Love Me Dead

by Antidaeophobia

AN: Thanks for all the support while I've been sick with my chronic illness. Also, I am posting the song titles of what I listened to during the writing of each chapter. Feel free to ask me any questions about the story and I'll try to answer *I wont give spoilers*

PS: There's a drug warning to this chapter BTW

Honeybee by Steampowered Giraffe


Chapter 4 'Honeybee'

"I'm not going to have to save your butt every time you go out am I?" Frea's hands glided over the console as she grinned at him with half lidded gaze and Lore couldn't help but think her gorgeous.

"I would have figured out how to escape thank you very much. I am brilliant and clever after all." Lore gave a roguish grin taking a deep drag of the blunt and letting a puff of smoke escape before passing it to her.

His temper and hostility had lessoned since his rescue, his ego still was uncontained however. For some reason, a new mood of innocent playfulness and flirtation had fallen upon the android. Frea liked it, if not its suddenness being a bit unnerving. It was appreciated over his past usual, hostile anger and self loathing. Glancing at Lore who leaned back, a contented and placid look on his face and his eyes dropped shut momentarily.

"Yeah yeah, you're so great and wonderful." She sighed then pulling in a breath of the Vulcan meditation weed.

"However, in the interest of saving time, you may if needed rescue me if I've been gone to long. You are quite good at it. Now shut up." Lore gave her a grin. Frea chuckled, taking another deep breath.

"Hey, puff puff give puff puff give, you're fucking up the rotation."

"Do you have any family? You know, brothers and sister?-Or whatever androids have in terms of family." Frea's tone was casual if not slightly flippant.

Lore glared and quickly snatched an iced lemon cookie, shoving it in his mouth whole and chomping it loudly.

"Jezz, sorry, I didn't know it was a sensitive subject." Frea held up her hands in defense, a cookie in one hand, the joint in the other.

"I have a human Mother and a Father. I have a Brother as well named Data. He's in Starfleet." Lore managed an icy tone despite the slight impairment on his thoughts from the drug.

"Older Brother or younger Brother?" Frea prodded carefully enjoying another cookie.

"He's younger then me and is in Starfleet." Lore's answer was sweet and simple; grabbing the blunt he inhaled a ragged breath as if attempting to occupy himself from answering further.

"What does he look like? Is he like you?" Frea knew her question might just be met with silence if Lore didn't feel like answering. However, soon a slight smile came upon his face. It passed quickly and would have gone unnoticed if she had not caught it at just the right moment.

"He looks exactly like me. He is very smart but extremely naive and misguided- Obviously if he joined Starfleet. He's a Lt. Commander you know? I have tried to help him best I could. But the humans have corrupted him and made him believe he needs them. He's their little servant boy, he believes they are god. But he's brilliant, a genius and courageous. My Brother has so much potential; if only he wasn't held down by those ihumans/i?." Lore hissed the word in disgust. He was angry, but love and pride laced his voice.

"You sound like you really love him." Frea said softly with a slow smile and he met her contented gaze.

"What about your family?" Lore changed the subject quickly as he brushed some crumbs from his shirt. The subject of Data was dropped, but she could still sense that even though the thought of his younger brother made anger well inside him. She could also see that anger came from a feeling of love for his brother. Frea could understand why he was upset, she hated Starfleet and their message of propaganda and how they misguided the people they ruled. She wouldn't want her sibling associated with that.

"No siblings. My Mother didn't want me; she left in the middle of the night when I was young. My Father cared for me till he died. He was...the most decent, wonderful man I'd ever known." Frea paused a moment and her tone became more serious.

"He had his issues of course- he drank quite a bit. But he always cared for me in his own way. Never spoke poorly to me and loved me unconditionally. I think he never did get over the fact that my Mom didn't really care for him and he had been so naive to fall for her; Always trying to make up for the fact that she wasn't there for me. He wasn't an educated man, but he was a good man. He worked hard every day, was good to other people, always made sure I got what I needed and took care of me."

Frea's face beamed with adoration, true adoration- a look that washed over her of absolute love. Lore almost could have matched that smile; the feeling that spread from her was contagious and felt deliciously warm. Perhaps someday she could look at him with that same sort of love someday.

Suddenly her face darkened and became sad, her eyes slightly misty but she held herself back. Taking another cookie and breathing in more of the sweet smoke as if both could dull her inner turmoil and grief.

"I don't want to talk about it any further. I shouldn't have brought this subject up, it was stupid of me." Frea frowned

Lore was startled suddenly by a short but hacking cough. Frea cleared her throat but gave no indication that the fit had even happened. Attributing it to the smoking his mind clear and he frowned.

"And that's exactly why I didn't want to share. Drugs are bad for you. I however, am an android, so they won't harm me."

Frea glared at him but suddenly was racked with another fit of coughing which he could have swore could have brought up a lung.

"What's wrong with you? You sick?" Frea looked at Lore and was a bit amazed to find him with a truly concerned look on his face.

Frea waved him off, "It's nothing. I've done that since I was a child. Sometimes my lungs act up and I cough- nothing to worry about. Happens a lot if I've been in a high anxiety situation" Sending a slight glare at Lore at the last bit considering there near escape early from some Cardassian cruisers looking to pick a fight. The blunt they'd been passing back and forth of Vulcan weed had been a bit of a treat for their 'brilliance' at outsmarting the brutes.

They'd been able to use a nearby planets high radiation atmosphere near the magnetic pole to hide their position until the Cardassian's passed by before speeding away before they'd had a chance to act. It was thrilling, although Frea had secretly felt like soiling herself at how scary it had been- she didn't think her plan would work but low and behold it did. Lore had chuckled almost insanely at outwitting the "stupid ignorant fools" once they were in the clear as if the plan had been his complete genius.

