"Are you really sure about this?"
Emerald eyes turned their gaze away from the looming radio tower, its rusted veneer denoting a lifetime of struggle against the elements and the ravages of age, the girl lost in time staring into the steel-blue gaze of the combat android, her features beset with worry and trepidation. Feelings that were surely present upon her own face.
"You'll be bringing a lot of attention to yourself. Every android will know of your existence after this."
A2's words were fraught with concern, a strong hint of fear present in her soft voice, her hand clenched in a tight fist as she nervously pressed it into her chest, black box aching painfully within her chassis. Gripping her arm tight, knuckles turning white as her fingers painfully pressed into her skin, Leah's nervous gaze swept over the rising radio tower before her to the little platform at the top where 9S was dutifully working on their plan.
After Leah's bold declaration of wanting to send a message to all androids, a plan met with much resistance from her girlfriend, A2's panic-stricken face as she fearfully gripped her shoulders, begging her not to risk her safety like this, causing the human girl's heart to clench painfully in her chest, the group had made their way toward the ruins of the mall, a lone radio tower left standing just before the bridge leading to its entrance. This will be the site where Leah will reveal herself to every android in the world.
Nervously shifting her weight from one leg to the other, her whole body abuzz with nervous tension, Leah mentally ran through the plan 9S had explained to her earlier to try and calm the rising tension within her. From what she could gather through all the technobabble spouting from the excitable scanner models mouth, 2B repeatedly telling him to get back on track as he veered off on another tangent, 9S would be using both Pod 153 and the tower's radio waves to send out her message to all nearby YoRHa units as well as any other androids in the vicinity, using them and other nearby towers to ping the message further until it reaches every unit stationed on the earth as well as in orbit around it.
The whole world will see and hear her message. They will know who she is, 'what' she is. She will be revealing her existence to hundreds, possibly thousands, of androids, and any machines that might intercept the message, all while directly opposing YoRHa's Commander. She will be a target, both of affection and resentment, for almost every living being in existence. There will be no more hiding. Her life will be irrevocably altered once again.
Was this all worth it?
"You, 2B, 9S."
Leah spoke softly, her eyes never drifting from the glowing red light blinking atop the radio tower, her voice quivering nervously yet with a resolute edge hidden within. A2 simply stared at the human girl in silence, steel-blue eyes focused firmly upon Leah's face, the combat android surprised to find the smallest of smiles curling on her girlfriend's lips.
"Devola and Popola. Even everyone in the resistance. There are so many of you that I've come to care for, for androids. There is so much more in life for all of you to experience, for you to learn about, and come to love. I don't want all of that to be lost to war. Not if I have a chance of stopping it."
Turning her head, Leah tried to give the former soldier a reassuring smile, the slight tremble of her lips revealing the true fear the human girl was experiencing at this moment. Gritting her teeth, annoyed at how selfish she had been, cursing herself for still being unable to let go of her past, of her fears, A2 quickly enveloped the frightened human in a hug, her arms holding her securely but gently. No words were spoken in that short moment, the pair the only ones in the world at that moment as A2 shared all of her gratitude and fear, her hope and love, with a single, meaningful kiss.
Whatever may come next, A2 would do what she had done from the very start, what she had silently promised on that day she found Leah in the lost depths of the earth. A promise renewed on the day she had almost lost her and their affection and devotion for each other was declared. Till her very last breath, until her system failed to function and her consciousness faded from this world, A2 was going to be by Leah's side. As her protector and her confidant.
As her lover.
Slowly, the pair reluctantly parted from their tender embrace, a small, bashful smile curling on the human girl's lips as she gently rested her forehead against her android lovers. Things will definitely change after today: for her, for A2, and possibly for all androids. She will meet these changes head-on, no hiding, no running. She will face whatever consequences may come.
She has to. For everyone. For A2.
"9S says he is ready to send the message."
Gracefully sliding down the ladder leading up to the top of the tower, heels softly clicking as they came into contact with the ground, 2B reluctantly ruined the pair's intimate moment, her face set in an apologetic frown. Her blue eyes were alight with quiet regret as she regarded the time-traveling girl's anxious demeanor, 2B's message sending a bolt of nervous fear through her body.
