#nier 07

"You already know that she loves you, silly. Looking different isn't going to change that. Besides.. this is you. She just hasn't gotten a chance to learn that yet. Don't you think she deserves one?"

"... I hate when you're right," the tone of Boxer's voice changed within an instant; turning into a grumble as he crossed his bandaged arms over one another. Red chuckled softly, reaching up to cup his face in her hands; leaving a kiss on one of his cheeks.

"I'm always right. Get used to it."

That quip managed to pull a smile on his face, eventually giving in and laughing a bit, too. It wasn't as though he didn't want Nier to see him like this, but after being in the Transistor for so long.. it left him feeling insecure, somehow. Like she would prefer him as the way she always knew him.

But Red was right. She deserved a chance to at least meet him like this.. so as her footsteps came into earshot, Boxer quickly dipped around a corner; as the space around them shifted from a park, to an eerily similar scene from Cloudbank. Trees partially turned to lights, their leaves hanging down like giant crimson curtains.. and in the center of the stage stood Red. Her normal torn up gown was gone, instead restored to what it used to be; tresses of gold spilling to the floor, while the leather jacket she always wore also seemed to be missing.

"Hey," speaking felt so casual again, like the ability had never been ripped from her to begin with. She reached out as the space between them lessened, taking the girl's hands into her own and giving them a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for meeting me here. I know the last time I had my voice, I made you cry.. but I still remember you. I promise. I haven't forgotten any of our time together."

She looked over her shoulder, noting where her partner was hiding before she continued. ".. I have someone I want you to meet. You do know him, but he's a little different now. Would you like to see him?"