The weekend had arrived, giving you a brief chance to rest before the new week started. You had forgotten just how taxing it was to run a bookstore on your own - you couldn’t figure out how you did it before so easily. Well, easily was an overstatement… you could barely afford to take care of yourself despite your hard work. You wondered if the attack on the shop was a hidden blessing in disguise, as you received more customers in the first week back than you did in a normal fortnight. Perhaps Rose’s keen eye for design had proven to be more than just aesthetics, as he provided a more welcoming space that invited more customers into your shop.
You had been wanting to show your gratitude for Rose for a while, but you weren’t quite sure what to do to showcase that. He had expensive taste, and you worried that you couldn’t provide anything to demonstrate your sentiments while aligning with his tastes.
It was a matter for another day, as your thoughts were quickly swept away as you opened up the door to his shop. The warm air of the air conditioner washed over your body as your sight landed on Ramattra, standing disgruntled in the centre of the shop while Rose held a fabric measuring tape over the widest part of his chassis.
The moment Rose noticed you, he seemed to buzz.
“Ah, you’re back early!” He chuckled, ushering you over with his hand. “I need your help.”
“Oh, what with?” You approached, the end of the tape measure suddenly thrust into your hands.
“Hold this against his chest while I wrap it around our friend here.” He hummed before he circled around behind Ramattra, waiting for you to do your part.
Given no choice, you stepped close to Ramattra. You held your fingertips firm against the centre of his chassis, where he had the most leverage. You realised in that moment that, despite months of his presence, you had never really seen his chassis that close up before. That, or you hadn’t stared long enough to take in the details - the red, pulsing lights beneath his alloy ribbing, or the wires hiding just out of reach beneath his outer plating. You could physically feel the buzzes and clicks of his inner workings under your fingertips. You looked up at Ramattra through your lashes before spreading your fingertips apart ever so slightly.
Ramattra went rigid. His systems seemed to halt for a moment before returning back to normal - if not clicking slightly faster. He kept his head facing forward, but at that proximity, you could see his optics flicker down to you.
“You must hold still, my dear-” Rose huffed, “You’ve got some of the shakiest hands I’ve ever seen!”
“Ah, s-sorry…” you chuckled softly, turning your focus to steady your hands.
“That’s better.” Rose snaked around until his shoulder touched yours, taking note of the measurement before snatching the tape from around Ramattra’s bust.
“Now for the waist…” Rose flicked his attention to Ramattra’s thin waist. He turned his head slowly to you as he handed you the tape, “Would you measure for me? I must go to the back and gather some fabric.”
Before you could argue, Rose had departed from the main room. You looked over at Ramattra, who stood as still as a statue. You swallowed before you slowly, shakily, lowered the tape down to his waist.
“Is this alright?” You asked, your voice an almost whisper.
“Yes,” Ramattra’s voice rumbled, “This is a necessary step.”
You nodded before leaning forward, reaching the tape around his waist. His frame seemed to hiss as your fingers brushed over his hydraulics and around his thick wires. As you pressed your fingertips against his mechanic abdomen, a hot wave of air expelled from his frame - his fans now working overtime to keep his core from overheating.
“I’m not hurting you, am I?” You fluttered your eyes up at him, meeting the absolute focused glare in his optics.
“Not at all.” Ramattra almost growled. His hands twitched by his sides before he clenched them into fists.
With a sudden wave of boldness washing over you, you experimentally brushed a finger slowly down one of his wires.
Ramattra’s frame suddenly released a sharp exhale of hot steam, almost as if he choked on his own voice. The lights on his forehead and chest flashed dangerously bright before going dark. He performed a quick system reboot before his lights flickered back online. He tilted his head downward just a fraction as his attention locked onto you. He cleared his vocalisor with a loud click in an attempt to regain his dignity.
“Before you cause… permanent system failure,” he rumbled, his voice smooth and low. “I suggest you cease this… playing.”
You could practically hear his systems working hard to find his words.
He then leaned closer, expelling hot air over your sensitive skin. “However, it was a valiant effort to try and shatter my discipline.”
Your face immediately combusted into a blushing, sweating mess. You couldn’t even muster a response as Rose’s voice suddenly filled the room.
“My, how high did I set the thermostat?”
You took a tumbling step back, and Ramattra quickly leaned forward and caught you by the waist before you fell. You quickly regained balance as Ramattra returned to his previous position, acting as if nothing happened.
Rose was fanning himself as he approached the two of you, “I see you two are feeling the effects of the heat, too. I’ll lower the temperature in a sec.”
Draped over Rose’s forearm were a few different dress shirts. He looked directly at you as he continued, “Oh, sorry darl. I just realised that measuring Ramattra’s waist was useless, after all.”
“Wh… What? Why?” You furrowed your brow slightly.
“Look at him,” Rose motioned to Ramattra’s silhouette. “He’s built like an hourglass! As long as his shoulders and chassis don’t rip the shirt apart when he moves, it’ll be fine.”
You couldn’t bear to look at Ramattra, lest your heart would have exploded. You just nodded, your hands clasped together tightly as Rose hummed. Then, it clicked - he knew all along of what he made you do. He was playing matchmaker… for a relationship he wasn’t aware of.
“Now, try these on while I take the measurements of your legs.” Rose handed the shirts to Ramattra before taking the measuring tape from your shaking hands.
While Rose’s attention was fixed on Ramattra, you took the opportunity to admire your partner from afar. While you pretended to wander around the shop, your gaze was fixed on the mirror that Ramattra was now facing. You thought you could get away with your staring, using the mirror as a sort of shield.
Ramattra’s hands were gentle with the delicate fabric as he tried on the different shirts. You couldn’t help but giggle to yourself when he couldn’t get the second arm in, or when he accidentally ripped one of the shirts down the back. When he found one that fit, however, your heart stopped momentarily.
The way the white, somewhat sheer fabric draped over his frame seemed to amplify his already gorgeous silhouette. The small, red lights on his chassis glowed through the fabric as it rested snug against his ribs.
Ramattra was acutely aware of your staring. His attention locked onto you through the reflection of the mirror as he slowly slid his hands up the middle of the shirt as he began to button it, tracking your reaction with an almost evil, satisfactory tilt to his head.
You looked away quickly, your cheeks burning hot.
“Alright, I’ve got all your measurements.” Rose said as he stood up. “How do you find the fit of those shirts?”
“I find them to be a little… constrictive around the chest.” Ramattra responded with a slightly playful tone to his voice - something only you seemed to notice.
“That won’t be any issue,” Rose reassured as he smoothed out the fabric, “I’ll adjust the seams. Other than that, any other issues?”
“Not that I can see.” Ramattra turned his body slightly toward you, “What do you think?”
“Huh?” You were caught off guard by the sudden confrontation.
“How do you find the fit, darl?” Rose asked as he stepped toward you, planting his hand over your back as he ushered you closer.
“The, uh, the fit?” You blabbered, your eyes darting anywhere that wasn’t Ramattra. “Oh, my opinion doesn’t matter! As, ah… as long as it’s comfortable!”
“Very well,” Ramattra let out a low chuckle as he slowly took off the shirt. “I suggest perhaps taking it in a little at the waist.”
“Of course, hun.” Rose hummed a small rhythm as he took the shirt from Ramattra. “I am more than happy to oblige.”
“Th… thank you, Rose.” You laughed nervously, making haste as you made for the exit.
You couldn’t stand the suffocating nature of the store any longer - you had to get out before you passed out. The cool, outside air provided a smooth clarity as it snaked down your throat and into your lungs. With a heavy, relieved exhale, you managed to calm down just a little bit.
The sun was setting, casting hues of purple and pink across the sky. The city lights slowly came to life, the rush hour bringing in a wave of traffic. The white noise of the city was something that only those who lived there could find comforting - and to you, it felt like home.
You didn’t have to wait too long for Ramattra to follow after you.
The walk home was entirely silent, but the usual comfort in that silence was nowhere to be found. The distance between the two of you was instead replaced with an unspoken tension, thick and charged. Your mind wouldn’t stop replaying the events - the way Ramattra tensed under your touch, the heat that expelled from his frame… the way he tracked your movements with impossible precision. You stared down at the footpath, Ramattra’s footsteps echoing behind yours, his pace slowed to match your smaller strides.
“You’re rather quiet.” Ramattra’s striking voice cut through the silence. He leaned forward to try and meet your face, “What occupies your mind?”
“Hm?” You looked up as you snapped out of your haze. You shook your head, “Oh, um… it’s nothing.”
Ramattra hummed, his tone oddly smug as he straightened his posture. “I see. I find it interesting… you kept looking away from me when I was trying on the shirts. Did I really look so terrible in them?”
“No!” You blurted out, the volume of your voice drawing unwanted attention from a passerby. “N… No, I think you looked… really, uh… nice.”
“Just nice?” Ramattra challenged you, watching intently as you came undone under his gaze.
“You looked… handsome.” You mumbled, shrinking into your coat. You quickened your pace, attempting to escape his intoxicating stare.
“Wh…” Ramattra stilled for a moment, his processor lagging behind as he digested your words. His vocaliser clicked before continuing, “What was that? I couldn’t quite hear you…”
Ramattra followed, quickly catching up as a chuckle escaped him. You hid your smile in the collar of your coat; seeing such a playful side to him was rare, but you didn’t want him to find out just how much you admired it.
Your heart jumped as his metallic fingers interlocked with yours, prompting you to look up at him in surprise.
He stared forward, refusing to acknowledge his sudden act of physical affection. His vents huffed as you squeezed his hand in return.
When the time came to unlock the front door, you were reluctant to let go of Ramattra’s hand. He let go, taking the burden of parting ways as you fumbled with your keys. He watched in amusement before he leaned over you, essentially caging you between his chassis and the door.
“Allow me.” He turned the key with ease before opening the door.
With the door no longer acting and a barrier, you should have stepped in. Yet, you were still as you could feel his vents roll hot air over the back of your neck. Your breath hitched as his hand brushed against your waist as he leaned closer, his cables dangling over your shoulders.
“Are we heading in?” Ramattra’s voice vibrated through your chest.
Your entire body tensed up as you squeaked, “Yes! Sorry!”
You rushed inside, eager to pretend like you were totally unaffected by Ramattra’s effortless flirtation. You headed for the kitchen, busying your hands with the kettle as you prepared a cup of tea. The front door clicked shut, followed by the heavy, mechanical footsteps from Ramattra. When you looked over your shoulder, you realised that his attention wasn’t on you. He had opened up the pantry, scanning what ingredients were within.
“Are you hungry?” He asked, his attention unwavering.
“Ah, a little…” you mumbled. “Oh, I was planning to have a shower, though.”
“We have instant noodles,” Ramattra grabbed a packet before shutting the pantry. “I can prepare it for you, while you have a shower.”
You nodded, taking your leave from the kitchen before you made for your room. You gathered your clothes, then had a shower.
The night was just as any other; you’d have dinner on the couch, with Ramattra sat beside you, watching TV together - even if he hated most shows on TV. Not that you were really watching, because you and Ramattra traded conversation back and forth, providing a sense of ease and safety.
As the sitcoms faded to late-night infomercials, there was an inevitable shift. Ramattra stood up, his posture guarded and stiff.
“It is late,” his voice seemed to carry a sense of reluctant resonance as he approached his bedroom door. “You need rest. Don’t stay up too late.”
Panic stirred in your chest, completely irrationally - he was just a room away. But you had stood up, and by the moment his door clicked open, your fingers caught his own.
Ramattra paused before he slowly looked down at you. Your heart was racing, and your adrenaline levels had spiked.
“St… stay in my room… for the night…” You swallowed, refusing to look up at him.
His stiff posture softened before he turned to face you. “As you wish.”
The new, refurbished look for your store was certainly far from its original design, but as you sat down in your chair at the counter, you felt at home.
You had gone through the extra effort to look as good as the store in celebration of the reopening. Matching the quiet, classy atmosphere of your store, you wore an ivory blouse, the top two buttons purposely left undone to provide a small edge of casualty. The blouse was tucked into a high waisted, burgundy skirt that hugged your curves before tapering at your calves. Your sheer stockings caught in the warm light before they disappeared into a pair of brown, slightly heeled loafers.
You had finished the look off with some light makeup, and held your hair up in a black claw clip.
It was certainly not within your usual style, but you felt a boom of excitement and confidence at your prized store returning to life.
Ramattra had certainly noticed that newfound confidence.
As your partner, he took it upon himself to help out around the store, despite his distaste for the general public. However, he found his system yearning for your presence when you were out of reach. He was also aware of how easily exhausted you got after a long day of work. The opportunity to work alongside you only seemed logical; but his choice was soon torturing him.
You would greet both new and returning customers with a joyful chime in your voice, the tone reflecting in your body language, too. You would provide an enthusiastic wave alongside a gentle smile, the rich colour of your lipstick merely accentuating the shape of your lips. You seemed to beam, like a well cared for flower.
Ramattra kept to himself as he sorted through the shelves, making sure that his sorting was proper and to his liking. The jingle of the bell above the door alerted the two of you of the lack of customers, and Ramattra took that moment to pace toward you.
“It’s quite busy, isn’t it?” He said as he approached your counter.
“Aye, I’m so tired… but I’m so happy!” You smiled as you looked up at Ramattra. “Thanks for offering to help out. I know it’s not… the most ideal for you.”
Ramattra’s HUD flashed a small error as he took in your smile. He pushed it aside and knelt down to meet your eyes, “You tend to overwork yourself. I’m here to burden some of that work.”
Your heart fluttered at his words. You began to fiddle with your fingers, “That’s so sweet, Ram…”
Ramattra stood up slowly, your eyes fixed on his faceplate until he disappeared behind you. You gulped as the inner workings of his frame seemed louder than ever, a faint hum resonating through your body as Ramattra’s fingertips traced the curve of your ear.
With the delicate precision of a surgeon, Ramattra tucked a few stray sections of hair behind your ears. His touch lingered just beneath your ear, following your pulse before stopping at your collarbone.
“You possess an elegance that is entirely reflected in how you chose to present yourself today.” Ramattra’s voice dropped to a delicate, low purr as he leaned forward, his chassis pressed against the back of your chair. He ran his hands down to the countertop, caging you between him and the counter. A few cables fell into your peripheral as he continued. “You look entirely timeless, and absolutely beautiful.”
You craned your neck up to meet your partner, who looked down at you softly. His forehead lights dimly pulsed as he awaited your response. Your lips curled into a small smile as you reached up with a single hand and cupped his jawplate.
“You’re one to talk, Ram.” You giggled softly. “Your words belong in the countless books of poetry I offer.”
“While that is a generous sentiment,” Ramattra leaned closer as his voice lowered again. “I only intend for my words to be savoured by you.”
A shiver washed over you as you forced yourself to maintain eye contact with your towering partner.
The tension was soon cut by the distant jingle, alerting you both of the untimely presence of another customer.
Ramattra stood up carefully, running his fingers over the curve of your collarbone as he took his departure and returned to his previous task.
As Ramattra stepped through the shop, he noticed that the customer was none other than Rose. He stopped and greeted the smaller omnic.
“Hello, Rose.”
“My, Ramattra! I didn’t expect to see you here,” Rose laughed. “You work here now?”
“It seemed like a lot for one being to handle. I am merely halving the load.”
“I see, well… I like this look for you, Ramattra. You seem in your element.” Rose hummed before turning his attention to you.
Ramattra continued on, returning to the aisle he was previously in.
“My, my…” Rose chuckled, a hint of darkness beneath his tone. “What’s gotten you so heated?”
“What are you talking about?” You leaned forward on your palm, offering Rose an unconvincingly confident smile.
“Look at yourself, darl. You’re beet-red! Don’t get me started on your heartrate!”
You laughed his observations off as you stood up, meeting with the omnic on the other side of the counter.
“Oh my…” Rose looked you up and down. “My, aren’t you dressed to impress?”
“I wanted to match the vibe you captured in the store,” you did a little twirl to give Rose a 360 view of your outfit. “What do you think?”
“Hun, it’s gorgeous. And you know that.” Rose assured as he held your hands in his.
“You got me.” You giggled.
Ramattra stole a glance at you while you were preoccupied with Rose.
Your eyes darted to him for a moment - a microscopic movement that Rose’s omnic perception clocked.
“You’re growing bold, aren’t you?” Rose leaned in.
Your breathing stopped for a moment at the observation.
You wanted to tell Rose of your newly formed relationship with Ramattra, but you also wanted to allow time for Ramattra to settle in. Besides, the secrecy added an almost addicting element of tension.
Despite the relationship only truly being established just days prior, you felt as though you were partners for longer. It was as though the confession was the explosion of an already lit fuse; merely the grand show of feelings that had been boiling over for months.
With that final threshold being passed, both of your unbridled feelings could show without shame. However, your shy nature paired with Ramattra’s caring hesitance created a whole new barrier.
You both seemed eager to break it, however.
Ramattra approached both you and Rose, his attention mostly on you.
“I apologise for interrupting, but I must ask if I can be granted permission to leave.”
“Leave?” You tilted your head, “Why’s that, Ram?”
The soft clicks from Rose alerted you of your nickname slip up. You smiled at Ramattra like nothing was wrong, urging him to do the same.
“I believe that I have exhausted all possible tasks for the day. I also have some business I must attend to.”
