You get ready excitedly, pulling on your work overalls as you get ready for your first day at the forge. A knock sounds on your apartment door and you peek out of your room as Franky comes in. “Morning Franky!” You greet before finishing getting ready.

        “Super morning! I didn't sleep at all last night! I brought you breakfast!” He gushes. Franky and you went to the University of Fire together. You both were ridiculed for your lineage, especially you for being an average human and not a trace of dwarf in you. Franky was at least half dwarf, but because he was also half elf he was put in the same light as you. So you two became fast friends.

          “You're the best Franky!” You go out, taking the paper bag he offered. “Mm breakfast burrito…” You breathe hungrily munching on it. You both head out together happily at that. “I can't wait to see it!” You gush.

           “Me neither. Hopefully we get a close look at it.” Franky agrees.

           Taking the train to the city’s edge to your new job, you both peer out the windows at the giant factory and forge. You bounce a bit giggling excitedly. Eventually it comes to a stop and you both get off, heading for the factory. There was a crowd outside the gates and you can recognize some from the university.

            “Hey ___,” A green haired dwarf greets with a wave as you join the group. The rest were also dwarves, some giving you nods of recognition, others rolling their eyes at your presence.

            “Hey Zoro. Been a while. You excited too?” You ask, tilting your head.

            “Yeah.” He admits with a light smile. “But probably not as excited as you. You're literally bouncing just standing there.” He says in amusement.

           “Of course! Not many humans get to see the Infernal Forge.” You grin. The gates open and the trainees are allowed in. The dwarves at the gates raise an eyebrow at you and Franky as you both pass. The path slopes down into a tunnel beneath the factory. Your smile grows as the tunnel opens up to a vast underground work area. Factory belts branched out from the massive glowing forge. Mine carts and loading carts sat at the ends of them. There were layers of similar designs going up and down from the level you stood. Dwarves shuffle about everywhere.

         It was breathtaking really. “Alright, line up, state your name and we'll assign your trainer.” The dwarf that seemed to be in charge orders. Everyone lines up and he glances up from his clipboard, eyes landing on you and he straightens. “What's your name human?” He inquires.

         “___, sir.” You tell him. He checks the list, letting out a puff of smoke around his cigar.

         “Top of the class huh? The University has gotten soft…” He comments. You shift at that and the dwarf trainees scowl at the boss. He turns, walking to the railing. “Eustass! Get up here! You're getting a trainee!” He calls. You raise an eyebrow, glancing between the metal stairs until a red haired dwarf comes up looking annoyed.

          “The hell are you saying? I don't need a trainee.” He growls. You blink at his metal arm as gears turn under it's plates. You felt awe as he approached. His amber eyes are drawn to you and he stops in his tracks as realization flashes in them. “Oh no. I'm not training a human! Why did you guys even let one in here?!” He demands annoyance growing.

           “Apparently she was the top of the class.” The boss says.

           “What a load of crap…. And you let in an elf?” The redhead tosses a glare at Franky.

           “Enough complaining Kid. Just be happy you get some help.” One of his co-workers sneer.

           “And you can have the elf.” The boss tells the other.

           “What!?”

           “Go on you two.” The boss waves a dismissive hand at you both.

           “Good luck.” Franky whispers.

           “You too.” You mutter before going over to Kid. The dwarf doesn't bother masking his glare as he looks up at you.

           “Tch… Whatever. Come on.” He growls walking off. You follow after him, peering around excitedly. You had gotten used to this sort of thing in the university, but it still sucked. He leads you down to the very bottom of the factory, stopping beside a belt. He turns it on twirling a hammer between his fingers and starting to knock some pieces together. “Put the good pieces in the cart on the left. The bad ones go in the right to be remade later.” He instructs grumpily.

           “Yessir.” You move to the end of the belt. You watch him work quietly as you sort the mechanisms. “So what are these?” You ask.

           “A loading piece for the cannons of a war mecha.” He responds gruffly.

           “I've never seen one.” You hum putting a damaged one in the bad cart.

           “They're pretty badass. The finished product is on the top floor.” He glances up briefly. He seems to have relaxed now, which was a good sign for you.

           “Do you think I'll get to see them today?” You ask hopefully.

          “Maybe.” He says gruffly.

           You don't talk much after that. The dwarf seemed pretty occupied on work anyway.

           Soon a horn sounds and all production pauses. “Are we done?” You ask.

           “Yeah. Time to clock out.” He straightens, rolling his shoulders and neck. You watch him for a moment.

           ‘Dwarfs are so cute.’ You can't help but think as you stretch and peer up at the floors above.

           “Come on.” He prompts, starting for the elevator. You blink and follow after him at that. He glances at you before pressing a button to the top floor. “Well, you seemed to know what you were doing. Even if it was an easy job.” He comments looking to the side. You blink eyes glinting to him briefly. Was that a compliment or acknowledgement? You couldn't tell.

           “Thanks…?” You murmur looking at the doors. Before he can respond the doors open and step out in awe. The mecha were colossal, covered in red steel plating. It shined as if it were already covered in fresh blood. You walk up to one, barely able to see the fighter seat. You carefully reach out touching one of it's cannon arms. “They're amazing.” You whisper.

            “Enjoy the view human you'll never be able to work on this floor.” One of the dwarves working the floor smirks.

            “I love dwarves.” You hum peering at him. “They make the cutest expressions when I prove them wrong.” He pauses as you smile at him calmly.

           “You sure are something… Come on human. Lets go.” Kid says starting for the elevator. You smile and follow after him stepping on with him and starting down.

           “Sorry… That was a bit cocky…” You frown at the door.

           “You're going to need backbone if you're going to make it here human.” He tells you. “So don't worry about it.” He shrugs. You blink and look down at him. After a bit he becomes aware of your gaze. “What?” He questions tossing you a frown.

           “I hope we can be friends.” You smile. His eyes widen briefly before he scoffs and looks away.

           “Don't get your hopes up.”