Life in the resistance camp was always hectic, androids able to be found at all times of the day rushing about in a curbed hurry, always focused on some task or another. It reminded the brown-haired girl of her time living in the city, pushing and shoving her way through the crowd of people on her way to her part-time job at the floral shop, the occasional obscenity seething from her between her teeth when another person rudely blocked her way.
Flowers were never really Leah's thing, the occasional passing glance at someone's rose bush or enjoying their lovely scent during her daily walk through the park her only real interaction with the colorful plants. But, in the end, the job paid fairly well and the hours were flexible enough for her to spend much needed time on the mountains of school work her professors gave her in university. When she wasn't busy slacking off and hanging out with her friends that is.
That's why the time-traveling girl now found herself within a large, and yet rather cramped, warehouse at the very edge of the camp, dutifully rummaging through the piles and piles of junk covering every inch of its spacious interior. It was quiet here, all the other androids busy doing their work at the main square, providing goods to their fellow soldiers or preparing for their next mission. It was because of this, and a frankly overabundance of curiosity that made the androids bring back any piece of old world junk they found, that Leah tasked herself with cleaning up their mess and hopefully find something useful within the sea of garbage and hopefully prove useful to the people who had so generously taken care of her and A2.
Humming a gentle tune, one Devola and Popola had sung for her many times to help calm her down, Leah picked up another crate of assorted trash and broken gadgets, the budding muscles on her arms bulging slightly as she lifted up the heavy box of items. The rigorous, and at times torturous, training and exercise program Leah had been put through by A2 and the twins have shown positive results for the young human, her body a lot leaner and more toned then when she first started, the faint outline of muscles slumbering just below the surface.
"Phew." Dropping the crate onto an ever-growing stack, a loud clang echoing through the warehouse, Leah let out a tired breath, gently pushing the strands of hair matted to her forehead out of the way. Walking back to the pile of junk and haphazardly organized crates and containers, Leah wiping her forehead with the back of her arm, the brown-haired girl continued rummaging through, what would now be considered, the random assortment of antiquities.
"Huh?" Spotting a strange bundle of cloth at the bottom of the container, Leah lifted it carefully into her arms, the olive green tarp wrapped protectively around the series of items lying within as if what something extremely precious. The shape was oddly long and thin, bulging out slightly at the bottom with a small metal tip poking out from the top, a neon-orange bungee cord keeping the items nicely secured.
Curiosity thoroughly peaked, the human girl quickly undid the cord, fumbling slightly as the contents shifted after being released from their confinement, Leah gingerly peeled back the well-worn tarp, her emerald eyes sparkling with delight as she gazed upon her wondrous find.
"No way." Smiling brightly at her prize, a spark of giddiness bubbling up in her chest, Leah felt like she could practically jump for joy at having found something so wonderful within the veritable sea of useless crap and broken oddities. Carefully placing the bundle onto the ground, tarp spread out like a blanket, emerald orbs thoroughly inspected the newly obtained items with a critical eye.
Fishing rods, a whole bundle of them, perfectly preserved and well taken care of, lay before the last-surviving human, Leah squatting down to get a better look at what she had found. Each one was in excellent condition, only a slight bit of wear and tear from old age to be found, Leah counting herself lucky that something usually so fragile and finicky had survived so long. The only thing that was missing was a proper fishing line and hook, something the human girl could easily cobble together with the supplies scattered across the camp.
Holding a lovely rose-colored rod in her hand, the weight delightfully familiar to the young human, Leah couldn't help but reminisce about her childhood days of going fishing with her parents. Her mother had been enamored with fishing ever since a young age, having spent many weekends with her dad and brother out on the river near their home on her dad's boat. Her mother would gush about those days, how it was the only time she and her brother would ever get along, something about being out on the water helping calm their prepubescent rage.
Leah's mother had bestowed that love directly on to her, practically dragging her and her dad out to whatever lake or river she could find whenever possible, teaching her the in's and out's, as well as the do's and don't's of fishing in an animated and exuberant fashion. The three of them would while away the day in content silence, simply enjoying each other's company as they snacked upon the delicious meal her dad would prepare for them, the occasional peanut butter sandwich she herself had made sneaking its way into the otherwise well-made batch of food.
