Hey guys, thanks for your patience in waiting for the next chapter! A lot has happened throughout the year, but please enjoy the story.
"Welcome home, 2B, 9S," greeted 21O, watching her companions remove their shoes. "How was your day in school?"
"There's gonna be a play in school next week, and I'm wondering if you'd like to go," responded 9S. He clearly looked giddy, as though he has more to say.
"Of course I'd like to,"
"Great! I'm so excited for it," said 9S, sauntering to his room.
"Did anything happen to him in school? He seems so happy," 21O tilted her head, curious.
"Oh, it's nothing. Don't worry about him," answered 2B. 9S had specifically asked her to divulge nothing of his role.
-
"9S, you're late!" roared Devola.
"I'm so sorry! This school is so big; I got lost!" apologised 9S.
"That's not acceptable! How long have you enrolled here already? Do you think getting lost is still a feasible excuse?"
Several other students turned around, startled by the sudden outburst. Some chided 9S for his tardiness, while the rest were glad to be able to begin the practice. The absence of the leading role was rather cumbersome.
"It's okay, Devola. Better late than never," Popola clutched her sister's shoulder. The action softened Devola ever so slightly.
Devola turned away. "Fine. Next time, I won't let you get away this easily,"
Popola managed a small smile. "Now that you're here, 9S, shall we begin the rehearsal?"
-
9S collapsed into his bed, burying his face into his pillow. He sighed, revelling in the comfort of the soft fabric.
'Why is Devola so nitpicky about everything? It's not like she's in the main cast,'
Popola, however, was patient as an ox. Never did any criticism leave her mouth, and she was willing to guide 9S through the entire process. Some parts consumed much time, but Popola constantly reminded him to take everything one step at a time. 'If only she were half of her sister, that Devola,'
He heard a soft knock on his door.
"Yeah?"
2B appeared, measuring tape and some paper in hand.
"I'm here to take your measurements," she said. "By the way, why haven't you changed out of your school uniform? It's rather unhygienic of you to lie on your bed like that,"
Unmoving, he retorted, "I'm sure you haven't changed out of your uniform as well,"
"That's true. But I'm heading back to the school,"
9S got up, turning to 2B. "Why's that?"
"We're going to get started on your costume,"
"Isn't it getting late, 2B?"
"Yeah, and costumes are hard to make. I'm having dinner with the Saint-Clairs later, since we might have a lot of loose ends to tie up. Alain was happy to cook for one more person," 2B set her paper down, preparing to get to work.
Without another word, 9S let her take whatever measurements she needed.
-
"Thanks for the meal, Alain. It's very delicious," complimented 2B.
"I'm glad you liked it. Perhaps you can bring Nines over some other time," responded Alain as he cleared the table.
Shauna led 2B to her room. Everything was put into place, without any signs of disorder. Compared to 9S's room, it was heaven and earth.
"Everything's all set, but are you tired, 2B? We've been working on these things all day," asked Shauna.
"I'm fine. Let's get started," responded 2B.
Everything was laid on the floor, and they set off to work. Based on the measurements, they copied the costume pieces onto paper before u. "I'll be leaving now, Shauna. Good work for the day,"
"You did great work too, 2B. Thanks to you, we managed to cut all the fabrics so quickly,"
2B nodded as she left the residence. The living room was darkened, as Alain and Sanna went to bed early.
Before she let the main door click shut, she remembered the parfait Alain had made for 21O and 9S. She could have asked for it the next day, but the dessert would have been spoiled by then. A moment of contemplation allowed her to conclude that she was unwilling to let such a luxury go to waste.
She felt silly, wasting so much time thinking about dessert. Such carelessness would've cost her her life in battle. She reentered the Saint-Clair residence.
Everything was the same as she had left it. Without a sound, the android made her way to the kitchen. As she approached the refrigerator, a silhouette nearby caught her eye. 'It can't be an intruder,' she surmised.
'Then again, better safe than sorry,'
2B closed in on the silhouette. With one graceful leap, she tackled the person, causing her quarry to emit a soft whimper. 2B assessed the person.
Shauna looked back at her, tears in her eyes. A blade jutted from her closed palms. Her rolled up sleeves revealed a crisscross of scars, some developed into keloids while others were fading.
"Please," she begged, voice barely above a whisper, "don't tell anyone about this,"