Chapter 11

For approximately the one hundredth time, Iris thought to herself how good it felt to be able to speak.

Regaining her voice had not been easy. Her tongue had been loosened while she was intoxicated, but after sleeping off the ethanol she was not happy to discover that she had lost her voice again and had received a splitting headache in exchange. Feeling like someone was pounding a hammer on the inside of her skull convinced her to never drink again.

On the other hand, the brief period where she was able to speak motivated her more than ever to permanently regain her voice. She tackled her self-appointed cooking and cleaning duties with gusto, and assisted other Reploids with whatever odd jobs that needed doing. She was extra careful about keeping her energy levels high, because she did not want to end up stuck on the floor again. And every evening when her work was done, she joined Aigel at Rivet Retreat to unwind and relax. Luckily for her, Cask and Aigel let that instance where she bolted from club slide.

Looking back, Iris supposed those evenings she spent in the nightclub were what helped her the most. For a couple hours every day, she could forget all her problems and act like the normal civilian Reploid she was built to be. Zero kept his word and did not disturb her while she was at Rivet Retreat, giving her one less thing to concern herself with.

All this cumulated one night when Aigel, buzzed from a pair of cocktails, told a ridiculous joke that left Iris howling. Her laughter morphed into a shocked gasp when she realized that her voice had finally emerged from her throat. Aigel noticed as well, and when it became clear that Iris was no longer mute, the whole club celebrated. Aigel ordered a third drink, which she gulped down herself when Iris politely turned it down. Iris ended up having to help her friend back to her room afterwards, and the next morning, she helped nurse Aigel's hangover.

One week had passed since then. Iris formally apologized to Alouette, who was so happy and relieved that she almost burst into tears. Iris also resumed her former duties as a medic, which greatly pleased Rocinolle. However, she still prepared Ciel's meals and did a little housework in her free time. For the first time in weeks, she felt like her old self.

Hence why she hated when Zero gave her unexpected visits.

It was amazing how quickly her mood changed the instant she caught him in her sights. Every meeting reminded her how powerless she was before him, and how he had forced her to turn into his obedient pet. While she no longer begrudged him for Milan's death, that didn't make him any less unpleasant to be around.

For one, he continued to nickname her "kitten", which further cemented the fact that she was beneath him. He also had the uncanny ability to show up during the times when she was busy doing something―usually preparing food for Ciel. He was nothing more than a distraction, asking her silly questions like how she was doing and if she had eaten enough. For heaven's sake, she knew how to take care of herself! Zero clearly hadn't learned a thing about respecting a girl's personal space. Iris feared that one day he was going to drive her to do something drastic and stupid, like smashing a frying pan into his face or yanking his hair. She still could scarcely believe that hair was attached to a male head. It was so long and girly and shiny and…and…beautiful. Iris found herself wondering what it would be like to run her hands through it.

She only realized she had stopped walking when Lumen loudly addressed her. "Hey, Riss! What're you doing staring off into space?"

"Ah, it's nothing!" she exclaimed. "I was just lost in thought."

Lumen's grin sent chills down Iris's spine. "Oh? You wouldn't happen to be thinking about Zero, would you?"

"Get real!" Iris scoffed as convincingly as she could. "That jerk doesn't deserve my thoughts!"

"You're a terrible liar, Riss. You're blushing," Lumen chuckled.

"Shut up!" Iris shouted, trying to hide her traitorous cheeks. She stomped down the hall as best as she could without spilling her tray of food, cursing Zero, his hair, and Lumen all the while. She wished there were some sort of law against boys having prettier hair than girls. Yet another reason to dislike Zero.

She took several deep breaths to calm herself before knocking on Ciel's door. Ciel did not answer, which was not that unusual. Iris supposed the scientist had fallen asleep while working again, so she let herself into the lab. As she suspected, Ciel was sprawled over her desk. Iris set down the tray and gently shook Ciel's shoulder.

"Dr. Ciel, I brought breakfast," she called. She frowned when Ciel did not respond. Iris gently turned Ciel's head to get a better look at her face. She gasped when she saw that the scientist was pale as a sheet. Iris quickly touched Ciel's forehead and gasped a second time.

"ROCINOLLE!" she cried as she dashed towards the infirmary.

