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bruggle · 3 days ago

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Gift fic for @nitkat360

Synopsis:

The cleanup is *always* worse than the outbreak, X thinks to himself.

It's partially why he wanted to officially retire. But he knows so long as the virus exists, he can't. A part of him wonders if the virus is aware of that fact; and does this sort of thing specifically to *taunt* him. It probably would. X isn't sure how sentient it is, but at this point? It certainly wouldn't surprise him to learn.

Heading into a *ruined* hotel, he searches for any remaining Mavericks or potential survivors. (Doubtful. Any humans not on the ground flood didn't have a *ghost* of a chance. But he has to make sure.) Each room he passes by is... bloody. Mavericks certainly have a lot of vitriol. And in situations like this, often enjoy playing with their food; so to speak.

He doesn't have much hope.

*And yet.*

As he passes a room that isn't *quite* as bloody, he sees something that makes him pause. A woman. Very, obviously dead, but... The way she's positioned... As if she were laying over something. *Protecting* something. ...A familiar pose. One he's seen *many* times in his centuries of fighting. ~~He doesn't want to see.~~ Swallowing, X tears his gaze away from the scene and tries to move on. But the sound of something... whimpering stops him.

He looks back, bewildered, at the figure. The sound... *definitely* came from there. ...Was she... actually successful...? Muttering an apology to the deceased woman, he gently moves her out of the way and...

Two *tiny* blue-green eyes look up at him.

Wrapped in a pink blanket decorated in fish, the baby blinks at him, before letting out another whimper before full on crying. And X immediately reacts, gently picking up the little girl and holding her close. Even despite the blanket, she's a little cold, but... she's *alive.* Despite every odd that says she should be dead, this baby is *alive.*

And again, not editing because tumblr app a pain in the toosh.

* *: italics

~~ ~~: strikethrough

...His auditory processor must be malfunctioning.

Surely it has to be.

"...I beg your pardon...?" X asked, hoping to clarify everything. Surely that had been a malfunction. *Surely-*

"I don't want it," the woman before him stated, as though it weren't a big deal. "I have *far* too much going on in my life to be woken up by a *brat.* Especially one *I* didn't choose to *have.*"

"Ma'am, your sister has been *killed,*" X repeated. "This is your *niece.* She has nobody else."

"And? You're acting like I *asked* to have her if something happened to Laura. I *didn't.* So the answer is *no.* I'm not being woken all hours of the night. Find someone who *will.*"

The blue clad reploid regards the woman in front of him coldly. She... looked so much like the mother who had *died* for her child... And yet the simple ask for her to take in her only living relative left was...

"...Can I get you to put that in writing, then?" X asked. It wasn't completely out of the question for family to give up custody, after all. Even after all these rusted wars... If the woman didn't want custody, fine. But he *refused* to give her the chance to tear this child from her life in the future if the inclination takes her. He's heard of *that* horror story too many times.

"Sure, how do you want it?" the child's aunt scoffed. But X can tell she's absolutely serious. "Just... 'I, Maria Kelly, give up all custody over Brook Longsdale' will be fine," X replied, his tone unintentionally cold. He can't help it. Especially not when the child in his arms begins to whimper. Maria rolls her eyes, but enters back into her home. In the meantime, X warms up his internal temperature; bouncing the baby in his arms a little.

Anything to keep her calm

She's had enough hardship...

It doesn't take long for Maria to re-emerge from her home, slip of paper in tow. X takes it from her when the woman shoves it in his direction, reading over it carefully. Once he is *certain* it's air tight, he nods stiffly to her. "Thank you for your time," he lied. "It was a pleasure meeting you."

He hopes his tone isn't betraying him.

"You as well," Maria replied dryly. Before slamming the door in his face.

And *that* wakes Brook, causing the poor infant to begin crying. *Loudly.* Inwardly, X sighs; completely aghast at the woman. It was one thing to not want custody of a child. It was *another thing entirely* to be *malicious* towards one.