Snuffing the joint out quickly and putting it back in the evidence bag he pressed the filter button for the compartment and clearing the sweet air.

"To much of that shit will kill you anyway." Lore's face stiffened as he went back to working, he however didn't believe a word of her explanation that her coughing was merely nothing.

Why should he care if she suddenly dropped dead, he couldn't get sick and then he'd finally have the shower free in the morning as well as no dirty dishes in his kitchen or the other disgusting things she left lying around he'd end up cleaning up. Lore hated mess and disorganization above all else and before Frea had come on board he had a spotless and organized vessel. As far as he was concerned, as long as her dead body didn't leave a mess behind for him to clean up then he really didn't give a damn.

Looking over to the now quiet girl, Frea seemed to have her head bow almost shamefully, as if upset she'd ruined the mood. Snacking silently on a lemon iced cookie. Seeing her, he felt almost regretful over his previous thoughts. Lore would admit, he had grown fond of her. A battle of emotions conflicted him daily whenever he saw her and he hated it. Lore did care; that was why he had cleared the air of smoke after her coughing fit, shared his cookies, been talking with her for the past two hours so openly.

Lore sighed to himself in defeat, her expression bothered him. He didn't want to see her sad, he wanted her happy; when she was happy, he was happy for her. Cursing his weakness in his head and biting his lip momentarily "Where do you want to go?" Lore gave a devilish smirk.

Frea looked up at him in question "Serious? You're going to let me choose? I finally get to go somewhere" Lore smiled as she grinned widely, excitement in her eyes. She was finally going to get to leave the ship.

"Choose my dear; choose to your little hearts content where we shall go!" Lore thrust a gold hand out to the stars before him as if he was presenting them to her as a gift; Humor and excitement laced in his voice-Although, she wouldn't be surprised if he thought himself capable of such a feat considering his ego.

"For your good deed milady I give you the universe"-Yes, his ego really was that big.

"Or, I could pick a place for you and show you the time of your life. It would be my pleasure." Lore winked, the weed had assisted in putting him in an even more good natured; flirtatious mood at the moment. Frea knew though, that his emotions could change with the ferocity of a summer storm.

"Alright, I trust you. You can pick and I'll hold you to it to show me the time of my life." Frea's hand flicked over the console ready to enter coordinates.

"No no, my lady will be surprised" Lore smirked and wagged a finger, entering the coordinates himself. Frea rolled her eyes even though she felt a slight heat tinged her cheeks at his term of endearment for her- which he had come to graced her with from time to time when he felt so inclined.

Lore was teasing she knew- he was a terrible flirt when he wanted to be. But it had been a long time since anyone had talked so sweetly to her and he was quite the smooth talker.


"If anyone asks my name is John Anderson, I'm a renowned, famous, independent engineer. You're my wife Rita and we're on vacation." Lore said seriously; Frea snorted harshly in a stifled laugh as they stood at the check in counter. She wasn't sure how they were going to get away with this; they hardly looked the part of a wealthy engineer and his trophy wife.

"Rita! Is that the best you can come up with?" Frea bit her lip trying to keep her voice low to avoid attention and trying not to laugh.

"If you want to stay here, you'll be Rita Anderson as long as I say so!" Lore hissed as the desk attendant came over with a smile. Lore quickly covered with a debonair smile.

"Will all your charges be going on your credit?" The young red headed desk attendant gave an obvious, flirtatious pose and smiled at Lore.

"Yes, all charges darling."

"Fantastic then. I hope you and your- wife" The girl gave a slightly hostile look in Frea's direction making Frea bite her tongue to keep from bursting into laughter. "Have a wonderful stay with us Mr. Anderson; and let me just say Mr. Anderson, that I greatly admire your work."

"Why thank you. I'm glad you appreciate it." Lore leaned casually on the counter; the girl giggled a bit and flicked her hair. Frea raised a brow- had he been any other man and her boyfriend she might have been upset. But Lore was simply playing with her like he did with most people. He loved attention in all forms.

"You don't look a thing like I thought you would. You're much better looking."

Frea put her hand to her forehead to shield the humor in her eyes and looked briefly at them and shook her head in amusement. Lore seemed to be taking great delight in this trickery, he smiled suavely.

"I get that a lot and thank you. Hope to see you later- stay adorable" Lore grinned and winked at her. Her face flushed in a bright blush as Lore turned smoothly, wrapping an arm around Frea's shoulders as he guided her away.

Walking along the hall with him, she didn't speak till they were down the hallway enough that they couldn't be heard. Frea started to shake with rich laughter that seemed to begin at her toes.

"Looks like somebody's got perky eggs" Frea chuckled, her arm hooked in Lore's. Lore snorted and laughed at this "Perky eggs?" he mumbled under his breath in a chuckle.

"You naughty boy; you loved every minute of that!"

"Of course I loved it." Lore leaned forward, his mouth brushing close to her ear in a teasing, sensual action.

Frea blushed bright red "I can't believe you lied to her. Although, you teasing her was very amusing; I wonder if Mr. Anderson knows he's got such an admirer. I'm just surprised she didn't know you weren't actually Anderson. You'd think such a fan would find out what her hero looks like. We hardly look the part. You're certainly not a human and I'm most certainly not a trophy wife and neither one of us is dressed fashionably." She twittered in a gentle chuckle.

"Oh come on, you loved it too. Here I thought you'd be jealous with the thought of sharing me." Lore grinned smugly and Frea wrinkled her nose in her usual annoyed fashion, however he caught her blush. He loved how she reacted to his attentions.

