Days after the battle against the Solver, everyone was getting acclimated to their new lives. Drones no longer had to live in fear behind the doors. They easily could begin new lives outside the bunker and make Copper-9 their personal utopia…but let's be honest, that sounds like a LOT of work. For now everyone is taking it easy and are just happy to be alive and that the planet wasn't blown up.
Khan was especially happy to see Uzi safe and sound after the whole ordeal. The older drone apologizing for not having more faith in her and saying her mother would be so proud of her if she could see her now.
Of course…some of them knew about Nori already…but figured they'd keep that a secret for now as both a bit of petty payback, and because they're not sure his processors would handle them saying she's alive as a walking talking mechanical heart. Though it does give Max an idea, but he'll work on that later.
Cyn was incredibly nervous at first, worried everyone still hated her for allowing the Solver to use her, but N and Max were more than happy to make her feel like part of their strange found family. Uzi, V, J, and Doll tried their best to get along with Cyn, feeling suspicious at times, but found the drone to be quite the silly billy and ultimately harmless. It helped that she had no Murder Drone or Solver powers other than some regeneration as evidenced by her body restoring itself once it regained her core.
To help Cyn fit in, N, Uzi, and Max went on a small trip to find a new outfit for her at a somewhat held together clothing store, along with finding new threads for their human too. Cyn was currently wearing one of N's winter coats, the outfit however was way too big for her and nearly dragged along the ground, but at least it kept her cozy and looking decent. This thankfully meant Max got his jumpsuit back and he wasn't walking around half naked anymore. He just had to ignore the slight looks of disappointment from some of the drones as they realized their free show was over.
"So, I didn't question it before, but why does Cyn sound like that? At first I thought it was the Solver's voice, but she still speaks like this." Uzi asks as they look through the dilapidated building, dusting some snow off different clothing to see what was salvageable enough to wear or sew into a new outfit or accessory.
"Oh that's actually perfectly normal. In the earlier drone days, worker drones started off with flat almost monotone voices like hers. It was only after some upgrades that drones were able to speak with their own unique voices, and even then not every drone received the upgrade. Some companies didn't bother with it as they had worker drones focus on labor only, not giving them time to chatter. "
"So…she's just an older model?"
"Kinda yeah. Either that or whoever originally owned her, god that feels gross to say, didn't take the time to get her upgraded. That could also explain some of her lankier movements."
"Would that technically make me the big sister? Cheeky grin." Cyn asks with a teasing smile at N who just laughs and pets her head, which the smaller drone happily accepts.
"I don't know, you make such a good little buddy!" N smiles wide before looking at Max. "Could you upgrade her Max?"
"Hmm, maybe with Uzi's computer and some current drone blueprints, but that could be a bit invasive. I'll leave it up to Cyn to decide. If she really wants it then I can work on giving her the upgrade, but if she's comfortable as she is now and doesn't want it, then she doesn't have to do it. I don't mind either way, but to be honest I think her current voice is pretty cute." Max casually compliments, getting a slight blush from Cyn.
"…twiddling fingers." Cyn mutters as she presses her index fingers together. The thought did cross her mind about being more like other worker drones…but where was the fun in being 'normal'? "I think I'm okay being the way I am. It is something I can make my own, my personal way of life."
"…sounds good to me, Cyn." N smiles gently at his adopted little sister before perking up as he finds something. "And something else to make your own, CARGO SHORTS!" N happily presents a perfectly good pair of shorts he found on a nearby mannequin.
"Happy cheering!" Cyn exclaims joyfully. Uzi facepalms but can't help but smile at the dorky duo, Max chuckling alongside her.
Cyn soon manages to get her own wardrobe to choose from, and her own signature casual outfit! She happily wears a pair of light khaki brown cargo shorts, playing with the many pockets and admiring how 'fashionable' she believes they are. She also has a yellow scarf around her neck, not to protect her from the cold, but as a soft reminder that even if she hates the Solver, yellow is still her favorite color and she won't let that monster take that away from her.
Last to add to her outfit, she had on an extra large black sweater, finding herself enjoying the oversized and comfy feeling way too much after experiencing it with both Max's jumpsuit and N's winter coat. Of course, she made sure to always keep her bow on top of her head as a sort of tribute to Tessa…that and she just loves how it looks on her.
Max got himself a matching pair of dark khaki colored cargo shorts at Cyn's adorable request, along with a red tank top and black sandals to finish his relaxed fit. He figured since the cold couldn't bother him anymore as he was essentially immune to frostbite, and didn't have a job anymore or plans to work on any machinery, he might as well put the jumpsuit away for now and dress how he wants. He still kept it around of course in case he's got some repairing to do. Until then, he wants to dress like he's on a well deserved vacation. It was either that, or just wear pajamas all day long and really look ready to enjoy his vacation to the fullest.