X holds Brook closer to himself, gently hashing her as best he can. Obviously, she's upset. The loud, angry crash wasn't something *anyone* wanted to hear. But... to get her to *stop?* X doesn't have much of a clue... She's already eaten, and he's taken care of her diaper before they even came here.

So what did human mothers do to comfort their children...?

X tries gently shushing the baby as he lightly bounces her. All the way back to the rental vehicle he and Axl have been using. The prototype had *refused* to go back to HQ without him.

Not when he'd been insisting on staying here with Brook.

He can't help it. Brook is by *no means* the first orphan he's personally seen made by Mavericks... ~~He's seen *far* too many...~~ But... she *is* by far the youngest... Usually, Mavericks found *this* sort of prey to be... easy. A *game.* It's rare for X to find a woman successful in protecting their children... And even then, they're usually hidden far away from themselves...

And yet... Laura Longsdale succeeded... She had managed to keep her baby safe despite every odd...

"...She didn't take her?" Axl asked, drawing X away from his thoughts. Sighing heavily, the blue clad reploid shakes his head. "No, but I've got it in writing that she's giving up custody," X explained. "So she can't change her mind, either." The auburn haired reploid nods, seemingly contemplating something. "Well, there's plenty of orphanages," he said. "And from what I understand, babies up for adoption don't stay there for long. She'll be okay."

X pauses from buckling a finally calm Brook up in her car seat. He knows Axl is right, but... he doesn't want to let her go... As much as the blue clad reploid knows it wouldn't be... a *great* idea, he...

He could do it, he realizes.

The Virus is in its dying gasps. Whatever the scientists are finding from Zero's body, they've been able to to put out patches for reploids to download freely. Which... has been making outbreaks fewer and fewer... X hasn't even been on active duty for *months* now. This was just... one single instance of the Virus making a last ditch effort to do some damage.

An *exception.*

*Not the norm.*

So he could take her... *Raise* her...

*Live a normal life like his creator and Dr. Cain always wanted for him...*

"...I know that look," Axl said, his tone weary. "You are *not* going to-"

"And why not?" X challenged. "It would be a *great* way to push for equality. If *I* can successfully raise a human, why not others? Besides... even *if* babies get adopted quickly, there are hundreds of children who *aren't.* And other humans won't take them... But you *know* Mirror would love nothing more than to give some of the kids she helps look after a home. ...This would help *both* of our species."

"...Yeah, or it could prove some humans right," Axl argued. "Yes, their numbers are low, but we can't try to *coddle* them. Or treat them like-"

"*Finish that sentence and I will shoot you.*"

That.

*That* was by far the most infuriating argument against allowing reploids to adopt. The idea that they may begin to see humans as *pets* due to their longer lifespan (provided they took care of their maintenance.)

But nobody.

Not *one single reploid.*

*Ever.*

Saw humans as lesser.

X is *quite* sure that's just textbook government projection, not that he can prove it, just to keep one more aspect of equality away from reploids. *But* they couldn't argue this.

Not when X was the one to *save* this child. He'll frame it as an experiment. A way to put their fears to *rest.* And if he can raise a child to have a healthy mindset, there should be *absolutely no reason any other reploid can't.*

Axl sighs, drawing X's attention to him once more. "Alright, alright," the prototype muttered. "But *you're* explaining it to Signas. ...And taking care of her if she wakes up."

Now that-

X winces a little.

Obviously, neither of them blamed the poor thing. Babies cry. That's just simply what they *do.* They can't *explain* what's wrong, so they *have* to garner attention *somehow.* But that didn't make it any less interruptive.

Being dragged out of recharge due to a crying baby was *panic* inducing. That first night had been *horrible.* Brook had *refused* to settle, wailing and crying almost the entire night. Perhaps, in her *own* way, she was grieving her family...

Even if she didn't know what was happening, she would have heard the screaming. The buster fire. Had smelled the blood... Something in her would have known things were wrong.

