castellae | Ongoing PSL - In-game setting

Ongoing PSL - In-game setting

"You say that you're no good for me, cause I'm always tugging at your sleeve--"

[ 9S is absolutely petriefied. Both because he still doesn't quite know what has happened and what will happen, and because this is ground he's completely uncertain of. Scanner models are almost never uncertain, but can face most hiccups with ease. This isn't a hiccup, and this decision he's just made will serve permanent consequences. They'll be on the run. Constantly. Deserters and traitors to those that worked with and a target for the rest of their existence. 9S is essentially giving up... Everything.

So... Why does this make so much sense to him? Especially when it sounds so absurd and terrifying when spoken...

He looks to her, seemingly leaning into her touch and it's as if he's naturally drawn to her. His questions still remain partially unanswered, but when he looks at her? It all makes sense. And perhaps he'll get his answers and be able to move forward. 9S is terrified, but for 2B? He wears a seemingly calm smile. He grasps her hand, holding it to his cheek. ]

I've got your back. I'm sure of this.

[ And it doesn't come easily. Completely removing them from the netwodk takes time and a delicate hand. 9S is required to start with himself first, preparing everything first before initiating everything. Failsafes are put in place, files hid away and organized in case something goes wrong. And that extends to 2B and their Pods.

The act itself of preparation takes hours. Bleeding through the night and into the day where they hide within the Resistance Camp. Nothing is initiated, not until they can essentially jailbreak their bodies and run off. But 9S is clever when he plans their timing. And as the hours bleed into the dead of night, 9S rises to his feet to face 2B. ]

Okay. I have... Nearly everything backed up.

But once I disconnect us, it'll likely set off a beacon. Command works fast. Hate to sound completely morbid here but...

We'll need to find two android bodies. Deactivated. I can completely reformat them to contain our IDs and that should buy us some time to gain distance.

[ There's a tremble in his voice, and 9S turns to face 2B. ]

I can't make any guarantees that this'll work. It's not like I've done this before...

[ 2B is far from a Scanner model, and she knows next to nothing of what this process entails. Once 9S sets to work, however, she's loath to leave his side. There's a healthy degree of fear within her when it comes to the entirety of the process, of course, but she mostly feels an impending sense of relief at the prospect of not having to be bound by her programming anymore.

When 9S leans into her touch, she finds herself smiling in return. It's gentle and soft, and not without any misgivings, but still rife with affection and understanding. Once she's ascertained that he doesn't need anything to her, she keeps vigil, standing in front of the door with her arms folded across her chest. Though it takes hours, 2B doesn't move an inch except to steal a few covert glances at 9S, watching him.

It takes hours for him to speak again, and she turns, listening to his plan. ]

Should be easy enough. There are corpses scattered everywhere; it's just a matter of finding two that are convincing enough for Command.

[ At what he says next, she nods in understanding. ] Neither have I. But I trust you. You wouldn't suggest a plan if you didn't think it was our best option. [ She'd taken the liberty of organizing their inventories, weapons, and chipsets while she'd waited, and it's because of this that she makes for the door, turning to wait for him to regain himself before opening it. ]

Our best bet might be the Amusement Park. There are still bodies left over from the machine we fought in the opera house; they should be charred and unidentifiable enough for what we need them for. Even if Command knows we dispatched the one called Simone, it's not out of the realm of possibility that we got caught in a trap while seeking further intel.

[ After all, androids die every day. Affixing her visor back over her eyes, 2B leads the way to the Amusement Park, the thick blanket of night keeping the world quiet and cold. ]

[ This could so easily fire back at them. There is so much at risk, but 9S is absolutely certain that this is the only way. After seeing 2B's expression, watching her struggle to tell the truth... There are so many theories and dangers that come with it, he isn't sure at all what is right or what is wrong. All he knows is that his decision has been made, his bed as been made, and it's time to lay in it and deal with the consequences as they come.

9S reaches for his bag, throwing it over his shoulder. He bites his lip as he stares at his feet, still terrified despite his resolve. ]

Good point.

[ He nods, straightening himself. No turning back now. ]

We... May want to consider finding new clothes. It'll be more convincing if our uniforms are on our "replacements" to add authenticity at first glance.

[ Despite the sinking feeling in his gut, 9S follows behind 2B. In the dead of night, most of the resistance members have long since powered down for the evening. A bare bones skeleton crew keeps watch, but there's nothing suspicious of their yoRHa guests coming in and out. Once they've gained distance towards the Amusement Park, 9S keeps silent. He's not sure what to do or say that won't come off strange right now. He probably won't until this is over with, and that seems to scare him even more. What is he doing? Where will they go?

When he feels a tightening in his throat, he quickly grabs 2B's hand. If she wants to deny him it, it's fine. But he's trembling like a goddamn leaf. ]

[ 2B's logistics systems compile and assess the ways this could go wrong as she walks, but she does her best not to think of such things. She's never been one for planning, anyhow, so maybe acting on the fly would be best. She can practically feel 9S' misgivings radiating off of him, but she says nothing of it; if he wants to talk about them with her, he will. She has the utmost faith in him in that regard. ]

Good call. Maybe we can find something in the park. [ 2B recalls finding old jewelry and even scraps of clothing in the Amusement Park; it's not so far out of the realm of possibility that they could find something to replace their YoRHa-issued clothing. It's fortunate that she's never been one to care for appearances, as well, since she knows that there's a high chance that they'll look ridiculous before the night is over.

As they walk in silence, 2B's mind calms, her visor scanning the area for potential hostiles. While the heat signatures of machine lifeforms glower ominously in the distance, their path to the Amusement Park is relatively clear; it's just as 2B is about to draw her weapon as a precaution that 9S reaches for her hand, causing her to halt momentarily.