For Doll, she's been having trouble reintegrating back into the colony. No one gave her any trouble, but she couldn't erase the guilt she felt knowing she slaughtered so many worker drones both in her Solver influenced thirst for their oil, and out of a crazed lust for violence in her quest to take vengeance on V. Now she knows the Murder Drones were victims of the Solver too…but she still couldn't bring herself to truly forgive them. She'll stay cordial and polite, but overall she wanted nothing to do with them….at least, that's what she thought at first.
"So, that's the human who helped you out?" Lizzy asks Doll as they chat in the back of the classroom. Doll still can't believe her teacher was completely nonplussed about her returning to school like nothing happened. Honestly she wondered if anything could shake up the guy. She didn't see the point of continuing school after everything she's been through…but Uzi managed to convince her that they were already close to graduating, they might as well finish it off instead of repeating the year.
Doll looks to the front of the class as Uzi gives her presentation of her hero's journey, using Max as a totally credible source of their deeds together in stopping the Solver. "Our team was separated, both of us trying to find each other as we scoured the human labs, hiding from killer sentinels!"
"The only reason they were ignoring me was because I was already a walking corpse with my skull cracked open and bleeding everywhere!" Max helpfully includes, getting a collective "EW!" from most of the class.
"Sick! And I mean that in both ways!" Thad comments, disgusted by the mental image but finding it so cool that he personally knows a human zombie. Doll sighs, struggling to hide a smile as she looks at the goofy human point to the parts of his head that were smashed while Uzi combs through his hair looking for any scar.
"Mhm…honestly if it wasn't for him, I don't know if I would have made it out of there alive…" And that there is the biggest reason why she's willing to accept the Murder Drones openly sitting nearby. N is doodling on a paper with a 'how to draw manga' book flipped open, while J sat next to him to 'reluctantly' help him out by providing her own drawing advice. Cyn happily tries to doodle with him, eager to develop her own art skills so they can collaborate on bigger projects together! And lastly, FUCKING V was sitting nearby right next to Lizzy, who thankfully was acting as buffer between the two of them.
"Hmm, well he gets some popularity points for that. You're too hot to die, that's better suited for someone like Rachel." Lizzy casually comments just for V to lean in.
"But she's still only second hottest compared to me apparently.~" The Murder Drone teases, both to fluster Lizzy and break her cool mask, and as a bit of petty payback against Doll for stabbing her back at prom.
"Oh you're so lucky Uzi and Maxwell vouched for you or I swear you'd be scrap metal right now." Doll hisses in Russian, the two drones practically having lightning sparking between their eyes…all the while Lizzy was stuck between them, feeling like she was about to overheat having the two hottest girls she knew pressing against her from both sides.
So at the very least Doll was not causing any more violence or was trying to escape and brood on her own. That didn't mean she was suddenly best friends with everyone…though she did appreciate it when the six of them came to help clean up her place. V was the most reluctant to help but couldn't say no when both N and Cyn were teaming up against her with double puppy dog eyes. It hurt having to finally let her parents go, but Max was kind enough to suggest a memorial service for them, a little something to help her come to terms that no matter what happened to her, she did have parents who genuinely loved her, and now had a hopeful and peaceful future ahead of her with new allies at her side…well, more like allies and the one frenemy, but still not too bad of an outcome for her.
J was struggling somewhat too. It was bad enough that she gave up the life of murdering for oil and being the boss of N and V, but now she was starting to like it?! She shudders just remembering the way worker drones now no longer looked at her with fear, or the involuntary smile that grew on her face when N and Cyn thanked her for the art lessons she gave them. The warm fuzzy feelings that grew inside her were NOT welcome in the slightest!
The worst part was when she actually started to feel guilty when she remembered the way she treated N, and even took the time to APOLOGIZE! The warm fuzzy feelings that grew inside her afterwards when N not only accepted her apology but forgave her and said he'd like them to be friends, were NOT welcome in the slightest! She had no idea getting closer to the other drones would feel so nice, er, GROSS! She meant gross! Completely and utterly gross and not at all something she wants to continue experiencing!
The other drones were enough trouble, but then there was the issue with the human in her life. Sure she had a huge weight off her shoulders knowing Tessa didn't hate her and they got to talk one more time. Unfortunately, she now had nothing. No Tessa, no JC Jenson, no one to give orders, and no one to give HER orders. When she would look at Max, she could feel her circuits heat up as her mind was filled with conflicting ideas.
On one hand she wanted things to go back to what she considered was normal, to just follow the orders of her superior and not worry about the big picture…but on the other hand, he and Tessa obviously wanted more out of her than just a subservient drone, they both saw her a great friend who deserves the freedom to make her own choices. The problem though is so much freedom is quite scary…
Right now she was on a 'secret mission' as Max called it, accompanying the human as he wished to find Uzi's mother and bring her back to the colony. The two traced down signs of her little legs in the snow, and her solver powers taking apart buildings and street items to create ramps and tools for her to traverse.
"It looks like she's headed into the rundown mall. Damn it'll take forever to find her like this." Max sighs, looking for any signs of the walking core.