Making up her mind then and there, her whole being feeling re-energized, Leah grabbed four of the better rods and quickly rushed out of the warehouse, after carefully securing the rest, an ecstatic grin spread wide on her face.
She had to find A2 and the twins!
"Fuel Filters?" Popola droned monotonously, her green eyes staring listlessly at the clipboard in her hand, pencil tapping gently against its wooden surface. While taking stock of their inventory was essential, their jobs as the camps go to medics something they took very seriously, Popola couldn't help but find the task incredibly tedious and boring. Especially since A2 was allowed to gallivant to whatever adventure she wished and Leah had squirreled herself away at the other end of the camp, leaving the twins to deal with every little task and inane request given to them.
"Hmm...three of them." Devola called out as she rearranged the supplies on the shelf, neatly stacked and organized by importance, lightly running her fingers through her wild mane of maroon hair as she mentally analyzed their needs. "Could use a couple more."
"I'll see if we can have Anemone contact Jackass to deliver some more for us." Jotting down some notes, pencil noisily scratching across the parchment-like surface, Popola nodded confidently to herself, glad to see they were more than halfway done. Maybe after finishing their job and handing in their report to Anemone they might be able to hunt down Leah and help her out with her chores. It has to be more fun than this.
"Ah! Devola! Popola!" Perking up at the familiar voice, Popola celebrating the human girl's perfect timing, the twin androids turned their heads to see the brown-haired girl rushing toward them with a bright smile on her face, something tucked securely under her arm.
"Leah? What's up?" Stepping up next to her sister, a look of confusion etched upon her features, one Popola shared with her wild-haired twin, Devola quirked her eyebrow questioningly at the brown-haired girl. Seeing the human girl in high spirits was nothing new to the pair, Leah's new lease on life really upping her mood, but that didn't make the sight any less wonderful to see. Seeing the gleam in her emerald eyes, the beaming smile on her lips, brought a sense of joy to the pair of red-headed androids.
They hated seeing Leah in her distraught phase after her kidnapping, scars placed both physically and metaphorically over her body, a shadow always blanketing her eyes, dulling the once gleaming orbs of emerald. Though she tried to hide it, the human girl keeping all of her pain and anguish under wraps, trying not to bother anyone with her problems. The anger she would show while training, how fiercely she would scowl at her opponent, told a story of a girl dealing with trauma she had not experienced before, woefully out of her element, stuck in a painful loop.
Only A2 had managed to push through her shell, to find the hurt girl underneath, to coax the old Leah back out, even though the combat android may not have been fully aware that she was doing so. Simply being by her side, shouldering her anger and hurt, holding her at night when the pain could seep through and her thoughts became too loud for her to bear. A2 was there and that's what Leah needed more than anything.
"You guys! We need to do this!" Skidding to a halt before the sisters, a light sheen of sweat glinting across her skin as she tried to catch her breath, the wide smile still pulling at her lips, the hair matted to her forehead and the wild eyes stare giving the human girl an almost feral look.
"Do what?" Popola queried, a slight smile curling on her lips at the brown-haired girl's frantic and joyful expression, a small giggling rolling from her chest. This girl can be so adorably strange sometimes.
"Fishing!" Leah shouted enthusiastically, holding out a pair of fishing rods to the twins, a look of muted shock crossing the twin's faces. "You, me, and A2! We should all go fishing!"
Their looks of shock did not last long as it was quickly replaced by wide grins and gleeful shouts of affirmation, the twins practically bouncing in place, perfectly mirroring their human friend with their enthusiasm. The twins simply adored fishing, a strange trait that is shared amongst all androids, no one quite sure how it first started or at what point it became implemented into their programming. So being offered the opportunity to partake in one of their favorite pastimes, away from the monotony and dreariness of the resistance camp with their wonderful new friends was too good to pass up.
"Of course we want to go!" Devola cheered as she rushed in to give the brown-haired human a quick hug, the taller girl practically crashing into her at full speed, Leah, to her credit, managing to keep her balance despite the android's immense weight. Holding the wild-haired twin tight, a series of joyful giggles passing her lips, Leah motioned for Popola to take the fishing rods from her hand, the more reserved twin obliging with a small chuckle.