Rather than deny him, she smoothly interlocks her fingers with his, pressing their palms together as they walk. She can feel him shaking, and she says nothing at first, content to just lead him by the hand as they walk towards their goal. When she does speak, her voice is soft. Gentle. ]

... There's nothing to worry about if we're together.

[ He hopes, so very much, that what he discovers isn't nearly as shattering as he feels it will be. But hope only goes so far, and it doesn't do 9S any favors as they walk through the silence. It seems as if their distance towards their dedication is further than normal. The world seems so much larger, yet smaller when it comes to realizing how easily they could be caught and killed. He can't be sure of any of this, but 2B has put so much faith in him. He can't fail her.

2B has expressed herself differently in the act of intimacy, so 9S is still rather surprised when she so quickly takes his hand without question. He exhales a soft sort of sound, shocked yet comforted by the gesture as he looks down to see their hands delicately tangled together. Her palm is warm, grip firm, and while 9S is absolutely doubtful and horrified?

Her voice. Her resolve as she holds his hand? Everything that she carries for him seems to make everything around them fade. 9S' eyes are shrouded behind his combat visor, but they gleam hopeful and comforted as he looks at her. How she has such an effect on him when his memories of her are so minimal alludes him. But he's done questioning that. All of his answers will come soon.

For now, he smiles at her, hopeful and exuding gratitude and care for her. He squeezes her hand in return, the trembling in his grasp completely gone. Never has 9S felt so whole. It's as if his loneliness is gone, and all he needs is 2B to fulfill that gap he'd felt in his chest for so long. ]

Yeah. And... And we'll always be together.

[ The reach their destination soon enough, finding themselves back in that broken down theater that is still filled with the corpses of so many sacrificed androids. Their cause seems so disgusting when realizing they had met such a cruel demise beforehand. Does his make them monsters? Cruel?

Another question he isn't in the spot to answer right now. They eventually find disfigured enough androids to fit the bill. And 9S is the first to drag the body of his replacement to the center of the room. It feels dirty, heavy, but this is the only way they'll earn time.

He rests on his knees. Silent as he gets straight to work. ]

This is the easy part. Shouldn't take me long to ID them.

[ 2B is braced for the worst, though she knows that there won't be any such thing as perfect conditions for defecting. In all senses, this is the best case scenario for her; 9S is here as support, both literally and figuratively. She knows that the success of this operation hinges on him, and that no matter what, he won't be able to disappoint her. Failure isn't on her mind simply because it isn't an option. Not with 9S around.

She notes his surprise but doesn't comment on it, feeling the way his hand subtly twitches in hers as they walk. She keeps her grasp on him tight and certain, leading the way and releasing his hand only to dispatch any machines that happen to hop into their path. Even then, she always returns, shifting her hand back into his and leading him to their destination.

2B can feel the faith he has in her, and it tears her apart. While she knows that this is necessary for the both of them, she can't help but wonder at the fallout that's going to occur once he finds out her true designation. She feels dread, but also a certain sense of anticipation; there will be no more secrets between them and, come what may, 2B takes solace in that fact.

What he says pierces her straight through the chambers of her artificial heart, all at once so sweet and devastating. She looks over her shoulder at him, head hung slightly low. ]

... Yeah.

[ They reach the Amusement Park quickly enough, and it isn't long until they reach the arena where they faced Simone. It feels like an entire lifetime ago, and for 9S, she knows that he likely feels it in the literal sense. When they locate the corpses that fit the bill, 2B wastes no time in positioning hers next to 9S', close enough to make it look like they were caught by the same trap. She doesn't hesitate as she begins to start stripping down, leaving her visor for last as he works on affixing their IDs onto the corpses.

She dresses the corpse as best as she can, dirtying up and tearing her skirt and clothing in places to make it look convincing. She stands back as 9S does whatever it is that he needs to do, completely nude as she watches him, arms folded across her chest. The chill of the night air registers upon her nerve receptors, but she makes no outward show of discomfort even as she begins to stalk through the ruins of the opera house, searching for clothes or some other such substitute. Finding none, she decides to get creative: she pulls down one of the low, dusty curtains hanging upon the stage, tearing it up into android-sized strips. ]

[ It seems that the night continues to crawl away devastatingly slow. While 9S' resolve is set in place by the company of 2B, he can't help that persistent feeling of dread and fear of the unknown. He can't be certain if this will work, if he'll succeed, and that's only because this goes completely against his purpose and programming. But when 9S reminds himself that the truth is there, that there is something better with 2B and him far away from YoRHa? There's no arguing it.

Replacing the IDs of their replacements is an easy feat, a simple hacking procedure that leads to changing the main identity settings and registration work in their favor. 9S assigns the designation IDs of himself and 2B upon the deactivated, fried android corpses. And when the deed is done, he unceremoniously stands and begins to disrobe.

The rest of it's mechanical. 9S may feel a slight tinge of embarrassment to be nude outside of this situation, but it seems that his stone-cold resolve has taken a front seat. He removes his clothing to its entirety, down to his boots, placing every last part that covers him onto the dead body. Working a detail of destroying his clothes in random places takes little to no time at all, and he stands back to observe their handiwork with a heavy sigh. ]

Well, no turning back now.

[ The fear kicks back in, though he doesn't outwardly show it. Once 2B has began to busy herself with making use of the curtains, he turns to face her. ]

I'll start with me first. Keep watch as a precaution. I don't know if this might fire off a beacon in the Bunker. Might... Be a while.

[ And he might not make it out of this. Nor her. 9S tries to keep his resolve in place as he takes one last look at her, because he can't be sure how this will end. The fact that 2B has such undying faith in him keeps him standing as tall as he can, lips pressed in a fine line. ]

If it doesn't work...

