they experiment with copying other things

Without thinking, Abbie hit the copy button. The machine hummed to life, and a moment later, it spat out a blank sheet with only the faintest shadow where the document should have been.

"Well, that's an improvement," Abbie joked. "At least it's not smudged."

Jake laughed, his eyes twinkling. "Maybe we should try copying something else. You know, for testing purposes."

"For science," Abbie agreed solemnly, though her eyes were anything but serious. She placed her hand on the glass, palm down, fingers splayed. "Let's see if it can capture my lifeline. Maybe it'll tell me if I'm going to survive this copier ordeal."

Jake pressed the button, and they watched as the machine produced a crisp image of Abbie's hand.

"Would you look at that," Jake said, picking up the copy. "Perfect. Maybe it only likes copying body parts."

"Interesting theory." Abbie took the paper from him, examining it. "Your turn now."

Jake placed his hand on the glass, and Abbie pressed the copy button, standing close enough that her hip pressed against his.

When the copy emerged, she held it up beside the image of her own hand. "Look how much bigger yours is than mine." She placed her real hand against his, comparing them. "Same difference."

Jake's fingers curled around hers, warm and strong. "Let's try both together."

They placed their hands side by side on the glass, fingers nearly touching. This time when Abbie reached for the button, Jake caught her other hand in his.

"Wait," he said softly. He adjusted their hands on the glass, intertwining their fingers together. "Better."

Abbie felt her pulse quicken as his thumb stroked across her wrist. "Much better," she agreed.

The copier whirred, producing an image of their clasped hands. Jake picked it up, examining it with a smile. "Now that's art."

"Very avant-garde," Abbie said, making no move to reclaim her hand from his.

Jake set the paper down, turning to face her fully. "I'm thinking we should try something more ... comprehensive." His free hand came up to brush a strand of hair from her face, fingertips grazing her cheek.

"For troubleshooting purposes?" Abbie asked, leaning into his touch.

"Exactly. Very technical stuff." Jake's hand moved to the back of her neck, drawing her closer. "Would that be okay with you?"

"Yes," Abbie whispered, the word escaping her lips automatically, naturally. "I think that's exactly what we need."

Their lips met, tentatively at first, then with growing hunger. Jake's hand tightened in her hair as Abbie pressed herself against him, her fingers clutching at his shirt. The copier hummed quietly beside them, forgotten for the moment. Abbie found herself perched on the edge of the machine, her skirt riding up slightly on her thighs.

"We're still ... testing the copier's diagnostic functions ... aren't we?" Jake's breath was staggered as he periodically broke their kiss with idle banter.

"Of course," Abbie replied, still primarily kissing back, but speaking when she could. "We're being very thorough professionals here."

Jake shifted between her legs, his hands warm on her hips. "Extremely thorough," he murmured against her lips before kissing her again, deeper this time.

Abbie's hand fumbled behind her, finding the copy button. She pressed it without breaking the kiss, and they both paused at the sound of the machine whirring to life beneath her.