Chapter 10

"How the hell did I let this happen?"

That was the only thought on Iris's mind as she lay sprawled on the floor. She was on her stomach, her cheek resting against the ground, her limbs splayed at odd angles and her broom lying close to her right hand.

Considering the run of bad luck that she'd been having ever since Zero arrived at the base, Iris supposed she shouldn't have been surprised that her energy stores decided to bottom out while she was sweeping one of the base's least-traversed hallways. Thanks to Lumen's mischief, she hadn't had a chance to eat that day. She didn't realize how hungry she was until she was rendered incapacitated.

The good news was that the hall's lights provided her solar cells with enough energy to keep her operational. The bad news was that the energy was only enough to power her vitals. As a result, nearly all of her motor functions were disabled, leaving her stuck until someone came by to help her.

It had been almost an hour since her body had decided to give out and Iris was getting seriously annoyed. The cold metal floor was far from an ideal place to lie down. Her only solace was that her current position was an improvement from where she had started. Initially, she had been on her knees with the top of her head firmly planted on the floor, but gravity eventually dragged her body down.

Rocinolle was going to kill her when she found out about this. And Lumen would join in once Ciel let her go. And probably Aigel, too. And Zero―

"Iris!"

Well, shit, Iris thought. Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Zero was at her side in an instant and asked if she was all right. She loathed owing him yet again, but she was in no shape to protest. She narrowed her eyes before carefully mouthing her predicament.

Iris was grudgingly impressed with Zero's ability to lip read, as he leapt into action immediately. He lifted her body off the ground, using one arm to support her back while he sat her on his knees. With his free hand, he presented her with an E-crystal. Iris opened her mouth, and with a gentleness that astonished her, Zero fed her the crystal. She could feel the energy flowing through her body within moments of consuming it, and she released a huge sigh of relief as her motor functions were restored.

"Damn it, kitten, why do you always get yourself in trouble the instant I let you out of my sight?" Zero asked. Iris scowled at him, only to stiffen when he fingered the tag on her necklace. "I made the right choice in deciding to track you."

His finger lightly brushed her neck, and she felt a powerful jolt of electricity course through her. She flinched and smacked Zero out of instinct, and while she was too weak to put much force behind the blow, it was enough to make him withdraw his hand. Once the tingling stopped, she glared at the former Maverick Hunter. Damn him and his stupid tracking collar.

"Can you stand?" Zero asked, unperturbed as ever. Iris's scowl deepened and she forced herself to her feet. She tried to take a step, but her legs gave out. Before she could kiss the floor, something snaked around her waist and yanked her backwards until she met with an unexpected wall of warmth.

Iris's breath caught in her throat. Her back was now pressed firmly into Zero's chest, and she could feel his arm holding her in place. Unbidden, her thoughts drifted to Lumen's photos. Her face went very red as she realized only a couple centimeters of protective armor separated her from that sculpted body.

"I figured you would try that," Zero sighed. "You're in no shape to be walking around on your own, Iris."

His breath tickled her ear, and she shuddered. She was grateful that she was not human, because she found that she was quite suddenly unable to breathe. She squirmed a little in an attempt to get some personal space, but Zero's arm would not budge in the slightest. She was trapped.

Zero, oblivious to her discomfort, proceeded to lift Iris into his arms. "Come on. Let's go see Rocinolle."

Iris paled. She was going to be in so much trouble. Sure enough, when she arrived at the infirmary, Rocinolle gave her the scolding of a lifetime. Iris could do nothing but cringe throughout the lecture. To his credit, Zero remained silent, but that didn't make Iris feel any less humiliated. It didn't help that this was her third time in the infirmary in a week. For a non-combat Reploid, that was pathetic.

Fortunately, aside from her energy deficiency, Iris was given a clean bill of health. Rocinolle gave her a handful of E-crystals and ordered her to return to her room to get some rest. Iris obliged, grateful that she had the strength to walk again. As she trudged back to her room, she realized it was time for Ciel's dinner.

"Where do you think you're going?" Zero asked as she began to make a beeline for the kitchen. Iris jumped and whirled towards him. How long had he been tailing her?

Zero jabbed his thumb towards the hall behind him. "You heard Rocinolle's orders. Now get your ass to your room."

Iris trembled, barely able to restrain her fury. Who did he think he was, bossing her around like that? She would have screeched all of sorts of choice words at him if she had her voice. It would have felt good to unleash her frustration on something, even if it had no effect on Zero. He took her insults in stride, and if she tried to make a stand or run away, he was more than capable of making her obey.

A cold hand gripped her core as the full weight of her situation became apparent. She was nothing more than Zero's pet. Like a dog chained to a pole, she could bark and pull at her bonds all she wanted, but she could never escape.

