Redemption (Midas x Reader)

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There were several men on the roof, inspecting the units. I hesitated, not really wanting to approach them, but I was desperate to fix whatever it was so I could actually breathe in my room again.

I walked up to the closest one, asking, "Hey, you guys got anything figured out yet?"

He looked up at me, seemingly surprised that a woman was up here asking questions about an A/C unit. "Not yet, all the units seem to be working fine, but don't you worry about it, we'll get it sorted out," he said.

I was a tad annoyed. "Well actually I think I will worry about it. Has anyone been in the vents?"

He looked at me like I was speaking Greek.

"If the units are fine, maybe something is blocking a duct," I said, a little slower.

"Yeah I guess it's possible. We can send a robot down in there tomorrow to check it out."

"Why can't you do it today? Or just go in there yourselves?" I asked.

"Liability," he replied shortly. I could tell he was annoyed at me questioning his work.

Fucking asshole.

I visibly rolled my eyes as I turned to walk away. "Thanks for all your help," I called out sarcastically before going back inside.

Well this just wasn't going to do. There was no way I was spending another day in that hot room. I'd wait until those idiots left and inspect the damn units myself. But first, I was planning on checking out some of the ducts. The vent in my room looked big enough to climb into if I could get myself up to it.

On the way back to my room, I ran into Darren. I was much happier to see him now than I was the first time.

"Heyyy, long time no see. How's that wound treating you these days?" he asked.

I glanced down. "Actually to be honest I haven't even so much as thought about it for awhile."

"Good, good. Well, I hope you're settling in all right. Let me know if there's anything you need."

"Actually, Darren, I could use some help with something, if you're not busy."

"Sure, what's up?"

"Do you think you could find me a flashlight and bring it by my room? Oh, and I could use some ibuprofen if you've got any," I said. My head still hurt pretty badly.

He paused momentarily at my odd request, then nodded. "Sure thing, I'll swing by in a few."

"Thanks so much," I said, giving him a small smile as I walked off.

When the elevator opened on my floor, I caught a whiff of that nasty smell again.

It was worse when I opened my door, causing me to cover my nose and mouth.

My God, what IS that?

I was startled suddenly when Maya's head popped up from behind the kitchen counter.

"Holy shit, Maya, what the hell are you doing in here?" I asked, walking over to join her.

"I don't know, looking for your dead body? It reeks in here," she answered. She stuck her hand out and in it was the keycard I had been promised. "But actually, I came down here because Midas wanted me to give you this."

My heart sank. Why hadn't he brought it to me himself?

He's avoiding me.

"Uh, thanks," I answered, grabbing it out of her hand, and trying to ignore my insecure thoughts. Surely he was just busy.