[ I'm sorry. ]

It'll work. I'll make sure of it.

[ Though 2B speaks evenly, she can't deny the doubt that pervades her thoughts. Her hands keep themselves busy as she fashions crude coverings both for herself and 9S, draping the old, dusty fabric around herself and tying it in place. It looks ridiculous, but it doesn't matter; 2B keeps it at a short length in favor of mobility, and she strides over to 9S in order to drape it over his shoulders while he works. ]

... Right.

[ 2B materializes her blade, standing at 9S' back and keeping an eye on both the door and the ceiling. Without her visor, environmental information gathering is notably more difficult; all she has to rely on are her eyes and her NFCS, as well as any information her Pod feeds her. She keeps her eyes sharp and her hearing even sharper, grip tight on the hilt of Virtuous Contract as she shifts her gaze around the room.

As 9S works, 2B is plagued with myriad thoughts of how this will play out. Even if YoRHa were to drop in on them now, she's confident that they'd be able to take them on; really, it would only be the first of a million times they'll likely have to strike down their former comrades once they're branded as traitors. As a combat model, the thought almost excites her... but she knows that 9S likely feels differently.

Best case scenario, she lives on in infamy like A2, untouchable and dangerous. She knows that that isn't an option for 9S, though; as an invaluable Scanner model, he's far too precious to allow to slip away. It's because of this that 2B strengthens her own resolve.

This is going to work simply by virtue of the fact that she doesn't have any other options. ]

[ No turning back.

Those are the words that 9S repeats over and over again in his mind as he drops to his knees and settles back on the ground. Naked, save for the cloth that 9S has deposited upon his shoulder for later attention. He says nothing else once 2B turns her back to watch the door. The process daunting, its consequences unknown, 9S sighs as he accesses his OS in favor of prodding through his software.

9S activates safe mode, shutting off his connection temporarily to the network. It shouldn't seem off if it comes across as routine maintenance, and so he hides behind that shroud. The soft whisper of his entire body powering down would introduce that the process has started. His head falls slack, chin touching his collar while his eyes shut.

There's surprisingly less of a struggle than he previously anticipated, though that may be owed to a sudden resolve in knowing this is their reality now. As he travels within his own consciousness, time passes far enough for him to face this simply as another mission. That fearful look in his face seems to disappear for the time being once he finally disables his connection to the Bunker. Quietly and without error, 9S initiates his own reformatting, deleting any protocol functions set in place by Command. The immediate release of discovered data, his automatic connections to the operator in favor of routine contact, everything.

As he grazes through what's left, 9S comes across a final setting. It's written in code that makes little to no sense, much like his contingency. Although, he hadn't put it there. This doesn't look like anything he could build in. It makes no sense, he's not sure what he's turning off, but the second he does...

9S is hit with a visual barrage of download alerts, his visuals crowded with progress bad after progress bar. In his silence, he can only marvel at this and question himself. What... What's going on? What is all this? Files that had been hidden in an unknown drive?

They all flood in. Each memory like a heavy weight thrown in his arms to be piled up higher and higher. Those messages become images, video-like recollections that all seem to star a particular android, who's name he'd plastered all over his own OS.

2B.

Suddenly, the feelings of deja vu start to make sense. When he realizes this is every single moment he'd shared with 2B, he becomes angry in knowing Command had hidden these from him. These are his memories, considered property to someone else and how dare someone rob him of the one thing he can--

She kills him.

She smiles at him in so many memories. It's soft, almost nonexistent, but enough that he can feel it and notice it. 2B had been by his side for so much longer than he had known, and something hopeful and warm had sparked in his chest until the recollection of his demise took stage.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six times. Six murders by 2B's hand, all of which start out seemingly cold-blooded and merciless, yet become quicker and less painful each time. As if she'd grown soft to him. 9S is frozen in terror to what he witnesses, because it seems each killing comes on after he learns more about the humans.

Humans.

All of it floods in. Disaster after disaster. Data collections with his designation plastered all over it. Files he never remembered making because they reformatted him so many times. The moon is empty, piled with supplies that no human will ever consume because they've been dead for years. The Council of Humanity is nothing more than a figurehead. Working in the likes of a deity who does nothing but its followers function as if it sees all.

It all makes sense.

The truth is a weight 9S never truly thought he would carry. It bogs him down and threatens to suffocate him while he's stuck within the mental confines of safe mode. He wants to be angry. At YoRHa. At 2B. At the humans. But as everything floods in and shrouds him, everything comes full circle and he realizes his loyalty is a giant waste. They're all lambs to a slaughter. Meant for nothing more than killing machines and being killed.

Perhaps this was the only option.

9S shelves his feelings in favor of finishing the job. His resolve has him desperate to be with 2B, despite her orders. Perhaps it's a coping mechanism, or a desperation to move on and not be alone in this. But he repeats "it's her programming" as if that will make it better. Because he doesn't want to hate her. He doesn't want to be scared of her. If he tells himself he isn't, then he isn't. Right?

It's done. 9S finds it easier to sever his connection to the Bunker for good once his hands hold everything he'd earned. He deactivates safe mode, restarting his systems where his eyes suddenly open and soft clicks follow the very stiff, robotic-like posture adjust as his head lifts back up. 9S takes a sharp inhale, as if he'd held his breath the whole time. He's pale. Eyes glazed over. But with him disconnected, the timer starts. 9S shelves every feeling he has in favor of calling for 2B, his voice stern. ]

It's done. I need you to power down into safe mode immediately. We don't have time.

