Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Owen hastily began typing a reply but then thought better of it. Maybe it was best to just go see her in person, especially since it was Sunday - she was likely to be home. "Stoddard, I'm heading out. Three more datasets are about to drop, keep an eye on them for me."

With that said, he made to leave.

"No way... Didn't I just say I needed to head home today? Hey-why are you leaving? Did I say you could?! You didn't go home to rest when I told you to yesterday, and now you're ditching me today?!" "Owen, you're really asking for trouble!"

...

However, when he got home and knocked on the neighboring door, there was no response.

"Roseanne? You there?"

There was only silence in response.

Owen sighed, turned back to his place, sat down, and composed a text message:

"Sorry, got caught up in the lab and missed your messages."

"Is there still any way I can help out now?"

After waiting for half an hour without a reply, Owen couldn't help but wonder if Roseanne felt the same disappointment he was feeling now when she had messaged him earlier. Roseanne, indeed, couldn't reply at the moment.

She was busy cleaning and setting up in the new lab she had applied for.

When Scales filled out the application, he specifically asked the faculty advisor for the largest and most secluded lab available.

double-checked, worried Scales was being

lack of equipment, and its remote location from the

size meant they could set up a spot for

equipment wasn't an issue since they planned to buy

the academic buildings, it was close

downside

was a nightmare to

just managed to arrange the lab benches,

and water cooler,

up was

can't we just hire a cleaning

replied, "It sends the

"What message?"

of college

"..." Okay, you win.

to the cafeteria. That's when Roseanne saw Owen coming their way. As she hesitated whether to

did you need me for

off guard, Roseanne took a

and Scales paused,

apologized, "Sorry, I've been swamped in the lab and missed your texts. I didn't

which he hadn't replied to, but she had been too busy to follow