"Where's are bill being charged anyway?"

"Exactly what I wrote down- Mr. and Mrs. Anderson's home on Mars. Won't they be surprised to see they went on vacation? Such a lovely place to, We must send pictures."

"Oh my god! You delicious little sneak." Frea's eyes widened in excitement and she grinned widely and Lore couldn't help feeling aroused by her appreciation and excitement. Most people would disapprove but he got the feeling it excited her as well as him.

"Don't tell me the girl I met, who stole my credits- has a problem with identity theft" Lore raised a brow. He smirked wickedly and held the door open to their suite for her. Frea strolled in, dropping bag lazily on a finely designed chair as if she walked into beautiful, finely furnished room's everyday.

"Of course I don't. I'm just commenting on how ornery you are. Now, what I want to know is why there is only one bed. Your not planning on asking me for a little horizontal mambo, are you?"

Lore's gold eyes shot quickly at her and he smirked, putting a hand where his heart would be dramatically as if he were injured. "Most certainly not! Is that all you think about- I'm not a plaything, I have feelings too. I'm starting to think you bring it up so much because you want to have a little fun with me; First jealously for me toying with the little lady plaything at the front counter and now this. Tsk tsk, if you want me all you need to do is ask." Lore sneaked a lusty smirked at her.

Frea rolled her eyes and laughed "You think to highly of your skills and charm."

Lore's hand flitted in the air "Don't worry; I don't sleep, so there is no need to get another room. You won't have to share the bed- unless you want too. If we had asked for two beds, it would raise suspicion- we're supposed to be married after all...Now! Who wants to play mommy and daddy?" Lore wiggled a brow and jumping onto the bed onto his side with a bounce and propping his head against his hand.

Frea scoffed but he could see her amusement and deep blush. He enjoyed her ability to play along. Throwing a soft downy pillow at him, Lore quickly ducked as it sailed by his head, thumping against the wall behind him. "Rawr! Feisty! Somebody's going to be wearing the handcuffs tonight."

"Behave yourself android. Now I'm going to go soak in that tub till I prune." Frea strode past him to head to the bathroom.

"Is their room for two? This is supposed to be our vacation sweetie pie-love of my life" Lore lounged back on the bed.

Frea gaze him a sardonic grin- giving him the finger before shutting the door behind her. Lore had caught the embarrassed look on her face. Unnoticeable to most, but he was an android, he caught everything. Lore could tell she was attracted to him...and truthfully, he wasn't opposed to the idea of them becoming much closer.

Lore frowned suddenly. The idea that he was going soft disturbed him- he'd been berating himself over going soft since she'd come on board. Especially when he'd experienced that moment of affection at the jail and he'd accepted her as a worthy companion and, perhaps a friend.

Lore didn't need friends; Frea was NOT his friend! Frea was simply there to amuse him- like a pet. Data had a cat, he fed it, petted and played with it, doted on it and kept it to entertain him and keep him company. Frea was simply fulfilling the same purpose, albeit with a bit more intelligence- enough to have a conversation than some felis catus domesticus. She was pleasant and kept him interested, and just like a pet she was messy and required his constant care and attention. If things became physical it would be just sex, nothing more then that. He hadn't treated himself to that is a long time.

Sighing, he quickly undid the buttons of his jacket, pulling off his layers of street clothing and heavy leather boots. Folding his clothing neatly and placing them in there respectable spots in the closet, as well as tidying up Frea's mess. He spread himself across the soft, bouncy mattress, tucking his arms behind his head as he listened to the water splash into the tub in the bathroom. The rustling of clothing and soft sounds as Frea settled into the heated water.

Lore didn't like the idea of being so unconfident in his beliefs and suddenly having them brought into question after so many years. He wasn't some primitive organic sub-creature; he was a superior, highly intelligent machine- he was the future. Simply saying he viewed her as a pet and being done with it bothered him.

Lore believed he was truthful with himself- unlike a human. To say he didn't need affection in some form; would be a lie. But he'd always said he didn't need friends or emotional connections even though his programming called for it. Lore had always made due with the occasional one nighter and the bare minimum required sentient communication- enough to get him by at least. How could he suddenly be wrong after living with his beliefs of despising all humans for so long and now being attracted to this girl?

Lore groaned, he hated how complicated his life had become. Before he'd fallen prey to that nagging little emotional creature called compassion; he'd been happy, confident and completely sure of himself. Now, his views were starting to waver.

Groaning in self pity, and covering his eyes with his forearm. A nap was tempting- he was never tired, but he hadn't used the dream program in awhile and it might be a good way to distract his mind for a little bit from her splashing and knowing that just beyond that thin bathroom door; she was naked in hot soapy water. Sighing again, he settled back against the pillow shutting his eyes and setting his chronometer to wake him. Lore activated his program and prepared for sleep. Quickly his dream program washed over him like beautiful, glorious warmth through his body as he felt his conscious connections haze over.


Frea had never been anywhere beautiful. She'd always been promised by those trying to manipulate her wish to leave, to get things from her. She'd seen pictures from articles sent by Starfleet news and heard people who were just passing through talk of the wondrous places they'd been.

Frea had never experienced the real thing though...or any beauty for that matter. Most of her life had been spent on the dusty, barren trade moon. Damaged by crime and violence, she'd hardly believed anything could be beautiful for a long while.

Now here she was experiencing such loveliness on a planet far from her home, in the most beautiful room she's ever seen or could imagine, with so many beautiful people. Truth be told, she was a bit flustered at the whole thing.

