He was already used to being cloned so many times in that stupid machine, but he was so naive to think that 14 times being materialized again were only for the good of humanity.

The cool metallic air of the laboratory still clung to Mikey's newly created skin as he walked through the corridors, his bare feet padding softly against the smooth floor. It had been just over an hour since he emerged from the cloning device—his fifteenth time. The bright fluorescent lights overhead cast harsh shadows, but he barely noticed them, his attention focused on scanning the facility for her.

There she was. Descending the stairs ahead, her lab coat swishing gently with each step as she tossed protective equipment to team members. The sight of her made his stomach flutter, a physical reaction that had become familiar across his many iterations. Quickening his pace, he approached with a shy smile.

She turned, recognition lighting up her face as she saw him. Her hands reached for his face, cool against his skin, while he hesitantly rested his hand on her hip. After exchanging the usual concerned greetings about his latest cloning procedure, he spoke softly, "I think I'm fine after the cloning, very well... Are you free from work now? Do you have time to go up to my room?" He smiled hopefully, knowing from experience she rarely refused his invitation.