Chapter Text
2B steps out of the faux vending machine at the resistance camp and looks down at her body, rotating her arms to make sure everything is in order. She presses a hand to her temple as the initial disorientation of traveling by YoRHa transporters begins to fade.
9S follows after her. 2B hears the transporter hiss and creak as his body is rebuilt from bunker data. But when the transporter door opens, she discovers him in a body she doesn't quite expect.
"9S?" she starts. "Your chassis…?"
"Oh!" His mouth doesn't move, but his familiar voice emanates from a speaker hidden somewhere in his robotic body. "I guess command didn't tell you! I'm testing out a beta design for a new chassis from R&D. It's smaller and more discreet so command thinks it will be useful for reconnaissance."
2B can't help but furrow her brows. She isn't quite sure what to make of his new form. It isn't the humanlike designs she's used to seeing androids have—he's a small dog, with patches of black fur marking where his uniform would originally be. He looks…concerningly fragile.
She remembers 9S discussing creatures like this in the past, from historical information he'd dug up from the YoRHa database. Humans used to keep harmless dogs like this as "pets." She's struggling to recall what sort of customs humans would follow to keep such animals safe.
"Do you…" 2B hesitates, finally recalling a piece of information he'd mentioned. "9S, do you need a leash…?"
"No!"
They've been tasked to clear hostile machines from a resistance checkpoint near the forest kingdom. 2B's heeled boots crunch over the underbrush as 9S bounds ahead of her, his new four-legged form seemingly efficient in navigating the forest growth.
It's still something to get used to. She's glad he's retained his normal voice, although when he speaks it sounds staticky, almost like he's talking to her through a comm. She misses having his typical form by her side. But as she watches 9S enthusiastically running circles ahead of her, she can't help but admit his new form is cute.
She has to stop and lift him over a particularly large fallen tree in the way. He nuzzles against her hand to thank her.
Eventually the pods alert them to a large group of enemy signals nearby.
9S seems excited at the prospect of testing his new chassis. "2B, you stay here for now. I'll go on ahead and scope out the enemy forces. Hopefully my new form is enough of a disguise that they won't notice me!"
2B feels uneasy at the thought of him going ahead alone, but she assumes command needs the data. "Alright," she permits. "Call me if you need me."
She waits for him. After a long while, he still does not return and 2B grows concerned. Suddenly a loud string of frantic barking interrupts the forest silence.
2B rushes forward, sword flying to her hand. She quickly locates the hostiles and tears through their torsos, leaving a spray of metal and circuitry in her wake. She comes across a large bipedal machine in a clearing. It's lifting 9S by the cross-body bag that he still wears in his canine form. 9S lets out a loud, distressed whine as the machine shakes him violently in the air.
2B unleashes her wrath. She slices through the enemy's arm and 9S falls from its grip. A few expertly-placed slashes later the machine falls to the ground, incapacitated.
2B kneels over 9S's form sprawled out on the ground, a panic rising in her chest. "9S! 9S, are you alright?"
She runs her hands along his body, searching for injury. His fur is soft. Warm.
His voice sounds slurred and groggy when he responds. "I'm fine," he assures her. "Heh, this sort of tickles though…"
2B sighs and rises to her feet. She'll need to make sure his body is functioning properly. "Let's head back to camp for now."
A group of resistance members crowd around Anemone's table, cooing at the camp's newest attraction. Their shoulders are packed tightly together, and 2B has to force her way through to find a place beside them.
She discovers 9S at the center of the commotion, whining with drooping ears as the resistance members take turns petting him. He perks up a bit when he notices 2B's arrival. "2B, save me…"
The crowd falls silent, confused at their furry friend's unexpected voice. 2B reaches over and lifts 9S in her arms, placing a hand over protectively over his head. "It may not look like it," 2B explains, "but this is the newest design for YoRHa models." The surprised androids stare after her as she carries 9S from the table away to safety.
2B settles at a bench near the resistance's jukebox, balancing 9S in her lap as she relaxes to the soft music. He stirs in her arms.
"2B, are you going to put me down?"
She considers, for a moment, before holding him closer against her chest. "Not yet."
"O-oh. Okay."
She closes her eyes and rests her chin against him. She slips her hands across his body and pets idly, enjoying the feeling of his fur between her fingers. There's something almost therapeutic about holding this version of him.
9S shuffles against her. Something wet brushes briefly against her cheek. She casts her eyes down at him, and after a moment she understands what happened.
He licked her. His small eyes seem to be begging for attention.
"What is the verdict?" she asks him. "Do you like this design?"
He tilts his head thoughtfully. "It has its advantages. It can fit in smaller spaces, and is good for traversing terrain quietly. I think it can be used for stealth missions."
"I see."
9S pauses. He places a paw up against the back of her hand. "What do you think?"
"Your human chassis is irreplaceable. But this form…has benefits. It would be nice to keep it around."
9S seems happy at her words. He nuzzles up against her. "Okay. You know, when I'm in this chassis you can pet me as much as you want. I don't mind…"
Her lips curl in a small smile. She runs her hands graciously through his fur.
It's an offer 2B will gladly take him up on.