1:45 am

9S closed his door as softly as a gentle hush and took a deep breath to steel his nerves. There was no guarantee that everyone was asleep, so 9S must be as stealthy as he could be. Gosh, he hopes he doesn't trip.

Humans weren't made of light materials, annoyingly, so they all held quite some weight and 9S was no different. Thankfully, however, Nines' body was alike to his own in physical appearance, meaning Nines was small and light compared to most. But 9S' body was basically weightless compared to Nines'. 9S thought back with nostalgia to the way he used to move his body like he was flying through the air. He really wanted that back, just for a little bit. Especially now when he felt like he was dragging his feet and having to put more effort into moving than usual.

Regarding physical capabilities, 9S thought Android bodies were best.

Shaking his head, 9S focused on what was in front of him. It was dark in the house, but 9S managed fine. He's memorized the layout from how often he's been around the house so he knew which parts would creak and which wouldn't. Half a step forward and then step 47 degrees east. Sidestep and then leap a little to land perfectly on the carpet that had an annoying stray thread.

Mechanically and efficiently. It was kind of relaxing doing something so routine. Wash and repeat. Follow the order step by step.

Hah. Step.

Finally, 9S made it to the front doors, head feeling heavy. The way Nines' family does it, they have all the shoes stationed by the door, although 9S preferred having his school shoes in his room. 9S pulled out his sneakers, the lightest and most comfortable ones he owned. They were perfect for running on. It was sorta hard to believe that 9S used to run wearing something akin to boots. They weren't like 2B's heels but still. 9S doesn't think he can do that now without feeling tired after a few seconds. Or possibly falling. Or worse.

Once his sneakers were secured on his feet, 9S grabbed his flashlight from his bag and held it in the hand that wasn't holding his phone. "Okay." He whispers, the only sound in the night. He rubs his tired eyes. "I swear, Adam. This better be worth it." And with a single push, 9S steps into the cold air.

Once outside and the door locked, 9S runs as far as he could from the house to avoid association. The chill of the night slapped him in the face, but 9S couldn't help but laugh a little. Holy crap, he was tired. His mind didn't feel as quick or aware as it usually did and his eyes would fall every once in a while without his notice. What the heck was he doing? Going out and most likely going to run into some sort of trouble without feeling rested—

He's an idiot. But, he's on the way so he might as well go through with it.

The street lights were on, so 9S didn't think he needed to use the flashlight just yet. However, holding the flashlight made him feel a little bit safer. He may not be using it now (it would draw attention) but when the time comes, at least he'll have a light.

The walk itself is honestly quite a bore. Repeating scenery— the street lights, the pavement, the road, the occasional rubbish bin along with a bench that would appear sometimes. 9S huffs. It was a considerably cold night. How unlucky. The season was spring and spring could never decide what temperature it wanted.

9S looks down at his phone. He's going to have to take a right in 100 meters. He looks up. Ah, there's the turn. Just then, the device in his hand vibrates.

A text. From Adam.

Biting his lip, 9S unlocks his phone and opens up his messages. Could it perhaps be a hint, in case 9S didn't figure out the numbers were coordinates? 9S scoffs quietly to himself.

We're here

So his decision was correct. Looks like 9S was supposed to go to the location immediately. 9S noticed that this was the first text he received from them for a long time. With that thought, 9S closed his messages, refusing to reply. He was still salty.

Adam is just gonna have to wait till he gets there. Besides, it's just the twins— because 9S knows they are hardly ever without each other—they can deal with 9S being a little late. He turns the corner.

The soft sounds of his sneakers against the sideways were his only companion. Sometimes 9S would sniffle and it would add to the too-little-noise. There weren't even any cars out. 9S looks up from the ground and sees the building he snuck into not too long ago. "Fancy seeing you here." He says dryly. With deafening silence as his only friend, it was far too alike to his times as an Android doing recon missions. Talking to himself, speaking to inanimate objects as if they could understand him...

(He was up there, watching a machine try to... revive (?) it's supposed, big brother. 9S stares on, bored.

"Doesn't matter how much oil you give him, little guy. You can't make a machine your brother.")

And likewise, 9S can't make anyone his family either. Frowning at the sobering thought, 9S pulls out his earphones that he always kept in his right bag pocket. Might as well listen to music.

Music was an amusing thing. 9S always heard music when he would be sent down to earth from the bunker. Machines loved singing. It was... interesting to see Machine lifeforms sing when singing was a human action. Machines sing but Androids— who were shaped and created in Mankind's image— didn't. 9S secretly had the desire to sing, just to try it out, but Operator 21O would know. Somehow.

... 9S was alone right now. He could try it out right now if he wanted to.

Oh my gosh, he could sing and no one would nag him!

Okay— 9S opens his mouth... and closes it. How does singing work? "Ahhhh," 9S tests and then frowns. That wasn't how the Machines did it. They did it so... gracefully and always managed to sync their voices with the other Machines. 9S wanted that.

Oh no. He's jealous. Maybe he should've asked Pascal for voice lessons... or maybe he shouldn't. He can only begin to imagine 2B's neutral face of disappointment.

... Pascal. 9S was empty and he knew that Pascal was as well. The Pascal he knew— so kind, so giving— was gone the moment he called the children's corpses "junk." There was no happiness in that world and seeing those children cores only proved that 9S was right— there is no purpose.

9S comes to a stop, right in front of the entrance of a park. The streets around him were unfamiliar. He stops the navigation on his phone and pockets his earphones that weren't playing anything. He forgot to play the music. 9S turns on his flashlight (it was quite dark in the park.) Adam and Eve should be somewhere around here...

Gulping, 9S steps foot in the park. He really hopes Adam doesn't try to scare him. He opens up his messages and types:

I'm here. Where are you guys?

Almost immediately, he got a response.

Go to the back!!!! Eve is on top of the monkey bars!!!

Eve is on the monkey bars again? He always did that when they were in their school playground as kids. Honestly, 9S doesn't think Eve ever stopped, it's just that their current school doesn't have a playground. They're in high school, 9S wishes Eve would just let go of his obsession.

We got ya sum weed ;))))

What the heck.

Should've gotten me orange juice, you prick.

It's, uh, orange flavored?

9S thinks he's going to ignore that message. Instead of replying, he continues walking further into the park. Oh, he sees a slide. Waving his flashlight around, 9S cups his free hand around his mouth and says loudly, but not yelling, "Heeeeey, it's your buddy."

"Hoot hoot," Adam says as he crawls out of a bush. A smirk was on his face. "Welcome, buddy." It normally would have been jarring to returning to their usual silliness, considering that they haven't seen each other in a while, but it was habit that allowed 9S to feel at ease and go with the familiar flow.

9S decided that he's going straight to the point. He walks up to Adam, who was sprawled on the ground and looks down at him, disgust on his features. "Orange flavored weed."