Climbing into the passenger seat, X let's Axl drive back to the hotel they've been staying at. They've been *exceptionally* accommodating, even providing their room with a crib when X had first shown up with Brook. Which had been a *massive* help while they were trying to figure out Brook's name and next of kin. ~~Poor thing couldn't exactly tell them, after all.~~

Exiting the vehicle, X quickly goes to the back seats. He sets *firm* reminders on himself to grab Brook each and every time he steps out of the car; forgetting her would be the *last* thing he wants. Especially not if he's going to try to make a case for reploids to adopt. The blue clad reploid is going to be dotting *all* his Is and crossing *all* his Ts.

Axl chuckles as he waits for X, having already grabbed her diaper bag. "You sure you're not just trying to pick up ladies?" the prototype teased. X gives him a dour look. "Sounds like projection," he mused.

"What?!" Axl exclaimed. "*Nah,* no way! I don't need a baby to pick up chicks!"

"Mhm. Is that why you asked if you could hold her when we were picking up a few things yesterday?"

"...You can't prove anything."

X now chuckles as they enter into the hotel. Nodding to the receptionist, the two reploids make their way to their room. It's basic and small, with two human grade beds; Meaning he and Axl are primarily running off of solar and E-tanks. But that's alright. They've managed under worse conditions. Setting Brook into the crib, X looks over the paper Maria had given him one more time. Just to make *absolutely* sure it's airtight.

Because Axl is correct. He *will* need to tell Signas. About *all* of it. X is in reserves, yes, but there is still *some* responsibility to the Hunters. Especially if he is once again going to try and change history.

With a sigh, X begins to contact Signas as Axl quietly distracts Brook for him. (Something he is grateful for...)

It doesn't take long for the Hunter commander-in-chief to pick up; not that it ever does. He's been keeping tabs on them since X reported the fact that one of the survivors was a *baby.* Still...

"Hunter X, report," Signas commanded.

"Sir, we have located the child's aunt," X replied. "However, she is unwilling to take her. We have it written in ink that she is giving up custody."

"So you'll be on your way back soon?" the commander prompted, causing X to hesitate. Signas was *not* going to be *super* happy, after all. "...Axl will," X said. "But I will not."

"And why the rust not?"

"Because, sir, I am going to make another step forward for our races and try to adopt her."

Signas is quiet for a minute, letting X hear Axl's cooing clearly. He *is* honestly good with Brook. And hasn't seriously minded being awoken outside of the expected mild annoyance. ~~But X will admit that even *he* has that.~~ But they get over it quickly. Her needs *are* more important at the moment.

"...That's a bit of a risk, X," Signas replied. "And a lot of eyes on you."

"Since when *aren't* there eyes on me?" X sighed. "But like I said, if Neo Arcadia is going to be *anything,* more advances need to be made. This is an *excellent* way to do so." Signas is quiet once more, likely debating it.

Until he hears the commander sigh himself. "Very well, X," Signas mused. "I'll put you back in reserves for now. Good luck to you. However, I want Axl back in the morning. You can't have my last S-Rank with you the entire time." X chuckles, having expected that. Although *convincing* the prototype won't be the easiest.

Of course, he won't disobey an order...

"Yes sir," X agreed. And with a final salute, he ends the transmission. When he looks back at Axl and Brook, he sees the prototype sticking out his tongue at the baby. Brook, of course, is sticking hers out as well. In that curious way only babies can, as if just now finding out it's in their mouths. The blue clad reploid can't help but chuckle once more.

"I'm afraid you have to go back tomorrow morning," X stated, causing Axl to *pout* at him.

"What, so you get her all to yourself?" the prototype whined. "That's not fair!"

"Signas' orders, I'm afraid. But don't worry. Soon as I get custody? I'll be flying her home."

"Ooh... good luck with that, X..." Axl winced. "I've heard that's a *nightmare.*" The blue clad reploid shrugged, fully aware of the stories, but...

