The usual hustle and bustle of the resistance camp, with people milling about at all times of the day, was strangely absent, the main courtyard completely devoid of any of the familiar androids populating the various stalls and stations. An eerie silence permeated the air, completely at odds with the hectic familiarity the camp was known for, the stillness only broken by the repeated sound of a foot-tapping incessantly against the concrete in a nervous rhythm.
Seated on a large, metal supply crate, hands nervously fiddling with the exposed skin around her stomach, the familiar garment usually situated over it lost after activating her Berserk mode, A2 waited with bated breath outside the room she shared with Leah, her face twisted in an expression of pain and worry. Flittering her gaze over to the door that separated her from the severely injured time-traveling girl for what had to be the hundredth time, her steel-blue eyes dulled with sorrow, the combat android prayed it would open soon, that Popola will step out and tell her that everything was ok.
A2 had been doing this for over an hour.
Breathing a heavy sigh, the former YoRHa soldier resting her head against the cold, concrete wall behind her, A2 let her eyes slowly drift closed, the weariness of the day's happenings and her overuse of Berserk mode finally catching up to her. As soon as her eyelids slid shut, her mind was washed in a vision of red, Leah's lifeless body lying before her, pale and unmoving. She had been too late.
Snapping her eyes open with a sharp gasp, her black box burning sharply in her chest, A2 gripped tightly onto the crate she was seated on, the metal housing creaking loudly from her strong grip. Taking a deep breath, the burn in her chest lowering to a dull simmer, the silver-haired android slowly released her grip on the crate, the metal deformed and bent from where she had grabbed onto it.
"Fuck." Exhaling a soft curse, A2 lowered her head, silver hair falling over her face like a curtain, the combat android stared at her hands, her vision hazy and distant as she remembered the feeling of Leah's body in her arms. The familiar warmth from her body, that would seep so comfortingly into her own when Leah would touch her, had grown cold and clammy, the blood pouring out of her wounds staining her pale skin with splotches of red. A2 could still feel the warmth of Leah's blood against her skin, a disturbing contrast to the human girl's icy, cold touch, the crimson liquid practically soaking into the android's body.
Had she been too late? Were the wounds too deep or severe for Devola and Popola to do anything? Even if she does survive, would this event leave permanent scars on the time-traveling human's body? Both physically and mentally.
War, strife, and bloodshed were nothing new to the former YoRHa soldier, her whole life consisting of one battle after another, leaving her with various wounds and mental damage to last her a lifetime. As an android, conflicts were what you were created for and where your inevitable end will come from. Everyone in YoRHa was prepared for such a day, the hardships of war leaving them damaged but never broken, ready to keep living as long as they are needed.
But Leah never knew such a life, only having been thrust into this world by a cruel twist of fate, left in a time not of her choosing. She shouldn't have to deal with so much pain and hardship. Leah was kind, gentle, and strong-willed. But she was also fragile. So painfully fragile. One wrong move by A2, one wrong decision in a battle, and she would be gone. No backups. No spare parts. A life erased, vanished, never to return.
And Leah had to live with that knowledge, helpless to change it, her life forever fraught with danger and the fear of the unknown. The mental hardships of such a life should not be placed upon anyone's shoulders, but Leah had to carry it with her at all times, the strain of it already becoming clear before the event with Adam occurred. The last-surviving human also bore, through no choice of her own, the burden of all the wishes and dreams of androids everywhere with her, all of them looking toward her to sate their innate programming and to soothe their weary minds.
And Leah gave it to them, even while it chips away at her bit by bit. A2 feared this near-death experience, the physical trauma, and the unbearable terror, will break the poor girl. And A2 wasn't sure if she'd be able to fix it.
Shooting out of her seat, mind abuzz with anger and panic, A2 began pacing back and forth as she roughly grabbed at her hair, long locks of silver curled around her fingers like creeping vines across a tree. Scenarios of all kinds began running through A2's mind, her black box straining from the emotions overloading her system as all of her fears began piling up one by one. Flashes of Leah suffering, her green eyes wide with fear and terror, her life forever altered by one madman's hand. All while A2 was incapable to help her.
