Machines cannot love. It is against everything that is correct in this world. Our world, so full of greed and power, there are so many humans that already do not love, so how can we expect a machine, the creation of greed itself, a thing to forever serve the lazy humans . . .how can we expect a machine to love?

But I guess . . . things that are most unexpected happen.

Especially to Mitsuko.

And especially to Jiro . . .

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His Real Love

By Cev

Disclaimer: I do not own Android Kikaider, the animation, nor any of its characters. However, I DO own THIS story's plot, so please, don't SUE ME!!!

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"Mitsuko? Mitsuko, are you all right?" A deep voice lifted Mitsuko from her light sleep, drifting into her mind, and pulling her out of her darkened state.

"I'm fine, Jiro." She sat up, her dark, short hair falling into her eyes, free from the ever-present band she always wore, "How is Masaru? Is he sleeping?"

Jiro sigh deeply and walked into her room, sitting himself in a chair beside her bed. Mitsuko's back was turned to him, and she lay there, looking out the window at the snow. Jiro's words echoed through her brain, 'Human lives aren't like snowflakes, they were not meant to fall into this world and just quickly melt away!'

Mitsuko turned so she was facing the android, scrutinizing him from head to toe. He did not wear his regular attire, but rather, a black turtleneck, and a different pair of jeans that looked newer and cleaner. His eyes rested on hers, a faint glimmer of contentment glowing in them, mingled with his sadness. "You . . ." Mitsuko murmured.

"Thank you for the clothes." Jiro said suddenly, hurried to change the subject.

Mitsuko grunted her approval, and sat up in the small bed, looking thoughtfully at the shadows playing on the walls. "Masaru isn't taking it well at all, is he?"

"He's been up all night, and he keeps looking at those boots." Jiro said, adverting his stare from Mitsuko to the window.

A silence hung in the air, thick like smog. Mitsuko's shaking hand found its way to gently hold Jiro's. He looked up, shock written across his man- made face, looking at the girl in front of him curiously.

"You always save me . . ." Mitsuko said, leaning forward towards Jiro, her head dropping in a defeated look. "Even though I've been so stupid . . .you've helped me and stayed by me."

Jiro smiled softly, and gently caressed Mitsuko's cheek. She closed her eyes, trying to prevent the inundation of tears she knew were coming. "I stay with you and Masaru for a reason, you know."

It was Mitsuko's face that was full with shock now. "A reason?"

"I don't want to be me when I see you, Mitsuko," Jiro began. Mitsuko, a bit taken back, looked up at him, looking into his teary eyes.

Tears?

Again?

But how is that possible?

"Be you?" She asked softly.

"I want to be something better. . . something more than I am now. You're the reason-" He cut himself off, trying to find his words. His looked down at Mitsuko, his whole face a twisted form of pain, confusion, and fear. But one look into her eyes was enough encouragement. He rested his forehead against hers, closing his eyes, and both of his hands, naked from lack of gloves, caressing her face. "You're the reason I want to be human."

Mitsuko's built up sobs came full force now, her tears streaming from her eyes. Jiro, quite taken aback, looked down. This wasn't the reaction he had expected. His stood, looking down at the distraught woman. "I'm sorry." He whispered, and made his way to the door.

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