Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The freelancer tapes are a collection of visual and auditory logs of those freelancers who passed, most of which do not have any physical remains to be remembered by pardoning a past memory held by those who survived project freelancer, or knew them in life. The recovery and collection of these recordings are unknown, but they were each gifted to the surviving freelancer who was closest to them. The more triggering footage, was manually cut, as these footage collections were not gifted for this purpose. These tapes were mainly recovered by the AIs Delta and Theta, unfortunately positioned security cameras, voice exchanges with F.L.I.S.S., as well as manually recorded cameras. Freelancer agent York and South’s recordings were inherited by former freelancer agent Carolina. Any traces of Freelancer Agent Texas was given to Church, or the Alpha AI, and eventually exchanged with Carolina, who originally wanted nothing to do with them. The scarce left recordings of agent Maine were to be shared between Carolina and Washington. However, Carolina held onto them much longer than Washington did. Washington was given both North and C.T’s past footage, and Wyoming’s memory was shared amongst the Reds and Blues for a good laugh due to the unflattering.. nature of the visual memory of him, and a history of being an asshole.

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“You’re seriously betting against me in Grifball, North?” A voice belonging to a man, his golden armor glistening in the always seemingly dramatic lighting of the cafeteria. He was lounged back in a chair, with his boots propped upon a table, helmet popped off to reveal his more than offended expression. His brows furrowing, as he stumbled back trying to plant his feet back onto the floor at this strong offense. He firmly grasped the table to support the wobbling legs of his chairs as he then leaned forward upon being seated properly, as one real taken back eye shot the pasty freelancer adjacent to him in the violet and green armor. “After all of these years I can’t believe this, but sure North, I’ll take you up on that offer, I’d prepare myself”

“For what,” the camera soon turned to the other, North chuckled, pulling the seat from across York, “Odds don’t tend to be in your favor” he humored, York didn’t seem too offended by that, after all, it was pretty accurate. He had some shitty fucking luck, and one foggy gray eye made it painfully clear.

“Psshht, this is my domain, but hey, I’m gonna be the one that’s richer after this” York accepted with a rather confident nod, a grin entering his face. The visual seeming to shift every time each of them spoke, occasionally zooming in for dramatic effect. “You got yourself a deal. I get 20 bucks, and you get humbled. And honestly both of those choices sound pretty good to me”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself York, you know how this tends to go, 20 bucks still sound good?” North questioned tilting his head as he spoke and crossing his arms, an equal look of cockiness upon his face. York was never sure how North came across as humble to anybody. But perhaps that’s what made the two of them so close, their tendency to butt heads. York wasn’t quite sure if he could trust anybody else with his thoughts. And with a good bet every now and then. But North never got as ballsy as to betting against him in his sport of expertise.

“York-“ there was another voice from behind the camera, with a mouth full of food that was eventually forced down in a swallow. “Do you two seriously have to do this season,”

“It’s important Wash, it’s our tradition” North insisted with a wave of his hand.

“And it’s practically my side hustle. It’s a part time job always being right” York added, leaning back in his chair once more. Which provoked an eyeroll from North.

“NORTH” a voice had called from across the cafeteria, York seemingly turning his head to squint in its direction but his sight didn’t seem to be that grand anymore. North however seemed to recognize the voice immediately.

“Ooops, gotta go. I’ll tell you who I’m going with later,” North then waved, jogging over to its source.

“You can slide the 20 bucks under my door now if you’d like and I’ll come get it at my disposal,” York called after him. “Appreciate it”

North looked over his shoulder to glare at the brown-haired freelancer. Before joining someone in a more magenta colored armor but still extremely similar to his own. During his first weeks, with the helmet on, York mixed em up a little bit, and boy did South hate it. He got it down eventually, luckily before her patience was experiencing its first dwindling, otherwise York might’ve had a couple of other scars on his face. York seemed to then notice the camera finally looking up to Wash, waving his hand at the camera, and picking up on the flickering red light. “Wash? Are you recording” he tilted his head, “get that thing out of here,” he laughed, Wash then lowering it, and it cut there for a moment

Until another recording played. The rim tilted green. “Hey De?” York spoke, his voice low and hushed, Wash seemingly no longer in sight, “Could you do me a favor and run a couple of calculations” he asked, turning his head to the ai settled over his shoulder, but taking in account of his blindspot, Delta was shifted infront of him providing a better look to York.