"We should go tomorrow! We can spend the whole day together." Pulling out of the embrace, hands still firmly grasping Devola's arms, Leah turned to them with an expectant grin, the twins quickly agreeing to the plan without a second thought. Cheering loudly, the human girl bouncing excitedly in place, Leah quickly scanned the surroundings, hoping to spot a familiar silver-haired beauty amongst the numerous androids milling about the resistance camp.
"Where's A2?"
Unable to locate the silver-haired woman, Leah could feel her excitement die down a bit, a brief flash of worry crossing her features. A2 had been speaking with Anemone last time she saw her, Leah bidding the combat android a quick farewell with a soft peck on the lips before heading off to do her work for the day, giggling at how wonderful it felt to be so open with their feelings now. She hadn't considered that maybe A2 had been assigned a new mission, the former YoRHa soldier always making sure to let her know before heading out, Leah oftentimes joining her girlfriend on some of the easier assignments.
"She went out hunting for boars and to see if she could find some food in the abandoned stores nearby." Popola replied simply, slightly surprised when Leah's face fell into a look of irritation, an annoyed look darkening her features.
"Why didn't she get me?!" Leah grumbled lowly, a sharp tone in her voice as she glared toward the camp entrance, lightly clenching her fist in anger. "I could have helped her."
"Umm, you were busy with your own work, weren't you?" Devola stated bluntly, her countenance pulled into a look of stoic amusement, a small twinkle in her green eyes as she watched Leah let out an embarrassed cough, fingers idly playing with the hem of her tank-top.
"Alright, good point." Leah reluctantly relented to Devola's point, pouting childishly as she averted gaze, a tinge of pink coloring her cheeks as the twins had a good laugh at her expense. Damn androids and always having to be logical.
'This should last her a while.'
A2's hunt for food had been remarkably fruitful, a small smile of proud satisfaction curling on the combat androids lips as she passed by the fortifications around the camp entrance, a bubble of excitement building in her chest at getting to see Leah again. It was a bit concerning how attached A2 had gotten to the human girl, now girlfriend, in such a short amount of time, but the wonderful feelings coursing through her chest and the happiness Leah brought to her life made those worries feel practically microscopic in comparison.
With a boar slung over her shoulder, as well as another one tucked safely under her arm, a bag of provisions clenched in her hand, A2 entered the main plaza of the camp, the shadows cast over her from the surrounding buildings letting her bare skin enjoy the light breeze blowing over the city. The combat android had decided to forgo a shirt for her hunt, leaving her midsection completely bare, A2 not wanting to ruin one of Leah's shirts with the blood currently seeping from the boar's wounds, the warm liquid running uncomfortably down her side.
"A2!"
Perking up at the sound of Leah's voice, the combat android was quickly assailed by the excited human girl as she rushed up to her, a genuine smile pulling on A2's lips as she watched her love approach. Taking advantage of A2's occupied hands, the time-traveling girl pressed herself against the former soldier's body, reaching up and stealing a quick kiss from the startled android. The Type-A android wasn't caught off-guard for long as she quickly melted into the kiss, more than happy to reciprocate the human girl's affection.
"Hey, A2?" Pulling out of the kiss to give A2 a chance to drop off her supplies, the combat androids expertly maneuvering the hulking beasts in her arms onto a nearby crate, Leah did not waste a single moment, excitement bubbling up within her once again. "Devola, Popola, and I are going to go fishing tomorrow. Did you want to come?!"
"Of course." A2's response was immediate, the combat android not hesitating in the slightest, a bright smile curling on her lips, something that momentarily caught the human girl off guard. The former YoRHa soldier could be quite reserved at times, even with her, so seeing her so eager for a simple fishing trip left her briefly stunned.
'This will be a perfect opportunity to stock up on some extra meal options for Leah.' A2 thought as she carefully stored the assorted cans of food she had found within a storage crate right outside their room. Secretly, A2 loved fishing as well, the prospect of going causing a well of joy to spring up in her black box.
