NieR Automata: Remnant of a Bygone Era

by RebelRay

When a human appears on Automata Earth, terrified and confused. He is forced to blend in with the androids for years to survive and do his best to avoid the machine lifeforms and not get killed. While trying to keep the truth of his existence hidden from the androids.

10. Chapter 10

A big yawn worked its way out from me as I slowly stumbled into the camp, before I grunted as I stepped aside to let a small group of Resistance members walk past loaded with a lot of gear and weapons. Watching them go with a curious hum, I turned and kept going before wincing when I got briefly blinded by the sunlight as I stepped out of the shade into the plaza. Letting out a quiet groan, I stopped for a moment and closed my eyes as I took a moment to bask in the warmth on my head and back coming from the sun. While a cool breeze rushed through the camp.

Taking a deep breath once I was warm enough, I sighed before patting the pouches on my vest, before stuffing my hands in the pockets of my jacket and shuffling my way over to the weapons trader. The large broad shouldered man was sitting at his chair, a sword on his lap as he sharpened it.

He held it upwards and twisted it around a couple times, inspecting it, before he then glanced at me when I got close. He gave me a brief look of surprise before it gave way to a wide grin as he lowered the sword and leaned up. "Ah! Se… Sebastian! How are ya?" He greeted me with a lively tone that made me feel a little envious in my tired state.

Huffing at his enthusiasm, I nodded at him and managed a lopsided smile. "Hey big man." I greeted with a weary tone as I stopped in front of him. A low groan left me as I rubbed my face, while my eyes struggled to stay open.

He silently took in my tired state before he chuckled sympathetically. "One of those days, huh?" He asked with a look that said he was all too familiar with being in a similar state.

I snorted as my hand fell back to my side. "Yep… Was hoping the walk over here would have woken me up. Now I think I'm more tired." I said with a grin.

He laughed at that for a moment, before he stopped and his eyes widened as seemed to remember something and he snapped his fingers a couple times. "Oh! How's your rifle holding up? Has it been working with no problem?" He said, concern plain across his face as he pointed at my rifle.

Covering up a yawn, I nodded before scratching my chin. "Yeah, it works perfectly, feels good as new to be honest." I told him. Which got a relieved sigh out the big guy. "Anyways, how are things going on your end?" I asked as I slouched a little bit.

He laughed in response, his grin growing wider as he set the sword he was working on off to the side. "Great! Ever since you brought all those parts, I was finally able to fix up my tools. Now I can properly patch up some weapons after a couple months of nothing but scraps!" He exclaimed, before he looked over at his toolbox scoffed quietly. "Course this hunk of junk is still on its last legs at the moment. I'd give it another month before it gives out." He snorted as he gently smacked his fist on top of the toolbox.

He then sighed, his grin slowly wilting away into a small frown. "...Listen, thank you for bringing those parts by the way, really. These last few months…" He trailed off, his gaze moving off to the side as he clenched his fist. His expression twisted and turned in restrained anger and frustration, before it all fell away as he released a heavy sigh and slumped in his seat. "It's never easy out here, but it's been hard on all of us lately… So every little bit we get that helps out, means my friends get to live to see another day." He said with a subdued tone. While looking like he had years worth of stress weighing down on him as his shoulders slumped. And like someone who had seen too many people come and go.

Closing my eyes with a hum, I then sighed quietly. "Don't mention it, big guy." I said softly, making him look up at me. "Just trying to do what little I can. That's all." I murmured with a tired smile as I shrugged. Before I tilted my head. "And hey, don't be afraid to ask if you need help with something. I'll always try to help however I can." I chuckled weakly as my smile wilted a bit as I glanced off to the side. "To a certain degree anyways…" I said mostly to myself.

He stared at me for a couple of seconds in muted surprise, before he hummed quietly and looked at me with… respect, in his eyes. Or something like it I suppose, before he nodded his head at me. He then smiled as he leaned forward, resting his arm on his thigh while waving his other hand around. "Now! Enough about all the mushy stuff! What can I do for ya?"

Humming quietly, my gaze lingered on him for a brief moment, before I gestured my head at the shelving behind him. "You still got any ammo? I'm running a little low at the moment." I said, while patting the mag pouches on my vest.

The man suddenly gained a vicious looking grin that showed most of his teeth. "Ah, been busy filling the metal bastards with lead?"

Unperturbed by his almost blood thirsty expression, and question, I smiled a bit and nodded once. "Yeah," I said with a faint chuckle as I stuffed my hand back into my pocket. "A few of them got a little too close to my little hideout yesterday. So I needed to do a little ah… pest control."

He barked out a laugh at that and slapped his knee a couple times in amusement, before he nodded his head in approval. "Good! The less machine lifeforms around, the better!" He exclaimed, before his amusement quickly faded and he took on a more serious expression as he stroked his short beard while he tried to look at my rifle which was slung over my shoulder. "Now, about the ammo, what rifle do you… ah, that one!" He said as I turned a bit so he could see it. "Got plenty of that caliber. How many boxes do you need? He asked.

"Uh…" I squinted my eyes as I briefly looked down my pouches before looking back at him. "Four of them should be enough I suppose."

"You got it!" He let out a groan as he stood up and walked back to the shelves behind him and dug around for a bit, before turning around and coming back with four ammo boxes in his hands. He placed them down on the box crate that sat next to his chair before he eased himself down, the chair creaking slightly underneath him as he got settled.

"Thanks, I should have something in…" I started to say as I started to take my rucksack off my shoulders, before I paused when he held up a hand, then pointed at me with a glare.

"Oh no! None of that now!" He said before sliding the ammo boxes closer to the edge of the crate and to me. "After everything you've done so far, these are free. Consider it as thanks."

"But-"

"I insist!" he interrupted with a firm tone, giving me no chance to argue. "And I won't take no for an answer!" He declared, before he grinned as he leaned back and crossed his arms. "After all, I'm not Anemone."

My jaw opened and closed for a few seconds as I tried to come up with something, before I heaved out a resigned sigh when I realized he wouldn't budge. "Alright, fine." I said before grabbing the ammo boxes and putting them in my rucksack. As I did I raised a brow with a wry smile. "Also, you sure should be saying that with her in earshot?" I whispered, while gesturing my head towards Anemone. As I did, I glanced over at Anemone, who seemed too engrossed with whatever she was looking at. As far as I could tell, she hadn't even noticed I was here yet.

His expression fell for a moment and he eyed Anemone for a few seconds with a tense posture before he relaxed when she didn't look our way. "Ahhh, I'll be fine." He said, waving his hand at me. Though I did notice with amusement he still seemed wary of earning her ire.

"Hmm, I'm sure you will be." I said with a faint grin as I slipped my bag back on. I chuckled when he muttered something under his breath. "See you later, big guy. Thanks again." I said, giving a small wave of goodbye.

He huffed with a smile and waved in return as well. "Take care Sebastian."

Turning away from him, I slowly made my way over to Anemone. Her back was facing me as I saw she was overlooking a large amount of documents scattered around the table. My expression softened before I sighed and I frowned with a bit of worry, as I practically could see the frustration rolling off her tense form.

My gaze then moved from her to the fold out camping stool right next to her on her right, and hummed aloud as I made my way towards it like a shambling corpse. Once I made it to the stool, I didn't waste time and plopped myself down on a fold out stool and leaned against the table with a tired groan.

Anemone jerked at the sound and whipped her head towards me, a glare on her face as she looked ready to give someone one hell of a reprimand, before she paused when saw it was me. Anemone slowly blinked at me in surprise a couple of times before her glare softened as she closed her mouth. She then sighed quietly as she regarded me with an exasperated expression, while I smiled at her and rested my head on the palm of my hand as I struggled to keep my eyes open, while giving her a small wave.

Shaking her head with a sigh and a faint smile, Anemone turned her attention back to the assortment of documents in front of her. "Good morning, Sebastian." she said as she grabbed a stack of documents and put them away in a folder. Setting the folder aside, she turned to me before planting a hand on her hip and looking down at me with a slight frown. "You alright? You look… tired?" Anemone stated the obvious with a slightly concerned look in her eyes and a questioning tone in her voice.

Giving her a look for that, I chuckled quietly and leaned further into my hand. "And what gave you that idea?" I mumbled into it while struggling to keep my eyes open.

Anemone looked me up and down before she raised a brow and crossed her arms. While the corners of her mouth twitched as she held back a smile. "Hmm, I don't know. Just a… gut feeling, I suppose." She said dryly while giving me a look.

That got a smile out of me as a quiet wheezing laugh left me. Before shaking my head and rubbing my eye with a grunt as I still tried to wake up. "Mmm, promised Lilac yesterday that I'd stop by here first thing in the morning to come see her." I slumped forward a bit. "Starting to regret that now…"

Anemone showed a hint of sympathy before she hummed with an odd smile. "That's what she told me as well." Anemone said, before she chuckled when I gave her a confused look. "A little while after you left yesterday, Lilac came running up to me and practically begged for me to give her time off so she could spend time with you." Anemone explained with a bemused look on her face.

