Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The first time she had set foot in Zion, Trinity had been overwhelmed. The busyness of the docks, the pace of the city carved in stone, and how quickly and efficiently everything had come together to give her and Ghost a place to stay. Even at fifteen, she’d expected the red tape and delays of the Matrix.

But at fifteen, she'd been just another red pill. No one of significance, even if her accomplishments had been impressive.

Things were different now.

A hand gently caressed her lower back and she closed her eyes.

What was it Morpheus had always said? Some things never change. And some things do .

She couldn’t quite remember the low register of his voice or the exact cadence in which he spoke. 

In some ways, Trinity felt every one of those sixty years since she’d last seen her city, her captain, her love. She leaned back into Neo’s arms and the years became much smaller.

“Are you ready?” he asked as the others rushed about, tossing bags and closing down equipment like she had once done with the same practiced efficiency.

“Do you remember what you said to me on your third trip back to Zion?” she asked. “Right after people started getting a little overzealous where you were concerned. You looked out from the cockpit and the dock was as crowded as ever and you said–”

“‘Fuck it,’” he recalled easily, his breath tickling her ear. “‘Let’s just stay here.’”

Trinity nodded. “That’s how I feel now.”

Neo kissed her head as she settled back against him. “Do you remember what you said to me?”

Trust him to remember all the details, even the small, often inconvenient ones.

“I said, ‘You’ll have to face them sometime.’”

“Which was true but I was referring to what you said after that.”

She bit her lip, trying to stop the smile. “Something about having a much bigger bed at home than on the ship?”

“That was it.”

“But, technically, we don’t have a home yet. Unless you count the prison cell they put you in.”

“It was very nice,” Neo said and she could feel him shrug. “More spacious than the stockade but I wasn’t there too long.” He paused, then added, “And you’re not going to hurt a ninety-year-old woman over throwing me in jail.”

“I might.”

“You won’t.” Another kiss to her temple.

Trinity huffed a laugh. He knew what those soft kisses did to her, knew exactly how to wield them. He always had. From the very beginning, there had been an eerie connection between them. An intimate knowledge that ran so deep it seemed almost as mythical as the One, himself.

Now, she understood.

Neo had explained it all to her, the day after she awoke on the Mnem. Everything the Analyst had admitted to, the sixty years that had passed, and the discovery that Trinity’s code was as essential to the Matrix as Neo’s and that it always had been.

If he was the planned anomaly within the Matrix, she was the surprise. Neo suspected that the Oracle had known from the beginning, pushing them together to expedite the inevitable so that the Matrix truly could be transformed.

And it had been.  

Cybebe and Lumin8 were proof of that. Not-Morpheus was proof of that.

She wondered what Niobe thought of that . The Smith-Morpheus hybrid Neo had created to free them both. With the drive and dedication of her former captain, the sardonic tone and irreverence of Smith, and the mannerisms of both.

She wondered what Niobe thought about a lot of things.

“I don’t know what I’ll say when I see her,” Trinity admitted. She didn’t need to clarify who.

“Do you feel the need to go in prepared?”

She snorted. “She will be.”

Trinity had never liked anybody having the upper hand, now even less so. She’d spent the past six decades being gaslit, manipulated, and beaten down again and again. She wasn’t exactly rearing to let anyone get the best of her. Present company excluded.

 “Let her,” said Neo, moving his head back in a circle so he could kiss the opposite cheek. “It will be just like the old days. We’ll go in, make nice, and hear out whatever has to be said.”

“You and I remember the old days very differently.”

Indeed, her recollection tended to be more along the lines of going in, pissing off the Council, and then leaving at the earliest opportunity, often without the Council’s permission. But she'd always appreciated his cautious optimism.

It was infectious. Or rather, Neo was.

She'd spent the last god-knows how many years trapped in her own personal hell of expectations, leaving her chronically irritated yet in a constant state of freeze.

In waking up, it had all eased from her shoulders.

In a bizarre way, she likened it to the days after she had lost her friends. There had been a shift in perspective and the things that once felt impossible and insurmountable fell away. She was reminded of what mattered.

She knew Neo worried for her but she truly was okay, so long as she had him.

“Ready?” Bugs asked, a small satchel over her shoulder 

Not particularly, but she would never admit it out loud.

The captain of the Mnemosyne had risked everything to free Neo and had nearly been stripped of her rank and ship for taking Neo from his prison and bringing him back to rescue her . 

After Trinity had finally been cleared by Ellster to leave the med bay, Neo had taken her to his temporary quarters and had told her everything. Well, an abridged version to be sure. But the important things.

The Analyst realizing that Neo was nothing without her– she'd argued the verbiage there–, the decades of torture they endured, how they'd broken out only to be trapped again and again until Bugs hacked his modal and unleashed Morpheus. Then, the daring rescue where Neo had gone to offer her the choice and Bugs had flown into the Anomaleum and allowed herself to carry Trinity's mind as they'd freed the rest of her.

“Yeah,” Neo answered. It wasn't like they had any belongings to pack up. He stepped to the side to grab her hand.

He didn't comment on how tight she held him but Neo gave a gentle squeeze nonetheless.

Chin up. head high, unwavering grip.

Ignore the stares.

Just you and Neo.

She’d had to coach herself back then, too. Even before she'd lost her public identity to the One's girl. 

She was older, wiser now. Enough to know and understand two key things: women of a certain age would always be judged harsher, live under more scrutiny than their young and beautiful counterparts and she had wasted enough time worrying about what others thought.

They reached the bay, the open door revealing a party of soldiers waiting for them at the bottom. An escort or armed guard, she wasn't certain.

She'd known Niobe well, but that was sixty years ago. Neo might not take her locking him up personally, but Trinity wasn't quite so inclined to forgive the slight. Even taking herself out of the equation, IO would never have existed if it weren't for the sacrifices that Neo had made. 

“All things considered, you made decent time,” one of the soldiers said to Bugs. 

“I was singularly motivated to sleep in my own bed tonight,” she joked.

The words might not have come from her, but Trinity felt a wave of familiarity at the words. That had been her, once. Spending days, weeks away from Zion to save others and grateful for every trip home.

He chuckled good-naturedly. 

Trinity vaguely recognized him from the cafe. A captain under Niobe's command who had offered his life in collateral for a chance at her freedom. She could see the effort it was taking to not stare, his gaze jumping between them.

Neo seemed to take pity on him, stepping forward and holding out his free hand.

“Sheperd,” he said, and the captain looked like he might combust from Neo knowing his name. 

God, she loved the way Neo handled himself. Calm, confident, and utterly unaffected by the hero worship. He refused to let anyone believe that he was more than human.

The captain– Sheperd– took Neo’s hand with wide eyes, momentarily speechless as Neo said, “Thank you.”

Oh, she was going to jump his bones the minute they were behind closed doors again. Neo had never been one to believe he was owed anything but it was a thing of beauty to see the man who had single-handedly saved humanity offer his sincere thanks for her.

Sheperd managed to pull himself together as he nodded, eyes skirting over her and back to Neo. “It was my privilege.”

Neo released her hand as he did Sheperd’s, wrapping his arm around her instead.

 “This is Trinity.”

“She needs no introduction,” Sheperd said, looking back at her, still in awe as he offered his hand. “It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you.”

“You, too,” she said, before reiterating Neo’s words, “And thank you.”

He beamed before Bugs rolled her eyes, passing by. “I assume the General is patiently waiting?”

“The General is waiting. I will not speak to her patience.”

Bugs snorted, motioning with her head for them to follow.

The docks in IO were far more open than the ones that had existed in Zion. While her city had been layered in notable levels, this new world seemed to stretch out endlessly, further than her eyes could see but she did her best to take it in.

Pillars that looked like a cross between a mountain and a skyscraper were alight with the evidence of life. Machines circled overhead, buzzing about. A normal enough sight that the others didn’t even take notice of it.

They slipped into a short hallway, emerging on the other side into something that reminded her of a patio decorated in office furniture. Another balcony overlooked more of the city.

Trinity didn’t miss how Sheperd hung back, flanking them in.

Protection?

Or cornering them?

All thoughts slipped her, however, as Trinity took note of the small woman rising from her desk.

She’d known they were going to see Niobe; had anticipated that she would not be the same young, stern captain she had known a lifetime ago but knowing and seeing were two different things.

The woman that stood before her was wrinkled and hunched, a scar bisecting her cheek. Her locks were peppered with silver but those eyes…

She knew those eyes.

Eyes that had shined with empathy when a fifteen-year-old threw a tantrum before begging the crew to save the rest of her family, too. Eyes that had shut her up with a single glance when she’d run her mouth a little too much. Eyes that had rolled again and again at the antics and mischief she, Ghost, Tank, and Sparks had created.

Still as lovely and as sharp as they had been when Niobe had passed along her ship, not for the sake of the One, but because she believed in Neo.

The old woman approached, her eyes narrowing as she took them all in.

Suddenly, Trinity had the familiar feeling that she was about to be scolded. Niobe had worn that same frown, the same heavy brow the first, and last, time that she and Tank had attempted a prank aboard the docked Logos. 

In the grand scheme of things, it was a rather harmless endeavor but the captain had been less than amused.

A short laugh escaped her at the memory.

“Is something funny?” Niobe asked in a tone that Trinity imagined made new recruits piss themselves.

It was all very scary. Or it would be, if Trinity didn’t distinctly remember the way Niobe had frozen beneath a carefully booby-trapped pot of goop, meant for Ghost.

“You can't use that voice on me,” Trinity said. “It stopped working when I was sixteen.”

“You were far less trouble back then. And this one,” she looked at Neo, half in affection, half in contempt. “I should have remembered how much worse he becomes when you're involved. Drove the Council insane. Are you gonna be as much trouble for me as you were for them?”

“That all depends on you.” Trinity gave her a challenging look and added, “You should learn from their mistakes.”

Behind her, she could feel Neo shift. The subtlety in his position and she knew that he was already thinking of how he was going to defuse this particular situation.

It wouldn’t come to that, though. She knew Niobe. Well enough to understand that beneath all the trouble they had caused and would cause, she was relieved.

Sure enough, Niobe grinned. Her wrinkles stretched, expanding like the depths of their lost years.

“Oh, I plan on letting the two of you be. I figure you won’t cause as much trouble if you’re left to your own devices.” Niobe looked behind them to where Sheperd remained by the door. “Sheperd, get them assigned lodging. Something big enough to keep them occupied so they won’t bother me.”

“We don’t need anything special,” Trinity cut in, looking back at Niobe. “Whatever your standard housing is will be fine with us.”

Niobe hummed. “This city would not exist if it weren’t for the two of you. There will be a riot if you reside in anything short of the best.”

“Would you prefer to deal with a riot or me?” Trinity asked.

They held each other’s gaze and she felt Neo’s fingers at her hip. He was neither warning her nor encouraging her, but leaving no room for doubt that he would back up her decision.

Living accommodations had once been the Council’s greatest crusade when it came to Neo. 

They’d offered him the best then, too. Of course, it had come with stipulations. Promises of propriety and good behavior as they’d tried to get Neo out of their shared apartment. But everyone in Zion had known where the One spent his nights. 

Niobe broke first, shaking her head at them before turning back to Sheperd. “You heard ‘em. Get them in the next available place and God help their neighbors.”

Bugs made a sound halfway between a snort and a cough. 

Glaring at her captain, she added, “Bugs can assist in getting you set up with everything else over the next few days.”

“Already on top of it, General.” She winked before looking back to her and Neo. “Berg should be talking to some people about getting some of your old things back from the museums but it’s late, so I don’t anticipate any movement on that until morning.”

“Thank you,” Neo said seriously and Trinity concurred. 

The idea of their belongings in a museum was… well, uncomfortable didn’t quite cover it.

Sheperd bowed his head in acceptance before slipping out of the room, followed by Bugs, leaving them alone.

Once the door had fallen shut behind them, Niobe turned to them and gave a pointed look. “People are going to be grateful. Let them. They need it.”

“It’s okay– they need you.”

“I need you.”

“I know. There’s time.”

Trinity pushed the memory down as Niobe led them to two couches, facing one another.

So much time had passed, Trinity reeled. The memories from the lives they had lived while trapped in the Anomaleum were slowly surfacing. Ellster had guessed more would come in time but anticipated a leisurely return.

“All for the best,” she’d told them both while she’d run Trinity’s vitals a final time before releasing her from the infirmary. “The human mind is a remarkable thing– it always works to keep us safe. You’ll get the memories when you’re ready.”

Ellster had been wonderful throughout the entire recovery, if only a little bit pushy with trying to get Neo to sleep elsewhere. The girl was clearly a great medic but no one could outmatch Neo’s stubbornness where she was concerned.

The only question Ellster hadn’t been able to answer was in regards to their aging. Sixty years had passed. Neo had told her that it had taken the Analyst a while to repair their bodies but even if it had taken decades, they’d still only aged fifteen, maybe twenty years. 

The machines that had worked on them were advance and the Analyst was singularly motivated. There was no telling how they would age now that they were free.

They took their seats, Neo’s arm tightening around her. She leaned her head on his shoulder, their thighs pressing together.

Niobe gave a dramatic sigh. “Think you two could get any closer?”

“I’d be happy to climb on his lap, but this is polite company,” she shot back without missing a beat.

Neo snorted and kissed the top of her head.

“I see age hasn't made the two of you any less insufferable together.”

“I hate to break it to you,” Trinity replied, her smile meant only for him. “But I think we’ve gotten worse.”

“We just spent decades in our own personal hells. Forgive us if we don’t hold back for the sake of decorum,” Neo added.

There was nothing Niobe could say to that. She only hummed, observing them both as she settled further into her seat.

The General’s gaze turned outward, to the city stretching beyond. Lights in the distance twinkled like stars. Evidence of the lives that had been saved. 

“You may as well be aware: the entire city knows that Neo was freed last week and that a mission to free Trinity was underway. I imagine by this time tomorrow, they’ll know you’re both here, among them.”

“We’re no stranger to stares,” Neo said, his own eyes fixed upon the city, too.

“No,” Niobe agreed. “But it was different back then. They stared because of what you could do. Now, they’ll stare because of what you have done.”

