Project Motherhood: Uzi and Doll

by Gamer95

Two drones, abandoned by their owners, find solace in one another, and wind up falling in love. With each other's support, their new owner that took them in, and a quirky group of apartment tenants, Uzi and Doll's life seems perfect. But when a little boy with no one to turn to comes into their lives, it somehow gets even better... Co-writer: ama2005

2. Chapter 2

"Soooo, am I hearin' this right?"

That was the question posed by Tessa towards Will. Since Uzi and Doll were not currently present, she and him decided to have a little get-together. Tessa had for some reason taken great interest in Uzi and Doll's relationship, having noticed the signs from a mile away.

"Hearing...what?" Will asked, confused.

"That Doll and lil' Uzi are togetha'? Ya know? They a thing?"

"Oh, that? Yeah, they've been together for a while."

"Really?" Asked Tessa. "How's it goin'? They happy together?"

Will blinked twice, as several memories came to mind...

[Flashback 1]

Will walked in on Uzi and Doll sitting at the kitchen table, looking over some sheets of paper. When Uzi saw him, she hurriedly covered up one of the sheets with her hands. "Uh... Hey!" Doll frowned and lightly moved her hands off the papers.

[It's all right, he can see them...]

"Uh... What can I see...?" Will asked, looking curiously at the papers. "...Ah. Planning for a wedding, are we?" The images depicted a wedding cake, as well as the two drones dressed up, Uzi wearing a tuxedo while Doll wore an elegant white dress.

"Y-Yeah..." Uzi muttered bashfully. "It's...It was Doll's idea, she... We... Well, we know it's probably not gonna be anytime soon, but like... I dunno, we wanna... we wanna be married one of these days..." She rubbed her arm.

[The law may not legally allow it. I do not care, one day, Uzi will be my wife, no matter what it takes.] Doll declared.

"...Nice. Can I come to the wedding?"

"...Uh... Obviously you can come to the wedding, we wouldn't leave you out of that, come on!" Uzi replied as if she had been asked the dumbest question in the world.

"Nice."

"Did I hear wedding plans?! You can't plan your wedding without your mother's help, young lady!"

"Moooom..."

[Flashback 2]

Will sat awkwardly in his armchair and occasionally shifted his gaze over to Uzi and Doll, who had been liplocked for the past forty five minutes and twelve seconds. "...You're still going at it, eh? ...Guess you... don't need to breathe or anything, that's...convenient..." He tried to watch the show on the television, when the two drones finally pulled apart and gazed lovingly into each other's eyes... before Uzi noticed Will.

"GAH! WILL! WHEN DID YOU GET HERE?!" Will looked at her with a raised brow.

"I was in the room when you two started. You looked right at me and said 'hi', watched the show for five minutes, then when I looked over, you were kissing..."

"...I... Uh... Oh man..." Uzi looked away and buried her face in her hands. Doll grabbed her by the chin and smirked.

[Don't be ashamed. Have confidence. Here. Let me help you.] She pulled Uzi back in for another kiss, and Uzi's entire head emptied as she melted into it.

"...I'm... gonna just... go get dinner started then..." Will got up and left the room.

[Flashback 3...]

Work had been slow that day, so Will returned home early. He paused when he heard noises coming from his room. Blinking twice, he pushed the door open slowly, and he found Uzi and Doll in his bed. Uzi shrieked the moment she heard the door creak.

"AAAH! Oh! Uh... WILL! Heeeeey, buddy, you're back early! Uh... How... How ya doin'?!"

"...Uh... Fine..."

"Ah, you're fine! Y'hear that, Doll?! Will's fine, hahahahahahahahaha! Hahahahaha! Aaaah... Sooo... What brings you here... to... your... bedroom...?

"Um... Just... passing by, and... heard a few... noises..." Will noted that while Uzi was a flustered, nervous mess, Doll looked... all too smug about the situation. "So um... Why are you doing that in MY bed...?"

"Well... We were... We were feeling adventurous and wanted to try something new...?" Uzi said with a sheepish smile.

"...How does that even work...?" Doll said something in Russian that made Uzi's visor heat up, then looked at her with a smirk.

"I'M NOT TRANSLATING THAT!" Uzi exclaimed, burying her face in a pillow and screaming her embarrassment into it. Doll patted her back and looked at Will with a smirk.

[I don't suppose you'd mind if we finish?]

"...Well, it's a good thing you picked laundry day to do this..."

[We always do.]

"...What?"

"DOLL!"

[End flashbacks]

"...Uuuuh, yeah, yeah, I'd say they are..." Was all Will said. "Been a good couple months since they started dating... Already want to get married..."

"Aaaaah, it's like they're soul mates, it's so cute! Reminds me of when V and J first fell head over heels for each other back at the mansion!" Tessa squeed lightly.

"Oh, so they were the same, huh?"

"Hehe, yep! Took a real while until they reduced it to just being affectionate to each otha'. They were always kissing all the time before that."

"Oh...so kinda like Uzi and Doll then."

"They ain't causin' ya problems?"

"Uh...no?"

"V and J did. Tended to break stuff whenever they did the...the thing. Ya know."

"Yeah, I do."

He rubbed his arm awkwardly. "...Uzi and Doll haven't broken anything, or... if they did, Uzi probably fixed it before I even noticed, heh... Oh, hey, speaking of that, I've been meaning to talk to you about maybe hooking her up with a job opportunity."

"Oh?" Tessa leaned forward with a grin. "You've piqued my interest. Wha's she got to offer then?"

"Y'see my TV over there?"

"Yes, you FINALLY got one, I kept telling you it'd lighten the place up, now, didn't I? Was I right or was I right?"

"Yeah. You were right... I didn't buy it though. Uzi built it. Out of discarded parts she found over at the scrapyard." Tessa stared blankly at him.

"...Where is she?" And then she was right in Will's face, mere inches away, their noses practically touching. His face turned ever so slightly red.

"She and Doll are babysitting Billy, his dad's out doing his puppet show and needs someone to-Oh. You're pulling me out the door, guess we're going to see Uzi and Doll then..." For someone as small and pixie-like as Tessa, she was surprisingly strong, he'd stopped being surprised at her ability to pull him like a small wagon a few years ago.

Inside Kname's apartment, Billy, Uzi and Doll were standing over a massive, lanky, towering figure in a nice suit, the man in question being utterly pale and not having a face. And it was curled up on the floor in the fetal position, cowering in fear of something.

"...Soooo... In the five minutes we were cooking lunch, you let some strange guy into the house..." Uzi began.

"I thought he was a Jehova's Witness! Mommy says that we should always be polite and let them in and pretend we care about what they have to say!" Billy chirped.

"...Riiiiight... And then you left him alone with... Barney, and came back to find him like... this." Uzi finished.

"Barney plays a bit rough with some people. Usually the ones he doesn't like."

[...I may have heard a different voice from the kitchen, but I assumed it was just Billy playing with his-] The door was thrown wide open as Tessa busted in.

"Where's the little genius, then, ah? Oh, I see you... have... company... over..." Tessa looked nervously at the tall slender man on the floor. Will looked over.

"Wha-No. No, get him out. Get him out!" He grabbed the slenderman by the head with one arm and tossed him out the window, prompting him to seemingly vanish into thin air. "Awful thing, that is, don't mess around with him..."

The group looked at Will like he suddenly grew a second head.

"Uh...what?"

"Will, that's the most emotion you've ever shown in our entire time knowing you." Uzi said.

"Oh...uh, I had no idea. I thought I showed plenty of emotion."

["No you didn't."] Said all three at the same time.

"Oh...alright then."

[Ahem...] Doll cleared her throat. [Good day, Tessa. Is something the matter?]

"Yeah, weren't you two at a date or whatever?"

"A DATE, didja hear that, Willy, a date! That's... Ah, you're... you two are cute, heehee... Um... Actually, we were just hangin' round, and Will brought up his new TV. Thought he got it at a Wal Mart or something, and then I find out that one of his drones built it for him! Izzit true? How long'd ya spend on that?"

"Uh... Couple hours...?"

"Couple hours to build a fully functioning TV out of old scrap, that's unheard of even for worker drones! I don't suppose you're in the market for a job? We could really use someone like you! I'd wager you'd be quick on the path to supervising the whole construction crew!"

"...Me? Working at an actual job? I could... Holy crap, I could start making money and me and Doll could actually go on a date and pay for everything ourselves, hell yeah, I'm in, when do I start?!"

[Hold on, now.] Doll said with a chuckle. [While I appreciate your enthusiasm towards our relationship, I'd like to ask...]

She looked up at Tessa.

[Is there a way for me to get a job too?]

"Oh? Now why would ya wanna do tha'?"

"Yeah, why?" Uzi asked. "I mean, I'm pretty sure I can earn us every bit of money we need with what Tessa said about me overseeing construction, so why bother?"

[One, I'd rather work than do absolutely nothing all day, since it's gotten a bit boring doing that, and two, I'd be a terrible girlfriend if I had you pay for all our dates, would I not?]

Uzi tilted her head to the side. "Huh... All right. I guess that makes sense. Uh... Soooo, you got anything for Doll to do, Tessa?" Tessa looked thoughtful.

"Hmm... Well... We DO need someone to mind the telephone to do business with the Russian branch, you don't mind taking up a receptionist job, now, do you?"

[...Hmm... Wouldn't that be quite limiting though? I'm locked to speaking my one language...]

"You'd be surprised how much business we do with Russia, actually." Will spoke up. "S'like... third place in drone popularity behind Canada and the British Isles..."

[Ah. I see...\ Doll murmured. [...I will do my best not to disappoint you. When may we begin?]

"I could bring ya girls on down tomorrow and show ya the ropes, how 'bout that?"

"Sounds good! You've got a deal!" Uzi chirped.

And so, the next day, Will and Tessa led Uzi and Doll to the corporation. Uzi marvelled at the size of the building. "Wow. Must be a thriving business to be this massive, huh?"

"Well, not to toot my own horn, but hell yeah it is!" Tessa beamed. "And with that big brain of yours, I betcha we'll be seeing an increase in profits by the end of the month!"

"Ah, I'm not THAT good... Heheh..."

"Fully functioning television." Will said simply.

"Always bringing that up, huh?"

"All right!" They entered the building, and Tessa pointed towards a desk with a phone. "THIS will be Doll's area! S'where you'll talk on the phone, we'll have to coach you on a few things, it gets a bit complex, but you're a smart sheila, m'sure you'll learn quickly! Seriously glad to have ya on board, having a drone that speaks fluent Russian'll make business WAY easier."

[I will do my best to not disappoint.] Doll said with a light bow. [Shall I take my position straightaway?]

"If you want! I'll have someone come down to give ya the ropes no time, hang in there now. Actually, Will, you're in this department, you can help her along! You do tha', I'm gonna show Uzi here over to the assembly lines!"

"Right. Good luck, Uzi, I'm sure you'll be great." Will nodded, following Doll over to her desk.

"Now, I personally think sticking you right on the assembly line's a waste of your talent and all, but we all start small, yeah? I'm sure you'll work up to a higher position in no time, just bare with me, sound good?" Tessa spoke as she led Uzi along.

"Eh. Yeah, well, assembly line already sounds better than serving tea and crumpets to some rich snobby old hag that likes to throw her silverware at her drones' faces." Uzi shrugged.

