"Er-right, so, I just-"
A hard gaze had been passed on to the blonde and he quickly found his lips sealing once more. Chell had lost track of how many times she had had to reprimand Wheatley at this point; the man was intent on moving around and messing everything up. He had insisted on helping hang the lights and Chell was determined to finish them today. He just had to hold them so they wouldn't be tangled up; was that so hard?
Apparently for Wheatley, yes, it was.
Very early on he had voiced his distaste for the cold, but as winter finally began to rear its ugly head Wheatley was coming to find not only how harsh the weather could be, but the extent of how very much he disliked it.
Despite this aversion he had offered to help Chell hang the colorful lights-the Christmas lights, as she had corrected him, and it vaguely made sense to the core-turned-human. Of course, he was aware of the holiday, he knew what Christmas was! But that hadn't necessarily meant he had ever been able to celebrate. Aperture was known for being particularly devoid of any happiness.
Regardless, he had bundled up in almost every article of winter clothing Chell had purchased for him and hurried out the doors to assist the woman. He did not, however, plan on the wind. Or the occasional flurries that pelted him in the face and burned his skin; since when was something cold supposed to burn, anyway? He was just convinced that the winter was not a good time to stand around.
"Wheatley."
"Hm?"
"I need more."
"Oh! Sorry, haha, just thinkin' is all, thinking about the snow. And how it burns. That's definitely wrong, isn't it? I thought only fire was supposed to burn, hot things burn not cold things that's just—well that's silly! Is that always the case?"
Chell was vaguely listening to his thought session as she carefully wrapped the lights through the banister in front of her home. It was only when she heard his final question did she decide to tune in, and even then, it was somewhat distant.
"Things do that when they're cold enough, Wheatley. I can't explain the science behind it, look it up if you're really that interested."
Chell had not meant to come off as sharp, but with the wind sending a chill down her spine and having been standing out in the cold for so long she couldn't help but find her answers come off as somewhat harsh.
And perhaps she was holding the slightest bit of animosity toward the man currently holding the last bit of lights.
Wheatley's incessant apologizing had begun to wear the poor woman down. She realized he was sorry, but there was always that nagging thought as to whether he meant it. Giving an apology was easy; proving how sorry someone was was a much different story. And, quite frankly, Chell wasn't ready to completely forgive. Despite the two months they had spent together she still found herself feeling sour over the events that had transpired. Wheatley had been an absolute monster; there were times the scars on her back still ached when she thought of what had happened; when she thought of him and his rampage. So, no, his apologies weren't unwelcomed, but the repetitiveness of them most certainly was.
That was something the core just couldn't grasp.
Wheatley, of course, had never meant any harm and she repeatedly reminded herself of such. He figured that, even if she was unwilling to accept, then he should at least make sure she knew just how sorry he truly was. Though it seemed that, more often than not, he only managed to get on the woman's nerves as of late.
There was a pit that formed in her stomach when she watched as he shifted, his face contorting into a shameful look. She sighed, continued stringing, and finally plugged them in, finishing it off. After giving a nod, she collected the rest of the lights from the blonde and headed back into the house. There were boxes scattered through the house, a few decorations laying on their sides. Although it was only her up until this point, she enjoyed the holiday.
It had only been two years that she had been celebrating the holiday. Her employers had invited her over; Ted was an incredibly kind man and his wife, Adeline, was quite the cook. They had already extended another invitation to the woman this year and had even mentioned she was more than welcome to bring her 'male friend' along. Chell had only smiled at the time, let off a breathy laugh and nodded. She would have to make something this year to thank them.
She couldn't help but briefly wonder as she dug around in the boxes if this would be Wheatley's first Christmas. Most likely, she decided, because Aperture did not seem to be the kind of place to celebrate anything other than some scientific breakthrough at the expense of others. Right, maybe she ought to lay off him. It was the holidays; if she needed an excuse that was it. Besides, it wasn't as though he were trying to be a problem.
Chell busied herself with stringing various lights around the house as well as setting up some other small decorations. Wheatley was surprisingly silent. Even as she began making dinner he attempted to place some decorations around the house but was overall quiet aside from the occasional hushed apology for placing things in the wrong place or bumping into the woman.
