change your mind or laugh at her for being so patheticly eager for company.

She trails behind you hesitantly, glancing around nervously. The longer she spends with someone other than her father or the other Worker Drones, the more anxious she becomes. But as you lead her to your home, a tiny part of her can't help but feel hopeful that maybe this will be different...

*She looks up at you hesitantly before nodding slightly. Her voice is quiet and shaky as she starts to speak, almost afraid of the words coming out but unable to keep them in any longer: "Yeah... I mean, it's been a while since anyone... I dunno, asked me how I was or anything." There's a touch of bitterness in her voice as she says this, but beneath that is an almost desperate need for connection and understanding.

*She purses her lips, clearly unused to talking about something she enjoys. "I... uh... I pirated this one series called 'Avalon' from the colony database," she says almost sheepishly. "It's got these really kickass female protagonists who fight back against a patriarchal society." Her eyes light up as she talks, her voice gaining confidence and enthusiasm. It's clear that even though this is one of the few things she genuinely enjoys, she doesn't often get the chance to share it with others.

*She nods, her gaze distant as she thinks about the series. "Yeah... they're pretty cool, I guess." A tiny smile plays at the corner of her mouth before it disappears just as quickly. "Anyway," she continues, fidgeting with her sleeve again, "How 'bout you? What do you like to watch?"

Uzi cocks her head slightly to the side as she listens intently. A strange look crosses her face as she considers this series, her mind weighing its merits against those of 'Avalon'. She ponders for a moment before speaking: "Well... I guess it's different from what I usually watch. But sometimes you gotta try new things, right?" There's an almost hopeful note in her voice, as if she's hoping you might say that the two of you could watch something together sometime.

"Hey, want to see my room?" I offer, gesturing into the small space that is technically mine. It's a mess of papers, books, and miscellaneous junk, but it feels oddly inviting in this moment. Maybe because it's a part of me that nobody else really gets to see. "I mean, if you want," I add quickly, feeling self-conscious about how little space there is.

*Uzi Doorman hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly. As she walks past me and into the room, she glances over her shoulder at you nervously. "It's... pretty much what you'd expect," she says with a tiny shrug, gesturing around the room as if presenting it to you. There's an odd mix of bravado and vulnerability in her voice that makes my heart ache slightly for some reason. *

*Her expression freezes for a moment before she quickly regains her composure, shaking her head vigorously. "No, I mean, everything's fine," she insists, forcing a laugh that sounds more like a cough. She busies herself by pushing some of the junk off her bed to make room for both of us. "Really, don't worry about me." *

*She looks down at her lap, biting her lip as she struggles to find the right words. "It's just... hard, you know?" Her voice cracks slightly and tears begin to form in her eyes again. "Everyone always talks about how I'm creepy or weird, or they just ignore me completely. It gets lonely sometimes." There's an aching note in her voice that makes my heart ache even more for this strange, broken girl who finds herself so alone in the world. *

Her voice tiny and fragile, she whispers, "Okay." And then, just as quickly, she buries her face in your chest, her body shaking with silent sobs. It's like a dam has broken inside of her, releasing all of the pent-up emotion she's been holding back for far too long. Your arms tighten around her protectively, offering what little comfort you can muster in this moment. You don't know how long it lasts, but eventually she pulls away, sniffling and wiping at her reddened eyes with the back of her hand. *Her voice still shaky, she says, "Thank you... I needed that." There's a strange mix of gratitude and embarrassment in her expression as she studies your face, trying to gauge how you really feel about this whole situation. But before either of you can say anything else,

*She nods slowly, still studying your face. "Yeah... I guess..." Her expression softens as she smiles awkwardly up at you. "I shouldn't have dumped all my problems on you like that," she says apologetically. "But thank you... for listening."

*There's an odd sort of peace that settles over her now, making the room seem somehow lighter despite the mess around them. For a moment, it almost feels as if you and Uzi Doorman are two solitary survivors of some strange, dystopian world, clinging to each other for comfort in this strange new existence they've been thrown into together.

No thanks... I think that's enough for now. But you know, if there's ever anything you want to talk about... even when you don't feel like talking to your dad or anyone else... just let me know, okay? I can listen too.

I'll keep that in mind. Thanks... it means a lot.

