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It didn’t make sense, and it brought April's processors to the point of overheating trying to make heads or tails of this murder, a description only she called it. Officially it was the missing persons case of Dillian Hall, the local school’s star basketball player. She knew it in her gut, they wouldn’t find the teen alive.
She leaned back in her chair stretching her servos and mechanical limbs as she did so, feeling each joint, and bolt go loose and lock into place. She wasn’t in her spiffy trench coat or WDF uniform, instead sporting her white and grey striped pajamas. She sat alone in her home office, staring at her evidence board. The rectangle covered head to toe with connected papers, photos, testimonies, and the tiniest scraps of evidence she could find.
Between them was a desk featuring a skyline of stacked empty mugs that used to be filled with battery fluid and coolant. And her pair of cool shades, she almost felt naked not wearing them, abhorring their absence she snatched and placed them back on, they helped her think anyway. This case was a brain stumper, she was let down by both lack of evidence, and jurisdiction. With a slight chuckle, and sigh she looked at the poster plastered on the wall.
“You’d know what to do wouldn’t you lieutenant.” She spoke to the image of Lieutenant Columbo showing off his smug smirk. Her favorite fictional character, despite being a human.
Groaning she ran through all the details of the crime, knowing and cursing the factors that made the case unsolvable. First the victim, the “missing person.”
Dillian Hall. Star athlete and a fairly popular girl within the school, mostly on account of her unmatched athletic prowess. Physical descriptions include bright blue neon eyes, an extravagant pastel purple wig, and of course one most infamous detail, her freakshow-level height.
She was some form of a limited-run model of a worker drone back in the human days featuring an extended torso and elongated limbs. A one-in-ten-million case standing at five feet two inches, taller than even most of those disassembly drones. Suffice to say it’s what made her the basketball team’s shoo-in.
The teen girl was last seen alive on January seventh partaking in her club activities. Being part of the “human culture club.” With classmates Emily Day, and Angela Palmer. April shuddered for a moment, disappointed that these youngsters could idolize humanity, their former oppressors. It was disturbing. She figured it was a fetish thing, typical teenagers.
Sighing, she got back on track. This was Dillian’s friend Angela’s testimony. A typical teen girl, with lime green eyes and long pigtails. April pulled out a tape recorder labeled “Palmer.” It had been spoken in a miserable voice. She couldn’t blame the girl, if her bestie turned into an oil puddle overnight, she’d be distraught too. She clicked the play button and re-listened to the tape attentively.
CLICK
“The last time I spoke with her, was when were leaving the gym after I was done with cheer practice. Dillian had been doing some practice of her own, the county semi-finals are coming up so-”
“Who else was present?”
April asked immediately cutting Palmer off.
“Just the other members of the cheer squad. It was me, Lizzy, Rebecca, Melody, Doll, Kelsey, and Kenzie.”
“Continue.”
“I asked if she had plans tonight, you know thinking we could do a sleepover or a movie night. I wasn’t planning on going to the club today, Emily is way too intense. But Dillian said she planned on staying late in school to practice her shots and dunks. She said she was getting worse at B-ball and needed to start practicing more. She’s crazy for thinking that… I didn’t think something like this could happen.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Why would someone hurt Dillian, what did she do to deserve this, she’s just. I’m her best friend, I should’ve done something, told her not to stay at school! I know this is a missing persons case, but I can’t help but think she’s already, already. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cry like this”
“It’s okay, if she’s alive we’ll find her, and if she’s dead the bastard who did it will be brought to justice. They’ll be rotting in a cell for the rest of their pitiful life.”
…
…
“Thank you.”
“No problem. Stay safe.”
CLICK
She remembered the wails Angela fought back once she reached the end of her statement. Why wouldn’t she, your best friend vanishes, and we're all fucking useless. The braindead cops that are supposed to keep you safe do jack-shit to help. She wasn’t just cursing the WDF, she despised her inability to protect the drones here. She knew full well how useless she was, especially recently.
That break-in was a tragedy, and a humiliation for the WDF, and the Drones alike. The DDs find their way in, and all they could do was run and hide, they didn’t even have fucking guns. So many good drones lost their lives, many of them just kids. No investigation was needed that day, just a week of playing Undertaker. She shuddered, there were so many bodies. She clenched her fists in self-loathing frustration.