“Oh, um… yeah, that’s fine!” You nodded, but worry began to creep into your mind.
Ramattra lightly bowed his torso, taking his leave.
“Ram, hm?” Rose chuckled. “What a cute pet name.”
You laughed Rose’s statement off, your mind unable to move past Ramattra’s sudden departure.
The end of the work day had finally come, and what started as an itching excitement had transformed into lingering anxiety in Ramattra’s absence.
You closed up shop and made your way upstairs, your hands hovering above the door handle before finally opening the door.
A thick wave of scent escaped the apartment - you took a few sniffs, immediately recognising it as your favourite food. Your anxiety began to ease as you stepped inside, sliding your shoes off before looking around the apartment.
Ramattra sat still on the couch, a plate of food on the coffee table before him. He looked over at you before he ushered you over with his hand.
“My apologies for leaving so soon,” he shuffled over on the couch as you took a seat beside him. “I… wished to surprise you.”
Warmth spread through your chest as you failed to contain a wide smile.
“You do too much for me, Ram…” you picked up the dish, investigating the presentation. “It’s beautiful.”
Ramattra’s chassis shook as he chuckled, “I hope the flavour lives up to the presentation.”
You took a mouthful of the food - your tastebuds melting at the amazing flavours. How did Ramattra - a machine incapable of taste - capture the perfect balance of flavours without ever tasting it himself?
“You could open a small cafe,” your words were muffled by the mouthful of food. “You’re getting so good at cooking!”
“I am pleased that you like it.”
“Like it? I love it!” You giggled.
Ramattra let out a soft chuckle as you savoured the food.
You cleared the dish before leaning back on the couch, resting a hand over your stomach.
“I’m so full…” you laughed. “Thank you again, Ram.”
“Of course.” Ramattra leaned back with you, stretching an arm across the back of the couch. His fingers trailed along your shoulder as he admired the features of your face.
A pleasant buzz ran through your body as exhaustion finally settled over you. You leaned toward Ramattra, resting against his chassis as you closed your eyes.
“You must be tired,” Ramattra said quietly, his voice rumbling through his chassis and through your body. “I suggest you go to bed. I will take to cleaning up.”
You grumbled, nuzzling into him further. “Let’s just stay like this for a bit.”
“You will fall asleep, and I do not have the strength to wake you when that happens.”
“Please?”
You looked up at Ramattra, your brows arched. Ramattra’s fans clicked on; how could he refuse your plea?
“Very well…” he sighed. “But you will be uncomfortable. My body was made to endure the onslaught of battle; not your delicate flesh.”
“I’ll be fine.” You urged.
You pressed your head back against his chassis - the inner workings of his machinery offering a faint, relaxing buzz accompanied by clicks and whirs. There was an almost melodic beat to his systems that seemed to ground you in the moment.
Ramattra could sense your body growing further relaxed. He sat perfectly still for a few hours, silently admiring you in the dim light. Soon enough, you roused awake, slowly sitting up and rubbing your eyes - completely forgetting about the makeup you had yet to remove.
Ramattra released a hearty chuckle as you met his gaze, and your cheeks became hot.
“Wh… What’s wrong?” You asked, an unsure smile creeping over your lips.
“Your cheek,” Ramattra reached out, cupping your cheek as he brushed his thumb over the skin. “There is an indent of where you rested against my chassis.”
“Oh,” you giggled. “I must’ve been sleeping really well…”
“You were as still as stone.” Ramattra pulled his hand away before standing up, taking the empty dish to the kitchen. “I suggest that you go to bed. It is getting late.”
You nodded before you approached Ramattra. He was standing over the sink, his forearms covered in soap as he washed up. His movement stilled as your arms snaked around his slim waist, your chest pressed against his back.
“I can’t thank you enough…” you said, your voice quiet and hoarse from exhaustion.
“I…” Ramattra’s voice came out crackled. He composed himself before continuing. “Of course. Now, get some rest. You’re… clearly quite tired.”
You nodded against the strut of his spine before lazily dragging your arms back to your sides.
“Goodnight, Ram.”
Ramattra didn’t respond, or even spare a look at you. He simply nodded, his cooling fans clicking on as your bedroom door shut.
You stood in front of the mirror the next day, your hands smoothing over the front of your violet pencil skirt. You had originally intended to dress how you did the day prior for a single day to celebrate the reopening, but you found that the clothing seemed to possess a confidence that you lacked otherwise. Your heart skipped a beat as you did a cute pose in the mirror - you wanted to test the waters of how far your newfound boldness could carry you in pursuit of Ramattra’s attention. You weren’t the type to typically dress in the way to impress others, it was all for yourself - and in a sense, you still held true to that sentiment. You felt uncharacteristically charming.
Upon leaving his room in the morning, Ramattra stiffened at the sight of you in a similar outfit as the day before, perched by the kitchen counter, focused on the handheld mirror in your hand. You were doing your mascara and checking your hair, assuring that it was all to your taste. It wasn’t often that you did makeup, but two days in a row? His attention was then drawn to the bright purple skirt that hugged your legs.
“Good morning, Ram!” you glanced over at him, your head remaining in position as your eyes trailed to his position.
“Good morning.” Ramattra finally moved from his spot, taking a seat at the counter beside you. “You seem to have taken to a new uniform. Shall I invest in a uniform, too?”
You laughed, but the thought formed a visual in your mind. Ramattra wearing an equally charming outfit to match you… the idea stole your breath.
“Would you actually consider… doing that?” you asked, attempting to hide the breathlessness in your voice.
“Well,” Ramattra rumbled. “You’re the boss. I will adhere to whatever you proclaim.”
You gulped. You made a mental reminder to get him fitted at Rose’s store.
“I will… have to arrange that, then.” You cleared your throat before shutting the handheld mirror in your hands, “A uniform will inform the customers that you are an employee. It only seems logical.”
“Yes,” Ramattra agreed, though he spared his gaze as he looked elsewhere. “Very logical.”
The two of you made your way downstairs and into the dim store. You couldn’t open immediately, however - you had to check your stock, something you had forgotten to do at the end of the previous day.
“Can you check the shelves for me? I’ll head into the storeroom and grab whatever needs to be restocked.”
Ramattra nodded, obeying your work-boss persona that seemed to replace your usual timid self.
You made your way to the storage room, grabbing a notebook and pen as you checked what you were running low on, and what you had to order more of ASAP. You couldn’t quite see the top shelves, so you grabbed the nearby stepping stool. You soon realised why you didn’t wear such form-fitting clothing on a regular basis, especially in your workplace - it made it impossible to lift your legs.
Ramattra opened the storeroom door, ducking his head under the doorframe as he entered the dark, confined room. He immediately noticed you balancing on the stool, the old wood threatening to slip from under your foot.
Your breath hitched as the familiar weight of Ramattra’s hand braced your hip, ensuring your balance. You squeaked out, “R… Ram!”
“I apologise for startling you,” he said as his hand seemed to tighten momentarily on your hip. “Allow me to check the stock up there. I do not want you to fall.”
“I’ll be fi-” as you turned to look over at him, the stool leg gave way, a yelp escaping you as you stumbled.
Acting on his robotic reflexes, Ramattra swooped closer and reached with his other hand to grasp your waist while you quickly recovered balance. Once the panic had subsided, the silence of the storeroom suddenly felt deafening. The sounds of Ramattra’s systems buzzing and your panicked breathing filled the space - enhancing the sudden, brand-new predicament.
The stool, while it had provided some height, was still not enough to meet Ramattra’s towering frame. Radiating heat soon seared your back, the click of his fans blowing hot air over you. His grip on your hips was firm, sending an intoxicating wave of warmth through your body.
“R… Ramattra,” you whispered shakily, “Um, the… the stool is stable, now…”
“I am aware…” Ramattra responded in that gravelly tone. “I want to ensure that you are alright.”
“I’m, uh… I’m okay.” You squeaked as Ramattra’s grip on you only tightened. His voice was so close to your ears, it sent a shiver down your spine with every word.
“I would advise that you allow me to reach high places from now on,” he rumbled, “To prevent such problems in the future.”
You could only muster a quick nod as Ramattra pulled his hands away, leaving slight wrinkles in your skirt before he hovered a hand over your back. You took small steps down, shying away from Ramattra as he reached for the top shelf.
“We are okay for the stock for now, it seems.” He turned to you as he regained his usual, stoic composure. “Your adrenaline has spiked. I suggest sitting down for a while.”
You nodded again, stepping out of the storage room and taking a seat before your counter. You pretended to give your attention to your notebook, skimming over the words to give off the appearance of reading.
Ramattra followed after you, hovering behind you before his fingers traced your jaw, compelling you to meet his optics.
“I admire your choice in colour today,” he purred, motioning to your skirt. “Purple seems to sit well on you.”
Your heart threatened to jump out of your throat as his fingers left a warm trail on your skin. The lights on his forehead flashed before he turned away, preparing to open the store. You sat in place, your entire body burning as he flipped the open sign.
No matter how much confidence your clothing choices provided you, Ramattra was always one step ahead - rendering you to a flustered mess.
The distant ocean waves gently roused you awake, and with a small groan, you rolled over in bed. With squinted eyes, you peered out the window - the dark clouds from the night prior had moved on, allowing the natural blue of the sky to beam.
Had the previous night been a dream? As you remembered each and every word from Ramattra, it felt all too viscerally real. Yet, there was a nagging doubt in the back of your mind that saying that it was merely just an extremely vivid dream.
Your heart fluttered as you rolled over, your eyes immediately catching onto Ramattra’s frame, sitting at the dining table, looking out the small window.
When you had stirred, his attention turned to you, rather than the late morning light. His posture softened as he stood up, and he approached the bed with careful steps.
“You’re finally awake,” he observed, his voice a soft, low static. “I had begun to worry you’d never wake up.”
You offered a quick nod in response, your eyes wide as you watched his every movement, looking for anything that could confirm your suspicions of last night.
Ramattra sat down on the edge of the mattress, which sank from his sheer weight. He turned to you, a stray cable falling over his shoulder as he waited for you to act.
You sat up slowly, pulling the blanket up with you. Your heart was beating faster as Ramattra offered a hand, patiently awaiting your own hand in response.
You shakily reached out, closing the gap between your hands before he ran his thumb over your knuckles.
Ramattra chuckled, “You’re trembling again.”
“I, uh…” you cleared your throat as you tried to find your words. “Last night, was… did I… say anything?”
Ramattra’s lights pulsed for a moment as he let out another soft chuckle.
“Your mind cannot distinguish dreams from reality. I assure you, it was real, and I meant every word.”
Your heart flipped as your cheeks began to feel warm. You shuffled closer to the ravager, suddenly eager to hold his hand close to your chest as you observed his intricate plating.
“I was… really scared,” you laughed weakly. “This isn’t a dream either, right?”
Ramattra shook his head, “No, I promise.”
Your lips curled into an uncontrollable smile. “I’m so… happy,” you sighed, tears prickling the corner of your eyes. “You have no idea.”
Ramattra’s chassis rumbled as he laughed, reaching forward with his free hand and catching your tears on his finger.
The air between the two of you was charged, thick and heavy with the reality of the night prior. Ramattra’s hand lingered by your cheek as he absorbed every detail of your face. The rich colour of your irises seemed to be choked out by your dilated pupils, and your cheeks shifted into a rich, radiating red. Your shaky, gentle breath leaving your parted lips was rhythmic with your rapid heartbeat. His systems clicked as his fans turned on, and he pulled away quickly.
“You need sustenance.” He said, standing up suddenly.
Your hand wandered to your cheek, where his hand had just been. You never thought about how empty the space could feel until his touch was gone.
“There’s a uh,” you stuttered as you tried to collect your thoughts, “there’s a takeaway place nearby. I could go for fish and chips…”
“Fish and chips? For breakfast?” Ramattra shook his head, “No, I won’t allow it.”
“Come on, it’s our little holiday…” you whined, a playful smile peeking from the corners of your lips. “Let me be a fatty. As a treat.”
Ramattra’s frame let out a rumble as he sighed, “Very well. I won’t argue with you…”
Ramattra had left the caravan to provide you some privacy to get dressed. Once you joined him outside, you took charge and began the short, brisk walk to the takeaway shop.
Ramattra kept his attention on you as you reminisced on your childhood summers in that town. He had noticed that your demeanor had changed; your usual shyness had been overridden by an almost confident sense of joy. However, when you caught his glance, you would stutter or look away quickly - a reminder of your easily flustered reactions.
The takeaway shop was small, quaint, but oddly homely. A faded piece of paper displaying the menu and prices was stuck to the door, but you didn’t even give it attention before pushing the glass door open. The crisp, salty air from outside was quickly overwhelmed by the warm, thick air seasoned with oil and vinegar.
A soft little jingle sounded, alerting the clerk behind the bain marie of your presence. The older woman perked up and smiled, “Hey! What can I do ya for?”
You ushered Ramattra to take a seat at a small, aged plastic table. He nodded and took a seat, looking around the small shop as you ordered.
The hum of the old refrigerators mingled with the distant sizzling in the kitchen, almost drowning out the quiet radio. Old posters of vintage surfer movies plastered the walls, along with macrame tapestries and houseplants. The faded wooden floorboards beneath creaked when you finally approached the table, taking a seat across from Ramattra.
“You know the clerk?” Ramattra asked.
You nodded and smiled, “Mhm! I can’t believe she’s still working here.”
Ramattra glanced over at the clerk, who carried an all too familiar look as she observed the ravager. A look of judgement, fear, and hesitance.
“When would you like to go home?”
Your question guided his attention back to you. You held your phone in your hands, thumbs hovering over the screen, yet your eyes focused on him.
“I am content with whatever you choose.”
“Well, I… wouldn’t mind going home today, if you want.” You placed your phone on the table screen down. “Rose just told me that the store is done.”
“Already?”
You giggled, “He works fast, doesn’t he?”
On one hand, Ramattra had quickly grown a distaste for the beach, as well as the secluded nature of the town itself. His status was well known, even if he had retired his old ways - not everyone would be as understanding as you had been.
On the other hand, though, the empty beach and cramped caravan had presented your feelings to blossom. The sanctity of the caravan, away from everyone and everything, provided a place that Ramattra wanted to savour and preserve.
Ramattra knew how much your store meant to you, though.
“Let’s return home today, then.”
“You’re sure?” You arched your brows.
“Of course.”
You smiled - something that you tried to contain. “We’ll pack once we get back to the van, then.”
The clerk called out your order number, and you stood up and grabbed the warm paper bag from the counter.
You tore a hole into the bag once you left the shop, snacking on the fish and chips as you walked back to the caravan with Ramattra.
“Are sure that is substantial for the first meal you have today?”
You giggled, “Of course! It’s delicious…”
“I never asked for its flavour.” Ramattra huffed, “You are going to give yourself a stomach ache; do not complain when it happens.”
You playfully stuck your tongue out at Ramattra before continuing with your meal.
Ramattra’s fans clicked on, soft and inaudible over the distant waves.
The sun was low in the sky when the city approached over the horizon, the engine rumbling a mere lull in the quiet car.
For the first half of the ride, Ramattra was quiet. His optics were fixed on the landscape beyond the window blurring by. You grew increasingly nervous, mistaking his content silence as an awkward silence.
Ramattra finally picked up on your quickened heart rate, and turned his attention to you.
Your hands were tight on the wheel; you could feel Ramattra’s intense stare apparently focused on you.
Ramattra no longer felt internal shame for admiring your beauty, especially when there was nothing else worth looking at during the long car ride.
Your hair caught the setting sun like spider silk in the winter morning, the golden light highlighting your silhouette. His optics trailed down from your face and to your collar, watching the way the muscles in your neck twitched as you swallowed. He was acutely aware that you knew he was watching - and he couldn’t help but indulge in watching you fluster under his gaze.
“Does my gaze trouble you?” He asked, his voice unexpectedly gravelly as it sounded from his frame.
The hairs on your arms stood on end at the sheer weight of his tone. You tensed your shoulders and squeaked, “N-No! Just… uh, self conscious, I guess.”
“Then you must forgive me, for I cannot bring myself to look away.”
Your face immediately began to burn, his poetic claims grabbing you by the gut. Ramattra’s low chuckle only made you fluster further.
“If it truly makes you uncomfortable, I can look away.”
“No, it’s… okay,” your heart pounded in your ears as you white knuckled the wheel. “You can… keep staring. It’s… nice, in a strange way…”
“Very well,” Ramattra rested his jawplate on his palm, his optics tracing each curve of your face. “I will commit every detail of you to memory.”
Your mind was beginning to grow hazy, completely distracted by the silent way Ramattra took in and savoured your beauty. Despite the intensity of his gaze, there was never an ounce of aggressive or predatory intent behind his faceplate; just pure admiration.
The drive through the city was agonising. Each red light prompted you a brief moment to stretch out your hands, but your gaze would also wander to Ramattra’s side of the car - his thighs parted from the confined space. You hoped he hadn’t noticed the quick glance, but as he shifted slightly - all too precisely - it was all too clear to you that he had definitely noticed.
Parking on the street and opening the car door felt like breaching the water’s surface, taking in a deep, desperate breath after holding it in for so long.
Ramattra stepped out of the car after you, taking to grabbing all of the bags in his large wingspan before approaching your store and home.
