Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek. Reviews are welcome. I don't own any characters other than Fenix Flarestone. Enjoy and stay ethical y'all.

Chapter 16: Fenix In a Cage

Previously…

Fenix felt his tears on her shirt and looked down to see her shirt was stained yellow, one would think she could almost read his thoughts with what she said next, "Lore, I know you're hurting. I know you feel bad for what you did. I forgive you. But you need to let go of the past and heal. It's hard... because that's one thing I can't fix for you. You gotta do that, but I'm here for you..." He listened to her heart beat as he let her words sink in. She caressed his hair and continued, "I love you, Lore. And, I won't let you go either. I won't let you get lost in the passage of time." He clenched his eyes as more yellow tears poured out feeling utter shame. He memorialised the moment he held her in his arms and comforted her under the stars of Omicron Theta. He remembered declaring those words to her when they made that sacred promise. This was the very moment when he learned that love is stronger than hate.

The morning after, Lore woke up Fenix so she could get ready for 'school' as she called it. Lore was depressed from the night before. He couldn't condone his actions and had a harder time accepting Fenix's forgiveness she bestowed him. He had to learn to move on and it was very difficult for him. Everything he's experienced from last night has been conflicting his logical thought processes and wished he didn't feel anything so it would be easier to function. He envied Data for that, he didn't feel tormented by his own insecurities and wrong doings as he did. Fenix looked tired as she ate strawberry shortcake. She didn't act any different than before the incident and treated Lore normally. He realized he needed to learn a lot of things still. Fenix couldn't stand how he kept moping around. She knew that he was suffering but she had to leave soon for her studies, she stood up and walked to him then suggested, "Lore, I know you're struggling with your emotions and I'm not really a good counsellor either, I have my own set of baggage I struggle with, too. I was planning on talking to Deanna about my past, like why my biological parents didn't want me and how I feel so out of place. It might be worth a shot for you to talk to Deanna. She's really nice and means well. I'm not saying tell her your deepest, darkest secrets or anything but... it might help organize some of your thoughts is all I'm saying." and hugged Lore from behind. He held her arms that encircled his torso and sighed, "You understand me well. I'll think about it. I dislike talking to people, they irritate me... but I'll think about it." Then she released him, he turned around to caress the side of her face. She smiled and held his hand as she nuzzled into his large palm, she then kissed his inner wrist. That innocent yet very sensual touch affected Lore every time, he momentarily stopped breathing. He resisted the urge to kiss her, worried of frightening her again. Instead she leaned in and very gently kissed his lips lovingly. Then she coyly spoke, "You know, yesterday morning...? That was amazing." then playfully bit his neck and shone him a bright smile before she left the room to Data's quarters for her studies. Lore watched her leave with surprised yellow eyes, her long hair swishing behind her. He grinned ear-to-ear and laughed whole-heartedly feeling pure joy.

Fenix reach Data's quarters, he invited her in and started her studies right away. He bombarded her with so much information, Fenix really had to focus probably for the first time in her life. Unfortunately, focusing was not her forte. She was never academically inclined, only if she wanted to be and school work was usually boring for her but what Data was grooming her for was quite overwhelming. Her eyebrows knit together as she struggled to retain the vast amount of information. He tilted his head realizing she was having trouble. Hmm… she is intelligent. Not many would know how to reassemble a Soong-type android with substandard equipment. But she is having some difficulties learning. Perhaps I should try other methods. She was grateful that Data didn't give up on her as he tried different techniques of teaching. By the third time he switched his teaching style, she caught on quickly. Data smiled, pleased to see his pupil was succeeding and for him to be able to teach her. I see. I understand. Though through the eyes of most, she would seem she has a learning disability. Her mind works differently is all. She is understanding everything with ease now that I am wording things differently, using more examples, playing upbeat music in the background and having her utilize her hands is helping significantly. She needs to use as many of her senses to retain information. Which makes perfect sense. To utilize as many senses whilst learning will aid in memory retention. Six hours flew by like the wind. She was making her way back to room 3650 until she decided to make a pit-stop on the holodeck. Oh. My. God. That was so much information, my brain's gonna explode. But I remember everything I learned. And if Data thinks I can succeed, I just need to believe in myself as he does. I appreciate how Data is teaching me. It's actually pretty fun. I feel like I understand. But for now, cheesy 90's dance party! Lore can wait a little, knowing him, he'll probably figure out where I'm at. That stalker. But he's my stalker. And I love it!

