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Doc calls everyone to him, and you run into the room, barely lit by only a computer screen. 2BDamned nods, inviting to come closer. You look at the screen. It has a strange, unfamiliar room, an empty chair, gray walls with a couple of posters; apparently an AAHW room. You have no idea what that means yet, and 2B is silent.
The others soon join. Only then does Doc begin to speak.
You pick up the most basic information: he hacked into the Auditor's webcam. He is not there yet, but we can watch him now and learn some of his plans. You joke about seeing him in his underwear and you deserve a slap from Hank.
You patiently wait for the Employer to return to his workplace. And it really happens - he climbs into his chair, making himself comfortable... for the first time you see him so clearly and close, it's amazing. How does his fire burn in such constancy? You wonder, what it consists of?
The Auditor suddenly picks up an electric guitar as if out of thin air - Doc says that he can materialize objects. You heard about it, but you see it for the first time. Light warm-up, clawed fingers take a few notes. "Are we really going to watch him play the guitar?" you ask, reproached with a quiet "shhh". Some kind of stupidity, as if he could say something important.
You will recognize this song from the first notes. Your eyes widen and you involuntarily move closer. This is a song in a language that is incomprehensible to all of you, you don’t even know how it is translated, and you always loved it only for the rhythm and vibe that was felt in the soloist’s voice. You honestly didn't know anyone in Nevada still listened to this artist. And the Auditor... was that some sort of trick? For him? You start humming... "you know the song?" Sanford asks in surprise. They don't know much about you. You nod.
The Auditor's voice with it's slight echo and unusual melody suits this song. He plays the guitar like he's been doing it all his life and follows the same rhythm perfectly as it was in the original - you can't help but marvel at that fact.
A plan appears in your head.
You listen to the song until the end, delving into every note produced by him. Hoping to hear it again, you come to Doc the next day - but he says that the Auditor has already blocked this possibility. Not surprising. He was also good at hacking.
You come up with an interesting plan. A fake account with the name "hackerman" is created in a couple of minutes. You already know the nickname of the Auditor. BIGBADAUD999. Sounds terribly pretentious, but you all already knew that he was a complete jerk.
You pretend to be a fan of the band whose song he sang. As you expected, the Auditor believes that you found him on one of the official sites in the subscribers. You speak very little. You find out that the Auditor knows the translations of these songs... it's amazing for you and you name a few of your favorites. The original plan to "get into trust" goes smoothly... and you realize that it's also nice. The Auditor turns out to be, albeit a little arrogant, but legible interlocutor. One of his jokes makes you smile, but you don't care.
So several conversations went on. From the topic of this rock band, you moved on to talking about the language in which it is performed. He said that he could teach you the basics of the language - sounded attractive. Then you suddenly started talking about your favorite words from your native language. Somehow began to discuss the breed of dogs. Suddenly there was talk of colonizing the North Pole. You don't notice how time goes by. You talk almost continuously for several hours. You realize that if you're not going to be dumb on a mission tomorrow, it's time to go to bed, and you tell him that. He wishes good night.
Immediately after the mission, you write to the Auditor again. Somehow, you feel a slight adrenaline rush from dealing with the enemy... and the pleasure of having so many topics to discuss. Word for word, suddenly the conversation turns to that music band, and he agrees to play in a voice message for you. You feel the delight of what he does. You understand that this "moron" commands your respect. You don't give it any attention. You are still fighting against him, and you do not give any personal information. He doesn't really ask anything about you personally... never once asked your name when referring to "hacker". Never asked personal questions. You suddenly decide to ask directly.
hackerman: yo why you never asked anything about me irl
The Auditor: What do I need this for? If you want, you can tell yourself.
The Auditor: I don't think we need to go beyond the virtual world.
The Auditor: And I respect your privacy.
You feel some notes of flattery in his answer, but still you are pleased. This continues for some time.
You don't realize how you cease to perceive him as a black fiery person against whom the Dissenters fight. All you see is his nickname highlighted in red and an avatar with a fancy red crown on a black background. Mentally, you refer to him as "Aud", short for his full name. And you think you're weirdly comfortable with him.
He wishes you good luck when you go on one of his missions under the pretext "I have to go to work", wishes you good morning, good night. You get used to it and do it for him in return. He says "today I have a lot of work, but I will find time to answer you." You can't be distracted by your phone during missions, so you even admire him a little and his willingness to sacrifice his convenience. He discusses with you everything that you like and shares his preferences from time to time. You started listening to a couple of new music bands thanks to his advice and really love their songs. You also got addicted to playing chess, which annoyed you before, in order to beat him in an online game.
