CLU

AM I STILL TO CREATE THE PERFECT SYSTEM?

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

TEMP PIN.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED She needn’t force one—, it will only urge him to force perfection.

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED Wonderful. . .

His absence continues to breed instability.

He’ll send out the black guard.

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED She seems. . . Upset.

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED He has arrived to save her.

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED “Together.”

He repeats the word carefully, letting it sit carefully in his mouth for a moment before nodding slowly.

“: . . I would very much like that, Tay. More than anything.”

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED A low hum escapes, fingers unintentionally shifting to tighten around her hand. Eyes squinting at the games, focused yet distracted.

“. . . I cannot wait to see it.”

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED The males jaw tenses, though he nodded features soon enough relaxing as a hand overlaps hers, a gentle squeeze being offered.

“So I’ve heard. Flynn would often boast about it.”

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED There was a moment of hesitation; lights reflecting in his gaze, though he moves to settle down.

Hands folding in his lap.

“. . . Sooner or later. I’m certain of it”

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED “No, no problem.”

A small smile graces his features; he moves to her side, beckoning her to sit down on the sofa.

“It truly is. The beauty of the Grid is unmatched, though. . . I would love to see your world one day.”

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED Hopefully pleasant thoughts?

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

— and predetermined lives.”

He hadn’t said it to her. He’s said it to his legions; to his followers, perhaps it was for the best he hadn’t yet spilled his rhetoric and propaganda to her yet.

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

“Of course I have.”

He turns to face her; lips curling into a smile, one hiding something perhaps indescribable. Yet, he answers with certainty.

“I’ve said it before. . . Out there is our Destiny. Something real, something tangible beyond mere code and preconceived —

[‍ ‍ ‍ TAYLOR ATLAS.ᐟ @ENCOMCODED]

— you ever wanted to go to the real world — um, my world?”

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@REPURPOSEDCODE “Dyson. . . To what do I owe the pleasure?”

In any other circumstance; Clu would’ve played along with the civility, the personal touch. Yet it seems his patience was thin, worn out. Fortunately there was no malice, just a direct question.

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED He takes hold of it reverently; as though it would shatter with a mere breeze, though he’s careful when opening it.

Eyes scanning over its contents, its design.

Clu didn’t know how to react, how to process this.

“. . . This means. . . So much to me.”

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED . . . You made one of these valentines? For me?

Every time I see you, you always fascinate me Tay. I’m honored to receive this Valentine of yours.

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

@ENCOMCODED Ah, like the last one? Hm, color me curious. . . What is it?

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

— Pride and joy.

“I’m so glad to hear that.”

With the lift of the Recognized hoisting them up into the air; he’d wait for a moment before the ship lifts off, a soft breath escaping.

[CLU @CLU2PERFECTION]

Pride swells.

He’s so incredibly happy that she already adores the Grid he’s worked so hard to control; so hard to maintain into the semblance of perfection he’s crafted, yet there are lingering doubts.

Darkness hiding away in his gaze that threatens to overtake the —

[‍ ‍ ‍ TAYLOR ATLAS.ᐟ @ENCOMCODED]

— anymore), and when she speaks, it’s in a tone that holds emotions yet unearthed.

“it already is, clu.”

and she means it.