Meanwhile, Data recollected all the unusual but valid questions Fenix asked and worked out the probabilities of situations on what he taught her. An interesting perspective yet again. It was rather refreshing to be challenged by another with very different views on scholastic matters indeed. She has exceeded my initial expectations of her intellect. She will go very far with her different ways of thinking and seeing things.

Meanwhile...

While Lore waited for Fenix to return, he paced around the room as he struggled back and forth about talking to counsellor Troi. Bloody hell... I hate people. But Fenix thinks it might help. It'll make her happy if I went. Ugh... In the briefing room she unintentionally insinuated how her mother thought of her a disappointment. Oh, my dear Fenix, I know that feeling all too well... to be a disappointment to your parents. I also know what it's like to be completely alone whilst being surrounded by people, no one ever understands you... or even try to... you were right all along. From the very beginning, you clever girl. We are tragically similar. It most definitely doesn't help not knowing why your biological parents weren't able to raise you or who they were... So many questions left unanswered could drive a person mad or in your case, use your abilities for all the wrong reasons. Hmm, doesn't that sound awfully familiar. Another trait we share! My Fenix... my lovely, lovely Fenix... I know I'm not the man you deserve. But I have been reduced to nothing more than a love-sickened fool. I can't let you go. Ever. I know I've manipulated you from the very beginning, only because I wanted you so badly. And I will always want you... it burns my body every moment. I was so desperate to make you stay by my side and I know you're too kind to leave me. I know you love me so clearly it hurts. And I'm taking advantage of that... I can't help myself... I keep wanting more and more of you... I could drown in you and still want more. I just hope I can give you enough to keep you close to me, forever. If Fenix read my thoughts now, she would say, "Then get your shit together! You're a genius for fuck sakes, use that positronic noggin' of yours! You can always better yourself, you ass!" Hahaha... Oh, that foul-mouthed little firebird... She's right. Damn it, she's always right. Why is that? Enough. I'll go talk to this 'Deanna' or whatever her name is... With his last thought, he left the room and tracked down Deanna.

Lore left Deanna's office feeling somewhat enlightened, there was almost a bounce in his step. He was walking back to his room and stopped in front of the holodeck, almost like an instinct, he felt Fenix. The door wasn't locked and he proceeded in. Loud catchy music that Fenix called 'cheesy' was thumping, the place was crowded with random strangers all dancing and drinking. He was in search and stalk mode, determined to find Fenix here. He saw a glimpse of dark straight hair and leather jacket and grinned. There she is... I thought she didn't like this style of music? That lying little brat... He watched her hips swaying, her lithe body slithering, her eyes closed and hair mused. He smirked as he watched her from away, leaning on the counter at the bar. She is completely oblivious to how provocatively she's dancing. Might as well enjoy the show. I've never seen her dance like this… It's hypnotizing.

After a while, she commanded the computer for something, he heard her saying 'add a steel chair, no arm rest in the middle of the room. Now add Lore. Song, After Dark by Tito and Tarantula.' The whole vibe changed, it was very sensual and suggestive. Without a second thought, he made his way to were 'computer-generated Lore' was and demanded the computer to get rid of him. He was giddy to see what would unfold. Taking his place seems like a good idea. What could she be up to?He stood there and watched as she came dancing towards him, she grazed her hands sensually around his shoulders and chest as she lured him to sit in the chair. Never taking his eyes off her, he sat. Then she started to give him a lap-dance. The crowd cheered and whistled, encouraging her. Grinning like a Cheshire cat as he became instantly aroused. Using every part of her body, she touched him everywhere. She took her jacket off as she straddled him and met his eyes, teasingly. Taking his large hands, she guided his hands down her sides and hips. She suddenly pulled back, "Computer, freeze program." Lore stayed still as an inanimate object. Hmm... the advantages of being an mandroid. How long should I keep up this charade? Will she find out? He watched her stretch, arching her back and moan suggestively. On second thought… We can cross that bridge when we get to it. Fenix commanded the computer to get rid of everyone except Lore and lock the door.

