"I will be returning to the bunker shortly."
A hushed silence fell over the assembled trio at 2B's sudden, but not altogether surprising, declaration, her words, soft and regretful, drifting in the air like a gentle breeze. Several hours had passed since the harrowing battle with the deranged Eve, the grief-stricken machine's vengeful assault leaving the pair of combat androids in injured but stable conditions. Devola and Popola, with some help from YoRHa's recovery implements, managed to patch up the pair of silver-haired women, leaving them no worse for wear.
Physically at least.
"There is much to report to the commander about what has happened. And…" Pausing briefly, placing her hand over her black box, a small, almost shy, smile began curling on 2B's lips as the face of a familiar boy appeared in her head. "I wish to check on 9S as well."
While the toll on their bodies had been heavy, it couldn't compare to the mental anguish 2B had endured at the battle's conclusion, her usually subdued emotions pulled taught, almost to the point of breaking, by what she had to do. While the relief and joy of 9S's miraculous survival helped soothe many of the wounds dealt upon the battle android's damaged soul, the events of the day, as well as 2B's already sordid past, left her in a strange limbo of emotions.
It was why she felt she had to leave, to check on her beloved partner, though her black box was strangely torn. She wanted, needed, to see him, to confirm that it was still him, that her hands hadn't taken him from her again. For once, her job, what she was explicitly designed for, was not her priority. YoRHa, 2E, her mission, none of these things mattered at the moment.
All she wanted was to see 9S's smile.
And yet, looking at the loving pair standing in front of her, Leah wrapped tightly around A2's arm, the human girl refusing to leave the combat android's side for even a second, 2B had trouble finding the will to go. There was so much she had to tell them, secrets she had to share, words she had to express. So many feelings of regret, of shame and self-loathing, of unbridled joy, that she needed to convey to them, the people she trusted most in this world. But they were stuck, 2B warring with her head and her black box, words lost in the brewing storm of uncertainty within her.
But, there was one thing 2B knew she had to do.
"I want to thank you for…for everything." 2B whispered softly as she gently bowed toward the pair, hands pressed up against the tattered edges of ripped battle dress, head lowered in a silent gesture of deep gratitude. A2 and Leah, her dearest friends, they both had done so much for her.
Leah had given her a new reason to live, opened her eyes to a new future, one much brighter than before. The human girl's kindness and bright disposition in the face of such adversity, living in a time not of her choosing, being the target of both deep admiration and hatred, inspired the YoRHa soldier immensely. From the violent first meeting to now, from fights to moments of levity, from sorrow and joy, they had formed an everlasting bond, one 2B will treasure for eternity.
Leah was her first, true friend.
"Thank you, A2." Raising herself from her bow, 2B's blue eyes found A2's, the pair of warriors sharing a silent moment of connection. Gruff, callous, and at times violent. That was A2, a rogue android with a vicious tongue and a penchant for destruction. A warrior, a deadly being of hatred forged in the wake of tragedy. She was the greatest woman 2B had ever met.
She was her sister.
They had fought, crossed swords and words at differing times of their relationship, formed an unbreakable bond in the fires of battle, but most importantly in the quiet moments after the fighting was over. A2 was there when they needed it, placing her life on the line for them, android's from an organization that had betrayed her, that had marked her for death. She had brought Leah into their lives, protecting and loving her like no one else could, bringing new light into the soulless darkness that was the android's inevitably bleak future.
A2, with her comforting touch and tender words, had shown her that her life had meaning, that it had a purpose outside of a never-ending spiral of death and sorrow. That, just maybe, she herself could find such happiness.
"Thank you, for being there."
Turning her head away with a non-committal click of her tongue, A2 just casually waved off the battle android's words of thanks with a dismissive flick of her hand, the subtle hint of a blush coloring her cheeks and the light-hearted feeling in her black box exposing her true feelings. Giggling softly at her combat brethren's response, blue eyes alight with mirth, 2B and A2 shared a quick smile, one that did not go unnoticed by their human companion.
Pursing her lips into a childish pout, Leah shot the pair of silver-haired androids a series of annoyed glares, her emerald eyes narrowed dramatically as she flickered her gaze between the two combat models. Something was different about the two of them, their strange light-hearted banter and 2B's cryptic words of thanks agitating the time-traveling girl for some unknown reason. Leah hated being left out of the loop, especially by people she cared about. It felt like high school all over again.