Nodding her head, her posture rigid and stiff, Leah took one last shuddering breath to try and calm her frazzled nerves. Looking down at their intertwined hands, A2 frowned as Leah's grip on her hand tightened briefly before the human girl reluctantly let go to walk up to the ladder, fingers trembling as she gripped onto the first rung. With one last heavy exhale, Leah pulled herself up to begin her slow climb to the top of the tower, her head and body feeling like lead.
"Leah." Pausing in her ascent, Leah peeked curiously over her shoulder at the YoRHa soldier, 2B's hand clasped firmly over her chest as she stared up at her with glistening blue eyes. "I want to thank you again for this. For caring for us. Thank you so much."
Mustering the bravest smile she could, Leah gave the battle android a quick nod of her head, the human girl gripping the ladder tighter as she continued her ascent, head held high as she stared up to the top, her goal feeling a lot less daunting. That was the reason why she was doing this. Not for some perceived glory she might receive. Not out of some foolish belief that she was some kind of savior.
It was for her friends, for her loved ones, for their lives. It was for what was most important in the world to her. And she was going to fight till the end for them.
Slowly lowering her hand, arm hanging limply at her side, 2B watched Leah's ascent with apprehensive concern etched deeply onto her gentle features, uncovered blue eyes sparkling with sorrow. The battle android's mind was thick with worry about what was to come once the message has been sent, of what kind of ripple effect this will set in motion, both for Leah and all of the androids. Will they be greeted by the serene quiet of a calm lake or the crashing waves of an ocean storm?
Blinking in surprise, 2B slowly lowered her gaze as she felt something firmly but gently take her hand, black fingers contrasting with her pale skin as they curled securely around her hand. Lifting her head, blue eyes alight with bewildered curiosity, 2B gave her fellow combat model a questioning stare, A2 sheepishly keeping her gaze fixed on the ascending human.
"Whenever I feel distress or worry, Leah will always hold my hand." A2 spoke gruffly, a soft warmth emanating from her hand as she gripped 2B's tighter, a gentle smile curling on the former YoRHa soldier's lips. "It's…comforting."
Smiling brightly, 2B gave her sister model's hand a grateful squeeze as she lifted her head upward, the pair watching Leah's ascent to the top of the tower in companionable silence, safe in the knowledge that through anything that may come, they will all still have each other.
And that's more than 2B could have ever hoped for.
Huffing softly, Leah gave one final grunt of exertion as she pulled herself up onto the main platform of the radio tower, the human girl lightly shaking out her sore hands after the slightly strenuous climb. Leah was grateful for all of her training with A2 and the rest over the many months since she arrived in this time, the human girl was barely out of breath after the short climb, clambering up the rickety tower something her old self would have struggled with.
Things sure have changed.
Shaking those kinds of thoughts away, Leah swept her gaze over the uncomfortably small platform, a mess of wires and various gadgets she couldn't hope to understand what their function could be strewn across its limited space, a single scanner model diligently tinkering with said devices as he went over his work one last time. Pumping his fist in silent victory, 9S turned to Leah with a triumphant grin, the chipper scanner model's demeanor managing to alleviate some of the time-traveling girl's worries.
"I finished all of the preparations for the broadcast. All you have to do is look at Pod here," scrambling out of the way, giving the human girl some room to stand, 9S pointed toward his robotic buddy, its lens pointed directly at her as it flew just over the scanner models shoulder, "and relay your message. We will make sure it reaches everyone."
Nodding her head in understanding, Leah flinched slightly as Pod 153 floated over to her, its faceless features staring silently at her as a holographic recording screen popped up next to it, her nervous face reflecting back at her. Staring at her visage on the screen, seeing the palpable fear on her face, Leah gave her cheeks a couple of firm slaps to help center herself, the time-traveling girl steeling herself for what was to come.
This was no time to freak out. She needed to do this!