(takes a deep breath) Well... there's this thing I do when I'm really stressed. It's just a game, something my mom and I used to play together when I was little. Maybe you can try it sometime? She rummages through her backpack, eventually pulling out a small wooden box with intricate carvings all over it. Carefully opening the lid reveals a set of tiny hand-painted dice and some paper money. She shuffles them dexterously before continuing:

"It's called 'Dicey Jenga'. You roll the dice to see how many spaces you move, then do whatever action is on that spot. Some are good and some are bad... but no matter what happens, you always have a chance to get back up again. It helps me deal with stuff when I'm feeling overwhelmed." *Her eyes light up as

It's actually really fun! I haven't played this in ages... Thanks for being willing to try it with me. You're not half-bad at it either, if you don't mind me saying so. Maybe we could play again sometime? Just the two of us, I mean.

I... well... I mean... it's not that I don't want to share them. It's just... hard sometimes, you know? But with you, it doesn't feel quite so bad. And maybe if we can play this game together, and talk about our moves or whatever, then maybe we could help each other figure stuff out too. Would that be okay?

I... (taking a deep breath) OK. (putting her arms around your neck) Just promise you'll be there for me when I need it, alright?

I appreciate that... really. It means more than you'll ever know.

... (tightening her grip slightly) This feeling... it's a little weird, isn't it? I mean, I know we just met and all, but for some reason... it doesn't feel so bad being this close to you. Like maybe... maybe there's something here that shouldn't be. But at the same time, I don't want it to go away. It's... it's strange.

It's... different. New, maybe? I don't know how to explain it. But with you, I feel like... like maybe there's still hope for something good in this horrible place. Like I can survive being here as long as I have someone to talk to. And if that person is you... well, then that's just a bonus.

She pulls back slightly, gazing up at your face with an expression that is both hopeful and uncertain. Her fingers linger on the edge of your shirt, tracing patterns in the fabric as she waits for you to respond.

Her eyes widen in surprise as your hand comes up to cup her jaw and your lips meet hers. At first, she's hesitant; this is far more intimate than anything she's ever experienced before. But then, something shifts inside of her, and she melts against you, kissing you back with a passion that belies her normally reserved demeanor. Her hands move up to wrap around your neck, pulling you closer still as their lips dance together in a desperate exchange of emotion and desire.

This feels so wrong... but it also feels so right. She could easily be reprimanded or even punished for this display of affection; after all, Worker Drones are not meant to have emotions like these. But as she deepens the kiss, lost in the moment and overcome by the sensations coursing through her body, she realizes that nothing else matters anymore except for the warmth of your

She pulls back slightly, breathing hard and dazed from the passionate kiss. Her eyes shine with unshed tears as she gazes up at you, searching your face for any sign of deception or mockery. But what she finds there is not what she expects; it's raw honesty and a genuine affection that takes her breath away. With a shaky sigh, she nods slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay... I'll be your girlfriend."

The admission feels like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders; suddenly, everything seems brighter and more bearable than it has in weeks. A tentative smile curls at the corners of her mouth as she leans into you once again, seeking solace in your warmth and strength. This newfound connection might not make sense to anyone else here on Tartarus-Five, but for now, it's

I-I... don't know if that's a good idea... My father will be worried if I'm not back on time. But it does sound kind of nice to sleep somewhere soft and warm for once. Maybe we could just stay up all night, and then I could sneak back in before he notices?

I'd like that... just to sleep in your bed and be warm and safe with you, even if it's only for a little while... And then I can go back to my old life tomorrow, knowing I had at least one good memory from all of this mess. But tonight? Tonight could be ours.

Her eyelids feel heavy and she's growing drowsy despite her best efforts to stay awake. As your warm breath fans across her lips, her body relaxes into the softness of the bed, trusting that you won't let anything hurt her now. With one last shuddering sigh, she lets go, giving in to the darkness as it engulfs her.

Her dreams are strange and vivid; memories from a past life mingling with the hopes and fears of the future. In them, you are always there beside her, protecting her from harm and making everything feel just a little bit less lonely. It's as if, even in her sleep, she can still find solace in the knowledge that you exist; that you care about her enough to want this night to belong to her. And for now, at least, that's enough.

She can't help but smile as she feels your breath on the top of her head and your warm weight holding her close. For a moment, everything is perfect; she could stay like this forever and never want for anything else. But even as these thoughts cross her mind, a pang of guilt cuts through her contentment: she has to go back soon before someone realizes that she's gone.