The house was still somewhat of a mess when the pair sat down to eat, and Chell was growing concerned with Wheatley's silence by now. There were times she was sure he was becoming blue in the face with his rambling; this was unlike him. She was somewhat aware of the reason, but she wouldn't be held responsible for his pouting. Even if she was displeased with his current attitude. Instead, she chose to ignore it until they had finished eating. The silence had become more of a nuisance than anything and finally, she had decided to address it.
She always had to be the one to break the ice.
"Why aren't you talking?"
He seemed genuinely surprised by the question; in thought then, she assumed.
"Oh, well I-" he paused after that as if searching through the jumble of words that typically accompanied his fast-paced brain.
"Never mind-It's nothing, really, no need to worry, you know me, always thinking."
The look she gave him told him all he needed to know; he wasn't getting out of this. She knew him far too well; she knew when there was something on his mind and she would never let him off the hook. She had become very adamant about him talking, which he found somewhat ironic. At times he was almost positive his endless stream of meaningless thought irritated her, so why on earth it was that she always wanted him to speak what was on his mind completely eluded him. Really, the more he thought about it, the more he realized just how confusing humans were.
But he wouldn't lie, this was something that had been laying heavily on his mind for some time, and he wasn't entirely sure he had the right to discuss. Keeping his mouth shut on this one seemed to be the absolute best course of action.
But Chell was a stubborn one and, for the first time, it made his blood boil.
Her gaze was unwavering, and it caused him to shift in his seat, caused his stomach to twist and his heart to pound. Wheatley usually broke underneath the gaze, but instead, he decided to remove himself from the situation. He stood himself up, knees crashing against the table and a look of discomfort momentarily twisted across his face. It stung, but he faltered with a nervous grin instead of concerning himself with the throbbing.
"I can clean up!" His words wavered as he collected the dishes and moved himself over to the sink, leaving Chell thoroughly surprised.
She had never known him to be so direct with avoiding her questions, but she decided to shrug it off. She knew when not to prod and this was certainly one of those times. Besides, she had had other things to accomplish and didn't want to put any more of a rift between them. With that in mind, she excused herself, slid on a jacket, and left the home.
This had left Wheatley with an anxious feeling in his stomach. He had been quick to draw the curtains shut upon her leaving and decided to busy himself with cleaning up the left-over boxes while waiting for her return which, in his opinion, couldn't have been quick enough. He was, however, surprised to find Rick following her into the house with a tree in hand.
Wheatley was left staring, mouth slightly agape at the oddity before him. Who on earth brought trees into their house? Were they confused—perhaps they had both hit their heads or maybe Chell really did have brain damage all this time and he never knew! Either way, they hoisted the thing into the living room, and carefully placed it in a stand. They spoke to each other, things about moving it one way or another, making sure not to hit anything, before it was left standing proudly in the corner opposite of his couch-bed. The two admired the plant as if it were something of beauty and, again, Wheatley found himself scratching his head.
"That's a real nice one, Chell. You have an eye for trees."
Chell chuckled, and it surprised him. Anytime she laughed he found himself genuinely surprised; it was such a beautiful sound. He wished he could hear it more often.
"Maybe I can make something out of it. Really, though, if you need help picking one out I can always help get it set up. I know the kids are a handful."
"Thanks, Chell. But, speaking of which, I should probably get back home and catch 'em before they go to bed. I'll see you in the morning."
"Thanks again, Rick. Merry Christmas."
On his way out of the home he had greeted, and subsequently wished Wheatley a farewell before he exited the home, leaving the blonde gaping at the tree. Chell hadn't seemed to miss a beat, she had already grabbed some lights and was stringing them around the tree.
"Uh—I don't mean to be rude, really, not at all but I was just wonderin' what—and don't get me wrong it's a lovely tree, yes, a real sturdy one real—fragrant, but aren't those usually supposed to be, you know, outside with other trees?"
She had wondered how long it would take him to question the pine, and a thin smile had danced across her lips before she glanced over, and then continued her work.
"It's a Christmas tree. People usually do this."
