Disclaimer: I don't own Red vs Blue, Halo, Rooster teeth, Bungie, 343 Industries, or Microsoft. I'm not making any money off of this.
"I want them both." Carolina's voice came through the speakers next to the observation window. York felt his chest tighten as he watched the scene unfold, Two AIs? She had to be kidding. California had gone insane when they tried giving him two fragments. He couldn't handle both personality being constantly in his head. York sighed. He didn't like it, but if anyone could handle it, it was probably her.
Carolina walked out of the room to find York waiting for her, his eye trained on her. His face was etched with concern.
"Yeah yeah," she said, rolling her eyes, "I know it's a stupid idea."
"I'm not going to judge you call, 'Lina," York replied, "I'd just like to know why you made it."
"Because…" Carolina sighed, "Because I couldn't save CT. Because she keeps showing up. Because I'm not strong enough on my own."
"'Lina…" York said, pulling her into a hug. If anyone else had tried this, Carolina would have hospitalized them, but she and York were different. It was widely known that he was the only one she really trusted, "You're the best agent I know. No matter what the leaderboard says. And, on top of that, you're my best friend.
"Thanks, York," Carolina said, hugging him back, "…should I go through with it?"
"I can't make that decision for you," York said as they broke the hug, "but I think if anyone's strong enough to do it it's you."
"Thanks…it means a lot," she replied, hesitating for a moment before pressing her lips to his cheek and walking off, leaving a stunned York behind. He stood there for a bit before sighing. Maybe one day he'd have the courage to admit his feelings for her.