Will make more sense if you read ch. 23/Day 24 of my AU-gust oneshot collection.
Jay's POV
"Are you done rambling in your head?" I snapped at him, my patience wearing thin. "The Administration's waiting for me to bring you in."
"Huh? Oh, yeah..." the outborn guy mumbled, seeming lost in his thoughts.
"What's your name? And no, I don't need a history lesson right now."
"Aw, I was about to give you my life story," he shot back, his words tinged with sarcasm. There was something oddly familiar about that retort, but I could mull over it later. Right now, I had more pressing matters to deal with.
I grabbed his arm, growing impatient, and started dragging him toward the HQ's entrance. "Just spit out your damn name, PIXAL's waiting— Oh, never mind, she did it already."
"Wait, PIXAL's here too?"
"You know her?"
"Yup, she knows you too."
"Duh, I work with her."
"That's not what I—" he stopped abruptly, taking a deep breath as if gathering his thoughts. "Okay, let's just start over, okay?"
I shot him an unimpressed look, waiting for him to continue. The sooner he cooperated, the sooner we could get this over with.
"You can call me Cole," he stretched out his hand.
I reached for it and shook it firmly. "You already know what to call me. So make sure you use it."
"Of course, Ja— Malik, yeah, Malik," he nervously laughed, stumbling over his words.
I offered a nonchalant hum as I strode towards the headquarters' entrance, swiftly scanning my ID. I had no patience for games or explanations. The sooner we got this done, the sooner I could get back to whatever I was doing before this mess.
As we walked in, PIXAL's soft voice cut through the silence. "Malik, Director may want to speak with you both."
I glanced at her. "Great, more thrilling conversations," I muttered under my breath, my annoyance barely contained.
We reached a large glass-walled office, its occupant clearly visible through the transparent barrier. Director's office, where decisions were made, lives changed, and secrets buried.
"Come in," Director's voice resonated, devoid of emotion, drawing me into the room.
I hesitated before pressing my hand on the scanner beside the door, granting us access. The glass walls slid open, allowing us to enter.
Director sat behind a massive desk, her expression unreadable. "Malik, Cole," she acknowledged, her eyes flicking briefly between us.
"What's the deal?" I asked bluntly, my attitude refusing to waver even in this presence. My skepticism remained intact, and I wasn't about to let Director intimidate me.
Director leaned back in her chair, fingers steepled. "You've brought an unfamiliar face into our domain."
"Brilliant observation," I said, a trace of sarcasm in my tone. I wasn't here for pleasantries, and I didn't care about Director's commentary.
Director's eyes locked onto Cole, the scrutiny making him shift uncomfortably under her gaze. I held back a sigh. This was turning out to be more complicated than I anticipated.
"He's under my supervision," I stated flatly. "He doesn't know much."
Director's gaze returned to me. "You're responsible for him, Malik."
I nodded curtly, my agreement clear and to the point. "Yeah, yeah."
"Ensure his integration is seamless," Director added, her voice unwavering, a command that I had no choice but to accept.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes at the task that felt more like babysitting than anything else. "Got it."
Director's gaze held mine for a moment longer before she motioned us to leave. "You may go."
As we stepped out of the office, Cole exhaled loudly. "Intense much?"
"That's the Director for you," I replied, suppressing a sigh. I wasn't going to let her demeanor rattle me; I had bigger concerns.
"Cole," PIXAL said, walking towards us. "I have been tasked by Co-director Lee to show you around."
Fast-forward,
"Cole, you'll be bunking in Malik's room for now," PIXAL announced, concluding her tour of the headquarters.
"What?!" Cole and I exclaimed in disbelief, our shared sentiment punctuated by our astonishment.
"Apologies, Malik," she said, addressing me. "Director's orders."
I clenched my jaw, frustration building as I met PIXAL's mint green gaze. "Fine, whatever," I grumbled, my irritation evident. Dealing with Director's whims wasn't high on my list of favorite activities.
Cole's eyes darted between us, sensing the tension in the air. He went closer to PIXAL and whispered something, and PIXAL just nodded. I narrowed my eyes, curiosity mingling with my irritation. What were they scheming?
We proceeded through the sliding mechanical door, gaining access with my IDs. The stark, techy interior of the HQ surrounded us—holographic screens, flashing lights, and the hum of machinery. It was as familiar as it was alien, reminding me of what I once knew but couldn't quite grasp now.
I shot Cole a look, a silent warning. "Don't get too comfortable."
Cole raised his hands innocently. "Wouldn't dream of it."
I stepped inside, eyeing the sleek furnishings and holographic displays. Cole followed suit, and PIXAL left us with a nod.
Alone again, Cole glanced around. "Not bad, huh?"
"Try not to break anything," I deadpanned, my tone dry and unamused.
He feigned offense, placing a hand dramatically over his heart. "Malik, you wound me."
I scoffed, sinking into the bean bag. "Just… relax for now. We'll figure this out."
Cole leaned against a wall, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, we will."
As the room's holographic displays shifted colors, I couldn't shake the feeling that something larger was at play. Whether it was Director's cryptic behavior, PIXAL's secret calculations, or my own lost memories, the pieces were there, waiting to be unveiled. And I was determined to uncover the truth, even if it meant wading through the mysteries that surrounded me.
Cole's POV
It was maddening being in the same room with Malik, yet so far from reaching him. He had been the closest friend I ever had, my confidant and partner-in-crime. Now, it felt like I was dealing with an unrelenting stranger, a Malik who refused to acknowledge the history we shared.
I had to play along, pretend that the connection we had meant nothing, that the laughter, the camaraderie, all those shared memories were figments of my imagination. It stung, but I had to stay patient, keep my true identity hidden for now.
As we stood there, Malik in his characteristic brooding posture, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I missed Jay, the witty and caring friend who always found a way to lighten the mood even in the darkest times. The one who used to call me "Boulderbrain" or "Dirtclod" the nickname that carried a world of memories and emotions.
Malik's indifference was a stark contrast to Jay's warmth, and it cut deeper with every passing moment. But I had to endure this facade, push forward until the day I could make him remember. The day I could bring Jay back.
And as the holographic displays in the room shifted colors, I made a silent promise to myself: no matter what it takes, I would find a way to bridge the gap between Malik and Jay, even if it meant navigating through Director's cryptic orders and PIXAL's guarded calculations. Because deep down, I knew that the bond we shared was unbreakable, and it was only a matter of time before the truth would shine through.
Who wants a part 3? Also, help- I've forgotten how to write long chapters within short time :'D
Also, thanks for reading ^^