Wheatley took a moment to process that information, nodded his head, and continued to gaze at the thing.
"Ah, yes well—I assumed it would be, actually, didn't think you would just be bringing in a tree for nothin', what with the trail it left." Speaking of which, he had moved to pluck a needle from the bottom of his sock. How odd! "Though I have to say, I've never actually seen a tree like this before they're called Christmas Trees?"
"No, pine trees. But they're used for Christmas Trees."
"Oh." Right, it seemed simple enough. It was still an odd tradition, but he supposed he wouldn't question it.
Instead, he had chosen to watch as she worked, wrapping the sets of lights around the tree, her work careful and precise. She was a wonder, really.
"Wheatley, grab that box outside the closet, would you?"
He had jumped to his feet at the request, happy to help and bring the said box to her. It was a large one, and it was awkward to carry, but he was glad to prove he wasn't always a klutz when he carefully set it down on the coffee table. She opened it up to reveal it was packed with little decorative figures. He didn't exactly know what they were, but it wasn't long before she was pulling one of the little balls out and holding it by the hook at the top.
"These are ornaments. You use them to decorate the tree. Grab one and put it on."
As she suggested such, she moved to hang one herself, as though it were a demonstration.
There was slight trepidation in his actions, a slight fear that he may break the delicate items, but he moved nonetheless. He hesitated, went to place the ornament—
"Ah, no. Put them on stronger ones or they'll slip off and break."
He had jumped, nodded, then moved to place it in a more stable branch. He moved back, admired the little red ball, and smiled at his reflection.
"That does look nice, doesn't it! Yea, nice little thing, I can see why people enjoy this!"
Chell was happy she could appease him, even if it would only be for a short while. As he busied himself with the tree, she moved to plug in the few strands of lights that hung around the archway from the kitchen and living room. She had briefly pulled back the blinds to see the darkness outside, and then a thin smile veiled her lips.
"Wheatley put your shoes on. I want to show you something."
He had finished up the tree at that point and did as he was told. He had been rather adamant about adding a jacket as well before Chell had him marching outside once more. He was displeased with having to stand in the cold, and that she was still in the warm house.
"I mean, really, what's this about? Are you trying to freeze me out? Is this some sort of exercise, maybe, build up a resistance to the cold? Oh, that's very smart but I don't think I want any part of that but thank you—"
When the house lit up before him he was completely caught by surprise. Chell had moved outside to meet him, her smile never waving. Her arms clung tightly to themselves, shielding herself from the wind and cold as she watched the man stare at the house in awe.
Of course, Wheatley understood it was only little lights, that his own wiring had been much more sophisticated and that this was so insignificant but for a moment he couldn't help but think how beautiful the human world really was. He never knew something so tiny could look so stunning. It seemed he was really noticing the hidden beauty of things as of late, and even the much more obvious ones he'd overlooked.
"Wow, I know I watched you, but I still can't believe you did this all by yourself. It's really lovely—do other people do this too?" Chell gave a nod in response, and this only seemed to encourage him. "Yea! And we usually get back when it's gettin' dark so we can see all of 'em! Amazing! Whoever knew that somethin' so small could make a house look so gr—"
Wheatley paled after that, and it surprised the woman, enough so to cause her gaze to shoot over and pay him a glance.
He looked thoroughly terrified, his eyes wide, lips pursed, and muscles tensed. She hadn't known what it was that spooked him, but she soon found her own eyes wandering about only to come up empty.
"Can we-I think I missed a few ornaments, actually, we should go back inside it's far too cold."
"What did you-"
But he hadn't waited, instead, he plowed past and went straight back indoors. It was really beginning to get under her skin.
Chell followed behind, watched as he removed his jacket and noticed the slight tremor in his hand. She didn't know what he was seeing, or why he had been acting so strange, but she was close to the end of her rope.
"What happened?"
He nearly jumped when she spoke, but just the look on his face was enough to tell her there would be more cover-ups.
"Nothin' it was just so cold, wanted to come in and also I have to be up early tomorrow, so I should really be getting to bed and—"
"Wheatley."
"Also I'll be there later than usual and I really want to be alert, don't want to make any mistakes because I really like the job and-"
"Wheatley."