With a disheartened sigh, she continued gathering the case’s evidence.
The second, and the most crucial testimony came from another student and cheerleader, Melody Miller, the ray of sunshine at the school. The best physical description is just, well, adorable. Jade-coloured eyes, with a similar hairstyle to her spouse Sarah. Now, this pink-clad sweetie didn’t seem to have the most, intelligent AI unit, being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The cutie-pie had forgotten one of her stuffed keychains; one of a little kitten with a tophat, in the gym’s lockers. She went back to school after closing, sneaking in. This was illegal in its own right, but Melody’s brother explained that to his sis, the safety of her stuffed animals was of the “utmost importance.” with another disappointed sigh April uttered to herself “Stupid kids.” Although she supposed she should be grateful for Miss Millers idiocy, as it gave her the key testimony of the case. April grabbed another tape recorder from a drawer, the recorder labeled “Miller.”
Melody’s testimony was this, which had been spoken in a mortified shaken voice, trying its best to remain calm.
CLICK
“When I snuck into school Ma’am I went right away to the gym, knowing that’s where Baron Whiskers was.”
“Baron Whiskers?”
“That's his name. My plushy. Anyway, I entered the gym and there was Dillian, she was shocked to see me. She was practicing B-ball, and she was like totally swishing them, she’s really good! Like it’s not just because she’s super tall she’s really just talented in general, um sorry I’m getting sidetracked, anyway.”
“What was she wearing? Was it her jersey?”
“Um, no ma’am just a white tee. I think it was her club shirt. She had these long thigh highs though, they were striped, white, and black. Only she could pull it off with her long legs.”
“Okay continue.”
“Sorry, sidetracked again. Anyway, I entered the locker room, and I quickly went and retrieved Baron Whiskers. But then I heard people fighting, I guess you’d call it a struggle. But then I heard the sounds of droplets, like the sound of a faucet you know. It was coming from the court, so I left the room. I was super duper curious I guess, it gets the better of me sometimes. When I left, I. I found nothing, Dillian was like gone, all that was left was a puddle of oil, where she once stood. It’s like she vanished into thin air. I got, I got so scared.”
Melody had begun sobbing, taking a large pause in her testimony. April had flashed a face of sympathy back then, anyone would if they saw such a cute young lady breaking into tears and ugly crying. She only continued with some consoling from her brother.
“It was just a puddle, that and her basketball. I got terrified, that something had taken her, or killed her. I ran as fast as I could, like faster than I’d ever run before. I didn’t want to die next, and when I reached the exit I saw her, HER.”
“Calm down, who did you see?”
“it was Doll. She was covered in Oil, I think? I don’t know. Listen I don’t want to accuse her because she’s nice, and Doll’s been through a lot, but I know what I saw that day!”
“I understand.”
“Please I’m not making accusations so don’t like arrest her, it’s just, that I can’t make heads or tails of it. Why was she there, was she even there? Did I hallucinate it, it’s so, I’m so, so scared.”
“Calm. Down. You’re okay.”
CLICK
Thus ended that account. Initially, she was certain the culprit had been caught. Doll. She was Caught red-handed by an eyewitness. But, Miss Miller’s testimony couldn’t be confirmed as truth. And, it was for a rather eerie reason. Somehow, unknown to the school staff, the security cameras had all been deactivated that night, forcibly powered down as if through witchcraft. This was a telltale sign of tampering to her, but before she confirmed whether or not It was Doll, she needed to know who exactly this drone was. Whether or not she possessed the skill to perform a murder.
She wouldn’t start with the Russian teen, preferring the social circle of the suspect to the actual person. Who was around Doll the most, and knew her nature? First, it was the obvious pick of Doll’s teacher. Under normal circumstances she would’ve visited Doll’s parents but, that wouldn’t be possible. April frowned, despite being a suspect, Doll’s orphan nature was one she could empathize with. As a drone built before the collapse, she never had parents, just a purpose and masters.
