I actually drafted a different story for this upload, but I ended up feeling it wasn't up to par with my writing, so I scrapped the whole thing. It was supposed to be 2B and 9S' wedding. So instead, I have another snowy story for everyone! And I'm fairly excited about this one. I had to keep my mouth zipped for this story, so it wasn't fun until I got here.

Review answering!

Reasonable man: It was an open and shut case, really. Everything is dead and destroyed, not much more to see.

Yvori Gevura: I probably won't ever write a Drakengard fic because I didn't play any of the games and only read up the basics premise, but I did want to hint at that on some certain timeline, Jack indeed met Zero.

Anon: No. It's...much better. V6 actually wore Kainé outfit, I often forget that detail myself. And for Jack meeting Zero, I think for sure their first exchange was a sword through the chest. Regarding their relationship...well, I talked about it already, he's most likely to follow her around like a Disciple. However, the ending for that timeline definitely doesn't lead to NieR in my head.

Peaknuckle: It's pretty obvious what the Black Box hints towards I think. I hope I'll get to it in the next afterstory!

DemonRaily: Do not cite deep magic to me. I was there when it was written. Seriously though. There wouldn't be snow, but rather, the entire section of Day Kingdom would be scorched hell. Night Kingdom would freeze over. No life would be able to sustain itself. Well done, Yoko Taro. Instead we've got lush greenery, sunny skies, buildings that survived for 10000 years, giant robots, and hot androids that fight in high heels. And since Yoko Taro messed it up anyway, I might as well play along.

Alright! Now that that's done, it's time for me to continue with this upload story: Snowy Night! Yes! Snow! I love it!

Enjoy reading!

White liked snow. It's a phenomena that dye the world in the color of her name. That sort of weather fits her as a person as well.

And she's in luck, because Night City has no shortage of that right now.

Night City, arguably the most technological advanced city on Earth, built on what was formerly identified as New York city. A city of eternal night, shining like a beacon in the darkness.

Over the years, White had commanded YoRHa to clear out Night Kingdom. While a large section of North America have been cleared and safe for living, there was still work to be done. Ruin exploration, archeology, obtaining remaining human data. Then built settlements where it is safe to do so.

There's a part of White that wondered why were they even doing this. Android population are low, even with new Inheritor models. They didn't need to stay in Night Kingdom. But there is a certain feeling of conquer to stay in this land of darkness. Humans were like that too. They constantly tries to go further, higher. Always strive for higher achievement. And White can't say a city of eternal night time doesn't have its charm and allure as well. Night City is becoming a big tourist attraction because of the semi sunset you experience when you travel here, and the bustling, technologically advanced city with attractions and entertainment.

And she's almost done with her work today.

Although still Commander of YoRHa, White had to delegate part of her command to other officers now, as she is also a Legacy Council member. She despised politics, but with changing times, there was little choice. In particular, White is still unsure of the way androids perceive her. She's YorHa Commander, pretty much Night City's founder and mayor, Council chairman, and even praised by that Humanity's Will, now commonly accepted as android's main religion.

She's like a queen.

That's the analogy Clover gave her at 2B and 9S' wedding. If those two were Prince and Princess, she was Queen.

She didn't exactly hate it. Afterall, it granted her basically every luxury available. But the image is rather tiresome at times.

There wasn't really anyone to share all this luxury with too.

White scrolled through her mind. After the concept of family and marriage became popular, there were talks of her maybe finding someone herself. It became a widely discussed topic for a time, until she had to squash it rather rudely.

"..."-The look of joy and happiness she saw as 2B and 9S says their 'I do' was rather...mesmerizing.

Ah, yes, the wedding. That wedding was nothing short of a royal wedding. She was kind of surprised to even be invited. Then again, she is still Council Chairman.

But despite their differences, 2B and 9S didn't held resentment towards her. Even A2 started a conversation with her. A2, of all people!

Do they wanted bygones be bygones? Or did they think whatever sins she had, her death cleared it?

It's enough that she's in this spot. Asking for more is...just not alright. She already have all of this, when someone like her really should have been left for dead for the lies she had told.

It's only because of him...

"A liar through and through."-White sighed.

He's happy now. She shouldn't bother.

A2 had asked for her help, on something that she wholeheartedly agreed.