"You know there will be consequences."
Pulling her gaze away from her own reflected visage, Leah regarded the scanner model with a brief look of surprise, his usually chipper and fun-loving demeanor strangely absent. Instead, he was looking at her with an uncharacteristically serious expression etched on his face, his eyes, uncovered from their usual blindfold, sharp with concern for the human girl, for what was to come.
"I know." Leah whispered softly as she turned to face Pod 153, emerald eyes beholding their reflected copy, a rising determination slumbering within their depths. "But I can't hide away while others suffer because of me."
Nodding his head, 9S regarded the human girl thoughtfully as she continued to stare at the recording screen, silently contemplating her own reflection. 9S wondered what was running through her head at this moment, standing so close to the precipice of change, a life-altering decision awaiting her in just mere moments. How heavy must such a burden be? And yet, nerves frayed and strained, Leah seemed to be pushing against that weight, lifting it upon her shoulders defiantly, prepared to carry it for the rest of her life.
All for them.
"We are ready to go. And Leah?" Turning away from her mirrored reflection, Leah gave the scanner model a curious stare as he started the recording, 9S shooting her a grateful smile. "Thank you."
A cold chill shot up Leah's spine as a red icon reading 'Recording' popped up in the corner of the screen, the time-traveling girl was momentarily left speechless as the full weight of what was happening bore down on her at once, making her words stick painfully in her throat. Every android in the world, all those living beings, programmed to love and adore humanity, dedicated to her, were all watching her 'right now'. Their lives, the threat of an upcoming war, depended on this very message.
She had to make this count.
"Hello. My name is Leah. And…" Hesitating slightly, the time-traveling girl swallowing the rising lump in her throat, Leah pulled at every reserve of courage within her, emerald eyes flashing with determination as her voice grew strong with conviction. "I'm a human."
There was no going back now.
"Some of you may not believe me and I give you no reason to trust my words. But, for as much as what I'm saying is worth to you, I am telling the truth. I am a true, living, human being."
There was no more hiding.
"My existence here may seem impossible to you, the time I'm from having passed millennia ago, but I am here, alive. I've been living here for a long time, staying away from prying eyes, though I suspect some rumors may have already started circulating. Of a human girl living on earth."
This is the moment where everything changes. She only hopes it's for the better. It has to. For A2. For 2B. For 9S. For all of them. It has to be better.
"I've kept myself hidden this whole, believing it would be what was best for me, for everyone. But, I've learned of something horrible, something I wish to avoid at all costs. I heard YoRHa is planning a war, a war to be waged in my name against the machines. So I say this now, to every living android in the world, to every YoRHa soldier, please, please don't fight!"
Leah's reveal and declaration sent a riptide through the world and beyond, android's on every continent and orbital bunker staring at their screens in silent disbelief, their programming overrun with immense joy as they caught their first glimpse of a living human, her words piercing their systems like a bolt of lightning. Especially the soldiers of YoRHa.
The entire orbital base was left dumbstruck at her sudden appearance, whispered words traveling between models and designations of all kinds, messages buzzing in every soldier's ear as everyone tried to figure out if what they were seeing was real. 6O grasped 21O's arm tight, her whole body vibrating with excitement as they watched Leah's message, the usually curmudgeonly operator model too engaged by the human girl's video to admonish her hyperactive compatriot. Excitement, disbelief, and confusion spread through the ranks like a tidal wave, causing the entire bunker to come to a standstill as they all watched this unbelievable moment in collective unison.
"I'm begging you, from the bottom of my heart, please do not wage this war. Do not throw your lives away. They are worth so much more than all these constant battles, this never-ending war. Humans are not worth your sacrifices. 'I' am not worth it!"
Grimacing with barely restrained rage, fingers clenched in a tight fist, Commander White's eyes held a blazing fire as she watched the time-traveling girl's message in silence, the YoRHa leader doing her best to remain composed in front of her subordinates. Her plan, their best chance of uniting the androids and finally defeating the machine menace, was going up in flames right in front of her eyes. By the same person she was hoping would lead them to victory.