The only times the former YoRHa soldier could remember being at peace after YoRHa's betrayal, the raging emotions warring angrily within her black box feeling calmed, were while she was fishing. She'd stare upon the flowing waves, the sun reflecting off of its crystalline surface, in a state of momentary bliss, free from the hate and rage for a fleeting moment in time.
"Yay!" Leah cheered as she surprised the silver-haired woman with a quick hug from behind, her arms wrapping themselves around A2's midsection, sending a fluttering feeling into the combat android's stomach at the feeling of the girl's fingers upon her bare stomach. "Oh, A2! This is going to be so much fun!"
A2 could only nod in agreement as Leah gave her girlfriend a quick squeeze before letting go, the human girl dashing off, yelling back how she was going to find some material to fix up the broken fishing rods. The silver-haired android could only watch her leave with a small shake of her head, a soft, affectionate smile pulling at her lips as she watched her dash off into the crowd of androids, the fluttering in her stomach only getting stronger as she watched her girlfriend jump into the air with joy.
She couldn't wait till tomorrow.
"Everyone got everything?"
Popola asked the assembled group with an eager grin, a pair of fishing rods propped comfortably against her shoulder. Devola gave her a simple nod as a response, bag of supplies slung over her shoulder, green eyes alight with impatient energy. A2 merely shook her head at her companion's antics, doing her best to hide the bubble of excitement welling up within her, the silver-haired androids foregoing the usual billowy shirt for a more form fitting piece that hugged her body tightly.
"You bet!"
Despite being up most of the night fixing the fishing rods, fingers lightly scratched up from fashioning makeshift hooks, Leah was brimming with tons of energy, more than eager to get going. She had labored over the rods for hours, checking and rechecking every piece for any imperfections, all while A2 watched in content silence, the small smile on her lips never fading as she watched the human girl work.
The brown-haired girl had gone to bed with a smile spreading from ear to ear, small giggles of delight rumbling through her chest as she pulled herself tight against A2's side, practically vibrating with energy. A2 had simply scolded her with a light tap on the head, telling her to get some sleep as she wrapped her arms safely around the smaller girl, a small chuckle passing her lips.
Heading off, the quartet decided to try out the forest, the many rivers and cool shade prime spots for fishing. Traversing the cityscape proved surprisingly easy, many of the machines they passed remaining docile, their yellow eyes watching the group walk by without causing a fuss, content to continue wandering around in a mindless haze.
Deciding to cut through the large fence made of discarded rebars, Leah vehemently rejecting the idea of going through the mall, the human girl not wanting to deal with that rickety bridge again, the group eventually found a nice little spot near a shallow river next to a small waterfall. Taking a seat upon a large boulder, one big enough to fit the four of them comfortably, the odd group began setting up their equipment when a metallic shriek, one A2 and Leah were painfully familiar with, pierced their ears.
"Intruders!" Bursting out of the bushes, their makeshift armor rattling loudly against their metallic bodies, a group of machine soldiers rushed toward them, weapons held aloft in a sign of violent intent. "Protect the king!"
"Ugh, we left your king alone!" Groaning in exasperation, Leah grabbed her katana, placed easily within grabbing distance, and leapt off of the boulder with the androids, rushing headlong into the fray without hesitation.
The roving gang of machines were easily dealt with, their significant advantage in numbers useless against a trained former YoRHa soldier and twin android sisters, the trio cutting down the group with relative ease. Even Leah managed to eliminate some of them on her own, slicing through their weak points and fragile joints with sloppy, but powerful, blows. Her training was truly bearing fruit, A2 having had her practice on the stubby designated machines that roamed the area just outside the camp, always a step behind the human girl in case the danger became too great for her to handle.
The moments the combat android had to intervene became less and less as Leah became more proficient in fighting her metallic opponents, her newly gained muscle and A2's rigorous drilling of moves making each encounter easier and more efficient than the last. But Leah knew not to underestimate her opponents, the androids making sure to instill upon her the danger she was in any time they could, fear and worry reflected plainly in their words. Leah always heeded their warnings with immense seriousness, the human girl painfully aware of just how easily her life could be ended at their hands, the scars marring her body a grim reminder of that.
Eliminating the last of the machines, his body exploding in a shower of shrapnel, the quartet decided this might not be the safest place for them to fish, the distant sound of marching feet and delusional cries for justice letting them know more patrols were roaming around. Packing up their supplies with tired sighs, annoyed frowns marring their features, the group decided to head to the next best place.