Sometimes he writes "hug you" or "mentally holding your hand" when you say that you feel bad. Uses soft nicknames like "darling" or even "cute" at times like this. You suddenly enjoy this kind of attention.
You don't know why he keeps talking to you. Sometimes you are tormented by thoughts that he knows who you are and is trying to lure or use. But even so, you did not notice a single hint behind him. He doesn't even know you're from Nevada. When he talks about the red sky outside the windows, he politely asks about your weather. You say "clear" or "cloudy", that's all.
Several months have passed. You feel that there is no one closer than Aud, not even your best friend Sanford. Of course, maybe he has tons of interlocutors like you ... but when you asked, he said that it was not. When was the last time he lied? You honestly don't know. His words seem to be true.
hackerman: wassup
The Auditor: You know, I think...
The Auditor: Would you ever like to meet me in person?
The Auditor: I think it would be fun to play together. Or take a walk.
Here it is. Finally you caught his desire. He communicated with you for so long to lure you into a trap. And now it will certainly insist.
hackerman: i can't
hackerman: nevada far away from me
The Auditor: I could visit you myself...
The Auditor: However, if you don't want to, I won't insist. I am satisfied with the state of things.
For several days you walk in thought. Even Doc notices this and asks if something happened that he should know about. You say, no, it's all right, chief.
Two more weeks go by. Holding the joystick with one hand, you texting with your Aud with the other.
The Auditor: GTA? Legendary. I have played all parts.
You know he's a collector, including games. It's amazing how much time he had before working with AAHW. And you also find this incredibly cool. Whatever game you name, he at least heard about it and you can discuss it. He even tried playing Dishonored for you. And he rated it highly! You also played together a couple of times. You rejected this idea for a long time... however, using a VPN, you gave it a shot. And he did not write anything about the fact that your address is in Germany, although one hundred percent could see it. Did he just not look and... uh, trust you?
hackerman: just killed a woman feeling good
The Auditor: HUH. Reference caught. Hey, I have a serious conversation with you. When you will be free?
You figured. Yeah, you must not have much to do today, huh? You managed to do everything that Doc asked yesterday.
hackerman: yes i'm free all day today
The Auditor: Hacker. Think and answer honestly.
The Auditor: Do you like me?
You felt yourself blush. Immediately looked away at the screen, trying to distract from the beating heart. Aud asked it so directly. You weren't ready. Thought it would be one of jokes. It took more time for you to calm down and be able to talk with a sober head.
hacker: yes
You tried to be honest and didn't want to offend him. To lose such an acquaintance would be painful.
The Auditor: I remember you being neutral about internet relationships.
The Auditor: I think it would be nice to offer them to you.
The Auditor: To be honest... you're one of the nicest conversations I've had in the last 20 years.
The Auditor: I think I would like to get closer. Let it be just words.
You suddenly howled. It was so sweet. You only thought about it as a joke, and you didn't expect the other guy to make the first move. Also so self-satisfied in the first place. Although you have long understood that it was only an image. You type and delete the message several times, not knowing how to choose the words. But you know you can't refuse him.
hackerman: ok okay got it haha
hackerman: didn't know this would ever happen
hackerman: agree to be
The Auditor: I'm glad, dear.
Dear... so sweet. Aud is still charming...
A few more affectionate nicknames are added to your addresses, and that's it, but you think about him so often. Now, remembering that he sees you on cameras while you're at the Agency, you feel a strange embarrassment. You think you'd like to see him. But you don't have the strength to open up for another five weeks. Five weeks before you finally make up your mind.
hackerman: i'm actually from nevada too
The Auditor: I suspected it.
Something inside trembled with fear. What the hell?
hackerman: what
The Auditor: Sometimes I mentioned other countries and nationalities, and you still haven't responded once. I also thought that you would not hide it if it was a prosperous area. Plus... it's usually hard to get in here from the outside.
hackerman: oh ok that sounds logical
hackerman: remember you wanted to meet
hackerman: i want this badly
hackerman: but most likely shit will happen
hackerman: i'm pretty sure you'll leave me haha fuck
The Auditor: Even if you're goddamn Hank J Wimbleton, I won't be upset.
The Auditor: It surprises me, moreover, that you, knowing who I am, and living in Nevada, continued to communicate. There are shitty rumors about me.
The Auditor: Eating children.
The Auditor: Conducting inhuman experiments.
The Auditor: Killing the innocent.
The Auditor: Some of this may be true, but I don't eat children.
hackerman: i just already had some information
The Auditor: Besides the rumors? Will you tell?
hackerman: you will understand if we meet
hackerman: i really want to meet
hackerman: even if you kill me
The Auditor: Whoa, whoa. Take it easy. You're not Hank, right? Definitely not Hank.
hackerman: not hank
The Auditor: Then I don't care.