Ten minutes later, Ciel was in her bed while Iris, Rocinolle, Lumen, Alouette, and Zero looked over her. Rocinolle quickly confirmed the obvious: Ciel had fallen ill, and she was running a terrible fever. Rocinolle couldn't determine a direct cause, but she guessed that Ciel's large amount of stress combined with a less than adequate diet and lack of sleep over a long period of time had caused her immune system to weaken.

"Will Sis get better?" Alouette asked, clutching Kitty tightly.

"Yes, as long as she rests and drinks plenty of fluids," Rocinolle assured.

Iris glanced at Alouette, then at the unconscious Ciel. She felt the claws of guilt tearing through her stomach again. She had promised Alouette she would look after Ciel, and then this happened. What if Ciel's sickness was her fault? What if one of the ingredients she used had gone bad without her knowing? Why couldn't she have been just a little more diligent in caring for Ciel?

She was jerked from her thoughts when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned her head towards its owner and saw Zero fixing her with a piercing look. Even though he said nothing, his message was clear.

It's not your fault.

Iris frowned and stubbornly looked away. What did he know? To her knowledge, she was the only one who regularly provided for Ciel's well-being. The likelihood that this mess was at least partially her fault was high.

She pointedly ignored the fact that his silent reassurance had made her feel better.

A more important question emerged in her mind. What are we going to do now? With Ciel out of commission, the Resistance was an army without a commander. Even Zero only acted on her orders―he relied on her guidance and technological experience during his missions.

"I will tend to Ciel until she has made a full recovery," said Rocinolle. "Iris, don't use my absence from the infirmary as an excuse to slack off."

"Yes, ma'am. I wouldn't dream of it."

"As for you, Zero," Rocinolle continued. "I suppose this means you'll be getting a well-deserved vacation."

Zero's only response was a grunt, and Iris fought the urge to snort. Doubtlessly he was going to use his free time to pester her. Lumen's grin showed that that she had come to the same conclusion, and that she was looking forward to what was going to unfold.

Iris groaned softly. It seemed like the universe was once again out to get her.

Rocinolle shooed everyone out of the room except for Alouette, who stubbornly refused to leave Ciel's side. Iris made a beeline for the infirmary, hoping to elude Zero for a little longer. Surely no one would mind if she started her shift a few hours early.

"Wait," Zero said, grabbing her wrist.

She shuddered. When was he going to stop zapping her with his hands?

"What do you want, Zero?" she asked irritably.

When he didn't answer right away, she forced herself to look at him. To her surprise, he looked a bit embarrassed. She felt an odd pang in her chest and found herself unable to look away. How was it possible that someone so irritating could look so cute?

"I―" He swallowed, seeming to gather his words. "I want to know what you do on a vacation."

Iris stared at Zero as if he had grown a second head. She snorted. She giggled. And then she burst into the loudest fit of laughter she could ever recall having. She laughed so hard that she doubled over, clutching her stomach. She continued laughing even as her chest ached and tears pricked from her eyes. She was so busy laughing that she barely noticed that Zero had let go of her wrist.

It was too much. Zero, the almighty former Maverick Hunter who everyone else in the base practically worshipped, didn't know how to take a vacation. She might have found it sad if it wasn't so hilarious.

At one point, Iris noticed that Zero had gone very red in the face, and she took enormous pleasure in it. "You―seriously―don't―know?" she asked between giggling fits.

"I wouldn't be asking if I did," he grumbled. "Is it really that funny that I don't know?"

"Yes!" Iris answered before bursting into laughter again.

It took almost ten minutes for her to calm down enough to speak clearly. Even then, she had to keep stifling giggles every few seconds.

"Are you done?" Zero asked gruffly.

"I think so," Iris snickered.

"Then will you tell me?"

Iris wanted to tell him to ask someone else, but she had a feeling that wouldn't go over well. Zero wasn't the type to take "no" for an answer. Not only that, but based on how embarrassed he looked right now, he probably wouldn't be too keen on going through the same experience a second time.

"It's really not that complicated," she began, getting her giggles under control. "When you're on vacation, you do whatever you want to do."

"What I want to do is keep everyone safe from Neo Arcadia."

Iris sighed and buried her face into her hand. "Zero, you're completely missing the point. That's your job. The idea is that you're supposed to be taking a break from your job."