Although, a part of her was angry at all the rich people walking by dressed elegantly- enjoying life without a care in the world. They were the government; the ones who made, controlled and dispensed the law- yet they were so out of touch with the real population.

Most people didn't live as these rich did. Getting to spend they're life committed to pursuits of intellect and enjoyment. A good many planets were like her home; Dangerous, violent and forgotten. Full of hardworking, moderately educated people. Children didn't live in prestige as these inner Federation planets did; with the assurance of good education, health care and endless opportunities. Most of these people were ignorant to the real workings of the universe.

Truth was; it was the Federations fault her planet had become so damaged. It had once been an outpost for the old Federation, but mostly left untouched; the occasional starship or alien ship coming for trade. Now, it was a major trading post for Starfleet with many alien species. The government was taken over from the local people to Federation trained personal; most with no real idea of what was needed to be done and were out of touch with the civilians needs and easily corrupted.

More traffic came to the planet than could be handled by the law enforcement; more industrialization, hordes of people trafficking through the streets all with business from trading to Starfleet, business and crime.

Frea could remember stories; they had seemed like fairy tales at the time- from her Father of when he was a child and how placid their home had been. Neighbors and alien traders living in ease with each other, Life was tough but not intolerable or dangerous. People were happy and safe and surviving.

Leaning back against the smooth tub sides, Frea stretched. She needed to think less about her home. She'd gotten an opportunity for a new beginning; it wasn't wise to live in the past. Frea dipped down and under the water, submerging herself completely and opening her eyes. A few bubble escaped her mouth and all the noises in the world deafened as she gazed out.

Is this how her life would be from now on- travels and adventures; that's what she'd always wanted and now she had more freedom then she'd ever thought possible and didn't have to compromise herself for it. Frea had stayed with Lore longer then what they both had expected and he had become a close friend; well, closer then any other friend. Now she found herself caring for him deeply and even loving him a little. Emerging from the water and wiping the soap from her eyes, she gave deep sigh.

Frea usually kept a respectable distance from people. Even people who said they were her closest friends hardly knew a thing about her. Lore had a way of making her feel safe. The fear that this all might come to an end or turn sour at some point hung over her thoughts and actions like a storm cloud.

Frea waited for the bottom to fall out on her good situation, as it always did, and hoped her relationship with Lore didn't turn as badly as her past ones had. Frea couldn't bear to experience such a terrible thing with Lore.

All these ideas flooded through her mind: any possible relationship was ridiculous. It was likely, only she felt affection for him and he was simply teasing her. Who knows, she might just as well be ditched on some planet soon when he was bored with her. In fact, this could very well be the planet he intended to leave her on. A shot of panic raced through her spine. Lore would of told her wouldn't he have? It was hard to tell his intentions sometimes.

Frea didn't want to leave him, but sometimes she didn't trust herself to be completely open to him- in constant fear of speeding up the expectant disaster of being abandoned.

Frea wanted nothing more then to open up and tell him how she felt about him, and that she wanted to be with him. She knew that most people would have written him off a long time ago. Lore; when she had first met him, come off as cold, violent, angry and she was sure that anyone else would have thrown up their hands with trying to deal with him. But he had never harmed her physically or mentally, and that made him alright by her.

What sort of future could she have with him if he let her stay? Lore had made it clear he didn't like humans and he probably flirted with her for his amusement. Frea didn't mind, but the fact that she did feel something for him unnerved her when he got in one of his teasing moods.

If she stayed with him, Frea would have to come to the conclusion that what they had would always remain friends and nothing more. Lore might someday find a mate of some sort; like another android and she'd either be asked to leave and dropped like a sack of laundry.

Frankly, the thought hurt her deeply. She hadn't had anyone for such a long time. Perhaps someday- long in the future, she'd be an old woman unable to travel anymore with him and Lore would still be as young looking as he was now, and she'd simply be left behind because she was too old for him.

This was all happening so quickly; little over a month and she was planning her future with him. Now she was getting too far to ahead of herself? Frea dunked her head underwater again.

Rejection and abandonment seemed to be the fears of the evening. This only happened whenever she met someone special, those nagging emotions always plagued her to keep her mouth shut and tolerate things she didn't like. Now, they kept her from doing something right by her for a change.

Frea pulled herself out from under the water, wiping the hair from her face. Her mind was clouded and confused; her own thoughts hard to read as she groaned and rubbed her eyes unsure as to what she should do. Her relaxing bath had instead left her with a headache from thinking so hard. Perhaps a good nights sleep would help.

Standing up, Frea wrapped herself in a soft towel- Cursing suddenly at remembering that she'd left her clean clothing on the dresser in the bedroom. Frea had been so anxious to get away from Lore in fear of simply coming out to him and speaking her thoughts that she'd rushed off leaving her clothing behind.

Opening the bathroom door to let loose a cloud of steam from the heated bathroom she peeked out hesitantly. Frea hadn't heard Lore for awhile, maybe he'd decided to take a walk? It would be safe for her to grab her clothing quickly before he got back.

Padding down the darkened hall on the soft carpet towards her bag. It appeared to have been set in the closet carefully along with her shoes by Lore. Frea peeked around the dark room for the ever present android that never seemed to remain sitting for long. Pulling out a change of clothing from her bag to sleep in- another set of medical scrubs from the ship. The bath had made her sleepy and it was almost night time anyway and going to sleep sounded nice. Frea had been promised a busy day tomorrow by Lore so sleep was important.