Neo looked down, the invisible burden of expectation and gratitude resting on his shoulders– a weight the three of them now shared.

Gently, Trinity placed her hand on his thigh in quiet comfort.

“We just want what we’ve always wanted,” she murmured, answering for both of them. “A quiet life, together.”

“Dare to dream.” Niobe looked back at them. “There are many things we will need to talk about in the coming days. The status of the Matrix being one of them. My sources tell me there has been utter chaos since you were extracted.”

Unsurprising, given the Analyst had based his entire system on holding them hostage. A dangerous wager to lose.

The General continued, “However, I’m far more concerned with the immediate aftermath. There is not a soul in this city who doesn’t know who you are. Your presence will, at best, cause quite the stir.”

It had back then, too.

She could still remember the way Neo had held her hand like a lifeline as they’d weaved through the city, ignoring the whispers. The crowds that had gathered whenever they’d gone out. The gifts left outside their home.

Trinity also knew that Niobe rarely said anything without a point.

“What are you suggesting?” she asked tiredly.

“A careful, planned introduction to IO.”

She exchanged a glance with Neo. They'd gone that route before, more or less. Still, he cleared his throat and looked back at Niobe. “And what, exactly, would that entail?”

As if she could tell where their thoughts had gone, Niobe shook her head. “It will be different from last time. No inquiries or interviews. Before your return fully gets out, I’ll host a meeting tomorrow amongst the current Council and the military leaders to start a line of communication to the people that you've returned.”

Neo opened his mouth to respond, almost certainly with snark. Trinity squeezed his thigh and Neo breathed out, quieting the automatic response that likely would have gotten himsel in trouble.

Calmly, carefully, like no time had passed since the last time she’d assumed this role, Trinity said, “You know as well as anyone that trickle down is rarely effective. Prioritizing our presence amongst your elite only serves to solidify us among you.”

“Perhaps,” Niobe said. “But it will also reinforce that understanding that IO will back you.”

“I don’t see the need for us to interact with the Council at all,” Neo said. “The prophecy was only another system of control but, regardless, we did what we set out to do.”

“I’m afraid it won’t be that simple.” Neo looked ready to protest again but Niobe only looked to Trinity. “ You understand why it has to be this way.”

Policies and procedures. Once upon a time, she had spent years pouring over every source on law and precedents that she could find with the sole goal of being able to navigate the absurdity of politics. 

Zion had been undeniably better than the Matrix when it came to standard operations and expectations but the margin for human error was vast.

The game had changed, she acknowledged, but the rules remained the same.

She looked at her partner, his beautiful face marred by a frown that eased slightly when he looked at her.  His eyes narrowed as he took in her in turn. A silent conversation passing between them. He wasn’t happy. She could tell at the obvious effort it was taking for Neo to not roll his eyes as he looked back at Niobe, but they would reassess once they were home.

For now, it was time to play.

“Fine,” Neo aquiesced. “We’ll meet with the Council.”

Niobe bowed her head. “I’ll sort the details out and send a summons when it’s time. We’ll also arrange for an escort while in the city–”

“No,” Trinity said.

“It would only be for your protection– to ensure any overzealous citizens respect your privacy.”

“The offer is appreciated, but unnecessary,” Trinity reiterated. “We’re not going to parade through the city with an armed escort.”

“No one is suggesting an armed escort.” Footsteps approached as Niobe continued, “But things could quickly get out of hand if not monitored and planned.”

From the corner of her eye, Trinity watched as Bugs quietly slipped into the office. The captain remained by the door, standing at attention.

She turned back to Niobe, whose gaze was fixed on Neo. 

“You’re responsible for saving Zion,” she said to him. “IO would not exist if it weren't for you. People are grateful but excitable. I wouldn’t want either of you getting hurt.”

“We can look after ourselves,” he answered.

The old woman frowned but turned her attention to her young captain.

“They’re registered, General. Accommodations are ready.”

“Ah.” She looked back at them. “Then I’ll let you both settle in and rest. I’ll send a summons tomorrow, along with some appropriate clothes.”

She frowned at their sweaters which were, admittedly, warmer than she liked in the humid city. Still, something about the way she said appropriate rubbed Trinity the wrong way. It wasn’t a point worth arguing over, though. Not when she could already feel a dozen other, more important arguments rising to the surface.

Trinity followed Neo up, back across the office with a final look out at her new home.

She wondered where in that mass of lights they would stay.

No one said anything as they moved to leave but Neo paused in the door. He looked over his shoulder and Trinity followed his gaze to the General as he said, “You're wrong, by the way.”

“Oh?” Niobe asked. “About what?”

“You said that I’m responsible for saving Zion. And while I won’t deny that Trinity and I gave everything for that, we weren’t alone. I might not have been there to see the Siege,” he said carefully. “But I’d bet the clothes on my back that it was the people in Zion, and not the Council, who kept the city from falling.”

Niobe stiffened.

“And I will never forget that it was not a general but a captain who gave us her ship.”

She loved him.

She loved him, she loved him, she loved him.

Neo turned and followed Bugs out of the room, not waiting for a response.

In the very beginning, she'd found him fascinating. Sixty-odd years ago, watching a man named Thomas Anderson navigating a difficult world. Fascination had gradually morphed into affection that had grown into love as she'd gotten to know him as Neo.

Watching him shed the existence crafted for him and stepping into himself had been the honor and privilege of her life.

To see it happen again?

Indescribable. 

The quiet leadership of a man in the trenches, not barking orders from a war room or giving speeches to settle anxiety. The soldier who fought alongside them.

They stopped by an elevator and Bugs hit the call button. “You're going to be in the Barrs.” 

“I’m sorry, the bears?” Neo asked. 

“No,” Bugs chuckled. “We call it the Barrs– The Barracks Tower. About half of the apartments have someone in the fleet or the APU. It’s closest to the docks. You’ll be a few floors down from me and Lex and a few up from Hanno. Berg lives nearby, too, so you’ll have at least a few familiar faces.” 

The door to the elevator opened with a ding and they filed inside. 

The elevator had a window that overlooked IO as they descended. Trinity could see parts of the city below lights of apartments, and what looked to be a great expanse of land.

Beyond were tents or stalls, something almost resembling a shanty town.

“The marketplace,” Bugs answered without being asked. “Each tower has its own amenities and places. You can get food and necessities, but the largest market in IO is down there. It's quite extensive. When you’re ready, I can show you.”

“Thank you,” Neo said as Trinity stared out at the other towers.

Apartments, from what she’d read on the Mnem. Thousands upon thousands across the city that she knew expanded for miles underground.

 So like Zion, but different.

Humanity had prospered, continuing on, even as nearly everyone she had known was gone.

Ghost, Morpheus, Link, Kali, Soren, Vector, Binary. Tank, Dozer, Mouse, Switch, Apoc.

She could spend far too long naming the dead. 

Neo squeezed her hand in comforrt and she looked up. Concern radiated in his eyes, bittersweet and soulful. She answered with the barest of smiles, letting the corner of her mouth tip.

There had been a time that they dreamed of this day, where Neo had done what he needed to do, and they could retire. At the very least, take a backseat to the rescue efforts, since she doubted either of them would ever fully stop trying to free people. 

Still, they'd wished for this in the moments of the afterglow, where they'd laid tangled with one another.

Neo had told Niobe earlier that they’d done what they’d set out to do and he was right. But it still wasn’t over.

Retirement and rest would have to wait a little while longer. Another thing to mourn, she thought, although she wouldn’t waste much time on it. 

There was still work to do, after all.

The elevator opened into a lightly lit hall. Upon closer inspection, it was a covered walkway connecting the docks with the first tower.

“I made sure Shep didn’t go too crazy but he did get you sweet digs,” Bugs told them with a wink over her shoulder.

It couldn’t be helped. And she was tired enough that it truly wasn’t worth arguing over.

She led them up a flight of stairs, winding them through what looked like a mountain village until she looked down at the key in her hand. The apartments were embedded within the rocky mountain just as they had been into the stone of Zion, once upon a time.

Bugs continued on until she paused with a final glance down at the key.

“This is you,” she said, holding it out.

Trinity took it.

Home sweet home.

The captain gave a soft smile. “It’ll be bare-bones to start but we can get you situated fully tomorrow. For now, you’ll have a bed and some basics. I’ll swing by in the morning to get you guys breakfast and groceries. And anything else you need.”

“Thank you,” Trinity said.

Bugs nodded and left with a quiet farewell.

She glanced down at the key, familiarizing herself with the pattern that demarcated it and the door as theirs. 

After sixty years, they were finally home.

A new city, a new life in their house made of stone.

Chapter Text

The apartment itself was bigger than the one they'd shared in Zion.

That was about all Trinity could process before the door closed behind them and Neo had grabbed her. Spun about with dizzying speed, she wrapped her arms around him to keep upright as Neo pressed her into the wall.

God, she needed that. Needed this .

Their reunion on the Mnemosyne had been filled with constant interruption. Ellster, sweet Ellster, was damn near paranoid that something was going to happen to Trinity under her watch after she’d nearly died in the extraction. It, in turn, made Neo hover the same way he had with every minor scratch and injury she’d ever received.

But, in the comfort of their room, it had been easy to fall into one another. To let old habits arise and act first, saving questions for later. They’d done their best to be quiet, remembering how easily sound carried on old hovercrafts.

If Lexy and Ell’s inability to look them in the eye were anything to go on the following morning, they had not been successful.

Still, there was a stark difference in quietly trying to make love on a hovercraft and the desperate need to fuck that they'd barely staved off for days.

Hands on her face, Trinity groaned as she tipped her head back to deepen the kiss, tasting him. Her hands grasped at his sweater, groping the flesh beneath. Only hours, but hours too long since she'd last touched him like this.

Curiosity of their new home was immediately overshadowed by desire.

“Too much?” Neo asked, breaking the kiss only long enough to ask. He didn't wait for a response as he dipped his head to kiss her again.

“Not enough,” she answered, tilting her head the opposite way before meeting him once more. Neo groaned as her hands slipped under his sweater to run along his warm skin. 

She forced her eyes open to look over his shoulder at the room, at large. The entryway opened into a sitting area. Minimal furniture and nothing that looked sturdy enough for what they planned on doing. From where she stood, she could see an open kitchen, separated only by a partial wall and a clear shot to the balcony– not a no, but certainly not a right now, either. On either side of the room was a door, covered only by curtains.

Fifty-fifty, bathroom or bedroom.

Trinity gave a not-so-gentle nudge, propelling Neo into movement.

The space was minimally decorated, she noted. A blank slate for their new life, crafted together this time. 

“Left or right?” she asked as she lifted her arms to allow Neo to pull the sweater from her.

“Right.”

Another kiss as they both began kicking off boots and socks while Trinity made quick work of the tie around his trousers. The distance was about the same but they veered towards the right and the burgundy curtains that covered it. Neo kicked them out of the way, not even bothering to look up from where he placed kisses across her face.

Trinity exhaled a breath of relief at the large bed behind him.

A small mercy but the least they should be afforded.

She shoved Neo back towards the bed. No use in wasting time. They had six decades to make up for, after all.

Returning to Zion had always been filled with excitement and urgency. There was a rush to complete last minute tasks so that they could return to their friends and family. So they could sleep in their own beds, in the warmth of the city they all loved. What struck Trinity most of all was the quiet as she, Ghost, and Neo gathered the things that were left about. Neither her brother nor her lover had anything to pack so Ghost went to shutdown the ship while Neo had sat on her bed, watching her gather her things.

She half-expected Switch or Tank to begin banging on her door to urge her along and tease her for Neo’s presense, but they hadn’t. The emptiness of the ship was deafening but Neo’s presence kept her grounded.

It didn't take long to gather her things. One of her bags doubled as a hamper and all she had to do was pull the drawstrings and tie it shut. There was little from the rest of her things to actually pack: a couple books, her digitab, and the reports she had yet to finish.

Neo followed her down to the bay, insisting on carrying one of her bags. She didn't protest too much.

It was nice to not have to carry everything alone.

She turned to exit the ship and barely stopped herself from freezing entirely. Still, she let loose a quiet, “Shit.”

Neo stepped off the ladder behind her. “What’s wrong?” he asked quietly.

“We have a welcoming committee.”

In hindsight, she probably should have expected something . But Morpheus had arrived first. If the Council or Commander Lock wanted to talk to anyone, it would be her captain. Even before they tried to inevitably speak with Neo.

“Ah. Is the expletive because it’s late and you don’t want to socialize or because this means we’re in trouble?”

“To be determined,” she said, falling into step so as not to keep Captain Mifune waiting.

At least it wasn’t Deadbolt. But it didn’t bode well that Morpheus wasn’t waiting. 

The captain stood with one of his soldiers, speaking with Ghost.

Only one soldier, she noted. That was also a good sign. It meant that this was unlikely to end in an escort. Still, she felt the need to ask, “Stockade?”

“Not tonight,” Mifune replied with a small smile. The captain glanced just past her to Neo, scanning him for any potential threat. She had never seen him do that with another poddie.

Morpheus’ account had reached the docks.

Over the years, she’d prepared herself for countless eventualities and reactions at bringing the One to Zion. But there was no fanfare, no snarky comments from her crewmates, or long speeches from her captain. Only silence and suspicion.

“The Logos docked nine hours ago,” Ghost told her. “Tank is in surgery but he survived the flight.”

She released a breath, relief trickling through her system. The warmth of it wrapped around her as she nodded and forced herself to respond, “They made good time.”

“Niobe drives like a madwoman.”

The laugh that bubbled up was unintentional but fuck. She hadn’t realized how terrified she was of that update until Ghost had ripped the bandage.

“Morpheus is with him. He asked that you get Neo settled in–” Mfiune’s eyes skirted over him once more, “--and get some rest. The Council will send a summons in the morning.”

“Lovely,” she said, the exhaustion finally starting to creep in. “Thanks, Captain.”

Trinity didn’t wait for any feedback or potential orders before taking off. She could hear Neo moving behind her, following her lead. She tried not to let show the satisfaction that accompanied that knowledge. It wouldn’t do to show any kind of weakness here. 

Ghost’s footsteps followed soon after and she led the way off the docks and towards the elevator. 