J is quiet for a bit before an idea comes to her mind. "We could split up to cover more ground!" She internally winces, immediately second guessing and berating herself mentally for speaking out of turn, then berating herself again for thinking like that!
"That's a great idea J! I'll take the west side and you take the east side, and we'll meet back here later, but feel free to come find me if you manage to grab Nori." Max praises the drone, J blushing hotly as she struggles to get these conflicting emotions under control. It felt like ever since seeing Tessa, she's only been questioning herself more and more!
The two split up and begin their search, J though is incredibly lost in thought, nearly wanting to tear her hair out in frustration if it wasn't for the fact that said hair was a gift from Tessa.
"Gah! Why do these feelings have to be so complicated!?" J yells in rage before kicking a nearby empty box. The box is sent flying before it miraculously lands on top of a skittering Nori.
"Hey, who turned out the lights?" Nori questions as she moves around with the box on top of her, almost making the piece of cardboard look possessed.
"…roll with it J." The drone mutters to herself before leaping and grabbing the box, carefully using it to scoop up Nori and then glaring at the walking mechanical heart. "There you are. Everyone's been looking for you! It's time you quit being a hermit and go back to your daughter."
"Ugh, I liked you Murder Drones better as unfeeling beasts. The last thing I need is you telling me what to do, especially since one of you is the reason I lost my body in the first place!"
"I know I know! We were tricked though…that doesn't excuse our past actions, but we're working to be better. Besides, Max said he could possibly repair your body, even make a new one with the right parts. However to make it all work, your core needs to be inside…plus that dumb caring human insists on waiting for your input on the designs of the body first. I swear he's too thoughtful for his own good…"
"Yeesh, you have it bad for him don't you?" Nori asks in a casual almost teasing manner, J blushing hard before grabbing the core and shaking it.
"No I don't! And don't you dare say anything!"
"Gah! Stop shaking me!" Nori uses her solver powers to create a construct and push J back, jumping out of her hands. "I don't see what the big deal is, just tell him you think he's hot and get closer to him. That worked out just fine for me." Nori explains, of course leaving out the details of how she called Khan hot on accident, and in a fit of embarrassment she pushed him away saying she hated him before running away. Funny enough Khan came over the next day and asked her out on a date, apparently finding her actions attractive.
"Absolutely not! We barely know each other, everything feels too surface level! I don't think we've even had any real one on one time!"
"Well, why don't you just ask him to hang out?" Nori asks like it was so obvious. "Invite him to do something he likes. What does he like anyways?"
"I…I don't know! My mind is drawing a blank!"
"Then there is your first problem, get to know him better, and help him know you better." Nori jumps around before landing in front of an old video game store. Using her solver powers she destroys the lock and opens the doors wide, allowing them access to the devices. "Here, invite him to play some games."
J looks at the multitude of gaming consoles and boxes of video games, trying to figure out which would be best to start with. "…do you really think this will work?"
"It's not like he'll have a kid with you if you get this right, and he's not gonna hate you if you get things wrong. Most likely all he's gonna do is be happy to know he's got a friend taking an interest in him." At that, J is quiet but with a hope blossoming in her core. "And if that doesn't work, you could do this mouth thing I saw some humans do to relieve stress." J blushes furiously as she reaches out to strangle the core.
"J! There you are! Oh hey you found Nori!" Max yells out happily, finding the Murder Drone with Nori in her hands. J immediately stops any strangling attempts and gives a forced smile to Max!
"Uh, yep! Just found her, and I was going to bring her to you but I found this uh…"
"Ooo! A retro game store?" Max asks as he eagerly takes a look inside just to gasp. "So many Nintendo consoles and games! Oh they even got PlayStations! A shame they never have any games." Max jokes mostly to himself despite the huge stack of games nearby.
"Y-yeah…" J trails off, trying to find the right words before Nori sighs.
"Ugh, she wants to ask-"
"WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY VIDEO GAMES WITH ME?" J loudly interrupts, catching both Max and Nori off guard. "W-what I mean is, that's just one thing I'd like to do. I…I'm new at this, I'm so used to having a superior or subordinates, and just the idea of having someone to treat as an equal, a friend even, is just so new and scary, but I want to try! So…I just thought maybe we can…" J trails off, feeling hot tears of embarrassment grow as she begins to regret this idea.
The tears stop though as a hand rests on her shoulder, her digital eyes looking up at Max's smiling face. "I'd love to J. I'm really happy you asked me this! I've been trying to think of the perfect activity for us to bond more this whole time, but I guess I've been worried about nothing. I loved playing video games in my free time before the cryosleep, and I'd love to see what kinds of games we can find and fix up to play together! Worst case scenario if nothing works? We can find a cheesy little board game to entertain us. Maybe if they allow more than two players we can invite the others to join us…but I wouldn't mind just some one on one time with just the two of us."