It was infuriating, to see everything they had worked towards, be undone by one they had dedicated their lives to. And yet, with this impotent rage building within her, the commander of YoRHa felt a small spark of warmth well up within her black box. Why? Her plans were ruined, the one she thought would be their savior, now has betrayed them. But, for some reason, she felt…happy?
Rising from her seat, dress rippling in a grand flourish as she left her command seat, Commander White listened to Leah's message continue to reverberate in her head, her destination set. It was time for her to take matters into her own hands.
"I just want you all to live. I want you all to witness just what kind of wonderful things you can experience in life. This war, all this death, and destruction, you shouldn't be shackled to such an awful existence. I want you all to be happy."
The resistance camp was unusually quiet, every member pausing their daily routine to watch the human girl they had come to know over the last year relay her message, shocked and surprised by her dedication to their kind. Anemone merely smiled, the leader of the camp pulling her head covering a little tighter, trying to hide the joyous tears that were streaking down her face.
Holding each other close, silent tears rolling down their cheeks, Devola and Popola watched Leah's message with joyous smiles curling on their lips. Hearing her words, seeing the compassion and love shine brightly in her eyes, the twin androids felt every bit of emotion Leah was conveying. For they had felt every bit of her love before. It had saved them from a lifetime of torture.
They prayed it could save everyone else as well.
Jackass, tinkering dutifully on her newest explosive device, the desert heat burning violently upon her shoulders, could only grin mirthfully. That girl was such a fucking sap. But, fuck if she didn't hope for the same.
"I know it may seem naive, that it's just a stupid dream by a childish girl, but I hope you could all live in peace, androids and peaceful machines alike. I say that, but I admit I have no idea how to achieve such a dream. I could never hope to accomplish something like that on my own."
Sitting in his home, a copy of Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil lying forgotten on a nearby table, Pascal listened to Leah's words in silent contemplation, the machines of his village managing to intercept her message. It pleased him greatly to know the human girl would think of one's like her, to see them as something more than just a horde of mindless killers, to see the possibilities they could have. Turning his head, staring at the cover of his book, Pascal decided the words of a dead man were not what was needed now.
They needed to work together to find a path toward peace.
"But, I'm not alone." Closing her eyes, the faintest of smiles curling on her lips, Leah thought of everyone that was dear to her, how much they helped her, how they saved her life. And how one had captured her heart so irrevocably. "I have friends, androids I came to care for so deeply, with me. I've found the person I love more than anything in this world."
Gasping in shock, a hint of pink dusting her cheeks, A2 briefly spluttered in disbelief at Leah's casual mention of their relationship, a wave of joy and embarrassment flooding her system. 2B, grinning playfully, shot the combat android a teasing smirk, a soft chuckle passing her lips as A2 bashfully turned her head away, a brilliant smile lighting up the long-haired android's features.
"And that's how I can keep living, through all the hardships and the pain, I will keep living. For all of you, for the ones I love, and for the future we may share together. I will never stop moving forward, I will reach that unattainable future. I hope we can all witness it. Together."
With that final word, so full of meaning, hanging in the air, the recording screen blinked off, a deafening silence filling the city streets. Looking over to 9S, the scanner model giving her a silent thumbs-up, Leah let out a shuddering breath of air, her whole body feeling numb as she grabbed onto the railing. It felt like an adrenalin dump, her fingers trembling as she slid over the edge of the platform, the human girl making her slow and nervous descent back down the tower.
It was over. Now all she could do was wait.
The second her feet touched solid ground, her whole body crying out in relief, Leah was immediately attacked by a black and silver blur, two midnight-black hands pressing firmly against her face, smushing her cheeks roughly. Blinking owlishly in surprise, a muffled 'huh?' passing her pursed lips, Leah stared into the incensed face of her girlfriend, a dark red blush staining the pale skin of her cheeks.
"You are so insufferably embarrassing," A2 growled lowly, the loving smile curling on her lips belying the angry tone in her voice as she roughly pulled the human girl in for a hug, "but, I can't help but love you."
