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Day 2: Music or Singing
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Neil seriously shouldn't have stayed up so late for his machine. He had already pulled an entire week of all nighters, but most of them was for work. He really wanted to work on his machine to make up for lost time, but it was not like he was making any progress. So much for fiftieth time was the charm.
Sighing, he gave up for the night...or day. The sun was up and there was still an hour left till work. Maybe he could grab a mug of coffee down at the lobby, act like a normal human for once before hiding away in the office to snooze. With that in mind, he got out of his seat, groaning at his stuff aching muscles finally moving for once, and left for the lobby.
He knew he wasn't functioning properly when he almost tripped on his own feet though. He thanked God Rob and Roxie, anyone really, wasn't here to see him like this. Heck, he could see himself as a mess when he checked his reflection in the elevator. His glasses were crocked. His hair a mess. And wow, did he really button his lab coat in the wrong places? With a groan, Neil tried to fix it as he got off the left and headed for the lobby.
Once he was done, he didn't expect anyone inside as well. The sound of the mini-oven went off, scaring him and then Eva when he let out a (slightly manly) scream. His partner almost dropped her plate as she glared at him gripping where his heart was.
"What was that for!?" she snapped, and ow, for some reason even hearing Eva's voice made him nauseas.
"When did you get here?" he tried to retort, but it came out weak. Eva was unimpressed by his reply but didn't say anything about that.
"Just then. Had to come here first to heat up some left overs for breakfast," she turned her back on him as she opened the mini-oven to get a slice of quiche she heated up inside. "What about you? Stayed up late again on your work?"
"Um…yeah," Neil was a bit uneasy with that question, but thanked God that Eva was rarely the one to pry. "Wanted to get some coffee before work start."
"Seriously?" she gave him a look. "With how much you're drinking, I think a cup of coffee wouldn't be able to keep you awake anymore," she shook her head with a sigh, yet she was already holding a cup of coffee and offered it to her partner. Now that they were standing so close though, Eva frowned, raising a brow at him. "Geez, Neil. I'm serious, when was the last time you slept?"
"Um…don't remember," he answered lamely, taking the coffee quickly before retreating to the couches. He ignored how Eva was staring at him, hoping she would just leave him alone. It was not like he was never going to sleep. He would after he did a bit more tinkering with the machine…
After a while, Eva grabbed another cup of coffee and her quiche to go over to where Neil was. She surprised him by sitting right next to him on the couch, not making a single comment as she just set everything down on the coffee table in front of her and began to eat. Neil was a bit tensed, as he was scared on what she was going to do next. Nothing happened though, so they just sat there and minded their own business.
It took until Neil almost finished his cup of coffee did he heard Eva say something again. Actually, she was humming a soft tune to herself. Glancing to the side quietly, making sure his glasses hid his eyes completely to not let Eva see, Neil saw her swaying slightly to a small song she was humming to herself. Her dark eyes were staring at nothing as she hummed, only stopping whenever she took a bite of her breakfast. He couldn't help it but be entranced by how soothing her quiet humming was, making him sort of move a little to her little song. It made him feel calm, relaxed even…
If you'll be my star
I'll be your sky
You can hide underneath me and come out at night
When I turn jet black, and you show off your light
I live to let you shine
I live to let you shine
Neil just realised that Eva was singing now. Her voice was so soft and gentle, making his eyes drop slightly as he rested his back against the couch to enjoy her song.
But you can skyrocket away from me
And never come back of you find another galaxy
Far from here
With more room to fly
Just leave me your stardust to remember you by
Somewhere along the line, Neil thought he should make a comment on Eva's singing. She was good at it after all. He always knew that, as much as she tried to deny it. There was just…meaning behind the words she sang. And it made him sort of feel at peace…with a slight yearning…
If you'll be my boat
I'll be your sea
A depth of pure blue
Just to probe curiosity
Ebbing and flowing
And pushed by a breeze
I live to make you free
I live to make you free
At this point, Neil was not paying attention to what he was doing anymore. Exhaustion just seem to have a hold of him more, and he couldn't fight it. Eva's singing just made him want to to sleep more. He didn't want to sleep yet though. He wanted to say something… anything…to Eva…
But you can set sail to the west if you want to
And past the horizon
'Till I can't even see you
Far from here
Where the beaches are wide
Just leave me your wake to remember you by
Before she could even finish, Eva noticed that Neil had finally fallen asleep. Of course, she noticed him watching her, yet she couldn't bring herself to tell him off. He looked so tired, and she felt compelled to lull him to sleep for once. She was surprised by how it worked though.
"Idiot…" she reached over to take off his glasses and place it into the chest pocket on his lab coat before gently pushing him down to make him completely lie down on the couch. Whatever he was doing behind her back, Eva was worried, but decided to not make him feel cornered. She knew he hated that, ever since their time together during childhood. All she could do was stand by him, wanting him to realise that she was here with him despite their differences.
And she hoped that he would realise that, and let her help him feel at ease and not hide things that could cause harm.
But till then, she would still stand by him.
"Sleep well, Neil," she got up to leave, planning to tell Robert to let the others know that Neil pulled an all nighter with work or something. They could just take it as Neil just being Neil, as they all knew he was a night owl to begin with.
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Deceiver: The song Eva sang was "Boats and Birds" by Gregory and the Hawk.