"Continue program." she demanded. She looked at Lore and unsuspectingly asked, "I want to try something out before committing to the 'real' Lore. I want to do something for him but I'm too scared to do it in real life. So... how real can you be?" Lore smiled and answered, "As real as you want me to be." Then kissed him hungrily as she ground her core into his hardened member making him moan in pleasure. She stripped her shirt off, his eyes widened as she proceeded to take her bra off ever so tantalizingly then guided his hands to her breasts. He delightfully massaged her perky breasts as she threw her head back in pleasure, "I love how you touch me..." His eyes sparkled. I've been fantasizing hearing those words come from you. She pushed his hands down to her hips as she smothered her breasts into his face. He complied by kissing and sucking on them, giving each breast the same treatment as his hand roamed to her small perky buttocks, and occasionally tweaking her nipple. I know I should've stopped her from the moment she kissed me but... I just don't want to. "Oh my god… that feels amazing, Lore..." How could I? When you're giving me such a wondrous treat. This is too delicious an opportunity to pass up. I'm an android, an android that loves and desires his queen. I've never imagined this is what she would be doing. I thought I'd have a power surge when she started grinding her body against me. She's so… confident right now. She slid back down and resumed kissing him, her hands musing his hair. She pulled back and started undoing his belt. Lore's eyes widened at the sight of her. A topless Fenix straddled on his lap, her long hair partially covering her perky breasts whilst trying to undo his pants. Okay, I really need to stop her. This isn't fair to her. She thinks I'm a hologram which is exactly why she's acting like a fearless vixen instead of her usual adorable chaste self. Then stop her. This has already gone too far. But... I want her. If I don't stop her, she'll never forgive me after this... She unbuttoned his pants, slid her hand in and wrapped her hot little hand around his rock-solid shaft, "Does this feel good, Lore?" Oh, shit... I am a bad, bad mandroid. He closed his eyes shut from feeling extreme pleasure with a dash of guilt, "...Yes." His mouth partially opened, and his breaths became short and erratic, unable to contain his arousal. She momentarily put her hand down her own pants to collect her wetness. Her hand was slick from her nectar as she grabbed his member once again and slowly moved her hand up and down his now slick shaft. Oh, Fuck... fuck me... Please just fuck me. I want to be inside you so bad... I'm begging you... Be the first, only and the last woman to fuck me. Oh, Fenix... THIS IS TORTURE! She kissed and nibbled his neck as she continued to jerk him off. Lore threw his head back and hissed in sheer pleasure. He enjoyed her small innocent hand that explored his cock. Sliding her body down, she ended up on her knees as she looked at his cock with curiosity while she kept pumping him. He looked down at her to see her smiling seductively at him, her eyes looked down at his throbbing member. I might regret doing this, Fenix… I'm already regretting this choice.

His hand caressed her face, his thumb on her lips preventing her from continuing any further. Her purple eyes widen in horror noticing that this was the real Lore, not just a hologram. It took everything in his power to stop her and confessed, his voice hoarse, "I snuck in at the right time... I got rid of the other 'Lore' and took his place. I never meant for this to escalate this far, but I couldn't help myself. I'm... really sorry." Her face flared red with embarrassment, anger and sexual frustration. She then continued sliding her hand up and down his shaft, torturing him once more as he grunted, her face smug as she spoke, "So, did you enjoy that?" She moved back to sitting on his lap, face to face again. He blinked a few times and met her eyes, "Immensely." She then put his manhood back in his pants and closed his fly up. "Good, because that's all your getting." She knew she teased him and started dressing herself. She continued with fire in her eyes, "I can't believe you did that to me. You deceived me." His eyes held guilt then confusion when she grabbed his hand and pulled him up from the chair and she commanded, "We're going back to our room, this is so not the place to be right now." And she dragged him out of the holodeck, and lead him straight back to their room. Lore was confused beyond understanding.

