When the members of Section 9 are away from their jobs, they are prohibited to interact with each other. Though they are close friends, practically family, it is for their insured safety. Who will break the rule first?

Kusanagi was settled on a bench in one of the parks within the city. It was nice to get a break and enjoy the early afternoon sun since her life was full of work. Spending time with Kurutan and Ran was always an option, however Kusanagi preferred to keep to herself. The truth was, they were good friends, but Kurutan and Ran could never hear about Kusanagi's job. They vaguely knew about it. Though she appreciated the time she spent with them, Kusanagi had no one to confide in.

The sunny park was exactly where she wanted to be at this moment. Children laughing, dogs barking, leaves rustling in the breeze, it was perfect. Kusanagi took a deep breath and closed her eyes, the sun warming her false skin.

"Hello, ma'am. Nice weather we're having today." a familiar voice said, sitting beside her.

Kusanagi opened her eyes to see Batou petting a happy dog.

"Yes, it's a beautiful day." she replied, smiling at his dog.

"Gabriel loves it here, but I don't get to take her often."

"Your dog? That's a shame, she must miss spending time with you."

"I'm always busy, my boss is ready to give me work every hour of the day."

"Tell me about it. My boss barely lets me have time off."

"You should talk to him about it, he might consider giving you a couple days."

Kusanagi gave him her best "really?" face.

"That old ape wouldn't give me days off if I was carrying a baby or a deadly disease. I'm his favorite." She teased.

"Is that so? What do your co-workers have to say about that?"

"They know I'm his favorite because I get to boss them around." Kusanagi smirked.

"Well, I happen to be my boss' least favorite."

"Why is that?"

"Because I'm an idiot and he knows it. He doesn't like my sense of humor."

"Well, at least he doesn't hate you. You can be the least favorite and still be accepted. If he really hated you, he probably would have fired you."

"True." Batou continued petting Gabriel. They sat quietly watching the park around them.

"I have a least favorite co-worker." Kusanagi broke the silence.

"Really? But if he's your least favorite, does that mean you don't hate him?"

"It depends, he's funny, nice, and extremely dependable, but he can be too overprotective of me."

"Maybe this guy likes you." Batou teased.

"Of course he does, a blind person could see that, I just don't know how to explain my feelings. I'm not sure if they correspond with his, but there's something there."

"Have you ever asked him about it?"

"I did pretty recently, but I haven't gotten my answers."

"I say you should go for it and see what happens."

"But he knows that I have two girlfriends."

"But he also knows how you feel about them."

"But what if I've changed?"

"He doesn't care what you are, he cares about who you are, who you've been, and who you will always be."

Kusanagi smiled softly and gazed at the clear sky.

"Maybe I'll talk to him sometime." She said as she rose to her feet.

Batou stood as well.

"Well, maybe we'll see each other again sometime?" He asked.

"Maybe." Kusanagi sighed.

Batou was taken aback by her next action. Kusanagi suddenly embraced him into a hug. At first he was shocked, then returned it.

"Thank you." Kusanagi said as she smiled at him.

She pet Gabriel's head and walked away, waving behind her. Batou waved back.

"C'mon girl, let's go home." Batou led his dog in the opposite direction, out of the park.