Sighing softly, her grip on A2's arm tightening slightly, Leah guessed this was better than the antagonistic relationship they used to have. Pressing her cheek against A2's shoulder, nuzzling it gently, Leah was just glad they were both safe, the human girl placing a quick kiss upon her girlfriend's warm skin.
She'll grill her about the details of the battle later.
"I hope we'll finally find some time to talk very soon." Turning to face the human girl, the smile on her lips curling wider at the pair's casual displays of affection, 2B felt a swell of hope rise in her black box, the battle android letting out a breathy laugh. "Without rampaging robots interrupting us all the time, of course."
"Well, when that time does finally come," Leah began as she chuckled softly, a brilliant idea flashing in her head, one that caused the human girl to excitedly bounce in place, "we should all go fishing. You, me, A2, 9S, and the twins!"
Perking up slightly, A2's steel-blue eyes seemed to brighten, a glint of excitement reflecting in their depths as she turned toward her human companion with a wide, hopeful grin on her lips. Leah couldn't help but smile as she felt A2's excited stare upon her, the combat android practically vibrating in anticipation at the thought of going fishing again. She had no idea where this weird obsession with fishing came from, especially for a race built almost specifically for battle, but Leah wasn't going to complain, absolutely loving seeing her girlfriend so excited.
A2 was just too darn cute sometimes.
"That would be wonderful. I'll make sure to let him know." 2B smiled softly at the pair, her own excitement for the planned excursion growing in her black box, the battle model bowing one last time to her friends in a fond bid farewell. "I should be heading off.
Rushing forward, Leah pulled the unsuspecting YoRHa soldier in for a quick hug, 2B's eyes widening momentarily before softening at the human girls loving gesture. Hesitating briefly, hands trembling slightly, 2B shot her combat brethren a quick look, silently looking for approval. With an exasperated roll of her eyes, A2 angrily gestured for her to hug Leah back, the smile on her lips never faltering. Mouthing a silent 'thank you', 2B pulled the shorter girl in for a quick, tender hug, savoring every last second of physical closeness she could, something the androids were in painfully short supply of.
That is until they met Leah.
Pulling out of the embrace, immediately missing the feeling of warmth and comfort the time-traveling girl provided, 2B bid the pair one last quick farewell before stepping toward the nearby transporter, the doors opening with a dramatic hiss. Hopping into the awaiting chamber, pressing her back against the padded interior walls, 2B's gaze fell upon Leah and A2 once last time.
Watching the two of them, seeing their love grow, a love so unconventional and strange, one fraught with hardship, the sheer improbability of them even meeting in the first place, gave the battle android hope. Hope for them and for herself. Smiling brightly, affixing the blindfold over her eyes, 2B gave the pair one last wave goodbye before the doors of the transporter slid shut with a quiet hiss, the battle android feeling her consciousness being transported back to the bunker.
It was hard for 2B to leave their side, but she wasn't sad. Instead, she felt quiet anticipation, both for their eventual reunion and for what awaited her back in the bunker. No, 2B was not sad.
She was returning to her own beloved's side after all.
"W-what?" Wide, green eyes stared incredulously at the strange device 2B had just disappeared into, Leah casting her dumbfounded gaze toward her long-haired companion, her finger shakily raising to gesture dumbly to it. What was that?! Why was there still stuff here that could surprise her?! Can't things just make sense for once!?
"I'd recommend you just let this one go." Chuckling softly, A2 gently wrapped her arm around her girlfriend's waist as she led her away from the transporter, a soft blush covering Leah's cheeks at the android's bold action. Pressing herself closer into the silver-haired woman's side, the grip on her waist tightening slightly, Leah's previous confusion immediately evaporating within A2's strong and comforting embrace.
'God, I'm such a love-struck fool.' Leah thought as she silently chuckled to herself, the time-traveling human softly resting her head upon the combat android's shoulder, perfectly content to be a fool for A2. Lifting her head to the sky, staring at the endless sea of clear blue, past the white clouds drifting lazily in the wind, Leah wondered just where in that vast expanse 2B and 9S were right now. She hoped that wherever they were, that both of them were safe and, most of all, that they were together.