She did…? My surprised gaze lingered on her for a moment, before I sighed quietly and pinched my brow. So much for not causing trouble. "Ah…" I voiced out while I winced and looked a little off to the side. "Sorry about that."

Anemone sighed and waved her hand at me. "It's fine." She said, before her expression softened and she stared at me with a peculiar look that I couldn't really place. "...She really cares about you, doesn't she?" Anemone asked tentatively with a hint of genuine curiosity in her voice while tilting her head.

A quiet sigh left me at her question, as I immediately thought back to what had happened yesterday with Lilac. And when she showed me around the camp the other day… before falling asleep against me. Then basically following me like a lost puppy since we first met. Closing my eyes, I smiled as I nodded my head. "Yeah… Yeah, I guess she does." I whispered, before I snorted softly. "She's certainly clingy." I grumbled half-heartedly with a grin before heaving out another sigh. "But… I don't mind." I admitted with a small shrug.

A quiet hum came from Anemone as she stared at me for a few seconds, before she smiled and accepted my answer with a nod. Anemone then started to turn for a moment, before she looked back at me and slowly raised a brow as I remained in my seat. "...Aren't you going to go see her?"

"Is she in the storage area?" I asked, to which Anemone nodded. Turning my head down, I hummed in thought for a good few seconds. Before I slumped down in my seat and leaned into my hand again with a long drawn out and tired groan. "Mmm… Give me a few more minutes to wake up." I mumbled.

Anemone paused and blinked at me for a few seconds, before she threw head back and barked out a laugh. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a couple camp members flinch at the sound and snap their heads towards her in utter bewilderment, before eventually going back to work after some hesitance.

Grinning into my palm, I watched Anemone let out a big puff of air with a smile before clearing her throat and giving me a look, before shaking her head at me. "Suit yourself."

Turning away from me, Anemone went back to checking over large stacks of documents sitting in front of her. She leaned forward and rested her palms on the table for a moment and sighed as she glared at all the paperwork. Before she started sorting through them.

"...Do you do this all by yourself?" I mumbled out as I reached out with my free hand and grabbed a piece of paper before it could be taken by the wind.

Anemone stopped before she sighed and brushed a few strands of hair aside as she took loose paper from me. "Most of the time, yes. But if there's a lot, then I usually have someone assist me." Anemone said while gesturing her head towards her adjutant, the woman typing away at the terminal across from us. Before Anemone smiled for a moment as she glanced at me. "Even Lilac has helped a few times. As much as she loathes doing it."

A second passed before a small laugh rumbled deep in my chest as I remembered Lilac's briefly lamenting at having to do such work as punishment.

As Anemone turned away again and went back sorting the documents, I leaned back against the table, and turned my attention to the camp. Watching everyone go about their business. Some were lounging in the shade of the buildings chatting with each other, while I noticed a few more androids leaving the camp. Seemingly in teams of two or three.

"What's with all the commotion?" I asked idly.

Anemone paused before her brows furrowed and she squinted her eyes down at the table, before she finally looked at me, confusion plain on her face. "What?"

Huffing softly with a smile, I jerked my head out towards the entrance. "Since I've gotten here, I've been seeing people moving out all geared up. Is there some kind of operation going on?" I asked, as I watched a man hurrying to catch up with some others already on their way out.

A few seconds passed before I tilted my head at the sudden lack of sound coming from her. Leaning up with a groan and looking over at her, I frowned when I saw her looking down at the table with a deep frown and eyes narrowed in concentration. While the folder she held in hands bent slightly in her tight grip.

"Anemone…?" I asked quietly in concern as I sat up.

Anemone remained still before sighing through her nose as she placed the folder down with stiff shoulders. She kept her gaze down as she worked her jaw for a moment before glancing at me. "Sebastian, does…" Anemone hesitated before she grunted quietly and turned her head a bit off to the side, her hood obscuring her face for a moment. "…Does your offer to help still stand?"

Giving her an odd look, I blinked when I realized she was referring to what I had said to her yesterday. "Of course." I said with a smile, before it turned into a frown as I turned towards her. "Is there something you need help with?"

Anemone turned her head back and stared at me for a few seconds with a piercing gaze, before she faltered and relaxed with a bit of gratefulness in her eyes, as well as uncertainty as she nodded her head. "There is." Anemone sighed before leaning over and pushing some stuff aside to grab something.

"It has to do with what… we…" Anemone trailed off when she briefly glanced over my head. She frowned slightly, before her tense shoulders relaxed and she sighed. Anemone lowered her head and closed her eyes briefly, before leaning back and looking at me with a small smile. "I'll tell you later." She said softly, before taking a couple small steps back for some reason.

Giving her an odd look, my expression quickly fell flat when I recognized the telltale sound of someone running coming from behind me, and rapidly getting closer. I didn't even need to look to know who it was.

"Oh not again." I groaned out as I slumped in my seat, before I grunted when a certain someone slammed into my back. Thankfully, she was actually pretty gentle this time, so she didn't send me flying off the chair and into Anemone.

"Lilac…" I sighed with exasperation, before I jumped a little in surprise when her arms snaked over my shoulders without warning and carefully wrapped around my neck, before I felt Lilac pressing her head against the back of mine.

My body was frozen in my seat as I stared down at her arms for a few seconds in silent surprise, before I slowly turned my head a bit to the side. I then paused when I got a look at Lilac's face, her eyes closed tight, while she wore a bright and unwavering smile on her face.

My eyes lingered on her face for a couple seconds, before my expression softened while a quiet laugh eventually slipped out. …Maybe clingy was an understatement. Blowing out a weary sigh, I tentatively leaned back and relaxed into Lilac's hug and smiled as I brought a hand up and placed it over one of her hands. Before I started slowly stroking my thumb back and forth over the back of her hand. Lilac hummed in response and gently squeezed with her arms.

"Morning, kiddo." I mumbled with a tired voice as I closed my eyes. "You happy to see me?" I asked rhetorically.

"Mhm!" Lilac answered enthusiastically, which was definite yes combined with the rapid nodding she managed despite her cheek still pressed against my head. While she leaned her body even more against me, forcing me to lean back against her so we didn't tip over.

An amused snort left me as I tilted my head back against hers while my smile grew bigger. "It's… It's good to see you too, kiddo." I whispered to her, before I chuckled. "And what took you so long, I've been here for a while." I teased. Which got an annoyed huff from Lilac as she opened her eyes and looked at me with a pout.

"I didn't know you were here until a minute ago." She whined, she then leaned her head away for a moment so she could glare at me. "Why didn't you come see me first?" She asked with an accusing tone.

Humming quietly, I glanced at Anemone, who crossed her arms and gave me a look that said "you're on your own.". Sighing with a small smile, I looked back to Lilac, who was still glaring at me with a pout and impatient look in her eyes, waiting for an answer. "Hmmm, I was… busy."

Anemone barely managed to restrain her scoff, while Lilac's expression immediately fell flat as she gave me an unimpressed look at my answer. She held the stare for a few seconds before she closed her eyes and huffed quietly. "Well you're here now…" She mumbled as she pushed her cheek back against the side of my head again and pulled me close with her arms.

My gaze lingered on her face before I exhaled quietly and smiled as I closed my eyes as well. I am… I thought while wrapping my fingers around her hand and gently squeezing it, while taking a chance to enjoy warmth from her embrace in the still pretty chilly morning.

Lilac sighed quietly in content before she fell silent, her arms still wrapped around my neck. Then, to my surprise and… slight bewilderment. Lilac suddenly slowly started swaying us side to side a little bit. My eyebrows slowly rose up with how surreal everything suddenly felt while also feeling slightly… hesitant. But despite that, I kept quiet, and enjoyed the moment for what it was.

We stayed that way for about a minute or more, with how tight Lilac was holding onto me, I wouldn't be surprised if she would want to stay like this forever. Even if my back protested at having Lilac's weight leaning down on it.

Though it didn't last much longer, as I jerked when Anemone audibly and purposely cleared her throat to get our attention, or Lilac's I suppose. Though after a few seconds of silence from Lilac, Anemone cleared her throat again, with more volume this time.

But there was still nothing from Lilac. Prompting me to open my eyes with a sigh. Looking at Anemone, I found her staring at the both of us with a mildly exasperated look on her face while she rested her hands on her hips. Anemone sighed as well before looking at me, and slowly raising a single eyebrow.

Letting a quiet laugh, I gave Anemone a slightly embarrassed smile before I turned my head a bit towards Lilac. Her eyes were still closed while she had a smile on her face as she breathed quietly.

"Lilac." I said quietly. Which, of course, didn't get a response. "Lilac." I tried again, with a louder tone this time. My eyes then narrowed when I saw her face twitch briefly. Heaving out a sigh, I then gently poked her in the cheek with my finger. Making her grunt in annoyance and grumble quietly to herself before turning her head away from Anemone and me. My eyes looked upwards for a moment before I groaned and rubbed my eyes. "Come on, kiddo. We're hogging up space here… and my back is killing me." I muttered as I started to feel a bit of strain on my spine.

There was a long silent pause before Lilac slumped against me with a groan. "Okay…" She muttered in disappointment as she finally released me from her embrace and took a few small steps back.

