My eyes were closed as I embraced Ink. Currently, the artist was sleeping while I was peacefully laying still.

Ink's phone began to make a sound, causing me to go into alert. Ink woke up and grabbed the object.

Ink: Contra is calling me. I'll be right back and stay absolutely quiet.

Me: Okay.

Ink walked into the bathroom before closing the door behind him. Not seconds later, I heard yelling. My curiosity increased as I wanted to know what was happening. I listened to Ink's voice through the door.

Ink: So what if I have him. I love him and he doesn't deserved to be treated like your slave.

He was talking to someone but I couldn't make it out.

Ink: I'm being selfish?! You're the one who's selfish! Where were you when I needed help in school? Where were you when I tried to kill myself? Where were you when I was dying?! You were in your little office. What am I to you?

There was silence from the other end.

Ink: That's what I thought. I'm just your son who also happens to be your failed experiment.

I put my hand on the door handle and realized that it was unlocked. Silently opening the door, I was able to see Ink's face. It honestly scared me a little. Ink had an expression of pure hatred.

I heard the other person speak which caused Ink to become even more pissed. Ink was silent for a minute before angrily inhaling.

Ink: Fine fine. But after this, I'm no longer your son.

He hung up and started walking to the door. I quickly teleported onto the bed so it would look like I wasn't eavesdropping.

Me: So um... what was that about?

Ink: I'm being drafted into the war.

Me: What?!

  Ink nodded as he sat himself on the bed and buried his face into his hands. I put my hand on his back and began rubbing circles on it. As another form of comfort, I pulled Ink against my chest before kissing the back of his head.

Ink: I have to go.

Me: Why?

Ink: Because it's to serve my country. It's one of the reasons why I joined Contra.

Me: Then I'm coming with you.

  I didn't hesitate to say that. If Ink was going someplace dangerous, then I must there to protect him. Besides, my former purpose was to fight in this war.

  Ink didn't argue with me as it was pointless. To make sure that he knew I would always be by his side, I made Ink look at me and pulled him into a kiss. Ink returned it as he buried himself in my turtleneck.

(Time Skip)

  We stood a distance away from the entrance of the Contra building. I was holding Ink's hand with a tight grip. This time, I wasn't going to let them take him away from me.

  They will see that I wasn't some object. I was a person who experienced real emotions and was in love with an artist dubbed as Ink.

Ink: Are you sure about this, Error? They can lock you away.

Me: I am absolutely certain.

  We watched as guards came out of the entrance door. Each were heavily armed with darts filled with the Athenal Oxide, the liquid I hate. I pushed Ink so he was behind me if the guards started to attack.

  They pointed their guns at me but didn't shoot. That's when the leader scientist walked out of the building.

Ink: Dad.

  Ink growled when he saw the man. I put my arm in front of Ink to tell the others that he was protected and if anything happened, they would die.

???: It seems that you have chosen to come back on your own.

Me: I'm with Ink to join the war. Where Ink goes, I go.

  The leader stared at me for a second before speaking once more.

???: What's the catch?

Me: You are to treat me like any other person. I'm not your toy to be played with. And... once this war is over, Ink and I are leaving this fucking hellhole.

  The scientist thought for a minute before looking at us with a slight smile.

???: We have a deal. However, for protection for my own people, you will still wear bands. You will not be locked up but just in case you decide to kill us, there will be something to stop you.

Me: Fair enough.

  The scientist raised his hand to tell the guards to lower their guns. I started to walk up to the entrance with Ink close to me. One of the guards grabbed my hands and strapped the bands around them.

  As we walked through the hallway, I could feel the eyes of people staring at me. Even the cameras on the wall followed my every movement. They didn't trust me, not in the slightest. I wished Ink and I were back in the city. No one looked at me and no one judged me for being artificial intelligence as they didn't know.

  I tightly held Ink's hand as he led me through the halls to rooms that were set up for agents. Ink and I claimed one so we wouldn't have to go back and forth between the apartment and here. Despite the Contra building being bland, the room was surprisingly cozy.

  Sitting on the bed of our new room, I watched Ink as he changed into different clothing. The brown scarf was still there as he never took it off. It was already night by the time we were fully settled. While Ink was drawing in his sketchbook, I stared at the bands around my wrists. Ink noticed.

Ink: Error.

Me: Yes?

Ink: Let me see your wrists. I know how to deactivate the injecting mechanic in those bands.

  I didn't object so Ink was able to immediately start. After a few minutes, there was a click as a green light on each band turned red.

Ink: That's mean that it is deactivated. The chemical is still there but now you don't have to worry about coming into contact with it.

Me: Thank you.

  Ink hummed before returning back to his drawing. I leaned against him as I began to wind down for sleep. My body has become used to regularly eating and sleeping. Now, my body thinks that I need to do these things to function properly.

Ink: I love you.

  I slowly pushed myself and stared at him.

Me: What?

Ink: I love you.

  Ink was accepting me as his boyfriend. I loved him and he loved me back. I felt myself smile.

Me: Say it again.

Ink: I love you.

  Ink said for the third time while slightly laughing.

Me: ...

I love you too