Adam shrugs, unaffected. "At least I tried." He then sprang up to his feet with a little yell. "Just so you know, we don't actually have drugs." He pats his jeans from the dirt.

"I know," 9S says, easily following Adam when the older teen starts walking. "So where's Eve?" Just as he asked that he saw a white-haired boy on top of a tall object. "Oh wait never mind."

Adam claps, a dramatically proud look on his face. "Oh, Eve. You're a blessing."

Eve had a ridiculous grin on his face, no doubt enjoying himself. Seeing his vibrant smile, 9S couldn't help but give a smile of his own, albeit considerably smaller than Eve's. 9S hadn't seen Eve in a while and he honestly missed the silent twin.

Eve preens at Adam's praise and stands up even taller on the monkey bars. He bows twice before jumping off with a perfect landing. Athletic people, 9S thought sourly. He used to be able to do that easily. Eve waves his hand in greeting.

"Hello back to you, Eve." 9S sighs. These twins just adore their theatrics. 9S decided to turn off the flashlight. There was a lamppost nearby.

"So," Adam speaks up and 9S idly notes that they were all standing together like they used to. Such routine was as simple as breathing but 9S was struck with how familiar and new it was. Can a little time away truly make such a difference? "I can see that you have become accustomed to sneaking out." He says with a wink, smug smirk still on his face.

Oh, he had no idea. "I guess." 9S shrugs.

"Here," Adam holds up what 9S thinks is a can. "For all your hard work." He hands it to him.

Holy crap— "Orange juice." 9S whispers. He tears his eyes away from the can to Adam and Eve. "Thanks." And he really means it. He's tired and he was just awarded orange juice!

Adam rolls his eyes and Eve breathes out a chuckle. 9S opens the can just as Adam starts to speak again. "Anyway, it's about time we relocate." It was so quiet that 9S nearly missed it.

With a lingering taste of orange in his mouth, 9S raises an eyebrow. "Relocate? Was this place not—"

"Nope!" Adam proudly exclaims, but the volume wasn't as loud as 9S expected. "We ain't gonna hang here. Besides," He winks again. "The others are waiting for us." Adam was telling him valuable information, but his body language and tone didn't match with the serious topic. Was that purposely done?

Eyebrows furrowed, 9S' mouth was open to ask another question, but he caught sight of Eve signing something. It was a lot more meek and unnoticeable than his usual posture. Was he trying not to be obvious?

'We came here to pick you up.' Eve explains. 'Dangerous for you to go to the location by yourself.'

Dangerous?

"Eve is absolutely correct," Adam says in a hushed voice and 9S knows for sure now that they're trying to keep something a secret. Adam moves closer and whispers in his ear— 9S can feel the warm breath on his ear and it's weird. Humans were so warm— "There might be people watching us. Someone might have followed you here." He was talking about possibilities. He was being cautious. "So from here, we're going to take a route that will lose anyone watching."

9S nods. What else could he do? He wasn't in charge and the best choice he had right now was to just shut up and follow Adam's lead.

"Now, when I lean back, pretend as if I told a really good joke," Adam instructs and it's all serious. A voice so similar to the person he once fought. So similar to the Machine who crucified him.

And then Adam's presence beside him was gone and a plastic smile is on both their faces. 9S snorts while Adam guffaws. Eve pouts, seemingly already knew what was happening.

'Are you teasing me right in front of me?' Eve asks hand gestures obvious and big.

"Yup~" Adam lies, his voice loud and clear. "Nothing personal, my dear brother." He slings his arm around Eve's shoulders.

9S drinks his juice so that he would have an excuse not to say anything. He doesn't know how to contribute to this scene except smiling as if nothing was wrong.

Eve continues pouting and turns swiftly towards the swings.

"Aw~" Adam croons. "My little brother is being all pouty~" Adam was quick to follow after his brother, standing beside the swing Eve was seated on. It was darker there. "You can't seriously be mad at me."

Eve shot him a bemused look.

9S giggles and sits on the other swing that was right beside Eve. "Look what you've done, Adam." He then takes a long sip of is juice, nerves prickling. It was a miracle how he managed to control his voice from stuttering.

"Eve is just too sensitive!" A total lie. Eve was as strong as steel. "My jokes are just too much for him."

9S bites his lip. Logically, the responsibility of saying something witty was on him. Adam's sentence is set up perfectly for that kind of reply. A comeback. Eve was playing the angry role who seemed intent on ignoring Adam. 9S knows how conversations work, how they flow. 9S was the one who prompted Adam to say that, so naturally, 9S would be the one to reply. In this scenario, 9S was the neutral side in this petty fight while being slightly on Eve's team.

Easy, he's seen this many times on TV. This is simple, he tells himself but chugs down his drink nervously nonetheless.

Lying was fine and Adam seemed more than capable of improvisation. 9S can only hope that he will be able to catch up. "That's funny coming from you." He starts, the can in his hands feeling a lot more empty than it did in the beginning. "If I remember correctly, the one who cried over not having melon bread was you." Not true. Never happened. Adam always got his bread. Somehow.

Gracefully and all-too-believable, Adam's eyes widen and he got flustered. "H-hey!" Was that a voice crack he heard? How is Adam so good at this? "I was hungry!"

"You're always hungry!" That was easy to reply to. C'mon, 9S, he thinks to himself. You can do this. All you gotta do is do some friendly banter like always.

Adam huffs then slumped against the stable metal of the swing set. "You guys suck."

Eve kicks some dirt.

"Hey, you got dirt on my pants!" They were already soiled from Adam crawling all over the place, but the way Adam said it and the way he molded his facial expression made it seem as if his jeans were brand new and spotless. "That's just playing dirty."

"Oh my god." The words coming out 9S' mouth was genuine. "What the heck, Adam." Normally, 9S had nothing against puns. In fact, he loved them! They were so clever and were great humor, but right now, where they're all acting and pretending, Adam just found that opportunity and took it.

9S didn't know whether to be proud or just. Just. Not.

Adam stuck his tongue out without skipping a beat. He was a natural.

Eve pinched his brother's cheek. Hard. "Ow ow ow ow ow—!!" Adam cries out in pain and 9S knows for sure that it was not a lie. 9S winces in sympathy. In fact, 9S even rubbed his own cheek, almost as if he could feel Adam's pain.

Adam rests a hand on his red cheek, tears on the corners of his eyes. Yikes. "Terrible," Adam says and the pain in his voice was true. But then, 9S catches Adam tapping his fingers against the side of his face. The tapping wasn't obvious and was angled so that only 9S could have seen it. Adam's face was bored and frustrated by Eve's attack, but his finger continued tapping away.

Then it hits 9S. Morse code.

(Wasn't... that kind of dangerous?)