Trying to teleport with a Brook would probably *kill* her. Adult humans could finally use teleports with minimal side effects, but children? *Babies?* Absolutely *not.* "A plane is the safest way," X insisted. "I'll figure it out, one way or another." Axl nodded in response, before gently picking Brook up out of her crib; much to X's chagrin.

"It *is* her bedtime," he chastised. "You know that, right?"

"Ah, let me hold her," Axl insisted. "Who knows *when* I'll be able to again. The courts will probably wanna fight you on it."

Well, he wasn't wrong.

X decides to let Axl hold Brook past her bedtime. Feed her. Even rock her to sleep. He'll have *plenty* of chances to do so himself. ~~Axl may very well not, depending on the court...~~ Besides, it's the least he can do if he's going to *insist* that X take care of her rude awakenings in the night...

~~Which he does.~~

And the next morning, Axl is off back to Japan. Leaving X to scrounge around for where to even *begin* with the adoption process. Brook was already in the system, which is how they found out her name and aunt in the first place. But... this would be better done in person. Along with dropping off the hand-written release of custody.

And just to be safe? X makes a mental copy of it, storing it into his important documents folder. Just in case the courts somehow "lose" it. (A benefit to being a living computer.) And with that, the blue clad reploid makes his way to the nearest agency.

Which of course causes a stink.

Everyone and their mother is *shocked* that X wants to adopt. And the governments seem *furious* about it, too. Mostly because their hands are *tied.* X is by *no means* one to milk things in the public eye. But this? It seems the media is milking it *for* him. Constantly catching candid moments of him out with Brook whenever they possibly can. The blue clad reploid does his best to shield her, of course, but...

It *does* help that it's garnering him public approval.

Anyone with eyes can see he's attached to Brook. And that Brook is *comfortable* with him. People are threatening *riots* (jokingly, not so jokingly) if he loses custody on social media. But it definitely means that if the courts try blocking him, they're likely not going to see reelection.

Now that isn't to say there *aren't* any valid points against it.

Even human parents forget things that *they themselves* need; who's *entirely* to say that a reploid, who arguably doesn't need to eat, won't do the same? Or how about the fact that reploids lack certain instincts that come from being an organic? How might that affect a human child?

X can't say he entirely blames them.

But he argues it all the same. He can set alarms. He knows reploids who *specialize* in child care, both physically and mentally. He is willing to do *whatever* it takes to make sure Brook grows up healthy, safe, and well adjusted.

And finally, they have no choice.

X is granted custody of Brook.

(A lot faster than he'd have thought...)

All of reploidkind is still in a gray area, of course. They want to give it at *least* a few years (much to X's frustration) before allowing *all* reploids to adopt, but it's a *start.*

One step forward.

But now comes the dreaded situation of getting Brook home...

It's going to take *two* flights. One to get to California, and one to get to Japan itself. And if he's honest, X is cringing at the thought of being a nuisance on *any* sort of public transport... Not that Brook can be *blamed,* of course. She's just... too little to understand. He's asked advice for things he might need from a few trusted people. (Aka, a few kindly women who have reached out when he's been unsure of what to do.)

Still, grabbing the diaper bag from the TSA agent has X nervous. Does he have everything? Has he made *certain* that he's done everything possible to make this as comfortable for Brook as everyone else?

The blue clad reploid isn't sure, and it makes his core sink. Especially when more humans join the waiting area and pull faces at the sight of him with Brook in his arms. He's at least not the only reploid on the flight, but... *Still.*

It's not like he can explain to Brook what's going to happen...

She's at least content to play with his fingers and a few of the toys he's brought with them while they wait to board, fussing only when she *needed* something. So it's not even that Brook is proving herself difficult!

Not that it changes many of the faces that see her...

As it approaches the time for them to begin boarding, X packs away the toys. But Brook is still perfectly content to play with his fingers. (And stick them in her mouth...) So... maybe it won't be so bad?