"Ah, righ'... I know the type ALL too well..." Tessa grumbled. "Ah, here we are!" She pushed a door open and stepped into the room. "Listen up, now! Jus' brought in a new employee!" She called out to the room. Uzi was slightly taken aback at the sight of a fairly equal amount of drones and humans working together on an equal playing field.

"Uh... Hi, I'm Uzi... Uh... Hope we can get along well, heheh..." She said awkwardly. Everyone nodded politely, and some even smiled, before they got back to work. "Ah, hard workers, as always, fantastic!" Tessa cheered. "Well, come on now, let's not waste a moment, girl, there's a spot for ya riiiiight... here!"

Tessa, with her surprising strength, picked her up, much to Uzi's surprise, and carried her over to an empty spot on the conveyor belt.

"This right 'ere is the space you'll be workin' at. Make yeself at home!"

Uzi blinked and looked around. The other workers, human and drone, seemed to not really care where she was, and were simply minding their business.

"Uh...okay. Thanks, I...guess?"

"Ya welcome!" Tessa slapped her back with a smirk. "Now, I'll leave ye to solve the rest. Ima go and get Doll arranged. Have fun!"

And with that, Tessa walked out and left Uzi to her own devices. Literally.

"Uuuuhhh... She... totally forgot to tell me what we're working on here... Uh... Hey, dude." She lightly nudged the man next to her. "Uh... What's this...?"

"Hmm? Oh, uh...just... stuff for indoor heaters, all you have to do is uh... screw things into their proper place, see what's going on over there? Do that..."

"Huh... Okaaaay..." Uzi looked at the conveynor belt to see the needed parts come, and second nature told her just what to do, grabbing her screwdriver from her hoodie's pocket and expertly screwing things into the proper place before passing it along to the next guy in the line. "Ah, all right, easy! Uh... I did it right...?"

"Uh... Looks like it...? Yeah, I'm gonna say yes..." The man nodded as he added the next touches. Uzi beamed.

"All right! Soooo, this place just makes heaters, or...?"

"Uh... We're... kind of all over the place, today it's heaters, we keep going until we've got a good stockpile, then we move on to like... toys or drone parts or something completely unrelated to heaters, it's... a bit chaotic, not gonna lie..."

"Ah, neat. Won't get bored then. Man, Tessa really dabbles in stuff, doesn't she?"

"I think she has a tough time focusing on one thing, yet at the same time she's so good at multitasking that she just makes it work flawlessly, I swear that woman's not actually human..."

"Well, oughta keep things interesting at least. Uh... Having some trouble there?" Uzi noted to the female worker drone next to her, who seemed to be panicking slightly at holding up the line.

"Ah! Um... I'm sorry! I'll try to be faster!" Uzi watched her at work with a raised brow.

"Huh... Okay, sooo, here's your problem, let me show ya, let me see your hand. Just... this goes here, this goes there... Memorize the layout, they're all the same piece, take a good look at it... Got it memorized? Good. Give it here and try what I showed ya on the next one."

"Oh... Okay... Memorize the layout... Um... Here... and... here... Oh... Okay... I think that is pretty easy..."

"No one tried to help ya before?"

"I was scared to ask..."

"Ah. You seemed the type..."

"Emily, we're not that scary." The man next to her spoke.

"I-I didn't mean to... imply that... Oh dear..." Emily squeaked as she handed Uzi the part. Uzi chuckled.

"No worries, keep it up, you were way quicker that time."

"Oh! Thank you!" Emily chirped before grabbing the next piece and setting to work, wanting to improve. Uzi nodded.

"Little moral support goes a long way, huh, Doll?" She muttered to herself.

Back with Doll and Will, Will was teaching Doll the ropes of reception duty. "...And then when they call, you just... answer, talk to them, answer their questions as best you can and get the info up to Tessa."

[I see. So, when they call, I answer, and thr info I collect goes straight to Tessa?]

"Yep!" Tessa nodded. "Dat's pretty much all."

[Very well, then. I shall start off immediately.]

"Okay. You do that, while we go set everything else up to make yer' work more comfortable. See ya!"

And with that, the pair walked away.

Doll watched them leaving, before she too sat down and prepared to start her first real day at work.

*riiiiing*

Oh, looks like it's begun!

She quickly found it to be a simple task. She'd been trained all her life to respond to humans in a professional manner, this was what she had attended school for after all. She'd been one of the top students across the board, she'd done her best to live up to her mother's reputation and learn all she could. From scheduling business meetings and negotiations, answering any questions, greeting the occasional visitor, even taking the liberty of using notes to communicate with those who spoke English, handling any messages sent her way and doing what she could to assist them...

Yes, it was a fairly simple job. Not the most exciting. But a job was a job, and Doll was pleased to do her part. She did her best to be a model employee, and judging by everyone's reaction, she could assume she was doing an adequate job at least.

Eventually, the day came to an end, as early evening took effect. Will approached Doll's desk. "Nice work, Doll. It's quitting time now though, wanna come and punch in your hours? Should run into Uzi over there..." Doll nodded with a smile and followed after him, and sure enough, Uzi was just clocking out for the day, seeming enthused.

[Ah, Uzi.] Doll approached and grabbed her hands, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, getting a small smiling blush from her girlfriend. [You look happy. It was a good day then?]

"Hell yeah, I get to build stuff and I get paid for it, living the dream here!" Uzi chirped. "You have a good day?"

[I should say so. I've been doing the best I can to be the best worker I can, and I think I've succeeded thus far...] Uzi pulled her into a hug.

"Ah, don't be so modest, I gurantee you you were AWESOME out there!"

[Ah... Thank you...]

Tessa ran up with a wide grin. "You two are FANTASTIC! Welcome aboard! You'll start full time starting Monday!"

"Awesome! Lookin' forward to it!" Uzi nodded.

"Right! Let's just work out the details of your work hours here... Simple nine to five, five days a week, weekends off, you know, all tha' good stuff. Sound all righ' to you?"

[That will be just fine, Tessa. Thank you for this opportunity.] Doll said with a bow.

"Yeah! We'll kill it, just you wait!" Uzi chirped.

"I'm sure you will! Hmm... Feelin' a bit peckish righ' now, let's head out an' grab a bite, on me!"

And so the group of four went out to celebrate with a meal, and afterwards, they went back home and were promptly greeted by Nori. "Sooooo, how was the first day on the job? You didn't burn anything down, did you? I did my first time working, and uh... yeah, you don't need to take after your old lady in THAT regard..."

"I didn't start any fires, mom, it was all good, I just built stuff all day." Uzi shrugged. "WAAAAAY more fun than listening to rich snobs blabbering about the 'riff-raff commoners' and having hot tea splashed in my face."

"Oh, good! I won't have an overwhelming desire to mutilate and beat on these bosses like I did your old ones, that's a relief! I'm so glad you finally get to work on your calling in life, you're gonna do great! How about you, Doll?"

[It was standard desk work. I simply did the best I could.]

"As you should! Well, now that you're home, it's time for you two to relax and take it easy, this is your downtime and you better take advantage of it while you still can, when you inevitably give me a grandchild you're gonna be busy inside and out of work!"

"Moooooom, we're not gonna have a kid for at least like... ten years from now!" Uzi groaned.

"Oh, you don't know that, anything could happen! We had you at age twenty one, after all, we definitely weren't planning on that!"

"...You weren't PLANNING on building a pill baby and raising it as a daughter?"

"...Okay, so MAAAAAYBE I commissioned you when I'd had a little too much to drink... I was a bit freaked out at first, but as soon as I saw my little pill baby, I was SO happy and I knew that black-out drunk Nori made the right call! Maybe I should get black-out drunk more often, huh?"

"You can't drink, and that's a terrible idea, and now I'm having a bit of an existential crisis because my entire existence was an accident. Heh... Bet dad was pretty freaked out about it too, huh?"

"...Your father was over the moon when I told him what happened... I don't understand how he changed so much towards you, he was so excited at the idea of having a little girl, but as soon as I was gone, he just... Um... I'm sorry, paintball, don't worry about that..."

Uzi winced. "I look like you and he didn't wanna look at me because it reminded him of you, that's it, right?"

"...Probably... He never did handle loss well... I'm still pissed at him though, he had twelve years to grieve and stop neglecting you and he never bothered trying, I literally tried to choke him out when he came and asked you to be quiet when you were crying over being bullied but... I didn't exactly have hands, so I just sort of... flew through him and tried to tackle him a few times, heh..."

Uzi smiled softly at that. "...Glad you had my back... I... I don't think I hate him, I just... miss who he used to be...?"

"He definitely isn't the man I fell in love with anymore..." Nori sighed. "...He never did tell you how I died, did he?"

"He said you hit your head and busted it open..."

"...It was a work accident... They had us working with dangerous chemicals, and I ended up getting some on my arm, and it started spreading, and uh... it was... pretty painful... It... I don't like talking about it, so... don't ask, okay? It was eating away at me, it was pretty clear I wasn't coming back from it, so he uh... put me out of my misery...?"

Uzi froze on the spot. "He...He..."

"...Yeah..."

"His wrench was covered in oil when he came home that day..."

"That was what he used..."

"...Dad..." Uzi breathed. "M-Mom..." She tried to hug her mother. "I'm sorry... You... I'm sorry you got hurt like that..."

"Oh, I'm mostly over it now, kinda wanna haunt the guy that caused it, but what are you gonna do? ...You're not dealing with any dangerous chemicals, are you?"

"No. Just... assembling stuff."

"Good. ...Be careful, okay? I don't wanna lose you in a work related accident. ...If anything does happen, you get your little spark over to Doll so she can put you in something else!"

[Yes, yes please do.] Doll had been silent for the majority of the time, wanting mother and daughter to have their moment. Uzi turned to her with a small smile and nodded.

"Will do... I... I don't think I'm ready to forgive dad any time soon, but... I... I guess I understand a bit more..."

"Exactly! I get WHY he did what he did, but I'm still gonna give him an earful if I ever see him again!"

"Preeeetty big 'if'." Uzi chuckled. "How rare is it for drones to reunite with their parents?" Doll winced at that. Uzi looked over. "Doll?"

[...I wonder how my mother is doing...] Doll sighed softly. [...I miss her...]

"Oh. Well... Maybe we can find a way to get in contact with her at some point, what's her name?" Nori asked.

[Yeva...]

Nori tensed up. "Y-Yeva?! Oh. Oooooooh, she HATES me..."

Uzi looked at hee mother in shock.

"Hol' up...you know Doll's mother?!"

[You know my mother?!]

"Know is an...appropriate word, I suppose." Nori said. "Long story short, she absolutely loathes me."

"Uhh...why?"

[Yes, why?] Doll asked. [From what I see, you're a great person to be around. Hardly any reason one could find for not spending time with you.]

Nori chuckled awkwardly. "Weeeeeell... I wasn't ALWAYS that way... I was uh... I was kiiiind of a MASSIVE little twerp back in the day, I... I kinda sucked, not gonna lie..." She let out a sigh and rubbed her temples. "Sooooo, what happened was, we came from the same batch of drones, and we were... Well, actually, we were actually really close friends, she was kinda like a sister to me. Heh... We used to call each other 'sis' all the time as a joke, good times... Buuuut... I kinda kept dragging her into things she wanted nothing to do with... Uh... Sometimes we came out relatively unscathed, sometimes we came out just a bit embarrassed and annoyed, sometimes we got a bit banged up and hurt, but she... broke things off with me completely when I ended up accidentally getting her visor busted, it was just barely able to be repaired... She... just went off on me, then stormed away and we never really spoke again, and uh... I noticed from a distance that I kiiinda turned her into a bit of a neurotic nervous wreck...?"

