Chapter Forty-Four – Refuge
Mai shivered as Naru pulled her into an alleyway and pressed her against the brick work. He was shaking too, but she knew it wouldn't be from the cold. Without a second thought the android pulled off his blazer and wrapped Mai in it. It only did a little to keep the cold at bay, but it was appreciated. He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, his thirium pump pounding against her ear. He was deviant. She knew he was. He'd killed a man in front of her. He was shaking, like he was about to fall apart.
"Naru." Mai murmured softly, part of her afraid despite the android's tenderness. She felt like she was dreaming. This whole situation was surreal. She tried not to think about the café, of what had happened. Almost happened. She breathed deeply as she leaned into Naru's firm chest. He'd saved her. He'd killed for her. "Naru, are you…" She trailed off softly as she looked up into his bright blue eyes. They'd never looked so vibrant before, even though they were wide in shock.
"I…He was hurting you. I couldn't let him do that. I had to stop him. I had to." He stammered, finally quieting as Mai's cold hands reached up and cupped his soft cheeks. He swallowed the lump in his throat as he looked down at the honey haired teen. She was just as afraid as he was. The android breathed again, sighing out his breath as he closed his eyes and rested his head against Mai's. He scanned her vitals. She shouldn't be out in this weather, not with so little clothing.
"Come on…We should get out of the cold before…" Mai murmured softly as she took Naru's hand and tugged him along. He went with her numbly, allowing her to lead the way. She lived with her grandmother, not too far from the town. It felt like a long walk, and her feet were painfully numb by the end of it. Naru was helping her walk. She led the way up to let herself in, the old woman rising from the old worn sofa to greet her warmly. She paused warily as she noticed Mai's pale skin and Naru's flashing LED. It turned from yellow to red as the woman looked at him. He felt like she could see it, see what he had done. He looked away, his jaw tightening.
"What happened?" The old woman asked as she noted their state of dress. Mai would never wander around without her thick coat in this weather, and she doubted a normal android would look so stressed and dishevelled. Mai avoided the topic before hurrying to change. "Are you…functioning normally?" The woman asked. Naru was shaking as he looked at her, his lower lip quivering. The woman was taller than Mai, but stooped over and plump. Her eyes were the same warm hazel, and her hair was thick and curly, now a steel grey colour rather than whatever it had been before.
"N-no, I…I'm a…" Naru stammered, keeping his distance so as not to scare the woman. The woman was soft but firm as she asked what had happened. Naru couldn't help but let the words fall. "I-I killed him…I didn't mean to, but I…I was…angry…" The android confessed, feeling saline drip down his cheeks. He didn't even know why. He couldn't process the feedback he was sensing. He felt overwhelmed and flinched as a warm old hand rested on his tense shoulder. Her touch was comforting.
"You should rest a while, but you'll have to move on…The police will come looking for Mai when they find the body." She stated, her voice gentle and kind. Naru nodded his agreement. If course they would. The café had been left lit and unlocked. Someone was sure to pass by some time in the night. Mai wouldn't be in trouble. He knew there was a security camera inside. Mai would be alright. It would show she was attacked. It would show that he was the one that fought the man. Naru took her advice and cleaned up, accepting his jacket as Mai returned it. They hovered in the hall outside the bathroom for a few moments, both hands holding the jacket with something unsaid between them.
"Thank you…" Mai said sincerely, stepping closer as Naru's lip quivered. He couldn't stop himself. He took the hand Mai offered and held on tightly, his breath shaky as he leaned closer and let their lips meet. He felt warm. His whole body suddenly felt so warm. Tingles ran across his skin and he could feel the synthetic flesh on his hand creeping back to feel Mai's human fingers between his own. He dropped the jacket as he brought his free hand up to cup Mai's cheek, stepping closer until their bodies were touching. Mai's free arm wrapped around his neck and pulled him down eagerly, her mouth opening in a silent plea to deepen the kiss. Naru obliged, his sexual subroutines feeling right for the first time since he'd activated them.
"Would you…would you like to initiate a sexual encounter?" He murmured almost vulnerably, feeling Mai's huff of amusement against his lips. The sensation sent static across his sensitive skin. He wasn't sure how she managed it, but Mai pressed even closer. He wasn't sure there was even a millimetre between their bodies at this point.
"I'd like that." She replied, pulling away only to lead him into a modest bedroom. It was quite a small room, the walls a faded pink colour that had clearly been chosen during childhood. A couple ofandroid band posters hung on the walls, but they too were quite old. One of them was barely hanging by a single piece of tape. Her desk was cluttered with books and a thin layer of dust. She had been neglecting her studies, or abandoned them completely, as suspected. Right now that didn't seem important. He kicked the door shut before backing her up to the single bed. She sat before shuffling back to the wall, lying on her side shyly.
