forum ENCOM OS-12 | OxO | Closed unless you're a fellow Program/User/ISO | Stalkers get a free Light Runner

Started March 25, 2021 by @murphysgirl

tune

Cor’s lights also flashed pink at the touch and Bit’s encouragement. “Ok.” he nodded before starting to drive out of the tunnel.

(I am going on yet another trip and this time Imma not have wifi so Imma be gone til like Monday jsyk :) )

"Where are we going?" Nora asked. She hoped it wasn't the medical centre: she felt fine. She would be fine. She could heal her own wounds, right?

(ok. Thanks for the heads up.)

“Well, I was thinking about just taking you back to your place but I'm not sure how bad you hit your head.” Cor admitted. “I know I probably should get you to a medic but… I… I don't know. There's something about med centers that makes my code crawl.”

(Back!)

"I feel the same way about med centres," Nora said, accepting that she was going to have to have herself checked out. "I could probably check myself out - Siren training, you know - but End of Line is a little far. Is there anywhere closer?"

(Yay!)

Cor gave a brief half-smile at the fact that they have something else in common. He hummed a little at the point she made and nodded. “Umm… Well, if this tunnel comes out where I think it does, then my place would be closer.” he said thoughtfully, mentally mapping out the path.

(Yay indeed. Camping is not my thing XD )

Nora nodded. In truth, the thought of going to his place was… exciting? She couldn't quite place the feeling. Something that made her fingers tingle.

(Ironically, I love camping and will actually be going on a little trip of my own this upcoming weekend.)

Cor was a little nervous about taking her to his place. Considering where she lived and what kind of program she was… He just felt overall inadequate compared to her. He was a simple messager and search program. She was a Siren. The two didn't often cross paths outside of business. Maybe he was more than “a little” nervous.

(Oh fun! There are exactly three circumstances under which I will go camping XD I hope you'll have more fun than I did!)

"Do you live in any of the Towers?" Nora asked, a little awkwardly, as they made their way out of the tunnel.

(Thanks! I hope so too 😉)

“Uhh, I live in a tower. Just probably not one of the ones you're thinking of.” he admitted, a little relieved to be out of the tunnels finally. Cor had dreamed of living in a place like the Silver building or someplace fancy like that but… “I have a loft apartment. It's nothing like what you're used to.”

Nora cast her eyes downward for a second. She had never been to an apartment outside of the Silver Tower; it was a hallmark of her uniquely privileged - and secluded - lifestyle.
"A loft apartment sounds nice," she said vaguely, though she had no idea what to expect. What, exactly, was a loft? A penthouse? She wasn't sure. Nora, you need to get out more.

Cor chuckled softly at her compliment. “You’ve never been to one, have you?” he asked knowingly. “They’re actually a little small and not half as nice as your place but I can't really complain.” he admitted with a shrug as he continued to drive them to his apartment.

"I see," she said. In truth, she found small places to be cosy. Maybe it was her Siren life - long stretches being spent in a cocoon. She found her own apartment to be a little big at times, just her and Bit on one floor. Bit would like this. Bit liked exploring new places.

Cor nodded, a little relieved that she seemed to understand or at least accept his explanation of what to expect. It may not have been the best but he felt better now that she was prepared. “It’s this building here.” he pointed out as he slowed to a stop in front his home.

Nora looked up at it. "So you live at the top?"

“Near the top. Well, sort of near the top.” he nodded. “Penthouses are pretty expensive, even here.” he chuckled as he carefully got off his lightcycle and helped her off as well.

Nora nodded, understanding. It was odd to let someone help her; the dizziness from her injury was beginning to set in, and she finally admitted to herself that maybe she needed some help.

Cor kept an arm around her to help her keep her balance as he grabbed his baton and walked steadily towards the door. “How are you feeling? I know that ride couldn't have been easy for you.” he said, trying to keep her talking. At least until they reached his apartment where they could take a look at her injury.

Nora, whose subconscious's focus had shifted to his arm the moment he had put it around her, blinked herself back to alertness. "I'm… I'm not fine, but I'm okay for now." Bit was floating alongside her, very close to her shoulder. She felt like she had two bodyguards. "My head hurts," she added in a whisper.

Cor nodded, frowning a little in concern as he caught her whisper. “Well, I’m glad you're being honest.” he admitted as he guided her into the elevator. He quickly pressed the right button and let her lean against the glass. “Here. Can you look at me?” he asked, gently lifting her head up to look at her eyes.

Nora looked up at him, slightly unsteadily. One of her eyes glitched the tiniest bit, then returned to normal. Bit floated next to Cor's head. In truth, Nora was focusing more on Cor's fingers on her chin and neck. They were warm and gentle. And his eyes. It was the first time she'd ever truly looked into someone's eyes, and it was startling - but in a good way.

Cor's eyes narrowed slightly when he spotted the glitch even though he had almost expected it. “Nora… I’m going to need you to trust me.” he said gently but a little firmly. “I know you have experience with repairing damaged code but I don't think it's a good idea to let you work on yourself with this kind of injury.” he explained. “Bit can help guide me.”

Nora paused for a moment. Was she really going to trust him? She had no other choice. He was a good program. He wouldn't do anything. She would be fine.
Taking a deep breath to calm her inner fears, she nodded. There was a soft ping as the elevator doors swung open. The hallway was empty. Bit floated out a few feet, then came back, as if to say, The coast is clear.

Cor smiled softly when she gave her permission and gently put his arm around her again as they reached his floor. “Thanks, Bit.” he chuckled softly as the little rascal checked the hall for them. It almost made him feel like he was doing a job as Black Light instead of helping a friend.

Yes, Bit said. A smile flicked across Nora's lips as they made their way out of the elevator.

It didn't take very long before they finally reached his apartment and Cor carefully guided Nora towards his couch. He panicked for a microsecond when he forgot if you were supposed to lay down or sit up with a head injury. “Here. Nice and easy.” he said gently as he let her rest on his couch. “It’ll be ok, Nora. I’m just going to take a look at your disc and see if I can fix the code.” he assured, though he hesitated to actually remove her disc from her possession. It wouldn't take long, he was sure but… He hadn't ever taken someone's disc from them before.

Nora hesitated as well. Was she really going to hand over her disc? There were so many things that could go wrong, but… she trusted him. Bit had always liked him, and that was good enough for her.
She unhooked her disc from her back holster and held it out to him, the familiar holograph of her face appearing above it.

Cor let out a soft sigh and gave her a grateful smile as she handed him her disc. It was a relief that she trusted him enough to do this, even though she didn't know how experienced he was with coding. He carefully accepted her disc and set it on the table so she could watch. “Alright Bit. Show me where the damage is.” he instructed, keeping his hands near Nora's code to start working.

Bit bobbed closer to the disc, floating near where most of the damage was. Nora closed her eyes.

Cor nodded slightly and tapped on the code, enhancing the sight of the damage. He winced sympathetically when he saw the actual extent of her injury. “Maybe I should have taken her to a med center.” he murmured softly, though he didn't stop working on repairing her code.

"No," Nora murmured, opening her eyes and looking at her disc. The damage was indeed worse than she had thought it would be. But she would be fine. "I don't like med centres."
No, Bit agreed.