Archive of Our Own ^beta

—

Several days before the date.

“Rapi! It’s time we give you a lesson on kissing Commander butt!”

“…Is this necessary?”

Anis scoffed, proudly holding her grenade launcher and tapping it vigorously against a whiteboard. “Obviously!”

On the whiteboard was a complicated tree of dialogue choices, mostly made up scenarios between Rapi and the Commander. Alongside crude drawings of Rapi which Rapi vigorously swiped off with her hand, she shot a glare at Anis.

She’s not even pretending to be subtle.

“Listen, now that you’ve gotten your makeover, and you’ve touched the tip of the iceberg with the Commander, now is the time that we spring to action! Real action! Battle stations!”

“Again, is this necessary?”

Another pops from behind the whiteboard, a Neon with a noticeably unkempt brunette wig on her head. She still kept the hat on, and…She looked like Burninghum if he had chemotherapy.

“HEY! Stop looking at me like- ahem- ‘Rapi. What’s with that look on your face? You look- er- concerned.’”

Rapi switched gazes between the horrible-Commander-like Neon, and the somewhat grinful Anis, eventually falling back to a seat and a desk, like this was so shocking she had to take a seat.

“You can’t be serious," Rapi replied.

Anis nodded, even further bolstering her confidence. “You’re looking at the peak of seriousness! Think about it! What did you first ask Commander when you held his hand!”

“So you were following us.”

Anis sputtered. “Uh- no. I obviously expect you two to be holding hands. Or what, you think you can’t do that?”

Rapi pursed her lips. “I talked about the weath-”

“BZZZTTT!!”

Rapi was slightly taken aback.

“Hello?! The weather? You know the ARK has a literal weather controller, basically? It’s always the same every day!”

“…Commander seemed to like it.”

Anis scoffed. “‘Well, the ARK is designed to have idyllic weather conditions,’ probably what he said, huh?”

“I said it…And he said it back to me as a joke.”

Anis groaned. “Of course he liked it, he’s always been annoyingly simple.” She flipped the whiteboard upside down. “Never mind, then!!”

Revealing an empty canvas, she took a marker and started scribbling.

“Neon!! Say something awkward! Roleplay 1: Commander-Rapi conversation, GO!”

“Eh?”

Neon stared blankly at Rapi. Rapi didn’t look very comfortable either.

“‘Hi, Rapi. It is I, Mas- Commander.’”

Rapi ripped Neon’s wig off. “This isn’t necessary. I can talk to the Commander just fine.”

“My wig!!”

Anis threw her hands up in frustration. “But you can’t just be touchy-feely! You need banter! Small talk! Which is basically the one thing you’re the worst at!”

“I will be fine.”

“Doubtful! You’re borderline harasser!” Neon whined. "I basically looked like Master..."

“Uh, honestly, the costume idea was kind of fubar from the start,” Anis replied.

“Rude! I worked very hard to get this wig.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Rapi, having idly sat down in her uncannily school-like desk, had her elbow pressed on the surface, hoisting up her chin on her hand. “What does any of this have to do with my ability to talk? Again, I can communicate with him just fine.”

"BzZTttt! Wrong again! What you need is conversation topics! Like, more than just dinner, we need hobbies and tours and- you get what I’m saying? Like, Commander knows a lot of things, you know a lot of things, but any time ya'll wanna agree, it's strategy and stopping the squad from getting cut like butter and knives."

Neon nodded vigorously. “Right! Commander has always been willing to listen to me talk about firepower, just like he always listens to Anis talk about sodas and other unimportant things.”

“Right! Wait. Screw you. Rapi! You two always kind of run parallel, cooking the same kind of meal, but we need some spice, some debate!”

“Arguing would just lead to problems.”

“Uh, no, arguing is like the heart of a relationship! Just look how tight Neon and I are!”

Neon blinked. “Huh? We’re not tight at all…”

“After all we’ve been through? My heart.”

“Anis is right, however!” Neon said, flashing her glasses like the Super Vision Neon she was. “If you think about it, your conversations are a bottom score on the Neon Conversation Scale!”

“The…Conversation Scale…?” Rapi repeated, puzzled.

"Precisely. No Master of mine is going to be hanging out with a buzzkill."

"B-buzzkill?" Rapi blinked in further puzzlement. That's not how he sees me, right?

"Er. No. Sorry, you're not really a buzzkill..."

"BUT YOU DO DRAIN THE FUN OUT OF THINGS!" Anis interrupted, pointing at Rapi. "Which is why we're gonna help you loosen up some more!"

"Alcohol is not the answer," Rapi said with a slight sheepish expression.

Anis paused. "...Fair enough, but that wasn't in the plans today. What you need…Is someone like an Operator! Like Shifty! She knows so much about what we’re going into almost all the time, that you need to be like her! So here! We’re gonna help you make plans, AND!”

Anis took a marker and started drawing poor-quality versions of the all of the various locations of the Outpost. “We! Are gonna give you the textbook history so you can…Uh…What is it- ELUCIDATE the Commander with just how knowledgeable you are! Learned that word yesterday. Look, here's a bunch of locations; and I think you'll like some of the spots, 'kay? Call it a lesson in romance from Romance 101. Get a notebook!”

Rapi stared for quite a long time…Before breaking into a soft smile. “I see.”

Their support is endearing…I couldn’t ask for anything less.

“Then, please enlighten me.”

They stopped upon a particular batch of flowers, a pagoda surrounded by a dirt road with a featuring rim of roses, backed by various plants and herbs that asked for further investigation. She couldn’t identify the smells, but she could somewhat get a handle on the flowers.

“I believe behind the roses are parsley and marigolds. Marigolds are actually edible and act as companions to other appropriate plants, deterring predation such as a certain species of worms called nematodes.”

“Pfft.”

“Something the matter?”

The Commander, crouched over a rosebush, smiled up at Rapi. “Nothing. I just didn’t take you to know so much about flowers. You really have been doing your research.”

Rapi, silent, brushed her fingers through her hair. “…I…If you feel I’m acting overbearing, you can tell me.”

“Not at all. Talk as you wish.”

