One Helluva Ride

Chapter 36: Recuperation

          Splice let out a groan as the pounding of their alarm woke them. They silenced the alarm and sat up in bed, glancing around the room. "Huh, no Blitzø? Weird. He's usually here by now." They muttered, swinging their legs over the edge of the bed. Splice got up and prepared themself for work. It felt weird to not have Blitzø around to bother them.

          Splice left their apartment, checking their phone for any messages from their coworkers. They frowned when they were greeted with a blank screen. "Weird." They muttered, wandering down the sidewalk. A small bakery caught their eye. Maybe they could bring some treats into the office today. It might help ease the tension of the last mission.

          A bell jingled softly as Splice pushed the door open. "I'll be with you in just a minute, sugar." A sweet voice called. Splice glanced at the display of various baked goods. After a moment, a short imp woman stepped behind the counter. "Hi there. How can I help you?" She asked gently. Splice looked up at her. "I wanted to grab something for my coworkers. Work has been rough recently and I think we could all use a pick-me-up." They answered.

          "Hm.. I see. Well, I've got a fresh batch of donuts. Does that sound good?" The woman offered, leaning on the counter. Splice smiled. "Yeah, actually. That sounds perfect." They replied. Their tail flicked in excitement. "I'll just go grab those, then. No one's got any allergies, right?" She asked. Splice's brows furrowed for a moment. "My boss' daughter is allergic to chocolate." They answered. The woman smiled and retreated to the back room for a moment. "Not a problem."

          "What do you do for work?" The woman asked. Splice looked around the small bakery. "Oh- I'm an assassin." They answered. The shop was covered in soft, comforting colors. "Really now? How scared should I be?" The woman asked with a warm laugh. Splice chuckled. "I don't kill hellborn. I sneak up topside to kill humans." They explained. The woman let out a hum. "So you work for sinners, then?" She said. The ambiance of the bakery was calm. "Yeah. It beats doing porn."

          Splice could hear the woman snap from the back room. "Right! I knew I recognized you." She said. Splice laughed. "You've seen my films, then?" They asked. She waved a dismissive hand through the doorway. "Mostly the billboards and posters. But, let's be real, love, everyone's seen your films." She answered.

          She returned a minute later with a box of donuts. "Here, love. I hope things get better for you and your coworkers." She said as they placed the box on the counter. Splice scanned their card to pay. "Thanks, uh.." They realized they didn't know the woman's name.

          "Lazari." The woman said. "But you can call me Laz." Splice's expression softened as they hoisted the box into their arms. "Thank you, Laz. Have a nice day." They said as they made their way toward the door. Lazari waved at Splice. "You too, sugar."

          Splice continued on their way to the office, gently cradling the box of donuts in their arms. After a short walk, they got into the building and swung open the door to the office. "Oh- Splice! You're here early." Blitzø noted from his seat. "What'cha got there?"

          Splice smiled, placing the box on the meeting room table. "I picked up some donuts for the team on the way." They explained. Blitzø lit up and lunged for the box, swinging it open excitedly. "Fuck yes!" He exclaimed as he grabbed one. Splice chuckled. "I had a feeling you'd like them."

          After a few minutes, Moxxie and Millie came into the office. "Ooh- what's that?" Millie asked as the approached the table, inspecting the box. Blitzø looked over from his pile of paperwork. "Splice brought donuts!" He answered. Millie smiled and grabbed two; one for herself and one for her husband.

          Splice glanced over at Loona, who hadn't looked up from her phone so far. They picked up a donut and offered it to her. "You're part of the team too, y'know." They said. Loona looked up at them and took the donut. ".. thanks." She muttered. Splice smiled at her before retreating to their usual armchair.

          "Splice, where did you get these? They're amazing!" Millie said, reaching for another donut. Splice looked over at the box. "Uhh... Lazari's Sweet Shoppe, I think? It's just a few blocks from here. The lady who runs it is really nice, too." They answered. Millie squeezed Moxxie's hand. "Ooh! We gotta get her to do the cake for our next anniversary." She said, bouncing excitedly.

          Moxxie offered a lovestruck smile in her direction. "If that's what you want-" He muttered. Millie nodded excitedly. "Absolutely!" She said. Moxxie's cheeks flushed slightly. "I'll, uh- stop by the bakery later, then." He replied. Splice smiled playfully at the two. "Aren't you two the cutest?" They asked teasingly.

          Moxxie went rigid in embarrassment. Millie chuckled. "Oh, Mox, you've don't gotta be so sensitive. We're a family here." She said, squeezing her husband's shoulder. Blitzø stared over at the couple intently, attempting to hide his interest behind his papers. "Yeah, yeah..." Moxxie muttered softly, looking away.

          "Aw, don't be embarrassed, Mox. It was a compliment." Splice said. They felt a little bad for embarrassing him, but it was in their nature. They had a feeling that the rest of their time at the office today would be spent annoying their coworkers.