[This behavior on the ship had been understandable because 9S had already been compromised by his use of alcohol, his over the top shows of affection something she could pass off as the actions of someone who had never felt that way before and didn't know what they were doing. It had been cute, and she would be a liar if she said she didn't already cherish the memories of him looking so happy because she had chosen to spend that time with him.
His eagerness to touch her, to hold her, she had used the fact that he was inebriated to explain all of that away.
Now, though, he puts his arms around her not in a hug but in what feels like the grip of someone who expects she'll be pulled out of his grasp if he doesn't hold on, like-]
Oh.
[The sound is punched out of her, more painful than any of the attacks landed on her by Machine or even other androids. He's afraid of the same thing she is. They're both afraid to lose each other.
Slowly, her arms come up to settle around his shoulders, warm and sure as she dips her head down to press her lips pensively to the top of his head. She doesn't push him away or admonish him his feelings, which is probably a step in the right direction, but she knows she needs to say something or this will only deteriorate farther.]
I-
[But there are rules in this place, fraternization between Submissives is frowned upon, and she's lived in the Down long enough for it to not be secret. All it will take is a close look to see that 9S has the same mark down his neck as she does, and that makes this exchange unwise to have in public. Slowly, she pulls back, but as she does she takes his hands, squeezing them almost lovingly in her own.]
This isn't the place to talk about this. Come inside with me.
no subject
His eagerness to touch her, to hold her, she had used the fact that he was inebriated to explain all of that away.
Now, though, he puts his arms around her not in a hug but in what feels like the grip of someone who expects she'll be pulled out of his grasp if he doesn't hold on, like-]
Oh.
[The sound is punched out of her, more painful than any of the attacks landed on her by Machine or even other androids. He's afraid of the same thing she is. They're both afraid to lose each other.
Slowly, her arms come up to settle around his shoulders, warm and sure as she dips her head down to press her lips pensively to the top of his head. She doesn't push him away or admonish him his feelings, which is probably a step in the right direction, but she knows she needs to say something or this will only deteriorate farther.]
I-
[But there are rules in this place, fraternization between Submissives is frowned upon, and she's lived in the Down long enough for it to not be secret. All it will take is a close look to see that 9S has the same mark down his neck as she does, and that makes this exchange unwise to have in public. Slowly, she pulls back, but as she does she takes his hands, squeezing them almost lovingly in her own.]
This isn't the place to talk about this. Come inside with me.