While the ride to the lab was fairly short, Sarrina had liked it much better when John and Dorian were the ones up front. This Paul...he wasn't exactly friendly company, neither was his MX for that matter. Personally, Sarrina never liked the MXs. Too cold. To her, emotions would be important since with emotion comes comfort to those in accidents or tragedies. Well, on the brighter side of things, Dorian had rode in the back with her, and Paul didn't strike up much of a conversation, like he didn't know what to say. She had felt extremely grateful to see the familiar landmarks she had seen earlier that day. Paul turned in his seat once he parked. Man, just thinking about what this girl was gave him the creeps. "Right, we'll be stationed out here. If something happens we'll be moments away. Got it?" "We understand, Paul," Dorian nodded and opened his side door, "Thank you for the ride. Be safe out here," he climbed out and went to Sarrina's side, opening her door and extending a hand. Once she was out, he guided her to the door, his arm protectively over her shoulders. He made sure she was through into the protective building first, and then followed suit. "You were quite quiet through the trip here. Is it because you were separated from Ayano? I'm sorry about that, I really am. What if something happened to us? Ayano would be able to find you. Visa versa, due to Ayano's cybernetics," he said gently, "It's easier and safer this way. Please don't be upset with me." "I'm not upset," Sarrina weakly smiled, "I...understand. I just, you know, wanted to be with her for a little bit longer...Everything is moving so fast now. So much to process. I just...need a little time to adjust." Shifting around, Sarrina bowed her head. "Um...by the way...I-I'm really sorry about the lab! I didn't know that it would blow up I swear. It...it just did, and I had all these alerts that I had to get out of the area...I-I didn't know my dad would do something like that." "It was to protect you as well as keep the information out of the wrong hands," Dorian said gently as they walked down the stairs, "I guess I'm used to all of this that it doesn't bother me. I understand that you need time, though. And besides, all we need is in that memory chip Ayano re-installed for you. Have you been able to crack it yet?" "I...haven't tried." the brunette admitted, "I've been kinda...worried what I might find. I mean, what if it's something bad?" Truth be told, Sarrina felt terrified. Sure, Ayano seemed not to worry about it, and it was only supposed to be a memory chip...but what if she couldn't handle the memories? What if they were too painful? What then? Delete them? But Dorian just said the they needed the chip. She just...wanted to go back before her mother and father died, to where she was a normal girl, doing normal things. No cancer, no machine body parts, none of this. Dorian stopped her before they turned the last flight of stairs, and turned her to face him. His expression was kind, his vivid blue eyes gentle, "Sarrina...it'll be okay. Take your time, build up your courage. I just...want you to unlock them of your own accord before you're forced to for the investigation. I wish you didn't have to go through this, but...here we are, and there's no other route. I'm trying to help you so it won't be so emotionally painful, but there isn't much else I can do. From here on, it's your choice. I can't make them for you." A smile tugged at her lips from his words as her nerves settled just like that despite how he pointed out that she would eventually have no choice. His eyes...they looked so real. "I know...I want to be strong and make them. I'm..I'm just a kid still though. Well, technically I'm an adult, but I still feel like a kid...I'm not sure if I can make the right choices." Dorian smiled, "You don't have to decide right now. I'll guide you as much as I can, though," he reassured and they continued walking. He rubbed her arm as he pulled her close, "Rudy? I'm back with Sarrina. She can talk now," he called. Reaching the bottom he saw Rudy fiddling with something or another, looking a bit jittery and looking at the clock. While he lived with the man, he was still a mystery. "O-oh! Hello! You're, uh, right on time!" Rudy fidgeted as he put away what he had been messing with. "I was told that we would be having a guest stay with us so I, ah, took the liberality of preparing a place for her." "You really didn't have to. I'm good sleeping wherever I can have a pillow." Sarrina stated, noting that there were several large creates and other items piled off to the side that hadn't been there before. "Nonsense. A lady should always have her own room." Rudy protested, hurried over to a closet door and opening it. "You'll have to pardon the size