Naru paused by the edge of the bed, suddenly feeling uncertain as he loosened his deep charcoal tie and slipped it from his neck. There was something liberating about the removal. He'd never done it before. The material had been pulled and loosened, but never actually removed. There was no need since he didn't produce bodily fluids. Since he didn't sweat his clothes never really got dirty. He fiddled with the silky material as he looked down at the human girl. He was moving too fast. He knew he was. They'd both suffered something of a shock. He moved slowly as he lowered himself onto the bed beside her, turning on his side to face her.
"What are you thinking?" She asked quietly as she watched his blue eyes dart around aimlessly, sometimes looking at her before shifting away. He seemed nervous. Hesitant. At her words he took on a strangely gentle expression. One of his arms looped over her slim waist, teasing the covered skin in soothing circles.
"I was thinking that I might be pushing you…After what happened…" The android cut off hesitantly, Mai's hazel eyes dropping warily as he gently brought up what had happened at the café. He could read her vitals, various chemicals firing in her blood. Her adrenaline spiked and she seemed suddenly afraid. Naru squeezed her hip in what he hoped was an assuring touch. It seemed to work. Her body relaxed beside him.
"Do you want to…talk about it?" Mai asked, the android reading into her words and thinking that perhaps Mai wanted to talk about it. He nodded his agreement, looking down as he felt one of her legs shift to gently press against his own. He couldn't help the warmth that moved him at that touch. He raised his own leg, allowing Mai's to slot between, comfortably entangling their lower limbs together. It felt warm. Comforting. Reassuring.
"Although I had not yet deviated, I had a certain…intuition about him. Whenever he looked at you I…I was perplexed. My programming couldn't make sense of my preoccupation…When he told me to follow him tonight I simply obeyed, like a good machine. I broke into the café, on his orders. I'm not designed to break the law, but with two conflicting orders I automatically deferred to my human superior. I couldn't stop myself…He told me to watch, so that I could learn how to…please you." Naru murmured, speaking in a gentle voice, almost as if he were telling a bedtime story. Mai was quietly sympathetic as she listened, her hand reaching out to bunch the chest of his shirt. "I tried to move, but when he ordered me…I couldn't disobey, but there were so many errors…In the end, I decided I didn't want to watch. I wanted him to let go of you. I wanted you to be safe…so I deviated." He concluded, seeing pink rise in Mai's cheeks.
"You deviated…for me?" She asked uncertainly, Naru nodding his agreement. Mai's skin flushed even more at the news. Naru huffed a small chuckle. He supposed it did sound romantic. An android deviating to safe the girl he loves. The thing was, he had no idea what love was. Did he love Mai? How could he possibly say that? He'd had emotions for less than an hour.
"You were one of the first humans to see me as more than a machine…treat me like a living being…You gave me…affection. I had to protect you." He said earnestly, his power core whirring slightly as Mai shuffled closer. He had been close enough to smell Mai's light floral scent before, but it felt somehow different now. Rather than analysing the smell, and picking out each individual flower that had gone into creating it, he found a sudden rush in his systems. His thirium pump almost seemed to stutter. Without much conscious thought Naru's hand crept further around Mai's waist to caress her back.
"I was really scared when the door opened, but I felt safer knowing you were there…Even when he…I wasn't sure you'd really hear me, but part of me thought if I just kept calling then you'd…" She trailed off, Naru nodding his agreement. Things could have been so different. If Mai hadn't been so loud, if she hadn't needed him so desperately, looking at him with those tear filled eyes, he may not have deviated. He may have just stood there watching, like an obedient dog. Worse. When the man finished he may have handed Mai over and forced him to…Naru shuddered at the thought, lowering his face into Mai's slender shoulder.
"I'm sorry…I'm sorry I didn't deviate sooner." He murmured, feeling the urge to pull the girl closer. All these months of going to the coffee shop, receiving her kindness and smiles, her warm greetings and care. He wondered what it would have felt like if he'd had human emotions. Would he have been happy? Would he have felt the same strange fluttering in his abdominal section.
"You were there when I needed you most…Don't apologise." Mai replied, leaning up to press her lips against his softly. It was chaste and sweet. Her lips were soft, just barely touched by the bitter cold outside. Naru closed his eyes as he leaned closer, returning her kiss and waiting barely a millimetre away. He wouldn't press her, but if she responded then he would go further. He got the press of lips he was waiting for and tightened his hold, tilting his head for a better angle to deepen the kiss.