That is, until they're called. And he sits down in his assigned seat. Sandwiched between an older woman and younger man. *Then* Brook begins fussing again. Probably not ecstatic about the fact of so many strangers around her... Still, X does his best to keep her calm. Even when the woman shoots him a look. "Sorry," he quietly stated. "It's... her first time..."

"I should *hope* so," the woman replied dryly. "And hopefully the *last* time." X can't help but flinch slightly at her tone. He's out of his armor, so of course she doesn't recognize him. (Something he's both grateful for and regretting. Maybe he *should* have broken protocol...) But he can't entirely blame her, either... Nobody *wants* to deal with a crying baby. Especially when you're already in an uncomfortable situation...

X just keeps his attention on Brook instead.

Hopefully this is the worst of it..

Only, X is immediately proven wrong as soon as the airplane takes off. Because Brook *wails, and wails.* Clutching at her ears. The woman *scoffs* at him, glaring all the while. "You know, if your kind can't keep a *baby* quiet, maybe there's a *reason* you don't have any," she snapped.

That...

That was *completely* uncalled for.

"Ma'am, I'm afraid I've never done this before," X replied, trying to keep his tone level. "If you had any advice for me, I'd be happy to take it."

"Oh good. Here you go. Give her to her own *kind,* rust bucket."

X is *stunned* by that. He stares at the woman for a solid minute, almost hoping he'd heard wrong. But he *knows* he hadn't. Before he can open his mouth to reply, however, the neighbor on his other side takes out one of the earbuds he had in. (Something X hadn't even realized. No wonder he wasn't complaining before.) "Lady, with all due respect, *shut up,*" the young man snapped. "Babies *cry* on planes. They don't understand a *lick* of what's going on. So maybe instead of being a *witch,* offer *actual* advice."

The woman gives an offended huff, before turning to look out at the other passengers.

But she isn't finding much sympathy.

Many of the other passengers are giving her looks as well. Or just downright ignoring her. Something that, honestly? Is nice to see. X gives the young man a grateful nod, fully expecting him to put his ear bud right back in. But... instead?

He takes the other wireless bud out.

"...You got any pacifiers?" the human asked.

"O-oh, uh... in her diaper bag," X replied, slightly embarrassed. Why hadn't he thought about that? The man nods, and actually grabs the bag for him. ~~Probably slightly illegal, but X wasn't going to say anything.~~ Rumaging through the carry-on, the boy looks for a pacifier before pulling one out and handing it to the blue clad reploid. "So... it's mostly the atmosphere change that's got her upset," the young man informed him. "These planes do a lot better at protecting us from the pressure; but she's still so little and unable to understand, so it probably hurts. We deal with it by chewing gum or popping our ears, but she doesn't know how yet. Or uh... literally can't. So if you ever fly with her again, wait to feed her until you take off. That will help naturally pop her ears for her."

X blinks.

And blinks again.

That...

He's *kicking* himself for not thinking about that! He'd even looked it *up!* And still hadn't connected the dots that Brook would be too *young* to know how? ~~He's already failing. *Great.*~~ "*Thank* you," X replied, unable to voice his gratitude enough. "I did some research, but apparently not enough..."

"Don't mention it," the boy said, shooting another glare at the woman. ~~Likely to tell her to keep her mouth shut.~~ "I learned that from my sister. She's got three kids herself. That's the only reason I know. I'm uh... actually going to visit her this trip..." The kid seems... sad. And there's a bite to his tone X is all to familiar with... ~~It probably isn't just a visit...~~

Still.

"...I hope your visit goes smoothly," X said, meaning every word. It's... hard. Hearing about that sort of thing. Even now. It *is* becoming more and more rare, but still hurts to hear. The kid gives a half hearted smile before putting his earbuds back in.

And the rest of the ride is quiet outside of Brook's hunger and diaper changes.

The woman glares, sure, but she keeps her mouth shut the rest of the way. All until they finally touch down in California, where X's transfer will be taking off in a few hours. Exiting out of the plane, the woman runs off as quick as possible, likely never wanting to see X again. Which he is *more* than happy to oblige. The boy, however, seems... slightly dejected when they come out of the terminal. It seems his sister isn't here for him...