and lack of decoration. I only just finished cleaning it out." Inside there was a lone cot with blankets and a pillow resting on top. Simple, plain. It will do. Rudy wished he could add some sort of flare to it to make her more comfortable. He didn't want her to feel like she was in the Cubes while here. "Thank you, Rudy; you really didn't have to do to such lengths." Sarrina smiled as she examined the room. "And I think it looks fine. It's only for the night anyway. I'll just think of it as camping; only it's inside, not outside." Dorian chuckled, "That's an interesting way to think about it," he smiled and looked at Rudy just as he looked back at the clock. Was he waiting for someone? "Thank you, Rudy, for doing this. I'm sure Sarrina will sleep comfortably tonight. We're taking her to a safe house in the morning." He looked at the crates, "Would you like me to put those away for you?" "What?" Rudy furrowed his brows as he turned his attention onto the android. "Put what aw-Oh! Um. No-I mean yes. I would like this place to be in as neat of condition as possible. I, um, I-I'll help." The bit flustered scientist moved to start moving the crates off an open door. "I can help too!" Sarrina grinned, eager to earn her keep per say, "No sense in letting the two of you do all the work when I'm just as capable." "Don't worry about it, Rudy," Dorian chuckled taking the crate from him, and shooed him away, "We got this. We can lift much more and do it faster." Looking at Sarrina, he smiled, "This is the first time you've used you new strength, right?" "Yes, but I'm told I can lift at least twenty times my previous ability." Sarrina nodded, walking over to one of the larger crates. Her systems analyzed the relative mass of the object before calculating the precise strength needed to lift something of that approximate weight. Walking over, Sarrina took a deep breath before gripping the crate and slowly lifting it up. Although it proved to be slightly more than estimated, the cyborg woman had very little trouble moving towards the door Rudy directed her to. "This is officially cool." she grinned. Maybe this new body wasn't too bad after all? "There are lots of different abilities we can do. I'll need to ask Ayano what was installed into you so I can help you practice using them," the dark skinned man matched her grin, "We can talk more about that though once we're done with this." He focused on the task at hand, amused with her amazement. "Whoa, what's the party all about?" A chick's voice asked and she didn't even flinch as all of the MX's pointed their guns on her. She had a Starbucks cup in either hand, and the brunette's ponytail swished as she jerked her head, turning her nose up and sneering at them, "Paul, call off the dogs. I bite back, but I'm in a good mood and don't feel like picking cybernetics outa my teeth." "You would be dead before you even reached us, Miss Knight," Paul's MX said. Could MX's even be snarky? Well, like owner like robot she supposed. She arched a brow, "Don't test me, ya box 'o' scraps. You can't even eat donuts, or have sex because you don't got any balls! That's a crime against humanity!" "Of course, as we are not human. Detective Paul, her attitude is strikingly similar to Detective Kennex," the MX stated. Yup, definitely snarky just like his partner. "Stand down," Paul sighed gesturing to the MX, "You shouldn't be here, Davon. This is a serious matter, a police matter. I don't have time to deal with you. Go home." Of course /she/ had to show up. Of all nights too. Wasn't bad enough that he would be awake most of the night watching over some Freak of Nature, but now Davon decided to show up. "Hmph," Davon snorted and walked towards the door, "Too bad for you, I don't like following orders. Especially from people like you. I'm here to see my boyfriend, so get out of my way, Paul. I would chew on you, but I bet you are just as rotten as your personality." "Maybe, but I'm still better than your Geek Toy." Paul retorted. When his MX moved to stop her, the detective waved him off. Davon would only cause a big scene here and risk everything. As annoying as Davon could be, the Captain bitching at him was worst. "One of these days you're going to pop off to someone and they'll knock you flat on your back." "I look forward to the day when someone's got enough balls to do so. Neither you, nor your life-sized ken doll, would be able to," Davon smirked and entered the building with the last laugh. By now, Dorian and Sarrina had become a bit competitive. Illogical, as he was an android, but he had fun with her. They had raced to the last crate, and touched it at the same time...only his hand overlaid hers. He felt a sort of...shock. It was odd. Perhaps she had static shock activated by accident? Or