“Of what?” Delta then asked, it then becoming fully clear the visual was coming from him.

“What grifball teams most likely to win?” York asked, “and keep it down, North can’t know my tactics”

Delta was silent for a moment his head turning to the ceiling it what seemed to be thought before it turned to York. “That sounds like cheating. Are you aware of this? Cheating for an advantage and in favor of receiving money, is not right. And not something that should be promoted” Delta spoke.

“Well, it’s not about the money, sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do De, it’s complicated, you probably shouldn’t lie, plus North’ll get his money back one way or another,” York explained, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I see. I understand now. Running the percentage it seems like, I’m aware of what team is more probable in winning based upon current performance, past victories and players this year. Would you like me to run this back.”

“Yeah. I would appreciate it” York snickered

—

“See? I knew he was cheating all of the time, there’s no way he’d have luck so bad yet ever since he got Delta, he rarely lost any bets,” Wash exclaimed, “North would’ve killed him if he found out” he gestured to the screen, Carolina chuckling a bit. As it paused. She’d already seen this one, but he figured the final bit was something Wash should’ve known about.

“I have a feeling, North already knew. It wasn’t like York was real sneaky. I always found out about his lies. He was never a good liar” Carolina stated crossing her arms. “York had to keep his ‘part-time job’ somehow. Most of the time when I caught him, I never really told him,”

“Why??” Wash turned his head to Carolina, who, for once he felt as if there was a smile past the visor of her cyan helmet. Leaning forward some in the chair he had pulled out to watch the video.

“He never lied to be malicious. Most of the time it was white lies, and he always felt bad about it. I would know immediately but once that guilt comes in and it’s safe to tell me, he always did. I thought it was-“ Carolina spoke rather flatly. “I thought it was sweet.”

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“Hey Filss.? These walls in the base are yknow soundproof right?”

“Yes, Agent York. All walls to dormitories are sound proof to provide a secure environment for all Freelancers to receive a full nights rest whilst training operations, loud equipment and incoming late night missions returning home. However, any explicit behaviors is strong-“

“Nono, nothing like that, who knew you’d be the one to jump to a conclusion like that. Just curious. Guess I shoulda figured that out when there was never any furniture breaking.”

“Any destructive behaviors is strongly prohibited, as it counts as vandalism and will be docked from your pay Agent York.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not planning to break anything. Thanks for the heads up. Bye bye now Filss.”

The rest of the video played in the form of a reactivated camera overhead, apparently, F.I.L.S.S. took York’s assurance with a grain of salt, and the rest was recorded security measure to prevent any suspicious activity. A majority of the Freelancers privacy was protected unless there was probable cause and apparently, this was it. This time it didn’t seem like York noticed it.

York, instead was laying upon his back on his bed, fidgeting with a small standard issue lock, the sorta lock you’d find in the lockers in the training rooms. York would oftentimes pick locks for the other freelancers if they ever get locked out. For some period of time some worried about that ability to easily access secure locks, but eventually his duties as lock expert reached far beyond missions. Becoming the base’s one and only lock smith. Nobody but Wash seemed to really know how he did it. As he liked to do it when nobody was watching because he ‘worked best like that’. It popped open cleanly after a few moments, York moved to place it onto his dresser full of opened and busted locks. Seemed like it was some sort of rubix cube to York. Someone needed to get that man some normal trinket to keep his hands busy.

He leaned onto his side reaching for one of the drawers, it opening with a clink as he pulled out and unfolded a piece of lined paper. His dog tags rattled as he sat up.

York held the paper up, his thumb supporting the fold lines that made it curl in on itself slightly. Before he rotated his body, legs dangling off the end of his bed. As he leaned forward, propping his elbows upon his knees and holding the slip out infront of him. Humming what has been written on it under his breath. Which, seemed to be a cheesy, love- rock song written for what can only be assumed was the girl York believed was worth it. Carolina.