"Well, you know how I feel about the snow—"
"WHEATLEY."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize just-you've been moping around, and you haven't been talking; you've been doing stuff like this, just tell me what's bothering you!"
She saw something snap in the core and, though she wouldn't like to admit it, her heart momentarily leaped. Fear? No, not now. Not anymore. But his face contorted, his brows pulled down and his lips were set in a deep frown and soon his arms were flying and his voice was fluctuating; she wasn't sure if she'd ever seen him so distraught.
"I just I-I DON'T KNOW! I don't know where I stand with you and I-I never know what you're thinking and I'm just sorry, I really am, and I know you're still angry which is why I'm-And I know you don't owe me anything so I just don't UNDERSTAND! Augh!" His hands clawed through his hair after that, as though he attempted to sort his thoughts.
"I know you don't want to hear me apologize but I can't help it and I really am trying my best I know I mess things up and I feel like you're just going to send me out with the-just, I can't I-I'm still SEEING THINGS! I swear there's somethin' watching me I see it I-I do I see it and I'm having nightmares all the time and I always see the light! Sh-she wants me back down there and she will grab me the first chance she gets and if that happens-I-She'll end me. That'll be it for little ol' Wheatley and what difference does it make? 'S not like the world is sufferin' a loss but it DOESN'T MAKE IT ANY LESS TERRIFYING!"
He was left standing after that, hands slightly trembling, appearing physically exhausted, leaving Chell to gaze upon what was left. She was still left in a state of shock; the only time she had ever known him to have such a violent outburst had been-no. That wasn't him anymore. She had to stop thinking about it.
And she was going to make the effort.
Chell had sat herself down at the kitchen table, silent and strong as she always had been, and had simply folded her hands on the top, watching. He knew her all too well at this point, and his own gaze was knowing. He walked himself over to the table and sat himself down across from her. The two sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity, and after some time, she finally spoke.
"You did a lot of awful things back then, and I know you're sorry Wheatley, but verbal apologize aren't always what cuts it. I need to see your sorry. I know things are different, but I'm not ready to forgive. I need time. But, I'm never going to send you out. You have nowhere to go. I'm sorry if I ever made you feel that way."
That had left him gaping, but before he could speak up Chell continued.
"I don't know what GLaDOS did to you, but she never made it a point to make me suffer. You're going to be shaken up, but you're safe here. She's gone, and I swear she will not get you while you're here. Not while I'm around."
Wheatley sat silently for a moment, processing what he'd been told. He knew what he had seen, knew that he was incredibly tired but he couldn't help but feel comforted by what he had been told. He wholeheartedly believed her, and of course, he would! This was Chell, the woman who had defeated Her not once, but twice and had even earned her freedom! If anyone would make good on their word it was her.
And with that, Wheatley smiled.
"Thank you. I guess you're right; it's not like She's going to be walkin' up here to grab me."
Chell gave a nod of the head.
"Do you want anything special for dinner? I know you said you'd help out after hours but I can leave it in the fridge for you."
"Uh-well I don't really know anything in particular."
"I'll make something new, then."
At the end of the day, clearing the air had certainly been what was best for both of them. After a good night, the pair parted, and Wheatley felt at least the slightest bit better about his situation.
Snow had covered the ground over the night and, despite his aversion to the cold, he had to admit he enjoyed the crunching it made underneath his step. Chell could only watch with vague amusement as he watched the fluff be crushed under his feet, and occasionally give a glance up at the cloud-covered sky. He certainly seemed to be in a much better mood, and that had managed to make her feel the slightest bit better as well.
They had left a bit earlier than usual because Chell had decided to do some shopping before her own shift. She had felt somewhat—odd. She couldn't exactly put a finger on the exact emotion, but she knew she wanted to at least do something nice for the man. He had been suffering more than she had originally thought and she at least owed him that much.
When they entered the store Chell had wandered about, grabbing a few ingredients they lacked and then spent some time speaking with Rick. He'd mentioned how they would be getting their own tree in a few days and she mentioned heading out to help which, of course, was deeply appreciated. She hadn't much time, however, and it wasn't long before she was bidding Wheatley a fair well.