Hot tears began stinging at the corner of her eyes as her mind inevitably drifted back to the possibility that Leah might not make it through this, that the last image she will ever have of the human girl is of her bleeding to death in her arms, never to hear her voice ever again. That she will never see her smile so brightly or feel the gentle warmth of her touch.
Never get a chance to tell her she loved her.
"A2?" The former YoRHa soldier slowly lifted her head as a soft voice called out to her, the familiar sight of Devola greeting her as she walked up to her, her gentle footsteps echoing through the empty courtyard, her wild, red hair trailing behind her like a bright flame. There was a slight hobble in the redheads step as she made her way over to the suffering android, her hand pressing delicately against the large bandage covering her side, a hint of blood staining it a dark red.
A2 simply remained quiet as the wild-haired twin came to a stop by her side, her fingers gently uncurling from their stranglehold on her hair, the long locks falling delicately across her shoulders once more. Devola's emerald eyes gazed upon the combat android with a questioning stare, worry and sorrow shining in their depths, clear worry for the silver-haired woman painting her features. Eyes that were so painfully similar to Leah's.
"You truly are amazing, A2." The silence hanging over them was broken by the soft declaration coming from the wild-haired twin, a slight hint of awe and admiration in her voice as she gave the combat android a small, grateful smile.
"I'm not too sure about that." A2 merely scoffed at the twin's words, turning her head away as she gnashed her teeth in frustration, her hands balled in fists of rage. How could she possibly say that when she failed so badly. That right now, behind that door, Leah could be dying, and it will be all her fault. And if she makes it, if she does pull through, will she ever be the same again? Or will she be forever haunted by what Adam had done to her?
"You saved Leah's life, in more ways than one." Devola said sternly as she followed after the retreating android, her voice rising slightly at the silver-haired androids dismissal of her words, a bit of her patented fiery personality shining through as she stepped in front of the combat android.
"Without you, she would never have been in any of our lives. It was you who found her and you who has brought her here. She has survived so far because of you, because you have been there for her this entire time. You keep her safe, but most of all you make her happy. I don't think any of us could do the same. And I am eternally grateful to you for it."
A2 simply remained quiet after Devola's speech, her eyes pointed fixedly on the ground, her shoulders sagging heavily as she felt her anger slowly dissipate. Devola's glare slowly softened as she looked at the despondent Type-A android, a small frown pulling at the corner of her lips at how broken A2 seemed, her steel-blue eyes completely devoid of her usual fire and passion. It wasn't right.
"You did something I failed to do." Devola whispered softly, her voice thick with regret as she lightly ran her fingers across the bandage covering the wound on her side, a small smile curling on her lips as she looked up at A2. "You brought her back."
The former YoRHa soldier felt a small jab in her black box at the twin's words, A2 heaving a heavy sigh as she sat back down on the metal crate, her head falling into her hands, hair falling like waves about her shoulders. A2 absently noticed Devola taking a seat next to her, her wild hair briefly brushing up against her shoulder as she sat down, a small groan of pain escaping her as she pressed her hand against her wound, her eyes closed in a wince.
All this fell on deaf ears for the combat android, her mind constantly buzzing with worry for the human girl just behind those walls, so close yet out of reach. A2 just felt so helpless, so completely impotent, clearly lacking in any way that would be beneficial to Leah right now. Put her in a fight with the express intent to eliminate machines, to kill, and then the former YoRHa soldier would be of use. What good was she to someone who needed healing when all she knew was how to destroy?
Even 2B and 9S were being more helpful in keeping the time-traveling girl safe, the pair of soldiers currently patrolling the nearby perimeter, in case Eve or any stay machines decided to attack the camp. A2 had asked them if they needed her help, the combat android wanting to feel of some use, but both of them had assured her that they would be ok, 2B, with a gentle smile on her face, telling her that she should be there for Leah when she wakes up.
'If' she wakes up, A2 thought ruefully.
Devola watched the combat android with a pained look in her eyes, her hand nervously fiddling with the end of her shirt, the fiery redhead unsure what she could do to help ease A2's suffering. As much as she hated to admit it, the wild-haired twin truly coming to care for the silver-haired woman in their brief time together, Devola knew practically nothing about her. Their interactions had been short, and at times even antagonistic, but that did not mean she did not like her.
