[Borderlands] Risk it All [1-on-1 RP]

It wasn’t a surprise that Jack confessed to liking confident women. Considering he’d dated Moxxi and, later, Nisha, she would have been surprised if that was a rarity. Naira would have honestly been shocked, actually, if he actually liked girls who lacked in confidence. Nonetheless she shook the thought aside. There wasn’t much reason to go on thinking about those things.

She waved a dismissive hand at the comment, as if to pass it by entirely. She shouldn’t be getting close and flirty with Jack like this, not when she knew what he was capable of—or would be capable of. ’He’s my only line of safety here though,’ she pointed out to herself. Why she kept arguing with herself over this Naira couldn’t say.

Responding to Jack’s comment might only further that internal debate and so she waited for him to say something more. It didn’t take long, thankfully, though he seemed to want to know more about her again. ’I shouldn’t be surprised, what with using Angel—‘ Naira’s thoughts froze then.

She’d forgotten about Angel! Had he already tried to use his daughter to seek information on Naira? If he had there was no way there was anything to find. … Did he know that already?

Despite the worrying thoughts Naira didn’t let them show. Instead she fussed with her bangs and gave a sheepish grin. It wasn’t like she was an interesting gal, after all.

“Oh, you know, not much aside from being a reclusive gamer!” she answered rather dismissively.


Much of the walk was in silence as it was now. Perhaps that was a good thing though Zer0 could hardly tell at this point. He had no prior information about Naeva—her habits, personality, flaws, etc.—or even what had happened to her. For all Zer0 knew she might be acting this way out of shock for her situation. It was a good guess at least given Naeva’s self-proclaimed pacifism.

He only casually dropped that she must have other likes, if only to keep her calm and focused on something other than the leers. It didn’t seem t work given her response. Zer0 shook his head; there was really only so much he could do for now.

“We shall see.”

The answer was a simple one but then Zer0 saw no need for anything complicated. Something like that might only make matters worse while Naeva was still so jumpy, even with him by her side for protection. In time that might change but for now Zer0 would take care.

“For now we focus on moving and searching,” Zer0 continued after a brief pause. It was the best they could do, especially so if Naeva really did have plans to locate her friend and find out what happened to her.

The prospect of a siren being the cause of this, however unlikely, would be enough to drive Zer0 on. He had yet to try his hand at combating one after all.

His grin seemed to grow as he prodded her further about her hobby. Well, she supposed indulging in her hobby wasn’t going to hurt anything, not if she remained vague about it all at least.

“Oh, rpgs, third-person shooters, shooters, hack and slash, action-adventure—I play a little bit of everything if the story’s interesting enough,” she relented.

It wasn’t so surprising what he said next though Naira had dreaded the topic coming up again. If Angel hadn’t drudged anything up on her this really did mean that she was in this new world, forever away from home. That was a bit of a lonely feeling even if she hadn’t had much back home except for Naeva. ’Jeez, I hope she’s okay.’

‘Cross his heart,’ a strange phrase to hear from him but not so surprising, given his personality. Even as the psychopath she knew him as Jack had been a bit of a jokester. All the same it wasn’t like she could just tell him. He already had ambitions, that much was clear, and if he learned of multi-verses being a thing then who knew what he might try if and when he finally snapped?

“Yeeeeah, don’t think I trust you that much,” she pointed out finally. After a moment she muttered “so pushy.”


She’d grown quiet again, perhaps sullen over the situation she was in. Zer0 could not blame her though it might make things difficult. In time he would need to figure things out to make things easier on her and thus him. Still, until her mind was wrapped around what was going on in her life now it might be a losing battle.

Zer0 wasn’t sure what possessed him to though he found his hand falling to her back, perhaps in reassurance. Was it the way she was so meek in comparison to those he usually faced. It was a strange sentiment and one he did not dwell on long for now.

“Tell me of your friend. Perhaps it might distract you. Only if you wish.”

It might take her mind from things anyways. Still, there was much to learn of her and her ways. He was increasingly aware of such things though he could try all the same. Perhaps out of that bandit-infested city would ease her mind as well. Her friend was clearly not there and so it was one less place to worry about.

