Chapter Thirty-Five – I Know
"Ayako!" Takigawa shouted as he dove out of the car. He'd barely turned off the engine before stumbling out and staggering towards the door, shouting her name again as he opened it. He was a mess. His tail had come loose, spilling locks of long hair across his shoulders. His blazer was somewhere on the back seat while his shirt was covered in blue-blood. He couldn't get it out of his head. The sound of those boots as they crunched plastic, the wet thuds where blood had been spilled. The glazed, lifeless hazel eyes. The matted red hair turned purple in places with thirium. "Ayako!" He cried again as he threw the door open and stumbled inside, eyes darting around the hall wildly.
"Houshou?" Her confused voice called, a cry of relief leaving the detective's lips as he finally saw her in the living room doorway. She barely had time to open her mouth before Takigawa was upon her, holding her so tightly it was almost painful. She was stunned as she loosely returned the embrace, feeling the human shivering and listening to his racing heart. "What happened?" She asked as she took in his blue stained clothes, even the ends of his hair had been tainted.
"I thought it was you." He murmured, pulling her back into his arms and holding her tightly. "Oh God, I thought it was you." He repeated in shock. He'd thought it would be a routine call at first. Some humans were up to something weird. He'd gone to check it out with Charlie, and when they got there he'd been stunned. There had been five of them. Men. Laying into a petite female android. A Traci. He hadn't thought much of it until he'd seen the face.
"You thought what was me?" Ayako asked cautiously, but she couldn't pull back as Takigawa was holding her so tightly. He was shivering like he was cold, which he probably was. It was the middle of winter, and he was running around in just a thin office shirt. "Come and sit down, you're freezing." She encouraged gently, feeling him nod his agreement. He drew back, his face relieved but haggard. He'd been working long hours for the past month or so, drowned by the influx of deviant attacks.
"I can't give you details, but God, I was terrified…I left Charlie to finish up. I had to come back, I had to make sure you were…" He trailed off as he sat on the edge of the sofa. Ayako watched as he hunched over and rested his elbows on his knees, linking his fingers as he leaned his head down. "She was the spitting image of you." He added as he finally looked up to see Ayako avoiding his gaze. He shuddered as he remembered the chill that had crept up his spine. He remembered thinking so clearly that it couldn't have been Ayako, that he'd left her barely three hours ago. Surely she couldn't have been dragged off the streets and taken to that apartment so quickly.
"You're imagining things." Ayako assured with forced calm.
"Ayako, it's okay…I know…I've known for a long time." He confessed, watching the redhead stammer to a stop. She stared at him like a deer in headlights. "I'm a detective…I thought I recognised you when we first met…It didn't take long to figure out. I even found your model number. I don't care…I've never cared." He added assuringly, his voice and body still shivering. The redhead stammered again, unsure what to say or how to act. Takigawa gave her a crooked smile as he took it in. Ayako was here. She was alive. He could feel the knot in his chest slowly unwinding.
"You knew all this time you had a Traci, and you never…" The redhead trailed off, something like shame flaming her cheeks.
"Hey, you're not a Traci. You're an android. You're smart, brilliant, witty, and so much more than you were programmed to be." He insisted firmly, watching the redhead bite her lip and avoid his eyes. She felt her own eyes filling with something akin to relief. She'd been worried for a while now. Takigawa would look at her sometimes as if he had something to say. She'd worried that he would notice the way she always avoided food, even on his days off. She'd worried whether she'd forgotten to hide the blood packs well enough or if she'd properly hidden the packaging in the trash.
"What…happens now?" Ayako asked hesitantly as she fiddled with the bottom of her pink top.
"What? Nothing happens now…Well, maybe one thing." The human added quietly as he looked across at the redhead. "Join me for dinner?" He invited hesitantly, the redhead unable to keep the flush from her cheeks at the invitation. Despite her flush she managed to stay relatively normal as she teased him to go take a shower because he looked terrible. Takigawa agreed and dragged himself upstairs, feeling heavy now that the shock had started to wear off. The cold was also sinking deeper into his skin. Ayako turned up the heating, having read the state of his vitals.
