A2 spent most of the next few weeks at Pascal's village, finding better company with the machine than at the camp. She'd been surprised when he found some more friends by himself, apparently some rogue machines left from the amusement park looking for shelter.

Of course, during this time she also helped the others for what she could for 6O's situation, but she didn't want anything to do with White in the slightest, and seeing her body lying in a bed of the infirmary put her on alert.

So much she struggled to sleep in the room she and Robin had at the camp.

The former human had been so damn patient in putting up with her, allowing A2 to come and go and do as she pleased the most, never forcing her, and even spending the nights, after being tired from a day's work at the village with her.

Sometimes she wondered if there was something that could truly make Robin upset, as in angry, furious with everything and everyone.

She'd known her for a while, but she couldn't recall a moment where she saw the woman lose control of her emotions that way, or much of anything really. Though she'd seen her displaying grief, and fear, that much she knew.

Only because some people weren't as expressive when displaying emotion it didn't mean they didn't have them.

She could count the ones she met on the fingers of one hand.

Robin, 2B, Number 21, and this new Operator too.

Those were about all she met, but different personalities also meant different reactions and ways of thinking.

A2 smiled to herself, she truly learned a lot about people thanks to one single person that opened her eyes after years of being blind.

Another reason to smile was that same woman that taught her all of this, as for yet another day, she traveled from the camp to here just to be with her, at least during the hours of the night, showing up at the entrance of the village.

And just like every time they met up again, A2 rushed towards her, meeting her halfway with a hug and a kiss, always ready to listen to the most recent news.

Truthfully, A2 cared less about the process they made, though always happy for 2B to finally be able to have her own Operator friend with her soon again, she just liked to listen to Robin talk and babble.

She liked when she did that, because when Robin spoke a lot, it meant she wasn't closing herself off in her thoughts and feelings, and A2 liked when she was expressive, no matter the topic. Also it meant that she was comfortable sharing what was on her mind too, since ever waking up again, the human had been worried sick with how to approach telling the Resistance her story, and had a tendency to surround herself with a silent aura, shutting down from everyone.

All of this so no one may have to lie ever again about it.

But today she wore a bright smile on her face, and when she smiled, it was good news on the horizon.

"Devola and Popola finished building 6O's new body." she announced.

They had to go through a more complicated process of building an entire new body for her, since hers wasn't found, therefore it took way more time than just fixing it.

Robin had explained that, if she were to reveal her human origins, then she would have liked for 6O to hear about it too, and also, for her to see through the lies of the Commander that A2 was told the Operator admired a lot.

But she had to know as much as everyone else.

So for the time being most of the effort went into making a new body, it wouldn't have been the exact replica of her original one, since the correct data of Operator units was corrupted, and 21O was now built as a Battler unit, they couldn't use her as a guide.

But they gave her the closest thing they could do, turning her into a Healer unit.

Besides, with the role they had, a Healer may have had better chances and usefulness than an Operator here down on Earth. And with her cheerful personality, to 2B's saying, making her into a combat unit, or even a Scanner wouldn't have fit her.

She didn't believe 6O was fit for fighting, even if there was little of it going on now.

A2 would disagree with it, recalling how happy and hopeful Number 4 used to be, and how strong she was too, but she kept her mouth shut about it.

"2B would love it if you would be present to meet her." besides, despite not questioning her choices to stay away from the camp, she knew the others were worried.

That was why A2 forced herself to at least join them whenever material hunting and transporting was needed. To let them know she was just upset about the situation, not mad to them though.

It wasn't their fault she despised who once was everyone's Commander more than anyone.

The woman did a great job in making herself be hated on her own anyways.

At least she wasn't awake yet, to torment her with her voice and her presence. Because A2 was sure that would happen.

She'd avoid her as much as possible, even dead, at least she could do that for now. No one complained about it, and no one would in the future.

She'd just been bracing herself for what it will be once she too will awake, and didn't think of herself as ready for it, if ever. She hadn't exactly planned to see her face again at least for a few years more, she still had a promise to keep to a certain Gunner after all.

A2 wondered if her comrades could see her now, White was finally dead, and here she was working to bring her back…

What a damn slap in the face.

"I'll be there." she answered, knowing 2B would appreciate her presence. She could ignore White's body for a few hours, she could do that for the sake of her younger sister.

"She'll be happy."

Robin gave her a soft smile, taking her hand and heading to the shack Pascal gave them to stay, to tuck in for the night.

2B's smile was bright when she laid her eyes upon the approaching androids, when the next day arrived.

"A2, you're here."

Forcing herself to focus her attention on everyone else around her, and not White, A2 gave a small and sweet smile herself. "Could I say no to my little sister?"

"Well you could have…" she knew well that out of anyone here, this situation was stressing A2 the most, she would have understood if she refused to tag along.