9S has seen information on Morse code in Nines' laptop. It was a thing that Nines was studying about. Out of curiosity, 9S learned it as well. Sure, he heard of Morse code before, but YorHa didn't use it because there was no point.

(There is a point right now, though. And Adam had tapped on his cheek so nonchalantly and so idiotically.)

9S didn't have enough interest back then to read about it in the bunker. But then, Nines held an interest in it so, in hopes of understanding him more, 9S studied Morse code.

(Not everyone knows Morse code, he knows, but what if the people after them did? He expected better of Adam to not just simply, out in the open, send a code his way—)

Adam's message was...

Later. Just a little bit more.

Adam was probably going to do something to throw off whoever was watching (if there even is someone) and didn't want 9S to be brought along his lie. 9S appreciated the thought, but it sort of irritates 9S how incapable he looks in Adam's eyes.

"Well," Adam stands up straight. "I guess it's about time to get straight to the point." Ah. 9S understands.

9S nods the same time Eve does.

Adam situates himself in front of both Eve and 9S, plopping himself on the ground, uncaring of his jeans. When Eve raised an eyebrow, Adam replies, "Doesn't matter anymore. You ruined it."

Eve just rolled his eyes and 9S just appreciates how calculated everything is. Eve did that action on purpose to give Adam a reason to justify himself and for watchers not to be suspicious. With this, the huge tree's branches, which was long and strangely enough was reaching down towards the ground, was right behind Adam. What purpose that served, 9S didn't know.

"So," A weird grin makes its way on Adam's face. What? "Jeniffer." Who the heck is Jeniffer?

"Why do you keep calling him that?" 9S asks, eyebrows furrowed in a perfect image of irritation. "His name is Jeff." Might as well just roll with it. 9S chucks the empty can at Adam.

Getting straight to the point, Adam had said. No doubt whatever onlooker that was around would start to think: this is it. 9S could picture it now— an anonymous, faceless person on the edge of their seat, thinking that these kids will finally give them what they want. Just the thought makes 9S have to resist the urge to giggle— partially filled with panicked adrenaline and slight hysteria.

His tired and overworking brain barely managed to keep those thoughts locked away for the sake of not exposing their lies.

"Jeniffer. Jess. Same thing." Adam shrugs and catches the can with ease. He then sets it down on the ground but not without a small glare directed at 9S. "Dude."

9S sighs, feeling his eyes dripping in exhaustion which was completely genuine. Whoever this made up person they're creating is, he's starting to feel bad for them. "You mean Jeff—"

"So anyway," Adam cuts him off. "Jerry bumped into me at school today."

"Who the heck is Jerry—"

"And guess what he whispered to me!" Adam whines.

Eve shrugs. 'Did he threaten you?' He punches his palm. 'I can take care of him.'

"Even worse!" Adam exclaims, throwing his hands up in the air. "He told me that Andrea was cheating on me!"

Eve blinks. 'I wouldn't be surprised.' The way Eve signed that with a pitying smile made 9S snort, the action causing his body to startle slightly and 9S held in a sigh that wanted to escape. God, he was tired.

"Don't laugh!" Adam yells. "I don't want my girlfriend to cheat on me!"

"But Eve is right!" 9S chuckles through the insecurity that floods him. Did he sound casual enough? "Andrea would totally ditch you for any dude at school!" He drops his voice to a whisper which wasn't really a whisper. It was quite loud, but it was mostly done for dramatic effect. "Especially Zack~" His voice was cheerful and his expression was light but 9S wasn't blind to the cold sweat collecting underneath his collar.

"Then why would she waste 2 months with me if she didn't even like me?!"

"To copy your homework, duh." 9S rolls his eyes. He fights back a yawn and he's pretty sure it made his face look weird for a tiny bit before he schooled his features.

Adam's jaw dropped and the look in his eyes were those of a widowed man. Wow. "Wait—" Adam frowns. "Then why didn't she hook up with you?"

9S blinks caught off guard. "Me?" He points a finger at himself.

"Yeah!" Adam says. "You're the top student in the entire school!"

"Ah- well—" 9S blushes. He knows it's all pretend, but being praise left him flustered. "I- erm... I don't have charisma." He just said whatever first came to mind.

Adam nods sagely. "Well, you're not wrong."

"Aren't you supposed to comfort me?" 9S deadpans.

Adam shrugs and Eve pretends to whistle. From there, they just talk and talk about things that aren't even real. They laughed and teased each other as if they were in some sort of reality TV show. Just the thought of someone watching his every moment made his skin crawl. But, 9S lies and lies and lies.

(Shouldn't lies come naturally to him? He was a breathing and living lie, was he not? Why then did the words rolling off his tongue cause him to—

2B lied, he reminds himself. She lied and so can he.)

He spouts out rubbish until Adam calls for a bathroom break. 9S didn't even need to decipher Adam's next code. This was it.

While carrying on their charade— more quietly this time— they slowly shift towards the darker parts of the park until all that remained around them was darkness. 9S saw a portable toilet stall. How convenient. Once hidden away, Adam pushed away some leaves from a normal looking bush. "Get in." He mutters. Eve immediately dives in and Adam looks 9S straight in the eyes— or well, tried to. It was too dark for him to see his eyes. "Just follow Eve's lead. I'll come in after you."

9S nods despite the ever-growing lump in his throat. The feeling of suspicion and fear grabbing him by his neck, whispering— don't do it. A suffocating fog that forces itself in between his lungs, expanding, expanding and expanding. Don't do it. Who knows what awaits you.

Out of anxiety, he removes his hat and shoves it into his bag, feeling his fingers jitter and his heart stutter. He looks at the small passage's entrance and instantly, his feet felt as heavy as Operator 21O's body looked when it fell it to the ground. A thud that resounded throughout his body, sensors and artificial skin quivering as if it were real. A churning feeling that had made him want to throw up—

He doesn't want to go down there. He doesn't want to go down in general.

9S blinks through the images in his head, forcing himself to come back to reality. Feeling his entire awareness slowly seep back into his body allowed him to gradually refamiliarise himself with its heaviness. 9S breathes and for a moment, hates the way it feels. The rise of his chest and the expansion of his lung, so insufficient but so necessary because if 9S were to stop breathing, it'll be game over before he could reach the end credits. He can feel himself on the verge of... something. And so, he forces himself not to think (for once, please, don't think. Stop thinking all the dang time it's so noisy–) and tightens his bag straps with the hands that refuse to stop shaking. 

Shaking. Shaking like 9S' hands were as he fought. Against the virus, against the multiple copies of 2B, against A2–

And before 9S could continue drowning in the heaviness settled in his head, he throws himself to his knees, crouching down to fit into the passage and relished— just for a moment— how the rough ground felt against his all-too-real skin (that didn't even belong to him) and how the pain sent his brain signal after signal that something was scraped.

