Programed Love

Bree slipped into her work outfit, the fabric gliding down her skin as she got ready for the day. It was early, and despite the late night she and Wrench had endured, she was already wide awake. Sleep had evaded her for reasons she couldn't quite explain. Maybe it was the adrenaline, maybe something else.

Before leaving the DedSec base, Bree passed Josh and gave him a harmless flick to the head.

"Heyy," he whined in protest, rubbing the spot.

Bree just chuckled and grabbed her purse from the hook near the front door before heading out into the city.

~

The bell above the donut shop's front door gave a crisp chime as Bree stepped inside, the morning light trailing in behind her. She exhaled softly, setting her purse on the counter before walking through the shop with a practiced eye. Everything was in place-the chalkboard menu was freshly updated, the floor swept, and the display case glowing clean and inviting.

Her appointment hadn't arrived yet-so she strolled into her office and sank into her swivel chair, spinning lazily while scrolling through her ScoutX feed.

Notifications flooded her screen, mostly comments on her latest selfie. Almost all of them were from the DedSec crew.

The Wrench
"Good photo, needs more me though."

Horatio
"Get to work! Stop messing with selfies!"

T-Bone
"You'd make a killing as a model."

Sitara
"More action shots!"

Josh
"Sure. That's nice."

Marcus
👍

Bree giggled softly at their responses, warmed by the mix of sarcasm, humor, and sincerity. Just then, the bell at the front door chimed again, snapping her attention away from the screen. She stood quickly and stepped out of her office to greet a tall, lanky man examining the displays.

"Hey," Bree called out as she approached, slipping her phone into her back pocket.

"Hi, I'm Henry," the man replied, offering his hand. Bree shook it and gave him a welcoming smile.

She shook it firmly. "Nice to meet you. I'm Bree-owner, manager, and donut artist extraordinaire." Henry laughed lightly. "That's quite the title."

"Only because no one else is fighting me for it," she teased, then motioned him to follow her. She gestured around the shop, launching into her orientation spiel. Showing him the kitchen and where trash cans were. "This," she said, stopping outside her office, "is where the magic happens. And by magic, I mean stress, spreadsheets, and the occasional nap. Unless something's on fire, this door stays closed."

He smirked. "Noted."

She continued, "This is the register-you'll get your own key when you officially start. There are two large trash bins in the back. I also just pulled the chocolate peanut butter glazed donut from the menu. There were some allergy concerns, and I'm not willing to take risks on that. So, if someone asks for it, let them know it's gone for good." she warns.

Henry looked genuinely attentive. "Makes sense. That's smart." Bree handed him a folded paper. "Here's your schedule. Sign this, and I'll follow up with you in a week."

"Thanks again for the opportunity," Henry said as she walked him to the door.

"He seems nice," Bree murmured to herself once he left.

~

Later that day, Bree returned to the DedSec base. The front door had been lagging, and it took a moment to open. She made her way down the stairs, spotting the crew gathered around the main table.

"We really need to fix that door," she said, dropping her things and slipping into the only empty chair.

"I know, right?!" Marcus chimed in, pointing at her in agreement.

"So, what's everyone wearing to Swelter Skelter?" Sitara asked, eyes scanning the group with curiosity.

Bree leaned in, intrigued to hear everyone's plans.

"Skeleton outfit," Horatio announced confidently. "Simple, easy to clean, and it glows in the dark!"

( - - )

"Bland," Wrench scoffed. "I'm going with a spiked mohawk. Badass!"

"I got nothing," Marcus said, shrugging. "Guess I'll just wear whatever's comfy."

"Same here," Sitara added, stretching her arms.

All eyes turned to Bree. "Uhm..." Bree hesitated. She hadn't had the time-or mental space-to plan an outfit. "I don't have anything special," she admitted sheepishly.

Without a word, Wrench stood, grabbed her hand, and pulled her from the chair.

( ? ? ) ( ! ! ) ( ^ ^ )

"I've got just the thing," he said with an excited grin. The group burst into laughter as Bree was whisked away.