Rapi, ever more encouraged, nodded. “The…”

Ironically, getting permission made it worse for her. “Uh…Par…Parsley is considered a versatile herb for cooking and can be grown in containers…They were associated with ‘death’ and can even freshen your breath. It is a biennial plant that can grow up to twelve inches tall, and were used to crown competitive athletes in the form of a wreath…Though they are related to death, sometimes they even symbolize new beginnings.”

“Haha. What did Flora call you, perchance?”

“A Scarlet Chrysanthemum."

“Hmm. She told me before it symbolized passion. I think that resembles you well.”

And love, but I won’t say that.

Rapi smiled. “Commander, I’m still working on that, but if I may, Blossom suits you very well.”

“Haha.”

Rapi then asked, “Do you believe flowers speak?”

The Commander, looking at a particular batch of roses, glanced back up to Rapi. “I do.”

Rapi tilted her head. “You mentioned you learned to speak with them.”

“Whatever answer you feel they would give you, is the answer you will get. Try it, Rapi.” The Commander kneeled down to a nearby rose. “Hello, there.”

Rapi, blinking. “This may be…Difficult for me, but if you can do it, then so shall I.” She did the same, coming to a kneel next to the Commander, coming face to face with a rose. “H…Hello.”

The Commander, likewise, was quiet, his eyes closed in contemplation; and Rapi looking confused between him and the rose. “H…How are you?” She said to the rose, its petals politely bristling with the false wind.

…

“I…I’m doing well. I’m…On a…Private trip with the Commander.”

...

“I bet they’re happy to see you here,” The Commander commented.

“Why do you say that?"

“Because I am.”

Rapi stood up promptly, hiding her burning face from his eyes. Rapi briskly said, “Whatever the flowers are thinking, I’m sure it's an overreaction.”

Curious, he asked, “What does a rose mean?”

“Beauty…Royalty…”

And love.

Rapi cleared her throat. “Regardless, they are very beautiful flowers. Roses are considered the oldest to be used as decoration. Emma used these for several of her perfumes and…Cinderella spoke more than her fair share of stories regarding using rose fragrances.”

Commander smiled.

It’s fun listening to her scramble.

“Let’s continue on. I believe this garden holds the spring and summer zone, while the autumn and winter are within the restricted area. Which one would you like to go to?”

“Considering we’re entering the spring season around this time…Let’s remain here.”

“Sounds good. Let’s go.”

Further along the path…

The scents were beginning to shift, and surrounding horizon of flowers only seemed to ascend, raised on curved rows and contours. The lights, with no source to be seen, shone at the base of each lining of dirt and various temperature differences could be felt as they wandered down the path.

“…The iris can also be used as an additive for perfumes and can be used for potpourri.”

“Do you even use perfume?”

“…No. I just thought you would find that interesting.”

“In case I want to use perfume?”

Rapi pursed her lips, her cheeks getting warm again. “…Just in case.”

I’m picking conversation topics that don’t pertain to him…I need to think of something he might be interested in.

“Have you ever thought about cooking?”

“I have. With all the Splendamin in the Ark, however, and our budgets being so tight as they are even with our accomplishments…That and hospital visits, make it hard to find time to cook.”

Rapi pursed her lips. “Then…I can try learning.”

The Commander raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yes. That steak we had was lovely…And if I could make it…”

Alongside other things…

The Commander chuckled. “That does seem appetizing. In the future, maybe I can do our shopping. And you can do our cooking.”

"…" Rapi nodded thoughtfully. And bashfully, but moreso thoughtfully. “You might have trouble carrying the items.”

“Then we can shop together. We talked about that, didn’t we?”

“…Right. I would like that.”

They spent the following good hour walking around the flower garden.

—

“You mentioned you were allowed to enter the restricted area? Are we going there now? This isn’t on the tour map.”

“We’re going to go check on Sprout.”

“I see…What kind of flower is Sprout?”

“A Coreopsis. Any fun facts about that?”

“Well…It doesn’t have a nickname, so it’s one of the few flowers that is named by its scientific nomenclature. They also resemble…Optimism. They’re plants accustomed to harsher soil and will grow even in partial shade. If I were to describe them…They’re resilient. Stubborn, even.”

“Flora thought the flower suited me.”

“I agree.”

Passing by the constant shifting fragrances and the horizon of flowers, they came across a specially-made pot; large and standing just a bit out of place compared to the rest of the flowers planted before it. Rapi recognized it as Sprout just as soon as Commander accelerated his pace towards it.

“Here he is. Say hi.”

The flower pot, though more basin than pot, held a stringy collection of blossomed yellow flowers, its petals opened up and showing a core brown and amber, with a reddish tint spreading outwards. The flower reminded her of a paintbrush, with the reddish part of the petal being the bristles and its ends dipped in a perfect sunlight yellow.

“H…Hello.”

…

With the silence, Rapi continued.

“I’m Rapi. I’m the Commander’s second-in-command.”

Having Commander right behind her shoulder was making this more awkward than she was expecting.

As if he read her mind, he backed away, pontificating over some winter flowers in the corner, leaving Rapi with Sprout.

Silence enveloped the two.

“I’m going on a…Trip with him. And…We have plans for today. After this, we’ll be going to Happy Zoo.”

…

“I’m nervous.”

…

“I feel like things will go wrong somehow.”

…

“I am working on forging a new path for myself. Trying to. There are many things I’m still not sure about. I’m…Constantly stepping into darkness, I think.”

…

“Being a flower that’s capable of growing even in drained soil…You must be truly persistent. In the future, I’ll resemble something like that. Someone who won’t give up again.”

…

“Do I deserve to be with Commander? To continue staying by him, the light that shines my way, is that…Too selfish of me?”

…

"You obviously started from somewhere. A seed in the darkness, with nothing but what you needed to survive. There must have been many like you, who died off, with their hopes and wills lost to the grave. But you’re here. Under the Commander's care. And so am I."

…

“…Thank you for listening.”

...

A sheepish smirk found its way to her face. Rapi, talking to a flower. “Thank you. I’ll be going now.”

Rapi stood back up, just in time to see the Commander walking back to her.

“How was the conversation?”

“I think Sprout helped me feel better…Though I’m still not sure if he said anything.”