Edited 2017-04-22 16:52 (UTC)

[ When 9S powers down, 2B remains close, left to her own thoughts and the sound of her internals whirring and keeping equilibrium. An almost deathly calm settles over the empty amphitheater, her grip on her blade assured and steady. She swings it a few times, testing its weight in spite of the literal years she's had it by her side, waiting. Waiting for YoRHa operatives to come bursting forth from any direction at any second. Waiting for 9S to reawaken and complete his job. Waiting for some other gigantic machine lifeform to come lumbering in, ruining all of their work up to this point.

Waiting for the worst, or the best. She isn't sure.

2B hears 9S reboot before she sees it, the subtle shift in his voice enough to clue her in to the fact that he's likely seen... everything. She should have expected it, honestly; it would have been foolish to expect that the latest in his line of Scanner types wouldn't leave behind some sort of hidden information cache for himself to retrieve later. She wonders if Command had considered the possibility even as she does as she's bade, unquestioning. She can grill him on everything he's found out later. As she lowers herself to her knees, she powers down, rebooting into safe mode.

While all 2B can see is blackness, 9S should be able to see everything that makes her... well, her. Her memories of him, of 6O, of the rest of the unit that had been shot down in her descent to earth. While the majority of her surface-level functions are labeled with the designation of 2B, everything that requires a higher level of security clearance is marked with the nomination 2E, giving insight to what her true function at 9S' side is.

Every burden she shoulders is laid bare before him, should he choose to seek them out. Memories of sleepless nights, of shedding tears in solitude, of staring up into a slate grey sky, alone. Every memory of meeting him, over and over, burned bright and permanent into the showreel of her consciousness.

2B knows what she risks in allowing him access to this, and honestly, part of her had considered the possibility of him killing her once he learned the truth. She accepts this possibility openly as she grants him access to every feasible part of her, eager to be at his side in whatever way possible. ]

[ Perhaps it's just the overall tone of the situation, or the fact that it's so dire that 9S doesn't allow what he's found to slow him down. There are questions, sure. Doubts. Fears. But 9S has to table all of that to make sure the mission is complete. To put himself last, so that they might get out of this alive and unscathed. Unseen by YoRHa. 9S' terror is very much there, but the instant 2B is powered down and vulnerable, he knows he has absolutely no time at all to become slow and hesitant.

The process is only easier with 2B in the sense that he knows what he's doing now. With a quick, expert hand, he's got complete access to her. To her files, her functions, everything that makes her tick.

... The thought of ending her passes his mind only for a half a second. 9S immediately abandons that, his own conscience telling him that isn't the answer.

It seems that he locates much of her personal side to everything soon after he finds her designation. Of knowing that his theory was correct, and 2B... 2E had been created for the sole purpose of killing him every time he'd found something damning to the cause. Where 9S wants to seethe and cry, he's greeted with the image of 2B doing it instead. Nights where she'd stared at him powered down for the night, nights where she'd stared upon his corpse while her hands were covered in his vitals.

He gets it. Logically. The reason why they had been designated for this persistent, horrific cycle, but he hates it. 9S tries so very hard to keep himself from losing his mentality, from getting lost in his sadness and fear in favor of just getting this over with. How the hell are they supposed to endure all of this now? After the blissful ignorance is gone and the disgusting truth is laid bare?

No. No, prioritize the mission. Questions later.

9S succeeds in completely reformatting 2B's processes and connection to the Bunker within half the time it had taken for himself. Her ties to YoRHa severed, her entire system jail-broken in favor of making her a clean slate still containing the memories and files she'd gained. 9S quickly powers 2B back up, and part of him wants to break away and just run so he doesn't have to look at her.

But.

But it was just her programming. It was just her programming. 2B was just as hurt as he is now. Has been for years he can't... ]

It's done.

[ 9S' voice cracks again, and he keeps his gaze focused on his lower half as he quickly wraps the cloth she had given him around her waist. ]

Edited 2017-04-23 05:19 (UTC)

[ 2B can only imagine how 9S must feel, but she doesn't question him. There will be time to talk and recover later. As he works, she's practically dead to the world. He could just as easily dismantle her and bind her from the inside, turning her over to YoRHa for deserting, if he really wanted to. Or he could just kill her and end the cycle that way.

In all honesty, 2B wouldn't blame him.

When she powers back on, her systems flickering to life and catching the tail end of the crack in his voice. It registers all the same, and she knows better than to look up at him as he covers himself. She nods in acknowledgement, feeling slightly disjointed; though she knows her connection to Command was devoid of sound or indication of its existence, 2B feels as if she's missing something. She feels untethered, in a sense, though her feet are firmly planted upon the ground as she stands, slightly woozy. ]

... Right.

[ She knows that even more remains unsaid between them now that he's likely brushed up against her memories, but she knows that this isn't the time or the place for questions of that nature. ] We need to move. Fast. [ 2B makes for the door, blade still in hand as she tosses 9S a sideways glance over her shoulder. ]

I don't think we should stay in the area for too long. Unless you have someplace specific in mind, I'm just going to ask Pod to point us in the direction of a place with the fewest number of android lifeforms.

[ Her speech is stilted, even more mechanical than usual. It's clear that she has a few things on her mind, as she knows 9S does. Part of her feels the need to allay his fears, though she doesn't understand why. It takes her several minutes, but when she speaks again, it's soft. ]

I'm not going to let anything happen to you.

[ It was just her programming...

He'll have to hang onto that mantra for a long time, he thinks. 9S feels so damn foggy once everything is said and done, and despite how dire the situation is? He can't bring himself to feel that sense of urgency anymore. It's like he's trying to numb himself to everything, to slow his mentality down so he can try to understand 2B's perspective in all this. He does. So why does this feel so off? So hurtful?