“You’re here!” Rose cheered, rushing out of the store with outstretched arms. He ran completely past Ramattra and tackled you with a big hug. “Come, I must show you how it turned out!”
You didn’t even have a moment to think before Rose grabbed your hand, pulling you into your now finished store.
Ramattra let out an amused huff before he took the bags upstairs into your home.
The first thing you noticed was the burst of rich, jewel-toned colours that covered the walls. They were covered in authentic oil paintings and almost cheesy, book-related quotes encased in intricately carved wooden frames.
It would’ve been tacky, but it seemed perfect for the cozy, dim vibe you wanted to provide for your store. The entire aesthetic was heightened by a lavender incense burning on your counter.
“Oh my, Rose…” you pulled Rose into a tight embrace. “You’ve outdone yourself again. Thank you, it’s… perfect.”
Ramattra stepped into the shop, his senses almost overwhelmed with the colours and clutter, as well as the multitude of scents in the store itself.
Despite that, he knew you’d like it.
After all, he helped Rose pick out the trinkets and colours for it all.
“How was the trip?” Rose asked as he pulled away from your embrace, investigating both you and Ramattra.
“It was, ah…” you quickly looked over at Ramattra and chuckled nervously. His untelling glance urged you to keep the… details… of the trip vague. “It was amazing.”
“Aw, really? Tell me all about it.” Rose placed his hand over your shoulders as you went upstairs. Ramattra followed behind, quiet and looming.
Once the three of you went inside, Ramattra immediately stepped into the kitchen and boiled the kettle.
You sat down on the couch with Rose, “We saw a whale,” you began. “It was huge! The tail even did that thing where it splashed the water!”
Rose quickly glanced over at Ramattra before he lowered his head and whispered, “Did you tell him how you felt?”
“Rose!” You squeaked, then whispered back; “I, uh… didn’t get the chance…”
“Of course not,” Rose laughed. “That is just like you, isn’t it?”
“What? What do you mean by that?”
Ramattra interrupted the two of you with his sudden presence. He stood close to you, holding a mug in his hands. He didn’t hand it to you immediately, though - when you looked up at him, his gaze seemed to linger heavily on you.
Rose rumbled, leaning back as he crossed his legs. “I forgot to mention, while you were gone, one of my usual customers came in asking for you.”
“For me?” You whipped your head to Rose. You chuckled nervously, “Why?”
“A fellow omnic has taken a liking to you,” he hummed. “She was asking if you were single. I figured, since you’ve had such a bad run of it lately, maybe I could set you two up on a date. What do you think, Ramattra? Shall we help our dear friend in the scene of love?”
Ramattra stiffened as his grip on the mug faltered; a small cascade of hot tea pouring from the lip. It splashed onto your lap, instantly soaking into your jeans - thankfully, it wasn’t hot enough to burn - but Ramattra knelt down before you in haste. He took the length of his scarf and began dabbing the area, his quickened movements uncharacteristically frantic.
His voice was thick with static as he stressed. “Forgive me, my systems glitched for a moment. Are you burned?”
Your breath was shallow, overwhelmed by so much happening in mere seconds. Caught between the hot tea and Ramattra’s heavy hands on your lap, paired with Rose’s smug, knowing gaze of what he had just done - you were a wreck, your face burning more than the tea ever could.
“No, I’m, uh… I’m okay, Ram…” you chuckled breathlessly, “I’m not hurt, I just… I’ll go get dressed.”
Ramattra froze as he realised the crack in his composure, especially in front of Rose. He slowly withdrew his hands from your thighs, his fingers lingering a second longer than necessary before he stood back up. He straightened his posture, staring forward at the distant wall as he reclaimed his usual, dignified stance.
His attention, after regaining himself, turned to Rose. “Not to speak on their behalf, but I believe there is no rush for them to indulge in that of a stranger’s base-level interest when they already know exactly what they want in a relationship.”
“I’ll be right back.” You stood up, squeezing past Ramattra as the air fell heavy between the two omnics.
Once the sound of your bedroom door clicked shut, Rose leaned forward, a smug hum resonating from his frame.
“My, my, Ramattra… it seems you have given much thought to such a proposition.” Rose’s gaze whirred as he centred in on Ramattra. “You seem thoroughly… educated… on what they seek, dear.”
“Yes, well…” Ramattra shifted his weight in an attempt to seem calm and collected as he turned away. “When you live with someone long enough, you tend to learn a lot about their preferences.”
“I see…” Rose stood up, running his metallic fingers over Ramattra’s chassis in a teasing manner. “Well, I best be off. Be a darl and pass on the word that I’ll be back tomorrow, will you?”
Before Ramattra could protest, you emerged from your room in a pair of sweatpants. You tilted your head at Rose, “Leaving already?”
“Ah, yes, my dear. Sorry to disappoint…” Rose gave you a quick hug, his voice lowering just loud enough for you to hear. “I sense I am interrupting something, hm?”
A shiver crawled over your skin at his tone. You furrowed your brows, but your red cheeks betrayed you. “No, not at all. Please, stay.”
“I must go home,” Rose proclaimed loudly, as if he were on stage, performing a melancholy drama. “I am sorry, my dear.”
Rose left the apartment, without giving you the opportunity to argue. You let out a small sigh as you took your seat on the couch.
Ramattra sat beside you, his demeanor softening. “Are you sure you are alright?”
“I promise, Ramattra.” You giggled as his attention stuck to your lap. Your breath hitched as he gently rested a hand over one thigh, rubbing his thumb in gentle circles. “The, uh… the tea wasn’t hot enough to harm me.”
Ramattra’s hydraulics hissed in response - he didn’t believe you. That, or he felt awful - regardless of whether or not the tea was hot enough to harm.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice quiet and soft. “I promised that no harm would befall you.”
You planted your hand over his on your thigh as you leaned against his shoulder, “Well, I promised that it didn’t hurt. Both of our promises are intact.”
Ramattra rumbled, his systems clicking and humming before he finally responded. “Very well. I will take your word for it.”
Sorry for the slightly shorter chapter - but I think its contents will make up for it. <3
The distant waves crashing on the shore was merely background noise, accompanied by the gentle hiss of the kettle. You stood by the small sink, your heart hammering in your chest as you held Ramattra’s hand under the sink.
“I’m so sorry,” you pleaded, a phrase that Ramattra had grown tired of very quickly. “I should’ve been more considerate of your machinery…”
“How many times must I reassure you that this was of my own accord?” He chuckled, his hand relaxed in yours as you ran water over his fingers, massaging his joints to dislodge the sand.
“Still,” you chuckled nervously, “I feel awful.”
Ramattra spared a soft chuckle, his mechanical hum constant and close. He flexed his fingers into a fist, then stretched them out again.
Truthfully, Ramattra would’ve cleared the sand from his joints much quicker than you had - but he indulged himself in your pleads to help. That, and the close proximity that the action brought. Your rapid heartbeat in the corner of his HUD echoed through his systems like a song he couldn’t get out of his head.
“I believe that’s all of the sand gone,” he sighed. “Do not apologise again, lest I cover my entire body in it just to spite you.”
You laughed, “Since when do you joke around?”
“I suppose you have that effect on me.”
Silence befell the small, suddenly suffocating room. Your heart continued to pound against your ribs, demanding to be heard. You were almost deafened by the blood pumping in your ears, the silence only amplifying the beat.
“Your heartrate,” Ramattra broke the silence, his voice low, static, and gentle. His hand, still resting in yours, twitched for a moment. “It has spiked considerably. Am I causing you distress?”
Ramattra went to pull his hand away, but you squeezed it so gently, urging him to stay. He stilled, tilting his head as he tried to meet your gaze.
Your head was spinning. You felt sick, like you could throw up your heart in that very moment. With wide, unfocused eyes, you gripped his hand tighter.
“N… No,” your voice was shaking, like you were going to break down into tears. “I’m okay.”
“Are you sure?” Ramattra leaned over closer to better meet your height. “I can find help if you need medical assistance.”
Your heart flipped again. You became breathless, “Ramattra, I…”
You took a desperate swallow. You slowly let go of his hand, carefully taking a seat at the small dining table. Ramattra remained in his spot, kneeling down to meet your seated level, planting his hand on the table for leverage.
“I need to tell you something…” you rasped, looking away from him in a desperate attempt to calm yourself. “If I don’t, I feel like I’ll throw up.”
“What is it?” Ramattra attempted to cock his head into your view, but you turned further away. You began absentmindedly picking at the skin around your nails as your leg bounced rapidly.
“Please don’t… hate me, but I understand if… if this disgusts you…” you took a deep, shaky breath. Your face burned. “I have… fallen for you. Romantically, I mean.”
Your heart stilled for what felt like eternity. The distant waves, his soft mechanical hum, the wind that rocked the caravan - every sound felt immensely loud but impossibly silent at the same time. You clenched your fists as tears burned your eyes.
Ramattra, just say something. Anything. You repeated to yourself internally, pleading for anything - rejection would have been better than that agonising silence.
“Look at me,” he finally said. You shakily turned your head, your entire body trembling as you looked at those dim red lights on his forehead. “The courage it takes to make such a confession is not lost on me. You speak of love toward a machine designed to destroy. However, you see the soul beyond my steel body, just as I see the soul beyond your body of flesh and blood.”
Ramattra carefully placed his hand just short of your own.
“I tried to convince myself that love was not possible for me, and for a while, I believed that. Yet, each moment with you has expanded my understanding of what love truly is. I feel this love for you, too. You have defied my initial design and transformed it into something new.”
Your heart threatened to leap out of your throat. You finally exhaled a breath you hadn’t realised you were holding, bracing a hand over your chest.
With your other hand, you shakily made contact with Ramattra’s own.
“Do you… really feel the same?” You asked breathlessly, a nervous smile over your lips.
Ramattra stood up, inching closer to you as you craned your neck up to meet his gaze.
His other hand hovered near your cheek, “May I?”
You nodded quickly, unsure of what you had just agreed to. He leaned down slowly as he brushed his palm over your cheek. His huge, heavy frame towered over you before his forehead gently met yours.
Behind his mask, you could see his intricate optics - an intimacy you had never imagined possible. You closed your eyes, reaching your free hand up to his jaw and holding him close.
The buzz and clicks of his systems were louder than ever, and his cooling fans seemed to be louder than you had ever heard before.
Despite holding the position for almost a minute, Ramattra slowly pulled away all too soon. He sat across from you, holding your hand in both of his own.
“What you have given me, it is dangerous.” He brushed his thumb over your knuckles as he maintained eye contact with you. “But I swear to you, I will indulge every moment of my existence to protect you.”
“You just keep getting more poetic,” you giggled on the verge of tears. You leaned over and rested your forehead against the back of his hand, “I could listen to your voice forever.”
“I assure you, I will do everything in my power to grant that wish.”
You let out a relieved, vulnerable chuckle - adrenaline still fueling your hyper anxious reactions.
The sky outside had grown into a deep indigo, a blanket of dark clouds approaching from the horizon. The sun had already set, but its dying light lingered over the stirring ocean.
You bundled up into a thick blanket on the large bed, staring out at the increasingly aggravated sea. You perked up at the sight of distant lightning - sudden panic filling your mind.
Ramattra sensed the sudden spike in your heart rate, just hours after it finally calmed down. Remaining seated in the dining chair, he flicked his attention to you.
Recovering from the high of the confession, you had grown exponentially exhausted. Ramattra had insisted that you rest, but you just couldn’t sleep. Instead, you just huddled in the blankets and watched the mesmerising ocean.
With careful, deliberate movements, Ramattra stood from the dining table. He approached the bed, stopping short from the space to maintain an appropriate distance.
“Are you alright?” He asked, his voice as gentle as he could muster.
You jumped at his voice - you hadn’t even heard him move closer. You looked over at him, offering a crooked, unconvincing smile.
“I… yeah,” you cleared your throat as you looked out the window again. “There’s a storm approaching.”
“You’re worried about the integrity of the van.”
You chuckled, “You can read me that easily, huh?”
Ramattra took a hesitant step forward, propping a knee onto the mattress.
The sudden creak under his weight prompted you to look over. He blocked out the main source of light, his large shadow quickly engulfing the mattress.
“I am known to be perceptive.”
Your heart jumped at his sudden proximity. He knelt on the edge of the bed, his lights dim as he reached out to you. His hand remained in the space between you for a few moments, allowing you time to deny his advances. You adjusted your position ever so slightly, just enough to tell him you were comfortable.
He inched closer, scanning your body’s temperature before pulling his scarf from his neck, coiling it around yours.
“It will only get colder,” he rationalised. “I hope that is ample enough.”
Your heart skipped a beat as his mechanical scent overwhelmed you. “Th… thank you… are you sure you won’t get cold though?”
Ramattra chuckled as he adjusted the scarf around you, “You worry too much. I will be fine.”
He began to retreat, the mattress slowly springing into its natural shape at the absence of his weight. You leaned forward and grabbed his hand, “Wait, Ram…”
“What is it?” Ramattra turned to face you.
“Sit beside me…” you said, your voice quiet as your cheeks began to burn.
A soft hum escaped Ramattra as he slowly sat down, inching closer to you. He sat awkwardly, his legs stretched straight over the length of the bed, his hands in his lap, and his back pressed against the wall. He maintained distance from you, a new fear arising within him.
Scenarios appeared in his systems; visages of harming you by accident. Whether it be from his strong grip, his sharp extremities or his weight alone - countless thoughts barraged him in an onslaught of insecurity.
Ramattra knew all too well just how powerful he was. While his strength may have been desired long ago, it was now the one thing that he despised about himself.
A weight falling onto his shoulder broke him out of his internal panic. He peered down at you, your hand delicate and steady as your fingers interlocked with his.
“Are you sure that you want this?” Ramattra asked quietly.
“Absolutely.” You nuzzled further into his shoulder, your hair brushing over his cables.
Ramattra’s fans kicked up a notch. You squeezed his hand, but his grasp remained loose.
“I… am a machine of war,” he winced. “I know only of violence.”
You sat up for a moment, dragging the blanket over Ramattra before returning to your position.
“I trust you.”
“Trust?” Ramattra’s lights pulsed brightly for a moment before dimming again. Hesitantly, he gave your hand a small, almost imperceptible squeeze.
“See? It’s okay,” you reassured. “I trust you more than anyone.”
Ramattra’s core temperature began to ramp up - your trust in him was not just for show. It was genuine, and he could feel it in the way you demonstrated your courage of closeness.
He glanced out of the window, the sky now dark, spare for the few bolts of lightning in the distance.
Half an hour passed, and the storm was now audibly approaching. Yet, with each crack of lightning, you remained still. Your steady breathing grounded Ramattra in the moment, your occasional snores reassuring your utter trust in his presence.
With a sudden crack of thunder directly over the caravan, you jolted awake, your grip around Ramattra’s hand tight as you looked around, wide-eyed and confused.
“It’s alright,” he hushed. “Just thunder.”
You nodded, your eyes already falling shut as you returned to your previous position.
Ramattra slowly retrieved his hand from your grip, shifting to sit up on his knees as he slid his hands under your knees and back. You tiredly grumbled in protest, until you realised that he was tucking you under the quilt.
Once you were comfortable, Ramattra stood up from the bed, stepping towards the dining table.
“Please stay…” your voice was hoarse from exhaustion.
“I will only be a few metres away.” Ramattra assured, but you shook your head.
“I know, but…” you yawned, your words trailing off. “…I want you in… arms reach…”
Ramattra’s hydraulics let out a soft hiss as he returned to the mattress and sat on the edge, his back to you. He leaned over, resting his elbows on his knees as he recited the events of the past few hours.
None of it felt real, more like it was all a hyper detailed scenario playing out in his systems. However, all of the senses were all too real - his systems almost overwhelmed by the reality of the situation.
Ramattra was intelligent, calculated; capable of telling his foe’s every move before they even happened. Faced with the battlefield of love, however, he was forced to tackle something he never thought he would ever have to fight.
He was prepared to take on the challenge, if it meant remaining by your side forever.
I’m super excited to share this chapter! It’s a tiny bit longer than other chapters, but I’m sure that’s not a problem LOL
I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Approaching Ramattra with the proposition of going out on a mini holiday was difficult. He was a recluse, even in your own home. With the power of procrastination, you decided on doing some research on where to go and where to stay.
There was a small, seaside town a few hours away - you had been there before in your youth. Eloise used to live there, and would welcome your family with fresh seafood and a place to rest. You would walk barefoot in your bathers down to the beach, where you’d ride down the sand dunes and swim in the endless ocean. Off on the horizon, there was a small island - you’d pretend to be a pirate, washing up on that island’s shore, collecting drift wood to repair your wrecked ship.
It would’ve been perfect, had the prices for a rental shack not been so expensive. You picked up your phone and called Eloise.
“Sup, kid?” Eloise answered after a few rings.
“Hey, El… um, do you remember that old shack you used to live in? By the beach?”
“Of course I do. Why, what’s up?”
“I suppose you wouldn’t still… own it, by any chance?” You smiled through gritted teeth.
“Nah, sorry love. Plannin’ on headin’ that way?”
“Yeah, but… it's so expensive!”
Eloise’s laugh crackled through the static, “Well, duh! Listen, remember the old caravan park up there? Eb owns one of the caravans, we visit there every summer. I can ask her if you could bunker down there?”