It was grounding.

Right. Breathe. He has to continue breathing, despite his current distaste for it. He was still so acutely aware of how the muscles around his chest area contracted and relaxed even as he was pressed down on the terrain, but that was fine, wasn't it? It didn't matter how small the passage and how short his breathing would be at intervals, because he could handle this. The path was linear, all he had to do was continue forward. The ruined Earth where he came from was an open world, free for exploration, and this small area wasn't anything like it, so he'll be fine, right? 

Exactly. So, he observes and focuses.

The passage, from what 9S could see, wasn't fancy. It was a simple path carved out hidden in the bushes. 9S had to get down low and wiggle his way around. His clothes must be filthy, but 9S refused to slow down or stop to observe his surroundings. His heart was beating wildly and anxiety clung onto him like a plague. So, 9S focuses on Eve who was in front of him and blocks all his negativity and insecurities out.

Breathe. He drags himself through the dirt;  his shoulder blades, biceps, and neck were starting to get sore. "Eve." He whispers. "How much longer?" Nines' body was physically weak and that was just how it was.

9S was met with silence. Right. Eve was mute. Curses. Deciding to look behind him for a brief moment, 9S realizes that Adam was still outside. Was that alright? He looks forward again and sees Eve spare a hand to wave at him from up front. 9S smiles. "Thanks." Eve's hand returns to crawling and that was the end of that.

It was dark. So dark. 9S could only see tidbits of his surroundings. He flinches whenever he got too close to a bush and made a noise. How is Eve navigating himself through this? The passage wasn't straightforward, despite being linear— there were turns and...

Wait. Are they descending? 9S could feel it. They were starting to descend. The path was forming into a slope and 9S desperately clung to the ground with his fingers to avoid falling on his face. His arms were starting to tire. But, looking at Eve, he doesn't look bothered at all. 9S couldn't hear any labored breaths other than his own. Eve continued his pace without slowing or speeding up. Luckily for 9S, Eve didn't seem interested in going fast, but rather, a nice steady pace. Whether that was for his benefit or for caution's sake, 9S doesn't know.

They go lower and lower. The slope seems to have gotten steeper and 9S is starting to worry that he's going to pull a muscle or something. Where is Adam? Risking another look, 9S sees nothing. Why isn't he here yet? Is he doing more precautions?

So many precautions... Who on earth could be after them? There wasn't a complete certainty that they were being watched in the first place and yet they probably spent an hour or two just "catching up" with each other's lives. 9S breathes a sigh of relief when the slope comes to an end and the path continues on, flat.

Where are they even going? 9S didn't ask any questions to be safe, but he was curious. He wasn't familiar with this part of town so honestly, he can't draw any good theories. Adam mentioned something about there being others...

More people? 9S is honestly afraid of finding out who they are. It could be people that he "knows" or it could just be strangers. Either way, both options held ricks. 9S has to remind himself that although Adam and Eve are involving him in their business and probably see him as a comrade, 9S has his own mission. He really does care about them and certainly doesn't see him as his enemies (hah, they used to be) that doesn't quite mean that 9S can rely on them or the people they call friends.

9S' mission is a solo mission until he dies.

Eve eventually comes to a stop in front of him. 9S' heart rate speeds up again. Slowly, but surely, Eve fumbles around with the bushes, probably trying to find the opening. Where could they be? 9S shuffles, looking back once more. Still nothing. Adam isn't there. Perhaps he's on his way now?

Finally, streaks of light shine into the darkness and 9S blinks to adjust his eyes. The light wasn't blinding, it was quite dim honestly, but it was lighter than the dark he was in for possibly 24 minutes. 9S catches a glimpse of a grin on Eve's face before the teen is wiggling out of the passage, 9S following suit. Eve, who already had his feet planted on the grass, extended a helping hand towards him. 9S took it gratefully. "Thanks." He mutters and tries dusting off his clothes before sighing. Yeah. He can't fix that anymore.

'You Okay?' Eve signs and 9S wipes the dirt on his cheek, as he holds in a sigh. He probably smeared it or something.

"As okay as I'll ever be, I guess," 9S replies dryly. "I'm exhausted." He looks around himself. They seem to be in a field full of grass. It was quite a huge field. 9S didn't see any buildings close by. Were they at the back of the park? If 9S remembers correctly, the playground was at the edge of the town and from then on, there was more greenery. Unlike where 9S lives, this part of town was more provincial, he supposes.

Eve smiles and pats him on the back. Good Ol' Eve.

"Thanks." 9S replies. He then looks back at the passage, exit open. "Do we wait for Adam?"

Surprisingly, Eve shakes his head. 'Brother will be fine.'

"You sure?" 9S couldn't help but be skeptical.

Eve nods, a confident smile on his face. 'We'll meet brother at the location. C'mon! I can't wait till you see everyone!' Eve then proceeded to grab 9S' hand, leading him through the field.

It was an interesting feeling, running (he was tired) through tall, slightly wet grass. It was mostly due to the moisture in the air, seeing as its cold. Were his shoes muddy from the trek on the way? Perhaps not, the passage was dry, but that could just be because the passage was underneath layers and layers of bushes. Now, though, with the soft ground and dampness in the air, they might be. 

9S looks up at the open sky. What time was it? 9S doesn't know and a part of him doesn't want to know. Hours could have gone by or days or even months and 9S still wouldn't want to go back home. At that very moment, with Eve tugging on his arm and his feet stomping against the tall grass while the stars were out there, looking at him like he was looking at them...

For a moment, he could just forget and submit himself to the moment. No thinking about any possible issues he might– will– come across. Just breathing in the cool atmosphere and allowing the light air to breeze through his body. It felt oddly freeing as if he could fly at any moment right now. Perhaps it was just because of his previous predicament, though.

And his legs were getting very, very tired. "Eve," He pants. Oh no, he's panting. "Eve, please- slow. Down."

Eve, sweet as he is, did slow down and then came to a stop. Oh, how tempting it is to just plop himself on the ground and never get back up. 'Sorry.' Eve signs with a sheepish grin. 'Got excited.'

9S purses his lips. He can't say he feels the same. 9S notices with ire that Eve still stood tall while 9S had a poor posture that screamed exhaustion. "We still have time," He doesn't know whether that was true or not. "Let's... not rush."

Eve beams and nods. Still holding 9S' hand, Eve walks through the field rather than running. 9S sighs in relief. As they walk, 9S starts to see something in the distance. Was that... a church? "Is that it?"

Eve nods, a huge grin on his face. A church in the middle of nowhere? How curious. 9S saw the way he would fidget as if holding himself back from just running to the building. It was kind that Eve was willing to stick by 9S' side. "Go on ahead," 9S says, peeling off Eve's hand. "I'll be there soon."