It was still strange, not having A2 running a sword through her, but apparently, the old her settled the matter perfectly. Of course, there was still the small glare and the general dismissal, there's at least a feeling of mutual avoidance. Get out of each other's way.

Even...a hint of understanding. Friendliness.

It's like the sky have fallen.

But it was a subject for another time.

On the muted display near her, which she wasn't even sure why she had it on, 6O was doing her usual show again.

Apparently, the topic was about Night Kingdom.

Curious, White turned on the volume.

"-dragon?"

That got her attention.

"Yes, the legend of the Black Dragon is something us Night Kingdom android really likes to talk about."

Oh. The Black Dragon.

"Then please, tell us more about this Black Dragon! I'm interested to hear them."

"Yes. A few years ago, the war in Night Kingdom was fierce. We were deploying the YoRHa experimental weapon "Dragons" to fight a large hostile force of machines, but the progress was slow. But, during one crucial battle, an entire enemy base was set ablaze, the searing fire incinerated nearly everything. Report came in that a "dragon" had done this. At first we thought how did our weapons managed to do this. But as we watched and recorded the event from the distance, we realized it was not us. After re-examining the visual data and recordings made by Pods, we saw a mythical creature, a real dragon, with black scale, the estimated size would actually be around half the size of Engel's body. It was huge. Gigantic. The machines there were wiped out and destroyed, the fire can be seen from miles away. It eyes were glowing, and it just flew off into the night sky."

"Did you...find it?"

"Our radar lost track of it just seconds later. It's as if it had vanished. We couldn't find it. And this began happening quite often for a year or so. There weren't a lot of witnesses, but as you see, we have gathered a lot of proof it exist. But we just couldn't find it.

"So...what are you theories? And do you have any...thought on the myth?"

"At this point, the only reason we still call it a myth is because we haven't pulled the dragon out to the light yet. The interesting thing is that it only goes after machines. It never attack us. So I...honestly don't know. It greatly helped us gain a foothold in the battle, yes, but let's just say even Night City resident still wonder if it's really safe or not yet. My theories? There are many, ranging from the machines built on it's nest or have its eggs or even...maybe...someone or something was controlling it. Who? I don't know. Who would be capable of that?"

White muted the show once more.

Usually, she's the type to hunt down this dragon for the truth. But just so happens, she knew the truth.

That the time the dragon starts appearing matches the time two particular person came to Night Kingdom.

An Attacker model and a "Commander model".

That's enough of that. She's have been working way too much. White certainly felt she is deserving of a break. And she decided to have one. Just a few days, no work. There's no plans for any outings yet, but White figured just have the day off to laze around was good enough already.

As she lock her computer and her office and grabbing her white fur coat, White let out a small chuckle. She never imagined herself to be the kind that sits down in a fancy office. She's always preferred standing and commanding a war room than this.

The light snow is beautiful outside...

Maybe she should walk home. Her luxury penthouse apartment is only a few blocks away. Having drivers and guards taking her there is honestly uneccesary in her mind.

As she headed out of the town hall, White realized her wish had come true in the most unexpected of ways.

There, under the snow, a male figure was there, in a black Victorian great coat, umbrella in hand.

White let out a breath of steam in the cold air.

"Council Chairman White."-He smiled thinly.-"You're a hard worker to be leaving in such late hours."

"It's not like I have much else to do."-White responded, smiling before turning to the guards that was about to escort her.-"You don't have to take me back today. I'll walk."

"But Commander..."

"If you are wondering, he can better ensure my safety anyway. You're dismissed."

"Yes ma'am."

"You have guards now."-The man chuckled.

"It is a hassle, but I understand the need. Good evening Jack."-A part of her was tingling was happiness, and...she wasn't certain how to respond to it yet.

"Doing well?"

"Dreaded politics, everyday. You'd be surprise how hard it is for the Council to reach any decision. Everyone just looks at each other."-The blonde android beauty huffed."

"I'll take that as an 'okay'."-Jack smiled as he gestured her politely, inviting her for the walk.

"You're here, in Night City? Could've told me before hand."-White found herself abandoning a lot of her manners around him. Maybe because it's too stiff to call him sir.

Maybe she's living up to what she saw in her recorded data, in the hard drive.