Staring over the android's shoulder in surprise, feeling A2's strong arms wrapped securely around her waist, the warmth of her body, Leah felt all of her fears and worries wash away. All it took was a simple touch, to hear her velvety smooth voice, to feel every inch of love radiating off of her body, to make Leah feel whole again.
"Thank you." Wrapping her arms around the loving couple, forehead resting against the side of Leah's head, 2B quietly whispering into her ear, her voice hitching as she held the ones who grew so dear to her close. "Thank you so much for caring about us."
Sliding down the ladder, Pod 153 hovering dutifully over his shoulder, 9S pouted angrily at the trio, annoyed at being left out of the group hug. Rushing forward, practically bowling into 2B's back, 9S threw his arms over the trio of women, a bright smile adorning his face at finally being able to join in on one of these moments.
Giggling happily, flecks of tears pooling in the corner of her eyes, resting her head upon her girlfriend's shoulder, Leah soaked in this moment for all its worth. That's right. This is what this was all for. For moments like this. These moments were worth fighting for. Moments worth preserving.
"Well, since we are here, why don't we visit Emil. It's been a while since we've seen him." Lifting her head from A2's shoulder, head peeking out from the sea of androids surrounding her, Leah smiled brightly as she thought of the spherical-headed boy, a bright idea popping into her head at the same. "We can even check out the mall afterward. I'm sure 9S would love that."
Jumping out of the mass of limbs, eyes alight with overwhelming excitement, 9S whooped cheerfully as he threw his arms in the air, the scanner model android quickly grabbing his partner's arm before darting off toward the ruined mall. Pulling out of their embrace, the pair watched the YoRHa soldiers recede into the distance, 2B's angry protests drowned out by 9S's excited cries of joy. Chuckling softly at their antics, Leah gently intertwined her fingers with A2's, the couple sharing a brief moment together before following after their friends, a joyful smile lighting up the human girl's face as she held her girlfriend's hand tight.
Maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be ok.
"Oh, hey you guys!" Emil's childish yet boisterous voice reverberated off of the cave walls, his skeletal features, forever frozen in the same expression, somehow managing to properly convey his excitement at the arrival of his new friends. "What brings you all here?"
Smiling happily, the petals of Lunar Tears tickling her bare legs as she strode through the luminescent field of flowers to the motorized boy's side, Leah gently placed her arms against his vehicular body in her best attempt at a hug. Grinning down at her, or so she assumed, Emil did his best to ever so slightly tilt his body into her embrace, the magically gifted boy grateful for such a tender gesture.
"I heard your broadcast earlier!" Facing the assembled group, the androids standing close to Leah's side, the round-faced boy regarded them all with an unreadable expression, one that seemed to speak of pain from long ago, of a memory cherished for millennia. "I'm so happy to see you all form such a strong bond. The bonds we share with others is something truly special in this world."
Patting the side of his car gently, warm fingers running softly over the cold metal housing, Leah quietly whispered his name, no further words needed to convey their feelings to each other. It was a pain the two of them shared, their previous lives lost in the ages gone by, ripped from them by a cruel twist of fate. But, in the glowing light of the Luna Tears, their new lives, with new bonds and new friendships, their future, was blooming into something beautiful.
The group stayed by Emil's side, the group of androids resting comfortably against the side of his car as they sat amongst the sea of Lunar Tears, silently watching the flecks of light drift lazily in the air. Resting her head upon A2's shoulder, the android's arm wrapped securely around her waist, her friends by her side, Leah would treasure this moment forever. A moment of pure happiness.
"If you ever need anything, you can visit us anytime, ok?"
After their moment of peace amongst the flowers, one they more than deserved after their stressful day, the group bid their vehicular friend a fond farewell, 9S hopping around in excitement at the forthcoming 'shopping' trip.
"Thank you. Thank you all so much!" Cheering loudly, wheels spinning excitedly in the dirt, Emil did his own makeshift version of a wave goodbye as the group made their way into the elevator leading back to the mall, his voice brimming with excitement at such a future prospect. "I'll make sure to take you up on that someday."
