S a l e t é I I

XXII - Cerveau - Quinze

Getting back to the factory had been amazing. 

Chief had allowed Spears to carry through the things that they'd collected during the trip, an assortment of food and drinks that actually looked as if it might have been appetising, easily outdoing the selections one would expect to see on offer across the old street. It was hardly anything of a gourmet nature, and it wouldn't have held a candle to Roslindis and her home cooking, but Cassia was glad to see the young man and his fold moving up.

Sleeves and Sweets had been overjoyed by it all, the different fruit juices in particular - orange, apple and blackcurrant all present and accounted for - almost having them jumping for joy. The sight of Sleeves, clutching that small carton of apple juice to her chest, such a broad smile on her face as she giggled with glee...

This was all about more than just food, or a couple of bottles of anything. Cassie had already known that, going in, but actually seeing the delight of those who depended upon them was good for both the heart and the mind.

Shipshape had rushed off, making for the nearest ladder so that he could climb up to the top floor as quickly as he could, the boy eager to inform the others under Chief's care about the day and its events. Watching him go, Cassia managed to spot Gunner on one of the platforms, looking down in that quiet manner of his, and - whilst he didn't speak - the look of satisfaction he was sporting said more than any words could have. Even Captain had been curious, keeping close by as he observed what was unfolding.

Despite all of the news and developments, Sleeves had still been keen to play with the visiting girls, her appreciation extending to both Cassia and Uliana in only the warmest of ways. Cassie could see that Monet was slightly restless, no doubt because she was ready to return to the warehouse in order to inform their own companions of everything that they'd learned, and it was an urge that the younger girl shared. Luckily, she'd had some grounds to reason with Sleeves on.

"We're going back to the new place tomorrow, right?"

"Right...?"

"So that means we're coming back here first, because we have to meet up with Chief." Cassie explained, and the youngster already seemed to be catching on. Uliana straight up confirmed things regardless.

"We'll be seeing a whole lot more of each other! Trust me, you'll get sick of me and Klavdiya after a week."

Cassie couldn't help but smile as she was omitted from that particular line of thought, her shyness coming through again.

She had to admit that the idea of being able to see the factory children more often was one that warmed her up further still. No matter what happened next, one thing was already certain, and that was that their next few days were going to be anything but dull.

With Sleeves assured that they'd be back in the immediate future, the warehouse girls were able to leave without kicking up a fuss. Monet exchanged a quiet word with Chief before they went, and whilst she hadn't been able to hear what was being said, she witnessed the small kiss to the cheek that she bestowed him with. 

They'd managed to take their leave before any real sort of celebration had kicked off, which was fine, as Cassia was more than ready to get back and begin their own. 

The discussion they'd had with Sleeves hadn't gone unnoticed, and they'd earned some praise on the way out.

"Thank you, you two. I appreciate your maturity." Monet told them. 

It hadn't been much, but the two of them valued it all the same.

If getting back to the factory had been an enjoyable experience, then getting back to their own hideaway amongst the alleys and corners of the quieter corner of the underground had been just as good, essentially allowing them to relive the delight all over again. Monet had gone about the return no differently from normal, announcing their arrival before removing the metal sheet from in front of the hole in the wall, after which she'd handed her bag to Uliana so that she could go to retrieve the key to the storeroom herself.