Taking a glance at the cozy bed that awaited her. Frea did a double take; a smile graced her face at the relaxed sleeping figure of Lore sound asleep on the bed. For someone who claimed he didn't need to sleep, he sure looked like he was appreciating the nap. Stretched limberly across the right side of the bed in a white t-shirt and his usual brown pants, his arms flopped against the pillow above and giving a slight snore- he looked the picture of contentment…and oddly human.

Pulling her night clothing quietly, she walked over to the bed and pulled the covers back to snuggle in careful not to wake Lore. Turning on her side to look at him spread relaxed and comfortable across the other side of the bed.

Lore looked so peaceful- his face usually displaying some sort of emotion: tense, sarcastic, snarky, angry, humorous. Now, it was relaxed, his pale lips parted a bit as his chest rose and fell in simulated breathing. A finger on the hand raised above his head twitched a bit in reaction to a dream he was having. Frea pulled the blankets around her as she watched him. He looked so at ease, if only he would relax more of the time, he had such a beautiful face.

"When did you come to bed?" a dazed mumble came from next to her. Lore's eyes were still closed tight and his breathing remained unchanged- little showed he was awake.

"Did I wake you?" Frea apologized "I tried to be careful"

"You did but that's ok." Lore's voice sounded tired, he was hardly awake and little of his usual sarcasm laced his voice.

"Do you want me to cover you up so you can sleep?"

"No" Lore sighed "You smell really nice" he mumbled

Frea smiled, he seemed almost childlike and sweet. Maybe he was sleep talking...could androids do that?

"Thank you. Lore, can I ask you a serious question?" she frowned, Lore didn't move and appeared as if he'd drifted off completely again into the realm of sleep.

"No, shhhhh. Go to sleep." Rolling onto his side towards her and nudging himself closer to her and throwing an arm across her waist. Frea stiffened and raised a brow in surprise but relaxed slowly into his grasp.

"Shhhh, sleep"

"Can I ask you in the morning then?" Frea whispered

"Mmmm" he groaned, Frea supposed it was a 'yes', she wasn't sure. Closing her eyes she attempted to settle down from the excited jolt that ran through her at the contact.

Lore hardly slowed down, he was quite hyperactive and was always on the move. Now, with him lying calm and prone to her it was hard not to want to look him over. If he were more awake he probably would say something biting or snarky about her watching him and being obviously attracted. He'd push her away and run off somewhere for the rest of the night while she slept. Perhaps to find that pretty service girl from earlier.

Instead Lore felt safe enough to sleep and be vulnerable in front of her- that had to account for something. Frea laid an arm across his waist as he had done to her to comfort him.

Maybe she was just kidding herself. The first male to be kind to her in years, decent enough not to want to use her; she must be deluding herself into thinking it was something more then friendship. Sighing, she shut her eyes. It must have been the beautiful scenery that brought out her romantic spirit and her basic biological need for companionship; it was making her a sucker to her romantic emotions.


Blurry eyes scrunched shut to the bright sunlight showing through the large windows and over the beautiful gardens below. The warmth of her bed companion was gone and the blankets on his side of the bed were rumpled from his sleeping form.

"Good morning, Good morning" Lore sing-songed as he strode into the bedroom where Frea remained wrapped in her cocoon of blankets. Frea squinted and watched him stride in and over to the vanity. He was back to his usual self. Lore was now running a comb with some gel through his hair to set it in its usual perfection. Lore grinned and winked; sticking the comb under the lid to flip it up and snatching it in his other hand, spinning it smoothly into place and closing the container. The whole time, his gold eyes never leaving hers- in an almost show of his superiority and attempt to impress her.

Frea groaned, sitting up and running a hand through her messy bed head. She'd slept on wet hair, now it was its normal, waviness and was going to give her a hard time today. She'd have to straighten it somehow later in order to tame it. The temptation to simply fall back against the soft mattress and go back to sleep was singing a luring song to her still muddled, sleep filled brain.

"Well I'll be damned- the dead lives again. Welcome to the land of the living there, you slept right through breakfast. Your hair looks nice." Lore sat down in a chair facing her, taking his boots and starting to put them on. In the day light without all his usual layers of clothing he looked very ravishing in his snug white t-shirt and brown pants. Who knew he looked so sexy underneath all those layers. Frea kept her look short but he grinned, seeming to notice even her slight gaze undressing him.

Lore loved when people found him attractive, women often did, and even some men. He was blessed to have been made so perfectly, so beautifully and something about the fact that she was admiring him made him feel good. To have her check him out again and perhaps grace him with a blush would mean more to him then a thousand of the most beautiful women, he didn't know, admiring him.

Lore's dream program often righted any issues he was having or confusion on what he should do. Last night however, his dreams had been conflicting, questioning over and over his feeling about her in the oddest and most metaphorical means possible.

How he hated that Often-Wrong Soong had made the program so damned human and so full of symbolism. It wasn't until he'd been awoken halfway through his sleep that he'd come to a decision. Maybe it had been the scene of Frea laying there, her hair spread across the decorative pillow, her skin pale in the night, illuminated by the moons in the sky and then hair frizzy and snoring deeply when he'd awoken next to her this morning. It had then reminded him of a conversation he'd had with his brother shortly before he'd escaped the Enterprise.

"Why are you so interested in watching those people?" Lore had scoffed at Data while they sat in Ten Forward. Data seemed quite interested in a couple cozied together nearby holding hands. Data found it interesting; Lore wanted to puke and stab his eyes out.

"I wonder what it's like to be in love?" Data stated in his usual naive, childish manner. Lore wanted to whap him upside the head but stopped himself, remembering that Data was young and he was still learning.

