A Heart in the Machine (Serial Designation V x Reader)

You wake slowly, the dim light of dawn spilling softly through the window. As your mind begins to stir, the warmth of another presence draws your attention. Your hand is still intertwined with V's, her smaller, metallic fingers gently resting against your own.

Shifting slightly, you glance to the side and notice her slumped posture, head tucked into the crook of her arm on the edge of your bed. Her glasses sit askew, and her breathing is slow and steady—calm, almost human in its rhythm.

You allow yourself a small smile, the sight unexpectedly endearing. V, usually so composed and precise, looks... peaceful like this. Vulnerable, even. It's a strange juxtaposition to her usual demeanor.

For a moment, you just watch her, the early morning quiet wrapping around the room like a warm blanket. The anxieties of the previous day feel a little less oppressive now, though they still linger in the back of your mind. But for now, there's a sense of calm.

As your grip tightens ever so slightly on her hand, V stirs, her fingers twitching faintly in response. A soft hum escapes her, her head shifting slightly before she blinks herself awake, optics dim as they adjust to the morning light.

Her gaze falls to where your hands are still intertwined, her cheeks tinging with the faintest glow of pink. "Oh... you're awake," she says quietly, her voice still carrying the softness of sleep.

"I am," you reply, offering a gentle smile. "Looks like you fell asleep too."

V quickly straightens, her free hand moving to adjust her glasses as she pulls herself together. "I—um—I didn't mean to. I was just... keeping watch. In case you—" She hesitates, clearly flustered.

"In case I had another nightmare?" you finish for her.

Her optics flicker for a moment before she nods. "Yeah. I didn't want you to wake up alone... if you needed someone."

The sincerity in her voice tugs at your chest. You tighten your grip just a fraction more before finally letting go, though the lingering warmth of her hand remains.

"Well, I didn't have any nightmares," you say, sitting up slowly. "And I think that's thanks to you."

V's blush deepens, and she quickly averts her gaze. "I'm just glad I could help," she murmurs.

A brief silence settles over the room, comfortable and warm. Then, V clears her throat, standing and smoothing out her uniform. "We should probably get ready. Tessa and the others will be up soon, and there's still so much to do before the gala."

You nod, swinging your legs over the side of the bed. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks for staying with me, though. Really."

V glances back at you, her expression softening. "Anytime," she says quietly, before heading for the door.

As she steps out, you sit there for a moment longer, feeling lighter than you have in days. Maybe today will be different. Maybe things will finally start to make sense.

You quickly get ready for the day, slipping into a fresh set of clothes and gathering your usual tools. With the checklist nearly complete, you feel a sense of accomplishment—albeit tempered by the nagging unease that has followed you for days. Shaking the thought aside, you step out of your room, heading down the hall.

Before long, you find V, N, and J gathered near the main hall. V is the first to notice you, offering a small wave, her cheeks faintly glowing. N looks up from a bundle of decorations he's holding, his usual cheerful grin plastered across his face. J, meanwhile, gives you her signature, no-nonsense nod of acknowledgment.