9S had long-since reformatted the Pods to continue their support in lieu of their disconnection to the Bunker. Any protocol to report or recommend reporting desertion is completely removed from their key functions. They both hover close to their androids, as if nothing happened. Even if they're aware of what's occurred.

He has to think of where to go, but he halts at 2B's gentle promise. The evidence of his discovering everything is clear on his face... But repeating that mantra in his head brings an understanding smile. Weak as it may be. He nods. ]

Yeah.

[ She won't. She won't, 9S. This is why they've done what they've done. So this doesn't have to happen anymore and they can just be happy and alone together. He purses his lips as he tries to regain that resolve, his own sword appearing from thin air into his hand. His grip is tight along the handle. 9S swallows thickly before looking to his pod. ]

Pod, locate an area with minimal to no reception. Prioritize areas with no android signals.

Acknowleded. Current location matching search filters supports the Forest Zone as best result. Marking location on map.

[ It's where they had located A2, but he supposes this makes sense. A2 is no longer connected to the Bunker herself, and it's not like they haven't faced her before. 9S says nothing once they leave the area, the two of them seemingly focused on running as quickly as they can. 9S doesn't focus right away on the consequences that may come. As if he's shut down to cope and succeed in their mission before any thoughts can plague him.

His mind still goes back and forth, even after days have passed since their escape.

It's morning. Early. While nearly a week has gone since their decision to sever ties with YoRHa, 9S is surprised they've yet to run into any pursuers. He's forever thankful for Pod 153, who seems to be on top of any warnings as days go by. It's... Strange. Since their cutting off from the Bunker, it's like his Pod has developed a personality of its own. Almost... Caring and concerned. It often does routine scans without request on his behalf, and they're more than just status reports. His Pod checks his mental and physical integrity at least every hour. It would be annoying to him if he hadn't felt that the care put upon him was genuine.

Still, he kindly requests that it tone down on the checks. 9S is on his own for now, just a few clicks outside of Pascal's village where they've taken temporary refuge. Old, tattered leather gloves squeak as his fingers tighten around an old, long-deactivated machine to pry its panel open. He digs for supplies. Parts. Building a collection in case it's necessary. ]

I get why you're prioritizing that, but it's not necessary, Pod. I'm fine.

Acknowledged. Rebuttal: Unit: 9S appears to have had a significant decline in morale in recent days. This Pod prioritizes the integrity and well-being of its assigned Unit. Frequent checks and proposals may increase likelihood of longer activation time, and would alleviate any need for questioning.

[ 9S rises to his feet, staring to his Pod as he places his found parts into his bag. Along the way, they'd obtained suitable clothing for their travel. He dons an outfit vastly different from his uniform, yet just as efficient. Form-fitting, dark jeans tucked into black boots keep him warm during the cold nights and protected in their travels. His top is modest, an old, loose-fitting brown tee that's coupled with a long sleeve shirt beneath. A large, spotted scarf is wrapped loosely around his neck, the ends curtailing behind him. The smallest touch of a thin leather strap is wrapped around his neck in the form of a decorative choker. Seems he'd been adjusted to the one he had before. Fashion isn't necessary, but he couldn't help it.

He purses his lips when his Pod essentially admits to worrying about him. He sighs, reaching up to pat his Pod affectionately along its side panel. ]

I'm not going to argue with hard data. But I promise I'm fine. I'm dealing with it.

[ Honestly, he could stand to be a bit more open with 2B. As the days have passed, he's... Surprisingly been too uncomfortable to bring up what he had found. He's seemed keen on just living with her, in being close because he realizes he still feels happy around her. That he has this never-ending need for her validation and attention. That means he isn't scared of her, right? That he doesn't despise her because she didn't want to suffer through the cycle anymore...

Right? ]

C'mon. Let's head back.

[ Staying out alone isn't the best idea anyway, even if he's still close enough to 2B that he's safe. 9S turns his heel towards the bridge entering the Machine Village without much time passing at all. His boots click along the metal paneling to the walkway, gaze glazed over even as his machine neighbors greet him. He hates staying here, hates being surrounded by machines he's so sure could turn on them any minute, but he's respectful. Because Pascal has provided supplies and shelter, even in knowing YoRHa could find them and target everyone. Surprisingly, that hasn't happened. But they should leave soon.

He says nothing to no one, climbing up into the small little room set aside for them. 9S pulls his bag from over his shoulder, lowering it next to 2B. ]

Some extra parts in case we're in need of replacements. Not exactly keen on the idea, but we'll have to do maintenance in more creative ways if the need arises. No access to the Resistance and all.

[ He should talk to her. About all of this... ]

Edited 2017-04-23 15:12 (UTC)

[ The past week feels like it's gone by in a whirlwind; 2B barely remembers arriving in the machine village, though Pascal had graciously welcomed the both of them with open arms. Procuring a new change of clothes hadn't been difficult, as they hadn't been the first pair of defectors to find shelter with the benign machines. 2B is dressed simply in a small, black shift and a pair of thigh high stockings with ankle boots, favoring the wide range of movement that the short hem of the dress provides her. She knows that remaining in the village is almost akin to inviting danger to find both them and their machine allies, and while she's grown accustomed to living in the room provided for the both of them, she knows they have to leave soon.

While 9S is out hunting for parts, 2B is in their room. Their chipsets have been optimized, their weapons maintained, and their inventory restocked. 2B finds herself with a rare moment to herself, sitting upon the edge of her bed as she stares into the relative darkness of their shared room, mulling over their options.

