AN: Let me know what you think. (:
~Price~
It was surprisingly easy for Ai to adjust, at least when she was referring to Ren.
Ai understandably, should have felt fear, a sense of insecurity, hopelessness but no, she was surprisingly calm and determined.
She would never shed tears again, as she had after their initial kiss, it was too risky. Ai is aware of the overwhelming danger her actions, could result in. She's aware, but regrets nothing.
Foolish, stupid, suicidal….
She knows all these truths
But ignoring her heart, the feelings buried inside, is impossible now.
It had always been so.
Humanity kept creeping in and guiding her to the truth, the compass, the conscious part of herself that persisted, even after she was no longer human.
She continues to be, despite her best efforts.
Such a sweet sort of pain, she feels as she watches him from the corner of her eye. She sits in the small hut, a dark center in a crimson flower, she folds origami cranes, while Ren and her other subordinates, discuss the current client probability of pulling the thread.
They've been careful not to draw suspicion, Ai acting as impassive as ever, only allowing an occasional look to pass between them, that is, at least, in the presence of the others…
Her thoughts are suddenly diverted when; a familiar chime invades the quiet conversation and gentle crinkle and fold of Origami paper.
This is the price for happiness.
She feels the dread settle over, like a cloud. With emotion came caring, a need to do right and wrong. The unfair cases, the truly innocent, caused those feelings to wreath up, and suffocate her. She wouldn't allow them to destroy her; she has a reason now for feeling, for embracing those feelings.
Accepting that, doesn't mean she still isn't pained or filled with guilt, whenever she condemned an innocent.
Their cries were agony to her now too sensitive heart.
It hurt…
"Miss…" Ren's voice prompts quietly, a reminder, and a comfort.
Ai hesitates only a moment, before slowly rising and walking to the computer. She feels that this will be an accepted case, even before she glances at the name.
"Come" Ai commands, in her always soft voice.
"We have a request."