"My brother; don't waste your time on such a subject. There is no such thing as love. Those two don't love each other, they are using each other. He is trying to impress her to earn her trust so they can mate and he can spread his 'wild oats' so to speak and she is hoping he will be a suitable mate and will provide good care and genes for a possible child. It's not love; it's an interview; besides- love and sex, what's the difference."

Data frowned at this "I am sorry Lore, I must disagree with you. There is a difference between love and sex. While I have never experienced love, I hope someday I will. At least maybe perhaps find someone who loves me. It is an important part of life to find someone who cares for you. They are very lucky they have that."

Lore had hated his response then- now, he wondered if perhaps Data had been right. Well, at least about the love subject- his quest to become more human was folly and stupid. They were superior forms of life in all accounts.

Lore wanted Frea to remain with him; he didn't want her to leave or to share her. Lore had discovered a new possessiveness in him that would simply not be satisfied with "a good shag".

Lore found; he wished every night to be like last night. That he'd crawl into bed with her; not because he needed to but because he wanted too. Because she wanted him to and Lore would pull her close and in reward for her making him feel needed, she would never want again. No other being had accepted him as he was and yet she did.

To know that he would always have her there for him to make him feel good about himself as he did now, was something he wanted to always experience. Frea's mortality was the only thing now that kept him reined in. The thought that someday when he'd grown to care for her deeply and been with her many years that like most people in his life- she'd leave him. He was an obsessive being when he put his mind to something and his new obsession was her and he planned to keep her for a very long time.

Lore would have to watch her grow old, become slower, sickly and eventually die- leaving him to live on forever. Lore was brilliant and had stores of his fathers knowledge in him, he could figure out something to ensure her immortality. Frea was his now, he would not let her go. He would win her love and adoration as he so deserved.

Now that he knew what he wanted, he would get it. Lore was a machine of ambition and came to conclusions on what he wanted quickly. After all, his mental powers were far superior to any humans.

Lore would not give up till she agreed. Although now that he would be putting forth an effort, he assumed it wouldn't take long to win her. He was charming and irresistible after all and he could already tell she was attracted to him. Lore wasn't just interested in shagging her…well not just that.

In fact, he had no desire to have her think he simply viewed her as a sexual thing. Men had in the past; although she spoke little of it, he always received impression of that in there conversations. He would wait for the right moment.

Lore would make her forget those men and she'd never have to worry again about being without or being treated poorly. He was a force to be reckoned with and if anyone bothered her, he would deal with them. When Lore put his mind to something, he didn't just achieved- he over-achieved, and if he won her like he planned now. Lore knew he would be a better mate to her then any other.

"How are you?" Lore glanced at her with affectionate gaze.

"I'm just a little tired today. Maybe I didn't recognize how sleepy I was." Frea smiled at him and he returned it, causing her to stop a moment to look at him in question before continuing to the closet to get her clothing.

Frea was surprised to find all her clothing, the bare minimum of her processions had all been neatly hung or folded in the closet with the up-most care, since last night. Her sad raggedy shoes looking pathetic, but neatly set at the bottom of the closet.

"I took it upon myself to organize your clothes for you. Your girly stuff is by the vanity." Lore's boot thunked against the floor as he shoved his foot into it. Frea looked confused; it was a nice surprise to see him actually care about her stuff for a change- how little it might be.

"Thank you." Frea raised a brow in question wondering what he was up to. Lore never went out of his way for people unless he wanted something.

"We're going shopping and to enjoy the sites. Get dressed"

Frea snapped around "Since when did you start getting all touristy?"

"I promised you a good time didn't I? Or was it your plan to stay in our room all day and sleep. Not that I'd mind- my bed companion was quite warm." Lore winked.

Frea's chewed her lip "I'm gonna go get dressed" pivoting quickly toward the bathroom. Seconds later she came jogging back, her face pink in embarrassment.

"Forgot my clothes" Grabbing them and hustling back to the bathroom before he could make a sarcastic comment. Lore merely grinned; this would be too easy.


Lore smirked at the occasional observer who decided it appropriate to stare at them. There clothing was quite homely and simple compared too many of those around them in elaborate and finely decorated outfits.

Frea seemed oblivious to their scrutiny as she nibbled her dessert- although it had cleverly disguised itself as breakfast; with only what one could assume a crepe like wrapping to make it seem like it was an appropriate morning food. Looking with pleasure over her surroundings; Frea was pleased, therefore he was pleased and he would not pick a fight with the occasional rude prick who might stare at them for too long. Even if he did find prolonged eye contact a direct challenge to his authority.

Having come to the conclusion that he wanted her and had settled all conflict in his mind concerning his feelings- this now left room for his new task of treating her as a partner worthy of him was meant to be treated. It was true, Lore was a being of extremes but it suited him well.

"So, where are we going?" Frea's mouth still stuffed with food.

"Shopping" Lore grinned- hesitating to lick the cream from the corner of her mouth, instead allowing Frea to wipe it casually from her lip herself.

"Come on, seriously?! Where are we going? You've been kind of secretive and odd today-also might I add, very well behaved...which of course concerns me even more." Frea raised a brow, her gaze probing him for answers to the sudden change in his behavior.

"I just told you. We're going shopping. You look like crap in that clothing" Lore snorted a bit in exacerbation.

Frea sneered at him "Sorry, I've been a little preoccupied. You know...getting food, avoiding gangs, trying to find a warm place to sleep. Excuse me if my priority wasn't finding nice clothing to wear so you're not embarrassed to be seen with me. And look at you; you're not exactly dressed like a model."

"I dress like this to keep the ladies off me." Lore crossed his arms and gave her a humorous chuckle.