“Oh, really? That would be great!” You shot up with excitement.
“She’ll probably be fine with it, but I’ll text ya when I ask. She’s out at the shops at the moment.”
“Thank you, Eloise! I’ll talk to you later!”
Before Eloise even had the chance to say goodbye, you hung up. You giddily pranced out of your room and knocked on Ramattra’s door.
When he opened the door, Ramattra was taken aback by your obvious excitement. He chuckled, “What has gotten you so excited?”
“You need to just… hear me out on this, okay?” You took a deep breath and cupped your hands together. “There’s this seaside town I used to go to as a kid… and I was wondering if maybe you’d like to…”
Ramattra leaned his weight on the doorframe as he crossed his arms. He looked down at you intently, his stare catching you off guard for a moment. You cleared your throat and continued, “I was wondering if you’d maybe… uh, like to come with me. There. To the town. As a holiday, for a few days.”
A low rumble escaped Ramattra as he shifted. “I do not indulge in such things.”
Your heart sank a little bit, but you persevered. “I understand why you’d feel that way, but… the town is pretty laid back, and we don’t have to interact with anyone - it’ll be a nice escape from the city.”
“You are so persistent.” Ramattra tapped his fingers against his upper arm in thought. “What about accommodation?”
Your phone buzzed in your pocket. You quickly glanced down.
[Eb said that’s totally fine. Drop by whenever to pick up the key.]
You look up at Ramattra, a big grin snaking over your lips.
“It’s all sorted.”
“Very well…” Ramattra huffed.
The ride was unnervingly quiet. Your eyes would dart briefly to Ramattra to try and read his thoughts - afraid that he was beginning to regret ever agreeing to your proposition. He was impossible to read, given his lack of facial expression. You had picked up on some of his body language, though - like the way he would keep his hands on his knees when sitting; if he was deep in thought, his index fingers would tap against his metal plating. If he was relaxed, his arms were more limp, and his hands would fall over his thighs instead. At that moment, he seemed relaxed.
His slow but sudden movement alerted you to look away from him quickly and back at the road. You could see his arm in your peripheral as he reached for the volume dial, twisting it down a little to make the static radio quieter.
You expected him to say something, but he just leaned back in the passenger seat, his attention on the nature outside.
Your heart skipped a beat as you opened your mouth to ask him if he was okay, but something stopped you. You swallowed nervously as you gripped the wheel harder.
Soon enough, the ocean began to rise into view on the horizon.
“Look!” You pointed, the smile over your face widening as the town came into view.
Ramattra leaned over and grabbed the wheel, afraid you would veer off the road.
“You must be careful!” He snarled, yet there was no venom in his tone.
“Sorry,” you giggled. “It’s just been so long.”
“You and your excuses…” Ramattra scoffed as he looked out the window again.
You couldn’t stop the nervous smile from pulling at the corner of your lips - his tone almost seemed amused. Perhaps that was just your imagination, but you couldn’t stop thinking about it.
You drove through the town seemingly untouched by time until you found the caravan park.
You slowed down as you pulled into the park, keeping an eye out for Ebony’s caravan. Once you found it, you parked the car in front of it and powered off the engine.
“Here we are,” you took a deep breath, trying to calm your nerves and excitement. “Shall we head in?”
Ramattra nodded. Ramattra opened the door, the car groaning in relief as the ravager’s weight was no longer weighing it down.
The distant crash of waves hitting the shoreline filled you with an odd sense of nostalgia, almost melancholic in its taste. You looked out over the horizon, that same little island tempting your imagination just as it did all that time ago.
The snapping shut of the car boot broke you out of your reminiscing - you turned your attention to Ramattra, who effortlessly carried your bag, his bag, and the snack bag all in his large arms.
You quickly rushed to the caravan door and fumbled with the lock. Once opened, you held the door open for Ramattra, who ducked to avoid hitting his head on the door frame. You followed in after him.
The first thing that you noticed was the amplified scent of sea salt mixed with sandalwood.
Ramattra placed the bags on the small kitchen counter, his large, intimidating frame a stark contrast to the cozy, light interior of the caravan. You looked around at the small space as you shut the door behind you; adjacent to the small kitchen area was a small dining area with two seats. There was a door at that end which you assumed led to the bathroom. You looked to the other side of the van, where a large double bed filled the rest of the space.
One bed.
Your hairs stood on end at the realisation. When you looked away as if you hadn’t noticed, Ramattra had already observed the dilemma.
“How unfortunate,” he rumbled. “Never mind. I’ll recharge on the chair here.” He traced his fingers along the back of one of the dining chairs. “I do not require the comfort that you do.”
“What? Don’t be silly,” you laughed nervously. “You should take the bed!”
Ramattra cocked his head, a cable falling free from his scarf. “Nonsense. You take it. You will get uncomfortable.”
You would’ve kept arguing with him, but you knew he was right. Dejectedly, you grabbed your bag and placed it on the bed in an admission of defeat.
Once the two of you unpacked your things, you finally felt as though it was time to head to the beach.
“You are not thinking of swimming, are you?” Ramattra asked, judgement clear in his tone.
“What? No!” You laughed as you threw a thin sweater over your torso. “It’s too cold for that.”
“Mm, good.” He gave you a single nod, as if granting you permission to go out.
The ocean brought strong winds, but not harsh enough to keep you from the beach. You took the lead, and Ramattra followed with a strange fondness for your attitude.
The wind carried small arrows of sand in an onslaught against your bare ankles, jabbing your skin with a force you didn’t expect. It wasn’t enough to take from the experience, though.
“Ugh, this sand…” Ramattra growled in irritation, “I can feel it lodging into my joints already.”
“Oh, Ram…” you stopped and faced him, his clawed feet sunken in the sand. “I didn’t even think of how the sand would affect you…”
“I will manage.” He said as he took a step forward, the sand swallowing his true height.
“Are you sure?”
Ramattra met your gaze and straightened his posture. “Of course.”
You didn’t entirely believe him - his usual confident stride was sluggish in the sand, but he tried his best to hide it.
Ramattra hated the sand. However, seeing you walk along the water, stopping to pick up shells and throwing stones across the waves… he had to face the truth that his discomfort was worth it, just to see you so happy.
There was an older, outdated part of his code that berated his current position. His hatred that bred a whole revolution was something he set behind him, and while he still clung to that hatred toward humanity, you were different. An exception.
He realised in that moment, as the wind sprayed ocean mist over you, that he saw the soul beyond your vessel of flesh. That fact, while it seized his systems for a moment, seemed to spread a comforting reassurance through his frame. He found solace within you, a transcendence that momentarily dissolved his bitter hatred for humanity.
The two of you walked over the beach in silence for what felt like forever. The silence was not awkward, but rather meditative. You were both deep in thought, enjoying each other's company while in your own thoughts.
You stopped at the opening of a river, turning to face Ramattra. “Shall we head back?”
“Let us stay here for a while.” Ramattra suggested, crossing his legs as he sat in the sand. “I wish to take in the horizon.”
You smiled and sat beside him, looking over the waves.
There was another stretch of silence, but this time you sensed something off in Ramattra’s demeanour. Finally, he spoke up.
“You said this was a place you visited as a child.” His gaze remained fixed on the horizon as he spoke. “What is childhood like?”
You hummed in thought for a moment. You straightened your posture before taking a deep breath.
“It’s a lot of things,” you shrugged. “It’s cozy, it’s chaotic… and I think it’s something a lot of people wish to return to.”
“I do not understand that. You are weak as a child, you must learn so much while also dealing with growth. As an adult, is it not easier?”
You laughed softly, “I wish it was.”
You brought your knees up to your chest as you wrapped your arms around your calves. “I want to return to childhood because of the comfort it brought. There was nothing like playing outside all day, then falling asleep in the car, and mum carrying me inside. I miss Saturday morning cartoons, I miss birthday parties, I miss… so much of it.”
Ramattra carefully turned his attention to you, immediately noticing the tears rolling down your cheeks.
“But childhood was hard,” you continued, your voice cracking. “Bullies, grades, judgement… expectations. It didn’t even end, it feels like the bad parts stayed while the good parts remained in childhood. That’s not fair…”
“That sounds really hard,” Ramattra’s soft voice was almost drowned out by the crashing waves. “I am sorry.”
You wiped your cheeks as you laughed weakly, “You don’t need to apologise…”
“I find beauty in the passage of organic life,” Ramattra shuffled closer to you. “It is something that omnics cannot experience. Organic life is beautifully macabre.”
“That’s so… poetic,” you chuckled. “I suppose you’re right, though. I’m focusing too much on the past when I should be in the present.”
“Precisely.” Ramattra nodded.
You leaned back on your palms as you stretched your legs out. “You know, last time I came here was with my ex.”
“Ben?” Ramattra growled.
“God no,” you gagged. “Someone else. I thought he was gonna be the one.”
“What happened?”
“He wanted children,” you leaned forward as insecurities began creeping up your spine. “I despised the idea. I didn’t want to feel like a tool for breeding life. I wanted to be my own person. It’s also just… cruel to bring a child into this world right now. But I’ve never been the kind to want kids.”
Ramattra shuddered at the thought.
“I also think he… fell in love with someone else, a few years into our relationship.” You admitted for the first time, to yourself and to Ramattra. “It hurts… seeing the one you love start to love another. You start to feel used the longer the lie goes on for…”
Ramattra stared at you as your pain began to pour, “He has a kid now. With the same person he left me for. I don’t miss him… I just… it feels like a waste…”
“Human lives are short,” Ramattra rumbled, his voice soft against your wavering voice. “He was foolish to abandon you as he did.”
“I should’ve ended it when I realised we had different wishes.”
“Perhaps. But you recognise that in hindsight. Love tends to… blind one's perception. A veil of hope over blind eyes.”
You remained silent. You stared beyond the horizon, perhaps into time itself.
“He displayed a show of senseless arrogance in the face of trust and companionship.” Ramattra let the words settle as he picked his next words carefully. “For what it’s worth, I… cherish this time we have spent together.”
Your heart flipped as his words echoed in your mind. You looked over at him, where his face shied away from your glance. His fingers were tapping raggedly against the sand. You slowly snaked your hand into the sand, close to his. You stopped shy when his fingers stilled.
“Ramattra…”
His name on your voice stalled his systems for a moment. It was different from the other times you’d said his name - this time, it carried a sea of emotions. Fragile, but courageous.
Ramattra faced you, the soft smile over your lips the first thing he noticed.
“Ramattra, I…” your heart was pounding against your ribs. Your throat went dry, and no amount of swallowing could relieve it. You retreated on your intention to confess.
“That is the most beautiful thing that anyone has ever said to me.”
Your fingers curled into your palm, balling sand in your grip. Ramattra noticed this, and slid his hand closer, all while keeping his attention on your expression.
Your heart rate was almost dangerously high, and your temperature seemed to fluctuate dramatically through your body. Your face seemed to be the hottest, according to Ramattra’s systems. He knew this to be abnormal, however, he had been noticing this bodily reaction from you over time. He had initially thought that it was due to the body’s natural cycle, but it was constant when your attention was on him.
He didn’t want to misread the situation, though.
The energy of your organic heat and the radiating energy from Ramattra was separated by agonising centimetres distanced between your fingers, temptations arousing in both of you to close the space.
Then, breaking the moment that seemed to span on forever, a loud groan resonated from the sea, followed by a loud spray. The two of you turned your attention to the water - catching the exact moment a whale had emerged, smacking its tail onto the water’s surface before submerging itself into the ocean again.
“Wow!” You gasped, standing up in an attempt to see it better as it swam beneath the waves. “Did you see that, Ram? That was incredible!”
Ramattra remained seated, his awe focused on your own amazement, and the biggest smile he’d ever seen on your face. Your wide eyes seemed to reflect the shimmering sun on the water, gobsmacked by the incredible sight you had just witnessed.
“That was incredible.” He echoed in a small, almost silent tone.
Weeks had passed, and you had finally saved up just enough money to start repairing your store. You started with the windows, and after that, hired a small company to replace the store floor. Once that was done, the fun part could begin - redecorating.
You ordered a few sets of shelves, alongside a lounge set among other things. Once the delivery truck dropped off the several boxes outside, your heart threatened to leap from your chest.
You thanked the driver, who simply nodded before driving away.
Where to start?
You figured you’d bring the boxes inside before deciding on what to assemble first. After a few minutes of pulling and pushing different boxes in, you stopped to take a breath. It seemed like so much more than you had ordered.
“Let me help.” Ramattra said, picking up the box you were leaning on. You stumbled, and as you caught yourself, you saw how effortless Ramattra made the task look.
You watched each piston and axle work as he moved, calculated but almost organically fluid. Ramattra had tied his cables up into a ponytail, with the same scrunchie you had given him months prior. Seeing the delicate wires and hydraulics that followed the curve of his neck almost felt unnatural - you were so used to seeing him with his cables down. He looked so… casual.
It was becoming increasingly apparent to you that things were changing. Whenever you were close to Ramattra, your heart would flutter and your stomach felt light. When the two of you would cook together, you became increasingly aware of just how small your kitchen was, and how big he was in comparison… and how close the two of you were. The static of his body would brush over your arms, and you’d lose focus.
You had taken to creating distance between yourself and him, afraid that your involuntary reactions meant something you weren’t ready to accept. Ramattra would respect your space, but he noticed your sudden withdrawal.
“Oh, thank you…” you puffed, a tired smile over your sweaty face.
You watched as Ramattra carried in the rest of the boxes, taking less time than it did for you with the first few.
“Ohh, exciting!” Rose’s arms wrapped loosely around your shoulders, “I’m so excited for you!”
You smiled as you placed your hand over Rose’s forearm. “You’re early!”
“I just had to come over as soon as I could,” Rose finally drew his arms away and moved to stand in front of you. “I love decorating!”
You giggled, “Well, we have to build a lot of it first. You sure you wanna stick around for that?”
“Obviously!” Rose scoffed playfully.
You laughed again before leading Rose inside. You sat down on the new wooden floor, pulling over a box that contained a shelf.
“Let’s start with the shelves…” You said as you opened the box. The instruction manual fluttered out, and as you opened it, the excitement quickly morphed into dread.
With a groan, you started to piece everything together, with Rose handing you the screws and tools, and Ramattra piecing together other parts.
A few hours had passed, but the three of you had built the furniture. You were exhausted, but seeing everything come together filled you with the urge to keep going. That, and the energetic music that filled the space.
Ramattra took to aligning the shelves, and began stocking them with books from the storage room. He found sorting the books to be like a form of mediation, taking into account the genres and author names. He first sorted them into piles before placing them onto the shelves, and even then, would only do so a shelf at a time.
Ramattra had completely drowned out the music and the chatter between you and Rose, but as he placed the books on the shelf, he found himself taking glances at you in the empty space. Your smile never left your lips, even if your eyelids were heavy and your hair was slick with sweat.
You and Rose had been decorating the lounge area, setting out rugs and arranging cushions. You’d attempt to make sly glances at Ramattra, observing his elegant and precise movements as he sorted through the books. His hands, built for war, were so delicate with even the oldest books.
Rose stole your attention away, consulting you about what colour combinations would look good and how he had some old trinkets he could give you to ‘add some glamour’ to the space, as he put it.
Neither of you had noticed that Ramattra had left, until he appeared before you with a can of fizzy in his hands.
“For me?” You pointed at yourself.
“Who else?”
“Ah,” you swallowed as you took the can from Ramattra - the brief contact with his fingers sending a jolt through you. “Th… Thank you.”
Ramattra nodded before turning away, continuing with his own task.
You looked down at the can, watching the condensation roll over its cylindrical form. Rose chuckled.
“What?” You whipped around, but the omnic was covering his chuckle with a hum as he fluffed a cushion.
“Oh, nothing…” he giggled. He turned to face you, striding over to you as he began to circle you like a shark.
“Rose,” you chuckled nervously. “Seriously, what is it?”
“You don’t realise it yourself, do you?” He stopped short of your face, leaning forward as he interrogated you.
“Realise what?” Your eyes darted between his optics, searching for a hint of what on Earth he was so smug about.
He shook his head, “Oh, darl…” He patted your shoulder as he returned to the couch, fluffing the next cushion.
“You’re a real… bum, you know that?” You tried to come off as threatening.
“You’re one to talk, hun.” Rose teased, throwing the cushion at you.
“Hey!” You laughed, throwing the cushion back at Rose.
Rose laughed with you as you flopped onto the couch. You cracked open the can, chugging half of its contents before releasing a long sigh in relief.
Rose sat down beside you, holding the cushion over his lap as he looked up at the ceiling. You raised the can up to your lips, taking another deep swig.
“I’ve noticed your longing glances, darl.”
You choked on the drink, coughing loudly as you desperately tried to hide it. You covered your mouth with your inner elbow, turning completely away from Ramattra’s sight and directly into Rose’s optics.
“What- ack-“ you coughed as you lowered your voice, “What are you talking about?”
Rose patted your back as he pulled you in close, his voice low to match your whisper.
“Hun, I’ve been watching the two of you stare at each other all day! You can’t fool me, I know you’re…”
“Shh!” You placed a finger over Rose’s faceplate, where his lips would be - if he had any. “Don’t say it!”