The analogy was too much to bear. Fighting the sudden urge to burst into tears, Iris stormed past Zero and rushed to her room. Upon arriving, she immediately collapsed on her bed and began to sob.

She wasn't sure why she was crying. Zero wasn't worth her tears. Maybe this was just her body's way of purging her pent-up anger. She was angry, for sure, but something wasn't right. She hadn't been activated long enough to be certain, but she was pretty sure that anger wasn't supposed to make her feel like someone had stuck a knife into her chest.

Iris yanked her tracking collar in a fit of frustration. Ever since Zero had dropped into her life, she'd been having nothing but problems. She felt like she had no control over her emotions whenever she was in his presence, and that had been getting her into so much hot water it was a wonder she hadn't been boiled alive already.

She stopped sniffling for a moment. Scratch that, she had been boiled alive. When Zero had pinned her against him, her body temperature had skyrocketed to a point where she was surprised she didn't melt. In that moment, she had forgotten all of her distaste for Zero and was entirely focused on the fact that he was holding her close.

Her thoughts screeched to a halt. Lumen's photographs must have corrupted her mind. She felt nothing for Zero except for intense loathing. So what if he was the most handsome Reploid she had ever set eyes on? It didn't change the fact that he was an ass.

A surprisingly gentle ass.

Iris had a strong urge to clock herself over the head in hopes of dislodging a bit of sense. Since when did she start thinking such foolish things? Clearly, her elevated temperature had caused a crucial fuse or two to melt. It wasn't all that unreasonable for Rocinolle to have missed something. On the other hand, Iris didn't think it was a good idea to check into the infirmary yet again, or else poor Rocinolle might end up becoming the one requiring treatment.

Iris nodded to herself, deciding to deal with this issue on her own. For the time being, she thought it best to do as Rocinolle ordered and get some rest. Maybe it would help her circuits to repair themselves. She closed her eyes and sank into oblivion almost immediately.

She found herself on her dream plane and frowned. What did her so-called conscience have to say to her this time?

"You have felt it, haven't you?"

"Felt what?" Iris asked. Then she gasped and clutched her throat.

"This is your mind. Your body's impediments are not an issue here. As for your question, I was referring to the pain."

"My life has been nothing but a pain for the past week," Iris grumbled bitterly. "You could stand to be a little more specific, Miss Conscience."

It suddenly occurred to her that her conscience's voice sounded very similar to her own. If the voice really was her conscience, as it had claimed, she supposed that would make sense.

"The pain in your heart. Didn't you feel it this evening?"

"Heart? Heart?!" Iris could hardly believe her ears. "What are you talking about? I'm a Reploid! I don't have a heart! I have a power core, and it certainly has not been paining me!"

"It seems you have much to learn, still," the voice sighed. "Just remember that if you continue to grow closer to Zero, that pain will multiply a hundredfold."

"You think I don't know that?!" Iris snapped. "And I am NOT growing closer to Zero! I can't stand him!"

"So says your head. But what about your heart?"

"Weren't you listening? I don't have a heart!" Iris screeched. Then she gasped as her surroundings began to turn white. "Wait, don't go! I'm not finished with you! HEY!"

She awoke with a start. She sat up quickly, determined that her voice was still gone, and sighed gustily. Damned conscience. Was it always going to call her without warning, spout a bunch of nonsense, and then kick her out? At least it had been right about one thing: Zero was nothing but trouble. If she never had to deal with him again, it would be too soon. If only she could get his damned tracking collar off.

She sighed again and proceeded with her usual routine, making sure she had plenty to eat this time. She would need as much energy as possible to throttle Lumen the instant she set eyes on her.

She was all too happy to pick up the Cyber Elf once Ciel had breakfast. Iris couldn't blame Lumen for being nervous. She was sure she had an evil glint in her eyes.

For the rest of the day, Iris held Lumen captive in her left hand and worked with her right. When she was forced to use both hands, she stuffed the Cyber Elf into her storage container. Lumen complained almost constantly, but Iris didn't care. The Cyber Elf deserved to be treated this way after corrupting her mind so badly.

Iris was in a very good mood. Lumen was being suitably punished, she saw no sign of Zero, and she was able to get a lot of work done. As she prepared to retire to her room, she was unexpectedly stopped.

"Oy, Riss!"

It was Aigel. Iris was so surprised that she didn't know what to think. It felt like ages since she had last spoken to her. She waved awkwardly at her friend, a guilty smile crossing her features.

"Well, if it isn't the redhead," Lumen remarked. Iris shot her a glare, but Aigel seemed to not care.

"I've been lookin' all over for you!" she exclaimed. "I've wanted to talk with you for a long time, but work's been so busy I haven't had a chance to see you before you went to bed!"