“Well, whatever you were thinking…”

“…Is probably what he was saying,” Rapi repeated. “Fair enough. Would you like to go to our next stop?”

“I'd love to.”

Happy Zoo

Unlike the garden, the zoo was not granted an expansion permit, so its area was just barely larger than Flora’s home of record. The entrance, notably similar to that of the same center to file in their operations reports, was just that; an office area with a line that was begging for less people, with operators behind glass windows and several signs detailing the types of tickets. Humans and Nikkes alike were lined on the counters, offering all sorts of deals.

“While the zoo itself is still working to shelter animals that have been found on the Surface, they have managed to re-construct their major components and established a petting area for their acclimated creatures. Since the invasion and our time at the Reclamation Site, I only recently thought of the idea of coming here…Are you a dog or a cat person?”

“Dogs.”

...Rapi noted this.

“What about you?”

“I wouldn’t mind dogs. They’re awfully high-maintenance, however.”

“Researched them, too?”

Rapi paused. “No, that was just based on your time with Biscuit.”

“Biscuit has…A grand amount of pets, for someone being in a place where it’s not allowed.”

“I don't think I can handle an additional dog. It's frustrating enough with kids.”

“Kids?”

With a light sputter, she clarified, “I…I just imagine it must be like taking care of kids. They, and dogs, have no place in our operations.”

“Ah.”

“Maybe on a vacation month, I would have no problem. Otherwise, I think I would prefer a cat. Less to concern myself with. Quiet. Maybe clingy, but otherwise unintrusive.”

“A dog might be perfect to distract Neon and Anis with, though.”

“…You’re right. Maybe they might even learn to take care of it…And then they’ll understand what it’s like.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing.”

The zoo was separated into two parts, similar to the garden, though it was mostly via cheap theater tape. Rapi stepped into the office where there was a line of people between them and the front counter.

“I would get a dog and a cat.” Commander’s words brought Rapi out of focus.

“Both?”

“We get a dog for Anis and Neon. And a cat for us.”

Rapi blinked. “…I- Are you only suggesting it because I would want a cat?”

“I’m suggesting it because I would want us to get a cat.”

Is he treating me like his wife?!

Rapi swiftly shifted her gaze back to the counter. “That’s not needed.”

“Hm? I feel like you would love a cat, though. Especially in my room during our sessions.”

“No. I- That’s…I was just simply stating a pipe dream. We don’t need to get a cat, especially not right now.”

“I’ll name her Raps.”

“Don’t name her after me,” Rapi said, her voice riddled with frustration.

“And she’ll have red fur right on her head and have a nose you can push like a button.”

Rapi turned away, pressing her palms against her nose as if to shield herself from the thought. “If you say it like that…”

He can’t seriously be comparing me to…

“Bark!!”

“!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Rapi was caught off-guard, letting out some mix between a gasp and a squeak; in no time at all, they were at the front of the line, where a notably short Nikke was looking up at them, with a…

“Biscuit.” Commander greeted her, as well as Chihuahua resting just below the glass window.

“T-Trainer! It’s been a while!!”

Rapi took a glance, having to stand on her tip-toes just to see over Commander’s shoulders…

And after several attempts of trying to go over his shoulder, she awkwardly sidestepped so she was past his shoulder. Aside from her generally short appearance, Biscuit was wearing a dutifully outfitted zoo uniform, one that reminded her of the usher outfits in theaters, but with more frills. With “Happy Zoo” implanted on her dog-decorated apron and a pair of eyes that glowed brighter than Rapi’s hair, and a way-too-excited wag in that tail of hers…Rapi really couldn’t distinguish Biscuit from a Nikke and a dog possessing a Nikke body.

And what was with the bag of dog food behind Biscuit?

"It has. Doing well since the dogsitting at Royal Road?"

“Oh, couldn’t be better!! We got the petting zoo open, and now everyone in the Ark can drop by and play with all of my friends!! Though…Leona was a little too excited so the only place that’s open is the dog park and the cat cafe…And Beatrice, gosh, she still thinks about you!”

Rapi raised an eyebrow, staring at Commander. “Beatrice?”

Rapi felt a burning sensation, an almost territorial adrenaline.

Biscuit continued, “She’s gotten a lot more comfy now, and she talks about how she misses you all of the time!"

Rapi continued to stare, though Commander didn’t seem to notice.

He replied, “Don’t worry, you can let her know that I’ll pay a visit. Probably when we have our next session. Just try not to steal the balls like last time.”

Biscuit grinned. “Promise!! I’ll even bring the treats she liked last time! I got a whole bag of ‘em just for the occasion!”

…?

Rapi felt like an idiot.

Beatrice is a dog. Why did I…

The time it took for her to realize drove a level of embarrassment, but what was even worse was that she jumped to conclusions about it. These impulses were dangerous. Not only was she succumbing to temptations, she was even getting caught in emotional spirals! She was sure of it, now that she was seeing Commander in a different light, she was also seeing the others around Commander in a different shade.

Calm down. This is our trip. Nothing else.

Biscuit, of course, being the way she is, Rapi saw no reason to see her as anything but…Well, a Nikke equivalent to a pet. Beatrice, being an unknown, stirred some complicated emotions that she couldn’t categorize yet. Of course, Beatrice was a dog, so she felt a lot better now, but that was awfully peculiar, even for her.

These feelings are…Complicated. This is nothing like how I felt with my encounters with Behemoth…Like my heart is being pulled and I can’t grab onto it. Anger, but not anger…? Jealousy? Over what? A dog getting more attention than me?

It wasn’t the worst; better to have Commander right next to her than having to deal with a Heretic and Rapi’s immature emotions blockading her judgement. It was giving her time to reflect a little bit.

“Rapi.”

Though, was this a good thing at all? She was, again, overthinking herself. Obviously, the Commander wouldn’t tell her every little thing he’s doing. Why should she be concerned who he’s hanging out with? Actually, no, that was a bad point, she’s his right hand, she needed to know what’s going on, for his safety and for her assurance in protecting him.

“Rapi.”