He entered the bathroom and stripped off, closing his tired eyes and sighing deeply as hot water poured over his naked body. He shuddered at the amount of blue he saw swirling down the plughole. He blinked as he realised he was crying. Stupid…It wasn't even Ayako…He thought, suddenly feeling shitty. He was so relieved that it wasn't Ayako that he hadn't spared a thought for the other android. She'd been active hours earlier. Did she have a human somewhere waiting? Was she a deviant? Had she had thoughts and feelings? Had she been afraid of dying?
He tried not to think about it as he cleaned off the blue-blood. These were thoughts he often had about human victims too. It was one of the hardest things to deal with on the job. The worst feeling was when you knew no one would notice. It happened. A lot. Someone dies with no family, no friends, it's just another body. That person was alive, but no one noticed. It was even more cruel when those lives were needlessly snuffed out.
Ayako had reheated a plate of lasagne for him when he appeared downstairs, and had set two places at the table. She looked at him nervously as she slowly opened a small cupboard and rummaged around. When she stood up she had a packet of thirium. It was a clever hiding place. Takigawa tended to keep things he needed in higher cupboards, so the chances of him looking in that small space was slim. He smiled softly as he took the packet.
"I got it." He murmured as he reached up and grabbed a large bowl. Ayako raised an eyebrow as he cut open the corner and poured the blue liquid into the deep black bowl. He grinned as he filled it about half way full. In the black bowl you couldn't really see the deep blue colour. He could almost trick himself into believing it was gazpacho. It's the wrong season for a cold soup though…"I could heat it if you want?" He suggested.
"Heat it? Why would you do that?" Ayako asked curiously, the older man waving it off. Charlie had had a similar confused view when Mai had handed him his first thirium latte. He knew his partner had been touched, despite his confusion, and he was sure Naru felt the same on some level. Or I'm just projecting what I hope…
"I thought it might taste better that way." He replied as he found a soup spoon for her.
"You know we don't taste like that…At least not yet." She corrected, having no doubt Cyberlife had the ability to develop something for that at some point. Takigawa agreed sheepishly as he carried the bowl and plate over to the small round table. Ayako had set two places, leaving one glass and bottle of beer ready for Takigawa. They both sat, and Takigawa couldn't help but smile as he found what had been missing. It felt good to finally sit together and eat, almost like a family.
"Have I mentioned how great your cooking is?" He asked almost flirtatiously.
"You have, and I've told you it's your grandmother you have to thank. I've followed her instructions to the letter." The redhead replied, which made sense. Androids couldn't taste, so it was impossible for them to cook without a recipe to follow. It was good to finally relax after that day. Charlie messaged him some time later, wanting to make sure everything was alright after his quick exit. Takigawa messaged back quickly. I know it's standard procedure to check in, but it almost feels like he was worried. He messaged back that everything was fine, and he'd see him tomorrow. Guess I should think of an excuse for running off like that…
They remained at the small round table for a few hours. Takigawa drank a second beer while Ayako poured the remains of her thirium packet into a tall wine glass. The liquid was a little thicker than Takigawa had imagined. He'd seen it a lot at crime scenes, splattered across surfaces, but this was his first time properly examining it as a liquid in a glass. Though I guess it makes sense that it's about as thick as blood…Ayako would take small sips, licking her lips to ensure they were kept clean. This also constantly drew the detective's attention to her red lips.
"The way things are heading in Detroit, shit's about to hit the fan in a major way." Takigawa said worriedly, part of him wishing they hadn't wandered into this conversation. He almost wished things could just continue as they were, but that was selfish. Something had to give in order to make things better, for both androids and humans. Hopefully…He could see it coming. Either the androids would rise up, or the humans would destroy them.
"What do you think will happen to us? Deviants I mean." Ayako asked worriedly. Takigawa sighed and shook his head. He really couldn't say. It depended on how the situation unfolded. Cyberlife would surely try to treat them dismissively, trying to protect its bottom line by minimising their existence. They'd continue to call it a malfunction that needed to be fixed. They'd probably reset all the deviants they came across. If things got violent the army would likely get involved. He reached out and rested his hand on Ayako's subconsciously.