"I don't need red carpets. I'm just here on some unrelated work. Came to see you, just because..."-He stops himself there.

"Does A2 know? Where is she?"-White smirked lightly.

"She's not far. Just busy for the evening. She did want to ask about that whole thing we asked you about."

"Of course. Everything is ready for you."

"That's great."-He nodded lightly, looking up to the night sky.

The city was still bustling, yet...White felt it's so much...quieter. Maybe it's her appearance to the public around them. The fact she's having a walk in the light snow under an umbrella.

Or maybe its the charisma of both of them just rendering most into silence.

For a short while, they enjoyed the comfortable silence between them. Although, White knows it's still...awkward in a sense.

She can see it in his eyes, in his smile. His...hesitant look.

He's unsure how they should be like. So they just sort of went with it. Most of their exchanges through the years was pleasant, but it wasn't personal. Mostly just work. And of course, no one in their right mind could blame them.

It's alright like this. Jack has A2, she doesn't have her memories of this apparent love for him anymore. This is fine.

It's the best outcome.

"...It snows often in Night Kingdom, huh?"

"Yes, it snows periodically through out the entire year. I read some literature that said this weather made humans more reserved."

"Yeah, it's not wrong. Humans don't enjoy the cold too much. They need warmth, so when there's snow they mostly huddled inside their homes. Hence being more reserved."

"Yet this city is always bustling and active despite that weather."

"It's a beautiful city, I must say."

"The architects did a wonderful job, yes."

"..."

"How are you doing, Jack? Everything alright?"

"Hm? Yeah. Nothing's wrong."-His response was earnest. That means his personal life is still great as ever. Not that White was hoping for it to not be great or anything.-"I was just...reminiscing."

"On what?"

"It's nothing important. Just a figure in the past."-He laughed it off.

"...I see. What have you been up to lately, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Nothing much. A2 and I have started to settle down. We still have to travel extensively, but the calm life's is for us."

"I'm glad to hear that. As long as you're doing alright, it makes everyone feel at ease."

Crossing by a park, White felt the need to stop for a moment. She quietly turned to see the park's garden.

"Something caught your eye?"-Jack smiled as he also stopped.

"Nothing special, really. I just...realize I never actually knew much about this city I lived in for years now."

Every time she goes anywhere, there are guards and a limo. She could only glance at the street outside, at the bustling city, at the people, at the scenery, through the tinted glass of the limo.

"Lovely garden. Is that Lunar Tear?"

"Yes. A special genetically modified type of Lunar Tear to survive and even bloom in the cold weather. Don't ask me why, everyone is just going nuts about this flower."

"It's a beautiful flower."-Jack laughed as he leaned forward, resting one of his arm on the railing, still keeping White covered under the umbrella.

"I won't deny it is, but there's got to be better things to spend all these research fundings on."

"Like?"

White laughed very softly as she looked to the sky.

"I hate to bring up the topic, but...space travel."

"Space travel? 9S told me about that. Interesting topic."

The aliens that brought the machines here came by spaceships. Spaceships that now are broken, but their technology still remains. Androids have been tirelessly working to research and harness that technology.

"From what I understood of humans, they very much loved and fancied the idea of reaching the stars, to space travel, right?"-White asked.

"They did. They adored that dream. It's...a shame they never got anywhere."

"So, we androids as their inheritors find pride in doing these thing in their place...And I can't say I dislike such a thing."-White mused as she aimlessly stared at the sky, the Lunar Tear petals floating in the snowy night, giving a semblance of stars.

"..."

"Would you like to go?"

"Me? Well...it'd be a big hassle to take me along, for now at least."

"...The Council is already talking about it. Making new bases in other planets."

"Even though the research isn't completed yet?"

"Exactly. Yet Anemone and Clover won't ever stop talking about it. At least let the research complete before planning to colonize Mars."-White huffed, the stress of her daily work currently being vented.

"You'll be fine?"

"...I'll survive."-White sighed-"I...I myself thought about it. If we really could travel to another planet, and set up colonies there...maybe I should go."

"..."

"I don't hate the fancy life here, but...I feel more in my element in a military base than a council meeting."

"That's very much you, yeah."-Jack nodded, his tone slightly...lower.

"What do you think? Should I go?"