The ocean.
Trekking through the rubble and overgrown plant life of the city, the quartet located the broken pipe that had a direct path to the ocean, the twins easily swinging their way into the sewer opening. Handing Leah her fishing rod, A2 knelt down, the human girl climbing onto her back without question, their equipment held tightly in her hand. Jumping into the broken pipe, A2 followed after the twins with quick, yet careful steps, making sure to keep the precious cargo on her back safe.
Passing through the familiar darkened sewer system, the smell itching painfully in their noses, the group eventually came upon the exit to the ocean, the smell of sea salt filling the air as they stepped out into the open. Passing through the ruined cityscape, water gushing in never-ending waves out of a destroyed office building, the group finally arrived at their destination, the ocean's dark waves spread out before them.
Though, before they could get settled, they had to eliminate some machines that were roaming around the destroyed section of highway, the group destroying them with relative ease. Walking up to the waters edge, the crumbling remains of a once country spanning road falling into the rolling waves below, the group nestled themselves comfortably against a small outcropping just below the tarmac.
Casting out their lines, the lures plopping into the water with nary a sound, the four of them simply enjoyed the silence for a bit, the distant rumble of thunder and the crashing of waves upon the rocks below the only sound. Leah's emerald swept across the vast plane of water in morbid fascination, watching the bright light's flash off and on within the dark clouds overhead, seeing the tips of buildings peek out of the ocean like spires made of concrete and glass.
"The ocean used to be so much farther away." Leah commented quietly as she pointed out toward the deep reaches of the ocean, the androids following her line of sight to a small outcropping of buildings barely poking out of the water, crumbling concrete lying like lost relics beneath the rolling waves.
"I used to live over there." Leah recollected wistfully, the buildings too damaged and overflown to be recognizable, a small glint of pain shining within her emerald orbs. "One of those many buildings bobbing out of the water used to be my home."
The androids watched the human girl with worry on their faces, A2 gently placing her hand upon Leah's, the one gripping her rod, becoming aware of just how tightly she was holding on to its handle. Heaving a heavy sigh, Leah gave her girlfriend and the redheaded sisters a small smile, care and adoration shining within her emerald gaze.
"It's ok. I like it much better here with you guys." Shooting them a bright, tooth-filled grin, Leah tried to reassure her friends, the androids giving her heartfelt smiles of their own, Devola playfully nuzzling the brown-haired girl, small shouts of annoyance from the human making everyone laugh, the tense atmosphere dissipating without a trace.
Falling back into a comfortable silence, the group content with simply enjoying each other's company and the salty sea air, Leah pulled the blanket she brought with her a little tighter around her shoulders, the stiff breeze rolling in from the ocean sending a small chill across her skin. It wouldn't be long before they made their first catch, A2 pulling momentarily on her rod before reeling in a decently sized fish, expertly unhooking it from her line and tossing it into a nearby container before casting it back out. All of this was done in one fluid motion, A2 making it look like the simplest, and yet graceful, thing in the world.
"Say, Devola? Popola?" Cutting through the blissful silence, voice tinged with curiosity, Leah turned to her redheaded companions with a questioning gaze. "What did you guys do? You know, before you joined the resistance?"
A small jolt ran through the sister's spines, their whole body tensing up at the girl's seemingly innocent questions, fear and pain flashing beneath their green gaze as they huddled a little closer, instinctively reaching out for comfort from each other. Painful memories flashed into their minds, the familiar sting of guilt rising up within their stomachs as Popola fearfully clutched her sister's arm tight, Devola placing a shaking hand upon hers.
"We….it's not something we like to talk about." Devola managed to finally answer, her voice trembling as she leaned into her sister's touch, their gazes locked upon the bobbing floaters rolling along with the waves.
"You don't have to answer. I'm sorry for asking." Leah spat out quickly, guilt and sorrow reflecting in her eyes as she looked upon the distraught sisters, A2 pulling her gaze away from her own line to give the twins a concerned look.