Far from it. Devola had a deep respect for the former YoRHa soldier, finding her tough and abrasive but strangely endearing, making the moments when she showed genuine kindness and care mean all the more. The wild-haired twin had only heard the rumors of her before, of a rogue YoRHa android roaming the city, her blade vanquishing any machine it met with deadly efficiency, her silver hair flowing like a snowstorm behind her as she eliminated the robots with a deadly, yet graceful, flourishes.
Anemone would often speak of a YoRHa soldier she knew a long time ago, abandoned by command on a suicide mission, thrust into a leadership position she was not prepared for, the lives of her friends now resting within her hands. The resistance leader said she did everything possible, continued the mission despite the impossible odds, though she was clearly terrified. A2 ended up succeeding, but lost everything in the process.
Anemone confided she still regretted not trying to find her after hearing A2 had survived, but the stories being told of her, how hate-filled and ruthless she had become, it made the leader believe the A2 she knew was now gone. Leah was the one to bring the old A2 back.
The image these two accounts would tell were unable to truly describe just who A2 was. She was someone who had suffered much tragedy in her short life, something the twins could all too perfectly relate to. It was like the old human adage said: 'Misery loves company.' No one could understand the pain and sadness A2 felt, of being hated for merely existing, more than a pair of sisters rejected by everyone for failures of the past.
Feeling bold, Devola raised her arm and wrapped it securely, yet carefully, around A2's shoulder, gently pulling her in for a tentative hug. Prepared to be outright rejected, Devola was surprised when the silver-haired woman lent lightly into her touch, her head resting softly against the redhead's shoulder, her arm carefully wrapping around her waist, making sure not to press into the still fresh wound on her side.
They stayed in that position for several seconds in content silence, simply enjoying the feeling of having another person so close, a small smile crossing Devola's face as she leaned her cheek against the top of A2's head, the long silver tresses much softer than she expected. A2 simply held the fiery redhead tight, remaining completely still, letting Devola's warmth wash over her in a calming aura.
"We'll always be here for you." Breaking the comfortable silence, Devola began lightly running her fingers through A2's long, silver hair, the wild-haired twin absently admiring how the strands seemingly glided over her skin. "Popola and I, we'll never leave you alone."
Smiling brightly, Devola gave the combat android a big squeeze, A2 letting out a small grunt of annoyance which caused a series of giggles to flow from between the redhead's lips, her green eyes cast out across the empty courtyard with a wistful grin.
"Just imagine how much fun we'll have with Leah once she's better. And she WILL get better. I just know it. There are too many things she still needs to experience, that need to be said. I'm sure she's too stubborn to die without doing that."
The smallest of smiles curled on A2's lips at the wild-haired twin's words, her fingers lightly clutching onto the edge of Devola's shirt, her exposed exoskeleton briefly running across the bare skin of her uninjured side. The two were so lost in their little bubble of comfort that they failed to notice the sound of a pair of booted feet slowly walking toward them, the heavy footfalls echoing loudly through the abandoned campsite.
"I agree with Devola." Jumping slightly at the new voice, the embracing pair lifted their heads in surprise as they looked into the grinning face of Popola, the straight-haired sister crossing her arms playfully over her chest as she stared at the pair of shocked androids. "We'll all be there for you."
"Popola!" Jumping out of her seat, pulling a little rougher out of Devola's arms than intended in her hurry, the wild-haired sister briefly flailing her arms as she tried to catch herself after losing her previous headrest, A2 quickly rushed to the straight-haired sister's side, steel-blue eyes wide with worry and fear. "Is…is she..?"
"Leah is alive and will be ok." Popola smiled joyfully at the silver-haired android, "Most of her injuries were fairly minor, most of the cuts missing her major arteries and organs. The one on her cheek running along the side of her head was the worst, but it didn't do any major damage."
