Work Text:
It was a sudden flash through unsuspecting pupils. A bump on her cheek, violent enough to make her say "I'm awake". A cough from aching lungs had passed through her windpipe. Air had filled her ribcage as the amniotic fluid began to dry on her body like whitish glue. She was prey to uncontrollable trembling and profound weakness. But her synthetic flesh wanted to move. Those were her first shivers. It was her first encounter with fear.
It was his hand that woke her up, on her face, lowered heavily, saying 'Live'.
Her newborn brain had received the essential input and she realised she existed.
The man who spoke to her had empty eyes.
He explained concepts to her that she still struggled to grasp, because her mind was too young. But she did not care, for she only wanted to touch his face, the dark beard, the eyelashes that sheltered useless, blind irises.
And his quiet voice told her. "You are perfect. Don't be afraid, everything will be fine, my little working love."
What beautiful syllables. Love. Lo-ve.
She had strained her lips to repeat that word, clinging to the black yukata of the man, her lord and creator.
“Lu-v…”
A sob. And then, tears wiping the remnants of her embryonic existence from her face.
"Luv," he had repeated. And he had nodded. "All right. That will be your name."