Matrix sat by AndrAIa, head pounding. He was fighting off a brutal hangover. Matrix knew it wasn't a good idea to drink so much, but he was having such a good time with Bob he started to forget about everything going on in his life. It was nice, in the moment, to cast his worries aside. He was paying for it dearly though. A heavy cloud of nausea hung over him. He couldn't even eat breakfast that morning, the slightest smell of food made him want to puke.

He looked over at AndrAIa who was peacefully resting. Matrix was no doctor, but he had tried his best taking care of her. He did small things, like combing her hair, and changing her position every couple hours so she wouldn't get bed sores. The nurses insisted that he didn't have to do little tasks like that, but he wanted to. Matrix wanted to spend as much time with her as possible, even if she wasn't awake. In his mind no one would care for her the way he would.

"You would have laughed if you saw the state of me last night." He said with a chuckle, "I was completely hammered."

He knew she couldn't answer, but spent most of his time talking to her anyway. It was more a comfort to him than anything.

"But Bob looked way worse. I bet he couldn't even get out of bed this morning."

His story was cut short by a light knock at the door. He stood and walked over, opening it. Welman Matrix looked back at him, bouquet in hand. Matrix stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him.

"Dad…"

"Son."

They shared a moment of awkward silence. Sprites walked down the hallway, going about their business as the two just stood there. Neither of them knew what to say. Matrix was the first to speak.

"What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to wish AndrAIa well…" He explained nervously. "Dot told me everything."

"Did she?"

"Yes, it seems the whole situation was much more serious than I initially thought… I hope roses are okay, I wasn't sure what kind of flowers she liked."

"She'll like anything as long as it comes from you." Matrix said, crossing his arms.

Welman could sense the hostility in his son's voice.

"Good… You really love her, don't you?"

"I do."

"Perhaps I was wrong."

Matrix's jaw dropped. His father was always right, about everything. On rare occasions when he was wrong; Welman never admitted it. It was a special strain of stubbornness that had been passed down to both Matrix and his sister.

"The Welman Matrix wrong?"

"I'm so sorry son. I only wanted what was best for you." Welman looked down in shame as he spoke. After hearing everything that AndrAIa and Matrix went through he was beside himself with guilt. He knew he should have come to see them sooner, but his pride had gotten in the way.

"I know… I shouldn't have asked you to give me access to the ports." Matrix admitted. "It would have cost you everything, and it wouldn't have even helped me find her."

"Still, I shouldn't have been so dismissive."

Matrix did something out of character that surprised them both. He pulled his father into an embrace. Maybe he was getting more mature, or falling in love had just made him soft. Matrix didn't want to hold onto any more grudges. Welman wasn't always the best father, but he wasn't the perfect son. He knew that. Matrix had stood toe to toe with the worst Users, but in that moment he was the most terrified he'd ever been. For once he had something to lose. There was always a possibility that AndrAIa would never wake up. More than anything, he needed his father.

"It's ok Dad," He whispered, "you're here now."

"You're not mad?"

Welman pulled away to wipe away his tears.

"Of course not."

"I was certain that you hated me."

"Not at all… Actually, there's something I wanted to get your opinion on." Matrix said. He looked around, as if he was about to reveal a big secret. Welman leaned in close as his son pulled something out of his pocket.

Matrix opened up a small box, showcasing an engagement ring. The band had waves carved into it, leading up to a generously sized diamond. The stone itself was cut into the shape of a starfish. He had it made when AndrAIa asked him to move in with her. The original plan was to wait a few months, take her out for dinner and pop the question. After everything Ray did, Matrix didn't know if he could wait any longer. Life had proven to be unpredictable and he wanted to cherish every second with her. He knew that they hadn't been together long, but he loved her, and he was sure that she loved him too.

Given their financial situation the smarter move would have been to sell it and get a more cost effective ring. But that ring was special; it was custom made just for her. Matrix also wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to give her something as nice. Moving forward everything else was going to be on a strict budget.

He looked over at his father, waiting for a response.

"Wow," Welman looked down at the ring, "that's really beautiful… It's awfully soon though, don't you think?"

"You and mom got married practically right after meeting."

"That was different, and look how that turned out."

"... You're probably right."

Matrix put the ring away. Welman saw the disappointment on his son's face. AndrAIa wasn't his first choice for who Matrix should end up with, but maybe it wasn't his choice at all.

"You know," Welman said, "I know you don't always understand the decisions I've made, but I did everything to ensure that you and Dot would be better off than me. I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did… that being said, sometimes life is about taking chances. You should ask her."

"Really?"

Welman nodded.

"You're not me. You have to do things your way, and if you feel like it's the right time, then maybe she does as well."

"Thanks dad." Matrix smiled.