Sucking in a deep breath, tears pooling in the corner of her eyes, A2 felt her black box soar with immeasurable happiness, the heavy weight settling in her stomach starting to lighten at the good news she just received. A2 felt like she could faint right then and there, her whole body going into hyper-drive as she was assaulted by so many joyous feelings, the hours of worry and fear finally dissolving, leaving her legs feeling weak.
She was alive. Leah was alive.
"But," Frowning slightly at Popola, fear starting to crawl back into her chest at the worried look in the straight-haired sister's eyes, A2 felt a cold chill run through her system at the grave expression on her face, "Leah will have permanent scars from her injuries. Some of Adam's cuts dug fairly deep and they were left open and bleeding for a long time. Her…her whole body was covered with them. I did the best I could, but I don't think they will ever fade."
A low growl rolled out from the combat androids chest, clenching her hand in fists of rage as she cursed Adam one last time for hurting Leah, her steel-blue eyes blazing with hate and anger for the humanoid machine. Even in death, his ghost will haunt Leah forever. Feeling a light hand on her shoulder, fingers curling tightly as they gave it a tight squeeze, A2 lifted her head to stare into Popola's face, the straight-haired sister giving her a small smile.
"Leah asked for you."
A small jolt ran through her black box at those words, her whole body freezing up as she stared nervously at the heavy, steel door that separated her from the last-surviving human, a strange fear starting to worm its way into her chest. In her time worrying about Leah's safety, about whether or not she will survive, she hadn't thought about what she'd say to her once she was awake. Now, with the chance to talk to the human girl presented to her, A2 was at a loss. Taking a hesitant step forward, her hand curling around the cold, metal of the door handle, the former YoRHa soldier took a deep breath to steady herself.
She needed to see her.
"I owe you two so much." A2 spoke softly as she turned to face the android twins, Devola walking over to stand by her sister's side, both of them giving the Type-A model a reassuring smile. "More than I could ever hope to repay."
"Go see Leah, you dork." Devola shooed her off with a playful smirk, her sister nodding in agreement by her side, both of them smiling gratefully at the former YoRHa soldier, their green eyes alight with warmth and caring for the combat android.
"Thank you." A silent whisper drifted between A2's lips as she quietly pressed down on the handle and stepped into the dimly lit room, the heavily reinforced door quickly slamming shut behind her. Devola and Popola simply continued to smile happily after her as they leaned comfortingly into each other's embrace.
Leah stared dazedly at her hands resting gently in her lap, her pale skin contrasting sharply with the stark white sheets pulled over her legs, her emerald eyes hovering over the various band-aids plastered over her fingers, a hint of blood noticeable beneath its beige surface. The human girl kept her gaze focused on the small injuries peppered across her hands, unwilling to follow the trail of injuries up towards her arms and the rest of her body, the barest hint of thick gauze and tape visible in the corner of her eye, a constant, burning sting throbbing on her temple at every beat of her heart.
Leah didn't have to look to know just how many bandages covered her body, every cut Adam placed upon her skin still fresh in her mind.
Lifting her head at the noisy creak coming from the other end of the room, a smile started curling on the brown-haired girl's lips as A2's form started coming into view, her silver-hair practically lighting up the room beneath the soft shine of the overhead light. Lifting her arm, grimacing slightly from the sting coming from her injuries, Leah gave the combat android a small wave.
"Hi, A2." Leah's voice came out soft and hoarse as she greeted her silver-haired companion, still sore after her ordeal, the little sips of water Popola gave her not enough to help soothe the dull ache in her throat. A2's hand briefly raised up to wave back, the smile starting to curl on the androids lips falling as her steel-blue eyes roamed across the various bandages covering her body.
There was no part of her body that wasn't in some way covered with injuries, a large bandage, thick with gauze, wrapped around the side of her head, partially obscuring her face. Cuts, large and small, were littered all over her body, the human girl glad that some of them were covered by the clothes Popola had given her, the rest hidden underneath the thin layer of cloth covering her legs.
Leah felt a sharp stab in her heart at the sad gasp that slipped out from between A2's lips, the human girl hating the sad look in those beautiful steel-blue eyes, wanting nothing more than to rush over and pull her into a comforting hug. The brown-haired girl couldn't really blame the combat android for her reaction though, knowing that if A2 was in a similar position, wrapped head to toe with bandages, some blood still seeping through, she would be just as upset.