And why did a girl’s name bother Rapi? Was she jealous that Commander was spending time with other girls? Beatrice was just a dog he was helping babysit. He, as well, hung out with Nikkes every day, this shouldn’t be an issue. She shouldn't have an issue that Commander treated all of his Nikkes just as he would himself. Was it just because Rapi assumed Beatrice was a human? Even then, he barely spent time with her, a week at best. They’ve fought together through teeth and bone, so this shouldn’t be a big deal. Yeah, that was it, Rapi concluded it was more paranoia again-

“Rapi!”

“Huh?” Rapi’s face, having been scrunched in contemplation, just then was put back into focus on Commander’s gaze and hand, which had been lightly stirring her shoulder for a good few seconds. “C-Commander.”

“Did you space out?”

“I- um. I did. I was thinking about our plans; I had wanted us to explore the larger animals, but it appears we only get access to the dog park.”

“We could go to the cat cafe like Biscuit mentioned. Or did you want to go to a food court?”

“Well…”

“There’s also another fancy restaurant. We could do that.”

Rapi pursed her lips. “I…Would like to go to that cafe.”

“Heh. So you are a cat person.”

“Commander, I know you think of me like an open book sometimes.”

…

Commander commented. “And you would be right.”
—
On the way to the dog park.

“Commander, do you get jealous?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Well…”

…She felt some flashbacks, glimmering brightly of her time in Absolute, her time with Anis and Neon; her moments of complete emotional irrationality. She hadn’t a clue how to be a better person then, with no guidance except from those she was attempting to impersonate.

The same mistake. That’s what she was thinking. She was thinking she might make the same mistake again.

“I felt a little jealous when you were talking about Beatrice.”

“The dog?”

“I- Yes,” Rapi said with a strained voice; hearing it out loud was far different from the mental gymnastics she had been making, so it was shameful to have to process those words from the outside-in. “I…Well, thought, briefly, you were…”

Noticing her anxiety, the Commander replied, “You don’t have to say why.”

“Huh?”

“I do get jealous at times. Especially of you all, how you volunteer your lives for me and humanity. With how peaceful the Ark is for a lot of people…It frustrates me, how little importance they saw you. I get jealous at times, how you still fight to protect humanity. Sacrificing everything in your bodies to become a stronger force against Raptures. I don't know how some Nikkes handle it. Sometimes, I wonder, if I was in your position…Would I do the same? I don’t know. I’m no Nikke.”

“…”

He followed it up with, “I appreciate you letting me know your feelings. It must've taken a lot for you to admit that out loud. But, and I should emphasize this, there is nothing going on between me and dogs.”

“Pfft.” Rapi let out a light chuckle. “Commander, that’s…That’s not what I was trying to say.”

The chuckle was well-needed. Rapi looked conflicted and tense for a while. Commander appropriately asked, “Feel better?”

Fortunately, her shoulders lightened up and her eyes reupped their same hopeful glimmer. “I do.”

“I think your emotions are finally starting to take form. What an honor, that I get to see the inner Rapi.”

“And I think you shouldn't compare yourself to us. You're the best commander I could ask for. Thanks to you, we…We’ve stayed intact, alive, and well. You treat us out, and give us our time…I'm not even sure I would ever go out on a walk like this, let alone twice with you. You...Are perfect the way you are.”

…

Rapi felt extremely awkward saying that. "Er. But...There's always room for improvement. I’m balancing a lot of puzzling feelings right now…” Rapi pursed her lips. “This isn't exactly how I wanted our trip to go. Here you are, holding my hand through all of this again.”

“What do you suppose Red Hood would be thinking about?”

“…Probably how clumsy I am when it comes to social gatherings of less than three. I'm sure she'd be talking about her music again.”

“Rapi, complaining about Red Hood. Next, she actually likes country music.”

Rapi smiled. “I feel like I'm opening up a lot easier.”

“And I'm there for it. Seriously, though, I wouldn't ever disregard you. I'll always be with you, Rapi. Promise.”

Her face, shocked and a bit stunted, veered her gaze away from him. “I…Thank you. I feel much more at ease.”

“If you believe your rival is a dog, however, I think Red Hood should've upped her teachings. I'll be increasing our sessions in the future.”

“Shut up,” Rapi replied, lightly shoving him (about the equivalent of an actual push), “I misinterpreted. Hehe.”

A smile that could scrape the skies. A shy expression paired with that made Rapi all the more unforgettable.

The dog park.

Rapi found herself quite popular with the canines.

“Commander, I'm surrounded.”

A phrase like that nearly got him into battle stations, but he remembered that they were in the middle of a petting zoo.

“Ah." He had just been feeding a black dog that reminded him of a sausage when he saw Rapi, her lower half seemingly overtaken by dogs of sizable breeds. “Do you need help?”

Rapi, her hands caught between scruffling the ears of a German shepherd and rubbing the head of a husky, hesitated. “N…Not particularly. This is nice.”

The petting area was an oversized park. This likely had plenty of enclosures which were relocated towards the actual zoo part, and the noted fenced restricted area detailed “LIONS AHEAD” was probably the portion Biscuit had talked about. It honestly looked like an average dog park, but all of the dogs were unleashed and marked with collars, colored and organized by ease of petting. People were trickling in and out like streams, some of them even taking pictures with Nikkes, likely ones who had once protected them during the invasion.

Commander, as much as he detested the events, was optimistic. The Ark has changed greatly, and while many of its areas remained under construction, Nikkes were far closer to equal than they ever were.

…He didn't want to think about that incident. Instead, he watched Rapi get progressively more overwhelmed.

“I'm not sure why they like me,” Rapi said, now seated on the grass while a rottweiler jumps up at her. “!!!”

Commander grabs hold of a husky, scratching behind his ears. “I think it's from all of the shopping you do.”

“I do buy much in bulk…But I doubt they’re smelling residue Splendamin.”

“Maybe they smell happiness.”

“What makes you say that?”

Well. Clearly unaware to her, Rapi looked extremely happy.

“Dogs tend to match the emotions of their sitters.”

“…Then I will continue sitting.”

“You might be 50/50 on the dogs and cats.”