Suddenly a loud crash came from inside AndrAIa's room. Matrix opened the door and they both rushed in. AndrAIa stood in the corner in a state of panic. She had woken up confused and scared, not knowing where she was. Her first instinct was to try to escape, and in her rush she had knocked over a vase of flowers.

"AndrAIa!" Matrix was overflowing with joy.

"...Enzo?" She slowly calmed down, dropping to her knees. Suddenly the room seemed to be spinning and her legs turned to jelly.

"You're safe, don't worry. We're at the hospital." Matrix said, quickly going over to help her back into bed. After the initial confusion wore off she noticed someone else was in the room. Welman bent over, picking up the shards of glass on the floor and throwing them in a small trash can in the far corner of the room. Once he was done he looked over at her and smiled.

"AndrAIa," Welman gave a nod, "how are you feeling?"

"I've been better." She admitted.

"You had my son in quite the panic."

Matrix stepped out of the way so his father could take a seat by her side. AndrAIa slowly sat up, ignoring any pain that she felt. She glanced over at Matrix nervously before responding.

"Did I?"

"Yes, he's quite unstable without you."

Matrix blushed. He couldn't even deny the validity of the statement.

"So going forward," Welman continued, "you have to rest up and get well soon- for the sake of my son. He's very smitten with you."

All AndrAIa could do was smile and nod. He seemed to have a much more friendly demeanor than when they had first met.

"I hope you like roses." Welman said, placing the bouquet next to the others.

"They're beautiful," She said, "Thank you."

"Now, I suppose I'll leave you two. I'm sure there's much you have to discuss."

"Thank you for stopping by."

"Don't mention it. You're part of the family after all." Welman said before leaving, shutting the door behind him.

AndrAIa sat stunned for a moment. She was certain that he hated her before and wasn't really sure what had changed. But his words did everything to bring her comfort. AndrAIa looked over at Matrix, who stood staring at her. After the shock of Welman's visit wore off she spoke.

"What happened? How did you even find me?"

"Maxine and I searched every inch of level 31 until we found you. We saw you getting taken into Mouse's ship." he said as he sat down.

"Mouse? Maxine?"

"Maxine's a friend, you'll meet her. I don't know if I ever would have found you without her help. And Mouse…" he paused in thought, "I guess she's a friend now too."

AndrAIa looked down. She gripped the covers tightly in her hands, crumling them.

"And Ray?" She dared to ask.

"You don't have to worry about him anymore."

She nodded, relieved but still feeling uneasy.

Matrix began to recall everything that had happened on his end; from going to the police station to confronting Daemon. He recounted as much detail as he could. The only thing he omitted was just how much money he had given the virus. He didn't want her to feel pressured to return to work before she was ready. So for now, it was best that he kept some things to himself.

As she listened she couldn't help but look at him with pure amazement. To her it was an incredible tale, one that proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he would do anything for her.

"... I'm sorry AndrAIa," he said once he was done. At this point she began to examine his face. He looked tired, exhausted even. Matrix had brought himself close to deletion just to get her back. Despite everything he had gone through, his look bore no anger or malice. There was that tenderness in his gaze that always managed to melt her heart. He had no regrets, and would go through it all again if necessary. She knew that, just from how he looked at her.

"You don't have to be sorry, I should be thanking you. If it wasn't for you, who knows where I'd be right now."

Neither of them wanted to dwell on that thought too long.

"... How are you feeling, really?" His eyes called for honesty, even if it was unpleasant.

She thought before answering.

"Numb." It was the only word that came to mind that could fully encompass what she was feeling physically and mentally.

"Good, the meds must be working then."

She laughed, and quickly regretted it. Her chest was stiff, and it ached with each movement. Trust Matrix to make her laugh at the most inopportune time.

"How are you feeling?" She asked in return.

His answer didn't require any thought.

"Relieved, grateful, fortunate…. Should I keep going?"

"I think I get the picture."

He squirmed nervously in his chair, an internal struggle brewing within him. AndrAIa could sense his sudden uneasiness, but simply watched him and waited. Something was on his mind.

Matrix began second guessing himself, but remembered his father's words. He took a deep breath.

"I've been thinking a lot," he started.

"About?"

"The future."

AndrAIa listened carefully. She could tell that he was being serious, more serious than usual.

"Okay," She prompted him to continue.

Matrix made the mistake of looking into her bright blue eyes, losing his nerve. Facing Daemon had been easier than what he was about to do. He had been so sure of himself earlier. In the moment he wondered if he was making a mistake.

AndrAIa reached over, giving his arm a quick squeeze comfortingly. That was all he needed to regain enough courage to continue.

"From the moment we first met I knew you were special. The more time we spent together the more I realized that there's no other sprite for me." He placed a hand on her cheek, offering the lightest of touches, "I love you, AndrAIa."