With one last wave farewell, the doors for the elevator slid shut with a noisy creak, machinery whirring as it lifted the metal contraption back up toward the mall. A spark of excitement began welling up within Leah's chest as she thought about their outing, ages having passed since the last time she got to explore the ruins of the mall. Last time it had been for necessity, back when it had only been her and A2, the pair searching for clothes for the time-traveling human.
Stepping passed the elevator doors and into the crumbling remains of the mall, sunlight streaming through the canopy of leaves ensnaring the decaying ruins, Leah and 9S bounced back and forth, heads rapidly flickering back and forth, trying to figure out where to start. 2B and A2 slowly trailed behind the excitable pair, twin sets of blue eyes watching their respective partners in quiet amusement, the battle android's a little less enthused about what this outing had in store for them.
"Hey!" Stopping abruptly in her tracks, Leah whirled around to face her android companions, emerald eyes shining brightly as a brilliant idea entered her head. "We should all get matching shirts! That would be so much fun!"
A2 and 2B shared a nervous stare as 9S gushed excitedly about Leah's idea, the pair of battle androids knowing their fears were coming true as they were roughly dragged off by their partners, their feeble resistance tempered by their pesky affection for them. Sending each other one last look of solidarity, a bond of reluctance and misery, before being separated as Leah and 9S dragged them off in different directions.
For the next hour, A2 was dragged to every corner of the mall, Leah holding all kinds of clothes up to her, the human girl's eyes alight with delight as she tried to find the perfect outfit for her girlfriend. A2 remained silent through it all, content to let the human girl have her fun, a small smile curling on her lips as she watched her dig excitedly through a pile of clothing, quietly murmuring to herself as she contemplated what would suit the combat android the best.
Turning her head away from the admittedly adorable sight, A2 quirked a curious eyebrow as something caught her eye, the combat android quietly, as if in trance, making her way over to a nearby display. A dress, glowing a brilliant white within the shaded store, seemed to draw the former YoRHa soldier in, her fingers idly tracing its outline, the fabric feeling soft and delicate beneath her touch.
Silently and carefully, A2 removed the dress from the display, the combat android holding the dress tightly to her chest, a strange feeling welling up within her black box. It was a strange sense of longing, the silver-haired woman looking over her shoulder at the time-traveling human, Leah's back still turned to her, the ache in her chest growing stronger as she gazed upon her cheerful girlfriend. Holding the dress at arm's length, fingers grasping it in their gentle grip, A2 made a snap decision right then and there, her NFCS lighting up as she sent it into storage.
Watching the dress fade into a shower of light, darkness filling the store once more, A2 briefly wondered if she had made the right decision. Turning back to her girlfriend, Leah lifting her head from the pile she was rifling through, emerald eyes meeting steel-blue, the human girl shot A2 a wide, cheerful grin as she proudly held up another shirt for her.
Smiling softly, black box swelling as she gazed upon her lover, A2 made her way back to Leah's side, the time-traveling human holding the shirt up to her, her emerald orbs regarding the android with a critical eye as she tried to figure out if it was the perfect fit for her. A2 simply continued to smile at her, letting the human girl have her fun as she went through various clothing options for her, content to simply watch her as she fussed over her with such determined fervor.
"Man, I wish we could have found some more outfits for you."
Leah's groan echoed through the ruins of the mall as she threw her head back in exasperation, arms resting limply at her side as she flopped unceremoniously down on a collapsed pillar, using the former support structure as a makeshift bench. Coming to sit by her side, A2 giggled softly at her girlfriend's childish outburst, the combat android placing the makeshift bags filled with clothing on the ground nearby.
Lolling her head lazily to look at her girlfriend, the combat android watching 9S drag her battle brethren from store to store on the mezzanine above with the same zeal the human girl did earlier, Leah's eyes slowly drifted from A2's grinning face to the long, flowing mane of silver hair cascading majestically down the android's back. Leah silently admired her girlfriend's sparkling tresses of shimmering silver, each luxurious strand gleaming beautifully from the ever-present sunlight shining through the broken ceiling, practically tempting her to touch it.