She could have always met 6O later, and they could have introduced each other.

2B was positive she'd like 6O, for what A2 told her of her old friends, she hadn't been contrary and actually very accepting of 21O, who did have a personality similar to one of her companions, so she was sure that 6O's bright attitude would have been appreciated too.

"Oh shut up, 2B." the older android rolled her eyes, but her smile persisted. "You've literally been my salvation once Robin was gone, I think I owe you a favor or two back, no?"

"She has a tendency to do that." 9S replied before anyone could. And if he said so…

He was literally a different person from who he was, when 2B died, and who could have blamed him? People changed when hurt, when the people they loved, their reason for existing, were taken away.

Not only 9S was proof of it.

So truly no one here should or could point fingers at him for his feelings, and for the way he acted. Not when they were just the same way.

Reason why A2 refused his apologies, and would continue to do so. Because she understood, they understood how much it hurt to see their world crumble to pieces in the span of seconds.

And there was nothing they could have done about it, it was all out of their control. Which perhaps was what hurt the most, knowing to not be able to do a thing about it, and just helplessly watching everything burn around them.

But now here they all were again, they were just missing one member for the group to be complete.

A2 briefly wondered where she stood in the middle of this all, sometimes she doubted she fit in between them, she was a rogue, an outsider, even Robin fit in the group more than she did, she'd been there for years before they met, she knew these people, while she arrived late to the party.

Yet… having them around her and at her side, made her realize how much she missed the presence of having someone with her.

And being here didn't feel wrong either.

Maybe finally she could move on, have someone else to consider family that wasn't just Anemone.

After all she already had two younger siblings, in theory.

Somehow, even given White's presence annoying the hell out of her, she felt, probably for the first time after she met Rose and the others, hopeful for the future.

Besides, 2B wasn't lying about 6O being very bright and happy, and the big smile she made upon waking up and laying her eyes on the people she knew, was just proof of it.

She also wasn't lying how her sister claimed this could remind her of Number 4…

"2B!"

The newly awakened Operator threw herself at her friend as soon as she realized she was awake and able to move, and for some reason, they didn't think 2B minded it one bit, as she held her arms around 6O, even lifting her up so her feet didn't touch the ground.

"It's good to see you again." the blonde nodded at 2B's statement, knowing well it was her way to say she missed her.

"Where are we? There's a lot of new faces too."

Of course she'd be curious, neither she nor 21O had ever been on Earth, so everything was new to them, but despite the initial curiosity, 21O adapted well, perhaps now conscious to have the body and capabilities of a stronger type of unit than an Operator.

Hard to tell if 6O would share the same confidence, for now.

"We're on Earth, and this is the Resistance's Camp. I'm Anemone, I lead these people."

If possible, 6O's smile got even bigger. "Nice to meet you. I always wanted to come down to Earth."

She then turned to the twins. "Nice to meet you as well. I'm 6O, 2B's Operator."

"Devola, and my sister Popola." the wavy haired twin motioned to the other with her head.

"They're the ones that rebuilt you." Robin told 6O, knowing well that neither of the sisters would rag about having saved her, humble ones they were, but for all they did they deserved to be praised for their hard work. A lot.

If they weren't here, then half of their group would be missing, and the other half would just be suffering for it, at least she knew A2 would.

"Oh thank you so much for saving me." the blonde woman gave a bow to both twins, tresses bouncing as she did.

"We really did nothing special." Popola replied, but Robin was having none of it. "Your hard work deserves to be praised."

Then they watched as 6O finally noticed A2, who oddly enough, seemed to be trying to hide away from her, using her partner as a makeshift shield. Anemone frowned at the action, Number 2 being shy? That seemed weird, even for her.

Unless there was more to it.

"You must be A2, right?" the way the blonde looked at her up and down was making A2 very uncomfortable, as if she wanted something from her.

"Yes, that would be me." she frowned, who told her that by the way?

"I knew it, 21O showed me the recordings of when 26E left. I still have a good memory." she grinned, proud of herself.

A2 expected some kind of greeting, a handshake perhaps, with the way 6O was standing so close to her, but she was completely caught off guard when the smaller girl literally threw herself at her, wrapping her in a tight hug.

It took all her willpower not to throw her off, because she didn't deserve that treatment, and because she didn't want 2B to be mad at her for doing so.

Which at the moment stood by as shocked as her and the others at 6O's sudden motion. 21O in particular seemed put off more than the others, jealousy perhaps? Judging from how hard she was trying, and failing to maintain a neutral expression.

"It's nice to finally meet 26E's special person." the blonde smiled.

Just how did she know all of this?

"How do you know? And why are you hugging me?" A2 asked, more harshly than what she intended, but the whole situation was stressing her out too much already.