Doll tilted her head. [Mother? Neurotic? But she's always been as calm as they come...]

"Until literally anything goes even slightly wrong... Ugh... I ruined my old friend, and even that wasn't enough to smarten me up..."

"...Well what was? You weren't irresponsible with me, you were REALLY careful, as far back as I can remember!" Nori flinched at those words.

"...I accidentally put you in danger when you were just a pill baby... I... I... It was uh... Well... I put you down in the wrong spot, and I accidentally knocked you over without noticing because I was talking on the phone, and you ended up landing in a dumpster, and I turned around JUST in time to see a couple humans hauling the thing off with you on top of the pile, and I freaked out and started chasing after them, and then I got to the trash compactor and... Oh man... I seriously thought you were in there, and I saw all those machines crushing and mangling and slicing that trash into a cube and I was just FREAKING OUT the whole time, and then the cube came out and I just fainted right there... and then I woke up, and uh... yeah, I felt pretty dead inside for a bit there, but it turns out you were totally fine, one of the guys moving the dumpster saw you there, took you out, then gave you a wash, and I bumped into him, and he had my little girl right there in his hands, happy as can be to see me, and I just felt like a complete waste of a mom at that point, soooo... ever since then, I just... started being more mindful and attentive to the people around me, because I almost lost my baby because I was an inattentive idiot... I'm sorry for that, by the way, Uzi... I already apologized like a thousand times right after it happened, but I need to do it again now that you're old enough to know how badly I screwed up that day..."

Uzi's mind came to a screeching halt as the realization caught up with her.

"I...almost died?"

Nori winced. She figured this would be the reaction she'd get. Her hologram flickered for a moment as she wilted.

Doll slowly looked at her love.

[Uzi...are you...feeling okay?]

"Well, learning that I almost got turned into metal plating for a Chevrolet doesn't exactly help my mental state, now does it?" Uzi answered a bit harshly, causing Doll to wince.

Uzi sighed and hugged her. "I'm sorry, just... That's... a bit to take in...I shouldn't snap at you, not your fault..." She murmured. Doll smiled and hugged her back.

[It's all right, my love...]

"I'm sorry..." Nori murmured, sitting down next to her. "I...That was my wakeup call... THAT was what told me it was time to grow up..." Uzi thought back. She did have a vague memory of her mother holding her and bawling her eyes out and apologizing profusely when she was still very young... Well, at least she had the context behind that memory now...

"...Well, that WAS pretty bad, but I'd say the good you brought to my life REALLY outweighs that one bad incident, so... I forgive ya, all right?" Nori let out a soft squee.

"Awwww, thank you, paintball, you're sweet, I really am sorry, I tried my best to make it up to you by making sure you had a good childhood... I'm so sorry that fell through..."

"Eh, I was having a pretty good one till you got melted..."

"Uzi... Listen, I need you to make me a promise." Nori said seriously. Uzi blinked and tilted her head. "Please promise me that if you ever do become a parent... you'll do better than me or your father did with you... Promise me you won't put your baby in a dangerous situation, or... or become neglectful and make an effort to have nothing to do with their life after something traumatic happens to you... I know you have it in you to be an amazing mother, both of you do, but... I need to hear from you that you'll always be a good parent, no matter what..."

"I..." Uzi hesitated.

WOULD she actually be a good mother? COULD she actually be a good mother?

"But...I don't know how to be one!"

"I can teach you."

"But...I-I don't know! What if I mess up! Hat if I forget what you taught me? What if I end up hurting the kidband almost get him killed like you did me?! What if...what if..."

[This is not like you, Uzi.]

"Huh?

Doll put a hand on her lover's shoulder and gave her a small smile. [Since when do you have so much doubt in your own capabilities? Ever since I've known you, you've made it clear that you're confident you can do just about anything.]

"But... But Doll! There's a big difference between building stuff and... and being a mom... Being a mom is... There's a lot to it, and... and I... My mom was gone for thirteen years, my dad wasn't paying any attention to me, I... I don't know what I'd even do as a mom, I don't know how to act, or what to say, or... I... I don't know if I SHOULD be a mom..."

Doll frowned slightly. [...I certainly won't force you, my dear, these things do take time... But... I know that you can do it. You have a drive to you... A drive to do what you feel is best. You are fiery, yes, but... I feel that would only make you better as a mother... You know what I believe? I believe you would be putting all of your effort into being the best mother you can be... You would be protective... You would never allow anyone to hurt your child the way your father hurt you... And... well... you would be careful. You're always careful... Just look at the way you interact with the children in the apartment...]

"I mean... yeah, but... they're not MY kids, so it's easier to deal with them..." Doll grabbed her hand.

[...Have faith, my love... I believe in you... Your mother believes in you... All that's missing is your own belief... Have you ever considered what being a mother would be like?] Uzi frowned.

"Not... really..." She looked down.

[Well... I'm sure in good time... you will know whether or not you really do wish to be a mother... Now... All you have to do... is make that promise, and keep it...]

Uzi took a deep breath. "...I promise I won't accidentally throw my son or daughter in a garbage pile and nearly get them compacted... I promise I won't make a conscious effort to be as uninvolved with their life as possible... I... I promise to... to do my best if, IF I ever become a mom..." She relented.

"That's my girl!" Nori cheered. "I knew you had it in ya!"

[And I promise to do the same.] Doll spoke. [After all, I'm your lover. I will be sharing the role.]

Uzi slumped. "How did I forget that?"

Nori and Doll burst into laughter. Uzi smiled lightly, before joining them in their cackling, now much more relaxed, knowing that even if she became a mother, she didn't have to face that burden alone.

*fast forward*

Uzi did not know how it had come to this. Frankly, she was the LAST person she expected to be helping her prepare for a date. Yet here she was, in the department dstore, standing in front of a dressing room mirror, trying on various different dresses. And the one hosting this little surprise get together slash help? None other than Lizzy.

"Hmmm... Little bit too plain, might need to look at one that has a bit more purple... OOH! You'd look SO cute in a braveway, lemme go and find one!" Lizzy rushed out, and Uzi stared at the mirror as though contemplating all her life's decisions.

"...Someone that totally would have bullied me in school... is helping me get ready for my first date... with my girlfriend that she's crushing on. ...She's probably trying to sabotage me. But... Maybe not...? None of these dresses are ugly..."

Lizzy returned. "Oh my gosh, this is PERFECT, try it on, try it on, try it ooooooon!" She excitedly pushed a cute dress into Uzi's hands.

"Okay... Okay, can I just ask what's going on here? I was literally just going dress shopping and you just lunged around the corner, dragged me away kicking and screaming and pulled me in here to help pick out the right one, what's your game? I know you like Doll, you're not trying to sabotage me, are you?!"

"Hell no! You two are literally perfect, I can't get in the way of a flawless romance! I mean just think about it with me! Two pretty goth girls, one top of the social ladder, one the bottom rung! One the picture of beauty, elegance, grace, and the other the weird goofy little gremlin with a bad attitude! That's like... PERFECT chemistry for a romance story, and I am NOT about to get in the way of that!"

"Okay, first of all RUDE."

"It's true tho."

"Not denying, but RUDE!" Uzi yelled. "And secondly, how many dresses do I need?"

"You can never have too many dresses."

"Yes you caaaAAAAAN!"

Uzi continued to yell as she was suddenly pulled along by Lizzy. For the next hour, they'd be trying on various dresses. Some normal, some quite beautiful, some just plain ridiculous.

"I'm not wearing a freaking fruit hat!"

"Oh, I know you're not, I just thought it'd be hilarious to see what you look like in one of these things." Lizzy snickered. "Ugly as hell though, that I will admit, I'm seriously considering buying it just to throw it in the incinerator, save someone the embarrassment... Aaaanyway... I think you got a good haul here!" She held up the bag of dresses. "Make sure you wear the glittery one tonight though, it's your first date, and that one's extra special, look good for your lady! NEVER half-ass your appearance on your first date!"

"Yeah. yeah, I know, I know, that one's my favorite anyway, of course I was gonna wear it! Let's just... go pay for this stuff and then I can get ready!"

"Right. And what's Doll gonna do about her dress?"

"Oh, she uh... She said she wanted it to be a surprise... She has a dress, actually, she said she wore it to her prom back in school, but she said she wanted to get a brand new one for the date tonight... Think she might have gone out with some of the other tenants, actually..."

Doll looked back and forth between Ian and Anthony, staring blankly as they argued over which outfit she should wear.

"Why would she wear a BATMAN SUIT to a DATE?! EVERYONE knows Spider-Man is WAY cooler!" Ian exclaimed.

"Batman has the same kind of mask they wear at masquerade balls, he's perfect!" Anthony retorted.

"Oh, honestly..." Sienna huffed, pushing past them. "Why don't you two take this money and go to the toy isle and I'LL help Doll pick her dress out?"

"Oh boy, I'm gonna buy Pokemon cards!" Ian said excitedly, taking the money.

"I'm gonna buy some Barbie dolls!" Anthony cheered, running after him.

Sienna sighed fondly. "Ah, I envy them, and their ability to hang on to that childlike innocence..."

[Are they... always like this?]

"Hmm? Like what?"

[You know...]

"Ah, she means childish, foolish, moronic, downright insane and dangers to society, m'lady." Leviathan explained.

"Oh, hush, they're not that bad!" Squigly huffed, lightly booping his nose as punishment. A loud crash was heard, followed by several cans of food rolling at their feet. "Um... They ARE still quite bad though... But that's not what we came here for! Come, come!" She eagerly grabbed Doll's hand. "Oh, I have the perfect idea for what you could wear, Uzi just might short circuit!"

[...Didn't V wish to come along...?]

"Hmm... Yes, she was going to meet us here, wasn't she?"

"I'm here!" The assassin drone in question fluttered down from the ceiling with a small smirk. "Sorry I'm late, J was a bit late getting home from work and I couldn't leave Crona by himself because Ragnarok is not to be trusted! Noooow, dress shopping!" She gave Doll a smirk. "Soooo, d'you wanna REALLY knock her socks off, or what?"

"V, please tell me you're not planning on picking something... inappropriate for her..." Squigly moaned, burying her face in her hands.

"Hey, it always works for me and J, we just need to find one that'll cling to her, has a nice slit up the side to show some leg, and Uzi's putty in her hands!" V cackled.

"But... But it's just a simple date, V, she should choose something... something wholesome and cute!" Squigly protested.

"And just what do you think comes AFTER the date, hmm? Wouldn't she want something to properly set the mood?" V retorted, wiggling her eyebrows.

"EEP! DON'T! THAT'S INAPPROPRIATE!" Squigly meeped, covering her face.

"Hey, don't think I don't know what Filia does with you and Carol on your dates!"

Leviathan sighed. "Ugh, that Samson. Honestly, it was a mistake to ask him about relationship advice. That mutt has completely ruined young Filia's innocence."

"Can we please focus on the wholesome aspect of a date night?!" Squigly squealed, blushing madly.

"Oh, my apologies m'lady." Leviathan said, before looking at V. "And please refrain from inappropriate comments in Sienna's presence, V. I don't want her innocence be tainted until the proper time."

"LEVIATHAN!"