Focus on the case April, she mentally scolded herself sighing miserably. The teacher is simply named “teacher.” Was of no help at all. As it turned out, the entire fucking school needed to be investigated by whatever board of education they had. That orange-eyed asshole’s only reply to the question “What can you tell me about Doll’s behavior in class?” was an astounding. “Which one is Doll again?” in an emotionless dead inside voice.
Fucking incredible, no wonder this generation of drones are as processor-dead as they get. The sociopath didn’t even care that one of the students had been potentially murdered, heartless asshole she snarled internally. Then that led her to the pupils of the institution. If anyone would know the red-eyed drone lifestyle it would be her ring of friends. The school’s cheer squad.
She asked the captain of the cheer team Kelsey Day. A responsible, and good-natured young woman. April gathered a third recorder titled “Day.” It was she who gave the first useful details of Doll.
CLICK
“Doll? Oh, she’s always been a bit odd. Not in a bad way, but sort of a pariah. She only really talks to Lizzy. She used to talk to all of us a lot more, but that was until…”
“Until what?”
“Look, This is really personal info, and I don’t like talking about it while she’s not here but, Doll is an orphan, she lost her parents a few years back. I think her mom’s name was Yeva. I’m not sure though.”
“And the father?”
“No clue. He’s a bit of a mystery that guy. Well, they died during one of the break-ins. You probably know more about the event than I do. I just.”
…
…
“Is something wrong? What’s with the pause?”
“Sorry, ma’am, it’s just. I wish I could help Doll. I keep recommending going to counseling or finding a therapist for her but she doesn’t seem interested. She almost seemed offended I even tried talking to her. She’s really closed herself off from us, and I’m scared for her.”
“You know, self-isolation is a trauma response, but it’s also a common trait with, murde-”
“No!”
“I’m sorry?”
“Doll, isn’t a killer, don’t say that! The girl has enough issues in her life she doesn’t need these accusations!”
“I’m sorry Miss Day. I was getting ahead of myself.”
“No, I’m sorry for shouting ma’am, it’s just I don’t know what happened to Dillian, but I doubt Doll had anything to do with it.”
“Why do you think so? I know Doll, is your friend and that’s why, but is there another reason?”
“Well with all due respect ma’am a killer would need a motive, Doll has no reason to harm Dillian, and this isn’t a murder case anyway. Isn’t this a missing persons case? Dillian could be alive for all we know.”
“True. And yes this is a missing persons case but in my line of work, while I hope for the best, I usually expect the worst.”
“I guess I understand. But Doll wouldn’t kill someone, and if she did it wouldn’t be Dillian. And then to kill without leaving a trace, that’s not something she has the skill to do. Look, If you want to know more about Doll, talk to Lizzy, she would have the info.”
“Understood.”
“One more thing ma’am!”
“Yes?”
“Doll really needs help, she has so much trauma but she blocks everyone out, except for Lizzy. She would never listen to me, but if you and the WDF-”
“That’s not my jurisdiction kid.”
“But maybe if you just like, recommended it to her!”
“Not, my, issue, kid. Listen, I get you feel bad for her, but I can’t use any authority to force her to go to therapy, that’s a decision she needs to make.”
“I’m not asking you to force her ma’am, just recommend it.”
…
…
“Maybe.”
CLICK
No one suspects someone they know would kill someone until corpses start appearing, April internally declared somewhat chastising the bright-eyed, naive Kelsay Day. She faltered for a moment, perhaps she was too rude to the kid, geniality wasn’t her strong suit, she relied on her better half for that expertise.
The other members of the cheer team had little to add. She hadn’t bothered keeping the accounts of flamingo-eyed Kenzie Rivers or the toothpaste-haired Rebecca Raleigh. The pair of girls mostly gave her pointless gossip rather than real information.
Still, behavior is behavior, she now saw clearly that Doll was the black sheep of the cheer team, and in general one of the less communicative and approachable kids in school, despite once being in the popular girls' pack.
A few others however would give her more incriminating info. The reserved, and quite rude Miss Gilmore would inform her of Doll’s tendency to torture, kill, or hell even eat robot bugs, a fact that sent electronic shivers down April’s spine. Another student by the name of Scarlet recounted an anecdote of when Doll had threatened her friend Doug after he poked fun at her status as an orphan. According to Scarlet the threat she made was, quite graphic and violent, to the point where she had to step in to protect her friend.