was it that...she was human, with only cybernetic enhancements? Was that what intrigued him? He smiled at her, and moved away, "You beat me fair and square. You can take the last box to storage." "How about a compromise? We can both take it," Sarrina offered with heated cheeks as she adjusted her hold to where Dorian could also lift up the crate. Her hand still tingled from where his had touched hers. For an android, his hands had a rather nice feel to them. Not rough or too smooth or too soft. Almost like human hands. "We touched it at the same time at any rate." He laughed, "If you say so," he grinned and leaned down, and just as he gripped it, he heard light footsteps bounding down the stairs and he tensed, looking over. "RUUUUUDDDDYYYYYY! I brought your faaaavooorrrrrite coffee! Starbucks, at that! Sorry it took so long, line was busy as fuck and this one asshole made them re-make his like, three times!" "Davon!" Rudy almost stumbled as he hurried to greet her after having fix the tie around his neck and smoothing his hair down. "I was worried you'd decided not to come. Was everything alright? No problems getting here?" His beautiful angel...every time she came around, everything brightened. "I brought you a caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino, since the day's so hot I thought you'd like it to cool off," Davon grinned at him, offering him his drink. She was short compared to Rudy's long and lanky form. Her expression was adoring, "Besides the sour-tempered bulldog out front, everything was fine." "Detective Paul? Should I go have a word with him?" Rudy straightened himself up as tall as he could without raising on the balls of his feet. For Davon he'd take on a hundred Pauls...well maybe not a hundred...Well he'd make his life miserable at least. No one messed with his lady. "I can if you want me to. I'll go right up to him and...and give him a piece of my mind." At her smile, Rudy shrank back down and took his drink. "Thank you." When the woman with brunette hair drawn back into a ponytail and vibrant green eyes, bounded down the stairs with two cups of coffee in her hands, the two mechanical persons had already lifted the box. Sarrina blinked in confusion at the new arrival and her...particular taste in words. While her features were soft, the teen doubted she was anything but, "Who is that?" "I've never met her, but by the way they're acting...I think that's Rudy's girlfriend," Dorian answered Sarrina, "He's been chatting with somebody online as of late, but she's never come around here...at least...not when I am. She must stop by when John and I are on duty." He was sure Rudy would introduce them, so didn't bother looking up who she was with his scanner. "Awww they're so sweet," Sarrina giggled as she gently tugged on the crate, "Come on, let's put this up instead of just holding it. I want to meet her when we're finished." Call her a romantic, but Sarrina always enjoyed seeing couples like Rudy and his girlfriend together. It made her feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. Their fingers touched when they exchanged the beverage, and Davon enjoyed it when Rudy lingered. When he took it, and it left that hand free, she glanced behind him at the biracial couple in the background. When they disappeared into the storage room, she reached out and grabbed Rudy by his tie, loving his look of surprise, and tugged him down, crashing their lips together. His gasp was perfect, and allowed her to press closer. Hiding behind the door in storage, Dorian stifled a snicker, his cybernetics glowing blue, "Rudy's heart rate just jumped, and his body temp's shooting through the roof." He'd never seen Rudy's vitals going crazy like this, it was amusing and refreshing, "She's rather forward." Sarrina couldn't help the smile on her face as she pressed her side against Dorian's., "So guys like forward girls. Everyone has personal likes and dislikes. It's when you meet your other half that everything else falls into place. Rudy must have found his other half. I know that's old fashioned, but my parents were like that." Rudy's hands clumsily came to rest on Davon's shoulders as he returned the kiss. Very few times in his life did Rudy stumble upon something truly amazing that happened to him that changed his life. Being a consultant for the police, going undercover, and Davon were of the top of the list. Davon turned his world around. No more one night stands or anything of the like. We they chatted online, he would stay away hours with her. He had almost died when she wanted to meet him in person. Now, not a moment goes by that he doesn't think of his angel. Davon ran her hand through Rudy's hair, and pulled away with a smirk, "You don't need to go against Paul, Ruby-Rudy, I got