Lilac then looked at Anemone, who stared back in silence, a single eyebrow still raised. Lilac wilted a bit as she glanced around with a slightly stiff posture before looking back at Anemone. "Am I alright to…?" Lilac trailed off while gently tugging on my jacket. Getting a small snort from me.

Letting her stare linger on us, Anemone eventually released a sigh and smiled in exasperation, before nodding her head at Lilac. "Yeah, go on." She said while waving her hand at us with a shooing motion.

Lilac deflated in relief at Anemone's permission, before she lowered her head and shuffled her feet. "...Thank you." She whispered, and I almost didn't catch it with how quietly she said it.

But Anemone seemed to have heard it as well, if her surprised expression was any indication, which I couldn't help but find a bit odd. Though Anemone's expression quickly softened into a faint smile.

Humming quietly with the smile still on her face, Anemone then looked down at me, her amusement growing even more, along with a hint of what looked like pity in her eyes as she tilted her head. I rolled my eyes at that, and she grinned in response. "I'll see you in an hour Sebastian." She said, while emphasizing the word hour and looking at Lilac, who caught the stare and rapidly nodded her head.

"Sure." I replied with a chuckle as I grabbed both my rucksack and rifle. Only for Lilac to then latch onto my left arm and start pulling on it, practically dragging me out of my seat.

"Come on!" Lilac grunted out, while insistently pulling at me. "We're wasting time!" She hissed.

"Hold your horses kiddo." I laughed as I avoided tripping over the folding stool. "Let me at least get my footing." I said as she dragged me along with ease. But Lilac ignored me, more focused on getting a move on.

Sighing, I briefly looked back over my shoulder and shared one last look with Anemone before chuckling and shaking my head with a smile as I let Lilac pull me along.

(-)

---

(-)

Lilac moved ahead with an unwavering and steady pace as she dragged me all the way through the camp to what I was assuming was straight to her barracks. Humming happily to herself all the while forcing anyone in front of us to quickly get out of her way or practically get barreled over by her. Leaving me to give them apologetic looks as we quickly passed by them, since she didn't regard any of them for even a second.

"Lilac, slow down." I said between my exasperated laughter as she turned sharply around a corner, making me almost lose my balance.

After I steadied myself, I dug my boots into the ground, which… did slow her down a tad, but Lilac still dragged me for a couple of feet before she finally slowed to a stop and looked back with a big pout on her face that made me chuckle. "But we're wasting time!" She whined as she kept me tugging at my arm.

That got me to close my eyes before I heaved out a sigh and gently itched one of my scars. "Kiddo, it's only been, what? Two, maybe three minutes? We've got plenty of time."

"Five minutes…" She corrected me with a gloomy voice. Even though that still left us with fifty-five minutes.

My hand paused before it fell to my side and I looked at her with a quiet sigh. "Okay, okay, we can hurry. But don't go too fast alright? I ain't exactly all that spry these days…" I said as I patted my legs. Which ached a little bit from trying to keep up with her.

Lilac briefly gave my legs an odd look before she faintly shrugged and looked back up with a smile and rapidly nodded her head before turning back ahead. Now walking at a normal, if not slightly brisk pace, but thankfully it no longer felt like she'd end up dragging me along the ground if I fell over.

"What were you and Anemone doing earlier?" Lilac spoke up as we turned another corner, where her barracks finally came into view a few yards away.

"Ah, just mostly chatting with each other, not a whole lot really." I mumbled. And taking the chance to wake up a bit more. Though I left that tidbit unsaid.

Lilac jerked slightly before she looked back at me with narrowed suspicious eyes and a firm frown set on her face. "That's it?" She grumbled as she hugged my arm a bit tighter.

Oops… I thought once I realized my slip up, before I smiled and scratched my chin as I purposely looked off to the side. Which Lilac didn't miss she huffed through her nose and gave me a mean scowl. "Well… Anemone did briefly mention needing my help with doing something. So after this, I have that to look forward to." I said.

Lilac went oddly quiet for a couple seconds as her glare turned into a surprised expression, before she looked back ahead as she slowed her pace down. "Huh, that didn't take long…" She mumbled with a strange voice.

Looking at the back of her head with a raised eyebrow, I managed to poke her in the rib. Making her jump with a squeak, before she turned back to look at me again with a scowl. "What didn't take long?" I asked in bemusement.

"Anemone roping you into doing work for the camp." She said bluntly as we stopped in front of her barracks.

My mouth twisted a little before I sighed and briefly closed my eyes. "She hasn't… hah, I'm just offering to lend a hand kiddo." I told her while pulling my arm from her grip.

Lilac gave me a side-eye look for a few seconds before glancing away with a hum. "Uh-huh, that's what they all say." She muttered, before she shivered and stared ahead with an almost haunted look in her eyes while her hands hovered over her mouth. "Next thing you know, she'll have you doing all kinds of work for the camp… For the rest of your life." She muttered, as if it was some horrifying fate. Which, with how things were nowadays… not too bad.

Letting my gaze sit on her for a while, I eventually rolled my eyes and smiled at her dramatics before I reached up and ruffled her hair. "I think I'll manage kiddo." I said, while Lilac growled and ducked away from my hand and glared at me.

Her hands flew up to her hair and Lilac slumped as she gave me an annoyed look. "Sebastian!" She whined before furiously trying to fix her now messy hair.

"Sorry kiddo, you make it too easy." I chuckled as she ran her hands through her hair trying to straighten it out as best she could.

Lilac's eye then twitched as she brushed her bangs aside. "See how you'd like it if I did it…" She muttered as she eyed the top of my head and my very short hair.

My eyebrow slowly raised upward as I grinned down at her. "I'd like to see you try." I teased, hinting at the height difference between us.

Lilac froze before her face turned slightly red and pressed her lips firmly together as she started silently fuming at me. Which caused me to burst out laughing, which only made Lilac fume harder as she stomped her foot before turning away and crossing her arms. "Hmph!"

Sighing as my laughter died down, I chuckled quietly as I walked past her and adjusted the straps on my pack, before stopping when I remembered a very important item I had in my rucksack.

"Crap… I almost forgot about that." I murmured as I started walking to the stairway that led to Lilac's room.

Lilac squawked quietly behind me in panic before she quickly caught up with me "Almost forgot what?" She asked with a curious frown, which grew into a fierce pout when I smiled at her and said nothing in response. "Sebastian! Come on! Tell me!" She demanded, tugging at my sleeve.

"You'll see." I chuckled as I slipped my rucksack off my back before easing myself down onto the steps of the stairs with a tired groan, before closing my eyes for a moment. When I opened them, I found Lilac standing in front of me. Her eyes staring at me with a laser focused and piercing gaze.

"Well…?" She grumbled as she crossed her arms and continued to glare at me.

"...I got something for you." I told her with a soft tone as I leaned forward and started opening up my bag. A bit of apprehension also started to creep in as I dug my hand through the bag.

The glare on Lilac's face immediately gave way to one of confusion and curiosity before she kneeled down in front of me and turned all of her attention to my rucksack. "You did?" She mumbled before she gasped and her eyes widened in excitement and leaned in closer. "Is it a present!? What did you-" Lilac cut herself off when I pulled an object out from my pack and held it out in front of her. A somewhat small dark brown wooden box with a mildly ornate design.

Lilac stared at it in silence for a few seconds, before blinking when I hesitantly gestured at her with it. Slowly, Lilac's arms reached up and grabbed onto its sides, before carefully taking it from me, Lilac handled the box with great care as she held it in front of her. "What is it?" Lilac asked with quiet wonder as she looked over every inch of it.

"It's an antique box, if I remember right... Human's used these to store jewelry or other personal items in them. Something like that at least." I answered as she set it down on her lap and ran her fingers along its still slightly smooth surface before pushing the lid open to look inside.

The box had a fairly simple design. With just a faded gold colored latch on the front and flower designs on the sides. There were fancier looking ones in the place I had found it, but the years hadn't been kind to them decay some had gone through.

As Lilac continued to look over the box with wonder, I couldn't help but let my smile slowly dip down as I lowered my gaze. "I'm… sorry it's not much Lilac. I tried to find something I'd thought you'd might- Umph!" I was cut off suddenly by Lilac as she lunged forward with surprising speed. Catching me off guard as her right arm wrapped around the back of my neck in another tight embrace. While her left arm held the box close to her chest.

Lilac leaned her head back enough in order to look at me, her eyebrows raised up while she gave a small, almost concerned frown. "Is this because of yesterday…?"

My brief surprise from her sudden hug wore off before my expression softened and I smiled gently at her question.

My smile proved enough to be an answer as Lilac huffed with a frown, before she rested her head against my shoulder. "...You didn't have to." She mumbled into my shoulder as she leaned hard against me.

My gaze lingered on the back of her head before I released a relieved sigh and reached up and hugged her back. "You're welcome kiddo." I murmured as I cradled the back of her head, before I leaned my head against hers. "You like it?"

"Duhhh…" Lilac drawled into my shoulder.

A hearty laugh slipped out at her answer, before I closed my eyes as my body slowly relaxed. "Good." I murmured as I ran my hand up and down her back.

