Chell looked at the cake. It was delicious and moist goodness, just as GLaDOS had described. Chocolate, whip cream and strawberry goodness. Its candles, in the dark room, made a reflection on its smooth surface. Chell placed the Portal Gun down and slid it away. She crawled over to the cake, looking at it.
But she didn't deserve it. She had cheated her way in this room, by noclipping. Valve was pissed at her, and surely so was GLaDOS. She couldn't have it. No.
Well, maybe just one taste. She wouldn't die or anything. Nothing would happen. She wanted the cake, and the Companion Cube, laying to the side of the cake, begged her on. He said it would be alright. She had done so much already, she needed maybe just a quick bite. A short reward.
Chell lifted her hand, and stuck out her index finger. She took it for a quick slide along the surface of the cake, covering her finger in chocolate, and licked it off. The taste of chocolate filled her mouth.
"Congratulations," the familiar robotic voice yelled out, "you have just delayed Half-Life 2: Episode 3 for ten more months."
A tear rolled down her cheek, and though the Companion Cube did not show any sign of reaction to the words, deep inside, his heart had just crumbled and died. She tightly hugged the cube, and both comforted each other for the night, knowing the ten month wait would be harsh and cruel. If she even survived the next tests that is...