Iris shook her head apologetically. It was partially her fault that Aigel and the other medics were so overworked. If only she hadn't fallen to pieces. Aigel gently patted her on the head, seeming to hear her thoughts.

"Don't worry 'bout it. I'm not mad at you," Aigel said. "Why don't we hang out together tonight? You know, for old time's sake?"

Iris gave Lumen a serious look. The Cyber Elf rolled her eyes.

"I promise I'll behave," she groaned. "Now will you please let me go?"

Iris finally released her grip on Lumen. The Cyber Elf whooped in joy before flying off to parts unknown. Iris prayed she would keep her word before returning her attention to Aigel.

"Follow me," said the redhead. She led Iris through numerous hallways and onto the lift to the lowest floor of the base. As they walked, Aigel gave Iris a curious look.

"Say, where'd you get that necklace? It's cute."

Iris blushed and averted her eyes, nervously tugging at the collar. It was probably for the best that Aigel didn't know its true purpose. She likely wouldn't be able to stop laughing.

Iris's concern must have been evident on her face, because Aigel suddenly looked sheepish. "Sorry. I forgot you can't exactly talk right now."

Iris smiled and nodded weakly, hoping that would suffice as forgiveness. They continued their stroll in silence, and finally stopped at a perfectly ordinary looking shelf. Aigel turned and gazed at Iris sternly.

"You cannot tell what you see here to anyone," she warned.

Iris had no idea what was going on, but she nodded anyway. Aigel then knocked on the shelf in a most peculiar fashion. A moment later, the shelf slid aside, revealing a hidden room.

"Come on in," Aigel beckoned. Iris cautiously followed her friend, flinching as the shelf slid shut behind her. She took a moment to examine her surroundings. The room was warm and inviting, filled with soft lighting, music, and cheerful conversation. Numerous Reploids were seated at tables or the long counter in front of her, while few others were dancing in a small area off to her left. Iris was surprised to recognize some of them. A single Reploid behind the counter was busy cleaning and tending to a large shelf filled with numerous canisters and glasses.

"Welcome to Rivet Retreat, Riss," said Aigel. "The Resistance's secret nightclub. Only those who know the knock are allowed in."

Iris could only gape at her surroundings. The base held a place like this? Did Ciel know about it?

"In case you're wondering, no, the Doc doesn't know about this place," said Aigel. "If she did, the club wouldn't be so exclusive. No offense to her, but she doesn't know how to keep her mouth shut." She smiled widely. "This is where Resistance members can come relax after a long, hard day. There's dancing and drinking and music and plenty of conversation. I figured it might be a good way to loosen that tongue of yours."

Iris was too stunned to respond with anything but a nod. A secret club? It sounded almost too good to be true. If the place were as secret and exclusive as Aigel claimed, it would be the one place Zero couldn't reach her.

She felt herself pale. What was she thinking? No matter where she went, Zero would know because of that stupid collar still locked around her neck! By now, he had probably noticed she hadn't gone to bed. If he tracked her here…

"What's with the long face?" Aigel asked. "Don't you like it?"

Iris quickly plastered a smile onto her face and nodded, but tried to make it obvious that she really had to leave. Aigel rolled her eyes, grabbed her arm and dragged her to the counter, where they both took seats.

"Oy, Cask!" she greeted.

"Hey there, Aigel!" the Reploid working the counter said. He was an older looking male with short black hair, a decent build, and sporting the traditional Resistance garb. His grey eyes settled on Iris. "I see you brought your friend today. Has she sworn to keep the secret?"

"Yes, although she can't say anything right now. Poor girl's lost her voice," Aigel said. She turned toward Iris. "Riss, this is Cask, the owner of Rivet Retreat. Well, he doesn't really own it, per say, but he's in charge of activities and membership. I was the one who convinced him to let you join. Believe me, it took a lot of convincing."

"Nice to finally meet you, Iris," said Cask. Iris nodded at him, trying not to look as panicked as she felt. "Aigel's told me a lot about you. She's a regular here, usually stopping by after work. So, are you ordering anything tonight?"

"Two carburitas, on the rocks," said Aigel. She shoved a small handful of E-crystals across the counter, which Cask quickly pocketed before he set to work. He took a small stemmed conical glass, dipped the rim in a white powder, and then dropped several ice cubes into it. He poured the contents of several of the canisters behind him into the glass, and then shoved the glass towards Aigel. He repeated his actions with a second glass and gave it to Iris. She stared at it as if it were about to rear up and attack.

"Relax, Riss. It's ethanol," Aigel explained, sipping her beverage. "It's the perfect thing to unwind with after a long day. What say you?"