Tearing her gaze away from her fruitless search, the brown-haired girl turned her head to find A2 staring back at her, Leah's eyes meeting A2's in a clash of emerald and steel-blue. Blushing lightly beneath the android's sharp gaze, Leah couldn't help but smile as she admired her girlfriend's beautifully striking features, the once unreadable stoicism on A2's face now softened, her entire being radiating nothing but gentle love and affection.
"I'm glad you're back." Shifting in her girlfriend's embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around the former YoRHa soldiers midsection, her nose pressing lovingly into A2's neck, her words muffled slightly against the android's skin. With a gentle smile curling on her lips, her arms pulling the shorter girl closer, A2 rested her head upon Leah's, her steel-blue eyes alight with quiet adoration.
"I'll always come back to you." A2 whispered softly as she placed a chaste kiss upon the scar running along the side of Leah's head, the soft, short-cut hair's delightfully tickling her nose. "I promise."
It was a promise A2 intended to never break. Too many lives, too many possible futures had been lost to her over the years, so many chances of happiness having slipped between her fingers. She wasn't letting this one go. She will grasp it tight and keep it safe, tearing down any obstacle in her way to preserve this life for herself, for her friends.
For Leah.
"Sooo," smashing the pairs intimate moment like a rock through a glass window, Devola and Popola casually sidled up on either side of A2 and Leah, the redheaded twins grinning mischievously as they playfully prodded the human girl and her android lover with teasing winks and sly smiles, "where did we leave off? Y'know, after your little night of romance, before that rampaging freak showed up."
Pulling out of each other's embrace, silent annoyance covering each of their features, A2 and Leah cast a sidelong glance at each of the sisters leaning casually against their sides, Popola wagging her eyebrows suggestively at the combat android as Devola repeatedly poked the human girl in the side. Taking a deep breath, another poke jabbing roughly into her ribs, Leah slowly turned her head toward the wild-haired twin, her emerald eyes staring sharply into Devola's.
"Right here!" At Leah's cry, with almost perfectly synchronized timing, the brown-haired human and A2 grabbed the twin redheads in rough headlocks, wrenching painfully on their necks as they cried out in surprise and pain.
"Argh!" Screaming out in shock and fear, words muffled by A2's firm grip upon her head, arms flailing wildly as she tried to push herself away from the fearsome android, Popola's green eyes locked on her sister who was giving her a pleading look from her own position in Leah's headlock. "How did we forget about this!?"
Feeling that the twins have learned their lesson, the pair released the screaming redheads, the wild-haired twin dramatically falling to her knees as she wrapped her arms around the human girl's leg, repeatedly begging for forgiveness for her transgressions. Letting out a series of amused giggles at her friend's dramatic performance, Leah bent down to help the redheaded android back to her feet, lightly dusting off the dirt on Devola's pants before pulling the wild-haired girl in for a quick hug, both of them bursting out in jubilant laughter.
Turning her head, Leah felt a bright smile spread on her face as she watched A2 roughly mess up Popola's hair, the former YoRHa soldier laughing freely and fully as the straight-haired twin pouted childishly in response, only making the combat model laugh harder. Seeing the two of them getting along so well, Devola jumping in to save her sister only managing to amuse A2 even more, Leah felt that this is where she was meant to be, a life finally her own.
A life she wanted to share with A2 forever.
For the rest of the day, Leah and A2 spent their time relaxing with the twin redheads, simply enjoying each other's company as they laughed at Devola's amusing retelling of her and Jackass's many misadventures and overblown arguments, Popola chiming in with little sarcastic comments of her own throughout. It was something A2 had never experienced before in her all too short life, merely wiling away the hours with friends, simply enjoying each other's company with small talk and an overall feeling of levity.
But, with Leah snuggled comfortably by her side as they sat together in Devola and Popola's market stall, it all felt somehow familiar to A2, as if this was where she was always meant to be. Or, at least, where she always hoped. The combat model never thought she would ever reach it, a place where she felt like she belonged, a place to call home.
A place to call her own.
Eventually, Devola and Popola had to excuse themselves to get to their work, the twins heading off with heavy hearts and melodramatic goodbyes, Leah giggling merrily at the redhead android's ridiculous antics as she too bid them a fond farewell. The pair of lovers decided to remain there a little longer, Leah resting her head upon A2's chest as they reclined in the sun's warm rays, simply enjoying the strangely serene noise of the bustling camp.