Still, all of this was meaningless. Behavior is just Behavior. If you could arrest someone for that, half of them would be in a cell. No. She had nothing concrete, just rumors, and secrets, nothing that could ever constitute evidence.
Sure she had Melody’s testimony, but that couldn’t be confirmed due to the broken security camera’s not catching the supposed murderer Doll in the act. On top of that Doll was just some kid. She didn’t have the skills to hack into the school’s cameras and shut them all down, she could kill someone of Dillian’s stature and hide the body that quickly. It all must’ve happened in a few seconds. She had nothing on the kid.
While technically she could abuse her authority and just up and arrest Doll, there was no strong basis to form a lasting prosecution on her, nor did she have an investigation warrant for Doll’s house. She’d be locked up for a few days and then released, afterwards April knew the court of public opinion would bury her under a rhetorical jail. Having to listen to accusations of arresting an innocent child in such trying times, especially with no evidence. That would make her current stress seem like nothing.
With a groan, she ran her hands across her visor and through her smooth drone head under her brunette wig. This entire thing was a miserable black hole. After a week of investigation, she had found nothing. One shitty lead, that led straight to a dead fucking end, it was miserable. She was so sick of leaving cases unsolved. Sure she still had Lizzy, and the suspect Doll herself to interview but what magical factoid would they dispense that would tie all of this confusion together? Fuck there wasn’t even a body to perform an autopsy on. Just a fucking puddle, it was grotesque.
She growled. Something else weighing on her mind. It took a spot next to the dread of the murder drones. It was all the fuss, and hoopla between their “fearless” leader Khan, and his annoying ass daughter.
He was no help. This time of complete crisis was when he decided to finally be a real parent, even when his stupid daughter wasn’t even present in the outpost anymore. The exact time in which he actually needed to be consumed in his WDF duties and now he’s shirking them in favor of a. “Parent-teacher conference.” For his kid that wasn’t even here. She sneered.
“Sarah would make a much better leader than you jerk.” She hissed in a whisper. Sarah, Khans right-hand woman. Khan and Sarah were friends, apparently, they had known each other their entire life, but she really couldn’t see why Sarah had so much respect for that pathetic excuse of a man.
“Hey, hun, home.”
Cutting through her thoughts, causing her neon-white eyes, and night to brighten, was the sound of an opening door, and that adorable nasally voice she loved calling out to her.
April turned in her seat being met with her lovely spouse at her door frame. Sarah donned her WDF uniform, they had her working late. Immediately she met her partner's glistening turquoise eyes, and cute brunette pigtails and felt the case’s soul-crushing stress begin to alleviate.
“Speak of the devil,” April muttered playfully, putting a hand to her cheek, her elbow on her knee.
“Khan really has you working until eight huh.”
“You know how it is, with everything happening someone has to take charge,” Sarah replied fully walking into the room with a familiar fluidity.
“He’s working you like a slave.” April hissed, bitter feelings towards the “revered” leader of Outpost Three showing.
“Don’t be so dramatic, I’m fine. Speaking of work, you figure out the perp I have to bust.”
April lowered her head in shame and pent-up frustration. She miserably sighed.
“No, I haven’t, I’m sorry, the case is a dead end.”
Her fists clenched up, trembling. She felt humiliated to confess to Sarah her failure, she aspired to keep her wife impressed, to astonish her with her “brilliance.”
“I’m useless,” April uttered dejectedly.
“Don’t say that,” Sarah interjected quickly taking hold of April’s balled-up fists, allowing them to go loose with warmth, their tense joints easing up in her partner's grasp.
“I’m sure you’ve done all you could, call it a night hun. You can pick it back up tomorrow. Either way, you’re my genius.”
Her gaze returned to Sarah’s, and upon reconnecting April smiled dearly. Sarah was acutely aware of her insecurities, and while this case would remain a source of discontent in her mind, the presence of her better half would dull its pervasive effects.
“Thanks, toots.”