30 minutes later…

With Rapi’s hair now looking more like unkempt fuzz, and her body smelling like dog breath, Commander brought her over to a nearby shower that was made. It wasn't anything special, a marble wall with a set of showerheads connected to a hose that split six ways. Likely the creative work of Liter.

Rapi began rinsing her legs off with generic brand soap and hopefully-gray water. “This reminds me of something.”

“Grave and Cinderella?”

“Yes. How'd you know?”

“You're an open book these days. I'm actually surprised by how often you wear your heart on your sleeve now.”

“It’s uncanny how well you know me.”

“If you want, I can go get a bucket.”

“Why?”

“To wash you.”

The look on Rapi’s face was so distraught, Commander thought it would pop out and punch him. “That's completely…!”

“But Graves and Cinderella do it plenty.”

“That's different,” Rapi said strongly. “That's…Their unique quirks and motivations.”

“You're not motivated to be beautiful?”

“Cleanliness is important to combat operations, but beauty is not something I put on my priority.”

…

“Then I won’t-”

In a softer voice, Rapi added, “If you would like me to, however…”

“Excuse me, may I use this?”

Rapi was interrupted by another person who had a dirty Shiba with him, to which she promptly left the shower area in a rush. “Sorry, let's get going now.”

—

Nero was cheering them on.

Inside the karaoke booth.

“Smaller than I expected…”

The room could probably hold about six people roughly, and four more if they squeezed in; it was basically an L sofa attached to a soundproofed wall, with a reflected light projector on the ceiling, a speaker in the other corner, and a large television screen with tablet featuring all sorts of songs. Rapi hesitantly grabbed the microphone out of the wall holster. There were so many lights swaying left and right, Rapi thought she would get epilepsy.

Commander seemed far too used to this, and for that, Rapi felt bad. She really should’ve been checking on what he was doing more often, and learn more of his activities with the Nikkes.

“…And this tablet will feature all the songs and even let you adjust pitch if you’re a guy. We can order drinks by scanning this code via our phones,” Commander said, pointing at various details of the room. “Like here…I can order us this. It’s a fairly light cocktail, tastes like grape lemonade but on the sour side. Sounds good?”

“Mm.”

Less than five minutes later…

Their drinks were handed on a platter.

“I see…” Rapi mumbled, her fingers mindlessly scrolling through song titles she had never heard of. "None of these interest me..."

“How about you start us off?” Commander asked.

Rapi’s head shot up. “I…Don’t know any songs..."

Commander tapped on the table in contemplation, before tilting the tablet back to him. “How about…”

“!!!!”

“Haha…” Rapi smiled. "This was from the cassette player, wasn't it...”

“Remember, it’s not about sounding good. It’s about letting yourself speak. From the heart. That’s where all of you is…Well, metaphorically.” He poked Rapi’s stomach. “That’s where the hero is.”

“Wha- Oh- Don’t joke about that,” Rapi replied with a sniff of amusement. “You almost died that time.”

“Makes me feel old, honestly. We’ve been through a lot. Come on. You know Red Hood would want it.”

Rapi scoffed. “Okay. I’ll play it. But you sing with me.”

“Cheers to that.”

They clinked their glasses as the guitar roared across the speakers and claps banged in a hefty rhythm.

“Test- test…Should I stand up?” Rapi asked, her voice reverberating in the entire room.

“Do whatever!” Commander asked, grabbing his own microphone. “Remember, it’s you.”

“You mean it’s us.”

Commander stomped the ground, right alongside the beat. Rapi, offset, slowly followed suit, their heads swaying to each other.

I feel at ease. Far more than I’ve ever been. Red Hood, even though you are gone...

She felt like Red Hood was about to spring up and yank the microphone right from her hands. 

...I can definitely feel your presence.

Rapi held it close to her mouth.

Upon her own two feet, she stood up, and smiled; like the very scene of Red Hood standing in front of her, she now stood in front of Red Hood.

These roads will take me back home…

To the blazing crimson sky

Smell of fresh bread from the bakery

Commander bumped shoulders with Rapi.

All of my friends gathered up

A gust of wind blows

Please tell my friends

My soul will return to the sky above our hometown

And Rapi leaned in close to Commander.

Their body heats synchronized.

The music came alive.

White clouds float across

Please tell my friends

My bones will be buried, in the earth under our

Hometoooooown

The past was left behind.

They were building the future. 

Yet. Time had stopped in front of just these two.

Leave the gates wide open, I’ll be thereeeeeee

Commander held Rapi’s microphone alongside her.

Swing your chair, darlin, you’ll know when I’ll be theeeere

On the rock, brave eagles flying aheeeeaaad

And Rapi’s hand held to his.

Tilt your hats off friends, I’ll see you again

Lights flew across the ceiling like shooting stars.

High above is the grey sky

High above is the grey grey sky

His other hand held on to his phone, her head against his shoulder, and her free hand alongside his, recording themselves. An homage to Her last will.

These roads will take me back home

Sticks and stones won’t bury my boooooones

In the honor of days gone past, they sang in a garden of cassettes and red ash.

An hour later.

The table had been riddled with rounds of drinks of varying sizes. Straight alcohol discomforted Rapi, so they took to more carbonated and lighter cocktails, and ended up filling the table full of drinks.

“I can feel the alcohol,” Rapi commented, her voice roughened by the singing they both did. “Also, you mentioned that the water was supposed to help keep our throats clear, but I feel just as awful as earlier.”

“You’re just not used to singing yet. We should do this every week.”

“If there’s free time…”

“We’ll invite Anis and Neon.”

Rapi pointed at him, an accusatory gaze on her face. “Don’t. They can pay for themselves if they want to.”

“I see.” Commander appropriately placed his microphone back into its holster. “Our time is nearing up, so I’m rapid-buying drinks for us.”

“No wonder you ordered these lemon sours. They’re somewhat sour…Er.”

“That is the point.”

“Shut up, I was- I mean that it’s too sour.”

“I know.”

“Commander, you’re doing this on purpose,” Rapi huffed, smacking the microphone into his shoulder. Commander, smile still on his face, continued grabbing Rapi’s hand. With Rapi’s face clear and red as blue skies and sunset, he was having way too good of a time.

“Simply just an observation,” He commented back.