He felt Mai preen into his touch, her mouth opening obediently as his tongue requested entry. He had multiple scenarios in his software to help along with this encounter, but he wanted to rely on them as little as possible. He wanted his interactions with Mai to be authentic and unique. He wanted to explore her body, her reactions, and develop a scenario that was just for her. To do that he would require more date.
Mai didn't object as her body was turned, soon lying on her back with Naru holding himself up on his strong arms. One of his hands tangled in her hair while the other propped him up. He teased Mai's tongue with his own as he felt her arms loop around his neck, pulling him closer. She liked the feeling of his weight against her smaller body, his warmth seeping through her clothes. He drew back as he turned his attention to her neck, pleased as she turned her head to give him more access. Her fingers played with his ebony locks as he kissed and nipped the tender skin.
"Shall I remove your clothing?" Naru asked hesitantly, peering up to see Mai nibbling her lip with flushed cheeks. "I shall also disrobe." He assured, reaching up to unbutton his white shirt. Mai nodded meekly as the android moved back and peeled of the shirt, revealing his perfectly sculpted torso. He had little pride in his appearance, since he wasn't the one who'd created it, but he did enjoy the way Mai blushed and hesitantly ran her fingers over the synthetic flesh on his chest. Mai allowed Naru to sit her up, his fingers deftly sliding down the zip at the back of her dress, allowing it to fall open before tugging it off.
Beneath the dress Mai wore simple, functional underwear. It was black, and gave her room to move without chafing or constricting her movement. Her flesh was pale, with small prickles running across it in the cool air. Her figure was fine. She wasn't an android, built to be perfect, but she was everything to Naru. He enjoyed the way her stomach had a slight bump, something that wouldn't be dreamed of in an android, the fleshy mass soft and pliant as he ran his hand over it and slipped it up to her hip. The flesh there was also a little plump, fitting perfectly in his hand. He didn't give her time to be self-conscious. He was upon her in moments, exploring this new plane.
As he stroked and kissed Mai's skin he felt her own hesitant explorations. Small fingertips ran up and down his spine, creeping up to caress the back of his neck. He felt a small sound escape his lips as she squeezed, her fingers just tugging the hair there. He rose to her lips once more, allowing his hand to slip beneath the elastic of her bra, easily snapping the clasp open with one hand. He felt her body twitch in surprise, chuckling lightly as he eased the material down her shy arms. He pressed his body against hers, distracting her from the feeling of nakedness.
Her fingers finally reached down for his belt and he obliged, taking over to unbuckle it seamlessly. He continued to kiss and tease her as he kicked his trousers down to the bottom of the bed. Her hands caressed his scalp as he moved lower, his lips closing around one of her hardened nubs to nip and lick. He enjoyed the sounds she made, and the way her hips arched into his own at the stimulation. She gasped as he rolled his hips forward, allowing her to feel his erection, rubbing it against her.
"N-Naru!" She moaned, her voice small and timid. Naru reached between them slowly, giving Mai every chance to pull away or push him back. He sighed needily as his fingers pressed against her underwear, stroking the channel between her legs. The black material was already damp. She whimpered as his fingers teased in circles, slowly edging around the material to touch her warm folds. He couldn't help the way his skin peeled back, wanting to examine this new area to the fullest. He was surprised as she jerked closer, two of his fingertips slipping into her heat.
He couldn't think of anything to say in the moment, so he didn't. Instead he leaned up to kiss her lips, edging his digits further inside. Mai's legs widened invitingly, hips rolling up into his touch. He took his time preparing her, enjoying the way she twitched and whimpered, hazel eyes glimmering as she looked up at him. She hooked her legs around his waist, clearly approving as he added a third finger. Her thighs quivered in his grasp, her toes pressing into his thighs pleadingly. He drew back a little as he dragged her underwear down and shed his own.
"Ready?" He asked softly as he kissed her neck, blue eyes looking for permission and approval. She nodded quietly as he returned to his place between her thighs. At her nod he lined himself up, a hand supporting her arched spine as he pushed forward. A small sound of objection broke free as he slid forward, his systems swiftly processing that this was her first time. He paused, the tip of his length barely inserted. He could see the pinch of her brow and kissed her temple apologetically, opting to go gently.
He canted his hips against hers, small thrusts pressing and drawing back in equal measure. He knew it was quite painful by the way Mai was biting her lower lip and tightening her hands on his shoulders. He leaned down, murmuring for her to relax as he circled his hips and continued his short thrusts. He slowly increased the pressure, feeling his length driving deeper with each movement until he finally pressed all the way in. He halted all movement, holding steady as the girl beneath him tried not to squirm against the sting.