"Ah, she'll be needing these pointers every bit as much as Doll will, sure her dresses are very nice and fancy, but man are they old fashioned, maybe while we're here we can modernize your wardrobe a bit too."

"Eep! N-No, that's not needed, I think what I have is just fine, this isn't about me, it's about Doll, let's keep our focus on her please..." The undead girl murmured, hiding her blush behind her hands.

"Ah, fine, but someday I WILL get you in that changing room and you WILL come out in something eye catching!"

Doll was just watching the exchange with a tilted head. [Hmm... Cute... or provocative... Decisions, decisions...] She murmured.

"Ha! See that? She's at least considering the idea!" V grabbed Doll's hand. "Okay, here's what we're gonna do, goth girl! You pick out a few dresses and I'll pick out a few dresses, we come back to Doll, she tries them on and she decides what she wants to go for, how's that sound?"

"Um... I suppose that would be all right..." Squigly murmured. "Just...don't pick anything TOO inappropriate...? She's going out in public, after all..."

"Girl, she's a drone, she could literally wear nothing and no one besides Uzi would bat an eye. Just look at me, I'm living proof."

"...Will you ever put on a pair of pants...? Or at least shorts or a skirt...?" Squigly asked shyly. V looked at her. She burst into laughter, as if she had just heard the absolute funniest joke ever. Then she stopped laughing and gave her a deadpan, serious expression.

"No."

"I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything different." Leviathan sighed. "Now then, I believe we are here to try on dresses?"

"Ah! Right! We've wasted so much time!" Sienna squeaked. Grabbing Doll's and V's arms, she quickly ran towards the nearest clothing store.

For the rest of their time, they went around the mall's many fifty clothing stores, trying on dresses they liked. Some, like Squigly loved, were modest ang have a comfortable feeling simply just by being gazed upon.

V's choices, though...

"V, WHY IS THE SKIRT SO SHORT SHE'S GOING TO EXPOSE HERSELF IF A SLIGHT BREEZE BLOWS BY WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" Squigly was trying her absolute hardest not to yell while also being unable to contain her second-hand embarrassment at seeing Doll in such a revealing dress. The worst part was, Doll herself didn't seem to have any issue with it whatsoever, looking herself over with a smile.

[Hmm... For very special occasions, yes... I can see myself wearing this...] She murmured.

"Now now, m'lady, do be calm, it's not as though she can really reveal much, nor would any human care if she did..." Leviathan reasoned.

"What about other drones?!"

"Then she can just throw them in the trash where she belongs, the girl's literally psychic." V shrugged. "Looks good on you though!"

[Thank you. I will probably buy a few of these dresses, you both have excellent ideas. Although...] Doll held up the one dress she had yet to try on. [I do believe I've found just the right middle ground... Just one moment...] Sienna and V stood waiting patiently outside until Doll came out. It was a mostly modest dress that hugged her figure just enough to be enticing enough for V's standards while leaving just enough to the imagination to satisfy Sienna. It provided plenty of coverage, but it did have a semi-low neckline, the collar of the dress stopping at just above Doll's chest, as well as having a long slit running up the side of the right leg. Doll clasped her hands together. [Well then. How do I look?]

"...Uzi's head is gonna explode." V snickered. Her phone gave her a notification. "Oh hey, it's from Lizzy, she picked out Uzi's dress for her. Uh... Heh... Check it out." She showed it to Sienna, who let out a soft squee and clapped her hands over her cheeks, eyes sparkling.

"Oh, she looks so cuuuute!" She cooed. Doll approached to take a look, but V turned off the phone.

"No way, girl, we're not about to spoil the surprise! You're gonna see her all dolled up in person soon enough, let's go and pay for all this stuff and get you back home so you can get ready for your big night!" Doll beamed.

[Understood.] She pulled out the money she had saved up from her new job, making sure she had enough to pay for the dresses. Squigly raised a hand.

"Now now, we all agreed to chip in, you will not be spending all that, let's say..." She took a quarter of the money from Doll's hand. "About this much, and V and I will cover the rest."

V chuckled. "Right, thank goodness for end of year bonuses, am I right?"

[...Thank you.] Doll said sincerely. [Really, just... thank you...]

"No need for that, dear, I'm happy to help a nice romance move along! Come, let's get you prepared..."

Back at the apartment, Uzi was grumpily sitting at Lizzy's bedroom mirror, allowing the other drone to tend to the finishing touches on her appearance. Lizzy groaned out loud.

"Come ON! No matter what I do, your hair always ends up in the exact same style!"

"I warned you, hun, the Doorman hair is untameable." Nori said from her spot in the room.

"Hehheh. Yep." Uzi said with a light smirk.

"And why won't you let me give you high heels?!"

"Uh... Because I LIKE walking around, I don't need lady stilts to look good!"

"They'll make you look taller!"

"Oh, that is LOW, girl."

"Hmph. Whatever." She looked over at her makeup kit. "That's not gonna be any good, I use that to help out Carol... Hmm... Well. Guess you're good enough." There was a knock on the door. "Oh, must be Doll now, get your dress on and come meet her."

"Right..." Uzi felt butterflies in her stomach. She was about to see Doll's new dress, and she was incredibly excited about it. Nori stepped forward.

"This. Is. HUGE. YOUR FIRST DATE, AAAAAAHHH, I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!"

Uzi looked away shyly. "Mooooom..."

"Now, normally I'd say don't get too frisky after the first date, but I guess were'a bit past that, huh?"

"MOOOOOOOOOOM!"

"I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting it when I popped in to visit!"

"You didn't have to bring it up!" Uzi groaned as she slipped back into her new dress. "Ugh... Do you think this looks good?! I dunno, I feel like it's not good enough, it's just plain, Doll's gonna show up wearing something nice and fancy and there's plain boring little Uzi with her braveway, and-"

"Hey. Heeeey. Relaaaax. You're fine. You look ADORABLE." Nori assured her.

"I don't wanna look adorable!"

"...Well what do you wanna look like?"

"I DUNNO, I'M FREAKING OUT!"

"...Listen to me, paintball." Nori said seriously, prompting Uzi to turn and face her. "I've been in Doll's head for a week. I would probably know even better than you how she thinks. She is NOT the type of drone that's going to scoff at your dress. If she was, I wouldn't have been so eagerly pushing for you two to hook up. You could walk out there in a literal potato sack and she'd be happy to see you. You are going to have an AWESOME night tonight, paintball. I gurantee it. Now get out there. The love of your life is waiting for you." She ended her pep talk with a smile and a wink.

Uzi let out a sigh and rubbed her arm. "Okay... Okay... I can do this, I can do this... I just need to go out there and hope I don't see the pure disappointment in her eyes when she sees me dressed like this... Oh man, oh man..." Nervously, she pulled the door open.

Lizzy and Heinz seemed to be talking to Sienna and V, and she could vaguely make out Doll standing behind the latter two. "Oh, she's here, come on guys, step aside, let her see her hot girlfriend." Lizzy said with a smirk. Sienna gave her a disapproving frown, but she, along with the others, relented and stood aside to reveal Doll in all her glory.

She wore a silky, purple and red dress, as is her usual colour scheme. The dress was fairly modest, covering up the important parts, but also had slits on the shoulders, as well as one running down the left leg. Doll's hair was done up in a ponytail that ran down her back, held up by a yellow ribbon that no doubt held V's signs all over it.

Doll shyly rubbed her arm, looking at Uzi.

[Um...so...what do you think?]

Uzi's reaction?

An error message on her visor.

Doll chuckled softly and approached. [Ah... I see you like it quite a bit then... Now please don't short circuit before we even go out the door, it would be a shame to waste our first ever real date night...] Uzi slapped herself on the face.

"Agh! Uh... R-Right, heheh... You... Doll, you're like a freaking goddess, I swear..." Doll giggled into her hand.

[Thank you, my love...] She knelt down and scopped Uzi up in her arms, holding her bridal style. [And you look extremely adorable as well...] She leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"...Uh... Th-Thanks..." Uzi murmured shyly, rubbing her arm. "Uh... You don't think it's too... plain...?"

[It's perfect, my dear. The colour matches you splendidly and it just looks wonderful on you.]

"Y-You really mean it, no lie, you..."

[Of course I do...] Doll whispered before kissing her. Uzi tensed up as Doll's lips made contact with hers right in view of several other tenants, but she quickly ceased to care as she melted into it. When they pulled away, she was blushing, yet also smiling as V loudly cheered and Sienna and Lizzy squeed in delight.

"...Okaaaay, I think I'm starting to get used to the whole 'public displays of affection' thing..." Uzi chuckled.

"Uh... Girls?" Will stepped out. "Are you sure you don't want me to drive you...?"

"Relax, big guy, we're just gonna go to the places around the block, we can walk it." Uzi chuckled.

[Indeed. It's a lovely night and we wish to enjoy it.] Doll said with a nod, squeezing Uzi's hand as she set her back down.

"Well, what are you waiting for?! Head on out, go, go, go, you're burning precious time here, go and have fun, don't hang around!" Lizzy started pushing them out the door.

"Y-Yeah, we're going, we're going, you can quit pushing, come on now!" Uzi protested before they found themselves out in the hallway, the door closing behind them. "...Huh. Kicked out of our own apartment."

Doll giggled. [Well... Shall we then?]

Uzi nodded. "Yeah. Got our dinner reservations in about twenty minutes, we can make it over there. Uh... It's nothing... fancy, we're just... heading over to that little pub on the next block, heh... Would've tried for something fancier, but uh... Yeah, those big fancy places are a bit uptight when it comes to drones, you know how the upper class treats us..."

[Oh, don't worry, that's perfectly fine, I'd take a fast food restaraunt if it meant I got to spend time with you.]

"You are SUCH a flatterer." Uzi chuckled, standing on her tiptoes slightly to give Doll a kiss on the cheek.

[Ah, I should hope so, I want my love to feel special...] Doll murmured.

"...I really do. Just the fact that you picked me over Lizzy's proof of that." Uzi murmured as they left the complex and began walking down the blocks.

[Of course I would pick you over Lizzy... She's a very nice girl, but... how could I turn down someone that's done so much for me...? Given me companionship at my lowest moment, done all she could to make me happy... Someone that understands me... I can't imagine myself picking anyone BUT you, Uzi...]

"G-guh!" Uzi felt her internal circuits heat up again. 'At this rate I'll melt my outer shell!'

"Th-th...-thank...you...hehe..." She managed to stutter out. "That's...really...s-s-sweet of you..."

[I'm glad my compliments make you so happy.] Doll chuckled. [V trained me personally.]

"Eh?" The purple drone raised a brow. "V...trained you? In what?"

[Flirting.]

"Ah...makes...oddly a lot of sense."

She looked away. "Y-You uh... were a bit flirty before we even got together, how long has this been going on...?"

[Shortly after I met her, actually. Lizzy helped as well, but I tried to keep it tame, their methods are... a bit too extreme for my liking...]

"Ah, right... Heh... Well... Don't be surprised if I end up exploding into a fireball because of it."

[Hmm... I'll have to get you accustomed to it so that doesn't happen.]

"Hey, let's not be reckless here!" Uzi nudged Doll with her elbow, and the two drones giggled softly. "Well, here we are. It's a pub, and it has a liquor store, and it's the nicest place I could get a reservation at." Uzi pulled out her wallet. Doll giggled into her hand when she saw the Invader Zim characters on it. Uzi pouted. "Whaaaaat? It's a good show!"