"...Why are you asking me?"-The human smiled as he reached into his pocket, pulling out his pack of smoke.-"It's your life, White. Live how you see fit."

"...Mn."-White's expression softened from her usual regal look. A more natural expression adorned her face.-"You are still smoking? Where do you even get these?"

As much as they tend to believe otherwise, Jack and A2 do create trends. Jack's smoking did became a trend that Jackass totally caught on to. She started producing these smokes that are generally harmless to androids, but is a bit addictive. As for A2, she definitely started a fashion trend with her poorly maintenance look. It's definitely a strangely...attractive style of fashion, White would admit, but it's not for everyone.

"..."-For some reason, Jack just chuckled as he was about to light the smoke.

White resisted the urge to snatch the roll away.

She always saw his smoking habit as a bad one, of course, as pretty much anyone near him also views it so, but everyone basically couldn't deny that there's...something special about it. It made him look more...manly and charming. Just often enough to remind everyone he smokes, and not enough to seem addicted.

They enjoyed the view for just a another short moment before continuing their walk.

White was satisfied with just this. A lovely, dare she say it, romantic walk in the snow with the last human on Earth.

This...was enough.

As they were getting close to her destination, a towering skyscraper that is the symbol of Night City, which her luxury apartment is at the top of, White was content.

She is content.

This is more than she could ever asked for.

"White?"

"Hm? Yes?"

"...Think you have spare time? Let's go have some coffee."

"At this hour?"-White humorously teased.

"...Yeah, you're right. Perhaps some other time."-Jack shook his head lightly as he smiled.

Such a kind smile, yet...so...melancholic.

"Good night White. Take some time off if you can, alright?"

"I plan to, don't worry, Jack."-White nodded-"Good night."

She felt there was a longing tone in her voice just now.

But she took in a breath and try to forget about it, as they parted ways, Jack crossing the street to leave. In just a few more moments, he'll disappear from her view, and disappear from her life once more.

White couldn't resist it and let out a longing sigh as she watched his retreating back.

A voice jolted her out of her current emotions.

"The news will have a field day tomorrow. Councilman White, sharing umbrella with someone and longingly look at his distant figure."

The voice was too familiar to her, as White turned around.

"Clover. Why are you here?"

"Well, I figured since you got off earlier than usual today, I'd swing by your place with this bottle of Desert Rose. Just to ease your loneliness."

"...you mean your loneliness?"

"..."

"What?"

"You're such a terrible liar, White."-Jackass stated with a grin.

"What do you mean?"-White wanted to pretend she didn't hear that, but if someone could crack the code, Clover Jackass would be that person.

"...You remember, don't you?"

"..."

Her silence was all the acknowledgement Jackass needed.

"I thought it was strange. You're White. The perfect, meticulous, hardass White. That White would not back up her data after meeting a human? Especially before a large offensive against the machine? That doesn't sound like you at all."

"...And what's your line of thought on that then?"

"...You ultra compressed and hid that section of memory data outside of the memory data you locked with the password. Hidden in a way only you knew how to find and decompress."

"Now why would I do that?"

"...Because it'd be the most convincing lie you could give to him. By separating your memory data, you could essentially admit that you do not remember Jack to him, and it'd be the truth. But afterwards, you'd secretly regain all your memories."

"...Not everything."-White corrected.-"I...didn't know how I died. I only remember up to backing up during the emergency."

There was no point in trying to hide it from Jackass.

"...2B told us. You confessed to loving him. You kissed him."

"Did I?"-White looked down, her eyes heavy with emotion.

"Yeah...you did."

"..."

"Why? Why do this? Why lie to him?"

"...Because there wasn't a need for me to be in this. Jack has A2 already. Why should I just barge in the middle of my savior's love life and demand affection from him? How selfish and conceited is that?!"

"..."

"I...don't want to cause any trouble to them. It's better that it's like this."

"You think he'd like that?"-Jackass asked back.

"..."

"He was devastated the moment you said you don't remember to him. You think he doesn't care for you just because he has A2?"

"I'm in their way, is the problem! This is the best way to settle it, guilt free."

"Why do you think so little of yourself?"-Jackass held on to White's shoulder.

"How else was I supposed to think? I lied and sacrificed an entire line of android. You think I'm just going to feel good about myself enough to ask for happiness? How have I in anyway deserved the right to ask anything from them?"