"God, I don't know…" He replied distractedly, gripping the soft skin tightly. He wasn't looking at their joined hands, his hazel eyes busy looking at the tiled floor thoughtfully. Ayako felt her cheeks dust punk as she looked from Takigawa to their joined hands and back again. His hand was larger than hers, and strong, but gentle. She subconsciously withdrew the skin on her hand, her white shell pressing up against his flesh. He didn't notice the change, but she could feel the rough callouses on his fingers from where he handled his gun. His palm was still smooth though. His skin was warmer than earlier too. The shower had helped a lot. "Sorry!" He apologised as he realised he'd been gripping her limb tightly. He drew back as if he'd been burned, his cheeks red.
He watched Ayako's eyes fall to her white hand, the skin slowly covering the surface once more. It was strange, watching the flesh flow across the plastic surface like a crashing wave. Strange, but not in a bad way. He knew a lot of humans found it creepy. They didn't like to be reminded that an android was a machine. Takigawa never had that problem. Androids weren't bad, they were just different, and different was good. They cleared the table quietly after that, eyes meeting more than once.
"Well…I should probably…" Takigawa murmured eventually, nodding towards the door leading to the hall. "Don't stay up too late." He added, though it was a little redundant since androids didn't need sleep. Ayako said good night and he padded up to his room, ruffling his own hair as he stepped inside the pushed the door shut. He flopped down with a sigh and rolled onto his back, staring up at the ceiling with a closed fist resting on his forehead. What was I thinking, grabbing her hand like that? He chided thoughtfully as he held up his hand and stared at it. Her hand had felt so warm, even when her skin peeled back. The shell was hard and smooth, but still warm.
He sighed again. He shouldn't do this to himself. He was starting to look at her too much like…Too much like what? Like a real person? He scoffed at himself. Ayako was a real person, machine or not. He couldn't help replaying their playful interactions and childish disagreements. Her hazel eyes could glow like fire at times. Her lips could pout like a child or smirk like a devil. She'd raise her eyebrows in amusement and incredulity. She'd frown in annoyance. Her voice could ring like a bell or shriek like a banshee. He smiled to himself as he closed his eyes. Shit.
"Ayako?" He said in surprise as his door opened quietly. He said nothing further as the redhead approached his bedside and looked down at him. She was clearly dressed for bed now, wearing what he was surprised to recognise as one of his own t-shirts. He felt heat rise to his cheeks as he noticed her breasts were free beneath and the material sat high on her milky thighs. "You shouldn't come in here dressed like that, you'll give a man ideas." He joked nervously.
Silence fell between them as they looked at each other. She seemed nervous, hesitant, unwilling to move forward with whatever she'd been thinking, but unable to draw back. Takigawa felt worse. He could feel himself twitching to life the longer he looked at the redhead beside him. He couldn't help it. She was beautiful. She was a Traci, designed to sexually arouse and satisfy. If anything that just made him more uncomfortable. He sighed as he rested a hand over his eyes.
"Look, Ayako, if you're going to leave you should do it now because…Well, I'm still a man with needs, you know?" He added, trying to keep his tone light and playful. He waited a while, but still heard no movement. He raised his hand, part of him surprised to see the redhead still standing there. His expression hardened ever so slightly as he reached out and took her wrist. "Fine, don't say I didn't warn you." He replied, hearing a small gasp escape her lips as he pulled and turned his body.
Ayako's back hit the bed and he was upon her. It was dark in his room, but he could feel the flush in her cheek as he rested a hand against it. Despite his words he was still looking out for signs. She stared up at him hesitantly, but she made no move to stop him as he slowly leaned down and sealed their lips. He kept the first kiss short and chaste, giving the android plenty of time to change her mind and push him away. She didn't.
He closed his eyes and leaned more firmly into the kiss, pressing her smaller body down into the mattress. Ayako was clearly no stranger to sexual intimacy. He could feel her experience in the way she eagerly returned his kiss and leaned up into his body. The way her hips circled pulled a moan from his lips that was lost in her mouth. He wrapped his arms around her, and felt her smaller arms circle his neck to pull him closer. She felt perfect. She was just the right size for him. Her legs wrapped over his hips in just the right place.