Lilac held on for a good minute before she broke the hug and pulled away. A wide, beaming smile rested on her face, while she looked at me as if I had just given her the best thing in the whole wide world.

She then looked down at the box, her happy expression slowly turning into one of deep concentration as she opened it and stared at the inside of it. Her teeth gently gnawed on her lip as she poked at the inside of it.

"Lilac?" I asked gently.

"Hm!?" Lilac blinked and looked at me and noticed me stare, before flushing slightly and looking back down with an embarrassed smile. "Oh, sorry, I… I was trying to think of what I have that I could…" Lilac trailed off as she ran her thumb along the edge, before her eyes widened and she jumped a little with a quiet gasp. "I'll be right back!" Lilac exclaimed as she shot up to her feet before racing up the stairs to her room. The antique box clutched to her chest as if it were something fragile, before she threw the door open and rushed inside.

My gaze lingered on the doorway for a few seconds before I looked away and heaved out another sigh of relief as I eased myself back down onto the stairs. Tapping my leg, I groaned as I leaned up and forward, then grabbed my rucksack, before reaching into it and taking out the ammo boxes the weapons trader had given me.

Setting them aside to my right, I grabbed my rifle and leaned it against the stairs railing. Before opening the pouches on my vest and taking out four empty mags out and placing them next to the ammo boxes.

Grabbing one of the mags, I popped one of the boxes open and started grabbing rounds from it, and started loading them into the mag. As I got to work, I heard a door close behind me, before hearing Lilac's hurried footsteps on the stairs, which came to a sudden stop. Then, after a couple of seconds, they started up again. Noticeably slower, but I didn't think much of it.

Then, I jerked when Lilac leaned against my back, before slumping with a weary sigh when she rested her chin on top of my head and wrapped her arms around me in yet another hug. "Thank you for the present…" She mumbled.

"I'm glad you liked it kiddo." I said with a smile, before my eyebrows raised up when Lilac leaned her head a bit forward to look down and past my head. I looked at her in confusion before my eyes flickered down and I realized she was trying to look into my pack.

Lilac kept trying to peek into it before she eventually turned her gaze back to me. "Is there any more?" Lilac whispered with clear anticipation. Her eyes blinked at me rapidly while she wore a barely restrained excited smile.

"Hmm… Nope." I said simply, before grinning when her expression fell and she slumped against me, before sliding down a bit with a loud disappointed groan.

"Aww, I was hoping there was more." She mumbled into the back of my neck with a disappointed tone.

Chuckling, I sighed and patted one of her arms. Turning my head down, I closed my eyes for a moment as I cupped my chin as I started thinking. What else would she like…

Though that particular line of thought didn't go far before I felt Lilac grab my shoulders and start gently shaking me.

"Hey! I was kidding! Stop thinking about getting me more presents!" Lilac exclaimed before she stopped shaking me, though she kept a hold of me.

I laughed at that and opened my eyes to see Lilac leaning over my shoulder to glare at me. "And how do you know that's what I was thinking about?"

Lilac narrowed her eyes and faintly muttered something before poking the side of my head. "I just know! So stop it!" She exclaimed with a firm tone and glare.

"Okay, okay. I won't get you any more presents..." I sighed with a disheartened expression, while I fought to hold back a smile. I then failed to do so when Lilac let out a panicked squawk and started shaking me again.

"H-Hey! No, wait! I didn't say that! You can keep getting me presents!" She sputtered in a full wide eyed panic, before she stopped as I threw my head back and roared with laughter, nearly doubling over as I laughed. Out of the corner of my eye, Lilac's expression slowly morphed into one of exasperation as she stared ahead at nothing, before she huffed with a scowl and sat down before pressing herself against my back, her head resting on the back of my shoulder. "Is not funny…" She mumbled as my laughter died down.

"Ah, you have to admit it was a little funny." I said, before I ducked my head with a grin at the evil eye Lilac was currently giving me over my shoulder.

After a few seconds, Lilac relented, heaving out an exaggerated sigh before resting her head back down again while she slumped against my back. Humming quietly with a smile, I reached down and grabbed a few bullets before going back to loading the magazine.

About a minute later, Lilac shuffled around for a moment and she lifted her head off my back, before I heard her faintly huff, I then paused when she leaned a bit to the right, before I grunted as her left arm was suddenly pushing against my face and I saw her hands reaching out and quickly grabbing the ammo boxes as well as the other mags out of the corner of my eye.

Lilac leaned off of me before I could say anything and stood up before moving over to my left and plopping herself down on the stairs right down next to me. Humming quietly to herself as she placed ammo boxes and magazines she had swiped down next to her.

"...Lilac, what are you doing?" I asked with a weary and bemused voice.

"Helping!" She said simply with a bright smile as she already started inserting a few rounds into the mag at a quick and obviously practiced ease.

Staring at her, I sighed as my shoulders fell a bit before I set the magazine I was holding down before reaching out towards her to grab the mag and ammo box from her. "It's fine kiddo, you don't have..." I stopped and blinked a couple times when Lilac managed to scoop up everything at once in blur before she leaned away, holding it all close to her chest and out of reach with a pout. "...to." I mumbled as I lowered my hands and looked at her.

"Nope!" She chirped, with a fierce glare now added to her pout.

An exasperated sigh slipped out of me as I scratched my head. "Lilac, really, it's-"

"Nope!" She interrupted me again.

"...Li-"

"Nope!" She repeated for the third time, cutting me off before I could even actually finish a word. Leaving me sitting there with a slight slump while she tilted head back and looked at me with a barely held back smile and a look in her eyes that showed she was having too much fun.

Keeping my gaze locked with hers, I worked my jaw for a half a minute before I sighed and looked away while rubbing my neck. "Alright, I give… You can help." I mumbled, before glancing back at her to see an all too pleased look on her face at her small "victory".

Shaking my head, I went to pick up the magazine I had been loading, only for my hand to grab nothing but air. Looking down, my expression fell slightly in exasperation when I saw it was gone. Glancing at Lilac, she didn't show any reaction, besides a smile on her face. I also noticed with amusement that she had placed everything on her left, out of my view and reach.

With nothing to do, I settled back against the stairs with a sigh before I tilted my head at her. "So… did you figure out what to put in the antique box?" I asked.

Lilac paused mid inserting a round, before rapidly nodding her head. "Mm-hmm!" That was all I got before she finished loading the current mag she had and sat it down before grabbing another empty magazine and started loading it.

Looking at her, I waited expectantly for her to explain what she had found to put in it. But Lilac seemed too engrossed with her current work to notice. Ah, Maybe she'll show me later. I blew out a quiet sigh and smiled as I closed my eyes and rested my head on my hand.

Though, I only got to close them for a few seconds before I felt Lilac rapidly tapping my shoulder. Sagging with a quiet groan, I opened my eyes a little and turned my head to Lilac and found her looking at me with a bright smile while holding my rifle's magazines out to me. Which, had I been younger, probably would have made me uneasy. Nowadays... I had gotten a little numb to it I suppose.

"...Thanks kiddo." I said softly as I took them from her. Lilac beamed at me, all too happy to accept the praise. Chuckling to myself I reached out and very gently rubbed her head, not enough to mess up her hair. And somehow, she managed to look even happier.

Huffing with a smile, I pulled my hand back and stuffed the mags into a pouch on my vest like the others. Looking back up once I was done with that, I paused when I noticed Lilac leaning her head back, her gaze pointed upwards while a sour expression passed over her face.

"Lilac? What's the matter?"

My question snapped Lilac out of her funk, before her eyes narrowed as she leaned down, hugging her legs to chest with a groan before she slid her gaze over to me. "I just remembered… Hawthorn's been asking about you." She grumbled with a peeved frown as she now glared at the ground.

Hawthorn? I wracked my brain for a moment before I slowly nodded my head once I remembered. Right, the food guy. "He has?" I asked with confusion.

Lilac grumbled something and nodded her head. "He's been bugging me about you ever since you helped him with his cooking." Lilac turned her head back towards me with a scowl. "Thanks for that by the way." She said with accusing eyes.

"Oh…" I mumbled, while also having the decency to give her a sheepish expression. "Sorry kiddo." I apologized, but Lilac didn't seem too forgiving, leaving me to chuckle to myself. Should probably get her two presents next time. "Anyway, did he ask anything specific or…?"

Lilac shrugged with a now disinterested look. "I dunno, mostly just wants to learn more about cooking from you or something… I wasn't really listening." She mumbled before closing her eyes and letting out a yawn, managing to show even more indifference.

"...Well, thank you for telling me." I sighed as I patted her on the back, before rubbing my chin while I ignored her mutterings under her breath. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to pay him a visit some time. Not really sure what I could… Hmm, hell, maybe I can help teach him how to make something like a salad? Ooh wait, he did have salt, so maybe…" I trailed off as I started brainstorming an idea or two.

Lilac's eyes were now open as she looked at me with barely restrained revulsion, before a shudder visibly ran up her spine and her lips pulled back as she made a sound of disgust. "I can't see why you two find that stuff appealing." She muttered with a miserable expression. "Much less how humans would want to eat that stuff."

