Chapter Text
The laboratory was still that day. Hailey put the finishing touches on a tiny gadget as Beta assembled a drone hovering in front of her. The Professor scratched over notes, humming to herself. Everything was still, in balance — the perfect way to top off a busy week.
There came a surprised knock on the door, and Hailey jumped. "Come in," she spoke, and the door opened to Scott Denoga, his arms cradling a small box of replacement parts.
"Uh… hi," Scott ventured, his own sure smile faltering as he took in the picture. His eyes widened slightly when they met Hailey's. "Wait… Hayden? You look… different. and. really happy."
Hailey's heart missed a beat. She smiled, short hair framing her softened jawline, eyes sparkling with the relief and happiness she had been secretly waiting for months for. "Yeah," she breathed, "I guess I finally knew who I was supposed to be."
Scott rubbed the back of his neck, clearly taken aback. "Wow… I mean… you look good. Like… you look like you, you know?"
Beta zipped over, nudging Hailey with her elbow. “Mission accomplished!” she whispered, a triumphant grin on her face.
Hailey laughed, a warm, confident sound. “Thanks, Beta.” Then she turned back to Scott. “It’s been… a lot, but I’m really happy now.”
Scott’s smile softened, and there was a quiet moment — just the two of them, the air charged with a gentle curiosity neither wanted to name.
So… uh," Scott began, tapping his box of parts with his fingers as he spoke, "you want to, I dunno… get some of these gizmos together and see if they work sometime?"
Hailey's smile increased. "I think that sounds perfect."
They shared a laugh, and Hailey felt something new in her chest at last: a warm excitement, a spark she hadn't expected. Not the end of her story, but the beginning of something else.
The Professor glanced up at her notations, a soft smile playing on her lips, as Beta floated past with a victory spin. Hailey felt a shiver of joy and anticipation. She had been herself, in every sense and without apology — and now maybe she was ready to share a little of that joy with someone else.
The sun shone through the window in the afternoons, putting golden highlights in Hailey's soft hair and smile. For the first time, she didn't just feel in tune with herself — she felt ready for whatever came next.
"Ready?" Scott flashed a hopeful smile, holding up a small gadget.
"Always," Hailey replied with sparkling eyes. And so started the second phase of her life.