Pressing her cheek against the combat model's chest, feeling the warmth radiating off of her damaged skin, her finger lightly tracing along A2's stomach, Leah felt a daring spark light up in her chest. Pulling herself away from the android's embrace, Leah quickly hopped back to her feet, lightly tugging on A2's arm as the former YoRHa soldier gave her a confused stare.
"Leah?" Slowly rising to her feet, letting herself get pulled along by the brown-haired girl, A2's steel-blue eyes were full of questioning as they stared at Leah's hand wrapped securely, yet gently, around her wrist.
"Shh, just follow me." Placing her finger coyly over her lips, Leah continued to lead the silver-haired android toward their room, a nervous and excited energy building in her chest. Leah tried to act coy as she pulled A2 into the dimly lit interior of their room, briefly fumbling with the door's handle, her shaking hands and the light blush illuminating her cheeks giving away her true intentions.
Dragging the confused android over to their bed, a light of understanding flashed in the silver-haired woman's eyes when Leah's intention became clear, the smallest flicker of warmth starting to build in her abdomen as her black box began beating with barely restrained anticipation. Stopping in front of the bed, Leah quickly turned to face her silver-haired girlfriend, her emerald eyes glowing with growing lust and adoration as she grabbed a hold of A2's hips.
Pulling the taller woman close, pressing A2's body flush with her own, the combat android only managed to let out a gentle gasp from her lips before Leah covered them with her own. The second their lips made contact, A2's arms instinctively wrapped around Leah's waist, her hands resting gently upon the gentle swell of the human girl's behind, fingers lightly tucking into the waistband of Leah's shorts, relishing the feeling of her warm skin.
Smiling against A2's lips, enjoying the android's boldness, Leah didn't let herself fall behind as she sensually raked her fingernails down her lover's spine, grinning proudly by the delightful shiver she elicited from the combat model. Running her palm along A2's generous buttocks, groaning blissfully at the amazing feeling of the android's gorgeous form, mentally thanking whatever deity blessed her with such a beautiful and sexy girlfriend.
With their kiss growing more heated by the second, hands exploring each other's bodies as their lips crashed together over and over again, the pair slowly inched closer toward their bed, A2 and Leah almost tripping over the frame as they sat upon its edge. Remembering the previous night, A2's hand began snaking along Leah's side, the human girl shivering from her tender touch, before hooking her thumb into the waistband of her girlfriend's shorts and pulling them down her legs.
Kicking the piece of fabric off toward the other end of the room with a flick of her foot, both of them immediately forgetting about it, A2 tucked her hand under the time-traveling human's shirt, the muscles in Leah's stomach quivering beneath her fiery touch. Every receptor in A2's body was buzzing with electricity, a wonderful, heady delirium making her senses swim with euphoria at every touch of Leah's skin, every taste of her lips, every beautiful sound emanating from her chest.
Grabbing ahold of Leah's shirt, fingers greedily gripping ahold of the soft fabric, A2 began pulling it up, steel-blue eyes hungrily taking in every inch of newly exposed skin. Leah's hands suddenly grabbed a hold of her own, keeping them firmly in place, before she had a chance of pulling it over the human girl's chest, A2 looking up into her girlfriend's eyes with a desperate and confused gaze.
"I want to take care of you for once." Removing the android's hands from their death grip upon her shirt, a gentle and reassuring smile on her lips, Leah placed her hand upon A2's cheek, her thumb lovingly stroking across her soft, luscious lips. "Trust me, ok?"
Giving her girlfriend a quick kiss and an adoring smile, Leah placed her hands upon the combat android's shoulders before gently guiding her down onto the mattress, her emerald eyes never straying from A2's fiery steel-blue ones. Sitting next to A2's prone form, the combat android looking up at her with a trusting yet expectant gaze, a sultry smile started to curl on the human girl's lips as she quickly pulled off and discarded her shirt in one fluid motion, her bra following shortly after, leaving Leah's upper body completely bare.