"It's...it's ok." Popola whispered quietly, the tremble running through their bodies lessening as they turned to look at their friends, at Leah. A human. A cherished loved one. They had no reason to feel guilty anymore. They had been forgiven. They were free.
"Our models, Devola and Popola models, were once in charge of watching over a very special project for humanity. They were tasked with preserving it and seeing it succeed." Devola answered through strained words as she tried to swallow back the rising guilt, her programming yelling at her that it was their fault, all of their fault.
"But," Popola continued, lightly caressing her sister's arm as she looked at the pair, her green eyes never straying from Leah's, "one set of sisters failed, leading to the entire extinction of humanity. Except for you."
"Because of that, to make up for our sins, every Devola and Popola model has been programmed to feel immense and never-ending guilt for what they have done. For what WE did." Devola finished, pulling her sister closer, the pair huddled together for comfort.
"NO!" Leah cried out, startling the redheaded sisters, both of them turning to stare at the human girl in stunned surprise. "No, that's bullshit! Blaming you for the actions of another is wrong and despicable! You had nothing to do with it! You shouldn't shoulder the guilt for something that isn't your fault!"
A small smile curled on A2's lips as she watched Leah pull the sisters close, wrapping her arms protectively around the stunned twins, tears pooling at the corner of their eyes as they returned the girls embrace, whispering quiet 'thank you's' into the crook of her neck. Feeling a tug on her line, the combat android instinctively pulled at her rod with a deft flick of her wrist, pulling the struggling fish out of the water in one swift motion.
Reeling in her catch, A2 turned to find the trio of girls looking at her with surprise and a bit of contempt, the silver-haired woman simply tilting her head in confusion as she stored her fish in the container.
"Are you just programmed to be that good?" Devola deadpanned, her voice thick with derision as she huffed in exasperation at the former YoRHa soldiers seemingly never-ending prowess, Popola and Leah giving nods of agreement.
"Yes." A2 responded dryly, face remaining completely stoic as she cast out her line once more, the trio looking at her in stunned silence before bursting out with raucous laughter at the combat androids unexpected joke, Leah hanging off of Devola's side as she gave her girlfriend a playful shove. A2 simply kept on fishing, a minuscule grin tugging at the corner of her lips.
With the tension broken, the group fell into a comfortable routine as they continued fishing in companionable silence, each one managing to catch a successive score of fish, their container slowly but steadily filling up with a delectable variety for Leah to enjoy in the future, the occasional robotic monstrosity being released back into the ocean.
As the day grew long, and their catches became more plentiful, Leah eventually snuggled up to A2's side, nuzzling herself under the androids arm, the former YoRHa soldier giving the young human a questioning stare. Leah simply joked that it was to steal A2's fish, the combat android clearly having found the best spot. A2 merely shook her head at the brown-haired girl's obvious lie, but made no move to push her away, simply pulling her in closer, head gently resting atop Leah's as they watched the waves roll along.
"Goodnight, Devola. Goodnight, Popola." Yawning loudly, arm stretched out in a dramatic fashion, Leah gently waved goodbye to the twin sisters as she and A2 returned to their room for the night, her eyes futilely trying to blink away the tiredness from her eyes. Devola and Popola bid the pair goodnight, bright smiles adorning their faces as they made their way back to their own lodgings, walking arm in arm, feeling freer than they have in a long time. They were finally letting go of their past.
After spending most of the day fishing, laughing and sharing stories together, the quartet had finally decided to call it a day, Devola and Popola hefting the crate full of fish between each other as they made their way back to camp, feeling exhausted but content. Everyone had done well, each catching a decent amount of fish, but A2 beat them all, pulling a haul that was almost twice than the rest of theirs combined. Suffice it to say, the silver-haired woman was in an excellent mood the whole way back.
"That was fun." Leah sighed happily as she pulled off her shirt, a small shiver running down her spine at the cool air caressing her skin, quickly grabbing one of the oversized shirts not claimed by A2 and slipping it on. "We should do it again once 2B and 9S come back."
"I'd like that." A2 smiled softly as she took a seat at the edge of the bed, slipping off her tight garment with a satisfied grunt, the combat android feeling much better after having the shirt pressed uncomfortably against her skin all day. The combat android had spent most of her days with a simple piece of cloth wrapped around her midsection, her years of wearing a full battle dress a distant memory now, A2 not accustomed to wearing any clothes at all anymore.