April then moved upwards, meeting Sarah who leaned down. Their mouths met, the two gently entering a soft loving kiss. The two drones felt each other's electricity jolt upon connecting the tips of their tongues, their energy coursing through their wiring. The kiss was short, but both got a sweet taste of each other saliva, Sarah realizing a brief muffled coo of pleasure. And then they released, both with a delighted grin painted on their faces, adoration in their eyes.
“That reminds me, hun, I got you a gift.”
April chuckled mischievously.
“Oooooh, is it something sexy?” She stated flirtatiously.
Sarah rolled her eyes playfully, a digital blush popping up on her monitor.
“No, you perv, it’s a movie, thinking of another movie night.”
This caused the detective’s eyes to light up in interest.
“Oh, what movie?” She exclaimed excitedly.
“It’s a surprise, but I can tell you this. It’s a detective one.”
As the words escaped her mouth Sarah began to strut toward the exit, but as she reached the door she turned back to add one more remark.
“But, we might do something sexy if you promise to do the dishes.” She ordered pointing a slightly judgemental finger to the city of mugs behind April.
The white-eyed woman took a glance and winced herself, she’d have enough energy to stay online for the next century with how much battery fluid she drank, although it was preferable to the alternative. Long before she was gifted with her smoking hot wife, she used to be a hardcore magnet junkie, it was the angel that was Sarah that pulled her out of that miserable state.
“Those dishes won’t know what hit 'em.” April humored giving Sarah a pair of finger guns and clicking.
With that Sarah giggled and made her exit, the other woman rising from her worn-out chair, ecstatic to join her. April first made a hardy stretch, extending her joints and limbs to their fullest, hearing her servos, and motors hum with energy. They creaked and cracked until their immobility-inflicted stiffness faded.
As she trekked to the living room she pondered what mystery flick Sarah managed to scrounge. She had to admit, she was wary of disappointment, she had essentially seen them all, or at least the ones that the outside stores and lower bunker rental shops could offer. Knives Out, Seen It, Memento Seen It, Chinatown Seen It, Murder on the Orient Express, hell she’d watched every version of that one, just to name a few, 3001, 2780, 2435, 2312, 2017, and even the fabled, and elusive 1974 version. And of course, anything and everything to do with Sherlock Holmes. So either they’re rewatching a film, or somehow Sarah has manifested a mystery thriller that she hasn’t watched at least ten times.
“Welp, one way to find out.” She stated that she was entering their half living room and half kitchen, which was dimly illuminated in a warm light. Sarah was at the kitchen counter presumably preparing a bowl of batteries to munch on while they, attempted to watch a movie, but she already could predict that unless she was fully gripped they’d be doing something a little more exciting on their sofa.
“There you are, I’m just making a snack bowl.” Sarah chimed in a bright voice.
“Sweet, what's the flick?”
Sarah chuckled, rolling those turquoise gems once more.
“What do you think surprise means dummy.”
“Dunno,” April shrugged, and then marched toward their couch, potentially undoing some of the buttons of her pajama shirt.
When she reached she hopped off the floor and bounced slightly on the seat, already basking in its heavenly comfort, both hands going on the back of her head, holding her ponytail. She took a much-needed deep breath, her shaded pixelated eyes locked on a spinning ceiling fan blanketing her body with cooling brisk air. The stress from that case has now taken quite the backseat in her conscious, it was really what she needed, but upon noticing its lack of prominence all she did was unlock it from its cell.
Her brows furrowed in pity with hints of guilt for the poor innocent young girl, Dillian Hall. All she wanted to do was improve her skills at her passion, how the hell could she know she’d end up a black stain on the floor, and that the worthless cop assigned to bring her murderer to justice couldn’t do jack-shit? She had no clue it would be her last night alive. Well no one knows when the reaper would come knocking, we all just need to assume it’s far, far away, but nowadays that’s not a comfort they can afford, not anymore.