it under control," she patted his chest, "Take deep breaths, calm down." She touched his hair again, "You don't need to wear gel, it feels weird and it's bad for your hair. I think you look rather handsome the way you are," she patted his cheek and stepped back, taking a sip of her own frappuccino, "So, who're teh andrids hid'n' teh back?" she slurred around her straw. "W-wha-Oh! Well, Dorian is a DRN, detective Kennex's partner and my, um, roommate. Sarrina is...complicated. I would explain, but...it's an on going investigation and...and all that." Rudy stumbled around with his words, still rather taken by the surprise kiss. "Would you like to meet them? Dorian is an exceptional person. Sarrina, I've only just met, but she's a very charming. Not that you need to worry. I have no interest in her what-so-ever. You are the only woman in my life." His cheeks turned bright red when he confessed that. His blushing actually earned him his nickname the very first time they met. He had accidentally spilled his coffee and when he tried cleaning it up, almost tripped over the chair. Rudy honestly thought he had ruined everything, but Davon...she laughed. Not in a mean manner, but she laugh because she thought he was cute. They just...clicked after that. Sure he still felt nervous when she first started showing up, but now...he fretted more over trying to impress his angel, his lady...his lady angel. Davon giggled, "You are so adorable," she wrapped her arm around his waist and looked towards storage as Dorian and Sarrina left the room. Dorian nodded politely, "I'm Dorian, as Rudy said. It's nice to meet you." They looked so close and he would say they looked like the perfect couple. Rudy definitely needed Davon's confidence. It was sweet. "I'm Davon Knight," she nodded, and then Sarrina joined them next, "So you're what all the fuss is about? Don't worry I'm not going to pry. I was just surprised by the whole hullabaloo outside. If I'm captured and shit when I leave, I don't plan on saying anything I swear." Rudy immediately tensed up. Davon kidnapped?! No, no, no, no, no. He would /not/ allow that to happen to her...but what if it did? How would he be able to find her? He could perhaps track her phone. But what if they destroy it or toss it somewhere? No he needed something else… "Well...that's kind of you," Sarrina smiled a bit unsure. That's right...everyone here was actually risking themselves with her around with a gang after her and all. The more she thought of it, the more Sarrina could see bad things happening because of her. "I'm Sarrina Weiskei." "Weiskei? What a pretty name! Sounds Japanese," Davon giggled. "It's actually the scientific name for the Purple Spotted Swallowtail," Dorian corrected, "Graphium Weiskei is the full name. Sarrina's father was named Jacob Weiskei." "Ooh, I understand," Davon nodded. So she wasn't Japanese at all. "Ugh, so much sciencey stuff. I just came down here to share frappuccinos with my boyfriend and talk. It's not that I don't like science...but..." she rubbed her neck sheepishly, "I'm just your average tomboy who goes 'huh?' when someone gets all technical." "That's perfectly fine, my dear. Not everyone is science savvy. Take John for example. That's what I'm good for, though. I can help you out anytime you need it." Rudy spoke up after managing to force himself to relax. "Yet your boyfriend is a very science knowledgeable person I've met so far," Sarrina giggled at the woman, "You remind me of my friends from high school. Both my parents are...were scientist. My mom was a biologist while my dad worked mainly on androids and prosthetics. Science just comes naturally to me. Even Ayano, my Godmother, is a genius." "Ha! My own taste is rather easy to explain," she watched im wander over to his desk and shuffle through his things. Shrugging she grinned at Sarrina, "It's rare to find a smart guy who doesn't take his knowledge to his head. It's Rudy's social awkwardness that's so adorable and charming. We don't hang out here in the lab that often, we've only been going out a month or so, but I love listening to him ramble off about his latest project or talk about a case that he helped solve, things he wants to do and how he wants to help out in other ways. He wants more adventure and excitement but doesn't know how to go about it," she figured it was common knowledge at least to Dorian and whoever John was. She looked at the dark skinned man, "His favorite story to tell me is about his role during the whole Bends case." Dorian laughed, "Ah, yes. He's constantly asking if he can go undercover again." "You say that like it's a laughable thing," Rudy pouted a bit, looking up from the desk, "I'm serious. I can go undercover at any time. I've already proven myself in the field." Besides