[I will not deny, I just think it's cute.]

"...Well, it IS GIR, so I'll give you that one..." Uzi muttered, pulling out the money and carefully counting it. "Okay... good, got enough for the night, just had to make sure..."

[I have money as well, you know, you don't need to pay for everything.]

"This date's on me, Doll, if you want, you can pay for another one, but I want to give to you tonight, okay?"

[As you wish, dear. Thank you.] Doll kissed Uzi's cheek.

Soon enough, the two entered the restaurant. The staff was a bit perplexed, but seemed more or less content with just getting a paycheck for the day and didn't bother questioning their presence. The waiter stepped up to take their order. Uzi was tempted to order the steak, but she had a tendency to eat tough meats like a literal wild animal and she didn't want to end up doing that on a nice date like this, so she instead opted for a burger. Doll ordered a shepherd's pie. Uzi overheard their waiter asking another staff member how drones even ate and chuckled as she shook her head. "Yeah, V and J come here a lot, V was the one that suggested this place, soooo the staff kinda knows all about drones and eating at this point I guess. Must be a new guy..."

[Hmm. Well, I must say, they have rather good taste, I enjoy this place, it has a lovely atmosphere.]

"Heh... yeah, it's kinda old fashioned, isn't it? Like... 2023 level old fashioned."

[I'm so glad we actually get to spend time together somewhere besides the apartment...] Doll murmured.

"Heh. Yeah, only so much you can do over there, huh? But hey... as long as we're together, then life's good, right?"

[Oh, of course, my love...] Doll murmured, smiling softly at her girlfriend from across the table.

"Oh hey, food's here. Snappy service." Uzi noted with a smile as the waiter placed their plates down in front of them. "Okay, here's your pay!" Uzi held up the correct amount of cash, doing the math in her head to make sure she gave all she needed to, plus enough to tip the staff for letting them in in the first place.

"Uh... Thank you, ma'am, enjoy your meal." The waiter said politely but awkwardly before moving on to the next table.

Uzi shrugged at the awkwardness and immediately turned towards her burger. She could already feel the nanite drool spilling out, so she immediately dug in, albeit politely so as to not seem like an animal.

Doll observed her lover's enjoyment, chuckling as she too dug into her pie.

"Mm...sho..." Uzi swallowed before continuing. "Uh...yeah, I got nothin'."

Doll laughed lightly. [Ah, don't worry. This is my first experience too, so I find myself at a loss for topics we could talk about.]

Uzi chuckled. "Feels like we've said it all before, kinda, doesn't it...?"

[Hmm... Yes... Seems all that pillow talk has run our conversation well a little dry...] Doll giggled.

"So uh... I wasn't too sure where we were gonna go after this, uh... you can pick the next place if you want, I... I don't know where to go..."

[Hmm... Well, the movie theatre is nearby, that might be a nice way to spend our first date, with something nice and simple...]

"Huh. Works for me. Wonder if they have anything good... Eh, worst case scenario we end up with something we don't like and make fun of it, right?"

[As is the usual for us when we don't enjoy a film.] Doll giggled, taking a bite from her pie. [Mmm... I approve, the food here is quite good...]

"Yeah, heh... Chef knows his stuff..." Uzi chuckled, taking another bite of her burger. "Man... Feels a bit strange eating out like this, huh? We've only ever eaten at the kitchen table..."

[Hmm, I suppose that is true, isn't it? Will doesn't go out to eat much either, it seems...]

"Eh, Tessa'll probably break his streak at some point when those two finally fess up to each other, how long is that gonna take? It took us a few months, but those two have apparently known each other for years."

[Well... Some take more time than others, it's clear they both struggle with self worth issues when you really look at them... Tessa hides it behind a facade, while Will seems to have... accepted it in a sense...]

"Soooo, they're perfect for each other and we should totally try and help them hook up?" Uzi asked with a smirk.

[Well of course, I'd love to be their matchmaker.] Doll said with a small smile.

"Well... Can't promise I'll be much help, but I will definitely do my best to lend you a hand with that, heh. ...Man... Will's the second best thing that ever happened to either of us, isn't he...?"

[Yes... He really is... Sometimes I wonder... Do we appreciate him enough...?]

"I...I hope so... I... don't want him to feel like we're taking him for granted or anything, maybe we should get him a present on our way home..."

[I think that sounds like a lovely idea. Perhaps a box of chocolates...]

"Oh, he likes the peanut butter cups and kit kats, those are his favorites." Doll chuckled.

[You're certainly attentive.]

"That's cause I'm trying to be the opposite of my dad in every way possible." Uzi huffed. "...Now hopefully I can keep it up..."

[I know you will, sweetie, I know...] Doll murmured softly. [I'm sorry he was so absent...]

"...Is it wrong that I don't hate him...?"

[Not at all, that's natural... He is still family, after all... Still... He doesn't deserve you. He didn't see what an amazing daughter he had. That is his mistake, and I'm sure he will come to realize that soon enough...]

"...I... I don't even know what I'd do if he ever... smartened up and started to care again..."

[If that ever happens, I'll do everything I can to help you come to a decision you feel happy with...]

"...Heh... Thanks, Doll..." Uzi murmured.

[Of course, darling. Any time.] The two ate the rest of their meals in relative silence, and soon enough, were leaving the restaurant to check out the movie theatre.

"Soooo, what're you feeling tonight? Scary movie? Comedy? Romance?" Uzi asked.

[Action.]

"What?! I didn't know you liked that junk!"

[Ah, come on, they're hilarious. Everyone talks in one-liners, the plot doesn't exist, and it feels like everyone's just there to beat each other up.]

"And that's fun to you?"

[Sometimes, yes.]

"Man...I never would have figured you for the type. I legit thought you would pick something like a romantic or crime movie..."

[Or a horror film?]

"Or a horror film. Heh..." They looked at the posters. "Well. They got plenty of options. Uh... Eh, you go ahead and pick one." Uzi shrugged.

Uzi didn't even remember what movie they were watching. She didn't remember the title. She just knew they were watching a movie, and action was very much happening in this movie. It WAS pretty cool, she had to admit, though if she just wanted something cool, she was sure there were plenty of YouTube videos to watch... Shrugging, she reached for the popcorn bag, and her hand made contact with Doll's. The two drones exchanged an amused glance at the cliched moment.

[I think we're getting to the point where the hero kisses his love interest.] Doll murmured.

"Looks like it." Uzi said softly.

[I don't think it's fair he's the only one that gets a kiss. Do you?]

"Uh... With all these... strangers...?"

[Oh. I'm sorry, if you don't feel like you're ready...]

"Uh... I mean, it IS a pretty perfect time to... Oh, uh, you got something on your lips, I'll get it..." Uzi leaned in and pressed her lips against Doll's.

There was a couple sitting next to them, a young woman looking boredly at the action movie that her boyfriend was engrossed in. She looked over to see the two drones kissing. "Babe... Babe, look at the drones, they're so cute!" She gushed silently. Uzi heard her and glared in annoyance as she broke the kiss, Doll tilting her head.

"Huh? Uh... I don't think you should be drawing attention to the other people's... business..."

"Why don't you announce it to the entire theatre while you're at it?" Uzi grumped, crossing her arms.

"Oh... Sorry, didn't mean to ruin your moment, you're just cute, that's all..."

"Hmph." Was the only response she got from Uzi.

[...Thank you.] Doll said, bowing her head politely before turning back to Uzi. [I'm... I'm sorry...]

"S'not your fault, she's just nosey." Uzi said with a pout. "...I liked it, I really did..."

[Oh good... I'm so glad...] Doll murmured, grabbing her hand and squeezing gently.

"...This is lewd..."

[...Really? That old joke?] Uzi stuck her tongue out and both drones giggled softly before leaning their heads against one another.

Once the movie had ended, Uzi chuckled. "Well. It was definitely a movie. Heh..."

[Indeed. I'm glad we saw it.]

"...Wanna watch an animated movie next time?"

[Oh most definitely.]

"Heh... Thought so... Now... A gift for WIll and we head home?"

[That sounds nice to me.]

"Think we might have overdressed a bit for this simple little date?"

[Hmm... Not at all, getting to see you in a nice dress was a highlight of my month.] Doll said with a wink.

"Seeing you in that dress was a highlight of my LIFE." Uzi chuckled as they entered the store. "Now let's see... Okay, here they are, right in the front aisle. Think this is enough for him?"

[Hmm... I doubt he'd want anything overly extravagant honestly...]

"Eh, fair enough..." Uzi paid for the bags of chocolates, putting them in a little bag, and the pair stepped back outside.

[Ah... It's beginning to rain] Doll said with a small smile. Uzi looked up.

"Ah geez, AGAIN? Gimme a break..."

[Well... I think it looks nice.]

"You sure love your rain. Why is that?"

[Hmm... Mother and I used to sit by the fireplace and listen to the rain against the window...] Doll sighed.

"You were pretty close to your mom, weren't you?"

[Since father died in the accident, we were all we had left... I... I hope she's doing well without me...]

"...It's not fair the way they separate families permanently like this... Like, they don't even give us ways to stay in touch... I mean, I don't wanna stay in touch with anyone back in MY place,, but you had people you cared about just... forcibly cut out of your life..."

[It is what it is. I was among the lucky few that found new people to love and care for...]

"Yeah... But still... I wish there was a way I could reunite you with your mom like you did for me..." Doll smiled.

[Merely the thought is all that counts.]

"Is it though...?"

[Yes... It is...]

"...If you say so..." Uzi sighed. The two held hands and made sure to walk under the awnings of the building so the rain didn't damage their dresses. "...Little chilly out, isn't it?"

[It is still only early spring... The snow hasn't even fully melted away yet.]

"I guess so..." Doll stopped in her tracks. "Doll?" Uzi looked at her lover in concern as she blinked twice.

[Uzi, I think I just heard something in that alleyway...]

"...Must have been a cat or something."

[It sounded... hurt...]

"Huh. Well... Guess it couldn't hurt to take a look." Uzi shrugged her shoulders. The two approached the alley slowly, not wanting to startle whatever was within. Neither was prepared for what they saw. It was a tiny human boy, just as tiny as Crona was if Uzi had to wager a guess, with messy dark hair and an oversized pair of glasses, huddled in on himself, shaking violently in the cold evening night, eating an old piece of bread, noticeably trying to eat around the bits of mold, the cold rain pouring down on him. Both drones could make out several recently faded injuries on his face, from a healing split on his lip to a bruise around his eye that was almost faded entirely. All in all, the boy could be described as hurt, scared, cold, and all alone.

"H-holy...what the..." Uzi stuttered in horror. She took a step back, her hand covering her mouth in disgust.

[Th...these injuries...] Doll breathed out.

Immediately the next moment, she acted. Activating Absolute Solver, she took a piece of fabric lying on the ground next to the trashcan, and multiplied the threads to enlarge it, enough to act as a makeshift blanket. She used her telekinesis to scoop the boy out of the trash, and gently wrap him into the blanket.

She placed the tiny body into her arms, shivering at how thin he felt under the blanket.

[He's...in so much pain...]

The boy flinched and started to struggle. "No... No... Don't... wanna... let me... let me go, hurts, don't hurt me, please..." He weakly let out. His struggles were weak, feeble, he was barely even able to muster up the energy to move, all he could do was wriggle around ever so slightly. Doll tightened her hold on him, and Uzi watched him with a deep frown.

