Their walk is a quiet one. There's no words spoken, there's no need for any.

The quiet, serene sounds of leaves slicing through the air, the playful hum of birds chirping about their business.

Two androids walking, their footsteps echoing through the ground like they're carrying no burdens with them.

It's relaxing, really, the silence is oddly comforting, for both of them.

There's no screaming, no pained moaning, no pleading for swift end or echoes of anger and sadness.

Their war has left behind a scorned path of death and destruction and vengeance but..

It lays silenced. It no longer bleeds.

The pained pleadings of their dead comrades, gone. Only a long, distant memory in the echo.

It's better this way. With nature rapidly reclaiming what belongs to her, these scars will soon be hidden.

Forgotten. Still present, but no longer visible.

No longer hurting.

Ghosts of their long gone friends, finally, after so long, silenced.

Memories area tricky thing, indeed. With each passing second, the memories of Bunker being obliterated by their own crawls silently back into 2B's consciousness.

She doesn't say anything, to anyone. Not even A2. It's her well-hidden secret, for no real reason.

Pod helps, of course. He was with her, with every step she took. Ever since her assignment, he never left her side. He adds what her memories cannot decipher on their own.

A2 doesn't need to know. Not yet, anyway.

It's a startling thought, 2B thinks to herself. Not being able to hear 6O's cheerful voice anymore. Her silly dreams of gardens and flowers and adventuring and.. their Commander's stern voice, the repeating orders of executions only she herself could hear..

It's an idea she doesn't know how to process.

A2 was there, when her friends died, some even by her own hand. She should know. She should help.

All you have to do is..

Unwillingly, her eyes wander to A2, her face stoic and cold, as ice. She's thinking, 2B can tell.

But what about? She's been through so much, dealing with solitude and pain and the echoes of her friends, that much 2B still remembers.

She wants her to talk. She wants A2 to seek her out, to rest her head on her body and just talk. And talk, and talk. Or cry, or scream, or yell with anger, her voice quivering, her fists ready to strike.

Anything.

Everything would be better than this..silent hero façade she wears around everyone.

It's a quiet one, their walk. But somehow, at the same time, it's the loudest one yet.

2E. A very simple name for a murderer. A2 knew for a while, she has seen the hints in her behavior, the little quirks, her little sad gazes towards the smaller scanner unit.

She has predicted as much, but still hoped that her friend was still there.

Hiding behind a titanic mask of an executioner.

She has seen the way her hands tightened around the scanner unit's neck, keeping him still. It's a vision she burned deep, deep into her own memory.

A2 always loved those hands, be it on her own body, on a weapon, or on someone else's neck.

This could be the closest she could ever get to feeling her again, she wouldn't pass on the opportunity.

Some things simply never change.

2B told her, for crying out loud. But it's still a very alien thing for her to do, calling her partner anything but B.

So she doesn't, and it's never discussed again. And she couldn't care less, really. This was still 2B, her B, and who she killed on the road to get here was irrelevant to her.

A2 sighs. A deep, audible sigh escapes her lips and she's already wondering what ridiculous excuse to use this time.

She wants to tell her.

She wants everything to be as it was when she still was YoRHa. She misses the heat of 2B's body, she misses the scent she carries around. She misses the stupid remarks they'd get every now and then, the idiotic questions she'd have to answer.

She misses 2B's inquisitiveness, her stubborn yet kind eyes, her touch that burned and sliced its way to A2's heart.

She wants it all back.

But seeing 2B now…

…

…

…

it may as well stay her precious, hidden memory. A spark, an ember to keep her warm.

It's hers, after all. No one can take it from her.

The memories of their firsts.

From their first spoken words to their last, ever since she left YoRHa.

It's good to remember and, maybe with time, 2B will follow.

Their walk led them to a half crumbled apartment building, or, to be more precise, to its roof. They sit in total silence, taking in the atmosphere, the fresh air they don't need.

It was never meant for them, after all.

They sit in silence, painfully close to one another. In another time, another day, they'd be considered lovers.

Now? Who knows, really.

2B's head rests on A2's shoulder, and everything seems to be alright in the universe. There's no shortage for parts, no necessary hunts, no cloud of death following them.

Everything's…good…

Almost like a dream.

2B is warm. And smells nice. And she's close, and she's touching A2, and it's alright. Their past creeps on A2, constantly reminding her what she may never have again, but still.

It was peaceful. And satisfying. And warm.

Safe.

2B's presence made it something special.

"This is nice." 2B whispers after a while, breaking the comfortable silence. A2 doesn't mind. Hearing her friend's voice was something she always desired.

2B puts her hand on A2's leg, seeking comfort, seeking the cold warmth of her android body.

The older unit has a secret to unveil. She gives her friend a sideways glance, pointing at the desert entrance.

"I used to watch you from up here." she says quietly, almost too ashamed to admit. 2B looks at her, bewildered. There's a hint of happiness in her eyes, but she wouldn't admit it. "Why?" she asks, and A2 turns around, not willing to face her anymore.