Now he could only wait, allowing his hand to drop back to his side. He wasn’t one for much touching, it was strange he’d even done so now, after all. Still, she seemed the type to appreciate such things. If it kept her calm and content he would do what he could, within reason.

Naira couldn’t stop the sigh from escaping her. She didn’t look that pale did she? Still, she couldn’t deny not having wandered out all that much if she didn’t feel like it. Her odd sleeping habits between jobs probably hadn’t helped that either…

“You figured me out, I’m really a vampire,” she joked dryly.

It seemed the jokes weren’t to stay for too long. Jack had changed the topic, prying for more answers. But would giving him what he sought now a good idea or not? Naira didn’t know and that worried her immensely. Just how swept up in his plans would she end up getting?

She merely shot him a look, not wishing to dwell on those thoughts now. There was plenty of time at night, when she needed to sleep for that. Even that didn’t deter him, however. Instead he’d sighed, trying for a more serious tactic. Naira heaved another sigh, debating on what to say.

Eventually she dropped her feet from the desk with an audible ‘thump’. Her arms crossed over her chest, she wasted no time in answer this time. “That so? Well, as appreciative as I am for that aid, I don’t think that kind of information is going to do anyone any good. So just make something up!”

If Naira had her way she wasn’t planning on staying here long anyways. The first opportunity she had she’d take to head out and try to find out if something happened to Naeva as well. For now she had to play her cards correctly but Jack was making that increasingly difficult. Was he aware of that? He had to be with how persistent he was.

“Besides that, I don’t think you’d even believe me if I did tell you anyways,” she spat out.


Well, that certainly made sense. It explained Naeva’s behavior and reasoning to him more than she might know. At any rate he’d also know what to keep an eye out for as they sought out her friend. Still, it wasn’t a lot to go on but he’d worked with less before. Certainly if this friend was as reckless as Naeva said they’d easily find her if they were in the same area.

“If that is what we must search for it will be all the easier,” Zer0 told her. At least in terms of if she was nearby. There was no telling even if she’d fall prey to joining the bandit scum of whatever place she’d found herself in either. These thoughts were left unsaid for Naeva’s sake however.

He spared a quick peek at her as they once again left this damnable city. There was nothing for either of them here and thus Zer0 was not sad to have it left behind them. Now it was merely facing what awaited them in the wilds and wastes while they traveled.

“I am sure rumors will spread and we will find out where she may be,” he assured. A strange sentiment from his lips yet one he offered all the same. A paranoid, stressed partner would do him no good, especially so as he needed to teach her to defend herself still.

For now finding a vehicle to use was for the best, to traverse distances at a safer, quicker rate. There was no way he was going to be able continue traveling on foot with her as things were now.

She hadn’t been working to get his interest to dwindle, if anything that was very well what was keeping her safe. He wanted that information for himself, that much was obvious. Jack wasn’t going to go about letting someone else get it or to get rid of her until he had it. As such goading him on, even if it would grow annoying to be pestered about it, would be in her best interest as well.

“On the contrary, you being so interested works in my favor,” she pointed out. “You seem hellbent on that info and if that’s the case then I have a modicum of a safety net while I’m here.” Rather petulantly she stuck her tongue out at him then. A bit of a challenge never hurt anyone and if that was the case maybe it’d just ensure her safety here further.

There was a long pause that followed after that and Naira swore she could see the gears turning in his head in that time. What was he thinking? He was a man full of plans, surely he’d come up with something. Naira only worried what kind of plans would actually work in his favor…

Eventually he pressed for that information again. It was a pretty weak attempt from what she’d expected. She heaved a sigh, tossing her hair over her shoulder a she did.

“Lots of things, actually! Let me count the ways!” Without further adieu, she promptly began ticking them off on her fingers as she listed them off without Jack’s answer. “My perceived sanity, my tenuous safety, my ability to locate someone else, my ability to gather up supplies easily, my ability to get a decent meal—need I go on?”


It took her some time to reply to that. In the meantime he could feel her eyes on him, studying him. Zero was confident that she would receive less than what she sought with this observation. It was always the same after all. If nothing else it would only leave her more frustrated or worried.

“I do,” he said simply. There was no need to go further about it. In time, Naeva would see for herself.

