Artificial

Tempers Flare

Operator Reach

Shockwave storms into the house, and I follow, asking her to stop, begging her to calm down.
"Why are you being like this? This isn't you!"
"How would you know, asshole? Seems like even when we're together you're not there, not really."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'll tell you what I'm fucking talking about: You! Goddamn, you've been so distant lately it's like you don't even care if I'm around or not!"
"Have you ever considered the possibility that this is why I'm distant? This aggression? The girl I fell in love with wasn't this hardened war machine! She was soft, and kind, my little angel of death."
"You're right. I'm not the girl you fell in love with. I'm a woman, goddamn it, I can't pull that sweet, innocent little girl act anymore. I won't get anywhere."
"You've been hanging out with Velox. I can tell, you sound exactly like her."
"You know what? I hope I fucking do! Look at her, she's at the top of her game. A widely feared and respected Force Recon Operator, in peak physical form. She takes no shit, and no one dares give her any. She's got a great—"
"You know what, Shock? If I wanted Vel I would've went after her. But I went after you, because you were different. I get plenty of aggression day-to-day, and you were my break. Vel's lifestyle works for her and Evo, but that's not what I'm looking for."
"So say it."
"Say what?"
"Don't waste my time. Just go ahead and say it. We should split."
I sigh, then admit, "I knew you were gonna do this."
"I'm doing this? You pushed me away, obviously you don't want to be with me anymore!"
"Shockwave, I pushed you away so that it would hurt less when you left. I noticed your building aggression, and I knew our style wouldn't last much longer."
Shockwave sighs, and puts her head down.
"I thought you were leaving me. That's why I started to get aggressive, and hang out with Vel."
I move closer, take her hands in mine, then press my forehead against hers.
"We've got to start communicating, babe."
"I know."
"I love you. I love you more than anything in the world."
"I love you too, baby." She looks up at me. "I'd do anything for you."
I smile, and she returns the gesture.
"This is a good start."