it would impress Davon. That really made him itch to do that again. "Well for the record, I think you both are prefect for each other," the butterfly teen smiled, "You seem to balance another out. That's what's really important." Davon blushed and bit her lip, "You really think so?" Her shyness suddenly morphed into something sly and mischievous, "What about you and Dorian, hmm? Ya gunna get together and have cute Oreo Cookie babies? That's the slang for kids from biracial parents, isn't it? Oreos? I always thought it was cute instead of mean." Dorian's eyes actually widened and he looked at Sarrina and then back at Davon, opening and closing his mouth, "I only just met her today, and even if...I can't reproduce. Yes I can have sex, but I'm an android. It's not possible." "That's what artificial insemination is for!" Davon beamed, /loving/ how she was just able to fluster an /android/! "That's the right term, right, Rudy? Or like, do the whole donor thing with genetics similar to Dorian's. You're so cool looking with your dark skin and bright blue eyes. A mocha baby with Sarrina's eyes would be so cute! You'd be an adorable mother, too, Sarrina!" This was so not happening. Nope it just wasn't happening. She was not finding out whether or not Dorian could have sex; nor was she being told how to have a boy with genetics similar to his. This was just not at all happening. Sarrina covered her extremely heated face with her hands before walking away, "I am soooooooooo done with this conversation. I'll just pretend that it didn't." "Davon, m-my dear," Rudy tried to murmur lowly to her once the young woman had distanced herself enough, "Sarrina...more than just the young miss that you see. She's...new to things right now, so this might be a bit much for her. Not that you've done anything wrong, not at all. She just...well may be sensitive about things right now." Dorian attempted to see if the same thing could be turned on the opposing woman, "What about you an Rudy? He was a child model, after all. I'm sure you two would have wonderful children as well." Much to his chagrin, Davon just took it in stride. Davon smirked at him, stepping closer to Rudy even as he turned just as red as Sarrina. This was fun, they were like a mirrored couple, "Oh really? I didn't even know that. Perhaps they would," she raised her glass to him, "Touché, good sir. Something we would prefer to consider in the future, when our relationships are more secure." Dorian smirked, and nodded back, "I'm glad we have an understanding, then." "I-If you'll excuse me." Rudy hurriedly mumbled before quickly going back to his searching off to avoid any more mentions about children or intercourse. It made him turn shy every time he even thought of making love to his lady. She'd probably laugh at him at any rate. No, he was not going to start thinking about that stuff. Davon snickered and shook her head, "I'll leave you two be," she didn't show it, but she was concerned about Rudy. Without further ado, she followed after the blond. He was at another desk in an adjacent room. He had been scrambling through his things looking for something, but she didn't bother asking. He'd spew off some fancy description name she really didn't care about and she /hated/ having to ask him to break it down into simplified English because she was too dumb to get it. Sighing, she plopped down in his chair and looked at him as he closed one drawer and opened another, his frappe set to the side, "Um...Rudy, did I go a bit too far? I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable, I was just having a bit of fun." She shifted, sucking on her frappachino to distract herself. Maybe she was too forward even for him… "No, not at all, my dear, I can assure you. It simply...caught me off guard." Rudy hurriedly explained pausing in his search to cast a smile at her. "I enjoy it when you carry on like that." Going back to searching Rudy finally found the object of his desire. A small tracking bug. Tiny, but attachable to just about any surface. Keeping in close in one hand to hide it from Davon, he turned to her. "Would you be opposed if I, um, kiss you?" Relieved, Davon moved her frappe next to his and hopped out of the chair, "Only if you mean it," she winked at him. Before, they'd only have short, chaste kisses or she'd kinda...force it on him. She wanted to see what he could do of his own accord, since he hadn't /asked/ her before, just gave her cute little pecks outa the blue if he was feeling playful. Rudy swallowed a bit out of nervousness before leaning down to press his lips to hers. At first, it felt like just another peck when she responded back, but he could sense she wanted...more. Very well then. Reaching around behind her, Rudy attached the tracker bug