The loud clacking of A2's heels on the ground rang through the empty room as she rushed to Leah's side, the combat androids hand reaching out toward the injured girl until they came to a sudden stop, hovering hesitantly over her hand, a look of worry and uncertainty clouding her steel-blue eyes. With the utmost care, the silver-haired woman cautiously seated herself at the edge of the bed before gingerly grabbing Leah's hand in hers, the warmth of the androids exoskeleton sending a pleasant spark through the human girl's heart.
"Oh, Leah. I'm sorry." A2 apologized softly as she carefully ran her fingers over the bandages wrapped around the brown-haired girl's arm, the combat android gently pressing her forehead against the back of Leah's hand, a small shudder running through her body as she took a shaky breath. "I'm so sorry, Leah."
"You saved me." A soft smile pulled at the corner of Leah's lips as she placed her free hand over A2's, her thumb rubbing lightly across the androids knuckles. "What's there to apologize for?"
"It should never have happened!" A2 shouted in denial, her head lifting up to stare frantically at the human girl, Leah staring wide-eyed at the combat androids sudden outburst. "I should have been there for you!…I should have been stronger…"
"You can't always be there for me. You're only one girl." Leah gripped the android's hands tightly within her own, a shaky smile crossing her features as the last-surviving human tried to act strong for A2, though the silver-haired woman's words caused a painful jolt in her heart. Crimson eyes briefly flashed within her mind, Leah shaking her head to rid herself of the memories that started to flood her mind, the brown-haired girl not wanting to burden A2 anymore than she already had.
Despite her best efforts, Leah felt the familiar terror starting to creep back into her, the memories of her time at the mercy of the crazed humanoid machine playing out before her mind's eyes once again. The fear as his cold, clawed hand gripped her arm tightly, his talons ripping so painfully easy into her skin, the warmth of her own blood rolling down her skin overtaking her senses as she was dragged out of the camp, tears falling from her emerald eyes as she watched the injured twins cry out desperately to her.
She remembered how he so proudly boasted about his beautiful city, her gaze falling over the corpses of all those androids littering the ground as he dragged her through the streets, their lifeless eyes staring at her, so scarily similar to A2's. Trembles wracked her body as the burning sensation of his knives and claws cutting into her skin came unbidden into her mind, every incision causing her to scream out in agony, wanting nothing more than for it to stop, for everything to just go away. She just wanted the pain to end.
But, through it all, all she could think about was what if she never got to see A2 again.
"Heh, I…I managed to break his glasses before he grabbed me." Leah hiccuped through strained laughter, painful sobs clawing at her throat, the human girl swallowing down her fears as she stared with watery eyes at her android companion. "I remembered what you taught me."
A small laugh managed to escape from A2's lips as she lifted her head to smile at the brown-haired girl. Her smile immediately fell into a concerned frown as she stared into Leah's eyes, small tears starting to trickle down her pale cheeks as a tremble ran through the human girl's body, her fingers desperately gripping onto the combat androids for dear life.
"I was so scared, A2." A small sob managed to break its way past her lips, her whole body shuddering as she held the android's hands tight, afraid she would disappear and she'd be all alone again. Tears started rolling down her face, droplets splattering softly against her sheets, A2 softly rubbing her thumb across Leah's fingers, pain reflecting in her steel-blue eyes as she stared at the despairing human.
"I'm so sorry. I'm sorry that I'm so weak. I'm so scared A2. I feel like a burden to everyone. All of you have done so much for me, especially you, and I can't do anything. I can't help any of you because I'm just a weak human."
Leaning forward, Leah began crying harder, her whole body wracked with heavy sobs as she let out breathless screams, her lungs burning in her chest. She hated being like this. Ever since she met A2, she had been nothing but a heavy chain around the android's neck, dragging her down with her physical limitations and emotional baggage. If only she wasn't so weak. If only she wasn't human.
"Don't say that." Feeling fingers lightly cup her chin, Leah slowly lifted her head to stare into the captivating steel-blue of her android companion, A2 gracing her with a gorgeous smile as she lightly ran her thumb over the human girl's cheek, gently wiping away some of the tears staining her cheeks.