"Then what do you suggest I do?"

She couldn't believe he was asking her such a question. "I don't know!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air. "Everyone spends their vacation differently. Some people go traveling. Others just sleep all day. It doesn't matter what you do as long as it makes you happy."

He gave her such a baffled expression that she almost laughed again. "What's with that face? Is the concept really that alien to you?"

Zero shook his head. "I don't remember ever doing anything just for pleasure."

Iris's mirth was washed away by a surge of pity. She didn't want to feel sorry for Zero, but she couldn't help herself. He didn't know anything about having fun. She supposed that, considering his background, it wasn't entirely surprising that such data was not cached in his primary database. He was programmed to be a tool of war, and a concept like fun would only get in the way of his duties.

"Well, luckily for you, bro," Lumen suddenly piped up. "Riss here would be thrilled to show you the ropes!"

"What?! Lumen!" Iris shrieked.

"I'll leave you to it, Riss," Lumen said with a wink. "Have fun on your date!"

Iris spluttered incoherently while the Cyber Elf made her escape. "LUMEN! GET BACK HERE! UGH, YOU ARE SO DEAD WHEN I CATCH YOU!"

It was too late. Lumen was already gone. Seeing Zero eyeing her oddly, Iris coughed and tried to conceal her flaming cheeks. "I don't know what goes through that Cyber Elf's head sometimes."

"What does she mean by 'date'?" Zero asked, cocking his head curiously. "She can't be referring to the calendar date."

Iris gaped at him. "You don't know?!"

"No. But from your tone, I assume it is something unpleasant."

Iris felt her blush spread to the tips of her ears. She desperately wished she was anywhere except in this conversation. She wasn't sure whether to be grateful or horrified at Zero's ignorance.

"Well, it isn't always unpleasant," she found herself saying. "But for both our sakes, it's best that you don't know about it."

She wanted to bash her head against the wall. It would have been so easy to lie, but the truth came spilling out before she could stop it.

"Why?" Zero asked.

Iris groaned. She had been afraid he would ask that. "Look, just forget it. It's not important."

"You're dodging the question."

"I don't care! I don't want to talk about it, all right?! This is awkward enough as is!"

Zero looked surprised at her outburst, but then lowered his eyes guiltily. "I'm sorry. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable."

Iris scoffed in disgust and turned her back on him. "About time you realized that."

"Iris, do you dislike me that much?" he asked.

"You're only just figuring that out?" she mocked. She glared at him to drive her point home, but made the enormous mistake of looking into his eyes. Despite his previous claim that he didn't care if she hated him, she could see the hurt swirling in those sapphire depths. She had to bite her tongue to keep herself from immediately apologizing.

She shouldn't have felt guilty. She should have reveled in the fact that she was causing him pain. Yet one glance into his soul had her wishing she could take her words back. Why did he hold such power over her, even when she had the upper hand?

She took a deep breath and sighed. "Look. I may not like you Zero, but since you actually asked me nicely for something instead of dragging me along against my will for once, I'll oblige you. I will tell you how to take a vacation."

"Really?"

A crazy idea popped into her head. She smirked and raised her index finger. "On one condition."

"What's that?"

In one swift movement, she dashed over to Zero and plucked his helmet from his head. "You have to find and catch me. And you can't cheat by using your damn tracker."

Before Zero could comprehend what happened, Iris stuck her tongue out at him and sprinted away. She heard him shouting after her a few seconds later. She knew he physically outmatched her, but she had a surprise for him. A few turns later, she reached a long corridor and ducked into a nearby room. Zero tried to follow her, but he was going too fast―his momentum sent him flying past the room where Iris hid. He slid a fair distance before falling flat on his back, courtesy of the floor wax Iris had applied the previous day.

After sparing a moment to laugh at him, Iris left her hiding spot and slipped down a different hallway. Their game of cat and mouse continued for nearly an hour, spanning almost every hall and room in the Resistance Base. Many Resistance members watched them in confusion as they raced by, but Iris ignored them. She used her knowledge of the base's layout to her advantage, but as time went on, she grew ever bolder with her movements. She got such a thrill out of narrowly evading Zero that she went out of her way to nearly get caught multiple times.