For now he wanted to focus on procuring a vehicle, even if it meant snatching one right from a group of bandits. It would not be so difficult, so long as the bandits in question were lax or drunk. The only wild card here was Naeva… He hummed shortly at that. Perhaps it would not be so easy after all… A shame, really.

“For now we have other things to worry about,” he pointed out. For Naeva to remain so focused on her friend when she was not here would only serve as a distraction. Zero couldn’t afford to make up for that.

He did not spare a glance at her again at that. Surely he did not need to explain the dangers out there if she were to remain distracted as such. She’d seen a bit of it already.

To have the man who’d become Handsome Jack at a loss because of her was rather odd to think about. She wasn’t a powerful individual nor incredibly clever. Naira was the type who merely ran with things as they happened. Perhaps that worked in her favor now only because it seemed he could not find information he wanted on her through Angel.

It was almost funny to see him resort to begging her for that information. Funny and sad, really. Naira regarded him with a raised brow at his attempt. Did he really think that was going to be enough?

“Well, I’m sure you’ll find a way to cope,” she said simply. “Besides, I’ve got nothing to gain by screwing you over and that information isn’t going to help you any anyways.”

If anything Jack was her only line of defense here, even if he was kind of a dorky fellow. In this space station he seemed like one of the lead men. So long as his bosses didn’t come for some kind of visit things would be fine. At least Naira hoped it would be.

She waved a dismissive hand at his attempt to get her to spill the beans again. “Seriously, chill out. There are easier ways for me to get what I want then by screwing you over. I’m too lazy for complex crap like that.”


What was the plan? Zer0 would have thought that was easy enough to figure out. Perhaps she expected a more carefully laid out plan however. If that were the case Naeva was to be sorely disappointed. With no information here the best they could do was move to the next area and start anew for information of her friend.

“Simple. We move on, find a vehicle and then a new place to seek information,” he answered anyways.

If need be he would leave Naeva someplace safe and get that vehicle. She was clearly highly averse to using that pistol of his after all. It would be far quicker that way. But would she allow him to without a fuss? Enough situations with these bandits might make her wary of being alone for even a moment if they were out and about in the area.

Truthfully, Zer0 had to wonder what she had thought he had in mind. There was nothing here; they both knew that, so why would she ask as if it was possible they’d remain? Zer0 couldn’t figure her out. Her passive nature might very well lead to that problem however.

“What had you expected?”

Naira couldn’t help it, her mind jumped to the most perverse conclusion at the mention of ‘suck’ and an amused snort escaped her before she’d managed to hide it behind her hand. It was all she could do to keep the comment in even as Jack mentioned something about the lack of knowledge killing him.

“The struggle is real, I’m sure,” she managed to say. Little might he know that it held more meaning to her keeping that perverted comment to herself. As such it was with some amount of relief that he was still picking at her to distract her from it.

It was the comment about the stupid box that drew her mind from the current ‘problem’. She sat up straighter, gesturing between the two of them as she spoke, free hand reaching for the screwed up paper box. It really was a sad looking thing even before she’d partly crumpled it in frustration earlier.

“Okay, the difference between what I get from you isn’t goin’ ‘round for the whole world to see! … To my knowledge! This box and what’s going on the shitty box? That gets to affect my future job clientele offers! Shitty box is no bueno!”

A moment passed in which she was quite sure Jack thought this was highly hilarious. Maybe it was the fact that someone was actually getting visibly upset about a stupid box that did it. Heck, she’d probably be laughing it were anyone else but her. Instead of dwelling on that she instead offered him the crumpled, skewed box.

“In fact, have the shitty box. It is my very heartfelt gift to you.”


Finding a vehicle that might be easier said than done. He hadn’t seen any of those contraptions to spawn a vehicle for him. What were they christened, ‘Catch a Ride’? That sounded about right. Zer0 had yet to see one in these parts. Perhaps it had been scrapped or destroyed by the locals. Or the one who owned it had removed it from these fools’ use. All Zer0 knew was that it made things difficult for him now.

Despite his thoughts he did take a moment to spare a nod in Naeva’s direction. It would not do either of them good to ignore her after all. If keeping her knowledgeable on plans eased her mind then Zer0 would make a conscious effort to do so. Better this odd bit of change in his MO then to make her difficult to work with by some imagined slight.