[Shhhhhhhhh...] Doll shushed the boy gently, rocking him in her arms. [Hush now, little one, it's all right, it's all right, don't be afraid... We will not harm you...] The boy's struggles slowly ceased. He didn't understand what the drone was saying, but the soft, gentle, soothing voice was enough to soothe some of his fear nonetheless.

Uzi noticed something in the alleyway and moved towards it, seeing it was a small teddy bear wrapped in a nice blue blanket. She reached down and grabbed it before approaching once more. "Uh... Guessing these are yours, kid?" She held the items out to the child.

"Uh...Mm-hmm..." He murmured softly, reaching out to take them. "Th-Thank y-you..." He said shakily. Thunder started to rumble in the evening sky, and the boy flinched at the sound, whimpering softly, yet at the same time trying not to be too loud about doing so. The makeshift blanket provided some relief from the cold night air, but Doll could still feel his tiny frail bony form trembling in her arms.

[We need to get him inside. Quickly.]

"Y-yeah." Uzi nodded, still processing what just occurred.

[But...seeing how scared he is, it's best we take a brisk walk instead of a run. Otherwise we'd risk aggravating some injuries and making him more uncomfortable.]

"O-okay...let's go."

Doll nodded, and the duo headed off towards the apartment complex, fast enough to leave the approaching rainfall before it would reach them, and slow enough to avoid making the beaten up boy more uncomfortable than he already is.

'Speaking of, what in the world?'

That was Uzi's thought as she contemplated what just happened as she and Doll walked.

They had just gone from a nice, simple date night to saving a scared, beaten up little baby from an alleyway, how did that happen?! She looked at the child as Doll hugged him close to her shoulder, gently patting his back and softly murmuring to him in an effort to keep his fears from overwhelming him. And it seemed to be working. Despite the initial fear, the boy seemed... a bit more at ease. Less like he was about to sprint off the first chance he got and more like he was carefully watching for any signs of deception or that he was going to be harmed.

...It was actually quite familiar, that distrust in his eyes... She'd seen it in her bedroom mirror herself. Granted, it came out in a much different form with this child. While her distrust came in the form of suspicion and anger, his came in the form of terror, as if it was only a matter of time before something bad happened to him.

"...What are you doing out here, little guy...?" She murmured softly. Her question went unheard for now, but she could tell that she would need to get an answer at some point.

Soon enough, they arrived back at the apartment, just as the rain was really starting to pick up. [There...] Doll murmured. [We are safe now...] She patted his back gently, causing him to wince as she accidentally touched a sore spot. [I'm sorry! I'm sorry...] Harry looked at her visor for any sign of malice, and it was then that he processed just who had saved him, the bleary feeling in his mind slowly fading now that he was out of the cold.

"R-Robot...?" He asked softly. Doll gave him a closed eyed smile and nodded her head in affirmation.

"Uh... Drones, actually..." Uzi made herself known, stepping into his view. "Hey there..."

"...Cool..." The boy said softly.

"Heh... THERE'S the reaction we usually get." Uzi chuckled quietly. "Soooo uh... You feeling okay, kid?"

"I...I think so..." The warmth of the apartment complex was already making him feel better, but he was still trembling. And then his stomach growled.

"Ah. Guess you're hungry, huh? Uh... Doll, let's get him back to our room... and uh... I'll see if we have some soup or something I can cook up..."

[Yes...] Doll nodded her head, walking towards the elevator with her beloved as she looked down at the boy, the adrenaline within her systems slowly wearing off now that they were safely out of the rain, a familiar feeling inside her taking over as she looked down at this tiny, delicate figure in her arms.

mmediately, her internal mother instinct took over. She adjusted the Boy's body in her arms so she was holding him like a baby.

Slowly, she gently placed a hand on the back of his head, before leaning her chin on his shoulder. She hoped her metal body wasn't too cold. She didn't wanna give him a fever.

Her hand began to gently stroke the Boy's hair, a soothing feeling coursing through her body. Instinctively, she began to hum a soft tune. One reminiscent of an old Russian lullaby her mother often sung for her whenever she was scared of nightmares or just couldn't sleep.

Uzi looked over and smiled slightly as Doll quietly hummed to the boy, who seemed to be slowly relaxing in her hold as the soothing melody filled his ears. Once he had stopped trembling, Doll smiled down at him as he looked back up at her, wide-eyed. She lightly booped his nose and giggled at his reaction to it, and Harry seemed to understand now that she was not a threat to him. It seemed that she wanted him to trust her... She said something in a language he didn't understand, and he tilted his head. She put a hand over his forehead, and then shook slightly, tilting her head to the side. Uzi chuckled.

"She just wants to know if you're feeling warmed up, kid." Harry looked down.

"Um... I... I feel... better... But... S'cold out there..."

[Oh, you poor creature...] Doll whispered, squeezing gently and patting his back, tucking his head carefully under her chin. [Please warm me faster, inner heating...]

"Just another minute, Doll, it'll be like he's curling up on a floor vent blasting warm air soon enough." Uzi chuckled.

[Hmm...] Doll murmured softly as she stroked the boy's head. [Don't worry... You're all right now, you poor thing...] She felt overwhelmed by the need to protect this child since the very instant she saw him, she wanted to do all she could for him...

The elevator came to a stop at their floor, and they stepped out. It seemed everyone was in their apartment right now, probably getting ready to turn in for the night. They pulled open the door to their apartment. "Will?" Uzi called out. No answer. "Uh... You home, big guy?"

[There's a note on the table.] Doll pointed out.

"Huh... Let's see... Ah. Went to help out Tessa with something, huh? One step closer, I guess... Well. Guess we're on our own for tonight... Uh... Doll, look after him, I'm gonna go and get the soup. If we... have any, that is..."

[Thank you, Uzi...] Doll said with a soft nod. Uzi left the room to enter the kitchen, and she took a seat on the couch with the boy, sighing in relief as her inner heater finally worked in full gear. Just as Uzi had said, the warm air, combined with the makeshift blanket, made Harry feel like he was lying atop a warm floor vent. Doll grabbed a nearby blanket on the couch and carefully bundled the boy up further, turning him into a little burrito with a face.

['He looks so adorable...'] She thought, smiling slightly. She adjusted him in her arms, so he would be even more comfortable, and slightly increased her inner heater's power so that he'd be even warmer.

[Enjoying yourself now?] She asked. The boy looked up at her tiredly, a confused light in his eyes. Doll mentally facepalmed after she put together what was wrong.

[Agh, of course. Stupid language barrier.] She whispered to herself. Sighing, she decided to try something out.

She looked at him with a gentle gaze, and opened her mouth.

"What...is yor...yoru...your...name?"

She was not built to speak English. But she understood it. And she had been around it long enough that she could force herself to speak it regardless... She'd just never had much reason to try until recently because others either understood her, tried to understand her, or didn't interact with her all too much. But... she wanted to communicate with this little one so badly, she felt... connected to him somehow... And so, she had forced her words out in English.

Uzi, from her spot in the kitchen, snapped her head over, eyes wide, when she heard her girlfriend speaking in English, a thick Russian accent in her tone. Leaning on the counter, she quietly observed the scene before her.

"Um... I... I'm Harry..." The boy murmured shyly, shrinking in on himself and looking down timidly.

"Arry... H-Harry... Your name... is Harry... It is nice name..." Doll said with a small smile as she gave the tiny bundle a gentle squeeze. "Ar... Are you cozy? Do you need more blanket?"

"I'm... I'm okay... You're... You're really warm..." The boy replied softly.

"Ah. I am warm, you say? Oh, good... Come... Closer, here..." The drone cuddled the boy gently up to her breast and gently rubbed his back. "This is nice, yes? You are relax?"

"Hmmmm..." The boy murmured as he snuggled in closer. Doll laughed softly.

"Oh, good... You are smiling, happy... There we are, don't have to be scared, you're safe now, out of cold, warm inside..." Uzi watched on with a blush, eyes wide, before remembering she was supposed to be making the kid soup and rushing back into the kitchen. As she did this, the little boy let out an exhausted yawn, and Doll chuckled softly. "Poor baby... So tired... You sleep for little while... I will wake you when soup is done..."

"S-Sleep...? But... But I... I can't, I... I have to..."

"Shhhhh... Hush now... You need sleep... Here... I will help you..." She gently tucked the boy up against the crook of her neck, resting his chin on her shoulder, and slowly rocked him in her arms before she began to quietly sing in her native tongue once more to soothe him to sleep.

[When the seas are rolling in]
[When the stars are shining clear]

Immediately, the soothing voice began to take effect. Harry's anxiety reduced considerably. Doll noticed this, and continued.

[When the ghosts are howling near]
[When we sing the Russian lullaby]

As she sung, she began to gently stroke his forehead with her finger, until she moved onto his hair. The boy's eyelids began to slowly lose strength.

[Let's you and me be together]
[Leave for higher ground]

Doll smiled internally as she noticed her efforts seem to be working. Meanwhile, behind her, another drone was listening and watching with her jaw hanging low.

[When you are alone]
[Just listen to the sound]

Soon enough, Harry's eyes closed. His mind drifted off, and he relaxed completely. Doll continued singing nonetheless, hoping to make sure he doesn't wake up immediately after.

[Lullaby]
[We fall asleep when we hear...]
[Lullaby]
[We fly away when we hear...]
[Lullaby]
[We travel far when we hear...]
[Lullaby]
[When we hear the Russian lullaby...]

As the song came to an end, she smiled in satisfaction, then leaned down and pressed a soft careful kiss against the boy's forehead, gently cuddling him close and stroking the back of her head as she continued to hum softly into his ear. He was in a very deep slumber... [Poor creature... He's exhausted...] Doll sighed, giving him a gentle squeeze.

Uzi carefully entered the room, making sure not to be too loud and wake the boy up. "Okay... Soup's cooking... Gonna be a little bit before it's ready... Uh... That was... You're a really good singer, you know that?"

Doll giggled. [Oh thank you, my love, thank you...]

"And uh... You were... You were just speaking English to him too..."

[Ah. Yes. I was. I just used what I have heard... I wanted to speak to him, and for him to understand me...]

"Um... Is it... weird of me to say that I thought the accent was kiiiinda hot...?" Uzi murmured shyly.

Doll gently laughed. [I knew you would say that.]

"Well I mean can you blame me?" She whispered. "Dude! You were already hot, but my god does a language change make you even hotter!"

"So you like my English?"

Uzi's mouth clamped shut at the voice. "Oooooh, more..."

"Careful. Don't want to get error, yes?"

Uzi's legs promptly turned into robo jelly and she fell to the floor.

Doll laughed softly into her hand. [Come now, come back up here...] She murmured. Uzi shakily pulled herself back onto the couch and gave her lover an awkward grin, rubbing the back of her head.

"Y-You just have a really beautiful voice, heh..." She said shyly.

[Thank you, my love...] Doll leaned over and kissed her on the cheek before leaning in close to her ear. "I talk like this more often then, yes?"

"Mmm-hmmm!" Uzi said, tensing up slightly as she nodded. "I-I'd like that...!" Doll chuckled, then looked back at the boy in her arms and smiled softly. Uzi looked at him as well. "...He's... awful small, isn't he...?"

[Yes... He is TOO small... He's old enough to walk, old enough to speak, yet he looks like a newborn baby... It is as worrying as it is adorable...] Doll gently patted the boy's back.