Deciding to give in to temptation, Leah absentmindedly took a couple of strands of A2's hair and began gently running her fingers up and down its impressive length, the human girl silently marveling, despite its somewhat ragged appearance, at how wonderfully soft the android's hair was to the touch. Blinking a couple of times, Leah was pulled out of her trance by something lightly pulling at the hair between her fingers, the human girl lifting her head to stare into A2's, the android giving her girlfriend a curious look.
The pair stared at each other in a strange moment of silence, A2 cocking her head slightly to the side, silently wondering about the time-traveling human's strange behavior, Leah finding the sight incredibly adorable. Looking back and forth between the hair in her hands and A2's face, Leah's face suddenly lit up in excitement, the brunette jumping suddenly to her feet, catching the android girl off guard as she suddenly bolted into a nearby store.
Watching the human girl rummage through the stores shelving, items of all kinds haphazardly strewn about, with great concern, A2 was surprised when Leah suddenly cried out in triumph, the brunette quickly rushing back to her side, a small, plastic item clutched firmly in her hand.
"Um, A2?" Growing shy, fingers nervously fiddling with the odd-looking 'teeth' on the object in her hand, the human girl shot her girlfriend a small, hopeful grin. "Can I…can I comb your hair?"
Looking at the object in Leah's hand, deducing that it must be what humans called a comb, A2 regarded her with a look of confusion, unsure where such a strange request would have come from.
"I…always thought it was very pretty and I've been wanting to comb it for a long time." Feeling a well of awkwardness bubble up within her, noticing just how sudden and bizarre something like this must seem to the battle-hardened android, Leah nevertheless gave her girlfriend a silently pleading look, emerald eyes gleaming with the hope that she would still say yes.
Smiling softly, A2 wordlessly turned in her seat, granting the human girl easy access to her long mane of silver hair, silently indicating for her to go ahead. Giggling with glee, Leah quickly took a seat right behind the combat android, A2 chuckling softly to herself as she felt her girlfriend eagerly run her fingers through her hair, carefully undoing any knots and tangles. A2 simply closed her eyes, sighing blissfully as Leah methodically and meticulously raked the comb through her disheveled mane of hair, the feeling sending a pleasant chill through her body.
Leaning on the railing on the mezzanine just above them, unaware of her prying eyes, 2B watched the pair's interactions with a gentle smile, the battle android glad that she was able to witness such peaceful scenes. Gently pushing herself upright, 2B cast one last sidelong glance at the loving pair before going off to find 9S. 2B prayed these peaceful moments would last forever.
For everyone's sake.
"There, done."
Running the comb down the full length of A2's hair one last time, Leah regarded the android's freshly combed tresses with sparkling eyes, her fingers practically gliding through the silvery locks. Leah could only marvel at the feeling of the android's hair, scarcely believing that something that was supposed to be synthetic could feel so soft, each strand glowing twice as bright as before.
A2 merely remained quiet through it all, content to simply let the human girl enjoy herself, the combat android admitting to herself that it did feel nice. Feeling Leah's fingers run through her hair, treating each strand with the utmost care, made a gentle warmth pool in her chest.
Holding a couple of strands in her hands, Leah silently contemplated what else she could do, the time-traveling girl feeling that there was something missing. Glancing at the bags sitting on the ground nearby, an idea popped into Leah's head as she quickly rummaged through her newly acquired belongings for a specific item, one that would make this perfect. Smiling triumphantly, Leah brandished a simple, black hair tie from the depths of the bag, the human girl quickly going about fashioning A2's hair into a ponytail.
"Ahah! Perfect."
Grinning proudly, Leah scooted back a bit to inspect her handiwork, A2 shifting slightly to face her girlfriend, the former YoRHa soldier lifting her hands up to curiously examine her new ponytail. Poking gently at the tie keeping her hair in check, the dark color of her fingers contrasting beautifully with the glowing silver tresses, A2 swished her ponytail back and forth, feeling the edges of her hair lightly tickle the bare skin on her back.
