Chapter Text
6O sits in her quarters. The bright terminal screen scrolls through yet another Jupiter fortune reading. She was hopeful for a positive premonition after she received such a nice gift from 2B. But the most recent message on her screen showed no such luck. The result for her love life was especially dire. A loud sigh escaped her lips as her head slumped forward onto her desk.
She hears a rhythmic and swift tapping on the metal hull of The Bunker. It came to an abrupt stop in front of her door and she frantically turned off her terminal, embarrassed at the thought of anyone catching her reading another fortune.
The doors hissed open and heels clacked sharply as an android entered the small room. 6O swung her chair around and her eyes lit up at the sight of 2B.
She let out a small gasp, “2B! I thought it might be you! I’m so glad you came to vis-” She stops herself, remembering to be professional. “Ahem. How can I help?”
“Yes I-” 2B stands there for a moment, then moves toward 6O. She stops in front of the operator. 6O stares up at the combat unit, unsure of what might come next. This is the second time 2B has ever entered her room. 6O’s shoulders drop slightly, thinking the only reason she could be here at this hour was for work. Maybe even something urgent.
Before she can ask her business, 2B speaks up. “May I… sit down?”
6O gestures toward her small cot, nodding her head. 2B’s weapons de-materialize and she gently places herself on the edge of the perfect sheets. 6O’s heartbeat quickens in anticipation. She runs hundreds of scenarios through her mind. A dead comrade? A lost pod? Or worst of all, 2B no longer wants 6O as her operator.
Maybe her fortune was true after all.
Defensively 6O spouts, “If it’s something urgent let me message the commander!” She swivels back to her terminal, “She's probably-”
“No.” 2B’s hand is suddenly on her arm. 6O stares at it, gracious to no end that her veil is hiding the blood red color of her cheeks. 6O turns slowly back to 2B, whose expression is the same as ever. Lips pursed together into a flat emotionless line. But her hand still rests on 6O’s arm. The combat unit gives a gentle, almost unnoticeable, squeeze.
6O stares into 2B’s blindfold, waiting for some kind of explanation. Just as her heartbeat begins to slow, 2B’s lips part.
“Do you remember the photo I gave you?” She nearly whispers, “Of the flower. The one in the desert.”
6O nods. She pulls up the photo in her interface.
In a soft voice she replies “Of course I do 2B. It’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.” 6O removes her veil with her unoccupied hand. Then places her hand onto 2B’s. The combat unit flinches slightly.
2B still wears a blank expression, but she turns her head away from 6O’s kind gaze.
“I thought it was nice that you treasured it so much.” 2B’s hand tightens around 6O’s arm, “So I went back…”
Still turned away from the operator, 2B reveals an actual flower and holds it to her chest.
Its the same flower from the photograph, a desert rose. The dazzlingly saturated pink of its petals stands in sharp contrast to the grays and blacks of the confined quarters. So breathtaking that neither android dares let out a sound.
Perhaps its just the brilliance of the light reflecting onto her, but 6O swears that a small blush of pink shines on 2B’s face.
For a long time neither woman moves, the hum of The Bunker suspended between them.
Finally 6O moves her hand toward the striking starburst of color. Her fingers lace with 2B’s as she wraps the stem in a delicate hold. 2B’s mouth hangs open slightly and 6O leans ever closer… but hesitates at the last moment.
Her brows furrow and she pulls back, opening her eyes. She scolds herself internally. Even if her fortune was wrong, YoRHa has rules. And if she knows anything about 2B, she knows that breaking those rules would affect her. Both in her missions, and in their future interactions.
As 6O settles back into her seat, pulling fully away from the combat unit, she swears that 2B’s face follows her back for a second. Their hands still interlocked holding the flower between them. 2B looks down at the flower. Then that flat line is back, directed straight at 6O.
“…. It doesn’t need much” 2B says quietly “But it will need water… I…”
2B hesitates. Then as she stands up, her voice returns to a normal volume. “I can bring you some. Next time I return from the surface.”
6O looks up at her, a professional and tight smile on her face. “I would greatly appreciate that 2B”
2B nods curtly “Understood” she says. And she turns on a heel. As the doors slide back open she stops in place one more time. After a moment, her weapons reappear on her back. The glint of a blade under the fluorescent lights is the last thing 6O sees before the doors seal shut once more.
6O returns to her terminal screen and turns the display back on. She tenderly places the flower on her desk and her eyes turn back to her inbox. She reads her fortune out one more time.
Health – While your physical health will prosper, be sure to keep your mind healthy as well
Work – Be prepared for tough assignments on the horizon
Love – A chance encounter will end in heartbreak