The rest of the clips was organized into small cuts, due to the length. First was his first attempt to put the original demo of the song into a melody. Lyrics were different, and it was a lot more solemn, and meaningful. Tuned a similar way to Everlong. Next demo of his being akin to the style of a The Offspring song. God knew how York got his hands on old earth dad-rock, but it was a lot more catchy than songs popular during their own time.

York decided to bank on the catchiness factor he was finding the most appealing. And finally, had a final draft of his ballad towards the chick in the teal, blue green, seafoam green, whatever armor.

And Come On, Carolina was the title.

The next showing of what York had finalized was recorded on a different camera, quality akin to previous footage, Wash’s camera. York was leaned forward infront of the camera, it being zoomed into his eye. Then a finger that tapped the lens warranting a “Don’t touch the lens dude! It’s going to get all foggy” out of Wash.

“Is it on?” York asked taking a step away, holding his hands out infront of himself, brows furrowing. A hand a lot less freckled and a lot more pale than Wash’s was stuck out shooting York a thumbs up

“You’re rolling,” North responded, the camera shaking as Wash went to swat North who was looking over his shoulder, and he laughed.

“Don’t backseat camera man dude get out of here. Anyways, Cameras rolling. Yeah” Wash spoke, North appearing off to the far side of the camera upon being booted from assistant recorder.

“Good, you don’t want it missing any of this” York grinned, picking his paper off the floor.

And DAMN, that fuckface sung away. Who knew Agent Freelancer York had a singing voice. North, who was still stood off to the side was encouraging him with slight cheers. And Wash was laughing behind the camera. It didn’t really feel like they were freelancers in that video at all. Felt like they were just, some dudes. Who trusted eachother so much they’d sing rather embarrassing songs about their girlfriend to eachother. And hope to god the footage was never leaked to Carolina herself.

After York’s, showcase of such, immense talent, it was laughed off by the other two, and a stupid smile was plastered across the locksmith’s face. North then speaking, “y’know. I never knew you can sing,”

“Well. Highschool was a crazy time for us all” York chuckled.

“I don’t know about you, but my highschool years were pretty normal. Were you in Choir or something?” Wash questioned.

“Guess you can. Say that” York nodded. Wash and North could hear all of his cheesy love songs, every last one of them. But he’d never spill anything about his band phase he had in his parents basement. That was for his eyes and ears, and the 1000 views they’ve somehow collected when it was posted only.

—

“Those assholes” Carolina grumbled, but she couldn’t help but smile a little bit. Wasn’t like anybody was watching her anyways. Couldn’t really ever get too mad at a dead guy writing her love songs. And she admits, that she has infact kicked York a couple of times. She grabbed the drive, unplugging it from the screen, looking at it for a second. Part of her wanted to throw that damn thing on the ground, but. Maybe she’ll hold onto it for just a bit longer. Just until she found a cliff or like a pit of enternal flames or something. Placing it gently into a small collection of them, labeled ‘keep’.

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“Are you sure I’m doing this right Theta??” North questioned, feet being planted in both sides of the skateboard. Bending his knees slightly, his face twisted into one of utmost hesitance. Glancing to the young-spirited AI.

“Well- kinda, almost? You should move your foot to the tail, but the other foots okay!” Theta answered highlighting his own holographic foot to show where exactly it was placed. North shifting to adjust, wobbling slightly at the movement, wasn’t like he was real experienced in this department. He could shoot two sniper rifles at the same time, balance in uncomfortable sniping nests, and the sort but he was going into this pretty blind. His coordination, however gave him at least some sort of advantage than a regular newcomer, hence why Theta quickly and rather eagerly suggested a trick. North rarely tended to back down from a chance to step outside of whatever comfort zone the freelancer had, however, this was more out of his trust for Theta. Theta would know if he’d be able to pull it off or not, as he knew many things about North’s capabilities, and he would go as far as saying the AI knew his extents better than he did.

And if he somehow messed this up, worst he’d get is a scraped knee. Wasn’t like anybody was watching.