J was completely stunned at how well this worked, nearly frozen in disbelief until Nori smacks her in the face to snap her out of it. "YES! I mean, yeah that sounds great! I can't wait!"
"Awesome! Okay I'll grab some good multiplayer games for now, and we can come back here later with a big backpack to take as much as possible!" Maxwell smiles wide before eagerly looting the store. One of the perks of being the only human is that everything is free now.
"See? Was that so hard?" Nori asks smugly. J huffs until a thought comes to her mind.
"I don't know, probably as hard as it'll be for you to reveal to your husband you're still alive." J comments with a wry grin, Nori looking like she'd be beading sweat right now if that were physically possible.
V…was currently lost in her thoughts in the middle of an empty classroom. After regaining her memories, she and the rest of the team sort of just jumped straight into more action, barely having time to let it all register that…she remembers everything now. She looks down at a pair of glasses in her hands, having found an unbroken pair in a glasses case in some human skeleton's shirt pocket.
Curiously she puts the glasses on for a bit, a familiar feeling running through her circuits as her vision clears up. She'll never understand why the Solver couldn't have repaired her vision, maybe it wasn't necessary because she wasn't a precise tool in her eyes…just a hammer used to crush anyone she wanted. No longer a sweet maid, but a killing machine.
It really starts to dawn on her, she was truly changed for the worse. And that's not even including everything she's done to N. Memories of the way she treated him flash through her mind. From acting like she never knew him to standing back and doing nothing as J threatened and took out her anger on him. The more she remembers, the more she can feel herself tear up.
Tears threaten to spill as she remembers that sweet butler who would pick her up when she would fall down and smile at her. Now he's a Murder Drone…and he is still the kindest person she's ever met, someone she doesn't deserve to have in her life.
"Hey V!" N speaks up from behind her. V immediately takes the glasses off her face and hides them before turning to face the drone she was just thinking about.
"N!? I- Uh…what's up?" She asks as casually as she can, mentally facepalming at how incredibly suspicious it made her sound instead.
"I just wanted to check up on you! I haven't seen you a lot lately and I was worried. You seemed pretty lost in thought before I got your attention, you didn't even notice when I opened the door. Are you doing okay?" N asks, the visible concern on his face only makes V more nervous about being honest with him, but it hurts so much to keep inside.
"I…I was just thinking about how things used to be…back at the manor." V explains, N keeping quiet to let her continue. "I didn't have much time to think about it, but we really got our memories back. We know exactly who we were and what happened…and just how much I changed. Heh, it's almost funny. To think I used to be some pretty and polite little maid…and now I'm nothing more than just a crazy, rude, delusional bitch who thought giving in to all the violence would be better. Who pretended that it was better to accept it all…and now I can't go back…"
"Hey, it's okay V. I'm no better, I still killed so many too. Both humans and drones. We both got blood and oil on our hands. But in the end it was the Solver who made us that way, we can still-"
"But it was still me!" V interrupts, choking back a sob as she lets more of it spill out. "I was still the one who treated you like garbage! I can't blame losing my memories on that! I was still a monster, a disgusting beast, especially to you! The one who was so important to me, the one I killed so many for so the Solver would leave you alone, the one I l-" V cuts herself off, a flash of Uzi's face appearing in her mind. It wouldn't be fair to say that word, not when someone else already had his heart. And could she blame him? Even without her glasses she knew that stupid emo was so fucking cute…and completely perfect for N. "The Solver didn't make me act that way…it was all me…"
N is silent for a good moment, giving V time to breathe after letting her true thoughts of herself come out. "…I won't lie V, you did do some…pretty mean things to put it lightly." V scoffs, hiding a faint sad smile at how N was still being so gentle with her even when she believed she deserved worse. "But that never made me want to leave you. I don't know how, but I guess somewhere deep down I could see how much you grew even without my memories, and I was so proud of you. It was an awful job we had to do, but I had so much respect for you in how you did it. With my memories back I can now put it to words how I'm so happy to see how far you've grown from the timid maid I worked with, to this brave young woman so full of confidence. If you're supposedly a terrible person, then one day I hope to be as terrible as y-"
"STOP!" V shouts, N caught off guard, worried he said the wrong thing just to see tears welling up in V's eyes and a hot blush on her face. She struggles not to let these emotions stirred from N's words finally burst. "J-just shut up before I…I…"
N was admittedly confused on what to do next. He wanted to comfort her, but he was worried whatever he did next could make things worse. He cared deeply for V, but what about…
"Hey!…" A quiet whisper, N looks over his shoulder to see Uzi leaning in through the still opened door to the classroom. Uzi rolls her eyes at N's hesitation before smiling at him, pointing at V, and giving a thumbs up. "Do it."
With the message received, N firmly nods his head, a determined look on his face. His metallic hand gently brushes against V's, the fellow Murder Drone's eyes widening and her blush growing brighter as N brings her hand to his lips. He remembers this from a storybook he read back at the manor, when a gentlemanly prince wanted to cheer up a kind but heartbroken maiden. He places a loving kiss onto her hand before tilting his head up to look in her eyes. "Okay, I'll keep quiet as long as you'd like."