The pair stayed in that position for a couple of seconds, A2's appreciative gaze roaming over the supple contours of Leah's naked torso, the scarred skin practically glowing beneath the gentle lighting coming from overhead as the time-traveling girl softly ran her palm along the expanse of the android's trim stomach. Shifting onto her knees, the lustful smile on her lips remaining in place as she slowly lowered her head down to just below the swell of A2's exposed chest, Leah briefly nuzzling her nose against pliant mounds before placing a long, loving kiss upon her skin.
A long, agonizing shudder ran down the silver-haired woman's spine as Leah slowly and methodically trailed a series of kisses down the android's stomach, her stiff nipples grazing delectably across the smooth expanse of her skin, the human girl leaving small nips and sensually licks on her way down her girlfriend's amazing body. The combat android's mind was abuzz with burning love and hazy lust, the heat in her stomach sparking brighter as Leah treated her damaged body with silent adoration, not an ounce of disgust or disappointment to be felt with every searing touch and appreciative moan into her skin. Smiling brightly, A2 began gently running her fingers through the soft, shortly trimmed tresses of her girlfriend's hair, her hips gyrating as rolling waves of pleasure ran through her body at Leah's torturous teasing.
'Oh, how I've missed this.' The time-traveling girl mused thoughtfully, a small thrill rolling down her spine as the velvety softness of A2's pelvis rubbed up against her leg, Leah's lips curling up into a smile as she lowered down to ghost her tongue over the line separating the android's skin from the exposed chassis of her breasts. 'It's only been one night, but I've already become addicted to her.'
"Ah." Leah was pulled out of her silent reverie by a moan escaping from her own lips, the human girl's leg twitching slightly as a burst of pleasure exploded within her, her half-lidded eyes staring into the lustful gaze of the silver-haired beauty lying beneath her. She had been so engrossed in her girlfriend's body that she had failed to notice as A2 gently slipped her hand into the back of her panties, the combat model softly caressing the supple mound of her behind before grasping it tightly and kneading it firmly.
"You!" Grinning fiercely, not one to be outdone, Leah roughly ran her fingers through the luxurious strands of A2's hair, grasping them tightly and pulling the androids head back before planting a rough kiss upon the former soldier's lips. "I fucking love you."
Pulling gently on the android's bottom lip, teeth grasping the sensitive skin tight before letting go, Leah gave her girlfriend another quick kiss before lifting herself into an upright position, a light sheen of sweat glistening on her forehead as green orbs hungrily eyed their prize. A2's body, so exquisite, one that had suffered so much over the years, was laid out beneath her, the gentle rolling of the androids hips letting the time-traveling girl know that all of her hard work was paying off.
Despite her own loins screaming for release, the swelling heat within her stomach bubbling up like a volcano, Leah never lost sight of just what she was here for. She was here for A2, for her wonderful girlfriend, for her savior, her everything. She wanted to repay her for everything she had done for. For saving her from a lifetime of frozen slumber, of living in a desolate world alone, for rescuing her from the clutches of a madman. For loving her.
She wanted A2 to feel special.
"A2," pressing her lips upon the edge of A2's pelvic bone, hands greedily running along the flaring contours of her hips, Leah looked up into the glowing steel-blue gaze of her lover with an adoring smile, "you are so beautiful."
Blushing slightly from the human girl's praise, causing Leah to giggle softly to herself as she dotted small trails with her tongue along the line separating the android's skin from her exposed lower region, the brunette pressing her forehead gently into the combat model's muscular stomach as A2 gently ran her hand along the back of her head.
"So strong."
Running her hand along the silver-haired androids' arms, feeling the strength slumbering just beneath the surface, Leah gently rested her cheek against A2's stomach as she placed her palm into her girlfriends, lovingly admiring their intertwined fingers as the warmth from the former YoRHa soldier's body enveloped her.
"So lovely."
Keeping their hands intertwined, fingers clasped together in an unbreakable bond, Leah gently glided down to rest between the combat android's thighs, her warm breath briefly washing over A2's nethers, sending a pleasant tingle through the silver-haired woman's system. Sliding her free hand under her girlfriend's thigh, A2 lifting it slightly in response to her touch, Leah began trailing hot, almost desperate, kisses along the inside of her leg, breathing in the intoxicating scent of the android's skin.
"You are amazing, my love."
