Chapter Eleven

17 had mastered the art of waking up one sense at a time, when one is composed of mechanical parts it's hard to not wake up all at once. No different than a doll that opens it's eyes when moved into an upright position. One moment, dead to the world, and the next, fully able to calculate computer algorithms a million ways from Sunday. While this skill was useful when one was a carefree delinquent bent on taking the world on a joyride, it became a hassle as a married man.

He had to adjust his programs to accept his families habits and assorted noises. He had learned to differentiate between a hostile assassination attempt from his wife shifting and hugging his head in her sleep. He learned the subtle nuances of a burglar and his children sneaking around looking for a midnight snack.

So it was with this skill that he was able to sleep next to the warm body of his wife without knowing it. His programming had recognized her and accepted her presence as nonviolent entity while his mind was blissfully unaware.

This was how he became startled upon awakening. His conscious mind collided with his mechanical recordings of the night before and he was unable to process the data. Only two things were clear, he had fallen asleep alone and now he was not alone.

On reflex and no real thought to his actions, he shoved the sleeping person out of his arms with no attempt to conceal his strength.

A feminine cry of outrage sounded and, to his astonishment, the shoved had managed to get hold of his arm; dragging him along as she flew across the forest.

Eyes still blinded with processing information, 17 relied on instinct and programming as the flat of his hand descended on the other's wrist only to be caught and dragged closer. He had a split moment to recognize his wife's eyes flare before he was flipped in order to take the full impact of a tree . . . then the next . . . and the next . . .

17 finally flared his ki to stop them in midair. Completely awake, information processed, he gazed down at his wife where she had attached herself with confusion.

"Ava? What are . . . When did you . . . ?" 17 trailed off as the exact time was revealed to him as well as the length of time spent asleep. The only answer he didn't get was why and, consequently, was the one he wanted the most.

Ava slowly went limp as the anger drained away and was replaced with embarrassment. She couldn't believe she'd actually fallen asleep. . . she hadn't meant to at all!

She'd just wanted to watch him for awhile . . . and leave before he woke.

He was never supposed to know she had been there!

"Put me down, 17," she ordered softly, meeting his eyes.

17 complied immediately though he frowned at the strange submissive note in her voice.

"I'll go."

She turned to leave.

"Don't," he placed his hands on her shoulders, "I . . ."

"I've invaded your personal space," she snapped but made no move to leave.

She had missed him.

She could admit it now with him there. . . refilling all the places within that she had allowed him to take. . .

17 didn't dare release the tentative group he had on her shoulders, if he were to let go then she would leave, maybe this time for good.

"I'm sorry."

She turned then with surprise etched clearly on her features.

"I was wrong. I shouldn't have let the bear maul me."

Her eyes softened.

"I've told you how I . . . feel . . ." She winced at how hard it was to say a simple word.

17's shoulders dropped as he nodded.

"I know . . . it's just . . ."

Ava glanced off to the side.

"Saiyans do not talk of such things-"

"They speak through their actions not their words," 17 finished, his blue eyes impossibly sad.

"I'm a stupid machine."

Her lips quirked.

"You're not stupid, 17, you're human."

He laughed, surprised and delighted, as he scooped her up.

"Same thing."

Ava shook her head as she relaxed into his arms.

"My stupid mechanical man."

"My Amazonian alien woman."

AN: This is more a teaser than anything. I will update tomorrow, or the day after, with a longer chapter. Thank you for your patiece and kind reviews. They've inspired me to keep going. I decided to give you this scene because Ava and 17 are very dear to me and their reunion was going to be a bit more complex . . . however, this story is about their daughter and not them so . . . if anyone is interested I could write the alternative version to this scene. Thanks again, Michelle