"...She may just be running late," X said, hoping to cheer him up. But... the young man doesn't answer. Just... sighs heavily as he goes to sit alone by an indoor garden area. Checking his internal clock, X knows he has a good few hours before he *has* to check in.

So he simply sits next to the boy.

Who raises an eyebrow at him. "...I... know I helped you, but that doesn't make us friends or anything," he said.

"Oh I know," X replied. "But I'm not comfortable with leaving you by yourself. You can take care of yourself, sure, but so have many other people who have gone missing from airports. So. Until your sister comes get you, I'm afraid you'll have to suffer me for a while." He give the teenager a wry grin.

And of course receives an eye roll in return as he sticks his earbuds back in.

Luckily, Brook has decided now is an *optimal* time for a nap. And X can't disagree with her logic. He shifts his hold so that she's far more comfortable. And they sit there quietly.

All until the sound of running steps grabs X's attention.

Looking up, he sees a woman who looks *very* similar to his neighbor. Just... a lot more tired and harried as she pushes a stroller, carries a toddler, and urges a slightly older little girl to follow her. "Jason! I am *so* sorry!" the woman cried out. "I tried getting here sooner, but Mrs. Peterson canceled last minute and-" She then notices X, who gives her a warm smile and nod.

Not that it helps.

"...And you are?"

X doesn't blame her slightly hostile tone. Especially if what he suspected is what actually happened. ~~Though it is still grating.~~ "Nobody of consequence," he replied regardless. "Your brother helped me out. Figured I could help him, too. Your parents did good. I'm sorry." The woman winces, and immediately softens at that.

"No, no," she insisted. "*I'm* sorry. That... was uncalled for. Thank you. For watching him." X nods, giving another warm smile as he carefully stands up. Turning away, he hears Jason tell his sister what little he knows about the reploid who sat next to him.

And after turning slightly to see that the kid is looking at him-

Puts on his armor for a brief second.

Let him have something to tell his friends.

The second flight home goes *much* smoother this time around. For one, he's seated by an elderly couple who just *fuss* over Brook the entire time. He also puts Jason's suggestion of feeding the baby as the plane takes off to use. (It works like a charm.) And even if the ride itself is longer, he barley notices it. Even manages to get a recharge in the reploid grade chairs before they land!

And stepping back into Japan feels like a breath of fresh air.

Not that America was horrible, or anything. It was just nice to be home. He decides that letting Signas know he's back would be the most prudent thing for him to do, so he heads that way first. ~~And maybe he wants to show off Brook a little. Shhhhhh.~~

Hunter HQ is just as busy as it usually is, and Letter the receptionist *dies* over being able to say hello to Brook. They *had* been a big discussion point, of course. Blasted all over the news across the globe. A reploid as prominent as X adopting a human child for the first time? Of *course* that would make news. ~~Even if X really wished it wouldn't... Mavericks *would* take advantage once they found out...~~

Still, making his way to Signas' office, he's stopped by each and every friendly face he sees. Komai, Tanu, Layer, Pallette, Marino, Cinnamon, heck, even *Massimo* stops to get a look at her. ~~And it was a little funny seeing Brook *dwarfed* in *one* of his hands. She was already so tiny! And to fit in the palm of Massimo's hand?!~~ Finally, he makes his way to Signas' office.

And not even the commander can keep his stony expression at the sight of a human baby cooing up at him. "...This is not fair," Signas stated. "I'm *supposed* to be chewing you out for taking such a risk. Not... agreeing with it." X can't help but snicker. *Especially* when Axl storms through the door. "And *where* is my niece?" the auburn haired reploid demanded. "It's been *three months.* Three months! I can't believe you'd keep her from me for that long! And to not even *tell me?!* X!"