However, yet again, Eve shakes his head, frown in place.

"Why?" 9S asks.

'Brother trusts me.' He signs. 'Take care of you.' There was something in Eve's eyes that reminded 9S of Ventuna. A worry wart.

And suddenly, 9S wants to hear Eve's voice. It was a weird desire, but this boy in front of him deserved better. So selfless and kind, but no voice to convey the good words he wants to say. Of course, sign language works perfectly well, but 9S wishes he had the power to grant Eve his voice back.

Eve, without warning, held onto his hand again and started bringing him closer to the church again. 9S took that as a sign to shut up and just walk.

9S squeezes Eve's hand. He got a squeeze back.

—

When 9S stood in front of the church, he noticed quite a few things that he didn't initially. First, the church was old and run down. It looked like it was centuries old? But 9S could be wrong.

Eve bursts through the door and 9S wince at the loud noise. Was that okay? This wasn't their property, right? And once open, 9S looks inside and—

His insides go cold before becoming so impossibly hot. The ice that froze all the poison inside him— the only thing keeping him from acting on his anger— was melting away and evaporating into thin air. He knew he shouldn't, but 9S grabbed hold of those vile emotions and allowed it to boil. Hotter and hotter.

"Took y'all long enough," Her voice was deep and had a bite to it. 9S hardly ever heard her speak, but he knew that voice. He could never forget. This girl who was currently sitting on a barrel was burned into his memory. It was scorching and 9S could feel himself burning. His ears were roaring and his eyes felt dry from the lack of blinking. He was drowning in flames— he just knew it. Every part of him was too warm. There was a tightening in his chest that begged and pleaded 9S to take action.

He wanted to destroy her.

A cheeky grin was on her face and 9S hated it. Her eyes weren't like how they used to be. They were young and full of life, unlike to how blank and glassy they were back then. "Wassup?" A2 asks, body lax and posture carefree. 9S holds back a scream. 9S holds back a sob. He holds his wrists in a death grip and nearly cries back the ice to cool him down and seal away the intense burning inside him. He bites his lip hard to prevent himself from letting out any noise.

Eve, oh so oblivious and joyful, rushes up to her and pulls her into an embrace. A2 awkwardly pats his back and 9S resists a laugh at her pitiful attempt at returning the affection. He wants to mock her. He wants to annihilate her.

He wants to grab her irritating face and smash it against the wall.

"Hello," He says instead because he knows how social interactions go (unlike A2.) 9S is the outsider and naturally, must introduce himself. "I'm Nines." He tries his best to not make the malice in him known. 9S could never imagine having to smile at A2– but here he was.

A2's mouth opens and closes like a fish. 9S couldn't help but notice that 'fish' suited A2 way more than it did with Ventuna. Perhaps he shouldn't tease Ventuna about that anymore. "I— What?" A2 looked so confused. What an idiot. Can't she see that he just introduced himself? Must he really assist her with something as simple as that?

Plastic smile still in place, 9S speaks again. "And you are?" It was hard to keep the sarcasm out of his voice, but he managed somehow.

A2 still looked baffled and 9S fought to keep irritation off his features. Is she retarded? 9S knows that some humans were born with some deficiencies, and honestly if A2 were one of those people, that would mean 9S had to be patient with her even if he didn't want to. His parents taught him better. A2 then looks at Eve, who was right beside her, and then back at 9S. "What?"

Eve tapped A2 on the shoulder, causing her to look in his direction once more. 'Brother will explain.' He signs. What was there to explain? Was A2 surprised to see someone other than the twins here?

Just when he was about to open his mouth once more, the doors opened with a bang. 9S turned and saw Adam enter the rundown church, arms spread open wide and smug smirk on his face. "Sorry to keep you all waiting," He says and flips his hair back. "I'm sure you've missed me all."

Is it right for 9S to be irritated at Adam when he was the one who was willing to let 9S in on their business? 9S couldn't help it. He was in the same room as A2. He didn't sign up for this! 9S should've just chosen to stay home and sleep. He was tired and possibly still slightly sick. His clothes were dirty and he felt icky and he couldn't even take revenge at that very moment—

Eve jumps towards Adam, grin back in place. After a quick hug, Eve pushes Adam further into the building.

"Hey," Adam starts, turning to 9S' direction but then he shrunk back. "Uh. You don't look so happy."

9S bites his lip before forcing a weathered smile. "Sorry if I look grumpy. Didn't mean to." He rubs his neck. "I guess I'm just tired." He was exhausted.

"Make the scary look go away," Adam says, waving his hand. "Shoo shoo, scary aura!"

A laugh finds its way out 9S' mouth. "It's gone, it's gone!"

"Well, then," Adam states, pushing a barrel towards 9S. "Take a seat!"

Eve rolls a barrel and places it beside the one that Adam was holding. He taps his brother on the shoulder. 'For you.' For a moment, 9S ponders why they don't just use the church seats, before realizing that they were too far away from the very front where they're all gathered. 

"Oh, Eve!" Adam cries. "I'm so lucky to have a brother like you!" He truly was, 9S thought to himself. "But where are you going to sit?"

"He can have my barrel," A2 speaks up, breaking 9S' renewed mood. Why can't she just shut up forever? "The other barrel is for Olethe." Oh great, more people.

Eve shakes his head. 'I'm fine.'

"Nah." A2 shrugs and her long hair flows from the movement. Her damned hair that she let scatter on 2B's body. "I've been sitting down for a while." Did she want to seem like a Good Samaritan? 

With a shy smile, Eve accepts the barrel that was given to him and sat down. Adam followed suit and 9S decided that he should as well. A2 just stood, leaning against a wall. Good.

Annoyingly, it was A2 who spoke next. She just loved opening her mouth. "So, What the fuck is going on?" Vulgar language as well. It suits her terrible personality.

Adam held up his hands. "Woah, woah!" He exclaims. "No swearing zone! We have a child! And by a child I mean Nines."

9S rolls his eyes but said nothing. Nines' family wasn't fond of foul language and 9S didn't want Nines to seem like a bad child, so he refused to swear.

(Just in case 9S could bring Nines back.)

A2 seemed to not care less about what Adam said. "Answers." 9S saw Eve scratch his cheek nervously in response.

Before Adam addressed A2, he looked at 9S. "Okay, I want you to promise me that you won't freak out." That should be easy enough. 9S can just freak out silently to himself.

"Okay, I guess," He says and that seems to have satisfied Adam.

"Now, Azalea." 9S tries not to roll his eyes at the name. Just because A2 had a human name, doesn't mean he's going to address her or acknowledge her that way. But he'll keep that to himself. Adam continues, "you better not get mad."

"So you're saying that this will definitely upset me," A2 replies smoothly. Her expression was bemused.

