[The two quietly walked side by side through the crooked landscape. They were hanging around the outskirts of the city. It was strange to see nature creep up on the concrete walls and paved roads, reclaiming territory that was once stolen from them. Beautifully poetic. From the edges of abandoned civilization, they made their way into the forest. The trees majestically soared above their heads. Moments like these were moments that 9S dared not to make idle chatter. It would ruin the sanctity of it all. So, it was to his surprise when it was 2B who spoke. "9S…" "E-Eh?" "Give me a second to rest." "Ma'am, are you alright?" "Don't call me ma'am…" "Oh, yes, sorry…" She stopped and placed a hand on a boulder. When she deemed it proper enough to support her weight, she elegantly sat down. Not a single noise was made, even though she carried heavy weapons and dressed in a skirt. 2B awkwardly sat on the other side, back facing hers. In comparison, he seemed clunky and disoriented. And so the silence resumed. 9S took the time to do some introspection. Every day, his attempts to appease her seemed to only worsen their relationship. Even someone as outwardly optimistic as 9S would notice. He was renowned for his empathy, after all. Perhaps their chemistry just wasn't meant to be...Or so he thought until his ears picked up a faint rustling. Peeking over his shoulder, he found that 2B was shaking, the spasms becoming more erratic and violent. "2B!" He crawled over the rock to her, peering over her shoulder. He wasn't ready for it. Underneath her visor, wet streaks marred her cheeks. "A-Are you alright?" "No! No I am not!" 'EMOTIONS ARE PROHIBITED!" That was the only phrase screaming in her head. "2B...What's wrong?" 'EMOTIONS ARE PROHIBITED!' She couldn't betray it...She couldn't indulge herself... "...I...I'm sorry, I had a moment there...I'm fine now-" "No you're not!" He grabbed her by the shoulders and faced her towards him. She could easily break free from his grip, but in that moment she felt exposed and vulnerable. "Why won't you open up to me? I've been trying so hard...Yet you always ignore me!" 'EMOTIONS ARE PROHIBITED.' "...9S...Please…" Her voice cracked. 'Emotions are prohibited.' "...I...I am afraid." "Nonsense...You, afraid? You're the biggest and baddest killing machine I know! And even if you're ever in trouble..." 'Emotions are…' "I'll always be there for you." "9S…" The tears only amplified, but she did not shudder anymore. He winced. Was his choice of words wrong? "I..I'm sorry-" She bit her lips, and let her head lean forward. He was taken completely by surprise, but he did not reject her, nor did he remotely try to stop her. '...']

[9S couldn't deny it. He was infatuated with her. He had been since day one. There was just something about her. The mysterious attitude, the cold and hot personality, the way she delicately wielded her blade...There were so many things that attracted him. The question was, why? Was it wired into his program? If so, why would it be? It made absolutely no sense. Why would he creator make him like this? His thoughts were quickly scattered to the wind, as the subject in question made her way to his fallen body. They had just finished fighting the giant behemoth of a robot without so much as a hitch. Rather, she finished fighting it while he simply looked pretty in the background. Still, she looked so glorious covered in machine oil. "Good job, 9S." "Good job with distracting the big guy while you took care of everything?" "Regardless, you have played a crucial role in neutralizing the rogue." "You flatter me." She sighed and stretched out a hand. "Come on, let's get back to the Bunker." He took her hand gratefully, and stood up really quickly. Perhaps a little too quick. Legs still weak, he fell over on top of her, causing her to give a quick yell in surprise. They landed quite unceremoniously and comically in a heap. "Oh, gosh, ma'am, I'm so…" His voice trailed off as he opened his eyes to see he had a very good look at her complexion. Her pale skin was free of blemishes and looked so soft...Yet her mouth was pressed in a thin line. She did not look amused at all. But...Was that a faint hue of red dusting her cheeks? "...You are quite bold...9S." With a yelp, he jumped up and stood at attention. "My deepest apologies!" "...I...I didn't say I didn't like it." "I will pay for this transgression with...What?" She got up, brushed herself off, looked away, and jutted out her lower lip. "Let's go, 9S." "Wait, wait, wait! You just said that-" "Emotions are prohibited." "Y-Y-Yes ma'am!" "Don't call me ma'am".]

[She was often lost in a distant reverie. Her dazes frequently included a certain companion. It wasn't surprising, honestly. In fact, if anything, it was as clear as day to the pods. He had covered her in times of chaotic confrontations. He had comforted her in times of wavering convictions. He had always been there for him, no matter how many times she pushed him away. But this was the curse she must carry. She could not be with him, for every time she was, she would hurt him. It reminded her of another memory, the memory of him explaining to her what Sisyphus was. She felt like that poor soul, constantly pushing and pushing only to get hurt again. Time after time...It only left deeper wounds. And they only compounded, leaving her with a deeper sense of longing. Sorrow, rage, happiness, all those conflicting emotions were locked away in the cage of memories she built for herself. Some may call it bittersweet, but in reality it was so much more extreme. This was a tragedy. She sat on a log alone, stoking the flames of a dying fire with her blade. "Hey, I finished reconnaissance. There's no hostile movements anywhere nearby." "Thank you 9S." Her voice carried a tone of weariness. "You're always working real hard, 2B." No, she wasn't. "I really admire your work ethic..." Please don't hold her up on a pedestal. "I should really learn a thing or two from you, heh!" Stay away, stop trying to get close to me. But it was programmed into him. She couldn't blame him. It was his inquisitive nature. The more she tried to hide, the more he tried to pry. "Oh yeah...One more thing. If you ever need a shoulder to lean on…" A stray finger made its way to the bottom of his chin, and he scratched sheepishly. "...You can always count on me." "..." "Anyways...I'll leave you be." "Wait." She grabbed the cuff of his jacket. "Huh?" "You said I can count on you...Right?" "Oh that? Yep!" She tightened her grip. "Could you...Indulge me?" She couldn't help but give in to temptation. 2B who prided herself on duty and honor, couldn't help but fall for him, every single time.]