The blue clad reploid can't help but laugh at the hurt expression Axl gives him. "I *told* you we were coming in today!" X insisted. "Sent you a direct message and *everything!*"

"X! You *know* I don't read those!" Axl whined. "I demand *three hours* of holding her." Rolling his eyes, X obliges. If just because it would make filling out his report easier. It does make it harder to ignore the look Signas gives him, however.

And look.

He knows.

He knows he just put a bigger target on his back. *Especially* with Zero still out of commission.

But the Virus *is* dying. He can *handle* it. And he is *sure* to outline that in his report.

He will not fail to protect Brook a second time.

Only... it seems that isn't entirely what Signas is worried about.

"...You don't know the first thing about raising a child," the commander chastised quietly. "Let alone a *human* child. Are you *absolutely sure* you can do this? I've known you my entire life. I don't... *doubt* that you can do it, just... Humans are different from us. Not completely, not entirely, but... they *are* more emotional. More tactile. I know you were there for Dr. Cain's final days. But this is going to be something entirely different. And we don't even *know* the ramifications of what a reploid-raised human might have. Just... be careful. With yourself, and with her."

"...Of course sir," X replied. "I appreciate the concern. But I will be sure to get a support system in place. For both of us." Signas nods, satisfied as he dismisses the blues clad reploid.

And honestly?

X isn't sure how to feel.

On one hand, he's slightly offended that Signas would even *have* reservations. X has done *so much.* ~~Kicking and screaming, but that's besides the point.~~ And for him to throw *that much at him?*

He doesn't have the right.

But it's not just X Signas is worried about, is it?

Because Brook is going to be affected by that as well. And X can't fault him for raising concerns over *that.* They're concerns X himself has over this whole situation. It'd be hypocritical for the blue clad reploid to say that Signas can't be troubled by the possible outcomes...

Maybe X just doesn't like having someone voice them...

But those thoughts are quickly dashed as Axl catches up to him. "...Just so you know, you're going to have a *whole rustload* to explain to Zero when he wakes up," the prototype grinned. "Seriously! *Such* a big step without him? What are you, a monster?" X knocks at the auburn-haired reploid's helmet. "He'll probably be glad to miss this stage," the blue clad reploid replied. "Babies and his hair do *not* mix. Brook would grab that faster than a mousetrap. And you *know* it."

The prototype *wheezes* at that. "That would be *hilarious," Axl cackled. "We should totally see if we can wake him up. *Just* for that."

"Axl..."

"It *would* be! And you can't deny it!"

"...Okay, it *would,* but it would also be awful if she managed to pull out a chunk of it. You *know* it's not *just* hair for him."

"...Yeah. But it'd be funny before that."

X rolls his eyes fondly, sometimes wondering *why* he lets Axl around. He was going to be a *terrible* influence on Brook... Already, the prototype is encouraging Brook to laugh at the idea of pulling Zero's sensitive hair... ~~And sometimes even *he* wondered why Wily built him like that... Sure, it made sneaking up on the red clad reploid impossible.

But also gave a glaring weakness to put what amounted to cat whiskers on steroids all over the back of your head.~~

Still, he's grateful for Axl keeping Brook busy as they go and buy several things she'll need. *Permanent* things. His apartment was by no means set up for a human baby.

At *any* stage.

Although X does wonder if Axl has chosen to *once again* skip out on the rest of his shift... The prototype *is* always ready to leave at a moments notice, but that would be the *fifth time...*

Well.

X is not his brothers' keeper.

And purchasing what Brook needs *is* important, so maybe Signas will let it slide just this one...

Or make Axl regret it. Either works.

He even lets the prototype keep Brook entertained as he sets the most important things up. There *were* some things he has had to order, and they would be coming later in the week.

But for now?

He's got a crib, a highchair, playpen, and various other things Brook needs on such short notice. He feels bad that there isn't anywhere to *really* put her clothes, but again.

The dresser would come later. Things are fine as they are at the moment.

And that's when X *finally* kicks Axl out. He's had longer than three hours, thank you. And X is *exhausted.* Surviving off E-tanks, solar, and the *small* amount of recharge on the plane was *horrible* on his systems. He can already feel the X-factor trying to repair and adapt to the damage.