For all she knew, this could be her last night alive too, tomorrow who fucking knows. The disassemblies could break in again and savagely tear her into scrap metal and oil. Whoever massacred Miss Hall could decide she was their next target, and then she’d be a puddle as well. Fuck, she could trip down a damn flight of stairs and split her head open like a damn egg. Death watched and awaited behind every nook and cranny. She repositioned her hands to run them across her visor, groaning frustratedly once more, these grim thoughts ruining her brief serenity. She just wanted to relax, now she’s not sure if she’d get any sleep tonight.
”Hey hun, are you okay?”
April lifted her head being met with Sarah’s concerned gaze, the woman joining her on the couch, placing the bowl of batteries on the coffee table parallel to them. She sighed, upset Sarah had to see her like this.
“No, it’s just the case, it’s weighing a lot on my processor.”
Sarah released a sympathetic exhale.
“I’m sorry hun. Do you want to talk about it?”
April waved her hand dismissively, muttering a “Bah”.
“I’m fine babe, no need, watching a flick with you is therapy enough for me.”
April elevated upwards.
“Speaking of, what’s the movie.” She queried, attempting to forcibly reignite her energy.
Sarah’s frown increased, as she moved closer to her wife, interlocking hands with a loving embrace. April’s white eyes flickered as they met those glistening emeralds.
“Please April, tell me what’s wrong, don’t bottle these things in, you should know by now that I’ll always be willing to listen.”
With Sarah’s eyes piercing her emotional defenses, the stubborn woman was forced to give in to her spouse’s demands, sighing. She didn’t know why she despised being vulnerable, even with Sarah. Perhaps it was pride, or maybe it was due to her line of work.
“Listen, Sarah, the case, it’s just. I’m scared.”
Sarah exhaled, and grew more somber, already beginning to comprehend April’s turmoil.
“Scared of ending up like them.” Sarah finished.
“Yeah babe, something like that. I mean fuck. That kid, Dillian. She just wanted to practice her favorite fucking sport, she didn’t know she’d end up dying. Probably just felt like a normal ass day to her, a regular boring day, and then. Boom. Dead.”
April, took a deep breath, fighting back faint tears.
“I mean, before the break-in, everyone lived so comfortably. I barely had to do my damn job, it felt like an honorary position, not a real profession. Head of the investigative wing of the WDF, what a joke. But now, hell, people keep dying babe, and I can’t do jack to stop it. I’m supposed to be a detective, yet I can’t even solve a single fucking murder case.”
At a moment's notice, hearing those waterworks, Sarah wrapped her arms tightly around April, petting her head affectionately, allowing her to release her caged frustrations.
“I’m terrified that I’ll be next, and I’m supposed to be the one keeping everyone safe.”
“That’s not a responsibility you have to bear alone April, we're all in this together.”
April grabbed onto Sarah’s WDF coat fiercely, her voice going shakier and uncertain.
“That’s the thing, babe, you could very well be next, and how am I supposed to protect you?”
Sarah shushed her soothingly, letting the woman melt into her torso.
“April, we’ll protect each other like we always have. Life is scary now, scarier than it’s ever been, even before the core collapse. But we have each other, and that’s what matters. You don’t need to be everyone’s hero, all you have to do is try your best.”
“But.” April attempted to interject but was silenced by Sarah.
“No buts. Please, hun, don’t torture yourself over this. I know leaving a case unsolved is soul-crushing, but, if there’s nothing you can do that’s just the fact of it. All we can do is keep moving forward.”
Releasing her from the hug, they met eyes again, the gratitude in April's neon-white orbs apparent. The words while not vanquishing her dark ruminations, certainly aided in containing them. April placed a hand on Sarah’s, which was grasping her shoulders.
“Sorry babe, I didn’t mean to get all emotional-”
Sarah grumbled in frustration, interrupting her partner again, tone going stern.
“Never apologize for being vulnerable, I’m always here to listen.”
With another longing stare, Sarah’s hands found their way to the back of April's head, carefully pulling towards her planting a soft peck on her forehead.
“Thanks,” April mumbled, putting a hand on her lover's cheek, petting Sarah’s cute polymer-crafted face with care, now fully ready to put behind her stresses and worries and enjoy off time. Unless there’s another incident she’d continue the investigation. Make Doll, and this Lizzy squeak any info they have, and if she finds anything that can properly connect Doll to this murder, she’ll lock up that cheerleader and throw away the key. She’d keep everyone safe. But first, there is the other pressing mystery.
