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chapter 16 - crows

"Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle," Cyn spoke, hiding slightly behind N as they walked into the Gala Room.

They knew they could only be there for work purposes, but they did see Tessa with J, the two at a small side table on the left.

N decided to walk over to them, watching other workers set plates and silverware on clothed tables. Everything was neatly organized, before N glanced at a worker being stabbed in the visor with a fork. The one next to the now deceased, was now shaken by fear though still expected to work.

J looked at Tessa as she rambled about what she had overheard, J trying to calm her down as she spoke.

"I- I don't want to go with my mom... I want to stay with my father, I want to stay with you! My mom will never allow drones in her household cosplaying as friends of mine. I'm scared Jade..."

Tessa rambled about this for a while, J only listening to her was enough to bring her comfort.

"Tessa, you'll get this figured out I promise. If she hit you, she can't necessarily take custody of you. And whatever happens, I'll be there with you,"

"But what if you're not? What if everything we've ever done together and every memory we share has yet to deplete?"

"It won't Tess... your working yourself up over something that's not even official,"

"But you guys are my best friends... I can't- "

"You can,"

"I've hardly ever talked to humans before... and there are humans coming! Quick! Act like a ripping royale stud!"

J looked at Tessa, confused before realizing what it meant by her digital mind.

"Tessa- that means masc lesbian..."

Tessa smirked at her before taking a stem glass and twiddling it around her fingers, before being quick to put it down.

She winced through her teeth, holding her wrist and rubbing it slightly.

J looked at her, concern growing on her face before N arrived at the table. Tessa assured J that she was alright before running over to N.

Being as fragile and as light as the workers were, N was lifted into the air by the little girl by his head, spinning him around in circles. She looked at him with joy, N greeting Tessa.

"Hi Tessa..." He said, before she moved onto the person he had brought with him.

"Oh who'd you bring with- you.." She shot Cyn a nasty look, before the odd drone finally spoke up.

"Seems J forgot to let be out of my basement time out again,"

"And yet... here you are," J spun the key to the room Cyn was referencing on her finger as she spoke, her words coming off as condescending.

"Annoyed expression," Cyn responded, grinding her teeth and looking at J in annoyance. The two obviously didn't enjoy their company, J extending Cyn's 'basement timeouts' to days.

"Wait.. you guys are looking her up?" N asked, his face still in Tessa's clutches.

Tessa looked at N, an ounce of sadness tainting her eyes. "Oh.. Nate-"

She was cut off by her mom, who fanned herself, easily replacing the old one. She strutted up to her; Tessa, J, and N shifting to all be standing side by side looking down with shame.

"Tessa James Elliot. We will not entertain your dumpster pets!" She spoke, waving a finger in front of her face. Thunder crashed outside before Tessa finally responded.