Iris glanced toward the door. She had to leave soon, because she knew a secret shelf wouldn't stop Zero. But at the same time, Aigel had spent her own rations on her. With great reluctance, Iris lifted the glass and sniffed her drink. She wrinkled her nose; it smelled awful. Aigel was having no problems drinking it, though, so she supposed it was safe enough. She took a tentative sip and her eyes bugged out. It began sour, then turned sweet, and then burned as if it were liquid fire. She was tempted to spit it out, but she didn't want to disappoint Aigel, so she forced herself to swallow. The liquid ignited her throat as it slid down, and she pounded her chest and coughed out of instinct.

Aigel chortled heartily. "Don't worry, Riss. That happened to me when I had my first drink, too. It's not so bad once you get used to it."

Iris seriously doubted that, but she didn't want to waste the E-crystals Aigel had used on her behalf, so she reluctantly took another sip of her drink. As she suspected, the beverage burned as much as it did the first time. She must have been making quite the expression, as both Aigel and Cask were laughing at her.

Aigel playfully ruffled Iris's hair before lifting her glass. "I propose a toast! To our newest member, Iris!"

All the other Reploids in the club did the same with their drinks. "To our newest member, Iris!"

Iris blushed and tried to hide behind her hair, but Aigel would have none of it. She encouraged Iris to lift her glass as well, and a small clink rang out as their glasses collided.

"Welcome to the club, Riss," Aigel said, winking.

Iris nodded quickly before downing the rest of the carburita in a single gulp. It felt like sweet and sour lava in her stomach, and she nearly gagged. Ignoring Aigel's concerned stare, she leapt to her feet and dashed toward the door. Mercifully, it slid open when she slammed her hand on it, and it closed behind her just as she saw a familiar figure turn the corner.

She collapsed from relief. That had been too close.

"What are you doing here, Iris?" Zero asked.

Something was wrong. She felt like the world was whirling around her, even though she knew she wasn't moving. And why did everything look so blurry?

"Iris?"

"Mmmm?" she moaned. She belatedly realized that the carburita seemed to have burned away her throat blockage. "Zero?"

He looked surprised that she was able to speak, but quickly recovered and helped her to her feet. She would've slapped his hands away if she didn't feel so dizzy.

Zero frowned at her. "Iris, have you been drinking?"

"Yeah," she slurred, finding herself unable to lie. "What's wrong with that? Aigel bought it for me. I didn't like it, but I didn't want her to have wasted her E-crystals."

"Where'd Aigel get it from?" asked Zero.

"I can't say. I promised not to tell," Iris said.

Zero narrowed his eyes slightly. "Can you at least tell me if it's safe?"

"Sure, it's safe," Iris replied. "Only members are allowed in. And it sounds like membership's pretty exclusive. Aigel said it took a lot of convincing to let me in."

Zero didn't look completely convinced, but it seemed to satisfy him for now. "I suppose that's good enough. I don't know where you went, but as long as you stay with Aigel and don't get yourself drunk again, you should be okay."

"I'm not drunk," Iris insisted.

"Yes, you are. Your breath reeks of ethanol," said Zero. "How much did you drink?"

"One…what was it called? One carburita."

"Just one?!"

"Yep. And it didn't taste very good," Iris murmured. "It burned a lot."

Zero sighed gustily. "You need to get to bed."

"I can make it there myself," Iris said as she tried to tug her arms away.

"No way. If I leave you alone you'll end up asleep in the hall, or worse, someone else's bed."

Iris scowled. Did he really have so little faith in her? Never mind that the ground seemed to move like a ship in a raging storm.

"Let's go," Zero said, taking her by the hand. She was assaulted by such a strong electric jolt that she nearly passed out on the spot. What was happening to her? Maybe she really was drunk, like Zero had said. In any case, she had no choice but to awkwardly stumble after him.

Stubborn jerk.

She would never admit it aloud, but the feeling of his hand in hers was really nice. Why couldn't he do this more often instead of hauling her around like baggage? She knew why. He was an asshole. Yep, just a huge asshole who loved nothing more than bossing her around.

An asshole with a very nice hand and very, very beautiful eyes.

Damn it. She was really in trouble.

I am so freaking sorry. This is months overdue. I've had about a thousand words of this chapter written since November but it was sitting on my computer collecting dust for ages because I got stuck. And a lot of things happened. Like graduation. And a massive Zelda binge. But my muse finally worked with me (I think reading more Lynn Kurland romances helped), and just in time for Valentine's Day! Go me!

I also noticed during my drought that several stories with similar plots to this one have popped up. I guess that makes me a trendsetter. Anyway, I really hope this chapter was worth the long wait. I have no idea when inspiration will strike me again, and I'm trying to find a job at the moment, so who knows when the next update will be? I hope it won't be another three and a half month wait…