Adam nods. "Yup." 9S mentally patted Adam on the back.

A2 scowled before huffing, irritation still fresh on her face. "Then shoot." Oh, if 9S could, he would.

Adam clasps his hand together and took a deep breath. 9S honestly expected Adam to face A2, but rather, Adam turned to stare at 9S. He could also feel Eve's gaze on him. "We know you."

Was it stupid to jump to the conclusion that Adam and Eve knew that he was 9S, an Android from the future when that vague sentence could've meant anything? Maybe it was stupid, but 9S couldn't think through the whirlwind in his head. It was difficult to think rationally and 9S couldn't stop himself when the words came out of his mouth, so very, very quiet, "Please kill me." At that moment, nothing else felt right to say. He didn't have to go through any explanations or mysteries or other things that 9S had to seek out. He didn't have to do any of that. All that would happen with a quick stab to the heart, a loud crack of the skull or even a tight grip on his neck. No words or complicated emotions necessary.

What a bliss that would be.

"You're... shocked." There was a slight tone at the end of that statement that made it sound like a question. But Adam didn't look all that surprised as if he knew that would be how 9S reacted. But it was obvious in Adam's expression that he didn't catch a word of what 9S said.

Placing a hand on his chest, feeling his wild heart, 9S releases a quivering sigh. What the hell is he doing?

"It's us, Septem." To actually hear the name directed to 9S made his skin crawl. He wanted to scratch himself until he was raw and bleeding. He felt so wrong. So out of place. Never before did the body he was hosting feel so alien. He felt removed from reality, yet confined in this prison called a body. He wanted out. "Don't you remember who we are?" Why the heck can't Adam just get to the bloody point already—

"Is this a joke?" The words come out coated in venom and 9S can't find it in himself to regret it. "Just say what you have to say rather than asking me these stupid questions."

Adam actually winces and looks pained. 9S has no idea what Eve or A2 looked like because his full attention was on the teen in front of him. Baring his teeth and seething, 9S didn't know what they saw in him. Did it matter? Did any of this matter? Why didn't 9S just kill himself so he wouldn't have to go through all this who cares about Septem he's probably dead and even if he did come back how would that even affect him he doesn't have any memories past the age of eight and everyone would've remembered him as the way 9S portrayed Septem—

"We knew you. From before." Adam's voice breaks through his train of thought. "Before we met in that classroom... we knew you."

Ah. They're talking about Nines.

... Nines.

It's always about him. 9S has to continuously play the role— wear the mask. He's sick of it. He's sick of it all. Where did 9S end and Septem begin? Where was the boundary? What differentiated them? Why did no one notice that 9S wasn't Septem? The only logical reason would be that their personalities were similar. But then, why did 9S feel like he was pretending to be someone else when all he had to be was himself.

Did 9S have no real personality? Or did that personality just vanish at some point?

Or maybe 9S was just too tired and was overthinking.

Okay, so Adam and Eve knew Nines before 9S came into the picture. Nines' responsibility, but 9S' current pain in the ass. "Um," How was he supposed to reply? He's never been in a situation like this! All Androids knew each other and had impeccable memory anyway, so forgetting was just not a thing. Although, 9S thought back, maybe forgetting was a thing. 9S sent 2B's backup data to the bunker but didn't do the same for himself. That is probably the closest he'll get to 'forgetting.'

Adam chuckles. "Let's try not to be awkward." He says that but 9S could see the way he would dart his eyes somewhere else before moving back to 9S, uneasy.

"... Sorry." 9S says because the only thing he can do is apologize. "I don't... remember." Such words felt foreign on his tongue because 9S always knew– or well, he used to. 

Honestly, 9S didn't think there would be any problems because he truly didn't know this world's Adam and Eve before meeting them at school, but Adam opened his mouth again, "No, that's not right."

"What?"

"You recognized us," Adam says. Why was he so persistent? "When we first transferred— you immediately recognized us. I saw it in your eyes."

9S was about to object, but Adam was correct. He did recognize the twins because it was freaking Adam and Eve! He can't just say "back from where I'm from, there was also another Adam and Eve! So sorry for the confusion." The only option he has is to lie, but can he do it? He wasn't too worried about Eve and A2, but Adam was a hassle.

"It's us, Septem," Adam calls out, desperation clear in his voice. "Y'know—"

"Don't call me that, please." Gosh, he couldn't think if Adam kept on addressing him like that. "Look," He starts, right hand massaging his temple. "I'm really sorry, but I don't remember ever meeting you before you and Eve walked up to me a few years ago." Or at least, this world's version of you. That was the truth from his perspective and Adam knew it from the way his body sagged and his expression turned defeated. It pained 9S, it really did, but he can't have any more complications to deal with. So, if 9S must, he will crush that false hope. "You're right, however, that I did recognize you both." At that, 9S saw everyone in the room light up. Yikes. "But I don't remember you. Any of you." That was the lie, but it was a small one in midst of the bouts of truth.

"Not even me?" A2 asks, her expression somber. How tempting it was to just ignore her existence.

9S shakes his head and says nothing.

"I- oh..." A2 takes a step back. "Okay." 9S revels in the silence that follows.

Eve claps to gather everyone's attention. 'That's okay!' He signs, a gigantic smile on his face.

Adam nods cheerfully. "Eve is right! Nines may not remember us, but he recognized us! Even Azalea, right Eve?" Eve copies Adam's nod in response. Was 9S too obvious? "So there's hope!" Looks like 9S couldn't crush that hope. Oh well, as long as they understand that 9S didn't have Nines' memories, that's okay.

It was really weird to see A2 beam. She was always so blank. It left a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Okay so," Adam starts once again, taking things into his hands, "now that we know for sure that Nines doesn't remember and isn't just playing dumb for some reason— I shall fill you in!" About damn time. "My name is Adam and that's my twin, Eve. He's mute. And that's Azalea Un Due! You used to know her."

A2 waves with a smile and 9S hesitantly wave back.

"We're all from Victoria Orphanage." What? What-what-what what-what— "We were all the best of friends!" Adam exclaims.

Adam and Eve were from Victoria Orphanage? But he's seen their parents! They are absolutely related!

"Ever since the orphanage closed down, we gather here often," A2 says. "Used to have annual meetings or something like that, but they were honestly just an excuse to catch up with each other." She sighs and looks around at the large space around them. "The others... don't show up anymore. They're busy with their lives, I guess." A2 looked like a mix of irritation and sadness. "It all started ever since you stopped coming."

"I— Uh," 9S stutters. "I'm sorry." He truly was. He, yet again, destroyed something and this time, it was a friendship. Nines probably still attended before 9S came in and wrecked everything.

"It's... it's okay." A2 says. Did he need her forgiveness? No, but Nines did because, in the end, there are no consequences for 9S. All of his actions befalls on Nines' image. "I understand now that you probably didn't stop coming on purpose." She taps her head. "Do you know what happened up here?"