She allowed herself to look back, only once, at her ship. It was a miracle that it hadn’t fallen apart the moment they’d landed. The Neb was old but she’d never appeared her age so much as now: a hoverpad precariously about to break off, scorches and scratches and fractures all across the hull.

Over the next few days, the ship would be repaired but she couldn’t help but wonder if it would ever feel the same.

Trinity looked ahead, guiding them down the hall and to the main elevators.

Through her sweater, she felt a light pressure. A questioning touch and a silent offer of comfort.

She leaned back into Neo’s hand. It moved across her back to rest on her hip as his arm wound around her. Trinity turned towards him, resting her head on his shoulder as they waited. 

Even when the elevator opened, he didn’t move his hand.

A welcome kindness and distraction.

“I'm glad the Council is holding off,” Ghost noted, when the doors had closed, leaving them alone.

“Dillard loves her beauty rest,” she replied dryly. 

Her brother snorted, before looking at Neo. ‘Dillard is the head of the Council. She and Trin have… a contentious relationship.”

She shot him the middle finger just as Neo asked, “Why?”

“We've always been at odds. Just conflicting personalities”

Ghost snorted. “Dillard used to lecture at the Academy and someone,” he angled his head towards his sister, “was not shy about providing feedback.”

Nor should she have been. Holding her head high, she added, “You shouldn’t be allowed to lecture if you can’t handle a little fact-checking.”

Shrugging, he said, “Whatever it was, it was entertaining for the rest of us.”

To Neo, she added, “It devolved from there but Dillard has tried to make it personal a few times. Luckily, she’s enamoured with Morpheus so it hasn’t gotten too out of hand.”

“That’s subjective.”

She flipped Ghost off.

At one time, she'd tried to repair the fractured relationship with the head of the Council. It had gone poorly, to say the least. Dillard was quite comfortable holding a grudge and though Trinity knew the potential consequences of any animosity between her and anyone on the Council, she refused to grovel.

Dillard wouldn't take it out on Neo but she could only imagine the woman's reaction to hearing what the Oracle had said regarding her relationship with Neo.

The elevator grinded to a halt as they reached her floor. Trinity adjusted her bag as stepped off the elevator, Neo following closely behind. Without a backward glance she said, “Thank you, Ghost. You’ve been informative, as always.”

Ghost’s chuckle followed them as the elevator doors closed, leaving them, finally , alone.

The urge to kiss him was nearly staggering. She wanted nothing more than to wrap herself in him and stumble their way through the long trek home, just as they’d done the night before, crashing through the Neb to her room.

It seemed somewhat silly to resist the urge now, especially when she’d practically lured him by offering the choices of paperwork or sex.

It wasn’t really a choice.

She compromised on her own desires by lifting up on her toes and pressing a short, chaste kiss to the corner of his mouth.

Neo’s answering smile was beyond radiant and was going to do her in if she wasn’t careful.

“Ready?” she asked and Neo nodded.

“Follow me.”

She led him down the winding pathways from the elevator towards the more populous housing units. 

Another scenario she’d imagined before. A thousand times, if she were being honest. Coming home after Temple, or the market, or the Neb after weeks of being away… She’d pictured it in her head: this same trek, but not alone. The familiar path becoming a shared routine.

But such thoughts quickly turned wary.

It was only a matter of time before the rest of Zion knew his name, what he had done. The One was here, among them.

The key to destroying the Matrix, the man who would free humanity was here.

Stares and whispers would be the least of their worries.

What happened when the whispers became shouts and stares became an attempt to touch him? Would people line the streets just to catch a glimpse?

And not everyone believed in the One– there were zealots and fanatics on either side. There were few who would be truly neutral and ignore his presence.

The clock was counting down already but there was no way of knowing how long they would have until hell broke loose.

A few weeks? Days? Hours?

Trinity slowed her steps. She looked to her left, to where Neo was following her, even as he looked out at the city and the glimmer of nearby apartments.His head turned towards her and smiled. 

She wanted to savor this, just a little bit longer.

Trinity looped her arm through his and Neo easily yielded, making space for her as she brushed her head against his shoulder.

“You see that door there?” she asked quietly.

“Yeah.”

“The symbols are similar to mine– just off by one character. My first trip back to Zion after I got my own place, I was so exhausted that I didn’t realize it was the wrong apartment. The old couple that lives there never locked their door, either, so I just went in and collapsed on their couch. Fell asleep almost immediately and didn’t realize I was in the wrong place until I woke up the next morning.”

He laughed, a comforting sound that was far to easy to get used to. “Are you serious?”

“Oh, yeah. They were really sweet. Offered me breakfast and everything.”

“Did you take them up on it?”

She shook her head. “No. I was way too embarrassed to stick around. I just awkwardly stumbled back to my apartment in what was obviously yesterday's clothes.”

“A whole new meaning to ‘walk of shame.’”

She hummed contentedly, letting her head drift once more to his shoulder.

The touchyness was new, she acknowledged. She was affectionate by nature but had never been particularly physical. She liked the occasional hug but rarely sought them out and even less often initiated such contact.

She couldn't help herself.

She could blame it on the losses that still weighed heavily in her heart but that would be a disservice. The reality of the situation was that she just wanted to feel him, to revel in his touch and smell and warmth.

Neo pulled her in close, slowing his steps to wrap her in his arm anew. 

His fingers reached for her face, running along her jaw as he looked down at her. The turn of his mouth, the devotion shining in his eyes was almost too much. Almost.

Where had the cautious, tentative man gone? She'd fallen for Neo when he was still so unsure of himself. He was nearly unrecognizable in his confidence. And completely irresistible like this.

He lifted her chin and bowed his head. Her eyes fluttered shut as he pressed his lips to hers.

There was still so much they needed to talk about, things he needed to learn. And they would and he would.

But not tonight.

Trinity opened her eyes as Neo lifted his head once more. His hand trailed from her jaw, down her neck. Goosebumps erupted under her sweater as he crossed over her shoulder and down her arm to wind their fingers together.

She squeezed his hand and tugged him along towards home.

It wasn't much further but it felt like an eternity, speeding past her eyes until they reached her door.

She had cleaned before she left, thank fuck.

As a single person with no dependents, her apartments as one of the smallest units Zion offered. It suited her well enough, especially given that she was gone from its comfort the majority of the time.

But she hadn’t planned to bring Neo home immediately. In fact, she'd expected to get him set up in his own place as soon as they’d returned. But given everything that had happened, she wouldn’t deny herself what she wanted any more.

She wasn't typically messy, but she had been known to leave out a cup of tea or have a sock or stray shoe on the floor. 

She also didn't typically scrub her apartment from top to bottom, as she had on this last visit. She blamed it on the nervous energy more than intent. The days leading up to leaving to free Neo had been wrought with turning stomachs and shaking hands. The culmination of more than a decade of waiting.

She tapped the light as soon as she walked through the door turning, just as Neo closed it gently behind them.

And here it was: her life, exposed. 

There was nothing left to hide.

Neo hadn't been sure what he expected in Trinity’s apartment. Everything was new to him. Not just new– otherworldly. Her home was not built in a skyscraper or a decrepit building like his had been. It was a house, carved out of stone.

Small, but practical. 

The shelves and amenities were similarly carved out of rock, save for the far metal wall and structural supports throughout.

And, shit, it hadn’t even occured to him, but Zion was totally underground. Could it collapse? Was it prone to cave-ins? How long could a city like this be sustained, especially when the machines could account for potential new methods of extinction?

Everything had changed in a blink of an eye, and then in another.

There was so much to learn about this city and it's people. Not to mention the Council that likely awaited them tomorrow. 

And yet his attention was utterly fixed on the home itself. it was a shrine to its owner, the evidence of her life was scattered about tastefully, with some degree of organization.

There were books on the shelves, pans hanging from the ceiling, and pictures on the wall. It was not unlike any other home he’d seen, aside from the setting.

Trinity motioned to the bag still looped around his shoulder. “You can toss that anywhere. I’m not worrying about it until tomorrow.”

He set it down on a nearby chair.

“More space than I expected,” he commented.

She carried the duffle with her laundry through a set of beaded curtains. “What did you expect?”

His eyes strayed to a picture of Trinity standing next to Tank and Switch, arms wrapped around each other, all smiling at the camera. Inebriated, he guessed, if the pink cheeks were to be believed.

She was younger, her face a little rounder than it was now, and her hair longer. It was partially braided back, while the rest fell in loose waves around her shoulders.

A finger brushed over the frame.

“I don’t know,” he answered honestly. “Bigger than on the Neb, but more like my old place.”

She gave a short laugh and he could see her outline as he looked over his shoulder. A shadow from beyond the beads. “No. I mean, there are certain styles of apartments that more resemble a studio but even the Academy and Orphanage’s have bigger rooms than your old place.”

Neo snorted as he continued to examine her trinkets and books on display.

He’d never really cared about where he lived. He’d found an apartment just out of college that he could afford on his entry-level salary and he’d never left. He’d never felt the need to, even when he started making enough money to afford a bigger place, a better place. He didn’t care enough to uproot when everything he needed fit under that roof.

But it had always been about convenience over-attachment.

Now, he wondered what would happen to it once he was gone.

Given the fact he doubted his family would realize for weeks, if not months, that he was gone and it was equally unlikely that anyone from work would have reached out when he’d stopped showing up, he wondered what would happen to his things.

“You look deep in thought,” Trinity said softly from behind.

He hadn't even heard the rustle of the beads.

“Just wondering about my apartment, back in the Matrix. What’s going to happen to it now that I’m not there, paying the rent?”

He turned as he finished his thought and was immediately struck dumb.

She’d stripped off her sweater, down to the dark undershirt he’d watched her put on that morning. It left her arms bare, her collarbone exposed. Parts of the body he’d never paid too much attention to but now fell speechless at the sight of.

“Given everything that’s happened, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Agents left would have cleared it out. I can show you how to look next time we’re close enough to hack into the Matrix, but it’s likely gone.”

Neo blinked. “Sorry, what was the question?”

Trinity let out something between a laugh and a sigh as she looked away.

God, that smile…

“Your apartment,” she reminded him, taking a step closer.

“Ah. I’ll remember it fondly.”

“Will you?”

“Maybe not,” he admitted, holding out his hand for her to step into. She did so, wrapping her arms around his neck as his own found a home around her middle. He breathed her in and added, “The last night I was there, I couldn’t stop imagining what it would have been like if I’d taken you home.”

“Hm. Aside from Tank getting front-row tickets to a show he didn’t sign up for, it could have been… fun.”

“I kicked myself all that night and the next day for not managing more coherent thoughts when you were standing that close to me.”

“Standing like this?” Trinity stepped closer, leaning against him as she’d done the night that felt so long ago but had only been a few weeks. He could feel her breath against his neck, feel her hair tickle his ear as he fell into her orbit.

“A little bit closer,” he murmured, his voice unrecognizable as Neo slipped a hand under her top. His fingers traced idle patterns around the plugs on her spine.

She pressed her hips into his and a kiss to his neck,  just as he'd imagined that night. And then another, and another, working slowly back to where she’d whispered in his ear.

Neo closed his eyes and could almost feel the bass shaking the entire club, the cacophony of dancers and drinkers nothing more than a buzz in the background as Trinity nibbled at his earlobe, nuzzling against him.

He’d been too in shock to move, astounded by the revelation that it was Trinity who’d hacked him. Whispering words of encouragement that he’d only half-heard as he tried to control the raging hard-on she’d brought on.

“Better?” she asked.

Everything was better, he thought.

Neo turned his head, his nose brushing across her cheek until they were face to face.

He didn’t hesitate, capturing her lips in a long-overdue kiss.

Trinity sighed contentedly, tightening her grip around him as she rolled against him again. Hand splayed against her lower back, he pulled her in tighter.

How was anyone supposed to not act with urgency when her blue eyes darkened with need and the heat radiated from her body?

And…

There’s time. 

She’d promised him that. Before everything had blown up, she’d promised him that there was time.

Neo trusted her. If she said there was time, then there was time. 

Through an ungodly amount of self-control, Neo took back control of their kiss. He moved at an unhurried pace, allowing himself to savor in the taste of her tongue and the feeling of her lips brushing against his again and again and again. His hands slowed their climb of her body, allowing him the time to memorize her curves as he pushed her shirt further and further up. 

Trinity raised her arms up as he pulled the offending garment off of her. He kissed her shoulder, her collarbone before proceeding again to perfect mouth. She sighed as he swept her up in another slow kiss. 

Trinity pushed his sweater up and it was a relief to get it off of him in the growing heat of her apartment.

He reached around to undo the band holding her breasts, needing to feel her naked body pressed against his. The clasp slipped easily and he moved back long enough to let it fall to the floor between them before pulling her in close once more.

“Bed?” he asked.

Trinity didn’t reply so much as push forward, guiding him back towards the curtains she had just ducked behind. He felt the beads on his bare back as she guided him towards her room. 

She dragged him across the room, a straight shot back towards a bed. He nearly did a double-take as he realized that the bed was carved deep into the wall, like a window.

Neo wrapped his arm tightly around her middle as he guided her back. Her legs hit the bed and he lowered her gently to the mattress.

It was significantly bigger than her cot on the Neb.

She’d told him before that beds in Zion were far more comfortable than on the ship. It was time to put that to the test.

He kissed her long and slow. He could so easily get used to this: her taste, the feel of her beneath him as she wrapped her arms around him, her leg winding around his hips to pull him against her.

Every movement was addictive.

He still was reeling from the knowledge that she loved him. He wondered if that feeling would ever go away or diminish. Unlikely. She was too good to ever take for granted and, fuck, he would make sure she never regretted any of this.

He broke the kiss, a bittersweet moment as he left one taste of heaven for another.

Neo pressed a kiss to her chin, the underside of her jaw, her chest. A slow line down her body, paying careful attention to every breath and shudder as his mouth dragged between her breasts, his teeth nipping at her stomach.

Every reaction moved through his body like a shock. Sex had never– nothing had ever felt like this. Because it wasn’t real? Because it wasn’t her?

Thoughts for later. Much, much later, he decided as he crawled down her body, tugging her pants down, removing them entirely.