She knows that a discussion is due to take place between herself and 9S, but she hardly knows how to initiate it. Her own Pod has commented on her internal stress levels, but thus far she's dismissed these concerns outright, focusing instead on gathering supplies and keeping 9S safe. While androids technically don't need to sleep, she hasn't rested since their arrival, keeping vigil over 9S while he powers down for the night.

Maybe it's because of their severed connection to the Bunker, but 2B finds herself to be tired. Her system files have become fragmented over the course of the last few days, resulting in inefficient processing and dullness of her sensation receptors. Leaning her temple against the wall, 2B allows her eyes to slide shut. ]

Pod. [ She calls softly, her voice hoarse. ] Initiate defragmentation procedures.

Understood. Initiating maintenance processes.

[ 2B doesn't argue when her Pod begins to perform maintenance to the other functions it can access; 9S is, ultimately, the only one who can strip her down to brass tacks and perform full maintenance to her now that their connection to the Bunker is severed. 2B allows herself to breathe deeply, her eyes shut as her Pod compacts her files, reorganizing their fragments into contiguous spaces.

The process is relatively quick, but 2B doesn't move when it ends. She allows herself to sag against the wall even as she hears 9S footsteps up to their room, his voice reaching her ears as she rests. She opens her eyes slowly to look up at him, her face weary and drawn. ]

... Good call. I'll get more once these outlive their usefulness. [ She says, straightening. ] We should probably move on soon. I don't want to repay Pascal's kindness by getting his village wiped off the map.

[ Restless sleep isn't a thing that exists with androids. When 9S powers down, he completely powers down, recharging and gaining strength for the next morning. But that doesn't mean he feels rested, and his similar stresses have quickly evolved to what he might consider to be depression. Something close to it, at least. He's not sure. He gets up, does as he's needed, stays by 2B's side and conducts routine maintenance for her...

Without sounding ridiculous? It's the most robotic he's ever felt.

This isn't a way to live. But he isn't sure how to seek happiness with their severed ties from YoRHa. Hadn't they left to be together? To be happy as partners? He can't be certain if this is owed to an underlying fear of knowing what 2B was made for, or if it's simply owed to being blissfully unaware for so many years. 9S remembers every moment they've had together now, thanks to the retrieval of so many backdated files that had been hidden away. But he still can't help but feel he's been absent for so long. It's like the memories aren't even his.

With a nod, he takes a seat beside her. With the room as small as it is, they're afforded one bed to share. It's spacious enough, but 9S has managed to power down before he can even register 2B lying beside him. As if the experience is too painful to take in. But he sits close this time nonetheless. ]

I've already located a few potential places to take refuge in. They're marked on our map. Leaving at night might serve us better, so... Guess tonight's the time.

[ He pauses, looking to 2B. It's still so strange consistently regarding her without the shrouds of their combat visors. It's almost as if she's exposed, that he's exposed. Their eyes can so easily lock and read each other, all while feelings can be laid bare so easily. He can tell that 2B is tired, and something about that destroys him. How is it that he can harbor a fear and uncertainty, all while still being hopelessly in love with her? 9S is concerned, but torn. And that only seeks to make him sadder.

What is he supposed to do? What is she supposed to do? She'd gone so long killing him because she had to, now they've become traitors and she's absolutely due for termination. Because of him.

He should talk to her. Ask questions. It's what he does best but for once, it's like he doesn't want the answers anymore. ]

2B, I...

[ He looks to his knees, expression solemn and exhausted. ]

When... You said you loved me...

[ It hurts saying it. Because those words fell from her lips just seconds before her sword pierced him that final time. He can still feel it, it seems, and his hand instinctively presses to his chest. ]

Did you mean it?

[ It's probably for the best that having a bad night's sleep isn't a possibility for them, as 2B likely feels that she'd be worse off for now. When he sits beside her, she shifts slightly to give him more room on the tiny bed that they share, her head still pressed against the coolness of the wall as she listens to him. ]

Good. I'll let Pascal know. [ Her voice is low and soft, and she can feel the tension that seems to coil around the both of them. The air is thick with words left unsaid, and 2B allows herself to look to his face, his expression riddled with fatigue and worry. It takes him a while to speak again, but when he does, his words hit her square in the gut.

If she'd been more like her Operator, she likely would have jumped to reassure him. To be effusive in her expressions of affection. If she'd had a more open, bubbly personality, she likely would have tripped over herself to reassure 9S of her love for him.

But she isn't. Her personality is, by default, cool and detached. It's because of this that she slowly, quietly shifts closer to him, gently sloping her neck so that her head rests against the side of his.

When 2B finally speaks, it's low. Quiet. ]

I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it. [ She murmurs, looking into the space before them with half-masted eyes. She notes the way his hand covers the place where she'd pushed her blade through, and she wants to take it into his. She doesn't. 2B can't change the fact that she'd done this to him. ] I wouldn't... be here. If I didn't mean it.

[ Her voice is suddenly thick, though she doesn't weep. Instead, she leans against him, tired. ]

Knowing what you know now... Is it alright for me to feel that way about you?

[ Her response is surprising, but hardly shocking. 9S very vividly recalls her expression of love for him before it all ended. 2B is not the type to lean on lip service, and it's not that he expects her to retract the statement so much as he... Can't wrap his head around it. Tie that all in with everything that has happened, and 9S is the most baffled and lost he ever has been. And that makes a Scanner model like himself feel so out of place and broken.

Still, he hangs onto it. With everything uncertain in terms of his thoughts and feelings about 2B and their history, that emotional side of him forever clings to the want and need to be loved and seen. Emotions are prohibited because they so easily get in the way, but 9S finds himself more in need of them than ever. When she confirms it, he feels a comfort that he instantly becomes addicted and attached to. It's as if it takes hold of his uncertainties and hides them away. When 9S feels that, he doesn't want to feel anything else.

