[ What is it about 2B that seems to get his pulse rate hiked every time? Her sense of constant calm? The aloofness she maintains so flawlessly despite the measures they often have to take? 9S is in a constant state of progress with his manner of gaining knowledge and remaining as versatile as possible, but 2B always seems to shock him with her sense of overall being. Something about her threatens to destroy his sense of logic, and he can't help but question every aspect of her, all while finding himself obsessed with every part of her. ]

[ That... Isn't a thought he likes to tread upon often. Just like that, his pulse quickens, and it seems to work in time to how she closes distance between them to touch his face. Her palm is incredibly warm, the soft velvet of her gloves tickling at the nerve-endings installed beneath the silicon skin that coats him. His ears twitch at her Pod's analysis, at her analysis. In realizing that this is a mutual ground they stand upon, he can't help the way he stares at her like a gaping fish. ]

I-I'm not--

Analysis: Unit 9S is also experiencing a significant spike in Core Temperature. Pulse rate has exceeded normal levels of activity.

[ 9S tenses, not quite capable of ignoring his Pod, but avoiding comment. His internal fans begin to work frantically to cool him from the inside, coolant immediately delivered from the heart-like device in his chest. ]

[ But before it can get any worse, 2B lets go, causing 9S to heave an exhale. He does, however, have to get that last word in. ]

Hey, you're an expert with a facade, I'll give you that. If your gears start moving any faster, you'll need them replaced by the end of the afternoon.

[ A pause, and he tosses the magazine behind him. ]

Fine. You're the boss.