“You’re dangerous,” Rapi said, “Serving me drinks to this degree, and us singing all of these country songs, what is your strategy? I still don’t like these songs, just for your information.”

“What about these songs?”

Rapi stared at his selection on the tablet, only for her eyebrows to twitch in irritation. “Pretty? Commander, what makes you think I know a song by Pretty?”

“A feeling.”

Rapi scratched her cheek, sighing. “I…You know…This reminds me of when I was drinking for the first time. Us being in karaoke, and now we’re looking at songs by Pretty. Despite everything that’s happened.”

“That Rio you mentioned…Enjoyed Pretty. I thought you would want a sing a song. For her.”

“My friends who passed away…I wonder if they’re watching me as well. Then…I’ll sing this one for them.”

“Cheers?”

Rapi and Commander toasted to glasses of spiked grape lemonade, as music blasted across the room again.

—

At the Armory…

“Alright…I’ve wasted all my options! It’s time for my secret weapon! Weaponsmaster! I summon thee!!”

“I’m right here, simpleton. Tsk. What do you want?”

Neon had wasted far too many hours exploring the nooks and crannies of the ARK for candidates to fire her masterwork firework concoction. In the end, she settled on the next best person who could give her the launcher she needed:

Eunhwa.

Neon dramatically pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, leaning close to the table enough for Eunhwa to see the glint in her eyes.

This is going to be a doozy.

“I need something…Big.”

“You always need something big.”

“No, no, no, what I want…Is a Five. Course. Meal. Something that could shoot the skies and then some.”

For further theatrics, her glasses shone a bright white, courtesy of her time using it during the crystal exploration back in the Lost Sector. She turned it off promptly after.

Perfect execution. She’s sure to agree!

Eunhwa tilted her head, crossing her arms…And then pinching her forehead in the most ‘if I do not appease her, it’ll be more annoying for me’ look possible. “I see. Come with me.”

Commander never got to see the special weapons room, something only Neon and a few set others were privileged to see, and as soon as Eunhwa tapped in the code and the doors were opening, Neon held up a finger.

“Ah. Wait. Um.”

Eunhwa turned her head with a sharp glare. “What?”

“Not that kind.”

“Then, pray tell, what did you need from me that you had to prattle your insipid dramatics?”

“I need a firework launcher!”

“…”

Eunhwa punched the codepad, the doors sliding back closed. “Why didn’t you just say that?”

“Can you do it?”

“Why are you even here? There are plenty of better places.”

“Because! This is for Rapi! And Anis and I are going to fire up the best fireworks this Outpost will ever see! Don’t you want to be part of the contributing team?”

“No.”

“Agh! Please??”

“No."

Neon leaned in, closer to Eunhwa. “But Rapi’s been looking forward to this for the entire week! We’ve gotta give her a send off and, you know, celebrate and stuff…You know you want to…”

“Get away from me.”

“Ugghhh! Fiiine…"

Neon went back behind the counter, seemingly defeated and preparing to exit the armory.

“I didn’t say to leave.”

“Huh?”

“You asked if I wanted to be part of the contributing team.”

“Uh huh…”

Eunhwa reached toward one of the weapon racks, inputting another code as the wall began to nearly flip over, the weapon rack rotating like the wheel of a revolver chamber.

“It’s only right that I should be leading it. Give me an hour.”

And on the wall, Neon’s eyes lit up at the sight of barreled launchers galore, chunks of metal and steel hammered and refined into a masterpiece collection of rocket propelling gadgetry.

“Ohh!!”

Eunhwa scoffed, averting her gaze from Neon. “Don't even think about telling her.”

—

Back at karaoke…

Rapi was hugging the Commander quite tightly in the last few minutes before they were set to leave.

“The sugar in all of the drinks we had made me tired.”

“The singing must have been exhausting.”

Rapi slowly nodded her head. "We even extended another hour..."

I can’t get too tired yet, though…I still have the amusement park…

Commander’s head closed in to Rapi’s, slightly concerned as she looked more as if she was ready to collapse. “Feeling okay?”

“Yes. I just drank too much, is all,” Rapi said, her voice traveling in this sluggish and semi-raspy tone.

Commander rubbed her back. “You didn’t have to drink so much. I can take us home, though…You are…Pretty heavy.”

Rapi’s eyes remained closed, but her mouth squiggled into a soft frown. “Commander, you could try to be more tactful when you say that.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s…Okay…” Rapi groaned as she sat back up. “I’m sure you might pass out if you tried to carry me back, so I can deal with this much.”

Commander helped her to her feet. “Let’s take some steps.”

“I’m fine. I am…Fine.” Rapi took some steps forward. “Some water and…Perhaps some hot tea would be good.”

“We’ll get you something at the convenience store and head home.”

“…Not yet…I can move. Just a pick-me-up and I’ll be fine. I still want us to go to the amusement park. I’ll process the alcohol very quickly, but I do need to…Utilize some energy.”

“Are you sure you're fine?”

“Mmhm.”

Successfully, Commander escorted her outside.

—

With a can of warm ginger tea in her hands, Rapi and Commander sat by a bench overlooking a park. Just beyond that was the Ferris wheel, lighting up a orange cacophony of sunlight and clouds. A few more minutes of walking and they'd be there.

“I could carry you.”

“Don't.” Rapi was keen on not letting him do anything that would further burden his shoulders.

“I did it before.”

“And you shouldn't.” Rapi took a sip of her tea, its earthy and bitter yet sweet and cinnamon flavor coursing through her body. Though again, it was all machine, the tea definitely felt to her like it made her stomach actively heat up, but it was probably just her brain simulating the whole thing. Either way, she felt warm in the gut and she liked it.

Rapi leaned against his shoulder. “I'm awful.”

“You're not.”

“I’m forcing you to carry me and go along with my plans.”

“I don't have a problem with it. You deserve this.”

“It's upsetting. There's a part of me who wishes to have better control over my emotions.”

“…And the other?”

“Wants to let go.”

Silence enveloped the two for a minute.

Rapi spoke again. “Commander.”

“Yes?”

“I hope that when we succeed reclaiming the surface, things will be as peaceful as they feel now.”