'God, she is so fucking cute!' Leah inwardly gushed, the human girl watching the combat android inspect her new ponytail with a mile-wide grin, unable to understand how someone could be so adorable. And, most infuriating of all, A2 wasn't even aware of how cute she was, which made her only that much cuter!
"This is nice." Pulled out of her adoring stupor, Leah met eyes with the silver-haired woman, A2 giving her girlfriend a grateful smile as she lightly ran her fingers across the top of her ponytail. "It helps free up my vision and it feels kind of nice around my neck. Thank you, Leah."
Grinning proudly, a soft blush dusting her cheeks from the androids compliment, Leah scooted a little closer to her girlfriend's side, the human girl lightly placing her hand on A2's thigh.
"We should show Devola and Popola once we get back."
Like a growing shadow, A2's face immediately fell into an unimpressed frown at the mention of the redheaded twins, her hands quickly reaching up to remove the offending hair tie. Bursting out in raucous laughter, Leah wheezed out a series of no's as she tried to keep her girlfriend from undoing her hair, her feeble grip, weak from her ceaseless giggling, grasping the android's wrists, the human girl practically falling into her. Peals of laughter filled the air with joy, the pairs playful fight echoing throughout the store as it unwittingly signaled the return of the YoRHa soldiers, 2B and 9S grinning happily at their carefree attitude.
It was a truly welcome sight.
Wading through the ankle-high water, her newly acquired spoils held high above her head to avoid getting them wet, Leah felt a wave of relief wash over her as she watched the gates of the resistance camp come into view. They were almost home.
Clambering up the small hill separating the city limits from the camp's entrance, Leah could practically already feel the stiff mattress beneath her, the human girl looking forward to a nice, long cuddle with her girlfriend after such a stressful day. She will need every ounce of energy, every iota of positivity, to prepare herself for the storm following her message to roll in.
Turning to face the androids following behind her, A2 smiling as she leapt up the small incline, ponytail lightly swaying in the breeze, Leah's face fell into a worried frown as she caught sight of the YoRHa soldiers. A ghostly pale shine colored their cheeks, their bodies stiff as their blue eyes grew wide with fear, the pair rooted firmly in place at the edge of the hill.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
Stepping toward the android pair, A2 quickly moving to Leah's side, the human girl shot the YoRHa soldiers a worried look as the combat android grew tense, a feeling of unease bubbling up within her black box.
"We got a message." 2B was the first to speak, her voice quivering slightly as her blue eyes stared apologetically into Leah's, a cold feeling of dread rolling down the human girl's back. "It's the Commander. She's coming to meet Leah in person."
"When!?"
Stepping forward, rage burning behind her steel-blue gaze, A2 clenched her fist in anger as she growled out her question, teeth gnashed together in a menacing scowl. Shifting her gaze to A2's, the combat android's black box froze as she stared into 2B's uncovered eyes, realization immediately dawning upon the former YoRHa soldier.
"Right now."
A/N: Consequences have arrived.
We've reached another tipping point in the story. While everything before was leading up to the confrontations with Adam and Eve and the end of Route A & B and how it all affected our protagonists, we are now veering off in a slightly different direction for the next route and this chapter was the lead-in for it.
Next chapter: Confronting the Commander.
Well, here we are again. A new update after another long break. Though this time I have more positive news. I was finally able to go on an actual, real vacation for the first time in a long time, and I was able to go with my entire family. Being able to just relax and spend time with loved ones after these last couple of years has helped a lot to make me feel happier and more refreshed.
Also, also!, I was able to get a better job at my work, so now I will also be more financially stable going forward. So, with things actually trending upwards in life, I hope it will also help up productivity on my stories. We'll see how it goes but I hope to cut down the breaks between chapters by several months if everything goes well.
So, for all the continued support through these times, I want to give you all a big and heartfelt thank you! I hope to keep bringing more of this story with the best quality I can muster! I hope you'll continue to join me on this journey. So for now, goodbye and I love you all!