[OLD] Deep Underground

22. A Simple Folder

I sat in the Employees' Lounge with a cup of coffee in my hands. I was exhausted, but wanted answers. Mike sat across from me. His feet were on the table, his hands behind his head. An empty mug sat in front of him. It was like I was the only one that could feel the tense atmosphere. I opened my mouth to speak but Mike beat me to it.

"What were you doing in there? The Scooping Room is only for authorized personnel. Even I don't usually go in there." Mikes said, a frown on his face. I could see concern visible in his eyes. I frowned inwardly. What was he doing in there then?

"I was... working my shift," I started nervously, lying to his face, "I remember being in... Main Control... the Main Control Module. Then..." I paused trying to think of something to say. He won't take me seriously if I just tell him the truth. Mike frowned and reached forward, placing his hand over my own, which were shaking from exhaustion as they held the mug of coffee. I think he mistook my uncertainty as trauma. Whatever works.

"It's okay," Mike said with a slight smile, "You don't have to say it." He leaned back. "I know you were down there for awhile, whatever happened must have scared you badly." Mike sat still for a moment. "...right?" He added as an afterthought. I gave him a small nod, going with the act of being scared and traumatized.

Mike poured himself a cup of coffee from the pot on the table. He took a large sip before grimacing.

"I hate coffee." He muttered, disgusted, as he set the cup down. Mike pushed the cup away from him, as though it's very smell would kill him. "Never liked it. Never will." He continued. I couldn't help but smile slightly.

"Why'd you drink it then?" I asked. He grinned cheekily.

"I got you to smile, didn't I?" I chuckled slightly at his antics. Mike's eye lit up.

"And laugh! I'm on fire, aren't I?" He closed his eyes as he tilted his head back in a laugh. My smile wavered. Fire. The analogy made me shiver. I plastered a smile back on my face as Mike faced me again.

"You sure are." I said simply, my voice having a barely audible waver. Mike grinned proudly. After a moment, his expression turned serious once again.

"Y/N... I don't know what happened between you and those..." His face twisted into a scowl for a moment, "...monsters, but I know this." Mike's eyes darkened. The blue became more gray, with a hint of another color in it. I couldn't identify what it was. "It will not happen to you again. Ever." His expression remained stone cold for a moment before he reverted back to his cheeky, cheerful attitude.

"Well!" He said."I better head off. Things to do, places to be, robots to work with." Mike stood to leave.

"Wait." I said, before I could think. Mike looked down at me and raised an eyebrow. I hesitated before speaking. "What were you doing in the Scooping Room?" I asked quietly. Mike blinked, as though confused.

"Helping you, of course." He said, turning to go. He began walking towards the door. "Well I'll see you la-" I shook my head.

"No I mean before. What were you doing in there before you helped me? How long were you in there before you helped me?" I clarified, feeling more bold. Mike stopped, but didn't turn around.

"Afton business." He said shortly. "And I only happened to walk in and see you stuck so I figured I would help." With that, Mike left the room without another word. Afton business?

Sighing, I stood slowly. The adrenaline of the night was wearing off and even coffee wouldn't keep me awake for much longer.

I took my mug and washed it out, putting it in a spare cabinet. Then I straightened my posture and left the room, trying not to look like I'd just spent six hours or so trying to survive a death trap. A hand suddenly landed on my shoulder, causing me to jump and spin around quickly. The owner of the hand blinked in surprise.