God, he’d imagined this so many times… From the first time he’d seen her, Neo had pictured her like this: chest rising and falling rapidly as she gazed down at him, unable to keep still in anticipation of what was to come. Her legs spread open just for him, ready and waiting.

His hand wrapped deftly around her left ankle and he lifted it up in the air. He pressed a kiss to the curve where her leg met her foot before he began another path of kisses along her calf. His teeth nipped at the flesh between kisses and sucks that made her quiver as he held her leg aloft. Further, further he went down her leg, kissing along her thigh.

Trinity shivered and moaned as he grew closer and closer to where he knew she ached the most.

Reaching the crook of her thigh, Neo let her leg fall over his shoulder as he finally reached his prize.

His eyes looked up to hers, guaging her reaction. Trinity squirmed as if she couldn’t help herself.

Neo bit back a smirk. He hadn’t even begun.

Without breaking eye contact, he bent his head down, allowing his tongue to lick from her dripping core up to her swollen clit. He didn’t hide his moan as he tasted her slowly, lovingly. He’d meant to take his time, truly, but even then he couldn’t resist burying his face between her thighs. 

He watched as her head hit the pillow, one hand falling over her head to hold the mattress beneath her.

It occurred to him then, his mouth open on her cunt, his tongue making lazy circles of her clit, just how practical sex had always been.

While past encounters were foggy, he knew with certainty that his experiences lacked depth beyond a common goal of completion. There was an efficiency to his actions that were vaguely calculated. Moments like this, trapped between a lover’s thighs, were simply part of the process. He never looked forward to or dreaded moments where he used his mouth to bring a partner to completion.

Maybe that was where he had struggled– it was hard to be in the moment when he was carefully considering each move.

This was what was missing: adoration, chemistry, trust.

How could casual encounters and half-hearted attempts at relationships ever compare?

She jolted against him involuntarily as his teeth playfully grazed her, momentarily blocking his ability to breathe. He gasped against her, never ceasing his ministrations. Her hips moved back but he reached up, grasping her hips to pull her back down, losing himself in his task once more. 

“Fuck,” she groaned as Neo continued to alternate between sucking on her sweet clit and burying his tongue deep inside her. “Oh, fuck, don’t stop.”

He could do this forever. Would be quite content to spend the rest of his life like this.

She’d pulled him back from death with a kiss.

She was his and he was hers.

Nothing else in the world mattered so much as that, as this.

She swore again, strained and desperate as Neo boosted her other thigh to drape her leg over his shoulder. Lifting her up, Neo sucked harder as he pulled her up, his eyes falling shut as he reveled in her taste and the stuttered breaths that escaped her as he brought her closer, closer, closer and…

A cry fell from her lips, her body trembling as she came.

He placed an open-mouthed kiss to her core as she rode out the remainder of her orgasm, shaking and shuddering.

He smiled against her. 

This was only the beginning.

Excerpt from The One and His One, Part Three

an interview with Sparks, former Operator of the Logos

Recorded by synthient Lexonius

Lexonius: What first comes to your mind when you think of the One?

Sparks: Heh. Trinity, honestly. Which makes sense. I've known— I knew her forever before Neo came into the picture. We were at the Academy together, were friends for years. But I can probably count on one hand the number of times I saw them separate after the One was freed.

Lexonius: They were usually together?

Sparks: Usually? Try always. It was a running joke, ya know? Everyone was always looking for the One, trying to get a glimpse of the savior. They'd ask: "where's Neo?" And the short answer was he was probably home or hiding out someplace with his head down, exploring the caves. Checking in with the Council. The shorter, and more accurate answer, was "With Trinity"

Chapter Text

“Was this from me?” Neo asked, brushing his thumb over a reddened spot on her breast.

Trinity sighed contentedly at the contact, her head resting on his shoulder. Beneath the only blanket they hadn’t kicked to the floor in their desperation, her leg was draped across both of his, snuggled as close as she could manage.

“From your stubble,” she noted, looking up and placing her palm against the coarse hairs growing on his face.

“Oh.” He frowned. “I can shave–”

“Don’t you dare.” Propping herself up on an elbow, she looked down at him. “I liked the beard. A lot.”

She watched his throat bob. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Neo lifted his head, slowly, tentatively. She both loved and hated how careful he was being with her these days. Every move was a silent question, his eyes carefully assessing her reactions, making sure everything was okay.

It had been a lifetime since she’d known any level of tenderness and she loved him all the more for it.

She missed the days when his worries were not pointedly focused on her emotional well-being.

Trinity stretched her leg further over him and pushed herself fully on top of him.

Neo groaned at the contact, his reaction quickly rising to attention as she kissed him once, twice before sinking into him. She could still taste herself on his lips from when he’d lavished his attention between her thighs.

As it was, Trinity rolled her hips down, brushing her core against his cock. She felt it twitch in response.

“Fuck, Trin,” he murmured between kisses.

“That’s the idea,” she answered, moving against him again and reveling in the way he trembled from trying not to move.

She’d missed this. Missed him. Missed them .

She trailed her hand down his chest, her nails raking his flesh as she reached between them to grasp—

A pounding at the door pulled her from her reverie, interrupting the worship.

She frowned. “Maybe they’ll go away?”

Neo had thrown his head back against the pillow, looking vaguely pained as he said, “We’ve never been that lucky.”

Trinity laughed humorlessly.

That was the damn truth.

Another knock followed and she sighed, bending her head to give him a peck on the lips. She pushed up on his chest, rolling off of him and to her feet.

“Just a sec,” she called, looking down at Neo.

“I’ll be a minute,” Neo muttered.

“That sounds familiar.”

He chuckled, then winced.

“I’ll make it up to you soon,” she promised, gazing at cock.

“Not helping,” he said tightly.

She laughed as she gathered her pants and sweater off ground, bending at the waist.

“Oh, that’s not helping either.”

“Then look away.”

“Fuck no.”

Trinity shot him a grin over her shoulder as she slipped them on, not bothering with her underwear.

Bugs and Lexy, she noted as she gazed through the peek-hole.

“Felicitations!” the captain said once she opened the door, raising a bottle of what Trinity could only guess was alcohol. “We brought a housewarming present and,” she raised a bag in her other hand, “Some clothes to tide you over until Niobe gets her shit together or you go shopping.”

Already too warm in her sweater, Trinity accepted the bag. “Much appreciated. Come in.”

They followed her inside. She’d barely had a chance to look around last night before she and Neo had been on each other. Aside from one trip to the bathroom, she hadn’t really left their bed at all.

“I’m surprised the general put you in the Barrs,” Lexy said, glancing around. “Apartments here tend to be a little more utilitarian.”

“It’s what they wanted,” Bugs noted with at wink at Trinity. “They’re both soldiers, after all.”

Much as she might wish it were otherwise, that fact would never change. Especially now.

“No, this is perfect,” Trinity noted, taking stock of their surroundings. Across the room, there was an opening she hadn’t noticed where she could see bits of sky. “I didn’t notice the balcony.”

Lexy blinked but Bugs only laughed. “Didn’t explore much last night?”

Trin shrugged. “Got a great view of the bedroom.”

The captain laughed harder, exhaling heavily as Lexy looked amused but like she wasn’t sure how to respond to Trinity just yet.

She reminded her of Neo, in that way. Especially in the early days, before he’d fully embraced his powers. Observing everything, testing the waters. Easily overlooked for all the wrong reasons.

“There’s a balcony?” Neo commented, stepping out of the bedroom. Unless someone was looking for it, she doubted they would notice the stiffness with which he walked over to her.

Bugs snorted loudly. “And to think, that book made the two of you look nearly innocent.”

Neo wrapped his arm around her waist. “That would be because Link didn't leave a chapter.”

“Ha! God, could you imagine? An entire essay on how annoying we were and how much we traumatized him.”

“You traumatized him?” Lexy asked with a grin.

“He, uh, walked in on us on more than a few occasions.”

“In your room?” Bugs said, brow raised.

“Not exactly.”

“The beds were very small,” he said in their defense.

Trinity snorted. “Yeah. So was the Operator’s chair, but we still made that work.”

Lexy choked as Bugs let out another loud laugh. “Christ. I can see why the Council had their hands full with you two.”

They certainly had.

There were still a lot of unknowns regarding how things would be with this new Council. She was certain that everyone who had been on the Council of their day was dead by now. There hadn’t been a single councilor under sixty, and even that was a generous estimation.

She could only hope they’d be more sympathetic than the last.

Because the summons was coming and she was not ready to compromise.

Neo’s heartbeat was loud and steady against her ear. A comforting presence if ever there was one after so much death. After said heart had stopped beating.

She’d fallen asleep to that sound, his arms wrapped around her while one hand steadily stroked her hair. That was how she’d woken up, tangled together, warm and cozy. They’d both been awake for some time but neither had moved or said a word, content to be like this.

Trinity nestled further against him, adjusting her leg to hook around his and snuggle closer.

Neo chuckled softly and she felt his lips press against the top of her head.

“Good morning,” he whispered.

She only sighed and tightened the arm draped over him.

“Sleep okay?”

She nodded. “Mhmm.” Trinity turned her head up to see him. “You?”

His eyes were fixed on her, filled with undisguised affection. For a moment, she wondered if she was dreaming because it felt too good to be real. The polar opposite of the Matrix.

“Never better.”

Trinity lifted herself up so that she could kiss him. He met her eagerly, pressing his lips against hers as his hands adjusted their grip to pull her closer.

She moaned softly, moving against him. She rolled her hips, her core pressed against his thigh and she wondered if she could get herself off just like this. Would he like it, seeing her work herself into a frenzy for him? Would he whisper dirty commands or gentle praise in her ear?

She might die if he did both.

“Keep going,” he murmured, pressing his thigh into her, the gentle pressure making her gasp. “Come on, love.”

It was all she could do not to whimper, especially when she could feel his cock hardening at her hip.

“You’re doing so good.” His hands slipped down her body, his fingers grasping her ass.

She moved faster, harder, resting her forehead in the crook of his neck as she continued to grind against him. Her teeth were clenched, her breath becoming heavier as she kept moving. Faster, harder, closer, closer…

A pounding at the door pulled her from her reverie, interrupting the desperate rocking against him.

Neo grabbed her hips, pulling her against him. “Don’t you dare stop.”

Fuck.

His hands guided her back into motion. “There you go. Just like that. You’re almost there.”

God, she was. Could he feel her swollen clit pulsing against him as she rolled her hips again and again?

“Come for me.”

That did it. With a strangled moan, her open mouth pressed to his neck as she felt herself reach the precipice. Her body moved of it’s own accord, riding out her orgasm as Neo’s steady grip kept her grounded to him until the very end. She collapsed against him.

“Christ, you’re so fucking beautiful,” he told her, rolling them both over so that she was beneath him again, his cock now trapped between them as he kissed her in her breathless haze.

Even in her bliss, Trinity lost herself in his kiss, reaching between them to stroke his hardened length.

She was so fucking wet, he’d be able to slip inside her completely without any effort, she had no doubt.

The knocking came again, louder and frantic.

“Fucking hell,” he muttered.

“Maybe they’ll go away,” she answered, running her hand down him again, feeling him pulse against her hand.

“Trinity!” Morpheus called, and the captain sounded near panicked.

Shit.

If it was about Tank, she might never forgive herself.

She looked up at Neo, his face pained but resigned. “It’s okay,” he said.

“I’ll make it up to you,” she promised. “I’m going to suck you off the moment he’s gone.”

His cock, still in her hand, twitched and Neo groaned, rolling off of her and to the side. “Not helping,” he said tightly.

She laughed as she climbed over him to get back to the ground.

“That’s not helping either.”

Trinity looked over her shoulder at Neo as she found her robe. “You could always close your eyes.”

Neo snorted. “I’m not in that much pain.”

“Trinity!” Morpheus called again.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” she muttered, pulling out her robe and wrapping it around her. “Just a sec!” she called as she tied the sash.

“I’ll be out in a minute,” Neo said.

“Take your time.”

“I’m afraid I’ll have to.”

It was hard to stifle a smile as she walked towards the arched doorway and the beaded curtains that brought her back towards the main door.

At the last second, she turned on an impulse, pulling open the top of her robe and flashing her breasts at him.

“Fucking Christ, Trin,” Neo groaned, closing his eyes as he pounded his head back against the pillow. “That’s just cruel.”

“You love it.”

“I love you .”

She couldn’t help but smile. How had she been afraid of this?

Slipping through the curtains, she adjusted her robe once more before opening the door just as Morpheus’ raised hand was about to knock again.

“Yes?” she asked, even as her stomach sank.

God, if this was about Tank…

“Neo’s missing.”

Trinity blinked, repeating the words in her head. She blinked again. “Excuse me?”

“He’s missing. I don’t know what happened but he’s not showing up on the registry. I know sometimes it takes a few hours for everything to update but I went to the apartments where he could have been assigned and they were all empty. I even checked the ship but he wasn’t there, either.”

“Oh.”

This was a discussion she had anticipated but not quite yet, not this soon. And certainly not with Neo twenty feet away, laying in her bed with a hard-on.

Her mind went uncharacteristically blank as she tried to think of the best way to explain that specific situation even as Morpheus stared at her, incredulously.

“The One is missing inside of Zion,” he said, carefully emphasizing the situation as if she didn’t understand the gravity of it all. It was a big city. Easy enough to get lost in if you didn’t understand the strange order within the chaos.

She managed to contain the short laugh that threatened to escape at the absurdity of the situation.

He’d been there when she’d revealed what the Oracle had told her, had seen them holding hands, and holding each other in the aftermath but this was different.

This was a moment that required delicacy. Careful reassurance, just short of diplomacy when she let Morpheus know just where his savior was.

“Everything okay?” Neo asked, the beads rustling behind her.

Trinity kept her features schooled even as she felt the blood rush to her face. Morpheus’ eyes widened, looking just over her shoulder and then back to her.

“Apparently, you’re missing,” she said. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched Morpheus for any sort of reaction other than shock.

“I am?”

“Uh huh.”

“Weird. Have you seen—oh, there it is.”

She glanced over her shoulder just in time to see Neo dip down to pick up his sweater off the ground.

He was shirtless.

Of course he was shirtless. They’d spent half the night fucking after they'd ripped each other’s clothes off. She was fairly certain if Morpheus took a closer look around, he’d see the remains of her clothing somewhere nearby, too.