"I'm curious as well." Adam frowns. "We never mentioned a thing, but we were observing you. The only likely theory I could come up with was that you had amnesia or something."

"Do you remember your times in the orphanage?" It just had to be A2 who asks the most difficult question. Now, 9S has to play the role of an amnesiac unless he did something. Long-term memory loss? No, that wouldn't work. The twins would know that 9S can retain memories for a long time. He's been their friend for a few years now. Besides, wasn't long-term memory loss a gradual thing? You don't just wake up one day, develop long-term memory loss and just simultaneously lose recollection of all past memories. 9S is pretty sure Nines' friends and time in the orphanage was still fresh in his mind when 9S came to this world.

Short-term memory loss? No. God knows how long Nines was in that orphanage, so even if he did somehow develop short-term memory loss, he wouldn't have forgotten the orphanage.

Was there anything else he could use as an excuse? Something... It's no good— 9S isn't too knowledgeable about things like this. If only he knew that he would be in this kind of situation, he would've researched! Honestly, why didn't he know? Why did it never occur to him that someone from Nines' past would show up?

"I don't know." And that set off the bomb.

"You don't know?!" A2 shrieks and 9S couldn't stop himself from flinching. "What? Did you just forgot and you never felt anything wrong?!"

Adam makes a face. "I don't know much about the brain and stuff, but is that what's suppose to happen?"

Eve shrugs.

"I'm no expert," A2 crosses her arms, face scrunched up while her eyes glared, "but that sounds like bullshit."

Adam surprisingly stays silent, still looking skeptical. He was probably unsure and didn't want to jump to conclusions. 9S too would be like that but he was pushed into a corner— he couldn't let things be the way they are.

"If you forget something, why would you feel like something was wrong when you believe nothing was there in the first place?" He says slowly, testing his words. Was he being disrespectful to the people who truly had amnesia? "It's only now since you've guys told me that I have a gap in my memory, that I realize that."

"So you've never questioned why you don't remember what life was like before you were adopted?" A2 scowls.

"I knew I was adopted," 9S replies and tries to stand his ground. Look confident. Look like you're in the right. "It wasn't like there is just nothingness... it's kind of like, it's all blurry. No distinctive memories and it all just blurs. Like mixing all the colors together until you can't remember what the colors you even used were. Or something." He pauses, taking in A2's expression. "You don't believe me."

"Like fuck, I believe you." She spat out and 9S grimaces at the swear word. Sheesh.

"I know that I didn't just sleep through my life before adoption," 9S rolls his eyes. "It wasn't like that." Perhaps he could play it off as something that isn't really amnesia, but something that was affecting his memory. Like an illness or something. He doesn't know. "I know things happened, but I don't know what. I never questioned it before because I thought I knew, but now that I look back, I don't."

Perhaps the A2 of this world just wasn't the smartest, because her look of steel didn't wash away. Adam, however, straightened. "Oh." His eyes held so much hope. "Maybe we can make you remember!"

Eve nods cheerfully.

Tense posture slumping, A2 seemed to like that. "Sounds like a plan." She says with a lazy grin. The atmosphere around her was easy. A dramatic change from her previously threatening aura.

"I would appreciate the help." This is it. He can't go back now. "I really do want to remember. I'm sorry."

"Nah," A2 says. "It's not like you wanted to forget, so it's fine."

"Does..." Adam starts but then shuts his mouth. He looks as if he regrets ever opening his mouth.

A2 raises an eyebrow. "Does what?"

Adam bites his lip, looking at Eve briefly before looking back at A2. "Er... does that mean we gotta tell Nines about the, uh, bad stuff as well?" The bad stuff? "Y'know..." Adam then trails off, unwilling to finish his sentence.

"Oh," A2 mutters. "Perhaps not now. I think we've overwhelmed him enough."

"I'm right here." 9S deadpans. He did not want to seem weak— especially by A2. "Besides, you've got me curious," 9S saw Adam shake his head fondly while Eve chuckled silently. He checks his phone. "We have time— oh."

"Got curfew?" A2 asks.

"Oh, you have no idea!" Adam guffaws.

Glaring, 9S pockets his phone. "Gonna make a phone call." He stands up and walks to the exit.

"Who're you gonna call?" Adam asks.

"My shady connections," 9S replies, causing Adam to snort. No one says another thing as 9S shuts the doors behind him. Keeping his phone in his pocket, 9S pulls out Pod 042.

He presses the small, nearly unnoticeable button on the side of the sleek object. Pod 042 activates quietly and immediately boots a screen. Idly, 9S thinks that he should upgrade the pods. There's better technology out there than the spare parts Ventuna found all those years ago and 9S could probably create something closer to the technology in the bunker. Holograms would work great, he should use them. 9S, rather than contacting Ventuna, goes to another feature on the device that he had put in Pod 042 only.

9S didn't realize how much time has passed. It was currently 5:48 am. Surely, father was just starting his daily routine. Mother and Ventuna should still be asleep. It was a Monday morning— 9S had school. But Mother had already given 9S permission to stay home if he still didn't feel well. So, what 9S must do now is to prevent anyone from checking in on him before he gets there.

Can he do that? He wishes but knows he can't.

9S weighs the pros and cons of going home. On one hand, being caught would be the worst possible case scenario and 9S certainly doesn't want to live with the consequences. He was trying to keep up Nines' reputation, for goodness sake. On the other hand, there was information right here and 9S can't really pass on that golden opportunity. He originally came over so that he'll learn what the heck was up with the twins, but now that he knows they were involved with Nines' life and whatever happened in Victoria Orphanage, he... he needs to get as much as he can out of them. 

"2B," He whispers, holding Pod 042 close to him. "What on earth should I be doing?" A part of him acknowledges how dumb it was to be asking her for answers she can't provide. After all, she's (hopefully) dead. But she was such a dazzling figure in his life. She led the way and held such confidence that left him awestruck. Her grace, how unfazed she was, the steady beat her heels would make against the pavement. He was happy just following her from behind, letting her brilliance guide them through the earth.

Heh, look at him. 2B wouldn't even be hesitating. 

A part of him wants to break down and give up everything. A part of him wants to quit and beg someone to take his spot to just replace him so that he'll be able to be free of everything. He misses her, he doesn't want to deal with anything anymore, he's so tired–

'Stop complaining' he remembers her saying that before and the laugh that escaped him was both solemn and fond. 

9S turns his attention back to the device in his hand. The screen displays the interior of the house. Was it right for him to set up cameras? By 9S' logic, it was. Everything in the bunker was monitored, after all. But 9S remembers Ventuna complaining one day about 'privacy' and all 9S could think of was the individual rooms back in the base given to each Android. They might've belonged uniquely to any Android, but the truth was that there wasn't really anything called 'privacy.' After all, anyone could go into the room whenever they wished. 