Nipping on the tender skin of her inner thigh, making the combat android groan softly in appreciation at the human girl's ministrations, Leah had to fight her raging inner desires to keep herself from sliding an eager hand into her craving pussy. Something about A2, from her sensual voice to her stunning body, from her tender touch to the raw strength she displayed in battle, just made her rage with desire for her. Even just pressing her cheek against the strong, pliant thickness of her thighs was making her head fog up with insatiable lust for the statuesque beauty that was A2.
Pushing down her own desires, Leah rolling her hips and grinding her thighs together to help alleviate some of the ache between her legs, the brown-haired girl, in a sudden burst of aggressiveness leapt toward A2's crotch, catching the android off guard. Throwing her head back with a resounding moan, A2's whole body shivered as her girlfriend nipped, kissed, and caressed her nether region with reckless abandon, the electricity shooting through her system exploding like a storm of heat and pleasure.
Grasping the bedsheet tightly, the fabric tearing slightly from her strong grip, A2 bit down fiercely upon her knuckle to try and stifle another scream of ecstasy as Leah continued to ravage her body, lapping upon her nethers as the human girl's greedy fingers ran along her stomach and caressed her breasts in a most delightful manner. Kneading the firm skin of her thighs, nibbling softly upon the exposed chassis of her groin, planting loving kisses upon her bare stomach, Leah was exploring A2's body like never before, her every action laced with a desperate need to show the android how much she loved and admired her, of just how beautiful she thought she was.
And A2 felt every bit of it.
Removing herself from her girlfriend's nethers, sliding her sweat-soaked breasts across A2's luxurious skin, Leah grasped the sides of her face before attacking the silver-haired woman's lips with a heated kiss. Invading the android's mouth with her tongue, a deep groan reverberating through the human girl's chest as she tasted A2, Leah's fingers slipped back down the former soldier's body to find themselves upon her crotch once more.
Moving her fingers in concentrated circles, feeling the softness of the android's exposed chassis glide beneath her fingers, Leah kept her lips firmly locked with A2's, delighting in every stifled groan and pleading moan rolling through the silver-haired woman's chest from her expert touch. She could feel it building within the combat model, how she desperately pressed her crotch into her hand, feeling how her legs shivered.
A2 was close to her climax.
Grasping her side tight, running her thumb teasingly along the soft skin of her pelvis, Leah pressed her fingers firmer against the android's nethers, increasing her pace with the desperate movements of A2's hips until a silent scream ripped through her, her back arching as lightning arced down her spine in a blinding climax. Through the intense pleasure and brilliant ecstasy, the prevailing feeling overtaking A2's body as she came was of undying and devoted love for the girl pressed up against her, her steel-blue eyes finding Leah's through the bleary haze of bliss fogging up her head. Those shining orbs of gorgeous emerald kept her grounded in this moment, this moment with her love, her salvation, her everything.
Her beloved Leah.
Pulling her girlfriend close, gently cradling her head against her exposed bosom, Leah softly ran her hands through her long, silver locks as A2 rode through her orgasm, whispering repeated declarations of love into her ear until the pleasure faded and all that was left was feeling of tired satisfaction. But Leah continued to hold her close, the endless stream of romanticism's refusing to cease as the brunette let her feelings for her silver-haired lover flow freely, proclaiming her love over and over until they fell into a comfortable slumber, with A2 resting close to her heart.
"Good, good! Keep going!"
Responding to A2's cheers with a resounding cry, Leah lunged at her silver-haired sparring partner, sword raised high into the air as she came down upon her with a vicious strike, the combat android blocking the blow with surprising quickness and skill. The pair exchanged strikes with rapid speed, the human girl managing to go toe-to-toe with the former YoRHa soldier, A2 having to put in a bit more effort than she used to, a fact that brought a small grin of pride to the silver-haired warrior's lips.
Leah was still improving.
Several days have passed since the harrowing battle with Eve and while life in the resistance camp mostly remained the same, Devola and Popola's teasing included, A2 herself had undergone a slight change. Ducking under a surprising punch thrown by the brown-haired human, the quick movement caused the garment covering her torso to flutter slightly, a feeling A2 had felt many times before.