"Well, I figured that if someone as loyal as her left us, you must have been really special to her." A2 looked at the others for support, not knowing what to do.

"6O is fond of romantic stuff." it was 2B's reply, recalling all the times 6O supported and tried to get her with 9S, which did happen a few times, but in the end it only brought more pain once an order was given.

"It doesn't answer my other question though."

"About the hug?" finally, 6O let her breathe, but she still stood close. "You just looked… sad… I thought you needed it."

"Is it me? Am I the problem?"

A2 didn't know how to answer that, should she say no? Should she say yes? Much like Number 21's successor, it wasn't the Operator's fault that she reminded her of Number 4 this time, 2B had warned her about it too. Perhaps this time was even more complicated than the other, for the feelings she had for the other Attacker.

She was ever thankful for Robin's quick thinking.

"It's not that, 6O." the black haired woman placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder. "The situation is a little complicated, it's a long story."

From the past or the present, one thing was certain, the people she fell in love with always had her back when she needed it.

"Oh okay. Then will you tell me sometime? I'm a good listener."

"That she is." 2B replied with a fond smile.

It was then that 21O finally gathered the courage to step forward. "If you may allow me, I'll fill 6O in, let her know what is happening."

The other Operator gave an excited nod. "Can you show me around too?"

"Follow me." as 6O reached out to take 21O's hand, a small blush formed on the stoic woman's cheeks.

The group watched them leave, they had decided that it was better to let 6O get acquainted with the new surroundings first, and also, to not have her ask too many questions, the twins covered the bed where White was in with a tent, so the girl couldn't see her for now.

Her fondness for White could have been a problem, and they acted on A2's behalf, to protect her in case 6O started saying good things about the Commander, things she would never believe, and that would surely upset her.

Also 6O had to know what they would be doing, and make sure she wouldn't interfere with White's questioning. And hopefully agree to aid them even.

But something told them that at the moment she had another person she felt for.

"So this is Earth then. It's so much prettier than in recordings!" if it would be possible, 6O looked like had literal stars in her eyes from how excited she looked.

She more than the other Operators was the most eager to get down on the planet, once the war would be over, and now, even if it was a different way than what she expected, her dream was true.

"You'll have a lot of time to see it now."

6O nodded at 21O's words, suddenly turning into one of her more serious moods.

"21O, remember what I told you before you departed for Earth that day?"

"You said you had something to tell me, when I'd be back." too bad that never happened, and if she were to be honest, the virus that corrupted her didn't allow her to recall very well what happened in that mission either.

Perhaps for the best though. She'd been infected for long before she was put at rest, she knew that, so maybe it was better this way, to not remember all the pain she went through.

"I just thought… the times we spent together, you and I, consoling each other after those missions 2B had to carry out, the feelings we shared… I never felt them with anyone else."

And 6O had been asking out quite the number of people too, pretty much most of the females of the Bunker, 21O wouldn't be surprised if she somehow attempted to do the same for the Commander too.

All she knew was that none of those times ever worked out.

And even more oddly, despite all the time they spent in each other's rooms, drying each other's tears and sorrows, 6O had never asked her anything instead.

Their relationship was just… different. Built on sorrow instead of attraction.

But as 21O had learned, so it was how the other resident couples became what they were now.

She never dared to dream of it but now that 6O was here again…

"You always were such a good Operator, always at the top and I thought you'd be just… unreachable for me, before that one time you came to me. I never asked you anything like I did to the others, I didn't want to ruin the friendship we had, and I always thought you wouldn't agree anyways, serious as your personality is."

21O remembered it well, she was just too tired, too angry that time, another mission, and another of 9S' resets. She never thought she wanted help, until her feet unconsciously carried her to 6O's room.

The other woman let her in, without asking she did what she had done to A2 just a while ago, just wrapped her arms around her, let her cry through the night, without asking.

If there was anything people knew 6O was good at, was that she had an innate talent to know when others needed support, and never negated it either.

After that, it became a regular thing, sometimes it would be 21O going to her, others the opposite. It was how she found out of 6O's more serious side, she was the only one that knew about it, their little secret.

"I believe that day we would finally be free to live in peace, when you and the others would return, so I waited… but that time never came." 6O turned towards her. "But here we are now.

The smaller woman came to take her hands into hers, a small blush on their cheeks as she did.

"You see, I think… I think you're my special someone, 21O."

A smile formed on the taller blonde's face. "You know… I think you're right."

Standing on her tiptoes 6O joined her lips with 21O's first, placing a hand on either side of her head, so she'd lower it so she could kiss her better.

"I've dreamed of this moment so many times." 6O admitted as they parted.

"It is no longer a dream now." and it wouldn't be any longer, ever.

21O took her hand, feeling that a weight had just lifted from her shoulders. "We have a lot of time to spend, and I have much to tell you."