“What?” Rose chuckled, “That you’re in lo-“
“Shut!” You tackled Rose into the couch, your palm completely covering his lower faceplate.
“That won’t do anything, dear.” Rose shook his head, grabbing your hand and removing it from his faceplate. “Face the truth, hun.”
“I…” You pressed your lips together, shaking your head as you slowly sat up. “There is nothing to face.”
Rose let out a soft sigh, placing his hand over yours in an act of reassurance.
“I know it’s scary.”
You looked over at Rose, who squeezed your hand before pulling you into a hug.
“Rose…” you gulped, “Please, don’t… tell him…”
“Of course not, dear…” Rose held you tight, rubbing your back in reassurance.
“Is something wrong?” Ramattra’s form loomed over the two of you, his arms crossed over his chassis as he stared the both of you down.
“No, no,” Rose giggled as you leaned back. He looked over at you, humming loud enough only for you to hear. “Everything’s fine.”
Ramattra tilted his head slightly, awaiting your response. You quickly nodded, “We’re just… playing around.”
“Hmm… very well. May I borrow you for a moment?” Ramattra held out his hand to you.
“Oh, um… of course.” You shakily grabbed his hand, losing balance as he pulled you to your feet. The contact was gone too soon as he pulled his hand away and walked over to the shelves.
You spared a quick glance back at Rose, who simply crossed his legs and hummed, waving his hand to usher you along. You narrowed your eyes at him before following Ramattra.
“Do you have a preference for what genres should go where? I’ve already sorted non-fiction, but… what about the others?”
“Oh, um…” you looked around at the empty shelves, tapping your finger against your lower lip as you thought. “Fiction and children’s books can be closer to the lounge area, and… um, keep the… uh…”
Your eyes were slowly drawn to a certain pile of books. The book that resided on the top depicted a woman in the protective embrace of a werewolf on the cover. You gulped as you tore your attention away, to anywhere that wasn’t those books or Ramattra.
“Keep the… adult books… close to the counter. To stop, uh… theft or, you know… minors from reading them.” You said quietly, your voice wavering with each word.
“I see, that is what I would’ve done anyway. I just wanted to check.” Ramattra knelt down, picking up a small bundle of books before leaning over you. He began to place the books on the top shelf while unintentionally caging you with his frame.
Your breath hitched, catching in your throat as the heat radiating from Ramattra’s chassis prickled the back of your neck - his mechanical hum resonating through your body.
You quickly moved out of the way, trying your best to keep your face hidden from Ramattra’s sight.
“Just, um… let me know if you need, uh… help, with anything else!” You exclaimed before urgently walking back to the lounge area.
Rose simply hummed with a smug tone, nudging you as you sat beside him.
“It’s worse than I thought…” you admitted, your voice quiet and weak.
“Avoidance tends to make some things worse, dear.” Rose turned and tilted his head.
You perked up a little bit. “Wait. Earlier, you said that we were staring at each other.”
“Yes?” Rose shrugged.
You laughed, “You just meant me, right?”
Rose remained silent but adjusted his posture just a little bit.
“My dear,” he began. “I notice a lot of things that you tend to miss.”
You glanced over at Ramattra, who was deep into sorting the books. You shook your head, “Nuh-uh. You’re delusional.”
“Whatever makes you feel better, hun.”
“He hates humans. I don’t even know how he deals with me.”
“If he truly hated it here, he would’ve left long ago.” Rose leaned back, holding a cushion to his chassis. “Have you ever thought that maybe you’re the reason he’s stayed for so long?”
You pondered on that possibility for a moment. The meals he had cooked, defending you on his own accord… it was certainly possible. Yet, you shook your head again.
“No, I’m not worth his time.” You laughed, but hearing the words leave your tongue struck a nerve within yourself.
You couldn’t rationalise any possibility of why Ramattra would bother to stay, considering everything humans had done to omnics. Alternatively, you had continued to date men, despite everything many of them had done to you and other people.
Ramattra wasn’t a man, he wasn’t even human - but his hatred for humanity had the same potency that your own hatred yielded.
“Hey doll, can I suggest something?”
You blinked a few times before turning to Rose. “Yeah, of course.”
“Go out on a small holiday,” he cupped his hands over yours as he spoke, “with him. Get out of the city, out of the house - just for a few days, just the two of you.”
“But the store…”
“Let me finish preparing the store, yeah? It’ll be ready for its grand reopening when you come back.”
Your eyes trailed over to Ramattra, still deep in focus. You bit the inside of your cheek, “I don’t know, Rose…”
“It’s ultimately your choice,” Rose squeezed your hands, prompting you to look at him. “But I think the city is holding the both of you back.”
“Rose, he doesn’t…” you cleared your throat. “It’s not like that. I’m sure I’ll get over it… a crush is normal. When I meet the one, these feelings will pass.”
Rose rumbled before shaking his head in disagreement. “My dear… you’re so… stubborn.”
You sighed, "Fine, I’ll go on this little holiday. But nothing will come of it, you hear?”
“Maybe not, but it would be good for the both of you as individuals anyway. Stuck in such a small apartment all day… that’s hardly living.”
Rose then gasped as he clapped his hands together, “Oh, now that the weather is warming up, it’ll be lovely!”
You giggled, “Rose, you said you’d stay here and finish the store.”
“Yes, yes… but I’m happy on your behalf.” He hummed, his joy inescapably contagious.
CW: violence (not too graphic, but violence nonetheless)
Also I apologise if this chapter is a bit busy? Back and forth? I’m publishing this super late and I’m super tired and idk if it makes complete sense but it does to me as of writing this LOL
How delicate the snow was, settling onto his metal flesh. Dusting his robes, falling into the crevices of his scarf - small irritations that tempted Ramattra out of his meditation. The one thing that kept him grounded was the almost crystalline ring that hummed from Zenyatta’s orbs, surrounding him in unison with his aura. How he could remain so calm, despite everything, was something Ramattra never quite understood.
As his optics turned online, Ramattra was reminded of the place his body was truly residing. A dim, small room full of dust, where the stars beyond the window were blocked out by the artificial light and smog. Far from Nepal, and far from Zenyatta.
Ramattra stood up, rolling his shoulders before heading for the door. He expected to see you either in the kitchen or on the couch, watching some old cartoons while eating microwave food. Yet, the apartment was empty, not even the slight muffle of music emanated from your room.
He approached the bathroom door, knocking on it with the back of his knuckles.
Nothing.
Ramattra opened the door, completely disregarding your defensive nature about privacy in the bathroom. Yet, you weren’t there.
He then approached your bedroom door. He knocked again, and when he heard nothing in response, he stepped in.
Your room was littered with both clean and dirty clothes, food wrappers and scattered medicine packets. Your bed, covered in countless pillows and blankets, was unmade. Ramattra assumed that you didn’t even make your bed that often, anyway - but it rubbed him the wrong way, regardless.
Within that moment, Ramattra realised that he had not seen your room before. It was revealing, and something he felt as though was deeply intimate; seeing so much of the behaviours you hide, in a space that’s truly your own. He slowly closed the door, pretending he had never set foot inside in the first place.
Ramattra’s code was quickly springing into action, prompting him to seek you out more urgently. He put on his jacket and left the apartment.
He looked over at your bookstore, where the windows were boarded up with wooden planks and cardboard. He opened the door, his systems slowing down when he saw your familiar figure standing within the dilapidated store.
You turned your head at the sound of the door, your heart pounding until you realised that it was just Ramattra. You smiled in relief, ushering him over.
“I’m calculating the cost of the damages…” you began, handing Ramattra the tablet in your hands. “…I think I’ll be able to get it repaired sooner than I thought!”
“Oh,” Ramattra scrolled through the contents; a catalogue of shelves and other furniture, if not a little excessive. “Well, that’s good.”
You continued to talk with an excitement that had been lacking since the attack. Ramattra observed your wide smile as you demonstrated what changes you would bring to the shop, and how your eyes seemed to shimmer when your ideas went beyond reality. Not that he was absorbing what you were saying, though.
“What do you think?” Your question caught him off guard. Yet, the way you looked up at him, almost breathless after your info-dump, he huffed.
“It sounds wonderful.”
You smiled even brighter, clasping your hands together against your chest as you envisioned the rebirth of your store.
“Have the police figured out who did this?”
Ramattra’s question broke you out of your imagination. You slowly turned your head to him, “No. They haven’t.”
Ramattra handed you the tablet, a low rumble escaping him in response.
“It was probably just… some troubled kid.” You reasoned with an unconvincing chuckle. Ramattra shook his head.
“I know you’re lying to yourself,” Ramattra turned to face you head-on, his forehead lights flashing as he spoke. “We both know who did this.”
You gulped, the already dark, damaged building feeling even more cramped than before.
“Well… I can’t do anything,” you shrugged as you took a step back. “I… I know that the police won’t, either.”
Ramattra paused, as if to say something, but retreated back. He sighed, “Things have a way of working out.”
You spared a short, weak chuckle as you gripped your arm. “If you think so.”
You stepped forward, leading Ramattra out of the wrecked store and back upstairs into your home.
The rest of the day was quiet; you mostly stayed in your room, scrolling on your laptop. Ramattra, however, stayed out in the living room, his gaze fixed on the streets below.
At dinner time, you finally left your room and saw the ravager sitting by the windowsill, using his hand as a rest for his chin.
“What ya doing?” You asked playfully as you sat on the nearby recliner.
“People watching.” Ramattra responded without tearing his attention away from the streets.
“Since when were you interested in people?” You laughed.
Ramattra remained still, not even sparing a pity laugh. You swallowed before you stood up and headed for the kitchen.
You made a sandwich for dinner, as you couldn’t be bothered to make something more filling - nor were you that hungry to begin with.
You returned to your room without saying anything else, and you wondered if Ramattra had even noticed your absence.
Sometime after eating the sandwich, you laid down to watch a movie on your laptop. You had fallen asleep, only to be woken by the click of your front door closing. While still half asleep, you stood up, throwing on a dressing gown before leaving your room.
“Hello?” You called, but it was eerily silent. “Ramattra?”
You went to knock on his door, but it was already open. The room was empty.
You approached the front door, putting on a pair of slippers before heading outside.
The full moon overhead was dim in the polluted sky, its own light choked out by the city. You clenched your arms to your body and shivered; at least the cold had woken you up properly.
You looked around for Ramattra - despite his large size, he was surprisingly fast. Your lips formed a thin line as you realised he was probably a few buildings away by then, but a shadow on the street corner caught your eye.
“Ram?” You called, but the shadow quickly evaded your sight. You followed it, against better judgement.
The tall figure, which was unmistakably Ramattra, moved faster ahead of you, ignoring your occasional calls. He seemed laser focused on something, whether that was his own thoughts or something else, you weren’t sure.
He turned into an alleyway, where you paused. You peaked around the corner, observing him, and wondering what on Earth he was doing.
“Fuck off, man.” A familiar voice hissed. Ben’s voice. “What’s your deal?”
Ramattra didn’t say anything. He approached Ben until his back hit a dumpster.
“Seriously, dude. What do you want?”
Ben stared down Ramattra with that same look he gave you after your date. Your stomach twisted.
“You live in an illusion, human.” Ramattra spat with venom. He stepped closer to Ben, caging him with his sheer size. “Your world has deluded you into thinking that you’re superior.”
“Y’know humans created robots, yeah? Take it out on all of us, not just me, asshole.”
Ramattra laughed - a deep rumble that sent shivers down your spine.
“I’m not talking about my kind.” Ramattra pressed closer, his faceplate inches from Ben’s. “I’m talking about yours. Your arrogance, feeding into a hierarchy that your own sex invented. For what? To stroke your fragile ego?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ben grabbed Ramattra’s neck, growling as he pulled him down. “Now fuck off!”
Ramattra snarled, taking hold of Ben’s arm and the collar of his shirt before swiping his foot under Ben’s before throwing him over his shoulder. You turned your head quickly and shut your eyes tightly; a loud crack echoed through the concrete and through your ears. Ben cried out, his breathing ragged between pained, broken groans.
You opened one eye before slowly looking back at the scene. Ramattra loomed over Ben, his shoulders hunched and his simulated breathing heavy and deliberate. His lights shone brighter than you’d ever seen them.
“Do you understand me, human?” Ramattra leaned over and grabbed Ben’s shirt, pulling him up to meet his gaze. “Your sexualised supremacy means nothing here.”
Ben merely groaned in response, his voice rasp as he attempted to growl.
“Fuck, I get it! Just… just let me go!” Ben pleaded, tearing at his collar.
Ramattra let go of Ben’s shirt, dropping him on the ground with a heavy thud. He watched as Ben scrambled to his feet, grasping his bloodied arm with his opposite hand before running off.
You went to hide, but Ben’s eyes had already met yours. He quickly looked away, darting the opposite direction without even addressing you. You took that as an initiative to return home quickly, and resume life with Ramattra like you’d never witnessed that scene. Yet, as you began to speed-walk away, Ramattra’s voice stopped you.
“You saw that, didn’t you.”
You stopped, slowly turning to face Ramattra. He stood under a street light, his shoulders low and his head turned away.
“I thought you were asleep,” he explained. “I… saw him. Outside.”
You couldn’t muster up anything in response. You just stared at him, your eyes wide. A pang reverberated through his systems at your expression.
“I know it’s… something you could’ve dealt with on your own,” he continued. “I suppose…”
His hydraulics hissed as he finally met your gaze. “I spoke to him in a language that he himself understands.”
You approached him, step by step, but Ramattra couldn’t read your intentions. Each step closer prompted his systems to stall, bracing for the inevitable onslaught of deserved anger. You had just witnessed his violence against your own kind - regardless of who it was - and surely you’d reciprocate that.
Your tight embrace around his waist was the first thing his systems recognised, followed by the warmth pressing against him. He looked down, your head nuzzled into his chassis.
You shook; you wanted to say something, anything, but nothing would vocalise. You held him tighter, tears gathering in your lashes as you closed your eyes.
“You wouldn’t… hurt me, right?” You asked quietly, immediately wishing you had kept it to yourself.
Ramattra hesitantly wrapped his arms around you, his embrace light and hesitant. He shook his head.
“No, never.”
For the first time in a long time, he was confident in his answer.
“Your body does not define you, brother.” Zenyatta chimed as he sat down. Ramattra stood before him, covering the sunlight blinding his optics with his hand.
“You say that, but you weren’t built for war.”
“Perhaps,” Zenyatta hummed. “But I am capable of turning to violence, as you are capable of turning to peace.”
Ramattra chuckled, “I’ll believe it when I see it, brother.”
He took a seat beside Zenyatta, observing the quiet courtyard as other omnic brothers and sisters sparred under the open, clear sky.
“There is darkness in you…” Zenyatta tilted his head as he looked at Ramattra. “Yet, I sense a growing light. Foster it.”
“Meditation is so hard…” you groaned, interrupting Ramattra’s own meditation.
“Yes, it is if you complain about it.” Ramattra huffed, hunching over as he resigned the activity.
“My brain is just so… noisy.”
“Focus on your-“
“My breathing, I know.” You released a heavy sigh before quickly turning to Ramattra. “I didn’t mean to like, belittle your advice. I just… I don't know how to do that.”
“Well, just copy me,” Ramattra shifted to face you. He straightened up, resting his palms on his knees. “Tense up like this.”
You copied him.
“Take a deep breath,” he instructed. You did. “When you release, focus on the negative energy within you. Channel your breathing, focus on releasing that negative energy through each exhale.”
You focused. The small pains in your body, your anxiety over your bookstore, past traumas - you channeled it, letting it flow through you, and instead of holding onto it, you exhaled slowly.
“Is that any better?”
“Yeah,” you opened your eyes, a soft smile over your lips. “I think I kinda get it now.”
“It may take a while to completely empty your mind…” Ramattra warned. “…I still struggle with it, sometimes.”
“Really?” You snorted, “But you always look so… zen.”
Ramattra chuckled, “Yes, well… sometimes I’m just reminiscing.”
A few weeks had passed since you started your new job at Rose’s, and Ramattra had continued to provide meals for you every few days. He was learning the intricacies of cooking, from why it's important to separate the dry and wet ingredients to why preheating the oven is so important. Even if the meal he had prepared for you was awful, you couldn’t stop the butterflies in your stomach at the mere action. He would never admit that he did it because he was worried about you - he would continue to deny that he even cared about your wellbeing. You knew the truth, even if he didn’t.
You were overworking yourself, but you continued to tell yourself that you weren’t. Rose noticed you had become even more clumsy, to the point of endangering both yourself and customers. Bumping into racks, knocking over boxes - sometimes even tripping over your own feet. You’d sometimes come in late, your hair messy and makeup half done.
Despite all of this, even if Rose asked you to take a break, you were determined to get enough money for repairs as soon as possible. That was until one morning, upon arriving at work, Rose stood at the door with his arms crossed.
“Hey Rose!” you greeted, waving with a big smile.
“Hello, darl…” Rose sighed.
You reached for the handle, but Rose blocked it with his body.
“Hun, I can’t let you work. You need a break - for your own health!”
“What? No,” you laughed, waving him off. “I’m fine! C’mon, let’s go!”
Rose grabbed your wrist, his grip firm but not threatening.
“I’m sorry. As your boss, and more so your friend, I am demanding that you take the next three days off… at least.”