"So... What do we do with him?" Uzi asked with a frown. "Call CPS or something?" Doll fell silent. "...Doll?"

[...Uzi... Do you think maybe... we could keep him...?]

"..."

[...]

"Say what now?"

[Keep him.] Doll repeated. [You know...as our own.]

"Uh...um...h-how do I..." Uzi rubbed her arm, unsure how to answer, before she sighs. "Look, that sounds like a really damn sweet idea, and I would have asked the same, probably, but..."

[But?]

"How do I know...that...I'll even...be a good mom for him?"

She looked away. "It's like... I dunno, Doll, it's... pretty sudden, and I definitely don't wanna throw him away or anything, but... are you sure this is a good idea...? I mean... What if something goes wrong...?"

[What could go wrong, Uzi?] Doll asked gently.

"Like... What if his old family comes back? What if someone doesn't like us taking care of him? What if I freak him out and make him uncomfortable, what if he thinks I'm weird, what if I'm too loud or what if I lose my temper and scare him or... or... like... We can't... legally have a human kid, V and J get away with it because Tessa helped them and their kid was already an orphan, we don't have that luxury with this little guy, we..." Doll put a hand on her shoulder.

[You are stressing... The child was alone on the streets in the cold with nowhere to go... He clearly needs somewhere to stay... We are providing this. And... you think too little of yourself, my love. Your concerns only prove to me that you are more than worthy to be a parent... If you are worried about these things, then you will not allow yourself to do any of it, and if you should slip up, you will make up for it, yes?] Uzi looked down.

"I mean... Yeah..."

[Just consider it, okay...? Tend to the soup... and give it some thought.] Doll murmured softly before kissing Uzi on the cheek.

"U-uh, okay." Uzi said with a small digital blush as she got up and went to tend to the soup...

...which was steaming like crazy.

"Ah!" Uzi squeaked and ran into the kitchen to stop it from spilling out. Lifting the lid, she waited until it lowered and placed the lid hack down.

"Whew. Almost ruined everything."

With that, she returned to working on the soup at a slow pace. Slowly, because her mind was occupied by very much deep thoughts.

'Okay... So... We just brought a little kid home... And he's hurt and freaked out and someone's gotta take care of him, and you have a stable job and living conditions, you can afford him, but what about work hours, we have to go to work at the same time, can we just ask Tessa to change our hours so at least one of us can stay at home with the kid? What if he doesn't like me?! I'm a hothead, I could scare the crap out of him, oh man, he's gonna hate me, I just know he is, oh geez, what do I do?! I can't say no to Doll, and I can't throw him back out into the cold, but... but... Geez... Get it together, Uzi... Just stop and calm down, Uzi... Doll's already crushing it with the whole 'mom' thing, she literally defied her programming and started speaking English for him... Okay... I can at least try... I mean, how hard can it be...? Just... make sure he's fed, clothed, safe... and... I guess I'll have to see if I can pull out a softer side for the little guy... Okay, no problem, I'm sure it's there, I just need to find it... Don't freak out, just help the kid... Focus on helping him...' Uzi let out a sigh, then noticed the soup was done. "Uh... It's all set, Doll!" She called over.

Doll heard her, and slowly adjusted the boy in her arms so that he would have an easier time eating. Uzi walked in with three bowls. One for her, one for Doll, and a third one for the boy.

"Alright, here they are." She set them down on the table.

The smell immediately reached Harry's nose, and the Boy's eyes blinked open. "Huh?"

Then, he immediately started squirming.

"Ah! M'sorry, I'll get to work-" He stopped when he felt a metal finger on his head and looked up.

He saw the pretty robot with the long hair smiling down at him with a tilted head. "No. Is not time for work, sweet boy. Is time to be eating now, and then more rest..." Uzi felt the butterflies in her stomach return. Doll giggled.

"Uh... Here... You hold him, I'll make sure he gets his food..." Uzi murmured.

"Okay. Open mouth wide, baby." Doll whispered softly to Harry as Uzi took a spoonful of soup. Harry obeyed, and Uzi carefully moved the spoon towards his mouth, careful not to spill. Harry slurped up the soup, and almost cried at his first taste of actual food in almost three weeks.

"Heh... Good, kid?" Uzi asked.

"S' so good, thank you..." Harry whispered back softly.

"All right, here comes round two then, open up..." Uzi prioritized feeding the child over herself and Doll, and she took note of just how ravenous the little guy seemed. Even after his bowl of soup was gone, she wound up giving him a sizeable portion of her own just to make sure his little tummy would be satisfied afterwards, and Doll was delighted at the gesture. "Okay, buddy... Think you're okay now?"

"Um... I think so..."

"Heh... I know you're probably still a bit hungry, buuuut it's not good to feed ya too much when you're so starved... Uh... Here..." She went into the kitchen, grabbed a big cup and filled it with water before coming back. "Drink this. It should probably fill you up a bit more..." Harry obediently accepted the cup and took careful sips, wanting to avoid spilling and making them angry. As he drank his water, Uzi and Doll ate their own soup, and soon enough, all three were satisfied for the time being. "All right... You happy to have a full stomach there, bud?"

"Mm-hmm... Thank you..." Harry murmured softly with a smile.

"Heh... Good to know... Tried to make sure it tasted right for ya..." Doll smiled at her and tilted her head.

"Uzi... Here..." She slowly held Harry out towards her lover.

"...Y-You want me to..."

"I do. You hold him. He is very nice to hold."

"Uh... I... Um..." Uzi looked at the boy, who was looking at her with his big green eyes, and her hesitation melted away almost immediately. "Okay... Give him here..." She relented, accepting him into her arms and holding him against her chest. '...Holy crap, I'm doing it! I'm holding the kid! I'm actually holding an actual kid!'

Harry instinctively reached and grabbed Uzi's sweater. He could feel it's softness and warmth, and his childlike instinct took over.

Uzi mentally short-circuited.

'Okay, this kid is freaking ADORABLE.'

[Uzi, you'll get another error.]

"Huh?"

She was snapped out by Doll's voice.

"O-oh...ummm..."

[...]

"He was too cute."

She gave her girlfriend a sheepish smile, which she returned with a warm, genuine one, then looked back down at the boy and let out a chuckle. "Well, you're sure making yourself cozy there, aren'tcha, buddy?"

"Mm-hmm... Your coat's warm... N soft..." The boy murmured. Uzi chuckled.

"Yeah, it's a nice hoodie all right, it's why I bought it, heh... Now... Uh... I got a couple questions for ya, kiddo, and then we should probably clean you up... Think you can stay awake a bit to answer?"

"Um... Okay..." The boy said tiredly.

"Cool. Don't worry, dude, I won't keep you awake too long, you can go back to sleep soon... So uh... You were all by yourself in an alley... Why is that...?"

"Um... I... I wanted to... to get away..." The boy replied softly with a wince, closing his eyes.

"Away, huh? Away from what?"

"...Th-Them..."

"Them?" Uzi asked. "Who's them?"

"M...my uncle...aunt...cousin..."

['Ah...most likely an abusive family.'] Thought Doll.

"Why did you try to...get away from them?" Uzi pressed on. She didn't feel comfortable since she could sorta recognize what was going on, but she needed to know.

"Umm...I can't tell...they'll..."

"Do nothing." Doll said. "They won't do nothing. You safe with us."

"H-huh?"

"If they try to put their hands on you, I'm gonna show them just how useful all that pirated anime actually was!" Uzi said with a toothy grin. Harry tilted his head in utter confusion. "Ah... Uh... Heheh... Don't tell anyone about that... Uh... I'm gonna kick their butts, that's what I meant..."

"...Okay... Um... I... I didn't wanna be there anymore... Because I... I... They hate me..." He looked down sadly.

"They hate you, huh? For basically no reason other than you're a bit different, I bet. Yeah, I've been there, done that... I know how much it sucks, buddy..." Uzi said sympathetically, lightly patting his back and frowning when she saw him wince. "Ooh, sorry, was I being too rough?"

"Mmm... No... Touched one of my owies..."

"Your... owies, huh...? Did... Did they give you those owies...?"

"Um... I... They were just... Um..."

"And that tells me everything..." Uzi sighed softly.

"M'sorry..."

"You're sorry? Huh? N-No. No no no no no, you are NOT the one that should be sorry here, they are, you didn't do anything wrong!"

"Oh... I'm... I'm sorry..."

Uzi blinked twice. "Oh man, they really broke you down, didn't they, little guy...?"

"Sorry..."

"Heeey, you don't have to keep apologizing..."

"Sorr-"

"Come on." Uzi laughed softly, putting a finger over his lips. "Don't apologize for apologizing, ya goob!"

"Oh..." Harry murmured softly. Uzi tilted her head.

"So... They were hurting you... That's pretty clear to see... And did they say anything to you...?"

"...Yes..."

"What did they say to you?"

"...They said I'm a freak, I'm ugly, I'm stupid, I'm useless, they don't want me, they hate me, and I should have died with mommy and daddy..."

"Stop."

"H-huh?"

Uzi immediately embraced his tiny form as much as she could.

"You. Do not. Deserve. Any of that. Those monsters..." Uzi seethed, making sure the kid didn't see her do it.

Doll's eye flashed briefly with the Solver, but she forced her rage down and gently patted his head.

"True. You don't deserve such pain."

Tears formed on her visor as she gazed down at the tiny boy. "They... No one should ever say these to you, is awful... Poor baby..." She breathed out, closing her eyes. ['How COULD they...? How could ANYONE...?'] She thought.

'I'M GONNA...' Uzi's inner thoughts were a storm of violent fantasies dedicated to inflicting as much pain as possible onto the 'people' that had the audacity to say that screwed up BULLSHIT to this tiny boy that couldn't be older than FIVE! She was fighting with all her might not to let her anger show. Breathing through her nose, she took several deep breaths in an effort to calm herself down, keeping her hand on the back of the boy's head and his face pressed against her chest as she gently stroked it so as to not let him see the expression of pure, blistering hatred taking over her face. She looked over at Doll, who seemed to be keeping it together. She could see an underlying anger in her eyes, but it was overshadowed by a deep sadness and worry for the boy. Doll looked back at her, seeing her rage, and slowly reached over to cup her face, stroking her cheek with her thumb and smiling sadly. Uzi sighed softly and did her best to return the smile, though it was small and strained. "...Trying to make sure I don't blow my lid, huh?"

[You are doing very well, my love...] Doll murmured softly. They both looked down at Harry, and Uzi, feeling she had calmed down, slowly removed her hand from the back of his head, allowing him to look up at her to see her giving him a small smile.

"...Seriously... Your aunt and uncle are a couple of LOSERS if they think it's okay to say that to you... You're not a freak, you're adorable, you got a big brain, you're a huge help, I gurantee you just about anyone else would love to have ya, and if I ever meet them face to face, I am gonna take my wrench and shove it so far... Uh... Ahem... Yeah... Don't listen to them, bud. You're awesome, okay? You're great." She ruffled his hair. "Ya don't need to change a thing about yourself."

"I... But... Really...?"

"Heck yeah, come on, look at ya, you're literally one of the most adorable things I've ever seen in my life! Heh... You look like a little baby owl, you're all tiny and easy to hold and you got that shaggy little mop on your head that kinda look like feathers and you got those big pretty green eyes, you're a little baby owl! Hahahaha!" She laughed softly at his baffled expression.