to the inside of her slightly loose shirt before hesitantly placing on hand on her upper back with the other on her lower back to pull her close. His heart rate already jumped, but he focused on Davon to keep from his nervous shaking as he pressed his lips more against hers. Davon shivered at the slightest brush of his calloused fingers when he messed with his shirt, "Rudy..." her breath hitched and her moan turned into a low hum as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing closer. He meant so much to her...but did he even want a long term relationship? Was he...no...she cut off her thoughts and just focused on his kiss, how his moist lips moved against hers. He didn't slobber like a dog, and his lips weren't chapped on the flip side of that coin. It was...wonderful, kissing him. Rudy sort of...lost himself in the kiss, loving how she felt in his arms. Who would have thought that Rudy would be kissing such a lovely woman. He didn't want to let go of her...so he held her even closer. He hesitated before taking it to the next step by timidly poking his tongue at her lips. This was really risky because if she didn't like that she would pull away and the kiss would end on a bad note. At the same time, he couldn't help but to try. His hold was surprisingly strong. Davon felt the twitch and flex of hidden muscle. Lean, but it was still there. Feeling his tongue attentively swipe across her lip, she was pleased he was willing to take it up a notch. Opening to him, her tongue greeted his, coaxing it to play by swirling around the wet muscle. So he had some surprises hidden under his sleeve. Unlike her, he wasn't quite so predictable, and it excited and intrigued her. Pleased that he hadn't ruined everything, Rudy enjoyed the taste of his lady's caramel-like flavor. Or was that the frappucino? At any rate, it was pleasant. Their tongues danced and swirled adding new wonders to the sensations. He wanted to stay like this forever, just enjoying how his heart raced. They reluctantly broke apart, and Davon blushed darkly, which was something she didn't do often. "That was wonderful, Rudy. Thank you. You're a really good kisser," she praised and relaxed, moving her arms from his neck to around his waist and just...rested her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, enjoying his embrace a little longer. Rudy smiled down at Davon, his heart beat surprisingly settling as he pressed his lips to the top of her head. "Thank you...you were exceptional as well, my dear." This...he enjoyed this. "Davon...I-I know we have only been together for a month now...but I...I-I really, really like you." He swallowed the nervous clump in his throat, "You have completely changed my life, in a good way. A really good way." "I try to impress you because I want you to be happy." Rudy smiled softly, reaching up and brushing some hair from her face, "You make me happy, so very happy; I just want to make sure that you're happy, too...To be honest, I never thought someone as wonderful as you would even give me a second thought. I-I've never had a serious relationship either. Not many will put up with some like me. So...if you can handle, my...my clumsiness, my awkwardness...I can more than handle your outbursts, which I find very enjoyable by the way." "Oh, Rudy…" Davon giggled, relaxing at his touch, leaning into his hand, "/You/ being you make me happy. You don't have to go to such great lengths for me. It makes me happy just knowing you care and find my tough appearance and my tomboyish-ness endearing," she grinned, "If I'm being nothing but myself, so do you," she poked his nose, "Okay? Take deep breaths, relax…if this is the case, I don't plan on dumping that cute butt of yours anytime soon, hehe." "Well I am quite handsome aren't I?" Rudy smiled bashfully, "I supposed posteriors count as well. You are vastly more beautiful. Envy of the stars themselves." Leaning down he placed a kiss on her forehead. His wonderful lady. When did the favors of Lady Luck turn to him to have such a wonderful girlfriend? Sarrina hopped up onto one of the lab tables just to sit down somewhere. She couldn't stop thinking about that stuff. Her and Dorian? Besides the fact that they just met, he was an android. Wasn't that like super weird if they were to be a couple? Sure people dated androids for like, ahem, yeah dirty stuff, but not like human relations. Although...Dorian was quite handsome... Nope not going there. And well...a fictional baby between them would be cute, Sarrina had to admit. "Davon is an...interesting person. Rudy has his work cut out for him," Dorian shook his head and he joined Sarrina's side, "Are you alright?" he thought her blushing was cute, but he could tell even without using his cybernetics that she was uncomfortable. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just...all this talk about relationships and babies...it was just a bit much. I mean...before I had all this," she gestured to her body, "done to save my life, I was a sophomore in high school. Having kids was the last thing on my mind. Then I wake up two years later and...everything is so different...Who wants to date a cyborg? Not that it could matter in the end. Not if...they decide to shut me down." Sarrina knew that wasn't the best of topics, but...it worried her. Dorian frowned a little and reached out, hesitating a moment before stroking her cheek, "So in reality, you're more sixteen than eighteen mentally. That is understandable. You don't even have your diploma? Perhaps once this is all over, I can assist you in an online school, or help you study for a GED. Did you have any interest in going to college to be somebody?" More stable ground, get her relaxed before he spoke his mind. Her skin was soft...he hadn't really taken notice of it before. "That would be great. At least I could do that. Mom and Dad always pushed for education. A GED is as close as I'll get to a high school diploma, and all that." Sarrina nodded, her cheeks flaring again at his touch. For someone who proved just a few minutes ago to be able to extremely strong, he had such a gentle touch. "College would be fun too. I...I always wanted to be like the others in my family. A biologist or work with androids or prosthetics. But I've only caused...bad things...to happen around me." He pulled her into a hug, "You're a strong person, Sarrina. You don't bring bad luck, I promise." Pulling away, Dorian felt himself hesitate again, before he kissed her forehead, "In all honesty, I don't even know how old I am. Of course I could give you my "birthday" which is when I was created, but maturity is based on mentality. I would consider myself in my twenties." He sighed, "Sarrina...you know DRN's are created with something called 'synthetic soul' right? It's what makes me...me. I have feelings, wishes, wants, needs...but I don't ever...talk about them, because it's just easier for others to think I'm just a robot like the MX's. It's easier for them to understand. I've never told anyone this...not even John...but I feel like anybody else. I feel as though I'm an actual /person/. I'm scared of dying, being decommissioned again and shut down, losing all these wonderful memories I've made. I...envy you. People /may/ see you like an android like me. It'd be easier to explain yourself as such. But...you...were human first. Your soul is your own. It's real. It's not /synthetic/." The DRN understood now. Why it was so hard to just /say it/ instead of beating around the bush. "I'd date you, if I was human and not this...machine. You're beautiful, on the inside as well as on the outside. I wish you would activate your chip, and learn what your father put into those two years of recordings. We would be able to talk about it then, make sense of it. Perhaps you might learn something about yourself as well that would help your insecurities." "Dorian..." Sarrina's face softened as she reached out to place her hand on his cheek. For an android...he felt warm. "You're not just some /machine/, and I don't believe that your soul is synthetic. It's yours and yours alone. I know that there are other DRNs out there, but they aren't like you. Unlike MXs, DRNs...they are all unique. You adapt to your own environment and those around you that separates each of you. I know you are especially unique, Dorian. Honestly...I-I don't see you as being a robot." Blushing, Sarrina removed her hand. "...If...If I activate the chip...do not leave. I mean...I don't know what's on it...but I...I don't want to learn it on my own." He took both of her hands in his reassuringly, feeling so happy at what she said in response to his confession, "I'm not going anywhere, Sarrina. I'm here to look out for you. I don't want to see you hurt...physically or even mentally. I'll be right here every step of the way." Taking a deep breath and squeezing Dorian's hands, Sarrina brought up the file in her mind. The password was simple, one that her father had used a million times. ButterflyBaby. A memento to her mother and Ayano since they always referred to her as such. At first nothing happened, causing Sarrina to start to worry until a sort of video played in her head. /"Hey baby girl," It was her father, a tired and pained smile on his face with her mother laying on her bed looking just as tired. "Your mom and I wanted to put this together for you, because...we know the changes you're going through will be hard. Not everyone will understand, some might even be afraid. So we wanted to show you that you are cared about still so just keep