They entered the room and she looked at him with fire burning in her purple eyes. "I should be going postal right now after what you did to me. But I guess it's kinda too late at this point." She scolded, then continued, "To tell you the truth... I'm..." She averted her gave with a blush, "...horny." Lore quirked an eyebrow and suppressed a smile. "When I said I'm a late bloomer, I didn't have any interest in love or sex. When you got me off... that was the first time for me. And it was… God, it was incredible. But I don't know how you did it." She finished and her face was hot when she finished, her anger long gone and turned into an embarrassment and looked away. Lore smiled, his manhood hardening from hearing her confession, he stalked towards her until her back was against the wall, unable to escape. He lifted her delicate chin with his fingers, forcing her to look at him face to face as he spoke, "You won't ever need to pleasure yourself, little Fenix, because I'm here..." His arm snaked around her waist and pulled her closer, whispering in her ear, "...and I can make you feel euphoria like nothing else in existence, it'll be even sweeter than your Celestial Snow and more addictive than any holodeck fantasies." and he kissed her all too tenderly for what he was saying. Then he held her hand, sliding it over his body, down over his bulge and suggestively added, "Have me whenever you like, every part of me is yours. All you have to say is, 'Lore, I want you' with that sweet voice of yours." And he slipped a finger in her hot little mouth admiring her full lips and the feel of her tongue, imagining how incredible it would have felt to have his cock in her hot mouth. He slipped his finger out of her mouth and licked it clean. Fenix stood frozen yet her body was on fire. He lovingly held her in his arms and nuzzled his face into her hair inhaling her sweet scent of her arousal and whispered in her ear, "Hmm... It seems that I have become your pleasure android after all. Don't worry, it was on my own accord... I won't repeatedly tear off all your limbs and count how many times you can regenerate." Fenix scowled remembering him saying that when she fixed his emotion programming. He chuckled and kissed her seductively as he undid her pants, snaked his hand in and began to pleasure her with his skilled long fingers. "Just one thing..." He suggested, "Say all those things to me you've said in the holodeck. I liked that." She moaned as she gripped his shoulders, "Ah… Lore..." He grinned, "What is it, Fenix? What do you want to tell me?" She squirmed trying to a form coherent sentence, "This feels so good..." His fingers massaged her slick folds, "And?" Her breaths became ragged, "I love… what you… do to me." He smiled triumphantly, "That's a good girl..."

Deanna thought about her counselling session with Lore earlier. A headache was rearing its ugly head as she pinched her bridge. Oh my gosh... that man? Android? He's a handful, that one. I sense his emotions so strongly it overpowers my own thoughts at times. I don't blame him for all his insecurities after his father threw him away and moved on to building Data instead of fixing him. Anyone would've felt alienated, unloved and incompetent. Data was their father's favourite, that sort of parenting has always led to complications for the rejected offspring, more so for a highly intelligent android given advanced emotional programming. Wait a minute… androids are made to be logical, but emotions are never logical. Her dark brown eyes widened at the realization as she made her way back to her room. The two would clash intensely, no wonder so much went wrong for Lore... His narcissism and his superiority complex became his shields. I can see why he's extremely attached to Fenix. She is the one good thing he's ever had and she has empathy more than most. She was the first person to give him a second chance, fix him and basically upgrade him without wanting anything back from him other than a possible friendship. She entered her quarters and let her hair down. He sees her as a goddess because of her unique abilities that exceeds every organic being, in strength, speed, regeneration, and in intellect. To him, he sees himself as a god and Fenix is his goddess, she is the worthy one to have him. She is very warm, and full of love and life even with the scars she tries to hide.

Walking over to the replicator, she retrieved a drink. Swishing her drink, she was still deep in thought. She is his addiction. As long as he works on eliminating his insecurities, his love for Fenix won't become twisted into obsession any more than it already has. If he doesn't, he's going to drive himself crazy and take down Fenix with him. She loves him too much and is too kind to even think of leaving him. I pray that he understands that their relationship could take a very dark turn if he doesn't change his ways, for Fenix's sake. She's still so young. I can see why she's with him, too. She has her own issues, being the only human with her abilities would have its tolls on her. She would feel like an outcast. They're in the same boat together and Q is right, the only one able to fully satisfy her would be Lore because of his strength and durability... strength of an android... but Data is also an android. "That's it!" She exclaimed out loud. Realizing she wasn't talking to anyone, she cleared her throat at her chagrin. No wonder Lore's been hostile towards Data. He sees him as a threat, the only other competition that could challenge him if he wanted to. His feelings of inadequacy caused by his father has been reignited by Data... again. Lore... the more you try to put Fenix in a cage, the more likely she'll instinctively try to fly away... right into Data's arms. "Oh dear… and mother wonders why I prefer to be single." she shook her head. Her computer alerted her she had a message, "What now? I'm tired. Go away." Deanna whined. Sighing as she sat down, she checked her message and pinched her nose, "Speak of the devil… mother wants to visit. Great." she mumbled and massaged her temples, "I need a nap."