Closer to the wastes like this, Zer0 would have found one by now. It looked like they would need to resort to theft. Well, he had no problems with that, especially so if it came from lowly bandits in the first place.

Thoughts were scattered once more as Naeva spoke up yet again. Well, she certainly seemed self-aware. Then again it wasn’t as if Zer0 knew much about her either.

“In time might change. We will just wait and see. Until then we move,” Zer0 answered simply enough.

It certainly didn’t take long for Jack to figure out where her mind had swan dived into. Granted, given what she knew about him before this whole mess started, that didn’t surprise Naira any. She resisted a roll of the eyes at his response to it however. She did walk right into that one after all.

All the same, she couldn’t let that go without some kind of comeback.

“Oh, but I’m a woman, not a little girl, Jackie,” she retorted, offering a cheeky smile and an exaggerated bat of the eyelashes afterwards.

The goofiness didn’t last all that long before he was teasing her about her behavior moments ago however. Even so he still seemed far too amused about it even as Naira bothered to explain. His laughter seemed genuine however, something Naira was no stranger to. Hadn’t Naeva always laughed like that whenever Naira had gotten on like this after all?

Naira couldn’t help but to scoff in good humor, attempting to mask it by rubbing a hand over her mouth briefly. She was all too aware that it did little good.

“I’mma hold you to that!” she declared with a brief clap of her hands moments later. “Next time I’m in your office it better be in a pretty little glass box!”


Quieter and quieter, this was how Naeva was behaving the more the discussion progressed. Perhaps in time Zer0 might figure out a way to keep her more at ease but for now he was at a loss. Besides, there were more important matters at hand and they both knew it. Such things could be dealt with later, perhaps at a time when Zer0 knew for sure if this endeavor was even really worth it in the long run.

“So far,” he tacked on for her. This was added rather absently, perhaps further distracted by the thoughts still swirling about his mind. There was still so much to learn and to sort out.

There was a reason she would need to eventually need to learn some form of defense. It was either that or for her to lie low somewhere and Zer0 could not be sure she would even agree to such a thing. Not if she were very determined in personally trying to find leads to her friend along the way.

“In time you will learn. There is no other way now, merely keep going,” Zer0 pointed out again. Perhaps it was a crude thing to say but it was necessary. One way or another Naeva would need to learn even if she did not abandon her morals in the process.

Naira tossed him a look for the comment, however briefly the look remained. A combination of offense and a pout adorned her expression in that time even as she straightened her posture. Too often she was mistaken for a teenager and now it was happening again! Jeez… Then again at this rate she’d hopefully look twenty come her thirties…

“I’ll have you know, many women would kill to have my youthful looking appearance!” she pointed out instead. “’Sides, I’ll look fuckin’ fantastic in my thirties at this rate!”

Nonetheless the idea of someone framing that ridiculous attempt at a box was enough to drive her pouting off for the time being. It was such a bad attempt at making a dieline for a box! Really, Naira just wanted to shake the guy who’d made the damn thing in the first place.

Despite this she waved a hand and leaned back in her chair. It wasn’t the comfiest thing in existence but it was a computer chair all the same. Hell, Naira could probably nap in this thing if she had a blanket to curl up with. For now those were thoughts left for later, when late nights would most likely be worked. Jack was talking again after all, saying something about her visiting his office more often.

“Well, if I told you ‘yes’ it’d be less surprising if I just popped in, wouldn’t it?” Naira said. A brief paused followed before she added, “You sound quite excited about having a girl-faced visitor in your office though… Should I be worried ‘bout that?”


The silence between them was broken in spurts and it was not long before it returned. Perhaps her worries and fears kept her from speaking out more often today or perhaps she was always like this. In time Zer0 would find out for sure. Until then he would take things in stride as he always did. Violence would hardly solve anything with her it seemed.

The wastes grew closer with each passing minute in the meantime though he did not spot any bandits or psychos lurking about just yet. If they were lucky they would be able to find an abandoned, working runner. Even if it was tended to Zer0 could easily steal it away, leaving only blood and corpses behind if anyone tried to stop him.