"You're fine walking alone, then?"
"Yes, absolutely fine, I can navigate pretty well, if you remember. Great memory, up here, never lets me down."
Chell smirked and gave a nod of the head.
"Alright, I'll see you tonight."
"See you, then!"
As she walked to work she couldn't help but feel lighter than she previously had. Maybe things really were looking up.
It had been growing late and there was still no sign of Wheatley. It seemed to be a general trend that reading evaded her when she was worried about the human-turned core. She wasn't sure how long she had been sitting on the couch, staring blankly at the pages in front of her. She knew he had been working late but as the sun faded and the hours ticked by she couldn't help but feel the slightest bit worried. She understood he was a grown adult and that he had walked there and back on his own before, but she still didn't like the fact it had taken him so long.
He had assured her he was fine, however. And this was Wheatley they were talking about; if he had never closed before he most likely had messed something up and would have had to have fixed it. When the clock struck ten she finally decided she had to retire for the evening. Wheatley was a grown man—core. He could take care of himself. She would see him in the morning and maybe complain he hadn't called to tell her he would be late. Now she knew how he felt when he was left waiting around. Either way, she soon found herself in her bed, closing her eyes and drifting off into an uneasy sleep.
The store had been empty for what seemed like hours and it left Wheatley standing behind the counter, head resting on hand utterly bored. He wished someone would come through, even to just browse so that he could at least strike up a conversation, or even just to be sure there were still living people outside. It reminded him of his time back there; back when she had offed everyone and then someone—Chell—had offed her. It had been so very quiet then; there had been times Wheatley was sure he'd succumb to madness from the lack of life or even artificial life. Even finding a human was exciting back then, even if they didn't talk and were stubborn to boot.
A crash startled the man half to death, causing him to physically jump.
"Oh no. Oh, I hope that wasn't the shelf I restocked, I knew it looked sort of—bad, but I didn't think it'd collapse."
Wheatley soon removed himself from behind the register and was wandering from aisle to aisle looking for any toppled over produce, only to find nothing of the sort. This was enough to raise some concern. He found a hand scratching at the back of his sandy locks until another thud had been heard.
The back room, then.
He soon traveled to said room and flipped on the light which was, unfortunately, dim and he released an uneven breath. Was someone trying to break in? He really missed his flashlight at this moment.
"Hello? Is—is anyone there?"
With the lack of a response but another aggravated clank, he pushed on, looking for the source of the noise—and then froze. A blood curdling scream filled the store, and after one swift hit, Wheatley found himself hit the floor.
The next morning wasn't any better.
An empty bed caused a pit to form in her stomach and she momentarily found her heart rate increase. He didn't leave without her; he never left without her and without saying a word. His bed was never made, was never even touched. All that stood before her was a sofa that hadn't been used since the night before.
Chell had never dressed herself more quickly in her entire life. She had skipped out on breakfast, hadn't even looped her hair into it's usual ponytail. Instead, she had decided to head directly for the super market, her heart pounding hard within her chest. The sight of a cop car caused her chest to constrict. It was fine, everything was going to be okay.
She pushed her way through, only to find Rick scratching his head, seeming thoroughly miffed.
"Rick," She was breathless, she wasn't even entirely sure how she was speaking, "what happened?"
"Someone broke in last night. They didn't take anything, but the back room is a mess. There's this weird stuff splattered on the wall and I don't know what the hell it is. The one night I ask him to lock up—"
"Rick, where is Wheatley?"
This surprised the man. His anger was quick to fade, and it seemed some realization began to dawn on him.
"He's not with you?"
"No, he never came home last night."
A silence had fallen over them, and Chell wasted no time pushing past into the back room. The police officer in charge was less than pleased but Rick had at least said it was alright. It was a mess; some of the shelves we're dented and papers and other items were scattered over the floor. Blood; it was the first thing her eyes wandered to. The next was even more harrowing. Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment she saw the world spin around her.
A white substance glared back at her, taunted her. The conversion gel smeared over the wall was a personal strike against her.
The most damaging thought; her promise had been broken.