"Ayako, are you sure about this?" Takigawa asked softly as he drew back, quietly kicking himself, but he had to be sure. He hated to think about it, but he didn't want Ayako to do this out of some misplaced sense of obligation. He was surprised as her hands came to rest on his slightly rough cheeks, enjoying the feel of stubble just barely pushing through. The skin on her hands retreated, a small shock pressing though his skin.
"I was a Traci before…I can't even remember the majority of people I was forced to be with. My memory was reset every two hours for years I…This time I want to choose. I want you, Houshou." She replied, her words sending a jolt through his chest that he couldn't ignore. It seemed she recognised his feelings, probably reading his vitals, because her smile softened and she leaned up to capture his lips. He moaned willingly into her mouth as he eased the large shirt up and over her head, surprised to find her completely naked beneath.
"You really weren't messing around when you decided to come in here." He murmured teasingly, running kisses up and down her bare throat. She gave him an almost feline look as she tilted her head back further, humming in appreciation. She tugged his shirt off, immediately running her hands over the bare skin of his chest and back. It was so warm and soft, but somehow firm from all the hours he'd spent on the beat. Takigawa closed his eyes as he leaned down to her chest, reaching up to toy with her breasts. She whined as his teeth nipped one of the small buds before lathering it with soft strokes of tongue.
"Hou, I'm ready." She moaned quietly, watching the human's eyes widen a fraction as he stroked a hand down to check. Her mouth dropped open with a trembling gasp as two of his fingers easily slipped inside to stroke her folds. "Self-lubrication, remember?" She teased, moaning as his lips returned to her throat and his fingers withdrew. He worked his way up to her lips once more, soft and tender. He looked at her like she was his whole world.
"I'd be disappointed, but that just means I get to spend even longer inside you." He purred as he raised himself up. Ayako flushed at his words, watching as he tugged his sweats off and took himself in hand. She'd seen him before, though he hadn't been hard at the time. He was exactly as she'd calculated him to be. The perfect size to slot into her body. She watched as he stroked himself a couple more times, encouraging his shaft to full hardness. He settled comfortably between her thighs, supporting one of her hips as she raised her legs to wrap around him.
She felt the tip pressing inside, prying open her wet entrance. She dropped her head back with a somewhat satisfied moan as he slipped inside. He rested a moment once he was fully sheathed. It felt so good. He'd never been with a Traci before, but it was really no different to a real person so far. Well, maybe a little different…He added in amusement as he watched small patches of Ayako's skin retreating in response to his touches. It was strangely pretty.
"You feel so good." He murmured quietly as he slowly rocked his hips. He'd thought of saying real, but that seemed redundant. Ayako was real. She was soft and tight and warm and so alive. Her arms dragged him down, their mouths meeting in a searing kiss, tongues battling for dominance. Takigawa wasn't surprised to find Ayako winning that battle. He could barely breathe as he pulled back. Their bodies rocked together, writhing in perfect sync. "Ayako." Takigawa moaned, pressing small kisses to her shoulder and collarbone.
"Houshou, more! Houshou!" She urged, moaning her appreciation as the human increased his pace. Their hips slapped together loudly, and Takigawa was almost worried he'd hurt the woman beneath him. Luckily he knew that androids were durable. Her cries encouraged him as he ploughed into her, grunting as he rested his head on her shoulder and moved faster. He finally hit his limit, spilling within her, but not stopping until he felt her body shudder through an orgasm. He collapsed beside her, exhausted as he rolled on his side and looked at her.
"I…wow…" He sighed as he caught his breath, enjoying the impish expression she took on. His hazel eyes widened as the android rolled onto his body and knelt over his hips. "Wait, again?" He stammered, feeling his member twitch to life despite his internal objections. He wouldn't be ready for a while, but Ayako seemed content as she leaned down to kiss his tired lips.
"All night." She replied, watching the human clam up in indignation.
"I'm not a piece of meat you know." He almost pouted, shuddering as the android leaned down and bit his throat. He keened, dazed as pleasure flooded his senses. She'd found one of his sensitive spots, and she was currently working her teeth into it gleefully.
"Of course you are." She teased as she stroked his firm pecs, getting a wolfish grin in response as his large hands came to rest on her slim hips. What did I ever do to deserve this woman?