There wasn't much to hide, so it didn't matter. 

But anyway, privacy was important, uh, for humans. So, he didn't want any of Nines' friends to see this. They might end up thinking bad of Nines when the boy didn't even do anything. 9S swipes through the different camera, trying to get a look into what's happening in the house. Judging from the images shown, 9S was right. Father was getting ready for the day while Ventuna and Mother remained in bed, blissfully asleep. Or maybe not– Mother was stirring. She's probably going to check up on whether he was well enough to go to school. 

9S curses to himself silently and since no one was around, he didn't care. He should've put up some kind of precaution or something. Heck, even a note saying "Felt better and went to school early" would've sufficed. What on earth is he going to do...

9S perks up. Wait a minute. He can totally do that! Pulling out his phone, 9S sends a message to his mother's number. The whole text was a lie, but 9S breathed a sigh of relief when he hit send. He should be alright now, right? 9S glances at Pod 042 again. Father hasn't really left the bathroom where he's freshening up so there's a low possibility of anyone calling out his lie. 

9S runs through his mental checklist. His sneakers were gone, and while they weren't school shoes that would signify that he's left the house, so he can work with that. His actual school shoes were usually kept in his room alongside his uniform, but they weren't necessarily displayed out in the open, so unless someone is searching, they won't find them. He took his school bag out of the house so that only helps support his lie, even if he left all his school supplies. But that can be worked with, he can just say that he didn't need those particular items for today. 

Okay. That should be everything. 

9S pockets his phone and Pod 042 before schooling his features and re-entering the building. He ignores the rising sun's warmth as he steps foot into the shadows of the indoors. 

"Welcome back!" Adam exclaims. "Shouldn't you be heading home?" There was something in his eyes that obviously didn't want 9S to leave but still expected him to. That goes to show how much Adam knows him. 9S is a good kid– or well, he tries to be one for Nines' sake. 9S himself was a tiny bit more... rebellious, he guesses. Well, rebellious was probably the wrong word for it, but he slacks off a fair bit. 

But that was the past. Now is... different. It's easier to just follow the rules, especially since its quite unfamiliar.

"Later, maybe," 9S says, pushing away his previous thoughts. It was wiser to focus on the present. "Uh, what were we talking about?" 

"Wait," Adam says, "You do not get to change the subject. Why aren't you going home? I thought you snuck out. I know that you're a total beginner at it, but you're not supposed to get caught. Your family is a bunch of worrywarts!"

9S refuses to look offended. "Relax," He says, instead. "I got things covered."

Before Adam could speak again, A2 cuts him off. "Just let him do what he wants," She says, carefree. "He also kind of owes us for not showing his face for so long." 

And it truly was 9S' fault. The guilt felt painful. It was his fault, but if he's going to stick to his excuse, then he's going to stay in character. "Hey, don't hold me accountable for memory loss. I couldn't help it!"

"Right, I know," She says flippantly and 9S discreetly grits his teeth together. There was just something about her that didn't sit well with him, although that could just be bad blood talking. "Anyway, it's odd for Olethe to not show up." Her eyes are focussed on the empty barrel– a free seat for a person not around. 

Adam hums in thought while Eve shrugs. 

Who was Olethe? 9S wanted to ask but he has a feeling that it'll just make everyone sad again. And while he didn't really care for A2, it was Adam and Eve that he was concerned for. He doesn't want to see their solemn faces again. He's kind of overwhelmed from all that's happened today, truthfully. 

But he stays and focusses his tired eyes on his shoes, observing the way dried up mud clung to the bottom of his sneakers. Boring and– 9S scrapes a bit of it off with his other foot– weak. It left a pathetic mark and just about everything about it was futile. He has a feeling that he's thought about this before and he resists the urge to outright laugh at that.

In the distance, he hears the sound of shuffling and soon a presence beside him is made known. A shoulder press against his own, warm and grounding and 9S closes his eyes before anyone can see how wet they've become; it wasn't hard– they were immensely heavy in the first place. He must really be out of it if he's about to cry. Was this what fatigue did? It was so different and foreign– and 9S hates it because there was something fragile in his chest that felt like it was going to break at any given time. Everything hurt and 9S wanted to lie down. So, against all common sense, he leans into that comforting warmth and feels himself slowly slumping. 

9S takes a deep breath before steadily releasing it. His eyes are kept close and his other senses are heightened. He hears birds chirping from someplace far, far away. The sun's rays make it to the windows, beaming down on them. The way the light feels against real skin is stimulating and causes a shiver to run through his spine. Such a reaction seemingly then makes his shoulders slump in what 9S assumes is relaxation. 

9S never felt anything like it and therefore allows himself to enjoy it for just a little bit longer. 

Someone must've opened a window or something because 9S starts to feel a draft. Cool, refreshing morning air greets the hairs on his arms like one would when meeting an old friend. The gentle sway of his bangs brushes against his forehead and if they were just slightly longer, they would have tickled his nose.

Maybe if 9S continues to surrender himself to these elements, the presence beside him might end up being 2B. 9S imagines himself laying down on a grass field, 2B by his side, as they take in the world around them with their blindfolds on. In such a perfect world, their weapons would be meters away from where they're positioned and their shoes would be removed for their feet to intimately feel the breeze.

2B could run her hand through his hair and 9S would caress her cheek, and then she can kill him again.

--

9S wakes up and he's not at home. He vaguely registers the fact that the area around him is unfamiliar. He refuses to panic even if the way his heart contracts tells him the opposite. 

He's on something that barely can be considered soft, but the sheets on him are clean and slightly smell like lemons. 9S sits up and rubs his eyes, they still feel too tired. 

"Good to see you're up." A voice he doesn't recognize says and 9S begrudgingly lifts his eyes up to meet the newcomer. Her hair is startling similar to Operator 21O's hair color, but her blonde hair is held in braids. 9S would like to say that her eyes were like Ventuna's but there was something different in her gaze. Operator 21O's– and Ventuna's– eyes were sharper than hers. This girl's eye shape was round and wide, with a soft edge to it that complimented her small smile. 

"Um," She starts and it's as gentle as her face. "I-I was informed of your, uh, situation, Nines. So, erm, this is kind of awkward but I'm Olethe. You u-used to know me." 

9S doesn't say anything, because he doesn't know this person. 

---

A/N: Heyyy, sorry for the late update. Life is tough, y'know? And this chapter was... difficult to write. Idk, I don't think I'm happy with it but y'all have waited for too long so here. I couldn't finish this chapter off for some odd reason, so I was going to just publish half of it. However, when I went back to work on it, I managed to complete it! So here you go– 11K of words!