A Heart in the Machine (Serial Designation V x Reader)

Chapter 12: The Gala.

"You're here," J states matter-of-factly. "Good. We'll need to finalize the dining setup and ensure all pathways are clear for guests. Tessa should be here any moment as well."

"Good morning to you too," you say with a chuckle.

Before the conversation can continue, footsteps echo down the hallway, and Tessa emerges with Cyn in tow. Tessa looks as composed as always, but her tight grip on her dress betrays a hint of stress. Cyn follows closely behind, her expression unreadable as her gaze flits across each of you.

"Alright, everyone," J begins, her voice firm. "We've made adequate progress, but there's still a lot to get done before the gala tonight. I trust you've all reviewed your tasks for today?"

A chorus of affirmations follows, except from Cyn, who stays silent until all eyes shift toward her. Then, with a faint smile, she speaks.

"Everything will go according to plan," she says, her tone calm yet unsettling. "I'm... confident."

You exchange a quick glance with Tessa, who stiffens ever so slightly at Cyn's words but says nothing.

"Good," J says briskly, moving on. "I'll oversee the dining arrangements. N, you're in charge of decorations, as always. V, you'll assist with guest preparations, and—" She turns to you. "You'll be floating around today, handling any last-minute issues as they come up. I trust you are capable of this?"

"Got it," you reply.

With the schedule confirmed, everyone begins to disperse. J heads toward the dining room, clipboard in hand, while N practically skips off toward the storage area, humming a tune. V lingers for a moment, giving you a small smile before heading toward the front hall. Tessa adjusts her blouse and heads upstairs, sparing a quick look at Cyn.

"Come on," she says. Cyn's head tilts slightly, as if amused by the command, but she follows Tessa without complaint, her steps slow and deliberate.

You watch the two disappear down the hallway, an odd feeling lingering in the pit of your stomach. Taking a deep breath, you resolve to focus on your tasks for the day. After all, everything needs to be perfect for tonight.

With the schedule sorted and everyone heading off to their respective tasks, you take a moment to steady yourself. Today is going to be long, but if you can just power through this final stretch, the gala will come together perfectly—or so you hope.

You begin your rounds, checking off the last few tasks on your list while staying ready to assist the others.

First Stop: The Dining Room

J is already hard at work in the dining room, overseeing a team of drones as they adjust chair placements and polish the massive table settings. Her sharp voice cuts through the room as she gives directives, but you notice a faint tension in her movements.

"Everything holding up over here?" you ask, stepping beside her.

J doesn't look up from her clipboard. "Barely," she mutters. "These drones keep moving chairs out of alignment, and someone thought it'd be a good idea to mix up the wine glasses. I told you this would be chaos."

You smile, rolling up your sleeves. "Let me help with the glasses, at least. You've got enough on your plate."

She exhales sharply, a mix between a sigh and a scoff, but she doesn't argue. Together, the two of you sort the mismatched glasses, and though J maintains her usual demeanor, you catch her smirking faintly when you jokingly fumble a particularly slippery one.

"Thanks," she says as you finish. "Not that I needed it, but... thanks."

Second Stop: The Front Hall