"Sorry…It wasn't my intention to cause you discomfort." The android assured quietly, continuing to kiss the girl's temple and cheek for a while. He felt it as her body slowly relaxed once more. She was getting used to the feeling of being filled, her legs pulling the unit closer. "Let me know if it hurts too much." Naru added softly, waiting for Mai's nod before resuming his movement. Mai let out small, content moans as the android rocked into her. The first few thrusts were accompanied by a hot sting, but that slowly died down as Naru picked up his pace.
"Naru, please…" Mai whimpered as he snapped his hips forward. She didn't even seem to know what she was asking for as she gripped the boy's shoulders and held on tighter. Naru grunted in response, upping his pace and rocking harder. He could feel his own build up coming to a height, his past experience suggesting Mai was also close. He put off his own completion, wanting the human girl to finish first. He moaned against her shoulder as she tightened around his length, her whole body suffering spasms as she came. He finished inside her, though he had no ejaculate. He enjoyed the wave of pleasure that crashed through is system, almost overheating him. He breathed deeply as he pulled out and fell beside the human girl. He said nothing. He simply breathed and rested a white, plastic hand on her cheek. She blinked at the small shock sparked aganist her skin before her eyes softened and she reached up to hold it gently.
"Mai! The police are here! Hide, quickly!" A voice called barely a minute later. Naru's eyes widened with Mai's at the news. They stumbled from the bed, Mai shoving Naru towards the large wooden wardrobe before tossing his clothes in after him. She tugged her dress on loosely before scampering under the bed, her heart pounding. Naru barely dared to move, but he slowly redressed himself for decency's sake. He turned up his audio processor to hear the old woman at the door.
"Why good evening officers! What can I do for you?" The woman asked kindly, urging them inside the moment they requested to talk. She offered them tea or coffee, which they declined. Naru tried to control the pounding in his chest, blinking away stress warnings as the male officer asked if Mai was home. "No, not yet I'm afraid…She should be home soon if you'd like to wait?" She offered kindly and Naru thought the woman deserved a reward for the shocked tone she put on upon hearing that the café had been found unlocked and Mai was nowhere to be seen.
"Please, we'll do our best to find here…Here, sit down." A kind voice said, their steps telling Naru they were in the living area. One of the men continued to talk as the other set of footsteps headed upstairs. Naru focused on the closer steps, listening as doors were softly opened and closed. He tensed as Mai's bedroom door was opened, hearing the heavy sound of steps on the old carpet. It was a large man, heavy, likely a little overweight. His breathing suggested he was more used to desk work these days. Naru could easily make it past him if need be. Control yourself. He chided, holding his fake breath as he waited for the steps to recede back into the hall.
"Of course, I'll let you know the moment I hear from her." Mai's grandmother assured in a worried tone. The officers seemed to buy her performance as the door closed a few moments later. There was silence for a while before Naru heard the sound of a car starting up outside. It was a few moments more before the door to Mai's room opened. "They're gone…You'll have to get yourself out of here young man…Do you have any idea where to go?" The woman asked as Naru stepped out of the wardrobe.
"Perhaps…I have a work colleague…He may be willing to assist me." Naru replied hesitantly, though he wasn't sure he wanted to drag poor Yasuhara into his problems. The human had always been so kind to him. It didn't feel right to make him an accomplice to murder. "Or perhaps I might find others like myself." He added, unsure where he could start looking. He looked down at his hand as Mai's fingers linked with his own.
"Let me help, I want to help." Mai said, squeezing his hand.
"No, Mai…It will be dangerous. I'm a deviant now, the police will be searching for me and." He cut off as Mai launched herself up, her arms wrapped around his neck. He stumbled as he caught her weight, blue eyes blinking wide as he realised she'd effectively shut him up with a kiss. It was working. He closed his eyes and leaned against her, pulling back as a not to subtle cough sounded from the doorway. "I want to keep you safe." He insisted distractedly.
"Then you need to keep me by your side." Mai insisted, the old woman sharing Naru's reluctance. Naru bit his cheek thoughtfully. If he could enlist Yasuhara's help then perhaps he could entrust Mai to his human co-worker. Perhaps Yasuhara would have an idea of what to do, or where to go. He seemed sympathetic towards his kind. Perhaps he knew of other deviants who could give Naru shelter. "The police are looking for me too." Mai insisted, though Naru knew they were likely looking for Mai as a possible kidnapping victim rather than an accomplice to murder.
"Come with me to Yasuhara's. He may have a suggestion on where to go from here." Naru decided, his gaze shifting to the old woman. She was reluctant for Mai to continue to be involved, obviously, but he didn't think she'd stop them. "But you must part ways with me if I decide that is the safest choice. Agreed?" The android asked seriously, watching Mai nod her hesitant agreement. Without further hesitation his LED blinked yellow as he called Yasuhara's number. "Yasuhara, I need your help." He said as the sleepy human picked up.