being our tough little girl." "I love you, baby." her mother spoke up, her voice a little strained, but still so crystal-like. She always had such a beautiful voice. The 'video' then switched to another scene of sorts, this one of her super close buddies, Carrie, Jake, and Sammy. They rambled on about how worried they were for her being in a coma, and wishing that they could see her in person. Her dad had cleverly told them her immune system was weak and that only a handful of people were allowed around her. They then proceeded to each state how much Sarrina meant to them, that they wouldn't have come to be who they were without her. They looked so...worried and upset and she could see in their eyes that they wanted to get better with all their hearts. It didn't just stop with them, though. More and more of her friends had made videos wishing her health and lots of them showed up again, with different videos explaining what she was missing at school and in their lives; some even from graduation explaining what they wanted to go off to do or what college accepted them. It...It was like a video dairy collection. What really choked her up was the last couple of videos. The first one was of her band mates. They had found a new singer for the group, but wanted Sarrina to be the 'first' to hear them play together. The song the picked was one of Sarrina's favorite songs that they had sung when she was in the group, 'Butterfly' originally by Rajaton. Hearing them...it just... Then the last one...was a clip from one of the many home videos that her dad would take. Sarrina remembered the time this took place. It was just after she placed in the science fair of her freshmen year. Her mother was watching Sarrina accept the third place prize when she looked at the camera with a hug grin. By the end, Sarrina shook with emotions as she clenched Dorian's hands while tears seeped out from her closed eyelids. She just...she couldn't… Dorian hugged her tightly, "It's okay to cry. You of all people deserve to. Let it out, I'm here for you." He stroked her hair, letting the soft strands slip through his fingers over and over again. He rocked her, doing his best to comfort her without saying the stupid, illogical things such as 'everything will be okay' and stuff. She had lost so much...he admired her strength. Pressing her face into the broad of his shoulder, Sarrina let out all her emotions as she clung to Dorian. Her mother, her father...her friends...the life she had wanted to live...she had wanted to do so much, learn so much more; be so much more. She wanted her parents back, alive and healthy, holding her close like they used to. She wanted to have a normal life. To go to high school, get good and bad grades; to make more friends; get into trouble; have her heart broken by some guy; to get upset with people; to just...just be human... But she...she couldn't just wallow in the past. She...she wanted all those things, but wanted would never get her anywhere...Her mother had said that she would do great things...Sarrina wanted to make that true. By the time she settled down, her breaths still came out in irregular spurs, but Dorian's rocking slowly eased her down from even that. The dark skinned android pulled away from Sarrina and wiped her tears away with a gentle thumb, "I really admire your strength, Sarrina. You keep pushing forward, even after all of this. You really are amazing. Did...what you find...make you happy at all? Did it bring any clarity?" he watched her with concern in his electric blue eyes. "Yeah...yeah it did...I...I want to be what my mom said I would. I want to make sure that my parents' sacrifices were for something, not just...not just to be...shut down. I-I'll fight with every bit...I just...I just miss them so much..." Sarrina felt the tears stinging at her eyes, but seeing the concern in Dorian's eyes made her settle down again. She didn't want him to worry. He nodded and stroked her hair again, caressing her back as he had yet to release her. It was...pleasurable, to hold her like this, "I'm glad, Sarrina, that even in death your parents are still watching over you." Out of the blue, his cybernetics glowed. His face went blank as he looked over the data, and then he sighed when it settled. "I need to have Rudy set up a secure connection for the squads watching over us." Letting her go, he smiled at her, "Take deep breaths, I'll just be in the other room. If you need me, just call." "Dorian," Sarrina called out, but held up her hand to keep him from walking back over to her. "...Thank you, for this...a-and for the record...I think you are rather admirable yourself." With that she let him leave the room, her cheeks flushed by her own words. Android or not...Dorian made everything feel alright again.