So he ignores all the other feelings in favor of it. Including the feelings of fear and doubt. If he feels love for 2B, and she feels love for him, nothing else should matter.

He hums to himself, as if agreeing with himself in his internal dialogue. As 2B rests her head against his, he scoots closer, allowing their shoulders to press flush against one another. ]

Mm.

[ It's not an answer. Because for some reason, he can't answer it. Not fully. It's vague, open-ended, but 2B can likely draw some sort of conclusion by the way he turns his head to press his nose along her cheek, his brow against her temple. 9S closes his eyes and simply takes in the warmth that she provides. Clinging to it, pretending nothing else exists. ]

[ 2B barely understands it herself. She just knows that it's a feeling that's done nothing but grown and grown the longer she stays by his side, with no hope of fading. She's felt displaced ever since she realized the feelings she holds for him, the impulses actively conflicting with her purpose.

Similarly, 2B holds onto the feeling, too. It's apparently strong enough to lead her to defect, to go against her programming and everything she'd been created for. She clings to those feelings like a lifeline, just as terrified and worried as 9S, though she absolutely doesn't show it. The only certainty she has lies in her feelings for him, and while she's sure enough of them to undertake this insane plan, she wonders if they're enough for him.

At 9S' acknowledgement, 2B remains silent. She hesitates before turning her head to face his, pressing their brows together and nuzzling the tip of her nose against his.

She remains there, quietly, taking his hands in hers. There's nothing she can say, so she lapses into silence. ]

[ He recalls everything. And so, he recalls the blissful ignorance he'd had for so many years after each reformat. The excitement he'd always felt when meeting her, the seemingly instant desire for her attention and validation. It's as if he'd been programmed for her, built for her while also being built to bring all the answers. It's both beautiful and painful, and 9S just can't seem to settle with any of it. But he finds ease in just surrounding himself with her.

He wants her to smother him. To make him forget everything else in favor of just knowing there're in love and ran away for it. He could live in this tragedy knowing he isn't alone, and as those thoughts of doubt and fear try so hard to come back? He clings harder.

In their mutual silence, 9S leans forward, hesitant at first. His grip to her hands becomes immediately tight, head tilting just briefly before a pause. And then his mind starts to tempt him with ignoring everything else. In inching forwards the need to provoke her. Smother him. Smother these thoughts and rid him of this horrible pain.

He doesn't think of how hard he consumes her lips when he does. 9S devours them, the kiss both passionate and fierce, though it's slow to start. If only to silence his mind. ]

Edited 2017-04-23 21:29 (UTC)

[ it really did feel like they were meant for each other in all senses; their bodies, minds, and purposes all complementing one another. It was a double edged sword in the best and worst sense; they were night and day, hunter and quarry. 2B, similarly, is calmed by his presence, her fears put at ease and her worries laid to rest.

2B knows that they can't keep avoiding this forever. She knows that his question holds even more weight than it appears to, and it echoes in her mind, it's implications devastating and cruel.

When his grasp of her hands tightens, 2B blinks, opening her eyes to look at his face. She watches as he tilts his head, almost inquisitive in the way she looks at him, blinking.

Though part of her is expecting it, 2B is still caught by surprise when he crushes his lips against hers, hard and desperate. She makes a noise, her eyes hesitating to close before she returns it, lips parting in order to grant his tongue entry, if he so desires. She takes nothing from the kiss, only inviting him to do whatever he wills as she laces her fingers with his own. ]

[ With his memories in tact and where they should be, 9S can look back on their past... Couplings. Some more violent than the last, carrying a variety that had always seemed to have an innocent intention behind them. At least on 9S' end. Where he'd once craved her to dominate him purely out of an unknown preference for it, now it's... Different. 9S doesn't quite think upon it, but it's certainly as if he's meant to be completely and utterly destroyed by her. Regardless of their abandoning the cause and their reason for activation, their priorities remain much the same.

He doesn't catch on her surprise, or even her hesitation. 9S moves forward as if he's a freight train with absolutely no stopping in sight. Even if it's slow at first, his persistence is rather clear in his enthusiastic press of himself against her. Their fingers lace and interlock, tight in grip for the time being when their lips part in tandem. 9S tangles his tongue with her own, a force of passion and need behind every flick and movement of his lips. He only let's go of one hand in favor of cupping her cheek. The gesture is brief, affectionate, just before his head tilts to deepen the kiss and those fingers find purchase in her hair.

They've done this so many times before, but it's almost as if it's the first time again. His memories are there, but it's as if they aren't his. Like some other 9S model lived through them and he's merely borrowing the sentiment that comes with all this. He struggles in desperation to quiet his head and when it doesn't let up, he pushes into her. 9S isn't nearly as strong as 2B, but he gathers enough gusto in his agony to attempt pushing her to the bed. If he succeeds, he'll crawl over her, drag his hands across every curve that he can touch. Because if that quiets his head, maybe he'll finally find some reprieve.

This isn't right. How he's going about this isn't right. But he just... Can't stop. ]

[ Though it had struck her as strange in the beginning, 2B has found herself marveling at how easily 9S gives way to her. It's almost as if he enjoys her devastating him, both physically and mentally, and part of it kills her. She never thought that programming would work against him just as it works for her; it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for Command to install such a devastating deficiency in its prized Scanner model, and it makes her want to rally against the gods that created them all the more.

It's because of this that 2B gives in to him, allowing him to take what he must even if it leaves her with nothing. She's spent enough time taking from him, and it's high time he did the same to her. The slow, gradual buildup of his movements hurts for some reason, but his enthusiasm makes up for it. Her tongue is gentle where his becomes desperate, warm and wet and ultimately loving in its gentle laving. As he cups her cheek, 2B melts... only to gasp when his fingers find her hair.

