Chapter Sixty-One – Stand Down
Takigawa breathed again as the order was shouted out. They were to stand down. The president had ordered a complete withdrawal. Takigawa didn't wait for further orders before he threw himself over the barrier and ran to John and Lin, kneeling down beside them and shaking the android worriedly.
"Hey, Lin…Lin!" He called as he shook, but the android remained with its eyes closed, clearly in some sort of standby. He was hesitant as he reached out to feel for John's pulse. It seemed weak, but it was at least there. "Hey! We need medics over here!" He yelled as he looked back towards the human lines, hearing a yell of agreement. He winced as the sound of a helicopter filled his ears, ducking down as the wind kicked up. What the hell are they landing here for? He wondered, barely able to see through the bright lights on the thing.
"We'll take it from here." A feminine voice said, his squinting eyes barely able to make out a Chloe unit in a pink dress. The objection died on his lips as she stepped aside to reveal medical androids coming in with stretchers and medical kits. Takigawa accepted the strong hand offered to help him up, resting a gloved hand on the unit's shoulder and squeezing.
"Please, take good care of them." He said pleadingly, the unit nodding her agreement before allowing Takigawa to step away. Rather than returning to the human side he tossed his helmet down and jumped up onto the taxi barrier. Orders be damned. They were standing down, two of his friends had been hurt, and he needed to check on the others. "Ayako? Charlie?" He shouted, his eyes scanning the joyous crowd eagerly.
A few androids were nervous around his large form as he stood over them, obviously. He was in a SWAT uniform with a gun slung over his back. He didn't care about that for now. He shouted again, hoping they'd see or hear him. It didn't take long. A tall dark skinned figure paced through the crowd, excusing himself as he passed between groups and couples. Takigawa couldn't help the wolfish grin as he jumped down and dodged between units.
"Charlie!" He cried in relief, not hesitating to latch onto his partner. He was surprised as his partner returned the gesture. He was even more surprised to hear the genuine laughter of relief the unit let out as he squeezed the human.
"Takigawa, I wasn't sure I'd be seeing you again." He laughed, his tone clearly laced with relief. Takigawa held him at arm's length, looking him up and down. He was still wearing his suit, though a little ruffled and stained with blue. His eyes were the most startling difference. They were bright. The deep chocolate glittered with unshed tears. Deviant looks damn good on you.
"Of course you were going to see me again. We have work on Monday." Takigawa joked, bringing his partner in for another hug before drawing back to ask him about Ayako. He didn't even get to ask, her voice cried out from the crowd and both Takigawa and Charlie turned to look for her. She forced her way into his arms, the human sighing in relief as he held her.
"I thought we were dead for sure." She sighed, closing her hazel eyes as Takigawa rocked her in his arms. He nodded his agreement. He felt sick at how differently things could have gone. He wasn't sure he would have been able to follow orders to execute the protestors. He'd been carefully weighing up the risk of turning his gun on his own men, to incapacitate rather than kill.
"I'm so glad you're both safe." Takigawa sighed into her hair, closing his eyes as he rocked her back and forth.