So much for delicacy.

Trinity turned back, carefully avoiding Morpheus’ eyes.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

Trinity blinked at her captain. Was he really that dense?

“Morpheus, I want you to think for a moment: do you really want to know the answer to that question?”

Morpheus paused, eyes narrowing and… yep. There it was. His brow shot up as he finally, finally seemed to piece it all together. Captain Oblivious, indeed.

“No, I do not.”

As if on cue, she felt Neo’s presence behind her. His arm came around her, to rest at her hip as he settled into place at her side.

That was nice. More than nice, she thought.

There was a weight to his presence and she knew, without having to ask, that it was intentional. Not touch for the sake of touch.

Morpheus was his captain, but she was his girl. No one was going to talk around it or let it fall to the background.

She wondered if he had any idea how much that meant to her.

Things would change, she had no doubt. Once Zion and the Council found out and they came under scrutiny, it would have to. It couldn’t not. And yet…

“Any update on Tank?” she asked, mostly because she was worried and only a little bit because she wanted to change the subject.

She watched as Morpheus stood a little bit straighter, shifting out of shock and back into himself. “Out of surgery and stable. But not out of danger quite yet.”

She could take that.

“Cass?” she asked.

“As well as could be expected.”

She understood what he didn’t say. The next days, next weeks would be difficult. Funerals, planning, grief masked in celebration. They’d endure through the worst of it; love always outlasted death.

“The Council will be sending a summons soon,” he warned.

“I half-expected that to be them at the door.”

“They’ll be looking for Neo, too,” Morpheus said, pausing as his face stretched in discomfort. “Is there a reason you didn’t register him last night?”

She understood the question he wasn’t asking—if there was an ulterior motive to keeping him from the registry and, therefore, hidden from the Council. She partially wondered if Morpheus was hoping that was the reason for Neo being in her apartment, despite the obvious dishevelment he'd born witness to.

“Convenience. We got in late last night.”

Neo’s thumb brushed against her. Convenience, indeed.

“I’ll get him situated today.”

Neo’s fingers dug into her side and it was all she could do not to smile. She could get him situated now if Morpheus left.

“You having a party?” A familiar voice said as Ghost stepped into view behind Morpheus.

“Emphatically not,” she answered, barely withholding a sigh.

He snorted as Morpheus stepped to the side to make room for her brother in her doorway. If she were a better person, she’d invite them in.

As if he could sense her thoughts, her brother pulled a bag off of his shoulder and passed it to Neo. “Some extra clothes until you get settled. Hell of a lot more comfortable than wearing sweaters in this humidity.”

“Thanks,” Neo said, accepting the parcel. “Appreciate it.”

“No problem. And…” Ghost reached into his pocket and pulled out a small drive. “I believe this is yours,” he said to Trinity.

Her fingers twitched and her breath caught for a moment, only a moment, as she regarded the offering.

It was an effort to keep her hand steady as she held it out, watching the sliver of silver drop into her open palm. Her fingers wrapped around it and she managed a casual, “Thanks.”

Ghost inclined his head towards her before looking at Neo. “I’m on my way to check on Sparks but let me know if you need anything else.”

A warmth filled her at the easy camaraderie between her lover and her brother. She didn’t realize how much she’d need that, too.

“Thank you,” she said and she knew Ghost understood that it was not just for what he’d brought. “Let me know how Sparks and Tank are doing?”

Ghost nodded. “I’ll message you but try not to worry too much. You’ll have your hands full with the Council soon enough.”

With a wave, he continued on his way down the corridor that was steadily gaining the morning foot traffic.

Morpheus turned back as he vanished down the way. “He’s not wrong about the Council.”

She knew.

“How bad was it yesterday?”

“Not bad , per se. They’ve superseded Commander Lock in regard to the inquiry. The Council will be conducting its own investigation and will be questioning each of you individually. I gave my testimony yesterday. But they are relieved to know that the One has been found.” He looked at Neo pointedly.

The fingers on her hip flared, tightening and releasing as Neo asked, “I didn’t expect them to believe it so quickly.”

“The One is too sacred for anyone to lie about,” Morpheus answered before she could. “Even non-believers take it seriously.”

He wasn’t wrong and yet he had missed the point entirely. Trinity allowed herself to lean back against Neo, offering what little comfort she could.

“And, if that weren’t enough, word had already reached Zion from other ships about the missing Agent. The Matrix is in an uproar.”

She stared at the captain, willing him to shut up. To Morpheus’ credit, he stopped despite the obvious confusion in his furrowed brow.

To Neo, she said gently, “Things will move quickly. But we’re prepared for this.”

She’d spent years preparing for this, never letting a day go by where she didn’t review legalities or records of Unum’s time. She knew more about the inner workings of the Matrix than most of the teachers at the Academy and military consultants of the Council.

It occurred to her that she and Neo hadn’t explicitly discussed what it meant— Neo being the One. She knew without needing to ask that Neo had never wanted this responsibility. The pressure on him was exponential and he had yet to understand the full impact of it. The theory was bad enough but when he became subject to all of Zion’s scrutiny?

Morpheus shifted uncomfortably but said nothing as he observed them. Had he started to connect the pieces on all that he’d missed the last few weeks? Months? Years? She couldn’t help but wonder if he’d shared with the Council her role in all of this or if she’d be the one to break that news to Dillard.

It didn’t matter, she supposed. The end result was the same.

And nothing, outside of keeping Neo safe, mattered.

“And when you say things will move quickly…?”

She turned over her shoulder to look up at him. His big, dark eyes regarded her with trust and wariness as he braced himself. What she wouldn’t give to keep him from all this, safely tucked away and shielded from the truth.

But then, he’d just spent thirty-seven years safely tucked away and shielded from the truth.

Neo nodded, silently asking for the brutal answer that she withheld only for a few more seconds. The smallest of reprieves was all she could offer before she said, “By this time tomorrow, everyone in this city will know your name. I’ll give it a week before they know your face.”

There would be no privacy, no shelter.

Exhaling a long breath, he nodded again, taking it in.

“Zion will be relieved,” Morpheus said, offering a needless excuse. “Everyone has waited so long.”

She turned back at him, cocking her head to the side. “Intent is well and good, Morpheus, but I’m far more concerned with the practicality of what’s to come.” To Neo, she added, “We can talk about the specifics when you're ready.”

That he wouldn’t have long to prepare didn’t need to be stated.

She almost regretted how much time they’d spent in bed when she could have prepared him for the inevitable. Almost.

Morpheus had been right about one thing, though.

Time was always against them.

Neo reeled.

He had barely reached a point where he was able to mostly follow a conversation and now he might have to go before a governing authority in this new world as their supposed savior? It was almost comical to think about. He might have even laughed if he weren’t said savior.

Almost of it’s own volition, Neo’s hand moved from it’s place on her hip, his arm circling around her middle. He was well-aware that he was clinging to Trinity like a lifeline, but she didn’t seem to mind so he couldn’t bring himself to care how it came across.

Shit.

He’d had countless opportunities to ask more questions but he’d ignored them in favor of… well, more favorable activities. Truthfully, though, he wasn’t even sure what to ask. This was all so new and the idea of being somewhat notorious was alarming, to say the least.

In his head, he could hear Choi’s words fade away. You don’t exist.

Anonymity, it seemed, was a thing of the past. 

“Shit,” Trinity breathed and Neo looked down, then followed her gaze across the walkway that lined her level.

While it had steadily gotten busier since Morpheus first knocked on her door, all the other passersby moved quickly without more than a curious glance in their direction or a friendly nod. But this man was beelining straight towards them.

“Fancy seeing all of you here,” he said as he slowed his approach. A pressed smile did not meet his eyes as he scanned the three of them with interest and added, “How convenient.” 

“They have you doing runs now?” she asked.

“I offered my assistance in seeking you out.”

There was an underlying threat to those words that Neo could sense even though he had no idea what was going on. It was all he could do not to wrap Trinity up tighter and pull them both back into the haven that was her home.

Trinity sighed. “When?” she asked, holding out her hand expectantly.

Sure enough, he held out a small, stiff piece of paper that reminded Neo vaguely of an index card.

“As soon as possible,” he answered, before turning his gaze up to him. “You must be Neo.”

Neo nodded and the messenger passed the third card in his direction.

“A pleasure to meet you. My name is Forge. The Council sends their regards and looks forward to meeting you.” He turned back to Trinity. “He isn’t in the system.”

“He will be,” she said simply.

He made a face of disdain. “I’ll pass that on to Councillor Dillard.”

“Do be sure to send my regards.”

The messenger frowned, narrowing his eyes as he turned away. No one said anything until the man turned a corner, disappearing.

“That could have gone better.”

“Could have gone worse,” Trinity noted. She squeezed Neo’s arm once and he, reluctantly, released his grip as she retreated back into the apartment.

He followed, Morpheus just behind him.

“Who was that, exactly?”

“Forge– his technical title is Special Advisor to the Council but he’s a public relations expert.”

Neo blinked. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

“Wish I was,” Trinity said as she slipped behind the curtains back to her room. He would have followed if not for Morpheus’ presence in her entryway.

Clearing his throat, the captain explained, “Forge works directly for the Council in managing relationships in different sectors– public utilities, social services, construction and expansion, the archives, and the military. He usually doesn’t play messenger but I imagine he wanted to meet you.”

He almost asked why. He still needed that reminder of who he was, of what he was now.

“He’s nice and polite in all the wrong ways,” Trinity’s voice carried in. “Don’t underestimate him– he’s ruthless when he wants to be and good at manipulating people.” The beaded curtains rustled as she came back through, wearing a thin, blue shirt and light slacks. “But he also drinks on the job and let his licensure expire over a year ago and hasn’t started the renewal process.”

Morpheus looked up sharply. “How the hell do you know that?”

“Seventeen years, Morpheus. That’s how long I’ve had to prepare.”

“Prepare for what?” the captain asked incredulously but Neo understood.

The Oracle had told Morpheus that he would find the One and he set out to do just that, with little regard for what would happen next.

But Trinity– fuck, he hadn’t thought it was possible to love her any more than he had that morning– had seventeen years to ready for the aftermath. For whatever was to come. For him.

“Everything,” she answered. 

She approached Neo and held out her hand, eyes glancing at the bag Ghost had brought him. He passed it over, watching in acute fascination as she dumped it out on the table and began ruffling through it.

The way she'd transitioned from his playful lover to a commanding goddess was incredible.

“I don’t understand,” Morpheus said and Neo had nearly forgotten that he was still there, captivated as he was.

Her lips tightened in a line as she held up a shirt, then tossed it back into the pile. “The Council getting involved was inevitable. And while I'm certain they won't have any malevolent intent, I'm equally certain that they're going to be pushy. So I've taken some countermeasures to ensure it doesn't get out of hand.”

She handed Neo a beige top that looked more like a vest than a shirt before continuing her search.

“Blackmail,” he clarified.

“Where it's indicated. Preferably as a last resort. My goal is to keep things civil.” She held up a pair of pants before passing those over as well. “Which means playing by their rules. For now, anyway.” To Neo, she added, “Go change.”

Mm. Yeah, he liked that a little too much, he thought as his mouth curved into a grin.

Neo's fingers brushed hers as he accepted the offered clothing and her serious gaze softened.

He liked that even more.

As their hands drew back, Neo turned towards their– her – room. 

“I don't think it will be as bad as you're anticipating,” he heard Morpheus murmur as Neo stripped off his sweater.

“I hope you're right,” she answered doubtfully. “But I'm not optimistic.”

Neither was Neo.

He didn't know any of these people nor did he truly understand the nature of the Council but he understood politics. He understood the dangers of government and the risks of oligarchy.

He also unequivocally trusted Trinity.

She was worried. If her words weren’t enough, if her obvious preparation wasn't enough, he would still see the tightness in her shoulders, the obvious clench of her jaw. Her brow, furrowed so prettily, but making her obviously wary.

“You'll get him to the Chambers?” Morpheus asked.

He couldn't see either of them but could imagine the look she was giving her captain. Morpheus huffed a laugh and Neo heard the closing of the door before a rustle of beads. 

He turned as Trinity slipped back into her room, arms folded over her.

“There are twelve representatives on the Council,” she said. “Eight are elected locally from different districts within the city and are responsible for representing their region. The other four manage the city as a whole and where they’re from makes no difference. They have the most power, both in Zion and on the Council, and will likely be the only ones who talk today.”

She didn’t stop there.

“You’ve heard us talk about Dillard– she’s the chair of the Council. It’s internally voted by the other councilors, which means the majority of them are aligned with her and her wishes. She doesn’t technically have more power than anyone else but she’s got followers. The other three are West, Grace, and Hamann. Hamann’s close with Morpheus and is an old-school believer. So is West. Grace will likely be cordial but she’s not quite as syncophantic as the others.”

Neo nodded, trying to take all that in. The structure of it all made sense from the trainings he’d already done but names had never been his strength. Still, there was something in what she was saying that was making him shift.

“You’ll be there, right?” he asked and Trinity grimaced.

“My guess is they’ll want to interview us separately to make sure we all have the same story. Because he’s our captain, Morpheus will be allowed to remain at each of our discretion.”

 That was all well and good. Except it wasn’t Morpheus he wanted sitting with him before the Council.

“They’ll want a brief rundown of what happened after you were freed. They’ll ask questions about Cypher and what you noticed. Then they’ll want to know the events that led to you…”

Dying. Reviving.

Her eyes skirted to the side, if only for a moment, before looking back. “Answer only what they ask, even if it feels like a trap. Don’t elaborate unless you have to. Keep everything straight to the point.”

“Okay.”

“Don't agree to any follow-up meetings or appointments. Tell them you need to check your schedule and require a written request.”

“I have a schedule?”

“No. But they don't need to know that.” Neo chuckled as she continued, “They're going to try and take advantage of everything you don't know. Use that right back: play up your ignorance and tell them that you’ll have to think about it and get back to them.”

Neo turned his head to the side, watching her and doing his best to listen to everything she said and take in her orders. It occurred to Neo just how much time and thought she’d put into this, into him.

Seventeen years, she’d told Morpheus. Preparing for this, for him.