But he'd do it again in a heartbeat.

He holds out *just* long enough to get Brook ready and settled down to sleep for the night.

And then crashes into his own bed.

Only-

X awakens out of his recharge in a panic as a *piercing* cry sweeps through the apartment. That-!

*Brook!*

He shoves himself out of his recharge bed, hurrying over to her room. ~~Thank goodness he got her crib done yesterday...~~ Once there, he pulls the tiny human into his arms, trying to figure out *what* exactly she wants. He checks her diaper, but that's still good. X then tries to give Brook her pacifier, but the poor baby *refuses* it; spitting it out almost as soon as he gives it to her.

Perhaps she's hungry then?

Holding her close, X makes his way to the kitchen. All while the five month old cries and cries. He does his best to soothe her, but apparently Brook is *not* having it this time. If anything, she seems to cry *louder* at his voice. ~~Maybe she misses her mother?~~ Still, he sets about his task dutifully; warming up the water and dissolving the formula into it. Once he's certain it's the correct temperature through his scanner, X tries giving it to her.

And still she cries.

Refusing to eat, and trying to push the bottle away from herself.

X's core breaks.

Because now he's *certain* he knows what she wants. And it's something he can't give her...

Venting heavily, X puts the bottle into the fridge. It'll stay good for at least the next day, so there's no point in wasting it. For now, he just... needs to find a way to calm Brook. She *needs* her sleep. He knows growing takes energy for humans, after all.

X heads back for Brook's room, it's the furthest from the front door, after all. Less chance of bothering neighbors that way, and he just...

Walks.

He's been told by a *few* helpful people that motion helps calm babies. After all, their mother was often walking while they were still in the womb, so it makes perfect sense. But still, Brook cries and cries. Whatever it was that woke her must have been *bad.* Probably a nightmare... She's just... *far* too young to have gone through a Maverick attack... He wishes with everything he had that he could have prevented it in the first place.

But he couldn't.

So this is the least he can do.

X puts Brook's ear *right* over his core. It's... not the same as a heartbeat, but it still has its own rhythm. So... maybe it will help? And still, he walks.

And walks.

Until finally, her sobs turn into small whimpers.

He runs his thumb over the peach fuzz above her ear, hoping the action will soothe her further as he carefully heads back to her crib. She... should be fine now, right?

Yet, as soon as X pulls her away from his body-

Brook screams yet again, wriggling even, to show *just* how much she disagrees with the action.

The reploid *immediately* pulls her back against his core, lesson learned.

Still, she can't do this all night... Brook *needs* to sleep. ~~And while he can always take an E-tank, recharging from a pod or bed *is* easier on their systems.~~

Venting quielty, X resumes his walking. Keeping Brook close all the while. And briefly, he wonders if *that's* what she wants. To be *close* to someone. He thinks he might just be right when her cries turn to whimpers much quicker this time.

Still... He can't be walking all night...

...So what if he just sets his proximity sensors a little higher in order to be able to monitor her? Unlike humans, reploids don't move around in their "sleep." He could carry her to his recharge bed. Hold her that way...

Then, she could get some sleep, and he could recharge with no interruptions! (Unless she gets hungry or needs changed, of course.) Pleased with this plan, X heads back to his room. Carefully climbing into his bed, mindful of the baby in his arms; the reploid slips into recharge with Brook curled up on top of his chest. He makes sure to keep his internal temperatures up, just not at a rate that it would damage his systems. Babies *do* need help regulating their temperatures, after all.

And it wouldn't do anyone any good if she got sick.

And with that, he slips back into a recharge. All with a human child curled up fast asleep on his chest.

#be quiet bruggle #writing #mmx oc #mmx #mmx x #x mmx #mmx axl #axl mmx #reploid adopts human baby #uh...#mentioned:#signas mmx #other ocs #command mission cast #gift fic #enjoy

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