—

Walking to the amusement park helped die down their alcohol concentrations, and Rapi was finally back to normal, though her face remained bright red.

“Rapi? Are you okay?”

"Yes."

Naturally, having to process all of the things she did put her emotions in a roller coaster before they even got to the amusement part of the park. For all intents and purposes, her lack of hesitation in all of the physical interactions put her brain in overload, and now she was also wishing Red Hood was still around so she could take a backseat.

Commander, puzzled at Rapi’s inability to look at him, decided…It might be better to not ask. After all, Rapi did do quite a lot this time around, and even the prospect of a hug seemed to be her threshold, and they’ve broken that by essentially cuddling for over several hours. Rapi had been pushing her limits since the morning when they went into the garden.

“I will get us the tickets. I’m paying.”

Commander opened his mouth, but she promptly placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice stiffly following up, “I’m paying.”

And that was that.

Rapi was praying to a god she didn’t believe in that there would be no Nikke that would recognize them, even though that was guaranteed to fail. She hoped, at least, that there wasn’t a Nikke that would prop up some conversation again with the commander, as this was supposed to be their private outing.

Well, she did end up being in complete privacy with the commander, but she didn’t like how many Nikkes were talking so fondly with him. It bothered her enough that the Nikke in front of the ticketing counter was looking a little intimidated at the expression she was making.

“M…Ma’am, we’re doing a discount deal for couples, do you happen to be-”

“Yes. I’m with my-”

Rapi felt her throat close up.

“…I’m with…”

She uncomfortably clasped her hands together, to the confusion of the agent.

“A-a…A date.”

Foreign words to the unmatched Rapi. Capable as she was, the word “boyfriend” was like acid in the esophagus, a gun being put into her vocal chords. Alongside the blacklist was “date”, “couple”, “husband…”

“We can do the…The…The couple…’s deal.” Rapi glanced at Commander, who smiled towards her with the same kind of encouragement she would see towards Neon flashing her super vision.

Rapi felt her cheeks light up and glanced back. “Please.”

…

She got tickets to the amusement park in the longest 5 minute mission of her 80+ year lifetime.

–

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a great night to be going. Monday night wasn’t exactly primetime park going, so much of the park was dead on arrival; any rides available were mostly simple attractions like bumper cars and swinging boats for the children of the Ark. The only one truly notable was the Ferris wheel, its massive appearance the shining sign of the amusement park’s health. People were slowly bleeding out of the park, and the only ones remaining were…Couples and dates, staying behind to take pictures at the park’s attractions and plazas.

“We arrived a bit later than scheduled, and the rides are beginning to close,” Rapi said, a soft tone of disappointment in her voice. “I’m sorry, I held us up at karaoke.”

“It’s not a problem. The rides aren’t really all that anyway. Considering what we’ve been through, I’m sure it would just feel like another day. Also, are you even much of a roller coaster person?”

“…No.”

“Then why did you…”

Commander stopped himself, seeing Rapi's flustered expression.

“You want to go to the Ferris wheel?”

For a brief moment, he saw Rapi’s eyes light up, and the stars on her jacket and beret were practically shining like mood rings. Rapi, equally swift, turned her stare away.

“No. I. Er. Yes. I do. I was…Going to have us participate in some minigames first but…The…The fireworks will start soon and we might not have time.”

“Fireworks? But…” Fireworks were launched already for the New Year’s Day, so…

“I made some arrangements.”

Commander acknowledged it with a simple hum. Knowing Counters, they would definitely be able to reserve a time to launch some, but Rapi going through the effort was honestly…

“Amazing.”

Rapi turned towards him. “Huh?”

“You’re amazing. Dedicating so much time and effort into this. You’re just…Amazing.”

Rapi’s eyes, shifting left and right, eventually went back to the Ferris wheel. “You deserve this much for all of the company you give to us. I also have something for you when we’re done with this. But I’ll leave it for when we head back.”

“Alright. Let’s get on the wheel, then.”

—

Overlooking the park…

“This is it. Got the telescope?”

“Yep!”

“Fireworks are all here. Where’s the launcher.”

“Right here~!”

“Nic- Holy crap. What did you get?!”

“Heehee…That’s a secret.”

“Wow. That looks like a freakin’ railgun…Cool! Another checkmark for us. These fireworks are gonna blow sky high!”

“I can already feel all of my firepower senses tingling…!! Master’s gonna love this!”

“Okay! There’s the Ferris wheel! I see them getting on! Neon, Neon, quick, get it set up!”

“Roger! Okay…I’m- Anis?! What are you doing?!”

“Lighting up some sparklers.”

“Oh, come on! I thought we agreed to buy the best stuff!”

“Puh-lease. I should get us a reward too for all the hard work we spent getting this date to go smoothly. Rapi completely forgot to reserve amusement park tickets, you know that? Amusement park’s gonna close once we launch these fireworks! This is why I can’t stand being a secretary, so much playing nice…Anyway. Want some chips? Dibs on the chocolate.”

“Sure! Super Neon Gun is ready for use!”

“You need better work on names.”

—

At the Ferris Wheel.

Wheels cluttering. Brakes. The squeaks of the cabin. The ground slowly going further down.

Sky descending.

Commander and Rapi sat close to each other at the seat, staring into the sky and looking down at the entire Ark.

Bad things happened to them all of the time. As did good things. The majority of their memories were held directly in a single underground refuge for humanity. Rapi had a long moment to think about her life here. Right now, it seemed like the Ark was a faraway concept. Having a future where they no longer had to worry about Raptures…A time where they could go out and go on rides, and eat out at fancy restaurants, living simple lives…

Even living on the surface.

“What are you thinking about?”

“About how much we changed humanity’s future.”

She closed her eyes. How many blinks would it take until she would see nothing but freedom and peacetime? How many times will she have to close her eyes until their problems went away, until survival was no longer a primary goal?

And how many times will she blink with the commander together?

“Commander.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you. For allowing me to be a little more greedy. Can I admit something to you?”

“What is it?”

“I’m scared of letting today end.”

"…"

Rapi held his hand again, closing her eyes so she could still face him. “I’m worried that someday, there won’t be a you to command us. That after today, someday in the future…You won’t be anymore.”