Her grumblings got a snort and amused look from me before I shook my head. "Humans wanted that 'stuff' because they need to eat food to survive." I informed her with a smile, before gently tapping her on the nose with a finger, much to her visible displeasure as her head reeled back.

Lilac huffed as she crossed her arms and tilted her head away from me. "I know that! It's just…" Lilac seemed to struggle to find the right words before she scowled and sank her head between her shoulders and made some grumbling noises.

I laughed quietly at that, which briefly turned into a few coughs before I thumped my fist against my chest and then sighed. "Well, it certainly helps if you know what you're doing and have experience. As long as you have good ingredients and know what to put together. Food can taste real good if done right."

And as I was expecting, Lilac gave me a look that barely hid the fact she didn't believe a single word I had said in the slightest. A shiver ran through her body again and she shook her hands with a grimace. "Well you won't see me eating that gross stuff." Lilac said before she turned away with a sigh, now resting her cheek on knees. "...Why do the older models always have to be so weird?" Lilac murmured to herself, though not quiet enough for me to miss it.

My eyes lingered on the back of Lilac's head before I scoffed. "I heard that." I grumbled with a smile as I gently flicked her in the back with my finger.

Lilac flinched then froze for a second, before turning further away from me. "...No you didn't." She denied weakly, her head sinking slightly between her shoulders again while she shied away from me.

My eyebrow slowly raised up before I sighed and smiled."Uh-huh, well, just wait till you're an older model, missy. Then all the newer ones will probably think you're weird too."

Lilac shuddered as she looked back at me, her nose seemingly wrinkled at the mere thought of being considered old. "Ugh… Don't make me think about that."

"Hmph! Watch it brat." I rumbled with a grin before I gently ran my knuckles back and forth on her head. Making her yelp before she leaned away and swatted my hand away with a scowl. "...It'll happen to you sooner than you think." I mumbled with a weary tone.

Lilac eyed my hand warily as she fixed her hair before she placed her head on her hands while avoiding eye contact with a pout, making me laugh out loud. As my laughter died down, I sighed softly as Lilac's quiet grumbles met my ears. Smiling, I reached out and… hesitated for a moment. My smile faltered for a moment before I sighed softly and carefully placed my fingertips against Lilac's back, and then gently and slowly trailed them up and down her back.

Lilac jumped in surprise at first with a quiet gasp and turned her head, her wide eyes blinking at me, before she paused. After a moment, she relaxed and slowly eased her head back down onto her hands with a pleased sound. Her lips slowly pulled up into a smile as she closed her eyes and groaned softly, while her body sank further down onto the stair step she was sitting on.

A small quiet chuckle slipped out as I smiled at her, before I sighed, my smile slipped a bit as I felt an all too familiar pang in my heart while I stared at her. "...What'd I do to get stuck with a little troublemaker like you huh?" The fond words slipped off my tongue in a whisper as I continued to run my fingers up and down her back.

Lilac didn't initially react to my comment. What with her seemingly lost in her own world with a blissful expression on her face. Before that image was shattered when she jerked like she had been shocked, before her eyes snapped open and locked right onto me.

"What do you mean troublemaker!?" She snapped with a glare that demanded a good answer.

"Am I wrong?" I grunted out with a weary grin as I pulled my hand back.

Lilac sputtered momentarily, her arms flailing around before she sucked in a bunch of air and looked up at me with a pouty lip and her cheeks all puffed out, before exhaling harshly. "Yes!?" Lilac exclaimed, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

A hum was all I gave her in response as I leaned away and hid my smile behind my hand. "I don't know…" I mumbled with a teasing tone. Which only made Lilac narrow her eyes further at me. Lilac opened and closed her mouth a few times before she let out an exaggerated growl and turned away from me, with her arms wrapped around her legs and she hugged them close to her chest before she rested her head down with another even louder huff of air.

"Am not a troublemaker…" She grumbled quietly to herself, along with some other words I couldn't make out.

Resisting the urge to laugh again, I sighed quietly and slowly eased myself back onto my elbow and looked up at the few clouds passing overhead. With a few dark ones floating by, briefly the sun out for a minute. I then grunted a little when a cool breeze kicked up, sending a few leaves bouncing along the ground in a gust of wind.

Definitely getting close to winter. I hummed as one of the clouds passed by and allowed for some sunlight to shine down on our spot, providing a bit of nice warmth. Then, I slowly raised a brow when I faintly heard something scraping along the dirt. Raising my head, I glanced around expecting to see more leaves or someone walking by, but didn't see anything. I then heard the sound again before I realized it was coming from right next to me.

Subtlety glancing down to my left, I could barely hold back a sigh when I saw Lilac very slowly inching her way closer to me, her back still facing me. She then stopped for a moment, I guess waiting to see if I noticed her, before she started sliding her way closer again.

Staring at her back, I smiled when I realized what she was wanting. You've done it now Sebastian… With a quiet sigh, I raised my left hand and placed my fingers on her back again, and slowly trailed them up and down.

Lilac stiffened with a sharp inhale, before her tense shoulders fell with a quiet moan, while her body slumped against her legs. Lilac's head turned slightly in my direction as she laid her head down on her arms, allowing me to see her closed eyes and the smile on her face.

A soft sigh escaped me as I smiled before a big yawn slipped out. Grunting quietly in annoyance, I leaned against the stairs handrail before groaning as I stretched my legs out and tried to get comfortable. While my hand still slowly moved up and down Lilac's back before I leaned my body against the old wooden handrail of the staircase and hummed quietly as I rested my eyes for… just a minute.

"...bastian? Psst! Sebastian?" I heard my name through a haze, from a young sounding voice, even with how tired I felt, I recognized it as Lilac's, though, it also almost sounded like… I could scarcely make out something else that was said, before something bumped against my leg. "-ad!"

My eyes flew open with a gasp as my body lunged upwards. "Huh! What!? I'm up!" I said in a slight panic as I tried to look around, before hissing at how bright everything was. Blinking my bleary eyes a few times, I looked around before I groaned and rubbed my eyes trying to clear my vision before I shook my head to get rid of my grogginess. I then sucked a sharp breath through my teeth from how sore my back and shoulder felt.

Damn idiot, of course you fell asleep in a spot like this of all places. Rubbing my back with a grumble, I looked to my left to see if Lilac was still there. Only to pause when I saw she was pressed right up against my side. With her head resting against my arm as she looked up at me.

Lilac saw my look of confusion as her small smile turned into a grin as she gently bumped her knee against mine, while her amusement danced in her eyes. Which were partially open, as she looked like she was struggling to not fall asleep. Unlike me, if how I felt was any indication.

Blinking very slowly down at her, I groaned quietly before briefly resting my forehead on the palm of my hand and slumped down. "What is it, kiddo…?" I mumbled as I sniffed, while wincing at aching from my back.

Lilac's smile dimmed slightly as she now avoided my gaze with a slightly shy expression as she poked her index fingers together. "I was wondering. Did… Did you ask Anemone yet about the… you know?" She mumbled while shrugging her shoulders with barely hidden and growing excitement as she glanced at me with a patient smile.

It took a moment for my brain to wake up and wonder what she was talking about. Before I sighed and looked away when I realized what it exactly was she was asking about. "I… No… I haven't talked with her about that yet, kiddo." I said with a weary voice.

Whatever excitement Lilac had anticipating my answer died a quick death once she got it, as she turned her eyes up and looked at me with a sulking expression. "Se… Sebastian!" She whined quietly as she slumped forward, while giving me a near perfect impression of sad puppy eyes.

Had this been any other situation, I would've comforted her. This however… I couldn't stop the deep rumbling laugh in my chest. Which proved to be not the reaction Lilac was expecting, nor wanting, if the tired and almost offended glare she was currently giving me was any indication.

Smiling at her, I briefly closed my eyes with a soft sigh. "Lilac, it's only been a day, kiddo." I told her with an exasperated voice, before I reached up with my hand and patted her on the head. "I'll talk to her about it as soon as I can. You just gotta be a little patient, okay?"

Lilac made a grumbling sound as she briefly squirmed under my hand, before settling down with a heavy sigh as my fingers gently brushed against her scalp as she looked off to the side. "Okay…" She mumbled with some lingering disappointment.

"Attagirl." I said before ruffling her hair. "It won't be long, I promise. Maybe I'll ask her about it later in the day… If she's in a better mood at least."

Lilac hummed quietly, and I was only able to see her smile for just a second before she buried her face into arms and briefly fell silent. After a minute, she tilted her head up enough for her eyes to be visible. "...What's it like?" Lilac asked, her voice muffled by her arms, before she raised her head fully and looked at me. "Your home?"

"My home?" I repeated while I pulled my hand back, much to her visible disappointment. "Well… it's… home." I mumbled as I glanced off to the side with a slight frown, before I chuckled and scratched the back of my head. "It ain't nothing special I'll admit, I just moved into one of the abandoned buildings and started living there."

Lilac was silent for a moment, before she huffed and laid her head back down with a flat stare directed at me. "You're supposed to make going there sound fun…" She grumbled as she closed her eyes.

