summary: you piss off michael during the interview by not exactly telling the truth and just to annoy you back, he fails to warn you about the apples and leaves in you hell for a little while until you've learned your lesson.
warnings: angst and fluff. mentions of substance abuse, previously abusive relationship. blood and gore.
word count: 2,729
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The fire crackled as the flames licked against the fireplace in mesmeric shades of tangerine and lemon. The warmth it exuded had captured your attention instantly, for the office you stepped into was warmer than it should have been with only one fire. Glancing towards the spiralling staircase, you noticed Michael leaning against the railing with such calmness and inquisition as he tilted his head slightly, watching you. Smoothing down the ruffles of your ridiculous purple dress, you cleared your throat in an attempt to reclaim back some authority. "Ms Venable said you wanted to speak with me."
"Yes, it's time for your interview y/n. Take a seat." His hand gestured towards the two free seats in front of his desk and while you approached one of the empty chairs, you felt rather uneasy as his gaze remained intently on you. There was something about the way those oceanic eyes seemed to see past your outward appearance and scrutinize your soul, just the thought made your skin crawl.
Michael smirked subtly and after you had sat down, he finally occupied his seat across from you while glancing towards your file. Although it was merely for an outward appearance, because he knew everything already. "I will not be telling you the grading process for this interview. Things that you may view as harmful, may be helpful, things you may think I want to hear, may be things that I don't find significant. If you lie, I will know and if you withhold information, I will know." His gaze connected with yours and you inhaled a deep breath, not doubting his words for a single second.
"Are we clear?" Michael asked, arching his eyebrow slightly before you nodded. "Crystal."
"Good." The smirk once more returned to his lips and his slender digits rested against the side of his face, causing the light from the fire to reflect on his multiple rings. For a moment silence came between the two of you and you found yourself unable to keep his gaze.
Ever since he arrived, it had changed everything. For starters, the desolate mood that had been suffocating everyone seemed to disappear the second that temptation of a sanctuary was dangled in front of everyone. Even you found yourself uplifted with a sense of hope that had long been extinguished.
"Tell me what you don't miss about the outside world."
The question startled you and you found yourself blinking at him for a moment, should it not have been the opposite way around? After the apocalypse were they not supposed to be overcome with melancholy?