"I...look like an owl?"

"A baby owl, yeah." She nodded. "You're as every bit as cute as one too."

"M'not cute..." He said sadly. Uzi sighed.

"Look, kiddo." She began stroking his hair. "Whatever those people said to you? It ain't true. It's something you should ignore and forget. It's all one big lie. In fact..."

She breathed in to prepare to speak about this. "My dad was...sorta the same with me."

"Your...daddy?"

She nodded her head. "That's right. .Now, he was NEVER anywhere NEAR as bad as your aunt and uncle were to you, but... I kinda get where you're coming from... So like... He never paid that much attention to me... He always made it clear that doors were more important to him than I was, he was weirdly obsessed with doors for some reason, he said they were his real daughter and put signs around the house that said 'doors over Uzi', and he once said I was a disappointing failure in an interview... I know family can really suck sometimes, bud... You don't have to worry, cause... I get it... You feel really hurt and upset by all the stuff they said to you... Wish I could say that that pain'll go away, but... well... I CAN say that it'll get better and hurt less when you spend time around people that actually care." She smiled softly and ruffled his hair. "Just... don't believe what they said about you. They suck. They're the worst family ever, WAY worse than my dad could EVER be."

Harry looked at her sadly. "Th-Thank you..."

"Heh... Having a tough time believing it still, huh, dude? Don't worry... You'll find your way out of that headspace eventually... I sure did..." She smiled at Doll, noting how proud her girlfriend looked of her, then turned back to Harry.

"...Did... Did your daddy hurt you...?" He asked timidly, causing both drones to freeze.

"Hurt... No. No, my dad never raised a hand to me, ever, he wouldn't hurt me. ...Did... Did your...?" Harry flinched, and Uzi and Doll exchanged a worried glance. "...I... I think it's time for you to have a bath... You can go back to sleep after we're done washing you up, okay?"

"Mmkay..." Harry mumbled as Uzi stood up to carry him into the washroom, Doll close behind, a deeply worried look on her face. Uzi stopped at the tub, turned on the warm water, and looked down at Harry with a small grimace. 'Just do it, Uzi... Come on, don't wimp out...' She carefully grabbed his oversized shirt and pulled it off...

Uzi audibly gasped at what she saw. Her hand shot up to cover her mouth, and her digital eyes widened.

Scars.

All of them.

Everywhere.

Every inch of the boy's skin was covered in various scars. So much so that you'd be hard-pressed to find a space of regular skin longer than about 5 centimeters.

Doll silently adopted the same look as her lover, and her finger gently traced a particularly long scar on his shoulder.

Suddenly, she felt Harry being placed into her arms, and she blinked as she saw Uzi leaving the room, fists clenched at her sides, head down, beanie covering her visor so she couldn't make out her expression. One thing wax clear as day, though. Her lover was FURIOUS. And Doll was right there with her... But that fury was overshadowed by the need to make sure the boy was okay. Looking down at him with a soft frown, she gave him a squeeze. "I...I am sorry for you..." She whispered, then noticed him trembling. "...You are shaking like leaf... Poor baby..."

"I made her mad, she hates me, she hates me, I'm sorry, I'll do better, please don't hurt me, I'll do better, please, please, please..." The trembling boy pleaded, beginning to tear up. Doll bit her lip and turned him around to properly embrace him.

"No... No, no, no, Uzi is not mad with you, baby... Do not be scared... Uzi will not hurt you... I will also not hurt you... Ever... You are safe, I promise..." She whispered, voice trembling slightly.

"But... But she's mad... She... She had the mad look in her eyes, it was the look Uncle Vernon had when he was gonna... When... When he was gonna..." The boy trailed off and began to tremble even more violently.

"...He is what she is mad at, not you, sweet boy, never you... You are good boy... I am so sorry... You do not deserve pain like this, I... I promise we will help you... We... We must clean you, yes...?"

"I...Okay..." Harry whispered softly. Doll gently lowered him into the bath water, her heart clenching when she saw him cringe the closer he got.

"Is nothing to be scared of, water is nice and warm, is okay..." She murmured gently, setting him in, thanking her lucky stars drones were made to be water proof as she set to gently cleaning the poor boy up.

Uzi needed something, ANYTHING to unleash the burning torrent of rage swelling inside her. She looked for something she could destroy without inconveniencing her gracious host, pulling open a closet and finding a pillow sitting in the back. She grabbed it and threw it to the floor, stomping on it with all her might before falling to her knees and viciously punching it as hard as she could, grunting from extertion as the pillow's innards burst out, stuffing flying all over the room as she gradually destroyed it over the span of twenty minutes, throwing it against the wall, kicking it around, just wanting to destroy this pillow, pretending it was the boy's family-No, No, not his family, his ABUSERS. She was pretending she was giving his ABUSERS exactly what they deserved.

By the time she was finished, the pillow was nothing more than a flat piece of fabric on the floor, stuffing scattered all across the room. Uzi was standing bow-legged, with her fists clenched at her sides, panting heavily as the anger slowly cooled. She took a deep breath. "Get it together..." She muttered to herself. "The kid's already traumatized enough without you flipping out like that... Oh man... The kid..." Cringing, she made her way back to the washroom to find Doll refilling the tub. Her lover turned to her with a small heartbroken smile.

"Was very dirty... Had to change water..." Uzi closed her eyes and sighed.

"Geez..." She approached the tub, and noted the way Harry winced slightly when he saw her. She grimaced sadly, then took a kneeling position by the tub. "Sorry, buddy... Guess I scared you a bit, huh...?" She reached out and gently patted his head.

The boy held a small, scared look in his eyes, and Uzi sighed. She really hated her lack of an emotional filter.

"Look, kiddo...I ain't mad you. Like, at all."

"You're...not?"

"Nope." Uzi affirmed. "I could NEVER be mad at a cute little man like you. I was mad at...your uncle. And the other people who hurt you. You do NOT deserve any of that stuff happening to you. I am really, REALLY sorry we didn't find you earlier."

"Indeed." Doll agreed.

He looked down at the water shyly. "I...I was only out there for... for... um... Seven...days... I think...?"

"Well, I wish we found you the literal same day you picked that little alley as your home because you shouldn't have had to spend any time alone out there on the streets." Uzi said with a small smile. Harry opened his mouth. "You don't have to apologize, it isn't your fault, buddy, how were you supposed to know a couple drones would come by and take you in? Heh... What's important is that you're here now, away from them, and you're safe..."

"...What if they look for me...?"

"If they want you, then they're gonna have to get through us." Uzi said with a grin. "I know I'm small, but I can throw one heck of a right hook!" Doll giggled.

"And she bites hard too."

"I do! I can bite them so hard they won't even know what hit 'em!" Uzi said with a smirk. Harry giggled softly. "Heh. That silly?" She ruffled his hair. "Point is, bud, we're gonna protect ya now... You didn't just see me being mad, you saw me... wanting to protect you from ALLof that bad stuff... Just... don't worry. You can count on us... As long as Doll and I are around, you'll always be safe. I promise."

"Promise...?"

"Indeed, sweet boy." Doll nodded. "With us, you are forever safe. You have nothing to be afraid."

"Hm...m'kay."

"There we go." Uzi said. "Now, let's finish that bath up, shall we?"

And so, the two drones cleaned Harry off of all the dirt, dust, grime, etc., to the point where the water was practically a mix of green and grey. Doll was VERY happy to flush the thing down.

Then, came the bed.

First, Uzi bundled him up in a towel and held him up against her chest, gently patting his back and smiling as she felt him nuzzle his face into her hoodie. "Heh... Snugglebug..." She snickered in amusement. "All right... Bed time... You're exhausted..."

"Mmm... Sleepy..."

"Yeah... I can see it... Hang in there, bud, we're gonna get you tucked in, okay?"

"Mmm... M'I sleeping in the cupboard...?"

"C-Cupboard...? No, no, you're sleeping with me and Doll in our bed, kiddo..."

"B-Bed...?"

"They didn't even..." Oh, Uzi wanted to wring their NECKS... "Uh... Y-Yeah... You get to sleep in a bed, that's nice, right?"

"Beds are... soft... right...?" Harry mumbled.

"Heh... They sure are, kid, they sure are... Here..." She entered their room, then gently laid the boy down on the mattress, then pulled the blankets up to his chin, patting his head and chuckling when she saw the brief moment of surprise on his face before it turned into an expression of bliss and peace. "Ya like that?"

"Soft... warm..." Harry yawned out, nestling in closer. "Thank...you..."

"Ah, no problem, buddy... You're nice and cozy, I can tell..." She turned to Doll. "Now, the finishing touch..." Doll beamed, then took a kneeling position next to the boy and softly sang the lullaby she had sung earlier to lull him to sleep. It worked almost instantly, the boy's soft snores filling the room. Uzi smiled at her lover. "You're like a freaking siren, how are you so good at singing? Isn't that some kinda like... dance song also?"

"Hmm... Yes... I change tone and use lyrics... They are nice lyrics, yes?" Doll asked with a tilted head.

"Heh... Yeah... They sure are." Uzi chuckled. "...We... are DEFINITELY keeping him, no matter what... There is NO WAY I am EVER gonna let him go back to a place that hurts him, verbally abuses him, treats him like dirt and makes him feel like he's not... welcome in his own home..." Doll slowly rose to her feet, approaching Uzi, before pulling her in close and giving her a passionate kiss.

Uzi at this point wasn't even caught off guard whenever Doll did that. She would just sigh and chuckle as she melted into the kiss.

After a minute, they separated, and Doll enveloped Uzi in a deep, strong embrace.

"Thank you..."

"Huh?"

"Thank you...for letting yourself become a mother. I knew I could trust you...I'm glad you were brave enough to try...really, Uzi...thank you...so, so much...

Uzi blinked twice, then let out a soft chuckle. "Heh... Mother, huh? Not sure I'd go that far just yet... I'm nice to him, but..."

"No... You are mother to him... You have the look in your eyes... The same look mine mother had when she looked at me..."

"I...I... Ya really think so...?"

"Yes... You are very good mother... You are loving... and gentle..."

"I... I mean, I think there's a lot more to being a mom than everything I just did, Doll..."

"Well, yes. And I know these will come to you as we raise him... I am proud. You put much effort into treating him kindly... I am so happy, Uzi... I was hoping we could start family... And now we have little boy..."

"Heh... Kinda jumping to conclusions, aren'tcha? We have no idea if he sees us that way..."

"Hmm... Give it time... I am sure he will soon..." Doll gently pressed her forehead against Uzi's. "You are already doing very well... He will love having you as mother..."

"...Not half as much as he'll love having YOU as his mom..." The two drones stood in their embrace for several seconds, before deciding it was time for bed. Uzi stretched slightly, letting out a soft yawn, as she and Doll climbed into bed, each one taking a side with Harry nestled snugly in between them. Doll gently wrapped him up in her arms and squeezed him gently, and Uzi pulled her in closer, making sure all three were cuddled up nice and close.

"...I am surprised your mother did not come and meet us at door..." Doll chuckled softly.

"Knowing mom, she probably assumed we were gonna be... busy." Uzi snickered. Both drones shared a laugh, and then they exchanged another kiss.

"Good night, my love... Sleep well..." Doll whispered.

"You too, Dolly... And you too, kiddo..." Uzi whispered to Harry. And with that, all three went to sleep for the night, their lives fundamentally changed forever in the best way possible.