Chapter Text
2B manages to push the conversation from her mind and resume normal working operations, running surface assignments for YoRHa alongside 9S without issue. Weeks pass without 2B giving 6O’s revelation more than a passing thought.
Today 2B is out running errands while 9S stays at camp to help organize resistance stockrooms. She’s looking for plugin chips that Jackass sells at the desert base.
“Hey there! 2B!” Jackass yells, waving 2B down from a desert canopy once 2B is in sight. “I have just the thing for you!”
2B joins Jackass in the shade when a tangle of fabric is thrust into her hands. 2B unfurls the blue silk to reveal a chemise with knotted black ribbon decorating the neckline. It’s a pretty piece of clothing, but not what 2B is here for.
“It’s only 200G,” Jackass tells her. “Quite a steal, no?”
2B shakes her head and pushes the clothing back to Jackass. “Actually, I came to buy plugin chips.”
Jackass clicks her tongue. “Come on, it’d look great on a pretty lady like you. And what about that boytoy you’re always with? I bet he’d like to see you wearing it.”
2B frowns, taken aback by Jackass’s phrasing. “9S is not a toy.”
Jackass waves her hand dismissively. “Help me out, will you? My merchant friend has a surplus of clothing that I told her I’d sell. I’ll even give you a discount on those chips if you buy it.”
2B stares down at the clothing in her hands, reconsidering. It isn’t a bad deal. 2B doesn't own any clothes aside from her YoRHa uniform.
Maybe trying on something new wouldn’t hurt.
2B’s finger hovers over the call button, hesitating just before summoning 9S to her room for maintenance. She’s finally gotten around to trying on the chemise Jackass sold her a few days ago. Despite herself, 2B wonders if it had been a reasonable purchase. Her standard YoRHa uniform is more than sufficient for daily attire. Replacing her usual dress with this thin revealing garment seems almost foolish.
Pushing her unnecessary worries aside, 2B initiates the call.
Before she can speak, 9S greets her with his usual enthusiasm. “Good morning 2B! Did you sleep well?”
“I’m ready for maintenance. I’ll need recalibrations before we return to the surface.”
“Sure thing! I’ll be right there.”
It’s a short wait for 9S’s arrival in her bedroom door. “2B! Are you ready for—” 9S trails off abruptly, frozen in her room’s entrance. His cheeks flush a concerning shade of red before he spins on his heels, animatedly pressing his hands over his eyes.
“I’m sorry! I should’ve knocked! I thought—I mean, because you called me I’d assumed—I’ll come back once you’re dressed! Just tell me when you’re ready!” Before 2B can even respond he’s retreated out the door. “I’m sorryyy—” The automatic door clicks behind him.
2B stares at the closed door for a long moment before pinching the hem of the chemise in her fingers, lifting the silky fabric. “Is the new style too much?” 2B thinks aloud to Pod 042. Her floating companion offers a metal-armed shrug.
Maybe the color is too drastic a change? She’ll have to look for something black next time she buys clothes from Jackass.