How embarrassing.

To make sure you're alright. She wants to say it, desperately needs to. 2B would understand but..her words never leave her mouth, so she settles for a single"I don't know."

It works every time. And it puts an end to further discussion.

It's a topic for another day.

2B has none of it though, she lets out a laugh and A2 is beyond confused. Her gaze returns to her partner, and they can't help but stare at each other, for what feels like eternity.

A2's head hangs low, and 2B laughs again. "Didn't think you'd be the stalking type." she says, still very much amused by the thought. A2 joins her, her lips curve into a smile, she shakes her head as she answers. "Guess you got me all wrong then." There's that silence again, the peaceful quiet that bothers no one.

2B never stops looking.

A2 never stops smiling.

"I don't think so." She whispers, and for a moment she thinks A2 never heard her.

She steeled herself for what is about to come. "I'm starting to remember." 2B says a little louder this time, and A2 can't help but sigh. She nods for 2B to continue.

Bit by bit, the little pieces fall together, and her bigger picture is made whole. Like art.

"I was trying to figure out what happened to Bunker, but now that I know, I don't know what to do." she says, voice hollow and eyes closed. A2 knows this. The feeling of complete and utter emptiness.

She's been down that road before.

Her hand guides itself to 2B's head, fingers running through her hair. A simple act of friendship, she thinks. Nothing more.

"How do you feel?" A2 asks, her fingers never leaving their spot. She thinks 2B will withdraw from her, any moment now.

Wrong.

"Empty." 2B says, staring off into the distance. What is there to feel? They're gone, they'll never be back.

Sadness is, of course, ever present. It never leaves. An itch, as if it multiplies every time A2 touches her.

Like she's missing something.

How odd.

"Is there no one you'll miss?" A2's voice breaks the momentary silence. The younger unit's eyes wander to hers, a sad smile ever present.

It never leaves.

She remembers though. Her friend's precious smile and silly hopes and dreams. She remembers them all.

"6O always used this..tone..when she spoke, you know?" 2B asks a question that has no answer. She looks down, her eyes wander to the solid rocks they're sitting on. 2B smiles to herself, her mind overflowing with 6O's wonderful laughter and smiles. "She radiated positivity and happiness, like a little ball of sunshine."

She remembers her well. Her little quirks, the happy tone of her voice during their daily reports. All the little things, the small lingering touches, echoes of laughter and jokes she would never understand.

The peacefulness of a reality that no longer exist. "She had plans for when we finally reclaim Earth." 2B blurts out without thinking. A2 listens, and listens, but she never knew her. So she listens even more. "She'd put the most beautiful gardens for when humans return."

"She sounds wonderful."

She can feel her partner's attentive gaze on her, eyes burning deep.

2B feels naked under her gaze, and she cannot fathom why. Something tells her she should.

The itch never leaves.

She silences it with meaningless banter, and A2 understands.

So, they talk. And talk. Memories and stories alike, and the memory of 6O never leaves, engraved in both ex-YoRHa units.

There's silence. It hangs in the air, dangles between realities. Its comforting. A2 looks at her, eyes tender and understanding, yet the sadness never leaves. 2B looks right back, the itch in her systems unbearable. What does it mean?

What does it want?

She stares off into the distance. She's missing something. A key moment, a memory important enough to change how she feels.

It's there. She can feel it slither and crawl in her mind, like a parasite craving attention.

A2 squeezes her hand, her touch burns in the most pleasant way. 2B looks down on their hands. A2's hiding something from her, she knows this. Its painfully obvious, with the saddened way she always looks at the younger android.

A2 raises her other hand to 2B's temple, tapping two times on her forehead. Seeing the utter look of confusion written all over 2B's face, she grins a wicked smile.

"Nothing's gonna take her from here." A2 says, giving one additional tap on 2B's skin. Her eyes change the way they look, from confusion to pained understanding. A2 smiles again.

"You won't hear her laugh or anything, yeah. But she's never going to leave." Her voice as gentle as the breeze surrounding them, 2B nods, squeezing her partner's hand. "And you will never forget her." 2B recognizes the sadness in her voice, immediately.

The itch grows and 2B needs something, anything.

"Lucky girl."

A2's whisper went almost unnoticed, but she failed. There was a reminder in the younger unit's memory. This one, single thing.

She had to do it. She'd die, otherwise.

Without a warning, 2B's forehead met A2's, their eyes locked in an endless lock. Its a soft, gentle thing. 2B knows not whether it has a meaning, or why she did it in the first place.

It felt like the right thing to do, and nothing else made sense.

It was A2's turn to be confused. 2B smiles to herself as she sees her eyes, the sadness gone for at least a few seconds.

She knows it's her doing. She can give or take it whenever she wanted, this overwhelming sadness they both seem to feel.

She could make this right, at least for a little while.

A2's not pulling away, that's a good sign, she thinks to herself. She brings both her hands to A2's neck, caressing the sensitive skin. Tracing invisible paths to nowhere. Their eyes never leave on another.

She did this before. Back, way back.