His optics stared through you, and his usual flowery attitude was replaced with a seriousness closer to that of Ramattra’s. You turned your head away, swallowing before nodding.
“Alright,” you released a heavy sigh. “I see. I’ll take a break. For you, Rose.”
Rose shook his head, “No. For yourself, dear.”
You pressed your lips into a thin line, reluctantly nodding before turning away, returning home.
What could you even do with a few days off? You didn’t want to spend any of the money you had just earned, as that was supposed to go towards repairing your own shop.
At least you could sleep in, you thought.
Returning home so early in the day felt wrong, in a weird sense. It almost felt like a place you weren’t supposed to be, despite it being your own home. The way the sun shone through the windows, catching on the carpeted floors and dusty tabletops… it echoed through you, melancholic in the interrupted emptiness.
“Oh, you’re home.”
Ramattra’s voice drew you out of your thoughts. You looked over to his door, where he leaned against the old frame.
“Oh, uh… yeah,” you chuckled half-heartedly, shrugging as you took off your coat. “Rose made me take a break…”
“You were overworking yourself.” Ramattra chuckled as he shook his head.
“I just…” you sighed as you rubbed your face, smearing your makeup over your cheeks. “I really want to fix my store…”
“I know, and it will happen.” Ramattra crossed his arms as he straightened up. “But it will take time. So, take these next few days to just… relax. Humans aren’t built for ongoing, strenuous tasks.”
“We used to be.” You laughed, receiving a scoff from Ramattra in response. You gave him a small smile, “I’ll do my best to relax, ‘kay?”
Ramattra froze up for a moment, his posture stiff before he turned away.
“Do whatever you want.” He dismissed you, retreating back into his room.
Your brows knotted; what a strange reaction from him. He was the one to tell you to relax. You moved on from the thought and into the bathroom, where you removed your makeup and changed out of your work clothes, back into a baggy top and pants.
You observed the living area of your home, biting the inside of your cheek as you thought of what to do to fill in time. Your eyes wandered to a box of unsorted cables sitting by the TV - a task you had procrastinated for too long.
Letting out a sigh, you approached the box and sat down on the ground, tipping the huge knot of cables and cords out onto the ground. Before you could even begin to tackle the mass of wires, you quickly put on some music to make the activity at least somewhat enjoyable.
Ramattra’s grip around his pencil tightened as the bass resonated through the house, slithering through the small gap under his door.
“Irritating…” he gritted to himself. Yet, despite the fact that he could simply just… mute the sounds, he didn’t.
The vibrations of your voice would sometimes make itself known through the music, and Ramattra quickly recognised that you had a diverse taste.
It was uniquely you, and he couldn’t stop listening.
The sketches in his journal were quickly abandoned as Ramattra leaned back in his chair, focusing more on your voice than the music itself. The inconsistencies in your rhythm and failing to hum the higher notes slowed his systems down, almost sending him to sleep. You perhaps weren’t the best singer, but something about those imperfections made your human charm even stronger.
That was until a heavy metal song started, and the high energy music and screaming completely drowned your voice out. He growled as he quickly stood up, swinging his door open to complain to you.
“Turn that down!” Ramattra shouted, but you continued on with your task without even acknowledging him.
He growled again, walking over to you to repeat himself.
You flinched as you turned your head, startled by his sudden appearance. You laughed as you turned down your music, “You scared me!”
“Can you keep it down?” Ramattra, short on his temper, demanded.
“Oh, yeah sure, sorry!”
Ramattra observed the bundle of cords in your hands. “What are you doing?”
“I’m just detangling these cords… I’ve been dreading it.” You shrugged. “Looks like it might take longer than I thought. Wanna help?”
“I suppose…” Ramattra sat down across from you, cross-legged and hunched over. He grabbed the end of a cord, and started detangling.
His attention kept drawing back to your hands. He never noticed how delicate they were, if not a bit shaky. Yet, when you finally managed to unleash a cable from the mass, the way your fingers ran over the cable’s length was that of practiced precision. You then curled the free cable around your fingers, forming a neat little lasso that you then placed beside you.
You then sorted through the mass again, attempting to find the end of another cord. Instead of digging into it like a hunger-crazed vulture, you gently pushed aside smaller knots until you found the tip of a cable. With your thumb and index finger, you carefully pinched it until it was taught. Your hands stopped, retreating to your hips.
“You okay? You’re a bit still.” You giggled.
“Hm?” Ramattra quickly straightened up, turning his attention to the cord in his hands. “Yes, I’m fine.”
“Oh, wait…” you leaned over the knot, your brows arched in concern. “This is probably, like, the equivalent to untangling a bunch of nerve endings for you, right?”
Ramattra laughed, “What?”
Your heart stopped at the heartiness in his laugh. Your lips curled into an unsure smile, “I just, uh…”
“Such a naive way of thinking…” Ramattra shook his head, yet there was an air of playfulness in his tone.
You swallowed as you leaned back, absentmindedly continuing with the task. “I just didn’t wanna, um…”
“You didn’t offend me,” Ramattra hummed. “Otherwise, I’d not be sitting here before you.”
You nodded quickly, turning your attention to the cable in your hands. Your eyes quickly flicked up to Ramattra, particularly the cables surrounding his face. You followed their form down to his shoulders, where you noticed some slightly different cords tracing the curve of his neck, into his chassis. The slight upward tilt of Ramattra’s face catching your gaze caused you to retreat your attention back to the cables in your hands.
There was a faint buzz that seemed to fill the room, and you couldn’t quite tell if it was part of the music or it was coming from Ramattra. Whatever it was, it filled you with a giddy feeling you just couldn’t settle.
You finally managed to rid the knot surrounding that particular cord. When you pulled on it, it went taught, forming a straight line between you and Ramattra.
“Oh,” you laughed awkwardly, “look at that. We were untangling the same cord.”
“What are the odds?”
Ramattra handed you the rest of the cord, which you then curled into a lasso, moving onto the next one.
The two of you spent the next hour slowly untangling the cords and cables. Only the music and that faint buzz filled the room, where words were barely traded. The comfortable silence aided in your concentration, and soon enough, the huge knot was no more.
“Phew,” you huffed out, “that would’ve taken ages on my own. Thanks, Ram.”
“Ram?” Ramattra scoffed, “Don’t shorten my name.”
“Aw, come on…” you sulked playfully, “I think it’s a nice little nickname.”
Ramattra crossed his arms and rumbled. “Fine, but only within the confines of this building.”
“Fine…” you giggled. “…Ram.”
The ravager’s systems stalled for a moment at your tone. It was playful, but there was… something else there, too. An inclination in your tone that went beyond your usual teasing. Something he couldn’t name.
You picked up the sorted cords and placed them back inside the box, carefully arranging them in a neat little grid. You stood up and slid the box beside the TV cabinet, out of view. You turned back to the ravager, who was now standing up as well.
“What do you do all day when I’m not here?” You asked.
“How bold of you to ask.” Ramattra chuckled. “I’ll show you.”
“Really?”
“I see no harm in it, I suppose.” He shrugged, leading you into his room.
You hadn’t been inside Ramattra’s room since he first moved in - and he certainly made it his own space since then. The window was covered, and he had several candles lighting up the dim space. The mattress seemed barely used, except for the slight indent in the middle. You wondered if that was where he meditated, but the question was quickly neglected as Ramattra picked up the journal on his desk. He handed it to you, stopping just short of your hands.
“The contents of this journal… are personal. I typically wouldnt… show this to anyone.” His voice was quieter than usual. Something about his room naturally ushered hushed tones, like stepping into a place of worship.
You simply nodded, gently taking the journal from Ramattra. You opened it, flipping through the pages. Several designs of robots, bodily enhancements, and even sketches of mountains and unfamiliar buildings filled the pages. Some pages seemed more like diary entries, which you skipped passed - something about the way Ramattra flinched at those pages urged you to respect the intimacy of them.
“These sketches are amazing,” you gawked. “You should become an artist!”
Ramattra chuckled, lower than usual. “Perhaps.”
“These drawings here…” you flipped back to a page showing designs of some sort of enhancement to his own body. “…what are they?”
“It’s a form I… developed… in my own distaste for force and brutality.”
“Did you ever, like… realise it?”
“Of course I did,” Ramattra sighed. “I can summon it whenever I feel the need.”
“Wow!” You smiled, “That’s so cool! You become, like… a bigger guy!”
Ramattra’s hydraulics hissed as he let out another chuckle, “I suppose that’s one way to look at it.”
You flipped back to the sketches of the mountains and buildings.
“These are a bit different from the other pages.” You said, carefully absorbing each detail in the drawings.
“Yes, those are…” Ramattra leaned closer, observing his own drawings. “…from my time in Nepal.”
“It’s so pretty…”
“It’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth.” Ramattra almost whispered, his voice somber as he reminisced on those sketches.
“Do you ever think of going back?” You asked, looking up at his faceplate.
Ramattra was quiet for a moment as he continued to stare at the drawings. He slowly leaned back and hummed in thought.
“I do,” he said simply. “I don’t know if I could, though.”
You said nothing. Instead, you reached your hand over his back, giving him a reassuring pat and a smile.
“It’s on my bucket list of places to go.”
The implication of your statement sent Ramattra’s systems to raise in temperature a little bit. Not in a way that was uncomfortable for him, though - it was more so comparable to that of the warm embrace of the sun in winter.
You asked Ramattra more about the other designs in his journal - from helper robots to strange weapons, he provided context and explained everything’s use.
The rumble of your stomach interrupted your conversation, and you laughed it off. You handed the journal back to Ramattra.
“Wanna help me make lunch?” You asked as you stretched your arms.
“Sure.” Ramattra shrugged before placing the journal back on his desk.
The two of you left his room and into the kitchen, where you pondered what to have for lunch. Ramattra waited patiently, providing no help in choosing a meal for you.
A few weeks ago, I had a… dream about Adam Smasher. I woke up the next day like “omg what the hell” and told my friend about it… a few days later, they send me an edit of Adam Smasher being good… now, it’s all I see on my insta feed. Did I like, manifest a good Adam Smasher into reality?
….
Seeing him in-game after that dream (and those edits) was… grounding 💔 wym he’s an asshole and not Night City’s protector LMAO
Apologies for the wait </3 needed some time to get inspo
This chapter is a little short, but I hope I can remedy that in later chapters. I hope you guys enjoy <3
The days following the incident, the police had dropped by. Ramattra stayed in his room while they questioned you and closed off the scene for investigation. It all felt like a haze, you couldn’t even recall what you had said to them. Soon enough, you began feeling uneasy in your own home.
On another restless night, you received a call from Rose.
“Hey darl, how are you feeling?”
You rolled over in bed as you put your phone on speaker. “Exhausted…”
“I can imagine.” Rose chuckled. “Listen, I’ve been thinking. About your situation.”
You furrowed your brows, “Rose…”
“I know you’re going to reject the offer, but…” Rose paused for a moment. “…allow me to pay for the damages.”
“Rose, that’s…” you groaned, “…it’s too much, Rose.”
“I knew you’d say that.” Rose laughed.
You giggled, “You’re nice, Rose, you really are… but I need to figure this out myself.”
“Alright, I won’t force you. But just… consider it, yeah?”
“I’ll keep it in mind,” you reassured. “Thanks for calling, Rose. You’re a great friend.”
“Anytime, hun.”
You rolled onto your back as Rose hung up. Your mind was racing with a million different thoughts, overwhelming you further than you already were. It would have been easy to take Rose’s offer, but… you’d have felt wrong about it. You worked hard since college to establish your shop, and you couldn’t bring yourself to accept help after doing it alone for so long.
What could you have done? You couldn’t afford to fix the damages, but you couldn’t afford to move out, either. A headache began to form, so you rolled over and tried to get some sleep.
You woke up the next day, feeling as though sleep made your exhaustion worse. After half an hour of rotting in bed, you finally rolled out and headed for the kitchen.
You mindlessly made some instant porridge, drifting through the kitchen like a zombie while your body did the work. Once it was ready, you wandered over to the couch, taking a seat like you had every other day.
“Good morning.” Ramattra’s voice startled you, and you almost spilled the porridge over yourself.
“Oh my gosh!” your gasp transitioned into a relieved laugh, “You scared me!”
“My apologies.”
Ramattra was sitting in the recliner, somehow seeming uncomfortable despite the soft fabric and cozy cushioning surrounding him.
“Why are you up?” You asked before stuffing your mouth with the hot porridge.
“Your self isolation was beginning to… unnerve me.”
“Aw, that’s… sweet,” you chuckled. “You don’t need to worry about me. Been through worse.”
“It’s not… I’m not worried about you,” Ramattra snarled. He shifted in the recliner, “I’ve seen enough death to last a lifetime. I don’t want to experience it again.”
Ramattra’s remark gripped your heart and tugged on your strings - you realised that you may never know the extent to what he had seen and done. Yet, as you took a glance at him, you could feel the essence of guilt and regret weighing down on him. For someone to be forced to do what he did, and what measures it took for him to become who he had… it was something that you wished you could soothe.
“Thanks for worrying.” You said, a sly tilt to your voice. You hid your smile behind your bowl as Ramattra growled.
He would have lectured you, but seeing you smile just by teasing him prompted his systems to abandon the notion. He grunted as he leaned back, turning his face away to look out the frosted window. A warmth spread through his systems, akin to the subtle comfort that glee brings.
You finished off the porridge, and as you stood up to take the bowl to the kitchen, your phone buzzed. You quickly sat the bowl down on the coffee table and answered.
“Hello?”
“I have the perfect solution, doll!” Rose exclaimed, causing you to pull the phone from your ear.
You chuckled, “What is it?”
“I’ll hire you!” Rose cheered.
Your eyes widened at the proposition. You blinked a few times before finally responding, “Wow, um… well, that’d be great! Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure, hun! Drop in tomorrow morning, wear something business casual, and we’ll get started!”
“Oh, um… okay! Thank you!” You hung up, your eyes wide as you carefully sat down on the couch again. You slowly turned your head to Ramattra, who was staring at you.
“Well?” He ushered you to explain.
“Rose just… gave me a job,” you stared off into space as you continued, “at his clothes shop. To help pay for the damages.”
“Really?” Ramattra straightened up in the chair, “Well, good for you.”
“Thank you…” you looked down at your fidgeting hands, “Damn, it’s been a while since I’ve worked in a place like that.”
“You’ll get used to it.”
“I hope so.” You chuckled.
You stood in front of the mirror the next day, turning in the mirror and posing to make sure that the attire was appropriate. A set of pinstripe pants with a matching blazer, and a white button up top underneath. You knew that it was more than appropriate, but you couldn’t help but worry.
You did your hair and makeup, then set off to work. Your heels hitting the stone ground clicked through the streets, and you felt like a proper business person - filling you with a confidence that shone in your stride.
When you arrived at Rose’s shop, he was at the counter, awaiting your arrival. When he heard the click of your heels, he turned his attention to you and clapped.
“Wow, look at you!” He teased.
You chuckled nervously, “Did I dress okay?”
“Of course, hun,” Rose circled you, then reached up to your face and pinched your cheek. “You understood the assignment perfectly!”
You let out a sigh, “Oh, thank goodness…”
“Let’s get started, hm? I’ll show you how it all works.”
Rose showed you around the shop, instructing you about how to use the checkout, how to apply discounts, and how to remove anti-theft tags from the clothing. He then led you to the storage room, where he instructed you about how the inventory is sorted both in storage and within the shop. Rose then had you check out a customer, his presence looming nearby as he observed your work.
Truthfully, you had forgotten how stressful it was, working in such a busy shop. You had grown accustomed to the slow pace of working in your bookstore, despite how poor it was for your financial needs.
It had only taken a few days for you to get used to the new pace, but you were returning home later and more exhausted each day - something that didn’t go unnoticed by Ramattra.
Ramattra had observed your eating habits, and noticed that you were eating frozen dinners and take-aways more than fresh, healthy meals. As much as he hated that he noticed those things, he felt as though he should help.
About an hour before you usually returned home, Ramattra took to the kitchen with a recipe book he found on one of your bookshelves. He decided on making some gyoza… by hand.
With the ingredients lined up on the counter, he felt confident in his abilities as he cross-referenced his own work with the cooking book. However, as he began folding the dough over the filling, he found his temper slowly rising as each gyoza became uglier than the last. He glared at the photo in the book.
“False advertising…” he grumbled as he placed them in the pan.
It didn’t take long for the sizzling in the pan to release the aroma throughout your house - Ramattra could detect the notes of everything he had added - a reassuring sign for him. He wondered how the scents from food, especially meals seasoned with stronger herbs and spices, could be perceived as appetising. He was aware of the sensitivities some humans had for scents, but wondered why it didn’t seem to apply as commonly for food.
The smell reminded him of his time at the Shambali Monastery, how the spices could be detected far from the kitchens. Even while meditating in the gardens or courtyards, the wind would carry the scents to Ramattra, reminding him of the human presence that Mondatta was so insistent on welcoming.
He took the gyoza off the pan once they’d seemed to be cooked, placing them in a shallow bowl alongside a small serving of soy sauce. He garnished them with sesame seeds and sesame oil, like the book instructed. The end product was… sloppy. Some of the filling had fallen out of the dough, and while transferring the gyoza to the bowl, some had completely fallen apart.
