"Power in the Shell" A Ghost in the Shell x DC Universe Romance Crossover story

Part 6

Ghost in the Machine – Part 6

For the first time since arriving in this world, Power Girl felt still.

The city outside hummed with its usual rhythm—hover cars drifting between neon-lit skyscrapers, digital advertisements flickering against rain-slicked streets—but inside Motoko's quiet apartment, everything was different. Slower. Softer.

Power Girl sat on the edge of the couch, watching as Motoko moved through the room. She was precise, controlled, even in something as simple as pouring herself a glass of water.

"You're staring," Motoko remarked without looking up.

Power Girl smirked. "I do that sometimes."

Motoko turned, glass in hand, and leaned against the counter. "And why's that?"

Power Girl shrugged. "Maybe because you're interesting."

Motoko raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you tell every woman who lets you into her apartment?"

Power Girl leaned back, arms stretched along the top of the couch. "Nah. You're a first."

Motoko's lips twitched, but she didn't let the smile fully form. She took a slow sip of water before setting the glass down.

"I don't do this," she said after a pause.

Power Girl tilted her head. "Do what?"

"This." Motoko gestured vaguely between them. "Personal attachments. Dating. Any of it."

Power Girl didn't react right away. She let the words settle, watching the way Motoko's expression remained neutral—but her fingers tapped against the counter, just slightly, like a silent admission of uncertainty.

"So why me?" Power Girl finally asked, voice softer now.

Motoko exhaled, pushing away from the counter. "Because you're not from here," she admitted. "You don't belong to this world. You're not caught up in the politics, the ghosts in the network, the systems watching us. You're..." She hesitated, searching for the right word. "...real."

Power Girl let that sit between them.

Then she stood, closing the distance between them with slow, confident steps. When she was close enough, she reached out—just lightly, fingertips brushing against the bare skin of Motoko's wrist.

"I think you're more real than you give yourself credit for, Major."

Motoko's breath hitched—not something anyone else would notice, but Power Girl did.

For a moment, it felt like the world outside didn't exist. Just them.

Then Motoko's fingers curled around Power Girl's wrist, and she pulled her in, her body pressing close. "You talk too much," she muttered before capturing Power Girl's lips in a deep, lingering kiss.

Power Girl didn't argue.

The Morning After

The rain had stopped by the time Power Girl stirred awake.

She blinked against the faint glow of city lights streaming through the window, her senses slowly coming back to her. The couch beneath her was firm but comfortable, and the blanket draped over her shoulders was an unexpected touch.

For a second, she almost forgot where she was.

Then she turned her head—and saw Motoko.

The Major sat by the window, dressed down in a tank top and shorts, her cybernetic limbs catching the dim light. She was quiet, thoughtful, her eyes scanning the skyline like she was reading a story only she could understand.

Power Girl stretched, sitting up. "You always wake up this early?"

Motoko didn't look over. "I don't sleep much."

Power Girl stood, padding over to her. "Nightmares?" she guessed.

Motoko finally met her gaze. "Memories."

Power Girl didn't press. Instead, she leaned against the window frame, watching the sunrise with her.

After a long silence, she said, "You know, I don't have to go back. Not right away."

Motoko raised an eyebrow. "You'd stay?"

Power Girl smirked. "For a while."

Motoko considered that. Then, in a rare moment of vulnerability, she reached for Power Girl's hand. Not tight, not possessive. Just there.

"Good," she said quietly.

Power Girl squeezed back.

And for the first time in a long time, Motoko felt like she wasn't alone in the machine.

The End... or perhaps, just the beginning.