“Okay! So, you are going to, move your back foot back as you jump up, a little. And flick that top corner of where the toe of your boot is facing, and land back, to where you’re standing now!” Theta elaborated, doing two small demonstrations for North himself, doing it sort of step by step to demonstrate how quickly North would have to act.

“You’re making it look pretty easy, Theta” North chuckled finally getting himself to balance enough to stand up a bit more, his knees only being slightly crooked.

“You might fall but it’s okay! Just try!” Theta encouraged, hoping off the skateboard, his disappearing immediately. “You’ll be able to do it in no time” Theta assured, giving a small thumbs up to North, before silencing to watch his attempt.

“Hhokay, if you say so” North bent his knees further before hesitantly popping himself up, flicking rather harshly, dragging it slightly, causing the skateboard to wobble beneath him, and propelling forward as he attempted to land. Unable to get himself to straighten his knees, he landed rather unpleasantly at the end of the board, and fell on his ass swiftly. “Dammit-“ he spoke, rubbing the back of his head that had landed onto the metal plate floors of the armory. Sitting up and propping his elbow onto his knee.

“Well- that was close! You almost got it- here let-“ Theta’s words were cut off by a sputter of laughter from the opposing side of the armory, North quickly scrabbling to his feet.

It’s been so long since he’s heard South laugh, he couldn’t even recognize it. Warranting him to quickly spin around with a face hot with embarrassment that quickly cooled upon noticing his sister. And luckily, or maybe unluckily, only her. She must’ve came in when Theta was speaking. Just enough to see North’s demonstration of talent. She was hunched over, cackling. It’s probably been a while since the either of them saw anything as human as a clumsy stumble that didn’t immediately endanger them.

“Nice kickflip North, you should show Wash that one” she snickered bounding over to the other. Theta quickly disappearing with her presence. North understood why. It was just a real shame the feelings she held towards Theta. It was never his fault what happened. But it quickly was blown away as she shouldered him away, “let me show you how it’s done.”

“You know how to do it?” North questioned, stepping out of South’s bubble.

“No,” she answered quickly, stepping onto the board. “But I’m pretty sure I can figure it out”

“Theta can show you?” North offered, but South stuck a hand out to him, before dropping it to her side.

“What does Theta even know” she rolled her eyes, trying to somewhat mimick what she witnessed North doing, however, forcing the tail down, which. Landed her into a similar fate as North Dakota himself. Ass on the floor. “Dammit!” She cursed. North stippling a small laugh. She glared up to him.

“Guess we’re even?” North questioned, lowering a hand to South. Who eventually took it, him hoisting her up to her feet, giving her small pat on the shoulder. “You okay?”

“Fine. We’re even. Don’t tell anybody about that, I’ll put a pillow over your face while you’re sleeping” she threatened, albeit lightheartedly. Something about being even, made her feel rather pleasant, however minor the interaction was. To be at the same level as North at something, anything. While North was being instructed by that damn AI, it still didn’t provide him much of an advantage in the long run for once. “Yeah, I’m fine, what about you? I’m pretty sure you ate shit harder than I did” she nudged him.

“If you don’t tell anybody either, secrets safe with me,” North assured, before adding, “and please for the love of god. Never tell York. The whole galaxy will find out if he does.” He lead the way outside of the armory, picking up Wash’s skateboard, to sneak it back into his locker he convinced York to open for him. “I’m fine, I’ll see you later, yeah?”

“I’ll see you later, North.” She nodded, finicking with the lock in the door, it sliding open, and closing behind her, North leaving the range of the Armory overhead camera

—

Fortunately for them, the secret would outlive the Dakota Twins, but unfortunately but it didn’t die in that room. Wash forgot, at some point he even used to have a hobby of skateboarding. He’d probably be on the floor just like those blonde-headed siblings pretty fucking quick. But the clip brought a smile to his face, though it did bring the question of how frequently this has even happened. How’d they even get their HANDS on that? North never even made fun of the cat calendars he had decorating his lockers, or the pink phase he had at the time.

But man. Things have changed from then, watching the duo of purple and green once help each other off the floor and laugh at eachother (without an immediate fist to the face). To indirectly killing each other. The footage in a way left a pretty bittersweet feeling.