A harsh buzzing sounds off in the early hours of the morning, pulling me from Morpheus' realm and back to the waking world.

Groggily, I reach for my PDA to check out what the alert could be. After waking up enough for the facial recognition software to actually recognize that I am indeed a person and not an ELID, I open up my email app and any residual sleep in my body is instantly drained away.

Klukai has emailed me, but not just any email. This was about a hallowed tradition and a decade-old anniversary that only the two of us were privy to. 4/16 day, a day all about her for her, a day that I made sure to always do my utmost to make her feel happy and precious like no other girl in the world has before!

Reading through the email makes me smile like an idiot on cloud nine, yet it also makes the soul-crushing guilt that I have been carrying all these years manifest: I abandoned her, I don't deserve to be forgiven and I certainly don't deserve her love!

These dark thoughts swirl in my mind for what feels like hours before I hear a knock on my door and the familiar quiet tone of Klukai.

"Commander, are you ready yet? "We have a long ride ahead of us before we reach the green zone for our date today. "You did get my message, right?"

God-damn it, Klukai is here and ready, and I haven't moved a single inch since picking up the tablet.

"Commander, don't make me get Mechty to break down the door again. No matter what excuse you have, you aren't getting out of spending the day with me."

"The door is open, you can come in if you want." I reply so that she doesn't use the Mechty nuclear option and create yet more work for poor Mayling.

The door gives off a thunk as it unlatches and in strides Klukai dressed in the most provacative sync suit I have ever laid eyes on. Sleek black and white cling to her lovely curves yet gives way to clear latex, exposing the creamy synth flesh underneath.

Seeing my slackjaw gaze seems to amuse her, lips turned into a small smile; that is until she takes in the fact that I am still very much in bed and the smile morphs into a frown.

"Commander, I was very clear on what would happen if you tried to get out of this." The edge in her voice was very real and if I don't give her answer she likes, she is going to erupt.

"I'm sorry, Klukai. I just got to thinking about... unpleasant things and lost track of time. "Give me a few more minutes to shower, and I'll be out." While this answer doesn't cause Mt. Klukai to erupt it does get her curious, the little ears on her hat popping up as she tilts her head to the side. It's quite the adorable mannerism she has picked up recently.

"Oh, what were you thinking about, Commander?" She strides over and sits on the bed beside me as I throws my legs over the side.

"I-I don't deserve you." I briefly hesitate before my heart comes tumbling out of my mouth before I realize it, my throat and chest constrict painfully, the guilt eating me up inside.

"Eh?"

"I don't deserve you. I don't. I abandoned you before you even had a chance to return to my side! What kind of Commander does that? What kind of lover does that? "Why do you sti..?" Whatever I was going to say after that was silenced by Klukai grabbing my face and giving me the most passionate kiss I have ever experienced.

"Don't you ever talk like that again! I love you and I always will! For ten long years, I have waited for you to let me back into your life and I will not have you push me away again, especially not on my special day!" The teary-eyed look she is fixing me with is at odds with her harsh tone.

I take the opportunity to gulp in as much air as possible, her kiss having stolen all it. I rapidly lose myself in her teary eyes and the guilt I feel is only stoked higher. I had just made this pretty girl weep on her special day. Groza was right, I am good at making dolls cry. Maybe I am just a 'Jerkmander' as Makiatto puts it.

No, I can't let this stand! I reach out and gently place my right hand on the left side of her face and begin to lovingly caress my thumb over her teardrop tattoo while removing her actual tears.

She places her hand over mine and a small smile begins to break through.

"I'm sorry, Klukai, I didn't mean to upset you." I apologize sincerely.

"Hah, how could you not upset me when you talk like that, Dummpkof!" Despite the insult, there is no real heat in it, only a statement of fact.

I lean in and press my lips to hers. hoping to widen that smile

"!"

Our kiss lasts much longer than the last one did. When we break for air her expression is melted into pleasure, her eyes half lidded and a little unfocused with a genuine smile dancing across full lips.

"How about I jump in the shower and get dressed for our date finally?"

"That works, but we will be revisiting what you said earlier do you understand me? I will not have my Commander be depressed any longer!" She declares resolutely having regained her usual pride.

"Of course, Love. No more secrets, I promise." and I mean it this time. I won't keep her at aphelion anymore, and I won't run away without her again.

"Good decision! I'm glad you are finally understanding why I'm the best doll for you!" There is the haughtiness back at 100%.

"Of course, love, after you are all I need and today is your day." The little ears on her hat flip open and her face is painted rosey red. I couldn't resist, Klukai is just too cute when buttered up.

It takes her a solid moment to compose herself enough to reply "I have a gift for you and you have to wear it, no complaining allowed!"

"Is it a sync suit like the one your wearing?" Her blush only deepens and the ears on her cap droop slightly. "Y-Yes, it is."

"Aren't you worried someone in the green zone will see us?" I am certainly worried that some pervy asshole will stare at my Klukai, So I am sure she is now worried some pervert will stare at me.

"I-I Will put a change of clothes for us into my bikes saddlebag! We can change before we get the purification zone!" She is too cute.

"I'm human aren't you worried about me catching ELID?"

"You're partially immune so if your quick it won't matter, now get ready, Dummpkof!"

"Heh, yes your majesty!" She begins looking through my closet, presumably for a suitable change of clothes. Well I better get to it, I have a beautiful lady to please all day and night, now don't I?