"Yeah right!" Frea gave him a light shove.

Lore reached out quick as a flash; Frea gasped as he grabbed her wrist and took a giant mouthful of her treat. "HEY!" Frea exclaimed in dismay. A few pedestrians glanced over at her surprised cry.

"Ha!" Lore cried in victory, his mouth full of whipped cream and strawberry slurring his ability to speak properly. Letting go of her wrist, Frea immediately went to inspect the damage to her dessert. Sighing heavily and putting a hand on her hip in her angry pose. Lore grinned at her and her put upon expression.

"Are you finished acting like a child?"

Lore smirked and nodded, tucking her arm back in his.

"You better get me another one later. I hope you didn't get any of your toxic boy germs all over this now." Frea chastised him in good humor.

"Do you like seafood?" Lore mumbled his mouth still full.

"What?"

Opening his mouth widely and showing her the mangled and chewed bits of her dessert "See food! BLAH"

Frea's nose crinkled in disgust and smacking him across the chest "Oh MY GOD! Disgusting! You're such a boy!"

"My Mother never found that joke very funny either- my father however found it hilarious…of course he taught it to me." Lore chuckled.


"You don't have to buy me any clothes. I'm just your traveling companion." Frea sighed in irritation even though she was being fitted for some decent hiking shoes. She enjoyed nice clothing- she just never had any and she always found the shopping process to be a bit boring and the flush of anxiety at not having the funds available made buying anything a bit panicky for her.

"I am well aware I don't have to do anything. What I care about is; how you are supposed to keep up with me in your mangled shoes? I thought chicks liked shopping and junk like that?" Lore toyed with one of her old shoes, flipping the detaching sole and sticking a finger through a hole in the toe area.

"That's an unfair stereotype about chicks- I heard they much prefer eating seed and attempting to cross roads, not shopping." Frea smiled; the shopkeeper assisting her looked at them in amusement.

"That joke was lame" The shopkeeper mumbled

"Oh shut up and fit my shoes"

"If you're going to be traveling with me, you need to start wearing something other than those rags you call clothes. I'll have you know I am able to afford nice things." Lore smirked his usual grin of superiority at her; Frea however remained un-phased by it.

"You'd never know it from the clothing you wear" Frea gripped. The service man snorted a bit in a laugh but Lore silenced him with a glare.

"I do have nice things in my closet- you be surprised what sort of things people pay me with. I just never have a reason to wear them thank you very much; what use is a suit when you're traveling through space. You needed new stuff as some point anyway and I'm getting tired of seeing you lounging around my ship in either nurse's scrubs or your nasty street clothes. No telling what's living in them." Lore's cheek and eye twitched.

"A suit, oh really. I'm going to have to find an excuse for you to wear it." Frea grinned, she knew he did that unusual tick only when he was severely annoyed and close to snapping. Anyone else should have seen that as a warning sign but to her it merely meant she'd gotten him flustered and irritated.

"Alright, if you want to dress me up I won't complain- unless there's a gold bikini involved then I'm out"

"Dammit- that's exactly what I got you" Lore grinned and nudged her.

"Aren't you the cheeky boy? Course I'd like to see you in a pair of those boxer briefs over their" She teased and wiggled her brows and he grinned wickedly.

"Play your cards right and you might" Lore purred and watched in delight as she immediately blushed bright red and covered her face in embarrassment. He loved when that happened.

"Let's go to the store down the street after this."

"Dear god! What about the art museum?" Frea slouched back in her chair dramatically.

Lore leaned down to the man who'd been fitting her for the past 45 minutes and whispered. "You better pack those up before she losses it."

"I just wanted to see the sites" Frea whined


"Why are you being so weird today? Frea sighed in a lounge chair outside the hotel by the luxurious pool. Lore settled nearby. Frea had started feeling faint and they'd come back to the hotel and taken a seat so she could rest.

They had been having such a fun, beautiful day, that she'd felt awful she'd interrupted there time together by not feeling well. Lore never showed any irritation though but instead seemed quite concerned.

Being an android he never felt tired and even though he had wanted to show her so many more of the many beautiful sites; like the museum of art and history- he was more upset she didn't feel well.

Frea had gone pale and had felt light headed about halfway through their day together. She had given a little gasp when he'd swept her up into his arms and carried her back to the hotel.

Arms wrapped around her and her head resting on his strong shoulder, Frea had felt herself blushing furiously the whole way back- she seemed to be doing that a lot lately. She'd wanted to get this close to him during the day and today she'd been given the opportunity.

Even before she'd nearly fainted, Lore had been affectionate all day; having brushed her hand several times as if he had intended to hold it but had changed his mind. They have playfully joked with each other, but never once had he been rude to her.

Frea took a sip of her tea in an attempt to settle her upset stomach as she slowly started to feel less woozy. Sighing deeply they sat there silently together for a long time; enjoying each others company. Suddenly she felt a warm, gentle touch on her arm. Frea's heart ached and a soft sigh escaped her throat again as she was met with a gentle, golden eyed gaze.

Lore knew what he was doing and was trying his hardest to win her. Today he had shown her how good a partner he could be and when she'd felt ill, he quickly seize that opportunity to show her how well he would take care of her by quickly comforting her and carrying her to the hotel to rest. Lore had felt confident in his actions when he felt her respond to his touch immediately and it made him feel good to protect her.

"I've come to an important decision." Lore leaned over and grabbed her legs, setting them on his lap as he started to take off her shoes. Frea barely heard him; her brain became foggy making it hard to keep up her façade of control. This must be some dream- a delusion her brain had concocted because of her feelings for him. Perhaps she had actually fainted and hit her head on the concrete and was passed out.