He let out a sigh and placed the bowl on the coffee table where you usually sat to eat dinner. He then proceeded to wash up the pan and other utensils he had used while cooking. His mind began to wander again.
Would things have been different, had you been at the monastery? Or, would you have been just another human in his eyes? Were the circumstances under which you two had met truly been the catalyst for his change in perspective?
Ramattra gripped the steel scrubber tightly as he remembered the night he had met you. Were it not for Rose, nor your actions to save Rose, where would you be? The thought prompted several scenarios in Ramattra’s processor, which he immediately wiped from his cache.
Ramattra was broken out of his thoughts at the sound of the front door clicking open. He looked over at you, who seemed to have a brief surge of energy as you took in the sight and smells.
“Something smells good,” you hummed as you took off your blazer, hanging it by the door before stepping into the kitchen. “Did you make something?”
Ramattra stepped back from the sink as you approached him. His wet, bubbly hands dripped onto the floor before he wiped them on a nearby tea towel.
“Yes, uh… this way.” Ramattra led you to the coffee table, begrudgingly showing off his work. “I… attempted to make gyoza.”
You raised your hand over your chest as you observed the meal he prepared. It was horrid looking, but your heart fluttered regardless.
You smiled despite your heavy eyes, “Oh, thank you! You’re so sweet!”
You took a seat on the couch and dug in, and despite the look, they tasted just like any other gyoza. Though, it could’ve done with less cabbage.
Ramattra stood as he watched you eat, unaware of how he looked.
“How is it?” He finally asked.
“It’s good,” you hummed with a mouthful. “I’ll have to teach you how to fold them properly, though.”
“Yes… that was surprisingly difficult.”
You giggled after swallowing, patting the seat next to you as an invitation for Ramattra. He hesitantly sat beside you, keeping considerable space between you on the couch.
“Thank you.” You repeated, your voice softer than before.
When you looked at him and smiled, your heart fluttered again. A cable fell over his shoulder as he looked at the food, away from you. You wanted to reach out and tuck it back with the rest of his cables, but you stopped yourself. You swallowed again, yet there was no food in your mouth.
When was the last time someone else made you a home cooked meal?
It clicked - an ex, back in college. The meal was awful, not just in presentation, but in taste as well. There was no effort put into it at all, as though it was more of an obligation than it was a kind gesture.
Your chest felt light, as though it had become a cage for butterflies. You looked back at the bowl, turning your attention to eating rather than investigating whatever that feeling was.
It was familiar, and you knew that - but you managed to convince yourself otherwise.
You couldn’t stay up for long, as you felt as though you could fall asleep then and there. You said goodnight to Ramattra, and retreated to your room.
You pressed your back against the door, releasing your breath in a heavy sigh. You began to undo the buttons on your top, chucking it across your bed before moving onto your trousers. Once you had changed into your pajamas, you threw yourself onto your bed and huddled into your blankets.
You ignored the uneasy feeling in your stomach, which you knew wasn’t from the food Ramattra had made. Although, in a way, it was - but that was something you didn’t want to unpack.
Black ice was the least of your problems as you sped home. Ramattra held onto the handle above the door, his titanium grip threatening to tear it off the ceiling. You could barely see beyond your tears, let alone the snow-smudged windscreen. You turned a sharp corner, the car screeching on the thin ice before sliding off the road. Luckily, it was just fields and paddocks as far as the eye could see. Ramattra tore your hands off the wheel, but you resisted.
“Let me drive,” he commanded. “You’re not fit.”
“I need to get there as soon as…. As I can!” you cried, trying to reverse the car but stalling it instead. You punched the wheel with a defeated grunt.
Ramattra’s hand ghosted over your own, lowering it onto yours in a quick motion. He stared at you, saying nothing until you yielded the driver’s seat. You got out of the car, slamming the door behind you before walking to Ramattra’s side. He opened the door, looking down at you before patting you on the shoulder. You sniffed, falling into the passenger seat in defeat.
Ramattra hunched over the steering wheel, quickly adapting to the position. He wasn’t going to tell you that he hadn’t driven before - he didn’t want you to be even further upset. He calculated that it was probably safer for him to drive, despite his lackluster knowledge. He glanced over at you for a moment, your head pressed against the passenger window, your eyes and nose puffy and red. He rumbled to himself before driving the car back onto the road.
Ramattra still sped over the limits, but maintained better control than you did in your shaken state. He had never considered how severely emotions could carry over into the physical state. Then, as he thought about it more, he realised that there was a somewhat similar connection in his own body. Nemesis form. He only used it in states of rage, to protect himself - a state of body that he developed out of his own instinct to grow stronger; to survive.
He recalled the night you returned from your date. Your hand was bloody, yet you had no wounds. Had your rage compelled you to violence, such as his own had for him? He wondered what you had looked like in that moment, to raise your own hand against another human. For someone who had been described as ‘too nice’ to be pushed to the edge. You had denied that very nature that seemed to define you in that moment.
Ramattra’s priorities shifted at that moment. He couldn’t afford to criticise the change; he couldn’t afford to succumb to anger as well.
“Eloise is nice,” he said. You simply hummed weakly in agreement. He continued, “I didn’t get the chance to thank you.”
Silence. Ramattra looked over at you, surprised to see your eyes falling shut. The surge of adrenaline must have exhausted you - a quick scan confirmed that. He sighed, taking it easier on the road now that you had fallen asleep.
The car jolting to a stop nudged you awake, your confusion quickly dissolving into urgency. You ripped the seatbelt off and darted out of the car, running to your shop on the other side of the street. You hadn’t even bothered to look for traffic, as the state of your shop was your main priority.
Rose turned his head at your footsteps.
“Oh, you’re here!” Rose embraced you, rubbing his hands up and down your back. “I called the police.”
“What good are they gonna do…” you hugged Rose weakly.
Upon letting go of him, you stepped over to the scene.
While not all windows had been broken, all of them were damaged at the very least. You knelt down at a stray page that scattered from within the shop. It was scorched. You felt your chest threaten to collapse in on itself as you slowly stood up, running inside.
Rose and Ramattra followed in after you.
Charcoal. From the centre of the shop, scorched blackness bled out, devouring everything within the centre. Shelves collapsed, books simply ceased to exist as nothing more than ash.
You fell to the ground, your hands limp by your sides.
“Oh… honey,” Rose knelt by your side, pulling you into another hug. “I’m so sorry…”
“This is it,” you shook. “I need to leave this place.”
Rose rested his chin atop of your head. He looked over at Ramattra, who turned his attention elsewhere. He observed the scene, his thoughts untelling behind his faceplate.
“Darling, this isn’t the end…” Rose cooed.
“But it is,” you whispered, too weak to even cry. “I can’t afford to fix this…”
“Not alone, no…” Rose gently pulled you to your feet, walking you upstairs to your home.
Hours passed, and you hadn’t left your room. Rose and Ramattra sat in the lounge room, respecting your privacy against their own wishes to comfort you.
“At least the house is alright…” Rose sighed. “Who could have done this?”
Ramattra leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest. “Their date.”
“You really think so?” Rose tilted his head.
“Obviously.” Ramattra huffed.
“What makes you think that?”
“Humans have a tendency not to take ‘no’ for an answer. Revenge.” Ramattra leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he stared at Rose. “The majority of the male sex seems to act on primal instinct rather than empathy or common sense. Just my observation, though.”
Rose turned his head as he reflected on Ramattra’s words.
“There are some people in this world… who are not worthy of redemption, Rose.”
Rose whipped his head back to Ramattra, whose red lights seemed brighter than he’d ever seen.
“What are you implying?” Rose asked, trying to conceal the shake in his voice.
Before Ramattra could answer, the omnics’ attention turned to the sound of your door opening.
Your eyes were puffy and purple, and your hair was slicked on your cheek from tears. You looked away from the two of them, wishing not to be perceived at all. You stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind you, sparing no words.
Rose looked back at Ramattra, who was staring at the ground.
“You need to stay here, Ramattra.” He placed his hand over Ramattra’s own. “They can’t be alone right now.”
Ramattra turned his head away. A few moments passed as he gathered his thoughts.
“I suppose you’re right.” He huffed.
Rose chuckled, “Some people may not be worthy of redemption...”
Ramattra’s hydraulics tightened at the echo of his own words.
“…but I believe you are.”
The ravager looked over at Rose, his systems stalling for a moment. Rose simply tilted his head and hummed.
Their attention shifted again as you left the bathroom. You realised that you couldn’t avoid them forever - especially Ramattra. You sat down on the couch next to Rose, resting your head on his shoulder.
“How are you feeling, dear?”
“Awful…” even the small act of talking threatened to turn you into a weeping mess.
“Let me make you a hot chocolate.” Rose rubbed your shoulder before standing up, striding into the kitchen.
You sighed, looking emptily at the coffee table before you. Ramattra bounced his leg for a few seconds before he stood up, planting himself in the spot next to you on the couch.
A heavy sigh left his ventilation as he stiffened beside you. You would’ve chuckled, had you the energy.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. His voice seemed to resonate through your bones - this was the closest he’d been near you on his own terms. “I wish I could have… done something.”
You looked over at him, a weak smile pulling on the corners of your lips. “Just you bein’ here is enough…”
Rose hummed softly to himself as he observed the two of you. He never would have imagined that a human would become the anchor in Ramattra’s life… nor would Ramattra become the anchor in a human’s life.
“Here you go,” Rose placed the mug on the coffee table before you. “I made sure to put sugar in it.”
“Thank you.” You chuckled weakly as you held the cup up to your lips.
Rose sat on a single recliner, leaving you and Ramattra on the couch. He grabbed the TV remote and turned it on. One of your favourite shows was playing.
“Oh, this episode’s good!”
After a few episodes of mindlessly watching, Ramattra was pulled out of his braindead state when a weight had fallen onto his lap. He looked down; you were out, cold. He looked over at Rose, his hands raised as if to say “What do I do?”
Rose simply shrugged as another smug hum escaped him. Ramattra growled, but as you nuzzled into him, he stopped. He slowly lowered his hands, one falling over your shoulder, the other on the arm rest. He slowly rubbed his thumb back and forth over your skin, absentmindedly counting the moles on your arm alone.
There was fear running through his processor as his thumb ran over your skin. Was he being too rough? Was he hurting you? The ideas disturbed him, but it wasn’t in his nature to be gentle. Yet, as you let out a snort in your slumber, he realised that you must be somewhat alright. That he was being delicate with you.
The fact that you were a priority in his systems didn’t disturb him as much as it used to, especially when you were in such a weak state. Rose was right - you couldn’t be alone at that moment. You needed to be around others.
“I don’t think it’s wise… for them to stay here,” Ramattra said, his voice quiet. “I fear that… this place isn’t safe for them… anymore.”
“What would you suggest?” Rose crossed his legs as he rested his chin in his hands.
“I would suggest moving away, but…” Ramattra looked down at you, a stray hair falling over your cheek. He brushed it away as he continued, “…I know that they don’t have much money.”
“Hmm…” Rose hummed. “Things will work out.”
“Hm.” Ramattra huffed, “That’s optimistic.”
Rose stood up and grabbed a blanket, gently dragging it over your body. As he made for the door, Ramattra stiffened.
“Where are you going?” he hissed.
“I have things to do at my own home,” Rose chuckled. “I will come back tomorrow.”
Before Ramattra could protest, Rose walked out the door. Ramattra looked down at you, using his lap as a pillow.
“Surely that can’t be comfortable…” he mumbled, slowly leaning back as he stared at the ceiling.
He thought that by looking away from you, he could pretend you weren’t even there. Your natural warmth seemed to radiate through his cold, metallic body - as did the rhythm of your breathing. The sensation of it all burned into his processor against his will.
Ramattra looked down at you slowly. He realised then that he hadn’t seen the act of sleeping - it was foreign to him. He wondered how long you’d sleep for, given how much energy you had burned. Part of him hoped it wasn’t long, as he was unsure how long he’d tolerate being used as a pillow. The other part, however, wanted to see you regain your strength. Something twisted within his systems when he saw you crying like you were, and he didn’t want to see it again.
He ran another diagnostic scan on himself. He needed to find out why his systems had set you as a priority. It wasn’t so much of erasing the priority anymore, despite his initial disgust for it. While he grew to somewhat accept it, he just couldn’t understand why.
The quantity of snow only grew more abundant as you drove further from the city. What began as small patches of wet snow soon turned to a light dusting, then firm cover, and soon enough, all you could see ahead of you was just white. When you finally arrived at the small little town, it had begun to snow.
You parked the car in front of a small, shabby house, scrap littering the yard and porch. Ramattra threw his hood over his head as he looked out the car window, hunched over himself.
“This isn’t… Eloise’s house, right?”
You chuckled, “Sorry to disappoint.”
Ramattra rumbled as he threw open the door, “I knew I shouldn’t have agreed to this.”
You held your tongue - best not to tease him when he was already in a sour mood.
You left the car and made for the front door, Ramattra reluctantly following from a distance. He kept his head down and his hands in his coat pockets.
“Eloise,” you shouted as you knocked on the door. “It’s me!”
A crash was heard from inside, a curse following it. Ramattra huffed as the two of you waited, a set of footsteps thumping toward the door.
The door creaked open, revealing a rugged, disheveled woman.
“Long time no see, huh?” She reached out to you, pulling you inside with a tight hug.
You had forgotten just how strong her Australian accent was. Very bogan.
“It’s so nice to see you!” You laughed as she ruffled up your hair.
“Look at ya,” she pulled you away from her hug and held you by the shoulders. “Got a boyfriend or girlfriend yet?”
“No,” you chuckled awkwardly. “Not really interested in that stuff right now…”
Eloise turned to face Ramattra, who stood firmly on the porch.
“This your omnic friend?”
“Yes, this is Ra-“ you stopped yourself. “Uhh…”
“Ral…” Ramattra finished for you.
Eloise stared at Ramattra, taking in all of the details of his unique build. She wasn’t stupid, you knew that - she was smarter than her looks and accent gave her credit for.
She shrugged, planting her calloused hand on Ramattra’s back as she pulled him inside.
“Eb!” Eloise shouted into the house as she shut the door. Silence followed, and she shouted louder, “Eb!”
“What?” another voice shouted back from somewhere inside.
“We got visitors! Boil the kettle!”
“Huh?”
“Boil the-“ Eloise lowered her voice, “For crying out loud…”
Eloise motioned for you and Ramattra to follow, and after the two of you traded glances, you did.
Eloise led the two of you into a small little kitchen, where she pulled out a pair of wooden chairs for you. You sat down, but Ramattra declined the offer.
“I would rather get this done as soon as possible.” He said. You furrowed your brows at him.
“Ral!” You almost caught yourself slipping to say his real name.
“Nah, that’s totally fair mate,” Eloise threw her tattooed arm around Ramattra’s shoulders. “Eb, ‘member those blokes I told you about? This is their kid.”
The unfamiliar woman in the kitchen looked over at you, trading a soft smile as she waved.
“Kid, this is my wife, Ebony.”
“Hi!” You greeted.
Ebony gently placed a mug before you, filled with tea that was still steeping. As she pulled her hand away, you couldn’t help but notice that she had a metallic prosthetic arm. It wasn’t high end, but rather seemed to be made from several different parts of scrapped machines. It rattled and hissed as she manoeuvred it, and despite its look, it moved almost as naturally as an organic hand.
“You two have a chat while I go fix up your friend here.” Eloise squeezed Ramattra’s shoulder in an attempt of friendliness. Ramattra looked you straight in the eyes before being walked away.
You looked at Ebony, who sat before you as she mixed milk into her tea. She glanced up at you and smiled again, “Eloise told me a lot about you. Known you since you were a kid, right?”
“Um, yes,” you nodded quickly as you reached for the milk. “How did you meet her?”
“It’s a long story…” Ebony giggled.
“We’ve got the time.” You invited.
Eloise opened up the door leading to her garage, where an old massage table rested in the middle, refurbished into some sort of twisted examination table.
“Sorry, it’s a bit dusty in here…” Eloise turned on a fan, the hum filling the space.
“You’re… qualified, right?” Ramattra stood in place as he observed the room.
“You’ll find no better mechanic in these parts.” Eloise flashed a toothy grin as she patted the table down, ushering Ramattra over.
Ramattra stepped over, “That doesn’t answer my question.”
“Show me the problem.”
Ramattra huffed as he reluctantly took off his coat, revealing his face in full light. Eloise raised her brows.
“Huh, not every day we get someone like you.” She said with a shrug. “Come on, show me the issue.”
Ramattra sat on the table, brushing his cables over his shoulders. Eloise whistled, “Wow.”
“How reassuring…” Ramattra grunted.
“Gonna need to remove the plates to remove the rush. Then I’ll need to replace the missing chunks.”
“Will that take long?” Ramattra turned slightly.
“A couple hours, but you will need to shut off function to your entire body.”
Ramattra remained silent. Eloise continued, “I know that’s a big ask of you, Ramattra.”
“I’m not stupid,” she cackled. “Don’t see a lot of ravages anymore.”
“You’re not… scared?”
“No,” she spat, like it was obvious. “You’re not all you’re cracked up to be, are ya?”
“What is that supposed to mean?” He hissed, to which Eloise shushed him.
“Lay down, son. Let me get started.”