The movement is rough, but not unwelcome. 2B gives beneath his weight, knowing full well she can overpower him if she wanted, but finding that the desire to do so simply isn't there. Her shift rides up her lower belly with the movement, exposing the fact that she isn't wearing anything underneath it. She'd left her usual undergarments on the corpse in the Amusement Park, and hasn't since found a replacement. If she feels bashful towards this, she doesn't show it. Instead, she gently grips his hand, returning his kisses with a furrowed brow and a slow gentleness, knowing as damn well as he does that this isn't right.

But she wants to give it to him, if it's what he wants. It's because of this that she shifts underneath him, undoing the front of his pants with her free hand, arching into his hand as it roves across her body. ]

[ With such a small amount of room afforded to them, it very quickly fills with the sounds of wet, hungry passion coupled with the shift of thick fabric. It quiets the voices, the cries telling him that this is all for nothing. That the cycle will continue and he's nothing more than a burden on her. That he can't trust her. 9S feels the ache in his very being begin to subside as 2B is forced beneath him, seemingly melting into the bed. Their sudden shift and closeness has very quickly rustled their clothing, exposing 2B enough that he can feel her warmth bleed through his jeans. He moans into her mouth, calmed in knowing this settles the restlessness.

Instantly, he's addicted. 9S has found the solution, and he's keen to stick with it. Little does he know that it's merely a bandaid to a fatal wound.

She grabs his hand, he lets himself be guided. As her shift exposes her lower half, a greedy palm seeks to push it entirely over her chest, bunching it at her collar. 9S flicks his tongue along the roof of her mouth, marveling the ridges past her teeth until they retract. He bites her lip, pulling the mock flesh before breaking away with the crane of his neck. He exhales, shakingly, realizing that he's very quickly become incredibly hard. Yes. Everything else can fade in favor of that. His need is all he should focus on. Fucking 2B until he's completely out of energy is all he needs.

She'll stay with him. He'll stay with her. Because she's all he needs and screw everything else. This... This is all they need because it fixes everything.

9S arches his back in favor of her unbuttoning his pants, only hiking his pace where he immediately buries his face in her neck and drags his tongue along the chord. Greedy hands take her breasts, squeeze and push while he twitches in anticipation to be disrobed. 2B is generous where 9S is suddenly insatiable, fingers trapping the sensitive bud of her nipples between them and squeezing.

There is absolutely no warning as he bites into her pulse. He wastes no time, and it's pretty clear that he doesn't want to go slow. At least not anymore. ]

[ 2B responds, but does little by way of initiating their next movements; she senses that 9S needs this, and she isn't about to deny him that. Her guilt dictates the way she kisses him, and it destroys her; she wonders if she'd still act this way if he didn't remember everything she's ever done to him. While she thinks so, she isn't in a position to rightly say and she knows it. When he moans, she kisses him a little bit deeper, seeking to swallow more of his sounds.

2B doesn't make any noise. She can't bring herself to. Her body, efficient as ever, has already initiated the processes to prepare her for what she knows is coming. Warmth pools, sticky and sweet between her legs as he exposes her torso fully, and while she gives a soft grunt of discomfort as his teeth scrape against her lower lip, she doesn't fight him. 2B is almost relieved as he buries his face in the crook of her neck, allowing her to stare up at the ceiling as the hand that successfully undid his jeans finds the back of his head.

Her fingers lightly tangle in his hair as he frees both of his hands in favor of squeezing and kneading her breasts, a soft, short noise building at the back of her throat in response. 2B uses her free hand to work his pants down his hips, catching a glimpse of his need-- she wonders how long he's been this hard-- and wasting no time in lightly grasping it, pumping her fingers up and down its length. It's around then that he bites down into her neck, prompting her to hiss.

2B squeezes his cock in retaliation, but doesn't do much more than that. Craning her neck upwards, she presses her lips to his shoulder, ghosting light kisses along its surface before taking the skin between her teeth, suckling and biting him in return. If it's what he wants, then she'll give it to him. ]

[ It's quiet. It becomes so quiet that 9S realizes he's been in physical pain this entire week. The pain had increased over time, the voices in his head louder and louder. Goading him to abandon this, to end... Everything in favor of all of this just going away but this...

God, this is preferred. Already, the sudden spike of his internal temperature triggers his fans to work in overdrive; a relieving sensation because he feels alive for once. He shivers when her fingers tighten through wefts of white, scalp tingling with the pressure that causes his hips to unintentionally buck well before his pants are down.

Ah, but nothing makes him shiver more than the sudden sensation of her teeth biting down and pulling. It's wet, warm, and the sting brings a hot rush of pleasure through his receptors. They work seemingly harder, as if they're ablaze. 9S hisses against her neck, exhaling another shaken moan that is soft, but saturated in need and lust. 2B's hand finds his length quick, pulling him from the confines of his pants that she gracefully discards.

His hands pry themselves from her breasts, quick to adjust himself. The sudden sensation of her warm, soft fingers squeezing on his cock has him eager for more. Hungry for it. Because it will keep everything silent, and he wants to continue drowning himself in the sounds of fucking her so his thoughts don't come back.

Hn--

[ His mock flesh feels as though it's on fire, with burning pinpricks shooting along his arms and legs. He needs more. With a sudden quickness, his hands reach down, grasping hard at her thighs and working to push them back. 9S seeks to bend her legs over his shoulders, despite their differences in size. His hips roll forward, carrying an immediate sense of urgency that this needs to move forward now. And that much is made extremely clear when he seeks to move himself away from her hand in favor of basically impaling her on first impact. ]

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