Zer0 wasn’t sure if he was seeing any runners there in the distance. There was quite a bit of rubble and debris that was just thrown all over. Much of it would be forgotten and only the most useful parts, such as sheet metal and the like, would be reused later if it was found in the piles of garbage. A bit of scavenging might do them some good, however…

“Perhaps a bit of scavenging might set your mind at ease,” he offered. If nothing else it would serve to find them some supplies, if any were abandoned.

Luck was most likely not on their side however they could try all the same. In piles of rubble like this there were always some gold amongst it all. It was just digging far enough to find it and to recognize potential in what was found.

Another amused scoff escaped her before she knew it. Those seemed common when she spoke to Jack like this… Naira wondered about that briefly before brushing it aside. It’d been long since she’d talked to someone this witty. Sure, Naeva fit the bill at times but for the most part she enjoyed a drier, more sarcastic venue for her jokes.

“Plastic surgery?” she parroted. “Nerd, please! Do you know how many video games I could buy with plastic surgery money? I stare at a screen far more than I do my reflection!”

In hindsight that very reason might be why she didn’t always brush her hair or worry about how scrawny she really was. What need was there if she wasn’t planning on going out or doing anything for other people? Looked like some of those habits might need to change here however, if only to keep people’s attention off her a little.

Naira’s thoughts halted at that though she offered a roll of the eyes at Jack’s comment. “It’ll just be a surprise for you if that’s the case,” she joked along.


Quiet again yet still inquisitive, or perhaps she merely hadn’t a clue as to what might be of use on their trek through the wastes. Like other matters, Naeva would learn. He could hardly take the time to explain all of the things that might very well be found in such heaps of trash however. Anything could be within the garbage, its use hidden away by the one who’d tossed it.

“Anything.” The answer was simple. If she picked up only trash than perhaps Zer0 would interject. Still, he had hopes that she had enough sense not to. Naeva certainly didn’t seem the type to have such low mental faculties as so many of the folks that lived on Pandora’s surface.

He halted then, glancing over at the nearest heaps of garbage. Nothing immediately jumped out at him that would be incredibly helpful and yet Zer0 knew it would not be so easy. It never was.

“Time for us to start. Do not let yourself get hurt. We have no first aid.” With that reminder, Zer0 passed a quick glance around for any threats and started forward to begin the task.

Jack hadn't lingered long, dismissing himself that day with the notice that Tassiter might chew him out of it was obvious Jack wasn't doing his job. Naira believed that, recalling what little she could of that man. Hadn't he always gotten Jack's name wrong to boot? She thought so though couldn't be certain. Ah, but it didn't matter in the long run at that moment.

Naira's days that followed that one evolved into a pattern. Waking up, working on whatever design packages were needed. Sometimes it was making some Hyperion posters, others were entire merchandising packages. It seemed like there was a never ending need of graphics though why Naira couldn't say. Maybe it was just to keep her through the paces, still being new to the payroll thanks to Jack's meddling in the servers.

Weeks later proved no different and Naira was convinced that she was being worked so hard solely to see if she was valuable enough to keep on the Hyperion payroll. Why else would she be tasked with making so many graphics? There was no need when posters and packages could be used for some time before needing reimagining to bolster sales.

Chin in hand, Naira surveyed that day's work. It was a generic poster they wanted, the bosses faces splayed over them. Really, they were rather old codgers in her book. Such images peering at any and all that looked at the posters was sure to make anyone antsy. Still, it was what they wanted...

"Talk about unnecessary," she muttered under her breath.


Zer0 watched, curious as to what she was attempting to do. She hadn't said much other than asking what something was or what it was intended to do upon working back at that junk heap. Now Naeva sat, parts strewn about her as she poked, prodded and took things apart. Had she an idea in mind, or...?

The question mark that glowed brilliant red was otherwise ignored. Perhaps Naeva was so far into what she was doing that she didn't notice the emote. He waited a moment longer, in the event that she did glance up at him and notice, before he spoke up.

"Might I inquire / What is it you are doing? / Perhaps you need help."

He was far from a mechanical expert but he might know a thing or two which could aid in her endeavor, whatever it was. At least in that manner she might get farther than tinkering fruitlessly with the items she'd dragged with them. Only when they were safe, bandits and skags eradicated within the area of their campsite, did she ever tug them out. At least she had enough sense not to try observing and playing with them while they moved.

Now he would wait and see what she said. It seemed she had grown more comfortable around him at calmer moments like this but she might still be wary about sharing her thoughts and intentions.