Did she?

Before A2 can protest, not that she ever would, 2B moves down, resting her head in the crook of A2's neck and shoulders. Her arms fall around her. She enjoys this. This warmth, this comfort.

Safety.

It feels right.

Perfect.

A2 stops moving altogether. She's holding her so softly, as if she were glass. Afraid to break her. To break the moment. A2 stays still, breathing, taking in the moment.

She simply cannot believe what is happening.

But there's no time to waste, and to waste this moment would be something she'd never forgive herself for.

She runs her hands down 2B's back, slow, deliberate. Like a child caressing its favorite doll.

For the next few moments, neither one of them speak. It was always like this, and always will be. The serenity in the moment is overwhelming, it drowns any other emotion.

The warmth. A2 should radiate none, and yet…

A2 breaks the silence, stating that she has absolutely no desire to go back to the Resistance Camp, to Anemone and her endless lists of questions and demands. 2B agrees.

There's one place they could go. A haven, hidden from prying eyes. Tiredness seeps in, claiming both of them.

Its time for some rest.

After what felt like years, they finally moved. Hand in hand, they walked off the building, with zero care in the world.

Emptiness.

There's nothing. No one. Not a living soul wanders these empty halls.

What are you doing here?

You walk. Directions are pointless. Nonexistent. A theory long forgotten. What is what?

There's walls. Black as..you can't describe them. A lone mirror hangs in front of you.

Take a look at yourself.

You're dressed differently, a black robe, a knife in your hand. A murderer's tool.

You wonder how this works. Why can you see yourself in this darkness. Does it matter?

You walk. And walk. And your body suffers under the influence of eyes watching you.

You look around.

They're not there. Nothing's there. Just darkness. Emptiness.

Everything's gone.

Yet they're there. Watching. Judging.

Who are they to judge.

The gentle knocks on the ground, caused by your own heels, relax you. It's a rhythm.

A melody in an endless void.

A drip. Another one. And another. One by one. Droplets of water?

You follow. It's the only way to salvation.

You walk. And walk. A voice, pained, hoarse, tired. It startles you.

You continue to walk.

A body in front of you. You came to a sudden stop. You recognize her hair.

A.A.A.A. a.a.a.a.a.a.a.a.a………….. (a loud screech you cannot stop. give it up!)

You remember.

Attack unit number 2.

You know her.

You kneel, your hands wander around her body.

A pleasure you should not feel.

Hey A, wake up. Your voice echoes through the rooms. Its empty. Black. Cold. A's body lies motionless on the solid ground.

A? Your voice repeats. And repeats. And its useless. Her hands reach out to the android in front of you.

You move her. You need to see her.

Your hands wander again, moving her like a doll. She ends up resting on her back.

You feel sick.

There's blood running down her mouth, her eyes wide open, her chest ripped open. Yet she still hones that familiar smile.

You don't know anything. You don't know how, but your hand ends up in her chest.

A knife, of course, is a murderer's weapon.

You cannot look away.

She's peaceful. She doesn't mind.

She's dead, after all.

But then..why does she look so much like you.

And since when do you have long hair, and burned hands?

Oh.

It's a sweet relief, when she pierces your insides. When your blood messes up your own weapon.

It's a satisfaction you cannot explain.

She's sad though. You can tell. Her cheeks are wet, her mouth clenched and she's barely breathing.

A: I'm so sorry.

B: Don't be. I'm glad it's you.

B: Well, at least this way, I'll get to stay with you, hm?

A: Idiot…

When you rest your forehead against hers, and when her quivering lips press against yours, it's the most magical moment you've ever lived through.

You'd damn humanity for eternity and a day, if it meant you'd be able to get another one of these.

B?...

How swee-

2B's eyes shoot open, a sentence of deep breaths follows. A hand rests on her body, it's owner's voice echoes with worry. 2B looks around, only to find A2 right next to her, looking at her with eyes filled with sadness.

She remembers. A2's hideout. Her bed. They fell asleep, recharging. Resting.

Its been a long day, they both needed it.

Did she dream?

"Hey, you okay? You're shaking." A2 whispers, her hands wander, touch where they can. They focus on her partner's face. She's deep in her eyes, refusing to look elsewhere, her fingers looking for any signs of discomfort.

"Just.." 2B tries and tries, no words come through, dream still vividly fresh in her mind. Its true, she can feel herself shaking. Why?

What was that dream, anyway? Were those her-

Out of nowhere, A2 hugs her, holding her close and warm. The covers are still lazily draped over her shoulders.

It's useless, they don't need warmth. Or comfort. Or anything, really. But it has become something they would no longer go without.

A2 holds her close, shielding her from all the wrongs in this world. Her personal bodyguard, her armor, her shield. She'll be all of it.

If 2B lets her.

And she does.

A2 lulls her back to sleep, holding her close, never letting go. The warmth moving comfortably through their bodies.

There would be no more nightmares.

A/N- It's late, i know. Haven't abandoned it, yet. Comments are very appreciated, thank you for reading !