As thanks for helping eliminate Eve, 6O had contacted the resistance camp on behalf of YoRHa to extend their gratitude toward A2, offering her something in return for her services. She had planned on refusing, the bitterness of their betrayal still resting like a festering pustule upon her black box, but a brief vision of a flowing garment entered her mind, one of an A2 that had existed a long time ago.
Looking down at her bare torso, fingers ghosting over the damaged skin and black lines of her exposed chassis, A2 wondered if she could go back, if she could restore her body to how it once was. No damage. No scars of the past. A body that was whole, unspoiled by hatred, one adorned in a beautiful, radiant garment. An A2 of a long-lost past.
Could she really go back?
In the end, she couldn't do it. The pain was still too raw, the wound only now starting to heal under Leah's loving touch and the support and care of her friends. She couldn't forgive them. Not yet at least. Maybe someday, even someday soon, she could finally let everything go.
But, as she was prepared to reject them outright, something rude already sitting on the edge of her tongue, a small flicker of an idea flashed through her head. She couldn't go back to the A2 she was in the past, but that didn't mean she couldn't go a short way back. Placing her hand upon her bare stomach, remembering the fiery blush on Leah's face every time her gaze strayed down to her exposed skin, A2 felt a small smile curl on her lips as she made her request.
A quick trip into YoRHa's transporter, something that still perplexed and confused the human girl, A2's lost garment, the one destroyed in the battle with Adam, was restored. It wasn't quite the monumental leap forward one would hope for, but A2 was happy nevertheless, the garment holding a surprising amount of sentimentality to the former YoRHa soldier. It was a reminder of her fallen comrades and her first meeting with Leah.
With a quick thank you from the combat android and the resistance leader, Anemone quickly hung up on the exuberant operator, cutting 6O off as she was about to ask Leah a question, causing the pig-tailed blonde to let out a scream of frustration that echoed through the bunker. Staring at the communications radio, Leah silently reminded herself to find some nice flowers for 6O for next time and finally give her a chance to talk to her. Poor girl must be going quite mad by this point from all of her lost chances.
"You're improving at a great rate Leah. I'm proud of you." Handing the exhausted girl a bottle of water, the brown-haired human greedily guzzled down the nourishing liquid in one go, Leah shooting her girlfriend a shy grin before hiding her face behind her towel as a small blush colored her cheeks from A2's compliment. Even after all this time, the android could always find a way to make her blush with even the smallest of compliments.
"It really was a sight to see." Perking up in surprise, a familiar soft voice and boyish laugh reaching her ears, Leah practically ripped the towel from her head as a wide grin beamed across her face as she quickly leapt into the waiting arms of a pair of YoRHa soldiers.
"2B! 9S!" Leah's cheer of joy echoed through the camp as she pulled the pair of android's in for a big hug, 2B holding the human girl close as 9S began laughing harder, overjoyed to see their return met with such enthusiasm. Grinning happily at the heartwarming scene, A2 slowly sauntered over to the embracing trio, 2B immediately making eye contact with her combat brethren, the former YoRHa soldier giving her a quick wave in greeting.
Pulling out of the human girl's embrace, Leah and 9S looked at her in mild confusion, 2B shocking everyone when she pulled the long-haired android in for a hug, A2's eyes flying open wide in surprise at the unexpected action. Looking toward Leah for help, the human girl frantically gestured for her to hug her back, a mile-wide grin curling on the brunette's lips as A2 slowly and awkwardly wrapped her arms around the short-haired woman's shoulders.
"Thank you again, A2. For everything." 2B softly whispered into the combat model's shoulder, A2 merely nodding her softly in reply, her fingers digging every so slightly tighter into the fabric of the short-haired woman's dress, a strong wave of emotion washing over her. None of them were unpleasant, which is what surprised the former soldier the most, A2 giving 2B one last quick squeeze before letting go.
Staring into the uncovered gaze of 2B's eyes, the short-haired soldier gracing her with the smallest of smiles, Leah and 9S watching the pair's interaction with twin sets of smug grins, A2 felt strangely at peace. As if this was how life was supposed to be. A life with purpose. A life with love. A life with friends.
A life free from the shackles of her past.
"I'm sorry for worrying all of you." Bowing his head slightly, regret written plainly on his face, 9S bashfully rubbed the back of his head as he apologized to the assembled group. After the group's joyful reunion, one of many by this point, the band of odd misfits decided to take a short walk along the perimeter of the exterior of the camp, the gentle breeze blowing through the city sending tiny ripples through the water as they looked over the scenery from atop the hill at the camp's edge.