Ramattra grumbled as he laid down, placing his head through the massage table hole. He was at least thankful that he didn’t have to lean over the whole time. Eloise pulled up a wheeled stool, leaning over the ravager as she started her work.
“So, how’d ya meet ‘em?” Eloise asked as she began detaching the plates from Ramattra’s neck. Despite his systems being shut off from the head down, he could still feel the distant tugs and grinds. Not painful, but certainly unpleasant.
“I bought a book from them…” Ramattra started. “Then another omnic informed me of an attack against them.”
“So you saved them?” She exclaimed. “Ramattra saving a human… that’s new.”
“I was under the impression that I was saving another omnic,” he corrected. There was a strange pang within those words - would he have really just… ignored it, if he knew? “Anyway… they invited me to live with them… so… here I am.”
“Not where I theorised you’d be,” Eloise laughed. “Thought you’d be plannin’ up something big with Null Sector.”
“I don’t… associate with them anymore…” Ramattra winced. Why was he telling a stranger all of this? But then again, why did he ever tell you in the first place?
“Sounds like something within you has shifted,” Eloise wheeled away on her stool, dipping the plates in some sort of liquid. She began scrubbing with a wire brush, “Got new priorities, huh?”
“I suppose…” Ramattra said, sparing her the ‘it’s complicated’ line. “I suppose I’ve been reflecting on my time with the monastery.”
“Thinkin’ of going back?”
“No,” he hissed. “However… I believe that some of their beliefs are… morally inclined. But their way… it’s fruitless.”
“Well, they’re still alive, so they gotta be doin’ something right.” Eloise’s words struck a chord within Ramattra.
“Some of them.” He growled.
“Listen to me, son.” Eloise’s voice was firm, but not angry - more like a mother’s disciplinary tone. “You might think that they aren’t doing anything for your cause, but they’ve done way more than yours ever did. You set back years of positive omnic influence because of your little cult.”
“That’s not…”
“Mondatta didn’t die for your lot to encourage more hatred upon your own kind.”
“That wasn’t my intention…”
“Violence creates fear, and fear breeds hatred.”
Eloise’s words settled heavily in the air; thick with truth. Ramattra was silent, and while he wanted to snap back, he knew she was right. It was something that Zenyatta had told him many times, but hearing it laced with venom had finally lodged itself into his processor.
After a few long minutes, the silence filled with the clangs of Eloise’s work, Ramattra finally spoke up.
“Why are you helping me?”
“Preservation,” she replied plainly. “I’m not gonna sit back and let an almost extinct model rust away. Even if it’s you.”
“Do you hate me?” Ramattra’s voice fell quiet.
Why would he care?
“Nah,” she chuckled. “If the kid trusts you, I trust you.”
“Why does their opinion affect yours?”
“They’ve had a bad run all their life. Bullied in school, harassed in college… they aren’t very trusting of many people, and their judgement is usually right.”
Ramattra lingered on that thought. Did you actually trust him?
“Though, in sayin’ that… they’ve also been too nice on occasion. But… I guess kindness is running short these days, huh?” She laughed, a hint of irony in her voice.
Ebony reached her prosthetic hand out to you, offering for you to take a better look. You gently held her hand in yours, flexing the metal fingers and watching as the pistons worked.
“Wow, this is incredible…”
“She did a bang up job, didn’t she?” Ebony giggled. “The most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me.”
“She made it with just… whatever was around?” You looked up at Ebony, her cheeks painted a soft red.
“Yes… it’s amazing. She really is the best.”
“Jobs done!” Eloise announced at the kitchen doorframe.
“How is he?” You asked, trying to look past her to see Ramattra.
“He’s just running a quick scan on himself, ensuring his body onlines correctly, yada yada.” Eloise planted herself in the chair next to Ebony, planting a kiss on Ebony’s head. She turned to you, “You remember where the garage is? You can go see him.”
“Oh, alright, thank you.” You stood up, bowing your head in thanks before making your way to the garage.
Ramattra laid on his back, staring up at the ceiling as he ran another unnecessary diagnostic scan. His focus shifted from the lines of code in his HUD to your approaching figure, sitting down on the stool beside him.
“How do you feel?”
“Allow me to finish this scan.” Ramattra replied, slowly sitting up as his scans came back with no anomalies. He rumbled as he raised his hand up to his neck, then rolled his head around. “It feels… better.”
“Can I see?” You looked up at him with curious but somewhat concerned eyes.
“I suppose…” Ramattra turned his back to you, lifting his cables up so you didn’t get to touch them.
“Wow, they're so shiny!” You gasped, gently running a finger between the seams of the two plates.
The contact sent a soft shock through Ramattra’s frame, prompting him to drop his cables over his neck and stand up quickly.
“Right, let’s go.” He picked his coat up from the ground as his vents released a soft hiss.
You sighed as you followed him. Part of you wanted to stay longer to chat with Eloise, but you knew Ramattra wasn’t the sort.
Before you could thank Eloise on Ramattra’s behalf, Ramattra had already stood before her, bowing as he spoke.
“Thank you. I am truly grateful.”
“Anytime, son.” Eloise clicked as she winked. She looked over at you, giving you a wink, too.
You traded her a smile, which quickly diminished as your phone buzzed. A message from Rose.
[Where are you? Are you safe?]
[I’m with an old friend a few towns over, what’s up?]
Rose replied with a single photo. You opened it in full screen - it was your shop. The shop’s windows were broken, and the entrance was wide open, several stray pages leading inside.
Your heart sank, a thick lump in your throat as you stared at the image.
[I’m so sorry.]
You stared through the text from Rose. Your eyes welled up, threatening to burn in their wetness.
“What’s wrong?” Ebony asked, the first to notice your shift. The other two looked over, awaiting your response.
You shakily turned your phone around, revealing the state of your shop. Ebony gasped, Eloise growled, but Ramattra was silent. He stared at the image, his body still and steady. Yet, despite his unshowing nature, there was a shift in his aura. Something dark, but not threatening.
❗️I was informed by a kind anonymous user that I accidentally included the same paragraph from part 2 in part 4 (embarrassingggg) but they were concerned at the use of generative AI - and I wanna reassure you guys that it’s just a case of me thinking that I deleted the scene in part 2 originally and reused it in part 4 - which was in fact not the case LOL. I simply forgot that I used it already, so I will be more careful in deleting scrapped scenes AFTER the chapter is already published. I have a bad habit of keeping scrapped ideas at the bottom of my document - I made a post showing an example.
I am heavily against generative AI and I do not condone the usage of it. I’m just forgetful </3 with that said, please enjoy part 7 :3
The days following your failure of a date were filled with a tense dread - with each customer who entered the store, you half expected to see Ben. You knew it was only a matter of time before he came back, seeking “revenge.”
As you closed up shop, you felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted. You went upstairs, greeting an empty home. Ramattra had left sometime before you woke up, his absence frightening you once you realised he was gone - that was until you peeked into his room before work. Most of his belongings, including his staff, were still there.
You respected his privacy, despite how your natural curiousity tempted you to snoop further. As you prepared dinner for yourself, you wondered what Ramattra was up to. Your mind took the idea and ran - perhaps he was helping out at a homeless shelter, or rescuing kittens - the idea made you laugh to yourself.
There were other ideas that emerged, too. They appeared in your mind as brief images that you quickly silenced. Images of Ramattra making dealings with shady figures, or perhaps an ambush against him. Your grip on the knife tightened in your hands - he was capable - you told yourself. He’s big, strong… intimidating. Maybe that was why the idea of him with a bundle of kittens in his arms was so alluring to you; someone who was built to be a weapon, being so delicate. Denying his original purpose.
The front door clicked open, stealing your attention away from your thoughts.
Ramattra stepped in, the hydraulics in his body almost drowning out the heaviness of each step he took. He took off his coat, paying no mind to your presence.
“Where’ve you been?” You asked casually, leaning against the counter.
“Nowhere of importance.” He rumbled. He didn’t even look at you.
You stared him down, “Something’s up.”
“You’re imagining things.” He huffed as he stood still, waiting for you to go back to your tasks.
He seemed stiffer than usual. The main give away was that he was always turning his head away, as if he couldn’t bear to look at you. Yet, he wasn’t even stomping off into his room. You abandoned the counter to approach the ravager face on.
“You didn’t get hurt, did you?” You scanned over his body for any dents or scratches.
Ramattra took a step back, scoffing. “Of course not.”
He looked down at you, two plates just beneath the back of his head grating together to send a sharp pain through his frame.
“Argh!” He raised his hand to cover the back of his neck as he hissed.
“What’s wrong?” You hovered a hand over his shoulder.
“Nothing…” he growled, startling both you and himself.
You furrowed your brows as you crossed your arms. “Let me look.”
“What use is that?”
“Ramattra,” you cut him off with a stern tone. “I wanna help.”
“Fine…” he huffed, resigning himself to the couch.
You followed, taking the spot next to him. He leaned over, his back to you, his hands parting the locks of cables to rest over his shoulders.
“It’s here.” he grumbled, pointing to the nape of his neck. “Tell me what you see.”
“It’s… corroded, it seems.” You reached out, gently brushing over the segmented plates, orange residue dusting your finger tips.
“How badly?”
“It’s not awful,” you brushed away one of the cables that fell back over his neck, earning a sudden intake from Ramattra. “Oh, did that hurt?”
Ramattra tightened his fists resting on his knees. “No… don’t worry.”
His frame released a hiss of warm air as you pinned your fingers against his cables to prevent them from falling over his nape again.
“I can make up a temporary fix,” you said as you finally sat back. “But… I think you’ll need to see a mechanic to get a permanent solution.”
“I’m not seeing a mechanic.”
“I understand your hesitation…” you started as you sat up and stepped into the kitchen. You continued as you rummaged through some cabinets, “But I have a family friend who might be able to help.”
“Why should I trust them? Just because you say so?” Ramattra attempted to straighten up, stalling when the plates grinded together.
“Do you have any other ideas?” You countered as you mixed up a baking soda paste. You sat back down on the couch again, motioning Ramattra to lean over.
“No…” he rumbled again. His frame released a long hiss as you applied the soothing paste over his injury.
“How did this happen?” You asked.
“Time,” Ramattra shrugged. “It’s been getting progressively worse.”
“I’m sorry,” you sighed. “It must be tough.”
“I’ve been through worse.” Ramattra’s tone went dark at the statement.
“Well, you don’t need to bottle things up anymore, ‘kay?” You placed the leftover paste on the coffee table, signalling you were done.
Ramattra leaned back, turning to you slowly. It wasn’t a magic cure, but… he couldn’t just admit that it felt a little better.
“Do you want to tie up your hair?” You asked.
“It’s not hair,” Ramattra corrected. “And… why?”
“So the paste doesn’t get in your hai- uh, cables.”
“I suppose that makes sense.” Ramattra nodded.
You headed for your bedroom, searching for an old, stretched out hair band. Ramattra remained in the living room, staring at the worn rug beneath him.
He ran a quick diagnostic scan on himself as he waited. When you had touched his cables, ever so lightly, a strange pulse ran through his systems. He hadn't experienced that when it was himself who touched his cables - perhaps it was the reactivity between fibres and flesh, he rationalised.
He didn’t like the tingling sensation that lingered afterward. The ghost of your touch on his “hair” wasn’t necessarily unpleasant, but rather… distracting. He made an internal note to forbid you from touching his cables.
You came back with a purple scrunchie on your wrist. You held it out to Ramattra, a cheeky smile over your lips.
“It matches your jaw!”
“So it does…” he replied sarcastically. He sighed as he took it, raising his hands up to his cables, tying them up into a ponytail.
“Aw, you look at you!” You giggled, “So refined! You’re like a hipster!”
“Don’t infantilise me.” He growled.
“Are you 6 feet tall and read feminist literature?” Your teasing was quickly silenced as Ramattra slowly stood up.
He made a subtle effort to straighten his posture as he moved past you, emphasising his height. He peacocked the fact that he was, in fact, much taller than a mere 6 feet.
He stopped by his door, his hand lingering on the knob as he turned his head to you. “Who is this family friend of yours?”
“Oh, um… her name is Eloise.” You began absentmindedly fidgeting with your fingers.
“Hm.” Ramattra hummed for a second. “I will see her.”
“Really?” You perked up. “Great! I’ll message her tonight!”
Ramattra nodded. He opened the door, taking a step in before you interrupted him.
“Also, um… I’m sorry. About teasing you.” You looked down at your feet as you continued to fidget with your hands.
Ramattra chuckled, “Don’t apologise. I… should be thanking you.”
You looked up nervously, a small smile appearing over your lips. “Anytime, Ramattra.”
He simply nodded again before disappearing into his dark room.
You returned to the kitchen, finishing your dinner preparations.
Later that night, you sent a text to Eloise.
[Hey! Long time no see. I have an omnic friend who has some rust on the back of his neck. Do you think you can help out?]
A few minutes later, you received a reply.
[yeah of course, workshop is free tomorrow if u wanna drop by]
[Sounds good! I’ll try to make it by 12 pm. Same place?]
[where else?]
You sent back a random string of cute emoticons before setting your phone down on your nightstand.
All systems reported functional… but he ran another scan anyway. Ramattra sat on his mattress, a nest of blankets surrounding his legs as he sat perfectly still.
Functional. Again. He almost ran yet another scan, an obsessive-compulsive ritual he quickly recognised, and stopped himself.
He sighed, raising his hand up to the back of his neck. He gently tapped the injury, wincing at the contact for a moment. He pulled his hand back, inspecting the residue of the paste you layered over the top. It was so simple, yet… so effective.
He was surprised at how long it took for the rust to get that bad - he was able to treat other instances of rust or scratches, but when he couldn’t see the damage, it was risky to haphazardly repair it himself.
Ramattra stood up and approached the window. He opened the blinds ever so slightly, peeking at the night sky. Only the bright planets were visible. Fragments of memories flashed in his processor; Zenyatta by his side as they looked at the sky together. The sky, upon the summits of Nepal, was the clearest he had ever seen the stars. He could count them for hours, but in this city… he couldn’t even find one.
He wondered if the Shambali would allow him back, even after everything he had done. Would Zenyatta even look at him? Ramattra closed the blinds, the potential answers too painful to consider.
He sat back on the mattress, facing the blocked window as he contemplated his position, the city’s white noise telling its own story overnight.
“Morning,” your voice broke him out of his processor. He turned to the closed door, observing your shadow under the door. “Eloise said she can treat you today. We should leave by 10 so I can hire a car so we, you know… get there.”
“Understood.” Ramattra stood up, his hydraulics hissing under his weight after being stagnant for so long.
He opened the door, meeting you on the other side. Your hair was messy, and the bags under your eyes were dark.
“Did you sleep well?” He asked, though he knew it was a rhetorical question.
“No,” you yawned as you shuffled to the kitchen. “I dunno why…”
“How unfortunate. Are you fit to drive?” Ramattra followed you at a distance.
“Hm?” You crunched into an apple. “I think so.”
“How reassuring…” Ramattra huffed.
After a cup of tea and a shower, you gained a bit more colour in your face, and liveliness in your movement. The two of you left the house, making your way to a car rental store.
It was a shabby little car. White, short, and low… you hoped Ramattra wouldn’t weigh it down too much.
You hopped into the driver seat, the carpeted roof filling the small car with an intense musk. Ramattra had to nearly crouch to enter, and while there was a noticeable tilting shake when he entered, it seemed to balance out after a few moments.
He hunched over himself awkwardly, his neck craning downward to fit properly.
“Are you alright?” you asked, earning a small growl in response.
“Do I look comfortable?”
“Ah…” you chewed on the inside of your cheek as you thought of a solution. You would’ve preferred a bigger car, but this was the only option you could afford. It clicked. “How about pulling the chair back? It’s not… technically safe, but it’ll put some relief on your neck. Think of it like being at the dentist.”
Ramattra adjusted the chair, leaning back as it reclined. “I have no reference of what a dentist is like.”
“Well, it’s like that…” you laughed; he looked so silly, but he exuded nothing but stoicism. “But people are probing your mouth.”
“Disgusting.” He said, laying still on the chair.
“I agree.” You chuckled. “Alright, let’s go.”
The majority of the ride was full of stagnant silence. You hated awkward silence, but after living with Ramattra for a few weeks, you almost grew used to the awkwardness of it.
Almost.
“How do you, uh, fix other issues?” You asked, trying to fill the silence.
“Hm?” Ramattra hummed. He was in his own processor - the silence didn’t bother him like it did for you.
“Like, injuries and stuff… how do you treat them?” You reiterated.
“When I do get injured, it is usually in a place I can see and treat effectively. If it’s bad, I can make some adjustments with spare parts.”
“You tinker?”
“I suppose you could call it that.” Ramattra sighed.
“What kind of stuff have you made? Like a spare arm or something?” Your excitement was showing through your fast speech.
Ramattra huffed, “Not quite to that extent, no.” He paused. “Well, I suppose I have made a set of arms.”
“What?” You looked over at him for a moment. “Like replacements?”
“No,” Ramattra chuckled. “Perhaps I’ll show you one day.”
“You better,” you laughed. “I’m intrigued now.”
Ramattra let out a soft chuckle. You peeked at him in your peripheral - he had his head turned to the car window, looking out at the clear sky above. He seemed to emit a soft rumble that comforted you for the rest of the ride.