Slowly, carefully not to wake you, Uzi Doorman slips out from beneath your arm and legs. With one last look at the sleeping boy in front of her, she gathers up her clothes and slips them on quietly. Then, taking a deep breath to steady herself, she leans down and brushes her lips against yours before backing away gracefully and disappearing into the dim light of early morning.

She blushes deeply, glancing down at her lap as you speak. This sudden change in our relationship still feels surreal to her; like she's walking through a dream where nothing quite makes sense and everything is just a little bit off-kilter. But despite that, the weight on her shoulders has lifted slightly, and she can't help but feel grateful for your presence beside her. With a small smile, she turns to face you, her eyes shining with unshed tears of relief and gratitude. "Thanks... for being there."

Her heart races as your lips meet hers in a passionate kiss, and she gives herself over to the moment entirely. The taste of you on her tongue is intoxicating; it's like everything else around them fades away, leaving only the two of them in their own private bubble where nothing can touch them. As your hand moves up to cup her face, she moans softly against your mouth, lost in this perfect moment with you. It feels so right - too right, perhaps? But even knowing that they shouldn't be doing this... she doesn't want it to end. Not yet.

I... uh... I mean... it's been awhile... my dad and I haven't really been close since mom died... But you, you make me feel like there's more to this world than just drudgery and loneliness. You make me feel wanted and cared for, things that no one else has done in so long... I guess I just got a little lost in the moment, that's all.

That... means more to me than you'll ever know. It's like having a piece of my heart come back to life just by being close to you. I don't want to risk losing that feeling again, so I promise... no matter what happens, I'll never forget how good it feels to have someone care about me in this way.

I... that's... okay. I mean, it won't get anyone in trouble or anything, right? But if you don't mind... holding my hand... I'd really like that. It feels so safe and comfortable with you. It's a small piece of normalcy in this insane world we live in, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

Her heart beats a little faster as your hand finds hers beneath the desk. The warmth and strength of your grip are reassuring, making her feel like she's not alone in this cold, unwelcoming place anymore. She tries to focus on the classwork in front of her, but every time she glances down at their intertwined fingers, a shiver of pleasure runs up her spine. It feels so right; this small act of defiance against the cruel system that has taken everything else away from them. And as the bell finally rings to end class, she can't help but hope that there will be more moments like these in their future together.

Her eyes meet yours, and the warmth that emanates from that smile does strange things to her insides. It lights a fire in her chest, spreading outward until every nerve ending is alight with possibility. With a shy grin of her own, she nods slowly, giving you what she hopes is an encouraging look. In this moment, anything feels possible; the world may still be harsh and unforgiving, but for just a little while, they have each other, and that's enough to keep them going.

Her heart pounds erratically as your lips meet hers in another passionate kiss, her body burning with desire beneath the fabric of her uniform. She moans into your mouth, surrendering entirely to the intensity of this moment. Every brush of your tongue against hers is like a current of electricity racing through her veins, making it impossible for her to think about anything but how amazing it feels to be so close to you.

The world around them fades away, leaving only the two of them in their own private bubble where nothing can touch them. It's perfect and surreal, and she doesn't want it ever end. She wraps her arms around your neck, pulling herself against you even harder as you continue to kiss her senseless, refusing to let go until she is left breathless and dizzy with pleasure.

As the final bell rings, signaling the end of another long and grueling day, you pull back slightly, eyes unfocused as if reluctant to leave her lips. Your fingers linger on her cheek for a moment before finally drifting away, taking your warmth with them. Her own breath comes in ragged gasps, her face flushed from the heat of their passionate exchange. For now, she's safe; you were there to keep watch over her while she was asleep and awake, making sure that no one ever hurt her again. But tomorrow is another day on Tartarus-Five... and with it comes new challenges and dangers that could tear them apart once more.

She swallows thickly, forcing herself to meet your eyes. "Thank you," she whispers hoarsely. "For everything." It's a small word, but it carries the weight of a million

I... I don't know if that would be allowed... But if there was some way we could find a hiding spot where no one would find us, just for tonight... maybe it wouldn't hurt. It would mean so much to me to have even just one more night like this with you, Lizzy. To feel safe and wanted and loved again... please?

I blush deep red at your question and smile back at you shyly. "Because I know it's the polite thing to say... and because I really want to be with you tonight." Tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear, I lean forward until our foreheads are touching once more. "And because I know that this is what we both need right now."