"Hmm… I suppose so." I acknowledged, before chuckling at the way Lilac's mouth twisted and turned as she muttered into her arms.

Lilac eventually sighed and tilted her head with a thoughtful expression as she chewed on the corner of her mouth. "Is it big?"

"Hm, a little bit, it's three stories tall. And just slightly bigger than your barracks I think." I answered.

Lilac accepted that with a hum, and closed her eyes. "Do… Do you have any human stuff there?"

Human stuff… That made me pause for a moment before I chuckled quietly to myself and nodded. "Yeah, I do." I said with amusement.

Lilac opened one eye and peaked at me from under her hair. She looked away for a second then looked back at me. "Like my tv?" She asked quietly. I couldn't help but smile a bit at the hint of excitement that was creeping back into her voice.

"Ehhh… Sort of." I murmured to temper her expectations. "More on the furniture side of things to be honest, I've probably got more stuff than I really need back there…"

Lilac's eyes were wide, and positively radiated pure excitement. "Really?"

"Yep." I said before I closed my eyes and chuckled. "I'd probably be called a hoarder by everyone here. Heck, I can already imagine Anemone telling me to get rid of the 'useless' stuff." I mumbled with a grin. I could already picture her standing there, with her hands on her hips and giving me an exasperated look after seeing everything I have.

"Hm?" I hummed and opened one eye when Lilac made a quiet choking sound. Looking over at her, I frowned in confusion at the slight look of panic on her face.

LIlac then grimaced before she turned to look up to the door to her room. "Uhhh…"

I sighed when I realized what she was so suddenly worried about. "Relax kiddo." I said before patting her on the back, drawing her attention back to me. "Anemone wouldn't make you throw your stuff out."

Lilac pressed lips together as she fidgeted in her spot before glancing at me. "...You sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure." I replied with an exasperated laugh before I shook my head. "Anemone and I just like to give each other a hard time. That's all."

Lilac stared at me for almost a solid minute before she looked away, her shoulders falling as she released a sigh of relief. And a bit of something else as she huffed and hung her head. "...It's always like this with really old ones." She whispered.

Alright, I ain't that old… Not even fifty yet… I think. "Don't start." I deadpanned as I poked her in the ribs, causing Lilac to jump with a yelp, I sighed and rolled my eyes with a smile when her cheeks flushed red at being caught. While she covered her mouth with her hands and avoided my stare. "Anyways. I… I think you'll think like my home kiddo. It's… cozy." I said with a soft tone.

Lilac stared at me with a still embarrassed expression, before she lowered hands and smiled. "I'll hold you to it." Lilac mumbled with an eager tone.

That caused me to sigh again, followed by a quiet laugh. "Well, I'll try not to disappoint."

Lilac giggled before she suddenly stopped, I looked at her curiously as she leaned forward a bit more while her eyes focused on something past me, before they shot open and she sat up with a look of surprise. "Mizuna?"

Mizuna? I thought in confusion before I turned in the direction Lilac was looking, only to stop when I saw a person standing only a couple feet from me. Then to my surprise, I found myself having to crane my head upwards in order to look at the tall female android with a slightly bulky frame. An almost perpetual looking frown rested on her young looking face as she regarded me behind her dark blood red scarf. The wariness in her eyes wasn't lost on me as she glanced between me and Lilac.

How the hell did I not hear her? …Huh, guess maybe my hearing is finally starting to go. Shit, maybe I am getting old.

"Are you Sebastian?" The woman asked bluntly, her voice almost a low rumble as she focused on me.

"Mizuna?" Lilac spoke up again before I could respond. Out of the corner of my eye, Lilac stood up with a confused expression still on her face, before she smiled and grabbed my shoulder. "Oh! Mizuna, this is Sebastian!" Lilac exclaimed excitedly with a bright grin as she jostled me around like a doll for a moment.

Once she stopped, It took a moment for my brain to stop rattling around in my head before I cleared my throat and looked up at Mizuna. "...Nice to meetcha, Mizuna." I greeted with a slight nod, while also feeling a bit awkward with how Mizuna was almost looming over me.

In response… Mizuna just stared at me with a blank look, her blue eyes pretty much boring into mine. I resisted the urge to chuckle as I started to feel a bit of deja vu from her intense stare. Been long while since I've gotten that kind of look. On the other hand though, I felt a little bad for Lilac as she stood there between the both of us awkwardly, her smile visibly strained while her eyes pointed a concerned look at Mizuna.

Eventually Lilac cleared her throat and walked up to Mizuna, stepping a little bit in front of me. "Eh, so what are you doing here Mizuna? I thought you were out on patrol?" Lilac asked, her smile less visibly strained. Before she huffed and started looking around with an annoyed look. "Is Daisy here too?" Lilac asked with a mutter as she leaned past Mizuna to look behind her.

Mizuna grunted and frowned at Lilac, looking slightly uncomfortable at the sudden proximity as she took a step back, before relaxing as her eyes slid back over to me. "...Anemone asked me to get Sebastian." She paused for a moment and briefly glanced at Lilac. "And Daisy's out on a mission."

Lilac blinked a couple times before her expression fell as she slumped forward. "Aww, it's been an hour already?" She said with a downcast look. Which got a reaction out of Mizuna as she looked at Lilac with a slightly confused expression.

A brief laugh left me, which drew Mizuna's attention back to me. "Ah, I take it this is about the thing Anemone wanted help with?"

Mizuna stared at me for a moment before giving me a curt and silent nod. I couldn't help but snort at her demeanor before I slapped my hands down on my legs before standing up with a weary groan and stretched before I grabbed my rifle and pack. "Alright, best not to keep her waiting then."

Lilac raised her head a bit and looked back and forth between me and Mizuna, before focusing on me and holding her hands together. "Can I come along?" Lilac asked timidly.

"No." Mizuna and I both said at the same time. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mizuna blink and stare at me in faint surprise for a moment, but it was quickly gone as she grunted and turned away and started walking. Leaving me with Lilac, who was looking down again with a sulking expression.

Heaving out a sigh, I stepped closer to Lilac before hooking an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a one armed hug. Lilac wore a brief look of surprise that only lasted for a second before she was grinning and hugged me back without hesitation and buried her face against my chest as I gently petted her hair.

Huffing with a smile, my eyes glanced off to my right towards the end of the narrow street where Mizuna was now standing. Who seemed… perplexed, to an extent. Her confused eyes locked onto Lilac, before they were casting a scrutinizing glare at me. Then after a moment she looked away with her blank expression back.

Humming quietly, I turned my attention back to Lilac and placed my hand on her head. "I'll be back in a little while kiddo. I'll maybe see you when I get ba-… I'll come see you when I get back here." I corrected with a sigh after getting a hard poke in the back from her. Which was followed by some muffled grumbling.

"Hm?"

Lilac visibly huffed, before she tilted her head back a bit to look at me. "And tomorrow?" She mumbled.

"And tomorrow." I reaffirmed with a tired sigh and smile as I nodded my head. Which got a happy look from her as she did a weird little wiggle, causing me to snort in amusement.

Lilac then stopped her odd little "dance" and looked at me shyly. "And the next day?"

Slowly blinking at the question, I shot her bemused look. "Ye- Yes?"

"And the next-"

"Lilac." I sighed out with a flat tone, cutting her off when I realized what she was doing, and gave her an exasperated glare. Causing her to giggle. After a second, my glare melted away and I couldn't help but laugh with her as well.

Once my laughter stopped, I sighed quietly and frowned down at Lilac with slight guilt. "Okay… I really should get going. At least before Anemone comes back here and grabs me herself…" I told her, which of course brought back Lilac's look of dismay.

Sighing with a weary smile, I grabbed her shoulders and gently pushed her back, or tried to, since she resisted me for a couple seconds, before she finally let go with a quiet groan, which made me feel even more bad for having to leave.

Lilac stepped back with a look of disappointment, her eyes pointed at the ground, before she looked up at me and smiled. "Thanks for stopping by." She said, before she gained a fierce and determined expression before she poked me in the stomach. "And you better come back without a scratch mister! Or so help me!" She growled.

Blinking at her words in muted surprise, I then sighed and closed my eyes with a chuckle. "You almost sound like Anemone." I teased as I brushed her poking finger aside.

Lilac froze at that before she reeled back with a grimace and opened her mouth.

"Don't say it." I muttered with a flat expression and a finger pointed at her face, as I already had a suspicion of what she was probably going to say.

Lilac closed her mouth with a click as she stared at my finger, before she crossed her arms and looked away with a huff. Her foot tapped up and down on the ground, while her eyes darted around before she focused on the ground. "...Old." She whispered, and this time I realized, the brat had meant for me to hear it. Made more obvious by the smile she was trying to hide.

Narrowing my eyes at her, I poked the inside of my cheek with my tongue before heaving out a sigh. "...Take care kiddo, I'll be back in a bit." I rumbled with a smile, before I slowly reached out and placed my hand on her head, then I… maybe or maybe not ruffled her hair enough to mess it up on purpose.