Naira blinked, gaze straying from her computer to the door as it opened. None other than Jack strode in, a cheeky smile in place already as he greeted her. Naira allowed a small smile to spread on her lips as well though she would still much rather nap. All this designing was sapping her energy and creative juices. At this rate she wouldn't be worth much without a break to recharge and think of new ideas and twists to old ones to incorporate.

"Well, hello to you too, handsome," she greeted lightly. A yawn soon followed, though she waved off Jack's teasing question. "Not at all, sleep is for the weak."

Only a moment passed before Naira pushed herself back, eyes closed as she rubbed at them briefly. Her eyes had strained pretty hard with how long she'd been focusing on this latest little project tossed her way. Lacking in creative ideas made it far more difficult than it should've been. Nonetheless she kept that tidbit to herself, allowing her hand to fall to her lap.

"So, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Naira inquired.

Jack had seemed to make it a habit to come visit when he could. In all honesty, Naira wondered why he seemed so interested in her other than for her sudden and strange appearance upon Helios. She'd only been lucky that he'd been the one watching the security cameras and no one else.


Zer0 blinked, watching otherwise stoically as Naeva flinched. This was perhaps the first he'd heard her curse like that. He wondered if it was habit or a rarity though only time would say for sure. For now it was a curiosity that had no answer. This was fine as Zer0 could be a very patient man.

He inclined his head when she turned to him, asking him to repeat the question. So engrossed she'd been with the delicate wires then... Odd, he hadn't struck her as the type to dabble in these sorts of things. It seemed there was much still to learn even after so many days had passed. Then again she was just now really beginning to grow somewhat comfortable in his presence.

"I had merely asked / If you needed any help / Or if you are fine," he repeated.

The only thing he could do was wait now and see if she did need help or not. Zer0 would not force his aid upon her if she did not wish it after all. It might very well be that Naeva wished to do it all on her own, whatever 'it' happened to be.

He shifted his weight to one leg as Naeva seemed to regard him carefully. Perhaps she wasn't certain if she even wanted any help. Zer0 had seen her debating with herself on more than one occasion already as the days had passed.

It had been a joke but Naira wasn't entirely naive enough to believe most people got the sleep they really needed around here. Someone as low she, providing only pretty graphics for use, was already being worked like a dog; with that in mind, well, Naira would be surprised if more important employees weren't worked nearly to death at times. It seemed ridiculous and counterproductive but then no one here had asked her opinion on that matter.

The thought was pushed aside as she asked what it was Jack needed today. Sometimes he just came to visit, something that still made her curious. It took a moment for him to answer, shifting his weight and looking as if he was seeking the right words. This caused Naira to raise an eyebrow.

"Research...?" she echoed, blinking almost owlishly. "Research who?"

Though she asked Naira couldn't be sure Jack would even answer. He was secretive about a few things she'd noticed over the days that had passed. He'd pause before spilling something that seemed inconsequential before waving the topic away, or refusing to answer something innocent. Naira wondered if these were things to worry about. On those occasions, she couldn't help but think of the man he might be become, terrorizing everybody...

"I suppose that depends, you’re not gonna make me sort all that info into info graphics are you?”


It took Naeva a moment to actually answer his question properly. For a long moment she merely blinked at Zer0 and then moved to place the piece of machinery she’d fiddled with for so long onto her lap. Robotics? Zer0 tipped his head to one side, a brilliantly red question mark blooming from his helmet. What was she planning?

“Robotics?” he echoed, forgoing the usual haiku formatting. “I know only what I need.”

He could not say for sure what exactly she was attempting to do even now. She seemed content to fiddle with the pieces of machinery she’d gathered from the junk heaps despite the shock she’d just received. It might well be something complex with all the things she’d picked up. That was, unless she had only taken everything that she had in case she might need replacements or the like.

“Or shock yourself more / We do not wish for your death / Not with such trinkets.”

If she’d had schematics of what she had in mind then Zer0 might be more of a help to her in this odd endeavor but for now that wasn’t the case. It was entirely possible that Naeva didn’t even have a schematic in mind and was merely winging it. That could turn out bad if she wasn’t careful. An odd thing given her usual passive and cautious nature…