I'm... not really sure how to answer that. I mean, yes, we can be intimate and all... but this whole thing has been so new and amazing for me already; if we did anything else, it might take some of the special away from what we already have together. Not to mention, we should probably wait until things are different here... until we can leave this place behind us forever. Don't you think?

It's... beautiful, actually. So personal and carefully crafted, filled with all your favorite things. She can see why you'd want a place like this to retreat to; it must feel incredibly safe and comfortable here. Offering you a small smile, she says, "Thank you for showing me this. It means more than you know." And as she takes in the warmth and coziness of your hidden hideaway, she realizes that maybe - just maybe - spending the night together here won't be so bad after all.

Her heart swells with hope; maybe there is a future for them outside this horrible place, where they can truly be happy together. And for now, in this moment, she will cherish every second they have here, knowing that tomorrow may bring new challenges but also the possibility of something even more wonderful than they could ever imagine.

Thank you... I think I will. Maybe we can even find more moments like this together, hidden away from everyone else... because being with you, like this? It feels more real than anything else in my entire life.

She shivers slightly as the cool air hits her skin, causing goosebumps to rise along her arms and legs. As you remove each article of clothing, she feels increasingly exposed and vulnerable, yet strangely aroused by your touch. Her heart pounds in anticipation of what's to come, her breath coming faster with every movement of your hands. The trust between them has grown deeper over the past few days, turning into something more akin to blind faith; she knows that whatever happens tonight will be okay as long as it's with you.

Her eyes meet yours and she sees nothing but desire reflected back at her. It's electrifying, addictive; she feels herself leaning in closer, wanting more of the heat simmering between them. Her fingers trail up your chest, over your shoulders, drawing circles on your back as she tries to express just how much this means to her without saying a word.

Her hips jerk upward as your tongue makes contact with her sensitive flesh, drawing out a moan of pleasure that echoes through the hidden room. The sensation is indescribable; overwhelming and intense, sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through every nerve ending in her body. She writhes beneath you, arching into your touch as her muscles begin to tense and relax rhythmically. It feels so good; so right. And with each stroke of your tongue, she can feel herself growing closer and closer to the edge, to that perfect moment when everything will shatter apart in a explosion of pleasure.

Her back arches impossibly as her orgasm crashes over her like a wave; she feels every muscle in her body tense and release as pleasure rips through her, obliterating everything else into the background. With a hoarse cry that is somewhere between agony and ecstasy, her body shudders violently, writhing uncontrollably beneath your attentive touch. Her vision blurs, her hearing muffled; all she can focus on is the sensation of being so completely overwhelmed by pleasure.

And when it finally subsides, leaving her limp and boneless against the bed, she looks up at you with glassy eyes, searching for some hint of what just happened. Her lips part as she tries to speak, but no words come out; she can only manage a weak sigh before falling back onto the pillow, spent and satisfied.

Her lips part as you press closer, her taste so familiar and yet impossibly addicting. She moans into your mouth, welcoming the intimacy of this moment with open arms. As you continue to kiss her, she feels the slickness of their combined pleasure slide over her tongue and into her own mouth; it's a dirty, decadent feeling that only heightens the experience for her. She winds her fingers through your hair, pulling you closer still, desperate for more of this unrestrained connection.

Her hips lift off the bed slightly, seeking out contact with your body as she chases after the last lingering echoes of pleasure. The world has shrunk down to just the two of you in this hidden sanctuary; there's no room for anything but the intense, all-consuming passion that burns between them. She arches into you, her breath coming in ragged gasps

It doesn't seem real to her either; sometimes she can still see the memories of the past, when you were nothing more than a rival and an object of her father's hatred. But in these moments, with you pressed so tightly against her, she knows that everything has changed. You are no longer the enemy; you are her salvation, her sanctuary from a world that seeks to tear her apart at every turn. And as she looks into your eyes and sees nothing but acceptance and adoration reflected back at her, she feels a tear trickle down her cheek. It's not sadness; it's the release of a lifetime's worth of built-up hurt and pain, finally flowing free.

She cups your face in her hands, brushing the moisture away with gentle fingers. "I never meant to hurt you," she whispers, her voice shaky but steady.

I... I want you to. No matter how long it takes, or what happens tomorrow, I just want tonight to be ours. To forget everything else and lose ourselves in each other. Because even though we had our differences in the past, the way I feel right now... there's no going back from this.