Overtime

nine ✧ || normal

There was only a handful of pages left in her book, and she was so close to the ending she could practically taste it. While the sensation was bittersweet for Aubrey — as the ending of her book meant being thrust back into boredom — it did mean she could gush about another book to Colten if and when he asked.

She could finally stop reciting the same bits of praise to the plays and tutorial books she had collected over the years. Finally, she had a new piece of literature to adorn.

She flipped the page to start one of the last few chapters when a familiar alarm snapped on overhead. Her room filled with the haunting red light she dreaded, and her eyes lifted to watch the very orb in her ceiling it was coming from. She groaned as she threw herself to her feet, not bothering to hide her disdain. She stood in the centre of her room, staring at her far wall, waiting for it to open and reveal her restraints.

It didn't budge.

The brunette glanced across the hall, glancing into Snow's room for any similar problem. At first, she feared her room was having a malfunction, meaning she would be late for practice two days in a row. The Professor would not be happy with her if that continued.

However, across the hall, Snow was in the same midst of confusion. He turned, glancing into her glass wall offering a confused shrug.

Just as Chaos bit her lower lip, debating what course of action they were to take, their glass doors swished open. A waft of cool air kissed the teen's panicked cheeks. She hummed at the feeling, contentment flushing through her despite the stress growing in her chest.

Through the clear walls, the six watched as their boss stood at the end of the hall, examining their stillness. At first, the group readied themselves for scolding, debating whether they had disobeyed commands. Instead, the adult chuckled. "You all can come out."

Unsure if he knew about the state of their cells, the group nervously turned to the Overtimer across the hall from them, then back to The Professor.

"I know your restrains are down. I made it that way." He began, wavering back and forth on his feet. "You all have done exceedingly well at keeping your cover under wraps at school. I'm impressed." He smirked at the crew, some now poking their heads out to get a better look at him. "You've earned the right to wander without your cuffs."

Glancing between each other once more, the group gradually worked their way out of their cells. After 13 years of only being allowed out in cuffs and restraints, it felt bare exiting their cages without them. It almost felt wrong.

As they emerged, Snow could swear he saw The Professor's gaze soften. Out of everyone, he and Chaos were the closest to him, and she was too busy studying her bare wrists to see what he saw.

The Professor's brows softened, and the firmness in his shoulders melted at them emerging freely from their cells. It felt, even if for a moment, that he was seeing normal people. Not experiments, not lab rats, but people who were being rewarded for a job well done — as teens being given a break from the confines of their day.

Snow watched as he snapped back into place, his shoulders returning to their stiff stance. His brows tightened, and the tender look in his eyes vanished. Without a word, not giving them a chance to say anything, he started away. He whisked through the metal doors and locked them behind him, starting for the floor he inhabited by his lonesome.

For a moment, the group stood in silence, staring at the door as if waiting to see if he would return. As moments passed, however, the thought began to settle in that it was real. Thanks to their determination, they earned freedom — even if only temporary.