Chapter Text
A2 awakens, blinking at the sunlight shining down on her.
How long was I asleep for?
She sits up, scanning the room. At the sound, 042 and 153 turn from their place in a corner of the room and glide over to her.
[“Good morning, A2.”] They intone in unison, their voices seeming almost gentle.
“…Good morning, Pods.” A2’s voice is quiet as she returns the greeting. She lets out a small smile at them, before turning towards the door. “Have 2B and 9S returned?”
“Negative,” 042 replies. “Units 2B and 9S left about 60 minutes ago.”
A2 nods as she slowly stands up. “I see.” Stretching her aching muscles, she takes a few tentative steps around the room. “So this is our new [Home].”
“Affirmative.” 153 floats over to the music box, as if inspecting it. “Units 2B and 9S determined this place to be the most suitable for us all.”
A2 can’t help but smile at that. “Did they?”
“Affirmative.” 153 seems to almost chuckle as she responds.
Then, they hear footsteps reverberating on the steps below.
“Units 2B and 9S are returning,” 042 notes, his voice carrying a hint of relief.
As if on cue, 2B and 9S appear at the doorway. A2 turns to greet them, and the three lock eyes. After a brief moment, they all [Smile] at each other warmly.
“Welcome back.” A2 nods and walks over to them. “What did I miss?”
“You didn’t miss much.” 2B enters the room, 9S following close behind. 042 and 153 fly over to greet the pair as they do so. “Welcome back, units 2B and 9S.”
“Thanks, Pod.” 9S smiles at 153, who dips her body in a nod. He turns to A2, his eyes sparkling. “I’m glad you didn’t wreck either of the Pods while we were gone.”
A2 shakes her head, chuckling softly. “That was because I was unconscious most of the time you two were out!”
“Fair enough.” 2B smiles at both of them. “How’re you feeling, A2?”
“Better than I was a few hours ago.” A2 stretches her arms over her head, then crosses them over her chest. “I’m imagining you two had a heart-to-heart while I was out?” She looks between 2B and 9S, a quiet smile in her eyes.
The two look at each other, blushing lightly. “I guess you could say so.” 9S scratches the back of his head, chuckling as 2B smiles abashedly.
“I’m glad.” A2 grins, warm and genuine as 2B and 9S dissolve into giggles. Despite herself, A2 finds herself joining in, their [Laughter] floating freely through the air.
As the trio catch their breaths, they turn and gaze out over the ruins. 042 and 153 join them, and for a while, the five lapse into comfortable silence. The gentle warmth of the sunlight washes over them as they take in the breathtaking view of the ruins.
Finally, the quiet is broken by the soft whir of flight as 042 flies off. The others turn at the sound, and watch as he lifts up a small object and carries it over to them.
“Proposal: Units 2B, 9S, A2, 042, and 153 should take a picture to commemorate this moment.”
“This moment?” A2 tilts her head, confused.
042 nods in confirmation. “This moment, where all of us may be considered [‘Friends’].”
9S grins at that. “I like that idea!” He looks around at everyone excitedly. “Come on! This is perfect!”
2B nods, smiling warmly. “Definitely.”
153 dips her body in a nod, her voice warm. “This unit agrees with the idea.”
A2 looks around at everyone, her heart strangely full.
We’re all [Friends] now…
She smiles, then nods. “I say we do it.”
Together, the five crowd into the frame, leaning snugly against each other. 042 holds up the camera and turns the lens so it’s facing them.
“Alright. This unit will count up to three before the picture is taken.”
“Right!” 9S nods enthusiastically. “On three, everyone smile! Oh, and make the peace sign too!” He holds up two fingers and flashes a grin. “Pods, you too!”
“Sounds good.” 2B giggles at 9S’ excitement, and A2 nods and smiles.
042 holds the camera steady, everyone readying themselves for the shot, placing their arms around each other. “Everyone ready?” The others nod excitedly, and 042 lets out what sounds like a soft chuckle. “Here we go.”
He turns to the camera and starts the count. “One, two, three, four…five.”
A2 gazes into the camera, a smile creeping across her face.
When was the last time I truly smiled?
When was the last time I was truly [Happy]?
On “five”, everyone flashes the peace sign as the camera flashes. 042 turns as the picture prints out, then holds it up to show to everyone. 9S excitedly prances around. “It looks amazing! You guys are all awesome!”
A2 finds herself grinning at 9S’ enthusiasm. “It definitely did come out nice.” 2B happily nods in agreement, reaching out and petting 042 on the head. “Thank you for that, 042.”
042 chuckles, almost seeming to blush. “It was my pleasure.”
153 takes the picture from 042, then turns towards everyone, her voice warm and bright. “Proposal: Units 2B, 9S, A2, 042, and 153 should partake in more actions of ‘friendship’.”
“Proposal accepted!” 9S shouts, while the others murmur their agreement. 153 laughs as she places the picture on the table, leaning it against the wall. “Report: The position of the picture is satisfactory.”
“Great work, 153.” 2B smiles at the black Pod. “It does look nice there.” 153 spins her body in a little twirl, her gesture catching 042’s attention.
“Query: What is unit 153 expressing excitement about?” The gray Pod tilts his body inquisitively, then glides over to her. To his surprise, 153 responds by tapping the front of her head, as if in thought. “This unit admits it does not know what it is excited about.” The black Pod turned to gaze at the picture, then out towards the ruins. “Conjecture: This unit may be excited at the prospect of ‘friendship’ forming among the five of us.”
153 looks around at everyone, then flies over and wraps her arms around 9S in an [Embrace], taking comfort in the soft pulsing of his black box. She feels a warmth envelop her as 9S chuckles and embraces her in turn. One by one, the others join them, until all five are holding each other, snuggling close and smiling [Joyfully] at each other.
Their song [Blossoms], laughter shining warm and blindingly bright.
Five voices rise in chorus, a [Symphony] of ecstasy and hope.