V felt like she was going to overheat at any moment. She swears she felt her fleshy core beating like an actual heart before she pulls her hand away from N. "D-Don't be ridiculous. Say whatever you want…it'd be boring if you'd never spoke again, even if it's just to spout random dog facts." V holds the hand N kissed, trying to calm herself and return to her tough untouchable persona…but the cracks are there, now visible to even a sweet dumbass like N as he smiles and happily keeps her company…not noticing Uzi's forced smile as she gently shuts the door.
Her forced smile wavers, tears welling up in her eyes and running down her cheeks. Her solver powers act up against her will, crushing the metal doors of nearby lockers. "S-stop it, you knew this was inevitable. He deserves someone good for him, someone better than me. V will make him so happy, and he will make her happy in return. They went through so much together, it only makes sense they end up together…without me…"
A sob escapes Uzi as she imagines both N and V smiling together, a picture perfect couple…and with no room at all for her in either of their lives. She grits her teeth and feels her powers crumple the locker doors like they were paper before she drops them and shakes her head. "No! Stop it! I should be happy for them both. I need to be a good friend and be happy for them! I-I'm-"
"Not happy?"
Uzi lifts up her head, looking through the tears in her eyes at Max who was looking down at her with concern. "W-what are you talking about? Of course I am! I should be…I should be supportive of my friends being in a loving relationship…so what's wrong with me?"
"Uzi…" Max sighs before reaching into one of his many pockets and pulling out a thankfully clean grease rag before bending his knees a little to better help clean her tears. "For one, you're leaking tears made of coolant, which is a big fire hazard…and a sign that my friend needs a hand. Secondly…you've given up before you've even begun to put up a fight."
"Bite me! There's nothing to fight for! It's already over! I…I deserve to be alone like Death said-"
"HEY!" Max shouts, snapping Uzi out of her spiral as Max glares at her, looking directly into her eyes. "Don't ever say that. Death was being an asshole, he took his anger at the Solver out on you, and that was completely wrong of him. You deserve love and happiness just as much as anyone else. Now is not the time to give up, not when your chance at love is so close."
"There is no chance! They love each other and don't need me getting in between them!" Uzi snaps, pushing Max away. The human just stands up straight and crosses his arms with a smirk.
"Who's to say they don't have enough love in them to be together…and have room for you to join them both?"
"What are you talking about?" Uzi asks, blushing lightly as the vice mental image of her nestled in a bed between both N and V appears in her mind. However she's still completely confused at the strange suggestion from the human, Max rolling his eyes before explaining
"Let me spell it out. Uzi, I need you to get in there, and tell them that you want to date them both!"
Uzi is quiet for a moment as she looks Max in the eye, looking for any sign of joking…only to be horrified as she realizes he's not joking and jumps back in shock. "WHAT!? Are you insane?!"
"Possibly, I did take lots of head trauma throughout this adventure but that's besides the point. It's the perfect solution! All three of you have a deep attraction and genuine feelings for each other, even a human like me can see the way the metaphorical sparks fly between you three. Sure it's incredibly uncommon but with the huge population humanity had before my cryosleep, some people have tried for relationships outside of traditional monogamy. Not all of them were perfect, but neither were most relationships."
"Y-you're talking crazy Max! I can't date them both! That's just so…"
"What? Not normal? Since when did you like doing what's 'normal'?" Max smiles before placing a hand on Uzi's shoulder. "You're Uzi Doorman, you don't follow crowds, you mold them new! If anyone can try something as crazy as this and make it work…it's you."
Uzi can't help but stare at Max, her thoughts going a mile a minute before she smacks her own face with her hands, and takes a deep breath. "I don't know why that helps me calm down."
"It's a psychological thing mostly when it comes to drones, it helps you ground yourself even if you don't have lungs to breathe with. Now quit hesitating and get yourself some Murder Drone booty."
"Shut up!" Uzi shoves Max, a lot more playfully this time with a smile on her face. With a surge of confidence, she makes her way to the door and readies herself to open it. She takes one last glance at Max as he smiles wide at her. A spark fills her mind as she connects the dots, now knowing she needs to have a long talk with the human…right after she settles this.
With one more deep breath, Uzi opens the door wide, catching both N and V's attention…V noticeably scooting away from N with a blush on her face. "Oh hey Uzi! I was just talking to V about our old memories and-"
"Shut it!" Uzi shouts, an angry look on her face as she stomps toward the both of them.
"Wow, what crawled up your-"
"You too! I got something to say to you both!" V is caught off guard by Uzi's determination as she finally stands in front of the two taller drones. She grabs one of N and V's hands before pressing them together, making them hold hands much to their embarrassment. Then, Uzi makes things even more emotionally confusing as she grabs both of their free hands herself and interlocks fingers! She had a massive blush on her own face as she looked at the both of them. "N, V…I know you both like each other."