Stretching out across the bed, a small sigh of contentment passing her lips, A2 let her eyes slide closed, the combat android letting herself sink deeply into the stiff mattress. She never believed that she would ever find herself in such a place in her life. She felt safe, secure, and most importantly happy. She had friends, a meaning to live, and someone she loved more than anything she had ever known in her life.
A shadow fell over her eyes, blocking out the overhead light, causing the silver-haired android to open her eyes, steel-blue meeting emerald. Leah hovered over her prone form, a simmering heat glowing within her gaze as she lightly ran her hand over the androids exposed stomach, a strange bolt running down A2's spine at the girl's touch.
Leaning down, Leah softly pressed her lips against A2's, her chest pressing gently against her skin, contained only by a thin nightshirt, her bare leg rubbing up against her own. The caresses started out innocent, almost tentative, their lips exploring each other curiously, slowly growing in intensity as they continued, the human girl practically straddling the prone android as she pressed herself flush against A2's body.
Feeling heat building in her chest, a heady warmth causing her vision to swim, a burst of panic suddenly welled up within A2's black box, her steel-blue eyes shooting wide in terror. What was happening? What was this? What were they doing? She didn't know what to do!
Grabbing Leah's shoulders, fingers trembling, A2 gently, but firmly, pushed the brown-haired girl away, panicked breaths coming out in small shudders as she looked about in a panic. Emotions rolled over her body in waves, fear gripping her black box in a vice-like grip, her steel-blue eyes worriedly darting across Leah's concerned face, searching for relief from this horrible feeling enveloping her.
"A2? Is everything ok?" Snapping toward the human girl's eyes, emerald orbs alight with worry, A2 felt her whole body briefly cease up as Leah gently placed her hand upon her cheek, a brief shuddering exhale passing her lips before she let herself relax. She was safe. This was Leah, the woman she loved. There was nothing to fear.
"I'm sorry." A2 choked out, her voice uncharacteristically small and meek, the silver-haired android letting herself melt into Leah's touch. "I…I don't know. I just got this sense of...panic. I didn't know what was going to happen and what we were doing and I was afraid of how strong it felt."
"Hey, hey it's ok, A2." Leah whispered softly, her fingers gently caressing the androids cheek, a reassuring smile pulling on her lips. "I'll wait forever for you A2. You don't have to worry about being ready now. I'll always be here."
Nodding slowly, the fear within her chest dying down, A2 tried to give her girlfriend some sign that she was ok, but all she could manage was a shaky smile. Placing a gentle kiss upon A2's forehead, making sure to do it slowly and carefully, Leah keeping an eye on the android's reaction, the former soldier sighing softly at the gentle touch, the tense feeling in her body all but fading away.
As the pair settled down for the night, the brown-haired girl pushing herself into A2's back, pressing her lips softly against the android's bare shoulder, Leah whispered a quiet 'goodnight' before letting her eyes drift closed.
As A2 lay awake, Leah's arms wrapped securely around her waist, the human girl's light breaths caressing the back of her neck, she thought about what the human girl had said and how she didn't want to wait that long.
A/N: Emotions are a confusing thing.
This chapter was more of a slow affair, the emotional and physical toll of the previous events slowly calming down and the characters get a moment to relax and just spend time together. We get a glimpse into the deeper workings of what Devola and Popola went through, the shackles of their programming still hanging over them.
A2 and Leah also take another step in their relationship, the ramifications of just where it was going dawning upon the android, her woeful grasp upon her own emotions and interactions with others sending her into a panic. While these emotions may scare her, A2 still wants to experience them, wanting to fully devote herself to Leah.
While things may have slowed down a bit, the next chapter will bring some plot progression so I hope you look forward to it!
Next chapter: A mystery in a place of amusement.
Thank you all for your amazing support! We are slowly but surely coming up on a full year from this story's creation and I never expected it to ever get this far and that anyone would even read it. Knowing you guys are out there and(hopefully) enjoying it fills me with immense joy! I will continue to do my best and bring you much more of these two. Have a wonderful day and I love you all!