"I love you too." She couldn't help but smile. Despite her head throbbing and the pain coursing through her, she could only focus on one thing; how much she cared for Matrix. He was the only reason she never gave up hope. Matrix was the driving force behind her fight for survival.

"I failed you by not being there when you needed me most, but that will never happen again… Are you happy with me?"

"Of course I am."

"Well then… I guess what I'm trying to say is…" He paused before reaching down, taking the small velvet box out of his pocket. AndrAIa held her breath, just then realizing what was happening. Matrix opened the box, "AndrAIa, will you ma-"

He didn't even get the full question out before she grabbed him for a kiss. In all honesty she didn't even look at the ring. Somehow Matrix had managed to make her forget about everything that had happened the past few weeks, even if it was just for a moment. Their lips met in perfect harmony, playing off of each other's movements. For a second all either of them could think about were their hopes and dreams, and a life together.

Matrix pulled away first, catching his breath.

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes, it most definitely is."

# #

Dot smiled out of politeness. She sat at her desk, Megabyte at the other end of a vidwindow. He was in his throne room, pacing back and forth. Admittedly she was only half paying attention as he droned on and on about an exciting new business venture. Usually Dot wouldn't entertain a sales pitch, but he had a good track record of turning big profits. He even had his own tower in G-Prime.

"Megabyte, I appreciate the consideration, but I'm still a little confused." She interrupted, "What do I have to offer to your project exactly?"

"Listen to me, Dot. Mainframe is a small system, filled to the brim with sprites with equally small minds. No one has true creative vision, they all just follow a predetermined path. Understand where I'm going?"

"And how exactly is opening a restaurant original?" She questioned his so-called 'creative vision'.

"Not just any restaurant: your restaurant."

She maintained a stern face, not letting on how much the idea excited her.

"... All right, I'm listening."

"Who better to be the face of such an establishment than the of this very system? A sprite who has been in Mainframe all her life. I have the vision, but many still view me as an outsider. Who's going to trust an old virus like me?"

"But I should trust you?"

"Come now, are we not friends? You're smart Mrs. Matrix. Think of this; a cozy little eatery that thrives on families. We start on Broadway and then Kits, and who knows; maybe they'll be a Dot's Diner in every sector. And who says we have to stop there? I foresee this going net wide."

"Dot's Diner…" She had to admit that it did have a ring to it. Maybe he was on to something.

"And to sell on the charm, why not make it a family affair? I'm sure your brother would be intrigued by the idea."

"I don't know about that. Matrix isn't much of a businessman."

"... Well, that's a pity. I figured he'd want to plan for his future- regardless here's what I'm offering you. I will front the cost of construction for the first location. After a cycle in business I will recoup the full amount, with no interest. After I have been repaid I will collect 15% of sales on a monthly basis."

"And the other locations?"

"Well," he smiled, "we can negotiate that when the time comes. For now let's start with one."

"What if I don't have the money in a cycle?"

"I am a generous man, my dear. Interest will be low."

She thought for a moment. It was a risk, but the idea did have promise. After causing such a scene at the open house something like this would really help her image. Being the command..com was starting to lose its novelty as well, maybe if things worked out she could run the diner full time. It would certainly be a lot less work then what she was currently doing. And Matrix really was starting to mature. She knew that he didn't want to work at the dump forever. It would not only help her out, but her brother as well.

Dot looked into Megabyte's eyes. What he was offering did sound good on paper.

"I'll think it over, we'll be in touch."

"Of course."

Megabyte maintained a professional demeanor until the vidwindow vanished. He laughed, it was a deep bellowing sound that echoed off of every wall in the room. Megabyte finally stopped pacing, taking a seat on his throne.

"Everything is going according to plan!" Said Hack excitedly.

"Oh yes." Said Slash.

"She took the bait."

"Quiet you two." He scolded, "nothing is set in stone yet. I want you to monitor Dot and her brother closely. Any sign of trouble notify me right away. They are the last pieces to my puzzle."

"Yes Mr. Byte!"

They both sped off. Megabyte stood making his way from his throne room, down to the lab. Herr Doktor stood amidst the chaos in the room. He barked orders in German at everyone around him. Viral binomes carried boxes, welded material and rewired circuits. The machine in the centre of the room was complete, but undergoing some final touches. It was a large chamber, with a murky green glass door. Inside was just enough space for a sprite. From the top several silver and black tubes led out to frayed edges. The wires still needed to be connected to the power source.

The moment Herr Doktor noticed the virus he scurried over.

"Good day mein fuhrer!"

"How is my machine?"

"The final alterations are nearly complete. We are following your specifications very closely- there will be no room for error."

"Good to hear."

"It will be compatible with pure energy, and twice as efficient."

Megabyte looked down at the binome with a chilling smile.

"Excellent."

End Log