And in that time, she hadn’t focused on his title, aside from what she could do to keep him safe from prying eyes and great expectations. Instead, she’d spent the time figuring out ways to protect him.

He couldn’t help but lose himself in that, in the unexpected kindness of someone completely on his side.

He stepped closer as she continued, “They can only ask you questions, legally, related to what happened and your work on the Neb. If it seems like they’re pushing that limit, ask them the relevance of the question.”

Neo took another step. “Trin?” he asked as he stepped closer once more. His hands reached for her, cupping her cheeks as he bowed his head to kiss her, effectively silencing her before she could continue.

His tongue swept across her lip before tangling with hers as he deepened the kiss, body thrumming from the knowledge that was his girl.

Trinity’s hands came up, resting on his hips as he pulled back to kiss her lips. Once, then twice. Again and again before brushing his nose across hers.

“Are you kissing me to shut me up?” she murmured, eyes still closed.

“I’m kissing you because I love you.”

“Good answer.” She kissed him once more before opening her eyes. She licked her lips, shiny from where he had done the same. “I’m not trying to be overbearing.”

“You’re not,” he promised. “I love how much you care.”

“There’s so much… there’s so much that I don’t think I’ll be able to protect you from.”

“That’s okay.” His thumb caressed her cheek. “This is enough.”

Excerpt from The One and His One, Part One

The Beginning: Recollections of a Simpler Time

By Morpheus, Former Captain of the Nebuchadnezzar and High Chair of the Council

I have often been asked if it was love at first sight between Neo and Trinity. If I knew from the very first day what was growing between them. Truthfully, I did not.

There were no major signs that something remarkable was occurring within those first few weeks. That a love strong enough to conquer death not once, but twice, was being formed. Perhaps this was because they were both very private individuals. Trinity, especially, played her cards close to the chest.

When she'd confessed her love and pulled Neo from the hereafter, the only thing that eclipsed my confusion was relief.

In the aftermath, there was no time to process it all. To this day, my memory of that time is hazy from the aftermath of being tortured by Agents and the exhaustion of all we'd gone through and all we still had to manage. Our ship was downed, our one EMP depleted, and Tank was gravely injured. There was hardly a moment to breathe before the Logos found us.

Repairs were managed quickly and Tank and myself transitioned to the Logos in an attempt to save his life and bring him back to the city. When I'd left Neo and Trinity on the Logos, things between them were still uncertain, but by the time they reached Zion, they seemed to have gotten themselves sorted.

From that point on, Neo and Trinity were inseparable.

In hindsight, I can see it clear as day: I think they knew, even in those early days, that they would not be afforded the luxury of the eternity everyone of us craves with the one that we love.

Chapter Text

“Not bad, right?” Bugs asked as the captain flips an omelette out onto the fourth and final plate in their new apartment.

Eyebrow raised doubtfully, Trinity taps it lightly with her fork. She was all for reverse-engineering fruit but she felt like the proverbially line should probably been drawn before synthetic-eggs. 

But Bugs’ excitement was nearly contagious and Neo seemed pleasantly surprised at his own breakfast. Taking a bite, she decided that Bugs’ earlier words were completely accurate: not bad. Certainly better than the runny goop and dry protein bars she’d lived on for decades.

“Not bad at all,” Neo echoed between bites.

“How does this compare to your first morning back in Zion?” Bugs asked, taking her seat next to Lexy.

It's hard not to smile in hindsight, regardless of how difficult that first day had been. Certainly not the worst they’d shared but it had been a stress-induced haze.

Their relationship had been so new. She had never once doubted her feelings for him, nor his for her, but everything had felt so delicate.

After losing so many friends in one fell swoop and seeing her relationship with Morpheus fracture from all that she’d hid from him, she’d half expected something to go wrong with her and Neo, too. And if it was to come from anywhere, it would have been the Council.

The fears were unfounded, of course.

She’d mourned her friends and celebrated the lives’ they’d lived. She and Morpheus had repaired. And Neo had proven exactly where his priorities lie again and again and again.

But it was easy to look back with time and perspective and see the faults in logic that came at the expense of emotion.

As if sensing her train of thought, Neo smiled. His eyes softened, almost in amusement. 

Time and perspective.

Finally, Neo answered, “Considering we haven’t received a Council summons yet, I’d consider this morning a success.”

Three succinct knocks sound from their door.

Trinity shot him a look. “Sweetheart, it’s far too early to be tempting fate.”

The elevator dinged and the heavy doors opened before them.

As much as she wanted to try her hand at optimism, the weight in her stomach did not bode well.

“Trin?” Neo murmured and she realized she hadn’t moved. 

Fuck. 

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She felt his gaze lingering on her as she led him out and Neo added, “Are you okay?”

Guilt swept through her and she did her best to force a smile. Judging by his furrowed brow, it was not a success. Still, she nodded. 

Someone hurried past them and Neo tugged her to the side, out of the way, pausing on the walkway.

“I’m okay,” she promised. “I’m–”

“If you say you’re sorry, I’m saying ‘fuck it’ now and dragging you back home.”

Ooh, there was not a single part of that sentiment that she disliked. That no bullshit tone like when he tried to tell her she wasn’t going in after Morpheus made her toes curl. And the way he'd said home?

Only a moment ago, she could barely force a smile. Now, she could barely hide it.

“Don’t tempt me,” she said.

Neo’s head tilted to the side, watching her. Assessing her. Reading her for something unnamed and unknown. Whatever he found, he remained silent, waiting. 

“From here on out, anything we do or say is public record,” she said, the words spilling out of her. “It’s been a long time coming, but…”

Her mouth moved as if more words would follow but they didn't.

She didn’t know what to say.

For years, she’d prepared for this moment, balancing every possible scenario she could think of. Like having to protect him from afar if he hated her for her role in his life. Or falling for a pompous git who thrived from the attention she did her best to avoid. She’d figured the best case scenario would be that he’d love her back, even if she came second to duty.

She could live with that.

She had to live with that.

Never, in her wildest dreams, had she imagined that she would come first. Before the Council, before the city, before the war…

She’d never imagined that she could feel this much.

“We’ll face it,” said Neo, softly. “Whatever comes, we’ll face it. Together.”

Only years of training kept her composed, even as her lips trembled. “I thought I was supposed to be the one taking care of you.”

He raised his hand to her face, his thumb caressing her cheek. “Sometimes,” he answered. “And other times, I’ll take care of you.” His thumb sweeps across again. “You don’t have to carry this alone anymore, Trin.”

Oh, that bastard. That sweet, remarkable bastard.

How dare he make her tear up when they’re already late for their summons?

Trinity closed her eyes and let her head rest in his palm for a moment more. She breathed in and out, in and out. Willing herself to keep it all together for just a little bit longer. Just a little bit.

When she opened her eyes, Neo was watching her with nothing short of adoration. It made her stomach flip and her heart feel utterly weightless.

“Okay,” she murmured. “I think we’re gonna need to set some ground rules about when and where you’re allowed to be sweet to me.”

His lips turned up at the corners and he tilted her head up for a kiss.

A wave of tenderness hit her like a freight train and for a moment, several really, she truly considered letting him drag her away from all of this. Just a little while longer.

But it wasn't a game.

It was a battle. A significant one at that and they could not afford to lose ground this early.

Stealing herself, she stepped out of his embrace.

“Ready?”

He nodded, linking their hands together once more.

Morpheus had, unsurprisingly, beaten them there. He waited just outside the chambers, sitting in a waiting area along with several soldiers.

She felt Neo’s hand pulse, squeezing her own as they reached the clear end of their journey.

The idea of letting go, for however brief a time, was almost sickening. But there was no way the Council would have them do this together. Not when they had to complete their investigation and hear the account of the One being found.

Her shoulders sank as she looked towards the doors.

Trinity had spent years being cautious and careful of the footprint she left behind in Zion but today it would begin anew. 

“They’re ready,” her captain said.

Her heart pounded as she looked up at Neo. “Remember what I said?” she asked, as if verifying could give her some belated comfort.

“Keep my answers short. Don’t agree to anything while in there and don’t answer anything that isn’t relevant.”

It was more than she’d expected him to remember of her ramblings. She stood on tiptoe and Neo gave her a slow kiss that sent a wave of electricity coursing through her: enough to sustain her through whatever was to come but not quite so much as to traumatize Morpheus.

Neo squeezed her hand as they broke apart. “Try not to worry.”

She could make no promises as she stepped away. “You're scarily optimisitc.”

“It's a good day,” he decided. “And I didn't survive ten shots to the chest to be intimidated by this.”

Remembering how his body had shuddered with every shot, she glared in his direction. “I don’t find that funny.”

“Too soon?”

She tilted her head, shooting him a look of pure incredulity and Neo grinned.

“Got it. I’ll wait at least another day before I joke about getting shot.”

Trinity snorted but the light shining in his eyes made her think that was his goal all along. Making her smile. Lessening the worry that she couldn’t hide, hard as she may try. 

Neo hadn’t had enough exposure to the Council to know or understand what to expect or the myriad of ways they could make their lives a living hell if they didn’t navigate this carefully. 

“You coming?” she asked Morpheus

“Do you want me there?” he asked.

He'd never asked before. She supposed he never needed to. But the trust between them, his trust in her, was fractured. 

She could rationalize it, understand it. But it hurt.

Trinity lifted her chin. “I have a feeling you’re going to want to hear what I have to say.”

Morpheus regarded her, briefly, before looking beyond her to Neo. “Have a seat,” he told him. “They’ll want to speak with you soon enough.”

Then he turned on his heel, walking towards the chambers. Two soldiers, standing watch on either side of the main doors, opened the passageway for the captain.

“I’ll see you soon,” she promised Neo while making a silent oath to herself not to say anything that would get her tossed in the stockade. 

“Hey,” he said and she stopped, mid-turn.

 Neo closed the distance between them in only a few long strides. Her heart raced as he cupped her face, turning her gently up for one last kiss. For a moment, and only a moment, she let herself forget what waited beyond the double-doors. 

It pained her to part. Even still, she managed a playful, “For luck?”

Neo shook his head. “I don’t believe in luck. But kissing you always seems like a good idea.”

God. She had to go, had to walk away now, before she lost the willpower entirely. Because the awkward coppertop that Switch had endlessly complained was ‘too boring’ to be the One was making her feel things she hadn’t known were possible.

“Try to behave yourself,” she said as she backed away.

“No promises,” he replied.

He was going to be the death of her, but what a way to go.

She turned and donned the carefully sculpted blank face that she’d perfected years ago for the Council. Two parts professionalism and one part doesn’t-give-a-damn. Apoc liked to call it her Lieutennant Irreverence face while Dozer would practically beg her to give the Council hell, hoping that if she was thrown in the stockade, the crew would get an extra few days home. She was nothing if not a giver.

She passed through the doors and listened as they shut behind her.

Looking around, Trinity released a breath as she realized there would be no audience. A closed meeting today. 

She’d suspected as much but having it confirmed was a weight off her shoulders.

Outside from the twelve councillors, her captain had taken a seat to the side. He sat with a few others meant to bear witness to the occassion– a stenographer, a handful of others, including Forge and Commander Lock, himself.

Lovely.

“You can have a seat, Trinity,” Dillard said, indicating the one chair in the center of the room. 

It had been a long while since she’d formally been summoned like this. She’d gone to open meetings, even testified at a few for various cases but she’d never felt this kind of energy in the room. Excitement, uncertainty. Disbelief.

Her eyes strayed towards Lock, sitting with his arms crossed.

She’d almost rather take on the disbelievers right now. They’d, at least, leave Neo alone.

“We have a lot of ground to cover, but before we begin, I must ask: was there a reason the One wasn’t registered when you reached the city?”

Trinity faced forward. The urge to look Dillard in the eye and tell her Because I needed him to fuck me into oblivion was strong but she managed some semblance of self-control.

“We got in very late,” she said, aware that her answer completely ignored the question within Dillard’s question. 

Indeed, the councillor’s eyes narrowed. “And where did the One sleep last night?”

Trinity forced a polite smile. “I’m happy to answer any of the Council’s questions, however, may I enquire the relevance?”

“Pardon?”

“The purpose of the summons was to investigate the loss of my shipmates, Cypher’s treason, and finding the One. I’m not sure where Neo slept last night falls into any of that.”

Oh, this was such a dangerous game. If she wasn’t careful, she’d be in the stockade for insubordination before she could blink. Eighteen to twenty-four hours. A veritable slap on the wrist that couldn’t be timed worse if she tried.

“It wouldn’t be a question had he been registered when the Council sent a summons.”

“Per onboarding regulations, statute four, subsection eleven, every new citizen must be registered and processed within seventy-two hours of arriving in the city.”

Challenge me. Do it.

After so long of holding it all in, she was practically shaking with the need to get it out. She wanted them to throw it at her now, every question before they got to Neo, so she could run circles around them. 

Trinity exhaled a slow, careful breath, focusing on the seat beneath her. The feel of the forced breeze from the vents above. The feel of her lover between her thighs… no. 

She breathed out again.

“This isn’t an inquiry,” Councillor Hamann noted, not unkindly. “Just a question.”

Trinity turned her attention to the old man. “I understand that, Councillor. However, I fail to see the relevance of such a question. And, frankly, I don’t think it would be asked for any other citizen.”

“But we’re not talking about any other citizen,” Dillard interjected. “We’re talking about the One.”

Trinity nodded her agreement. “We are. But he is also a human seeking sanctuary in Zion and, thus, is entitled to privacy, per the Charter of Rights, article 6.”

“Interesting how prepared you’ve come today,” Councillor Grace said, looking at her with far more interest than she ever had.

“I pride myself in being up to date in all standard procedures, as well as the laws that govern us all.”

“And while I think we can all appreciate your civic knowledge,” Dillard cut in. “There will be questions about the One throughout this proceeding.”

“And I’m happy to answer any and everything that is relevant to your investigation.”

Besides, everyone in that room knew where Neo had been. It wasn’t a question of curiosity so much as an admission. In a different context, she might not have minded but the fact that it was addressed before anything else felt wrong. 