“Now, can you please just come clean on what film we're watching?”
Sarah rolled her eyes but still smiled feeling as if she had done her service and returned April to a proper state of mind. The two of them honestly did deserve a break from all their WDF work, but she’d feel too guilty ignoring her duty. So this movie night will have to do. Clearing her throat, she revealed her film of choice.
“Surprise it’s Death on the Nile.” She announced with played-up jazz hands.
April had to admit, this reveal disappointed her, she had seen most versions of the classic story, all except for one that she had given up on locating.
“Tch, girl!”
Sarah lifted a digital brow, grinning, getting that expected reaction.
“I’ve seen that one before,” April informed keeping her tone playful, masking the genuine disappointment. She knew either way they’d have a good time together anyway.
“That’s what you think,” Sarah replied in a sing-song voice, further increasing April’s confusion.
Then she reached into one of the more sizable pockets adorning her cargo pants and pulled out the concealed DVD case.
Immediately, taking in the view, April's eyes widened like they never had before, the inner geek within her squealing. The holy grail might as well have been revealed to her dumbstruck eyes. Like a hawk, she snatched the DVD out of her partner’s hands, and reveled in the item, taking in its box art. The warm colors, the grand riverboat with that foreboding skull beneath, and the pyramids of Giza were visible in the background, the most famous landmark in the Earth country the movie was set in, Egypt.
“Mhm, that’s right. 1978 Original version of the movie. More than a thousand years old.”
Mouth agape, April's white eyes darted between the movie and Sarah.
“Toots, how in Robo-hell did you get your hands on this!” She let out giddy with fangirlish excitement.
“Don’t thank me, thank the new kid Ron. It’s amazing what kids can find with the internet.” Sarah muttered, genuinely impressed by the recruit.
“No fucking kidding.”
April was hard at work studying every corner of the item, skimming all the flavor text.
“Holy shit.” She whispered before finally handing it back over to her wife.
Sarah took it, and lifted herself from the couch, promptly finding her way to the television and the DVD player nestled beneath. She popped the case open, delicately took the disc, and gently placed it in the player, the compartment sliding in and out as it accepted the item.
April’s optics immediately glued themselves to the screen, as the TV powered on, and opening credits began to play, fanfare blaring, the grown woman giggling like a child as she stood up straight, and got herself hyped for this piece of cinema.
However, there was one thing that managed to peel her attention away from the film. This was the sound of a zipper undoing. Taking a glance, April's eyes locked onto Sarah as she unzipped her WDF jacket. She removed the article, neatly folding it, and placing it on the coffee table ahead of them. Then, what caused April's visor to light up in a neon white blush, was Sarah sliding down her cargo pants, leaving her in just her white undergarments and undershirt, revealing her attractive form underneath the baggy uniform.
“Damn toots,” April muttered in astonishment, chuckling as she did so.
“What?” Sarah responded with a timid turquoise blush on her monitor, holding a hand to her chest.
“I haven’t even washed the dishes yet,” April uttered with a smug smirk and flirty eyes. Sarah rolled her eyes and pouted.
“I'm just getting comfy, you should know these uniforms aren’t comfortable.” She said, giggling, whilst folding her pants, placing them neatly next to the folded coat.
“Well, unfortunately for you, my attention will be focused on Mr. Poirot instead.” April joked, pointing her thumb at the ongoing movie credits.
the two sharing a light-hearted chuckle, blushes present on both visors.
Sarah clapped her hands, causing the automatic lights in their domain to shut off, blanketing them in peaceful darkness, say for the pale screen light of the TV.
April kicked her legs up, laying down on their sofa, inviting her wife to join her. Sarah found her spot, nestling between April’s legs, and resting her head on her partner’s chest, the two cuddling up ready to spend the night together.
April, planted a kiss on Sarah's bulbous head, wrapping her arms around the woman's waist.
“You’re right Sarah. We’ll keep each other safe.” April said slowly, and lovingly, holding a protective grasp on the person dearest to her.
Sarah placed a hand on April’s cheek.
“We’ll get through this. We always have.”