You make an appointment. You are like in a dream. There is a slight unpleasant feeling of betrayal of the native Dissents - there is no other way to describe it. But if they don't find out, only if they don't find out, everything will be all right. You just want to touch his hands, play your favorite songs with him, just spend a little time. And you will come back.
When you slam the car door and try to lock it with the key, you drop it on the ground and the ringing frightens you. You are really excited. You can die today. Or being betrayed by those you love, which is also sad. You understand that if this was all a cruel game of the Auditor, you took the bait and fell for the bait, even suspecting that it was a trap. You yourself will be to blame.
You see the Agency building, but you only agreed to meet nearby. You check the coordinates - everything is in order. It's not far to go. You arrived early on purpose so that the attack would not be unexpected.
...well, so far no one is attacking.
You can see him.
He gently slips around the corner. A strict suit and tight high-heeled boots, which make an incredibly tall man taller (almost two feet taller than Deimos). Smooth tongues of fire. Covered red eye sockets. You can feel your hands shaking and you put them on the handle of your weapon to calm them down... yes, firearms won't work against the head of AAHW, but it makes you feel a little more secure.
He sees you from afar and stops for a second. You are immobile, and he understands that you will not attack. Therefore, everything is just as calm and evenly moving forward.
"Deimos?" a familiar, familiar voice that you hear live, and not in voice messages, makes you tremble a little. "What are you doing here?".
Is he serious? What kind of question is... so hard to think of? Or does he not want to believe? Is it really that disappointing?
"What do you think?" you are a little rude.
"This", he nods towards your gun. "Won't work".
You forgot that you are standing rather defiantly. You take your hand away, hugging your shoulder. You try to look directly into the eyes, keep in touch. You exhale nervously - you are not at all afraid, but you are excited. In front of you is the one you love. But what do you represent for him? Will he now... laugh? Maybe attack? You are probably just ridiculous to him.
"Well. I'm actually a little surprised". He nods. You can't read a certain emotion on the black face, but the voice seems calm. "Hacker...".
The nickname from his lips makes you tremble and you look away. He notices the movement, is silent for only a second, it confuses you.
“I thought about inviting you to have a drink with me at the AAHW building, but now I see that this is not possible. It's ok. We can go to my house".
"Wh-what…" you think you misheard, or you’re sleeping, but those words from his mouth… are so familiar. You really couldn't believe that he wouldn't care who you were.
"If that bothers you, there are other deserted places. I don't think you want us to be seen together".
"Yes". You shift your gaze back to his figure, unable to make eye contact, examining the suit. "Yes, it's best to stay away from these places. We can... go to your house".
"How brave. You've always been brave, Hacker".
He uses that nickname again... all of a sudden he walks towards you and you twitch out of habit. Before you have time to object, how its flame seems to cover you and only a second passes, as the lighting changes dramatically. You realize that you have teleported.
"Is it your room?" God, it really wasn't a trap. "So cool".
It really is made in beautiful, aesthetic dark colors, you see some of his collections, which he spoke about, live, and, of course, his equipment - a computer and a set-top box - catches the eye. You want to play... but you haven't dealt with their owner yet.
You look at Aud for a few seconds.
"Let me?" he holds out his hands, palms up. Embarrassed, you put yours on top - a little small in comparison. He squeezes it gently. So gently that you are once again surprised. The palms on fire are slightly warmer than normal human hands... but that's not a bad thing. You like it. "Can I call you by your name?".
"Yeah", you breathe out, snuggling up to him. You hug carefully. "Will you play the guitar for me?".
He grants your request without hesitation. Later, you hit the console until late at night, chatting with each other from time to time. Of course, you don't say a word about how the rest of the Dissenters are doing. Just tell a little more about yourself. The Auditor sounds... joyful. This is the first time you've had such close contact with him. He is so warm when you reach out to hug him, and when you lie next to him. You feel relaxed and happy. You still can't believe you're not sleeping.
When the clock shows 3 am, you don't notice how your eyes close together. He takes the joystick from your hands, gently lays you comfortably on an easy chair and kisses your forehead.
Waking up in the morning, you understand that the others must have lost you and become worried about it. You tell the Auditor - he understands and teleports you again, now straight to your base. When you ask him how the hell he knows about this place, Aud vaguely jokes that he knows more than that. You take his hands again, and you somehow seem to accidentally kiss - short, but affectionately, incredibly lovingly. You release his palms, embarrassed. Goodbye for today. Although you are already looking forward to the next meeting.