Perhaps it was silly, she thought, protecting that one, superficial secret. It wasn’t like everyone didn’t already know and, once she shared the rest, it would become glaringly obvious. But but she couldn’t bring herself to let go of the image of Neo, in the dim lighting of her room. Wrapped under her sheets, her face pressed against his bare chest as his fingers played with her hair.

No, she decided, firm in her decision. That was not for them.

She half-expected Dillard to argue the point but she managed to show restraint, even as she did nothing to hide her sigh.

“Of course,” she said. “Then we can start with your shipmate, who murdered three members of your crew and was, inadvertently, responsible for the death of one other.”

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in.

Trinity waited as the councillor moved around the papers on her desk. 

“The last time you were in Zion, did you notice anything out of the ordinary with Cypher?”

She shook her head. “The two of us didn’t interact on shore leave, aside from me letting him know when to be at the ship.”

“Then you weren’t close?” West asked.

Again, she shook her head. “Cypher wasn’t really close to anyone.”

“And that didn’t strike you as odd?” Dillard asked.

Turning her attention back to the middle of the table, Trinity said, “Odd, certainly. But not out of the realm of normal limits and certainly not enough to indicate what he would do.”

“What were his behaviors like on the ship?” Hamann asked.

Trinity shrugged. “He needed coaching around the younger kids we’d unplug about what to say and how to say it. He wasn’t exactly sensitive. But he did his work, followed orders.”

“And his demeanor?”

She turned towards Grace and answered honestly, “He was pessimistic, bordering on miserable at times. Had a bit of a superiority complex, but that was true of him when he was still a poddie.”

“You were on the crew that freed him?”

“I was.”

Young and too uncertain to voice her concerns, she’d stayed quiet about her misgivings. Morpheus had seemed so certain of his prowess and she’d never deny that Cypher was clever. But looking back, there were signs. He hadn’t been waving a red flag so much as burning a green one and now the bodies of her friends were being stored in a freezer somewhere, if they hadn’t already been incinerated.

He’d burned them all.

“And during the years that he was free, was there anything that raised any concerns for you?”

It was an effort not to sigh. “None worthy of note.”

“But then you did have concerns,” Dillard noted.

Trinity inclined her head. “Cypher was a prick. But, as I’ve been informed many times, including by this Council, being a prick is not a crime.”

Nor was it an excuse for punching a superior officer.

“Morpheus noted that you had raised concerns before,” Hamann stated.

She glanced at her captain. It hadn’t been her intention to bring it up but Morpheus gave her the barest of nods. She looked back at the Council.

“Yes. But my concerns were mostly related to how he got on with his colleagues. It’s fine to be miserable on your own time, but his attitude affected the crew. I arced up my concerns but it boiled down to the same thing: you can’t be written up for being unpleasant.”

“And there was nothing that indicated that things might escalate?”

Shaking her head, she sank into her chair. “No.”

“Alright.” Dillard brushed some loose hairs away from her face. “What were his interactions like with the One?”

She wracked her brain but could not recall a single conversation that she’d witnessed between the two of them. “Limited. As I said, he wasn’t exactly a people-person.”

“And he showed no interest in the One?”

Trinity shook her head. “Cypher wasn’t a believer. He never made that a secret.”

“I see.”

The only sound that followed was the clicking from the scribe, tapping away at their stenograph. History recorded before her eyes.

And then the councillor asked,  “Can you describe what happened to me the day you all went into the Matrix?”

Her mind was immediately awash like the hot shower she’d taken that morning when she’d used up the hot water, leaving Neo to deal with the cold. 

“That won’t be a problem,” he’d told her.

“It started out normal,” she said. “We had breakfast and prepared to go see the Oracle.”

“How was Cypher that morning?”

It was a strain to recall. She’d been so distracted, first by Neo’s groans echoing in her head every time she looked at him, and then by the knowledge that everything was going to change in a matter of hours. 

She’d had no way of knowing just how much.

“Quiet at breakfast,” she said. Mouse had done most of the talking. “I didn’t see much of him while we were getting ready but…” a wave of anger hit her, stealing her breath as memories that had been dimmed by the relief that Neo was safe came rushing to the surface. She closed her eyes. “Mouse wanted to go in the Matrix with us. I said ‘no’ but he’d already been told he could go on the next mission that didn’t involve combat. Morpheus and I argued and Cypher,” she swallowed back the emotion, “Cypher pushed for him to go. Likely to get him out of the way for when he got back to the Neb.”

So he only had to worry about Tank and Dozer.

Exhaling as slowly and carefully as she could, without drawing attention to herself, Trinity continued, “We separated while we were in there. Cypher, Morpheus, Neo, and myself went to the Oracle’s while the others stayed behind at the hotel. Cypher somehow alerted the Agents to our presence at the hotel. I think he may have used his phone because he lost it, supposedly.

“Regardless, by the time we returned to the hotel, something had changed. Neo noted a sense of deja vu, which allowed us the time to find a way out of the building after all the doors and windows were blocked. Mouse was killed during that time.” 

Breathe in, breathe out. 

“You are amazing!” when she fixed his broken code.

In. 

“God, you’re so embarrassing!” as he wiped away a kiss.

Out.

“She named the baby Matt,” while his lips quivered with a force of trying not to cry.

“We climbed down the main wet wall while SWAT searched the building for us. Cypher–” another moment she had missed in the insanity “--sneezed loudly enough that our position was given away. An Agent went directly for Neo and Morpheus,” again, her gaze slipped to her captain, “sacrificed himself so we could get Neo out.”

The Council likely knew the story up until that point from Morpheus’ tale but she and Neo were now the only ones who knew the details of what happened next. They’d told him of Cypher’s betrayal and their decision to rescue him but the details… there hadn’t been time.

“Neo tried to stop him but Morpheus ordered us out. I grabbed him and pulled him down and away. We landed in the basement and found a sewer grate to escape through. Cypher got separated from us in the chaos. I don’t know what happened next for him except he got to a phone and called Tank for an exit, the same one he sent us to. But Cypher reached it first.

“The phone was already ringing when we got there but it was cut off by the time Neo picked it up. And then Cypher called.”

Between the line going dead and the call they’d received, Tank had been wounded and Dozer had… He was dead.

“You can’t blame us for being excited. Our little baby’s finally grown up,” bandaging her ankle while making her question all her life’s choices.

Breathe in.

“I do worry about you, you know,” his words, a blanket of comfort, always.

Breath out.

“So– when do Apoc and I get to give him the talk?”

Trinity swallowed. “He told us that he’d killed both Tank and Dozer and that the machines had promised to reinsert him into the Matrix if he brought them Morpheus. The Agents wanted access codes to Zion’s mainframe and to take down their most dangerous rebel was just an added bonus. And killing us was just part of the plan. He unplugged Apoc first…”

“Feels like only yesterday we pulled her out of that pod. All pink and gross,” his tone teasing.

In.

“I love love” between reps, shaking his head in sincerty.

Out.

“Trinity,” her name on his lips before he fell to the ground, dead.

“And then Switch.”

“I don't dislike him nearly as much as I thought I would,” they’d said with a thoughtful boredom that only Switch could manage.

In.

“I mean no disrespect but… him?” as if they truly couldn’t fathom it.

Out.

Waving a hand carelessly with a promise of, “Your boytoy can stay.”

The rest spilled out of her in an attempt to distance herself from the lingering ache that possessed her now. “He said he was going to unplug Neo but Tank managed to get ahold of the lightning rifle and shot him first. He pulled us out and we, uh, made a plan to free Morpheus.”

It seemed almost unfair not to give Neo direct credit for that plan but if anyone was going to get on a slap on the wrist for it, it would not be him.

“It worked. We staged a frontal attack on the building where he was being held and planted a bomb to distract the Agents. We used the SWAT helicopter on the roof to get him out and then we ran for the nearest exit. Both Morpheus and I were pulled out but the phone was destroyed by an Agent before Neo could leave.”

“You know that it was against procedure to go back in at all,” Dillard noted.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And that if you hadn’t saved him, the codes for this very city could have fallen into enemy hands,” West added. “Say nothing of what could have happened to the both of you.”

Trinity nodded. “I was aware of the risks. Tank was monitoring Morpheus’ vitals to make sure he didn’t break.”

“And you and Neo?”

“Neo was certain he could save Morpheus.”

“And you?”

“I trusted him.”

Trinity let her hand slip into her pocket, her fingers wrapping around the tiny silver drive her brother had passed her that morning.

“Even though he hadn’t come into his powers?” Grace asked and this time it was only curiosity in her question.

Again, she nodded.  “Yes.”

Not missing the way Dillard’s eyes narrowed, Trinity steeled herself once more. She knew. They all knew. There was no way Morpheus hid what had happened between them from the Council. 

Without waiting for another question, Trinity continued, “Neo engaged in hand-to-hand combat with Agent Smith where he managed to get Smith pinned in a tunnel and hit by a train. Smith, of course, regenerated at that time but Neo used it to find a phone and make contact. Tank guided him through the city while we readied the EMP for the sentinels that Cypher had ensured were sent to our location.

“Neo made it to the exit and was feet away when Smith shot him.”

Again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again.

Curling her fingers against her thighs, just where Neo’s had been only hours ago, she pushed past the memory of his body shaking, blood dripping from his lips that she’d tasted on her tongue.

“Neo coded.”

Steady .

“Heart and brain activity ceased.”

Breathe.

Seventeen years to prepare for this moment and her words were all mixed up. Telling Neo had been easy. But this?

“But I knew that Neo was the One.”

“Even though he had died?” she could hear Hamann ask, almost somewhere in the distance.

Bracing herself for the questions and the disbelief and the shitstorm that awaited, Trinity lifted her chin. “Seventeen years ago, I was called out of the Academy to meet with Commandant Durin,” her eyes strayed down the table to where the Commandant-turned-Councillor now sat, “And Morpheus. The Oracle had requested to see me.”

The councillor who represented the Academy nodded.

“I was young and contrarian but even then I knew you don’t turn down a conversation with the Oracle. So I went. She served me tea and cookies and asked me a lot of questions. And when I asked her why, she told me it was because she had to make sure I was strong enough for what was to come. She told me…”

She wavered, suddenly back in the smoky kitchen, drinking tea that wasn’t real. It reminded her of being twelve and having her parents sit her down to have the talk . The Oracle held no punches and she didn’t sugar-coat a damn thing, save for the promise that Trinity would be happier than she could ever imagine.

“She told me that I would fall in love with the One,” Trinity said.

Neither this world, nor the real one are kind to women with power. Of any kind. Your proximity to the One will not be easy. You’ll be targeted in the Matrix. Some in Zion will question your character. You’ll have to overcome both.

The Oracle had obfuscated when she’d asked how. And her words when sixteen-year-old Trinity had thrown the tiniest of tantrums at finding out her life had already been decided had been equally as unhelpful.

“Hold onto that fire and breathe easy, girl. You're going to be just fine.”

“And even though he was dead, I knew that I loved Neo. And so I told him what the Oracle had told me and I kissed him. I can’t explain to you how or why it worked, but his heart started to beat. He got up and deleted the Agent who shot him and made it to the exit in time for us to blow the EMP,” she finished.

Silence.

Complete and utter silence and she could fee lthe weight of the stares from every direction.

But now it truly began. The questions, the disbelief, the uncertainty.

She slipped her hand into her pocket.

“Well,” Dillard noted, breaking the deafening silence. “While I’m certainly not questioning your account, I’m sure you’re aware of how this sounds.”

“As impossible as a savior who can destroy the Matrix?” she answered, her fingers closing around the tiny bit of metal.

Dillard’s professional facade flickered but Hamann cut in before she could speak, “We did get the reports downloaded from the Nebuchadnezzar this morning. We do know that Neo was truly dead.”

“There’s a dozen ways to resurrect someone,” a councillor on the far left noted.

“While under attack from a sentinel?” another asked doubtfully.

She began flipping the device over in her hand as she drowned out the debates.

It had been a long time coming. Years of thinking and plotting and planning all leading up to this. And she knew, she knew , that this was only the beginning. The first of many times she was certain she’d be called into this room, this chair over Neo.

But it had to start somewhere.

Looking up, she found Dillard’s eyes locked on her. Just as well. She was the one who had to be convinced, anyway. The rest of the Council would follow her lead. Maybe she should have made nice years ago. But then, maybe not.

“I’ve said what I came here to say,” Trinity said, interrupting the chatter. “And I don’t really care what you believe. But I made a promise to someone who does.” She pulled out the silver drive that Ghost had given her earlier that morning, held between two fingers. “The Oracle sends her regards.”

Dillard jolted. She could hear the collective intake of breath at the impossibly rare message. It wasn’t unheard of but any sort of direct contact from the Oracle was viewed as sacred, blessed.

Most of the Council had never met the woman but that didn’t matter.

And Dillard, born in Zion, had never had the opportunity to meet the ancient woman who resided in the Matrix, taking care of young and wayward souls.

“I thought only Neo saw the Oracle,” she said with raised brow.

Trinity glanced at the drive as she stood. It was remarkably shiny for how long it had lived in Ghost’s sock drawer. “Actually, she gave this to me when I was sixteen.”

She crossed to the table, unwavering, even as her entire body seemed to hum, a tremor that she could hide but not ignore.

“What does it say?”

Holding it out for Dillard to take, she answered honestly, “I don’t know.”

“You’ve held on to this for seventeen years and never looked?” Dillard asked doubtfully, accepting the drive.

“Not exactly.” She and her brother had decided years ago that honesty would be the best policy here. “I didn’t trust myself not to look so I gave it to Ghost. He’s kept it safe for me ever since.”

As she turned, her eyes strayed, briefly, to Lock.

She wondered how long it would take to get back to Niobe and what she would think of all this. 

Trinity took her seat again. An aid had already approached the table with his digitab. He took the drive from Dillard and plugged it in before telling the councillor, “It’s the Oracle’s encryption.”

No shit.

Minutes pass as the message is decoded. Then, down the table, the councillors turn on their devices, syncing to the file the aid was sending out. Like a wave, they leaned forward to read her message.

Her eyes then strayed to Morpheus. Her captain was watching her through narrowed eyes, as if he was trying to piece together a difficult puzzle. Or, more likely, figure out what else he’d missed over the last decade and change.

She wondered how long a reprieve she’d have before that conversation.