"W-what? I don't-"
"UZI! I said that was a secret!" N yells out embarrassed, interrupting V as her face feels hotter hearing that.
"I'm not done yet!" Uzi shouts, squirming in place as she struggles to get to the next part.
"N, you're the best friend I've ever had. You're someone who constantly sees the best in me, you make me feel like I'm someone who matters and that I'm not alone in this big scary world. You make me wanna always be true to myself, and I can't imagine life without you."
"V, you can be mean, but funny enough I like it when you do it. We get on each other's nerves but we have fun with it. You've shown me time and time again that you care a lot and put a lot of trust in me. I want you to know that I trust and care about you too!"
"So I want you both to know that I'm completely serious when I say that…that…" Uzi growls as she struggles to get the words out, so she settles for yelling it out. "THAT I WANT TO DATE THE BOTH OF YOU!" She finally admits it, N and V completely stunned by the big proposal coming from the little worker drone. "I-I mean, not in a selfish way of course. While I do want you both, it's not to get in the way of things between you two, you can date each other too! It's just that since I lo- LIKE you both a lot, I just wanna make sure we can all…hang out and stuff…together."
V looks at Uzi in total disbelief, struggling to find the words she wants to say. "Wow, I- this is so sudden. I just-"
"YES!" N shouts before shutting his mouth, blushing incredibly hard as he realizes he spooked the other two with his enthusiasm. "I mean, yes. Uzi, I was unsure about a lot of things in my life, but you helped me find my place in it. You helped change me from being a monster to getting to be the real me. I'm so happy we became friends, and I want nothing more than for us to keep spending time together for years to come."
"V, oh robo-god this is so embarrassing but…but I've had a huge crush on you since I was just a butler at the manor! Oh it feels good to be honest about it, but so humiliating too! Even as a Murder Drone I still never lost interest in you. You're still that amazing drone I met all those years ago, and as selfish as it may sound, I want you in my life too."
Uzi smiles at N's cute honesty, V meanwhile feels like she's on the verge of overheating before she angrily yells out. "ALRIGHT FINE! Ugh why do you two have to be so frustrating but so cute!? Fuck it, N, no matter how much I changed, I always cared about you, and still do to this day! I was so scared I'd hurt you though with the monster I became so I pushed you away…and I wished I never did. I want to spend the rest of my life making up for all the time together I missed out on by not being closer to you."
"Uzi, you're a huge pain in the neck of a purple thing, but I wouldn't give you up to anyone but N here. I'm so sorry for how I treated you at first, and I hope we can not just get along…but have that trust between us grow even stronger…fuck that was all so sappy." V curses, just for Uzi to giggle and N to smile wide and he wraps them both in a huge hug, causing a smile to grow on V's face.
Looking from the doorway with a satisfied look on his face, Max sighs happily. "Welp, my work here is done." Max smiles as he moves to leave the happy throuple alone…just to find he's not moving at all. He looks down and sees a purple solver symbol under his feet. "Uh oh. GAH!" Max yelps as he's yanked by Uzi's powers.
"On no you don't, you have some explaining to do." Uzi smirks as she drags Max closer.
"I don't know what you're talking about Uzi. Guys, don't listen to anything she says, she's talking complete nonsense. In fact, one of you go ahead and kiss her right now to shut her up.~" Max teases, N blushing hotly at the idea and V rolling her eyes at Max's attempt at a distraction.
"Nice try. What's going on?" V asks while crossing her arms.
"I'll be honest…I saw you and N getting close, and I got really upset." Uzi admits, looking away from V and N as they both have a sad expression across their visors before Uzi shakes her head. "That is, until Max gave me the idea to ask you both out."
"Yes yes, it was a genius idea on my part. You can thank me by helping me hook up some video games J and I found while exploring outside." Max tries to wave off, but Uzi wasn't letting him go that easily.
"Max…you did for me exactly what I did for N. I helped him with V despite my feelings for them both…and you helped me in a very similar way. I need to know…do you like me?"
Max blushes at that, sighing as he realizes he's been caught. "Look, I said it before, the idea of us dating crossed my mind at times. What can I say, you got a fun attitude, you saved my life, and you're hot."
Uzi blushes at the compliments but stays focused. "…you could have easily used this chance to get with me while I was alone. Why didn't you?"
"One, because the three of you together would be super cute and prove me right in all my teasing." Max chuckles at his little joke before smiling a bit more somberly. "Secondly..because I don't want to be someone you 'settle' for. I could see where your mechanical heart truly lied, and it wasn't with me. You don't love me that way." Max explains, the three drones blushing at the L word being used by him. "…and that's okay! I haven't felt that gut feeling of knowing I'm in love with you or anyone yet to be honest, and who knows if I ever will."