Lilac stiffened at my action before she glared at me with a furious look. "Sebastian!" She practically snarled before she tried to grab the offending hand, only for me to pull it away with ease and a wheezing laugh as I stepped away from her. Lilac briefly looked tempted to tackle me, before she growled and quickly started trying to fix her hair.

Exhaling with a broad grin, I finally then turned and started walking over to Mizuna, who was looking at me with a flat expression and expectant stare. Once I got up to her, she started to turn, though quickly paused and looked behind me with a furrowed brow. Before I heard footsteps quickly coming up to us.

Pausing mid-step, I glanced over my shoulder and sighed when I saw Lilac jogging up to us. She came to stop in front of Mizuna, making the much taller woman crane her head down in order to look at her.

Lilac stared back with a firm look and opened her mouth, before pausing and looking at me when she saw me staring. Lilac tjem narrowed her eyes as she took a small step away and one her hands idly reached up towards her hair in a protective manner, before she huffed and made a violent shooing motion at me. Taking the hint with a chuckle, I continued walking.

Once I reached the corner and couldn't hear them, I stopped and then turned. Only to then snort when I saw Mizuna leaning forward quite a bit so Lilac was able to whisper something to her. When Lilac leaned away with a pleading expression, Mizuna was wearing a frown on her face, she gave Lilac a hesitant look before glancing over at me. After a few seconds, Mizuna's shoulders fell with a silent sigh as she closed her eyes, before opening them and giving Lilac a firm single nod. Which had Lilac beaming up at her.

As Mizuna started catching up with me, Lilac then looked over to me and glared at me, seemingly debating something. Before her shoulders fell and she smiled before waving goodbye. Chuckling, I waved back as well, before turning to Mizuna once she was next to me.

"...What was that all about?" I asked quietly as we made our way to the camp center. I also noticed with amusement as I glanced at her, that I only just about reached her shoulder.

Mizuna just gave me a silent look in return. And I couldn't help but sigh quietly through my nose with a little smile, as I started to get the feeling this was probably going to be the norm with her. Mizuna then looked ahead. "Nothing." She finally rumbled.

Her blunt response got a quiet chuckle from me before I nodded once with a smile. "Fair enough."

(-)

---

(-)

Anemone turned her head and looked our way once we entered her view, she smiled at me briefly before turning back to a few Resistance members in front of her. She said something to them before nodding, and getting it in return before they turned and left.

Placing her hands on hips, Anemone turned her full attention to Mizuna and I as we stopped in front of her. Anemone's gaze lingered on me before she glanced at Mizuna. "Thank you for getting him Mizuna. Did you have any trouble finding him?" She asked while giving me a look, making me roll my eyes with a smile.

Mizuna grunted quietly before silently shaking her head.

Humming at the answer, Anemone turned to me, before huffing quietly with a small smile. "Was Lilac happy?" She asked as she gestured for me to come up to the table.

A chuckle left me as I walked up to her. "Yeah, she was happy." I replied, before sighing as I leaned against the table and closed my eyes with a tired smile. "Poor kid though, she was sad I had to leave. I felt bad, almost had to pry her off of me."

Anemone sighed as well, though with not much sympathy. "She'll get to see you when you return here from the mission." Anemone said as she grabbed something from the side, before placing the satellite image from yesterday down in front of us.

…Mission? I blinked a couple of times in surprise, before my gaze instantly snapped to the two bright red highlighted circles on it. The ones Anemone had made yesterday after I helped her out.

"Ah… So this is what you were wanting help with?" I mumbled out as I leaned forward a bit.

Anemone wore a frown as she nodded her head. "It is." Anemone said before she sucked in breath and breathed out and calmly adjusted her cloak. "I was… hoping you and Mizuna could conduct a… sort of, recon mission."

Leaning up in slight surprise, I hummed quietly and glanced over my shoulder at Mizuna, who was standing at attention, still as a statue. And since Anemone wasn't addressing her, I could only assume she had already been told what we'd be doing. I briefly eyed the long scabbard hanging from her hip that held what had to be a hefty sword.

My gaze lingered and the sheathed sword before I hummed and turned back to Anemone. "So she's coming along with me then?" I asked.

Anemone snorted harshly and crossed her arms with a frown. "She is. It was either that or having you go out there on you're own." Anemone said with a sudden sharp tone, before she turned towards me, giving me a firm glare as she clicked her tongue and stepped right up to me before jabbing her finger hard into my chest above my kevlar and slightly below my collar bone. "Don't think I didn't notice what you going to suggest to me yesterday, Sebastian!" Anemone muttered, her tone becoming heated for a moment as she gave me a genuinely displeased and worried look.

Wincing slightly at the hard jabs from her finger, I leaned back before chuckling weakly as I rubbed my sore chest and glanced off to the side. "Ah… Nothing gets past you huh?" I mumbled with a grin as Anemone stared at me with a deep frown.

Anemone kept her glare up before she closed eyes with a heavy sigh as she lowered her arm. "I'd be a poor leader otherwise..." She muttered as she stepped back, her expression softening, shifting from slight anger to concern, while her gaze turned inward briefly.

Now it was my turn to feel concern for her, as I hummed with a slight frown, before I eventually turned to look back at Mizuna, who was openly staring at Anemone and I with a curious look in her eyes as they moved back and forth between us.

Mizuna then shifted her gaze down to meet mine as I opened my mouth. "I'll be waiting by the entrance." Mizuna stated bluntly, not even waiting a second to let me say anything before she spun on her heel and walked away, leaving me standing with my mouth partially open.

Anemone and I stood there in silence before she broke it with a sigh. Glancing over at her, she didn't seem surprised by Mizuna's personality, she seemed more resigned than anything. "Sorry about her. Mizuna's… a bit abrasive, she's never really been one for socializing as far I can tell." She murmured as she ran her palm down the side of her face.

Slowly closing my mouth, I waved off her needless apology, while I felt a bit of amusement as the corners of my mouth twitched as I turned to anemone, who was looking at Mizuna's back with an exasperated frown.

Anemone caught me staring and glanced at me, her eyes quickly narrowing when she saw the look I was giving her as I struggled to hide my smile. With a huff she planted her hands on her hips. "What?"

Holding my hands up at her sharp tone, I leaned back as I could no longer hold back my smile. "Ah, nothing. It's just…" My smile widened into a grin as I cupped my chin. "Well, she kinda reminds me of you back in the day." I murmured with a nostalgic tone.

Silence was what met me before Anemone frowned while her eyes narrowed even further. "...Does she now?" Anemone drawled with a tone I hadn't heard in a long time, while giving me a flat and very familiar stare that told me I was on thin ice. My grin grew even wider in response, though I still instinctively took a step back from her as a small shiver ran through my body.

"Eh… a little bit I suppose." I said with a shrug before I held a hand up and started counting off my fingers. "I mean, she's already got the glaring down, and she seems pretty quiet. Now she just needs a sharp tongue and… an attitud-" I didn't get to finish my words as I quickly stumbled back with a laugh when Anemone practically rushed me. I only had a second to blink before she grabbed a fistful of my jacket and held me in place and stood in front of me, pretty much pinning me against the table, while she raised and shook her other fist threateningly at me.

Anemone glared at me with an annoyed scowl, giving me a look that dared me to say anything. I wisely kept my mouth shut, though the smile I had wasn't doing me any favors. After a few seconds, Anemone huffed and leaned away while shaking her head as she lowered her fist. "Pain in the ass…" She muttered as she glared at my chest as she readjusted my jacket, But I could see the hint of a smile as she tried to fight it. "Why do you have to be like this?" She asked quietly with a lamenting tone as she let go of me, before she paused. "Better yet, why do I put up with it?" She whispered to herself as she glowered at me and stepped away.

A wheezing laugh escaped me as I tried to cover it up. Which Anemone evidently wasn't amused by. "Anyways…" I managed to get out before clearing my throat. "A mission huh?" I asked as I tilted my head back and looked at the satellite image over my shoulder. "Can't say I've really done anything like that before. Besides the occasional job or something over the years in order to get supplies. I can also safely say I… don't have any experience in intel gathering or anything like that."

Anemone gave me a sympathetic look as she waved her hand at me. "You won't have to worry about that stuff Sebastian. Mizuna will handle all of that, your job is to just help her find the location." She explained before she smiled. "It'll be almost like that time back in Adia… Where you, the captain and I were scouting for a safe path through the machine lines."

My gaze turned upwards as I tried to recall that event, before I opened my mouth as I started to remember a little bit. And then closed it with a grimace as I remembered exactly what had happened that day. "...I certainly recall getting shot at by a tank." I murmured warily as I leaned back from Anemone.

Anemone blinked once before she sighed as she seemed to remember that clearly as well. "Well besides that." She drawled with an exasperated look, before she smiled. "And luckily for you, the machines don't usually deploy tanks in the city ruins, most of the streets are too narrow for them to really maneuver. Makes them easy pickings for rpg's." She said as glanced off to the side, before frowning slightly, which she followed up with a hefty sigh. "Then again… knowing your luck…" She muttered as she looked at me and up and down.

A harsh scoff left me as I gave her a look and smiled. "And since when did you start believing in luck?" I asked with minor disbelief.