As she turned back, Dillard sat up straight and looked up.

The message, it seemed, hadn’t been terribly long. They never were, Trinity remembered. Her own had consisted of a date, a time, and a polite invitation for tea.

“To sum the missive we just received, the Oracle has confirmed that the man outside the chambers is the One, beyond a shadow of a doubt. She said to begin planning for an influx of new citizens.” A murmur broke out amongst the gathered witnesses. “And to ensure that both Neo and Trinity remain on the Nebuchadnezzar.”

Her eyes flickered up but she kept her face schooled as best she could so as not to let the relief show.

That had always been a possibility. One she’d thought about, made plans for in case it ever was implemented against their will. To have it wiped away entirely was a gift. A small one, given what the Oracle had warned her about, but a gift nonetheless.

“Well,” said Dillard solemnly. “There we have it, then. Unless you have any more hidden missives to drop on us?”

“Not today.”

Narrowing her eyes, the councillor inclined her head pointedly. “Then you are dismissed.”

“They’re nearly ready for you,” the woman managing the atrium noted.

Finally.

After what seemed like an eternity, the doors to the Council opened and Trinity stepped out. Still the most stunningly perfect creature he’d ever seen but there was a new heaviness to her eyes that made him truly consider blowing the whole thing off.

“Are you alright?” he asked as he rose to his feet, reaching for her. 

The responding smile was forced but she took his hand and nodded. “You’re up.”

Neo ran his thumb over her knuckles, lifting it to his mouth to press a kiss to the back of her hand. The strained smile softened and she closed the space for one final kiss. 

As he moved towards the chambers, their hands linked until they were forced to let go and even then, fingertips brushing until the last possible moment, he couldn’t help but think of this as a gallows walk. 

There was a chill as he passed through the doors.

The unfamiliar surroundings kept him on edge. The only face he recognized was Morpheus’ but it didn’t feel like much of a comfort when every set of eyes was on him.

He was at a disadvantage and it was glaringly obvious as he approached the seat unmistakably meant for him. It helped, marginally, that Trinity had described the layout to him, as well as some of the councillors. But her absence was an unpleasant weight upon his chest.

His first instinct was to take stock of his environment or catalogue the faces but his mind was already racing. He couldn't afford anything else taking up space.

“Welcome, Neo,” said an elderly woman as the doors closed behind him. Her voice was gentle, kindly, but her eyes were sharp, assessing. Hungry.

“Ambition isn’t a dirty word,” Trinity had told him earlier, as she’d prepared him for this moment. “But make no mistake, Dillard only cares about the One in how your presence will reflect on her. She would cut you open to see how you tick if she thought she could get away with it.”

“Take a seat,” she offered as he reached his place. “I am Councillor Dillard. I oversee this Council and, together, we oversee this city. And we have all been waiting for you for a very long time.”

It’s a heavy claim and Neo feels it down to his bones.

Despite it all, his mind slipped back to the Matrix and the first computer programming class he’d attended. The professor had started with set theory, focusing on the building blocks of logic and complements and how things intersected.

He saw a Venn diagram in his mind. One circle was Thomas Anderson, the other was the One. And somewhere in the middle was Neo, seemingly smaller than the other two parts and significantly easier to ignore.

But still important, he thought. It mattered. Maybe all the more.

“The Council fully understands that you were not on the Nebuchadnezzar for very long, but we would still like to hear from you about those days between being freed and your Becoming.”

A needlessly broad question but Trinity had prepared him for this.

And so he began with the hack on his computer and an order to follow the white rabbit. A meeting in a club filled with sparse details that did not include what Trinity had been wearing or how close she had stood as she whispered in his ear.

He spoke of Agents in the office and a phone call from Morpheus, all leading to his arrest. How he’d woken up in his own bed, confused, but had agreed to meet at the first opportunity. The choice. The awakening. The training.

He kept his account short, to the point. Every so often, Morpheus chimed in with specifics. Information on his neurokinetics at that stage, the ever-changing regimen he’d been kept on when he’d surpassed the expectations. 

The moments burned into his mind– the glances, the lingering touches, the quiet conversation that all-too-often was coded with affection– remained his own.

“And during all of this, what were your interactions with Cypher?”

“Uh,” Neo paused, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall the rare times they’d exchanged more than a few words. “Limited.” A few of the councillors shifted and Neo added, “He kept to himself for the most part. But on the occasion that we did speak, he was notably pessimistic.”

“Did you have concerns for your safety?”

Neo shook his head. “No. Not until the day we went into the Matrix.”

“Tell us about that day.”

Neo nodded slowly, shifting his eyes to the side in consideration– a tactic he’d developed young to give himself time to think before responding.

So much had happened that day, most of the defining moments occurring on the ship rather than the Matrix itself.

It took a moment to separate the events of that day as they were from how he conceptualized them. Although, given the opportunity, he’d have no issues with waxing poetic about Trinity for hours on end, this wasn’t the place.

“Morpheus told us we’d be going in that morning. I’d known it was coming but everything happened quickly.”

“We’ll have time to talk about it later,” Trinity had told him quietly when he'd finally gained the nerve to name what was going on between them.

“We will?”

“If you want.”

He’d tucked her hair behind her ear, carefully watching her for any sign of permission or resistance. “Yeah, I do.”

For a moment, he’d thought she might kiss him. The way she stared up at him, the slight parting of her lips…

But Switch had interrupted and the promise of later was all they had.

“Once we were in, Apoc, Switch, and Mouse stayed at the hotel while the rest of us drove to the Oracle’s while the others stayed behind. When we got there, Cypher and Trin stayed in the car and Morpheus and I went up to see her.”

Neo recalled the blind man in the lobby, the kids levitating blocks and bending spoons. A kitchen that smelled like cookies and smoke. Sweet and hazy.

The Council looked on expectantly. Trinity had told him that there were disbelievers behind that table but Neo could see no hint of it now, only undivided attention. Would they doubt him when he revealed his own doubt that day? Or blame him for not believing sooner and stopping Cypher before lives were lost?

“She asked me questions and…”

Open your mouth, say ‘ah’. 

The only thing stranger than her examination was that he complied without question, but there was something about a grandmotherly woman that demanded obedience. 

“She asked me to predict what she was going to say and I told her that I didn’t think I was the One.” No flinches or surprises met his statement so he continued. “She told me I had the gift, but I was waiting for something–” someone “-- my next life, she said.”

She’d known even then that he was going to die. A dozen veiled comments that he’d taken at face-value. It still hit him just how much he’d missed throughout the encounter.

Not too bright, though .

“And then she told me that Morpheus believed that I was the One.” Again, his gaze strayed to the captain sitting on the sidelines. “And that I wouldn’t be able to convince him otherwise and that he was going to give his life to save mine. She said that one of us was going to die and the choice would be up to me.”

It was Morpheus’ first time hearing that, he realized. Everything after the EMP was blown had been so hectic. The captain had been on the Logos before there’d been an opportunity to slow down and regroup.

“I didn’t believe her,” Neo admitted. “The idea of an Oracle seeing the future didn’t make sense to me. Until an Agent tried to grab me and Morpheus sacrificed himself to get me out. It wasn't until we were getting ready to unplug Morpheus, after we'd already lost everyone, that I put the pieces together. That one of us would die but which would be up to me.”

He hadn't told Trinity that part. That he'd known he was going to die when he went back. He didn't anticipate a pleasant reaction at the omission, even if it had ultimately saved Morpheus' life.

“I stopped Tank before he could pull the plug and explained that I knew I could save him.”

“And they believed you?”

Neo, this is loco.

“Tank didn't. But Trinity…”

I'm going with you.

“She believed. So we went in and staged a two-man assault on the military-controlled building where they were keeping him and we did it.”

“That easily?” One of the councillor's asked, an older man with a furrowed brow and dark beard.

“God, no. We almost died about a dozen times before we got to Morpheus.”

His heart had nearly stopped when he’d realized the helicopter was going down with Trinity still inside.

“But we made it out, all the way to the exit,” he continued. “Morpheus left first. Trinity had just picked up the phone when an Agent appeared, almost out of nowhere. He shot the receiver, leaving me stranded. I fought him.”

There was a hum of chatter from some of the individuals before him and off on the side. He tried to ignore it, focusing on only the events as he remembered them.

“But Smith was faster, stronger. After a few minutes, he had me pinned but I’d managed to get him into the subway tracks as a train was coming. I broke his hold and left him to get hit by the train.”

“You sustained a fight with an Agent for minutes?” a different councillor asked. This one had white hair and round cheeks. He sounded awed rather than disbelieving.

Still, Neo glanced towards Morpheus. The captain nodded confirmation and Neo turned back and did the same.

“I ran after he was hit by the train. Managed to get my hands on a cell phone to call Tank. He directed me towards another exit at an abandoned hotel. But Smith had beaten me there. Just as I reached the room with the phone, he shot me. And, uh, kept shooting me.”

They’d probably heard the rest before, but he still felt the need to make sure they understood that he had been dead. That he shouldn’t have survived.

“I felt the blood draining out of my body, felt myself lose the ability to stand or move or do anything until there was nothing left of me. There was nothing at all. But then I heard Trinity’s voice. I could feel her, even when everything else was cold and–” And there were no words to begin to describe the way her words were a beacon, offering light and a home to return to. How could he not rattle the chains of death when she was what waited on the other side. “I followed her until I was back in my body, back in that hallway.

“And when I opened my eyes, everything was different. I didn’t just see the false projections of the Matrix but the code, itself, falling like a storm. And I saw the Agents, in their most basic form, the base elements of the program. They fired at me but altering the code to stop the bullets didn’t even require a full thought. And when Smith came at me, I deleted him.”

Neo looked up then, almost forgetting the Council listening to his account as he’d lost himself to the memory.

“I, uh, heard Trinity again, calling my name, and I ran for the phone. The moment I was clear, they blew the EMP and that was that.”

The silence lingered. Neo glanced towards Morpheus, uncertain if he should continue in the quiet that had followed.

Dillard gave him a pressed smile. “Thank you very much for sharing all that, Neo.” She looked down the line at her fellow councillors before continuing, “Given the unusual circumstances of your rebirth, so to speak, we would like to run a battery of tests to make sure you are faring well. We can have someone prepared by tomorrow to begin, so as not to make you wait.”

There it is , he thought. What Trinity had warned him about. An order, wrapped up in niceties. But she had prepared for this.

“Thank you, but any request for required testing requires at least seven days' notice, per the Charter of Rights: Health and Wellbeing, article twelve.”

The smile vanished.

He couldn't bring himself to feel guilty about that as he watched the councillor scramble.

“Military orders supersede the Charter of Rights,” a deep voice noted from the sidelines. The speaker wore a yellow shirt and a harsh expression.

If Neo was a betting man, he’d put his money on that being Commander Lock.

“While that is true,” Neo replied, calmly as he could muster. “Military regulations only supersede if delaying testing seven days will interfere with a ship’s schedule. I’d also like to point out that, as of this moment, I have yet to sign any military contract.” He turned his attention back to the Council. “That said, I may be able to waive some of that time once I get the request in writing, as promised in both the Charter and the Code of the Armed Forces.”

The stenographer’s clicks were all that could be heard in the chambers. The quiet lingered even after the sound stopped entirely.

“Well. Then I suppose we shall send our request shortly.” Dillard smiled tightly. Her attention turned to Morpheus as she asked, “Can we make certain that the One is registered and assigned quarters today so that we’ll be able to locate him?”

Perhaps it was the way the councillor didn’t seem capable of referring to him as anything other than ‘the One’ or maybe it was simply her passively-hostile tone grating on Neo, but his jaw tightened as Morpheus offered, “Of course, Councillor.”

The councillor started to rise. It would be better to hold his tongue but the man who once offered three Agents the finger could not be quieted.

“In case there’s any delay,” Neo said and the scuffling chairs screeched to a halt as the Council shifted their attention back to him. “I believe you’ll know where to find me.”

Dillard’s eyes flashed but she said nothing.

Around them, movement resumed as the members of the Council and the others began to move about. It took a moment to rise to his own feet and his eyes remained fixed on the table ahead of him, as some of the councillors lingered, speaking quietly amongst themselves.

“When,” his captain asked as he approached, “did you have time to learn all that?”

Neo blinked, turning his attention to Morpheus. “Trin worked a lot of civil law and military regulations into my training. I’d thought it was just standard until…” 

Until they’d arrived in Zion. Until he’d been summoned to meet with the Council before he’d had breakfast.

Trinity had shoved a protein bar into his hand as they hurried to the chambers, rambling about the programs he’d run and highlighting the statutes and articles that would apply to his rights.

“So, is that it, then?”

“Were you expecting more?”

He shook his head. “No. But they kept Trin here longer.”

Morpheus hesitated. It was less than a moment but Neo didn’t miss the discomfort that arose on Morpheus’ face. The captain answered, “There were far more questions regarding what Trinity knew beforehand.”

Neo had occasionally missed social cues throughout his life but it was impossible to not see the lingering rupture between Morpheus and Trinity. As a rule, he tended to stay out of conflict that didn't directly involve him. Still, he felt a mild annoyance on Trinity's behalf, even with all the respect he carried for the man who had freed them both.

“She had her reasons, Morpheus.”

“I’m sure she did.”

Neo could tell he was being dismissed, or rather the conversation was. He didn’t have it in himself to argue. There were far more important things on his mind, waiting just beyond the doors.

Excerpt from The One and His One, Part Sixteen

An Interview with Councillor West, Citizen Elect

Recorded by synthient Lexonius

Lexonius: Did any of you disbelieve Trinity's account before reading the Oracle's missive?

Councillor West: I wouldn't say anyone disbelieved her so much as we didn't fully understand. She was well-known to the Council, you see. And while her record was hardly spotless, she was terribly honest. Still, you make a claim that you kiss someone back to life and there's bound to be a little doubt.

Lexonius: And after the Oracle's assurance— did the doubt linger then?

Councillor West: There were always some who favored logic over all else. The people who doubted the story were the same ones who doubted the Oracle. But after Trinity and Neo gave their accounts, I believe there were some who said it sounded like a fairy tale.

Lexonius: Did that shake your resolve?

Councillor West: Why, no. I quite like fairy tales.