Her boldness proved to be her undoing. She was leading Zero down yet another waxed hallway when she lost her own footing. Her laughter turned into a startled scream, her arms whirled wildly at her sides, her beret soared off her head, and Zero's helmet flew free from her hand as she plummeted to the ground.

Something slammed into Iris's back, and instead of the hard floor, she found herself landing on something firm but comfortable. She skidded for almost ten feet before she came to a stop. She gasped for breath and tried to calm her whirring power core. She wasn't very successful, as she was all too aware of the arms secured around her stomach.

"Caught you," Zero purred in her ear. "Mission complete."

Iris shivered. "Very funny," she said stiffly. "All right, you win. Now can you let me go? I'd rather not lie on the floor all day."

Zero sat up and helped Iris get to her feet. She closed her eyes and brushed herself off, feeling much more at ease.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"I've been better," she replied nonchalantly. "You didn't have to do that, you know."

"I didn't want you to get hurt. You said you'd let me protect you."

Oh. She had forgotten all about that. Iris opened her eyes and immediately wished she had kept them shut. She had been in too much of a rush to get a good look at him before, but the sight of Zero without his helmet almost brought her to her knees.

He was gorgeous. His bangs fell over his eyes and somehow made them look more intense. His hair showed no signs of having been confined, and it perfectly framed his handsome face. Lumen's photographs had nothing on seeing him helmetless in person.

"Iris. You can close your mouth now," he said.

Iris snapped her jaw shut and stared at her shoes. Her whole face was on fire. Damn it all, why did Zero have to be so handsome? She could have saved herself a whole lot of embarrassment if he were plain.

She gave a start when her beret was abruptly shoved into her vision.

"Here," Zero grunted.

She snatched it out of his hands and placed it back on her head. She squashed the unbidden disappointment she felt upon seeing that he was wearing his helmet again. "Thanks," she muttered.

"I filled your condition," said Zero. "Now will you tell me?"

It took Iris a moment to remember what he was talking about. Then she laughed. "You idiot," she teased, playfully poking his nose. "The game was the lesson."

"Huh?"

"The point was to try to get you to understand what I meant by enjoying yourself," she explained. "It's a lot easier to do that with actions than words. Now, when you were chasing me all over the base, how did you feel?"

He frowned thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, I felt something kind of light and warm inside of me. It felt…good."

"Aha! So you aren't a hopeless case!" Iris exclaimed. "That feeling right there? You were happy. When you're on vacation, you do things that make you feel like that."

"Is that it?"

"That's it."

She squeaked when Zero suddenly placed his hands on her shoulders. "Iris, I want to learn more about this…happiness. Can you teach me?"

She struggled to make a coherent response. Zero was serious. Dead serious. Yet, how was she supposed to explain something as abstract as happiness to him? She had hoped her little game would be enough to satisfy him, but she had only earned herself another problem.

She was saved when an alarm started blaring loudly. A voice shouted over the PA that a large Mechaniloid was en route to the base. Zero stiffened and immediately went into soldier mode.

"Stay here," he ordered before dashing off.

"Zero, wait!" Iris cried, but he was already gone. She bit her lip worriedly. Zero had never gone out on a mission without Ciel to guide him before. He didn't even know what sort of Mechaniloid he was up against. As much as he annoyed her, she knew that the entire base was doomed if he fell in battle.

Iris took a deep breath. She couldn't believe what she was about to do, but she saw no other feasible option. Steeling her courage and hoping she wouldn't regret her decision, she ran towards Ciel's lab.

Yes, I managed to update in a reasonable amount of time! I'm surprised, too! It's so great to have a cooperative muse. This chapter was inspired by a chapter in an early version of To Bloom Again that I still have on my DeviantArt account, but modified to fit the situation and the newer version of my writing style.

My logic here is that Dr. Wily didn't program Zero with things that would hinder a weapon of mass destruction, so that's why he doesn't know about things like vacations and dates, and happiness is a strange concept to him. Amnesia doesn't help with that, either. I'm not sure if I went too far, but hey, it's fanfiction, so it's okay to take a few liberties with canon material.

As of very recently this story has passed 5,000 views! I'm really happy about that, because it shows people are paying attention to my work. I'll try to keep writing as best I can, and hopefully I won't keep everyone hanging for months at a time again!