"Hm," Anemone hummed as she cupped her chin and pursed her lips. "After I met you I suppose." She said with a flat tone and a faint smirk.

"Oh, hardy-har-har." I muttered as I gently punched her arm, which didn't even move her. Though it did make her laugh.

Anemone chuckled before giving me an actual encouraging smile. "Don't worry too much, Sebastian. This should be the only time I'll ask you to do something like this." She then paused before giving me a flat look. "Unless you decide to get into more trouble."

A harsh snort left me as I tilted my head and smiled. "Yeah, I'll think about it… Add some more spice to my life." I muttered sarcastically before looking at the satellite image again. "So, what? You want me to see if I can lead Mizuna back to both spots?"

"Not both. Just one of them." Anemone corrected me before she waved her hand at me to come closer. "See this road here?" Anemone said as she placed her finger on the satellite image. I nodded before I followed her finger as it trailed up the blurry image of a road,before stopping when she reached one of the red circles, which the road passed through. "This road is one of our main supply lines. And this one we use specially for getting our trucks to and from the flooded city." Anemone sighed and pinched her brow. "At some point in the future we are expecting a resupply from a cargo ship. And I want to ensure that the route is secured before they arrive and not put our trucks at risk. We've already lost a few others we had the last few months."

"Had this been any other day, I would have just my people doing this. But we're stretched thin at the moment. Between sending scouts in and out of the city, then having most of my people tasked with making the necessary preparations for YoRHa's hopefully eventual arrival…" Anemone trailed off, before she lowered her hand and leaned back, a hesitant expression on her face as she struggled to look at me. "I hate to ask this, but…"

"You don't even need to ask Anemone." I told her softly as I gently clapped her on the shoulder with a smile. Causing her to flinch slightly and look at my hand in surprise before she looked at me. "Retracing my steps? Piece of cake." I told her with a warm smile. "Hell, I could probably do it with my eyes closed!"

Anemone regarded me with relief and gratefulness, before she grunted. "I'd prefer it if you didn't do that, thank you." Anemone muttered before she sighed with a worried frown. "Also, you could at least show a bit of reluctance to do this." She said as she gently brushed my hand off her shoulder.

"Ehhh, I do feel a little reluctant. But if it means helping you out…" I trailed off with a shrug and a widening smile as Anemone glared at me.

"...You're such a damn stubborn fool." Anemone muttered as she palmed her face and closed her eyes. And despite her words, Anemone seemed grateful as she blew out a sigh that sounded like a small chunk of a massive weight had been lifted from her shoulders. And considering it was pretty much just her commanding the entire Resistance cell in this whole region? I could only imagine how much she had to deal with daily.

"Hm, would you rather have me any other way?" I suggested with a grin.

Anemone remained still, before she sighed, her hand sliding down her face, before she smiled down at the ground. "...No, as much as I loathe to admit it." She said softly.

A hearty laugh was all I could give in response. Anemone gave me a tired look for a moment, before she quietly laughed herself as well.

"So, is it just going to be Mizuna and I out there?" I asked after my laughter died down.

Anemone quickly shook her head. "No, I've sent out multiple teams with similar missions into the city, I want to make sure the machines aren't trying to mass for an attack or something else. To be honest, it has been a while since we've cleared some areas out. I suppose with all the work we've been having to do because of YoRHa might have distracted us." She said, before she looked at me, and I held back the urge to sigh at the look of worry on her face as she pointed at me. "And one last thing, this is a recon mission, so don't try to engage the machines when you-"

"Do you trust me?" I said gently, cutting Anemone off mid sentence. While I reached out and carefully grabbed her hand.

Anemone jerked at the contact in surprise, she looked down at my hand for a moment before she looked back up at me and narrowed her eyes. "Of course I do." Anemone said instantly with a firm and almost offended look, while her hand squeezed mine, thankfully not enough for it to hurt, she had figured that out a long time ago. She then closed her eyes with a heavy sigh. "Against my better judgment at least…"

"Then after I've done this, will you promise to stop worrying so much for me?" I asked with a weary smile as I tilted my head. "I've made it this far haven't I? Even before I met you, and after we got… separated, at Adia. I managed to get by, I'm not helpless after all."

Anemone held my gaze for a while, her lips pressed firmly together in a tight lipped frown with a hesitant and… an almost scared look in her eyes. Like she was imagining multiple scenarios in her head that ended with me...

Sighing softly, I gently squeezed her hand, bringing her full attention back to me as I gave her a reaffirming smile. "You won't lose me, Anemone." I said softly. "Not now, not ever."

Anemone opened her mouth, before she closed eyes and exhaled through her nose. She then huffed quietly before slowly nodding her head. "Okay." She whispered as she slipped her hand out from mine.

"Thank you." I said gratefully, before I smiled. "Besides, It's for the best. After All, you keep worrying like this and your hair will all turn gray, you know?" I teased.

Anemone gave me an odd look, before she gained a look of realization. Which then quickly led to her rolling her eyes while shaking her head. "That's another human thing isn't it?"

Instead of a verbal answer, I raised a single eyebrow with a smile.

"...You really haven't changed after all these years." Anemone sighed with a tired shake of her head before tapping her forehead. "Still got all that… useful, human knowledge lodged in your head, huh." She said with a tired tone. And I chuckled when I noticed how she paused to say something other than 'useless'. I also noted she almost seemed oddly… relieved, by that fact.

"Hey, it's a part of my charm." I protested as I placed a hand on my chest

It took a lot not to start laughing at the scrunched up expression on Anemone's face before she sighed. "Yeah, charm, let's call it that." She muttered to herself, before she looked back at me. "Alright you should get going, I've taken enough of your time already."

Chuckling, I pushed myself off the table and turned to her for a moment before I stood at attention. "Yes ma'am!" I exclaimed with a grin, before holding my right hand over my chest in the android salute.

Anemone's right eye twitched and her nose wrinkled before she reached out and pulled my arm away with a huff. "Cut that out! You look ridiculous." She muttered, before giving me a glare. "And don't call me ma'am! It… it doesn't feel right." She said with a slight uncomfortable frown.

I smile apologetically at her as I pulled my arm from her grip. "Sorry, sorry, I was just teasing."

Anemone huffed and shook her head. "Yeah, I could tell..." She muttered as she closed her eyes briefly, before opening them and looking at me directly. "And Sebastian…? Come back in one piece, okay?"

My expression softened as I sighed. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to bring Mizuna back safe and sound. She won't have a single scratch on her." I said with a smile as I nonchalantly waved my hand at her.

Anemone wasn't amused as she leaned back and cocked her hip to the side and scowled at me. "I hope that includes you as well?" She asked with a warning tone.

"...I thought it was implied?" I said with a smile as I reached up and started wrapping my head up.

Anemone stared at me for a few seconds before she snorted and shook her head. "Smart-ass…" She muttered with a smile, before she placed a hand on my back and gave a gentle shove. "Now stop wasting time and get going." She said with a firm voice.

"Alright, alright." I chuckled before I started jogging to avoid her further ire. "I'll be back soon." I yelled back over my shoulder at her, while she waved.

Exiting the plaza and heading towards the entrance, I found Mizuna standing at the entrance in the shade in one of the buildings, her left glove-covered hand extended out into the 'morning' sunlight, her fingers opening and closing slowly. Her eyes lidded eyes focusing on it.

She then moved her gaze away from her hand and looked at me as I approached her, before grunting quietly as she pushed herself off the building she was leaning against and turned to me and stood at attention.

"You all set and ready to go Mizuna?" I asked once I stopped in front of her and looked up at her.

Mizuna silently regarded me for a moment with her blank expression before she nodded her head once. While her left hand idly rested on the hilt of her sword.

"Alright! Let's…" I paused before I patted my vest and the mag pouches down for a brief moment. Once I was sure I had everything, I nodded back at Mizuna. "Okay, uh, follow me then. It shouldn't take too long to find that area again. I hope…" I mumbled to myself with a quiet laugh before finally I stepped out into the warm sunlight and out back into the city ruins.

Mizuna fell in step behind me with a noncommittal hum.

(-)

---

Hello, hello. Guess which stupid bastard ain't dead. Sorry this chapter took so long, I had intended for this to come out sooner, but things as usual went a little hectic for me in life, so I couldn't write a whole lot. That and I was still holding myself to a way too high standard, which made it difficult in releasing this chapter, since my brain basically kept going "it needs to be perfect!" which was stumping me be a little bit. But I managed to get past that. The next chapters should hopefully be a bit easier since I have a bit more groundwork for them from a couple years ago.

Also, I hope this chapter didn't turn out or feel… similar, samey? To the previous chapter. It was something I had noticed in what was basically the first draft, but I was too far in with what I had, so I stuck with it, and did the best I could. So hopefully this chapter turned out alright. This chapter is also the longest one I've written yet. I definitely didn't intend for it to be this long, so hopefully the next chapter will be below 10k.

Anyways, with this chapter done, we can finally get out of the camp, at least for a while.

Also, I finally managed to sketch a new cover image a while back after all this time, instead of some weird looking profile pic.