"Being human is wonderful. You being human is what brought us all together, but it's for who you are that we all stay. We all care so much about you. Devola and Popola, 2B & 9S, even Emil. We all care so, so much about you. You've made all of our lives better. Especially mine."
The tears falling from her eyes started to slow as she listened to A2's words, her heart beating loudly in her chest as she stared unblinking into the android's gorgeous gray-blue orbs, her death grip on her the silver-haired woman's hands loosening slightly.
"You saved my life too, Leah." Ducking her head slightly, Leah wanted to protest, that what she was saying was impossible, but A2 simply lifted her head back up, nothing but naked sincerity to be found on the combat androids face.
"You pulled me out of the hate and darkness I was surrounded by every day. Finding you, getting to know you, has been the happiest, most amazing moments in my entire life. I'm thankful every day that I get to spend with you and I will do anything to make you happy."
Leah's heart skipped a beat, a small blush crossing her cheeks as she smiled weakly at A2, her sorrowful tears being replaced with tears of joy. A small, hiccuping laugh managed to break its way through her sobs, as she bashfully averted her gaze from the intense look in the former YoRHa soldier's eyes.
"You make every moment in life special, something I thought I'd ever feel again. Being with you makes me want to put my life on the line for you forever. Not due to my programming, not because of what YoRHa told me, but because I care so much about you."
"No," Shaking her head widely, stray tears flying off her cheeks, Leah desperately pulled A2's hands into her chest, the thought of losing the silver-haired woman sending a painful jolt through her heart, "I don't want that. I don't want any of you to lose your lives because of me. Not you. Not you, A2."
Placing a comforting hand on the distraught human's shoulder, the former YoRHa soldier gave her a small smile, her fingers lightly running across the bandages covering the nasty wound on the side of Leah's head, an unreadable expression on her face.
"I will always fight to keep you safe," stopping Leah before she could protest, a small gasp escaped the brown-haired girl's throat as A2 placed her hand gently on her cheek, an adoring look flashing in the silver-haired woman's eyes, "but, unlike before, I plan to survive. So that I can come back to you."
Shock crossed Leah's features as she stared dumbstruck at the silver-haired android, the tears rolling down her cheeks slowly coming to a stop as she digested A2's words, her heart beating loudly in her chest, sending small, painful throbs across her temple. But Leah simply ignored the pain, too dazed by what A2 had said to register anything, a gentle warmth spreading through her body as she looked at the beautiful person seated in front of her.
It was then, that Leah made a very important decision.
Letting go of A2's hands, the silver-haired android's face dropping slightly as hurt flashed briefly in her eyes, Leah placed her hands on the mattress before slowly pulling herself upward, a grunt of pain escaping her as her limbs cried out from the strain she was putting on her injuries. Leah pushed through though, wincing as another jolt of pain shot through her arms, but the human girl was determined.
This was more important.
"Leah, you're hurt. Please lie down." A2 cried out, eyes widening in shock as she moved closer to the human girl, her arms lifting up to try and coerce the human girl to lay down again. Leah simply pressed on, bringing herself closer to the worried android, A2's letting out a soft gasp as the brown-haired girl leaned in toward her, her nose pressing lightly against the androids cheek.
With the lightest of touches, like a feather dusting across one's skin, Leah's lips pressed up against A2's in a loving kiss.
A/N: There it is!
A2 and Leah just had their first kiss! Yaaay!
After all the emotional turmoil and pain both of them have endured over the last couple of chapters, they finally get their special moment together. Things won't be easy from here on out, but at least they will still have each other.
Don't know how many people were looking forward to this moment but I sure was! It's a big emotional release for the two of them, the whole chapter diving deeply into A2 and subsequently Leah's feeling for each other and the hardships that come with it. I'm excited to continue this journey with them, some more happiness for each other coming in the future.
Next chapter: Love.
Thank you all once again for your continued support. It means the world to me that so many of you have joined me for this little story I've created and I'm excited to bring you more chapters in the near future! Have a wonderful day and I love you all!