"That doesn't stop us from being good friends! I can truthfully say that I feel pretty good knowing that I helped all three of you, and that we can still be close pals! I can live a happy undead life knowing my good drone buddies finally have the happy ending they deserve. All I ask in return…is that you don't forget to spare some time for little ol me every now and again."
"Max…" Uzi trails off, touched by his words just to stumble as N can't take it anymore.
"OH BUDDY!" N wraps his arms around Max for a tight hug, the human's spine audibly cracking. "Thank you so much for looking out for Uzi! I knew you were a good human the moment I laid eyes on you!"
"Gah! Fucking hell N, take it easy! I appreciate the hug, but if you break my back, I swear I will blow your back out in return…with Uzi and V's permission of course.~" Max teases, N letting go and blushing from the raunchy suggestion. V meanwhile was trying hard not to let her mind form that mental image as she felt her body heat up. Uzi wasn't faring much better until the little gremlin got a mischievous grin on her face.
"Oh so that's why you got us together, just to make your personal dream foursome.~"
"N-Now wait a minute, I had pure intentions-" He looks at Uzi's smug grin and laughs. "God damn it, you got me good."
"I mean, it doesn't sound too bad of an idea." N mutters much to everyone's surprise. "I-I mean, I've never considered that kind of thing before, but I can admit I've at least wondered what kissing a human is like." At that, Max is blushing furiously while Uzi and V can't help but silently ponder the idea themselves before N directs his attention to the girls. "B-but I don't think my heart can take trying something like that today! I know I say I like trying new things, but I'm just not ready for that big of a step yet! I mean, I just started dating you two today!…oh wow, I just realized I have two of the bestest, prettiest girlfriends ever!"
"Bestest isn't a word, but I'll let it slide, you adorable himbo." Max chuckles as he recovers from the interesting details N shared.
N tilts his head, looking so similar to a confused dog. "Himbo?"
"Don't worry about it N, it's a compliment." Uzi reassures with a pat on the back, V snickering but nodding her head.
"Yep, a very accurate one." The three laugh joyfully at N's confusion but he just shrugs and joins in on the laughter.
"…so, are you three going to celebrate with a kiss?" Max can't help but tease, the three drones looking at each other while blushing furiously. "I'm joking by the way, I wouldn't ever force you three to kiss until you feel ready."
"R-right! We don't HAVE to…" N nervously chuckles.
"Totally! We can take our time with it…" Uzi agrees with a blush on her face and a slightly curious but flustered tinge to her voice.
"…DAMN IT! I already missed my chance before as a worker drone, I'm not gonna risk missing it now!" V yells out before grabbing both N and Uzi. "Pucker up you dorks!"
"W-wait V let's take it easy and breathe!" Max tries to calm down the Murder Drone, but she was too deep into it now. N was a blushing mess but quickly follows V's lead and helps her lift Uzi up so they were all at face height with each other.
"Well, n-no time like the present, right?" N gulps, incredibly nervous but ready to make this as official as possible with the ones he gave his heart too.
"V! N?! I…I…oh who am I kidding." Uzi gives in, and the three come together for a sweet kiss between all three of them! Their metallic lips gently pressing against each other in a slightly awkward manner due to inexperience and positioning…but to the drones it felt like fireworks were exploding inside them.
"Oh…wow…" All Max could do was watch in awe, completely surprised that they'd have the courage to actually do this! Slowly the three drones separate, each of them reaching an entirely new level of embarrassed and flustered yet so full of joy and love.
"That…that was-"
"Completely amazing? Agreed." V finishes for N, the disassembly drones needing a second to collect themselves, still feeling like their lips were tingling from the sensation.
"Can we do that again?!" Uzi suddenly bursts out excitedly, just to realize what she just said and immediately feel her body heat up tremendously. N and V look at each other before nodding, and lean in to give Uzi a kiss on both of her cheeks. The little emo squeaks in surprise as she's completely caught off guard. "N-no fair teaming up on me!"
"Ha! Deal with it Uzi." V playfully teases while N smiles wide.
"It's just to hold you over until we get to your room, then we can try kissing some more." N explains, V and Uzi feeling themselves warm up at the idea of trying for more kisses.
"Heh, congrats on the first kiss then. Maybe next time save it for when you don't have an audience." Max pipes in, the three drones freezing as they completely forgot the human was there. "Just be glad I don't have a phone with me or I'd take so many pictures of your blushing faces." Max laughs as the drones look at him embarrassed before joking in the laughter at their silly but happy moment together.
One by one the four of them leave the classroom before walking down the hall with a pep in their step. Uzi held hands with V and N as they walked at her sides, the two taller drones smiling at each other with light blushes on their faces, and Max with a smile of his own as he walked behind them.
"Well well well, you four certainly look happy." J notices as she walks by V's other side. "What did I miss?"
"Wouldn't you like to know." V states with a smug grin at her honorary sister.
"Holding hands in the hallway? How naughty, big brother." Cyn teases as she walks by N with a skip in her step, enjoying her free will and having control of her own body.
