Page 30 of Claws and Controllers

“I couldn’t have done any of this without them,” she said, gesturing to the storyboards and concept art lining the walls. “When I first started the company, I was trying to do everything myself. I nearly burned out within the first six months.”

Zy nodded sympathetically. “I remember those days. It’s hard to let go, to trust others with your vision.”

“Exactly,” Ellie agreed. “But once I did... it was like everything fell into place. Everyone here brings something unique to the table. Their passion, their creativity – it’s what makes Infinite Odyssey special.”

As she spoke, Ellie carefully omitted her lingering reservations about their newest hire. It wasn’t that she distrusted him, exactly. But there was still a part of her, scarred by past betrayals, that held back that last bit of faith.

The day wore on, bleeding into evening as they lost themselves in the intricacies of game mechanics and character development. Before Ellie knew it, the rest of the office had cleared out, leaving just her and Zy hunched over her desk, surrounded by empty coffee cups and half-eaten snacks.

As the evening wore on, Ellie’s stomach grumbled audibly, interrupting her explanation of a particularly complex AI routine.

Zy chuckled. “I think that’s your body’s way of calling for a time-out. How about we order some pizza?”

Ellie grinned, grateful for the break. “Only if you promise not to judge me for putting pineapple on it.”

“Pineapple on pizza?” Zy gasped in mock horror. “I’m not sure our budding friendship can survive such a betrayal of culinary decency.”

“Oh please,” Ellie shot back, reaching for her phone. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those pepperoni purists. Live a little, Ashford.”

Their banter continued as they debated toppings, eventually settling on a compromise – half Hawaiian for Ellie, half meat lovers for Zy. As they waited for the delivery, they migrated to the small seating area in the corner of Ellie’s office.

“So,” Zy said, leaning back in his chair. “Tell me more about the Madden clan. Are they all as fiercely competitive as you?”

Ellie laughed, tucking her legs under her on the small sofa. “Oh, you have no idea. Family game nights are practically blood sports. My sister Frankie once flipped a Monopoly board because my brother landed on Boardwalk.”

“Remind me never to challenge your family to a game of Uno,” Zy quipped.

“What about you?” Ellie asked, genuinely curious. “What are the Ashfords like behind closed doors?”

A soft smile played on Zy’s lips. “Surprisingly normal, most of the time. We have weekly Sunday dinners where shop talk is strictly forbidden. My mother insists it’s the only way to keep us from turning into ‘soulless corporate drones.’”

“I like the sound of your mother,” Ellie said, grinning.

“She’d like you too,” Zy replied, his voice warm. “She’s always said I need someone who can keep me on my toes.”

The words hung in the air between them, charged with possibility. Ellie felt her cheeks warm, and she busied herself with adjusting a throw pillow.

Thankfully, the arrival of the pizza provided a welcome distraction. As they dug in, the conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and playful jabs.

“I can’t believe you’ve never seenCowboy Bebop,” Ellie exclaimed, waving a slice of pizza for emphasis. “It’s a classic.”

Zy shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. “I was too busy building my empire to indulge in cartoons.”

“Okay, that’s it,” Ellie declared. “We’re having an anime night. I can’t in good conscience continue to collaborate with someone so culturally deprived.”

“Is that your subtle way of asking me out?” Zy teased.

Ellie felt her heart skip a beat, but she managed to keep her voice light. “This is purely for the sake of your education.”

As the night wore on, Ellie found herself falling more and more for this man. The way his laugh rumbled through her, the subtle scent of his cologne, the warmth of his hand when it accidentally brushed against hers as they reached for the last slice of pizza.

It wasn’t until Zy glanced at his watch, his eyes widening in surprise, that Ellie realized how late it had gotten.

“I should probably get going,” Zy said reluctantly, standing and stretching. “Though I have to say, this has been the most enjoyable ‘work session’ I’ve had in years.”

Ellie smiled, a warm flutter in her chest at his words. “Me too. We should... do this again sometime. You know, for the sake of the project.”

Zy’s answering grin was playful, a hint of something more simmering beneath the surface. “Of course. Purely professional reasons.”

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