The Mirror of My Eyes

Introductions and Familiar Faces

Poppy thought for a moment, before looking at the clock. "Well… I am due for a break. I'm sure Julie would want to introduce you to everyone, but she's pretty busy. How about I take you around and introduce you to our little circle? It'll at least keep you entertained where I can need an eye on you so you don't stress your burn" she fixed y/n with a pointed look, having a sneaking suspicion that y/n's work ethic mirrored Wally's a little too closely for her liking.

Y/n giggles, grinning sheepishly, knowing Poppy had her figured out already. "I think that'd be wonderful." She smiled happily, "when do we start?"

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Poppy and y/n began walking down the hallway, Poppy taking the lead. "So, as I said- there is a small number of us in the factory that form a little circle of our own, kind of a small family if you will." She began. "You've already met Julie, Wally and myself, so you're off to a good start…" she rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Given the time, perhaps someone will be in the break room…" she looked around, before leading y/n down a couple corridors.

They finally arrived at the door to the breakroom, Poppy pushing the door open and going inside. "Ah! Here we are!" She said brightly. "And look who it is! This is Barnaby! Hes-"

"The sweetest little guy you'll ever meet?" He said jokingly, as Y/n's eyes widened as the sight of him.  He laughed as Poppy shook her head at him, chuckling at his antics, before turning to look at y/n. "Well hello there friend? And who might you be?" He said kindly.

Y/n was staring in shock, that tight feeling in her chest returning full swing, before shaking her head as he spoke, but he noticed. His face fell for a moment as he looked at her, before she finally spoke up. "I uh-" she cleared her throat, her chest tightening a little more, starting to hurt now, "my name is Y/n, it's a pleasure to meet you sir."

He chuckled easily, something nagging at the back of his mind about this woman. "Call me Barnaby sweetheart, Sir was my father's name!" He burst into laughter, and was pleased to see y/n did the same, Poppy sighing and shaking her head as the two seemed to be bonding, making herself a cup of tea.

Y/n smiled, still giggling. "You're hilarious, I hope you and I can be good friends!" She smiled brightly, the pain in her chest easing slightly as tears prick in her eyes. She blinks them away before anyone notices,"My name is Y/N, today is my first day!" She said, making him smile thoughtfully.

"Y/n huh? That's a beautiful name!" His brow furrowed slightly in thought, the feeling growing in the back of his head. "You know- I used to know a kiddo who was named that!" He grinned, shaking his head and dismissing the feeling, assuming it was nothing.

Y/n paled slightly, and laughed, trying to hide her nervousness. "Haha, well it's a pretty common name!" She observed the steaming mug in Barnaby's hand, her eyes sparkling suddenly. "...please tell me that's fresh coffee."

He laughed again, gesturing towards the coffee machine. "I just made a fresh pot!" He shook his head as he watched y/n dart over to the machine. She makes herself a cup of coffee and holds it like it was a lifeline.

"You my good sir, are a lifesaver" she said happily, sipping her coffee as Barnaby and Poppy laugh. Barnaby sees the top of bandages peeking out from the collar of y/n's t-shirt.

"Ya know kid, news travels fast around the factory… Did you really beat Jeremy after asking Wally for permission?" He began laughing loudly as Y/n's face spread in an evil grin, holding up her injured right hand in triumph as Poppy smiled and shook her head.

"Yup! And I have the damage to prove it!" She snickered, "to be fair- he DID dump acid on me, even if he could press charges I could claim self defense!" She said smugly, clearly proud of herself.