"More like sickeningly sweet." Doll comments as she walks next to Max, still unsure of the drones, but willing to give them a chance.
"Hey, I think we've earned some sweetness after what we've all been through." Max says with a smile.
"Could you say we're at the end, ready for our happily ever after?" N asks curiously.
"That's so cheesy…but I don't necessarily mind it." V admits with a playful sigh.
"Happily ever after…not as edgy as I'd like, but I can work with that." Uzi shrugs with a big grin on her face as the seven of them walk down the halls together.
I won't lie, I got the idea for the scene where Uzi encourages N to comfort V at the cost of her own chances from some comics by this artist known as Sandy_19358. I almost couldn't find the artist name because I originally found the comics on Pinterest, but I didn't wanna just blatantly use them as inspiration without giving credit where credit is due.
I think my favorite part of writing that part is that the bit of angst written down is immediately resolved with a perfect happy outcome. It's like I just ripped my own heart out then shoved it back in lol. I just can't take the thought of horrible angst situations happening to these drones, at least not unless it's quickly resolved with comfort and love afterwards. I just love making them happy instead…but I also love getting them in action filled scenarios.
Now while this is the last chapter for the main story of Consume, I do have plans for some very nsfw semi canon epilogue chapters! Some fun stuff involving how the Drones learn how to get down and dirty with some human help!
Now admittedly I have no idea when they'll be done, I got ideas for at least three chapters, but no guarantees for more than that. They could be done in two weeks, or two months, my writing inspiration has been rising and falling sporadically.
Probably doesn't help that my writing attention is split with the idea of ANOTHER Murder Drones fanfic with Max. This time though he'll be starting things much earlier in the timeline with a new background, new job, no cryosleep, and getting up close and personal with the Elliott Manor.
That's all I'll say for now, but here's an Omake to enjoy before this chapter comes to an end!
Omake
"Aaaaand, uploaded!" Max smiles as the last chapter of Consume finishes uploading onto the internet.
"Soooo what was the point of this?" Uzi asks as she looks over the human's shoulder as he sits in front of a computer.
"It was just for fun." Max simply states.
"Just for fun?"
"Yep! You'd be surprised how much effort a human can put into something just for fun." Max says with a quick wink to the audience.
"I had fun!" N can't help but say out loud as he helped V with her own custom made glasses.
"Well that's a win in my books! How are your glasses coming along V?"
"They're okay I guess, I don't understand why you want me to wear them right now though, it's not like I'm gonna keep them on for long."
"I just wanna see your reaction when you properly get a look at your new boyfriend and girlfriend.~" Max teases while V just scoffs.
"Please, it's not gonna make a huge difference…they already got their dorky hooks into me." V puts on the glasses and takes a good look at N and Uzi before blushing. "…damnit, it was bad enough I liked you before, but now I know for sure you're both attractive? That's just not fair…"
"Ha! I knew it." Max teases just for V to snarl at him.
"Oh you're just asking for it, pretty boy." V immediately blushes from letting that slip, but Max pouts.
"Hey I'm not pretty…I'm handsome." He huffs and crosses his arms pretending to look angry, getting a laugh from Uzi.
"Well at least we now know V certainly won't mind with that nsfw project of yours."
"Uzi! That's supposed to be a secret!"
"Nsfw project?" N asks curiously just for Uzi to push Max out of the chair and start looking through the computer.
"Yep! Max here apparently got some pretty horny ideas, and has been writing some naughty epilogue chapters." Uzi reveals teasingly.
"Hey wait! They're not even close to done yet!" Max climbs up off the ground and tries to push Uzi away, but V grabs him and holds him back.
"Payback time! Come on Uzi, what does he have so far?"
"Well let's see here." Uzi smirks as she clicks on an unfinished document…just to blush hard at what she reads. "Oh…oh wow."
"What's wrong? Don't like it?" N asks as he comes to take a closer look just for Max to struggle more and get into a fight cloud with V and block N's path.
"It's not that I don't like it, it's just…wow.~" Uzi bites her lip, feeling her internal processors heat up as she ignores the brawl taking place behind her. "Wait, I GET BOOBS?! V too!?"
"No, stop! Those are spoilers!" Max yells out as V traps him in a headlock, just for her to perk up in surprise.
"Wait really?! How big are they?"
"BIG! And speaking of big, N is certainly packing.~"
"Packing what?" N asks as he tries to read the document just for Max to have thrown V over his shoulder and into N.
"Enough!" Max yells out, reaching into one of his pockets for his solution to this barrage of spoilers. "I can't let this go on any longer!"
"Oh yeah? Well what are you gonna do about it?" Uzi asks teasingly, ready to scroll through the page some more, just for Max to pull out a goddamn flashbang!
Max pulls the pin off the grenade before tossing it at Uzi. "This! Think fast chucklenuts!" The flashbang explodes, a muffled scream audible from Uzi mixed with the bright white light encompassing the room. In the whiteness come 6 letters that spell out…
THE END