"Who said we were worried?" A2 deadpanned as she came to stand by Leah's side, a small, playful grin curling on her lips as she handed her girlfriend a thermos full of tea, the mirth shining in her steel-blue gaze belying her rude words. Elbowing the long-haired android in the side, nevertheless giggling at her joke, Leah took a quick sip from her drink, delighting in its gentle warmth.
"By the way," placing the cap back on with a soft click, Leah shot the pair of YoRHa soldiers a questioning stare, emerald eyes heavy with worry, "is everything ok with you two?"
Leah immediately knew she had struck a nerve by the slight downward pull of 2B's lips, the look in the battle android's eyes briefly becoming guarded before settling back into its caring blue, 9S nervously grasping his right arm tight as he avoided the human girls probing stare. Leah had sensed something was off the second they had returned, a strange feeling of apprehension and nervous tension hovering over the two YoRHa androids.
"It's the Commander." A2 froze the second those words passed 9S's lips, her hands clenching into tight fists, a dark aura surrounding her as her jaw tightened into an angry snarl. Leah quickly rushed to her side, gently placing her hand upon her arm in a calming gesture, the human girl's touch managing to partially soothe the flare of anger welling up within her chest, her hands slowly unclenching to grab ahold of her girlfriend's own trembling fingers.
"The Commander is planning one final attack on the machines." 2B continued, her voice strained and heavy, every word laced with a terse urgency through partially gritted teeth. "She's hoping to use YoRHa's entire force to eradicate them for good, to make sure none of them can ever harm Leah again."
"Fucking bitch! Fuck her!" A2 hollered with unrestrained hate and anger, the combat android practically ripping herself from Leah's grasp to stalk over to the pair of YoRHa soldiers, her shoulders shaking with rage as she directed her hateful gaze toward them, lashing out at them in the Commanders stead. "She's risking the lives of all androids for a pointless fight! She wants to use Leah, just like she uses all of us! I'll kill her before she can do that! Leah will not be a pawn in her fucked up game!"
"We agree." 2B's soft voice stopped A2's incensed rant dead in its, the former YoRHa soldier's words falling silent, the raging hate in her chest briefly quelled by the desperate tone in the short-haired woman's voice. "We are worried as well. We don't want her to use Leah like that. We don't want to see anyone die."
A pregnant silence, one heavy with regret and unresolved rage, fell over the group, the howling wind blowing from between the dead husks of the crumbling buildings around them a somber soundtrack to their current crisis. The trio of androids knew that once the Commander had made up her mind, there was little that could be done to sway her, no matter what the cost of her actions might be.
What could they possibly do? They were nothing to the Commander.
"I want…"
Three sets of eyes swiveled around to face the sudden sound of another voice, the trio of androids turning to face the human girl, Leah having remained silent ever since the revelation of the Commander's plan. Leah's head was lowered slightly, her hands clenching and unclenching repeatedly as she lifted her gaze toward her android companions, a fierce determination glowing behind her emerald stare.
"I want to transmit a message to all the androids."
A/N: Leah looks to make a change.
A glimpse into 2B's mind, the intertwining of two souls, and a reunion fraught with impending strife awaited us in this chapter. We got to learn more about 2B, how her life and relationships with A2 and Leah have changed, and just how deep her feelings for 9S run. While 2B goes back to see 9S, A2 and Leah spend another night together, Leah working hard to show just how special the combat android is to her.
But, with all the good, invariably there come bad, as the Commander looks to make her final move. Will Leah find it in her to make a difference, one big enough to change the entire future of the androids?
Next chapter: A message to the world.
I'm so sorry about the extremely long delay between chapters. Life has been very rough the last couple of months and it has made it hard to find time, let alone motivation, to write, though I desperately wanted to. Over and over again I tried to get back to this chapter, picking away at it bit by bit but it just didn't want to come. Thankfully, and finally, I managed to get this done and I had a lot of fun writing it, so I hope you find some enjoyment in it as well!
Thank you again for everyone's support all this time and I truly hope to get new chapters out at a steady pace starting in the New Year! I hope you all have a wonderful day and I love you!