“…”

“I’m scared of losing you.”

Things were quiet for a long few moments. Commander, keeping quiet, wrapped his arm around Rapi’s shoulder, pitching her against his body.

“I can feel your heartbeat.”

Rapi, red as her hair, remained still. As much as she wanted to push, she couldn’t let herself. One deep breath went in, one deep breath went out.

“Rapi, I can’t make any promises I’ll survive. But so long as you are here…I’ll stay alive."

...

"To my dying breath, I will fight to live for you.”

...

Rapi’s breath hitches slightly. "I don’t feel much more at ease, but…I feel lighter. Thank you.”

Their cabin passed the top once.

Twice.

Three times.

Then the hiss and trail of a firework came to the night sky. The stars, controlled as they were, were still just as real to them as their dreams.

A flashing explosion of colorful lights, the crackles and pops of thousands of little stars spread outward into a glamorous display of patterns. The night horizon sang further more, a second round of rockets exploding into shapes of triangles and logos.

Commander stared into the night sky.

A third round.

Then a fourth.

And a fifth.

Followed by a sixth.

Seven.

Eight.

Nine.

Ten.

Eleven.

Twelve.

Silence. One minute. Two minutes.

Until he finally spoke again. “These fireworks were amazing,”

"…"

“Rapi.”

Commander looked back down to his chest, only to Rapi’s arm wrapped around his body, her eyes closed in a calm and gentle sleep and her head pressed into his arm. Whether it was the alcohol, the extensive day they spent together, the karaoke, or the warmth of his chest…It didn’t matter. Rapi smelled like flowers, alcohol, dog breath, fried chicken, and cinnamon. He was sure he probably smelled the same.

As he imagined all of the things Rapi and he would do together in the future-

"Mmh...I'm awake."

"!!!"

Rapi rubbed her eyes, slowly getting off of his shoulder like a fawn.

"The fireworks were great. I hope you got to see at least one."

"It's fine. The lights are nice, but...I already have the light I want in front of me."

"...I see."

...

Rapi softly clasped his hand. Again, her smile bright as the stars and the fireworks. "I'm ready. Let's go home."

"Okay."

After returning to the Outpost.

Things were very quiet between the two of them. All of the talking, their conversing, it all had been drained through and through. Rapi couldn’t think of anything to talk about anymore (her battery had died at the cusp of the cat cafe) and Commander was understandably tired enough that Rapi felt too guilty.

Rapi didn’t feel awkward, at least. She held up her half-drunk tea to him, to which he took a sip out of. They were both too exhausted to think about the implications (which weren’t that crazy to begin with), and the walk back was purposefully slow to maintain their time together.

However, as Commander and Rapi closed into her dorm, Rapi stopped him.

“Wait.”

Commander, puzzled, suddenly remembered she mentioned a gift of some kind.

He stood outside the door, gently pushing her to enter as he remained outside.

After several minutes, the door re-opened, with Rapi finally holding a present, wrapped like the heart of Christmas spirit.

“I…I know we’ve gotten several things throughout the day, but…I wanted to give you something. You always give us gifts, and the amount of times you’ve given us VIP passes to eat out had me…Well, I felt you deserved something in return.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“Exactly my point…I want to. So…I’m going to give you this. Consider it…Me being selfish again.”

Rapi looked down at her present and extended it to him, her gaze a mix of hopeful, paranoia, and embarrassment.

He held the present in his hands like a precious piece of jewelry. It was very much Rapi-wrapped, a simple box with a bland color and a lid wrapped in a precisely-tied red ribbon. Unraveling it, Commander lifted up the lid.

“I thought it would suit you.”

In the box was a picture frame, large enough to stand on a desk to view for anyone. In its frame, a collage was made, with photos of Counters and Commander all from different points in their time together.

In one corner, a picture of Commander stuffing half of a cake into Neon’s face at his birthday party.

Another, a side angle shot of Commander helping make skewers at the island while Anis lounges in the back.

A picture of Anis and Neon goofing around with a sleeping Commander after he was officially discharged from the hospital when a hole got put in his stomach.

A photo of Rapi kicking the face of a very snooty Syuen after her “memory wipe.”

A Dutch angle shot of Neon activating her super vision.

A photo of BOOM being played on Rapi’s weapon optic.

A shot of Red Hood smiling in front of the Commander.

Commander playing video games on Exia's handheld alongside Rapi.

Anis and Commander sharing sodas on a rooftop.

“I would have liked to add Grave and Cinderella, as well as Marian, but it would’ve been too conspicuous. They seemed fine with it, though, and instead signed the backside. Save for Marian, but I'll get her to sign it at a later date.”

He extracted the collage and turned it on its backside.

”Since our budget can't accommodate a plaque, this was the next best thing. Better work harder!” -Anis

”You'll always be Super Master to me!” -Neon

”Prince, I trust you’ll be there for the next dinner. As such, you should keep us in your thoughts." -C

”Move forward. Fight well.” -G

”Thank you for being with us. I hope this gives you a fraction of the peace you bring us every single day." -Rapi

Turning it back around, at the center of the frame was an empty spot.

“What’s the center for?” He asked.

“I…Think you should place your photo there. The photo of us at the booth.”

“!”

Commander, after inspecting the frame several more times, thumbing over the ornate frame and then onto the glass, eventually closed up the frame.

“Do you like it? I…Never made a collage before, so I had Cinderella help me. I worked with Anderson to privately gather our combat logs and that was how I-”

Commander embraced Rapi in a hug, stunting her breath short as she fell stunned. One second later, her arms wrapped around his.

Then, once Commander was too tired to keep his legs standing…

“Thank you, Rapi.”

“…You should head to bed now. I’ve kept you long enough. Good night.”

Commander disconnected shortly after, holding onto the frame and the box. “Good night, Rapi.”

And the door was closed.

Rapi slowly retreated back to her bunk, lying down in silence as the lights went out.

She thought about all of the things she would do with the Commander in the future.

Then with Counters, the lingering warmth remaining even as the cold air seeped into the room.

And as she continued to think, she drifted off into a peaceful sleep.