Frea leaned back in her chair and gave him a slight, confused look at his actions as he carefully set her shoes aside and started to rub her aching feet.

"Really? What?" Frea sighed in appreciation at his actions on her sore feet. The feelings she'd had for him now coming out full force- her head all a haze and pink tinge to her cheeks. The feelings racing through her making her feel giddy like a teenage girl with her first crush. Frea tried desperately to maintain her composure.

"I've decided to keep you." Lore answered simply. His answer was egotistical as always, but his gaze was still gentle and loving.

"What?" Frea mumbled in confusion and surprise, wondering if she had heard him correctly. She was still thoroughly enjoying the attention of his thumbs massaging into her tender soles however.

"I am going to keep you and take care of you."

Frea's eyes narrowed suddenly, "Excuse me?!" a woman nearby jumped in her seat from Frea's shout.

"I'm not a pet!" Frea's eyes flashed in anger and she went to pull away from him and sit up. Lore shushed her softly and gently pushed her back to lie back again and let him continue his ministrations. "Settle down or you'll get dizzy again."

Frea complied with him, but continued to remain stiff and angry- her affection for him temporarily forgotten.

"That's not what I meant. I've decided to keep you as my partner, girlfriend, mate; whatever you'd like to call it. I want to be there for you. You'd like that wouldn't you? You seem to care for me as I do for you. I will provide for you and keep you safe. " Lore's face showed no emotion. In fact he seemed quite confident that she wouldn't turn him down. To say she was speechless and shocked was an understatement. It took her a long time to find her voice.

"I-I-I seriously- didn't think anyone would be so forth coming about such a topic...this isn't a joke is it? Because it's not funny- What brought this on anyway? Just a few months ago you said you hated me. Given, I knew you were joking- but still. I don't understand?" Frea's eyes stared at him.

"I did, but not anymore. You're unique; I want you too be with me. Why waste more time with useless words when we could just get to the best part." Lore gave a confident smile.

Frea's hand rubbed her eyes in frustration. This was what she had wanted. But now, confronted with the opportunity to have the affection she'd long for from him, she found herself wary. Lore had a deeper place in her heart than any other. Her heart would break if this was some cruel joke and she was simply trying to protect herself. Although he seemed quite honest in what he was saying- although he was lacking in traditional courting and was wasting no time in getting to the point of his feelings.

"This is so confusing." Frea mumbled

Lore smiled, sliding closer too her, and she gulped as she felt her body respond to his presence. Lore's face leaned near her neck and took a deep breath of her scent. "You smell exceptionally lovely today". Frea bit down hard the inside of her lip, the pain helped prevent herself from learning forward. She wanted to kiss him so badly. To pull him as close as they had last night and simply hold each other. Instead she hardened her face to him.

"Don't change the subject" Frea scolded him

Lore pulled back and gave a grin; he knew his effect on her and was determined to use it to his advantage. "Now that we've become a couple. What do you want to do tomorrow? Or we could always take off and cause trouble somewhere else." Lore gave her a wink.

"A couple?"

"You don't want me?" Lore hid it, but the idea that he was being rejected stung. He gave no sign to this though. Why would she reject him when she so obviously seemed attracted to him. Perhaps she couldn't get over the fact he was a machine.

"I want you; in fact, I find you very attractive but I just think this is very sudden and we haven't really thought this through." Frea leaned closer to him and studied his face for traces of lying. Lore smirked and moved a bit closer; cocking his head to the side- for a split second, she almost thought he was making a move to kiss her again. Frea however would not be drawn into his game and she scowled at him in malcontent.

"After careful deliberation I have concluded through serious study of my emotional feelings on the subject, and have found that I enjoy your company, and I want you to stay with me and be my mate. I thought I was being very clear before as to my intentions?"

"You are one strange android indeed." Frea pulled her legs off his lap, a confused and humorous look drawn across her feature as if she thought he were pulling a joke on her and needed to distance herself a little. It was hard for her to believe someone would come out and simply admit their feelings for her without it being some sort of ruse.

"You don't trust me. You think I'm lying." Lore smiled reaching over to take hold of her smaller hand in his gentle, affectionate hold; entangling his fingers in hers. Frea looked over at him- the action surprised her. In all the time she'd known him he'd never shown any physical real affection to her and he had always kept a respectable distance.

Frea avoided his gaze and turned away- she appeared to be trying very hard to seem disgruntled. However, she didn't pull away from him and allowed him to continue holding her hand. "You don't exactly have a sparkling record when it comes to telling the truth."

Lore resisted a sigh; he didn't want her to think he was upset with her. He could tell she was going to be more sensitive and untrusting than he'd first thought. "Please- just stay with me and let me take care of you. Please" Lore's voice was surprisingly soft and it stunned her with its absolute sincerity.

Frea's slightly widened gaze and he could see her bitterness and suspicion disappearing- "Please?"

A gentle gaze came upon her features as she came to terms with his confession for what it truly was. Lore was being absolutely serious.

"Ok."

Lore smiled slightly "Pardon?"- he'd heard her just fine, but he wanted her to say it louder to confirm it.

"I-I'll be with you." Frea stammered slightly, but gave a hesitant and heavily, embarrassed smile. Lore returned this with a large grin causing her to give a nervous laugh.

"Don't look at me like that." Frea flustered and turned away from him, pretending to look at the pool- however giving him a soft looks out the corner of her eye.

Lore smiled at her before learning over and giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek. Even at such a simple action, she gave an amorous sigh at his attention. It was a sound he hoped he'd be able to hear from her for a very long time.