"It's not your damn choice! Get it through your circuits already! You're just going to keep lying? Keep hurting yourself after he had tried so hard to make sure you'll be alright? You'll just do the same damn thing all over again?!"

"I...I don't deserve it."

"Yeah, well, join the club. We all have gotten things we don't deserve. We survived this damn war because of your lie. Your lie stopped the android from just laying down and die. Have some fucking confidence in that!"

"..."

"Be honest, then. For once, be honest! Chase after him. Confess. Tell him the truth. Work things out. Together."

"...Can I really...do such a thing?"

"Damn right you can! You've lived your entire existence diligently following a lie, willing to sacrifice your own happiness for others, yet you talk like you're guilty of being the most selfish bitch in android history. How about you be selfish, for once?"

White looked up to her old friend, her blue eyes flickering and wavering.

"Everyone just wants you to be happy, White. It's fine."-With that last encouragement, Jackass waited.

White weirdly looked around for a few seconds, before something lit up in her eyes.

"I...I have to be somewhere. Sorry Clover."

"I'll leave the Desert Rose bottle at the reception. Go on. Don't worry about me."

White quickly straighten her clothes before turning to the direction Jack just left.

"...Thanks, Clover."

"...You can thank me by-"

"I'm not letting you produce more bombs or drugs."-White had dashed off, stumbling lightly as she is still in high heel.

"...Cheeky minx."-Jackass sighed as she watched her old friend finally doing something she wanted to do of her own heart's desire.

Jack lit the smoke roll in his mouth.

With a deep sigh, he let out a breath of both smoke and steam.

He promised White that if they lived through the war, he'll show her how real coffee is like.

It was a simple promise.

But he's certain she knows how real coffee is like now anyway.

He can see A2 waiting at the intersection ahead of him, the Attacker model wearing an extra hooded coat that fits her just right.

Well. It's not like he has a right to complain or anything.

A2 have spotted him. Her eyes reflected the happiness he's always so glad to see when she saw him.

They'll be in Night City for a day or two, before doing a quick exploration trip in the still ruined lands of Night Kingdom.

Life continues as always...

"...?"

A2's expression changed. Her eyes was squinting.

She's looking somewhere behind him?

Jack heard something like a minor commotion behind him, and turned around.

He was met with a stumbling Commander of YoRHa, coming towards him in speeds she obviously isn't used to with high heels.

"Wait! Jack..."

"White?"-Jack was honestly stunned.-"What's wrong? Did something happened?"

White had dived into his arms, public be damned.

"I...I had to tell you something."-White saw A2 was coming close. She didn't care. It doesn't matter what happens next. White only wanted to tell them the truth. Rather than regret it for the rest of her life, she'll say it now. The consequences? She'll figure it out.

Back there...She wanted to do so much more. She wasn't satisfied. The pit of her thoughts wanted him to say something. To stop her from her plans to distance herself from him, to go on the space expedition. She wanted to take away his smoke like she always did. She wanted to go out with him, have a coffee, maybe go see a store together.

And she wanted to tell him the truth.

That she remembers. That he's not staring at a stranger with similar appearance and personality.

"..."-A2 didn't say anything. She was obviously rather ticked by the fact White had dived into her lover's arm in public, but a cat fight here is rather inadvisable.

At least the street was fairly empty, being near late night, where everyone is in their homes mostly.

Perhaps a small part of her wanted to hear what she had to say too.

"I...I'll tell you the truth, Jack. I've told enough lies already. At least...I should be honest with you."-White turned quickly to A2-"I know. I'm sorry for the scene. But there's something I had to tell you two no matter what. After that, whatever you wish to do about it...is your choice."

"..."-Something in A2's eyes soften. Through the years, while the Assault model still retained her sassy attitude, she had also grown soft in many sides too.

A2 had found it in her to forgive White. It was shitty, those times. They still probably held dislike towards each other.

But A2 witnessed White at her worst. At her final moments. Her death.

The true her, with none of those lies and facades.

Would White be fully forgiven? Possibly never.

But that doesn't mean A2 didn't come to understand her more. To understand her position, choices and actions.

And...she'll at least give White this.

"...Fine. Go on."-She finally spoke.

With a light nod, White turned to Jack, and confessed to the truth.